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The Miz kicked off SmackDown Live and gave us a recap of Shane's actions last week as well as at Fastlane. He said people had warned him when they became tag team partners that Shane would stab him in the back. Miz took shots at Shane as well as Vince and called him the worst in the world.
The Miz mentioned that the McMahons didn't own him and neither did they own Kofi. The Miz then recalled how he went from years of being in the mid-card to the Superstar that he is today. Shane said that while he had to earn his fame, Shane just inherited it from his dad. The crowd chanted 'You deserve it', and Miz ended with the line: "Shane has earned an a** whoopin' from me at WrestleMania"
Sasha Banks & Bayley vs. The IIconics
Billie Kay and Bayley started the match off and Royce tagged herself in within moments for a double-team. Lacey Evans made her entrance in the middle of the match and the teams kept on going as if it was normal. Bayley was in trouble and the IIconics kept her from making the tag. Sasha was finally tagged in and so was Royce as Banks wiped out Royce and went for Kay who was attacking Bayley on the outside. Royce caught Banks off guard in the middle of the ring and got a roll up and the pin.
Result: The IIconics def. Sasha Banks & Bayley
Backstage, Rey Mysterio was being interviewed by Kayla Braxton and he called his son to join him on camera. He announced that he would be facing Samoa Joe at WrestleMania for the United States Championship.
The KO Show with Becky Lynch and Charlotte
The KO Show returned after many months and the guests for the night were Becky Lynch and Charlotte. Kevin Owens wanted to keep things civil and told the women that this was a place to talk and not fight but things got heated nonetheless and Charlotte leaped over the table that was set up in the ring and attacked Becky. A literal brawl broke out as a group of officials surrounded the two and the carnage continued till the cameras cut out.
Backstage, AJ Styles was being interviewed by Kayla Braxton and hyped up his WrestleMania match with Randy Orton. Just before ending the interview, he wished Kofi best of luck.
Daniel Bryan showed up to the ring to protest the gauntlet match. He went on to explain why Kofi didn't deserve the chance, especially after losing the match at Fastlane.
Gauntlet match for Kofi Kingston's WrestleMania shot
Sheamus kicked off the match against Kofi and the two went back and forth before Kofi sent Sheamus outside and followed up with a dive over the ropes. Kofi was almost pinned after a knee to the jaw but kicked out as the match continued. Kofi hit the trouble in paradise and got the pinfall.
Cesaro came in with an uppercut and Kofi kicked out of a pin attempt. After a while of back and forth, Kofi managed to sneak in the SOS and get the three-count.
Rowan was up next and took out Kofi with a clothesline and then a splash in the corner. Rowan sent Kofi into the barricades outside and picked up a steel chair before smashing Kofi in the back with it. Rowan was eliminated via DQ and caught Kofi in a bearhug and tossed him around before sending him through the announce table.
Gauntlet match for Kofi Kingston's WrestleMania shot (contd...)
Samoa Joe was the fourth opponent for Kofi who was lying on the floor by this time. After the break, we saw Joe methodically destroy Kofi but he still managed to remain in the match. Kofi countered a Coquina Clutch but took the Uranagi. Kofi went for a rollup after quick reversal sequence and Samoa Joe couldn't believe it. He caught Kofi in the Coquina Clutch and the officials had to separate them but Kofi was already out cold.
Randy Orton was the last man Kofi had to beat and Kingston somehow got up on his feet to fight back as a crowd gathered backstage to watch the match on the screen. Kofi dodged the RKO and hit the Trouble in paradise but Randy Orton rolled out of the ring. Orton was getting ready for the RKO when Kofi got a surprise roll up and stole the win!
Result: Kofi Kingston won the Gauntlet Match and was going to WrestleMania to face Daniel Bryan for the WWE Title
Vince McMahon came out to congratulate Kofi and confirmed that he will go to WrestleMania but only if he could beat one more opponent. Daniel Bryan came out right after and was ready for a match.
Daniel Bryan vs. Kofi Kingston
Daniel came in with stiff kicks and threw Kofi onto the mat. He then set Kofi up upside down in the corner and hit more kicks before hitting a belly-to-back Superplex. Bryan then went for the LaBelle Lock. He then went for the Yes kicks but missed the last one. Kofi then hit the SOS and got a near fall.
Bryan hit the running knees and dodged a top rope move before hitting the running knee yet again. Kofi was out cold for the second time and Bryan got the pinfall, winning the match.
Result: Daniel Bryan def. Kofi Kingston
