The explosive WWE WrestleMania 40 Kickoff show raised the expectation level last night. This episode of WWE SmackDown saw the fallout of all that went down. With Triple H addressing the crowd and the fate of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship to be revealed, here is everything that went down on this episode coming live from Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.

WWE SmackDown 9/02 Results

Video package: The show kicked off with a video package of the WrestleMania XL Kickoff show. It highlighted everything that went down between Roman Reigns, Dwayne Johnson, Cody Rhodes, and Seth Rollins.

In-ring segment: Triple H made his way to the ring to a massive pop. Nick Aldis, the WWE SmackDown GM, and Adam Pearce, the RAW GM, awaited him in the ring. Taking to the mic, Hunter talked about the events of last night. “Rock sucks” chants were heard, which Hunter paused at. He announced that Rhodes would be facing Reigns at the main event.

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Triple H further took some shots at ‘The Rock’, who has been making decisions like he is the head of WWE. “There are some people back there. That decision will disappoint them. That maybe they won’t like that decision. But here’s the thing. It doesn’t matter if you don’t like that decision.”

The next segment was regarding the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Aldis announced that there would be a series of qualifying matches tonight. Among the contenders, Randy Orton, Kevin Owens, Bobby Lashley, Drew McIntyre, Dominik Mysterio, and many more are announced. Twelve men are competing, and the winner gets a shot at the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

Drew McIntyre made his way to the ring. He claimed that he was the reason Rhodes decided to finish his story. He also claimed that his winning the title would be best for business.

Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: AJ Styles vs. Drew McIntyre

Winner: Drew McIntyre

After his speech, it was clear that McIntyre would do anything to win. With a strong start to the match, McIntyre kept Styles in the corner. Thinking a Calf Killer would help Styles but McIntyre gets to the ropes. LA Knight, who was at the commentary desk, got involved, which let McIntyre capitalize. After a Claymore, he picked up the win.

Backstage segment: Sami Zayn is interviewed and talks about getting the window to the main event of WrestleMania. That is if he wins at the Elimination Chamber. He will face Randy Orton to qualify and give it his best.

Video package: We get a package of Bayley breaking away from Damage CTRL.

Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Bianca Belair vs. “Michin” Mia Yim

Winner: Bianca Belair

Michin starts strong, but Belair soon gets the upper hand. In this short match, Belair displayed great in-ring awareness. Despite Michin trying her best, Belair was able to hit KOD. This let her pick up the pinfall win.

Backstage segment: We get Triple H and Bron Breakker where Hunter is praising him for his growth. When Breakker asks which brand he should go with, Paul Heyman arrives and shakes his hand. Before leaving, he announced that next week, he would be with Roman Reigns and The Rock.

In-ring segment: Bayley takes the ring to discuss what happened last week. She claims that she is on a journey of her own after Damage CTRL. She also says that Iyo Sky will learn her lesson as well. Dakota Kai enters the ring and talks about missing the betrayal by Damage CTRL. When Bayley asks where she stands, the Kabuki Warriors interrupt. As the trio head for Bayley, Kai enters with a steel chair. Kai has chosen Bayley’s side.

Backstage segment: Randy Orton is interviewed backstage and discusses his upcoming match with Zayn. He claims that he learned patience and isn’t currently gunning for Reigns. He will qualify for the Elimination Chamber and worry about what is up ahead at the moment.

WWE Undisputed Tag Team Championship #1 Contender’s Match: DIY vs. British Strong Style

Winner: British Strong Style

The match was equal between both teams, with neither trying to let the other get the upper hand. Fast-paced and chaotic, with neither team letting themselves slip up this opportunity. However, British Strong Style was able to hit the Bitter End on Johnny Gargano for the win.

Backstage segment: Byron Saxton interviews Dominik Mysterio, who claims he will win the WWE World Heavyweight title at WrestleMania. He is interrupted by Kevin Owens, who reminds him of his father before R-Truth strolls in. Truth mistakes Owens for The Miz before the two look at each other awkwardly.

Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Randy Orton vs Sami Zayn

Winner: Randy Orton

The match between the underdog and The Viper started off slow. Both men took time to understand each other. While Orton had the upper hand for a bit, Zayn was able to reverse it and take the lead. After slamming Orton on the announcer’s table, Zayn took advantage of Orton’s bad back. After the slam, the match slowed down, with Zayn on the offensive. A brilliant suicide dive by Zayn on Orton, followed by Orton tossing Zayn on the announcer’s table piqued the audience’s interest. Despite a Blue ThunderBomb, Zayn was unable to pick up the win. An RKO out of nowhere, and Orton picked up the win.

Post-match: McIntyre, who won the first qualifying match, entered the ring to face off against Orton as the show closed.

What did you think of this episode of WWE SmackDown?

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