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Henry's Universe Mode #113: SmackDown

I'd like to open this post by sending well wishes to Seth Rollins, who appears to have re-injured his knee on Raw this past Monday. I've made it no secret that I'm a massive fan of the guy, and hopefully this isn't serious, and he isn't forced to miss a second WrestleMania in a row.


SmackDown GM Daniel Bryan made a curious announcement, when he said that the WWE Title would not be on the line in the Elimination Chamber. Instead, SmackDown's Chamber match will be for number one contendership, and former champ Tyler Breeze is already confirmed for the match. AJ Styles will be defending the WWE Title at the event, in a one on one match against......The Rock! The Rock did not get a chance to qualify for the Royal Rumble, so Bryan has offered the Great One a title match. Tonight on SmackDown, we will see two qualifiers for the Elimination Chamber, as the new Intercontinental Champion Baron Corbin takes on the unbeaten Braun Strowman, and former tag partners face off as Cesaro takes on Tyson Kidd. Also, Alexa Bliss challenges for the SmackDown Women's Title when she faces Paige.






Universe Mode
SmackDown
January 31st, 2017
Location: San Francisco, CA






AJ Styles Promo

The champ opened the show, obviously not very happy at facing The Rock at Elimination Chamber. AJ talked about his favorite subject, himself, before attacking Bryan for giving The Rock an immediate title shot. Out came the Great One, who went right after AJ, laying down the gauntlet. Unfortunately, it seems like we're going to have to wait for these guys to go at it, as the WWE Champion retreated.


Prime Time Players vs The Awesome Show-Offs

Darren Young and Titus O'Neil looked to get back on track against The Miz and Dolph Ziggler, who were entering the tag division after Miz lost the Intercontinental Title against Baron Corbin. Darren and Titus looked more motivated than ever, and dominated the less experienced tag team. Only some timely saves by Ziggler kept Miz alive, but a Clash of the Titus was enough finally got the win.

Winners: Prime Time Players


Big Tag Team Match Set For Next Week

Before they clash at Elimination Chamber, WWE Champion AJ Styles and The Rock will face off next week, in tag team action with partners of their choosing.


Emma vs Charlotte

Emma was accompanied by tag partner Dana Brooke as she took on Charlotte. The daughter of Ric Flair took Emma apart, and although Dana tried to get involved, this one was far from competitive. The impressive Figure 8 lock got the win for Charlotte, as she now sets her sights on the SmackDown Women's Title.

Winner: Charlotte


Baron Corbin vs Braun Strowman- Elimination Chamber Qualification Match

The unstoppable Strowman now set his sights on qualifying for the #1 Contender's Elimination Chamber Match. Standing in his way was the Lone Wolf, who eliminated Strowman in the Royal Rumble. If anyone could beat Braun, it would be Corbin, and he survived Strowman's best offense, hitting an End of Days that seemed to have done it. Before the official could make a 3 count, though, Randy Orton slid into the ring, delivering a RKO to the Intercontinental Champion. One big powerslam later and it was over, and now anyone who enters the Elimination Chamber will have a big problem on their hands.

Winner: Braun Strowman


The Challenger Got Ready

We then saw Alexa Bliss, preparing for her title match up next against Paige. Alexa was approached by the previously victorious Charlotte, who made it clear that she will be watching the match closely.


Paige(c) vs Alexa Bliss- SmackDown Women's Title Match

Both women went to work right away, brawling to the outside of the ring. Alexa was clearly rattled by Charlotte's pre-match confrontation, losing track of the official's count. By the time she realized, the count was up to 9. She got back into the ring to beat the count, but didn't have time for anything else, and Paige lost by count-out again, but continued her record-setting reign.

After the match, Paige re-entered the ring and demanded to receive her title. A furious Alexa was having none of it, viciously attacking Paige before the official could drag her away. What's next for the SmackDown women's division?

Winner: Alexa Bliss


Cesaro vs Tyson Kidd- Elimination Chamber Qualification Match

Unlike Raw's main event last night, there was no real animosity between these former tag team partners. This was simply a match between two of SmackDown's best, and they delivered an instant classic. It was Kidd's high flying style that got him ahead early, as he out paced Cesaro. A big elbow drop into a Code Blue seemed to have won it, but Cesaro just got the shoulder up. The King of Swing turned things around with a series of uppercuts, including a Swiss Death, for a narrow two count. A Neutralizer attempt was countered into a Sharpshooter, as Tyson looked for the submission. Cesaro countered into his own Sharpshooter, as Kidd just narrowly survived, fighting his way out of the hold. Kidd went for a big moonsault, and ate another uppercut and a Neutralizer, but somehow kicked out. Cesaro, in shock, went for a Giant Swing, but Kidd countered into another Code Blue to bring an end to an outstanding encounter.

After the match, the two good friends shared a handshake, before Cesaro lifted Tyson Kidd's arm in the air, congratulating his buddy on a job well done.

Winner: Tyson Kidd


Tyson Kidd joins Braun Strowman and Tyler Breeze in the Elimination Chamber, with the winner facing either AJ Styles or The Rock at WrestleMania for the WWE Title.





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