WWE Smackdown LIVE Coverage & Discussion - February 21st, 2017

[Kemo]

10-Man WWE Championship No. 1 Contender’s Battle Royal tonight

Tonight, ten SmackDown LIVE Superstars will compete in a Battle Royal for an opportunity to go head-to-head against WWE Champion Bray Wyatt at WrestleMania.

– Tonight’s WWE SmackDown opens with a video package. We’re live from Ontario, California with Tom Phillips, Mauro Ranallo, JBL and David Otunga.

– We go to the ring and out comes SmackDown General Manager Daniel Bryan to a pop.

Bryan mentions WrestleMania 33 and calls SmackDown Women’s Champion Naomi to the ring. A “you deserve it” chant breaks out. Bryan says everyone here truly believes she deserves it and there’s a reason why – for years she’s worked so hard, scratched and clawed, and seen other women given more opportunities than her, but here she is with the title now. Bryan says they are so proud of her but that’s why what he’s about to do is the hardest thing he’s had to do as General Manager. Fans boo. Bryan says he and Shane McMahon have reviewed her medical records with doctors and due to her not being able to defend the title within 30 days, he asks her to relinquish the title. Fans boo and do the “no!” chant.

Naomi says before she does anything she just wants to say a few things. She thanks Bryan for his kind words and says she knows he knows what she’s going through. Naomi talks about how she felt like she was on top of the mountain at Elimination Chamber but now she’s in a free-fall. She feels bad for her fans who have been here for the journey, she feels like she’s letting them down. Naomi gets emotional and says she knows WrestleMania 33 is probably gone when she hands over the title. Naomi hands over the title as fans boo. Fans cheer Naomi now as Bryan gives her a hug.

Naomi sends a message to whoever is “borrowing” her title – she promises everyone will feel the glow when she’s able to come back. Bryan calls for a pop as Naomi’s music hits and she makes her exit. Before Naomi can get up the ramp, the music interrupts and out comes Alexa Bliss. Bliss takes the mic and loves what just happened. She mocks Naomi and offers to solve the problem with Bryan. Bliss gets big heat from the crowd here. She suggests Bryan return the title to her. Fans boo. Bryan says Bliss is the former champion and he supposes it does make sense to give her the title back. A “no!” chant breaks out now. But he’s not going to do that. Bryan makes Bliss vs. Becky Lynch for right now. The winner gets the title. Becky makes her way out and we go to commercial.

SmackDown Women’s Title Match: Alexa Bliss vs. Becky Lynch

They lock up and go to a stalemate. Alexa pushes Becky and Becky pushes back. Alexa has a kick blocked and Becky with a near fall. Becky bridges out of a cover. Becky with a rollup for a near fall and then she gets another near fall after an enziguri. Alexa escapes a slam attempt but Becky with a shoulder tackle. Becky trips Alexa on a leap frog and Becky with a front face lock. Alexa with a jackknife cover for a near fall. Becky with a back slide for a near fall. Alexa with an Irish whip and Becky floats over. Becky with arm drags into an arm bar.

Becky goes for an O'Connor Roll but Alexa holds on to the ropes. Alexa with an STO and she gets a near fall. Alexa chokes Becky in the ropes and then connects with a double knee strike to the back for a near fall. Alexa stands on Becky's hair and the referee warns her. Becky with punches but Alexa with a knee. Becky with an Exploder for a near fall. Alexa rolls to the floor and we go to commercial.

We are back and Becky with the running forearm into the corner followed by a jumping side kick and back heel kick. Becky with an exploder for a near fall. Becky is sent to the apron but Becky with a forearm and a missile drop kick for a near fall. Alexa goes after the apron and ring skirt and while the referee adjusts it, Alexa with a double thrust to the throat and a rollup for the three count.

Winner and New Smackdown Women's Champion: Alexa Bliss

After the match, Mickie James comes out to celebrate with Alexa.

While Alexa goes to the back Mickie goes to the ring to go after Becky, but Becky fights her off.

Dean Ambrose says things happen. It is not the end of the world. Being hurled through bulletproof glass and having your hair singed in the same week could be a problem. Tonight, he has a chance to main event Wrestlemania. He does not care who it is. If he can break Baron Corbin's leg, that would be fine with him.

Kalisto says he was never meant to be a WWE Superstar, but he fought and struggle to get to the WWE. There are no limitations to what he can do. He can main event Wrestlemania while the crowd chants LUCHA.

Miz points out his accomplishments. He says on April 2nd, he will become the WWE Champion at Wrestlemania.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Renee Young asks Natalya about the way the WWE Universe is supporting Nikki Bella. Natalya says that Nikki is manufactured in a lab. She has everyone fooled with her fake laugh, her fake sincerity, and her silicone body. Natalya says she will expose Nikki as a cheap Natalya knock-off.

Tyler Breeze and Fandango vs. American Alpha

Breeze and Fandango attack Gable and Jordan as they get into the ring.

The referee checks on Jordan and the match starts. Fandango kicks Jordan and chops him. Fandango drops Jordan on the top rope and Breeze tags in and they connect with kicks to the temple. Breeze punches Jordan. Breeze gets a near fall. Breeze with a front face lock. Fandango tags in and they go for a double suplex but Jordan escapes and Gable tags in. Breeze is sent to the floor with a clothesline and then Gable with a bulldog to Fandango off Jordan's shoulders and the three count.

Winners: Chad Gable and Jason Jordan

The Usos appear in the crowd and they say that American Alpha will be your ex champions.

The Usos tease going into the ringside area, but they say not tonight. They did not come out here for a fight. They tell Alpha that you cannot get ready for them. You cannot get ready for two people who have nothing to lose. The Usos say what Gable and Jordan are going to do and they will have the Usos on their mind.

We go to commercial.

AJ Styles walks in the back and he stops someone in the back and he asks him if he knows where he is going. He says he is going to the main event of Wrestlemania.

Dolph Ziggler says the new era of the WWE has been canceled by him. If you think you can replace him . . . Ziggler super kicks the green screen and he says to replace that.

Mojo says he has been in Battle Royals but tonight is for Wrestlemania.

Luke Harper says for years he has followed Bray Wyatt. He obeyed him. At the flick of a switch that all changed. Now he is free. After he is victorious tonight, there will be nowhere left for him to run.

Renee Young asks Nikki Bella for thoughts about her match. Nikki says she had some feelings for Nattie but now she does not care. She will show that she is more than a pretty face. She was the longest reigning Divas Champion for a reason. She will leave it all out there. After tonight, Nattie will be known as the Broken Hart.

Nikki Bella vs. Natalya in a Falls Count Anywhere Match

Nikki with a take down and she punches Natalya. Natalya goes to the floor and Nikki follows. They go back into the ring and Natalya with a kick but Nikki with a facebuster and Nikki gets a near fall. Nikki goes to the floor and she gets a table but Natalya with a baseball slide to stop her. Natalya puts the table under the ring and Nikki with a rollup for a near fall. Nikki with kendo stick shots to Natalya's leg. Nikki gets a near fall. Nikki sends Natalya into the ringside barrier and she gets a near fall. Nikki sends Natalya over the ringside barrier into the crowd.

Natalya with a forearm and she mocks Nikki's boyfriend. Natalya sends Nikki into a guardrail. Natalya sends Niki into the sound equipment. Natalya climbs onto the guardrails and Natalya tries to suplex Nikki to the floor. Nikki blocks it and she kicks Natalya in the knee and Natalya lands onto the barrier. Nikki with a round kick and she gets a near fall. Nikki sends Natalya back into the ringside area.

Natalya sends Nikki into the ringside barrier and she kicks Nikki. Nikki is sent into the ring post by Natalya. Natalya sends Nikki into the ring steps and Natalya gets a near fall. Natalya takes the kendo stick but she puts it down. Natalya decides to rearrange the announce table. Nikki with forearms and she sends Natalya into the ring. Natalya with a shoulder and she tries to power bomb Nikki through the table but Nikki cannot hold on to the ropes. Nikki is able to escape the hold before going through the table. Nikki with an Alabama Slam onto the table and Nikki gets a near fall on the table.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Natalya with a Sharpshooter and Natalya releases the hold. They go to the ramp and Natalya suplexes Nikki onto the ramp and she gets a near fall. Nikki with a forearm and she sends Natalya into the barrier. Natalya with elbows and kicks as they go to the back. Nikki is sent into some storage cases. Natalya gets a near fall. Nikki kicks Natalya in the midsection. Natalya spits on Nikki and they Nikki is thrown by Natalya and Nikki collides with Maryse.

Nikki sends Natalya through a mirror but Natalya kicks out. They go back into the arena area and they go to the stage. Nikki with a spear for a near fall. Natalya with a forearm and she goes for a Sharpshooter on the ramp but Nikki counters with an STF and Natalya is about to tap out but Maryse hits Nikki with a pipe. Miz has to hold his wife back.

Natalya covers Nikki and gets the three count.

Winner: Natalya

We go to commercial.

Baron Corbin says he likes destruction. He likes inflicting pain. Most of all, he likes the spotlight. After he throws nine men out of the ring, he will take his rightful place in the main event of Wrestlemania.

Apollo Crews says Dolph Ziggler thought he could keep him down by attacking the leg. People mistake his smile for weakness. If anyone wants to stand in his way, they are going to get rolled over, run over, and tossed over real quick.

Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt show up and Bray says that with great sacrifice should come great reward. You have earned the keys to the kingdom. Speaking of sacrifice, whoever wins will be his sacrificial lamb for slaughter at Wrestlemania.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Jack Gallagher talks about his opponent Tony Nese. He says regardless of his opponent, a gentleman is always prepared.

10 Man Battle Royal Determine Who Faces Bray Wyatt at Wrestlemania

Ambrose enters the ring and he goes after Corbin so the match starts. Harper tries to eliminate Styles but Styles stops Harper wtih a rake of the eyes. Miz kicks Rawley and Kalisto stops Miz. Ambrose picks up Crews but Crews gets to his feet and he picks up Ambrose but Ambrose gets to the ropes. Ziggler knocks Cena down. Styles and Ziggler work on Cena. Cena is on the apron and Styles tries to eliminate Ziggler but Dolph lands on the apron. Miz is sent to the apron and he holds on while Rawley and Crews try to send Miz to the floor. Styles is on the apron after Corbin and Ambrose work together. Ambrose blocks a hesitation DDT and Ambrose tries to eliminate Ziggler, but Dolph lands on the apron.

Ambrose sends Dean into the turnbuckles and Ziggler gets back into the ring. Harper fights off Corbin in the corner. Ambrose kicks Styles and sends him to the mat. Ambrose chops Kalisto and Styles. Ziggler punches Harper in the corner but Harper sends Ziggler to the apron. Rawley has Miz up, but Miz gets to his feet and he punches Rawley. Cena gets Corbin on his shoulders but he collapses under Corbin's weight.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Corbin gives Miz Deep Six while everyone else is down. Rawley with punches to Corbin and a splash in the corner. Corbin eliminates Rawley. Harper with a super kick to Corbin. Kalisto with Salida Del Sol to Ziggler followed by a drop kick to Harper. Kalisto with a quebrada in the corner. Ziggler is sent to the apron by Kalisto. Ziggler sends Kalisto to the apron and Kalisto with kicks. Ziggler adjusts the mask and he super kicks Kalisto off the apron.

Crews with a flying clothesline to Corbin and Ziggler drops Crews across the top rope from the apron. Crews with an enziguri to eliminate Ziggler. Ziggler gets a chair and Crews puts down Ambrose. Kalisto is hit with a chair and Corbin eliminates Crews. Crews gets the chair and he chases Ziggler to the back.

Styles punches Cena and Cena punches back. Cena gets Styles up and he goes for the Attitude Adjustment but Styles lands on his feet. Harper with a super kick to Cena. Styles with a Pele Kick to Styles. Ambrose hits a clothesline on Corbin. Miz stands tall in the center of the ring. Miz mocks the finger pointing skills of Daniel Bryan, but the crowd joins in. Miz with a drop kick to Harper followed by Ambrose and Styles. Miz hits Corbin with a drop kick. Miz with kicks of Yes to Cena. Cena ducks on the round kick and Cena eliminates Miz.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Styles with foraerms. Cena with a human centipede German suplex to Styles and Ambrose. Cena with two flying shoulder tackles to Styles followed by a Blue Thunder Bomb. Corbin with End of Days when Cena goes for the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Dean Ambrose eliminates Baron Corbin and Corbin pulls Ambrose to the floor and hits End of Days on Dean.

Miz comes back into the ring and he throws Cena over the top rope. Cena is told he must go even if Miz was prerviously eliminated.

We are down to AJ Styles, Luke Harper, and Dean Ambrose.

Harper tries to pick up Styles and throw him over the top rope but Styles lands on his feet. Harper with a double leg take down and he sends Styles to the apron. Dean comes from behind and he sends Styles to the apron. Harper and Styles hang on the apron and Luke pulls Ambrose to the apron. Ambrose punches Styles while Styles kicks Ambrose. Styles punches Ambrose and Ambrose with a forearm. Ambrose gets Styles on his shoulders and Harper with a thrust kick and Styles falls into the ring and Ambrose is eliminated.

Harper tries to suplex Styles to the floor but Styles hangs on the apron. Harper with a forearm. Styles with a forearm as they fight on the turnbuckles. Styles kicks Harper into the ring while Styles stays on the apron. Styles returns to the ring. Styles kicks Harper in the leg and Harper with a punch. Harper gets Styles on his shoulders and Styles with a sleeper as Harper leans against the ropes. Harper with punches and Styles goes through the ropes to the apron. Harper sends Styles to the apron on a suplex attempt. Styles with a punch and forearm. Styles puts Harper on the apron and Harper with a forearm and kick. Styles kicks Harper in the knee through the turnbuckles and Harper falls to the apron. Harper pulls Styles over the turnbuckle and Styles is sent to the floor.

Despite Styles hitting the floor before Harper, the officials are saying the landed on the floor at the same time.

Harper says that he won while officials discuss this.

Daniel Bryan comes to the ring and he talks to the officials.

Daniel says he talked to the officials and the official decision is a draw. Daniel says there is no winner. We will determine a winner next week.

Harper with a discus clothesline to Styles after Styles pushes Harper.

Bray Wyatt and Randy Orton appear on the TitanTron and Bray laughs.

[LG]

Do you think there might be a surprise entrant?

[LG]

I CAN'T BELIEVE THEY STRIPPED NAOMI!
DARN YOU INJURIES!

Man, why are people getting injured so much? It seems the more rules they have in place, the more people get injured. Attitude Era didn't have a lot of injuries.

I hope Lynch beats Bliss for the title

[Kemo]

I CAN'T BELIEVE THEY STRIPPED NAOMI!
DARN YOU INJURIES!

She seems to stay injured

[Kemo]

Do you think there might be a surprise entrant?

I haven't heard anything

[LG]

I wonder if Orton will join the fight if Harper wins

[LG]

Well that just proved that Cena/Nikki vs Miz/Maryse is happening at WM33. So Miz loses the royal for sure now.

[Kemo]

I wonder if Orton will join the fight if Harper wins

I'm sure he'll make an appearance at some point. I'm thinking somehow, they're going to have Orton vs Bray at WM