WWE SmackDown Live Results, Highlights, and Grades for March 12, 2019

Mr. McMahon came out to present Kofi Kingston with a “WrestleMania Opportunity”

Finally the end of WWE SmackDown came, and Mr. McMahon cut right to the chase in front of the Dayton, Ohio crowd. Mr. McMahon said he’s ready to give Kofi Kingston what he wants, and give the crowd what they want. He signaled for a recap of the bait-and-switch beatdown of Kofi Kingston at Fastlane. After that video package was over, Vince began to talk about how some things he does are to create “teachable moments.”

Before he could elaborate any more on that, The New Day made their way to the ring. There wasn’t any of Big E hyping up the crowd. There was no trombone and no dancing. The New Day was all business as they walked straight to the ring and slid in to face Mr. McMahon.

Kofi Kingston remained silent at first as Big E told the boss exactly how he felt. Big E was on fire talking about what Kofi deserved, but Vince McMahon interrupted to play semantics about how “no one deserves anything.” Big E gave a rebuttal about how this was bigger than The New Day, even bigger than Vince McMahon’s ego. Vince disagreed on that last bit.

Xavier Woods was next up pleading their case, emphasizing how they never buck the system and do as they’re asked, but refusing to back down in this situation. Mr. McMahon interrupted and explained that he wished Kofi Kingston had earned this, but that as Daniel Bryan allegedly put it, Kofi Kingston is just a “B-plus player.”

That phrase set off The New Day, and Big E looked ready to come to blows. Kofi Kingston held him back, telling E not to lose his job over Kofi. That was when we finally heard from the man himself. Kofi Kingston spoke, and everyone listened.

Kofi Kingston reminded Mr. McMahon what he’s given to the WWE. He talked about being thankful to get the chance to live his dream, provide for his family, and travel all around the world, and that he never complains about anything.

“I have never complained about the fact that you have never allowed someone like me to compete or contend for the WWE Title,” were stinging words from Kofi Kingston speaking to WWE’s complete lack of African-American WWE Champions.

Kofi finished by saying he’s not here to complain, but wanted to know what he had to do to get an opportunity at the WWE Championship. Mr. McMahon’s response was simple. All Kofi Kingston has to do is win next week. Kofi Kingston will compete in a Gauntlet Match, and he must defeat Randy Orton, Samoa Joe, Sheamus, Cesaro, and Rowan all in the same night to earn an opportunity at the WWE Championship at WrestleMania.

Those five men rushed the ring as WWE SmackDown came to a close, going after The New Day with a numbers advantage only for The New Day to fend them all off. The final image of WWE SmackDown saw Kofi Kingston deck Cesaro with Trouble in Paradise, an omen of what could be coming next week in the Gauntlet Match.

Grade: A++, It’s impossible not to get behind Kofi Kingston and #KofiMania, but the emotion and delivery from The New Day combined with the bitter apathy of Mr. McMahon really drove things home. Kofi has obstacles next week, but he has a chance.

WWE SmackDown Gut Reactions

• Shane McMahon feels like a legitimate a**hole as a heel. He’s finally channeled the attitude that made Vince McMahon so hatable, and it’s already made him a fantastic bad guy.
• The New Day is completely unleashed, and it is SO GOOD. Vince McMahon will rue the day he decided to screw over Kofi Kingston.
• Randy Orton vs. AJ Styles is a proper dream match few would have expected five years ago, and it’s alright got the proper big fight feel.
• Sonya Deville’s spear is fantastic, and she deserves to be showcased far more often. Here’s hoping she leaves Mandy Rose in her dust.
• Becky Lynch’s promo work is next level, and so is Charlotte Flair’s ego.
• Rey Mysterio and Andrade keep getting wrapped into the US Title picture, and they really deserve a one-on-one match to settle their personal issues at WrestleMania.
• If WWE’s goal is to make Kevin Owens, Mustafa Ali, Daniel Bryan, and Rowan all look like background players in Kofi Kingston’s story, they’re succeeding.
• We’ve seen The New Day dominate on the microphone in the past, but all three of theme were on a whole other level tonight. The emotion was palpable.

WWE SmackDown Quick Segment Recap

• Shane McMahon talked about his attack on The Miz and announced he’ll face The Miz at WrestleMania 35
• The New Day interrupts the eight-man tag team match and attacks everyone
• The Usos cut a promo about being ready to welcome any team to the Uso Penitentiary
• After a war of words, AJ Styles challenge Randy Orton to a match at WrestleMania 35
• Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose had some tension at ringside after Deville lost to Asuka
• The IIconics called out WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions The Boss ‘n’ Hug Connection
• Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair traded insults
• Daniel Bryan and Rowan were upset after leaving Mr. McMahon’s office and being told about their tag match later in the night
• Angry about his loss, Samoa Joe destroyed both R-Truth and Andrade after their match
• Vince McMahon made his way to the ring to present a “WrestleMania opportunity” to Kofi Kingston
• After a tense back and forth between The New Day and Mr. McMahon, it was revealed that Kofi Kingston must defeat Randy Orton, Samoa Joe, Sheamus, Cesaro, and Rowan in a Gauntlet Match next week to earn a shot at the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 35

WWE SmackDown Match Results

• Aleister Black, Ricochet, and The Hardys vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Rusev, and The Bar was a No Contest
• Asuka def. Sonya Deville
• Rey Mysterio & R-Truth def. Samoa Joe & Andrade
• Daniel Bryan & Rowan def. Kevin Owens & Mustafa Ali