SmackDown was live this past Tuesday in Indianapolis, Indiana. Kofi Kingston has his date with destiny at WrestleMania. But, he has to get through a 5-man gauntlet to get there. Can Kofi go through hell to get to his opportunity at the WWE Championship against Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania?

   SmackDown kicked off with The Miz, who last week was attacked by his former tag team partner and now opponent at WrestleMania, Shane McMahon. The Miz came out and gave a heartfelt statement regarding what happened at Fastlane. He stated that he was not supposed to be destined for the WWE like Shane who was born into it. The Miz started out his life flipping burgers while everyone said he would not make it to WWE.  

   Miz stated that his work ethic and his drive deserves admiration and respect. He proved everyone wrong. After this, the crowd gave respect stating “You Deserve it” to The Miz. The Miz concluded stated that he is going to give Shane what he truly deserves and that is an ass-whooping at WrestleMania.

The Boss & Hug Connection v. The IIconics

   The WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions make their way for the first time to the blue brand. After weeks of calling out the Boss & Hug Connection,  The IIconics get their shot to back their words up against the Women’s Tag Team Champions.

   The IIconics attempted everything out of their playbook, and through the use of underhanded tactics they defeated the Boss & Hug Connection. Have the IIconics earned a shot at the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship in their near future?

The Kevin Owens Show w/ Special Guest: Charlotte Flair & Becky Lynch

   In less than 3 weeks, Charlotte Flair & Becky Lynch will face Ronda Rousey for the Raw Women’s Championship. After Ronda’s actions as of late,  what will their response be? Also, how will their tensions not boil over on the KO Show?

Owens starts out his program with some words of encouragement to Kofi Kingston in the gauntlet match. He then brings out Flair and Lynch, and the conversation doesn’t last long before a brawl starts. It ends in chaos when both women beat up more WWE officials.

Daniel Bryan Addresses the WWE Universe

   The WWE Champion Daniel Bryan feels there is an injustice going on in WWE. He feels that there is an injustice regarding Kofi Kingston. He feels that Kofi Kingston does not deserve to run the gauntlet because he has not earned an opportunity to the WWE Championship.

   He feels that Kofi Kingston is a B+ because to the WWE, it is good enough. Because even though Kofi keeps getting opportunities and keeps falling short. Before he could continue, out came The New Day.

Kofi Kingston v. The Bar, Samoa Joe, Randy Orton & Rowan

   To get to WrestleMania, Kofi Kingston has to successfully run the gauntlet to have an opportunity at the WWE Championship.

   The first person Kofi has to face in the gauntlet is Sheamus from The Bar. Sheamus used his size and power to wear down Kofi. Remember this is only the first step with 4 more to go. Kofi fought through the struggle to hit the Trouble in Paradise from out of nowhere to defeat Sheamus.

   The second obstacle is Cesaro. The hard hitting Cesaro now looks to take down Kofi Kingston. Cesaro from the start was on the attack to continue to wear down Kofi. After another brutal battle, Kofi was able to hit the SOS on Cesaro for the second victory.

   The third competitor is Daniel Bryan’s insurance policy, Rowan. The behemoth of Rowan recklessly ran through Kofi. Kofi’s chance seemed to fade away yet again. Rowan did not care about the match, he wanted to make sure Kofi did not face Daniel Bryan. That is why he got himself disqualified by hitting him with a chair. After the disqualification, he attacked Kofi because he knew that the New Day was barred from ringside.

   United States Champion Samoa Joe was the next entrant. Samoa Joe sees the lifeless body of Kofi Kingston and knows that this is easy pickins. However, Samoa Joe let his guard down which allowed Kofi to roll up Samoa Joe to win the fall. Kofi now has one more to go. But, that is only if he can survive to face Randy Orton. After the fall, Samoa Joe locked in the coquina clutch to knock out Kofi Kingston.

   The fifth and last competitor in this gauntlet is Randy Orton. The Viper saw his prey and continued the attack that everyone had done to Kofi Kingston throughout the gauntlet.

   For nearly an hour, Kofi has gone through hell. Randy Orton looked to be closing in on the win, ending the dream. However, Kofi was able to roll up and win. Kofi Kingston is going to WrestleMania to face Daniel Bryan for the WWE Championship.

   After the match, Mr. McMahon comes out to congratulate Kofi Kingston for winning his opportunity. However, he has one more match and is only going to WrestleMania if he can beat the WWE Champion Daniel Bryan.

   Vince McMahon has done everything in his power to stop Kofi from getting to WrestleMania. Daniel Bryan saw his beaten opponent and did everything in his power to take down Kofi Kingston. Daniel Bryan was able to defeat Kofi Kingston for the win. Kofi Kingston is not going to WrestleMania.

Conclusion

   After a poor Raw on Monday night, SmackDown stole the week with a jammed and action-packed episode. As WrestleMania gets closer and closer, stories continue to get told. With losing the gauntlet, is there a way Kofi Kingston gets to WrestleMania?

David Jacobus
Staff Writer