Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Monday Night Raw Report! (11/20/17)
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Finn Balor VS Samoa Joe; Joe wins.
- Asuka VS Dana Brooke; Asuka wins.
- Dean Ambrose w/ Seth Rollins VS Sheamus w/ Cesaro; Ambrose wins.
- WWE Raw Women’s Championship #1 Contender Fatal-4-Way: Sasha Banks VS Bayley VS Mickie James VS Alicia Fox; no contest.
- Braun Strowman VS Jason Jordan; no contest.
- 8 Man Tag: The ‘Zo Train VS Cedric Alexander, Rich Swann, Akira Tozawa & Mustafa Ali; Alexander, Swann, Tozawa & Ali win.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship: The Miz VS Roman Reigns; Reigns wins and becomes the new Intercontinental Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
Raw Commissioner, Stephanie McMahon heads to the ring.
The Game is here even after Survivor Series ended, in which Triple H attacked Kurt Angle and let him be eliminated, to then swerve Shane O’Mac into the winning elimination. Braun Strowman took offense, threatened Triple H, and after Triple H tested him, powerslammed Triple H down. But before Triple H can speak, out comes Raw General Manager, Kurt Angle!
But the Kurt Angle that speaks isn’t the GM, but the WWE Hall of Fame superstar. If Triple H ever attacks Angle like that again, “you can take this job and shove it because I’m coming after you.” Fans like the sound of that! But Stephanie reminds Angle that he speaks to the COO of WWE. Angle’s intensity is appreciated, it brought Raw the victory, so do not jeopardize his career again. But then Jason Jordan appears?! His leg is all better, and he’s storming right down to the ring, angry with what Triple H did to remove him from the team. Jordan wants to see Triple H do something now.
Angle as the GM has Jordan back down, but Jordan asks the GM to put him in a match against Triple H! Fans want that, too! But Stephanie says Angle doesn’t have the authority to do that. Jordan asks if Triple H is a coward. Triple H takes off his jacket but Stephanie says that Triple H will “tear you apart”. Jordan is too naive to know it, but Triple H isn’t afraid of anyone in that locker room. How about BRAUN!? The Monster Among Men gets right in Triple H’s face, just like last night.
The two stare down without a word, but it is Triple H who backs down. And fans chant “Coward! Coward!” at him. Strowman keeps his eyes on Triple H the entire time Triple H makes his way out, fans chant “You’re a coward!” Stephanie sees everyone is so eager for a match, it’ll be Jason Jordan VS Braun Strowman! Fans boo, that’s Stephanie being a coward now. But Strowman doesn’t care, competition is competition. Angle keeps the peace, but this match is going to happen by order of the Commissioner. Jordan barely survived Bray Wyatt last week, can he survive The Monster Among Men this week?
Finn Balor VS Samoa Joe!
The Extraordinary Man and the Destroyer were allies for only as long as the Survivor Series 5v5 match lasted, back to being bitter enemies! The bell rings, they rush each other, Joe catches Finn with those stiff jabs that back Finn to a corner. Joe drags Finn up for a stiff knee to the ribs, then stands him up for a chop. Joe runs, Finn dropkicks him to a corner. Finn grits his teeth as he clubs and kicks away at Joe. The ref backs Finn down, Joe blasts out with a big back elbow. Joe stalks Finn, sits him up and gives him double chops to the shoulders. Nerve hold clamped on as fans duel. Finn feeds off it to get up but Joe sits him back down with a tighter squeeze. Finn endures that grip on his shoulder, gets up but gets chopped down. Joe whips Finn to a corner, Finn reverses, Joe boots back then hops up, but Finn rocks him to the outside with a swing kick. Joe gets up but is woozy, Finn gets up and builds speed, Finn FLIES!
Direct hit on Joe! Balor Club in control as we go to break.
We return, Joe is stretching Finn in a half surfboard. Fans rally, Finn gets up but Joe whips him into a corner, back elbow and Pele! Finn down again, Joe covers, TWO. Joe isn’t annoyed, he’s focused. He gives clubbing forearms to Finn before putting that nerve hold again. Finn endures the squeeze on his trapezius, but feeding off the rallies. Jawbreaker breaks the hold, Finn fires himself up but Joe shoves him away and then gives him a stiff forearm on the rebound, PELE from Finn! Both men down, fans rally again, Finn is up first. Finn gets to a corner, Joe gets to his feet, Finn boots him away. Finn dodges then swing kicks from the apron, Joe staggers away, Finn runs in to rally with forearms and dropkicks. Finn throws Joe out of the ring, runs and gives a wrecking ball dropkick. Then from the apron, Finn gives Joe the Penalty Kick, but it’s blocked and Finn is tripped into a faceplant! Joe runs, JOE DIVES! He knocks Finn right into barriers! Joe gets Finn in the ring, Finn gets to his feet, running STO from Joe, TWO! Joe keeps ice cold as he brings Finn up, Joe prepares but Finn fights out of the yurinagi, so Joe gives him a stiff chop. Joe runs, into Finn’s slingblade! Joe dodges the dropkick, back senton! TWO! Joe is getting a bit annoyed now as he stalks Finn. Joe waits, arms ready, Finn stands up, Coquina Clutch sleeper, but then Finn rolls through to double stomp! Finn hurries, blasting dropkick, and then Joe is down in position. Finn gets to the corner, gets to the top rope, Joe is up and trips him up. Joe drags Finn off the top turnbuckle and into the Coquina Clutch!
Finn flails, fades, the ref has to call it! Joe wins! Finn didn’t tap but he did go to sleep, who will be next for The Destroyer to dominate?
Raw looks at Lesnar VS Styles.
The first-time-anywhere dream match was certainly Phenomenal, and though The Beast dominated early on, things got a lot tougher for the reigning, defending, undisputed Universal Champion by the end. In the end, Lesnar won, where does he go next?
Jason Jordan asks if Kurt Angle really is going to let his match go through.
The Gold-Blooded Son did get hurt, after all. But, JJ said he was 100%. Well, he said that because it was Triple H. Well, Angle can’t cancel, it’s not a good idea. Okay, okay, JJ will compete. Besides, he’s the only guy who can beat Braun Strowman. Angle beat guys way bigger than himself in the past, and his blood is in JJ’s veins, so JJ can do this. JJ ain’t afraid, he’ll make The Monster Among Men tell horror stories about him! Has Jordan gone off the deep end?
Asuka VS Dana Brooke!
The Empress of Tomorrow was the Sole Survivor for the Women’s 5v5 Elimination Match, proving no one on the main roster is ready for her. Can her undefeated streak continue on the road to the Royal Rumble? The bell rings, Asuka is grinning already. They circle, Dana swings but misses, Asuka hits her with a roundhouse. Asuka whips but is reversed, Dana kicks, Asuka blocks but then Dana kicks with the other leg. Arm wrench reversed into an arm wringer, Asuka kicks Dana around on the mat. Asuka unloads kicks on Dana against the ropes, rope-assisted octopus stretch. Asuka lets Dana go, Dana gets to the apron, but gets blasted off by a hip attack! Asuka is feeling good about herself as she mocks Dana’s poses. Dana gets pissed, rushes in, but her takedown is reversed and Asuka kicks Dana over and over again. Dana gets to ropes, Asuka doesn’t let go, Dana yanks Asuka into ropes. Asuka is pissed now, Dana kicks out her legs. Dana gives forearms, fans rally for Asuka, Dana gives her a head pat. Asuka stands up so Dana slaps her. Asuka grins again, and gives Dana open hand strikes and a few spinning back hands before a spinning heel kick. Asuka is all fired up, Buzzsaw kick! Asuka wins! Not like there was going to be any other result, the Empress is ready to reign over Raw, it’s only a matter of when.
Time for Miz TV!
The Most Must-See Talk Show in WWE History, and “Bravo, Baron Corbin.” The biggest victory of the Lone Wolf’s career and is more relevant now than he ever has been in his life, all thanks to The Miz. But Corbin’s “brush with greatness” is over, for The Miz is the A-Lister of The A Show, on to something more important. Tonight’s guest led The Shield in victory over SmackDown’s New Day, it’s Roman Reigns! …
Let’s try again. It’s Roman Reigns! How unprofessional. This is The Miz’s show! Introduction number 3! “Sierra, Hotel, India, Echo, Lima, Delta.” Not just Roman but the entire Shield are now Miz’s guests!
And they enter the ring, but Miz and the Miztourage back up. Miz made it clear he only had one guest, not three. But they can’t get enough of each other, huh? Must feel pretty good right about now. Yes, really good, because The Shield proved to the world that they ain’t missed a step. In case anyone missed it, The Shield proved they are the most dominant trio in WWE history! Three of them together, brothers in arms, are “pretty much unstoppable.” Yes, The Shield~! Back together~! Just like old times, but something is bothering Miz: Where is the “thank you”? To who? To Miz! What? Miz, there was never going to be a situation where The Shield thanks The Miz, ever. No, they understand! Everyone understands that the Shield Reunion Tour started because of The Miz! When Miz’s hand goes up, your mouths go shut. It was in Houston when the inaugural Mizzies that the “Bromance” reignited. With Miz pushing them, they wouldn’t have gotten over themselves and brought out the tactical vests. The least Miz deserves is one “thank you.” The fans are mixed on this. Miz wants it from The Shield. For that matter, Miz deserves a cut of the new merch sales. Sales are doing well, to be honest. But they don’t have their checkbooks, maybe later. For once, the fans cheer “Miz is Awesome!” Houston is making history with that one. Miz should thank Houston. Houston would like that. Miz refuses to thank the fans for anything! Spotlight, please. The Shield is ungrateful. Whoa, hold on. No, no, Shield won. And the ingrate is the one who lost. Oh haha Miz lost, but The Miz is the one with a championship belt! Miz is champion, not Ambrose, not Rollins, not Roman! Well it’s only a matter of time before Rollins & Ambrose get those Raw Tag Team Titles back, but uh… Roman feels left out now. Well, you could take Miz’s title. All nice and shiny. Yeah that does look good. Both of them are free tonight. How about it, Houston? Houston wants that! Bo Dallas speaks up now, to say that you can’t just show up and challenge The Miz. You want at him, you gotta go through The Miztourage. Bo and the still injured Axel step up, The Shield feels so stupid for forgetting. Uppercut for Bo, Miz retreats! And Axel is all alone again… He points out his neck brace, and begs they let him go. Not happening. Kingslayer, Dirty Deeds! And now that Bo is getting back up, he finds himself in a bad spot. The Houston fans say “We Bolieve!” but The Shield still tears into him. And then, TRIPLE POWERBOMB!
The Shield went through The Miztourage, will Roman get at Miz’s Intercontinental Championship?
Backstage interview with Braun Strowman.
He takes on Jason Jordan, what does he think of JJ not being afraid? Strowman says, “Good. That makes him different than everyone else. Including Triple H.” What Strowman means by that in itself, no one can be sure, but one thing’s for sure, the match is happening and Strowman might just put the fear of him into JJ tonight.
Dean Ambrose w/ Seth Rollins VS Sheamus w/ Cesaro!
The Bar is the Raw Tag Team Champions by way of a New Day “Pump Fake” but the brothers in arms still get a title rematch down the way, who can gain some early momentum tonight? The bell rings, they tie up, Celtic Gladiator puts the Lunatic Fringe in a corner, Ambrose pushes his way out and gets a waistlock. Sheaus drop toeholds to a facelock, Ambrose reverses to a hammerlock. They stand up, Sheamus reverses, shifts to headlock, Ambrose reverses to keylock and arm wrench, Sheamus powers out. Sheamus scoops but Ambrose slips out, arm-drag to armlock. Sheamus up quick, but back down all the same. Hammerlock stomp to Sheamus’ arm, but then Sheamus gives knees and forearms back. Sheamus gets Ambrose down, knee drop, Ambrose gets to the apron. Sheamus goes for the Bodhrain, Ambrose blocks and gives some of his own! Sheamus breaks out, hotshot snaps him back, Ambrose chops and whips. Sheamus kicks Ambrose away, Lunatic Lariat meets a boot! Ambrose is out of the ring, The Bar in control as we go to break.
We return, Sheamus deflects a missile dropkick to put Ambrose in a stretch muffler. Sheamus has Ambrose dangling, Ambrose sits up and punches away, but gets a sit-out powerbomb for it. TWO, Sheamus goes right at Ambrose with a Fujiwara armbar. Ambrose endures as Cesaro taunts, fans rally and Ambrose gets up and around to scrape Sheamus off. Ambrose rushes Sheamus but gets a lariat to knock him down. Ambrose is picked up, suplex slam, TWO. Sheamus is getting annoyed, Cesaro keeps him focused. Sheamus kicks Ambrose while he’s down, then suplexes him again for another slam. Sheamus keeps on Ambrose as fans boo and jeer and say “You Look Stupid!” Ambrose dares Sheamus to bring it, so Sheamus stands him up for another suplex, but Ambrose slips out to slap Sheamus in the face. Sheamus runs in, Ambrose back elbows, tries to boot but Sheamus blocks it, so Ambrose just slaps him again! Sheamus runs in a second time but Ambrose dodges to send Sheamus into the post. Cdesaro tries to coach Sheamus into this, Rollins rallies the fans and Ambrose feeds off it. Sheamus turns him arond, Ambrose goes for but is denied Dirty Deeds, so Ambrose unleashes various punches. Ambrose knees Sheamus, gets running and rallies with clotheslines. Ambrose gets to a corner as Sheamus does, corner to corner but Sheamus boots him away. Sheamus rolls to the top rope, takes aim, but Ambrose gives him an elbow to send him to the floor. Ambrose sees his target, builds speed, but runs into Sheamu’s elbow. BROGUE dodged, Sheamus clothesline’d out, Ambrose DIVES!
Down goes Sheamus, the fans fire up. Ambrose up, he gets Sheamus in the ring, Rollins keeps Cesaro back. But when Rollins turns away, Cesaro pounces! Roll-up, TWO, stiff kick but the Lunatic Lariat becomes a roll-up, TWO. Drop toehold sends Sheamus into the second rope, down he goes. Ambrose get to a corner, climbs up, Cesaro distracts and Sheamus takes advantage. Sheamus climbs up, positions himself with Ambrose, SUPER ROLLING SENTON! TWO! Cesaro is shocked!
Fans rally for Ambrose again as The Bar regroups. Sheamus up, prepares himself, but Rollins DIVES on Cesaro! Sheamus is distracted, into DIRTY DEEDS! Ambrose wins one for The Shield! Can he and Rollins combine to take back those Raw Tag Team Championships?
Matt Hardy is arriving when Jason Jordan tells him about his match.
JJ is confident he can beat Braun on one leg. Matt faced him, any advice? Matt has faced big men, like Mark Henry, The Big Show, and even Brock Lesnar. But those are men, Strowman is truly The Monster Among Men. When Strowman grabs you, his strength feels inhuman. Matt knows, it is a humbling experience. Matt has learned a lot in WWE, like dozens of way to use ladders, nothing is more important than family, but most of all: some nights, it’s just not your night. After all that, is JJ still confident in facing the Abominable Strowman?
Alexa Bliss goes to the ring.
Raw may have won Survivor Series 4–3, but The Goddess was among the three losses. She speaks now to say she’s read all the tweets and comments, “you couldn’t beat Charlotte but what a great match!” “Kudos for your effort!” “Sorry you came up short.” That last one she hated. Save your pity, Alexa doesn’t need it. She knows she did great, even with only five days of preparation. Charlotte won because she got lucky. Last night wasn’t Alexa’s night but 2017 is the Year of Bliss! And no other woman can hold a candle to her! Mickie James comes out to retort.
She has a question, actually: “Who else is sick and tired of hearing the same old, worn-out jibber-jabber from Lil’ Miss Biscuit Butt?” If no one told Alexa, Survivor Series is over, time for more Raw Business. And Mickie wants that Women’s Championship. Wait, this is a joke, right? Bayley comes out now! Sorry to interrupt, Mickie, but for once, Bayley agrees with Alexa. Mickie had her turn, and 2017 has been Alexa’s year, but this year ain’t over just yet! Bayley is not the same woman Alexa beat earlier, so time to skip in line to get at that championship. More jokes as far as Alexa is concerned. So now the Legit Boss, Sasha Banks, appears!
Raw deserves better. But not a Huggable One, nor a Seven Time One, but a Legit One! And not some little bee like Alexa. But then Alicia Fox appears! A Boss as Champion? Well maybe the captain should get a chance. Because Raw wouldn’t have beaten SmackDown without Foxy’s guidance. Wow, thanks, Captain Delusional. Alexa thanks them all for wasting time. Not one of these four deserves a championship match. Alexa drops the mic and takes her leave, but Kurt Angle has other plans for her. Alexa will have to face the winner of this upcoming Fatal-4-Way! One woman will get her chance, who will it be?!
WWE Raw Women’s Championship #1 Contender Fatal-4-Way: Sasha Banks VS Bayley VS Mickie James VS Alicia Fox!
When we come in, it is Sasha and Bayley alone, roll-up, TWO. Sasha forearms Bayley, Bayley powers Sasha into a corner. Bayley throws in shoulders, rolls back, Sasha boots her back. Sasha runs out, saido suplex from Bayley, but Mickie breaks that pin then kicks Bayley. Alicia Fox dropkicks Mickie, then goes for the scissor kick, Back Stabber into Bank Statement Crossface, Bayley breaks the hold. Bayley goes after Sasha, gets that stiff knee, everyone else out. Mickie comes in, neckbreaker to Sasha, TWO. Mickie brings Sasha up, suplex but Sasha slips out, Mickie bucks her off, double clotheslines bring them both down. Alicia is lurking, but here comes PAIGE!?
The Anti-Diva has a mic, and with all eyes on her, the former champion asks “Did you miss me?” Houston says “Yes! Yes! Yes!” Aw shucks. Sorry to interrupt business. But she just wanted to say something to them and everyone watching: “I’m back~!” No no, that reaction wasn’t good enough, make more noise. “Welcome Back!” they chant. But also, she’s not alone. Huh? Paige heads down to the ring, but what is she talking about? Sonya Deville and Mandi Rose of NXT are here!!
They disrupt this match, getting it thrown out, and they go after Sasha now. Bayley comes in, she fights them both off, but she forgot about Paige! Thrust kick from Paige knocks Bayley down, and Paige regroups with the Gladiator Girl and the Golden Rose. Alicia Fox is sane for once and runs away! Paige’s Tough Enough Trio gives Mickie a butterfly facebuster, and then a stiff kick for Sasha. Bayley is the only one left, Paige grabs her, for the RamPaige!
What will this new trio end up doing to the landscape of Raw?!
The three feel great, backstage interview with Renee Young.
Paige explains that it was all just a whole year’s worth of — oh wait, Alexa Bilss interrupts. Paige doesn’t need to explain a thing, “bravo, ladies.” Alexa dismisses Renee, and Paige is flattered but… First day jitters here. Introduction properly, Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose. Nice to meet you. The feelign doesn’t seem mutual.
Alexa feels a bit awkward, she gets attacked! And then put into the sides of trunks and crates and even the garage door!
Paige and her new friends leave the champion down for the count, has The Goddess met a new ruling force on Raw?
Braun Strowman VS Jason Jordan!
The Gold-Blooded Son got put into this match when The Game wasn’t feeling man enough to face the Monster Among Men, JJ thinks he’ll win, but will he even survive? The bell rings, JJ circles Strowman but Strowman stays in the center of the ring. JJ slaps Strowman!
Strowman scares JJ out of the ring! Strowman shouts for JJ to get back in the ring, JJ does so tentatively. JJ is cornered and caught, Strowman throws him corner to corner but JJ dodges. JJ tries power, he gets Strowman up but it’s not enough. That bad leg gives out, Strowman throws JJ again and then crushes him in a corner! JJ is dazed, Strowman scoops him up, JJ slips out quick but that bad leg bothers him again. JJ limps around on the outside of the ring, JJ gives up. But KANE is back! Chopblock! Then with a chair, he rams and smacks Strowman’s body with it! Big boot sends Strowman out of the ring, Kane pursues with that chair still in hand for more SMACKS in the back. Strowman is bounced off the steel steps again and again, The Big Red Machine is back for revenge. He puts the chair under Strowman’s chin, and rams it all into the steel steps! Strowman’s throat might be crushed at this point, Kane leaves Strowman gasping for air. Strowman tells the refs and medics to leave him alone, but he’s still gasping and coughing as he heads up the ramp. Has the Machine finally crippled the Monster once and for all?
Enzo Amore heads to the ring!
And he has his ‘Zo Train with him in full! Tony Nese, Drew Gulak, Noam Dar and Ariya Daivari join the Certified G, How You Doin’? And for anyone who missed Survivor Series, don’t worry, Enzo will review. “And still your Cruiserweight Champion of the World, Enzo! AMORE~!”
His beautiful face is still the face of 205 Live, but it wasn’t easy. There was an army of haters, but it didn’t matter, because Enzo has his army. You should all be thankful this close to Thanksgiving. And what better way to thank his ‘Zo Train than to let you know what they’re thankful for: Enzo! The Scottish Supernova now has more ladies than he can handle. The Premier Athlete has gained even more abs. Looks like he’s up to 20. The Privileged Persian has an even bigger bank account and richer wardrobe. Money can’t buy happiness? That’s a lie. And last but not least, “Gabber Gulak”, keep it real, how many more viewers have seen his message of a #Drewtopia? The infrastructure has grown by 20% alone. However, before Gulak can finish his report, out comes Rich Swann, Cedric Alexander, Mustafa Ali and Akira Tozawa. This Anti-Amore Army is headed to the ring! They stand across from The ‘Zo Train, we’ve got a cuppa haters in Houston.
Guess Kalisto lost his luggage. Alexander speaks up, they’re not here to join the ‘Zo Train, they’re here to get at that championship. The difference is, these four earn it, rather than suck-up! Has Kalisto’s been poisoning their minds? Numbers show that The ‘Zo Train is the way to the top! And the top of that, he didn’t fall there. So get on board, or get out of the way. Make them. But he can’t, not without his boys. Otherwise he’s just a catchphrase and a t-shirt. Enzo starts a brawl but gets out of the way, 4v4 chaos! Enzo just watches with a big grin as we go to break.
We return to the match in progress, Swann gets out of a headlock but is shouldered down by Gulak. Gulak speeds things up, roll-up counter to Swann, TWO, things speed up again, front flip and dropkick from Swann rocks Gulak. Swann goes for but Enzo denies Rolling Thunder by taking Gulak out of the ring. Swann intimidates Enzo, the ‘Zo Train protects him, but the others get around behind and have a clean shot at Enzo! Enzo runs away, Swann pursues, Gulak intercepts with a knee. Cover, TWO, the teams regroup at their corners. Certified Genius from Enzo, or so he says. Daivari tags in, double suplex to Swann, TWO. Chinlock wrapped on, fans rally, Swann fights out but is denied a tag by Daivari with a big lariat. Daivari drags Swann over, tags Dar, they double whip corner to corner. Dar runs in, misses, Swann tosses Daivari out, Nese drags Swann out but gets an enziguri. Gulak swings but hits Nese when Swann dodges, Swann takes the long way around, and Enzo is unsure what to do. He goes after Swann, Swann jumps over Dar, tag to Alexander! Springboard lariat, Gulak thrown out again, “AH! AH! AH!” Tozawa Torpedo! Enzo gets away, Gulak takes all of that. Dar up, stiff back elbow. Ali tags in, Dar whips but takes the Neuralizer! Ali up top, Nese tries to save the day but he gets a Lumbar Check!
Then, 0–5–4! Ali and team win! The ‘Zo Train has been derailed for tonight, but who is it who will be on track for a Cruiserweight Championship match?
Kurt Angle checks on Jason Jordan in the Trainer’s Room.
That leg is definitely not good. JJ feels like he let Angle down. Angle says he didn’t. Miz comes in to complain about his Intercontinental Championship defense. How can Angle reward The Shield like this? Now’s not the time, he’s checking on his son! But he’s not going anywhere. Well, Miz better go, to the ring. That match is still happening. JJ admits it, Strowman really is a Monster Among Men.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, Elias.”
The Drifter is still in Houston. And Houston still doesn’t want to walk with him. “Hear that? Sounds good. That is the sound of success. Not that anyone here would have any idea what that’s like.” But he’s in a good mood because Raw won. Believe it or not, Elias has a song. Fans interrupt by cheering “Let’s Go, Astros!” The season is over, grow up. Elias is gonna sing now so shut your mouths and listen! He starts again, but then needs to ask fans not to clap, it throws him off. And Matt Hardy interrupts again! So Elias goes right after him! The two brawl, scrapping on the mat. Matt gets Elias in a corner and fans are on his side as he hammers away. Elias knees back, but narrowly escapes the Twist of Fate! Matt wants more, Elias won’t give him any. When will Matt get proper payback for the disrespect?
WWE Intercontinental Championship: The Miz VS Roman Reigns!
The Hollywood A-Lister didn’t want to, but now he has to defend his title against The Shield’s Big Dog. Will Roman add that title to his Yard and become a Grand Slam Champion? The bell rings, the two circle, Miz gets out of the ring. Miz goes around the outside while Roman watches, Miz milks the ring count since he has Champion’s Advantage.
Roman chases him and they return to the ring, Miz runs into Roman’s powerful uppercut! Miz goes down and gets to the apron, Roman comes over, hotshot snaps Roman back. Finale denied, so backbreaker to neckbreaker, but Roman powers out of that neckbreaker, school boy to deadlift powerbomb! TWO, Miz gets out of the ring and we go to one more break.
Back again, and Roman suplexes Miz, both men go down. A ten count begins and gets to about five, Roman up and starts rallying with clotheslines to Miz. Miz flounders to a corner, Roman has fans cheering for him as he gives close-range clotheslines in the corner. Roman gets all ten, backs up and boots Miz! Roman has fans fired up, locks and loads, but Miz sees it coming so he gets out of the ring again. Roman goes out to follow him, jumping- kick from Miz, DDT to the ground!
Miz gets in the ring quick, he wants Roman to be counted out. The count gets to 5, Roman stirs. Roman gets up and crawls over, he beats the count at 9 and three-quarters! Miz is shocked, but he gets right on him, low DDT! TWO, and now Miz is getting frustrated. Miz drags Roman up, fans duel, Miz drives in elbows on Roman’s shoulder and neck before wrapping on a chinlock. The fans keep that duel up, Roman starts getting up. Roman fights back with body shots, stiff uppercut. But then Miz turns Roman around, backbreaker to neckbreaker works, TWO! Miz is furious, he argues with the ref. Roman stirs, Miz stalks The Big Dog to ropes and chokes him before giving the running back attack. Miz drags Roman up, Roman revives to give that uppercut once more. Roman runs in, misses, Miz corner to corner for the dropkick. Then again, another dropkick! The third is caught into a fireman’s carry but Miz rolls Roman up, TWO. Roman boots Miz away, Miz runs but is tossed out. Right back in, for another uppercut! Miz is holding himself up on ropes, but runs at Roman, only to miss that A-List clothesline. Roman recovers as Miz tumbles down. Fans keep on dueling, Roman and Miz are up, Roman blocks punches to give punches. Whip reversed, kitchen sink knee takes Roman down. Miz gives Roman the “It Kicks”! Miz misses the buzzsaw, Roman hits the Samoan Drop, TWO! Roman keeps his focus, gets to a corner again, and fans are thunderous as he reloads. Roman aims, SUPER- no, Fin- no, reload, SUPER- Miz trips up Roman, buzzsaw It Kick! TWO!! Miz can’t believe he was so close, he is getting frustrated again. Roman crawls to a corner, Miz gets up, and starts stomping on him. Miz grinds a foot in Roman’s chin, then walks it off as he waits for Roman to get up, A-List clothesline! Miz throws Roman down and climbs up top. Miz takes aim, flying ax hand — SUPERMAN PUNCH! Cover, TWO! Roman is the one shocked now. Roman is up again, in the corner, but The Bar appear to distract! Skull-Crushing Finale!! TWO!? A screw job didn’t work out, The Shield is here now and they go after The Bar! Back drop for Cesaro, SUPERKICK to Sheamus, and then Sheamus is sent into the crowd! The Shield watches Miz get up as Roman does, too. SPEAR!! Roman wins and is the new Intercontinental Champion! Grand Slam Big Dog, The Shield celebrates together in the ring! Can Rollins & Ambrose now go on to take back the Raw Tag Team Championships to make this a Golden Shield?
My Thoughts:
What an interesting Raw to follow Survivor Series. Plenty of good things but also some bad things, as if Raw really does just go back to business as usual now that they don’t have to worry about SmackDown. Stephanie and HHH spark some tension relating to the Survivor Series fallout, which Angle and Jordan add on masterfully, as well as Strowman. Strowman is going to get his hands on HHH eventually, but it seems Kane is not through with him just yet. Strowman-Kane can make for a great Raw special before getting to the Royal Rumble where I would hope Strowman gets his match with HHH, because I’m thinking it’s still going to be HHH VS Angle at Wrestlemania. Finn VS Joe was great, this is a feud that we need on Raw’s Road to the Royal Rumble, and if need be it can even be made into a #1 contenders feud with the winner challenging The Beast at the Rumble. Joe goes over now, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Finn wins in the end. I actually am liking this slight turn for Jason Jordan, he’s not exactly full Heel but he is showing some sort of manipulative traits towards Angle while also trying to give himself excuses as to why things went wrong. Be prepared for Gold-Blooded Son to betray Olympic Gold Father as part of the HHH-Angle angle.
Asuka wins, no surprise. Big surprise in the women’s division was not just Paige returning, but bringing back-up in two NXT Call-ups. And it is just fine Deville & Rose jump the line, they weren’t exactly doing that much in NXT, but knowing that Deville is facing Ruby Riot in this week’s NXT (aka the “dark matches” from before TakeOver) that might be Deville’s good-bye match, meaning she will likely lose. As for what she, Rose and Paige will do on Raw, obviously they’ll make sure Alexa Bliss loses that title and Paige wins it. Solid match for Ambrose, Rollins, Sheamus and Cesaro, even if this is the Nth time we’ve seen something like this, but the process has to start all over again. But then we get to that bad part of tonight, aka how Raw handles Cruiserweights. Enzo may be great on the mic but fans are getting tired of him, and if WWE wants to sell the Division, less is more. That entire 8 Man should’ve actually been maybe two or three men to actually showcase some skills and personality rather than just giving everyone one spot each at best. Otherwise the fans who don’t already watch 205 Live won’t because they don’t know anything about these guys. Then, some more bad: why shove in a random brawl of Elias and Hardy? As fun as it is for Elias to run down the audience and having them respond, did we really need this after that Cruiserweight cluster filler? But hey, at least the main event was something fans actually enjoyed, as Houston fans actually cheered Roman Reigns! There are many factors as to why but that all aside, solid work from Roman and Miz, Roman becomes Grand Slam Champion and we’re one title match away from a #GoldenShield, just like their original run.
My Score: 8/10
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There is truly a Paradigm Shift in pro-wrestling today!
Returning triumphant from the Windy City Riot, Jon Moxley brings the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship to AEW Dynamite! But will someone from NJPW come after him?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Mixed Tag Match: Adam “Edge” Copeland & Willow Nightingale VS Brody King & Julia Hart; Brody & Julia win.
- Orange Cassidy VS Shane Taylor; wins.
- Deonna Purrazzo VS Mariah May; wins.
- Six Man Tag: Kazuchika Okada & The Young Bucks VS PAC, Penta El Zero Miedo & Daniel Garcia; win.
- Will Ospreay VS Claudio Castagnoli; wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Jon Moxley heads to the ring!
Indianapolis, Indiana fires up as the NEW IWGP World Heavyweight Champion walks in from the back of the crowd! The Maniac shocked the world when he defeated Tetsuya Naito in Chicago and added NJPW’s top prize to his already incredible list of accolades. Moxley goes to the ring, gets the mic, and the fans chant for him as he says, “One of the first championships I ever won, y’know, Salvation Army Community Center at Fountain Square right here in Indianapolis.” The fans cheer that! Moxley continues by saying even back then 20 years ago, he was swimming up stream, never had help.
In fact, a lot of people tired to tell him what he can and can’t do, what he can and can’t accomplish. His words to those people now is the same as back then: kiss his ass and watch him! Watch as he climbs mountain after mountain after mountain. Because being great is not about what others say, it’s about what’s inside. Now, if you didn’t know, this is THE IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. The fans chant “You Deserve It!” and Moxley say this title is steeped in history, illustrious to the extreme, and he has been chasing it for five years. Five years of pain, heartache, wins and losses, pints of sweat and blood, thousands of miles across the ocean.
Five years ago, people said Moxley holding this title, and live on American TV, was impossible. But it wasn’t impossible. Not if they knew what was inside Moxley. That is what this is all about. When your back is against he wall, how deep can you dig? When you feel you have nothing left, choking on your own blood, how deep are you willing to dig and how far are you willing to go? Are you willing to dare to show the world how great you are? THAT is what AEW is about! The fans cheer that, too! Moxley says this brings him to his point: The Don Callis Family. The fans boo now, but Moxley continues.
There are very talented individuals in league with Don Callis. Don Callis is a creep. The fans cheer that! Moxley says he has no time for Callis, but he is feeding these guys lies and those guys are buying it. And then those guys put a hit out and tried to hurt Moxley’s friend and teammate, Bryan Danielson. Now, if you’re putting a target on Bryan’s back, you might as well put one on Moxley’s. You wanna get violent? You wanna be tough guys? Well, you’re welcome to come find Moxley, he’ll be here all night. But he suspects that maybe, he’s not their type. What he could do is run up on them with a tire iron. He could run them over in the parking lot.
But he gets the sense that that wont’ teach the DCF anything. So he’ll pick the biggest, baddest, meanest one of all of ’em, “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs, and challenge Hobbs to a match one week from tonight in the main event of Dynamite in Jacksonville, Florida. Hobbs will accept, because in that match, Hobbs will find out just how out of his depths he is stepping to the IWGP World Champion. Because Moxley won’t make it quick or easy. He will drag Hobbs to the deepest waters that there are, and Hobbs will look around and see no shore. When he asks the ref for the rescue, Hobbs will know the difference between him and Moxley, and that Callis is feeding him lies.
Hobbs will know that he, like everyone else in this business, NO ONE can touch Moxley! There are a lot of great wrestlers in this world, but there is and only ever will be ONE Jon Moxley! The fans fire up for that, but will Hobbs survive the homecoming at Daily’s Place?
Mercedes Mone speaks.
“Last week, somebody attacked me in the dark because they were too afraid to face me in the light. But as the CEO, I always get right back up. And as the CEO, I can’t wait to pay back that b*tch that attacked me last week. Lights off, huh? That sounds a little too familiar, Julia Hart.” Mercedes didn’t think Julia was the kind to be a coward. Or maybe, it was someone who wants us to think it’s Julia? Maybe it’s someone who doesn’t wanna face Mercedes when she’s healthy. Either way, Mercedes puts the entire division on notice, and she will watch that Mixed Tag Match. But remember this: There’s a price to pay when you mess with Mone.
Mixed Tag Match: Adam “Edge” Copeland & Willow Nightingale VS Brody King & Julia Hart!
Speaking of that Mixed Tag, Dynamite is about to get Rated R as the TNT Champion and the Babe with the Power are stepping to the King of Death and the TBS Champion! Will Copeland & Willow have the edge going into Dynasty? Or will even now, The House Always Win?
Wait! Willow is down and out! A medic checks her but she says she’s fine. Kris Statlander & Stokely Hathaway aren’t so sure, but there is Dynasty to think about. And then the lights go out in the arena! And when they come back up, surprise! Brody is in the ring and he CLOBBERS Edge! Julia laughs from the stage as Brody TOSSES Edge out. The fans hoot and bark as Brody whips Edge hard into the barriers! Brody CHOPS Edge, stalks him, then whips him into more barriers! Brody makes Edge take a seat, fires off forearms, then hoots as he gets space. The fans hoot along and Brody comes back, to CROSSBODY Edge against the LEDs!
Brody stands, the ref reprimands but this isn’t even a match yet! Did the House just take out their enemies in quick fashion? Edge crawls towards the ring, he isn’t gonna let the House have their way! Edge drags himself up to the apron and into the ring, and the fans fire up as the bell rings! Brody runs up to SPLASH in the corner! Edge falls over, Brody storms around, then Brody drags Edge up as Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Brody CHOS Edge, has him on ropes, and CHOKES him on the ropes! The ref counts, Brody steps back, and Julia gets a cheap shot in! Then she CHOKES Edge while the ref is still busy with Brody! Brody storms up on Edge, suplexes high and hard, then stalks up behind Edge. Brody drags Edge up, ROCKS him, and Edge ends up in a corner. Brody digs his boots in, the ref counts again, but Brody lets off at 4. Edge sits down in the corner and Brody gives him scuffing, toying kicks. Brody lets off to stand Edge up, and CHOP him down! Brody CHOKES Edge on ropes again, but lets off as the ref counts.
Edge sputters, Brody drags him around, and Brody whips Edge hard into the corner! Edge falls, Brody storms up and stands on Edge’s face, but the ref counts. Brody steps back, Edge goes to the apron, but Julia is there to CHOKE him! The ref is none the wiser and Julia mocks the fans. Brody has Edge under ropes for the GUILLOTINE CATAPULT! Brody drags Edge back up, and CHOPS him to a corner. Brody CHOPS again, Dynamite returns to single picture, and Brody hoists Edge up top. Brody climbs up to rain down fists! Brody only goes to three before he hauls Edge up, but Edge fights the superplex!
The fans fire up as Edge and Brody trade body shots. Edge then HEADBUTTS away on Brody, and BITES his forehead! Edge DECKS Brody off the corner, then adjusts. Brody stands, Edge FLYING LARIATS! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Julia coaches Brody, he sits up to fire a forearm! Edge fires back, they go shot for shot, then Brody CHOPS! Edge CHOPS! They CHOP, throw forearms, and the fans fire up behind Edge! Edge kicks and IMP- NO, Brody throws him away! Edge dodges the lariat to LARIAT! Brody stays up so Edge runs up to clothesline in a corner! And again! And again!
Edge fires shots, runs side to side, then BOOTS Brody! The fans fire up as Brody leans on the ropes! Edge runs again, for another BOOT! Edge huffs and puffs and he brings Brody around, IMPALER! Cover, TWO! Brody is still in this and Julia coaches him up. Edge stays on Brody, but Brody TOSSES him to the corner! Edge BOOTS back, goes up, and FLYING BLOCKBUSTERS! The fans fire up as Edge rises, and he has a wild look as he goes to the corner. Edge runs in, but Brody LARIATS him down! Julia is fired up, and Brody drags Edge to a corner. Brody storms around as he hoots, then he runs corner to corner to CANNONBALL but only gets buckles!
The fans fire up as Edge and Brody are both down! Julia coaches Brody, the fans rally, and here comes Willow! Taped up as she is, Willow’s on the corner! Brody drags Edge up and in, but Edge reaches out! Willow tags in! She goes up and she CROSSBODIES Brody! Then she chases after Julia! Julia says no no no, but then Edge SPEARS Brody! Willow hoots now, the fans join in, and Willow gives Brody a CANNONBALL! Julia runs in with a chain! CHAIN PUNCH!! The fans boo as Julia says the House Always Wins! Edge LARIATS Brody out of the ring, but Julia clamps on the HARTLESS LOCK! Willow is OUT, The House of Black wins!
Winners: Brody King & Julia Hart, by submission
The Princess of the Black Throne made sure to have an ace up her sleeve to take this one from Willow! But wait! Here comes Mone! And she has a chair! Julia laughs as she slips away, taking her title with her. The House of Black won tonight, but will they establish their Dynasty?
As for Mone and Willow, well Mone still has the chair and is considering her options. Edge slides back in, so Mone stands down. Edge shakes Mone’s hand, long time no see. Mone still wants to go Double or Nothing, but will she be facing the Keeper of Secrets? Or will it be a long awaited rematch with the Babe with the Power?
Backstage interview with Samoa Joe.
Renee Paquette says we’re just four days away from Dynasty, a PPV where the AEW World Championship will be on the line 1v1, Samoa Joe VS Swerve Strickland. Renee says that in this situation, just Joe and Swerve, how does Joe see Swerve as an opponent? Well, first, Joe viewed Swerve as a worthy adversary. Someone who some day might be a great champion. But for now, he’s just a nuisance. Joe says Swerve is not someone who has overwhelming speed, strength, size, no. He’s just someone who keeps standing back up after getting knocked down. No matter how many times Joe puts Swerve in the dirt, Swerve just gets back up.
To Joe, that doesn’t seem like a prerequisite to becoming a champion, that’s a punching bag. Then Renee wants to run this back to last week on Dynamite. Joe is always calm, cool, collected and in the driver’s seat. But after last week, Swerve getting his shot in on Joe, then Swerve & Nana holding up the AEW World Championship, Joe’s reaction… Walk us through what that was. As expected, Joe was worried his property was in the hands of someone who will never possess it. That maybe this belt would need to be disinfected before it could be TV ready. You don’t know where Nana’s been!
As for Swerve, Joe will focus on his track record and what he represents. It seems that with every title Swerve has challenged for, he has come up short. Is that not right? Seems like Swerve’s a choke artist. Every championship, every opportunity, every time he tries, he comes just so close, then swerves off target. History will repeat itself at Dynasty, as at Dynasty, Joe will do what he always does, and that is destroy the opposition, cement his legacy as the greatest AEW World Champion of all time, and for Swerve, “my friend, unfortunately you are a choke artist. And come Dynasty, you won’t have to worry about it. I’ll be the one choking you out instead.”
The One True King of Wrestling has spoken, but will he still end up dethroned by The Realest?
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Nothing is over until Carmelo Hayes says it’s over!
Not able to accept his loss at Stand & Deliver, Carmelo Hayes drags Trick Williams into the cage! Will Trick ever be able to get past… HIM?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Noam Dar w/ The Meta Four VS DIJAK; Dar wins.
- Sol Ruca VS Lola Vice; Lola wins.
- Ridge Holland VS Joaquin Wilde; Ridge wins.
- Open Challenge: Ilja Dragunov VS Je’Von Evans; Dragunov wins.
- Thea Hail w/ Chase U VS Tatum Paxley; Tatum wins.
- Malik Blade & Edris Enofe VS The Authors of Pain w/ The Final Testament; AOP wins.
- Josh Briggs VS Ivar; Ivar wins.
- Steel Cage Match: Carmelo Hayes VS Trick Williams; Trick wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Noam Dar w/ The Meta Four VS DIJAK!
The Meta Four’s idea to parody #HardJustice obviously didn’t make Dijak laugh, but it’s the Scottish Supernova who will take the heat for it. Will Dar teach Dijak to have a sense of humor? Or will “Mr. PLE” prove he’s no joke?
The bell rings and the two circle. They approach, Dar gets around to headlock, but Dijak powers out. Dar RAMS shoulders but Dijak doesn’t budge! Dar kicks, kicks, bobs ‘n’ weaves and he kicks Dijak’s leg out! Dijak ducks the buzzsaw to choke grip! Dar choke grips, but that’s not as effective. Dijak SHOVES Dar into a corner, but Dar avoids the haymaker to KICK, KICK and KICK! Dijak blocks,. Dar SLAPS! Dar grabs an arm to wrap around ropes, but Dijak shoves him away. Dijak storms up on Dar, brings him up, reels him in, but Dar wrenches to KICK the arm! BACKHAND! Dijak wobbles, Dar runs up to CLOBBER him! Cover, ONE!!
Dar clamps onto Dijak’s arm and he pulls it back. The fans rally as Dijak fights up and rolls through. Dijak avoids the sweep, whips Dar to ropes, but Dar holds ropes to bail out. The Meta Four coaches Dar and fans him off, but Dijak storms out! Dar slips back inside, but Dijak BOOTS him! Dijak then springboards to FLYING LARIAT! The fans fire up, Dijak covers, TWO! Dar stays in this and the fans rally up. Dijak drags Dar up, whips him to ropes, then scoops Dar, but Dar tilt-o-whirls into a GUILLOTINE! Dijak endures, powers up, and he RAMS Dar into the corner! Dar holds on! Dijak powers up again, but Dar throws headbutts!
Dijak pries the body scissors to KNEE Dar, and FLING him out of the ring!! The fans fire up for “NXT! NXT!” while NXT goes picture in picture.
Dijak snarls while Meta Four checks Dar. They fan him but Dijak storms out after him. Dijak drags Dar up, stands him up against barriers, and CHOPS! Dijak talks trash, Dar shoves him back, but Dijak storms up. Dar fires forearms, but Dijak knees low! Dijak CHOPS Dar and Dar spasms from the pain! Dijak brings Dar around, puts him in the ring, but Dar bails out the side. The Meta Four get in Dijak’s way but he just pushes through. Dijak drags Dar up to then scoop, only for Meta Four to get in the way again! Dar slips free, and he POSTS Dijak! Meta Four taunts Dijak, then Dar KICKS Dijak against the apron!
Dijak gets in the ring, Dar pursues, and Dar stomps Dijak around. Dar KICKS and KICKS and KICKS! Dijak wobbles, Dar reels him in, but Dijak’s too big for a fisherman suplex! Dijak throws body shots and then suplexes Dar away! Both men are down while Dijak catches his breath. Dijak rises, and he takes aim as Dar stirs. Dar stands, into the choke grip! But Dar ROCKS Dijak with a left hand! Then roll into CHAMPAGNE SUPER KNEEBAR! Dijak endures, even as Dar twists the ankle! Dijak fights around, sits up, and the two start throwing hands! NXT returns to single picture as Dar and Dijak go back and forth!
Dijak ROCKS Dar again and again, but Dar fires a flurry in return! The fans rally for Dijak as he roars, and he ROCKS Dar again and again and again! Dijak is free, and he KICKS Dar in the face! Meta Four panics, Dijak watches Dar rise. Dijak hobbles up to ELBOW Dar down! And ELBOW again! Dijak runs, breaks through the lariat and FLYING FOREARMS! The fans fire up while Dar flounders to a corner. Dijak storms up and puts Dar in the corner to CHOP, CHOP, CHOP, repeat! Meta Four freaks out as it’s TIME TO FLY! The fans are thunderous behind Dijak while Dar flounders around.
Dijak aims, spins, but Dar jumps on! GUILLOTINE, but Dijak pries the hold open fast! Dijak choke grips, and he brings Dar up for HIGH JUSTICE!! Cover, TWO?!? Dar survives and Meta Four is very relieved. Dar sputters while the fans fire up for “NXT! NXT!” Dijak drags Dar back up, reels him in, but Dar fights with elbows! The fans rally, Dar reels Dijak in and still wants the fisherman! Dijak throws body shots, so Dar wrenches to KICK the leg! Dar reels Dijak in again, but Dijak throws more body shots. Dijak shoves Dar, Dar stops himself then dodges the boot! Dijak gets hung up, Dar goes up to FLYING LARIAT!
Dar hurries to get Dijak in, FISHERMAN BUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! Dijak survives, but Dar ARMBARS!! Dijak flails, reaches out, but Dar keeps changing his grip! Dijak stacks Dar, TWO! SUPERKICK! The fans fire up as Dar flounders. Dijak runs up, but Dar dodges, so Dijak hits buckles and tumbles up and out of the ring! Dar runs up to CLOBBER Dijak into the steel steps! The fans boo but Dar runs up to DROPKICK! Dar puts Dijak in, Dijak staggers to his feet, into the BACK ELBOW! Cover, TWO!! Dijak survives and the fans fire up! Dar is beside himself, fans hope they “FIGHT FOREVER!” but this is just the opener!
Dar aims from the corner, Dijak rises, and Dar runs in, into a SUPERKICK! Dar QUESTION MARK KICKS! Dijak roars, spins, into the HAYMAKER! Dar runs, into the CYCLONE BOOT!! The fans are thunderous and Dijak storms around! Dijak calls his shot, but Oro gets on the apron! Dijak swings on Oro, Oro ducks it, but then Dijak SUPERKICKS! NOVA ROLLA!! Cover, Dar wins!
Winner: Noam Dar, by pinfall
The numbers game wins again as Main Man Mensah bites the bullet! Will Dar use this momentum to make his way towards a title opportunity?
Ilja Dragunov meets with Ava Raine.
The Czar visits the NXT General Manager in her office as she brings up that next week is the start of the two-week Spring Breakkin’. Yes, and he adds that it’ll be the last week of Trick Williams in NXT as Dragunov will defend this title. Yes, well, we’ll see. But tonight’s main event is Trick VS Melo in a Steel Cage, and yet Dragunov doesn’t have a match. That doesn’t seem fair given the title match. Well, she’s the GM, she can do what she must. Then that means Dragunov will be in action! But… he does get to pick his opponent. He welcomes that challenge.
But then he wants her to send a message to the entire NXT locker room that whoever stands eye to eye with him first will be the one to have that match with the Mad Dragon. Dragunov heads out while Ava sends the message, who will take this Open Challenge as their opportunity to reach the top?
Tatum Paxley speaks.
“I always wanted to be good. That’s every little girl’s dream: fitting in, playing with dolls, living the life just like the ones in the fairytales. But then I realized… no matter how good I am, nobody wants to play with girls like Tatum Paxley. The cool girls didn’t wanna be my friend. But I didn’t need them. I found the one thing that would be good to me as long as I was good back. It didn’t matter who held it, because I will always be there for it. Charlotte, Bayley, Asuka, Shayna, Kairi, Rhea, Iyo, Raquel, Roxanne, Indi, Tiffany, Becky, Lyra…
“Oh, Lyra. I loved you. I wanted to be you, because you were the closest thing to good as there was! And I was a good girl because I fought hard to keep that championship with you! You were the only one that really let me in, and that title made us real best friends. We were so close! But then, you lost the one thing that I love most, the NXT Women’s Championship. Lyra, you broke my heart. So what is Lyra to me now? Nothing. And I see now that Roxanne is the coolest girl in class. But I can’t have that anymore. It needs to be me. Lyra, my sweet dove, you’re in my way.” Twisted Tatum’s come to play, but will she be the one that’s good enough to challenge the champion?
Sol Ruca VS Lola Vice!
The Sol Surfer was just telling it like it is, and that upset the Mayor of Vice City. Will Lola cause Sol to wipe out before Spring Breakkin’? Or will Sol continue to ride a wave of momentum towards title opportunities?
NXT returns as Sol makes her entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Lola wrenches and clamps onto the arm, but Sol cartwheels and lifts Lola! Sol slams Lola down then has the cording hold. Lola headscissors, Sol kips free then trips Lola to flip over her! Lola sits up into the mule kick! Cover, TWO! Sol clamps onto an arm, wrenches, then wristlocks. Lola wrenches back, kicks then mule kicks! Sol goes to a corner, Lola storms up and whips, but Sol goes up and up and over! Sol keeps moving, Lola drops down but Sol handsprings through the hip toss to FACEBUSTER! Then DROPKICK!
Lola goes to a corner, Sol runs in but Lola dodges to BACKHAND! The fans rally while Sol sits up in a daze. Sol stands, Lola fires off lightning kicks! Lola puts Sol in a corner, goes to the far corner and reminds us, “I’M A LATINA~!” She shakes her hips then HIP ATTACKS! Cover, TWO! Lola gets in Sol’s face, saying she’s the next champ, then she AX KICKS Sol down! And KICKS her in the side! Lola storms up on Sol, brings her around to KICK and KICK, then she brings Solo up. Solo ROCKS Lola, ROCKS her again, but Lola BODY BLOWS! Lola clamps on with a SLEEPER! Sol endures, fights up and has Lola as a backpack!
The fans rally as Sol RAMS Lola into buckles! Lola jumps back on for the SLEEPER! Lola’s still a backpack, so Sol swings and SIDEWALK SLAMS! Sol flounders to the corner, Lola runs up, but Sol dodges! Sol CLOBBERS Lola, CLOBBERS her again, then springboards to CROSSBODY! Sol scoops Lola and POWERSLAMS! Then STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Solo keeps cool and the fans rally. Sol goes to the apron to springboard, but she has to roll through as Lola moves! Lola runs up, Sol dodges and goes up! Lola anchors legs, Sol kicks her away and FLYING SUNSET FLIPS! TWO, and Lola stands! Sol ducks a kick to SUPERKICK!
Solo goes up and up and then CARTWHEEL- BLAIR HITS THE ROPES! The ref reprimands, but Lola HEEL KICKS Sol down! Cover, Lola wins!
Winner: Lola Vice, by pinfall
Blair with the assist there as Lola scores major points. It’s buenas noches for now, but then Natalya tells Lola hey! Natty’s on the tron and says Lola kept Natty from winning a title she never held before. Well now, Natty will fight Lola on her turf, in her match, to test her. So now is Lola’s chance to show us what she’s got. Time for Lola to show us her heart. In two weeks, Spring Breakin Night 2, Natty VS Lola… in NXT UNDERGROUND!! The fans fire up as the BOAT is looking to sink Vice City, but who will move on to be a step closer to title opportunity?
NXT Anonymous is watching…
This was yesterday as Ridge Holland talked with Ava about his in-ring return. Only for Joaquin Wilde to storm up and tell Ridge to just admit who he really is. Ridge put hands on Wilde to RAM him into the wall and shout “You don’t KNOW who I really am!” Ava reprimanded Ridge for his outburst and Ridge stormed off. Ridge is clearly still working on his inner rage, but will he let all of it out on Wilde tonight?
Arianna Grace meets with Gigi Dolin.
The self-appointed Miss NXT says there is still so much to work on with “Giorgina” before Spring Breakin’. Surely she’ll be late. But no, Gigi is actually early, to Grace’s surprise. Yeah, because the sooner they start, the sooner they get this over with. Arianna isn’t gonna make her bow and curtsey or whatever, is she? They’ll get to etiquette later. The first essential is the dress. Time to go show shopping! Think of your body as a canvas. The way Gigi dresses now… Makes people think she’ll kick their head in if they get too close? Yes. And what a horrifying vision that is! They need to strive for peace, not the opposite.
That prize is within their grasp, they just need to change Gigi’s attire and soften that rather… harsh exterior. Gigi sighs and says fine, but at least make it black. It goes with everything, she already has shoes that match. Black? No, no, no! Why not? Arianna says she’ll take the lead. Gigi just needs to open her mind and allow elegance to come right in. They’ll have Gigi looking like Arianna in no time! Gigi sighs, but just how bad can this get?
Ridge Holland VS Joaquin Wilde!
Yorkshire Grit is starting to loose his grip on his emotions. His bad mood made him sloppy and that’s how he accidentally hurt Cruz Del Toro. But will there be no accidents with what Wilde’s gonna do to get payback? Or will he push Ridge one step too far?
The bell rings, Ridge asks what Wilde wants from him about Cruz’s hand. Wilde fires off forearms! Ridge SHOVES Wilde, CLOBBERS him, and says what happened with Cruz was an accident! Ridge grabs at Wilde, Wilde slips under, and Wilde kicks low to UPPERCUT! Wilde runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then goes up and up to TORNILLO CROSSBODY! Cover, ONE, but Wilde DROPKICKS Ridge out! The fans fire up with Wilde, he PLANCHAS but Ridge moves! Ridge pushes Wilde, Wilde stops from hitting post, so Ridge UPPERCUTS! Ridge fires forearms, but then Wilde ducks! Ridge hits post, then Wilde SUPERKICKS!
Ridge gets in the ring, Wilde runs in, but Ridge puts him on the apron! Wilde ducks one lariat but not the RIGHT! Wilde falls off the apron but fans boo Ridge as he huffs and puffs. Ridge keeps insisting Cruz’s hand was an accident. Wilde gets in, Ridge traps him in ropes to UPPERCUT again and again! Ridge BOOTS Wilde down, covers, TWO! Ridge clamps onto Wilde with the armlock and he grinds the shoulder. Wilde fights up, throws body shots, but Ridge traps the arms! Ridge HEADBUTTS and Wilde ends up in a corner. Ridge runs in to SPLASH, then OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Wilde flounders, Ridge runs up, but Wilde dodges!
Wilde runs back in, ELBOWS, then runs to come back, but Ridge POUNCES! Ridge drags Wilde up, throws knees, then reels him in. Ridge hoists Wilde up, but Wilde DDTS! The fans rally, and Shawn Spears appears on stage. The Chair Man insists that the truth is painful, and Ridge storms up. Wilde ELBOWS Ridge, fires off haymakers then whips, but Ridge reverses. Wilde springboards to FLYING CHUCK! Then JAWBREAKER! Then POP-UP BOOT! Ridge staggers, Wilde spells it out, “L! W! O!” But Ridge runs back up! Wilde goes Matrix to then NECKBREAKER! Ridge bails out and the fans fire up with Wilde!
Wilde builds speed, and DIVES, into a POWERSLAM!! Ridge drags Wilde up and into the ring, hauls him up into a PACKAGE DDT! Cover, Ridge wins!
Winner: Ridge Holland, by pinfall
Wilde may have let his emotions get the better of him, but Ridge is still conflicted. Spears smiles, is Ridge’s “truth” about to come to light?
Josh Briggs visits the medical center.
He’s getting his ribs checked and he says he feels much better now. Though, it’s still a bit painful to breathe and move around, is that normal? Yes, especially given those ribs were broken. Briggs needs to be careful until he’s truly 100%, but he’s “cleared as tolerated.” Briggs thanks the doc, but then Ivar checks in. Ivar asks if Briggs is good and Briggs says yeah, he’s cleared and ready to go after Oba Femi again. Ivar says he likes the grit, but he’s been in this room so many times before. Take it from Ivar, give it a couple more weeks so he can fully heal up. In that time, Ivar can have his match with Oba, and then when Ivar wins the title, Briggs is first up. How’s that sound?
Briggs says absolutely not. Ivar can go back to Raw and get his ass kicked by Sheamus again. Okay, okay, Ivar sees how this is gonna go. Then tonight, Ivar VS Briggs, winner fights Oba. Briggs says then go put on the war paint and he’ll see Ivar tonight. The Viking Raider and the Blue Collar Brawler are ready to throw hands, but who will get their hand raised at the end of the night?
Brinley Reece posts to TikTok.
She wants everyone to know she, Malik Blade & Edris Enofe are all going to work out at the Performance Center and wants them to join in. #BrinActive! They pump up to take on “Ohp.” Who? Y’know, A O P. Oh, Authors of Pain… But Edris says knowing their luck, by the time AOP is done with them, they’ll be SOL. Brin puts it together she’s been saying it wrong, but yeah they are scary. But who cares! She’ll be in their corner! Edris says no she’s not! Malik smooths it over by saying they can’t let their bad juju rub off on Brin. Edris says they need any kind of luck right now. They have been losing and losing!
Malik calms Edris down and says they just have to believe. Brin says exactly! Believe in the lift! Let’s go! Well, Brin’s always positive, will Edris ever see things her way? Or will Akam & Rezar write them off completely?
Andre Chase finds Thea Hail backstage.
She thanks him for coming to talk. He appreciates her wanting to meet, even with her match against Tatum tonight. After last week, they need to talk this out. They sit, and Thea says Jacy wasn’t lying about that bet. Nope. Last July, Chase was already knee deep into his gambling. At the time, he had things under control. Which is why he felt right betting on Thea against Tiffany Stratton. He knew deep down, Thea could do this. Thea could become the youngest NXT champion in history, so when asked if he was for or against, he went all in on Thea. But then seeing her suffer, her refusing to tap out, tears flowing down her cheeks, Chase had to throw in the towel.
In that moment, he didn’t care what it cost him, he just wanted Thea to be okay. Then why didn’t he tell her? She treated him so badly after that! Why didn’t he say something? Because she didn’t sign up for that, she just wanted to win a title. Then what about the towel? Honestly, he just hoped she would understand where his heart is, both that night and every night. He’s always in Thea’s corner. Then she is sorry! She hugs him and he says it’s okay. Chase U looks stronger than ever, but will there be another chance at a title for Thea in the future?
The D’Angelo Family is here!
The fans cheer as The Don leads Stacks, Rizzo & The Legal Eagle out to the ring, having finally returned to NXT after his loss at Stand & Deliver. Tony feels a little better showing off the new suit, then he gets the mic. Tony says after he and Stacks lost the tag titles, he talked about rapid growth in the family. He never said it was gonna be easy, but he knew it was worth it. And if you ask him how, when he’s not NXT Champion, Tony thinks about where they were a year ago. They made Pretty Deadly disappear, but they faced serious allegations. Now he looks at Stacks and the Consigliere, Luca Crusifino, both ready to crack skulls and add gold to the family.
Tony looks to Adrianna, the future of the NXT Women’s Division! And at Stand & Deliver, he went toe-to-toe with one of the toughest men in NXT history! Tony and Dragunov had a fight, one of the hardest fights Tony has ever gone through, and Tony lost. But this is about going one more round when you can’t. Toughness comes from longevity, and he’s here to tell you- Well, No Quarter Catch Crew interrupts first. Charlie Dempsey has the mic to tell Tony he doesn’t appreciate their dealings from last week were made public. What kinda business is he running here? Is Dempsey talking to Tony? Oh yeah, he sure is!
NQCC get in the ring but Tony tells them they came to the Family to take care of one of their own, all because they didn’t have the cajones to do something themselves! No problem, they’re the experts. Yeah, well, when it comes to taking someone out- Oh oh oh, stunad! No specifics, okay? There’s people watching. Yeah but Tony said- Hey, Charlie, didn’t Tony just say no specifics? Tony says they’re No Quarter, right? Well, Tony hasn’t gotten his full quarter, so when’re they gonna pay up? What? Payment? Wasn’t this for the good of the business? There was trash that needed to be taken care of, and they did that. It did the industry some good while they were at it.
Luca tells Mr. Dempsey that they’re still on the hook for services rendered. But the Don has a suggestion: They can either settle the debt, or it gets handled the way the D’Angelo Family always does it. Damon Kemp says no way, this was supposed to be done for the- Whoa, whoa, Damon, no one was even talking to you. Tony says he’ll say this to all three. Tony doesn’t do this for charity, or about feelings. This is about business, and in his business there is a code that you don’t betray. So listen up. It doesn’t matter who NQCC think they are, but they wanna come out here and interrupt him? Don’t think so.
Charlie tells Tony, “Is there anything else you wanna say to me? Is that it?” Tony says that Heritage Cup looks pretty nice. Oh does he? Well, don’t look at the cup, look at Charlie. That cup represents the competition and skill that takes place in this ring. It doesn’t need to be held by some two-bit gangster in wrestling boots! Charlie didn’t have a problem with that when Tony took care of this situation. So is Charlie gonna pay up? Over his dead body that some lowlife scumbag disgraces that cup! Scumbag? Well… Tony takes off the suit jacket, and says how bout this? They brawl! The fans fire up as The Family clears the ring of the NQCC!
The battlelines have been drawn, is The Family about to test that Catch Clause?
Open Challenge: Ilja Dragunov VS ???
The NXT Champion is just fine with facing anyone in the back ahead of facing Trick Williams one last time next week! But then who will step up to be the “tune up?” Lexis King, Joe Gacy, and a lot of others rush out here! They all brawl, but in from the crowd side, it’s JeVon Evans! Ya boi bouncy~, and he quite literally jumps to the front of the line! Dragunov likes the Young OG’s guts, but will he beat those guts right outta him here tonight?
The bell rings and Evans fires forearms with Dragunov! The fans fire up as they go back and forth over and over! Dragunov fires boxing elbows but Evans BOOTS! Dragunov BOOTS, Evans rebounds to spin but Dragunov ducks the kick! GERMAN SUPLEX! Dragunov holds on, he drags Evans up, and GERMAN SUPLEXES again! The fans chant “DAT BOI!” “BOUNCY~!” but Dragunov drags him up again. Evans pries free, elbows, but Dragunov rebounds to PELE! Then GERMAN SUPLEXES again! Evans flounders to a corner, Dragunov runs in, but blocks a boot! Dragunov blocks another try, puts that leg in the ropes, and then CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS!
The fans fire up while Evans slumps down, and Dragunov scrubs him with his boot! Dragunov runs side to side, but into a SUPERKICK! The fans fire up again as Evans has Dragunov dazed! Dragunov stands, he ROCKS Evans, but Evans ROCKS Dragunov! Evans blocks a chop to CHOP, then repeat! Evans CHOPS, CHOSP and CHOPS, the fans “WOO~” again and again. But Dragunov block sone, to HEADBUTT! And HEADBUTT! And HEADBUTT! Then GERMAN SUPLEX, but Evans lands out of it! Evans runs to SCREW HIGH KICK! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up as Evans and Dragunov rise again.
Evans winds up to KICK! Dragunov wobbles, so Evans KICKS again! Evans goes up and rebounds, but Dragunov turns Rana into POWERBOMB! Evans grits his teeth as he sits up, but Dragunov runs and runs and runs to LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!! Evans survives being turned inside-out but Dragunov nods. The fans rally for “NXT! NXT!” as Dragunov brings Evans up. Dragunov fireman’s carries, but Evans fights free! Dragunov hits buckles, Evans reels him in but Dragunov fights with elbows and knees! CONSTANTINE- SPANISH FLY!! Cover, TWO!! Dragunov survives that sudden turn around and the fans are loving it!
Evans aims from a corner as he goes up and up, but Dragunov CHOPS first! And SLAPS Evans right to the apron! Evans BOOTS back, springboards, but into a CHOP!! Dragunov sits Evans up so he can run and KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! Evans survives and the fans are thunderous! Dragunov reels him in, “This is Awesome!” as Evans fights the bomb, and DDTS! Dragunov flounders out of the ring, Evans goes to the far side. Evans snarls as he gets to his feet, and he builds speed to FLY!! Direct hit at the ramp! Evans puts Dragunov in, hurries up again, and FROG SPLASHES onto knees! Roll through and deadlift, Dragunov powers Evans up to a fireman’s carry!
Dragunov then hits a CORNER DEATH VALLEY! Dragunov goes to the corner, “UN! BE! SIEG! BAR!!” TORPEDO MOSCOW!! Cover, Dragunov wins!
Winner: Ilja Dragunov, by pinfall
The Young OG showed guts and ability beyond his years, but he’s still a little early if he wants to be champion. Dragunov does show Evans respect, will we see this showdown again one day?
Backstage interview with Karmen Petrovic.
Kelly Kincaid is with Karmen to speak on Natty facing Lola in the first-ever Women’s NXT Underground match. Will Karmen help her train? 1000% yes! Karmen will get Natty training, but her schedule is so crazy right now. She’s on the WWE Europe tour, but then in walks Lola. Lola says Karmen can help Natty all she wants, but Natty is entering Lola’s world, and will be playing by Lola’s rules. Sure, Natty has guts, but she can’t handle the Latina Heat. Karmen can be in her corner, teach Natty all she knows, but it won’t mean a thing. Just wait until you see who Lola has in her corner. See you at next week’s contract signing. Adios~!
Sol talks with Ava backstage.
Blair cost Sol nine months of her career, a year of Wendy Chu’s, so much of Nikkita Lyons’, and Sol’s match tonight! Sol NEEDS to end this. Ava hears that, but Sol already had her match with Blair. No, not just another match. Sol wants Blair in NO DISQUALIFICATIONS! Is that what she wants? Sol says she will not stop until Blair has to be carried outta here. Sol storms off, is she going to wash Blair away with the tide? Or is this all playing right into Blair’s hands?
Thea Hail w/ Chase U VS Tatum Paxley!
The fire is back inside the top prospect, and she’s ready to blaze a trail back to title contention! But will we all hail Thea? Or will the twisted outcast not stop until she’s the one on top of NXT?
NXT returns and Tatum makes her entrance. The bell rings and Thea rushes up. Tatum slips around, waistlocks and SLAMS, then floats around to smile right in Thea’s face. Thea is creeped out and backs up, but Tatum slithers up. Thea rushes in again, but into another waistlock. Thea arm-drags free, runs up, but into a scoop! Thea arm-drags Tatum, runs up to back body block, then runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Tatum goes Matrix! Thea leaps over, the two stare down, and the fans fire up. Tatum reaches out but Thea grabs that arm! Thea SPLASHES down on it, and Tatum flounders to a corner. Thea runs in but only gets buckles!
Tatum scoops Thea to BACKBREAKER! Thea writhes, Tatum has Thea on ropes and bends her against them! The ref counts, Tatum lets off, but she KNEES Thea down. Thea goes to the corner, Tatum runs up, and she BODY CHECKS Thea into the buckles! Tatum digs Thea into the buckles but lets off as the ref counts. The fans rally for Thea and she fires forearms! Thea whips, Tatum reverses to knee low! Tatum grins as she GUT WRENCH PLEXES! Cover, TWO! Tatum top mounts Thea to say she’s the next champion, but Thea hits with body shots. Tatum hooks Thea’s legs and turns over, SPLADLE CHINLOCK! Thea endures as gravity does all the work!
Thea fights her way out, then fires forearms! Tatum hits back, and says the title is hers! Thea HEADBUTTS Tatum down! Tatum goes to ropes, comes back, but Thea wrenches for the ARMBAR CODE BREAKER! Thea whips and CLOBBERS Tatum! And CLOBBERS her again! Thea mule kicks a leg out, runs and ROLLNG NECKBREAKERS! But wait, is that Jazmyn Nyx? Jazmyn is mocking the “nerd” but Thea tells her “SUCK IT!” Thea scoops Tatum, POWERSLAM! SENTON! Thea shakes the ropes, but Jacy trips her up! The fans boo and Tatum ghost pins, Tatum wins!
Winner: Tatum Paxley, by pinfall
It seems no one can leave well enough alone, can they? Thea makes Jacy pay with a TOPE SUICIDA!! The fans fire up as Thea rains down fists on Jacy, but Chase and Riley get in there! Jacy hits Thea back but refs rush out to stop this! And then IN the ring, Lyra goes after Tatum! They brawl, refs have to divide and conquer, but the Morrigan is enraged! Will Thea humble the toxic Jacy once and for all? Will Lyra have vengeance on the two-faced Tatum?
Backstage interview with Roxanne Perez.
Kelly Kincaid says it looked like there was going to be a Stand & Deliver rematch between her and Lyra, but after- Oh, yeah, that freak finally turned on little her “girlfriend.” But it doesn’t matter how obsessed Tatum is with the title, or if Lyra has a chip on her shoulder, they can destroy each other for all Roxie cares. Beat each other to a pulp! Roxie will sit back, be entertained, and whoever makes it out of that fight in one piece maybe, just maybe, gets a title match. Wow, that was super easy. Like, what’s Ava even complaining about? Roxie sees it: Spring Breakin’, Roxie defends her title 1v1 against-
Ava walks in and says Roxie is so right. She made Ava’s job even easier! Why choose? Triple Threat! Roxie VS Lyra VS Tatum! NO! Of course Ava does this! Everyone is against Roxie, so why not Ava? Ava wants Roxie to lose her title without actually losing! Well, Roxie said Ava’s job is easy, but surely Roxie will do great. Ava leaves, Roxie is fuming, but will Roxie have no choice but to eat her words?
Malik Blade & Edris Enofe VS The Authors of Pain w/ The Final Testament!
It’s getting harder and harder to find the silver lining for Malik & Edris, and this time, platitudes like “there’s always next time” might not apply. That’s because Akam & Rezar, backed by Paul Ellerin, Karrion Kross & Scarlett Bordeaux, might just write their Final Chapter! Will Malik & Edris survive to fight another day? Or is there no upside to facing AOP?
NXT returns as Malik & Edris make their entrance, minus Brin like Edris said. The teams sort out, Akam starts against Edris. They tie up, Akam RAMS Edris into the corner and fires off hands! Akam swings, Edris dodges and fires off hands! Akam shoves Edris, Edris tags Malik and then Edris DROPKICKS Akam! Malik goes up to AX HANDLE! Akam stays up, Malik fires more hands! Tag back to Edris and he goes up, so he can AX HANDLE! Akam is still up, he headlocks, and Rezar tags in as Edris powers out. Akam whips, pop-up to Rezar for the CORNER DEATH VALLEY! Cover, TWO!
Edris survives and Rezar is already furious! Rezar HAMMERS away on Edris, then paces around. Edris drags himself to ropes, but Rezar is right on him. Tag to Akam, the AOP stand Edris up and Akam runs to KNEE Edris low! Rezar CLUBS Edris down, Akam clamps on and makes Edris look to Malik. Akam dribbles Edris’ face off the mat! Malik reaches out, the fans rally, but Rezar tags in. AOP gets Edris up, pops up and KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Edris survives and the fans rally again. Rezar seethes as he drags Edris away. Rezar reels Edris in, TOSSES him to a corner, then runs in, only to get buckles! Hot tag to Malik!
Malik dodges Rezar, BLASTS Akam and fires off on Rezar! Rezar stays up, swings, but Malik dodges to DROPKICK! Rezar tumbles out, Akam storms in but Malik SUPERKICKS! Malik builds speed, Edris tags in, Malik FLIES! AOP catches Malik!! But Edris FLIES but Malik’s thrown at him!! The fans go nuts as AOP are still monsters, and then AOP get a man each. SUPER COLLIDER!! Cover, AOP wins!
Winners: The Authors of Pain, by pinfall
The Final Testament makes up for their loss at WrestleMania, if only in part. But will they not stop until they’re once again wearing NXT gold? Speaking of, Nathan Frazer & Axiom are here! AOP attacked the champs last week so the dynamic duo want to return the favor, except the refs stand in the way. Will the Undeniable Hard-Hitting Truth be able to take the fight to the Final Testament?
Arianna & Gigi visit Lauren Nicole.
The shopping begins, and Gigi can’t believe Arianna thinks Gigi would actually wear anything from here. Like, what is this frilly halter top? Arianna wants “Giorgina” to understand that to become a princess, she must act, think and believe that she truly IS a princess. And Arianna for one thinks Gigi has all the makings to be one. OMG look at that dress! Arianna rushes over to grab the big green one. What does Gigi say? She hates it already. Like, so much. Nonsense! She’d look breathtaking in it! Well, Gigi could make it her own. Yes, Giorgina! Such a fast learner! Then Gigi has some ideas. She’ll try it on.
Arianna is ecstatic that Gigi is taking this seriously! Gigi slips into a dressing room, and there is definitely sounds of tearing. When Gigi comes out, she’s given the outfit a makeover! Yeah, Gigi does look good. She just had to “Gigi” the dress up a bit. She’ll wear it out, thanks. Spring Breakin’, here she comes! Arianna’s paying. Do they take credit?
Josh Briggs VS Ivar!
JBL’s seal of approval means a lot to Briggs, and he wants to finally prove JBL was right to give him the nod. He may have failed to take the North American title at Stand & Deliver, but will he fight his way to another shot here tonight? Or will the raid crash the party at Spring Breakin’?
NXT returns and Briggs makes his entrance, taped up quite a bit around the ribs. The bell rings, the two run up and Ivar BOOTS! Ivar whips, Briggs reverses but Ivar rolls off Briggs’ back! Ivar then cartwheels to dodge and he LARIATS Briggs down! The fans fire up, Briggs goes to a corner and Oba is watching as Ivar fires ELBOW after ELBOW! The fans chant “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” and Ivar whips Briggs to ropes. Briggs blows through the lariat to BOOT Ivar down! The fans fire up as Briggs storms up and whips back. Briggs scoops to SIDEWALK SLAM and SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Briggs clutches the ribs, this is perhaps all double-edged right now.
Briggs powers through the pain, but runs up into a SEATED SENTON! The fans fire up while Briggs sputters. Ivar storms up on Briggs, drags him up and CLUBS him, but Briggs throws body shots. Ivar CLUBS Briggs again, has him on ropes, and then HEADBUTTS! Ivar runs, into an ELBOW! Briggs choke grips, but Ivar breaks free to BODY SHOT! Briggs sputters, Ivar reels him in, underhooks for the Canadian Rack! Briggs slips free, ELBOWS, and runs, into a SPINNING POWERSLAM! Briggs coughs and sputters, Ivar underhooks for the TIGER DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!!! Briggs survives and stuns Ivar!
Ivar storms around, goes to a corner and climbs up. The fans rally as Ivar aims for the VIKING- NO, Ivar rolls through the splash as Briggs dodge! BOSS MAN SLAM! TWO! Briggs’ bad ribs probably held that move back, but Briggs isn’t gonna stop! Briggs gets Ivar up, wrenches, and GUT BUSTERS! Briggs huffs, puffs, runs, and RAMS Ivar! Ivar tumbles out of the ring, and Briggs roars as he fights through the pain! Briggs goes to the apron, and FLYING SHOULDER TACKLES! Down goes Ivar and Briggs rises! The fans are torn as Briggs reels Ivar in. Ivar fights the lift to RAM Briggs into steel steps!
Briggs hobbles up, into the HEEL KICK! Ivar puts Briggs in, goes up the corner again, for the DOOMSAULT!! Cover, Ivar wins!
Winner: Ivar, by pinfall
Perhaps Briggs should’ve listened to Ivar earlier, he was nowhere near 100% and therefore had no chance of stopping the War Beard. Will Ivar raid right through The Ruler and take his throne?
Kelly Kincaid asks Oba his opinion on this win, and Oba just says, “Interesting.” Oba leaves, and he apparently clobbers Oro without a second thought! Main Man Mensah is upset that this keeps happening, when will he get his shot at The Ruler?
Steel Cage Match: Carmelo Hayes VS Trick Williams!
After he failed to Stand & Deliver, Melo could not stand the fact that Trick was going back for THE NXT Championship. Trick’s getting his shot at Dragunov one way or another, but will Melo make sure Trick doesn’t have a leg to stand on? Or will this be Trick finally saying goodbye and good riddance to HIM?
Before the match, Kelly Kincaid is with Melo at gorilla. He cuts her off to tell Trick that this ain’t over until Melo says it is. Trick thinks he’s gonna be a champion, that he’s gonna make it out of the cage in one piece, but Melo will make sure that doesn’t happen. Melo gave Trick everything he has here, and now he’s taking it all away from his ungrateful ass! Melo heads out, his personal security following behind. Then Trick makes his entrance and the fans go wild! NXT is ready to see Trick whoop Melo one more time because there’s no escape. The bell rings, the two storm up, and Melo shoves Trick. They circle, Trick runs up but Melo dodges!
Melo goes to bump off the cage but Trick blocks. Melo then blocks Trick trying that, then Melo gets space. Melo rushes up, Trick headlocks but Melo powers out. Things speed up, melo jumps but into a scoop and SLAM! Trick then scoops to SLAM again! Trick scoops again, but Melo slips free to shove. Melo runs up, Trick dodges and Melo jumps up, but Trick brings him off the cage. The two circle again, Melo kicks low then runs, but he rolls off Trick’s back and Trick DROPKICKS! Trick scoops to SLAM again, then covers, TWO! The fans chant “Melo Got Whooped!” Trick whips, Melo holds ropes to stop himself, but Trick runs up to ROCK him!
Trick whips, Melo holds ropes again, then he sidesteps to SMACK Trick off steel! Melo runs, springboard, FLYING LARIAT! Melo then gets a baton from a security guard! Melo SMACKS Trick with the stick! Then SMACKS him again! And AGAIN! Trick writhes, the fans boo, but Melo SMACKS Trick down again! Melo mockingly conducts the booing while NXT goes picture in picture.
Melo taunts the fans, then he CHOKES Trick with the stick! Trick fights up, pulls the stick away, but Melo knees low! Melo JAMS Trick, SMACKS him on the back, then swaggers around. Trick slowly rises, Melo talks more trash as he winds up, but Trick blocks the stick! Melo kicks low, winds up again and SMACKS Trick low! Melo tosses the stick away to whip Trick, but Trick reverses and back drops! Melo flounders to ropes and Trick stands. Trick runs up, but into a drop toehold! Melo KICKS Trick, CLUBS away, then has the FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Trick rolls through to a cover, TWO! Melo CLOBBERS Trick!
Melo drags Trick up, wraps his arm around ropes and pulls! Trick can only suffer until Melo lets go. Melo puts the other arm around ropes to pull on that, then he has a SLEEPER! Trick endures, the ref reprimands, but Melo lets go when Melo wants. Melo SMACKS Trick off the steel! Cover, TWO! Melo seethes, he drags Trick around, and he ROCKS Trick. Trick ROCKS Melo back! Melo ROUNDHOUSES Trick, CLUBS him, and stomps away! Melo fires off wild shots while NXT returns to single picture. Melo has Trick in a corner, climbs up to stand on Trick’s head, and then stomps the arms against the ropes!
The fans boo, Melo SLAMS Trick’s arm against the steel, then SLAMS the arm again! The fans boo but Trick hits back! Melo stomps Trick, YANKS the arm against ropes, then stalks Trick. Melo whips, Trick blocks, then Trick whips. Melo reverses to ARMBAR CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO! Melo is frustrated but he clamps onto Trick’s bad arm. The fans rally as Trick endures, and Trick powers his way around. Melo brings Trick down to an ARMBAR! Trick powers his way to a cover, TWO! Melo lets Trick go to kick, whip, but Trick blocks! Trick reverses, but Melo reverses back to send Trick into steel!
Trick falls back, but Melo gets him up. Trick stops from hitting steel, but Melo kicks him through ropes to stomp him against steel! The fans boo but Melo soaks it up. Melo drags Trick back up, runs side to side, and he SPLASHES Trick against steel! And then SPLASHES him against steel again! Melo goes again, but Trick drops and Melo splashes into steel himself! The fans fire up while Trick rises! Melo kicks Trick, Trick blocks the whip to ROCK Melo. Trick whips Melo, Melo goes up but Trick follows! Trick clinches, SUPER BOOKEND!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! Trick rises, the fans rally, and Trick pounds the mat.
Trick ROCKS Melo, Melo fires back! They go back and forth, Trick gets the edge, then whips Melo for the LEG LARIAT! LEG LARIAT! FLAPJACK! The fans fire up, Melo staggers and Trick aims! Trick spins but Melo rushes up to LA MYSTI- NO, Trick stops that to INVERTED SUPLEX! Trick kips up, the fans fire up with him, and he whips Melo into steel! And more steel! And more steel! And then the fourth wall! NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Melo survives but Trick lets the hair down! Trick drags Melo around, cartwheel and ripcord, but Melo arm-drags! Melo runs, but he’s sent into steel again!
Trick storms up, but Melo HOTSHOTS the bad arm! Melo climbs, aims, but Trick catches the three pointer for the BOOKEND! Cover, TWO!! Melo survives but Trick isn’t done with him! Trick fireman’s carries, but Melo DDTS! Cover, TWO! Trick is still in this but Melo stays on him. FIRST 48! Trick rebounds to LEAPING LARIAT! Melo comes back to V-TRIGGER! “This is Awesome!” as both men are down! Melo goes to the corner, Trick rises at center, and Trick runs up after Melo! SMACK off the steel! But Melo gives it back! Trick SMACKS Melo, Melo SMACKS Trick! They dribble each other off the steel again and again!
Trick and Melo wobble, but then Trick CHOPS! Melo CHOPS! Melo SMACKS Trick off steel, headlocks, SUPER BULLDOG but Trick superhero lands out of it! Trick shakes his head, Melo is furious, and Melo runs up! Trick dodges to SPIN KICK! But the personal guards climb the cage! Trick BLASTS a couple off the side, but there’s still another! Trick hurries to get that guy, but the fourth gets in with a chair!! Trick kicks that guy first then TOSSES Him around! And this is a BIG guy! Trick sees the guy stagger to the door, and BOOTS him out! Trick closes the cage, but Melo has the chair!! Trick dodges, runs up, FULL METAL TRICK SHOT!! Cover, Trick wins!!
Winner: Trick Williams, by pinfall
Melo tried to stack the deck but Trick’s shot don’t miss! And now, Trick climbs the cage to be level with the perch, where Dragunov is watching! Spring Breakin’, NXT Championship, and if Trick loses, he must LEAVE NXT. Will Trick’s final chance be the one chance he needs to finally be on top of the world?
My Thoughts:
A great NXT here as the go-home to Spring Breakin’ 2024. Great opening match from Dar and Dijak, and while the fans were super behind Dijak, of course Dar wins thanks to help from Meta Four. Dar is definitely being primed for some kind of title opportunity past Spring Breakin’, but Oro kinda got the karma for cheating when Oba Femi again clobbers him while simply exiting a room. Good promo from Briggs and Ivar to set up Briggs VS Ivar, which was a great match. The promo helped us understand how beat up Briggs is, so logically, Ivar would win. Oba VS Ivar is going to be great stuff, and I would think Oba wins.
Good NXT Anonymous promo to add heat to Ridge VS Wilde, and of course Shawn Spears shows up during that match. Ridge wins, though it’s hard to say he was that more brutal with Wilde than any other match, but maybe Ridge is going to end up more and more unhinged. Really good #gymtok promo from Brin, Malik & Edris, but of course AOP demolishes Malik & Edris in the match. Axiom & Frazer wanted after AOP but that’s rather reckless when AOP are both physically bigger than Bron and Corbin. I’m sure Axiom & Frazer find a way to win, but this is gonna be pretty brutal for the champs.
Great stuff in the Women’s Division building towards both the top title and the coming Women’s North American Championship. Great match from Sol VS Lola but we should’ve known Blair would mess Sol up. Then Natty calls out Lola, so we’re going to get awesome stuff out of both the “Beach Brawl” No Disqualification match and the NXT Underground match. And then really good promo where Mr. Chase and Thea finally make amends for last year, and good promo from Tatum putting the twist on how her character’s been this entire time. Kinda some long term storytelling with how Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn always sensed that darkness in Tatum.
Tatum VS Thea of course got Jacy & Jazmyn interfering, there has to be one final blowoff of Jacy VS Thea for Spring Breakin. And Lyra going after Tatum was great stuff, and Roxie was good in her promo. The Triple Threat was a wild move but Roxie might have a point, she could lose that title without being pinned, and then she gets drafted away. We saw Roxie be part of the Raw After Mania, maybe that’s where she’s headed. After all, we know Melo’s gonna end up on SmackDown. Great Steel Cage main event, and again I like that it was a use of the No Escape stipulation. Trick of course won, he’s got momentum going into what is surely his win next week.
As such, Dragunov might end up drafted away after he loses, and if so, his match tonight was even more awesome for him giving Je’Von Evans some shine in the Open Challenge tonight. Evans is definitely ahead of the curve, he’s going to be a big name very soon. The only real rough spot from tonight would probably be the D’Angelo Family interacting with NQCC. They made good points but the flow needed to be ironed out for it being live in front of the fans. For one, we’re getting a big Six Man Tag, and that will then give Tony D’Angelo momentum going into a Heritage Cup match with more than likely Dempsey.
But I think part of the awkwardness in the promo was them having to work-shoot away the Gulak issue. From how things were worded, NXT is siding with Ronda, as Gulak wasn’t even directly named in this whole thing, but they made it sound like he was the problem. Gulak wasn’t part of events during Mania Weekend or anything since, though there’s nothing on him being fired or suspended. we’ll just have to wait and see how this goes.
My Score: 8.8/10
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