Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Live Report! (12/12/17)

All images courtesy of the WWE’s official Twitter
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Ruby Riott w/ The Riott Squad VS Charlotte Flair; Charlotte wins, by disqualification.
- Baron Corbin VS Dolph Ziggler; Ziggler wins, by disqualification.
- The Bludgeon Brothers VS ???; Bludgeon Brothers win.
- The Usos VS Rusev & Aiden English; Rusev & English win.
- Shinsuke Nakamura w/ Randy Orton VS Kevin Owens w/ Sami Zayn; Owens wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Kevin & Sami have been crying “SmackDown Conspiracy”.
As if Kevin being handcuffed to the ring rope during a match Sami was having against “the McMahon’s weapon”, Randy Orton, wasn’t bad enough, SmackDown commissioner Shane McMahon is piling on. Sami & Kevin will have a tag team match at Clash of Champions against The Viper and a partner of his choosing. And to end last week’s SmackDown, Orton found a partner in The Rockstar, Shinsuke Nakamura! Kevin & Sami are going up against two of WWE’s finest, but also in a match where Shane McMahon is the special guest referee, AND where they could lost their JOBS in the WWE! Is Shane O’Mac going too far?
Sami & Kevin recruit for #OccupySmackDown tonight.
Kevin & Sami are beginning the #YepMovement in the WWE, and ask others take a stand against the unfair tyranny of the Commissioner. They even ask Benjamin & Gable to join in to make for a better SmackDown. Will this movement work out in their favor?
Want to join the YEP! Movement? #OccupySmackDown #SDLive @FightOwensFight @SamiZayn pic.twitter.com/qZ51DfyHcj
— WWE (@WWE) December 13, 2017
AJ Styles heads to the ring!
#SDLive is off to a PHENOMENAL start with the one… the only… @AJStylesOrg!!! #WWEClash pic.twitter.com/CxdSRbLzf2
— WWE (@WWE) December 13, 2017
The Phenomenal WWE World Champion will defend said title against Jinder Mahal at Clash of Champions, but tonight, we get the promised face-to-face in the ring. The fans give Styles a standing ovation as he welcomes them to “The House that AJ Styles Built”, SmackDown! He’s usually more “cool, calm and collected” but he’s anxious being this close to his title defense. Styles doesn’t want to lose the title he just got back, but Mahal must feel the same. But what good is being champion if you’re not going to fight for it? If you’re not a fighting champion? Styles will defend his title against Mahal, who was champion for six months and did anything and everything to keep it. Mahal needed a Punjabi Prison and a Punjabi Monster, as well as the Singh Brothers, so Styles knows what he’s talking about. Styles agrees, he knows what it’s like- The Singh Brothers interrupt! They would normally introduce the Modern Day Maharaja, but not this time. In case you missed it, the Singh Brothers share footage of SmackDown a couple weeks ago, where The Singhs failed to defeat Styles 2v1 and were then angrily punished by Mahal. Styles feels that was just cruel, he feels sorry for them. Styles has an idea, “let’s hug it out.” The Singh Brothers hug each other, but Styles wants them to hug “Ol’ Uncle Allen.” The fans want them to hug it out. They enter the ring, and do give Styles hugs. But only one each.
HUG IT OUT! HUG IT OUT! HUG IT OUT!#SDLive #WWEClash @AJStylesOrg @SinghBrosWWE pic.twitter.com/gih9Xl5qtz
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) December 13, 2017
The Singh Brothers thank Styles for his support, but also wish to let Styles know that at Clash of Champions, they’ll be in his corner. Fans aren’t so sure about that, but the Singhs want to let it be known that they’re just as done with Mahal as he is with them. Mahal is a disgrace to the 1.3 billion people of India! Styles encourages them to vent. Mahal rides first class but he leaves the Singhs in coach. Mahal stays in five star hotels while the Singhs are in crappy roadside motels. He doesn’t even know the difference between Samir & Sunil, he thinks they’re TWINS! That’s why they dress the same! Worst of all, Mahal made them kiss his feet! They smelled like cheese, garlic and buttered chicken! That sucks. They’ve got beef with Mahal, huh? Styles asks them: if they’re this angry, why were they still with Mahal all during WWE India? He caught them off guard with that one. The Singhs insist they are done!
WHOA! Did @SinghBrosWWE just say they were DONE with The #ModernDayMaharaja @JinderMahal?!? #SDLive #WWEClash @AJStylesOrg pic.twitter.com/oYPl1UbDfl
— WWE (@WWE) December 13, 2017
Styles offers handshakes. That’s when Mahal himself arrives! Styles tells Mahal to stay up there, he sees where this is going. The “dingle berries” are Mahal’s moles. They all suck. But Styles liked what they said: Styles VS Mahal, nothing more and nothing less. Styles likes that, but he ensures it is 1v1 by taking out The Singhs again right here! He dares Mahal to come in the ring, Mahal gets right up to the apron, but Mahal only goes as far as to vow that at Clash of Champions, he will be champion again.
The #WWETitle will be for the taking THIS SUNDAY at #WWEClash… #SDLive @AJStylesOrg @JinderMahal pic.twitter.com/WX9puyZa98
— WWE (@WWE) December 13, 2017
Fans let Mahal know “Jinder Sucks!” The Modern Day Maharaja is irate but confident, but will he be silenced by the equally confident Phenomenal AJ Styles?
Ruby Riott w/ The Riott Squad VS Charlotte Flair!
Many factors will be at play when @MsCharlotteWWE defends her #SDLive #WomensTitle against @NatByNature in a #LumberjackMatch THIS SUNDAY at #WWEClash of Champions, streaming LIVE on @WWENetwork! pic.twitter.com/71V2y1DmUx
— WWE (@WWE) December 13, 2017
The SmackDown Women’s Championship match will have every woman other than Charlotte and Natalya as Lumberjacks, but the leader of The Squad wants to show she’s worthy of taking on the Queen of Flair directly. Of course, the Queen of Harts is on commentary to watch this herself. The bell rings, Charlotte gets Ruby in a waistlock takedown, then up for another. Ruby resists the third but is still thrown back, Charlotte swipes at Sarah Logan and Liv Morgan, Ruby tries to capitalize but Charlotte kicks out and then kicks back. She throws Ruby overhead then kip-ups to fire up while The Squad regroups.
SmackDown goes picture in picture as Charlotte dares Ruby to get back in the ring. The Squad help Ruby up and in, Charlotte is right on her. Charlotte swipes at Sarah again, Ruby makes the best of this opening, STO on Charlotte before raining down right hands. Ruby cools off before dragging Charlotte up and putting her in a corner with buckle bumps. Charlotte blocks the next bump then dodges but Ruby retaliates with Deadly Nightshade. Ruby snapmares Charlotte into a ghost pin, TWO, but right into a modified Rings of Saturn where Ruby uses her legs to hold Charlotte’s arms in place. Ruby puts all her weight on Charlotte’s shoulders, using her arms for leverage. Charlotte rolls in a pin attempt but Ruby slips right into a chinlock. Ruby thrashes Charlotte around, wrenching in deep. The Squad likes what they see as Charlotte is grounded down. Charlotte finds her second wind, though, and she powers Ruby to a corner. She tries to run out but Ruby yanks her down, cover, TWO. Ruby puts that chinlock right back on, wrenching and grinding Charlotte down again. Charlotte gets to her feet, throws Ruby off, then boots Ruby back. Charlotte gives Ruby those Flair chops, but Ruby elbows out of a corner.
SmackDown returns to single picture as Ruby throws Charlotte face first into buckles and then climbs up. Ruby cannonballs only to meet Charlotte’s knees! The Squad is worried now as their leader gets up and takes a backbreaker to buckle shot! Charlotte throws Ruby out for a low boot, then finally connects with Sarah via a forearm. Charlotte then throws Ruby out onto her Squad, then decks Liv with a forearm. Natty gets off commentary to trash talk, but takes a forearm herself!
THIS is what happens when you get in #TheQueen's business! #SDLive @NatByNature @MsCharlotteWWE @RubyRiotWWE pic.twitter.com/lkQTuC5p5Q
— WWE (@WWE) December 13, 2017
Charlotte is wrecking everyone until Natty clotheslines her down. The match ends in disqualification, but The Squad drags Charlotte up and into the ring. They surround the SmackDown Women’s Champion, Charlotte revives to fight them off alone! It doesn’t work since it is 3v1, The Riott Squad throws Charlotte out of the ring and into steel steps! They’re not done, Charlotte goes into barriers. Ruby brings Charlotte around as Sarah and Liv prepare the big steel steps. Naomi to the rescue!
FEEL THE GLOW, #RiottSquad! @NaomiWWE is BACK!!!! #SDLive @MsCharlotteWWE @RubyRiotWWE @YaOnlyLivvOnce @sarahloganwwe pic.twitter.com/m96x6WqxL0
— WWE (@WWE) December 13, 2017
The damage done last week wasn’t enough, and she makes the entire Riott Squad #FeelTheGlow! Naomi throws forearm after forearm into Ruby’s face, then whips her to the ropes for the Rear View! Naomi is fired up, The Riott Squad retreats, only for The Welcoming Committee to attack from behind! The SmackDown Women’s Championship may be a Lumberjack Match, but can the Lumberjacks keep themselves under control at ringside?
SmackDown General Manager, Daniel Bryan, is on the phone.
Bryan assures Shane that he has things under control. Bryan will be on commentary for the main event to make sure any trick Kevin & Sami might pull doesn’t work out. However, Sami & Kevin appear in his office to discuss just that. Will #OccupySmackDown work out after all?
What must @WWEDanielBryan be thinking right now? #SDLive pic.twitter.com/8S1R6kCSn6
— WWE (@WWE) December 13, 2017
Baron Corbin VS Dolph Ziggler!
THIS SUNDAY: #USChampion @BaronCorbinWWE will put his #USTitle on the line against @HEELZiggler AND @REALBobbyRoode at #WWEClash of Champions! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/hTauPdygHi
— WWE (@WWE) December 13, 2017
The Lone Wolf doesn’t feel The Show-Off deserves a spot in the WWE United States Championship match at Clash of Champions, but Ziggler is working to prove him wrong. Likewise, The GLORIOUS Bobby Roode is on commentary to keep an eye on both men ahead of the biggest opportunity in his career. The bell rings, the two circle, COrbin puts Ziggler in a corner. He lets him out, Ziggler shoves him back, Corbin decks Ziggler with a right hand. Ziggler crawls to a corner as Corbin trash talks Roode, but then Ziggler springs back with a dropkick and a splash in the corner. Corbin reverses the neckbreaker but misses wide in the corner, he rams his shoulder into a post. Corbin and Ziggler are both down already, Roode steps away from commentary. Roode shakes off that GLORIOUS robe to slip into the ring, he is returning the favor from Ziggler last week by stalking him, and hitting a GLORIOUS DDT!
Some #GLORIOUS retribution right there… #SDLive @REALBobbyRoode @HEELZiggler @BaronCorbinWWE #WWEClash pic.twitter.com/iitpqFZQY6
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) December 13, 2017
This match ends in disqualification, Corbin revives but ends up in a GLORIOUS DDT as well! Roode vows HE is the next US Champ, and yes, it will be GLORIOUS! Can The Lone Wolf keep his title when he has two hungry opponents coming for him?
Will the @WWEUniverse have a #GLORIOUS new #USChampion at #WWEClash of Champions? #SDLive @REALBobbyRoode @BaronCorbinWWE @HEELZiggler pic.twitter.com/Xw3LYgRUN3
— WWE (@WWE) December 13, 2017
The Fashion Files comes to SmackDown courtesy of Social Media.
The Fashion Police were mourning the loss of their “friends”, The Ascension, but turns out Konnor & Viktor are alive and well. Not only that, they encourage Breezango to continue investigating the case. They believe in their “best friends”. If it gets The Ascension to stop all this, Breezango will do it. Breezango will face the Bludgeon Brothers. They are? Yes, they are. Scared as they are, do they have a chance at Clash of Champions?
IT’S OFFICIAL: #Breezango @WWEFandango and @mmmgorgeous will take on The #BludgeonBrothers THIS SUNDAY on #WWEClash of Champions! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/3zwn8PTHiK
— WWE (@WWE) December 13, 2017
The Bludgeon Brothers VS ???
Be afraid… The #BludgeonBrothers are HERE! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/V1GkbEB4xS
— WWE (@WWE) December 13, 2017
Harper & Rowan have been dominantly undefeated since returning to SmackDown and the Tag Team Division, is there a chance of that changing tonight?
The appropriate reaction for having to face The #BludgeonBrothers on #SDLive: pic.twitter.com/GXdHwUtxT5
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) December 13, 2017
Delaney & Rowe sure don’t seem capable given the dropkick Rowan gives. Tag to Harper, whipped into Rowe and then big clubbing clothesline for Delaney! Rowan drags Rowe up and trophy lifts him into the ring. The Bludgeon Brothers surround the poor man, full-nelson lift into a vicious powerbomb! Tag back to Rowan, they finish Delaney with the double choke slam! The Bludgeon Brothers win again, may they have mercy on Breezango’s souls.
Does destruction await @mmmgorgeous and @WWEFandango this Sunday at #WWEClash of Champions? #SDLive pic.twitter.com/ZbuadrARy4
— WWE (@WWE) December 13, 2017
Sami & Kevin prepare to #OccupySmackDown, they head to the ring!
.@SamiZayn and @FightOwensFight stand UNITED in the ring as they prepare to #OccupySmackDown! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/4WhhuDzJDA
— WWE (@WWE) December 13, 2017
The #YEPMovement begins tonight in Cincinnati! Can Kevin feel the energy in this building? Yep. The WWE Universe finally stands side-by-side with Sami & Kevin, and against Shane McMahon, united in the name of change. Yep! Kevin & Sami know management took a “step too far”, and show the footage from last week’s SmackDown to expalin how. Orton won the match, but then he and Nakamura would beat down Sami & Kevin to then officially become a team for Clash of Champions. Stephanie and Vince McMahon are nothing compared to Shane. Shane handcuffed Kevin “like a common criminal”, and then named himself the special guest referee for the tag team match. Then, Shane made it so that if Sami & Kevin lose the match, they’re fired from the WWE. Shane is “a madman on a rage bender”, “trying to humiliate” Kevin & Sami when he couldn’t defend the McMahon family honor. Sami & Kevin will show this business is bigger than Shane’s grudge, let’s #OccupySmackDown! Come on out! No one comes out… But then SmackDown GM, Daniel Bryan, does! Is the #YESMovement joining the #YEPMovement?
Wait a minute…
Is #SDLive General Manager @WWEDanielBryan joining the YEP! Movement?!? #OccupySmackDown @SamiZayn @FightOwensFight pic.twitter.com/i8UAhoEsr1
— WWE (@WWE) December 13, 2017
Bryan heads to the ring, that’s a good sign. The inspiration for the #YEPMovement himself is here, he is the one man “who truly does occupy SmackDown”! What are they doing? What does Bryan mean? He knows, right? The #YESMovement did #OccupyRaw, so as a tribute, the #YEPMovement will #OccupySmackdown. These three have been treated all the same! You two are nothing like Bryan. This alone proves it. Bryan’s movement was not about himself, but about the fans. The fans agree with “YES! YES! YES!” as Bryan explains his movement was about what the fans want and deserve. Sami says that’s close, but it’s about what Sami & Kevin want and deserve. Bryan drank Shane’s Kool-Aid, but he can tell why Shane wants to be special guest referee. Shane wants to screw Kevin & Sami over, to take their jobs after they scratched and clawed in the indies. Bryan has an agreement with Shane that they each have the other’s back. Sami & Kevin are talented, yes, so Bryan will make sure their tag team match at Clash of Champions is fair. If they still lose, there will be no excuses. Shane may not agree, but he should still have Bryan’s back. Bryan appoints a second guest referee, and that person will be… Daniel Bryan!
YEP! At #WWEClash of Champions, @WWEDanielBryan will be the second Special Guest Referee for @FightOwensFight and @SamiZayn vs. @ShinsukeN and @RandyOrton! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/UYyNJlLt5o
— WWE (@WWE) December 13, 2017
Kevin & Sami are glad to hear that! But is the SmackDown GM right about the SmackDown commissioner supporting this decision?
YES! YES! YES! @FightOwensFight and @SamiZayn seem to be taking @WWEDanielBryan's #WWEClash announcement VERY well! #SDLive #OccupySmackDown pic.twitter.com/IlKHtNAu99
— WWE (@WWE) December 13, 2017
The Usos VS Rusev & Aiden English!
Which team will walk out of #WWEClash this Sunday with the #SDLive #TagTeamTitles? #Fatal4Way @WWEUsos @RusevBUL @WWEDramaKing @XavierWoodsPhD @WWEBigE @TrueKofi @WWEGable @Sheltyb803 pic.twitter.com/ISbJ9VC6VK
— WWE (@WWE) December 13, 2017
The SmackDown Tag Team Champions will be defending their titles in a Fatal 4 Way at Clash of Champions, but for tonight, they are going to test “Team Rusev Day” in a standard 2v2. Who will gain the last bit of momentum before the tag team titles are on the line? The New Day is on commentary, with plenty of pancakes! The Drama King starts by singing the praises of Rusev Day~! “On the Eighth Day of Rusev, my partner gave to me~… Eight Aiden Songs, Seven Boards a breaking, Six Machka Kicks, FIVE~ ” The Usos point out it isn’t Christmas yet, but English wouldn’t get gifts anyway. What kind of presents would Santa even give English? Singing lessons? A toupee? A new tag team partner? A nice tan? Clash of Champions isn’t about New Day or Rusev Day, but about DAY ONE!
"Come #WWEClash of Champions, it won't be about #TheNewDay, it won't be about #RusevDay… it'll only be about that #DayOneIsh! – @WWEUsos #SDLive @RusevBUL @WWEDramaKing @TrueKofi @XavierWoodsPhD @WWEBigE pic.twitter.com/Rnk8mMEwGI
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) December 13, 2017
However, Benjamin & Gable appear to remind everyone they’re part of the match, too. Rusev Day, New Day, Day One, days are for the week, and they are weak. The day that matters is Sunday, that’s game day. Sunday is when Benjamin & Gable get those belts, that’s collection day. And King Kong ain’t got ISH on them, that’s Training Day. Gable & Benjamin will train these dogs to roll over and fetch those titles for them, Chad Gable & Shelt’n Benjamin!
This match begins picture-in-picture, and starts with Rusev and Jey Uso. The two circle, Rusev kicks low but then Jey responds with uppercuts and chops. Jey runs, Rusev clobbers him at the ropes. Rusev is fired up as he rips off Jey’s shirt and throws body shots. English tags in as Rusev stomps, English continues the stomps in his place. Jey is choked against the ropes, the referee backs English off. English puts Jey in a corner, Jey hits English back, Engilsh gives Jey a DRAMA Kick to the back before clubbing away with forearms. The referee backs English off, English brings Jey over to tag Rusev. Rusev Day isolates Jey, and shouts down the chants for the Usos.
SmackDown returns to single picture as Rusev drags Jey to his feet for the Bulgarian Bearhug. Benjamin and Gable watch and talk strategy while the New Day serves pancakes to everyone but Corey Graves. Jey endures the squeeze, Rusev adds on, Graves brings things back to play by play as Rusev embraces the heat. Rusev swings on Jimmy, misses, Jey revives to hit a dragon whip! Jey and Rusev are down, heading to their corners, hot tags to English and Jimmy. Jimmy rallies, pops and locks on the uppercut, Samoan Drop! Jimmy is fired up, The New Day is fired up with him, corner to corner but a boot stops Jimmy. English flies, into a SUPERKICK! Rusev breaks the pin to save his partner. Jey throws Rusev out then DIVES into a fist! Rusev is dropkick’d to ropes, ENglish goes after Jimmy, MACHKA Kick from Rusev and then English with the DDT, Rusev Day wins! Rusev Day is on a roll, will they win out to have their day at Clash of Champions?
#TFW It's #RusevDay.#SDLive #WWEClash @RusevBUL @WWEDramaKing pic.twitter.com/ULhJjct1tZ
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) December 13, 2017
Make that a "W" for @WWEDramaKing and @RusevBUL!
Will it be #RusevDay at #WWEClash of Champions? Tensions are higher than ever…#SDLive @XavierWoodsPhD @TrueKofi @WWEBigE @WWEUsos @WWEGable @Sheltyb803 pic.twitter.com/FGiJlynuRu
— WWE (@WWE) December 13, 2017
Backstage interview with AJ Styles.
Styles saw through the Singh Brothers’ plans, Styles won’t be fooled by anyone. However, Mahal attacks Styles this time! Mahal clobbers Styles an extra time before reminding Styles that “you will not be beating the odds.” Can Styles recover in time to overcome?
Shinsuke Nakamura w/ Randy Orton VS Kevin Owens w/ Sami Zayn!
Four competitors. Two referees. Two careers at stake.#SDLive #WWEClash @RandyOrton @ShinsukeN @WWEDanielBryan @shanemcmahon @FightOwensFight @SamiZayn pic.twitter.com/087rg8Qtzn
— WWE (@WWE) December 13, 2017
Artistry. #SDLive #WWEClash @ShinsukeN pic.twitter.com/mFtENCjqAh
— WWE (@WWE) December 13, 2017
The King of Strong Style and The Viper are two of SmackDown’s best, if not the entire WWE’s, and are willing to team up together if it means kicking Sami & Kevin out of this company. But first, an in-ring interview. Do they anticipate any conflicting motives for why both SmackDown Commissioner and SmackDown GM want to be guest referees?
"This Sunday, my partner and I will do EVERYBODY a favor when we make sure those two idiots lose their jobs!" @RandyOrton is all confidence ahead of #WWEClash. #SDLive @ShinsukeN @FightOwensFight @SamiZayn pic.twitter.com/lHu3xkenax
— WWE (@WWE) December 13, 2017
Orton can’t speak for the two of them, but he can speak for his own. Orton dislikes Sami & Kevin, so he and Nakamura are doing everyone a favor by making sure “those two idiots lose their jobs”. Does Nakamura agree? “Yep.”
Daniel Bryan joins commentary as promised, and promises that he and Shane will work out how a two-referee match this Sunday will work.
Well, look who's on commentary for this match… #SDLive @WWEDanielBryan @FightOwensFight @ShinsukeN @RandyOrton @SamiZayn #WWEClash pic.twitter.com/nndJ8ptGx2
— WWE (@WWE) December 13, 2017
Hey @SamiZayn, who's your best friend again? #SDLive @FightOwensFight pic.twitter.com/qa0xFDplUm
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) December 13, 2017
The match scheduled tonight finally begins, fans fire up, and the two circle. Kevin kicks low and stomps on Nakamura, Sami hyped up for his best friend. Kevin keeps Nakamura down, then puts on a headlock. Sami cheers Kevin on as Kevin trash talks Orton, Nakamura gets to his feet but can’t power out. Fans cheer Nakamura on, he feeds off the energy to pry his way out of the hold, but Kevin throws in a knee and more stomps. “That’s why I’m the man!” Kevin brings Nakamura up for a chop, Nakamura fires a forearm in return, Kevin gives back forearms of his own. He then whips Nakamura, Nakamura holds ropes to then kick Kevin back. Nakamura whips Kevin, Kevin holds ropes to get out of the ring. Sami regroups with Kevni, Nakamura comes out but is put into the apron edge by Kevin. The referee reprimands Kevin before Kevin puts Nakamura in the ring and flattens him with a back senton! TWO, and Kevin puts a chinlock right on. Sami taunts Orton from across the way, Kevin grinds Nakamura to the mat. Fans rally, Bryan insists he is not biased, Nakamura gets up and fights out of the hold. Nakamura is thrown down by his hair, Kevin stomps and clubs him down, cover, TWO. Kevin keeps stomping, but also keeps an eye on Orton. He puts Nakamura in a corner, chips him and gives a European Uppercut. Corner to corner whip reversed, Nakamuar gives Keivn a big knee. Nakamura fires forearms and hoists Kevin up, Top Shelf Knee evaded. Hotshot from Kevin, Kevin drags Nakamura out to throw into barriers. Kevin in control as we go to break.
SmackDown returns as Nakamura fights out of another chinlock but Kevin clubs him down again. Nakamura fights back, snampare and knee drop! Kevin crawls to a corner, Nakamura goes corner to corner but Kevin boots him away. Kevin reels Nakamura in for a lariat, cover, TWO, which frustrates Kevin. He rains down rights, then more stomps before trash talking Orton again. Kevin kicks Nakamura, goes for another back senton but meets Nakamura’s knees. Nakamura and Kevin slowly stir, fans are rallying for the Rockstar. He brings Nakamura up, Nakamura and Kevin brawl with heavy forearm shots. Kevin whips, Nakamura ducks, dynamic dropkick! Sami is getting worried as Nakamura and Kevin stand back up. Nakamura dodges to unleash a strike fest, gordbuster!
FACE FIRST into the canvas goes @FightOwensFight! #SDLive @ShinsukeN pic.twitter.com/tUugfercBR
— WWE (@WWE) December 13, 2017
Nakamura kicks away at Kevin’s chest, Kevin blocks one, Nakamura gives him an enziguri. Both men get to opposite corners again, Nakamura runs in for a big knee strike, and even more knees. Good Vibrations!
YeahOh! @ShinsukeN is definitely FEELING THE VIBE right now! #SDLive #WWEClash @FightOwensFight pic.twitter.com/oUKPt9Btyn
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) December 13, 2017
The referee backs Nakamura off, but Nakamura gives more knees. Nakamura hoists Kevin up, Top Shelf Knee connects, cover, TWO! There’s no stop, Nakamura drags Kevin up and puts him on the top rope again. He stuns Kevin with more forearms, then climbs up to join Kevin, but Kevin fights back. Kevin headbutts Nakamura down, adjusts, Swanton Bomb into knees! Kevin blocks the reverse exploder, Nakamura dodges to send that forearm into the referee! The referee goes down, Bryan gets up! Bryan puts on the referee’s shirt while Kevin and Nakamura standing-switch back and forth! Kevin snapmares Nakamura off, throws him to ropes, Pop-Up avoid, wheel kick knocks him down! Nakamura covers, Bryan hurries into the ring to count, TWO!
.@WWEDanielBryan getting in some referee practice before this Sunday… #SDLive #WWEClash @ShinsukeN @FightOwensFight pic.twitter.com/7r2FvGtiJr
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) December 13, 2017
Everyone is shocked by this, Sami is furious enough to get in and argue. Orton clobbers Sami! Sami is thrown out, but then pokes Orton in the eye before putting him into a post. Nakamura fires up, takes aim, but Sami distracts. Sami gets thrown back out, Pop-Up Powerbomb from Kevin! Bryan counts, Kevin wins! Does this prove that Bryan is on the side of Sami & Kevin?
Stage interview with Kevin & Sami.
This might be their last night on SmackDown, what do they have to say to the WWE Universe? “Nobody, not Shane McMahon, not Shinsuke Nakamura, and not Randy Orton, will take this away from us!” Because they are the best not just on SmackDown but in the entire WWE! “YEP! YEP!” Will this new movement survive Clash of Champions?
"The bottom line is, we are the absolute BEST, not just on #SDLive, but in the entire @WWE! YEP! YEP! YEP! YEP! YEP!" – @FightOwensFight #WWEClash @SamiZayn @WWEDanielBryan @RandyOrton @ShinsukeN pic.twitter.com/s2fFx2fjlL
— WWE (@WWE) December 13, 2017
.@FightOwensFight PINS @ShinsukeN on #SDLive! Will @FightOwensFight and @SamiZayn be victorious at #WWEClash of Champions? @ShinsukeN @WWEDanielBryan @RandyOrton pic.twitter.com/2mTVaeI9jY
— WWE (@WWE) December 13, 2017
My Thoughts:
As far as a go-home SmackDown goes, this was a bit of a middle ground between the worst and the best go-homes of SmackDown 2017. It did well in hitting all the relevant stories, but it still felt a bit haphazard in execution. SmackDown’s Women’s Division was advertised to have a Six Woman Tag but that got scrapped for a singles match. Ruby VS Charlotte was still a solid match, though obviously a lot of the events were influenced by Sarah, Liv and even Natalya ringside. With the SmackDown Women’s Division ringside, I would hope that no matter who wins, Carmella finally attempts to cash in her Ms. Money in the Bank contract to take advantage of the chaos and become the new champion. The SmackDown Tag Team Division is at least being booked strongly since the fourth team to join the Tag Title match, Rusev Day, is racking up big wins this close to the match. The titles will also be contested in a unique form of the Fatal 4 Way tag, any one of those teams could win the SmackDown tag titles that way.
I am disappointed that SmackDown doesn’t think to let Bobby Roode wear a great suit to ringside. If Roode wears his robes everywhere, that makes it less important for when he wears them out for his matches. That aside, Roode copying Ziggler from last week doesn’t really build towards the US Championship Triple Threat, hopefully SmackDown fixes the problems they’re having with Roode after Clash of Champions. However, SmackDown was very clever to then have Styles see through the Singh Brothers’ facade, but then still have Mahal get the upper-hand later to keep the math on 50-50 booking muddy. I would hope Styles still wins, forcing Mahal to actually drop the Singh Brothers as his henchmen and try things on his own. I loved the YEP Movement and the #OccupySmackDown protest Sami & Kevin were trying to start, because as they said, it is a very clever homage to what Daniel Bryan did in his battle against The Authority. Bryan naming himself guest referee #2 was a surprise, but this almost guarantees a Heel Turn for someone, SmackDown would be smart to make it Shane because of how over Bryan still is. The match tonight was only okay, but made great because of Bryan going at it on commentary with Byron Saxton, and then getting involved as the substitute referee, and him counting the win for Kevin might be signs of things to come.
My Score: 8/10
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Dynamite brings out the gold!
AEW Dynamite lands in Colorado Springs, and Kris Statlander defends her TBS Championship against Anna Jay A.S! Will Kris still be the Galaxy’s Greatest?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- AEW International Championship: Orange Cassidy VS Swerve Strickland; wins and
- Texas Tornado Tag: #JungleHook VS La Faccion Ingobernable; wins.
- Six Man Tag: Blackpool Combat Club VS Chaos; wins.
- Ricky Starks VS Jay White; wins.
- AEW TBS Championship: Kris Statlander VS Anna Jay A.S; wins and
PLAY BY PLAY
[Due to scheduling conflicts, coverage of AEW Dynamite will begin later tonight]
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Only one can be The Center of the Universe!
To earn a shot at Tiffany Stratton’s NXT Women’s Championship, the Women’s Division fights in a battle royal! Who wins a golden ticket to Tiffy Time?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Mixed Six Tag Match: Diamond Mine VS The Schism; The Schism wins.
- Blair Davenport VS Dani Palmer; Blair wins.
- Baron Corbin VS Trick Williams; Corbin wins.
- Mustafa Ali VS Joe Gacy; Ali wins.
- Eddy Thorpe VS Damon Kemp; Thorpe wins.
- Dabba-Kato VS SCRYPTS; Dabba wins.
- NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Battle Royal: Thea Hail wins and will challenge Tiffany Stratton for the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Baron Corbin arrives backstage.
The Lone Wolf stares down Tyler Bate and Eddy Thorpe, chuckles at a poster of Carmelo Hayes, then stares down Hank Walker, Tank Ledger and some of the prospects. He tells staff to hit his music and they do as told. Corbin scoffs at the rest of the posters while he makes his entrance. Fans boo as Corbin makes his way to the ring, because we all remember him going after Melo after Melo retained the title against Noam Dar. Corbin gets the mic to say, “Y’know, I never thought I’d walk back through these doors. When I got the call, I cleaned out my locker and never looked back.
“Over the next eight YEARS, I ascended to the top of Raw and SmackDown. While I was main-eventing PPVs, NXT superstars continued to get called up to the main roster. When they got there, they were full of talent and hunger. And then something changed. I wonder what it was. Now, they come up full of ego and attitude. Hell, some of ’em sit in the locker room, twiddle their thumbs on their cellphone, acting like they got nowhere better to be. They act like we should thank them for coming up to Raw and SmackDown.
“Then I walk in through these doors. I hear superstars in the back talking about their legacy, talking about how they’re the next ones to be called up. Or, they’re complaining that they haven’t been called up yet, and it’s starting to make me sick! They walk through these doors to a championship team. They have guaranteed contracts, and they’re living in a house that I built! Me and all the other OGs started in FCW, and we took this train all the way to sell out Barclays Arena, with 16,500 people! Don’t clap for that now, you’ve never done it before, get off my bandwagon.
“I come through those doors tonight, and there’s superstars can’t even look me in the eye. They don’t show me the respect that I deserve. Now I had no control over that last Draft that came up. But you can make damn sure I got control of the next, because I’m gonna make every one of those superstars regret ever signing a WWE contract! Every single one of ’em is soft, every single one of ’em is weak, and they’re sure as hell not as good as they think they are. That all lies on the champion, the NXT Champion, Carmelo Hayes. Melo walks around here like his stuff doesn’t stink. Yeah, there you go. Cheer for him. Cheer for him!
“Cuz ol’ Melo got a taste of main roster reality when I laid him out, put him down, I took his title and I stood over his body, and I held it over my head.” Wait, ILJA DRAGUNOV is here! The Czar tells Baron, “Would you please, um, give me the chance to introduce myself. My name is Ilja Dragunov.” Fans cheer and Corbin says he knows who Ilja is, but what does he want? Ilja isn’t sure about the people Corbin saw in the hall, but Ilja is here to look him in the eyes to say, he’s NOT soft and he is NOT weak. He is the most animalistic, intense man in NXT! He’s beaten everyone put in front of him, and after Battleground, he is the first man in line to face Melo for the title.
Oh, here we go. There’s the NXT arrogance. Corbin has competed in SIX WrestleMania matches, he retired THE Kurt Angle, and he is the last man to pin Roman Reigns. Fans chant “BUM ASS CORBIN!” Ilja gets it, Corbin is targeting Melo to make some kind of point. But Ilja is targeting Melo for the title. And Ilja really doesn’t care how many Manias Corbin’s been to. If Ilja must ravage Corbin with pain to get what he wants, then so be it. Corbin tells the “kid” that there is a big difference between what he wants and what he’s gonna get. Corbin jumps the line cuz he says so, cuz he’s the biggest star in the building.
Ilja says Corbin is making assumptions, but Ilja makes challenges. So why not show everyone how much of a star you are, against Ilja tonight?! Fans love the sound of that! Corbin asks Ilja really wants “a piece of this” after Battleground. Well, there’s nothing Corbin can bring as hard as Dijak did at Battleground. Ilja shows off the NASTY bruise on his hip! Corbin says that’s cute. That’s one bruise. When Corbin’s done with him, Ilja will be covered in ’em. Ilja welcomes the challenge. Fans fire up, will the Lone Wolf be sent back to the main roster with his tail between his legs?
But wait! Trick shows up to start throwing hands! Fans fire up as Trick is after Corbin, Corbin shoves him back, but Trick clotheslines Corbin out! Fans fire up as the refs back Corbin off. Will Trick get payback on Corbin for that sneak attack on Melo?
Thea Hail finishes training.
She hobbles and says she can barely feel her legs anymore. Duke Hudson finds her but Charlie Dempsey says not bad. He better see her again tomorrow. Oh he’ll see her again! And he’ll see improvement! You bring your A Game! Wait, Duke is confused, what’s going on? Dempsey & Gulak are teaching her how to crunch people! It’s firing her up! Really? Yeah, she’s got all these great grappling holds now! Wanna see? She grabs Duke’s arm in a wristlock! OW! Sorry! But it works, right? Duke says she doesn’t even like those guys! Yeah, but you just gotta give it back to ’em, y’know? Thea shouts, “I’ma kick you in the ass, professor!”
See? They love it! Well, okay, as long as she’s learning. But you can’t just “crunch” someone over the top rope. It’s a battle royal tonight! Yeah, but she can still throw people over. He believes in her, right? Y-yeah… Then let’s go! Thea is fired up, will she crunch and toss everyone else in the ring to get that golden ticket?
Bron Breakker attacks Ilja Dragunov backstage!
The Big Bad Booty Nephew tells The Czar to keep “thinking” he’s the most intense guy in NXT. If Ilja likes pain, how’s that feel? The refs back Bron off, will Dragunov have to go after him and Corbin before going after Melo?
Mixed Six Tag Match: Diamond Mine VS The Schism!
Ivy Nile has had it with Ava Raine, and by extension, the Creed Brothers and the Dyad have gotten at each other. Now things will be settled as all six get in the ring! Will Diamond Mine crush Ava, Rip Fowler & Jagger Reed under the pressure? Or will the roots of Schism’s tree only grow and spread?
NXT returns as Diamond Mine make their entrance. The teams sort out and and Julius starts against Rip. They circle, tie up, and Julius wrenches an arm. Rip whips Julius away, things speed up, and Julius drops to fireman’s carry takeover into an armlock! Rip fights free but Julius just grabs the other arm. Rip fights to his feet, CHOPS, but Julius wrenches the arm. Rip CHOPS, Julius wrenches, but then Rip pulls an ear! Tag to Jagger, the Dyad mugs Julius, and Jagger ROCKS Julius with forearms. Jagger swings again, but Julius gets around to waistlock and SLAM! Jagger fights up, but Julius SLAMS him again!
Julius keeps hold of Jagger to SLAM him again, and KNEE him in the side! Tag to Brutus, and the Creeds pinball Jagger between knees! Brutus drags Jagger up, ROCKS him, and then clamps onto another arm. Tag to Julius, they mug Jagger, but Jagger ELBOWS him away! And then DECKS him! Jagger facelocks, but Julius deadlifts from the floor! Julius stands back up, walks over, and tags in Brutus. Brutus takes the handoff, fans fire up as Brutus keeps Jagger up! Brutus tags Julius back in, takes the handoff back, and then marches around before the SLAM! And then he kips up! Fans fire up, Julius whips but Jagger reverses
Jagger runs in, MONKEY FLIPS, but Julius lands through it! And he DROPKICKS Jagger! Julius whips Jagger, Jagger reverses and CLOBBERS Julius! And Ava tags in! Ava SLAPS Julius! Ivy steps in to calm Julius down, but then Ava tags out to Rip. The Schism trolls Ivy but Julius storms up to shoot in and waistlock, for a SLAM! And then he KNEES Rip in the side! Julius headlocks, Rip powers out but Julius goes up and over and keeps moving. Brutus tags in,. Julius ducks ‘n’ dodges, Brutus AX HANDLES Rip! And then shoots around, but Rips witches. TERMAN SUPLEX, but Brutus lands on his feet!
Brutus trophy lifts Rip, to DROP him, and STANDING MOONSAULT! Fans fire up with Brutus and Julius tags back in. Brutus cross-arm SLAMS Julius onto Rip! And Then Ivy snap suplexes Brutus onto Rip! And then Julius gives Ivy a boost for a SENTON! Fans are thunderous for the Diamond Mine’s combinations, and Ivy calls out Ava! Fans want to see that, too, but NXT goes to break.
NXT returns and Rip has Brutus down in a chinlock. Brutus endures, fights up, and fans rally. Brutus pries the hold open, but Rip knees low. Rip ROCKS Brutus, but Brutus ROCKS Rip! And Jagger! And Rip again! Brutus staggers along ropes, but he ELBOWS Rip away. Jagger distracts, Rip shoves Brutus into the ropes! Brutus sputters off that low hotshot, and then Ava sucker punches Ivy! Rip BLASTS Julius, too! Fans boo but Rip tags Jagger. The Dyad whip Brutus into the corner hard, then hit an ASSISTED SLICED BREAD! Cover, TWO!! Brutus survives and The Dyad is frustrated.
Jagger tags Rip back in, the Dyad stomp away on Brutus! Fans boo but The Dyad drag Brutus up. Rip fishhooks Brutus’ face, lets off as the ref counts, and fans rally up. Rip drags Brutus up, suplexes, but Brutus blocks! Brutus suplexes Rip up and over instead! Rip tags Jagger in, Jagger keeps Brutus from the corner with a SLEEPER! Brutus endures, reaches out, marches forward, and fans rally behind him. Hot tag to Julius! Julius CLOBBERS Jagger, OVERHEAD Belly2Belly for Rip! Then an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly for Jagger! And a kip up! And then an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly for Rip! Kip up, and another OVERHEAD for Jagger!
Julius just keeps going, but The Dyad go after him together! SO they get a DOUBLE OVERHEAD SUPELX! Fans are thunderous with Julius, and he runs up the corner, to DOUBLE QUEBRADA! Julius scoops Jagger but Rip makes the save. Julius kicks Rip but Rip RAMS him into the corner! Jagger hits GRIT YOUR TEETH! But Brutus runs in, BRUTUS BALL! Down goes Rip! Jagger ENZIGURIS Brutus, runs, but Julius LARIATS Jagger! Fans fire up, but Jagger SUPERKICKS back! All four men are down and the fans fire up! Ivy grins as she stares Ava down. Julius crawls, hot tag to the Diamond Pitbull!
Fans fire up and even Ava smiles. The two circle, tie up, and they start throwing forearms! Ivy dodges a lariat, KCIKS and KICKS and ROUNDHOUSES! Fans fire up as Ivy runs, and DROPKICKS! Then she runs, but Ava SCORPION KICKS! Ava scoops but Ivy slips out, DIAMOND DRAGON!! But Jagger gets Ivy! So Ivy gets HIM in the DIAMOND DRAGON!! Fans fire up but the ref says Ivy has to let off, it’s only men against men and women against women! But Ava HEADBUTTS Ivy while wearing her plastic mask!! The ref missed that dealing with Jagger! Cover, Schism wins!
Winners: The Schism, by pinfall
Ava snatches victory away from the jaws of the Diamond Pitbull, the Schism gets a big win here tonight. Will we see their roots soon bear golden fruit?
Stacks visits Tony D’Angelo in prison.
Tony’s in the orange jumpsuit as he sits down to talk with Stacks. How’s he been? Good. But guess what? Knuckles is in here! The guy who- SHH! Oh, right. But yeah, Giorgio the Whale gets Tony his paper, and the guards even pitched in so Tony could have a subscription to The Peacock so he can watch the show the next day. That’s great! It’s almost like being in a hotel. Almost. But did Stacks get any more info on this rat? Stacks says he’s put in some calls. Miss Kim Cashstashian will get them off. Whoa, gotta reword that, Stacks.
But anyhow, Tony isn’t sure how he feels with his life in the hands of Cashstashian. Tony might as well play the lottery. Stacks’ gut says it’s Gallus, they didn’t wanna face Tony & Stacks at Battleground. But they’ve got a lot of enemies. This could be Legado, or, or- Is Stacks hearing himself? He’s on a wild goose chase! You’re going around the world to go next door. Trust your gut! It’s Gallus! Get those guys for all they’re worth! Tony swears on his mother’s eyes- Oh, don’t make a threat on the phone… But okay, listen. What Joe Coffey did last week, forget about it. But 3v1 ain’t cutting it.
Then what’s Stacks to do? Visitation time is almost up, so Tony tells Stacks that he’s the Underboss, he can figure it out. Tony leaves, and it is all in Stacks’ hands now.
Robert Stone & Von Wagner go to therapy.
They’re impatiently waiting in the lobby, and Stone tells Von that he hopes this all works out. They have had quite the week trying to find the right fit. Montage: one guy skips the breathing exercise to get to the anger issue. Von says he has no anger issue. But anger management is nothing to be ashamed of. Learning to control it can actually help him. Von tells this guy to GFY. Stone apologizes and pays in cash. Von says that guy was a jackass! Oh and the other guy? Von had that guy up against a wall! Stone again paid for that in cash. Von is on the verge of a breakthrough, so long as he gives things a chance.
One guy comes out crying. Von sighs. He doesn’t wanna do this now. Oh, c’mon, Von! NO! Didn’t you see that guy crying? Von is not a crier! What do you think Von’s dad would think seeing this? Von is NOT walking through this door. But then the therapist walks out. A very lovely lady therapist… Well, maybe Von can give this a shot. But alone. Von winks before the door closes. Is therapy going to be the solution after all?
Blair Davenport VS Dani Palmer!
Who was the assailant of the NXT Women’s Division? It was BLAIR, Dani! It was Blair all along! And now that she’s back, will she tear through what’s left of the roster to get at the title? Or can Dani avenge Sol Ruca, Nikkita Lyons and everyone else Blair terrorized?
The bell rings and Dani rushes in! They tie up, go around, and Blair puts Dani on ropes. The ref counts, Dani turns nit around but Blair turns it back around. Blair lets off at 4, to SLAP Dani! Dani SLAPS Blair! Blair kicks low, whips her to a corner, but Dani goes up and over and handsprings away. Blair chases, but runs into headscissors! Blair blocks to SLAM Dani down, then BOOT her out of the ring! Blair goes out after Dani, puts her in the ring, then CLOBBERS her! Fans rally for Dani but Blair drags Dani up to whip. Blair KNEES low, gut wrenches and GUTBUSTERS! Then she throws Dani into ropes!
Fans rally for Dani as she sputters, but Blair clamps on with a waistlock. Blair SLAMS Dani, holds onto the waistlock, and squeezes with a rear bearhug. Fans rally as Dani fights up, and she fights free with elbows! Dani switches, rolls up, TWO! Blair kicks Dani low! Fans boo but Blair whips Dani to kitchen sink knee! Blair soaks up the heat, she KNEES Dani in the side, then stalks her around the way. Blair kicks Dani around, KICKS her in the side, but Dani grits her teeth. Dani blocks the next kick, but Blair ROCKS her with a forearm! Dani hits back, kicks low, and UPPERCUTS! And CHOPS! And DOUBLE KNEES! Cover, TWO!
Dani goes to a corner and climbs up. Blair grabs Dani’s hair to TOSS her to the mat! Blair then sits Dani up, has the wrists, KAMI-GOYE! And then, FALCON ARROW! Cover, Blair wins!
Winner: Blair Davenport, by pinfall
Blair satiates her appetite for violence, and says she has just put the entire roster on notice! Will even Tiffany Stratton have to beware the heir?
Dana Brooke arrives?!
Another callback to NXT is here, and she wants in on the battle royal. There’s a lot of buzz in NXT now, so Dana will make her own opportunities when she is the last woman standing! Will the Flex Appeal grab that golden ticket for herself?
Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.
McKenzie Mitchell says the battle royal was Tiffany’s idea, but now Dana Brooke is here and wants in on the match. Tiffany stops McKenzie there. Tiffany would say she’s shocked, but she’s not. Of course Dana wants a shot at Tiffany’s title. Come one, come all. Sometimes the title makes the superstar, but in this case, Tiffany has made this title the most desirable belt in all of the WWE. And every single woman in that battle royal is envious of what Tiffany has. Are you kidding me? NO ONE was happy Tiffany won. But Tiffany has no problem proving she’s in a class of her own. So who does she think wins tonight?
“TBH, Lyra is the only one I can see pulling it off. I mean, she pushed me at Battleground. Like, damn, gurl, you were almost at the Tiffy Top. But it won’t matter, because the result will stay the same on the other side: And still NXT Women’s Champion, Tiffany Stratton! I just love the sound of that. Tootles.”
Baron Corbin VS Trick Williams!
The Lone Wolf is looking down on the new generation of NXT, and Trick Willie isn’t gonna stand for it! Will Trick represent for Trick Melo Gang? Or will Corbin bring about the End of Days for this new “arrogant” era?
The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally up, the two tie up but Corbin knees low. Corbin CLUBS Trick, stalks him to ropes, and puts him in a corner. Corbin throws body shots and CLUBS Trick again, to then whip corner to corner. Trick hits buckles hard, and then Corbin CLOBBERS Trick! Fans boo but Corbin stands Trick up to throw hands. Corbin CHOKES Trick on the ropes, lets off at 4, and argues with the ref. Trick drags himself up, but Corbin shoves him into ropes to CLUB him in the back! Corbin taunts Trick, stomps him, and then swings, but Trick counter punches! Trick fires off fist after fist, but Corbin knees low again!
Corbin CLUBS Trick, but fans taunt “BUM ASS CORBIN!” Corbin puts Trick in a corner, whips him corner to corner, and runs in to SPLASH! Trick sputters but Corbin stands him up. Corbin talks trash on Trick, but Trick ROCKS him with forearms! Fans fire up and Trick runs, but Corbin CLOBBERS Trick again! Corbin looms over Trick and he taunts the fans. Fans boo, Corbin whips Trick corner to corner again, then runs in, but Trick dodges! Trick fires off fast hands! The ref counts, Trick stomps away, but Trick lets off, and dodges Corbin to DROPKICK him! Corbin staggers, into a POP-UP HAYMAKER!
Corbin falls out of the ring and Trick dares him to come back for more as NXT goes picture in picture.
Trick storms out after Corbin, drags him up, and RAMS him into barriers. Trick stalks Corbin around the way, CHOPS him against barriers, and then brings him up. Trick RAMS Corbin into barriers, the fans rally up, and Trick CHOPS Corbin again! Trick refreshes the ring count, puts Corbin back in, but Corbin kicks the ropes! The ropes get Trick low, and Corbin fires off fast hands! The ref counts, Corbin lets off and he has Trick in a corner. Corbin reels Trick in for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Corbin scowls as he looms over Trick. Corbin clamps on a half nelson and chinbar, and he thrashes Trick around.
Trick endures, fans rally up, and Trick fights up to throw body shots. Corbin shoves Trick away, Trick ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Corbin! Cover, TWO! Trick fires off on Corbin at the ropes, drags him up, brings him in and suplexes! Corbin writhes, Trick pushes him down, and Trick rains down forearms! Then Trick covers, TWO! Trick clamps on with a headlock and he grinds Corbin down. Corbin fights up, and hits another BIG back suplex! Fans rally while both men are down, and Corbin crawls over to Trick. Corbin hammers away with elbows! Corbin hears the fans rallying, and he clamps onto Trick with the chinbar half nelson.
Trick endures as Corbin leans on the hold. Trick fights up, but Corbin wrangles him back down! Corbin thrashes Trick as NXT returns to single picture. Fans rally for Trick and Trick fights up again. Trick arm-drags free, runs in and ROCKS Corbin! Corbin flops to the apron, Trick BLASTS him off it! Trick goes out to SMACK Corbin off the desk! Corbin wobbles and flops over, Trick runs in, but Corbin moves! Trick knees only the desk! Corbin has his opening, he punches away on the knee! The ref has the ring count climbing as Corbin pulls on the arm. Corbin lets off, refreshes the count, and he drags Trick up.
Corbin RAMS Trick into the steel steps, making sure those knees hit hard! Trick writhes and clutches the leg while fans boo and gives Corbin thumbs down. Corbin puts Trick in the ring, and he stomps away on the bad leg! Fans chant “CORBIN SUCKS!” but Corbin stands Trick up to whip and SPINEBUSTER! Corbin has the leg for a HALF CRAB! Trick endures, fans rally, and Trick reaches out! Trick gets the ROPEBREAK! Corbin lets go fast, Trick kicks him with the good leg! But Corbin grabs that leg, so Trick EDDY GORDO KICKS! Fans rally, Trick and Corbin rise, and Corbin storms over.
Trick fires body shots and counter punches! Trick has Corbin in a corner and he fires off! Corbin shoves Trick, Trick comes back to DROPKICK! And then wrench and JUMP KNEE! Trick runs to FLYING SHOULDER TACKLE! Fans fire up with Trick and he runs in again, SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Corbin survives but Trick stalks him to ropes. Corbin elbows low, choke grips, and CHOKE- NO, Trick fights out, EDDY GORDO KICK 2! Trick runs, but into DEEP SIX! Cover, TWO!! Trick survives and Corbin is beside himself! Fans rally as Corbin storms up on Trick. “This is Awesome!” as Corbin puts Trick up top.
Corbin climbs up but Trick CLUBS away on him! Trick sends Corbin away, hops off the corner, but Corbin returns. Trick dodges to POST Corbin! Trick fires off big haymakers! Fans fire up and Trick DECKS Corbin! Trick wants more, he waits on Corbin to stand, Trick spins but the leg gives out! Corbin kicks low, reels Trick in, END OF DAYS! Cover, Corbin wins!
Winner: Baron Corbin, by pinfall
Trick fought valiantly, but one miscalculation cost him. Corbin says he’s going back to SmackDown to go qualify for Money in the Bank, then he’ll be back next Tuesday. Will Melo be back to get back at Corbin directly?
NXT presents an all-new Hard Hitting Home Truths.
Nathan Frazer welcomes us back to HHHT. Now we’re nine days removed from Battlegrounds, and the landscape never stops shifting. Tiffany is the new Women’s Champion, Wes Lee is breaking every single record in the book, Ilja Dragunov is not human–though that’s not exactly news–and we have Free Agents popping up left, right and middle. But most importantly, Noam Dar has a new pack o’ friends who helped him hold onto his “precious baby,” the Heritage Cup. They were useful enough to help him retain, but not enough to gain another title, as “a couple of fine, handsome gentlemen” in Nathan and Dragon Lee saw to that.
However, Noam is still Heritage Cup Champion, and while Nathan is not really fond of this new Supernova group, he and everyone else will just have to “deal with it.” Speaking of, here is a special guest who feels the same way about Dar as he does. That’s right, HHHT is going global with their “Senior International Correspondent,” Mr. Dragon Lee. Dragon appears on set and he says mucho gracias, and (in Spanish) for this opportunity to be part of this premier show. Uh, si! Dragon does have in his hand a list of the top five names for Dar’s new super group.
CINCO: Two Awful Chat Show Hosts, Plus Two. QUATRO: The Oro Mensah Experience. TRES: The Jakara Jackson Five! Well, minus one. DOS: The Long Lost Legend of Lash Legend. And numero UNO: Noam’s Rent-a-Friends! Nathan says number one is the best because it is the truest. And after Battleground, Dar is running out of surprises, and needs new challengers. The hard-hitting truth here is that Dar is fragile and he knows it. Nathan beat Dar in a regular match, so here’s a proposal: Dar VS Frazer for the Cup next week! And Dragon will return the favor by being in Nathan’s corner!
Frazer thanks Dragon for that, and so, they will love ya and leave ya. They’ve been Nathan Frazer and Dragon Lee, and Dar… Ball’s in your court. Peace. Will the British Rocket get his shot at the Cup? Or will he not be able to reach the Scottish Supernova?
Backstage interview with Mustafa Ali.
McKenzie is with The Beacon, nothing how he shocked the entire world when he showed up during Bate & Wes VS The Dyad. What brings him here to NXT? He is Free Agent Ali, baby! He can show up wherever he wants! And now, Ali is the one riding the storm. The next chapter Ali will write is titled, “Mustafa Ali Finally Wins Gold.” Then before he faces off against Joe Gacy- Wait, Wes Lee walks in. Wes has to let everyone know how excited he is that Ali is here! And talking about gold, uh, well Wes wants to make sure- Ali stops Wes there. Don’t do that. Don’t hand Ali a chance. Ali wants to earn it, like Wes did!
And that starts with Gacy. Maybe down the road, it will be Ali VS Lee for the title. That is, if Wes is still champ by then. Jokes aside, Wes wishes Ali luck, but will The Beacon shine bright on the white ‘n’ gold brand? Or will The Schism’s roots continue to grow tonight?
Mustafa Ali VS Joe Gacy!
NXT returns as Mr. Inclusion makes his entrance. The bell rings, the two circle, and they tie up. They break, and then tie up again. Ali headlocks, Gacy throws hands but Ali ROCKS Gacy! Ali headlocks, Gacy powers out and then CLOBBERS Ali! Fans rally as Gacy fires off on Ali in the corner. Gacy whips corner to corner, runs in, but Ali goes up and over! Things speed up,. Ali ducks ‘n’ dodges and RANAS! Fans fire up as Gacy flounders. Ali storms up but Gacy dumps him out! Ali skins the cat, shoulders in, and ROCKS Gacy again! Ali slingshots but Gacy SHOVES him down! Fans boo as Ali crashes to the floor!
Gacy goes out after Ali, drags him back into the ring, and then hurries to cover, TWO! Gacy clamps onto Ali with a chinlock but fans rally. Ali fights with body shots, and a CHOP! Ali whips, Gacy reverses and reels Ali in, URENAGE! Cover, TWO! Ali is hanging tough but Gacy clamps on with a chinbar. Fans rally as Ali endures. Ali fights up, throws body shots, but Gacy CLUBS him o the back. Gacy back suplexes, Ali lands on his feet, but Gacy DDTS! Cover, TWO! Ali survives and goes to a corner but Gacy goes to the opposite. Gacy runs in, but Ali slips out and Gacy hits buckles! Ali ROUNDHOUSES, slingshots and BLOCKBUSTERS!
Fans fire up and Ali goes up the corner! Gacy hurries to ROCK Ali first! Gacy goes up after Ali, but Ali fights the superplex! Ali throws headbutts, then SMACKS Gacy off buckles! Ali stands up to SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB! Ali then skins the cat to the top rope, and fans fire up as Ali 450 SPLASHES!! Cover, ALI WINS!
Winner: Mustafa Ali, by pinfall
But then The Dyad attacks! Rip & Jagger won’t let Ali celebrate, they stomp away while Gacy drags Ali down,. But then here come Wes Lee & Tyler Bate! They fire off, SUPERKICK Rip, Bop and BANG for Jagger! Gacy sees he’s surrounded, he turns around into a SUPERKICK from Ali! Fans fire up as the Beacon, the Big Strong Boi & The Cardiac Kid send the Schism running! Will they have to tear down The Schism’s tree before they can talk title matches?
Fallon Henley, Brooks Jensen & Josh Briggs talk backstage.
Tonight, the main event is a battle royal for a shot at the women’s title. Jensen knows Fallon is ready, Fallon says she’s ready, she feels tonight is her night. But wait, Malik Blade & Edris Enofe walk up. They say Briggs & Jensen were “the ones who started all this.” Hank ‘n’ Tank fought each other to get closer, so now Malik wants to fight Edris! Fallon excuses herself to get ready, and the guys talk. Jensen says it really did work for Hank ‘n’ Tank, and Briggs says it really did work for him and Jensen. Did it really? Okay, let’s find out. What is Jensen’s favorite color? Blue. Yeah, right here on the shirt.
Okay, okay, that was an easy one. Edris then asks Jensen when is Briggs’ birthday. Jensen thinks back… March 5th. BINGO! See? They are good! Malik asks Edris if he knows his birthday. But then Hank ‘n’ Tank walk in, they’re talking country songs. Hank’s a Boy Named Sue guy all the way. Right! Johnny Cash is the man! But Tank likes the modern stuff, like Taylor Swift. Bingo! Tank is a big T. Swifty boy. What the what? But Tank says after Fallon wins that battle royal, let’s all go get some brewskis. Now he’s talking their language! But uh, do Malik & Edris want in? They’ll catch up later. Alright! Laters!
Malik asks Edris if he’s thinking what Malik is thinking. Well after this past week, clearly not! But then Gallus walk up. Don’t worry, lads. It doesn’t matter if you’re on the same page or not, because you’d never beat Gallus for the titles. Gallus Boys On Top, no one else has to play stupid games. Malik nods to Edris and Edris gives in. They’re doing this next week, huh? OH YEAH! Malik VS Edris is happening! Edris accepts his fate, and asks his phone when IS Malik’s birthday.
Backstage interview with Noam Dar and his crew.
McKenzie asks the Heritage Cup Champion about Nathan Frazer’s challenge. And also, what is up with his group? Oh, his group? No, this is THEIR group. When you’re the Supernova, you have to be surrounded by stars, and that is what he has here. This is a collection of shooting stars with unlimited potential! Starting with Dar’s main man, Mensah. Oro is underappreciated, undervalued, but no more! Dar is the one who believed in Oro, got him on a premium event, and has Oro flying in a new stratosphere. And that’s just the beginning. We have Action Ms. Jakara Jackson, a world class athlete who competed on the Titan Gams! And now she’s a titan in this game!
Jakara says she’s sugar, spice, and everything that ain’t so nice. Heard that? And last but not least. Lash THEE Legend! She will beat you physically, emotionally, mentally, she is a GOAT in the making! One of one! Does McKenzie not know what’s going on right here? The screen can’t handle all this brightness, they’re shinin’ shinin’. Five trophies, one picture, okay? But then about Nathan’s challenge. Ugh. If he wants a cup match, remember two things: Dar is NEVER losing the Cup; and there is no stopping… The Meta Four. CHECK PLEASE, bye bye!
Eddy Thorpe VS Damon Kemp!
The Alpha Wolf won once before, but it didn’t humble the Golden Gopher one bit. Will this be a clean sweep? Or will Kemp make Eddy feel like trash, and then make him pick it up?
NXT returns and Kemp makes his entrance. The bell rings, the two tie up, and they go around. Kemp puts Thorpe on the ropes, the ref counts, and Kemp lets off with a shove. Thorpe comes back, arm-drags, headlocks and hits the takeover. Kemp keeps his shoulder up and fights up, but Thorpe holds onto the headlock. Kemp lifts, but Thorpe still holds on! Kemp throws body shots, powers out, but Thorpe reverses the whip to SPINNING CROSSBODY! Direct hit, Thorpe drags Kemp around by his legs, but Kemp kicks free. Thorpe runs up to BOOT Kemp to a corner! Thorpe storms up but into a BOOT from Kemp!
Thorpe CHOPS in return! Thorpe whips, Kemp reverses, but Thorpe goes up, only to get caught! ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Cover, TWO! Kemp stomps away on Thorpe, drags him up, but Thorpe CHOPS! Kemp ducks the next chop to RAM low, UPPERCUT, and shove, to then OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Fans rally, Kemp stalks Thorpe, and Kemp drops elbow after elbow! Kemp scrapes his sole off Thorpe’s face, then clamps on with a chinlock. But Thorpe fights with elbows! Kemp still hits an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Kemp talks trash, stomps Thorpe, and then pulls on Thorpe in a chinlock stretch.
Fans rally for “EDDY! EDDY!” but Kemp bends him back! Thorpe fights, but Kemp body scissors to keep Thorpe down. Fans still rally, Thorpe fights up, and Thorpe throws body shots! Thorpe is free, he bobs ‘n’ weaves and throws more shots! Thorpe CHOPS and COHPS and whips, to CLOBBER kemp! And DECK him! Kemp gets up, Thorpe blocks, SOBATS, and PELES! Thorpe runs, to ELBOW DROP! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Kemp survives but Thorpe is on him. Kemp wrenches, Thorpe switches, they run into the ref! Kemp gets a cheap shot in, but Thorpe switches on Kemp to GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, Kemp’s foot is on the ropes, but the ref misses it! Thorpe wins!!
Winner: Eddy Thorpe, by pinfall
Kemp complains, he says Thorpe is winning by cheating again! The ref says the decision is final, but are we going to get a round three out of these two?
Gigi Dolin is on the phone.
She talks with her brother Miles and says this is her chance to finally be NXT Women’s Champion. The Weaponized Steel Cage aside, Gigi isn’t going to let anything stop her. She’ll be fine, he just needs to stay out of trouble, okay? Love you, bye. Kiana James walks over and says that’s the “before” phone call. Can’t wait to hear the “after.” Sorry, she came up short again. But they’re used to it. Oh so that’s how Gigi sounds to Kiana? Kiana tells Gigi not to put unrealistic ideas in her brother’s head, like her winning the battle royal. An outcast, with Gigi’s background and emotional instability, will always fall short.
Gigi would rather have her background, as bad as it was, over being a stuck-up elitist like Kiana. Gigi can’t wait to see the smug look on Kiana’s face as she sends her sailing over the top rope and wins. But then Dabba-Kato walks past and everyone clams up. Will Dabba destroy Scrypts for saving Axiom?
Dabba-Kato VS SCRYPTS!
NXT returns as Reggie- er, Scrypts makes his entrance. A wrestler by any other name still flies as high as him, but will he be able to get up and over the mountain of a main before him?
The bell rings, Scrypts dodges a lariat to mule kick, but Dabba barely budges! Scrypts throws a haymaker, but Dabba barely flinches. Scrypts fires more shots, but Dabba grabs him! Scrypts breaks free, runs, but Dabba CLOBBERS him! Dabba whips Scrypts to a corner, Scrypts goes up to AX HANDLE! Scrypts keeps moving, he kicks and CHOPS and runs, but Dabba BOOTS him inside out! Dabba drags Scrypts up to scoop and SLAM him! And then scoop and SLAM again! And then scoop and SLAM again! Dabba looms over Scrypts, drags him up right into a BEARHUG! Scrypts endures the squeeze, CLUBS Dabba again and again, and gets free!
Dabba wobbles but he gets Scrypts up, to TOSS him out of the ring! Scrypts tumbles to the floor, Dabba goes out after him, and drags him back up to CHOP against the desk! Dabba roars while fans boo, but he hauls Scrypts up again to scoop, but wait! AXIOM is there! Where’d he come from/ Dabba SHOVES Axiom down, puts Scrypts in the ring, and storms up to grab Scrypts with both hands. But Axiom is up top, he leaps, Dabba dodges, and then chases Axiom off. Dabba turns around, into Scrypts’ SLINGSHOT ELBOW! Dabba staggers around, he rushes in but into buckles! Scrypts table tops Dabba to cover, SCRYPTS WINS!!
Winner: SCRYPTS, by pinfall
But Dabba drags Scrypts right up for a TOSS! And he SWATS Axiom out of the sky! Dabba SLAMS Axiom onto Scrypts! Fans boo as Dabba looms over them both. Will nothing stop Dabba from storming his way up to a title?
The Schism regroups backstage.
Gacy is furious! “This phony friendship of Wes and Tyler makes me sick! It’s as pathetic as Ali’s positive mental attitude drivel! Next week, we will expose this union of convenience!” Rip says yes, they will! But don’t forget that tonight, The Schism reminded everyone of their strength. They secured a great win over Diamond Mine. Yes, that they did. They’ve pulled their weight, they’ve shown the world what The Schism can be. Gacy, however, has fallen short. He fell short tonight and lost at Battleground. He must reflect and rectify. Ava says one root cannot stabilize an entire tree, no matter how strong it is. Jagger says next week, they have his back.
Mustafa Ali regroups with Tyler Bate and Wes Lee backstage.
He appreciates them having his back, and Wes says it was them returning the favor. And Bate says next week, in a Six Man Tag, they’ll tear “that rotten Schism tree” out, roots and all. Wes tells Ali that Bate says stuff like that, just roll with it. Well, okay, that’s great, but Ali feels like there’s still some magic between Wes and Bate. At Battleground, it was all about the spirit of competition. And in a Triple Threat, luck is just as important as skill. They love this! They love competition! Everyone wants to see it again, and this time, it can be 1v1! Bate says it has crossed his mind. But he doesn’t want to jeopardize the friendship.
Wes says with Bate coming to him face to face on it now, he respects it. They secret handshake, Bate says that’s Wes’ weird thing you gotta roll with. Well, okay. Ali will be on SmackDown this Friday for an MITB qualifier, next Tuesday is the Six Man Tag. And then the Tuesday after that, we can figure out when Bate and Wes tear the house down. They’re all for it! Is the Summer already heating up for the North American Championship?
NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Battle Royal!
Tiffany Stratton truly became the Center of the Universe when she become champion, but that also means she’s surrounded on all sides by those aiming for her belt. Who wins here to be the one with the golden ticket to Tiffany’s first title defense?
NXT returns and Roxanne Perez makes her entrance to join an already packed ring. And last but not least, Dana Brooke makes her entrance! The Flex Appeal is here as a Free Agent, will she be the wild card that wins it all? The bell rings, and the brawl is on! Cora of course goes after Roxie, but Dana helps Valentina Feroz fight Jakara Jackson! Gigi is after Elektra Lopez, Yulisa Leon has Tatum Paxley, Fallon and Kiana go after each other for old time’s sake. Lash swings someone around and clips opponent after opponent! Jakara and Lash help Cora with Roxie and a few others, Jacy clotheslines someone up and out.
Jacy ducks the counter punch to ROLLING ELBOW and ELIMINATE them! Jacy says this is all about her, but fans boo. Dana throws Jakara out, kicks her off the apron, but Oro catches her! Jakara applauds the assist and he helps her back into the ring. Cora DUMPS and ELIMINATES Ariana Grace! Fans boo as Cora laughs at her, but then she and Jacy mug some other superstars. Jacy is after Jakara, Kiana is after Gigi for their little backstage argument, and Thea fights off Tatum. Gigi runs at Kiana, Kiana puts her out but Gigi KNEES back! Gigi drags Kiana up and over to join her! They brawl on the apron!
Fans fire up as Gigi UPPERCUTS Kiana down! But then Kiana kicks Gigi’s legs out! Gigi tumbles and hits the steel steps, then the floor! Kiana ELIMINATES Gigi! Kiana tells Gigi to go call her little brother. Jacy stomps Tatum, Lash fires off hands on Kelani Jordan but Kelani dodges, comes back, only to be clotheslined out to the apron! But Kelani dodges, swings around the corner post, but Jakara trips her up! Kelani falls, Jakara ELIMINATES her! Fallon ROCKS Lash, CHOPS Jakara, and Roxie helps out! Fallon puts Jakara out, fires hands, but Jakara HOTSHOTS! Oro says good work, but Fallon BOOTS Jakara!
Oro catches Jakara again, but then Thea hurries over! Thea SPRINGBOARD TRUST FALLS Oro and Jakara down! Thea ELIMINATES Jakara, but she is safe cuz she went under the top rope! Lash slides out to go after Thea, but ends up in a KIMURA! Lash scoops Thea, and SNAKE EYES her off the steel steps! The ref reprimands but there’s no disqualifications in such a match. Lash leaves Thea behind, only for Feroz & Leon to go after her! She BOOTS them away, but Leon gives Feroz the boost to RANA Lash out! Lash stays on the apron, fires back, but Leon ELBOWS Lashl! Leon goes up and out to go after Lash!
Las Latinas trip and DOUBLE BOOT Lash to ELIMINATE her! They celebrate, but then Lash & Jakara YANK them both off the apron to ELIMINATE them!! And now they brawl! Oro shouts for help, but the battle rages on in and outside the ring as NXT goes picture in picture.
Dana brawls with Cora, Dana BOOTS Cora, and Roxie stomps Jacy. Tatum brawls with Fallon, Elektra has Lyra in a corner. Cora fights off Dana and Kiana while Elektra digs a boto in on Lyra. Roxie throws Jacy up and out but Jacy holds on to fight her off. Lyra scoops Elektra?! What strength! But Elektra lands safe on the apron and tries to drag Lyra up and over with her! Lyra resists, throws elbows, and Elektra wobbles! Lyra WRECKS Elektra with a dropkick and ELIMINATES her! Tatum SLAPS Dana but Dana fires off forearms on her! Cora and Jacy mug Lyra, Kiana keeps on Roxie, and Fallon tires to help Dana.
Tatum fights them off, Dana DECKS Fallon, and then Tatum ROCKS Dana! Tatum bumps Dana off buckles, stomps away, and Cora stomps away on Lyra. Fallon bumps Jacy off buckles, stomps away, and Roxie holds onto ropes as Kiana tries to dump her out. Tatum and Dana brawl more, Dana kicks Tatum down, and NXT returns to single picture. Blair Davenport appears? She wasn’t officially in this match, is she going to insert herself into it? Roxie UPPERCUTS Kiana in a corner, she dodges Jacy to send her into Kiana, then UPPERCUTS them both! Roxie snarls, but Cora grabs her former friend, only for Roxie to turn it around! RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP!
Blair taunts Roxie, who was one of her targets, so Roxie goes out after her! THESZ PRESS and fast hands! Blair shoves Roxie away, whips, but Roxie reverses to send Blair into the apron! BACKHAND, and POP- NO, Tatum saves Blair to CROSSBODY Roxie! Tatum ELIMINATES herself, but she and Blair stomp away on Roxie! They throw Roxie back in, and Jacy slithers up behind. Jacy dumps Roxie up and out to ELIMINATE her!! Jacy says Roxie is a loser, but Lyra stalks up behind her! ENZIGURI! Lyra fires off kicks on Cora, dodges Dana, and goes up to MISSILE DROPKICK! Fans fire up as Fallon runs in, but Lyra blocks to HEEL KICK!
Lyra drags Fallon up, scoops her and puts her on the ropes, but Fallon is safe on the apron. Lyra DECKS Fallon, but Jacy TOSSES Lyra! Lyra skins the cat, headscissors Jacy and throws her out to ELIMINATE her! Fans fire up, but then Cora DROPKCIKS Lyra down to ELIMINATE her! Fans boo as Cora laughs at Lyra and blows a kiss. Now we just have Fallon, Cora, Dana and Kiana. Fallon DECKS Cora, DECKS Kiana, ROCKS Dana, then ELBOWS Kiana, and THROWS Dana! Cora returns but Fallon CHOPS her! Fallon runs up the corner, steadies herself, BLOCKBUSTER for Cora! But Kiana RAMS Fallon into a corner!
Kiana reels Fallon in but Fallon doges to ROCK Kiana! Fallon goes up but Kiana shoves her over! Fallon stays on the apron, gets under Kiana, and BACK DROPS her out of the ring! Fallon ELIMINATES Kiana! Dana rushes in, Fallon slides under, sunset flip but Dana rolls through, so Fallon DECKS her! Cora runs in but Fallon dodges to ROCK her! Cora ROCKS back! Dana DOUBLE LARIATS them both! Fans are torn, but Dana runs in at Fallon to handspring back elbow! Dana handspring back elbows Cora! Dana goes back to Fallon, but Fallon headscissors! Dana shoves Fallon away to ELIMINATE her!
Cora goes after Dana! Dana shoulders in, but Cora DROPKCIKS Dana! Dana clutches onto ropes but Cora stomps away! Dana gets back in, both women run, and DOUBLE LARIATS take them down! But wait! Chase U’s student section remembers, Thea is STILL in this match! Thea rises and she has her chance! Thea shakes the ropes, runs in and Cora says she and Dana should work together. Dana says no no, she and Thea will work together! They kick Cora, double whip, and lift her up! Cora fights free, kicks Dana away but Thea dodges! Thea runs, Cora ducks and Thea CLOBBERS Dana! Cora attacks and TOSSES Thea!
Thea holds onto the ropes, Dana storms up to DECK Cora! Thea GAMANGIRIS Cora, gets in, but Dana kicks her. Dana runs, ROLLING NECKBREAKER! Cora returns to SHINING WIZARD Dana in a corner! And then runs to SHINING WIZARD at the ropes! And then SHINING- NO, Dana blocks, Thea dumps them BOTH!! Thea wins!!
Winner: Thea Hail (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT Women’s Champion)
The Chase U student section storms the court! Er, ring! They celebrate as one of their own has herself a title shot! Even Duke, Gulak & Dempsey applaud. Even Haley & Hanna Cavinder, NXT’s newest NIL prospects, are here to celebrate with Thea! Will Chase U finally have some gold thanks to their ultimate underdog?
NXT Media catches Bron Breakker as he is leaving the building.
NXT Media asks him why he attacked Ilja Dragunov. Why? He isn’t gonna let Ilja spit out garbage about being the most intense guy in the WWE. Bron is gonna hold everyone accountable, from top to bottom. And speaking of the top, how about the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion, Seth Freakin’ Rollins? The workhorse of the WWE? How about he proves it. Rollins knows how things are done in NXT cuz he was the first-ever NXT Champion! And Bron was the most DOMINANT NXT Champion ever! So Rollins should come back to NXT to put the World Heavyweight Championship on the line… against Bron? Will the Visionary accept that challenge?
My Thoughts:
A great episode for NXT here and we’re in some exciting times right now. Corbin isn’t usually must-see but he did show up last week so we gotta know what that’s about. He of course goes with the usual trope of “this generation doesn’t appreciate anything, they don’t understand,” which oddly was very much where they had JBL going with all his promos when he was Corbin’s manager. But I like that Dragunov got in Corbin’s face, and that Trick Williams took the fight to Corbin. I think tonight was the first time I heard a “This is Awesome!” chant during a Corbin match, but he and Trick were great out there. Corbin of course wins, he needs momentum going towards Melo and the title.
Bron attacking Dragunov was quite the surprise, but it seems the next chapter for him is to double down on the aggression and go after everyone who claims to be better at the things he claims to be. Calling out Rollins was an even bigger surprise, but I would love seeing Rollins having a return to NXT, as I know the live audience there would love seeing it. Could these “callbacks” and callouts be how NXT brute forces its way to being the third brand once and for all?
That question aside, great stuff building with The Schism and the North American Championship. Really good Mixed Six, and I loved that string of human weapon moves from Diamond Mine, especially Ivy suplexes Brutus. But of course The Schism cheats a win in that one. Ali VS Gacy was surprisingly short, but I suppose it builds towards story on both ends. Gacy feels like he’s letting the team down but they’re still standing with him, and Ali seems to be literally match making. The Six Man of Ali, Bate & Wes VS Schism is going to be great, and I bet we get Bate VS Wes on TV since Great American Bash is so far away still.
We got good matches out of Thorpe VS Kemp and Dabba-Kato VS SCRYPTS. A little surprised Thorpe won again with some controversy, I would’ve thought they’d go the other way and have Kemp win by controversy. And in Dabba VS Scrypts, I should’ve figured Axiom would show up. Scrypts gets the win but Dabba has the last laugh, so I sense a handicap match in the future. WWE has done 2 Faces VS 1 Heel before, but it never felt like it was a situation where the Heel was really so much more powerful. In this case, it will work because Dabba is as big as Scrypts and Axiom combined.
Good prison visitation promo, especially that Kardashian joke. Stacks keeps saying it’s Gallus but that just means it isn’t Gallus. But Tony is giving him permission to do what he needs to in order to bring Gallus down, I wonder if Stacks recruits people to the D’Angelo Family for a Six Man Tag. Also, good stuff out of the tag division with everyone doing the mind meld and irritating Malik. Malik VS Edris will be a fun match, who knows how that goes. I feel like NXT could even be building things to a massive NXT Tag Team Championship match for Great American Bash, like the Ladder Fatal 4 Ways of old.
Hard Hitting Home Truths was alright, but those names Dragon Lee came up with for Dar’s group felt more like something HBK and Road Dogg would come up with. But Dar and his group had a good promo in return, and their name, “The Meta Four” is much better than those five names. Frazer VS Dar is going to be great stuff, but with just Dragon Lee, I don’t see Frazer having a chance with Oro, Jakara and Lash all out there. But in tonight’s main event, it looks like they could’ve been building some women’s tag feuds. Lash & Jakara went after Yulisa & Valentina, that could be some good stuff, and we could see Yulisa & Valentina side with Dragon & Frazer as their own quartet.
And speaking of that battle royal, good promo from Gigi and Kiana beforehand, and same for Thea’s promo earlier on. Gigi and Kiana feuding seems to be the next move, helping Gigi build up momentum while Tiffany takes care of her first defense. Roxie brawling with Blair made sense, but I did not see Tatum joining Team Blair. Maybe Dani helps Roxie against them since she was also a target, and also lost to Blair tonight. Great moving of pieces to have Thea out of commission until the end and then finish it up with a big win over Dana and Cora. Thea got that like, Lex Luger beat Yokozuna celebration, where even future superstars, Haley & Hanna Cavinder, got to show up for it.
Now, Thea and Tiffany are going to have an awesome build to their match, they’re going to have an awesome match, but with this being Tiff’s first defense and there being the bigger Chase U story, I don’t see Thea winning. If only NXT had a women’s midcard title, Thea and a few other names could be fighting for that. Just not sure what to name it, as the WWE already uses the phrases Intercontinental, United States and North American, and they wouldn’t want to copy AEW’s International Championship. WWE hasn’t had a Television Championship in 20 years, so giving that concept to the women’s division would be pretty cool.
My Score: 8.8/10
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