Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (11/25/20)
Who represents for the Undisputed Era?
Who gains a WarGames advantage?
Before stepping back inside the dangerous double-ring, double-cage at NXT TakeOver: WarGames 2020, the Undisputed Era will choose one of their own to fight against one of the Kings of NXT!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Candice LeRae w/ Indi Hartwell VS Ember Moon; LeRae wins.
- Timothy Thatcher VS KUSHIDA; KUSHIDA wins.
- Cameron Grimes VS Jake Atlas; Grimes wins.
- Ever-Rise VS ???; No Contest.
- WarGames Advantage Ladder Match: The Undisputed Era’s Kyle O’Reilly VS The King of NXT’s Pete Dunne; Dunne wins and their team will have advantage in the WarGames match.
PLAY BY PLAY
Eight fighters. Two teams of four.
We all know how this goes now! Adam Cole practically begged William Regal to say it. WARGAMES!! The Undisputed Era and the Kings of NXT are going inside that sadistic structure, who will be able to walk out of it?
Kevin Owens returns to NXT for commentary!
While Wade Barrett is away, the Prizefighter joins Vic Joseph at the desk and he is glad to be back.
Candice LeRae w/ Indi Hartwell VS Ember Moon!
The Poison Pixie and her Impressive sidekick will surely both be going to war against Team Shotzi at WarGames, but they still need to find others to join them. They didn’t endear themselves to the evolved Ember with a sneak attack last week. Will Captain Candice be banged up even before the battle with Blackheart?
Ember wants after Candice already but the ref keeps the peace. Indi gets out of the ring, the bell sounds and Candice avoids Ember by staying in ropes. The ref backs Ember off but Ember dares Candice to do something. Candice stays back as fans rally, “Let’s Go, Ember!” Candice runs away from Ember again to go into ropes at a corner. Ember grows annoyed but that seems to be the point. Candice and Indi talk strategy but Ember dropkicks them both down! Candice bails out, Ember pursues and they get back in the ring. Candice swings but Ember ducks to hit a SIDE EFFECT! Candice bails out again but Ember still pursues.
Indi stands in Ember’s way, then dodges her clothesline. Candice slides but Ember catches her to wheelbarrow and throw her into the announce desk! Kevin says hi to Candice while Ember puts her in the ring. Ember then DECKS Indi to teach her to stay back! Ember goes back after Candice but Candice boots her from a corner. Candice climbs but Ember glares, and catches the crossbody! Ember carries Candice around before hitting a FALL AWAY SLAM! Ember fires up and so do the fans! Candice flounders up the ramp and to the stage, but Ember keeps her from leaving! Ember throws forearms to send Candice back to ringside, but the ring count is climbing.
Ember puts Candice in at 5, Candice steps up to senton! Cover, ONE! Candice clubs away on Ember but fans rally up. Candice shoves Ember, drags her up but Ember throws body shots. Candice CLUBS Ember, brings her around for a neck wrench but Ember endures. Fans rally, Ember fights up and fireman’s carries! Candice scrambles around to a sunset, ONE! Ember sits, ONE! Candice sunsets, ONE! ONE, ONE, and Ember PENALTY KICKS! Cover, TWO! Candice flounders to ropes and Indi is concerned but Ember is right after Candice. Ember brings Candice around, suplexes, but Candice blocks. Candice blocks again then cradles, TWO!!
Ember gets up but Candice CLOBBERS her! Cover, TWO! Candice grows frustrated but she clubs away on Ember. Another cover, ONE! Ember crawls to ropes but Candice seethes. Candice drags Ember up by her hair but Ember elbows back hard. Ember scoops but Candice slips out this time to throw Ember down! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Ember crawls to a corner. Candice stalks over and rams into her! Candice lets off at the ref’s reprimand, but she comes back, only to be sent into buckles! Ember blocks the kick, Candice asks for mercy but Ember slips inside for a T-BONE SUPLEX! Candice goes to ropes, Ember runs and slides out, “Eat it, hussy!” ENZIGURI! Cover, TWO!!
On stage, Dakota Kai and Raquel Gonzalez have appeared! #CobraKai and Big Mami Cool head down to reinforce Indi and Candice as NXT goes picture in picture.
Candice wants a timeout, and Ember waits in the ring. It seems Candice has found her full team right there and they all flank the ring. Candice talks some smack as she gets in the ring, but Ember gets around her to get a facelock! Ember cranks on the hold, shifts around and scoops to slam Candice! Cover, TWO! Ember tires again, ONE! Ember stays on Candice with another facelock and cranks harder on the hold. Candice endures while her team coaches her up. Candice stomps Ember’s foot and gets free to then DECK Ember with a right! Candice runs, but Ember trips her up! Ember swipes at Indi, but Indi yanks her down! The ref didn’t see because Dakota and Raquel were distracting him! Candice then WRECKS Ember with a dropkick!
Candice waits for Ember to get up now as a ring count climbs. The count is 5 before Ember stands, and Ember gets in at 7. Candice stomps Ember around then throws haymakers. Cover, TWO! Candice keeps on Ember with another neck wrench. Ember endures, fights up, but Candice CLUBS her down! Candice kicks Ember around and then drags her back into a chinlock. Ember still endures as Candice digs a knee in. Ember fights up but Candice wrangles her back down and thrashes her about. Fans build to a rally as Ember starts to fade.
NXT returns to single picture as Ember gets up again but Candice grinds her down. Ember pries at the hold, but Candice cranks down on her harder! Fans rally more and Ember gets to arm-drag Candice away! Ember reaches up to huricanrana! Candice flounders into a roll up, TWO! Ember scoops Candice but Candice slips out to tilt-o-whirl and takedown! To the GargaNO Escape! Ember endures as Candice cranks and thrashes about, and she rolls Candice to a cover, TWO! Ember powers up, scoops but Candice shifts to a sleeper backpack! Candice squeezes tight and Ember is fading again!
Fans rally up and Ember gets a second wind! Ember hits a BACKPACK SENTON! Dakota is concerned for Candice while Ember goes to ropes. Candice runs in but Ember spins her around to sobat, front kick and enziguri! Candice goes to a corner, Ember runs in for a back body block! And whips the other way for a BIG forearm! Ember snap suplexes, uno amigo! Another suplex, for the GOURD BUSTER! Ember goes to a corner while fans fire up! Ember climbs up, Dakota and Raquel distracts and Indi gets in! INDI gets ECLIPSED! Candice BOOTS Ember down, then gets the arms for WICKED STEP SISTER! Cover, Candice wins!!
Winner: Candice LeRae, by pinfall
It seems #TheJohnnyGarganoWay needs a lot of help to make it work! But if these four are a team for WarGames, they’re already a well-oiled machine. They go after Ember but Ember gets away before getting too beat up! And to reinforce Ember, it’s TONI STORM! The Lightning From Down Under was also sucker punched last week, so she’s not going to let Ember fight this fight alone! They rush the ring, but then Toni SUCKER PUNCHES Ember?! And throws her into steel steps?! Toni feeds Ember to the others! Ember does her best to fight everyone off but Dakota BOOTS her down! Raquel stomps Ember, Candice and Dakota join in! Raquel gives Ember the DESPERADO BOMB!
What is going on with Toni Storm?! She helped Ember last time but leaves her high and dry this time? Is Indi NOT on the WarGames Team, in place of this new Toni?
The Undisputed Era arrives!
They already plan to go right from parking lot to the ring! Will we learn who their representative in the advantage match is after the break?
NXT hears from El Legado del Fantasma.
Santos Escobar says this started because they were going to rewrite the history of Lucha Libre in his image. Joaquin Wilde quotes Escobar’s own words, “We’re going to take the division from the side show to the main show.” Raul Mendoza says the NXT Cruiserweight Championship was finally on a TakeOver! This has been their year. Their careers have all taken off together, as they’ve taken out everyone. Jake Atlas, Ashante “Thee” Adonis, and Isaiah “Swerve” Scott. Swerve hasn’t been around, he might’ve retired. Heck, he’s just a podcast host now. They are literally the talk of the wrestling world.
But then who is next? Something about this “Chris Stallion” or something. He’ll be a “huge” challenge. But the difference between then and everyone else is that when they say they’re going to do something, it gets done. But are they overlooking Curt Stallion a little too much?
The Undisputed Era heads to the ring!
Adam Cole leads the way as he, Roderick Strong, Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reilly are back again. McAfee said on his podcast today that he wouldn’t be here tonight, but claims it’s because of Thanksgiving tomorrow, and because he’s more than confident Pete Dunne will “beat the hell” out of whoever is against him tonight. McAfee knows the Kings of NXT will get advantage so that McAfee’s team can beat down on UE each and every round.
But here at the Capitol Wrestling Center, and Cole asks, “Boy sand girls, do we look dead to you?” For weeks, McAfee bragged how he and his crew “killed” the UE and took over. How many times have they heard that? People claiming they’d take out the UE and then fail. Now don’t get Cole wrong, he respects that McAfee gave them a dose of their own medicine. But McAfee has no idea what he’s dealing with> Cole wishes McAfee wasn’t a “giant coward” so he could say this to his face. But the only thing more fun than kicking McAfee square in the jaw will be in two weeks. They will be face to face, locked inside the cage, and McAfee will realize he is in the match the UE made FAMOUS in NXT! “I can’t freakin’ wait until you are trapped inside the WarGames.”
Kyle wants us to remember something. How fun was “kicking the ever loving crap” out of them all? Most fun in a long time. Nothing is more fun than beating up Oney. But hey, it’s WarGames in just two weeks. The UE will focus on tonight. Tonight is the advantage match, with btw, UE is undefeated in! So McAfee and his “goons” put up Pete Dunne to fight for them. Sadly for Dunne, he doesn’t know who he’s facing tonight. Kyle tells the guys that we all saw Halloween Havoc. Kyle NEEDS to fight Dunne tonight. Fans like that idea, and Cole says he’s good with that. So are Fish and Strong.
Cole loves the idea, actually. He loves “Angry Kyle.” Dunne, this is who you are facing! ANGRY Kyle O’Reilly! This is the Kyle who took out the NXT Champion! The Kyle that Dunne hit with a chair! A different Kyle O’Reilly! And in two weeks, the “Kings” face a different UE! It has been too long. They’ve fought for titles, bragging rights, but this time, “we are fighting to drag the four of you through absolute hell!!” The UE will prove who the hell they are!! And at WarGames, the UE will take the Kings through a war and make sure that they are never, ever the same. “And that is Undisputed!” Will Kyle get just a semblance of revenge before going to war?
Backstage interview with Candice LeRae.
Can Candice speak to what happened with Toni Storm out there/ Candice wants a second alone with Dakota and Raquel first. Ahem, leave. Candice talks with them and asks if they’re in. Yes, they’re in. Sweet! And now to McKenzie’s question. First, here is her WarGames team. Raquel, Dakota, and yes, Toni Storm. Toni said she was going to be a “whole new Toni Storm.” So are they cool? Candice says they are. But have they only just lit a fire inside Ember?
The Thatch As Thatch Can “students” are eagerly watching.
After everything the Professor of Pain has put them through, August Grey and his “classmates” are ready to watch Thatcher learn something from the Time Splitter! Will Thatcher be able to bully someone on the same level as him? Or is Kushida actually a level above?
Timothy Thatcher VS KUSHIDA!
NXT returns as Thatcher paces in the ring. Kushida makes his entrance and then Tommaso Ciampa quietly makes his way down the ramp with a chair. Ciampa just wants a front row seat. The bell rings and Thatcher keeps his eyes on Kushida as they circle. Kushida goes for a leg, Thatcher keeps him away and facelocks. Kushida gets around but Thatcher gets the arm to a double wristlock. Kushida blocks that, gest around but Thatcher throws him down. Thatcher is still after that hold but shifts to chicken wings. Kushida hooks a leg and drags Thatcher down to a toehold. Thatcher moves around to get a wrist then the facelock. Cover, ONE, and Kushida gets away.
Fans cheer as things reset, and Kushida kicks a leg while also dropping down. Thatcher kicks at the leg guard but Kushida kicks back. Kushida gets up to throw hands but Thatcher uppercuts! Kushida fast ball but Thatcher dodges to clinch and BELLY2BELLY! Cover, ONE! Thatcher has a foot and gets a heel hook, but Kushida kicks him again. Thatcher drops down to grapevine the heel hook but fans rally as Kushida endures. Kushida counters to figure four the legs to a deathlock! Kushida bends back to a MUDA LOCK! Thatcher endures, pries at Kushida’s chin, and now Thatcher has a cravat!
Kushida moves around and throws hands but Thatcher EuroUppers! Thatcher throws more EuroUppers, Kushida KICKS the leg! Thatcher whips but Kushida blocks the hip toss to give a hip toss! Cartwheel and basement dropkick! Thatcher goes to the apron, and catches the handspring kick to a HANGING HEEL HOOK! The ref counts, Thatcher lets go at 4! Kushida clutches his ankle while Thatcher smirks, and NXT goes to break.
NXT returns and Kushida kicks Thatcher off another heel hook! Fans rally for “N X T!” as Kushida throws body shots! Thatcher throws forearms but Kushida fires off palm strikes and kicks! Kushida backs Thatcher down, KICKS the leg but Thatcher blocks, so Kushida SLAPS! Thatcher ROCKS Kushida with a EuroUpper, then hooks him up! Kushida fights off the butterfly and wrenches out to get the HOVERBOARD! Thatcher gets out of the body scissors but Kushida still has the arm! Kushida tries to get leverage on the Kimura but Thatcher arm triangles! Kushida flails, kicks, rolls back and slips out to get the arm! Thatcher throws forearms, Kushida FAST BALLS!
Thatcher wobbles but swings a EuroUpper, into the BACKSLIDE! TWO! Kushida standing Danielson Stomps! And then gets Thatcher down for more! Fans are thunderous as Kushida gets the Kimura again! Thatcher clasps hands as he resists but Kushida keeps cranking! Kushida wrenches the arm around but Thatcher blocks again! Kushida stomps but Thatcher rolls Kushida to get his own double wristlock! Kushida endures now, Thatcher pushes as much as he can but Kushida sits up! The two struggle for top control and Kushida gets around to an ARMBAR! Thatcher clasps hands again as fans are thunderous!
Thatcher tries to roll but Kushida rolls him back! And back the other way, and Thatcher has the ANKLE LOCK! Kushida drops to ANKLE LOCK back! Kushida drags Thatcher from ropes but Thatcher rolls to victory roll but Kushida rolls up, to BRIDGE! TWO, and into a sleeper! They roll around, Thatcher has body scissors but Kushida moves around! Kushida throws Thatcher off to go for his own sleeper, but Thatcher slips out! Thatcher catches Kushida again but Kushida ELBOW BREAKERS! Thatcher still holds on but Kushida runs to throw him out! Thatcher hits the floor, Kushida goes out after him. Thatcher body shots, glares at Ciampa, but runs at Kushida. Kushida dodges and Thatcher POSTS himself! Kushida hits an ARMBAR BULLDOG!
Fans are thunderous as Kushida drags Thatcher away. Kushida gets in at 7 and PENALTY KICKS the arm! Thatcher EuroUppers with the other arm! Kushida KICKS, Thatcher KNEES! Thatcher BUTTERFLY SUPLEXES! Now Ciampa gets up, and that spooks Thatcher! Kushida drags Thatcher down to the wristlock! Kushida gets the HOVERBOARD, and Thatcher TAPS!! Kushida wins!!
Winner: KUSHIDA, by submission
Thatcher tapped out!? He glares at Ciampa, perhaps blaming his presence. Ciampa goes to the camera and says, “Maybe he has a problem with me now?” Ciampa wants tough guys to put up and shut up, but actions speak louder than words. Will Thatcher have actions to speak for him against Ciampa?
Io Shirai and Rhea Ripley reflect on their title match.
The Mosh Pit Kid says, “Rhea Ripley, Io Shirai, it doesn’t get any bigger than that.” Neither one wanted to wait for TakeOver, so it happened. Shirai says Rhea was her biggest challenge, and hit her so hard she could barely stand. Rhea gives credit to Shirai for taking an ass kicking. The doctor wanted to stop the match but Shirai wasn’t going to let it end like that. Shirai doesn’t quit, she wins. And the battle raged on, and got rather bloody for Rhea’s one ear. Rhea still can’t feel that right arm, either. Dr. Jeffrey Westerfield knows the NXT Women’s Division is hard hitting, but that match took it to another level.
The table was destroyed, but almost destroyed Rhea. Rhea refused to be counted out, but then she couldn’t get up before the moonsault hit. And then that was that, Shirai retained. Westerfield says it is amazing either woman got back up at all. They are warriors. They might not like each other, but they respect each other. Rhea wonders where she goes from here, and doesn’t have an answer yet. But she will be live later tonight! Will she have that answer by then?
Backstage interview with Dunne, Lorcan and Burch.
Now that they know Kyle O’Reilly is stepping up for the Undisputed Era, how do they feel about the match? “I saw what Kyle O’Reilly did to Finn Balor. He broke his jaw, he put him out for two months.” That was impressive. But if it were Dunne, Balor would’ve been out for two years. Oney says that’s right! They don’t know if McKenzie knows, but the UE have never lost at WarGames. Dunne will change that. The bottom line to Burch is that they can do anything better than UE. They broke the UE once, and Dunne will break their spirits tonight, to finish the job at WarGames. But will they find Kyle is the unbreakable cornerstone of the Undisputed Era?
NXT presents the Kevin Owens Show!
Kevin wasn’t just back for commentary tonight! He might even be a referee or bell keeper, but the point is, Kevin will always accept an invitation back. Tonight’s guest probably, no definitely had the biggest night of his career a couple weeks ago. And that man is the new North American Champion, LEON RUFF! The underdog champion makes his way out and feels amazing already! He even has a nice new suit to wear to his first KO Show! Kevin hands him a mic and then shakes his hand. Kevin thanks Leon for being here and Leon says it is a pleasure. They take a seat in the armchairs, and Kevin says he was already coming back to be on commentary. But after seeing what Leon’s done, he thought he should have a KO Show so we can all hear Leon’s story and his message.
Leon smiles as the fans cheer, and he says he’s wanted to be a superstar his entire life. He signed to NXT just seven weeks ago, and then boom, he’s winning the North American Championship. Kevin has the footage replay when Leon shocked the world. The belt didn’t quite fit but Leon has done his best since to adjust. “That moment is so embarrassing.” No, that’s fine. The title belt slipped on Kevin once, too. Leon cracks up, he loves Kevin. But KO remembers what his first NXT title was like. Can Leon express what it feels for him? To have this title is a “Yes” for every “No” he’d gotten. From being told no one would take him serious or that he should give up now, he feels like he’s finally overcome that to inspire those just like him.
Kevin hears all that, but he can’t help but notice… Leon should be very proud. It wasn’t easy for Kevin to get to WWE and be a superstar, either. Leon should be proud of his accomplishments. Fans chant, “You Deserve It!” Leon says he wants to inspire others that you can accomplish something if you put your mind to it. Kevin agrees, but he isn’t sure Leon has the right conviction. Because people back there who don’t have the title, if they see vulnerability, they will exploit it. You need to believe in yourself! You’re North American Champion! YEAH! He did become champion! HE DID! HYAH, he kicks the chair! Leon beat Johnny Gargano once, he can do it again!
Kevin face palms. Oh sorry, is it the chair? No, it’s not the chair. Leon, you haven’t done the KO Show before, but y’see, when you say someone’s name on here, there’s a good chance they’ll come out now. Almost always. In fact, surely he’s getting to gorilla right about… Now? Yep. Here comes Gargano! And Gargano is definitely upset. “Did you just say you beat Johnny Gargano? Are you kidding me?! Is this a prank show?” Is Kutcher gonna pop out of a pod. Timely reference, Johnny. Thanks! But Leon probably won’t get it because he’s a CHILD! Gargano says if Leon wants to be an inspiration then fine. Kevin gets a third chair for Gargano so he can sit. That’s what being a good host is. Thanks, but he doesn’t want it!! Gargano chucks the chair!
Wait, another chair? Well this one isn’t for him. This is just a hunch. Gargano doesn’t care about chairs! He tells Leon to “inspire” people to tell the truth! Tell the world that Gargano is the REAL champion, and that the only reason Ruff has the title is because of that “fake arrow shooting idiot, Damian Priest!” Kevin says he just explained the KO Show jinx! Great, here we go. Three, two, one… Oh wow maybe NXT is- DARN IT. Here comes the Archer of Infamy! “Surprise, surprise!” Priest knew Johnny Wheel o’ Fortune would complain. There has to come a day, even for a moment, when Gargano comes to terms with reality. The reality is that Leon is better than him. No he’s not!
Kevin has everyone wait a moment. Does Priest want a chair? No he’s fine. Then why did Kevin bother…? Priest says that “little homie” Leon beat Gargano twice. Because of Priest! As a matter of fact, if Ruff goes 1v1 with Gargano, Gargano will be champion again! Gargano will show Leon is both a fluke and a joke! Then he shoves him into a chair! Ruff gets up in Gargano’s face but Priest says that before Ruff beats up “Johnny Chokes-a-lot,” maybe Priest should get his rematch for the title. Wasn’t it Ruff in his “tough guy moment” that said he’d fight both Priest and Gargano? Kevin can’t believe it! It just hit him. Just a shame we don’t have like Teddy Long here to make a Triple Threat. But if only we had our version of that! Right? No? Oh here he comes! William Regal is here!
The NXT General Manager is on stage and he says that in two weeks, at TakeOver: WarGames, it will be Ruff VS Gargano VS Priest for the North American Championship! “Playa.” Holla holla, Regal made it official! But has Ruff just gone from underdog champion to someone without a snowball’s chance in hell?
NXT hears from Finn Balor.
“Last week, I laid the groundwork for war. So go ahead, prepare for war. Fight the war. And whoever wins the war, some advice: Don’t put checkers on my chessboard. The cat is back, so stop playing in my kitty litter. Anyone with a problem, I’m not hard to find. The champion works Wednesdays.” Who has the mettle to survive the steel structure, to then head for the Prince’s gold?
NXT hears from Shotzi Blackheart.
“As you enter battle, you have to ask yourself, ‘What’s the best part of war?’ Crush your enemies. See them driven before you. Hear the lamentation of the crowd.” Shotzi is still working on rebuilding her weapon. Will it be ready in time for WARGAMES?!
Cameron Grimes VS Jake Atlas!
The Carolina Caveman tried to cheat his way through the Blindfold Match with Dexter Lumis, but the Tortured Artist saw through that. But now Grimes is trying to move past the trauma. Will he do so at the expense of the former Cruiserweight contender?
The bell rings and Grimes ties up with Atlas. Grimes headlocks, Atlas powers out, but Grimes runs him over. Grimes fires up, runs but Atlas hurdles and drops down to then get around and springboard arm-drag! Grimes flounders to a corner, Atlas runs in but Grimes boot shim away! Grimes puts Atlas in the corner but blocks boots only for Atlas to springboard arm-drag again! Atlas runs in but into a fireman’s carry attempt. Atlas fights that off but Grimes switches to a waistlock and GERMAN! Cover, TWO! Atlas flounders, Grimes knees him down at the ropes and in the corner. Grimes stomps and kicks Atlas then kicks more! The ref counts and Grimes lets off.
Grimes drags Atlas up but the ref reprimands. Grimes whips, Atlas kicks then swings, but into a scoop. Atlas slips off to throw forearms. Grimes gives them back and the two brawl. Atlas whips, Grimes holds ropes and kicks the back drop away. Atlas gets a takedown to jackknife, TWO! Grimes swings, Atlas dodges to GERMAN Grimes back! Grimes gets up, Atlas DECKS him! Cover, TWO!! Atlas works to keep calm, he brings Grimes up but Grimes breaks free to SUPER FOREARM! Atlas BOOTS back, then runs, but Grimes dodges. They keep going, COLLISION COURSE! Grimes shouts he’s going “TO THE MOON~,” then whips Atlas, and hits the CAVE-IN! Cover, Grimes wins!
Winner: Cameron Grimes, by pinfall
Grimes fetches his hat and says just like that, he gets a win and is heading to… the… moon~! But then DEXTER LUMIS appears! Grimes freaks out and runs for it! Lumis has one of those blindfold bags. And he points to the screens. A doodle pops up. “This is Cameron Grimes. See Grimes run. And run. And run.” It’s highlights from the Haunted House match! Grimes wants to leave but the video is playing everywhere. And out of the blindfold bag… IS A STRAP!! Lumis wants a strap match with Grimes so that Grimes can’t run away! Grimes says no no, but he’s not the one who makes the decisions around here. Will Grimes have no choice but to face his fears?
NXT Media catches up with Grimes.
Given what we saw before the break, is Grimes still afraid of Lumis? Afraid?! He ain’t afraid! He just has places he has to be. But Regal is here and he saw what just happened. Fans want to see Grimes face Lumis one more time, and Lumis’ idea sounds great. It will be a strap match at TakeOver! Grimes asks why Regal hates him so much. Regal says it’s probably his personality.
Rhea Ripley is in the ring!
“Man, I just want to say that Io Shirai is one of the toughest women I’ve stepped into this ring with. But y’know, after last Wednesday, there’s been a bit of speculation going around.” Friends, family, fans and fellow superstars all wonder what is next for her. Yes, they have a reason to wonder. But she’ll explain something about that hug. That was about respect for Shirai. They really do respect each other. But it wasn’t a send-off party or whatever. Rhea is here to stay, focused on one thing: getting back to the NXT Women’s Championship.
But then Candice comes out with Toni to interrupt. How cute is Rhea? She’s talking about the title like it’s hers. Tell them how much harder she’ll try next time. Rhea tells Candice to shut up and get in the ring then. But the difference between Rhea and Shirai is that Shirai stole things from Candice, but she beat Rhea all alone. Aside from that, the biggest difference here is that Rhea talks, talks, talks, but she can’t seem to back it up. Candice, however, can talk the talk, and walk the walk. Raquel is carrying Shirai out like a sack o’ potatoes! They set Shirai down on the ramp and taunt Rhea. But then they flank the ring, too! Rhea is ready, but she then slides out to BOOT Raquel! And DECK Dakota! Now it’s just 2v1 with Toni and Candice!
But Dakota and Raquel get up! Raquel RAMS Rhea to a corner! Rhea HEADBUTTS back! Dakota runs in but Rhea throws her away! Candice and Toni get Rhea and anchor her! Raquel CLOBBERS Rhea from behind! Fans boo and jeer as the four beat Rhea down! Raquel drags Rhea up and POSTS her! Then POSTS her on the other side! Team Candice decides to leave it at that. But have they just helped Shotzi find two members for the team?
Someone puts Boa and Xia Li in a car!
And a very tired looking Boa and Xia at that. She asks “Where is he taking us?” but the car takes off before an answer is given. They arrive at the Performance Center, where “Shifu” is waiting. He taps the garage door and it slowly opens. Inside, with dim candles and tapestries, is someone they are both very afraid of. They said they tried their best but they will win! They can win! Just give them a chance! ENOUGH! Shifu writes on their hands. “It is time.” The writing compels them. And “she” is coming. But what does all of this mean for NXT?
Ever-Rise VS ???
Chase Parker and Matt Marthel have been on the downswing lately between both NXT and 205 Live, but- Wait, they’re being attacked! It’s the GRIZZLED YOUNG VETERANS, Zack Gibson and James Drake! And Gibson CLOBBERS Marthel while Drake stomps Parker Gibson gets a mike while Drake throws Marthel out, then hits Parker with headlock punches over and over! Gibson says, “In case you have forgotten who we are, I am Liverpool’s Number One, Zack Gibson! This man is James Drake! Together we are Grizzled Young Veterans!” And they are back in NXT, SSSSOOOON to be recognized as NXT’s number one!
And then Drake drags Parker up, and with Gibson, they hit TICKET TO MAYHEM! The fans boo as GYV cools off and puts their suit jackets back on. Will Gibson and Drake make good on their shocking return to the States?
McKenzie finds Candice help Indi to her car.
Can Candice explain her actions tonight? Well okay, for those who missed the memo. “Anybody who is stupid enough to join Shotzi’s team, you’re getting run over.” Team Candice will destroy you, and it starts when Raquel beats Shotzi in their advantage match. Gargano has the car, Candice helps Indi in. See that? General Candice will win, Gargano will win and have his title back. And then WarGames will belong the Gargano Way. Wait, Ghost Face is in the back seat?! There were two of them all along?! If Indi was only one, then who is this?!
WarGames Advantage Ladder Match: The Undisputed Era’s Kyle O’Reilly VS The King of NXT’s Pete Dunne!
The angry Kyle has been unleashed, all because of the Bruiserweight’s brutal betrayal! But Dunne claims he’s on McAfee’s team because of his longstanding grudge against the Era. Will Dunne help the Kings take the lead going into the war? Or will he just feel a sampling of what’s coming?
Speaking of sampling, the rest of the teams are in special perches far from ringside. Is this a hint at how WarGames will go down in the CWC? That aside, Kyle makes his entrance, then Dunne, and this pivotal match-up for tactical advantage begins!
Kyle BOOTS, he and Dunne trade haymakers and forearms, then Kyle pops Dunne up for a KICK! Dunne flounders out, throws off the jacket and gets back up, only for Kyle to sweep the legs! Dunne gets up fast but Kyle is watching him closely, and NXT goes to break!
NXT returns again and Kyle has Dunne in a corner. He whips Dunne at a ladder, Dunne reverses but Kyle stops himself. Kyle sees Dunne coming and dodges, to then kitchen sink knee! Dunne bails out again, Kyle pursues, and leaps off the apron, into a BIG KICK! Dunne runs back in but is sent into boards! Kyle returns to the apron and leaps to KNEE Dunne into barriers! Fans fire up as Kyle crawls to the ring, and brings out another ladder! Kyle fumbles with the ladder but Dunne stomps Kyle’s hands on the ladder! Then BUZZSAWS him down!
Dunne drags the ladder up and makes it a bridge between ring and barrier. Dunne then suplexes, but Kyle gets away! Dunne chases Kyle but Kyle tackles him! And catapults him into boards! Fans are thunderous as Kyle has another ladder and puts it in the ring. Kyle stands the ladder up quickly, starts his climb, but Dunne hurries in! Dunne tips the ladder over, and Kyle holds on, so it causes him and the ladder to spiral down! The ladder falls on Kyle, and Dunne just shrugs. Dunne brings the ladder around, stands it back up, and has Kyle inside it! Dunne pulls an arm through the rungs and pulls the other way, way back! Kyle can only endure as Dunne STOMPS the arm into the rung!
Dunne has the ladder STAND on Kyle’s hand while he climbs!! Kyle gets free, and drags a leg of Dunne’s through for a DRAGON SCREW! And then a HANGING LEG LOCK! Dunne fights but Kyle lets go and both men fall over. Kyle gets up, tips the ladder over and storms after Dunne. Kyle whip’s, Dunne walks the ladder to back flip! But the leg jams! Kyle is after the leg but Dunne ENZIGURIS! AND LADDER BOMBS KYLE!! Fans are thunderous for “N X T!” Dunne stalks Kyle to the ropes and to that ladder bridge. Dunne gives Kyle DANIELSON STOMPS into the ladder! Fans boo and jeer but Dunne just soaks up the heat.
Dunne follows Kyle back into the ring but Kyle has the leg again! DRAGON SCREW through the ropes! Dunne holds onto the ropes to stand up but Kyle ROCKS him with a right! Dunne tries to hit back but Kyle ROCKS him again! And KICKS the leg! Kyle throws forearms, Dunne hits back! They’re brawling with the ropes in the way, but Kyle KNEES Dunne back! Dunne holds on, Kyle runs in but Dunne BOOTS! Dunne drags Kyle up, to suplex Kyle and himself through the ladder!! “This is Awesome!” as NXT goes picture in picture!
Both men are down and referees check on them. They’re somehow okay to continue, and Dunne sits up first. Dunne uses what’s left of the ladder to stand up, but Kyle is still down. Dunne gets in the ring, grabs at one of the ladders in there, and stands it up. Dunne begins the climb, and is almost to the top when Kyle returns! Kyle anchors Dunne, Dunne pulls on Kyle’s nose! Dunne DECKS Kyle with a hard forearm, then decides to set the ladder down again. Dunne drags Kyle over by an arm, hammerlocks it so fingers are in the rung, and then STOMPS! Kyle clutches his arm and writhes, but Dunne isn’t done with him.
Dunne puts the arm inside the ladder, but Kyle fights back! Dunne STOMPS away on Kyle to get him to stop fighting back. Dunne brings the ladder open to SLAM it shut on Kyle’s hand!! NXT returns to single picture as Kyle writhes in pain and fans boo Dunne. Dunne ignores all that to get a chair from the timekeeper’s area. Dunne aims but Kyle knees low first! Kyle Ax and- CHAIR! The chair and bad hand meet and chair wins! Dunne pump handles but Kyle slips out to GUILLOTINE! Dunne is fading and Kyle lets him go. Kyle KNEES Dunne down, then drags him up to suplex, for a BRAIN BUSTER ONTO THE LADDER!!
Fans are at a fever pitch as Kyle goes to a corner. Kyle climbs up, leaps, but the KNEE DROPÂ only gets ladder! Kyle may have just crippled himself there! Dunne stands the ladder back up, climbs up again, but Kyle drags himself back into the ring! Kyle can walk and he has a HEEL HOOK! Dunne hops down but Kyle cranks harder. Dunne kicks Kyle into the rungs! Dunne enziguris but Kyle ducks, Dunne kicks the ladder! Kyle and Dunne both clutch legs but Kyle grits his teeth. Kyle sees Dunne on the other side of the ladder, and they brawl underneath!
Kevin Owens says this is bad luck but the fists just fly faster! They stand up, Dunne pulls Kyle’s hand into the crossbar but Kyle KICKS Dunne back! Kyle grabs Dunne’s arm now and YANKS Dunne into the ladder! Dunne returns the favor, and both men keep yanking each other into the ladder! Both men stop and stagger about, Dunne shoves the ladder into Kyle but Kyle shoves it right back! Both men go down and fans are thunderous! Dunne and Kyle slowly stir while their teams and the fans are getting louder! Kyle brings the ladder up, stands it up, and starts to climb up. Dunne climbs the other side and the two meet at the top. They start brawling again! The fists fly fast and furious!
Kyle flounders, Dunne stomps him down then reaches for the briefcase! Kyle gets up to get an arm, and he hits an elbow breaker! Dunne backs away and Kyle reaches, but Dunne grabs his hand! Dunne has the fingers and SNAPS them! Kyle falls to the floor, but he comes around to the other side. Dunne boots, Kyle rebounds and shoves the ladder over! Dunne ENZIGURIS, Kyle rebounds again to CLOBBER Dunne! The fans are electric as the two men slowly rise. The CWC is shaking from this action! Kyle gets up, stands the ladder and climbs again! Dunne gets the chair to SMASH Kyle’s leg! And then SMACK him on the back!
Kyle flounders out, Dunne follows and pump handles, BITTER END to the barriers! Kyle flops out, Dunne gets back in and climbs back up! But Kyle returns?! Kyle tips the ladder and Dunne falls onto the corner ladder! Dunne forgot about that ladder and now Kyle is all alone in the ring! Kyle climbs, even with his bad leg. But wait, who is this in the shiny mask? Well who do you think?! They tip the ladder over and Kyle takes a horrifying tumble! And the “masked man” gets away! Dunne stands the ladder up, climbs it again, and grabs the briefcase! The Kings of NXT have advantage!!
Winner: Pete Dunne (The Kings of NXT have the advantage)
Fans are furious but it’s clear who we have to blame for that! Will Pat McAfee be celebrating with the Bruiserweight and the NXT Tag Team Champions even before TakeOver? Can the Undisputed Era win fighting from underneath?
My Thoughts:
A very good episode, and naturally with quite a lot of set-up for WarGames. In fact, the women’s side had quite the shocker, I would not have thought Toni Storm would be Team Candice. But at the same time, Indi Hartwell is too new, she isn’t really ready for being in the WarGames match itself. Now, with the talk of Rhea staying in NXT and still wanting after the title, I think both Rhea and Shirai are going to be Team Shotzi. I do think it’s very smart for them not to have Shotzi worrying about recruiting and focusing on “rebuilding” her tank. Candice is doing all the work for her turning Ember, Rhea and Shirai against her, so all Shotzi has to do is show up and those three will sign up. Also I hope Tank Mk II is big enough so that they can all ride it to the ring.
The Triple Threat for the North American Championship was obviously going to happen, but I like that the Kevin Owens Show was used to bring it about. Kevin was hysterical during that segment, from advising Leon Ruff to be more assertive to being meta about how it always turns out. As I said before, the Triple Threat is going to be great, with Leon mostly working not to lose. I’m also happy to see I was right about the strap match for Grimes and Lumis. They could’ve done better with playing that video package of “See Grimes Run” but I suppose then we wouldn’t have seen Grimes’ great character work during that same time.
The story Boa and Xia Li are in had a good segment tonight. We don’t see who “she” is under the hood but clearly we’re going to see a faction form between them. Rumors have it, Karen Q is making her return and has been repackaged as this character. Chances are this turns out as more a force in the Women’s Division with Boa as manager, much in the way the Robert Stone Brand was. For that matter, sure seems like NXT gave up on that idea. However, I think #TJGW just got its fourth member, as there was still a Ghost Face in the car! I really hope it’s Austin Theory as the second one, there was just something about Gargano’s smirk when he beat Theory over a month ago.
Grizzled Young Veterans showing up tonight and wrecking Ever-Rise was a nice surprise. Well, for us, not for Ever-Rise. But GYV not going back to NXT UK, obviously they want to be the first team to have held both pairs of belts, and I could see there being a Triple Threat or even Fatal 4 Way situation where Oney & Burch, GYV, UE and maybe even Breezango fight for those titles at whatever TakeOver coincides with Mania time. Kushida VS Thatcher was an incredible match, even with Ciampa being ringside to play mind games on Thatcher. That match is definitely happening now, and I feel like Ciampa is going to win that to then be a contender again.
Speaking of which, Finn had a really good promo, general enough that anyone could “answer” the challenge. Dunne also talked some smack about how he would’ve injured Finn worse, and we’ve yet to get that match-up. Dunne VS Kyle was incredible, and obviously that was McAfee in disguise again to screw Kyle over. UE is behind the 8 ball, they might still pull off a victory, but it’d be rather shocking for them to lose. Then Dunne steps up as the next contender to really put Finn’s reign to the test.
My Score: 9/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 4.25.2024
We just got done with Rebellion, and Under Siege is two weeks away! Gotta see how these dots connect!
Rebellion had quite a few returns, Mike Santana, Sami Callihan and Broken Matt Hardy. All three of these guys could easily be main event players, and its nice to mix up and expand what felt like a rather small pool of potential challengers.
Under Siege is only like 2 weeks out, so we’ll see how the dots connect in such a short period of time.
.@AJFrancis410, Rich Swann, and rap legend @BunBTrillOG are IN THE HOUSE Meanwhile, @joehendry announces he will deliver an apology to Fir$t Cla$$ NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT! pic.twitter.com/4GNe2xWfyU
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024
Ratings:
- Mike Santana vs Myron Reed w/Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz: Santana wins via Spin the Block – ** 1/2
- #1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander: Josh wins via Grapevine Ankle Lock – ***
- ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside: Xia wins via School Girl Roll-Up – ** 3/4
- Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands: Sami Callihan wins via Cactus Driver ’97 – SQUASH
- Eddie Edwards w/Alisha Edwards & Brian Myers vs Nic Nemeth: Eddie wins via Boston Knee Party – *** 1/4
Results:
Did @NicTNemeth say BROKEN? @MATTHARDYBRAND has arrived in the iMPACT Zone! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/HbkUangt6e
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024
A weird opening that is just framed to put Nemeth and Hardy together against The System. Feels a little awkward, but who knows how it will play out.Â
.@JordynneGrace vs @miyu_tjp NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT will now be for the Knockouts World Championship! pic.twitter.com/YnKZjb9yjx
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024
Mike Santana vs Myron Reed w/Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz
Ahh I didn’t really pay attention to Santana’s theme at Rebellion, but its pretty damn cool. Good stuff.Â
Rascalz blindside Santana early, but the heel advantage doesn’t last more than a few moves. Santana whips Myron from corner to corner, hits a few Hip Attacks before Myron finally dodges one and starts using his unique offense and agility to his advantage. Matrix dodge, into an Leaping Outside Back in Slingshot Codebreaker. Some more offense and Santana powders to the ramp, Myron jumps over the rope and tries a Flying Cutter, but Santana blocks it, turns things around, gets pushed forward and hits the Rolling Cutter. Santana takes out the Rascalz, heads back into the ring, Myron tries to catch him unawares but eats the Spin the Block off the rope run! Santana wins fairly quickly.
Maclin’s music hits, he tries to employ the help of The Rascalz to attack Santana, but as soon as Maclin positions himself to get in, The Rascalz bail and flip off Maclin. Maclin makes it out of the confrontation relatively unscathed, but at least we know where he’s going for Under Siege probably.
OH FUCK ME WITH RUSTY KNIVES. Because Cardona is hurt Kon is paired with SDL, and she just challenges Jordynne and PCO to a tag match. WHY!? STOP IT. This is hot garbage.Â
Josh Alexander comes out…I wonder who’s Super Finisher he’s gonna conveniently kick out this time? Brian Myers? Frankie Kazarian? Rich Swann? Because yes, I’m still annoyed that Hammerstone has been in TNA for half a sandwich, he already connects with a Super version of his finish on tacks, and that’s not a finish. Oh Kaz’s music hits. Okay, so time for Josh to kick out of Fade to Black or Flux Capacitor. Kaz talks smack, says he won his match too so he should have a say in who’s number one contender. Josh challenges him, Kaz says not right now, but a referee runs out and says the match is official.Â
#1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander
Kaz throws his jacket on Josh’s head, and attacks him with some strikes before Josh fights back and throws Kaz out. Commercial break, we see Kaz misses his Apron Guillotine, Josh goes for the Low Crossbody but Kaz dodges and Josh goes flying. Kaz starts throwing some chops and claws at the cauliflowered ears of Josh. Russian Leg Sweep from Kaz for a near fall. Josh swings wildly and Kaz ducks the strike and levels Josh with a Lariat.
Josh blocks a Vertical Suplex attempt, but Frankie pulls off a Fisherman’s Suplex after a few overhead strikes for a near fall. Josh stands up and connects with a straight right, rocks Kaz, Back Body Drop, into a Charging Forearm, Rolling Senton, 2 count! C4 Spike attempt countered into a Back Stabber and then Chicken Wing, but Josh fights it off, rolls through and into an Ankle Lock, Kaz kicks off and into a Head and Arm Cradle for a near fall and then the Guillotine Leg Drop into Slingshot DDT spot from Kaz for another 2 count!
Fade to Black, but its fought off, Big Boot but then Kaz counters the next move with a Power Slam into the Springboard Guillotine Leg Drop, but Josh grabs the Ankle Lock! Locomotion German Suplex time from Josh, Halfhatch Suplex after the Germans, floats over for a 2 count! C4 Spike attempt again, but Kaz fights it off, dumps him over the top rope, slingshots him in and into the Cutter for a near fall for Kaz! After the 2 Kaz grabs a chair and chain, the referee stops the chair of course, so he tries the chain, EY runs down and grabs the chain so Kaz pulls the Eddie Guerrero and the referee admonishes EY, but doesn’t DQ Josh. So as Kaz is busy laughing at EY, Josh picks the ankle, Ankle Lock with the Grapevine, Kaz taps.
Tensions are sky-high between @alexhammerstone and @JakeSomething_! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/LLCUJOCy7H
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024
ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside
Both are jawing at each other and then throw hands before Xia gets the upper hand with a Headscissors from the Top Turnbuckle, Charging Knees, a Flurry of Kicks, but when the ref forces some space in the corner, ASH is finally able to dodge and work over Xia with her Twisting Body Splash, a few choking moves, a corner Stomp into a Snap Suplex for 2. ASH is in charge elegantly, but the referee keeps forcing space on both of them when they go for corner attacks. Xia manages to take advantage a little, but ASH regains control, kicks Xia up the ramp and then lands her Cartwheel Back Elbow up the ramp. It actually looks pretty cool executed like that.
Headlocks and Hair Pulling to keep Xia down and using energy to kick out. ASH is getting frustrated but Xia is remaining persistent. ASH goes back to the Headlock, but Xia fights up, Jawbreaker, Back Elbow, Kick to the gut and Drop Toe Hold sends ASH face first into the middle buckle. Xia rips off 4 Double Knee Smashes to the back of ASH’s head into her Flying Crossbody for a close 2! Xia pulls her up, but ASH spins out, then Xia slips it, but ASH kicks her in the chest and deposits her to the outside and demands a count from the referee. Iceman puts Jeweled Knuckles/Rings on ASH’s hand, the referee catches her, removes the stuff from her fingers and Xia hits the School Girl Roll-Up for the flash win.
Fraud has thrown the Ballot Box Battle into chaos, but also paved the way for an explosive showdown between @TheTreyMiguel and @The_Ace_Austin NEXT WEEK to determine the #1 Contender for the X Division Championship! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/lYHrtgNrc3
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024
Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands
So the Good Hand Jobs are about to do their job to Sami. I’m just gonna assume Sami beats the hell out of both and wins with a Cactus Driver ’97. If anything interesting happens I might actually cover it, but come on now.
.@SteveMaclin has a proposition for @FrankieKazarian#TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/XY6lMdmSWo
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024
Kaz makes a Metallica reference with the “Wash Your Back So You Won’t Stab Mine”…and Sweet Amber is the only good song on St. Anger. So…I ain’t mad.
Eddie Edwards w/Alisha Edwards & Brian Myers vs Nic Nemeth
A little early ground wrestling and headlocks for control from both men. Nothing super flashy to start until we get to the rope run and Nemeth goes for the Flying Body Press to drop Eddie. Before Nemeth can follow up, Lish grabs his foot. Nic does have his brother Ryan in the crowd, trying to get chants going and do the old school ‘power up the babyface’ thing, but Eddie has been in control since Lish got involved. Simple offense, chokes, strikes, Snap Suplexes, Knee Drops, simple yet effective. But then Eddie ducks his head too early, Nemeth kicks him in the face, bounces his head off the buckles a few times, Dropkick sends Eddie reeling to the corner, Nemeth starts the 10 Count Punches but Myers hits the apron to distract and Eddie manages to slip the situation and push Nemeth to the floor.
Commercial break happens, Nemeth is trying to fight back with Chops, but a Kitchen Sink from Eddie puts Nemeth on the floor again! Clubbing blow from Eddie, but Eddie then misses the Hip Attack in the corner and Nemeth counters with the Rude Awakening into the 10 Count Rain of Elbows. Fame Ass-er miss, Eddie tries something but Nemeth turns it into that hesitation DDT for 2! Tuning up the band starts to build and Eddie powders to avoid it. Nemeth throws Eddie back in, goes to the top, but Eddie crotches him, rises up and hits the Superplex into Tiger Driver for 2! Eddie starts mocking with Tuning Up the band but Nemeth hits his own Superkick into an Olympic Slam for 2!
Both men just trade strikes Fighting Spirit style, Eddie says “Always Trust the System” and Nemeth shuts him up with a Headbutt. Danger Zone is blocked, Boston Knee Party gets ducked, they level each other with Lariats! Myers and Ryan Nemeth start fighting to distract the referee, Moose hits the ring and hits Nemeth with the belt. Eddie lands Boston Knee Party and The System wins again!
Overall Score: 6/10
A lame opening segment, a squash match, ASH by Elegance getting her first loss, and a weird way of just pulling the number one contender out of mid air makes for an awkward show. Also Kon still be involved in, literally anything, is negative. However, I can say there was a ton of stuff thrown at the wall this episode, so there’s a chance that some things landed better with other people than myself. The ballot segments were amusing, they overused the “I need to talk to you Santino” gimmick a bit much and personally I feel like having Jake versus Hammerstone is booking yourself into a weird corner.
But hey, the main event was fun, Nemeth getting laid out to the point that there could be a story reason to take him out of the Under Siege match. Kaz with the Metallica reference was pop worthy and I guess its a lot of ‘let’s see where it goes’ kind of angle creation. So it wasn’t complete trash, but its definitely a wait and see episode.
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The Queen is coming for her crown!
Athena & Billie Starkz are the top champions in the ROH Women’s Division, but Queen Aminata’s coming after them! Who will she target first?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Isiah Kassidy VS Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes; Zay wins.
- Six Man Tag: Top Flight VS The Dark Order; Top Flight wins.
- Anna Jay VS Allysin Kay; Anna wins.
- Johnny TV w/ Taya Valkyrie VS Will Austin; Johnny wins.
- Six Man Tag: The Mogul Embassy VS MANDERS & BEEFTANK; The Embassy wins.
- Yuka Sakazaki VS Leila Grey; Yuka wins.
- ROH World Tag Team Championships Proving Ground Match: The Undisputed Kingdom VS The Outrunners; The Kingdom wins and denies The Outrunners a title match.
- Taya Valkyrie w/ Johnny TV VS Laynie Luck; Taya wins.
- Six Man Tag: Lance Archer & The Righteous VS Jon Cruz, GPA & Ren Jones; Archer & The Righteous win.
- Abadon VS Nova; Abadon wins.
- Triple Threat: Blake Christian VS AR Fox VS The Beast Mortos; Mortos wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Isiah Kassidy VS Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes!
Brother Zay and the Commander of the Skies are coming down from the high of competing against Rob Van Dam on April 20th, but they’re both ready to get back up. Will Kassidy earn his shot (shot shot) at a championship? Or will the AAA Cruiserweight Champion be aiming for ROH gold?
The Code of Honor is upheld, but Zay has his fingers crossed! Zay trips Komander at the bell, says he’s too smart, then he steps on Komander’s dropdown to say “SHOTS! SHOTS! SHOTS!” and “SUCK IT!” Komander keeps cool, he and Zay tie up, and Komander headlocks. Zay pulls on the mask, powers up and out to hurdle, but then Komander steps on him! Komander mocks “SHOTS! SHOTS!” Zay runs up, Komander avoids the boot to then wrench, wrench and mule kick a leg! Kmoander steps over, rolls through, then rolls again, to a HALF CRAB! Zay endures, fights around, ROPEBREAK! Komander lets go and Zay stands back up.
The fans rally, Komander runs in but is put on the apron. Zay runs in but into a slingshot BOOT! Zay comes back but Komander goes up and headscissors Zay into buckles. Komander comes back to springboard, wheelbarrow, but Zay HOTSHOTS Komander and then throws him down! The fans boo but Zay says they don’t teach that at school. Just follow Zay and he’ll get your right. Zay then smothers Komander with his towel! The ref reprimands, Zay lets off and Komander sputters to a corner. Zay bumps Komander off buckles, CHOPS him, then stomps Komander down. Zay says “SHOTS! SHOTS!” as he gives stomp after stomp.
The ref counts, Zay lets off at 4 and dusts his shoes off. Zay goes back to scuff Komander, taunt him, but the fans rally up for Komander. Zay scuffs Komander more, eggs him on, but Komander fights up to fire hands! Zay ducks a roundhouse but not the HEEL KICK! Zay leans on ropes, Komander runs in but Zay puts him on the apron. Komander gets up but Zay triangle jump STUNNERS! Komander flops to the floor, Zay scowls and goes out after him. The fans rally, Zay backs Abrahantes off, and the fans boo. Zay goes back for Komander, SMACKS him off barriers, then grabs the chair.
The fans boo, Zay says watch this, it’s about to be an 8K. Zay runs and uses the chair to LAUNCH, into barriers! Komander avoids disaster, puts Zay in the ring, and he hurries to a corner. The fans fire up as Komander springboards, but Zay moves! Komander rolls through, ducks ‘n’ dodges then RANAS! The fans fire up while Zay bails out. Komander builds speed and WRECKS Zay with a dropkick! Then ASAI MOONSAULT and down goes Zay! The fans fire up, Komander drags Zay up and in, then he springboards again, for a SWANTON BOMB! Cover, TWO! Zay stays in this as fans chant “DOS! DOS! DOS!”
Zay goes to the apron, Komander storms up and stands him up. Zay shoves Komander away, goes up the corner, but Komander runs up! Zay anticipates and GAMANGIRIS! Zay goes up to SUPSER SUSNET FLIP, but Komander flips through!! The fans fire up and Zay is shocked! Zay still BOOTS Komander, fires forearms, but Komander bobs ‘n’ weaves to SLAP, UPPERCUT and power up! Zay turns Komander around but gets a SHOTEI! Komander then jumps up top POISON-RANA! The fans fire up again and Komander runs, but into a SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO! Or as the fans remind us, “DOS! DOS! DOS!”
Zay says Komander’s done wasting his time. Zay whips, Komander reverses but Zay reverses back to scoop, only for Komander to tilt-o-whirl sunset flip! TWO, but Komander tries a side roll sunset, TWO! Zay escapes, Komander dodges his haymaker and waistlocks. Zay switches, Komander switches back, but Zay grabs the ref! LOW BLOW MULE KICK!! The fans boo as Zay gets away with that one! Abrahantes protests but the ref can’t call what he didn’t see! Zay blows a kiss, before the INVERTED TWIST OF FATE! Cover, Zay wins!
Winner: Isiah Kassidy, by pinfall
Brother Zay didn’t break rules but he did find a loophole to DELETE Komander’s momentum. Will Zay soon have a WONDERFUL ascension to the top of ROH?
ROH hears from Bullet Club Gold.
It was backstage at AEW Dynasty this past Sunday that the Bang Bang Gang unified the AEW and ROH World Trios Championships! Jay White says, “Today, our destiny, fulfilling our destiny by building our Dynasty! Y’see, I’m full! I’m full of that feeling when I get to say, I told you so! When I came to AEW, joined forces with The Gunns, I said the Gunns were money! Brought them in along with Juice Robinson, to Bullet Club GOLD. I said I would bring you gold, and boys, we’re running out of space. Because we’ve got gold a plenty, haven’t we, boys? Cuz I’m the mother effin’ Catalyst of Professional Wrestling! I told you so!”
Austin says their backpacks are heavier on the ride home, but that extra weight just reminds him that the Bang Bang Gang runs this Trios ish! Colten says they like to have fun before and after, but during? They don’t take no ish! There’s this saying around here, “Restore the Feeling.” That’s something for the young guys to get on TV, but guess who are never mentioned? The Gunns! Is it because they’ve been in too many main events? Is it because they’ve been tag team world champions? And now they’re AEW & ROH Trios Champions! The Gunns are the best damn team in the world! White is the best singles man in the world!
And tonight, they are the BEST trio in the world!! And if you’re not down with that, they’ve got two words for ya: GUNS UP!! The Bang Bang Gang is firing on all cylinders, but will they be able to shoot down those who take aim at them?
Six Man Tag: Top Flight VS The Dark Order!
Speaking of the trios championships, Action Andretti, and the brothers Martin get their shot at the Bang Bang Gang this Saturday! Will Top Flight pick up speed going into that Collision? Or will Evil Uno, John Silver & Alex Reynolds prove they are worthy contenders?
The Code of Honor is upheld, the trios sort out, and Darius Martin starts against Johnny Hungy. The bell rings, the fans rally and the two circle. The fans rally for “JOHNNY HUNGY!” as the two tie up. Darius wrenches, wristlocks, but Silver spins and fireman’s carries for the takeover. Silver has the cording hold but Darius fights up. Silver wrenches but Darius spins, slips around, waistlocks, spins Silver and cravats for the neck wrench. Silver endures, powers up and out, but Darius rolls over the dropdown. Darius sweeps a leg to cover, ONE! Darius turns Silver’s sweep into a cradle, TWO!
Silver gets up but Darius arm-drags him back down. The fans cheer, Darius wrenches Silver and tags Action. Action runs to LEAP FROG ATTACK the arm! Action wrenches Silver, tags Dante, and Dante goes up to AX HANDLE the arm! Dante clamps onto the arm, digs a knuckle into Silver’s ribs, or was it a tickle attack? Tag to Darius and Dante snapmares Silver. Darius runs to basement dropkick! Cover, ONE!! Silver stays in this but Darius stays on him. Tag to Dante, Top Flight reel Silver in but the rest of Dark Order save him from the double suplex! So Action jumps in and Top Flight TRIPLE SUPERKICKS!
The fans fire up while Uno and Reynolds spill back out. Action and Darius aim, DOUBLE PLANCHA but Uno and Reynolds DECK them outta the air! Dante brings Silver up but Silver fights the half nelson to then whip Dante into the ropes! Silver then runs up, Uno & Reynolds join in, TRIPLE DROPKICK! Silver then waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX Dante into a bridging cover, TWO! Silver tags Reynolds and he short arm LARIATS Dante! Cover, TWO! Reynolds brings Dante up, bumps him off buckles, then tags Uno. Uno CHOPS Dante, then snapmares him to stomp him down! The fans rally for Uno as he tautns Action.
Uno goes back for Dante but Dante throws body shots. Uno CLUBS Dante, bumps him off buckles, and tags Reynolds. Silver holds Dante in whiel Reynolds whips Uno for the SPLASH! Uno goes again, but Dante dodges, goes up and over Reynolds, hot tag to Action! The Sight to See rallies on the Dark Order! ELBOW for Uno! BOOT for Silver! ELBOW for Reynolds! Uno kicks low, whips, but Action handsprings to DOUBLE BACK ELBOW! The fans fire up as Action kips up, and he runs in at Reynolds in a corner. UPPERCUT! Uno runs in but the SPLASH is sent into Reynolds! Uno staggers away, Action DECKS Reynolds!
Action aims, slingshot and SPLIT LEG but he has to bail out as Reynolds moves! Action just uses that to roll and PELE Uno! SPANISH FLY on Reynolds! Cover, Silver breaks it! Darius tosses Silver out but Silver ROCKS Darius! Darius drops down but Dante runs in and uses Darius as a step, POETRY IN MOTION! Silver falls, Reynolds dodges Darius to RAM Dante! Dante comes back, Darius helps him get up and over, then Dante helps in the TORNADO DDT! Darius sets Reynolds up for the STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, Uno shoves Dante onto it! Uno then CHOPS Darius down and goes to his corner.
Reynolds crawls over, hot tag to Uno! Uno fires forearms on all of Top Flight! Uno winds up, but Dante JUMP KNEES! Darius mule kicks! Action KICKS, Darius BUZZSAWS! But then Silver & Reynolds drag the Martins out! Uno dodges Action, tells him to STOP, then ROCKS him! The rest of Dark Order get in, Reynolds spins Action before the TRIPLE ROLLING ELBOWS!! Action wobbles, Uno reels him in, and Silver gives Reynolds the BOOST to take out the Martins! PILEDRIVER for Action! Cover, TWO!! Action survives and shocks the Dark Order! Uno cools off, tags Silver in, and Silver tags Reynolds.
The Dark Order surrounds Action and the fans rally up. They stand Action up, hoist him up, and Silver builds speed, but the Martins trip Silver! Darius drags Silver out, Action gets away and Dante baits Uno. Uno runs in, Dante goes up and over to JUMP KNEE Reynolds! GAMANGIRI for Uno, then Action SUPERKICKS! Dante DIVES to take out Silver, Darius steps in to COMPLETE SHOT Uno! Action and Darius have Reynolds for the double pump handle, DOUBLE LIGHTNING SPIRAL! Cover, Top Flight wins!
Winners: Top Flight, by pinfall
Action, Dante & Darius are flying high and heading for Collision, will they take those unified World Trios Championships away from the Bang Bang Gang in the blink of an eye?
Backstage interview with Athena & Billie Starkz.
Lexy Nair is with the ROH Women’s World and Women’s Television Champions, and says “Ladies and gentlemen, we are calling an Emergency MEM, a Minion Empowerment Meeting.” The Fallen Goddess asks the Minions why they’re here, and Minion #400,237.75 knows why. This is because of Red Velvet and Queen Aminata. They decided to stick their noses in Athena’s moment. The main event of Battle of the Belts, live on TNT, the first time the Overlord has been on live TV in over a YEAR. And Aminata put her hands on Athena, put Athena on her head, and proved that she is nothing more than “a hot piece of porcelain hussy garbage.”
Billie says not to forget about Red Velvet. Velvet acted all high ‘n’ mighty, but she just forgot Billie hasn’t beat her yet. Lexy says then it seems there is some unfinished business. The champs bring Lexy in for an uncomfortable double side hug, and Athena says “Bestie” is right. There is unfinished business. And since MIT is a nonprofit, they’ll give a “scholarship to the biggest ass-whooping Queen Aminata and Red Velvet have ever seen. Got it?” Athena tells Queenie and “Blue Velvet” to either step up or step out. Challenge issued to the Queen and the Chef, but are the Overlord and her sidekick about to get cooked?
Mark Sterling speaks.
“Some people get into professional wrestling because they need to. You haven’t needed anything in your entire life. You have an unlimited amount of resources at your fingertips. Money, culture, knowledge. You wanted to excel at this business, so you got the best training, the best workouts, the best diets, the best gear, the best moves. If it’s not the best, it’s simply not you. But the wisest man doesn’t think he’s the best until he’s surrounded by the best. And now, we all are. You are Ariya Daivari. And you are a Premier Athlete. We are the Premier Athletes.”
The Premier Athletes are here in person.
Sterling talks to his stable and tells them the beginning of phase two was a success. They wanted to assert dominance over ROH, and he would say message sent. However, they were not aware that the message would be sent to ROH World Champion, Mark Briscoe, to Dalton Castle, and half of the ROH men’s locker room. It took SIX men to stand face to face to these three. They’ve got Ariya back and more pissed off than ever. They’ve got National Champion, Josh Woods. And they’ve got Tony Nese in peak, physical performance. Now, they all know The Infantry wasn’t personal. They were just in the line of fire.
The Infantry is just on a long list of people who do not deserve the opportunities. Opportunities that belong to these three physical specimens! Because these are The Premier Athletes. When and where will Sterling’s stable finally break through to that next level?
Backstage interview with Griff Garrison & Cole Karter.
Lexy is now with Maria Kanellis’ baby boys and says they haven’t had the best luck as of late. What’s next? Karter isn’t sure. They keep getting opportunities, but they keep failing. Karter recently had a match against Christopher Daniels, and he lost! Griff says Karter thinks that’s bad, but Griff lost his shot at the ROH World Championship. Griff has faced Mark Briscoe twice in his career, and he’s 0-2. Karter’s match wasn’t even for a title! Griff had so much more on the line! Maria then walks in and sees her boys are disappointed. Well, Mama is disappointed, too. They both could’ve done much better in their matches.
But every loss is an opportunity. Griff was in the ring with THIRTEEN TIME ROH World Tag Team Champion, Mark Briscoe! Karter was up against Christopher Daniels, a legend! Maria’s been in the ring with both of those men, and they have so much experience. That is what Griff & Karter gain every time they’re out there. Every single loss is an opportunity. And everyone around here is always jealous of the abs and the looks, and it’s great that they are. But eventually, they’ll be jealous of what these two do in the ring. And eventually, these two will get back her championships, the ROH World Tag Team Championships.
Maria leads the way, but does anyone wanna tell her that that would mean her baby boys going up against her husband, Mike Bennett?
ROH World Tag Team Championships Proving Ground Match: The Undisputed Kingdom VS The Outrunners!
Speaking of Mike Bennett, he and Matt Taven are still champions after the big assist from Wardlow at Supercard of Honor. But will the Kingdom need their War Machine again real soon? Or will they be able to handle Turbo Floyd & Truth Magnum in 10 minutes or less?
The fans rally up for the Outrunners already while the Code of Honor is upheld Mega Powers style. The teams then sort out, and though Taven is confused, Bennett steps up and starts against Truth. The fans chant “TAVEN SUCKS!” but Taven just eggs the Melvins on. Truth and Bennett tie up, then Truth wrenches to wristlock. Tag to Turbo, he takes the handoff, and he nods as he wrenches and wristlocks. Bennett knees low, flexes on Turbo, then wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER! Bennett wristlocks, says this is old school wrestling, but Turbo powers up! The fans fire up as Turbo rolls, handsprings, and kips up! Turbo then BOPS Bennett on the head!
The fans cheer, Turbo tags Truth, and Truth wrenches to wristlock. Truth grinds the arm, whips, but Bennett reverses. Taven trips Truth up while Bennett’s all up in the ref’s face! The fans boo and Turbo protests but Bennett dropkicks Truth down! Bennett mocks the old school posing then takes a bow. Tag to Taven, he CHOPS Truth in the corner. Taven CHOPS again, digs his boot in, but the ref counts. Taven lets off to taunt Turbo, and Bennett gets a cheap shot on Truth! Bennett drags Truth up by his hair, the ref sees that and reprimands, but Taven ROCKS Truth. Taven whips, but Turbo trips Truth to actually save him from the crossbody!
Taven tumbles up and out of the ring, Truth gets up to tag Turbo! Truth then runs and Turbo holds ropes up, BASEBALL SLIDE DROPKICK! Bennett runs up, is sent out, and The Kingdom regroups. The fans fire up for Turbo as he fires up, then PLANCHAS! Down goes The Kingdom and Turbo is all revved up! Turbo gets in the ring, shakes the ropes, then tags in Truth. The Outrunners coordinate, to spin and pose! The fans fire up but The Kingdom CLOBBER The Outrunners from behind! The fans boo but Bennett flexes. Bennett brings Truth up, CHOPS, and now fans chant “BENNETT SUCKS!”
Bennett CHOPS Truth, puts him in the corner, and tags Taven. Bennett feeds Truth to a BOOT, adds the BOSTON BAYONET, then Taven LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Truth is tougher than that, but Taven argues with the ref. The ref defends his count, so Taven brings Truth over to ropes. Taven CHOKES Truth but the fans boo. The ref counts, Taven lets off at 4, and Taven soaks up the heat. Truth sputters but Taven tags Bennett. The Kingdom mugs Truth, then Bennett keeps Truth from Turbo with a snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Truth stays in this but Bennett stays on him with a chinlock and stretch. The fans rally as Truth endures.
Truth is red in the face but he fights to his feet. But Taven BLASTS Turbo! Bennett throws Truth by his hair! Turbo storms in but the ref has to stop him. Turbo is upset but Bennett stands on Truth’s face! Bennett clamps onto Truth with a chinlock and grinds him down with a knee in the back. The fans fire up, we pass five minutes as Truth fights up, but Taven runs at Turbo again! Turbo ROCKS Taven first this time! Truth then hits a BIG back suplex on Bennett! The fans fire up, Turbo is feeling it, and Truth crawls over! Truth staggers ot his feet, hot tag to Turbo! Turbo rallies on The Kingdom with big haymakers!
The fans fire up as Turbo scoops and SLAMS Taven! Then he scoops and SLAMS Bennett! Scoop and SLAM for Taven! Scoop and SLAM for Bennett! The fans fire up and Turbo drops an elbow! And another elbow! And then he winds up, flexes, and JUPM ELBOW DROPS! Taven runs up but Turbo kicks! Turbo reels Taven in, flexes again, and hits a BIG suplex! Turbo points to Truth, Truth tags in, and Truth goes up! FLYING FOREARM on Bennett! The Outrunners hurry to get Bennett up, but Taven ENZIGIRIS Truth to stop Boot Camp, er Vice City, or whatever they were calling it! Bennett shoves Turbo into Truth then rolls Truth up, with tights! The Kingdom wins!
Winners: The Undisputed Kingdom, by pinfall (denies The Outrunners a title opportunity)
Taven grabs the belts to celebrate and Bennett says that was too easy. But then the ref suspects shenanigans! Did Bennett pull tights? Bennett defends his innocence, as does Taven, and the ref drops the issue. Will The Kingdom do anything and everything they have to in order to stay champions?
Red Velvet & Queen Aminata speak.
The Chef and The Queen are backstage, and Velvet tells Athena, “There you go again. Stirring up the pot. Oh my gosh, we ruined your moment~! I’m done with you. Billie? You wanna hang with the big girls? You wanna get in big girl business? Then bring it on. Yes, I haven’t forgotten I beat you, twice. And I’ll do it again, and this time, I’m a beat you like your mama never did. You know why? Cuz I don’t roll with minions. I roll with royalty.” Aninata says that’s right. And Athena, oh, they feel so sorry for “ruining” the moment. Actually, Aminata would do it again and again and again. And wanna know why? Because Queen Aminata does not respect Athena as a champion!
Athena has ZERO honor! And no one knows better about honor than The Queen. And Velvet says, “Y’know what, Queen? I’m looking for a fight. Are you looking for a fight?” Aminata is definitely ready for a fight. Velvet says it is time to cook, eat, leave no crumbs, and take out the trash! This dynamic duo is ready to tear down the Forever Champion and her little buddy, will they take the gold right off Athena & Billie?
Backstage interview with The Infantry.
Lexy is now with Trish Adora, Carlie Bravo & Captain Shawn Dean, and we’ve seen them get on a roll. How are they continuing the momentum? Carlie is so glad she asked. Have no fear, you know The Infantry is here. Dean says yes, they are here. And there’s been nothing but targets on their backs. They said they’re the most popular team, and people have been after them. Carlie does realize now that they had those OG Ops, then those really big Ops, and last week, there’s Ops they didn’t even know about. But let’s not forget those really old Ops, the- Oh wait, The Outrunners walk in. Turbo & Truth are feeling good. They may not have targets on their backs, but they’ve got some guns!
Wait, wait, wait. Are they wearing brightly colored camo?! Okay, first they take the Infantry’s move, now they’re copying the swag? What’s next? Trying to take Adora and their homes? What the what, son? Dean has Carlie calm down. He’s always got great ideas. He does? Yes, because next week, Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida, they take this to where it all began! Finally, Infantry take The Outrunners to where they belong, and that’s Boot Camp! Hold on, The Outrunners have been using camo since The Cow Palace. Dean has to hold Carlie back on that one! Turbo has a better idea! Outrunners VS Infantry, Daily’s Place, where it all began!!
WHAT!? Didn’t they just- Fine, CHALLENGE ACCEPTED! Oh yeah? The Outrunners will do Infantry one better and THEY will accept! Let’s roll out! Copy that! WHAT!? Stop copying them, Outrunners!! But will Dean & Carlie finally get through the delusional duo and make them find their own schtick?
Backstage interview with Johnny TV & Taya Valkyrie.
Lexy is with Mr. & Mrs. TV Ready and notes the season finale of Johnny Loves Taya just dropped. How are they feeling? Amazing~! Everyone loves their show, they worked so hard on it for months. Ten episodes, the grand finale, it couldn’t have gone any better. And think about it: awards season! The acceptance speeches, the red carpets, the fashion moments. But in sneaks Aaron Solo. That sounds fun! Though they would’ve won more awards if they had this face on the show. Maybe next season? Johnny says maybe Aaron would’ve been on the show, if he supported it once. He didn’t tweet about it once! All their real friends did.
Uh, Aaron is the Retweet King! Especially those first three episodes. Aaron and Johnny argue but Taya has them calm down. Taya runs the socials for the show, and she can confirm, Aaron did retweet. Oh, well, thanks, bro. Yeah, man! Remember QTV? The handshake? They do the handshake, right down the rocket ship taking off. Aaron says see? They’re bros. Before Johnny Loved Taya, Johnny Loved Solo. Uh… No. Aaron is a loser! TV Ready people do not hang with losers. Remember how his name used to be S O L O W? They took the W away cuz he keeps getting L’s! He’s 0 and THIS CENTURY! Get a win already!
Aaron says fine, if that’s what they want, he will win. And he’ll prove to both of you that Aaron is TV Ready! Aaron heads out, and Taya says it’ scute that he’s so confident. Not that it’ll work out. And they got the last word. Aaron then says “Bye” from offscreen, so Johnny says, “Adios.” Aaron has bet on himself, but will he win out?
Triple Threat: Blake Christian VS AR Fox VS The Beast Mortos!
All Heart, The Whole Fox’n Show and the evolved Black Taurus are among the fastest, toughest and hungriest competitors around, and they’re all looking for that golden opportunity. Will Blake be rolling into NJPW’s Best of the Super Juniors tournament? Or will another big name prove they’re a big deal?
The Code of Honor is upheld between Fox and Blake, but not Mortos. The bell rings, Mortos stares down Fox and Blake. Fox runs in to RAM Mortos but bounces off! Blake RAMS Mortos but also bounces off! They both run up, but he runs them over! Fox & Blake both kip up, but Mortos choke grips them both. Mortos shoves Blake away, but Fox flips through the choke slam! Blake & Fox DOUBLE SUPERKICK Mortos down! Mortos bails out, Blake and Fox coordinate, and Fox runs. But then Blake sweeps the legs! Fox ends up on ropes, Blake runs to BASEMENT 619! The fans boo but All Heart also has some brains.
Blake aims from the apron, springboards in and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Fox flounders to a corner, Blake runs in, but Fox puts him on the apron. Blake RAMS into Fox, slingshots, but Fox goes out to then slingshot SENTONS! The fans fire up, Fox suplexes for ANARCHY! Blake bails, Mortos LARIATS Fox down! The fans fire up as Mortos roars, and Mortos drags Fox up. Mortos suplexes, Fox slips free to waistlock but Mortos switches. Mortos shoves, follows, then rolls off Fox’s back! Mortos SOBATS, KNEES, ELBOWS and snapmares, to then NECK TWIST! Then SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!
Fox survives that onslaught but Mortos roars again. Mortos drags Fox up, wrenches and grabs a leg, for a SHIN BREAKER! Fox writhes, Mortos gets legs and steps through, and Mortos ties Fox up for a NAVARRO DEATH ROLL! Fox endures the leg lock, but Blake DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS Mortos! The fans fire up and Blake smirks as he runs in at Mortos. Mortos BOOTS Blake, SLING-DOGS, then CRUCIFIX DRIVERS! Blake wobbles, Mortos whips to POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Blake survives but Mortos snarls. Mortos drags Blake up, UPPERCUTS him down, and Blake flounders to a corner.
The fans cheer as Mortos drags Blake back up. Mortos reels Blake in to back suplex, but Blake lands out! Blake dodges in the corner, then whips to ropes. Mortos reverses but Blake handsprings, wheelbarrows, SPLASH 182! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Mortos and Blake stir while Fox returns. The fans rally, Fox and Mortos stand first and Fox throws a haymaker! Blake adds a haymaker, he and Fox pinball Mortos around! They put him in a corner, throw more hands, then Fox goes up to rain down fists! Mortos shoves Fox away so Blake rains down fists. Mortos shoves him away, Fox returns to A-LIST LARIAT!
Mortos slumps down, Blake adds a LOW CROSSBODY! Fox skins the cat to DROPKICK Mortos, and then Fox goes to the apron. The fans fire up as Fox goes up, but Blake ROCKS him first! Blake goes up, brings Fox up, but Mortos adds on! The fans are going nuts already for the SPANISH FLY BOMB!! Cover on Blake, TWO! Cover on Fox, TWO!! Mortos snarls but he drags Fox back up. Mortos trophy lifts Fox, but Fox slips free to BOOT! Mortos tumbles out to the apron, and Blake SPEARS him down! Blake hurries to build speed so he can DIVE! Mortos stays up!? So Fox FLIES! Down goes Mortos and the fans fire up!
Fox puts Mortos in but Blake aims first! Springboard 450 SPLASH! Fox adds the SWANTON BOMB! But then Blake TOSSES Fox to cover Mortos, only for Fox to break it! Fox has had it with Blake being so sneaky, and TOSSES him out! Blake is on the apron, he ROCKS Fox, but Fox stops the slingshot! Fox has Blake in ropes, step-up DRAPING DDT! Roll through, but Mortos reels Fox in! Scoop and MORTOS DRIVER!! Cover, Mortos wins!
Winner: The Beast Mortos, by pinfall
Blake and Fox couldn’t say on the same page, and that allowed the minotaur of lucha to take the win! Will nothing stop The Beast Mortos from stampeding his way to a championship opportunity?
My Thoughts:
A good episode of ROH here at an hour and 38 minutes, but that made for quite a bit of filler. I did like the Six Meaty Men Slapping Meat Tag match of Mogul Embassy VS 1 Called Manders, BEEF and Calvin Tankman, but of course The Embassy won. Good return matches for Johnny and Taya, but I liked their promo with Aaron Solo better. It was a good use of continuity bringing up the failed QTV to pivot into a new story for Johnny TV now that Dalton Castle is moving on. Good promos from Mark Sterling, but a bit redundant again to have him hype up Ariya Daivari, then for him to talk directly to Ariya and the others.
Another confusing thing was the promo from The Infantry and Outrunners. Well, the promo wasn’t confusing, the timing was. Perhaps it was a victim of poor pacing as we’ve seen all over AEW & ROH. But I do appreciate we’re finally seeing these two teams have it out for ROH at Daily’s Place “next week,” aka prerecorded sometime this week. Outrunners had a good match with The Kingdom but of course The Kingdom won. But we’re getting an interesting detail where Maria wants her new boys, Griff & Karter, to go for those ROH World Tag Team Championships while her old boys, Bennett & Taven, still have them. Some sort of Kingdom Civil War angle in the works here?
Really good stuff with Zay winning by going to new lows, and really good Six Man Tag to give Top Flight momentum going into their title match with Bang Bang Gang. Really good promo from Bang Bang Gang and of course White & The Gunns are going to retain. And at least they did just what I was hoping by having a promo from Bullet Club Gold on ROH so that it counts as them being on this show. Just needs to keep happening, maybe with some in-person appearances. Not even matches, just BCG watching other trios fighting it out because they’re scouting, aka foreshadowing, new opponents.
Great main event Triple Threat but also a fast one, Mortos with the big win over Fox and Blake. While there’s something brewing for the ROH World Championship with Mark Briscoe being around Dalton Castle and The Premier Athletes, maybe Mortos can find himself in the world title scene for the next ROH PPV. And then great promos from Athena & Billie as well as Velvet & Aminata. We’re definitely getting a tag team match that will end up earning Velvet a shot at the Women’s TV title and Aminata a shot at the Women’s World title, and those will be awesome matches.
And if either of the champs is losing, I’m actually thinking it’s more Athena losing to Aminata than Billie losing to Velvet. I’ve said it before, Aminata’s proven herself worthy, and if she wasn’t gonna be inaugural Women’s TV Champ, might as well make her the woman that dethrones the undefeated Athena.
My Score: 8.5/10
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