Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (11/4/20)
Halloween is over but the havoc continues!
NXT restarts the race towards title contention!
Io Shirai still reigns but The Johnny Gargano Way did grab the North American title! Who will be next to challenge the champions of NXT?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Ember Moon VS Dakota Kai w/ Raquel Gonzalez; Kai wins.
- Kushida VS Cameron Grimes; Kushida wins.
- Drake Maverick & Killian Dain VS Ever-Rise; No Contest.
- Shotzi Blackheart VS Toni Storm; Storm wins.
- Tommaso Ciampa VS Velveteen Dream; Ciampa wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Ember Moon VS Dakota Kai w/ Raquel Gonzalez!
The Moon is out and ready to rise again! But #CobraKai isn’t going to let the Shenom do it at her expense! The Evil Genius is still atop the NXT Women’s Division, but will the winner here move up to challenge her next?
The bell rings, Ember and Dakota circle and the fans rally already. Ember and Dakota tie up, go around, and Ember puts Dakota in a corner. Ember rams Dakota in then arm-drags her, but Dakota holds on to arm-drag back! Dakota dribbles Ember off the mat but Ember turns things around to clamp onto the arm. Dakota endures, fights up, trips Ember up and drops down for a headlock. Ember fights up, pries free and has the double wristlock. Dakota resists but Ember throws forearms. Ember brings Dakota up, Dakota turns around to get the arm and wrench back. Ember moves around but Dakota keeps her down. Ember fights up, Dakota arm-drags her back down but Ember headscissors!
Fans rally as Dakota moves around. Dakota hops up, headstands then jackknifes, ONE as Ember gets out. Ember wants the underhook and has the butterfly stretch! Raquel coaches Dakota up as Dakota fights to her feet. Dakota pries free, wrenches to a wristlock, and then a hammerlock. Dakota and Ember fight for control, Dakota gets Ember down to a knee but Ember keeps fighting. Ember gets up, around and wrenches to a wristlock. Dakota throws Ember down by her hair! Ember is right up to throw Dakota down by her hair! Fans fire up as the two start shoving. Dakota runs into a leg sweep! Ember runs to BOOT Dakota down, then drops a back senton!
Dakota scrambles away but Ember runs in. Dakota slips out, ducks the punch but Ember avoids the shoulder! Ember grabs Dakota and brings her through the corner! The ref counts but Ember keeps trying. Dakota resists and then YANKS Ember into the crossbars! Ember is stuck, Dakota grabs an arm and pulls! The ref counts, Ember lets go at 4 and Ember flops into the ring. Dakota stomps Ember, clubs her, then goes after the arm again. Ember endures and fans rally up. Dakota clubs the arm, Ember kicks her away, but Dakota is right back after Ember with a hammerlock. Dakota throws Ember into buckles, then STOMPS the arm! Dakota drags Ember up to snapmare and go after the arm again! Ember endures as Dakota pulls her into a short arm scissor!
Fans rally, Ember fights her way back up and works for a cover, only for Dakota to shift! Dakota has an inverted armbar, but Ember endures and powers up! Ember has a cover, TWO, DEAD LIFT BOMB! Raquel can’t believe Ember had that kind of power! Dakota hurries to her feet but Ember boots back! Ember ducks a kick to give a kick then more kicks, enziguri! Dakota wobbles, Ember fires up, but Ember runs into a forearm! Dakota runs but dodges Ember, only for Ember to springboard back kick! Dakota THRUST KICKS back, but runs into another sweep! Ember drags Dakota to the apron, spins her and ROCKS her with a forearm! Ember tells Dakota that was the receipt, here’s the interest! Ember BOOTS Dakota down! Fans fire up as Ember goes into the ring and Dakota crawls.
Ember shakes out the bad arm before she builds speed, and she DIVES! Direct hit and Dakota hits boards! Ember keeps moving, and she DIVES again, only to CRASH ‘N’ BURN! Both women are down as NXT goes to break!
NXT returns and Ember arm-drags free of an armlock to then reach up and headscissor Dakota to ropes! Fans fire up as Dakota flounders and runs, into a SPINE BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Ember grits her teeth as she drags Dakota by a leg. Dakota kicks back and hard, then stalks up behind Ember. Dakota runs, Ember dodges but Dakota wheelbarrows and victory roll facebusters! Cover, TWO! Dakota is shocked and frustrated as Ember survives! Fans rally up as both women slowly rise. Dakota fireman’s carries but Ember slips off, into a ROUNDHOUSE! Dakota brings Ember back up and whips her to a corner, but Ember comes back with a FLYING CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO! Fans are still rallying but Raquel is very worried.
Dakota crawls but Ember follows, even with a bad arm. Dakota throws a forearm from the mat but Ember returns it! Ember even eggs Dakota on, daring her to take a free shot. Dakota tries but it’s a trap! CROSSFACE! Dakota endures, pries at the hold, but Ember cranks back and grinds her forearms in harder. Dakota rolls to a cover, TWO and to a ghost pin! TWO and Dakota has the ghost pin, TWO! They keep trading ghost pins, TWO! FUJIWARA on the bad arm! Dakota has Ember now, cranks back hard, but Ember endures and reaches for ropes! Ember uses a leg for the ropebreak but Dakota just cranks back harder and harder! Dakota lets go at 4 but she’s still frustrated.
Dakota clubs Ember, then talks trash about Ember returning to NXT. Dakota stomps the arm, and then SLAPS Ember! Ember just gets mad! Ember glares at Dakota, shrieks with fury, and SLAPS away on Dakota! And throws forearms and knees, and a windmill of fists! Dakota gets to a corner, Ember is after her with a whip! Ember runs in to hit the back body block! And then TOSSES Dakota across the way! And then corner clothesline! Ember snapmares Dakota then climbs a corner. But Raquel distracts on the apron! Dakota BOOTS Ember down! Ember is stuck up top, Dakota drags Ember out, DRAPING G T K!! Cover, Dakota wins!!
Winner: Dakota Kai, by pinfall
Give another huge assist to #RickyDesperado! Big Mama Cool helped #CapKota keep pace in the title hunt. Dakota tells Ember that she’s not the same person she was when Ember was last in NXT. Will this Dakota earn herself another shot at Io Shirai?
Backstage interview with Cameron Grimes.
He’s very jumpy, though, and Mackenzie spooks him. She just wants to know how he’s doing since last week’s Haunted House of Terror match. Grimes says he’s doing fine. Whatever loss happened doesn’t really matter. IT wasn’t a pinfall or submission. There were zombies or something. Grimes keeps looking around, but he claims he’s over it. Last week was last week. Tonight is tonight. Grimes will Cave-In Kushida tonight. The ref comes up to tell Grimes it’s time, but Grimes freaks out because it was the same ref that was a zombie last week! Will Grimes work up the nerve to have a normal match this time?
Backstage interview with Shotzi Blackheart.
Firstly, Mackenzie gives her congratulations on hosting such a great Halloween Havoc last week. Tonight, she handpicked the returning Toni Storm as her opponent, and why is that? Shotzi says Halloween Havoc was a blast, and after volunteering as host, William Regal allowed her this special treat. Shotzi has always been a big fan of Toni’s as one of the best, as well as a Mae Young Classic winner and former NXT UK Women’s Champion. Tonight’s match is a huge test of Shotzi’s skills, so that’s exactly why she wants this match. Toni, “Welcome to the ball pit!” Will Shotzi #TCB, Take Care o’ Bidness against such an accomplished opponent?
Kushida VS Cameron Grimes!
The Time Splitter has moved past The Velveteen Dream and Tommaso Ciampa, who are still stuck in the past against each other. Grimes is also stuck on his horrifying past, but will it keep him from focusing on the Super Junior?
The bell rings and the two circle. Grimes stays back at the ropes, and seems to be on the lookout for anything creeping and crawling. He comes back, but Kushida dropping down to use his leg guard only freaks Grimes out, it’s like the zombies and their spider walking! Grimes stays at the ropes but Kushida backs off. They circle and tie up, Kushida gets a leg then the waistlock. Grimes counters with a judo throw then wristlock, but Kushida moves around to get around and roll him up. ONE, but Kushida is right on Grimes’ arm. Kushida throws elbows in while wanting the Hoverboard but Grimes again powers him over with a fireman’s carry takedown. Cover, ONE, but Grimes has a facelock.
Kushida pops out, facelocks back, and holds on as Grimes rolls. Kushida then floats all over Grimes and goes back to a facelock. He shoots the half to cover, ONE, but Kushida keeps Grimes down with the armlock. Kushida chinbars while he armlocks, but Grimes fights up. Grimes drop toeholds and floats to a fish hooking chinlock! He also goes after the ears and stomps Kushida down! Grimes throws European Uppercuts then whips corner to corner. Kushida reverses but Grimes goes up and over, then runs to speed things up. Kushida hip tosses to the ARMBAR! Grimes flails, resists, moves and gets a cover, ONE! Kushida has the arm again, Grimes clasps hands and rolls, but Kushida changes that to a Jim Breaks Special! Kushida makes Grimes’ arms bend back for a double omoplata and SNAP!
Kushida stalks Grimes, gets the arm and goes after it. Grimes grabs ropes but Kushida hits a BULLDOG on the arm! Kushida dropkicks Grimes down then covers, TWO! Kushida is right after the arm but Grimes gets a ropebreak. The ref counts, Kushida lets off but Grimes kicks him in the head! Kushida wobbles and Grimes kicks low. Kushida CHOPS back, but Grimes throws a forearm! Grimes wrenches and wrangles Kushida down to the mat. Kushida fights up, rolls, and wrangles Grimes with a chinbar. Grimes endures as Kushida keylocks the arm, stands on it then STOMPS it! Then arm-drags to get the arm for a high wristlock! Grimes endures, fans rally and Grimes moves around. Kushida just steps over for a mounted armlock.
Grimes fights up, Kushida wrenches but Grimes forearms him in the back! And then again! Grimes keeps after Kushida with big forearms, then waistlocks. Kushida counters the suplex to a victory roll, TWO! Kushida dodges, tilt-o-whirls, but into a LAWN DART HOT SHOT! Grimes hurries to cover, TWO! Grimes grows frustrated as NXT goes picture in picture.
Grimes stomps Kushida in a corner, brings him around and clubs him with elbows. Grimes stands on Kushida’s hand and grinds the fingers! Then he drops a knee on Kushida’s head and digs that in, too! The ref reprimands, Grimes stops but he still glances around just in case. Grimes brings Kushida up, Kushida fights back with elbows and clubs Grimes. Kushida fires off forearms but Grimes yanks him into buckles! Kushida gasps and sputters and Grimes cheers himself on. Grimes gets up, runs in but Kushida catches him for a BUCKLE SHOT! Kushida fires himself up as Grimes flounders around. Kushida throws haymakers, Grimes knees low and whips, but Kushida kicks back! Grimes LARIATS! Cover, TWO!
Grimes argues with the ref but the count is the count. Grimes looms over Kushida and wrenches the neck. Kushida endures, so Grimes fish hooks his face! The ref counts, Grimes lets off and then paces about. Grimes stomps Kushida, stomps him more, then puts him in a corner. Grimes throws EuroUppers, Kushida staggers to the other corner, so Grimes is on him with KICKS! Kushida staggers to another corner, Grimes RAMS into him with his shoulder! And again! And then another KICK! Kushida staggers and Grimes kicks the legs out! Grimes stands on Kushida’s head and gloats but lets off at the ref’s count.
Grimes whips Kushida corner to corner hard and Kushida bounces off buckles! Grimes double guns to show off his power, then he stalks Kushida to the corner. Grimes stomps as NXT returns to single picture but the fans rally for Kushida. The ref counts, Grimes lets off but Kushida boots back! Both men throw forearms back and forth but Kushida KICKS and KICKS and whips. Grimes reverses but Kushida handsprings to back elbow! Kushida fires up, runs in but misses in the corner. Grimes walks into an enziguri! Atomic drop and whip, hip toss and cartwheel basement dropkick! Kushida baits Grimes in then gets Grimes with a PELE! Grimes wobbles, but dodges the Penalty Kick to whip. Kushida reverses to put Grimes on the apron and he handspring kicks Grimes down!
Fans are fired up as Kushida goes up top! Kushida sees Grimes get in so he just adjusts and leaps, crossbody! Cover, TWO! Kushida has the wrists, he stomps but Grimes avoids it to roll him up! Grimes holds the pants, TWO!! Kushida walks into the SUPERFOREARM! Kushida FAST BALL, but Grimes uses that to backslide! Kushida slips off into a DEAD LIFT SIT-OUT BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Kushida survives and Grimes is exhausted! Fans are thunderous for “NXT! NXT!” Both men slowly rise and Kushida gets to a corner. Grimes hoists Kushida up top, CHOPS him, then climbs up to join him. Grimes goes to the very top, but Kushida hits back with body shots! Kushida crotches Grimes and FAST BALLS!
Kushida sits Grimes back up, has the arm for a HOVERBOARD DRIVER!?! Grimes clutches that arm while Kushida fires up! PENALTY KICK to the arm! Then a waistlock, but Grimes standing switches! Grimes RAMS Kushida into a corner and the ref! O’Conner roll, but no one to count! Kushida kicks out all the same, and he sends Grimes into the ref! The ref tumbles out of the ring, Kushida gets up and Grimes sees what happened! Kushida gets the arm, tornado takedown to the HOVERBOARD! Grimes is tapping but the ref can’t call it down on the outside! Kushida lets go when he realizes what happened, and he shouts to the ref.
Grimes crawls to the opposite side, then runs at Kushida. Kushida dodges him, but then Grimes dodges Kushida, COLLISION COURSE! Grimes covers but again, no ref to count! Another ref comes out, but it’s the “zombie” ref! Grimes is too scared to stay put, and he gets CAUGHT to the HOVERBOARD! Grimes taps, Kushida wins!!
Winner: Kushida, by submission
The Haunted House of Terror still haunts Grimes, and that helps Kushida stay alive! Will the Time Splitter be the one heading for championship gold next?
Toni Storm speaks.
“I respect Shotzi Blackheart. Unlimited passion, unlimited energy. Heck, who doesn’t love Shotzi Blackheart?” Toni is flattered to be chosen, but Halloween is over and Shotzi chose the wrong woman. This is a new Toni Storm. More aggressive, more tenacious, and even more Toni. Toni will use Shotzi as a springboard to the top of the NXT Women’s Division. Will the Lightning From Down Under strike tonight?
Io Shirai speaks.
“Everyone wants to know what’s next for Io Shirai. To show this is MY NXT, there is still one challenge I must face: Rhea Ripley.” After all, it was a Triple Threat at In Your House, so they need to settle this 1v1. “Rhea, I’m not afraid of nightmares.” But will even the Evil Genius wipeout against the Riptide?
Drake Maverick & Killian Dain VS Ever-Rise!
The last time these two teams, which Rockstar Spud and Big Damo are finally becoming, it ended in a disqualification. But that actually made Dain like Maverick, so they’re going to take on Matt Marthel and Chase Parker again to see if they can’t win clean. Will Maverick finally win over Dain while also finally winning a match?
Marthel talks a lot of trash as the two teams stare down, but already Maverick and Dain agree on hitting first! The bell rings to get this brawl on record! Dain throws Marthel out and moves Maverick aside to get after Parker. Dain ROCKS Parker with EuroUppers then whips him to the corner. Dain tags Maverick in rather strongly, then whips Parker to ropes. Maverick is used as a weapon to trip Parker up! Dain then drops a back senton, then scoops Maverick for human weapon, senton slam! Cover, TWO! Marthel talks trash again but Maverick swings haymakers! Marthel backs off but Parker rams Maverick in! Marthel tags in and Ever-Rise mugs Maverick!
Marthel bumps Maverick off buckles, throws forearms then looms over him. Tag to Parker as fans rally, and Ever-Rise combine for the running KNEE backbreaker! Cover, TWO! Parker throws haymakers on Maverick then clamps a claw onto the shoulder. Maverick endures, fights up but Parker wrangles him back down. Maverick continues to endure, Marthel cheers as Parker throws in elbows. Parker clamps down even harder, but Maverick fights up. Parker elbows him again, bumps him off buckles, then throws big body shots! Maverick gasps for air but Parker throws haymakers. Maverick counter punches! Parker wobbles but runs into a boot! Maverick reaches, Marthel shouts but Parker is dumped out! Maverick goes outside and leaps to club Parker down!
Cameras look outside and Pat McAfee’s crew rolls up! “Well, well, well. The show has arrived!” Maverick puts Parker in but Parker clobbers him! McAfee takes the camera to frame his team the right way, and Danny Burch says McAfee’s a natural. Marthel tags in, Maverick fights Ever-Rise off! He throws Parker out but Marthel rams his shoulder in over and over! Marthel throws haymakers, brings Maverick around and hits a backbreaker! Cover, TWO! Pete Dunne leads the way as he, the NXT Tag Team Champions, and McAfee head inside. Parker tags in, Ever-Rise mugs Maverick, but here come McAfee’s boys! They’re attacking Parker and Maverick!
No Contest
Dain gets in but he gets mugged 3v1! McAfee is still rolling as Maverick and Dain try to fight 3v2! Fans boo as Maverick and Dain get beat down! Dain tries to fight back against the champs but Oney and Burch club away on him. Dunne gives Maverick some Danielson Stomps! Oney drags Dain up for him and Burch to keep hitting and Dunne adds on! McAfee is getting it all from his camera, too. Dunne BOOTS Maverick down! The three then coordinate and get Dain up, LONDON TOWER! McAfee tells his boys to smile for the camera! “Smile if you’re the greatest four man group in wrestling! Say cheese~!” Dunne doesn’t smile but that’s just how he is. Will these four continue to do what they want, when they want and to who they want in NXT?
NXT returns and McAfee’s crew is still in the ring!
Fans boo as McAfee has the mic. “You are looking at the greatest four men to ever come together in the history of the wrestling business! We run NXT now, and there’s no question about it!” The thing about them that makes them different is that they’re “not a bunch of scumbags.” Not Danny, not Oney, not Pete, and definitely not McAfee! “We are men of class! We are professional.” So as the new kings of NXT, it is only right they pay tribute to the previous group that used to run NXT, the Undisputed Era. “Tonight, we will hang their banner in the rafters to commemorate an incredible run in NXT that we ended.” And let’s take a trip down memory lane as they do so.
In 2017, this group of Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly and “mustached stooge” Bobby Fish came along, and they took over NXT like no one had done before! They and their “stupid hand signal” won a bunch of stuff, they were “over” with all the “stupid, stupid, stupid fans,” everyone loved them. So much success there, they needed a new member. What did they do, Pete Dunne? What did the UE do to him specifically? “Roderick Strong taught me a very valuable lesson: You’ve got to trust the right people in this business.” McAfee is “the right people,” btw. Dunne decided to return the favor and he taught Kyle the exact same favor Roddy did. See those biceps, dude? Dunne is back, ripped and shredded, and with a vendetta to settle!
So again, Roderick betrayed Dunne and joined the UE, and then those four “raised the level of everything in NXT.” They won all the titles, had success after success. “Pigs get fed, hogs get slaughtered.” They got greedy, wanting more and more and more, “and NXT changed their entire business philosophy to make the Undisputed Era look like they’re the greatest thing ever, leaving everybody else by the wayside.” All the incredible talent backstage did not matter anymore because the UE got a push like the world has never seen before. Right, Oney? Yeah! “What about us?” What about Oney and Danny? A combined 30 years in this business! People looked down on them! Told them they weren’t good enough! People told them they’d never be on the same level as the Undisputed Era! But now look at them.
McAfee says the UE will never reach the level of Danny and Oney ever again! The UE was allowed to do whatever they wanted, like bullying people and taking advantage of them, as well as manipulating the “simpletons” think they were unstoppable. All it took was one run-in with McAfee. NXT TakeOver: XXX, Cole beat McAfee, but in scumbag fashion, he showed McAfee no respect. None! So obviously, TakeOver: 31, Ridge Holland literally dumped Adam Cole’s lifeless body, but sadly breaks his leg, so McAfee signs Oney and Danny, knowing that they hated the UE, too. Then Dunne was the ace in the hole, who has hated the UE for years because Strong was a scumbag to him! This group coming together was the easiest thing McAfee has done in his entire life.
“Now it’s time for our reign to begin. Now it’s time to honor the past while recognizing that the future is much, much better.” They will now raise the UE banner into the rafters, “and never ever hear from those four little dirt bags ever again.” The “thingy” lowers, and then McAfee realizes, their group is a “democracy.” They should all have a say in whether or not they go through with this. McAfee did, but talking about the UE and all the “despicable things they have done,” he’s not sure. But they’re a team, so they should vote. If you’re in favor of raising the banner, say “Aye.” No one says anything. So then, if they’d rather throw the banner into the trash, say “Aye.” AYE! Trash can it is! The UE’s name will never be something that is glorified! This banner, like Vic Joseph’s FACE, will end up where it belongs: the trash!
McAfee puts the banner in the can, “as a sign of something that should’ve never existed. Something that’s more dumb than anything else in the history of wrestling, and something that we will never, ever, ever hear from again, after we laid waste to all of them.” Congrats to the UE on being official DEAD! “Pete Dunne, light their asses on fire, sir!” Dunne squirts a LOT of lighter fluid on the banner, then throws a lighter in! BOOM! Danny and McAfee warms their hands from that fire. McAfee tells the fans, “You’re welcome,” and says the fans on the screens of the “tron thingy” are the worst. These four are the greatest, everyone else sucks! Cheers. McAfee’s crew heads out, will “the kings of NXT” continue to do what they want week after week?
But wait! Dain is back for revenge! He goes after McAfee but Dunne, Oney and Danny go after him! They mug him 3v1 against the SUV, then put him between the door. Dunne BOOTS it closed on Dain!! McAfee is stunned. He likes it, though, they can talk about this later. McAfee tells the “big hairy bastard” that he shouldn’t have even tried. McAfee has a quick reminder: “We’re the greatest. You suck.” Bye! They drive off into the night, and Dain’s bleeding from the mouth! Will even the Belfast Beast suffer under this new era?
NXT hears from Johnny Gargano.
“There’s a lot of nasty rumors being spread about me.” Some people were saying Gargano hates wheels? No! Everyone knows Gargano loves wheels! He spins a wheel in the Game of Life! All the spins are coming up Johnny. “As a matter of fact, the only thing I love more than wheels, is making history.” First Triple Crown Champion in NXT history! First TWO-TIME North American Champion! Lover of wheels, maker of history, that’s Johnny Gargano, ladies and gentlemen. Gargano gets a call, and it’s… GHOST FACE?! “I’m in your house.” Oh! Well, wait, duh, you’re right next to him! Your turn, dude. You’re just delaying the inevitable. Easy for Gargano to say, “everything’s coming up Johnny.” Yeah, finally!
But it hasn’t always been that way. The minute Gargano won the title, everyone thought, “Oh, it’s gonna be another short Johnny Gargano title reign. He’s probably gonna lose it his first defense, just like he always does!” NO! That is the one blemish on his legacy, but next week, he kills that curse! Gargano defends his title against a worthy opponent. No c’mon, spin the wheel. Ghost Face takes their turn, and wow, not good. Gargano laughs and says they suck. Gargano spins and gets a big result! The winner is: Johnny! “Just like it always is, Johnny wins! Wheels love Johnny and Johnny wins!” What kind of victory dance is that? Good game, Ghost Face! But who is that behind the mask? And who does Gargano feel is worthy of a match?
Shotzi Blackheart VS Toni Storm!
NXT’s Tank Girl chose the MYC winner and former NXT UK Women’s Champion for this match to test herself as much as to test “the new Toni Storm.” Will Shotzi pass that test with flying colors? Or will she fail to last against #ToniTime?
Shotzi doesn’t ride in on her tank? And she blames Toni for it?! Shotzi shoves Toni but the ref keeps the peace. Toni and Shotzi are fired up and the ref rings the bell! Toni dodges, ducks a kick and waistlocks but Shotzi swings an elbow! Toni ducks that, atomic drops and CHOPS! Toni runs and BOOTS Shotzi down! Shotzi gets to a corner but she slips to the outside as Toni turns in! Shotzi ROUNDHOUSES Toni back, then springboards, but FALLS! Toni gets her right up to throw a EuroUpper! Toni drags Shotzi up, whips her but Shotzi slides under and enziguris back! Toni staggers, Shotzi trips her up and gets the legs! “Welcome to the ball pit!” Leg splitter leg drop! Shotzi drags Toni up, whips but Toni reverses. Shotzi boots back, climbs up and headscissors Toni into buckles!
Shotzi runs in for the CANNONBALL but only gets buckles! Toni comes back to hip attack! Toni drags Shotzi to a cover, TWO! Toni keeps her cool as she drags Shotzi up to CHOP her to a corner! Toni throws EuroUppers then brings her up for a snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Toni looms over Shotzi, brings her up and throws big forearms but Shotzi throws them back! Shotzi runs and tilt-o-whirls into a small package! TWO, Toni BOOTS Shotzi down again! Shotzi gets to ropes but Toni brings her up. Toni throws more EuroUppers, Shotzi staggers about but Toni stomps her in the corner. Toni snapmares, covers, TWO! Toni keeps on Shotzi with a neck wrench, fans rally as Shotzi endures, but Toni shifts side to side.
Toni shifts to a chinlock, Shotzi fights up but Toni wrangles her down. Cover, TWO, and Shotzi gets to a corner. Toni cravats and cranks to a snapmare. Toni keeps on the head and neck with more wrenching, then she brings Shotzi around to a facelock. Shotzi fights up, Toni throws her down to a cover, TWO! Toni keeps on Shotzi with that facelock and fans rally. Shotzi fights up, fans are thunderous as she fights back. Toni clubs her down, and half hatch suplexes! Cover, TWO! Shotzi is still in this as NXT goes to break!
NXT returns and Shotzi fights up. Toni hits back and whips Shotzi to a corner, but Shotzi goes up and over. Shotzi rolls and comes to shotgun dropkick Toni into the corner! Shotzi runs in to corner splash then shoves Toni for the SLING DOG! Shotzi KNEES Toni, then QUESTION MARK KICKS! Toni wobbles and flounders, Shotzi runs to BALL PIT CANNONBALL on the ropes! Cover, TWO! Shotzi drags Toni back up, but Toni resists the suplex. Toni elbows away and Shotzi backs off. Shotzi comes back but the enziguri misses, Toni reels Shotzi in for a GERMAN SUPLEX! Toni holds on but Shotzi elbows back! Shotzi cravats and goes up, but no Sliced Bread, just another GERMAN! Bridging cover, TWO!! Shotzi narrowly escapes and fans fire up!
Toni drags Shotzi up, reels her in and underhooks, but Shotzi resists! Shotzi wrenches the arm, reels Toni in, SAIDO! Cover, TWO!! Toni survives and Shotzi is seeing why Toni is as accomplished as she is! Shotzi gets up, runs, but Toni HEADBUTTS! Cover, TWO!! Shotzi survives again and Toni can’t believe it! Fans are thunderous as Toni goes up to the top rope! Shotzi hits her first and Toni is on the apron. Toni shoulders in and forearms, but Shotzi hits back! They brawl with the ropes between them, and Shotzi CHOPS! And SLAPS! And throws big forearms! And a ROUNDHOUSE! Toni wobbles, Shotzi goes up and brings Toni around, APRON TORNADO DDT!! Both women crash down and fans are losing their minds! The ref starts a ring count but neither woman stirs until 5!
Shotzi gets up first at 6, drags herself up with the apron skirt, and in at 8! Toni is given a reprieve, and Candice LeRae talks on the titantron!? She says she knows what happened to Shotzi’s tank! They left it in the middle of the road! Who would do such a thing? But Candice will “watch” the tank for her. You can trust Candice. Toni sneaks up on Shotzi with a body scissors take down! EURO CLUTCH! TONI WINS!
Winner: Toni Storm, by pinfall
Candice’s “help” just helped Toni! Candice says that’s too bad. But the tank is still here. Though, how much longer can Candice keep watch? She keeps hearing cars and someone might come this way. Oh no! There’s one coming! Candice asks they stop, and it’s a huge Hummer, too. Candice goes to the driver, and then hops in? Who was driving it before, then? “These are the things that happen when you put your nose in other people’s business.” Candice is running Shotzi’s tank over with the Hummer!! Shotzi is freaking out as the tank is scraped along underneath!! And it was GHOST FACE who brought the Hummer here!
This is what Shotzi gets for keeping the NXT Women’s Championship from Candice! “We’re even!” Toni tries to comfort Shotzi, but that’s not going to fix her tank. Will Shotzi avenge her tank and crush the Poison Pixie in return?
NXT Media catches up with El Legado del Fantasma.
Santos Escobar, Joaquin Wilde and Raul Mendoza arrive, and the reporter tells them that a lot of people feel it’s rather telling that they had to cheat to defeat Jake Atlas. “A lot of people? What are you talking about?” Escobar pinned Atlas fair and square. Who cares about other people? But then Atlas pulls up fast, and he has a tire iron! He swings and hits Mendoza, keeps Wilde back, but gets back into his car before things get out of hand. Escobar smirks, because he knows he has gotten under Atlas’ skin. But will Atlas still find a way to get even with the Leader of Leaders?
NXT presents another Thatch As Thatch Can.
The Professor of Pain, Timothy Thatcher, has a new student this week as he welcomes to another live session. This is Akeem. And today’s lesson is reversals. Last time, Thatcher and Anthony Greene showed us that “anyone can get lucky and catch a hold.” But you have to be prepared at all times when you step inside the four ropes. So to start, the front guillotine. The cutting bone of the forearm on the windpipe. He puts Akeem in, cranks tight and Akeem already taps. In pro-wrestling, a windpipe crush is illegal. At least, that was always the impression Thatcher had. You go after the carotid artery. But apparently if someone, Greene, wants to play tough guy, you just grab whatever you can.
So now, the reversal of that hold. Thatcher allows Akeem to put him in the facelock. The key is to block the cutting bone with a hand, move to the side and spin around. The opponent will surely try to wrangle you down to the ground, but as you do you keep moving to the side, turning your head. Now, he can crank how hard he wants and there’s no pressure on you. But Thatcher shows that you can apply pressure with your forearm into the opponent’s face and crossface him. Then you pop out, get the arm, to a top wristlock! Akeem taps already, but Thatcher of course holds on. “Now, we have to know the difference between him tapping because because you’ve crushed his soul, or because he’s just trying to lull me into a false sense of security.” Thatcher goes DEEPER and Akeem definitely tapes because of the pain!
Akeem gets upset as Thatcher finally lets go. Top wristlocks go after both shoulder and elbow. Thatcher asks if Akeem is fine. He is. They can get someone else. No, he’s okay. Does he want water? Get him some water! Well alright, he’ll be fine. This time, Akeem will try to escape. Thatcher puts on the guillotine, Akeem uses his hand as instructed, and they move around. Thatcher will go down, Akeem rolls to his side. Very good. They keep moving around. Use the forearm for the crossface. There. But you see, what Akeem doesn’t know is that you can push him forward, get a leg, and have the ankle lock! Specifically, an Achilles lock! Akeem taps, and Thatcher says you always have to be prepared for anything! Akeem keeps tapping and Thatcher finally lets go.
Anthony Greene is back! Or, Austin Gray now! Either way, he’s throwing clubbing forearms on Thatcher! Thatcher hits back, but Gray DECKS him! He dares Thatcher to come back, and then he SUPERKICKS him out to the barriers! Thatcher tumbles up and over and glares back at Gray! Gray’s no longer green, but will he and Thatcher be black ‘n’ blue after it’s said and done?
Backstage interview with Xia Li.
She has been receiving letters delivered by Boa, but what are those about? Xia explains they are letters from her family, so it is very personal. But what matters is that Xia needs to turn things around. Is there anything she can share about what’s in the letters? No, it’s not anyone’s business. But then why- William Regal comes by, and he has another letter! Xia reads this one, and she looks even more worried than she did before. She needs a match next week, against Raquel Gonzalez. Is she sure about that? Yes. She dishonored her, so she has to. Well if that’s what she wishes, then Regal will arrange it. What is it that has Xia so anxious to fight the big fight?
Rhea Ripley speaks.
“Io Shirai wants to challenge me? Perfect.” That is what she’s wanted since June! “2020 has been complete trash. Everybody has been getting in my way, and I’ve had to prove to them exactly who I am.” Shirai says she isn’t afraid of nightmares, but everyone’s scared of something. And it’s a fact Shirai is terrified of losing her title. That’s exactly what will happen. Rhea will end 2020 the same way she did 2019: the NEW NXT Women’s Champion. Will history repeat itself for the better in NXT?
NXT has BIG matches for next week!
Not only will Gargano and his mysterious “worthy opponent” have a match over the NXT North American Championship, but Breezango is looking for payback! Will Tyler Breeze and Fandango avenge both the Undisputed Era and themselves as they have a rematch with Oney and Danny for the NXT Tag Team Championships?
Tommaso Ciampa VS Velveteen Dream!
The Psycho Killer has pointed out The Experience inevitably gets in his own way and only makes things worse for himself. Will this 1v1 grudge match be exactly what Ciampa means now that he has Dream all to himself?
Dream tries to ambush Ciampa but he’s ready for it and ducks the arm cast attack! The bell rings, Ciampa and Dream circle and feel out the grapple. Ciampa gets a headlock and holds on as Dream tries to power out. Ciampa grinds Dream down, fans rally as Ciampa is after the bad arm. Dream gets up, Ciampa throws him down and has the bad arm! Ciampa claws at the cast as he twists the arm but Dream gets a ropebreak. The ref counts, Dream gets away before Ciampa can stomp the arm! Dream throws a tantrum but he slams his bad arm on the desk! Ciampa goes after Dream while he winces, and wrenches, only for Dream to throw body shots. Dream shoves Ciampa into boards then gets back into the ring.
Dream argues with the ref about the cast being a target but Dream goes back out. Ciampa kicks Dream and puts him on the barriers! Dream is stuck but Ciampa KNEES him down! Fans fire up while Dream flounders about. Ciampa, bloody eye and all, puts Dream in the ring. Dream bails back out but Ciampa smirks as he follows. Dream is on the desk, Ciampa pats him on the back and CHOPS him! Ciampa hoists Dream up to GOURD BUSTER him onto the desk! Fans are thunderous, Ciampa lines up another shot, but Dream covers up! Ciampa stops short, grabs the bad arm, and slams it on the desk! And again! And again! Dream writhes and flops off the desk but Ciampa puts him in. Ciampa pats himself on the back and smiles as fans are thunderous.
Ciampa stalks Dream but Dream throws his hat at him! Dream then attacks with kicks and chops and forearms! Dream rams his shoulder in over and over, lets off at the ref’s count, but stalks Ciampa on the ropes. Dream whips corner to corner but Ciampa reverses and sends Dream flying out! Dream ends up hitting boards and he tumbles around. Dream doesn’t want any more and he goes up the ramp! “I’m coming home, mama!” But Ciampa grabs him at the ramp! Ciampa puts Dream back in, Dream flounders up but into a GERMAN SUPLEX! Ciampa keeps moving and he BASEMENT KNEES Dream down! Ciampa reels Dream in, underhooks, but Dream slips out and punches, only for Ciampa to grab the bad arm! Ciampa wrangles Dream down and STOMPS the arm!!
Ciampa stalks Dream as Dream begs the ref to stop this. Ciampa drags Dream up, Dream shoves him away and climbs up. Ciampa clubs Dream, gets the bad arm and pulls to YANK Dream into the buckles! Dream flops down, Ciampa SLAMS the bad arm on the mat! Then stomps away on Dream in the corner! The ref counts, Ciampa lets off and Dream flounders out. Ciampa goes out to stomp away on Dream against steel steps as NXT goes picture in picture!
Ciampa stomps and stomps but lets off. The fans are fired up as Ciampa THROWS Dream into boards! Ciampa grins as Dream clutches his arm. Ciampa drags Dream up, puts him in the ring and goes after the arm. Dream flounders and flails to get away but he runs into a haymaker! Dream is in a daze, Ciampa has the arm again and he drops a knee on it! Ciampa drags Dream by his arm and drops knees on it again! Ciampa drags Dream around, ROCKS him to a corner, then CHOPS him! Ciampa climbs up and rains down rights in the corner! He lets off to mock Dream’s swiveling, then tops it off with the tenth!
Ciampa watches Dream flop down and waves to him. Dream begs for mercy but Ciampa toys with him. Ciampa kicks and kicks and that upsets Dream. Ciampa CHOPS Dream, whips him corner to corner but Dream slides, only to turn around and see Ciampa ready to punch him! Dream scrambles around and begs for mercy, but he instead tries to throw Ciampa into buckles! Ciampa stops himself short, elbows Dream back, but Dream BOOTS him! Both men stagger as NXT returns to single picture. Fans are fired up as Dream climbs. Ciampa CHOPS him, CHOPS him, and climbs up to join him. Dream resists and fights back and Ciampa hops down. But Ciampa gets the bad arm! Ciampa wrenches but the ref counts. Dream rakes Ciampa’s eyes!
Ciampa staggers away while the ref reprimands. Dream ROCKS Ciampa with haymakers and jabs, then whips Ciampa to ropes. Ciampa reverses but Dream gets around to SPINE BUSTER! Fans boo but Dream poses. Dream gets mad when he realizes they’re booing, so he rains down furious fists on Ciampa! Dream lets up to smooth his hair back and encourages the fans to make noise. Dream drags Ciampa up, his cast in the crossface and then camel clutch! Dream focuses on the bad eye! Ciampa fights up, throws body shots and then haymakers. Dream kicks back then whips! Ciampa comes back but swings into an atomic drop! But he still rebounds to LARIAT! Fans fire up as Ciampa rallies with more clotheslines! And more clotheslines! And a LARIAT!
Fans are thunderous as Dream gets to a corner. Ciampa runs in for a big corner clothesline! Ciampa hoists Dream back up top, climbs up to join him again, and brings him all the way up for a SUPERPLEX! Cover, TWO!! Dream survives and Ciampa can’t believe it! But fans are still thunderous as Ciampa gets up and WRINGS the bad arm out! Dream flounders up and Ciampa reels him in, but Dream back drops and sits down! TWO, and Ciampa staggers into a fireman’s carry! But Ciampa gets ropes so Dream throws him away. Dream BOOTS then throws Ciampa out of the ring! Dream builds speed but runs into a forearm! Dream forearms back then PLANCHAS! Direct hit and Ciampa is down!
Dream drags Ciampa up, puts him in, and reels Ciampa in. Ciampa fights back, but Dream still suplexes Ciampa and himself out! A rough landing but fans are fired up! A ring count starts and climbs as both men stir. Dream and Ciampa sit up at 5, get in at 7, but Ciampa drags Dream back out. Dream SUPERKICKS then puts Ciampa back in! Dream gets a chair?! He throws that in to distract the ref, because he wants to use the cast! Dream leaps, but into Ciampa’s JUMPING KNEE! Ciampa gets Dream with a roll into the ropes, WILLOW’S BELL!! Then the underhooks, to FAIRY TALE ENDING!! Cover, Ciampa wins!!
Winner: Tommaso Ciampa, by pinfall
It’s Dream Over, but not in the way Dream wanted! Will Ciampa use this to make his way back to “Goldie,” aka THE NXT Championship?
My Thoughts:
Wow, this was a great NXT, and it wasn’t even with one central focus point. All four matches (that went to actual finishes) were simply highlighting the depth of the roster and the stories behind them. Getting right to Ember VS Dakota was great, it was a great match, and it was a great surprise for Ember to lose. Ember may be back but she isn’t going to steamroll opponents, and certainly not one who has been in NXT as long as Dakota has. Ember will benefit from taking her time and giving us those little dream matches she listed the other week, on a similar path to Finn Balor. Speaking of which, a little surprised we didn’t get anything on Finn, but perhaps they’re trying to let things run their course. Hopefully Finn will be 100% very soon so that he can still be NXT Champion.
Shirai and Rhea had great promo vignettes and it’s great to see we’re finally getting that match for the NXT Women’s title. That is a match that could go either way, though I’m leaning ever so slightly in Shirai’s favor. Rhea has had her accolades for NXT already, and as much as I think she and Shotzi can tear it up as a team, or as great as a Rhea VS Toni rematch could be, I feel like Rhea might end up being moved to Raw or SmackDown. Leaning towards Raw in that case, because Rhea VS Asuka could be great, and Charlotte VS Rhea in a rematch of their own would be fantastic. Of course, the same can be said for Shirai, I just feel there’s more for Shirai to still do. Maybe be part of Worlds Collide: NXT VS NXT UK II, so that we can get either Shotzi VS Kay Lee Ray or Shotzi VS Jinny, something like that.
Toni VS Shotzi was a great match, even with Candice distracting via titantron. The major thing was, RIP Shotzi’s tank! Of course, I would think that’s a stunt tank, but still. Shotzi is definitely going to go after Candice, and there’s a chance “Ghost Face” Indi Hartwell gets involved, perhaps prompting Toni Storm to step in where Tegan Nox probably would be if not for injury. Speaking of Ghost Face, I wonder if the one playing Life with Gargano was just Candice playing the part. After all, the voice was changed and that Ghost Face seemed a little on the small side. I’m still betting the big, bad Ghost Face that helped Gargano was Austin Theory. Gargano was hilarious during that segment, especially that victory dance. I wonder if he’ll do that dance when he beats the “worthy” opponent who will probably be a jobber.
Atlas trying to jump El Legado was a decent segment. That rematch is coming, too, but it’s getting pretty old pretty quickly for El Legado to help Escobar win. Thatch As Thatch Can was another good segment, and I’m glad that Anthony Greene, now Austin Gray (Grey?) is taking the fight to him. One thing NXT is borrowing from 205 Live is that the seemingly jobber guy is getting to actually do stuff, i.e. Curt Stallion taking on Tony Nese and Ariya Daivari week after week. Grimes VS Kushida was a great match, lots of great character from Grimes in regards to the Haunted House match. I have a feeling Grimes will be suffering from the trauma until he has a rematch with Lumis, assuming he finds a way to win that. Speaking of which, Lumis and Kushida are shoe-ins for actual worthy NAC contenders, but maybe that comes after Gargano “breaks the curse.”
The tag match of Maverick, Dain and Ever-Rise was a good segue into McAfee and the “kings of NXT” (apparently that IS going to be their group name) razzing on UE for a long, long time. McAfee can definitely talk and he can definitely be obnoxious, and he did all of that excellently tonight. I knew last week Dunne’s motivations were purely from the moment when Strong betrayed him in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. Despite winning WarGames against UE after, Dunne still holds a grudge, and with McAfee revisiting that history just so everyone understands, that can only mean WarGames is where this ends. Dain getting “crushed” in the car door was a nice touch to add to Dunne’s new edge as a Heel. Ciampa VS Dream was borderline TakeOver levels, and that made for a great main event. I really do think that, should Finn be cleared, he and Ciampa can start a program to end 2020 and to start 2021.
My Score: 9.1/10
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Four championships on one Friday night!
AEW Rampage hosts FOUR (non AEW) championship matches on one night! Will the champions make it through with their titles?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- AAA Mega Championship Triple Threat: El Hijo del Vikingo VS Komander VS Dralistico; Vikingo wins and retains the title.
- NJPW World Television Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Action Andretti; ZSJ wins and retains the title.
- NJPW Strong Women’s Championship: Willow Nightingale VS Emi Sakura; Willow wins and retains the title.
- ROH Pure Championship: Katsuyori Shibata VS Lee Moriarty; Shibata wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
AAA Mega Championship Triple Threat: El Hijo del Vikingo VS Komander VS Dralistico w/ Jose!
Two of these men teamed up just last night on ROH to win a Six Man Tag, but now they are opponents for the top title in AAA Lucha Libre. Meanwhile, La Faccion Ingobernable’s Prince of Silver and Gold is hungry for gold, will he take it away from Vikingo?
The bell rings and the three circle. Fans rally up for “LUCHA! LUCHA!” and “LUCHA LIBRE!” Dralistico swings, Vikingo dodges, but then Komander ducks Vikingo’s kick! Dralistico picks Vikingo up, throws him at Komander, but Komander throws Vikingo back. Vikingo wheelbarrows and arm-drags Dralistico but handsprings through. Vikingo dodges Komander now, shoves him to ropes, but Komander springboards! Vikingo gets under the crossbody, Komander tumbles and rolls but Dralistico jumps over, and then Vikingo jumps over Dralistico. Komander jumps over Vikingo, Dralistico jumps over Komander again, and they cycle continues!
Fans fire up for jump after jump, and then the three stand off. Dralistico raises the LFI fist and the three circle. Dralistico shoves the other two to then DOUBLE SHOTGUN! They bail out, Dralistico runs to FLY! Dralistico wipes both men out and fans fire up! Dralistico RAMS Komander into steel steps, and then he runs and RAMS Vikingo into railing! Fans cheer, Jose pats Dralistico on the shoulder and Dralistico goes back to BOOT Komander down. Dralistico puts Komander in, aims and springboards, to SWANTON! Cover, TWO! Dralistico wants a faster count but the ref says his count was fair.
Dralistico stomps Komander but fans taunt him. Dralistico bails out, tells the fans he’s done with them, but then they boo. Dralistico goes back to the ring, brings Komander up and tells everyone to hush. Dralistico CHOPS and Komander sits right down! Fans cheer as Dralistico says one more time, and he CHOPS, and CHOPS, and whips Komander. Komander reverses, runs in but is put on the apron. Dralistico swings, Komander blocks, and then Komander CHOPS! Komander slingshots up but Dralistico trips him! Dralistico ROCKS Komander, puts him in the ropes, and then goes up the corner.
Fans fire up as Dralistico WOE STOMPS Komander to the apron!! Fans fire up but then Vikingo gets in to go up and up and AIRHARA MOONSAULT! Direct hit on Dralistico and the fans are thunderous! Vikingo gets Dralistico and Komander in the ring, and then runs in at the corner. Dralistico stands up into the GAMANGIRI! Vikingo goes up the corner, to IMPLODER DRAGON RANA!! Fans fire up as Vikingo keeps Dralistico in the ring to then go up the ropes, OUTSIDE-IN PHOENIX SPLASH!! Cover, Komander breaks it! Fans fire up as this continues, they love “LUCHA! LUCHA!”
Vikingo GAMANGIRIS Dralistico, Komander adds a knee, and they double whip corner to corner. Vikingo sends Komander in but Dralistico TOSSES him out! Vikingo and Dralistico step up face to face, and Vikingo CHOPS! Dralistico CHOPS! Vikingo CHOPS again! Dralistico drops to a knee, and fans rally up. Vikingo throws forearms but Dralistico gives them back. Dralistico then SOBATS, KNEES, and runs, but into a SCREW HIGH KICK! Cover, TWO! Dralistico survives and Vikingo is a bit surprised. Fans continue to rally as Vikingo sees Komander on the apron. Vikingo storms up to throw forearms on Komander while Rampage goes picture in picture.
Vikingo GAMANGIRIS Komander down to the floor, then he fires forearms on Dralistico. Vikingo gets the fans fired up as he whips corner to corner. Dralistico reverses, runs in, but Vikingo puts him on the apron. Dralistico bumps Viking off buckles, ROUNDHOUSES him, then springboards, FLYING CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO! Vikingo is still in this and Jose is upset. Dralistico drags Vikingo up, pushes him to ropes, then goes out to look under the ring. He brings out a TABLE! Jose helps Dralistico set that up at ringside, then Dralistico goes to fetch Vikingo. Komander is there but Dralistico ROCKS him and RAMS him into railing.
Dralistico CHOKES Vikingo against the railing, Rampage returns to single picture, and Dralistico puts Vikingo in the ring. Fans rally up, Dralistico runs to SUPERKICK Komander in the corner! Dralistico tranquilos on the top rope and fans are torn. Dralistico runs side to side again but Komander avoids the boot wash to GAMANGIRI! Komander springboards and double jumps, FLYING RANA!! Not the cleanest but fans fire up. Vikingo returns, Komander goes Matrix to then arm-drag Vikingo around! And dropkick! Fans fire up again as Vikingo brawls with Dralistico on the outside, and Komander climbs the far corner!
Komander tightrope walks to double jump MOONSAULT! “This is Awesome!” as Komander puts Dralistico in the ring. Komander goes up the corner again, tightrope walks again, 450 SPLASH!! Cover, but Vikingo DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS it apart! Fans fire up as Dralistico flops out onto the table. Vikingo whips Komander, Komander reverses, but Vikingo goes up and Komander hits buckles! Vikingo then springboards to FLYING POISON-RANA Komander down!! Vikingo puts Komander out on the table with Dralistico, and then runs the ropes! Fans fire up as Vikingo goes up and 630 SENTONS through the senton!!
“This is Awesome!” but Dralistico avoided disaster! Dralistico puts Vikingo in, slashes his throat, POWER- RANA!! Cover, VIKINGO WINS!!
Winner: El Hijo del Vikingo, by pinfall (still AAA Mega Champion)
Dralistico is furious that victory was snatched away from him in an instant! But this is why you cannot underestimate El Hijo del Vikingo! Will his AAA Mega reign continue through the summer?
Backstage interview with Team Triple J.
Lexi Nair is with Jay Lethal, Sonjay Dutt, Satnam Singh, as well as Jeff & Karen Jarrett, “and the talk all week has been that you, Sonjay Dutt, and your group will be suspended.” WHAT?! Fined? Suspended? The only ones who should be facing that is AEW itself! They backed Triple J into a corner and they came out swinging like any real fighters would! Lethal feels that there should be consequences for Aubrey Edwards! She’s been against Triple J since the dawn of time! Something needs to be done about her! Jeff adds that there’s been enough talk these past five days. Should the heat go on the promotion? Should the heat go on Briscoe? On Aubrey?
The reality of the fact is, these five people are walking, talking, fire-breathing heat! But wait, here comes Mark Briscoe! He wants everyone to simmer down. There will be no suspensions, he assures us that. Mark talked with Tony Khan, Tony promised them there would be no suspensions. Because if Triple J is suspended, then they can’t be here. Because if they aren’t here, then they can’t get the ass whooping they deserve! Lethal wants Mark to hold on but Mark tells Lethal to shut up! We ain’t talking about Lethal! We’re talking about Jeff and KAREN! What?! “We?” Who is “we?!” AUBREY EDWARDS!!
Triple J cannot believe this. Aubrey wants Karen? Then there’s nothing but air and opportunity between them. So then Aubrey CHOKES Karen!! Karen and Aubrey start scrapping and Triple J, other refs and security rush in to stop this! When and where will Double J & the one true Karen have to face off with the Sussex County Chicken and one pissed off zebra?
NJPW World Television Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Action Andretti!
Speaking of just last night on ROH, the Frontman of TMDK just defended this belt against Rocky Romero to prove a point to “Samoan Joseph” about who is the better, harder working Television Champion. And here he is again as part of this championship edition of Rampage! Will the ZSJ Show continue on into the summer block? Or will NJPW have some #LightsCameraAction?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Action gets his 15 minutes of fame!
The bell rings and we’re on the clock. The two circle, fans rally, feel things out, and ZSJ shoots in to waistlock and full nelson. Then he spins Action to a cravat, but Action pries at the hold. ZSJ facelocks now, Action wrenches out of that but ZSJ rolls and slips away. Fans cheer this opening exchange and the two reset. Action shoots in but ZSJ avoids him. They tie up with knuckle locks, ZSJ bridges back and wrenches around to then wrangle Action with a top wristlock. Fans cheer and ZSJ digs a knee into the shoulder. Action rolls, cartwheels, arm-drags, but fans cheer as ZSJ holds onto the wrist!
ZSJ twists the wrist, bends the fingers, drags Action up and wrenches the arm to wrangle him again. Action keeps his shoulders up, fans rally, and Action kips up to wrench and MONKEY FLIP! But ZSJ still holds onto the wrist! Fans rally, ZSJ bends the fingers and he tortures Action’s arm. Action fights up but ZSJ keeps after the fingers. ZSJ flexes but Action stands. Action spins, flips and arm-drags free! Action then CHOPS ZSJ, then knuckle locks to go up and up and FLYING ARM-DRAG! ZSJ flounders up, Action DROPKICKS him down! Fans fire up as Action runs to IMPLODER TORNILLO! Cover, TWO!
ZSJ is still in this but he goes to a corner. Action runs in, but ZSJ dodges. Action goes up, leaps, and FLYING RANAS! ZSJ bails out, fans fire up and Action builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit into the railing! Fans are fired up with Action and he brings ZSJ back up. Action puts ZSJ in, slingshots, but ZSJ shoves him! Action lands safe but swings into body scissors, which ZSJ makes into a HANGING TRIANGLE! ZSJ did this to Rocky last night! The ref counts, ZSJ lets go at 4 and he drags Action back in, to WRING the arm out! Fans sing “OH~ Zack Sabre Junior~” as he stalks Action. ZSJ sits on the arm, hammerlocks it, and TWISTS!
Action writhes while fans are torn over the savagery. ZSJ gets Action’s leg, steps over to get the arm, and he STOMPS the arm! “OI! TV Tekkers, mates!” ZSJ stalks Action to a corner, brings him up and UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! “This is Awesome!” and ZSJ knuckle locks to wrench Action. Action endures as ZSJ twists the wrist more, and then ZSJ KICKS a leg. Action stays up so ZSJ wrenches and twists the wrist. Action throws body shots and CHOPS! ZSJ jumps on to drag Action down to a DISARMER! Action endures, reaches out, and fans rally. Action kicks around, ZSJ pulls on the arm, but Action gets the ROPEBREAK!
ZSJ lets go in frustration but he storms up to drag Action up. ZSJ has a double wristlock but Action endures. Fans rally, ZSJ jumps on to body scissor! Action stays up but ZSJ keeps on that arm. Action throws body shots, then suplexes high and HARD! Both men are down and fans are thunderous! Action roars, runs, springboards, BEAUTIFUL DISASTER! Cover, TWO! ZSJ survives and fans rally up again. Action brings ZSJ up, but ZSJ fights the torture rack to wrench and PELE the arm! And then he drop toeholds Action so he can STOMP the arm again! Fans are torn while Action clutches the bad shoulder.
ZSJ drags Action up, but Action blocks the Pele to ENZIGURI! Action puts ZSJ up top, CHOPS him, then climbs up after him. But ZSJ gets the bad arm to twist it! And YANK it! Action throws body shots, forearms, but ZSJ DECKS Action! ZSJ eggs on the fans, the fans cheer, and Action kips up! PELE!! Action runs corner to corner and jumps up to SUPER STEINER!! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives and Action can’t believe it! Action drags ZSJ up, torture racks, but ZSJ has a SLEEPER! Action sputters, he starts fading! But Action powers up! ZSJ lets go, slips free, but Action drops to victory roll! TWO!!!
ZSJ KICKS Action in the leg! And then KICKS him in the arm! ZSJ is mad now, but he runs into a SUPERKICK! Action goes up, POISON-RANA!! ZSJ flops around, Action runs in again, “This is Awesome!” as Action SHOTGUNS ZSJ down! ZSJ is in the drop zone, Action goes up, SPLIT-LEG MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives again but Action goes right to the apron. Action springboards, but flies into a TAKEDOWN! FUJIWARA ARMBAR!!! Action flails around, but ZSJ gets the other arm! Modified Rings of Saturn, into JIM BREAKS ARMBAR!! Action verbally quits, ZSJ wins!!
Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by submission (still NJPW World TV Champion)
Action’s 15 minutes of fame were really just over 10 minutes as The Frontman does it again! But now he moves on to defend this title at NJPW Dominion on Sunday against Jeff Cobb in a highly anticipated rematch. The Mighty Don’t Kneel, but will ZSJ get crushed by the Imperial Unit?
NJPW Strong Women’s Championship: Willow Nightingale VS Emi Sakura!
The Babe with the Power, too sweet to be sour, is the very-first NJPW Strong Women’s Champion after a powerful run at Resurgence. But will Willow make it through her first defense? Or will the Queen of Joshi take Willow’s throne already?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and one way or another, we witness a historic first defense!
The bell rings and the two RAM each other! Fans rally up as Emi and Willow RAM shoulders again! And again! Emi eggs Willow on so she says okay! Willow runs, RAMS Emi, but Emi roars! Emi runs, Willow follows and runs Emi over! Fans fire up and Willow waves. Willow brings Emi up to snap suplex! Willow runs up to CHOP Emi in the corner, then follows her along the ropes. Willow CHOPS Emi in the other corner and fans rally up. Willow puts Emi in the third corner, CHOPS, CHOPS and MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Fans fire up but Emi avoids the big chop. Emi runs in but Willow goes out to the apron.
Emi stops from hitting buckles, but Willow still counter punches her! Willow then brings Emi up, and fans fire up as they go up the ropes! Emi fights the suplex, tries to suplex Willow, but Willow fights to try again. But Emi rakes the eyes! Emi runs to BODY CHECK Willow off the apron! Emi goes out, signals to media to move, and laughs before she TOSSES Willow at railing! Fans rally as Emi runs in to SPLASH Willow against the railing! The ring count climbs as Emi drags Willow up and Rampage goes picture in picture.
Emi puts Willow in the ring, taunts the fans a bit, soaks up some heat, and then takes her time going up the steel steps. Willow sits up, Emi steps in, but Willow throws body shots! Emi CHOPS Willow, Willow goes to ropes, and Emi CHOPS her again! Willow goes to a corner, Emi soaks up the heat, and she storms up to CHOP again! And again! And again! Emi swaggers around, storms back up, but Willow CHOPS! And CHOPS! And ROCKS! Willow CHOPS again! Willow falls, Emi hurries to sit her up into a DRAGON SLEEPER! Willow endures, fights around, but Emi cranks the hold!
Fans rally, Willow fights but Emi pushes her to a cover, TWO! Willow is free of the hold, but Emi CHOPS her! And CHOPS her again! Willow eggs Emi on but Emi pokes her in the eye! The ref reprimands but Emi just grins. Emi brings Willow up to HEADBUTT! Willow staggers but she throws body shots. Emi eggs Willow on and SLAPS her! Emi brings Willow around to reel her in and hook the arms. But Willow fights with body shots! Willow fires off but Emi CLUBS her down as Rampage goes to break.
Rampage returns and Willow has Emi in a corner. Willow goes corner to corner to back body block! And clothesline! And snapmare to then go up. Emi stands, Willow MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Emi survives, maybe even got Willow’s eyes again, but Willow comes back. Willow fireman’s carries but Emi slips fere to the DRAGON SLEEPER! Emi laughs, to TWISTING DDT! Willow staggers to a corner, Emi grins and runs in, BODY CHECK in the corner! Emi goes up top to TWISTING VADER! Cover, TWO!! Willow survives and Emi is frustrated. Emi reels Willow in, hooks the arms, but Willow fights again!
Willow Alabama Lifts but Emi sunset flips! Willow rolls through to BASEMENT CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO!! Emi survives but Willow just runs in, only for Emi to sidestep and roll-up! TWO, but Emi steps over. Willow powers out of La Magistrol, and DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Willow fires up, DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! Willow fires up again, swings, but Emi gets around to CHOP LARIAT!! Both women are down and the fans fire back up! The ref checks and both women are still in this. Emi drags Willow up, fans rally, but Emi underhooks the arms. BUTTERFLY FACEBUSTER!! Emi fires up, she’s not done here!
Fans are thunderous as Emi waits on Willow to rise. Emi then CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS again! MACHINE GUN CHOPS, but Willow shoves her away. Emi CHOP LARIATS, then whips corner to corner. Willow comes back to POUNCE Emi into the corner! Fans fire up as Willow runs to CANNONBALL! And then she drags Emi out to high stack, TWO!! Emi is still in this and fans fire up! But the straps come down and Willow fires up! Fans fire up with her, she reels Emi in to gut wrench, but Emi fights the lift! Emi slips free to SLAP! SLAP! And SLAP! Emi runs, but Willow CLOBBERS her!
Gut wrench, and BABE WITH THE POWER BOMB!! Cover, Willow wins!
Winner: Willow Nightingale, by pinfall (still NJPW Strong Women’s Champion)
Now that’s a first defense for the history books! How much better will Willow make this inaugural reign if this is just the beginning?
BREAKING NEWS for Dynamite!
After their encounter with Dralistico and Preston Vance last Wednesday, #JungleHook reunites for a TEXAS TORNADO TAG MATCH! Will Jack Perry & The FTW Champion tear apart La Faccion Ingobernable?
BIG news for ROH!
On Friday, July 21st in Trenton, New Jersey, ROH returns to PPV with Death Before Dishonor! Tickets go on sale next Friday, June 9th!
Mark Henry welcomes us back to Rampage.
“Tonight, two technical masters go face to face when Lee Moriarty takes on Shibata for the ROH Pure Championship.” Nigel McGuiness says a competitor like Shibata can pick you apart, one body part by another. But Tony Schiavone and Taz say not enough is said about just how talented Moriarty is for such a young wrestler. It looks like there’s been enough talk. It’s TIME for the main event!
ROH Pure Championship: Katsuyori Shibata VS Lee Moriarty!
The Wrestler defended this title just last night on ROH against his student, Alex “The Android” Coughlin. But now he faces #TAIGASTYLE, who has come close to snatching this title for his own not too long ago. Will tonight be Moriarty’s night? Or will Shibata make it through this Pure Wrestling Double Header?
The introductions are made, our judges are BJ Whitmer, Christopher Daniels & Jerry Lynn, and the belt is raised as we see who is truly THE Wrestler!
The bell rings and the clock is ticking on this 60 minute time limit. The two feel things out, Moriarty shoots in but Shibata holds him off with a sprawl. They clinch on the mat, Shibata slips to a waistlock and then a chinlock. Moriarty slips free but Shibata pushes him to a cover, ONE! Shibata wraps Moriarty up with his own arm and then goes for the armbar! Moriarty clasps hands but ends up in a TRIANGLE! Moriarty falls onto the ROPEBREAK, that is his first of three. Shibata even lets Moriarty know it as they reset. They knuckle lock, go shoulder to shoulder, clinch, and Moriarty tries for a leg.
Shibata powers Moriarty down, gets around to a waistlock, and they stand up. Moriarty pries the hold, fans cheer this technical exchange, but then Moriarty elbows free! Moriarty stomps Shibata into a corner, the ref counts, but Moriarty digs his boot in. Fans boo, but Shibata powers up to back Moriarty down! Shibata throws the foot down but Shibata ROCKS him! Moriarty runs to dropkick the legs out! Fans boo while Moriarty grits his teeth, and then the fans rally up for Shibata as Rampage goes picture in picture.
Moriarty mocks the applause as he stands over Shibata. Moriarty then says they can stop all that, and he grabs a leg to DDT the foot! Moriarty kips up, air guitars, and he ties up Shibata’s legs into a unique crisscross toehold. Then he sits with it for a modified stump puller! Shibata’s shoulders are down, Moriarty is practically stealing Darby Allin’s Last Supper! TWO as Shibata kicks out and Moriarty argues the count. Moriarty drags Shibata around, stomps a leg, then stomps it more and more before another DDT to the foot! Moriarty mocks the clapping from the fans, and then he drags Shibata around for a spinning toehold!
Shibata endures as Moriarty ties up the legs into another cross toehold. Moriarty puts Shibata into an Indian Deathlock, then he knuckle locks Shibata for a cover. TWO as Shibata gets an arm up! Moriarty pushes the arm back down, TWO as Shibata gets the other arm up! Moriarty pushes that arm down, TWO as Shibata gets both arms up! Moriarty CHOPS Shibata, pushes on the legs, then lets Shibata go. Moriarty gets a leg, hooks it, and ties Shibata up in another cross toehold, only for Shibata to trip him! Shibata gets Moriarty’s legs, steps through, but Moriarty fights the figure four! Shibata powers through to sync it in!
Moriarty endures, reaches out, but his shoulders are down. TWO as Moriarty sits up, Shibata keeps on the pressure, and Moriarty falls back onto his shoulders. TWO as he sits up again! Shibata has the extended leg caught in a heel hook behind his back! Moriarty falls back again, shoulders are down, TWO as he sits back up! Moriarty endures, reaches out, claws at the hold, and he pries it open. Shibata works to keep it on tight, Moriarty is down again, TWO! Moriarty sits up, Shibata thrashes around, and Rampage returns to single picture. Fans rally, Moriarty drags Shibata along as he reaches back, but Shibata drags him from the ropes!
Moriarty scrambles and goes to the opposite side, ROPEBREAK! That’s his second, he has one left, and we’ve only just past six minutes! Shibata stomps Moriarty’s bad leg, has him in a corner, and he fires off forearms! The ref counts, Shibata fires again and again, but lets off at 4. Shibata runs corner to corner but Moriarty follows to KNEE him in the corner! And then HALF HATCH BRIDGE! TWO as Shibata fights out of the “pancake.” Moriarty HAMMERS away on the back of Shibata’s head! Fans rally, Moriarty suplexes, but Shibata blocks! Shibata powers out but Moriarty kicks low!
Moriarty runs but into a kitchen sink knee! Fans rally, Shibata stomps his legs into working, and he storms up on Moriarty. Shibata drags Moriarty up to whip him to a corner and BOOT! And he fires off more forearms! The ref counts, Shibata runs corner to corner, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Fans fire up for that Shibata signature and he drags Moriarty up. HALF HATCH! Cover, TWO! Moriarty is still in this but Shibata clamps right on with a chinlock! Moriarty fights to the ROPEBREAK, but that’s his last! Shibata waistlocks. Moriarty switches to roll up, TWO! But Moriarty rolls with to get the BORDER CITY STRETCH!!
Shibata endures, Moriarty pulls him back, but fans rally up. Shibata rolls things to a cover, TWO! Moriarty ROCKS Shibata, winds up, but Shibata ROCKS Moriarty! And then SLEEPER!! Shibata sits Moriarty down, runs, PENALTY KICK!! Cover, Shibata wins!!
Winner: Katsuyori Shibata, by pinfall (still ROH Pure Champion)
Just past nine minutes and Shibata finishes things off, but wait! Daniel Garcia is here! The Dragonslayer is a former ROH Pure Champion, and he’s walking out right to the ring! Garcia steps in, he swaggers up to Shibata, and it is clear this is what’s next for Shibata. Shibata raises the belt to signal his accepting the challenge, will The Wrestler put down this sports… enner-tay-ner?
My Thoughts:
A great Rampage here, though I’m surprised this wasn’t just a Battle of the Belts special. Excalibur said it himself on commentary in the main event, but it was great to start off with the epitome of lucha libre and finish on Strong Style technical wrestling. The AAA Mega Championship was a great opener, and was definitely another instance where I’m grateful we can pause things because they were going fast and furious. Or maybe at Flash speeds, since that’s a Warner Brothers movie they could plug. But as I figured going into this, all the champions retained, since none of these were AEW titles (directly, since ROH is a subsidiary of AEW now).
The NJPW World Television Championship continues to be a great title to watch because of the 15 minute time limit speeding things up. Likewise, ZSJ is always a great wrestler to watch, but so hard to write for cuz he has the biggest collection of named signature moves/holds of any wrestler I’ve seen. I had to double check what he was using to make Action tap, because I keep thinking things are Clarky Cat when they’re not Clarky Cat. ZSJ is setting a very high bar for this title, maybe he retains against Cobb at Dominion or maybe he loses, but it’s going to be hard for the second-ever NJPW World TV Champion to match what ZSJ has done.
Great first title defense for Willow and this title, she and Emi put on a great match. I wonder when Willow has her first defense on NJPW Strong, and who she’ll be facing. And we got a great Pure Championship match to finish, and I’m surprised it was so quick, even compared to the NJPW World TV Championship match. But great win for Shibata, I like that Garcia is stepping up, and that’s going to be an awesome match. I don’t know if they’re going to wait until Death Before Dishonor in July for that match, but knowing AEW and ROH, they can find a way to stretch things out. Especially with Garcia also busy being part of JAS and doing JAS things.
My Score: 8.7/10
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
SmackDown celebrates The Tribal Chief!
Roman Reigns celebrates 1000 DAYS as WWE Universal Champion, but what does it matter after Jimmy Uso betrayed him at Night of Champions?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Six Man Tag: The Brawling Brutes VS Austin Theory & Pretty Deadly; Theory & Pretty Deadly win.
- The Good Brothers w/ The OC VS Hit Row w/ B-Fab; The Good Brothers win.
- Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Zelina Vega VS Lacey Evans; Vega wins and advances to MITB.
- Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: LA Knight VS Montez Ford; Knight wins and advances to MITB.
PLAY BY PLAY
Paul Heyman speaks.
“Roman Reigns, your Undisputed WWE Universal Heavyweight Champion, stands at the apex of sports entertainment. Nearly three years ago, Your Tribal Chief reclaimed his Universal Championship. And as time passed, Roman’s title reign has surpassed legends, icons, hall of famers. On the Grandest Stage of Them All, the Head of the Table smashed and stacked his competition. Then humbled a Hall of Famer, and sent a 16-time world champion into the Ocean of Obscurity. Every contender, unable to withstand Roman’s sheer dominance and forced to…” ACKNOWLEDGE him.
“Challenger after challenger, crumble at his feet. And at his second Showcase of the Immortals as your reigning champion, Roman Reigns conquered The Beast, unifying the WWE and Universal titles on his 581st day as the champion in WWE. His power persisted. His Bloodline strengthened. His legacy flourished. Greatness on a different level. And on his 945th day, the greatest champion of any era made history by retaining his championship for the third straight WrestleMania. And now, it’s time to acknowledge the longest reign in over 35 years, over 1000 days. Roman. Reigns…!”
Austin Theory is in the ring.
The Now may not have reached even half of what Roman has achieved, but he is the United States Champion. He welcomes us to Austin Theory Live but the fans boo. Theory says they don’t need to have an attitude. Tonight is a very special night. “Tonight is the celebration of your Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns’ historical title reign. But you know what’s even better than that? If you took Roman’s title reign, and you combined it with the greatest United States Champion of all time… wait for it… Austin Theory’s reign, and you’d have… What is that? A total of 1,209 days! That is impressive. And not only that, it is very inspiring.
“It is almost as inspiring as being the guy who beat John Cena at WrestleMania.” Fans boo but Theory says we should face it. Let’s not be idiots! We all know Theory will have his 1000th day celebration for his title, and a 2000th, and maybe even a 3000th. Probably a 4000th. But if they just keep giving him guys like Sheamus, he’ll be the US Champion forever! “Guys, you really can’t boo me because I’m 25 and I’m the greatest to ever do this. And when you’re this great, everybody wants to gravitate towards you, they wanna be a part of it.” That brings Theory to the guys he wants to bring out.
These two guys did what was right! Theory presents none other than Pretty Deadly! Kit Wilson & Elton Prince make their entrance, and their theme song has a new remix, and they join Theory in the ring. They get mics, and Kit tells Theory, “We came here to tell you, that it was a pleasure destroying those ugly gremlins, the Brawling Brutes.” Elton says that unlike Sheamus, Theory is a champion the people deserve. They wanna show Theory their appreciation for such a good champion, in a way that only they can! “YES BOY~!” And they point to him! Feels good, right? But wait, here come the Brawling Brutes!
Fans fire up as Sheamus leads Ridge Holland & Pete Dunne out to the ring, ready for Fight Night! The ref hurries in to keep the peace, but will Theory & Pretty Deadly be leaving in pieces?
Six Man Tag: The Brawling Brutes VS Austin Theory & Pretty Deadly!
The trios sort out, Ridge starts against Elton. Elton headlocks, Ridge powers out and he CLOBBERS Elton! Fans fire up as Ridge UPPERCUTS Elton, then HEADBUTTS him to a corner. Ridge adds a clothesline, then bumps Elton off the buckle, KICKS him in the back and CLOBBERS him again! Ridge drags Elton up, tags in “Butch,” and they coordinate, suplex dropkick combo! Dunne drags Elton up, wrenches, but Elton throws body shots. Elton RAMS Dunne into the corner, tags in Kit, and Kit runs in to UPPERCUT! Dunne clutches his jaw while fans boo. Kit drops elbows, rains down hands, then covers, TWO!
Kit sits Dunne into a chinlock. Dunne endures, fans rally for Sheamus, and Dunne fights up. Dunne powers out, drops then hurdles to then drop and CLOBBER Kit! Fans fire up, Dunne stands on Kit’s hands, then STOMPS them! Kit ducks the buzzsaw and scrambles away. Tag to Theory, fans boo, and Theory tells Dunne he wants Sheamus! Fans fire up because they want that, too! Dunne tags Sheamus in and the Mohegan Sun Arena are fired up! These two circle, but then Theory bails out, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Elton has Dunne down with a top wristlock. Fans rally, Dunne endures and he fights up to his feet. But Elton throws him down by his hair! The ref reprimands and fans boo but Elton grabs at Dunne. Dunne grabs Elton’s fingers! Dunne bends the fingers, Elton screams, but Elton CLUBS Dunne down! Tag to Theory and he runs to BLAST Ridge! Theory taunts Sheamus, stomps Dunne, then brings Dunne up to CLUB him down. Fans rally for Dunne but Theory flexes on him. Theory drags Dunne over, tags in Kit, but Dunne kicks at Theory. Kit stomps Dunne, stands him up and UPPERCUTS him down!
Tag to Elton and Theory CHOKES Dunne behind the ref’s back! Pretty Deadly stomp while the ref is busy with Sheamus. Elton drags Dunne up but Dunne CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS again! Elton ROCKS Dunne, then runs in, but into a BOOT! Dunne goes up, leaps, FLYING DDT! Fans fire up while both men are down! Dunne and Elton crawl, hot tags to Theory and Sheamus! The Fella rallies on Theory! And clotheslines in the corner! Whip corner to corner for another clothesline! Scoop and POWERSLAM! Fans fire up as Sheamus ROCKS Pretty Deadly and has them both on the ropes!
But Theory rolls Sheamus up! TWO!! Sheamus gets Theory with an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Then an IRISH CURSE for Kit! And then an IRISH CURSE for Elton! Fans fire up and the Brutes return. Everyone fireman’s carries someone, for a TRIPLE WHITE NOISE! Fans are thunderous and Sheamus has Theory all alone! BROGUE!!! Cover, but Pretty Deadly drag Theory out! Sheamus hurries up top!? Ridge BLASTS Pretty Deadly, Sheamus steadies himself, and he FLYING LARIATS Pretty Deadly back down! Dunne goes up, everyone gathers, ASAI MOONSAULT onto Theory & Pretty Deadly!
Fans are thunderous as the Brutes prove they can fly! Sheamus commends Butch for topping things off, and SmackDown goes to break.
Elton stomps Dunne. Elton brings Dunn up but Dunne gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Kit runs in but into an ENZIGURI! ENZIGURI for Theory! GAMANGIRI for Kit in a corner! GAMANGIRI for Elton in a corner! Tag to Ridge and SPLASHES Elton! Then Ridge brings Elton up, Dunne joins in, BACK SUPLEX BOMB COMBO! Sheamus tags in and goes up for a KING KONG KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO!! Elton survives but Sheamus keeps his cool. Sheamus drags Elton up, reels him in, Canadian rack but Elton fights free of the crucifix! Elton BOOTS Sheamus, tags Kit, then gives Kit the boost, CRY MARTINI!
Theory tags in, drags Sheamus up to ROCK him and torture rack him! TOWER HACKER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Theory is furious and he rains down fists! Fans boo while Theory seethes and looms over Sheamus. Theory talks trash, brings Sheamus up, but Sheamus blocks a body shot to LARIAT point blank! Elton gets in but Ridge gives him an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Kit DROPKICKS Ridge but Dunne ENZIGURIS Kit! Dunne runs at Theory but Theory shovels him up and out! Theory somersaults, into a KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! Theory survives and Sheamus is too tired to be upset. Both men crawl and fans rally up.
Sheamus and Theory reach out, hot tags to Elton and Ridge! Kit tags in, but The Fridge picks Elton up! Kit saves Elton, but then Ridge picks them both up! DOUBLE back drop! Fans fire up as Ridge kicks Kit to the apron. Sheamus has Theory, and Dunne has Elton! Fans fire up for the TRIPLE BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN!! The Brutes all go to 10, though Dunne gets a little extra. Ridge then scoops for NORTHERN GRIT! Cover, but Theory breaks it! Dunne swings on Theory but into A-TOWN DOWN! Sheamus clotheslines Theory out! Sheamus pursues Theory, but Theory POSTS Sheamus!
Kit and Elton coordinate, they pull a sneaky move by hiding Elton under the apron skirt. The matching outfits make Ridge think that’s still Kit! Ridge drags Elton in, and surprise! Kit CHOP BLOCKS Ridge! Kit tags Elton, they get Ridge up for SPILT MILK!! And tag to Theory so he can cover, Theory & Pretty Deadly win!
Winners: Austin Theory & Pretty Deadly, by pinfall
The three of them hurry away before Dunne returns, having pulled another fast one. Will Kit & Elton be heading towards the tag titles? Will anyone be able to take the US Championship from Theory?
Paul Heyman is backstage.
The Wise Man is holding onto both the black WWE Championship and blue Universal Championship belts for the Tribal Chief as he walks up to the private suite. Heyman walks inside, is he going to discuss the celebration plans with Roman Reigns during the break?
SmackDown returns, and Heyman’s talking with Solo Sikoa. The magnitude that has never been accomplished before in the WWE. This needs to be special for the Tribal Chief, especially given what happened at Night of Champions. Heyman wants this to be special for Roman Reigns. And he knows Solo feels the same way. Heyman will go talk with Adam Pearce to make sure that Solo’s brothers, The Usos, are nowhere to be found tonight so that this is the night that we acknowledge Roman… Reigns! Heyman smiles and heads out, how does Solo really feel about what Jimmy did to Roman?
The OC talk backstage.
The Good Brothers are worried but Mia Yim says it’s fine, tonight is his birthday. AJ Styles walks in and they say happy birthday! Yes, it IS his birthday! And he apologizes for losing at Night of Champions, he ruined their night. No, no, it is not his fault. But you take the L, keep it moving. The OC has their back. But did anyone else see the “diss” track by Hit Row? Yeah, but Styles would rather see the Good Brothers drop Hit Row. Too Sweet, baby! And that match is happening next! Will Top Dolla & Ashante THEE Adonis think twice before opening their mouths next time?
The Good Brothers w/ The OC VS Hit Row w/ B-Fab!
SmackDown returns as Hit Row makes their entrance. The teams sort out, but Adonis ambushes Karl Anderson! Fans boo and the ref counts while Adonis stomps away, but then he lets off at 4. Adonis whips to CLOBBER Anderson, then he taunts Luke Gallows. Anderson goes to a corner, Adonis drags him out and tags Dolla. Hit Row whip Anderson to a corner, then Dolla whips Adonis in to RAM Anderson! Dolla talks trash on The Machine Gun, then reels him in for an ELBOW! Dolla talks more trash, drags Anderson to the ropes, and he CHOPKES him! The ref counts, Dolla lets off and tags Adonis.
Adonis runs to STRADDLE ATTACK! Adonis sits on Anderson while smoothing his hair, but lets off as the ref counts. The ref argues with Adonis and B-Fab sucker punches Anderson! Michin storms up and B-Fab backs off. Adonis covers, TWO, but he clamps onto a chinlock. The ref has Michin and B-Fab back off, and fans rally as Anderson fights up. Anderson throws body shots but Adonis CLUBS him! Adonis whips, Anderson reverses, SPINEBUSTER! Fans fire up while both men are down. Fans rally, Anderson hot tags Gallows! Doc BOOTS Adonis, BOOTS Dolla, then DECKS Adonis!
Gallows ROUNDHOUSES Adonis to a corner, runs in and back elbows! Then he keeps moving, FLYING UPPERCUT on Adonis! Fans fire up as Gallows scoops to AK 47! Tag to Anderson, the Good Brothers get Adonis up, MAGIC KILLER!! Cover, Good Brothers win!
Winners: The Good Brothers, by pinfall
But Dolla BOOTS Anderson! And CLOBBERS Gallows! But Styles springboards in, PHENOMENAL FOREARM!! Fans fire up as the birthday boy gets him some, and The Hit Row? They don’t want none! Will The OC be too sweet all the way to some gold?
Adam Pearce is on the phone.
Yes, he is very excited, this is perhaps one of the biggest nights in SmackDown history. He excuses himself and ends the call as he sees Heyman walking in. Pearce tells Heyman right now that the Usos’ travel was canceled, they were told they weren’t needed tonight. And as requested, should The Usos want to show up, security has been doubled. The Usos are NOT getting inside the building. Heyman smiles and puts a call into Roman Reigns. Will nothing go wrong during the 1000 Day Acknowledgment?
BREAKING NEWS for Raw!
Seth Rollins put out the open challenge for his NEW World Heavyweight Championships on social media and it was quickly accepted by Damian Priest! Will the Judgment Day add more gold when the Punisher brings down The Visionary?
SmackDown presents an all new Grayson Waller Effect.
The 21st Century Success Story, “The Dynamite from Down Under, the Moment Maker, the Aussie Icon,” gets the big introduction once again as he’s already in the ring. And he says, “What a week it has been here in the WWE, and we’re gonna keep it rolling with the most honest talk show in WWE history.” Waller brings us the biggest and the best, and he’s done it again tonight. So please welcome the NEW Raw Women’s Champion, ASUKA~! The fans do like that as the Empress of Tomorrow walks out with the belt on her shoulder. She joins Waller in the ring and at the desk as he welcomes her to the show.
Waller says, “Congratulations, what an incredible performance against Bianca at Night of Champions. In fact, let’s see exactly how you got it done.” Waller and Asuka look to the tron as we all see a Progressive Match Flo recap video of that match. Asuka used blue mist fingers to finish Bianca, and Waller says wow. Asuka laughs and smiles, and in Japanese, she says “I told you saw! I’m the Raw Women’s Champion!” Waller says he could not have put it better himself! But he can’t help but notice the briefcases above the ring. There’s no shortage of people who think they’re ready for Asuka. They’re gonna climb the ladder, win the briefcase to be Miss MITB, and maybe cash in on her?
Waller says Asuka’s gotta keep her head on a swivel. Nevermind that Bianca’s gonna come looking for a rematch. Asuka is amused there. She reenacts how she spat mist on her finger, got Bianca in the eyes and made Bianca cry. Waller is amused, too! He says that was so true. And so smart! He can’t imagine the pain and suffering Bianca went through. Asuka’s even drooling some blue mist right now. Waller looks a bit worried, but also maybe excited. But then IYO SKY shows up! She tells Asuka in Japanese that she’s nothing special for what she did. And Iyo won’t even need MITB to take that title from! But she’s still gonna win it, and then Iyo will be the new champion!
Asuka laughs, and tells Iyo she’s a child, the way she’s storming up in here. Iyo tells Asuka to shut up, dammit! Asuka calls Iyo an idiot, Iyo calls Asuka a scumbag, and they go back and forth like that. Waller has them stop, this is HIS show, he did not approve a second guest! But wait, here comes BAYLEY! The Role Model says Iyo said that after both Iyo and Bayley qualify for the MITB, one of them is winning the MITB briefcase. Though it is every woman for themselves, and Bayley’s won it before, so either way, DMG CTRL will win the title- Wait! Here comes Shotzi!
Fans fire up as the Wild Child says, “Awww, Bayley! There is NOTHING that I would love more than to crush your dreams with the help of some cold, hard steel! Because, if there is anyone made for the pure chaos of the Money in the Bank Ladder match, it’s me!” Wait, here comes Lacey Evans! The Model Soldier is embodying Sergeant Slaughter and she tells Shotzi to shut up and salute her! Fans boo but Lacey says none of these nasty things are taking the briefcase anywhere, it’s coming home with her. But first, she’ll take her Cobra Clutch, wrap it around that “shrimp,” Zelina Vega, and-
Wait! Here comes Zelina! Fans fire up as La Muneca says there is only one problem with everyone’s plans. They are all underestimating Zelina. And y’know who else did that? Rhea Ripley at Backlash. Because Zelina was this close to becoming champion! So “Shrimp?” Keep that energy, Lacey. Because to be honest, even if Lacey got her hair done, her nails done and traded in those “piss soaked boots” for red bottoms, you still wouldn’t be half the woman Zelina is. So please, underestimate her. Everyone do that. Because it will be that much sweeter when she wins. Because that is how she is going to become Miss MITB!
Bayley laughs and says they’re all idiots. Waller says this is the best day of his life. Bayley asks him what kind of show he’s running here, and he’s hoping for more ladies to show up. Asuka slips away to say, “Hey hey hey hey! NO ONE is ready for Asuka!!” But then Bianca storms up to ROCK Asuka with a forearm! They brawl on the stage and fans fire up! Referees rush out to stop that scrap, only for Bianca to break lose and hit Asuka again! The refs and even some producers get in to separate them again, but fans wanna “Let Them Fight!” Will the angriEST Bianca be coming after the Empress?
Cameron Grimes talks with Adam Pearce backstage.
They watch a replay of Baron Corbin ruining Carmelo Hayes’ moment just last Tuesday on NXT, and Grimes said that’s exactly what Corbin did to him last week. Is Corbin even here? No, and with his free agency status, the next time we see him will be next Tuesday on NXT. Grimes says Melo will handle that. But the next time Corbin shows his face on SmackDown, Grimes will handle that. Pearce nods, will the Carolina Caveman crush Baron Corbin?
Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Zelina Vega VS Lacey Evans!
Since everyone was already at ringside, this match is happening now! And Vega is already clutching her jaw, it seems the Model Soldier got a cheap shot in while everyone was watching Asuka and Bianca. Will Vega still be able to humble Lacey for underestimating her? Or will another Woman’s Right simply take Vega out?
The bell rings and Lacey stomps Vega into the corner! The ref counts, fans boo, but Lacey lets off at 4. Lacey stands on Vega’s hair and salutes, then lets off to SWINGING BRONCO BUSTER! Lacey pushes Vega around, covers, TWO! Lacey sits Vega up, and clamps on the COBRA CLUTCH! And she SWINGS Vega around! Fans rally for Vega but Lacey TOSSES her away! Lacey dusts off her hands, runs in, but Vega goes up and over and rolls Lacey, Schoolgirl Kick! Cover, TWO! Vega whips, Lacey reverses but Vega KICKS her! Only for Lacey to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Lacey dribbles Vega off the mat, then smirks as fans boo.
Lacey salutes but fans boo, and Vega hits low. Lacey BOOTS Vega, drags her from ropes and stands on her for a cocky cover. The ref says it’s on the throat! Lacey steps off to argue with him, and then Lacey clamps onto Vega with a chinlock. Fans rally but Lacey throws knees into Vega’s side! Vega still endures, fans rally up, and Vega kicks from below! Lacey drags Vega up but Vega RAMS her into a corner! And again! Vega smacks Lacey off buckles, headlocks and springboards for a headlock takeover! Lacey runs in but into the tilt-o-whirl and CODE RED!! Cover, VEGA WINS!
Winner: Zelina Vega, by pinfall (advances to MITB)
What did she just say about underestimating her? Because there’s the proof! Lacey toyed with Zelina but got played, will Zelina soon be La Muneca en el Banco?
The LWO celebrates backstage.
They are so proud of Vega! Latinos around the world are going to gather in celebration! And next week, when Escobar wins his qualifier and win the MITB contract, oh he can see it now. She can see it, too. Rey Mysterio can see it, too! It is only a matter of time before the entire locker room refers to them as Santos y Zelina, Mr. and Mrs. Money in the Bank! Will the LWO soon take over London?
Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: LA Knight VS Montez Ford!
The Mega Star told the Street Profits that if they want the smoke, he’ll be the one to burn ’em! Is that not an insult but just a fact of life? Or will #KingTez be the one saying “YEAH!” on the way to London?
The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally up, the two tie up, and Knight wrenches to a hammerlock, and he slaps Ford around. Fans rally for “L A KNIGHT! L A KNIGHT!” The two circle, tie up, and Ford headlocks. Knight powers out the back to hammerlock, but Ford switches it onto him. Knight switches back, Ford switches again, Knight switches again. They keep going, Knight gest the ROPEBREAK, but Ford slaps him around now. Fans are a bit torn but Knight gets heated. Knight shoves, Ford shoves, repeat! Fans are on Knight’s side as the two tie up again but Ford headlocks. Knight powers out but Ford runs him over!
Ford actually seems to enjoy upsetting the Knight fans, and things speed up. Knight hurdles, but Ford whips him away to keep things moving. Ford hurdles, Knight hurdles, but Ford DROPKICKS! Fans are salty as Ford clotheslines Knight in the corner. And then in another corner! Ford whips Knight into the corner, runs in but Knight puts Ford on the apron. Ford ROCKS Knight back! But Knight BLASTS Ford! Fans cheer Knight while Ford crawls and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and both men collide! Fans rally up while both men are down, and then Knight stands. Knight throws haymakers but Ford gives them back! They go back and forth, “YEAH!” “BOO!” “YEAH!” “BOO!” “YEAH!” “BOO!” Ford gets the edge, whips, but Knight reverses, only for Ford to LARIAT! Ford rallies on Knight, ducks ‘n’ dodges to LARIAT again! Knight gets up, Ford hits a BIG back suplex! Ford kips up, fans fire up, and Ford flexes to MOONSAULT, but Knight moves! Ford lands on his feet, swings but misses, and Knight torture racks! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally up, Knight stalks Ford and fans duel. Knight stands Ford up but Ford elbows him! Ford runs in but into an elbow! Ford falls over, Knight tries a springboard, LIONSAULT FLOPS as Ford moves! Ford ENZIGURIS Knight, then fires up to clinch and ROCK BOTTOM! Cover, TWO!! Knight survives and Ford is seething. Fans fire up as Ford drags Knight up. Ford whips, Knight KICKS back! Ford doges the lariat, both men run, DOUBLE LARIATS take them down! Fans fire up again while the ref checks both men. Knight and Ford crawl to each other, and Knight throws a haymaker. Ford gives it back!
Fans rally as the hands go back and forth, “YEAH!” “BOO!” Ford CHOPS, then DECKS Knight! Knight stands at the ropes, Ford runs in but is put back on the apron. Ford GAMANGIRIS Knight then goes up a corner! But Knight ROCKS Ford first! Knight climbs, Ford throws body shots then shoves Knight away. Knight returns and springs right up! But Ford shoves him back down! Fans fire up as Ford comes in, FROM THE- NO, Knight moves! Knight kicks low, BF- NO, Ford O’Conner Rolls, TWO! Knight O’Conner Rolls with ropes!! Knight wins!!
Winner: LA Knight, by pinfall (advances to MITB)
The Mega Star snatches that one away from Ford, but the fans still love it! Knight then brings a ladder out and sets it up under the briefcases. Knight climbs, says this is what we’ll see, because whose game is it? Will this really be what happens when LA arrives in the UK?
Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn speak.
“Sanguis rubeus luna et exponentia exitio.” That phrase repeats as we travel through a snow covered forest. Translation: “The perfect moon will spell your doom.” The Unholy Union is here, what will they do to the landscape of SmackDown?
SmackDown sets the rest of the qualifiers!
For the Men’s MITB, Baron Corbin returns from NXT to take on “Butch” Pete Dunne, and Mustafa Ali returns from NXT to take on Santos Escobar! And then, as announced during the Grayson Waller Effect, DMG CTRL is in the mix as Bayley takes on Mia Yim and Iyo Sky takes on Shotzi! Will DMG CTRL look to take control of that briefcase one way or another?
Triple H is here!
Fans fire up for The Game as he heads to the ring! It seems even he is here to celebrate Roman Reigns’ 1000+ days as Universal Champion! What will HHH have to add to the occasion? We find out, after the break.
SmackDown returns and HHH is in the ring with a pedestal and a familiar looking cloth. HHH has the mic to say, “On rare occasions, an athlete comes along that is so dominant that they change the entire face of their chosen sport. And when it happens, they will be talked about for generations to come. In boxing, it was the Great One, Muhammad Ali. In basketball, Michael Jordan. In the WWE, right now, we have the privilege of witnessing that greatness live. Believe me, you will talk about this for generations, so please help me welcome a man who has passed 1000 days as champion. Please help me welcome a man that you will tell your children and your grandchildren about.
“Please help me welcome the Tribal Chief, the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, Roman Reigns.” The Head of the Table makes his entrance with fans torn between boos and throwing up the ones. Roman has Solo and Heyman with him, the brand new “1000 Days” branded jacket and shirt on as he holds up the belts for the pyro. The Bloodline, if this group even still counts as that, continues on into the ring. Roman then shakes HHH’s hand and Heyman fetches a mic. Heyman also shakes HHH’s hand, and then HHH tells Roman, “On behalf of the WWE, and on behalf of the entire WWE Universe, I would like to congratulate you on surpassing 1000 days as champion.”
That is something that hasn’t been accomplished in the WWE in almost forty years! Truly an epic accomplishment. So to congratulate Roman and celebrate this historic achievement, it is HHH’s honor to present him with a brand new Undisputed WWE Universal Championship belt. HHH takes the cover off to reveal the same home base design, but with a GOLDEN face plate! Heyman removes the belt Roman is wearing on his waist so that he can hold up the new belt, for more pyro! HHH then helps Roman put that belt on, then Heyman hands Roman the mic. Roman smiles while fans are torn between cheers and jeers.
Roman says, “Pennsyl- No, no, no. I mean, c’mon! That’s not good enough anymore. The entire universe…! ACKNOWLEDGE ME!!” Wait, the USOS are here?!? How?! Heyman heard from Pearce that this wasn’t supposed to happen! But Jimmy & Jey do walk out and Roman glares at Heyman. Heyman defends he was assured this wouldn’t happen, but it is! And we see what the Usos are going to do, after the break.
SmackDown returns and the Usos are now in the ring with Roman, Solo & Heyman. And Jimmy’s staring Roman down. He even glances at the brand new Universal Championship blet. Jimmy has the mic, but Roman speaks first, telling Jey to kick Jimmy in the face! Fans boo but Roman says it again, kick Jimmy in the face. He didn’t stutter, do it now! That’s what Jimmy did to Roman. Jimmy took Roman’s tag team titles away from him, so Jey has to fix this. Jey has to kick his brother in the face! Fans boo more, and Jey just paces. Roman is not happy about that, and he tells Jey this is the last time: KICK HIM IN THE FACE AND FIX THIS RIGHT NOW!
Jimmy speaks up to that the only one who needs fixing is ROMAN. Fans cheer that! Roman scowls but Jimmy says Jey can’t fix this. Jimmy kicked Roman in the face, “The Kick Heard Worldwide.” And Jimmy did what he did in Saudi not to be the Tribal Chief, not to lead the Bloodline, but because Jimmy was being a brother. Brothers treat each other with love and respect, and as of lately, you ain’t been such a good brother, Roman. What kind of brother manipulates, betrays and hurts his own family? What kind of brother does that, Uce? Roman has gone crazy! CRAZY! This right here is Jimmy’s brother! It is embedded in Jimmy to protect Jey.
In fact, SOLO is Jimmy’s brother! He’ll protect Solo, and he’s gonna tell Solo right now, that after Roman’s done using you, he’s gonna abuse you, betray you, kick you to the side, and put you in the dirt! Jimmy IS Solo’s brother, that’s why he’s saying this. Fans cheer that, too! Roman tries to laugh it off but Jimmy tells Solo to listen to him. Fans rally for the “USOS! USOS!” and Roman says that’s because of ROMAN! Roman is the Tribal Chief! You see him? Tribal Chief. This here is an imposter! Jimmy talking like he’s the leader, like Solo don’t have a voice. Let’s hear it from Solo who Solo is loyal to!
Roman hands the mic to Solo and fans boo. Solo looks at the mic, thinks about it, and fans chant for “SOLO! SOLO!” Solo says, “I acknowledge you, My Tribal Chief.” Fans boo and Roman smiles. But then Solo says, “But these two right here… They’re my brothers.” UH OH~! Roman is shocked and the Usos smile! Solo hands the mic back, to stand with his brothers!! Roman can’t believe what he’s seeing! Jimmy says hey, hey, so what’s it gonna be, Uce? Does Roman wanna run this thing together with respect? Or just end up on the Island of Relevancy all by himself? Roman tells Jimmy to shut up, but Jimmy pie faces him!!
Heyman is shocked and cowering in the corner! Fans fire up as Jey and Solo are both tense. Roman registers what just happened, then gets up in Jimmy’s face. Jey stops them both, and he wants to keep the peace. It’s not going like this. Jey needs them both, they cannot start fighting! They’re better than that, okay? Jey gets Jimmy to understand, and Jimmy cools off. Stronger together, Uce. But see, Jey is Jimmy’s brother, and Solo is Jimmy’s brother. But so is Roman. Roman’s always been family. So be a brother, have respect, and run this place like they’ve been doing! But TOGETHER! Bloodline, right? Family, right? They are still the ones, right?
Roman wipes sweat from his brow and takes a breath. Fans want Roman to accept what the Usos are saying, but he seems unsure what to do. Roman and Jimmy HUG!! Fans cheer, and Jey is relieved. Roman then says, “No.” WHAT?! Heyman is shocked all over again! Roman lets go and Jey is upset again! How could Roman say that?! And then Solo SAMOAN SPIKES JIMMY!?!? Jey is even more devastated!! Roman takes his leave, Heyman and Solo following behind. Is the Tribal Chief’s iron grip that powerful? Heyman then asks Roman, “What about Jey?” Roman says Jey will do what he always does and fall in line. Just give it time.
Fans boo as Roman refuses to share love and respect with his family. What will it take for The Usos to change that?
My Thoughts:
An awesome episode to follow Night of Champions with! Granted, a lot of that comes from the Bloodline story, which once again continues to be the top story. And with this story already having set a high bar, they find a way to raise the bar again. Great video package narrated by Heyman to open the show, good promos backstage to expertly set up what we got in the closing segment. I did appreciate that since they’re not undoing the unification, Roman now just has one actual belt to hold onto and he can just keep the other two at home. Naturally, they just kept the cookie cutter shape they’ve been using, but I like the gold backing on the logo there, it really stands out.
And naturally, the Usos DID show up, and what an amazing emotional rollercoaster there. After all that, we are definitely getting Usos VS Roman & Solo, and that will be the moment of truth where I would think Solo really does side with his brothers. Then it’s on Roman to either “fall in line” and accept his family as family, or he ends up all alone with just Heyman. Either way, this is all great stuff that can carry the story into the Summer, maybe even to SummerSlam. And what would really put a cherry on top: if Roman, no more pawns to get in the way, gets beat by a Mr. MITB cash-in.
Great opening Six Man from Theory & Pretty Deadly VS Brawling Brutes, and I figured the Heels would find a way to win. I would think Pretty Deadly finds a way into the Undisputed Tag Team Championship scene for the summer, as those titles are meant to be on both Raw and SmackDown. And who wouldn’t love seeing a promo between Kevin, Sami and Pretty Deadly? At the same time, The Good Brothers should also get in on some of that, they got a really good win off Hit Row. Happy birthday to AJ Styles, maybe he can find his way to a title match of some kind. Him and Theory wouldn’t be half bad for MITB.
Really good Grayson Waller Effect segment, though not really because of Waller. If this same stuff happened with The Miz and MizTV, it’d amount to about the same great stuff. Asuka and Iyo getting at each other and then arguing in Japanese seems to be their thing, but I would love if we got Iyo to turn Face. Between her and Asuka being longtime rivals, and DMG CTRL about to fall apart at a moment’s notice, Iyo could come out a top Face for the SmackDown Women’s Division. But I also do like that Bianca went after Asuka, that was a logical move. I just wish we got to see the sucker punch from Lacey live and not in a replay.
The MITB qualifiers were both good matches, but Zelina was a very obvious winner given Lacey’s attitude and how Zelina seems to be on a great push. Ford VS Knight was a bit closer, but the fans are just loving Knight, so it makes sense Knight won here. We’re also going to get great stuff out of next week’s matches, and I’m thinking Bayley, Iyo, Escobar and Dunne win. Bayley and Iyo because of the DMG CTRL breakup story they’re giving us, Escobar because the LWO tease they gave us, and Dunne because it won’t be Corbin since he’s got stuff brewing in NXT and Grimes just isn’t gonna let him win.
And what a spooky vignette from Fyre & Dawn. Just as it isn’t clear what they’re planning with having the Smackdown Women’s Championship on Raw and vice-versa, I’m not sure what’s going on with the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships still being up here on main roster. I don’t think they’d unify, nor do I want them to unify, mostly because Fyre & Dawn probably wouldn’t beat Ronda & Shayna. Well, Shayna didn’t do well against spooky given Twisted Alexa during pandemic era, but I still don’t think using supernatural elements would be enough to take out Ronda. Though it would be pretty funny to see.
My Score: 8.8/10
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Hockey Talk- What About Bob? [053023]
Hockey Talk returns just in time for the Stanley Cup Finals. On this Episode, Patrick & Dave recap what has...
Down The Wire: LeBron, Carmelo, Deandre Hopkins, OH MY!
Join the Brothers Wortz as they cover professional sports in an unprofessional manner!
Down The Wire: No Coach is Safe, Over/Under NFL Win Totals, Are the Yankees Cheating?
Join the Brothers Wortz as they cover professional sports in an unprofessional manner!
Down The Wire: NBA Playoffs, Bucks Coaching Search and NFL QB Tier List
Join the Brothers Wortz as they cover professional sports in an unprofessional manner!
Hockey Talk- Choking Chokers [050923]
On this weeks Hockey Talk, Patrick & Dave look at some epic choke jobs that punctuated the end of the...
Bandwagon Nerds #185: Incursion Version
On this week’s BWN, the Nerds take a look at the final trailer for The Flash and discuss some rumors...
Bandwagon Nerds #184: Killing In The Name Of
The Nerds take a leisurely stroll through the Trailer Park to review some of the latest big time trailers including...
The 5×5: SNL Musical Guests
This week, Patrick brings back the 5×5 with special guest PC Tunney and they present their five best and five...
Bandwagon Nerds #183: Willem DaF***in’ Dafoe
This week Patrick, Tunney and Rey gather on the Bandwagon for another week of nerdtastic greatness. With no movie or...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (5/10/23)
Get ready for a spectacle!
Mindless Wrestling Podcast: Weekend Wrestling Extravaganza!!
Night of Champions! Battleground! Impact and yes, even a little AEW! Wrestling fans were absolutely fed this weekend. DJ, Rob...
Mitchell’s AEW Rampage Results & Report! (6/2/23)
Champions are on a Rampage!
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (6/2/23)
Is the Bloodline finished?
DWI Podcast #378: Of Course, DJ Has Off Tomorrow!
Like an angel sent from heaven lol, DJ from the @TheMindlessPod joins us this week. Night of Champions, AEW Collision...
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (6/1/23)
THREE titles, one night!
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (5/31/23)
The hand has been dealt!
Greg DeMarco Show: BETRAYAL!
A highly entertaining edition of The List features Wrestling Betrayals! Plus Vince McMahon changes everything on this week's Greg DeMarco...
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (5/30/23)
It's about to get TOXIC!
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (5/29/23)
Monday Night of Champions!
Mitchell’s NXT Battleground Results & Report! (5/28/23)
Will Bron break... HIM?
-
AEW Coverage6 days agoMitchell’s AEW Double or Nothing Results & Report! (5/28/23)
-
Coverage6 days ago
Mitchell’s NXT Battleground Results & Report! (5/28/23)
-
Coverage5 days ago
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (5/29/23)
-
Coverage6 days agoMitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/28/23)