Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (6/15/21)
It’s an NXTornado Tag Tuesday!
NXT deals with the fallout from In Your House!
NXT may not be In Your House, but there’s still in-your-face action! Will Thatcher & Ciampa tear the Grizzled Young Veterans apart in a Tornado Tag match? What is William Regal planning to do about the bedlam plaguing the brand?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Imperium VS Breezango; Breezango wins.
- NXT Cruiserweight Championship Open Challenge: KUSHIDA VS ???; Kushida wins and retains the title.
- Raquel Gonzalez & Dakota Kai VS Kacy Catanzaro & Kayden Carter; Gonzalez & Kai win.
- Tornado Tag: Tommaso Ciampa & Timothy Thatcher VS Grizzled Young Veterans; Ciampa & Thatcher win.
PLAY BY PLAY
William Regal heads to the ring.
The NXT General Manager doesn’t even have his music as he makes his entrance. He is given a mic, and fans chant, “Please Don’t Leave!” Regal wants to get something off his chest. Regal’s been here since day one in some form of another, starting with announcing, calling the very first TakeOver… Regal gets emotional as he thinks on how he has watched NXT become “this wonderful, beautiful thing,” and seeing all the competitors coming through here. They started touring the United States, and then going to the UK and Japan and Australia. All these amazing moments, including his hometown of Blackpool where his nieces got to sit and watch with him.
There are a lot of things fans don’t know about, either. Every spare moment has been about making NXT into the place that he and HHH thought about ten years ago. This is the place they wanted to make the place to be. They’ve tried so hard to get everything so right, for the sakes of the wrestlers, the commentary, and of course the fans. The fans took them to San Jose, to Brooklyn, to Houston, to Portland and more. Regal’s finally decided that with the chaos that’s been going on, he’s given everything he can give. Because of all the fans in the audience, and all the competitors and staff and even the fans at home, he can’t give us what we deserve anymore.
Therefore, Regal feels it is time- But Karrion Kross interrupts! The NXT Champion and his femme fatale, Scarlett Bordeaux, go right to the ring in formal wear to talk with Regal directly. “Her and I always knew this day would come. We just didn’t know when. But the moment we heard all that, we had to come out here to see it and feel it for ourselves.” Is Regal crying? Regal is completely pathetic! A week ago, Kross told Regal that he lost control of the roster, and Regal knew it was true. And then at TakeOver, when Kross punched a hole through “The Mount Rushmore of NXT,” Regal knew Kross could control this place through chaos and violence.
And now we’re here. Kross wants Regal to say it! Tell the people that he’s leaving! And then he can walk his ass up the aisle and never come back. Say it! Say that KROSS was RIGHT! SAY IT!! Say KROSS CONQUERS ALL! We ain’t got all night, Mr. Regal. Tick… Tock…” Wait a minute! Is that Samoa Joe?! Fans go nuts as the Samoan Submission Specialist returns to NXT! Joe gets in the ring and stands alongside Regal to stare down Kross! Joe has a mic and he says, “Mr. Regal, I believe you wanted to speak with me.” Regal say she did, just not in this circumstance. But he’s here so why not?
Regal says because he loves NXT so much, he thinks everyone deserves a GM that can hold the position with the integrity and respect that it deserves! Regal wants Joe to be the NEW NXT GM! Fans are fired up for that as Regal says he cannot keep this up any longer. Joe tells Regal that his answer is, “Absolutely not.” He explains that while Regal is weary and worn down, what Joe sees is this: in the seven years Regal has been here, he has scoured the globe and brought the very best talent to NXT, Joe included. For those seven years, Regal transformed this brand, plucked it from obscurity and made it an international phenomenon!
So to be honest, Regal casts a long shadow and has large shoes to fill. Joe cannot accept, but he has an offer. Joe has always understand that eh made Regal’s life hell while he was here, but he always afforded Regal respect. That said, Joe would be more than happy to insure Regal gets the respect he deserves from everybody. Joe is of course staring right at Kross! Fans are fired up, and Regal says, “That’s an interesting idea.” If that is something Joe is willing to do, there are conditions. Joe cannot be a competitor, and he cannot lay a hand on anyone. Kross smirks, but Regal says, “Unless provoked.” The smirk goes away!
Joe says, “Mr. Regal, I accept your offer.” That leaves one more question: What is Kross still doing in the ring? “Tick tock, young champion.” The law has been laid down and fans chant, “Joe is gonna kill~ you!” Kross and Scarlett leave, but will it only be a matter of time before they cross the line?
The Grizzled Young Veterans speak.
“Thatcher and Ciampa, we heard what you had to say at TakeOver. We heard the insults and we felt the disrespect.” Zack Gibson is from Liverpool, James Drake is from Blackpool, working class areas in North England. They’re used to people looking down their noses at them, dragging their names through the dirt. So tonight, Tornado Tag rules! No tags, no excuses! And they will learn why these two are Grizzled Young Veterans when they get their heads kicked in! But will no one survive when there’s nothing holding these teams back?
Imperium VS Breezango!
Marcel Barthel & Fabian Aichner are ready to carry out the orders given to them by their Ring General, Walter! Will Prince Pretty & The Lord of the Dance find themselves merely a stepping stone as Imperium takes over the Tag Division?
The teams sort out and Barthel starts with Tyler Breeze. They tie up, go around, and Barthel puts Breeze on ropes. Barthel arm-drags, has an armlock and wrenches, but Breeze gets a headlock. Barthel chinbars and fish hooks to get a headlock on Breeze. Breeze powers out, Barthel runs him over, then things speed up. Breeze jumps into a CHOP! Barthel kicks low, CLUBS Breeze down, then kicks him to the corner. Barthel spins Breeze around for a back suplex, but Breeze lands on his feet to JAWBREAKER! Tag to Fandango, Breeze whips Barthel into Dango’s dropkick! Fandango is on Barthel but Aichner tags in. Barthel whips and Aichner arm-drags Fandango to an armlock!
Aichner wrenches and jams Fandango’s arm then grinds the shoulder. Fans rally, Dango fights up but Aichner RAMS him into buckles! Aichner CLUBS Fandango, wraps the arm around ropes, but lets off as the ref counts 3. Fandango CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS in return! Fandango whips Aichner to ropes but Aichner sunset flips! Fandango stays up, punches Aichner then drops a leg! Fandango dumps Aichner out, Barthel goes over, Breeze PLANCAHS but misses! Fandango FLIES in and takes Imperium down! Fans are fired up as Fandango gets Aichner in the ring. Fandango climbs a corner, but Barthel throws Breeze in to distract the ref! Fandango hits Barthel, Aichner trips Fandango!
Fandango falls to the mat, Barthel nods as Imperium has control. Fandango sits up to hit Barthel, then he kicks Aichner! Aichner EuroUppers, Breeze BLASTS Barthel, Fandango knees away on Aichner! Fandango whips and kitchen sink KNEES Aichner down! The fans fire up as NXT goes picture in picture.
Fandango looms over Aichner, gets him up, and snap suplexes! Cover, TWO! Aichner grits his teeth, Fandango brings him up and whips him, only for Aichner to reverse! Fandango goes up and over but Barthel tags in as Fandango sunset flips! Barthel rains down fists and stomps on Fandango then digs his boots in at the ropes! The ref counts, Barthel lets off, and he lines up a shot to KICK Fandango in the back! Barthel stomps Fandango’s hands, then drags him up to bump him off buckles. Barthel puts Fandango in the ropes, Aichner holds him but the ref reprimands Aichner. Barthel still runs side to side but Breeze KICKS Barthel down!
Barthel protests but Breeze gets away with the cheap shot. Barthel still runs at Fandango to WRECK him with a dropkick! Imperium pose at their corner while the ring count is on Fandango. Fandango stirs at about 5 of 10 but Barthel goes out to fetch him. Barthel puts Fandango on the apron and CLUBS him. Fandango crawls but Barthel stays between him and Breeze. Fandango tries to juke but Barthel CLUBS him back down. Barthel kicks Fandango to the corner, tags Aichner in, and Imperium mugs Fandango. Aichner drags Fandango up to CLUB him back down! Fandango hits back with body shots but Aichner knees him low.
Aichner whips Fandango to a corner, blocks his boot and reels him in for a LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Aichner kicks Fandango to keep him from Breeze, and dares him to try for it. Fandango gets up to throw body shots but Aichner shoves him to CLOBBER him with an elbow! Cover, ONE!! Fandango is hanging tough but Aichner clamps on claws into the shoulder nerves! Fandango endures and NXT returns to single picture. Fans rally but Aichner CLUBS Fandango down! Cover, TWO! Aichner taunts Fandango, kicks him around, but Fandango throws body shots again! Aichner CLUBS Fandango more, brings him up and whips him to ropes.
Fandango KICKS back, then runs for the corner! Aichner catches him, and pops him to a SLAP! Tag to Barthel, and Imperium keeps Fandango down to mug him with more stomps. Barthel KICKS Fandango in the back, wraps on a cobra clutch and thrashes him about. Fandango endures, fights up but Barthel ripcords him to a kitchen sink knee! Barthel toys with Fandango, drags him up and snapmares him back to the cobra clutch. Fans rally as Fandango endures all over again. Breeze coaches Fandango but Barthel grinds Fandango down. Fandango fights up, Barthel gives short headbutts, then ripcords again! Fandango makes it a schoolboy! Cover, TWO!
Barthel anchors Fandango’s legs but Fandango kicks him down! Fandango crawls, Barthel clamps on with a camel clutch! Barthel whips Fandango at the corner but Fandango uses that to DECK Aichner! Barthel runs in, Fandango dumps him out! Fandango crawls for his corner and fans fire up! But Barthel comes in from the side to intercept! Fandango BACK DROPS Barthel away! Barthel crawls now, hot tags to Breeze and Aichner! Prince Pretty dodges but hesitates, Aichner CLOBBERS him! Aichner BOOTS Fandango, hauls Breeze up, but Breeze inside cradles! BREEZANGO WINS!!
Winners: Breezango, by pinfall
But Imperium won’t let them get away! Aichner mugs Breeze, Barthel POSTS Fandango! Breeze fights back but Barthel RAMS him into a corner! And feeds him to Aichner’s BOOT! Aichner gets Breeze up, Barthel climbs, EURO BOMB!! Fans boo but this is what Imperium must do! They put their banner over Breeze and strike their pose. Will this be satisfactory for Walter?
A brawl breaks out backstage!
Regal and security keep Kyle O’Reilly and Adam Cole apart! Their personal animosity has not gone away! Regal through the Unsanctioned match was enough, but now they’ll have a match, straight-up singles match! That match will be at the Great American Bash! But since they’re so fired up, they can choose proxies to fight next week! Kyle’s fine with that but Cole isn’t! Cole wants to end Kyle ASAP! But Kyle gets free and fires off on Cole! Joe gets in as the enforcer and he pushes them apart. Cole pushes Joe, so Joe throws off his jacket to put the COQUINA CLUTCH on Cole!! He makes Cole pass out!
Joe lets Cole go and shouts, “When he wakes up, you tell him Mr. Regal expects his decision!” Day one on the job and Joe’s making an impact! Will Cole have someone in mind to fight on his behalf? Or will he even remember what day it is?
Something is charging.
It is at 1%. What happens when it hits 100?
Santos Escobar speaks.
“Bronson Reed. What happened at TakeOver: In Your House was a tragedy.” He had the North American Championship in his hands and saw his reflection in it. “It was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen in my life.” But then Reed had to go and do it, huh? Not just squish him, but put him through a wall! No one does that to Santos Escobar! Reed revealed a weakness. We all know that that’s all Reed could’ve done to put him down. Escobar is coming for Reed 1v1, and will pick him up, just like he did at TakeOver, and then gravity will do the rest. Escobar will snatch the title and make that reflection a reality as the next North American Champion!
NXT Cruiserweight Championship Open Challenge: KUSHIDA VS ???
The Time Splitter is still a fighting champion, and a highly sought after free agent has answered the call! Tre Baxter is all heart, proving he is the best, most innovative wrestler on the indies. This isn’t just a nickname or a catchphrase, it is a way of life, but will even #AllHeart run out of time?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if the debut is worth the hype!
Kushida and Baxter circle, tie up, and Kushida wrenches an arm. Baxter handsprings and breaks free then dodges Kushida’s leg pick. They go again, Kushida gets the leg this time, then trips Baxter to get a toehold. Kushida twists but Baxter rolls with it, only for Kushida to facelock and gator roll. Kushida floats all over Baxter, pushes him to a cover, ONE! Baxter backs off to catch his breath and the two go again. They feel out the grapple, Kushida still goes for a leg, then he trips Baxter again. Baxter gets up, steps over and victory rolls, TWO! Kushida gets up into a headlock from Baxter!
Baxter grinds Kushida down, but Kushida fights up and powers out. Kushida drops, Baxter handsprings then ducks and feints to roll Kushida up! ONE, and Kushida gets an arm! Baxter shoves him away, goes Matrix to then get around and redirect for a RANA! Kushida gets to a corner to cool off and fans fire up. Baxter runs corner to corner but is put on the apron. Baxter GAMANGIRIS, then springboards for a FLYING ELBOW! Kushida bails out but Baxter builds speed, to fake him out and superhero land! Kushida gets in to whip but Baxter springboards to whip Kushida back. Kushida holds ropes and BOOTS Baxter. Baxter gets Kushida’s legs, Kushida kicks and rebound ax kicks!
Kushida drags Baxter to the apron, but Baxter kicks the leg! Baxter builds speed and FLIES! Direct hit with the Fosbury Flop and CWC is fired up for “NXT! NXT!” Wait, is that Kyle O’Reilly at the ramp? Is Kyle scouting for a proxy? Kushida and Baxter catch their breath and NXT goes to break.
NXT returns and Kyle paces as Baxter grinds Kushida in a chinlock. Kushida fights up as fans rally, and Kushida wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER! Kushida stomps but Baxter blocks! Baxter kips up and steps over for a WHEEL KICK! RVD would be proud! Kushida ducks the Penalty Kick and avoids the standing moonsault to atomic drop and whip Baxter to a corner. Kushida runs in to SHOTEI! Kushida whips Baxter and hip tosses, then handspring basement dropkicks! Fans fire up with Kushida as he runs, but Baxter avoids the kick! Baxter dodges again but Kushida ENZIGURIS! Baxter wobbles and Kushida whips him, but Baxter reverses.
Kushida handsprings, Baxter dodges to then handspring and NEURALIZER! Cedric Alexander would be impressed, too! Kyle seems to like what he sees as both men are down. A standing count begins, Kushida sits up at 3 and looks for Baxter. Kushida gets up at 5, Baxter follows. Kushida throws a forearm, Baxter gives it back, and we have a brawl! Kushida KICKS away on the arm but Baxter fires off fast hands! Baxter fires up but spins into the FAST BALL! Kushida runs, into a STANDING SPANISH FLY!?! Baxter hurries to a corner, springboards and 450 SPLASHES!! Cover, TWO!! Kushida survives and Baxter can’t believe it!
Kushida gets to a corner, Baxter storms over to throw forearms. Baxter hoists Kushida up top and climbs up but Kushida is after the arm! Baxter grits his teeth but Kushida elbows him over and over! Kushida has the wristlock, for a SUPER KIMURA DDT?! PENALTY KICK to the arm! And then a takedown to the HOVERBOARD!! Baxter taps, Kushida wins!
Winner: Kushida, by submission (still NXT Cruiserweight Champion)
Baxter was indeed #AllHeart, but the arm couldn’t withstand the pain! Kushida retains and remains the champion, but has Kyle found his proxy? Kyle gets in the ring and applauds Baxter’s efforts. Kyle also tells Kushida he isn’t here to accept an Open Challenge. Instead, he’s issuing his own. Kyle wants to fight the best and so does Kushida. So what does he say? Kushida accepts! Kyle VS Kushida, non-title but surely one for the ages, next week!!
Backstage interview with Franky Monet.
Franky Monet requested this time for a huge announcement. She and Presley the Pomeranian just to make the people happy. And what the people want is more Monet. So she is so proud to announce that next week will be the “Encore Performance” of Monet’s world premiere! Who will join Monet in the must-see sequel?
But moving on from that, Monet talks with Jessi Kamea & Aliyah. She saw the special bonus match from TakeOver, in which they lost against Zoey Stark & Sarray. She thought they had it won, until Robert Stone got involved. Speaking of, Stone walks in and asks what’s up. Monet says hi and two-facedly tells him that the girls should’ve listened to him more and they would’ve had it. Great minds think alike. Okay, see you all later. She’s great, isn’t she? Yeah. But is she making a play to break up the Robert Stone Brand?
Mercedes Martinez watches TakeOver back.
Specifically, she relives Mei Ying throwing her off the ramp and into boards with one hand. Yeah, she felt the wrath of Tian Sha. But she said before that she is the wrong person to mess with it. She isn’t going anywhere. If Boa wants to step up, he’ll feel the steel again. And Xia Li made it 1-1. Any time she wants the tiebreaker, Mercedes is ready. And Mei Ying won’t have a chance to get up out of her chair, because Mercedes will knock her right out of it! Is Mean Ms. Mercedes biting off more than she can chew with Tian Sha?
Ted DeBiase is here!
The Million Dollar Man heads to the ring, the Million Dollar Championship waiting for him. “Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls,” TakeOver showed us someone worthy of being the next Million Dollar Champion. DeBiase cues up a highlight video package of LA Knight. The self-made man made himself the winner at TakeOver. Whose game is it? L A Knight’s. And Knight rolls up in a brand new Corvette, smokes a cigar as he makes his entrance both into the building and to ringside, and joins DeBiase in the ring. Knight tells, “Teddyyy~! Let me talk…” Knight stops himself and gets serious for a moment. He needs a second as he wants to actually talk to Ted DeBiase.
“It’s not often in life that we get to meet our heroes. In this business, it’s even more rare that you get to meet your heroes, and then share the ring with them.” For Knight to make it to that place, and then said hero says he could be the one to carry on the legacy, Knight can’t describe what he’s thinking or feeling. When DeBiase told him and Grimes to literally climb the ladder of success, Knight took that very seriously. Knight can’t lie, he’s all banged up, but to be standing here with DeBiase and that belt, it was 100% worth it. Knight just needed to say that. Because when Knight grew up watching wrestling with his dad, DeBiase was always on their screen.
Fans want Cameron Grimes but Knight says the kids in the neighborhood all wrestled in the backyard, and someone was always Ted DeBiase. Knight had the action figure and the championship belt. Knight wants DeBiase to understand that him as a fixture of Knight’s childhood is an understatement. Knight admits he needed DeBiase and this belt so that Knight could express his gratitude and appreciation. DeBiase and Knight shake hands and DeBiase says Knight earned this. Knight wants to be 100% serious, this is the greatest moment in his career. And it would be the greatest honor to be officially crowned Million Dollar Champion. DeBiase would be happy to.
DeBiase fetches the belt from its briefcase, brings it over to Knight, and puts it on his shoulder. They shake hands again, DeBiase pats Knight on the shoulder and officially calls him the NEW Million Dollar Champion! The Million Dollar Laugh and the pyro go off, and fans duel over Knight and Grimes. Knight understands the fans have their favorite, but having this belt on his shoulder is beyond description. Knight’s learned so much just the last few weeks. Again, DeBiase was a fixture in Knight’s life. Knight has everything that he’s ever wanted, but he’s going to drop what he doesn’t need. Knight DECKS DeBiase!!!
And then Knight BLASTS the guards, throws the podium, and snatches up the belt! Knight says what was DeBiase’s is now his! Knight is the ONE TRUE MILLION DOLLAR CHAMPION! Fans boo as Knight throws off his jacket to stomp DeBiase down! But here comes Grimes! Grimes CLOBBERS Knight and rallies on him with more clotheslines! Grimes clotheslines Knight out of the ring and throws his jacket at him! Grimes checks on DeBiase while Knight gets away with the title. Fans are fired up for the Carolina Cash Money Caveman, will Grimes get Million Dollar Revenge?
Backstage interview with Raquel Gonzalez & Dakota Kai.
They have a tag team match coming up, but McKenzie asks, after the grueling TakeOver defense, why is Raquel competing again so soon? Raquel says that Ember Moon learned the hard way what it means to face her. But also, someone pass on the word to Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell. The Way can hold onto those titles real tight, because there’s unfinished business. Raquel’s pal, Dakota, wants gold, and Raquel isn’t satisfied with one title. Tonight, they take care of Lil’ Kacy and Lil’ Kayden, then they move on to being two-time tag champions. Big Mami Cool & Cobra Kai head out, will they show no mercy to KC Squared?
The batter continues to charge.
It is now at 11%.
NXT returns as Dakota & Raquel head for gorilla.
And there waiting are Shotzi & Ember! Regal and Samoa Joe are already holding them back to keep this from getting out of hand, and the NXT Women’s Champion and her insurance policy go to the ring.
Raquel Gonzalez & Dakota Kai VS Kacy Catanzaro & Kayden Carter!
Taking over one division isn’t enough for Ricky Desperado, she wants it all! Will she and Dakota crush KC and KC to go after The Way? Or will that arrogance cost them against two of the most agile and resilient superstars in NXT today?
Kayden and Kai start, tie up, and Kai puts Kayden in a corner. The ref counts, Kai lets off and Kayden comes back. Kayden waistlocks, trips Kai then handsprings over. Kai ducks the buzzsaw, guards for the mule kick, but Kayden was just faking her out. Kayden pats Kai on the head, then gets her arm! Kayden wrenches, tags to Kacy, and they whip Kai to ropes for a double drop toehold! Kai sputters as KC Square goes to the apron, for a DOUBLE BOOT SANDWICH! Cover, TWO! Kacy keeps on Kai with a facelock, Kayden tags back in, and KC Square whip to drop toehold, and Chancery to BASEMENT DROPKICK! Cover, TWO!
Kai gets away, Raquel tags in and she grins as she towers over Kayden. Kayden avoids the boot to headlock but Raquel powers out. Kayden gets around Raquel but Raquel pulls hair to reel Kayden in for a TWO HAND TOSS! Kayden dodges in the corner, then swings around the clothesline to an IRON OCTOPUS! Raquel endures and powers free, but Kayden sunset flips! Raquel drags Kayden up but Kayden hits a JAWBREAKER! Kayden dropkicks Raquel to the corner, runs in and SPLASHES! Tag to Kacy but Raquel shoves Kayden. Kacy sneaks up, Raquel grabs her first and whips her at Kayden! KC Squared dosido and Kacy slides to trip Raquel up! Kayden BOOTS, and Kacy climbs on!
Raquel turns the rana into a toss but Kacy lands, ducks, dodges, and SILLY STRINGS with Kayden! Dakota tags in but Kacy slides under the kick. Kai avoids the forward handspring but Kacy just handsprings back to headscissor! Kai bails out, Kacy aims and TORNILLOS! Raquel runs over to help Kai but Kacy tags Kayden! KC Squared work together, Kayden goes up and SUPER CROSSBODIES! Down goes Dakota and Raquel, KC Squared is fired up as NXT goes to break!
NXT returns and Raquel grinds Kacy in a backbreaker rack. Kacy endures, even as Raquel bends her way back! Raquel flips Kacy over and drags her up to whip her to a corner. Tag to Kai and she runs side to side to BOOT WASH Kacy! Kai drags Kacy to a cover, TWO! Kayden is relieved but Kai drags Kacy up to bump off buckles. Tag to Raquel, she runs in and SPLASHES Kacy! Raquel scoops Kacy for a SIDEWALK SLAM! Kacy avoids the elbow drop and hotshots from the apron! Kai tags back in and runs to BOOT Kacy off the apron! Kai goes out to get Kacy up, but Kacy whips Kai into the apron! Kacy gets in the ring, hurries over, but Kai keeps her from Kayden!
Kacy BOOTS Kai, and hot tags Kayden! The Spitfire rallies on Kai, sees Raquel get up and dropkicks her down! Kayden fires off on Kai to put her in the same corner with Raquel! Kayden runs to forearm smash them both! Kayden keeps moving, and she hits a DROPKICK SPLASH COMBO! Kayden whips, Kai reverses but Kayden wheelbarrows and victory rolls to a mule KICK! Kayden builds speed to BOOT WASH Kai in return! Cover, TWO!! Kai survives but Kayden keeps her cool. Kayden gets Kai up but Kai SCORPION KICKS! Tag to Raquel and she drags Kayden around to whip to a corner. Raquel runs in but into a boot!
Kayden climbs, leaps, but into a fireman’s carry! And a swinging SIDEWALK SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Kayden proves her resilience but Raquel is furious! Raquel dead lifts Kayden to the Canadian Rack, tag to Kai! GORY BOMB CODE BREAKER COMBO!! Cover, Kacy breaks it in time!! Kai is furious and runs in, but into Kayden’s boot! Kayden elbows and WRECKS Raquel! But Kai throws Kayden down by her hair! Kai gets Kayden up, whips her to ropes, but Kayden holds ropes to boot back. Kacy tags in, sneaks a shoulder in, they table top Kai to then wheelbarrow back suplex SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Kai gets out of the way as Raquel runs in, but Kacy baits her into Kayden’s KICK!
Raquel still grabs Kayden, but Kacy dropkicks Raquel out of the ring! Tag, and Kayden cartwheels to mule KICK Raquel! Kacy RANAS Raquel into the apron! Kai runs into a HEEL KICK! Kayden gets Kai up, tags Kacy and Kacy climbs! KC Squared for the 450 SPLASH NECKBREAKER?!?! Cover, Raquel drags Kacy out to THROW her into barriers! Kayden runs but into a fireman’s carry! SAMOAN DROP into barriers! Raquel flounders but Kacy climbs back up. Kai KICKS Kacy first, for a DRAPING GO TO KICK!! Cover, Kai & Gonzalez win!
Winners: Dakota Kai & Raquel Gonzalez, by pinfall
The combination of KC Squared is strong, but #CapKota and Big Mami Cool are stronger! Will they make their way to a shot at the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships?
Ever-Rise review their TakeOver Pre-Preshow.
They were trying to do something nice for the community, and Hit Row has to go and ruin things. Top Dolla and Ashante Thee Adonis are “a couple of tough guys” for beating up a little dollhouse! But what Matt Marthel wants to know if “Dollar King” was looking for a box of donuts. Chase Parker says if Hit Row wants to do that to the TakeOver Pre-Preshow, go after Ever-Rise and that’s it, NO SIR! Ever-Rise rebuilds! Look at… Well, it isn’t really good as new, but it’s here! So when you come knocking on someone’s door, be ready for an answer. Ding dong! Ever-Rise Rules! Will they get to take the fight to Hit Row soon enough?
The battery is still charging.
It is now at 21%.
The Great American Bash is back, baby!
Stars and stripes, bruises and blood, get ready for it on Tuesday, July 6th! And as already stated, O’Reilly VS Cole will happen one more time, in a straight-up singles match! But with Kyle having called out Kushida for next week’s proxy tune-up, who will Cole choose to one-up his former friend?
Io Shirai heads to the ring!
The Evil Genius is back again after making her return confronting Candice LeRae on Poppy’s behalf. Shirai gets a mic to say, “I’m back!” And she feels good. She says in Japanese that we must’ve missed her, right? And her next target is- Well, she’s on her way out! Candice interrupts and tells Shirai that a lot has changed since she’s been gone. For example and most importantly, Candice is no longer an uncrowned champion. And since Shirai is not unbeatable anymore, she’s back to the bottom. Shirai has to earn opportunities now. And there is something that hasn’t changed, actually. Candice still can’t stand her.
And unfortunately for Shirai, she picked the wrong time to mess with her. Candice takes off the belt but INDI attacks from behind! The Way mugs Shirai, but Shirai fights back! She BOOTS Candice, puts Indi on ropes, and dials it up! 619!! Candice gets up and anchors Shirai’s springboard for Indi to BOOT Shirai in return! The Way gets Shirai up to RAM her into the apron, and then Candice hammers away on Shirai while Indi clears off the desk. Candice drags Shirai up and over to put her on the desk, and then has Indi to go up for that Impressive Elbow Drop. Indi does as told, but here comes Zoey Stark! Stark tackles Indi and rains down fists!
Candice gets in, Stark rallies on both champions! BOOT for Candice, HEEL KICK for Indi! Shirai returns, she springboards to DOUBLE MISSILE DROPKICK! The Way gets away and fans fire up with Shirai! The Genius has an ally in the Rising Star(k), but will they make The Way go away?
Backstage interview with Regal and Samoa Joe.
McKenzie asks about the order being restored. How has the night panned out for them? Regal wants to tell McKenzie something, but then cameras cut away to see Ciampa & Thatcher head for gorilla. MSK has popcorn and lets them know that they’ll be watching the main event very closely. Lee & Carter have their popcorn, do you? Oh wait, Thatcher takes Carter’s bucket to have it for himself. Rude. Will things be even worse for Gibson & Drake in a matter of moments?
The Diamond Mine is coming.
Achieve success though pain. This is the key. Pressure makes diamonds, but who is going to shine next week?
Backstage interview with Regal and Samoa Joe for real now.
Continuing where they left off, Regal’s thoughts on tonight are that- The Way comes in to cheer for Joe. Gargano and Theory never knock, do they? Theory knocks and Gargano says this is great! Thanks for being here, Joe! Joe choking out Cole was great, by the way. Joe is what this brand has needed! Regal lost complete control. Gargano broke a pencil and Regal went “cuckoo bananas.” But now with Joe, this is so good Theory, tell him how great it is. Theory raises his fist and nods and Gargano tells him they’re not doing the Diesel cosplay anymore. Joe asks Gargano to do him a big favor. Anything, man! What is it? Get out. Okay, great talk. See you guys around!
Regal tells Joe this is what he was talking about. But then Pete Dunne walks in! Dunne and Joe stare down but Regal asks them to keep it civil. Will the Bruiserweight have something to say to the Samoan Submission Specialist? Or is this icy silence more than enough?
Tornado Tag: Tommaso Ciampa & Timothy Thatcher VS Grizzled Young Veterans!
NXT returns and GYV make their entrance. They have mics but Ciampa and Thatcher won’t give them time to talk! The brawl is on, Old Man Ciampa and Toothless Timmy put Gibson and Drake in the ring, and now the match is on!
The brawling continues, Ciampa and Thatcher have GYV in the corners and are stomping mudholes into them! Ciampa lets off, Thatcher follows, and they whip GYV into each other! Thatcher drags Drake up, Ciampa sits Gibson up, and they hammer away with dueling forearms! Then they trade partners! Then they go for DOUBLE ARMBARS! Gibson and Drake scramble, Drake gets the ropebreak but it doesn’t matter! There’s nothing stopping this but a pin or a tap-out! GYV bail out, Ciampa & Thatcher chase after, but GYV turn the tables! GYV mug Ciampa & Thatcher, and they throw Thatcher out so they can focus on Ciampa.
Drake throws forearms, Gibson throws forearms, but Ciampa CHOPS back! Drake shoves, Ciampa ducks the double clothesline to give DOUBLE CLOTHESLINES! Ciampa runs to give endless clotheslines to GYV, but GYV drop, dropkick and basement dropkick! Thatcher returns but gets MAYHEM IN MOTION! Fans boo as GYV high-five and Ciampa bails out. GYV goes out and fire forearms on Ciampa & Thatcher., Drake bumps Ciampa off barriers, Gibson RAMS Thatcher into other barriers! Then they trade and Gibson throws EuroUppers on Ciampa while Drake clubs Thatcher. Drake puts Thatcher in the ring and brings him up for more forearms.
Thatcher whips Drake, Drake tumbles up and out but Thatcher counter punches for a SLEEPER! Drake flails, Gibson gets in and KNEES Thatcher in the back! Ciampa gets in to get Gibson in a SLEEPER! Gibson snapmares free, throat chops Ciampa, but Thatcher choke grips! Drake chop blocks a leg! Gibson BOOTS and Drake STOMPS Thatcher down! GYV trade again and Drake throws hands on Gibson while Gibson CLUBS Thatcher. Ciampa is thrown out so GYV can focus on Thatcher. Gibson gets Thatcher up, but Thatcher blocks the suplex. Drake goes out to RAM Ciampa into barriers! Then Drake joins Gibson for a BACK SUPLEX NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!!
Thatcher grits what teeth he has as Drake goes to the apron, Ciampa trips Drake up, gets i and shoves Gibson to ROCK him! Ciampa runs to clothesline Gibson and himself out of the ring! Then Ciampa goes back for Drake to give him endless clotheslines! KNEE for Gibson, then Ciampa goes out to RAM Drake into the timekeeper’s area! Ciampa gets Gibson up to throw him onto Drake! Fans are thunderous as Ciampa goes running in for a DOUBLE PSYCHO KNEE!! Ciampa puts Drake in the ring, goes for Gibson and puts him in, too, and then regroups with Thatcher. They fire each other up with SLAPS, and then Thatcher EuroUppers Drake! Ciampa forearms Gibson, and repeat!
Fans are rallying as the EuroUppers and corner clotheslines keep going! Thatcher and Ciampa are fired up as NXT goes picture in picture!
Ciampa and Thatcher stalk GYV to the ramp. Ciampa stomps Gibson’s fingers and Thatcher gets Drake up in a facelock. Ciampa ROCKS Gibson, but Drake RAMS Thatcher into steel steps! Drake helps Gibson but he just gets a CHOP for it! Gibson EuroUppers Thatcher but Thatcher pulls ears! Thatcher ROCKS Gibson, Ciampa RAMS Drake into barriers, then Thatcher TOSSES Gibson into boards! GYV are floundering around, Ciampa RAMS Drake into more barriers! Gibson forearms but Thatcher EuroUppers! Thatcher digs Gibson’s face into the steel fencing! Ciampa stomps Gibson down so Thatcher can run and RAM Drake into more barriers!
Ciampa CHOPS Gibson, Thatcher cravats Drake for a neck wrench. Gibson RAMS Ciampa into the announce desk! And then RAMS him into barriers! Drake fights free and knocks Thatcher down. Drake puts Thatcher in the ring, covers, ONE!! Thatcher snarls but Drake looms over him as Gibson RAMS Ciampa into barriers! Drake clamps onto Thatcher with a neck wrench then CLUBS Thatcher down. Gibson joins in and GYV mug Thatcher. Gibson grinds Thatcher down with an underhook so that Drake can jam his knee into Thatcher’s ribs! GYV pace around, Thatcher kicks Drake from below but Gibson CLUBS Thatcher down.
GYV taunt and mug Thatcher more while Ciampa is still down on the outside. NXT returns to single picture and Thatcher fires off EuroUppers on GYV! But Drake clinches, Gibson MISSILE DROPKICKS for the COMPLETE SHOT! Drake has a KOJI KLUTCH! Gibson taunts Thatcher but that just pisses him off. Thatcher grabs at Gibson but Gibson stomps him! Ciampa CLOBBERS Gibson from behind! Ciampa stomps Drake until he lets Thatcher go! Then he stomps him more! Fans are electric as Ciampa CLUBS and CHOPS Gibson! Gibson rakes Ciampa’s eyes! Thatcher clinches Gibson for a Belly2Belly! Thatcher gets back up but Drake runs in, only for Thatcher to ENZIGURI!
Thatcher glares at Gibson, waistlocks, but Ciampa runs in and Gibson dodges! Ciampa BOOTS Thatcher! GYV clinch and ENZIGURI Ciampa! Gibson has Ciampa in the Electric Chair, Drake goes up, but Ciampa fights! Ciampa ROCKS Drake, Thatcher gets Gibson with a knee! BUTTERFLY SUPLEX for Gibson, SUPER AIR RAID CRASH for Drake!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Thatcher keeps Gibson down with a grovit but Gibson dumps him out! Ciampa KNEES Gibson down and sees Drake going to the apron. Ciampa follows Drake out there, CHOPS him, but Drake CHOPS back! Ciampa CHOPS again, Drake CHOPS! Ciampa eggs Drake on as the CHOP fight continues!
Ciampa BOOTS Drake, fires up and fireman’s carries! Drake fights free, Gibson joins in and they have Ciampa in the Electric Chair! Drake builds speed and DIVES for the TOPE DOOMSDAY!! The ref checks on Ciampa while Drake is slow to getting up. Gibson goes after Thatcher, they both pull on each other’s ears! EuroUppers start flying back and forth, over and over! Thatcher gets the edge, Gibson wobbles, and Thatcher keeps throwing EuroUppers! Gibson gives some back, and catches Thatcher to a backslide! Thatcher rolls through to trip Gibson up! Gibson turns around to drag Thatcher down! Thatcher avoids Shankly Gates to go for the chicken wing!
Gibson moves, Thatcher wants the wristlock but Gibson puts him in a corner! GRIT YOUR TEETH!! Drake rocks Thatcher with that dropkick, and Gibson gets Thatcher up. GYV coordinate, POWERBOMB BACKSTABBER!! Cover, Ciampa breaks it up!? Ciampa returns and the CWC is volcanic! Drake and Gibson mug Ciampa against the announce desk, but Thatcher crawls his way over. Drake tells fans to shut it as he clears off the desk. The desk hood becomes a ramp, Gibson BACK SUPLEXES Ciampa through it! Drake mockingly asks Ciampa how he liked that, and Gibson gets Ciampa back up. They put Ciampa on the desk, and Drake DECKS Thatcher!
Drake goes into the ring to stomp Thatcher over and over! Drake gives Gibson the green light, but Ciampa gives Gibson an AIR RAID CRASH onto the desk! The desk didn’t break but Ciampa might’ve broken Gibson! The Psycho Killer hobbles over, but Drake needs to worry about the Professor of Pain! Thatcher turns Drake around to SLAP him! Ciampa SLAPS Drake, and they DOUBLE SLAP! ASSISTED FAIRY TALE ENDING!! And the ANKLE LOCK WITH FUJIWARA!!! Drake taps, Ciampa & Thatcher win!!
Winners: Tommaso Ciampa & Timothy Thatcher, by submission
The friendship isn’t fake, and the win is just as real! Will these two takeover the tag division and make the Must See Kids into former champions?
Backstage interview with Regal and Samoa Joe, take three.
McKenzie asks Regal what his thoughts are on Joe being back in NXT. Things are going to be a little different around here. Joe says that this is simply night one of many. They head out, having reestablished the natural order. But how long will it last?
My Thoughts:
An awesome follow-up episode to TakeOver! And only four matches! But even though we opened with a promo, it was an amazing moment right from the start. Regal did great with the emotion, and in kayfabe, he was definitely considering stepping down. Kross is getting great Heel heat being a jerk to the beloved NXT GM, and then SAMOA FREAKIN’ JOE is back!! Reports said he was back at the Performance Center, aka the Capital Wrestling Center, and was going to be back in NXT, and being Regal’s enforcer is a great move. Joe settling the fighting between Kyle and Cole with the sleeper hold was awesome, as was his interactions with Gargano and Dunne.
Speaking of which, Kyle VS Cole II at Great American Bash is going to be awesome, too. I kinda wish they put “Loser Leaves NXT” on it but that’d make it obvious Cole would lose to finally move on. I also like this “pick your poison” proxy stuff, with each guy choosing who they face before then. Kushida VS Baxter was a great Cruiserweight title match, and a great way for Baxter to debut, but I wish the 205 Live roster would get more chances. Kyle choosing Kushida for his match next week was a cool choice, and I would think #CoolKyle wins. Cole could choose just about anyone at this point, and I’m not sure what he goes for. Will he try to face someone strong to prove he’s stronger than Kyle? Or will he go for someone he looks down on in an attempt to get a squash? I’m leaning towards the latter.
The charging battery is interesting. We haven’t even gotten anyone from the Diamond Mine, and we’re getting a teaser for someone or something new? This has to mean a lot of call-ups are happening through the WWE Draft, and that is going to suck for said call-ups, except for those going to SmackDown. But maybe only slightly. Babatunde became Dabba-Kato became Commander Azeez, and Piper Niven was treated like an absolute unknown. But griping about Vince not caring about continuity is for other articles. Diamond Mine is finally coming next week, NXT is getting a lot of factions to fill the gap of the Undisputed Era and that much is cool.
Imperium losing to Breezango was quite the surprise, but I suppose Walter’s orders were to eliminate Breezango, not necessarily win. Breezango might come back for revenge but maybe Imperium lurks on the outside of the tag title scene. Ever-Rise calling out Hit Row was good, that match will be a lot of fun. Escobar had a good promo to call Reed out, and of course their 1v1 is coming. I bet that will be at the Great American Bash, and it will be a great North American Championship. Franky Monet making moves on the Robert Stone Brand is interesting, and a purely female faction could be great for NXT, too.
We got a good promo from Mercedes calling out Tian Sha as a whole. Shirai, Candice, Indi and Stark had a good segment. It was a good detail that Shirai wanted to call Candice out, and for The Way to turn things around on her. Stark makes a good ally for Shirai to take on The Way on Poppy’s behalf, and that could go either way. Gonzalez & Kai VS KC Squared was an excellent tag match, especially for KC Squared to show their stuff. But in the end, it makes sense the NXT Women’s Champion and her friend/sidekick would win. They’ve still got beef with Ember & Shotzi and they want the tag titles back, we could get quite the tag team showdown at Great American Bash.
The “crowning” of Knight with DeBiase was another great segment. Knight did a great job working a shoot, because I totally believe that Knight and his group of friends grew up watching and loving the Million Dollar Man’s time in WWE and all those iconic wrestlers from then. And then I just knew Knight would turn on DeBiase right there, it felt so clear. Grimes gets to be even more Face coming to the rescue, and I hope the Great American Bash has a rematch, and whether or not Grimes wins there, that win is coming and Grimes will be vindicated. The CWC loves Grimes, they are going to love when Grimes finally gets the belt and so am I.
That Tornado Tag was an awesome main event, very much bordering on TakeOver level, and it was great for Ciampa & Thatcher to win. They surely get next against MSK with MSK showing they were watching backstage, but I wouldn’t mind Ciampa & Thatcher still having to earn a shot in another killer match, perhaps with Legado or Imperium. Great American Bash should definitely try to be pseudo-TakeOver to keep NXT going through the Summer, since there is also the return to touring for RawDown and even AEW going all out on the road to All Out 2021.
My Score: 9.3/10
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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
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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
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