Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (8/10/21)
Will NXT plunge back into chaos?
William Regal presides over the Cole-O’Reilly face to face!
Before the 36th TakeOver event in NXT history, before everything comes to blows, William Regal will TRY to keep the peace between the volatile and violent Adam Cole and Kyle O’Reilly!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Dakota Kai VS Sarray; Kai wins.
- LA Knight w/ Cameron Grimes VS Andre Chase; Knight wins.
- Gigi Dolin w/ Jacy Jayne VS Amari Miller; Dolin wins.
- NXT Breakout Tournament Semifinal: Odyssey Jones VS Trey Baxter; wins and advances to the finals.
- Boa w/ Tian Sha VS Drake Maverick; Boa wins.
- Ilja Dragunov VS Pete Dunne; Dunne wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Ember Moon is NOT medically cleared!
She wanted her revenge on Dakota Kai, but the medics couldn’t allow her to compete. So taking her place against Kai is…
Dakota Kai VS Sarray!
But before the match, #CapKota calls out Raquel Gonzalez! “I hope you’re watching, Mami. Because I’m about to defeat the undefeated Sarray and prove that I am no one’s sidekick. Cuz you’re looking at the next NXT Women’s Champion!” Will Cobra Kai sink her fangs into her substitute opponent? Or will she burned by the Warrior of the Sun all the same?
The bell rings and the two circle. Sarray offers a handshake but Dakota slaps it away! Fans boo but Dakota doesn’t care as she and Sarray circle. They tie up, Dakota gets an arm and wrenches to a wristlock, Sarray fights the hold, wrenches back, then wristlocks. Dakota slips through to wrench and wristlock back, but Sarray rolls, kips up and wrenches! Dakota moves around but Sarray wrangles her to the mat. Sarray hammerlocks, Dakota fights up and throws Sarray down! Dakota slaps Sarray around but that only angers Sarray! Dakota whips Sarray to a corner, Sarray goes up and over and elbows! Sarray stomps Dakota and fans fire up!
Dakota turns things around to throw forearms in return! Dakota whips Sarray to ropes, Sarray reverses and springboards to arm-drag! Sarray kips up, fires up, and kicks Dakota! Sarray reels Dakota in to scoop, carry around, and SLAM her down! Sarray gets the legs, ties them up and drops down as fans fire up again! Sarray bridges back for a MUTA LOCK! Dakota endures, and pulls Sarray’s hair! Dakota drags Sarray down and out of the hold to AX KICK her on the back! Sarray gets to ropes but Dakota gets her up. Dakota bumps Sarray off buckles, digs her boot into the throat, but stops as the ref counts 4. Dakota drags Sarray to a cover, TWO!
Dakota is annoyed but she wants the fans to respect her, their future champion! Dakota clubs Sarray, drags her up but Sarray throws body shots. Dakota CLUBS Sarray down, uses one foot for a cover, ONE! Sarray kicks back but Dakota hammers her at the ropes. Dakota bends Sarray back against the ropes but the ref counts. Dakota lets off, fans chant, “YOU SUCK! WOOP WOOP!” but Dakota drags Sarray up to snapmare and KICK her! Cover, TWO! Dakota snap suplexes Sarray to a cover, but Sarray goes Matrix, only for Dakota to throw her by hair! Cover, another Matrix bridge and Sarray elbows Dakota away. Sarray runs, rolling takedown, ONE! TO THE MUTA LOCK!!
Dakota reaches as Sarray focuses on the legs! Dakota grits her teeth, claws her way around, and gets the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Sarray lets go at 3 and stomps Dakota down! Sarray kicks Dakota to a corner, then stands on Dakota at the ropes! Sarray uses ropes to go up and DOUBLE STOMP! Cover, TWO! Dakota crawls away, Sarray is after her and gets Dakota up, FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Sarray keeps the fire going while NXT goes picture in picture!
Sarray goes to a corner and climbs up top. Dakota stands, Sarray jumps and missile dropkicks her down! Cover, TWO! Sarray stays fired up as Dakota flounders around. Sarray rallies the fans then dares Dakota to stand. Dakota is in the corner, Sarray runs in and Dakota drop toeholds her into buckles! Dakota stomps away on Sarray then drags her up. Dakota whips Sarray to ropes, Sarray holds those ropes, but Dakota slides and trips Sarray to spin and BOOT her! Dakota then gets in to cover, TWO! Dakota grows frustrated and she takes it out on Sarray’s back. Dakota bends Sarray then SLAMS her head down, and repeat! Cover, TWO as Sarray bridges!
Dakota clubs Sarray to ropes, then drags her up. Dakota chokes Sarray on the ropes! The ref counts, Dakota stops at 4, and she clubs Sarray down again. Sarray gets to a corner, Dakota stands on her in return for earlier, but still lets off at 4. Sarray gets up and throws body shots and kicks, but Dakota ROCKS Sarray with a forearm! Dakota snapmares, covers, TWO! Dakota wraps on a chinlock and squeezes tight. Sarray endures as Dakota makes it a straitjacket stretch and thrashes her about. Sarray fights up, then JAWBREAKERs free! And dropkicks Dakota down! Both women are down and fans fire up!
NXT returns to single picture as Sarray throws forearm after forearm! Dakota stays up but Sarray gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Sarray aims from a corner, runs in, wheelbarrow takedown to a cover, TWO! DUBLE STOMPS! Fans fire up more as Sarray paces. Sarray gets Dakota up, waistlocks again, but Dakota resists the lift! Dakota throws elbows, gets free and runs, but Sarray dodges to shove and waistlock, GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Dakota escapes but Sarray is firing up! Sarray gets Dakota up, half nelson but Dakota blocks the rest. Dakota elbows Sarray then whips her to a corner. Dakota goes side to side, BOOT WASH! Dakota drags Sarray to a cover, TWO!!
Fans rally harder for “NXT! NXT!” but Dakota drags Sarray up. She taunts Sarray but Sarray throws forearms. Dakota forearms back so Sarray hits again. The forearms fly faster and faster, turn into haymakers, and fans fire up as Sarray ROCKS Dakota! Dakota wobbles but SCORPION KICKS! Sarray flounders against ropes, Dakota runs but into a DROPKICK! Speaking of, Dakota is on the ropes and Sarray fires up! Sarray runs, SUNLIGHT DROPKICK!! But she’s not done with one, she goes again! Dakota gets out of the way to AX KICK Sarray down!! Both women are down, fans are thunderous, and Raquel Gonzalez has arrived outside!!
Fans are fired up as Sarray rolls Dakota, TWO! Dakota stands but into a wheelbarrow and victory roll! Dakota shoves Sarray away but Sarray rebounds to jackknife! TWO, and both women fire up! Sarray HEEL KICKS Dakota, then HEEL KICKS her again! But Dakota follows Sarray Around the World to BOOT her down!! Cover, Dakota wins!!!
Winner: Dakota Kai, by pinfall
In the blink of an eye, Sarray loses her first NXT match, and it IS to Dakota Kai! But she isn’t done with the Warrior of the Sun! Dakota runs but HERE’S RAQUEL! Dakota runs the other way now! Raquel can’t catch her so she gets a mic to call her out! “DAKOTA KAI! You will never beat Raquel Gonzalez, and you will never have this! If you wanted a chance, all you had to do was ask. Well, chiquita, at NXT TakeOver, you’ll get your opportunity. But at TakeOver, I am going to tear. You. APART!” Former friends turned bitter enemies, will Team Kick’s captain be CRUSHED by Big Mami Cool?
Indi Hartwell prepares for her date!
And both Johnny and Candice can’t stand it. Candice says, “We have done everything for these kids. We bought this house so they could each have their own bedrooms.” But Johnny says they can’t have Indi running away like Austin Theory did. He’s out there, half-naked in the wilderness somewhere, they can’t have this happen. Indi loves Dexter, they’re dating now, Johnny and Candice have to make this work. Ding dong. Dexter’s arrived. Gargano gets the door and the two stare down. Johnny “invites” Lumis in, and Lumis enters.
Indi finishes up her make-up and Candice says everything looks great. But, and Candice doesn’t want to ask, but does she have any- Indi tells Candice to stop worrying. As a former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion, she’s so strong she doesn’t need protection! That’s not… Sigh.
Meanwhile, Johnny and Lumis are staring down more in the living room, and Johnny asks what Lumis’ intentions are with #IndiWrestling. Not talking, huh? Well then Johnny will Lumis what’s happening tonight: Lumis will take Indi to a nice restaurant, show her a great time, and then bring her up by 10 PM. “And no funny business, okay?!” Indi walks into the room and sees the bouquet of darkened roses Lumis brought. They’re of course for her and she asks what they’re doing. Oh, wait, is it a surprise? Indi loves surprises! She takes him by the hand and they leave. Johnny and Candice reluctantly say, “Have a great time!” but then grumble behind the door.
Johnny tells Candice not to worry, he already has Indi’s phone GPS-tracked! They hurry off to their car so they can follow #InDex! But is there no way they can stop this romance now that it’s rolling?
Hit Row speaks.
An angry Ashante Thee Adonis says, “This all started when Legado started talking real spicy!” B-Fab says they tried to let this go, but then Legado went and jumped Top Dolla and Swerve! Dolla says it’s cuz Legado knows damn well, if they puled up face to face, their teeth would become chiclets. The second Escobar put his hands inside Swerve’s mouth to snatch his grill, he not only disrespected Swerve, he disrespected Hit Row and their culture. Swerve has the luchador mask Escobar used to cheat him once! Here’s Swerve “respecting” Escobar’s culture now. He puts it in the fire! Will this pale in comparison to the fireworks that pop off when Swerve and Escobar meet in a match?
Ilja Dragunov is here!
Just 12 days ahead of TakeOver 36 and his rematch for the NXT UK Championship, the Moscow Madman is here in the CWC to speak! “I’m not a man of big words. Simply because where I come from, and on the path I have been going, words didn’t mean anything. But pain has meant something. The struggle has meant something. The sheer, blind belief in fighting spirit has meant something!” So his strength is not in his mouth, but in his fists! So with his fists and everything else that he is, he will make the “unthinkable” happen.
Dragunov vows that on August 22nd, TakeOver 36, “you will witness chaos! You will witness rage! History will be made, and an unbeatable kingdom WILL fall!” Dragunov will do that by ending Walter’s reign and becoming the NEW NXT UK Champion! However, a former NXT UK Champion arrives! Pete Dunne slowly makes his way into the ring and gets himself a mic in the process. “Beofre you get ahead of yourself, you owe me a big ‘thank you.’ Because without me traveling the world with the UK Championship, putting NXT UK on the map, and carrying the entire continent of Europe on my back,” Dragunov doesn’t get his match, doesn’t get to TakeOver, and damn sure doesn’t get to stand in front of the Baddest Man in NXT.
For that matter, Dragunov should count himself lucky. If Dunne had stayed in the UK, he would’ve put Dragunov in his place a long time ago. Dragunov tells Dunne that speaking of big words, Dunne has a lot of them. Dragunov is not here because of Dunne or anyone else. He is here because he did nothing else than giving everything he has and carried his so-often destroyed body straight to the top! Dragunov will make the impossible possible when he beats Walter, not something Dunne can change, nor something he ever did! But that’s in two weeks. How about Dunne shows Dragunov that his words are as strong as his will? Dragunov wants to fight tonight!
Dunne says Dragunov must be as mental as he looks. After tonight, Dragunov won’t even make it to TakeOver! In other words, Dragunov’s challenge has been accepted! Will the Bruiserweight break Dragunov’s spirit or just his body?
Backstage interview with LA Knight and Cameron Grimes.
McKenzie brings up Knight ditching Grimes last week, and Knight says she can’t be serious. “Let me talk to ya. First, put some respect on his name. He is The Butler, okay? And if anybody left anybody hanging, he left me hanging.” Grimes lost, Knight kept saving him, over and over. The people were going nuts for “L A KNIGHT!” It was a madhouse! Knight gave Grimes a chance to make up for the golf course, but then he failed because Grimes is a failure! But Ted DeBiase- Don’t worry about him, Ted’s filling Grimes’ head with delusions. Just like every millennial when they were told, “You’re special~!” NO NO! Ain’t nothing special about The Butler Grimes. Grimes was always meant to be a butler.
But Grimes will find out how to win, because there is only one Million Dollar Megastar, one man who runs this! Whose game is it? Whose game is it, Grimes? It’s L A Knight’s game… That’s right, dummy! Now put the title on his shoulder. Grimes does as told, and he follows Knight out of the locker room. How much more can Grimes put up with?
LA Knight w/ Cameron Grimes VS Andre Chase!
NXT returns and Knight’s opponent is the former (and self-proclaimed) Number One Seed in the Breakout Tournament. Will Knight be teaching everyone a lesson in winning tonight?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Chase gets around to waistlock but Knight throws an elbow. Knight headlocks, Chase powers out but Knight runs him over. Things speed up and Chase hip tosses Knight down! Chase arm-drags Knight, only for Knight to yank him into ropes! Knight kicks and hits the BFT! Knight covers, Knight wins!
Winner: LA Knight, by pinfall
Knight did make quick work of Chase thanks to #BluntForceTrauma, but now he wants Grimes to attend to him. Grimes wipes Knight’s sweat off his brow, but now Knight wants Grimes to shine his shoes! Grimes crouches down, but here comes Ted DeBiase! Grimes is ashamed and Knight is shocked as the Million Dollar Man walks out. DeBiase blows right past Knight to get a mic. “This has gone too far. Cameron, I know you’re a man of your word. But… But I have a lot more for you. You could be doing a lot of other things.” Knight insists Grimes is destined to be a butler, but everyone tells him to shut up.
DeBiase says the one thing Grimes shouldn’t ever be is a butler. He believes in Grimes, and the people believe in Grimes! The fans chant “TO THE MOON!” and Grimes nods. Knight asks DeBiase what he wants, then insists he should go to the back, then says DeBiase better have something important to say or get punched in the mouth again! Fans boo and DeBiase glares at Knight. Grimes keeps the peace, and DeBiase tells Knight, “You need to shut your mouth.” And Grimes, you can be whatever you want to be. Just follow your heart. Be what you want to be, Grimes. And you want to be a champion, right? DeBiase thinks that if Knight puts the title up one more time-
Knight interrupts with “NO NO NO!” He’s won twice, there’s no third! Feed Grimes all the false hope you want, here’s the reality. Grimes can’t win, it’s scientifically proven. But at TakeOver 36, Knight has a deal. Grimes is Knight’s butler. But at TakeOver, they can have another match, but third time ain’t always a charm! And if Grimes somehow wins by the grace of God, then Grimes can have the title! But the bottom-line is, WHEN Knight wins for a third time, Grimes won’t be Knight’s butler, DEBIASE will be! Grimes doesn’t want DeBiase to accept this but DeBiase says he’s a gambling man. His money’s on Grimes, and he’s got a LOT of money! Challenge accepted!
The highest of stakes for the Million Dollar Man, but what else for the most lavish prize possible? Can Grimes win his freedom while securing DeBiase’s? Or will Knight be gloating all the way to the bank?
Gigi Dolin arranges flowers.
Or rather, starts cutting the flowers off their stems… “We are people that are just surviving. You come home every night, driving yourself insane like I do, because you’re never satisfied. Io Shirai, Ember Moon, Raquel Gonzalez, Dakota Kai, unlike you, this isn’t just our job, this isn’t a 9-to-5, this is everything to us. And it’s not just about surviving. It’s about taking notice and running through every top woman in this business. And I’m not doing it alone.” If Gigi isn’t alone, who else is fighting to do more than survive?
Gigi Dolin w/ Jacy Jayne VS Amari Miller!
Aha! So it’s Jacy who Gigi was referring to. They were both seen talking with Mandy Rose backstage, is this somehow related to that conversation?
The bell rings and Gigi circles with Amari. They tie up, Gigi gets an arm then throws Amari by her hair. Amari scrambles away and Gigi grins. They tie up, Amari gets around, waistlocks, hammerlocks, but Gig switches, spins and wrenches Amari to a hammerlock and snapmare! Gigi then pie faces Amari and laughs. Jacy cheers Gigi on as she and Amari go again. Amari waistlocks, Gigi elbows out hard, then Gigi runs, but into a forearm! Amari back elbows, whips and reels Gigi in for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE! Amari scrambles after but GIgi gets away. Gigi is on the apron, she throws Amari down then YANKS the arm against the apron!
Gigi gets in, drags her by a leg, but Amari holds ropes. Gigi stomps Amari’s hand, gets her up but Amari throws shots. Gigi ROCKS Amari back, whips her to ropes and ROCKS her again! Gigi whips Amari again to ROCK her again, then back around for a wrench and cobra twist! SPINNING COBRA TWIST POWERSLAM?! Cover, Gigi wins!
Winner: Gigi Dolin, by pinfall
Gigi said she’s not like the rest, and that was definitely not like anything anyone has ever seen! Will Gigi have any more surprises for the NXT Women’s Division?
NXT catches up with #InDex on their date.
They’re at Fresco Cucina Italiana and are ready to order. Indi says they will have the calamari, the mussels, the stuffed mushrooms, the chicken fingers and a large salad. After all, Lumis doesn’t (can’t?) talk. But Indi just loves chicken fingers! She’s so glad they ordered those, that’s like a classic thing, right? “All Heart to Poison Pixie. Do you have eyes on Index?” Wait, who? Did Lumis hear that? “I repeat, do you have eyes on Index? Over.” Indi looks around, but Lumis doesn’t seem to notice. Or is it he doesn’t mind? Indi storms over to a propped-up menu and snatches it away. It’s Candice! “Hey…! Wow, of all the rest-”
Johnny asks Candice on their walkie-talkies if she sees Index. Indi tells Johnny to lave her and Lumis alone, they’re on a date. Candice? No, it’s Indi! Over and OUT. Candice says they’re made, abort the plan! Indi goes back to Lumis, they hold hands, and does even Lumis smile? Is this the beginning of a true American love story?
William Regal, and extra security, stands by in the ring.
“In 12 days, at TakeOver 36, it will be Adam Cole VS Kyle O’Reilly III, the Undisputed Finale!” He now asks both men to join him in the ring. First out is Adam Cole, saying he IS the black ‘n’ gold brand, “always have been, always will.” Cole of course gets in his “BOOM!” and “ADAM COLE, BAYBAY!” before Kyle makes his entrance. Regal continues to speak, laying down the rules of the match: It will be two out of three falls, and each man chooses a stipulation for a fall apiece; if there needs to be a third fall, Regal chooses that stipulation. Regal lets Kyle go first. Kyle says the only reason he isn’t ripping Cole’s head off is because he has respect for Mr. Regal.
But Kyle has been thinking of some crazy stipulations and all the tools he could use to abuse Cole. But that loss at Great American Bash doesn’t sit well with Kyle. So for Kyle’s stipulation, it will be a straight-up singles match with pinfall or submission. Cole almost laughs at Kyle but Kyle says Cole is such a narcissist, losing that standard match will shatter Cole’s ego worse than a chair ever could. Cole says Kyle is so predictable. Of course Kyle goes with this, Kyle is delusional! Kyle continues to live in a world where he sees himself as the better competitor, when for 13 YEARS, Cole has proven time and again that he is better than Kyle at this job in every way!
And speaking of The Bash, Cole won 1v1, fair and square. But Kyle is continuing on the “win” at Stand & Deliver. Kyle knows the one, it was where Cole had him beat but the ref was down. And it was the one that doesn’t even count on their records because it was unsanctioned! Then a few weeks ago, Kyle decides to SMASH Cole’s head into steel steps, making it crystal clear what Kyle really wants. And unfortunately for Kyle, Cole wants that, too! The second fall needs to be a Street Fight! And Cole tells everyone not to even worry about Regal’s stipulation, because it ain’t going to the third! Cole will win in a 2-0 sweep, and will win the Cole VS O’Reilly saga!
Kyle asks Cole if he even understands why Kyle did that. It’s because Cole taught Kyle that. As far as Kyle’s concerned, Cole was asking for it by sharpening the blade and handing it to Kyle. Kyle knows what being human garbage has done for Cole. Kyle may be naïve to think he can be a nice, upstanding citizen while still achieving his goals, “but ain’t that just a kick in the nuts?” Kyle has his priorities straightened. He is literally willing to do anything to put Cole down for good. Kyle doesn’t care. And now that he doesn’t care, he’s the most dangerous man Cole’s ever faced.
Wow, does Kyle hear himself? How much of a MORON can he be? Of course Cole taught Kyle! He’s taught Kyle for 13 YEARS, and for 13 YEARS, Kyle has tried to follow in Cole’s footsteps! For 13 YEARS, Kyle has tried to live up to Cole’s standard, and for 13 YEARS, Kyle has ridden Cole’s coattails. Because whether Kyle wants to admit it or not, but Cole has said it over and over, “You will NEVER be Adam Cole!” Cole is the GREATEST NXT superstar of all time! No one can touch him! No one ever has, no one ever will! Kyle is just a footnote in Cole’s career! So how about Cole teaches Kyle something else, right here and now?
Cole tells Kyle that his biggest problem is that he doesn’t have a killer instinct. Kyle is soft. #CoolKyle is pathetic. Oh he’s taking his jacket off now? Big tough guy wants to hit him? He won’t because Kyle is nothing, and means nothing to Cole! They shove then brawl and security rushes in! Regal knew this would happen, so he’s already naming the third fall here! It will be… IN A STEEL CAGE!! The three stages of Hell have been set, but will either of these two survive them?!
Tommaso Ciampa & Timothy Thatcher speak.
Old Man Ciampa says that Pete Dunne and Oney Lorcan want us to fear them as the baddest men in all of NXT. But a couple weeks ago, they could’ve proven just that against him and #ToothlessTimmy. But instead, they needed help. They needed a third man. Enter Ridge Holland: young, big, blue chipper. The industry chooses people like Ridge Holland, and Pete Dunne chose Ridge Holland, too. Ciampa gets that, he does. But here is what Ridge is not: He is NOT Thatcher, he is NOT Ciampa. These are two men who have traveled the world perfecting their craft, sacrificing, passionate, because THEY chose this industry, and continue to choose it.
Hell, let’s get real! Thatcher & Ciampa DEFINE everything that is GOOD, that is JUST, that is PURE about this industry! But Ridge wants to enter this world and make a name for himself? Hell, let’s party! Ridge Holland VS Tommaso- Thatcher puts a hand on Ciampa’s shoulder and says, “Please, sir, with all due respect, Ridge Holland VS Timothy Thatcher.” Alright. Class is in session! What painful lesson will the Northern Grit learn from Professor Thatcher?
Imperium speaks.
“We are here to protect the purity of our sport! By any means necessary-” Wait, MSK interrupt! Payback from last time as they even pretend to be Imperium. “What is wrong with our division?” “Interrupting opponents to have a message said.” “Rude!” “Childish!” They can’t hold in their laughter any longer, and throw off the “ImperiuMSK” jackets. That’s more like it! But Imperium, all that stuff you’re spewing about MSK’s reign being meaningless is crazy! Don’t they understand that MSK is the IV drip in this division, bringing it to life?
So if they want to be next in line for a title opportunity, if they want this work, if they want to risk it, if they want this two-piece side o’ the biscuit…!! Just let them know. They’re fighting champions. MSK All Night and All Day. With the challenge thrown out, will Barthel and Aichner choose to respond with action?
NXT Breakout Tournament Semifinal: Odyssey Jones VS Trey Baxter!
It’s been quite the journey, but there’s just one more step before the finals! Will Odyssey’s epic continue? Or will #AllHeart be enough to see him through to the other side?
The bell rings and the two circle. They approach, Baxter gets around but Jones breaks the waistlock to throw Baxter down. Baxter grins as he sits up and Jones likes the fighting spirit. They circle but as fast as Baxter is, Jones is big and has him cornered. Back suplex but Baxter lands on his feet! Baxter tries a schoolboy but Jones stays up! Baxter shifts but the sunset flip doesn’t work any better. Jones brings Baxter up with both hands, throws him but Baxter rolls! Fans fire up as both guys enjoy this. Baxter says toro toro, but Jones says that’s child’s play! Jones eggs Baxter on so Baxter runs and forearms! Jones stays up, Baxter fires off and throws fast hands!
Baxter goes to run but Jones reels him in and back suplex TOSSES him! Fans fire up with that showing of strength, and Jones storms in at the corner. Baxter slips out and ROUNDHOUSES Jones back, then springboards, but into Jones’ hands! Jones TOSSES Baxter across the ring and fires up! Fans rally for “OD-Y-SSEY!” as he gets Baxter up. Jones gut wrenches with one arm, but Baxter sips out to a sleeper hold! Jones stays up, throws Baxter off hard, then drags Baxter up. Baxter ENZIGURIS, but Jones stays up! Baxter ENZIGURIS again and is free. Jones storms in, gets caught in the ropes, tiger feint to the leg!
Jones staggers, Baxter springboards in and dropkicks a leg out! BASEMENT DDT! HEEL KICK BUZZSAW! Cover, TWO!! Baxter keeps moving while Jones is still down, leaps but Jones dodges! Jones SPLASHES Baxter in a corner, then swinging URENAGES! Cover, Jones wins!
Winner: Odyssey Jones, by pinfall (advances to the Breakout Tournament finals)
Baxter’s heart was all in, but his body just wasn’t big or strong enough! Jones’ odyssey continues, will he be THE Breakout superstar?
Samantha Irvin interviews Jones at ringside, congratulating him on officially making it to the 2021 Breakout Tournament. How does he feel? “Well first thing’s first, WHAT UP, NXT UNIVERSE?!” And they have no idea how excited he is to be going to the finals and finally have his breakout moment. “Look, Mama! I made it!” After waiting a whole year in the back, will Jones finally be a star?
Tian Sha speaks.
Boa says, “Disobedience will NOT be tolerated.” Mei Ying blows her dragonbreath! Who will be next to burn at the hands of Tian Sha?
NXT returns, outside Mr. Regal’s office.
McKenzie Mitchell says Mr. Regal has big news towards next week’s episode, and then Kushida walks out through Regal’s door. Malcolm Bivens is telling Regal that he will not regret this decision. Bivens also seems to be scouting as he looks at the two towering security guards. He hands them his Diamond Mine cards, and tells McKenzie that now Regal has news for her. Bivens leaves, Regal walks out, and he thanks McKenzie for being here. He just finished signing the papers, and next week will be huge.
First, MSK VS Imperium for the NXT Tag Team Championships! Second, after Bivens’ “convincing” argument and Kushida saying he wants a challenger, it will be Kushida VS Roderick Strong for the NXT Cruiserweight Champion! That IS big news! Will much of NXT’s golden landscape change this close to TakeOver?
NXT shares Mandy Rose’s tweet.
“Congratulations Gigi Dolin on your victory! It sure seems like the advice is already paying off.” There’s even a winking emoji, and an @ to get Jacy Jayne in on the tweet. What is the Golden Goddess working on in the background of the black ‘n’ gold?
Boa w/ Tian Sha VS Drake Maverick!
Xia Li may have failed to dethrone Raquel Gonzalez, but there are more titles for Tian Sha to take in NXT. Will Boa begin his own journey to the top of the men’s division? Or can Rockstar Spud halt his progress before it begins?
The bell rings, Maverick rushes in but into kicks! Boa BOOTS Maverick down then dares him to come back. Maverick dodges his boot, kicks the other leg, then keeps kicking! Boa THROAT CHOPS! Maverick sputters and scrambles away but Boa runs in. Maverick BOOTS Boa, CHOP BLOCKS him, then runs. Boa STRAIGHT PALM STRIKES Maverick in the chest! Boa snarls and stalks Maverick. Fans rally for Maverick but Boa stomps Maverick’s hand! Boa wrenches Maverick, knuckle locks and wrenches! Boa has Maverick on his knees and he KICKS Maverick down! Boa wrenches, knuckle locks, KICKS him more, and is toying with Maverick.
Boa wrenches, lifts Maverick with one arm, then SLAMS him down! Boa stands on the arm, digs his heel in, but Maverick pushes him away. Boa drags Maverick up, lifts him again, but Maverick hops onto his shoulders! Maverick spins and RANAS Boa to a corner! Maverick runs to dropkick Boa’s legs out, then keeps going! Fake out and redirect to another dropkick! Boa bails out, Maverick goes to a corner and climbs up, to SUPER SENTON!! Direct hit and both men are down! Fans fire up as both men writhe! Boa drags himself into the ring while Maverick shakes out his arms. Maverick drags Boa back out at 5 of 10 and SLAMS the leg on the apron!
Boa clutches his leg and the ref checks him. Maverick turns around, and GETS SMOKE IN THE EYES! Mei Ying appeared ringside and now blinds Maverick with her dragonbreath! Maverick flounders into the ring, into a ROUNDHOUSE!! Boa covers, Boa wins!
Winner: Boa, by pinfall
Boa redeems himself for past failures, with help from Tian Sha’s fearsome leader. Will he now be the face of their conquest?
NXT checks back in with #InDex.
Indi says Lumis is too funny! Indi feels like she could talk to Lumis all night! How was the food? She’s stuffed, but always has room for dessert. Oh, he’s got a little something. She gets it with her napkin. Here’s a cake for the two lovebirds~! Wait, that voice…? And then the waiter asks her, in a very NOT Italian accent, “You such a beautiful young lady! Why’a you date crazy man?” Johnny! Y-You mean Jonbo! Yes, he is Jonbo the wa- STOP! No, he show you- She snatches the toupee and the mustache. Well, fine! But Lumis better be paying for dinner! And y’know what? No cake for you! This is Johnny’s cake now! Indi says that’s their cake, they really did order one!
The two tug-o-war over the cake, and of course it goes FLYING into Lumi’s face! Lumis glares at Johnny through frosting and Johnny says, “See you at home!” Johnny runs away and Indi says she always has room for dessert. She wipes a piece off his face and eats it up. Then she leans in, as does Lumis, and Indi covers up the camera so we don’t see the kiss!
NXT looks closer at the coming war: Kross VS Joe.
The NXT Champion says, “Good evening. I have had a lot to say for a very, very long time. There are certain people who would’ve never stepped into a ring with me if they knew what my true intentions were. Everything needed to fall into the right place, at the right time. And that time and place… is now.” Kross wont’ deny that he enjoys hurting people. But someone needed to cause this suffering and chaos. And that someone was him. Regal started to doubt himself because of Kross, until SAMOA JOE returned to NXT! Joe speaks now, “Many people asked me, ‘After the injury, why’re you coming back?'”
To Joe, he isn’t returning. “‘Coming back’ is reserved for people who think they’re gone.” For Joe, it was about rebuilding. Kross says Joe is acting like Superman, here to save the day. Joe got to be enforcer, slapping around those who have big mouths. And none bigger than Kross while he’s been NXT Champion. Kross doesn’t bye that “crap.” Does anyone know the real Samoa Joe? He’s really just like Kross. Joe likes to hurt people, and nothing is wrong with that. #UnlessProvoked happened pretty quick. Comparing Kross and Joe is like saying a housefire is a hurricane. Both are dangerous, but one is just that much more.
Kross says, “Sure. But I resent the fact that he’s here pretending like he wants to change things. Samoa Joe just wants to control things.” Kross knew what Joe was all about from the first time they locked eyes: “He’s just another opportunist.” Joe is getting what he wanted, though: a second chance. Joe says it’s not even about the title. “I’m there to f*** him up.” Kross VS Joe, TakeOver 36. They each vow to put the other down, “by any means necessary.” When Joe goes out, so will the past of NXT. Because in the end, everyone pays the toll. Tick-tock. Neither man is going to back down, but they will meet face to face in next week’s go-home episode!
Ilja Dragunov VS Pete Dunne!
The Moscow Madman isn’t just ready for this, he was born for this! Will #UNBESIEGBAR show that even the Bruiserweight DOES NOT know violence like he knows violence? Or will Dunne break Dragunov like he does fingers: in a snap?
The bell rings and the CWC are thunderous already as these two tie up! They go around, Dunne uses a chinbar to wrangle Dragunov, then he cranks the arm. Dragunov rolls, gets up, but Dunne wrangles him again. Dunne has a grounded cording hold, Dragunov rolls through and gets up to roll, fireman’s carry takeover, then cover. ONE, Dragunov has an arm and wrenches it on the mat. The two fight up, Dunne hooks a leg to resists the snapmare, then he bends fingers! Dragunov endures, Dunne shifts to a toehold and then shoot the half. ONE, and the two stand off. Fans keep rallying as the two circle again.
Dunne and Dragunov approach, Dragunov gets a leg and trips Dunne. Dragunov digs his knee into an arm, then traps the other. Dunne headbutts from below, pulls on both ears and then drop toeholds. Dunne ties up the legs, stands on them, then drops back to pull on the deathlock! Dunne gives toying jabs then shifts to a headlock. Dragunov fights up, throws Dunne with a takeover, then shifts to grind the headlock. Fans cheer, Dunne gives quick hammer fists, but then fights up to power out. Things speed up, Dunne leaps and KNEES Dragunov down! Then he KICKS Dragunov in the back! And then another! Dragunov gets mad but Dunne SLAPS him down!
Dunne kicks Dragunov, drags him up, wrenches the arm but Dragunov breaks free. Dune ducks one but not the LEFT LARIAT! Dragunov waistlocks and drags Dunne up, GERMAN SUPLEX! Dunne lands on his feet and Dragunov actually likes that! Dunne rushes in, Dragunov goes Matrix! Then he PELES Dunne to a corner! Dragunov runs in to KNEE Dunne at the corner, then HALF HATCH SUPLEXES! Dragunov goes up the corner, leaps, and KNEE DROPS Dunne in the chest! Cover, TWO! Dunne is still in this but Dragunov knows he’s tough. Dragunov goes up the corner, Dunne rushes up top to get him, and has a wristlock!
Dragunov throws body shots, then CHOPS! Dunne falls back, Dragunov leaps, but into a BIG forearm!! Dragunov flounders out of the ring as NXT goes picture in picture.
Dunne smirks and shrugs while a ring count starts. Dunne goes out to fetch Dragunov, drag him up and around the way, and wrenches the hand and arm to hammerlock against the steps! Dunne STOMPS the arm, then jumps to DOUBLE STOMP Dragunov’s chest! Dunne leaves Dragunov behind with the count getting higher, but Dragunov gets in at 9! Dunne stomps, Dragunov kicks, so Dunne steps through to a modified deathlock! Dunne adds a bit of a toehold into it, but Dragunov endures and even shouts at Dunne. Dragunov pries at Dunne’s grip but Dunne jumps up to STOMP him down! Dunne goes after an arm again, standing on the hand.
Dunne drops knees right on the shoulder! And then bends the arm back, trapping it in his legs, then digs a knee into the shoulder. Dunne stands up to drop more knees! Dunne reaches over Dragunov to get his other arm, and he digs his elbow into Dragunov’s ribs! He even pulls Dragunov’s nose and ear before standing up to STOMP the other arm! Dragunov writhes but he can’t clutch either arm! Dunne sits Dragunov up and punches him right in the forehead! Dunne gets Dragunov up, wrenches an arm and grinds Dragunov down towards the mat. NXT returns to single picture as fans rally up. Dunne digs in knuckles wherever he can, but Dragunov manages a scorpion kick!
Dunne is more annoyed than hurt, so he TWISTS the arm, and kicks Dragunov down! Dunne gives Dragunov more toying kicks but Dragunov starts to grin. Dragunov eggs Dunne on, Dunne gives more kicks but Dragunov stands up. Dunne boots, Dragunov LARIATS! Dunne stays up to ROCK Dragunov, “THIS IS AWESOME!” as Dragunov LARIATS again! Dunne ROCKS Dragunov, Dragunov LARIATS Dunne, repeat! Dragunov gets the edge and CLOBBERS Dunne! Dragunov swings a big hammer fist but Dunne blocks it! Dunne has the arm between his feet and TWEAKS it! But Dragunov rebounds and LARIATS Dunne again! Dragunov keeps moving, ANOTHER LARIAT!
Dragunov is still going, but Dunne BOOTS him! Dunne shoves Dragunov to ropes, CONSTANTINE SPECIAL! Dragunov came back with the 619 clothesline and fans are thunderous for “NXT! NXT!” as these two rise. Dragunov gets Dunne’s arm, wrenches and knuckle locks to then CHOP and CHOP and CHOP Dunne down! Pump handle, but Dunne gets the arm and wrenches to a double wristlock! Dragunov fights through that to cobra twist and rains down elbow after elbow! Then the Gotch lift EXPLODER! Cover, TWO!! Fans chant for “NXT! NXT!” as Dunne and Dragunov stand again. Dragunov storms over but into a BOOT! Dunne runs in but Dragunov goes Matrix!
But Dunne KICKS an arm out! Dragunov is down, Dunne gets his fingers and bends! But Dragunov slips through and CHOPS Dunne off his feet! BACK SENTON! Waistlock, but Dunne slips through to FUJIWARA! But Dragunov rolls and stands, hooks a leg for a takedown and a rain of elbows! Dunne pulls Dragunov’s hair! And gives Dragunov knees right to the forehead! Dunne shifts over to the FUJIWARA! But Dragunov resists so Dunne floats to the other arm, FUJIWARA! Dragunov rolls, but into a TRIANGLE! He makes it a cover, ONE! Again, ONE! Dragunov shimmies out to drop an elbow, but Dunne knees him in the face at the same time!
Dunne again gets Dragunov into the TRIANGLE HOLD! And it’s on tight! Dragunov doesn’t stop, he DEAD LIFT POWERBOMBS Dunne! High stack cover, TWO!! FOREARM DROP!! Cover, TWO!?! Dunne survives that desperate shot and the fans are electric in the CWC! Both men are down but the fans hope they “FIGHT FOREVER!” because “THIS IS AWESOME!” Dragunov waistlocks, Gotch lifts, but Dunne pulls fingers again! Dragunov slips through to BACK HAND! But with the bad hand! Dunne stops both hands then BUZZSAWS! Whip, Constantine- No! The arm can’t hold Dragunov up! BUZZSAW and FOREARM!
Dunne drags Dragunov up, pump handles, but Dragunov slips through! Gotch lift, but Dunne victory rolls to an ARMBAR! Dragunov bridges to relieve pressure, but Dunne has the arm stuck! Dragunov rolls back?! Waistlock, Gotch lift, SUPLEX!! Bridging cover, TWO!?!? More like 2.7, but that’s still not 3! Dragunov goes to a corner, climbs up top, SUPER SENTON!! It just clips Dunne but Dragunov isn’t stopping here, anyway! Dragunov aims from the corner, “UN! BE! SIEG!” Walter?! The NXT UK Champion finally makes his presence known, just as Dragunov has this in his grasp. Dragunov kicks Dunne out of the ring and dares the Ring General to do this now!
But Dunne gets Dragunov in the pump handle! Dragunov fights the lift, switches and shoves Dunne into ropes, to then JUMP KICK him down! Dragunov resets, TORPEDO MO- FOREARM!! Pump handle, BITTER END!! Cover, Dunne wins!!
Winner: Pete Dunne, by pinfall
That was definitely a bitter end to this match, as the Ring General threw Dragunov off his game. Walter gets in the ring, stares down with Dunne a moment, but then Dunne shrugs and leaves. Walter drags Dragunov back up and SLAPS him down! And then wraps on the SLEEPER! But Dragunov still has life as he arm-drags Walter away! Walter rushes to his feet, and into TORPEDO MOSCOW!! Walter underestimated Dragunov’s fighting spirit here tonight, will he do the same at TakeOver? Will there finally be a NEW NXT UK Champion?
My Thoughts:
Another great episode for NXT, and though TakeOver isn’t for two weeks, this episode felt like the go-home. For one, we got a lot of big matches set up for next week. The NXT Tag Team and NXT Cruiserweight Championships are on the line since TakeOver is bringing in the NXT UK Championship and now the Million Dollar Championship. MSK had a good payback promo on Imperium, and of course Kushida will defend against Strong. It was a clever detail that Bivens gave his card to those really big security guards. On one level, Diamond Mine should have always been recruiting, even after their members were revealed. On another, they need new members because Nick Da Prick Khan decided to throw Tyler Rust away despite him being in the Diamond Mine story.
Knight had a good promo and a fast match, DeBiase returns again and of course helps motivate Grimes into going after the Million Dollar Championship one more time. This has to be the time Grimes wins, and the next phase of NXT can have Grimes as the fun-loving, money-spending, title-defending Million Dollar Caveman headed TO~ THE~ MOON~! Hit Row has a short but strong promo segment. Swerve VS Escobar for the North American title just needs to be declared already since we know that’s happening, and then they can go all out to finally settle this score that goes back to their days fighting over the Cruiserweight title.
We got a great pseudo-Prime-Target for Kross VS Joe, and Kross’ line about NXT’s past being done hits differently when you factor in all the talk and concerns about NXT. I will worry about NXT only when/if those things come to pass. All that aside, Kross VS Joe, Sleeper VS Sleeper is still more exciting than Lashley VS Goldberg, Spear VS Spear. Kross may not be a great in-ring guy, but at least both guys are in their prime, and neither guy is resorting to intimidating a teenager. Jones VS Baxter was a really good match for how quick it went. I already sensed the Breakout Tournament becoming The Big Hoss Tournament, so Jones winning makes sense. Hayes VS Hudson could still go either way, giving us a great tournament finals either way.
It was good to see Boa get himself a win, but I hope this isn’t NXT dumping Xia Li. Yes, her heel kick legitimately knocked people out, but the first time it happened, they should’ve realized how strong her heel kick was. Then they should’ve said, “Let’s book matches where that kick never comes into play again.” At the same time, Xia Li is still recovering from rib injuries suffered during her match with Raquel Gonzalez, but Boa’s promo made me think she was out of Tian Sha completely.
Everything with #InDex and The Way was well done and very funny. I’m still betting on Mixed Tag: InDex VS The Way, and THAT is the make-or-break for both the romcom and The Way as we know it. Johnny acknowledging that Theory’s missing is also a good sign, maybe Theory comes back home after the InDex saga wraps. Ciampa and Thatcher have a good promo, and I do like that Thatcher wants to take on Ridge Holland first. Gigi Dolin had a good promo, but the transition messed up the beginning so I don’t think I got those first few words right. But Jacy Jayne at ringside for Gigi’s match, and Mandy’s tweet right after, confirms another trio is forming.
Dakota VS Sarray was a great match, just as Dakota VS Ember would have been. I almost thought Raquel was going to interfere with the match but her getting there just after Dakota wins was still a good call. Raquel has a strong promo in response, and because Dakota is so devious on top of being skilled, I really feel that match could go either way.
Cole VS Kyle III is apparently following in the footsteps of Cole VS Gargano in that is Two Outta Three Falls, or rather an unofficial Three Stages of Hell. Tonight’s Cole-O’Reilly face-off was good, but it was definitely more because of Cole than Kyle. There was one flaw, though: Cole says Kyle has no killer instinct, but this is after the Unsanctioned match and that chain-wrapped knee drop, and after Kyle gave him the brainbuster to the steps. Cole even brought that up himself, so it just seems like a weaker part of his argument.
But at the same time, Kyle choosing a singles match is a weak move from both him and the booking team. Kyle could have at least spiced it up by saying it’d be a Submission Match. And personally, I was hoping Regal would up things a bit more than a Steel Cage match. Yes, NXT Cage matches are far better than RawDown Cage matches, but there’s still that cliché of “Now they can’t escape each other!” when it’s not needed. Cole and Kyle want to settle this, it’d be weird of NXT to write it as “And now Cole turns chicken.” Last Man Standing or I Quit would’ve better escalated things on a proper scale with Cole saying “Street Fight.” Standard match becomes Street Fight, dropping the disqualifications and ring counts, then LMS/I Quit drops pinfalls and submissions and it comes down to sheer will of character.
My Score: 9/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA Xplosion Results & Match Ratings: 4.12.2024
Okay now, I’m just happy Kevin Knight gets a little time to shine. with New Jersey’s own Steve Maclin!
Xplosion has been a waste of time since the new regime took over completely, and I can’t really see anything special about this episode. Still only promoting 1 match, prolly have an old match, an ICYMI and Gia’s interview.
It looks like the Around the Ring interview will be with Rosemary. So maybe that will be interesting, and I was recently talking about what’s been up with Kevin Knight since the Referendum match; so its nice to see him around. Knight shouldn’t win, but as long as he looks good, we might finally get a match worth sitting through old footage and a useless Top 5.
Ratings:
Steve Maclin vs Kevin Knight: Maclin wins via KIA – ** 1/2
Results:
TNA+Throwback Moment: Team 3D vs Motor City Machine Guns, Genesis 2007
Now I’ve said many times that I’m tired of all the clips and vault matches, but I’m also a MCMG fanboy…and this was prime TNA, so I’m at least amused. Plus to validate the match, we’ve got MCMG versus The System coming up on iMPACT!, so its just a nice old match to get the blood pumping.
Don West, You’ve Got to be Kidding Me! Trending Topics of the week:
5. New Full Blooded Italians.
4. Hammerstone vs Alexander, Last Man Standing
3. Myron Reed returns to The Rascalz
2. Nic Nemeth beating Alex Shelley
1. Jonathan Gresham officially signs with TNA
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times, this Top 5 is legitimately a waste of air. Its just dumb dirt sheet highlights mostly from 2 weeks ago because their filming schedule makes the topics old and uninteresting.
Gia’s Around the Ring interview is with Rosemary. She stays in gimmick, not quite as over the top as the one Alicia Atout interview from a few years ago, but Gia is leading “the demon” on why they picked Courtney. They talk about Gia visiting the Undead Realm and that they still don’t know where Taya is. She also reveals a Bunny top of her cane, and very obviously hints to Allie. So I wonder if this is her trying to speak it into existence or if it’s actually a hint. Did something finally make a point for foreshadowing in storylines?
TNA+Throwback Moment: MCMG vs Beer Money, 2 out 3 Falls, 8.12.2010 iMPACT!
Steve Maclin vs Kevin Knight
So basic opening, but when Maclin tries a Hip Toss, Knight also attempts to counter it and it looks really ugly and car crashy. Nothing dangerous, just a fall down “didn’t get all of it” kind of spot. If that’s the only misstep, at least it was at the beginning.
Maclin tries to slow things down, but a huge Twisting Crossbody off the rope keeps things going for Knight. Another miscue where Knight tries to dodge a Chop in the corner, but is hella slow and eats the chop to the eyes. I mean in a way the ugly execution makes the match feel more like a dirty brawl from the 80s, but with how choreographed everything is nowadays, its just odd. Maclin whips Knight to the ropes, Knight jumps over the rope to the outside, revels in his landing, turns around and eats a SCUD Missile from Maclin!
Fully in control, Maclin is working over Knight until Knight catches him with a desperation strike and then rides the momentum into a few nice High spots. There is a locomotion Cradle spot which is also a little wonky to put it nicely, Knight tries to jump on Maclin for a Jumping DDT, but Maclin shrugs it off and heads to the corner. Knight charges, Maclin throws him over his shoulder but Knight catches himself and lands on the ropes, Maclin just shoves him forward to crotch him on the top buckle, Tree of Woe, Caught in the Crosshairs into KIA, and Maclin wins.
Overall Score: 4/10
Given this the old Bret Hart special. The main event was tolerable if not sloppy, the throwbacks having the Machine Guns made the fanboy side of me giddy, but I still hate all the old footage stuff. The main reason for the higher score than the last few weeks is as I already said, decent main event and my hope the convenient Bunny on the cane is foreshadowing and not just acknowledging. Depending on availability, Su Yung could always return to TNA with an “Undead Bunny”. Hell the possibility of a Suzie and Allie tag team is comedic gold.
But we’ll see if that goes anywhere. Its also sad when a 4 is a pretty big upgrade to the last month or so of these shows. Xplosion really is a waste of damn time when I have to scrape the bottom of the barrel to find crumbs of entertainment.
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Will it be a victorious homecoming for Sami Zayn?
Tonight on Raw, Sami Zayn returns home to Montreal as NEW Intercontinental Champion, but will he lose that title already to Chad Gable?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Sheamus VS Ivar; Sheamus wins.
- WWE World Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Match: #DIY VS The New Day VS The Creed Brothers; DIY wins and will challenge The Awesome Truth for the titles.
- Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell VS Ivy Nile & Maxxine Dupri; Candice & Indi win.
- Dominik Mysterio w/ JD McDonagh VS Andrade El Idolo; Andrade wins.
- Chelsea Green & Piper Niven VS Kayden Carter & Katana Chance; Chelsea & Piper win.
- Jey Uso VS Finn Balor; Jey wins.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship: Sami Zayn VS Chad Gable; Sami wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Rhea Ripley is here!
Montreal fires up for Mami as she makes her way out to the ring, but her arm’s in a sling! She holds up the Women’s World Championship with her good arm before going to the ring, clearly not in a good mood. Adam Pearce is waiting in the ring, and Rhea gets a mic. The fans cheer “MAMI! MAMI!” but Rhea says, “So… Obviously, you guys know what’s going on right now, yeah? After the attack last week from Liv Morgan… I’ve now been told that I’m stuck on the bench for quite a few months.” Fans are upset but Rhea says she’s also been informed, told, whatever, she’s pissed! Y’know why? Because she has to vacate the one thing that means the most to her, her world title!
The fans chant “NO! NO! NO!” but there’s no getting around this. Rhea takes a long look at the belt and the fans call BS. Rhea says it sure is BS. This title right here, this means the most to her in her entire life! And that’s why this is so painful. Rhea sets the belt down on the mat, and gives it one last look. Rhea pulls at her hair in frustration, but the fans chant, “Thank You, Mami!” Rhea says, “Revenge tour? This is all because your stupid little revenge tour, Liv! Are you kidding me?” Rhea could’ve actually had respect for Liv, if she’d done this face to face! Instead, she blindsides Rhea like the coward Rhea knows Liv is!
And Rhea knows why Liv did it! It’s because Rhea would’ve dropped Liv right where she stood! So this is a warning to whoever wins her Women’s World Championship. When Rhea comes back, she’s coming back for BLOOD! And not just because of injury, but because when she finds Liv back there, they’ll have to lock her up in Montreal jail! But speaking of, here comes Liv! Pearce already goes to the ropes and security is there to keep Liv back. Liv is laughing, Rhea storms out after her! Security stays between them both, Liv dares Rhea to try something with one arm! The fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” but Pearce says nope!
Pearce ushers Liv away, Liv laughing all the way. Rhea is frustrated, so she HEADBUTTS a guard! The fans cheer, but when and where will Rhea’s revenge tour come looking for Liv?
Rhea returns backstage.
Judgment Day is there to see her off with a group hug. Damian Priest says they know when she comes back, she’ll make Liv regret ever messing with her, and even more badass than she is right now! Cuz she is Rhea Bloody Ripley, and they love her. She thanks them, and tells them to keep Judgment Day on top. Rhea heads out, will the boys be able to keep things together without Mami?
Sheamus VS Ivar!
After months away with his own injury, the Celtic Warrior is back! And that means Monday Night Raw is now Fight Night, fellas! He’s never felt better, but will the Viking Raider make him feel awful already?
The bell rings and the two circle. The fans rally and welcome Sheamus back. Sheamus smiles and ties up with Ivar. They go around, break, then tie up again. Sheamus headlocks, Ivar powers up and out, but Sheamus RAMS him! Ivar rebounds, RAMS Sheamus, but Sheamus steadies himself. The fans chant “Let’s Go, Sheamus!” and the forearms start flying! Sheamus gets the edge, whips, but Ivar reverses. Sheamus ducks ‘n’ dodges and CLOBBERS Ivar! The fans fire up while Ivar goes to the apron! Sheamus storms up and grabs the arms, but Ivar HOTSHOTS Sheamus away! Ivar goes up, but Sheamus ROCKS him first!
Sheamus fires haymakers, then climbs up after Ivar to fire more! The fans fire up as Sheamus fireman’s carries Ivar, into the SUPER WHITE NOISE! Sheamus fires up and the fans are with him as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and Ivar has Sheamus in a chinlock. The fans rally, Sheamus fights up, and Sheamus throws body shots. But Ivar UPPERCUTS back! Ivar runs, but Sheamus scoops to POWERSLAM! The fans fire up and Ivar goes back to the apron. Sheamus storms up, brings Ivar up, and hooks him in the ropes! The fans fire up as we get BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! And Sheamus goes all the way to TEN! Ivar slumps down, flops into the ring, and Sheamus hauls him up. Fireman’s carry, but Ivar elbows free! Ivar BOOTS Sheamus, then HEEL KICKS! Sheamus falls, Ivar goes up! VIKING SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as Sheamus survives and Ivar pulls at his hair in frustration! Sheamus goes to a corner, but he eggs Ivar on! Ivar storms up on Sheamus to rain down fists! The fans boo, the ref counts, and Ivar lets off. Sheamus still eggs Ivar on! Ivar and Sheamus throw hands and Sheamus gets the edge! Ivar shoves, cartwheels, and knees low! Ivar runs, springboards, but into a KNEE! Ivar staggers around, Sheamus brings the kneepad down, for the KNEE CAP! Ivar falls, the fans are thunderous as Sheamus beats his chest. Ivar stands up, into the BROGUE!! Cover, Sheamus wins!
Winner: Sheamus, by pinfall
The Celtic Warrior is back, as is his classic theme song! He feels better than ever, looks better than ever, is he going to make one more run at the top of the mountain?
Triple H is here!
Montreal fires up as The Game walks out to the ring! He joins Adam Pearce in the ring, and there’s a podium with a cover on it. HHH gets a mic to say, “You guys are on fire tonight, I gotta tell you that.” The fans cheer again, and HHH continues by saying it is hard to believe that only eight days ago, we were in the midst of the biggest WrestleMania of ALL time. “WrestleMania 40, kingdoms fell, nightmares began, and a whole knew era started.” The fans cheer that, too! Pearce says the new era certainly started for the Tag Division. It has never been bigger, better, or deeper. WWE walked in with one set of champs, and walked out with two.
That is why Raw and SmackDown deserve titles they can be proud of going into the new era. So what does the boss say? Should we bring the champs out? Then please welcome The Awesome Truth! Fans fire up as Miz & R-Truth make their way, carrying the red tag team titles. Miz & Truth get mics, and the fans chant “You Deserve It!” Miz pats Truth on the shoulder cuz he really does. The fans cheer as Miz raises Truth’s hand, and Truth lets Miz hold on to the belt so he can do the splits! He’s still got it, too! HHH then says he wants to be the first to say, what’s up? Also, congratulations. HHH shakes their hands as he says they won probably the biggest tag match in history.
And Truth, HHH has to say from a certain perspective, seeing Truth have that Mania moment, to quote The Miz, it was awesome. But the thing is, this is a new era. So if they are going to represent this brand and those titles, then they need to do it in a way that represents an all new era. So going forward, they will now be the WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS! And as such, they will be carrying THESE! Brand new belts that look like miniature World Heavyweight Championships! Truth is losing his mind! Now, now, he has seen a rabbit come out of a hat, and birds come out of a hat. Even a lady got cut in half and walked away from it. But he’s never seen a trick like that!
What? Truth says he knows good magicians, and HHH just made titles appear outta thin oxygen! That boy good! Right? The fans cheer, but only Truth is the one confused here. HHH asks Miz to explain. HHH is not a magician. That’s what a magician wants you to think. But Truth doesn’t really trust magicians. Not after Lil’ Jimmy. Everyone used to be able to see Lil’ Jimmy. So what else is HHH hiding? Miz says this is what they wanted. This is one of the most important times in WWE history! This is their chance to elevate the Tag Division! Their chance to take these new belts to new heights! That is why Pearce and HHH-
HHH!? WHERE?! Truth, that’s this guy! Man, Houdini’s got Miz fooled, too? He’s one crafty little genie. But Truth sees right through you, Tommaso Ciampa! Miz sighs and says he’ll try one more thing. Because we are in Montreal! Fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~!” and Miz is pretty sure they’re ready for Sami Zayn. But Miz tells Truth in French, that they’re getting new belts. OMG really!? “OUI! OUI! OUI!” So they can take ’em? Oui! OUI! As in yes, but anyway, HHH speaks up. Can he just go? He takes the old belts, then hands over the new belts. HHH wishes Pearce luck on handling it from here.
HHH leaves, Awesome Truth hold up the awesome new belts, and Pearce asks why Truth made the boss leave. Who? HHH. He just left. That wasn’t HHH! Pearce says while we still have brain cells that function, the only thing left is to figure out some new challengers! Time for a Triple Threat #1 Contenders Tag Match! And that’s right now!
WWE World Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Match: #DIY VS The New Day VS The Creed Brothers!
Speaking of Ciampa, the REAL Ciampa and Johnny Gargano are still in that title hunt, but so are Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods, and so are Julius & Brutus! Which team defies the odds to head for an awesome showdown with Miz & Truth?
Raw returns and the Creeds make their entrance, followed by The New Day. There’s a QR code that flashes on screen… Then the teams sort out and one man starts for each. Brutus steps to Woods and Gargano, and Montreal rallies with “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” Woods says “O~ CANADA~!” The three approach, feel out, then Brutus DECKS Gargano! Woods CLUBS Brutus, has him in a corner and rains down fists! Brutus shoves Woods away before five but Gargano runs up to add on! Gargano gets five, Brutus shoves him away then ROCKS Woods! Brutus ROCKS Gargano, scoops Woods, but Woods rolls him up!
Gargano rolls Woods! Brutus rolls Gargano! Then deadlifts to BOMB him into Woods! Brutus breaks through their double clothesline to DOUBLE LARIAT back! Tag to Julius, the Creeds get one each, and they suplex! Kofi and Ciampa save their tag partners, then they all DROPKICK the Creeds! The fans fire up as DIY and New Day brawl! DIY get the edge, they whip, but New Day dodge to BLAST the Creeds! DIY then TOSS New Day out, and they BLAST the Creeds! DOUBLE PLANCHAS, but the Creeds catch DIY! But then New Day both FLY out! Down goes everyone, Awesome Truth applaud New Day, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and there’s a collision in the ring! The fans fire up as Ciampa, Julius and Kofi all slowly sit up. Kofi CHOPS Ciampa, Julius ROCKS Kofi! Ciampa ROCKS Julius, Kofi ROCKS Ciampa! Ciampa CHOPS Julius, Kofi mule kicks Ciampa, Julius ROCKS Kofi! Ciampa ROCKS Julius, BOOTS Kofi, then brawls with Julius! The fans rally up as the forearms go faster and faster! Ciampa CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! But theN Julius JUMP KNEES! Kofi returns, TROUBLE IN- NO, Julius blocks the kick to an ANKLE LOCK! Ciampa KNEES Julius down! Brutus CLOBBERS Ciampa, Woods MISSILE DROPKICKS Brutus!
Woods turns around, SLINGSHOT SPEAR from Gargano! Kofi JUMP KNEES Gargano! Julius clinches Kofi for an EXPLODER! Julius kips up to STANDING MOONSAULT, onto knees! Gargano SUPERKICKS Julius, Kofi rolls Gargano! Gargano slips out to BUZZSAW! Gargano goes up and out to the apron, he and Ciampa meet to ENZIGIRI KNEE COMBO in the corner! Then Gargano CANNONBALLS onto everyone else! Ciampa hauls Kofi up for PROJECT CIAMPA!! Cover, TWO!!! Kofi survives and even Miz & Truth are surprised. The fans cheer for “TRIPLE H!” to keep Truth’s illusion going. Ciampa tells Kofi “SUCK IT!”
Ciampa gets Kofi up, Kofi wrenches out to dodge and hot tag Woods! Woods GAMANGIRS then TORNADO DDTS! Gargano shoves Woods to a corner, but Woods BOOTS! HONOR ROLL! Brutus gets in but Woods BELL CLAPS! Woods ducks ‘n’ dodges, slides under, ROLLING ELBOW! Woods calls to Kofi, tags him in, but Ciampa BOOTS Woods! Kofi uses Woods to POMMEL HORSE KICK! New Day POSTS Ciampa, then WHEELBARROW FAMOUSER!! Cover, Julius drags Kofi right up! OVERHEAD SUPLEX! But Woods is back up top! Woods leaps, into an OVERHEAD SUPLEX! Gargano runs up, Julius blocks a kick! OVERHEAD SUPLEX!
Julius kips up but into Ciampa’s waistlock! Julius switches, to GERMAN SUPLEX! The straps come down, Brutus tags in, and the Creeds get a team each! Brutus SPLASHES DIY to then O’Conner Roll! Gargano runs up, NORTHERN LIGHTS! Julius DOUBLE NORTHERN LIGHTS New Day!! Quadruple cover, TWO!!! All four other men kick out, Julius tags back in! Brutus goes up, Julius Electric Chair Lifts Ciampa! “This is Awesome!” and then Kofi SHOVES Brutus off the corner, into Woods’ SUPERKICK! Kofi goes up, Julius fights Ciampa off. Julius goes up but Woods sneaks a tag! SUPERPLEX for Julius, but LIMIT BREAKER from Woods!
MEET IN THE MIDDLE by DIY!! Cover, DIY WINS!!
Winners: DIY, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contenders to the World Tag Team Champions)
Awesome Truth loved every minute of that match, but now they’ve got to face their friends in #RegenerationX. Will Miz & Truth be able to hold on to their newly minted titles? Or will Ciampa & Gargano prove when it comes to becoming World Tag Team Champions, you gotta do it yourself?
Drew McIntyre watches the highlight reel of last week’s main event.
And he’s smiling? Maybe even chuckling? Jackie Redmond says that after watching it back, she was not expecting this reaction. McIntyre laughs, as he BOOTS the TV screen in! Jackie understands now as McIntyre storms off. CM Punk got the better of McIntyre last time, but will it be no laughing matter when the Scottish Terminator gets his hands on him?
Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell VS Ivy Nile & Maxxine Dupri!
The first time around, the Poison Pixie bullied Maxxine the Alpha Queen into such a state that winning was easy. But then The Diamond Pitbull helped Maxxine get even with Candice, though it was Indi Wrestling that took the hit. Who finds the way to win this tense tiebreaker?
The teams sort out and Indi starts against Ivy. They tie up, Ivy waistlocks then headlocks, but Indi rolls to a cover. ONE, Ivy holds on, and they go around. Ivy facelocks, floats around to then flip Indi to a cover, ONE! Ivy’s right back on the headlock, but Indi fights up. Indi powers out, Ivy sunset flips, TWO! Indi scrambles up but Ivy DROPKICKS her! Ivy kicks, Indi blocks but the DRAGON WHIP hits! Tag to Maxxine and she climbs up, to CROSSBODY! Maxxine eggs Indi on, kicks low and facelocks, then talks trash on Candice. FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect, but Maxxine dares Candice to make a move.
The ref reprimands, Candice stands down, but Indi short arm LARIATS! Indi then tags Candice, Candice CLOBBERS Maxxine and hammers away! The fans boo but Candice SMACKS Maxxine off the mat. Candice soaks up the heat, then digs her boots into Maxxine. The ref counts, Candice lets off, and then Candice smiles as she drags Maxxine up. Candice whips Maxxine into the corner, taunts Ivy, then runs up to SLAP Maxxine! Candice fires off hands, the ref counts, and Candice lets off. Tag to Indi, she keeps Maxxine from Ivy, but Maxxine BOOTS her away! Candice tags back in, runs up and drags Maxxine back again.
Maxxine hops up, ENZIGIRI misses as Candice ducks! Candice swipes at Ivy, but Ivy dodges! Maxxine knees low and DDTS! The fans fire up while both women are down! Maxxine and Candice crawl, their partners reach out, but then Indi rushes in! The ref stops Indi, but that means he misses seeing the hot tag! The fans boo as Indi gets sneaky like Candice as she BOOTS Maxxine down! Indi puts Candice on top for the cover! The ref sees that, counts, Candice & Indi win!
Winners: Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell, by pinfall
What in the world is going on here? Is Candice’s toxicity poisoning Indi’s mind? Or are these Indi’s true colors? Either way, are Candice & Indi going to find the way to the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships?
WWE takes a look at Damian Priest’s rise to the top.
2019, Orlando, Florida, the Performance Center. What did Priest want out of life? One thing: his name to live forever. From Punisher to homeless to NXT to main roster, Priest has proven if you bust your ass and never give up, anything is possible, even your dreams. The first Puerto Rican world champion in literal decades, he desired championships, and he knew championships would come. Legacy and infamy wait for no man, you have go grab them for yourself. He became Senor Money in the Bank, bided his time, suffered losses, and struck when the moment was right! HE had the biggest moment at the biggest WrestleMania ever, ALL RISE for the NEW World Heavyweight Champion!
Judgment Day is in the clubhouse.
The others sulk, but Priest tells them to snap out of it. They’re The Judgment Day, right? Right. And they still run Raw, right? Dom is gonna teach Andrade a lesson about messing with their group! And JD McDonagh, you have his back so they can get this done! The Irish Ace is fired up, he heads out with Dirty Dom, but Finn stays behind to talk with Priest. Finn feels their focus should be getting the tag titles back, but now Finn’s in this match with Jey? What’s up with that? Priest says Finn’s focus needs to be on what’s happening tonight. Priest needs The Prince to teach Jey Uso the meaning of the word “loss.” And then at Backlash, Priest teaches Jey the meaning of the word “pain!”
Is Finn good with that? Finn smiles and nods. Of course he’s good with that! They fist bump and Finn goes to warm up. So far, the group looks solid, will Mami have nothing to worry about?
Raw shares an interview from before the show.
Jackie Redmond was ringside as Chad Gable got some training in with the Creed Brothers to prepare for his title match with Sami Zayn. Jackie says it looks like Gable is ready. A huge opportunity tonight, the biggest match perhaps of his entire career. How much would winning the title mean to him? Gable says it is everything. Validation, vindication for all the training, his 10+ years here in the WWE, and proving it to himself. His mood is high, it’ll be a good night. But then Jackie would be remised if she didn’t ask about the crowd factoring in. They’ll be in support of Sami, how has Gable prepared for that?
Gable says when he was on the Olympic team in 2012, he was a Minnesotan in Iowa. That means not one person in Iowa wanted him to win, but he did. So he’ll do the same time. Sami’s one of the best WWE has, but Gable training Sami helped Gable find the weakness. Tonight, Gable exposes those weaknesses. Gable goes back to grappling with the Creeds, will Gable be razor sharp for his golden opportunity?
Dominik Mysterio w/ JD McDonagh VS Andrade El Idolo!
The Prodigal Son thought he was getting The Idol of Lucha to join Judgment Day, or at least was united with him against Rey Mysterio. Neither of those things turned out to be true, and now Andrade has found himself in Judgment Day’s crosshairs. Will El Idolo make Raw tranquilo? Or will he pay for pulling one over on Dirty Dom?
Raw returns as Dom makes his entrance and Montreal boos. The bell rings, Dom and Andrade circle, and Dom wants a handshake? Andrade refuses so Dom CHOPS! Andrade rushes Dom but Dom runs away to the corner. Dom then gets a cheap shot, a headlock, but Andrade powers up and out. Dom pulls on Andrade’s hair to get him back in the headlock. Andrade powers out more thoroughly this time, and he runs Dom over! The fans cheer, Andrade storms up and he CHOPS Dom to a corner. Andrade whips corner to corner, Dom reverses, but Andrade goes up and out then ROCKS Dom! Andrade goes up the corner, to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally as Andrade brings Dom up and snap suplexes! Uno Amigo and the fans cheer! Dos Amigos and the fans cheer more! Andrade gives Latino Heat, but Dom suplexes! Dom has Uno Amigo, then Dos Amigos! Fans boo this time, but then Andrade hits his THIRD AMIGO! The fans cheer as Andrade puts Dom in the drop zone. Andrade climbs again, but JD gets on the apron! The ref stops JD but that lets Dom trip Andrade! The fans boo but Dom drags Andrade off the corner to stomp him! Dom then soaks up the heat and flexes, Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Andrade fights up while in a chinlock. Andrade throws body shots, then ROCKS Dom! And ROCKS him, and ROCKS him! Dom shoves, kicks, but Andrade blocks to DRAGON SCREW! And DRAGON SCREW again! Dom swings a lariat but Andrade dodges to CLOBBER Dom! Andrade kips up, the fans fire up and Dom is in the corner. Fans chant “SI! SI! SI!” as Andrade goes corner to corner, CIEN SHADOWS! Cover, TWO! Dom survives but Andrade puts him in the drop zone. Andrade climbs, SPLIT LEG MOONSAULT FLOPS as Dom moves! Dom goes to the apron, drags Andrade up, but Andrade fights the suplex!
Andrade throws body shots, CHOPS, and Dom flops back! Andrade goes out to the apron but Dom KICKS the ropes! That jams Andrade up, Dom reels him in! APRON DESTROYER!! Andrade flops to the floor, JD coaches Dom to hurry! Dom gets Andrade back in, covers, TWO!! Andrade survives and the fans fire up! Dom is frustrated, as is JD, but Dom wants Andrade to rise. Andrade stands, Dom DROPKICKS him onto ropes! Fans boo but Dom talks trash before he dials it up. But Andrade gets up, boot feint to ELBOW! JD gets up but Andrade DECKS him! Then the underooks, for THE MESSAGE! Cover, Andrade wins!
Winner: Andrade El Idolo, by pinfall
But JD attacks now! No celebrating for El Idolo, the fans boo as JD and Dom get Andrade to his feet. The mugging continues, but here comes Ricochet! Ricochet also has beef with Judgment Day and he sends Dom & JD running! Will the King of Flight help The Idol put Judgment Day in their place once and for all?
Backstage interview with Jey Uso.
Cathy Kelley is with Main Event Jey and knows that he’s preparing for Finn Balor, but she was hoping for any comments on Tama Tonga joining The Bloodline to attack Jimmy Uso last Friday. Yeah, messing with The Bloodline, you go down a deep, dark and dangerous road. They adding members Jey didn’t even know about. As far as Jimmy goes… Well, Jey told him to come with Jey. But hey, Jey’s gotta focus on Finn. Finn about to catch a YEETDOWN here on Monday Night Raw. YEET! Jey is ready for The Prince, but will he make it through to face The Punisher?
Chelsea Green & Piper Niven VS Kayden Carter & Katana Chance!
The Hot Mess and “Lil Miss P” wanted a match and got a match on Friday, but it didn’t go their way when it turned out they were facing Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill. Management is getting an earful over and over, but will the complaints stop if Chelsea & Piper win? Or will KC Squared only add to Chelsea’s bad mood?
The teams sort out and Piper starts against Kayden. They tie up, Piper shoves Kayden down, then dares Katana to try. Katana tags in, runs up and dodges, then KC Squared pinball Piper around. They both run, but into DOUBLE LARIATS! Piper fires up, then she drags Katana up. Piper clamps on a COBRA CLUTCH and she thrashes Katana around! Chelsea tags in, RIPCORD FOREARM, then short arm LARIAT! Chelsea covers, TWO! Chelsea says this is easy work, but she runs into a BOOT! Katana then drop toeholds Chelsea into buckles! Tag to Kayden, and they meet at the corner, MULE KICK METEORA COMBO! Kayden covers, TWO!
Kayden drags Chelsea up, but Chelsea SLAPS her! Then she panics and reaches for Piper! Kayden reels her in, hammerlock and clinch, to CHOP! CHOP! And CHOP! The fans “WOO~” with every CHOP, then Kayden FLATLINERS! Kayden fireman’s carries Chelsea, Katana goes up and leaps over to go after Piper! But Piper catches her! FALL AWAY SLAM! Kayden hits a SWINGING LEG DROP SLAM! Cover, but Piper SPLASHES Kayden! Chelsea covers Kayden, she and Piper win!
Winners: Chelsea Green & Piper Niven, by pinfall
Chelsea celebrates like she did something, btu we know it was all Piper. But a win is a win, will this team find their way back to the tag titles? Will Chelsea never stop bugging management until they do?
Backstage interview with Liv Morgan.
Cathy Kelley is with Liv to ask about Rhea Ripley vacating her title. Is this the conclusion of the revenge tour? Liv can’t even lie, she is confused by the reactions. They’re all mad at her, but for what? She isn’t the villain here. Where was the sympathy for Liv when Rhea literally ripped Liv’s shoulder out of its socket? Oh, there wasn’t any. So eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth, arm for an arm. This is karma at its finest, Rhea got what she deserved. But the best part is that this isn’t the end of the revenge tour. This is just the beginning, because the end will be Liv crowned as the NEW Women’s World Champion. #WatchMe. Then when and where will this revenge tour go on the road to a new champion?
Cody Rhodes is here!
Montreal fires up for the American Nightmare, aka the NEW Undisputed WWE Champion! They sing along, “WHOA~ OH~!” and Cody gets his pyro. Cody high-fives the front row as he makes his way down the ramp, then he steps into the ring for “WHOA~ OH~!” and more pyro. Cody gets the mic while the fans chant his name, and he revels in the cheers a moment. They sing “CODY~ CODY CODY CODY~!” and he smiles. Cody then asks, “De quoi voulez-vous parler?” The fans cheer his French, and Cody says he has to thank Adam Pearce allowing Cody to still hang out on Raw even though now he’s a SmackDown superstar.
But don’t worry, Cody ain’t going nowhere. We cannot reflect on WrestleMania 40 forever, especially with a pending challenge. The first Premium Live event of the new “season,” Backlash, is going to Lyon, France, where Cody faces for this title either the fastest rising star, LA Knight, or The Phenomenal AJ Styles. But we can certainly reflect just a little. There’s a man he could talk about for hours but will keep it brief. There was a man who said he’d be Cody’s Shield… The fans sing “WHOA~ OHH~ OHHH~!” for The Visionary, and Cody says that man certainly kept his word. That man is watching at home, so thank you, Seth Freakin’ Rollins.
The fans cheer and chant, “Thank You, Seth!” Cody continues by saying another “friend” that did reflecting was The Rock. The fans boo and chant “ROCKY SUCKS! ROCKY SUCKS!” Cody says it was news to him that Rock did a ten week training program, that he flew in the best talent of different skillsets and the greatest conditioning team money could by. Rock doesn’t have one more match left in him, he’s got many more. And in typical manic Rock fashion, Rock said that he’d make Cody bleed again. Cody says Rock’s probably right. Maybe Cody will bleed. But no amount of training and preparation, nothing Rock does can stop the fact that if Cody’s gonna bleed, Rock bleeds with him.
The fans cheer and Cody says when we talk Rock, we gotta talk Bloodline. The fans boo again, but Cody says he’s confused. The introduction of Tama Tonga “by order of The Tribal Chief,” yet Roman Reigns was nowhere to be found? More questions than answers, so one more bit of reflection. Cody wants to bring out a former member of the Bloodline, a man who is a friend of Cody’s, and a man whose energy you can feel from your head to your yeet. Well, thanks for laughing at the dad joke, but here is Main Event Jey Uso! Jey makes his way out and Montreal bounces with him! Even Pat gets on the desk to join in!
Jey hugs it out with Cody, then the bouncing continues. Cody tells Jey that he is the #1 contender for the World Heavyweight Championship, Monday Night Raw is about to be his, and no one has earned it or deserves it more than Main Event Jey! “YEET!” Cody says Jey helped him #FinishTheStory, and Cody knows when one member of Judgment Day is present, the others aren’t far behind. Cody would love to have Jey’s back like Jey had his. The fans like the sound of that, and the two hug it out. Jey appreciates that, Uce, for sure. YEET! But hey, Jey’s gotta do this on his own, gotta just be him, The YEET Master! Mr. YEETDOWN!
Oh, how about this for a name? The NEW World Heavyweight Champion, Main Event Jey UUUUSO~! So then he doesn’t need Cody out here? Cody gets that. Good luck, friend. They hug it out one more time, the fans cheer, and Cody moves on. But oh, one other thing. Cody looks over and says, “Until we yeet again.” Jey responds with “YEET!” Will Jey be able to handle things when it’s just him? Or will The Prince be bringing backup to stack the deck against him?
Backstage interview with Nia Jax.
Cathy Kelley is now with the Irresistible Force and hopes for her initial reactions to Rhea Ripley giving up the title. Nia says there are two types of people in this world: those who care about Rhea and those who want to see her get her revenge. Nia’s neither. She doesn’t give a damn about Rhea, and last time she saw Rhea, Nia had her. Now, Nia looks at the Women’s World Championship and wonders, who is gonna stop her from taking it? Liv Morgan? Last time they met, Nia had Liv, too. Becky Lynch? Nia had her, too.
In two weeks, there is the Draft. Nia might face someone she’s never seen before, and to them she says there are two types of people in this world: Those who fear Nia Jax, and those who learn to fear Nia Jax. No one on this planet is taking that title from her, because that is hers! Nia storms off, is she going to make everyone fear her then, now and forever?
Jey Uso VS Finn Balor!
Raw returns and The Prince makes his entrance. FROM BEHIND! He CLOBBERS Jey, stomps away, and the fans boo! The ref reprimands, Finn HAMMERs away on Jey, then lets off to throw off the jacket. The bell rings, Finn BOOTS Jey and fires off body shots in the corner! Finn RAMS into Jey, whips him to ropes, then CLOBBERS him again! Finn flexes, the fans boo, but Finn stalks Jey to ropes. Finn CHOKES Jey, the ref counts, but Finn lets off at 4. Finn brings Jey up, but Jey ROCKS him first! And again! And again! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Jey whips, Finn reverses but Jey sunset flips! Finn rolls through to basement dropkick! Cover, TWO!
Finn drags Jey up to ELBOW him in the head, then he clamps on a chinlock. Priest watches as Finn squeezes the air out of Jey. The fans rally, Jey fights up and he throws body shots. But Finn knees low! Finn ROCKS Jey, RAMS into him, then CHOPS! The fans “WOO~!” while Jey sputters. Finn CHOPS Jey again, taunts the fans, “This your boy? This the guy you all like?” Finn RAMS into Jey again and again, then CHOPS again! Finn whips corner to corner, Jey reveres, then runs up, but Finn puts him on the apron! Jey ROCKS Finn first, goes up, but Finn anchors Jey! Jey throws hands, but Finn YANKS Jey down!
The fans boo as Finn fires off hands in the corner. The ref counts, Finn lets off at 4, but runs up to SHOTGUN Jey outta the ring! Jey flounders on the floor while Finn mocks the bounce, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Finn RAMS into Jey at the corner again and again, then CHOPS! Finn whips corner to corner, runs up to CHOP, and then he whips the other way. Finn runs in again but into BOOTS! Jey storms up, headlocks, but Finn powers up. Jey switches sides, Finn headlocks, but Jey powers out. Finn ducks ‘n’ dodges, blocks the kick but the DRAGON WHIP hits! The fans fire up while both men are down! The fans “YEET! YEET! YEET!” as jey and Finn rise. Jey counter punches again, and again, and again! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Jey pops ‘n’ locks and puts some stank on the HAYMAKER! Finn staggers into a mule kick!
Jey fireman’s carries for a SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Finn flounders to a corner, Priest is upset so he moves on from the clubhouse. Jey says “UCE! OH!” and runs in, but Finn dodges! Hip attack hits buckles, Finn runs up, but into another fireman’s carry! Finn CLAWS eyes, then hits a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Jey goes to ropes but Finn stomps away! Finn stomps and stomps and stomps, but the ref counts. Finn lets off, but comes back to SLINGBLADE Jey down! Finn aims from the corner while fans boo, but Jey SUPERKICKS first! Jey goes up top and the fans fire up, for the USO- NO, Jey has to roll through as Finn moves!
Finn SHOTGUNS Jey down! Finn hurries up top, COUP- NO, Jey dodges the double stomps! And SPEARS! Jey hurries back up top, USO SPLASH! Cover, Jey wins!
Winner: Jey Uso, by pinfall
Montreal bounces for Jey as he bounces back to win this one. But then Priest storms out here and stares down his challenger. They get face to face, the fans “YEET! YEET! YEET!” but Priest holds up the world title. Jey looks at the belt, but then JD & Dom ATTACK! Priest is upset, he didn’t want that, but Finn says this is what Judgment Day does, right? They all start mugging Jey, the fans boo and chant for Cody, but Dom kicks Jey out of the ring. Dom then leaps off the apron, but Jey SUPERKICKS him! JD chases Jey down, but Jey sends JD into Finn! Jey goes up into the crowd and the fans cheer. Priest stares Jey down from afar, will Jey YEET that title right off Priest?
The cameras follow Jey backstage tot he pavilion where he high-fives fans and makes his way through to the back exit. The fans all “YEET! YEET!” as he says deuces, uces! Jey goes right outside, and he finds Sami Zayn looking up at the marquee. What’s he doing out here? Sami says over 25 years ago, the first show he ever saw in his life was right here. And now Sami is back here as the champion! Tonight, he walks in the same way he did those 25 years ago: through the front door! The fans cheer and Jey wishes Sami good luck. Sami tells the world if they wanna see the best wrestling city in the world, just follow him.
Sami now walks through the pavilion and he throws stuff around in excitement! The fans are fired up with him, they all high-five and get pictures, and he goes down the same bleachers Jey just came from. Sami is ready to give Montreal the champion they deserve, and even all of Canada by extension! Will Sami create a moment everyone will remember for the rest of their lives? Or will Chad Gable SHOOOOSH them all with a major upset?
WWE Intercontinental Championship: Sami Zayn VS Chad Gable!
Raw returns and Gable is at gorilla. Bronson Reed steps to him and wants to let him know that whoever wins tonight, whether it’s Gable or Sami, they won’t be champion for long. Because then the winner will have to answer to Big Bronson Reed! The theme song says it for Gable, “SHOOOOSH~!” Gable makes his entrance, not sweating what comes after, only what’s happening right now. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who wins this massive main event in Montreal!
The fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~!” Sami and Gable take a moment to soak it all in, then Sami fires up again. The bell rings and the two circle. They feel things out, tie up, and Sami wrenches to wristlock. Gable rolls, spins, wrenches, headlocks, drop toeholds, then headlocks. Sami fights up, powers out, then drops down to hurdle. Sami arm-drags Gable, Gable arm-drags back! Sami slips around, arm-drags again, and Gable bails out. The fans cheer as Sami builds speed, but Gable gets in! Sami dodges, then he dumps Gable out! Gable stumbles from the apron, Sami builds speed, but he fakes Gable out to Arabian Press!
The fans cheer this chess game, but Gable storms in to get in Sami’s face. The fans again sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~” as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Gable fires hands on Sami in a corner, but Sami fires back! Sami headlocks, Gable powers out and he runs Sami over! Cover, TWO! Gable stalks Sami, waistlocks, but Sami fights the lift. Sami throws elbows, then knuckle locks, CHOPS, then goes up and up, but Gable trips him up! Sami gets caught up on the ropes, gets loose and goes to the floor, but Gable goes up! SUPER CROSSBODY! Direct hit and Sami’s wife is worried. Gable puts Sami in the ring, he climbs back up, and DIVING HEADBUTTS! Direct hit again and Gable covers, TWO! Gable is frustrated that Sami survives, and Sami hobbles his way to a corner.
Gable is on Sami and the bad legs! Gable puts one in the ropes, then DRAPING DRAGON SCREWS the other! Gable drags Sami to then step over and drop toehold! And then he YANKS the leg! Gable steps through, leans on the toehold, but the fans rally as Sami endures. Sami keeps his shoulders up, kicks Gable away, and Gable lets go. Gable hurries to whip Sami to ropes and CLOBBER him! But Sami’s right up to LARIAT Gable! The fans fire up as Sami goes to a corner. Gable runs up, but Sami ELBOWS him away! Sami goes up, and FLYING ELBOWS! Sami hobbles again, but he goes to a corner. Gable runs in, into a clinch!
But Gable turns exploder into victory roll, TWO! Gable gets Sami’s leg for an ANKLE LOCK! The fans rally as Sami endures, and he rolls! Gable gets sent out of the ring, and Sami takes aim! But Gable hurries back up to grab the bad leg and drag Sami down! ANKLE LOCK on the apron! Sami kicks free and stands on the apron, to ARABIAN PRESS SAULT! Direct hit and the fans are thunderous! The ref checks Sami given his leg, but Sami says he’s good, and Raw goes back to break.
Raw returns once again and Gable has Sami up top! Sami resists, but Gable throws body shots. Gable brings Sami up for a SUPER OLYMPIC SLAM!! Both men are down and the fans are going nuts! Gable stirs, as does Sami, and Gable finds Sami first. Gable waistlocks, GERMAN SUPLEXES, but holds on! GERMAN SUPLEX again! Montreal is becoming Suplex City, but Sami throws elbows! Sami switches, and he GERMAN SUPLEXES! Sami holds on, GERMAN SUPLEXES again, and still brings Gable up. Gable throws elbows now, switches back, and GERMAN SUPLEX! Sami switches, to GERMAN SUPLEX!
Gable throws more elbows, switches again, but Sami throws elbows to switch! They switch and switch and switch, then Sami GERMAN SUPLEXES!! Gable flops over from his head and shoulders, but both men are down on the mat! The ref checks, Gable is conscious so the match continues. The fans rally up as both men rise, and Sami fires a haymaker! Gable fires one, Sami fires back, they keep going! Gable ROLLING KICKS! Sami flops and ends up in a corner. Gable runs up but Sami clinches! CORNER EXPLODER! The fans fire up with Sami, he runs corner to corner, but Gable rolls to pick the leg! ANKLE LOCK!!
The fans boo Gable and rally for Sami as he endures! Gable leans on the leg, he says this is his moment that Sami took from him! Sami still fights up, rolls and throws Gable away again! But Gable’s right up tot he top rope! MISSILE- POWERBOMB!! Sami’s antiair works, and now he gets Gable’s legs, to step through and tie up! The fans go wild for the SHARPSHOOTER!! But Sami’s own leg gives up! Sami couldn’t hold the hold, but now he clutches his ankle area. Gable’s game plan is working out better than expected! Sami hobbles to a corner, Gable goes to the other. Sami grits his teeth, runs corner to corner, but Gable shoots around! CORNER GERMAN!!
Gable has Sami in the drop zone, goes up top, MOONSAULT into BOOTS! But Gable blocks to have the ANKLE LOCK!! Gable has Sami caught, but Sami endures and reaches out! The fans rally as hard as they can, but Gable drags Sami away!! Gable leans on that Ankle Lock, but Sami rolls to a victory roll, TWO!! Both men stand, Gable runs in, into a CORNER EXPLODER! Sami hurries to the far corner, the fans are thunderous as he powers through the pain, HELLUVA KICK!! Sami crawls to the cover, SAMI WINS!
Winner: Sami Zayn, by pinfall (still WWE Intercontinental Champion)
Montreal rejoices as Sami has une victoire incroyable! Sami sets the belt down so that he can look to Gable. Gable is emotional but Sami wants to tell him he’s got nothing to be ashamed about. Sami offers Gable a hand, and Gable takes it. The two stand, Sami raises Gable’s hand, but then Gable raises Sami’s hand. The fans cheer the sportsmanship, but Gable still has to go back to the drawing board. What will it take for Gable to finally have his first singles title in WWE?
Sami celebrates with his family at ringside, but then GABLE GERMAN SUPLEXES SAMI TO THE FLOOR!! Gable has snapped!! He POSTS Sami, shoves him around, and then TOSSES him over the desk! The fans boo as Gable drags Sami back into the ring, then storms his way up. Gable POSTS Sami again, then has the ANKLE LOCK in the ropes!! The fans boo but Gable wants Sami’s family to watch him suffer!! Sami flails, referees rush out, but Gable lets go when he feels like it! Gable is affreux, méprisable and horriblé, but is he serving Sami up on a silver platter for the Colossal Aussie?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw, but with a real shame about Rhea Ripley. Proof that doing things live, no stunt doubles, adrenaline running high has its moments where things backfire, as many believe the injury happened during last week’s episode with Liv’s attack. It does work towards story, though, so that Rhea can have heat with Liv, and a new world champion to be crowned next week in some big kind of match. Good promos from Liv and Nia, those two are definitely the top choices for new champion. And then after The Draft happens, possibilities are endless for who the new champion faces for Backlash, if they want to have this title on that event so quickly after all this.
Good stuff out of Judgment Day even as they have to say see-ya-later to Mami. Priest is of course stepping up as leader since he’s the World Heavyweight Champion, but nothing really went their way tonight. Andrade beat Dom and then of course Ricochet shows up to back him up against Dom & JD, there’s a tag match there. Jey beats Finn and then escapes the beating, we might even get a Six Man Tag to hype everything up. Great video package to look back at Priest’s career, and then Priest being reluctant in Judgment Day beating Jey down, is something gonna give where Priest retains the world title, but then gets kicked out of the group even after all this time?
Great promo from Cody to hype up a lot of stuff all in one go. He got us fired up about Styles VS Knight this Friday, the Undisputed WWE Championship match at Backlash, he kept the hype going for his far future feud with The Rock, he thanked Rollins and Jey while also plugging this new form of Bloodline that’s happening. Cody also had a great moment with Jey before Jey’s match with Priest. Jey also had a really good promo before that to relate his feelings about new Bloodline, it would be awesome if somehow the Usos reunited for the sake of saving the family from this new age of tyranny, but that probably happens closer to Survivor Series so it can be done in WarGames.
Really good stuff for the tag divisions, men’s and women’s. I figured after splitting the Undisputed titles that the show-branded titles were going away. And while the modern World Tag Team Championships look great, they really are just smaller, rounder World Heavyweight Championship belts. I was hoping for truly original designs here, but you can bet right now that Friday, the new WWE Tag Team Championships are gonna be akin to the Universal title. But great promo bit from Awesome Truth with HHH and Pearce to show off these new belts, and then give us an awesome tag team triple threat. DIY winning makes sense on many levels, such as Truth mistaking them for DX and the friendship with them, to DIY being HHHBK Guys.
Really good story stuff in the Women’s Tag Division, though the matches could’ve each been a bit better. But we got the point of each story: Indi is starting to turn Heel like Candice has, because she’d rather win than look like a dummy; and Piper does all the real work in her team, as always, but she and Chelsea are also getting their way back up. I’m still betting on Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill as the next WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, but they’ll get quite the fight out of all these Heel teams on top of Kabuki Warriors.
Great return match for Sheamus. If we’re talking title feuds for him, I’d really love if Sheamus got back in on the Intercontinental Championship scene. That’s still the missing piece to his ultimate WWE accomplishments list, and if he’s built up strongly through the next couple months, he could get that title at Clash at the Castle in June or some other point over the Summer. That is, unless Gunther comes back for Bash in Berlin. Well again, the Draft is coming, we still have to hope and pray Sheamus is on the brand that ends up with the Intercontinental Championship.
Speaking of, awesome main event from Sami and Gable, and Sami of course retained, but I had a feeling Gable was gonna snap. Gable was shouting during the match that Sami stole his moment, this was secretly personal for Gable the whole time, and this is was the last straw. Bronson Reed also wants next, so the walls are already closing in on Sami. Sami could put on a great series of matches through the Summer to build to a rematch with Gunther at Bash in Berlin and that moment in and of itself would be amazing.
My Score: 8.7/10
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