Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (12/27/21)
The last Raw of 2021!

Raw is closing out the year with a bang!
The last Monday of 2021, and Raw has a big night! The RKBRO-nament finals are finally here, and Miz & Mrs. renew their vows for the New Year!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Matt Riddle w/ Randy Orton VS Chad Gable w/ Otis; Riddle wins.
- Randy Orton w/ Matt Riddle VS Otis w/ Chad Gable; Orton wins.
- Mixed Tag: Reggie & Dana Brooke VS R-Truth & Tamina; Reggie & Dana win.
- Tag Team RKBRO-nament Finals: The Street Profits VS Rey & Dominik Mysterio; The Street Profits win and will challenge RKBRO for the tag titles at WWE Day 1.
- AJ Styles VS
OmosApollo Crews w/ Commander Azeez; Styles wins. - Kevin Owens VS Cedric Alexander w/ MVP & Shelton Benjamin; Kevin wins.
- WWE United States Championship: Damian Priest VS Dolph Ziggler; Ziggler wins by disqualification, Priest retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
RKBRO heads to the ring!
The Bro is back by the Viper’s side as he’s about to take on the Dozer 1v1! Will Orton manage to hit Otis with the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment? Or will no neck mean no RKO?
Before the match, Orton and Riddle get mics. Orton doesn’t want to read Riddle’s Christmas card, but Riddle says what Orton mean sis, “Welcome to the final Monday Night Raw of 2021!” And if you loved them this year, you’ll love what they do in 2022, bro! Like patenting Riddle’s Bro-gurt! But can Orton do Riddle a favor>? “Close your eyes, and look into the future.” Orton wants this to stop right there. The only thing that will give Orton a Happy New Year is beating Otis right here tonight. And the only way RKBRO has a Happy New Year is retaining the tag titles at Day 1. And Riddle couldn’t agree more!
But while Orton took care of business, Riddle did some self-reflecting. Some self-vipering, like Orton told him to do. Riddle looked at himself from the outside. His skin was turning green and he was starting to grow scales. Orton gets where this is going. Go see a doctor, Riddle. But in seriousness, this isn’t The Matrix. Someone please show footage from last week so Riddle knows what actually happened. Highlights play of Orton taking out Chad Gable with an RKO, but also how he couldn’t get Otis though he tried three times. Riddle says, “Whoa, Randy! How’d you get a video to play up on that screen like that? It was like magic!”
But hey, Randy. Riddle is thinking, that Otis guy might be un-RKO-able. He has no neck! He’s like a human bulldozer! Like, imagine how many burritos he eats, and what kinds. Brutal! But that also got Riddle thinking of that time they went out for burgers and Orton said Riddle was his best friend. Don’t, Riddle. Just don’t. We all know Otis is a powerhouse- And here comes the Alpha Academy! Gable has a mic to say, “Randy, how did a nitwit like you get so far ahead of the curve? I love to see it. And I love to see that everybody else is about to learn the same free lesson I taught you last week.” There is no more dangerous man than his protégé, his prized pupil, his number one guy, OTIS!
Look at that face! Gable gives Otis a kiss on the cheek before continuing. “Now it is true, I recently achieved my Master’s Degree. And I did it with an immaculate 4.0 GPA.” Oh, booing education? Booing genius? Makes sense. He is a bit advanced for Motor City. Fans boo and Gable brings back, “SHOOSH!” The mindless morons of Detroit can perhaps understand that Randy Orton is no match for Otis. When Otis gets down with Orton and sends him limping into Day 1, regardless of the outcome, it won’t be long before the titles are around the waists of the Alpha Academy. Riddle has Gable slow down there. Gable seems pretty smart, but Riddle is a man higher education.
Riddle asks what Alpha Academy even means. What’s the curriculum? Does Otis even know? But Riddle’s got a lot of knowledge up in his noggin that he’d love to show, when he takes on Gable 1v1 tonight! Orton made it look easy, so… Gable says Riddle is an ignoramous. Riddle really wants to challenge an Olympian just days before the big match? What’s wrong with him? Actually, if the Academy gets a shot at both RKBRO members, then Gable accepts! Then check yourself before you wreck yourself! And after RKBRO sweeps, Riddle’s got a gift Orton will love.
So Gable, get your big, beautiful brain in the ring so it can meet the three most dangerous letters in all of sports entertainment: R! K! BRO! Well, that’s a few letters too many, but will Riddle show Gable that the Master’s Degree only goes so far in the ring?
Matt Riddle w/ Randy Orton VS Chad Gable w/ Otis!
Raw returns and the bell rings. Riddle and Gable circle, tie up, and go around. Gable waistlocks and SLAMS Riddle, rolls him around, but Riddle fights up. Gable SLAMS him down again, floats around, waistlocks again, then spins Riddle to snapmare. Gable waistlocks to bridging cover, TWO! Riddle is up, Gable spins him around and rolls again to another cover, TWO! Riddle is up but Gable arm-drags! Gable holds onto the arm, Riddle slips around and gets the TRIANGLE HOLD! Gable rolls, ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Riddle lets off quickly. Gable gets up and Riddle paces as fans fire up. Gable and Riddle tie up, Riddle waistlocks but Gable elbows out!
Gable throat chops Riddle to a corner, then throws hands and forearms! Riddle hits back with forearms of his own, and he has Gable in the other corner to fire off KICKS! Riddle whips, Gable reverses but Riddle boots. Gable blocks to put that leg in the ropes, then he gets the other, DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Orton coaches Riddle but Gable gets the leg for a KNEE JAMMER! And another! And then Gable YANKS the leg! “For the Academy!” Gable steps through for a toehold, then he has a standing toehold. Fans rally as Riddle endures, and Riddle fights free with his other leg! Riddle gets up, catches Gable but Gable dodges the Pele to roll, TIGER SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!!
Gable is shocked but he gets to a corner. Gable climbs up, MOONSAULT, but into the TRIANGLE HOLD! Gable scrambles, rolls free, ANKLE LOCK! Riddle reaches out, Orton coaches him up but Gable drags Riddle from ropes! Riddle rolls to throw Gable away! Gable ducks a kick, waistlocks, rolls CHAOS THEORY, but Riddle lands on his feet! FINAL FLASH! Riddle goes up top now, FLOATING BRO!! Cover, Riddle wins!
Winner: Matt Riddle, by pinfall
But Otis POUNCES Riddle out of the ring! Orton warns Otis, and fans are fired up! The Viper and The Dozer have it out, after the break.
Randy Orton w/ Matt Riddle VS Otis w/ Chad Gable!
Raw returns and the bell rings! Orton kicks and fires off EuroUppers to keep Otis staggering! But Otis just powers out of the RKO! Orton hits the mat hard, Otis runs to SPLASH! “I’m the man!” Gable cheers on “4.Otis” as Otis runs to hit a falling headbutt! Orton flounders to a corner, Otis stalks up behind him. Otis RAMS his shoulder into Orton again and again, then lets off as the ref counts. Fans rally for Orton but Otis runs and RAMS into Orton again! Otis stalks Orton as Gable cheers him on. Otis drags Orton up, scoops him, but Orton slips out! Still no RKO as Otis shoves Orton out of the ring! Orton gets up, Otis runs in around the way, but Orton moves and Otis hits steel steps!
Orton hobbles back into the ring while Otis clutches his ribs. Otis gets on the apron, Orton KICKS him in the ropes! Otis is stuck, fans fire up! Orton isn’t even sure he can, but he gets Otis out for a DRAPING DDT! Fans are fired up and so is Riddle, but Orton gasps and sputters as he sits up. Fans rally up, Orton feeds off the energy, and he hears the voices in his head! Otis slowly gets up, but still no RKO! Otis scoops for a POWERSLAM! But he doesn’t cover, Gable wants his number one guy to top it off! Otis drags Orton to a drop zone, then climbs up top, for a VADER SPLASH, but he FLOPS! RKO!!! Cover, Orton wins!!
Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall
Gable can’t believe it! The Viper still struck Otis down, despite him having a lot of muscle and no neck! Riddle gets a mic to say he’s so proud! Orton RKO’d the un-RKO-able! Now is the time we’ve been waiting for! Time for Riddle’s present to Orton! And there’s only one present good enough for Riddle’s best friend. And that is a big, big, beautiful hug! “Bring it in, dude!” Fans cheer on Orton and Riddle says “nobody will know!” But they’re in front of all these fans, and cameras. But Riddle says he should give them what they want! So Orton HUGS Riddle! And then teases an RKO! All in good fun, bros! Will Orton & Riddle keep the titles through Day 1 to make 2022 the year of RKBRO?
Backstage interview with Kevin Owens.
Kevin Patrick thanks Kevin Owens for taking this time. KO and Rollins had a huge impact on Bobby Lashley and Big E after their match last week, and it just so happens Raw received a video message from Big E. KO sarcastically goes, “Wow,” as the video plays. “At WWE Day 1, I defend my WWE Championship against Seth Rollins, Bobby Lashley and Kevin Owens. Now the whole world wants to know, will one of these men is going to use my champion’s disadvantage to their advantage and climb the WWE mountain like Sir Edmund Hillary.” Big E has spent the last few months talking about these men and their motivations. But for Big E, he has to get back to himself.
This is about Big E and his story. This is about starting life over at 23. This is about sleeping on a tiny, studio apartment floor while working on his craft. This is about showing up to work, ever week, knowing he is worth more. This is about getting to the very top of the industry the right way. This is about knowing he hasn’t come this far to only come this far. This is about walking out of Day 1 STILL our WWE Champion! And OH, you got ta feel that, sucka!
Back to present, KO says Big E is wrong. It is about his story, coming to work, over the odds, but not this week! Kevin Owens is here! HE shows up every week! This is about Kevin Owens’ story. And Kevin- Wait, they’re both Kevin, that’s not good. Kevin Patrick needs to change his name. One week to do that. But this is about the IMPORTANT Kevin’s story! And his perfect plan. it has all gone off without a hitch. He’s in the title match, he’s best friends with Rollins, and as such, he and Rollins executed Kevin’s plan to take Lashley out. Rollins did stuff but it was Kevin’s idea. And the next part is at Day 1, when Kevin Owens wins the WWE Championship.
Does Kevin Patrick have a problem with that? No. Then think about that while you think about the name. No, wait, you’re Bert now. Kevin leaves “Bert” Patrick behind, but will he pull off a huge victory to start off 2022?
Mixed Tag: Reggie & Dana Brooke VS R-Truth & Tamina!
The former WWE 24/7 Champion is helping The Flex Appeal hold onto the gold for the holidays, but will that all fall apart this close to New Year’s? Or will the 52-time European Television 747 I-95 South Champion and the Daughter of Superfly be the ones having a crappy New Year?
Raw returns and Truth says let’s crank it up! Truth says “What’s up?!” to Detroit, and then Tamina makes her entrance. Truth and Tamina are already at odds just getting in the ring, and then about who starts. Truth insists he start, Tamina is annoyed, but Truth and Reggie circle. They shake hands, and Truth gets the headlock! “I gottee!” But Reggie powers out, but Truth runs him over! Truth breaks it down with some dance moves, then sees Reggie’s drop down coming to do some Michael Jackson on him. Reggie kips up to egg Truth on. Things speed up, Reggie handsprings and back elbows Truth down!
Reggie whips, Truth reverses but Reggie dodges, and both men COLLIDE, head to head! Truth and Reggie are dazed, they crawl for their corners, hot tag to Tamina! She SUPERKICKS Reggie down, Dana still tries to tag even though she doesn’t have to, and Tamina storms over. Dana KNEES Tamina away, ducks and dodges to fire off kicks! Dana then cartwheels and dropkicks Tamina down! Dana keeps moving, handspring SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Dana clubs away on Tamina, then runs, into a BIG back elbow! Tamina tells the fans to shut up as she drags Dana up. Tamina thrashes Dana around, Truth tags in! But then, that means Reggie is legal!
Truth still back suplexes Dana, she lands on her feet to needlessly tag Reggie! Truth kicks Reggie, whips him to ropes, but Reggie wheelbarrows and victory roll FACEBUSTERS! Cover, Reggie & Dana win!
Winners: Reggie & Dana Brooke, by pinfall
Tamina is even more upset with Truth for losing, and Truth tries to defend his choice of strategy. Tamina just swings on him! Truth does the splits then splits! Tamina rushes Reggie and Dana, they dodge and Dana back elbows Tamina in the corner! Dana and Reggie take off with the 24/7 Championship, will 2022 be their year?
Backstage with Nikki A.S.H.
Does Nikki feel WWE made the right choice keeping Nikki from ringside for Rhea Ripley VS Zelina Vega? Well, we all saw Rhea victorious without Nikki. Rhea doesn’t need Nikki’s help. But they chose to be tag partners not because they needed to, but because they wanted to. Nikki likes to think she’s inspired Rhea, even if she’s down on her luck. And Rhea’s pep talks have helped put Nikki in the right mindset. Zelina and Carmella try to bring them down, but they’ve only made Nikki & Rhea stronger! So maybe the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions put their money where their mouths are. Rhea & Nikki officially challenge them for those titles! BOOM, ZAP, POW!
Tag Team RKBRO-nament Finals: The Street Profits VS Rey & Dominik Mysterio!
Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins are back at 100%, it is finally time to face off with the Mysterio Familia! Will RKBRO be meeting the Sultans of Swag or the former father-son tag team champions at Day 1?
Raw returns and the Mysterios make their entrance. The teams sort out, and Ford starts against Dom. They circle, tie up, and Ford headlocks. He hits a takeover, Dom headscissors but Ford kips free. They go again, Dom headlocks tot he takeover but Ford headscissors. Dom kips free, Ford arm-drags but Dom arm-drags back. Both men kip up and fans cheer the exchange. RKBRO is watching backstage, too, and Dawkins says Ford’s cornrows are still good. Dom and Ford shake hands, but Ford wrenches! Tag to Dawkins and Dawkins gest the handoff, but Dom rolls and rolls and gets free! Tag to Rey and fans fire up!
Things speed up already, Rey and Dawkins each dodge, but Dawkins blocks the arm-drag to whip. Dawkins hurdles but Rey tilt-o-whirl headscissors! Rey fires off in the corner, Dawkins carries Rey but Rey sunset flips! Dawkins drags Rey up but Rey kicks free. Rey runs but gets run over! Dawkins checks his face, he drags Rey up again. Tag to Ford, double whip and dropkick for Rey! Then the back suplex SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Ford clamps onto Rey’s arm to grind the shoulder. Rey fights up, uses the ropes to flip through, but Ford whips. Rey wheelbarrows and victory rolls, TWO! Rey avoids the enziguri to tag Dom!
The Mysterios double whip and double kick to then Double Russian Leg Sweep! Dom covers, TWO! Dom drags Ford up, wrenches, tags Rey, and Rey KCIKS the arm! Rey whips, Ford reverses but Rey kicks back! Rey waistlocks, Ford switches. Dom tags in as Rey bucks the O’Conner! Rey springboards to an Electric Chair! Rey has to fight Ford, and he RANAS Ford out of the ring! Rey dropkicks Dawkins down, Dom and Rey build speed together, and they both SLIDE! SPLASH for Dawkins, SUNSET BOMB into barriers for Ford! Father and son are standing tall as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and Ford has Dom down with a chinlock. Dom fights up, throws body shots, but Ford CLUBS him down! RKBRO is still watching as Ford runs in but misses in the corner! Ford bounces off buckles, Dom runs in to tilt-o-whirl and dragon sleeper, FLIPPING DDT! Both men crawl, hot tags to Dawkins and Rey! Fans fire up as Rey goes up and hits a SEATED SENTON! Things keep moving, Rey springboards to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Dawkins flounders, Rey KICKS him to a corner. Rey whips Dawkins corner to corner but Dawkins reverses to kick low and whip. Rey boots back, goes up again, and leapfrog RANAS Dawkins, to then drop toehold him to ropes!
Fans are thunderous as Rey dials it up, but into Dawkins’ FLYING ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Dawkins and Rey are both down now, but Rey elbows from the ropes. Rey BOOTS, and QUEBRADAS! But Dawkins catches him, spins him, but Rey TORNADO DDTs! Cover, Ford breaks it in time! Dom runs in to give Ford a NECKBREAKER! Dawkins DECKS Dom, but Rey rolls Dawkins up! TWO! Dawkins kicks low, gut wrenches, but Rey slips out, but Dawkins gets the underhooks! THE SILENCER! Ford goes up top, for a HUGE FROM THE HEAVENS SPLASH!! Dominik breaks the cover!! Dawkins gets Dom up but Dom throws Dawkins out! Dom runs, triangle jump and PLANCHA!
Ford straddle attacks Rey down! Ford hauls Rey up, scoops and Canadian racks, but Rey RANAS out of the bomb! Rey tags Dom, then runs to 619 Ford down! Rey FLYING RANAS Dawkins! Dom is up top, FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!?! Ford survives Latino Heat and Riddle is shocked backstage! Rey says they’ll hit the double! Dom drags Ford up, whips, but Ford reverses. Dom wheelbarrows and body scissors Ford to the ropes! But Ford staggers up, into a drop toehold! The Mysterios run but Dawkins trips Rey! Only Dom hits a 619, but Ford is back up! Dom SUPERKICKS Ford, but Dawkins slides Rey out to the floor! Dom fires off on Dawkins, whips but Dawkins reverses!
Dom dodges, springboards, but into an Electric Chair! BLOCKBUSTER DOOMSDAY from Profits!! Cover, The Profits win!!
Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contenders to the Raw Tag Team Championships)
The Mysterios’ call got disconnected at just the right time for Ford & Dawkins, and now they’re going to Atlanta! Will Day 1 be the first day of a new reign for the Profits?
Miz meets with crew backstage.
The bouquet for the vow renewal ceremony came in, and Miz is upset. He wouldn’t have brought these to the guy’s funeral! Does this guy not understand what’s happening tonight?! This is him and Maryse renewing their vows! One of the most storied unions in all WWE history. Miz called in some really big favors, such as calling in WWE Hall of Famer, Eric Bischoff! Bischoff congratulates Miz and Miz thanks him for being here to officiate. Well, Bischoff’s been invited to a lot of WWE weddings, and when he got this invitation, how could he say no? And in his experience, this is going to be… What is it Miz says? Oh, of course. It’ll be must-see TV. Miz and Bischoff shake hands and Miz is upset about the roses again. Will things go awesomely for the It Couple?
AJ Styles is here!
The Phenomenal and the Colossal had a huge falling out, and Styles will speak to what happened, after the break.
Raw returns and Styles has a mic. “Omos said the next time he sees me in this ring, he’ll be in a match with me.” But uh, Styles is here. Where’s Omos? Styles doesn’t want to hear Omos is scared. Or maybe he is? Scared that he won’t live up to his full potential? Styles gets that. He was scared early on in his career. But he was never selfish and unappreciative! You gotta pay your dues to get to the top. And Omos’ dues will be paid to Styles! So the next time Styles sees Omos, all 400 pounds and 7’4″ of him, Styles will kick Omos’ teeth in. Here’s some food for thought. “I’ve got 20+ years of experience on you. I’ve seen ’em come and go, those giants!” But there’s only been ONE Phenomenal AJ Styles!
Wait, is Grayson Waller in the crowd!? Seriously? Waller is talking some smack as Styles points out the “not quite yet a superstar,” another guy who doesn’t want to pay his dues. But hey, Waller can get in. The security can let him in. Waller jumps over the barriers and gets a mic. Waller gets in the ring, does his drop steps, and Styles says he should introduce Waller to the fans. “Grayson Waller, WWE Universe. WWE Universe, Grayson Waller.” Fans boo, they know all about Waller. Waller says this was nice of Styles. But Waller figured that since Styles visited Waller on NXT, he’d do the same here on Raw. Then he’d show the world what they can see every Tuesday night: the Grayson Waller Effect.
And pay his dues? All Waller had to do was get under the skin of this “Superstar” and Styles was begging to get in the ring with him. Waller likes it here! Monday nights feel right! And they’ll feel even better when Omos is done with Styles, and Waller takes Styles’ spot. Oh, Waller likes it here? Of course he does! This is where stars are made. And Waller isn’t a star. Not even close. But since Waller is here, maybe Styles can show Waller around, give him a Phenomenal Forearm, and help him count the lights on his way out. But instead of any of that, here comes Apollo Crews! He and Commander Azeez walk out and Apollo has a mic.
“AJ, you and Omos are very similar to myself and Commander Azeez. But your giant has now left you, and we are a united front. AJ, your giant is not here tonight. But mine is!” And Azeez says, “AJ, if you want to slay giants, maybe you’ll fight me right now.” Challenge accepted! Get in the ring! Apollo likes the sound of that, and even Waller wants to see this one. Will Styles make an example of Azeez to superstars big and small?
Backstage interview with Carmella.
Nikki issued the challenge on behalf of herself and Rhea Ripley, what is Mella’s response? “Her Majesty,” Queen Zelina and Mella have taken it under consideration, and they accept! There is a hierarchy in the division, and if it takes a title match to put Rhea & Nikki in their place, then so be it. Those two are only fooling themselves if they seriously think they compare to Mella’s flawless beauty and Zelina’s regal grace. Okay, Rhea does have this “hot gothic warrior” thing going for her, and Mella likes that. And Rhea could destroy anyone with her bare hands. And she did beat the beloved queen last week.
But this will be a tag team match, which means Nikki will need to tag in. And we all know how that ends. Mella feels a bit bad for Rhea. But Nikki said it was Rhea’s choice to team with her. The fact Nikki has all these people convinced she’s almost a superhero when she’s not even close is sad. Nikki is almost second best. She is almost a good partner. She is almost good enough. But almost doesn’t count! And Zelina & Mella are definitely going to remain WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions!
AJ Styles VS Apollo Crews w/ Commander Azeez!
Raw returns, the bell rings, and despite how it looked, we’re getting The Phenomenal One VS the Pride of Nigeria! Last minute changes aside, will Styles still prove he can beat anyone at any time?
The bell rings, the two circle and approach, and Apollo kicks low to CLUB Styles on the back. Apollo fires off haymakers, CLUBS him, then runs, into Styles’ dropkick! Styles drags Apollo up, CHOPS him in the corner, then follows him to another corner to whip corner to corner. Styles runs in and hits a BIG clothesline! Styles throws Apollo down, fires up, and then runs to drop a knee! Cover, ONE! Apollo flounders away to the ropes, Styles storms over after him. Styles stands Apollo up but Apollo throat chops! Apollo suplexes and SLAMS Styles down! Styles goes to ropes, Apollo whips him to ropes but Styles holds ropes to BOOT back!
Styles runs in but into a back drop! Cover, ONE! Apollo drags Styles up, whips him to a corner hard, and Styles bounces off the buckles! Apollo drags Styles up, wrenches but Styles throws forearms! Apollo hits back, kicks and whips Styles into the corner again, and Styles bounces off chest first! Apollo soaks up the heat from Detroit as he stalks Styles. Apollo throws hands, but Styles headscissors Apollo out! Styles then slingshots but Apollo moves! Apollo gets a leg, yanks Styles down and KNEES him low! Apollo then trophy lifts and SNAKE EYES Styles off apron, to then BOOT him down! Apollo is fired up as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Apollo grinds Styles down with a chinlock. Styles fights up but Apollo wrangles him down. Fans rally as Styles endures, and Styles fights up again. Styles throws body shots, throws haymakers, but Apollo hits back. Styles ducks to PELE! Apollo is down and fans rally up. Styles gets up to fire off the Phenomenal Blitz! SLIDING FOREARM! Styles fires up and fans are with him as he run sin at the corner. Apollo BOOTS Styles, but runs into a fireman’s carry, USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up as Styles drags Apollo up and reels him in. Apollo back drops out of the Clash but Styles sunset flips!
Apollo rolls through to DEADLIFT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Apollo grows frustrated as Styles survives. Apollo drags Styles back up, trophy lifts but Styles slips off. Styles is in the corner, he elbows Apollo away. Styles goes up to QUEBRADA DDT! Styles goes to the apron and prepares his armband. But Azeez gets Apollo out of the ring! The ref reprimand Azeez, Styles runs in but Apollo gets him for fireman’s carry, and APRON DEATH VALLEY!! Apollo drags Styles in for a cover, TWO!! Styles survives and fans fire up again while Apollo loses his cool! Styles crawls to a corner, Apollo drags him up and to the top rope.
Apollo climbs up, but Styles slips under to trip him up! Styles then gets Apollo for a back suplex, but Apollo lands on his feet to ENZIGURI! Apollo pops Styles up but Styles turns Crews Missile into HURICANRANA! Cover, TWO!! Apollo escapes, but he runs into a trip and jackknife! TWO, into position, STYLES CLASH!! Cover, Styles wins!!
Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall
Azeez is upset and storms into the ring, but Styles gets away! Will Azeez get his shot at Styles next time? He turns around, Styles hits a PHENOMENAL FOREARM on Azeez! When and where will Styles get his shot on Omos?
Seth Rollins speaks via video message.
“Classic Kevin Owens, trying to take all the credit. Well, is he lying? Is he telling the truth? Nobody knows!” But since it’s the holidays, Rollins is in a giving spirit. He’ll give Kevin all the credit! Because at Day 1, Rollins takes what is rightfully his: the WWE Championship. Because even from afar, he is the Visionary, the revolutionary, he is Seth Freakin’ Rollins!
Kevin Owens heads to the ring!
Big E said his piece, Rollins just said his, and now Kevin wants to say even more! What will he have to say about Day 1’s Fatal 4 Way after the break?
Raw returns and Kevin says, “I gotta tell you all, I am in a great mood. In a festive mood, you might even say!” He had a great Christmas, and last night he main evented in Madison Square Garden! He won, just trust him, don’t look it up. And in five days, the entire world will rejoice when Kevin becomes WWE Champion at Day 1! And look, Kevin’s the only one out of the four that’s actually here tonight! Not sure why that is, but it makes Kevin smarter than Rollins, tougher than Big E and a LOT stronger than Bobby Lashley! But Kevin can’t blame those guys for not showing up in a dump like Detroit, but it is important Kevin is here to show everyone the example.
At Day 1, we will finally get a champion we can be proud of. The odds might not be in Kevin’s favor as he has to survive three of the top performer sin the WWE. But let’s think about those odds based on last week. First of all, Rollins stomped Lashley’s head right through steel steps. Kevin was an innocent bystander in all that, but that helps Kevin. If Lashley shows up, he’ll go after Rollins. Big E got speared by Lashley and is dealing with MVP’s crap, so Big E goes after them. And then Rollins and Kevin are like this! One mind, one heart, one soul! That is because Kevin created the perfect plan, executed it perfectly, and that will make Kevin THE WWE Champion!
But MVP appears! And he tells Kevin, “Oh contraire, monfrair.” Kevin could not be more wrong! As a matter of fact, MVP will give Kevin credit for a well orchestrated plan. He whined his way into Day 1, pitted his foes against each other to throw them all off, all very well done. But if Kevin thinks Lashley forgot about the apron powerbomb, he is very, very mistaken. As Kevin will find out when he gets snatched up into a Hurt Lock. It takes a lot more than a stomp on steps to take Lashley out, or a powerbomb to the apron. But Kevin is right about one thing: Lashley will be at Day 1 to wreak havoc on Rollins.
But here’s a specific message for Kevin: “I am going to rip the wet noodle arms off of Kevin’s ectomorphic body.” There’s no way Lashley wrote that big word. MVP says it doesn’t matter if it’s Rollins, Big E or Kevin Owens, someone is gonna end up in a Hurt Lock, because we are back in the All Mighty Era. Now what was that about Kevin’s odds of winning? Think about it before you answer. “Well, as utterly terrifying as that text message is,” Kevin still feels really good about his odds of walking out of Day 1. Text Lashley that in return! Well that’s only because Kevin’s an idiot. Kevin says his mom says he’s special, first of all.
Wait, Cedric Alexander & Shelton Benjamin show up! The Hurt Business is back to 100% power with these two backing MVP up. Kevin sees how it is. He’s not the only one who plans ahead. MVP isn’t taking credit for this. Why are these two here? Alexander says Kevin is right. Hate to admit it, but he is. One man cannot beat three. Even the All Mighty can’t take on the whole world. So just think about it? When was Lashley at his best? When he was rolling with them! They know what Lashley needs. MVP stops them there before they say something they’ll regret. Lashley doesn’t need anyone. Not even MVP. But if they wanna talk business…
Kevin says we know where this is going! Cedric & Shelton want to reform the group, they want MVP to tell Lashley that’s a good idea, and maybe by beating up Kevin, that’ll convince Lashley. Skip all that so Kevin can have his match with Cedric! MVP says that is something they agree on. Let’s get to work. MVP walks with PRIME Alexander and the Gold Standard to the ring, will they make sure the Prizefighter is in no shape for Day 1?
Kevin Owens VS Cedric Alexander w/ MVP & Shelton Benjamin!
Raw returns again and the bell rings. Kevin kicks and fires off hands on Cedric, has him in the corner, then lets off as the ref counts. Cedric comes back with haymakers, then runs. Things speed up and Kevin CLBOBERS Cedric with an elbow! Then he drops a SENTON! MVP is on commentary as Kevin whips Cedric into the corner. Kevin runs in to CANNONBALL! Kevin drags Cedric to a drop zone, stomps him down, then goes up the corner. MVP says Lashley will rip those noodly arms off Kevin, and Cedric bails out. Kevin hops down, gets Cedric in a fireman’s carry, but Cedric fights his way off to then ROUNDHOUSE and STO to the apron!
Cedric catches his breath, puts Kevin in, covers, TWO! Cedric drags Kevin up, throws forearms, then waistlocks. Kevin fights free, pump handles and suplexes for a GHOSTBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Kevin is frustrated but he drags Cedric up to whip him to ropes. Pop-up but Cedric slips out! Handspring and NEURALIZER! Kevin bails out, Cedric builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit into barriers! Fans fire up and Cedric puts Kevin in the ring. Cedric GAMANGIRIS, steps in and hits the COMPLETE SHOT! cover, TWO! Kevin survives but Cedric is frustrated. Cedric gets Kevin up, throws uppercuts, then runs, but Kevin LARIATS him inside-out! Then reels him in to pop-up POWERBOMB!
Kevin isn’t done there! He tells Lashley to watch this! STUNNER! Cover, Kevin wins!
Winner: Kevin Owens, by pinfall
MVP applauds, but then Benjamin gets in! He wants his shot at Kevin! Kevin isn’t so sure, Benjamin calls for a mic. Benjamin gets the mic, only to get a STUNNER! Kevin takes care of the Hurt Business, but will he take care of the business waiting for him at Day 1?
WWE United States Championship: Damian Priest VS Dolph Ziggler!
The Archer of Infamy really only owes the Show-Off this match because of “Big Bob” giving a GLORIOUS assist. But without the other Dirty Dawg at ringside, does Ziggler stand a chance of taking the title from Priest?
Raw returns and Damian Priest speaks on the darkness he keeps at bay. He did lose control of “Damian” last week. Priest enjoyed planting Roode’s head into the floor. When the blind rage takes control, no one can stop him. That same rage could hurt him against Ziggler, who has held just about every title there is to hold here in the WWE. That doesn’t happen by accident. At any moment, Ziggler could steal the whole show. If Priest loses control, Ziggler will take advantage. But he’ll come face to face with Damian, and there’s not where you want to be. Damian’s rage has cost him in the past, but it’ll also be what keeps the title exactly where it belongs.
Priest finally makes his entrance. Will Priest control his dark side to still shine into the New Year?
Raw returns, the introductions are made, and the belt is raised. Who wins gold in the last Raw main event of 2021?
Priest approaches but Ziggler uses ropes as a defense. The ref has Priest back off, but Priest blocks the sucker superkick! Priest throws the foot down but Ziggler dodges to fire off body shots! Priest grabs Ziggler to TOSS him to the corner! Ziggler dodges again to fire off hands, but Priest shoves him away. Priest kicks but Ziggler dodges to ZIG- NO! Priest bucks Ziggler, Ziggler dodges and ducks, but Priest BOOTS him down! Priest drags Ziggler back up, bumps him off buckles, then drags him up again. Priest ROCKS Ziggler with a forearm, then he puts Ziggler in the corner for knee after knee. Priest ROCKS Ziggler again, then drags him back up.
Priest whips corner to corner, runs in, but Ziggler dodges the back elbow! Ziggler kicks Priest, scrapes laces off Priest’s face, then bumps him off buckles. Ziggler throws body shots, bumps him off buckles again, then throws body shots against the ropes. Priest ROCKS Ziggler again, and again! Priest whips, Ziggler kicks back! Ziggler runs but into the back elbow! Priest runs at Ziggler to clothesline him out of the ring! A ring count starts while Ziggler is down, but Priest goes out after him. Ziggler dodges to shove Priest into barriers! Ziggler runs in but Priest TOSSES him off the DDT and Ziggler crashes into spare chairs in the timekeeper’s area! Ziggler is down as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns as Ziggler fires off on Priest in the corner with fast hands! Ziggler goes corner to corner, but he misses the splash as Priest moves! Priest ROCKS Ziggler with more haymakers, then he whips but Ziggler reverses to kick low and FAMOUSER! Cover, TWO! Ziggler is growing frustrated but he shakes his head. Ziggler throws hands and says, “I call the shots here!” He DECKS Priest, says we’re looking at the new champ, but Priest counter punches! And ROCKS Ziggler again! Priest fires off hands from all sides, then WHEEL KICKS! Priest fires up, runs in and back elbows in the corner! Priest pushes Ziggler along to run in and hit another back elbow in the other corner!
Priest runs, gets around, shoves Ziggler to ropes and pops him up for a FLAPJACK! Then Priest spins Ziggler around, BROKEN ARROW! Cover, TWO! Ziggler survives and Priest sighs. Priest takes aim at Ziggler, but Ziggler goes into ropes to avoid the choke grip. Priest chases after but Ziggler hits a cheap shot! Ziggler runs, into the choke grip! SOUTH OF- NO! Body scissor takedown to a over, TWO! Ziggler dodges in the corner, runs in, SATELLITE DDT! Cover, TWO! Ziggler is beside himself, but he shakes his head again. Ziggler watches Priest get up, pushes him around, and shouts, “You will never be like me! This is what a champion looks like!”
Priest slaps Ziggler’s hands away, so Ziggler SLAPS him! Damian is here! Priest fires off haymakers and knees from all sides! The ref counts as Priest throws Ziggler down and rains down elbows! Ziggler gets to a corner, Priest runs in to forearm smash! Priest fires off more shouts, the ref is counting! The count hits 5, Priest is disqualified!
Winner: Dolph Ziggler, by disqualification; Priest retains the WWE US Championship
But Priest doesn’t stop! He kicks Ziggler out of the ring, drags Ziggler up, and he hoists Ziggler up to RAM him into barriers! Priest drags Ziggler back up, dragon sleeper, and THE RECKONING on the floor! Priest’s rage subsides, and he still has the gold. Will anyone ever survive the Archer of Infamy’s anger to take that title from him?
Eric Bischoff heads to the ring!
He’s back, and ready to officiate the It Couple’s vow renewal! But will things go about as smoothly as the usual, well, any special occasion that happens on WWE TV?
Raw returns and the ringside area has been turned into a wedding altar. Bischoff says it is truly, truly great to be back in a WWE ring. Especially for such an amazing moment, a cherished moment, as we’re about to see. In this industry, they honor and respect the sanctity of marriage. And this couple, they’re a perfect example of that. So introducing first, the groom, the man that is the Most Must-See Superstar in WWE History, THE MIZ! Miz makes his entrance, and he staggers a bit going up the steps into the ring. Miz manages to laugh it off, but is it a bad omen? But moving on, the blushing bride, Maryse! “Here Comes The Bride” plays as Maryse walks out to the ring.
Miz helps Maryse up the steps to avoid any mishaps, and then they go to the mics. Miz says this is the last Raw of 2021, so what better way to commemorate a year where he was WWE Champion, dominated Dancing with the Stars, and her wife made a triumphant return to Raw as they embarrassed one of the most decorated stars in Edge. And then Saturday, at Day 1, the old Edge is gone, and this new Edge can’t live up to the new standards set by Miz! Miz will dominate at Day 1! So in honor of that, they wanted to give us something uplifting to cap off the year. Here is their wedding vow renewal!
Miz says they were married in the sunny and beautiful Bahamas, but now they’re here, in decrepit, disgusting Detroit. But it’s not where they are, but who they are with. Miz is with his one true love in Maryse. Miz thanks Bischoff for officiating. Bischoff is a legend in this business and a visionary just like Miz. Bischoff says it means so much that they wanted him to share this moment. Bischoff has Maryse go first. “Michael, the first time I met you 15 years ago, I knew right there and then that you are the man of my dreams. You are my rock, you are my world, you are my everything. I love you so, so much.” The fans boo the entire time Maryse gets emotional.
At Day 1, Maryse knows Miz will show the world what she already knows: That he is the best father, the best husband, and a way better WWE superstar compared to Edge. If loving Miz is wrong, then she never wants to be right. “Michael Mizanin, will you continue to be my husband?” Miz jokingly asks if he should. Oh, the fans’ opinions don’t matter, they willing live in Detroit! And cheer for the Lions. Miz has his turn now. “Maryse, when we met in 2006, you didn’t speak a word of English, so I’m going to do my vows in French.” Oh no… Miz does his best job with it, but the accent seems a bit thick. Maryse corrects him here and there, and he slips into Spanish.
Okay, just do it in English. Miz says she is beautiful, intelligent, and a perfect role model to their daughters. If he was a woman, he’d want to be just like Maryse! When they make love, it’s like fireworks! And Maryse is the only person that can tame Miz’s wild heart. If she stays by his side, he will continue to love her in return. “Maryse, will you continue to be my wife?” Miz brings back, “When my hand goes up, your mouth goes shut!” Maryse says YES, and Bischoff says this was so beautiful! So now, without further ado, if anyone has any objections- Well hell, we know how this will turn out. EDGE is here!
The Rated R Superstar goes up the ramp, takes the steps slowly so he doesn’t trip like Miz did, and then he gets a mic. “Don’t fall. Good to see you, Eric.” Edge says he isn’t here to ruin anything. He could talk about how obnoxious The It Couple is and how he threw up in his mouth a little listening to them, but he won’t. He could talk about what kind of man Miz is for using his wife as a shield and then a decoy, but he won’t. And that’s because finally, Day 1, Edge has a match against Miz. And Edge is going to beat Miz’s ass! Miz says Edge thought they didn’t see this coming? No, they wanted him a front row seat of what true love looks like! The It Couple kisses to finish the renewal.
Edge says, “Get a room.” And true love? For the last few weeks, they have embarrassed him. Edge called it yet Miz still slipped through the cracks. But what goes around comes around. So before Edge beats Miz at Day 1, he’ll embarrass Miz here. And so Edge calls to someone in the back. Miz gets mad, what’s he doing?! Edge says he’s just messing with Miz. Playing mind games! Edge isn’t here to spoil the wedding so… Oh wait, he didn’t want this to be a white wedding did he? The red lights come up, and Edge hops off the ring so that BLACK PAINT can splatter all over the It Couple! Edge grins as he shouts out The Brood, but will he make things even worse come New Year’s Day?
My Thoughts:
There was a lot of news just today about WWE doing wonky things with their COVID-19 protocols. They pull the biggest names from their Madison Square Garden event, and even here tonight, but then say they won’t do as much testing. That’s a can of worms for another article, but that meant much of Raw tonight was adlibbed and altered, and sadly not all for the better. For one, we still got the usual crap of recap packages and extra commercial breaks before the main event match, and then that US Championship match just wasn’t what it should’ve been. They’re still insisting on giving Priest his Jekyll & Hyde, Incredible Hulk berserker rage, and he had Champion’s Advantage save him from losing the belt. Sigh…
Now, I should’ve figured the vow renewal would close the night out, and it went just as expected, but I love that Edge got to reference The Brood again and dump that gunk all over Miz & Maryse. Edge VS Miz is going to be a really good match, and I hope we see Beth Phoenix counteract Maryse. Meanwhile, there seemed to be just this mess of an adjustment for not having Styles VS Omos tonight. Waller showing up was nice and all to give us continuity between Raw and NXT (probably only because Vince is in charge of both now), but then Azeez challenges Styles only for Apollo to face him? Styles of course wins either way, but it all just seemed a bit sloppy.
The Mixed Tag was an oddly logical step for the 24/7 Championship story, even though no one tried to go for the title after. What was even more awkward was Dana and Reggie insisting on actually tagging in and out. It’s Mixed, not Co-Ed. Though, I suppose this could be a roundabout way for WWE to do away with some of that for the sake of this 24/7 Division? Of course, WWE went and cut talent that could be competing for this belt in the Women’s Division, even if this title isn’t that big of a deal anymore. Maybe it should go to NXT and give some 2.0 kids something to do. I bet Andre Chase could make a great 24/7 Champion.
Everything else we got was great, though. Good video messages from Big E and Seth Rollins, and Kevin Owens had good promos, both with Kevin “Bert” Patrick and with MVP and the still not quite reunited Hurt Business. Kevin had a really good match, but I’m thinking that he takes the loss at Day 1. RKBRO had a great promo that blended Christmas and New Year’s, and they had great singles matches against The Alpha Academy. The Profits VS The Mysterios was a great match, and I’m a touch surprised the Profits won here, as I’m pretty sure RKBRO still retains at Day 1. But at the same time, the Profits make the better choice because they’ll be able to give RKBRO a great match. Then Rey & Dom can try again at the Royal Rumble or something.
My Score: 8.2/10
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Dynamite brings out the gold!
AEW Dynamite lands in Colorado Springs, and Kris Statlander defends her TBS Championship against Anna Jay A.S! Will Kris still be the Galaxy’s Greatest?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- AEW International Championship: Orange Cassidy VS Swerve Strickland; wins and
- Texas Tornado Tag: #JungleHook VS La Faccion Ingobernable; wins.
- Six Man Tag: Blackpool Combat Club VS Chaos; wins.
- Ricky Starks VS Jay White; wins.
- AEW TBS Championship: Kris Statlander VS Anna Jay A.S; wins and
PLAY BY PLAY
[Due to scheduling conflicts, coverage of AEW Dynamite will begin later tonight]
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Only one can be The Center of the Universe!
To earn a shot at Tiffany Stratton’s NXT Women’s Championship, the Women’s Division fights in a battle royal! Who wins a golden ticket to Tiffy Time?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Mixed Six Tag Match: Diamond Mine VS The Schism; The Schism wins.
- Blair Davenport VS Dani Palmer; Blair wins.
- Baron Corbin VS Trick Williams; Corbin wins.
- Mustafa Ali VS Joe Gacy; Ali wins.
- Eddy Thorpe VS Damon Kemp; Thorpe wins.
- Dabba-Kato VS SCRYPTS; Dabba wins.
- NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Battle Royal: Thea Hail wins and will challenge Tiffany Stratton for the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Baron Corbin arrives backstage.
The Lone Wolf stares down Tyler Bate and Eddy Thorpe, chuckles at a poster of Carmelo Hayes, then stares down Hank Walker, Tank Ledger and some of the prospects. He tells staff to hit his music and they do as told. Corbin scoffs at the rest of the posters while he makes his entrance. Fans boo as Corbin makes his way to the ring, because we all remember him going after Melo after Melo retained the title against Noam Dar. Corbin gets the mic to say, “Y’know, I never thought I’d walk back through these doors. When I got the call, I cleaned out my locker and never looked back.
“Over the next eight YEARS, I ascended to the top of Raw and SmackDown. While I was main-eventing PPVs, NXT superstars continued to get called up to the main roster. When they got there, they were full of talent and hunger. And then something changed. I wonder what it was. Now, they come up full of ego and attitude. Hell, some of ’em sit in the locker room, twiddle their thumbs on their cellphone, acting like they got nowhere better to be. They act like we should thank them for coming up to Raw and SmackDown.
“Then I walk in through these doors. I hear superstars in the back talking about their legacy, talking about how they’re the next ones to be called up. Or, they’re complaining that they haven’t been called up yet, and it’s starting to make me sick! They walk through these doors to a championship team. They have guaranteed contracts, and they’re living in a house that I built! Me and all the other OGs started in FCW, and we took this train all the way to sell out Barclays Arena, with 16,500 people! Don’t clap for that now, you’ve never done it before, get off my bandwagon.
“I come through those doors tonight, and there’s superstars can’t even look me in the eye. They don’t show me the respect that I deserve. Now I had no control over that last Draft that came up. But you can make damn sure I got control of the next, because I’m gonna make every one of those superstars regret ever signing a WWE contract! Every single one of ’em is soft, every single one of ’em is weak, and they’re sure as hell not as good as they think they are. That all lies on the champion, the NXT Champion, Carmelo Hayes. Melo walks around here like his stuff doesn’t stink. Yeah, there you go. Cheer for him. Cheer for him!
“Cuz ol’ Melo got a taste of main roster reality when I laid him out, put him down, I took his title and I stood over his body, and I held it over my head.” Wait, ILJA DRAGUNOV is here! The Czar tells Baron, “Would you please, um, give me the chance to introduce myself. My name is Ilja Dragunov.” Fans cheer and Corbin says he knows who Ilja is, but what does he want? Ilja isn’t sure about the people Corbin saw in the hall, but Ilja is here to look him in the eyes to say, he’s NOT soft and he is NOT weak. He is the most animalistic, intense man in NXT! He’s beaten everyone put in front of him, and after Battleground, he is the first man in line to face Melo for the title.
Oh, here we go. There’s the NXT arrogance. Corbin has competed in SIX WrestleMania matches, he retired THE Kurt Angle, and he is the last man to pin Roman Reigns. Fans chant “BUM ASS CORBIN!” Ilja gets it, Corbin is targeting Melo to make some kind of point. But Ilja is targeting Melo for the title. And Ilja really doesn’t care how many Manias Corbin’s been to. If Ilja must ravage Corbin with pain to get what he wants, then so be it. Corbin tells the “kid” that there is a big difference between what he wants and what he’s gonna get. Corbin jumps the line cuz he says so, cuz he’s the biggest star in the building.
Ilja says Corbin is making assumptions, but Ilja makes challenges. So why not show everyone how much of a star you are, against Ilja tonight?! Fans love the sound of that! Corbin asks Ilja really wants “a piece of this” after Battleground. Well, there’s nothing Corbin can bring as hard as Dijak did at Battleground. Ilja shows off the NASTY bruise on his hip! Corbin says that’s cute. That’s one bruise. When Corbin’s done with him, Ilja will be covered in ’em. Ilja welcomes the challenge. Fans fire up, will the Lone Wolf be sent back to the main roster with his tail between his legs?
But wait! Trick shows up to start throwing hands! Fans fire up as Trick is after Corbin, Corbin shoves him back, but Trick clotheslines Corbin out! Fans fire up as the refs back Corbin off. Will Trick get payback on Corbin for that sneak attack on Melo?
Thea Hail finishes training.
She hobbles and says she can barely feel her legs anymore. Duke Hudson finds her but Charlie Dempsey says not bad. He better see her again tomorrow. Oh he’ll see her again! And he’ll see improvement! You bring your A Game! Wait, Duke is confused, what’s going on? Dempsey & Gulak are teaching her how to crunch people! It’s firing her up! Really? Yeah, she’s got all these great grappling holds now! Wanna see? She grabs Duke’s arm in a wristlock! OW! Sorry! But it works, right? Duke says she doesn’t even like those guys! Yeah, but you just gotta give it back to ’em, y’know? Thea shouts, “I’ma kick you in the ass, professor!”
See? They love it! Well, okay, as long as she’s learning. But you can’t just “crunch” someone over the top rope. It’s a battle royal tonight! Yeah, but she can still throw people over. He believes in her, right? Y-yeah… Then let’s go! Thea is fired up, will she crunch and toss everyone else in the ring to get that golden ticket?
Bron Breakker attacks Ilja Dragunov backstage!
The Big Bad Booty Nephew tells The Czar to keep “thinking” he’s the most intense guy in NXT. If Ilja likes pain, how’s that feel? The refs back Bron off, will Dragunov have to go after him and Corbin before going after Melo?
Mixed Six Tag Match: Diamond Mine VS The Schism!
Ivy Nile has had it with Ava Raine, and by extension, the Creed Brothers and the Dyad have gotten at each other. Now things will be settled as all six get in the ring! Will Diamond Mine crush Ava, Rip Fowler & Jagger Reed under the pressure? Or will the roots of Schism’s tree only grow and spread?
NXT returns as Diamond Mine make their entrance. The teams sort out and and Julius starts against Rip. They circle, tie up, and Julius wrenches an arm. Rip whips Julius away, things speed up, and Julius drops to fireman’s carry takeover into an armlock! Rip fights free but Julius just grabs the other arm. Rip fights to his feet, CHOPS, but Julius wrenches the arm. Rip CHOPS, Julius wrenches, but then Rip pulls an ear! Tag to Jagger, the Dyad mugs Julius, and Jagger ROCKS Julius with forearms. Jagger swings again, but Julius gets around to waistlock and SLAM! Jagger fights up, but Julius SLAMS him again!
Julius keeps hold of Jagger to SLAM him again, and KNEE him in the side! Tag to Brutus, and the Creeds pinball Jagger between knees! Brutus drags Jagger up, ROCKS him, and then clamps onto another arm. Tag to Julius, they mug Jagger, but Jagger ELBOWS him away! And then DECKS him! Jagger facelocks, but Julius deadlifts from the floor! Julius stands back up, walks over, and tags in Brutus. Brutus takes the handoff, fans fire up as Brutus keeps Jagger up! Brutus tags Julius back in, takes the handoff back, and then marches around before the SLAM! And then he kips up! Fans fire up, Julius whips but Jagger reverses
Jagger runs in, MONKEY FLIPS, but Julius lands through it! And he DROPKICKS Jagger! Julius whips Jagger, Jagger reverses and CLOBBERS Julius! And Ava tags in! Ava SLAPS Julius! Ivy steps in to calm Julius down, but then Ava tags out to Rip. The Schism trolls Ivy but Julius storms up to shoot in and waistlock, for a SLAM! And then he KNEES Rip in the side! Julius headlocks, Rip powers out but Julius goes up and over and keeps moving. Brutus tags in,. Julius ducks ‘n’ dodges, Brutus AX HANDLES Rip! And then shoots around, but Rips witches. TERMAN SUPLEX, but Brutus lands on his feet!
Brutus trophy lifts Rip, to DROP him, and STANDING MOONSAULT! Fans fire up with Brutus and Julius tags back in. Brutus cross-arm SLAMS Julius onto Rip! And Then Ivy snap suplexes Brutus onto Rip! And then Julius gives Ivy a boost for a SENTON! Fans are thunderous for the Diamond Mine’s combinations, and Ivy calls out Ava! Fans want to see that, too, but NXT goes to break.
NXT returns and Rip has Brutus down in a chinlock. Brutus endures, fights up, and fans rally. Brutus pries the hold open, but Rip knees low. Rip ROCKS Brutus, but Brutus ROCKS Rip! And Jagger! And Rip again! Brutus staggers along ropes, but he ELBOWS Rip away. Jagger distracts, Rip shoves Brutus into the ropes! Brutus sputters off that low hotshot, and then Ava sucker punches Ivy! Rip BLASTS Julius, too! Fans boo but Rip tags Jagger. The Dyad whip Brutus into the corner hard, then hit an ASSISTED SLICED BREAD! Cover, TWO!! Brutus survives and The Dyad is frustrated.
Jagger tags Rip back in, the Dyad stomp away on Brutus! Fans boo but The Dyad drag Brutus up. Rip fishhooks Brutus’ face, lets off as the ref counts, and fans rally up. Rip drags Brutus up, suplexes, but Brutus blocks! Brutus suplexes Rip up and over instead! Rip tags Jagger in, Jagger keeps Brutus from the corner with a SLEEPER! Brutus endures, reaches out, marches forward, and fans rally behind him. Hot tag to Julius! Julius CLOBBERS Jagger, OVERHEAD Belly2Belly for Rip! Then an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly for Jagger! And a kip up! And then an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly for Rip! Kip up, and another OVERHEAD for Jagger!
Julius just keeps going, but The Dyad go after him together! SO they get a DOUBLE OVERHEAD SUPELX! Fans are thunderous with Julius, and he runs up the corner, to DOUBLE QUEBRADA! Julius scoops Jagger but Rip makes the save. Julius kicks Rip but Rip RAMS him into the corner! Jagger hits GRIT YOUR TEETH! But Brutus runs in, BRUTUS BALL! Down goes Rip! Jagger ENZIGURIS Brutus, runs, but Julius LARIATS Jagger! Fans fire up, but Jagger SUPERKICKS back! All four men are down and the fans fire up! Ivy grins as she stares Ava down. Julius crawls, hot tag to the Diamond Pitbull!
Fans fire up and even Ava smiles. The two circle, tie up, and they start throwing forearms! Ivy dodges a lariat, KCIKS and KICKS and ROUNDHOUSES! Fans fire up as Ivy runs, and DROPKICKS! Then she runs, but Ava SCORPION KICKS! Ava scoops but Ivy slips out, DIAMOND DRAGON!! But Jagger gets Ivy! So Ivy gets HIM in the DIAMOND DRAGON!! Fans fire up but the ref says Ivy has to let off, it’s only men against men and women against women! But Ava HEADBUTTS Ivy while wearing her plastic mask!! The ref missed that dealing with Jagger! Cover, Schism wins!
Winners: The Schism, by pinfall
Ava snatches victory away from the jaws of the Diamond Pitbull, the Schism gets a big win here tonight. Will we see their roots soon bear golden fruit?
Stacks visits Tony D’Angelo in prison.
Tony’s in the orange jumpsuit as he sits down to talk with Stacks. How’s he been? Good. But guess what? Knuckles is in here! The guy who- SHH! Oh, right. But yeah, Giorgio the Whale gets Tony his paper, and the guards even pitched in so Tony could have a subscription to The Peacock so he can watch the show the next day. That’s great! It’s almost like being in a hotel. Almost. But did Stacks get any more info on this rat? Stacks says he’s put in some calls. Miss Kim Cashstashian will get them off. Whoa, gotta reword that, Stacks.
But anyhow, Tony isn’t sure how he feels with his life in the hands of Cashstashian. Tony might as well play the lottery. Stacks’ gut says it’s Gallus, they didn’t wanna face Tony & Stacks at Battleground. But they’ve got a lot of enemies. This could be Legado, or, or- Is Stacks hearing himself? He’s on a wild goose chase! You’re going around the world to go next door. Trust your gut! It’s Gallus! Get those guys for all they’re worth! Tony swears on his mother’s eyes- Oh, don’t make a threat on the phone… But okay, listen. What Joe Coffey did last week, forget about it. But 3v1 ain’t cutting it.
Then what’s Stacks to do? Visitation time is almost up, so Tony tells Stacks that he’s the Underboss, he can figure it out. Tony leaves, and it is all in Stacks’ hands now.
Robert Stone & Von Wagner go to therapy.
They’re impatiently waiting in the lobby, and Stone tells Von that he hopes this all works out. They have had quite the week trying to find the right fit. Montage: one guy skips the breathing exercise to get to the anger issue. Von says he has no anger issue. But anger management is nothing to be ashamed of. Learning to control it can actually help him. Von tells this guy to GFY. Stone apologizes and pays in cash. Von says that guy was a jackass! Oh and the other guy? Von had that guy up against a wall! Stone again paid for that in cash. Von is on the verge of a breakthrough, so long as he gives things a chance.
One guy comes out crying. Von sighs. He doesn’t wanna do this now. Oh, c’mon, Von! NO! Didn’t you see that guy crying? Von is not a crier! What do you think Von’s dad would think seeing this? Von is NOT walking through this door. But then the therapist walks out. A very lovely lady therapist… Well, maybe Von can give this a shot. But alone. Von winks before the door closes. Is therapy going to be the solution after all?
Blair Davenport VS Dani Palmer!
Who was the assailant of the NXT Women’s Division? It was BLAIR, Dani! It was Blair all along! And now that she’s back, will she tear through what’s left of the roster to get at the title? Or can Dani avenge Sol Ruca, Nikkita Lyons and everyone else Blair terrorized?
The bell rings and Dani rushes in! They tie up, go around, and Blair puts Dani on ropes. The ref counts, Dani turns nit around but Blair turns it back around. Blair lets off at 4, to SLAP Dani! Dani SLAPS Blair! Blair kicks low, whips her to a corner, but Dani goes up and over and handsprings away. Blair chases, but runs into headscissors! Blair blocks to SLAM Dani down, then BOOT her out of the ring! Blair goes out after Dani, puts her in the ring, then CLOBBERS her! Fans rally for Dani but Blair drags Dani up to whip. Blair KNEES low, gut wrenches and GUTBUSTERS! Then she throws Dani into ropes!
Fans rally for Dani as she sputters, but Blair clamps on with a waistlock. Blair SLAMS Dani, holds onto the waistlock, and squeezes with a rear bearhug. Fans rally as Dani fights up, and she fights free with elbows! Dani switches, rolls up, TWO! Blair kicks Dani low! Fans boo but Blair whips Dani to kitchen sink knee! Blair soaks up the heat, she KNEES Dani in the side, then stalks her around the way. Blair kicks Dani around, KICKS her in the side, but Dani grits her teeth. Dani blocks the next kick, but Blair ROCKS her with a forearm! Dani hits back, kicks low, and UPPERCUTS! And CHOPS! And DOUBLE KNEES! Cover, TWO!
Dani goes to a corner and climbs up. Blair grabs Dani’s hair to TOSS her to the mat! Blair then sits Dani up, has the wrists, KAMI-GOYE! And then, FALCON ARROW! Cover, Blair wins!
Winner: Blair Davenport, by pinfall
Blair satiates her appetite for violence, and says she has just put the entire roster on notice! Will even Tiffany Stratton have to beware the heir?
Dana Brooke arrives?!
Another callback to NXT is here, and she wants in on the battle royal. There’s a lot of buzz in NXT now, so Dana will make her own opportunities when she is the last woman standing! Will the Flex Appeal grab that golden ticket for herself?
Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.
McKenzie Mitchell says the battle royal was Tiffany’s idea, but now Dana Brooke is here and wants in on the match. Tiffany stops McKenzie there. Tiffany would say she’s shocked, but she’s not. Of course Dana wants a shot at Tiffany’s title. Come one, come all. Sometimes the title makes the superstar, but in this case, Tiffany has made this title the most desirable belt in all of the WWE. And every single woman in that battle royal is envious of what Tiffany has. Are you kidding me? NO ONE was happy Tiffany won. But Tiffany has no problem proving she’s in a class of her own. So who does she think wins tonight?
“TBH, Lyra is the only one I can see pulling it off. I mean, she pushed me at Battleground. Like, damn, gurl, you were almost at the Tiffy Top. But it won’t matter, because the result will stay the same on the other side: And still NXT Women’s Champion, Tiffany Stratton! I just love the sound of that. Tootles.”
Baron Corbin VS Trick Williams!
The Lone Wolf is looking down on the new generation of NXT, and Trick Willie isn’t gonna stand for it! Will Trick represent for Trick Melo Gang? Or will Corbin bring about the End of Days for this new “arrogant” era?
The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally up, the two tie up but Corbin knees low. Corbin CLUBS Trick, stalks him to ropes, and puts him in a corner. Corbin throws body shots and CLUBS Trick again, to then whip corner to corner. Trick hits buckles hard, and then Corbin CLOBBERS Trick! Fans boo but Corbin stands Trick up to throw hands. Corbin CHOKES Trick on the ropes, lets off at 4, and argues with the ref. Trick drags himself up, but Corbin shoves him into ropes to CLUB him in the back! Corbin taunts Trick, stomps him, and then swings, but Trick counter punches! Trick fires off fist after fist, but Corbin knees low again!
Corbin CLUBS Trick, but fans taunt “BUM ASS CORBIN!” Corbin puts Trick in a corner, whips him corner to corner, and runs in to SPLASH! Trick sputters but Corbin stands him up. Corbin talks trash on Trick, but Trick ROCKS him with forearms! Fans fire up and Trick runs, but Corbin CLOBBERS Trick again! Corbin looms over Trick and he taunts the fans. Fans boo, Corbin whips Trick corner to corner again, then runs in, but Trick dodges! Trick fires off fast hands! The ref counts, Trick stomps away, but Trick lets off, and dodges Corbin to DROPKICK him! Corbin staggers, into a POP-UP HAYMAKER!
Corbin falls out of the ring and Trick dares him to come back for more as NXT goes picture in picture.
Trick storms out after Corbin, drags him up, and RAMS him into barriers. Trick stalks Corbin around the way, CHOPS him against barriers, and then brings him up. Trick RAMS Corbin into barriers, the fans rally up, and Trick CHOPS Corbin again! Trick refreshes the ring count, puts Corbin back in, but Corbin kicks the ropes! The ropes get Trick low, and Corbin fires off fast hands! The ref counts, Corbin lets off and he has Trick in a corner. Corbin reels Trick in for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Corbin scowls as he looms over Trick. Corbin clamps on a half nelson and chinbar, and he thrashes Trick around.
Trick endures, fans rally up, and Trick fights up to throw body shots. Corbin shoves Trick away, Trick ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Corbin! Cover, TWO! Trick fires off on Corbin at the ropes, drags him up, brings him in and suplexes! Corbin writhes, Trick pushes him down, and Trick rains down forearms! Then Trick covers, TWO! Trick clamps on with a headlock and he grinds Corbin down. Corbin fights up, and hits another BIG back suplex! Fans rally while both men are down, and Corbin crawls over to Trick. Corbin hammers away with elbows! Corbin hears the fans rallying, and he clamps onto Trick with the chinbar half nelson.
Trick endures as Corbin leans on the hold. Trick fights up, but Corbin wrangles him back down! Corbin thrashes Trick as NXT returns to single picture. Fans rally for Trick and Trick fights up again. Trick arm-drags free, runs in and ROCKS Corbin! Corbin flops to the apron, Trick BLASTS him off it! Trick goes out to SMACK Corbin off the desk! Corbin wobbles and flops over, Trick runs in, but Corbin moves! Trick knees only the desk! Corbin has his opening, he punches away on the knee! The ref has the ring count climbing as Corbin pulls on the arm. Corbin lets off, refreshes the count, and he drags Trick up.
Corbin RAMS Trick into the steel steps, making sure those knees hit hard! Trick writhes and clutches the leg while fans boo and gives Corbin thumbs down. Corbin puts Trick in the ring, and he stomps away on the bad leg! Fans chant “CORBIN SUCKS!” but Corbin stands Trick up to whip and SPINEBUSTER! Corbin has the leg for a HALF CRAB! Trick endures, fans rally, and Trick reaches out! Trick gets the ROPEBREAK! Corbin lets go fast, Trick kicks him with the good leg! But Corbin grabs that leg, so Trick EDDY GORDO KICKS! Fans rally, Trick and Corbin rise, and Corbin storms over.
Trick fires body shots and counter punches! Trick has Corbin in a corner and he fires off! Corbin shoves Trick, Trick comes back to DROPKICK! And then wrench and JUMP KNEE! Trick runs to FLYING SHOULDER TACKLE! Fans fire up with Trick and he runs in again, SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Corbin survives but Trick stalks him to ropes. Corbin elbows low, choke grips, and CHOKE- NO, Trick fights out, EDDY GORDO KICK 2! Trick runs, but into DEEP SIX! Cover, TWO!! Trick survives and Corbin is beside himself! Fans rally as Corbin storms up on Trick. “This is Awesome!” as Corbin puts Trick up top.
Corbin climbs up but Trick CLUBS away on him! Trick sends Corbin away, hops off the corner, but Corbin returns. Trick dodges to POST Corbin! Trick fires off big haymakers! Fans fire up and Trick DECKS Corbin! Trick wants more, he waits on Corbin to stand, Trick spins but the leg gives out! Corbin kicks low, reels Trick in, END OF DAYS! Cover, Corbin wins!
Winner: Baron Corbin, by pinfall
Trick fought valiantly, but one miscalculation cost him. Corbin says he’s going back to SmackDown to go qualify for Money in the Bank, then he’ll be back next Tuesday. Will Melo be back to get back at Corbin directly?
NXT presents an all-new Hard Hitting Home Truths.
Nathan Frazer welcomes us back to HHHT. Now we’re nine days removed from Battlegrounds, and the landscape never stops shifting. Tiffany is the new Women’s Champion, Wes Lee is breaking every single record in the book, Ilja Dragunov is not human–though that’s not exactly news–and we have Free Agents popping up left, right and middle. But most importantly, Noam Dar has a new pack o’ friends who helped him hold onto his “precious baby,” the Heritage Cup. They were useful enough to help him retain, but not enough to gain another title, as “a couple of fine, handsome gentlemen” in Nathan and Dragon Lee saw to that.
However, Noam is still Heritage Cup Champion, and while Nathan is not really fond of this new Supernova group, he and everyone else will just have to “deal with it.” Speaking of, here is a special guest who feels the same way about Dar as he does. That’s right, HHHT is going global with their “Senior International Correspondent,” Mr. Dragon Lee. Dragon appears on set and he says mucho gracias, and (in Spanish) for this opportunity to be part of this premier show. Uh, si! Dragon does have in his hand a list of the top five names for Dar’s new super group.
CINCO: Two Awful Chat Show Hosts, Plus Two. QUATRO: The Oro Mensah Experience. TRES: The Jakara Jackson Five! Well, minus one. DOS: The Long Lost Legend of Lash Legend. And numero UNO: Noam’s Rent-a-Friends! Nathan says number one is the best because it is the truest. And after Battleground, Dar is running out of surprises, and needs new challengers. The hard-hitting truth here is that Dar is fragile and he knows it. Nathan beat Dar in a regular match, so here’s a proposal: Dar VS Frazer for the Cup next week! And Dragon will return the favor by being in Nathan’s corner!
Frazer thanks Dragon for that, and so, they will love ya and leave ya. They’ve been Nathan Frazer and Dragon Lee, and Dar… Ball’s in your court. Peace. Will the British Rocket get his shot at the Cup? Or will he not be able to reach the Scottish Supernova?
Backstage interview with Mustafa Ali.
McKenzie is with The Beacon, nothing how he shocked the entire world when he showed up during Bate & Wes VS The Dyad. What brings him here to NXT? He is Free Agent Ali, baby! He can show up wherever he wants! And now, Ali is the one riding the storm. The next chapter Ali will write is titled, “Mustafa Ali Finally Wins Gold.” Then before he faces off against Joe Gacy- Wait, Wes Lee walks in. Wes has to let everyone know how excited he is that Ali is here! And talking about gold, uh, well Wes wants to make sure- Ali stops Wes there. Don’t do that. Don’t hand Ali a chance. Ali wants to earn it, like Wes did!
And that starts with Gacy. Maybe down the road, it will be Ali VS Lee for the title. That is, if Wes is still champ by then. Jokes aside, Wes wishes Ali luck, but will The Beacon shine bright on the white ‘n’ gold brand? Or will The Schism’s roots continue to grow tonight?
Mustafa Ali VS Joe Gacy!
NXT returns as Mr. Inclusion makes his entrance. The bell rings, the two circle, and they tie up. They break, and then tie up again. Ali headlocks, Gacy throws hands but Ali ROCKS Gacy! Ali headlocks, Gacy powers out and then CLOBBERS Ali! Fans rally as Gacy fires off on Ali in the corner. Gacy whips corner to corner, runs in, but Ali goes up and over! Things speed up,. Ali ducks ‘n’ dodges and RANAS! Fans fire up as Gacy flounders. Ali storms up but Gacy dumps him out! Ali skins the cat, shoulders in, and ROCKS Gacy again! Ali slingshots but Gacy SHOVES him down! Fans boo as Ali crashes to the floor!
Gacy goes out after Ali, drags him back into the ring, and then hurries to cover, TWO! Gacy clamps onto Ali with a chinlock but fans rally. Ali fights with body shots, and a CHOP! Ali whips, Gacy reverses and reels Ali in, URENAGE! Cover, TWO! Ali is hanging tough but Gacy clamps on with a chinbar. Fans rally as Ali endures. Ali fights up, throws body shots, but Gacy CLUBS him o the back. Gacy back suplexes, Ali lands on his feet, but Gacy DDTS! Cover, TWO! Ali survives and goes to a corner but Gacy goes to the opposite. Gacy runs in, but Ali slips out and Gacy hits buckles! Ali ROUNDHOUSES, slingshots and BLOCKBUSTERS!
Fans fire up and Ali goes up the corner! Gacy hurries to ROCK Ali first! Gacy goes up after Ali, but Ali fights the superplex! Ali throws headbutts, then SMACKS Gacy off buckles! Ali stands up to SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB! Ali then skins the cat to the top rope, and fans fire up as Ali 450 SPLASHES!! Cover, ALI WINS!
Winner: Mustafa Ali, by pinfall
But then The Dyad attacks! Rip & Jagger won’t let Ali celebrate, they stomp away while Gacy drags Ali down,. But then here come Wes Lee & Tyler Bate! They fire off, SUPERKICK Rip, Bop and BANG for Jagger! Gacy sees he’s surrounded, he turns around into a SUPERKICK from Ali! Fans fire up as the Beacon, the Big Strong Boi & The Cardiac Kid send the Schism running! Will they have to tear down The Schism’s tree before they can talk title matches?
Fallon Henley, Brooks Jensen & Josh Briggs talk backstage.
Tonight, the main event is a battle royal for a shot at the women’s title. Jensen knows Fallon is ready, Fallon says she’s ready, she feels tonight is her night. But wait, Malik Blade & Edris Enofe walk up. They say Briggs & Jensen were “the ones who started all this.” Hank ‘n’ Tank fought each other to get closer, so now Malik wants to fight Edris! Fallon excuses herself to get ready, and the guys talk. Jensen says it really did work for Hank ‘n’ Tank, and Briggs says it really did work for him and Jensen. Did it really? Okay, let’s find out. What is Jensen’s favorite color? Blue. Yeah, right here on the shirt.
Okay, okay, that was an easy one. Edris then asks Jensen when is Briggs’ birthday. Jensen thinks back… March 5th. BINGO! See? They are good! Malik asks Edris if he knows his birthday. But then Hank ‘n’ Tank walk in, they’re talking country songs. Hank’s a Boy Named Sue guy all the way. Right! Johnny Cash is the man! But Tank likes the modern stuff, like Taylor Swift. Bingo! Tank is a big T. Swifty boy. What the what? But Tank says after Fallon wins that battle royal, let’s all go get some brewskis. Now he’s talking their language! But uh, do Malik & Edris want in? They’ll catch up later. Alright! Laters!
Malik asks Edris if he’s thinking what Malik is thinking. Well after this past week, clearly not! But then Gallus walk up. Don’t worry, lads. It doesn’t matter if you’re on the same page or not, because you’d never beat Gallus for the titles. Gallus Boys On Top, no one else has to play stupid games. Malik nods to Edris and Edris gives in. They’re doing this next week, huh? OH YEAH! Malik VS Edris is happening! Edris accepts his fate, and asks his phone when IS Malik’s birthday.
Backstage interview with Noam Dar and his crew.
McKenzie asks the Heritage Cup Champion about Nathan Frazer’s challenge. And also, what is up with his group? Oh, his group? No, this is THEIR group. When you’re the Supernova, you have to be surrounded by stars, and that is what he has here. This is a collection of shooting stars with unlimited potential! Starting with Dar’s main man, Mensah. Oro is underappreciated, undervalued, but no more! Dar is the one who believed in Oro, got him on a premium event, and has Oro flying in a new stratosphere. And that’s just the beginning. We have Action Ms. Jakara Jackson, a world class athlete who competed on the Titan Gams! And now she’s a titan in this game!
Jakara says she’s sugar, spice, and everything that ain’t so nice. Heard that? And last but not least. Lash THEE Legend! She will beat you physically, emotionally, mentally, she is a GOAT in the making! One of one! Does McKenzie not know what’s going on right here? The screen can’t handle all this brightness, they’re shinin’ shinin’. Five trophies, one picture, okay? But then about Nathan’s challenge. Ugh. If he wants a cup match, remember two things: Dar is NEVER losing the Cup; and there is no stopping… The Meta Four. CHECK PLEASE, bye bye!
Eddy Thorpe VS Damon Kemp!
The Alpha Wolf won once before, but it didn’t humble the Golden Gopher one bit. Will this be a clean sweep? Or will Kemp make Eddy feel like trash, and then make him pick it up?
NXT returns and Kemp makes his entrance. The bell rings, the two tie up, and they go around. Kemp puts Thorpe on the ropes, the ref counts, and Kemp lets off with a shove. Thorpe comes back, arm-drags, headlocks and hits the takeover. Kemp keeps his shoulder up and fights up, but Thorpe holds onto the headlock. Kemp lifts, but Thorpe still holds on! Kemp throws body shots, powers out, but Thorpe reverses the whip to SPINNING CROSSBODY! Direct hit, Thorpe drags Kemp around by his legs, but Kemp kicks free. Thorpe runs up to BOOT Kemp to a corner! Thorpe storms up but into a BOOT from Kemp!
Thorpe CHOPS in return! Thorpe whips, Kemp reverses, but Thorpe goes up, only to get caught! ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Cover, TWO! Kemp stomps away on Thorpe, drags him up, but Thorpe CHOPS! Kemp ducks the next chop to RAM low, UPPERCUT, and shove, to then OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Fans rally, Kemp stalks Thorpe, and Kemp drops elbow after elbow! Kemp scrapes his sole off Thorpe’s face, then clamps on with a chinlock. But Thorpe fights with elbows! Kemp still hits an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Kemp talks trash, stomps Thorpe, and then pulls on Thorpe in a chinlock stretch.
Fans rally for “EDDY! EDDY!” but Kemp bends him back! Thorpe fights, but Kemp body scissors to keep Thorpe down. Fans still rally, Thorpe fights up, and Thorpe throws body shots! Thorpe is free, he bobs ‘n’ weaves and throws more shots! Thorpe CHOPS and COHPS and whips, to CLOBBER kemp! And DECK him! Kemp gets up, Thorpe blocks, SOBATS, and PELES! Thorpe runs, to ELBOW DROP! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Kemp survives but Thorpe is on him. Kemp wrenches, Thorpe switches, they run into the ref! Kemp gets a cheap shot in, but Thorpe switches on Kemp to GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, Kemp’s foot is on the ropes, but the ref misses it! Thorpe wins!!
Winner: Eddy Thorpe, by pinfall
Kemp complains, he says Thorpe is winning by cheating again! The ref says the decision is final, but are we going to get a round three out of these two?
Gigi Dolin is on the phone.
She talks with her brother Miles and says this is her chance to finally be NXT Women’s Champion. The Weaponized Steel Cage aside, Gigi isn’t going to let anything stop her. She’ll be fine, he just needs to stay out of trouble, okay? Love you, bye. Kiana James walks over and says that’s the “before” phone call. Can’t wait to hear the “after.” Sorry, she came up short again. But they’re used to it. Oh so that’s how Gigi sounds to Kiana? Kiana tells Gigi not to put unrealistic ideas in her brother’s head, like her winning the battle royal. An outcast, with Gigi’s background and emotional instability, will always fall short.
Gigi would rather have her background, as bad as it was, over being a stuck-up elitist like Kiana. Gigi can’t wait to see the smug look on Kiana’s face as she sends her sailing over the top rope and wins. But then Dabba-Kato walks past and everyone clams up. Will Dabba destroy Scrypts for saving Axiom?
Dabba-Kato VS SCRYPTS!
NXT returns as Reggie- er, Scrypts makes his entrance. A wrestler by any other name still flies as high as him, but will he be able to get up and over the mountain of a main before him?
The bell rings, Scrypts dodges a lariat to mule kick, but Dabba barely budges! Scrypts throws a haymaker, but Dabba barely flinches. Scrypts fires more shots, but Dabba grabs him! Scrypts breaks free, runs, but Dabba CLOBBERS him! Dabba whips Scrypts to a corner, Scrypts goes up to AX HANDLE! Scrypts keeps moving, he kicks and CHOPS and runs, but Dabba BOOTS him inside out! Dabba drags Scrypts up to scoop and SLAM him! And then scoop and SLAM again! And then scoop and SLAM again! Dabba looms over Scrypts, drags him up right into a BEARHUG! Scrypts endures the squeeze, CLUBS Dabba again and again, and gets free!
Dabba wobbles but he gets Scrypts up, to TOSS him out of the ring! Scrypts tumbles to the floor, Dabba goes out after him, and drags him back up to CHOP against the desk! Dabba roars while fans boo, but he hauls Scrypts up again to scoop, but wait! AXIOM is there! Where’d he come from/ Dabba SHOVES Axiom down, puts Scrypts in the ring, and storms up to grab Scrypts with both hands. But Axiom is up top, he leaps, Dabba dodges, and then chases Axiom off. Dabba turns around, into Scrypts’ SLINGSHOT ELBOW! Dabba staggers around, he rushes in but into buckles! Scrypts table tops Dabba to cover, SCRYPTS WINS!!
Winner: SCRYPTS, by pinfall
But Dabba drags Scrypts right up for a TOSS! And he SWATS Axiom out of the sky! Dabba SLAMS Axiom onto Scrypts! Fans boo as Dabba looms over them both. Will nothing stop Dabba from storming his way up to a title?
The Schism regroups backstage.
Gacy is furious! “This phony friendship of Wes and Tyler makes me sick! It’s as pathetic as Ali’s positive mental attitude drivel! Next week, we will expose this union of convenience!” Rip says yes, they will! But don’t forget that tonight, The Schism reminded everyone of their strength. They secured a great win over Diamond Mine. Yes, that they did. They’ve pulled their weight, they’ve shown the world what The Schism can be. Gacy, however, has fallen short. He fell short tonight and lost at Battleground. He must reflect and rectify. Ava says one root cannot stabilize an entire tree, no matter how strong it is. Jagger says next week, they have his back.
Mustafa Ali regroups with Tyler Bate and Wes Lee backstage.
He appreciates them having his back, and Wes says it was them returning the favor. And Bate says next week, in a Six Man Tag, they’ll tear “that rotten Schism tree” out, roots and all. Wes tells Ali that Bate says stuff like that, just roll with it. Well, okay, that’s great, but Ali feels like there’s still some magic between Wes and Bate. At Battleground, it was all about the spirit of competition. And in a Triple Threat, luck is just as important as skill. They love this! They love competition! Everyone wants to see it again, and this time, it can be 1v1! Bate says it has crossed his mind. But he doesn’t want to jeopardize the friendship.
Wes says with Bate coming to him face to face on it now, he respects it. They secret handshake, Bate says that’s Wes’ weird thing you gotta roll with. Well, okay. Ali will be on SmackDown this Friday for an MITB qualifier, next Tuesday is the Six Man Tag. And then the Tuesday after that, we can figure out when Bate and Wes tear the house down. They’re all for it! Is the Summer already heating up for the North American Championship?
NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Battle Royal!
Tiffany Stratton truly became the Center of the Universe when she become champion, but that also means she’s surrounded on all sides by those aiming for her belt. Who wins here to be the one with the golden ticket to Tiffany’s first title defense?
NXT returns and Roxanne Perez makes her entrance to join an already packed ring. And last but not least, Dana Brooke makes her entrance! The Flex Appeal is here as a Free Agent, will she be the wild card that wins it all? The bell rings, and the brawl is on! Cora of course goes after Roxie, but Dana helps Valentina Feroz fight Jakara Jackson! Gigi is after Elektra Lopez, Yulisa Leon has Tatum Paxley, Fallon and Kiana go after each other for old time’s sake. Lash swings someone around and clips opponent after opponent! Jakara and Lash help Cora with Roxie and a few others, Jacy clotheslines someone up and out.
Jacy ducks the counter punch to ROLLING ELBOW and ELIMINATE them! Jacy says this is all about her, but fans boo. Dana throws Jakara out, kicks her off the apron, but Oro catches her! Jakara applauds the assist and he helps her back into the ring. Cora DUMPS and ELIMINATES Ariana Grace! Fans boo as Cora laughs at her, but then she and Jacy mug some other superstars. Jacy is after Jakara, Kiana is after Gigi for their little backstage argument, and Thea fights off Tatum. Gigi runs at Kiana, Kiana puts her out but Gigi KNEES back! Gigi drags Kiana up and over to join her! They brawl on the apron!
Fans fire up as Gigi UPPERCUTS Kiana down! But then Kiana kicks Gigi’s legs out! Gigi tumbles and hits the steel steps, then the floor! Kiana ELIMINATES Gigi! Kiana tells Gigi to go call her little brother. Jacy stomps Tatum, Lash fires off hands on Kelani Jordan but Kelani dodges, comes back, only to be clotheslined out to the apron! But Kelani dodges, swings around the corner post, but Jakara trips her up! Kelani falls, Jakara ELIMINATES her! Fallon ROCKS Lash, CHOPS Jakara, and Roxie helps out! Fallon puts Jakara out, fires hands, but Jakara HOTSHOTS! Oro says good work, but Fallon BOOTS Jakara!
Oro catches Jakara again, but then Thea hurries over! Thea SPRINGBOARD TRUST FALLS Oro and Jakara down! Thea ELIMINATES Jakara, but she is safe cuz she went under the top rope! Lash slides out to go after Thea, but ends up in a KIMURA! Lash scoops Thea, and SNAKE EYES her off the steel steps! The ref reprimands but there’s no disqualifications in such a match. Lash leaves Thea behind, only for Feroz & Leon to go after her! She BOOTS them away, but Leon gives Feroz the boost to RANA Lash out! Lash stays on the apron, fires back, but Leon ELBOWS Lashl! Leon goes up and out to go after Lash!
Las Latinas trip and DOUBLE BOOT Lash to ELIMINATE her! They celebrate, but then Lash & Jakara YANK them both off the apron to ELIMINATE them!! And now they brawl! Oro shouts for help, but the battle rages on in and outside the ring as NXT goes picture in picture.
Dana brawls with Cora, Dana BOOTS Cora, and Roxie stomps Jacy. Tatum brawls with Fallon, Elektra has Lyra in a corner. Cora fights off Dana and Kiana while Elektra digs a boto in on Lyra. Roxie throws Jacy up and out but Jacy holds on to fight her off. Lyra scoops Elektra?! What strength! But Elektra lands safe on the apron and tries to drag Lyra up and over with her! Lyra resists, throws elbows, and Elektra wobbles! Lyra WRECKS Elektra with a dropkick and ELIMINATES her! Tatum SLAPS Dana but Dana fires off forearms on her! Cora and Jacy mug Lyra, Kiana keeps on Roxie, and Fallon tires to help Dana.
Tatum fights them off, Dana DECKS Fallon, and then Tatum ROCKS Dana! Tatum bumps Dana off buckles, stomps away, and Cora stomps away on Lyra. Fallon bumps Jacy off buckles, stomps away, and Roxie holds onto ropes as Kiana tries to dump her out. Tatum and Dana brawl more, Dana kicks Tatum down, and NXT returns to single picture. Blair Davenport appears? She wasn’t officially in this match, is she going to insert herself into it? Roxie UPPERCUTS Kiana in a corner, she dodges Jacy to send her into Kiana, then UPPERCUTS them both! Roxie snarls, but Cora grabs her former friend, only for Roxie to turn it around! RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP!
Blair taunts Roxie, who was one of her targets, so Roxie goes out after her! THESZ PRESS and fast hands! Blair shoves Roxie away, whips, but Roxie reverses to send Blair into the apron! BACKHAND, and POP- NO, Tatum saves Blair to CROSSBODY Roxie! Tatum ELIMINATES herself, but she and Blair stomp away on Roxie! They throw Roxie back in, and Jacy slithers up behind. Jacy dumps Roxie up and out to ELIMINATE her!! Jacy says Roxie is a loser, but Lyra stalks up behind her! ENZIGURI! Lyra fires off kicks on Cora, dodges Dana, and goes up to MISSILE DROPKICK! Fans fire up as Fallon runs in, but Lyra blocks to HEEL KICK!
Lyra drags Fallon up, scoops her and puts her on the ropes, but Fallon is safe on the apron. Lyra DECKS Fallon, but Jacy TOSSES Lyra! Lyra skins the cat, headscissors Jacy and throws her out to ELIMINATE her! Fans fire up, but then Cora DROPKCIKS Lyra down to ELIMINATE her! Fans boo as Cora laughs at Lyra and blows a kiss. Now we just have Fallon, Cora, Dana and Kiana. Fallon DECKS Cora, DECKS Kiana, ROCKS Dana, then ELBOWS Kiana, and THROWS Dana! Cora returns but Fallon CHOPS her! Fallon runs up the corner, steadies herself, BLOCKBUSTER for Cora! But Kiana RAMS Fallon into a corner!
Kiana reels Fallon in but Fallon doges to ROCK Kiana! Fallon goes up but Kiana shoves her over! Fallon stays on the apron, gets under Kiana, and BACK DROPS her out of the ring! Fallon ELIMINATES Kiana! Dana rushes in, Fallon slides under, sunset flip but Dana rolls through, so Fallon DECKS her! Cora runs in but Fallon dodges to ROCK her! Cora ROCKS back! Dana DOUBLE LARIATS them both! Fans are torn, but Dana runs in at Fallon to handspring back elbow! Dana handspring back elbows Cora! Dana goes back to Fallon, but Fallon headscissors! Dana shoves Fallon away to ELIMINATE her!
Cora goes after Dana! Dana shoulders in, but Cora DROPKCIKS Dana! Dana clutches onto ropes but Cora stomps away! Dana gets back in, both women run, and DOUBLE LARIATS take them down! But wait! Chase U’s student section remembers, Thea is STILL in this match! Thea rises and she has her chance! Thea shakes the ropes, runs in and Cora says she and Dana should work together. Dana says no no, she and Thea will work together! They kick Cora, double whip, and lift her up! Cora fights free, kicks Dana away but Thea dodges! Thea runs, Cora ducks and Thea CLOBBERS Dana! Cora attacks and TOSSES Thea!
Thea holds onto the ropes, Dana storms up to DECK Cora! Thea GAMANGIRIS Cora, gets in, but Dana kicks her. Dana runs, ROLLING NECKBREAKER! Cora returns to SHINING WIZARD Dana in a corner! And then runs to SHINING WIZARD at the ropes! And then SHINING- NO, Dana blocks, Thea dumps them BOTH!! Thea wins!!
Winner: Thea Hail (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT Women’s Champion)
The Chase U student section storms the court! Er, ring! They celebrate as one of their own has herself a title shot! Even Duke, Gulak & Dempsey applaud. Even Haley & Hanna Cavinder, NXT’s newest NIL prospects, are here to celebrate with Thea! Will Chase U finally have some gold thanks to their ultimate underdog?
NXT Media catches Bron Breakker as he is leaving the building.
NXT Media asks him why he attacked Ilja Dragunov. Why? He isn’t gonna let Ilja spit out garbage about being the most intense guy in the WWE. Bron is gonna hold everyone accountable, from top to bottom. And speaking of the top, how about the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion, Seth Freakin’ Rollins? The workhorse of the WWE? How about he proves it. Rollins knows how things are done in NXT cuz he was the first-ever NXT Champion! And Bron was the most DOMINANT NXT Champion ever! So Rollins should come back to NXT to put the World Heavyweight Championship on the line… against Bron? Will the Visionary accept that challenge?
My Thoughts:
A great episode for NXT here and we’re in some exciting times right now. Corbin isn’t usually must-see but he did show up last week so we gotta know what that’s about. He of course goes with the usual trope of “this generation doesn’t appreciate anything, they don’t understand,” which oddly was very much where they had JBL going with all his promos when he was Corbin’s manager. But I like that Dragunov got in Corbin’s face, and that Trick Williams took the fight to Corbin. I think tonight was the first time I heard a “This is Awesome!” chant during a Corbin match, but he and Trick were great out there. Corbin of course wins, he needs momentum going towards Melo and the title.
Bron attacking Dragunov was quite the surprise, but it seems the next chapter for him is to double down on the aggression and go after everyone who claims to be better at the things he claims to be. Calling out Rollins was an even bigger surprise, but I would love seeing Rollins having a return to NXT, as I know the live audience there would love seeing it. Could these “callbacks” and callouts be how NXT brute forces its way to being the third brand once and for all?
That question aside, great stuff building with The Schism and the North American Championship. Really good Mixed Six, and I loved that string of human weapon moves from Diamond Mine, especially Ivy suplexes Brutus. But of course The Schism cheats a win in that one. Ali VS Gacy was surprisingly short, but I suppose it builds towards story on both ends. Gacy feels like he’s letting the team down but they’re still standing with him, and Ali seems to be literally match making. The Six Man of Ali, Bate & Wes VS Schism is going to be great, and I bet we get Bate VS Wes on TV since Great American Bash is so far away still.
We got good matches out of Thorpe VS Kemp and Dabba-Kato VS SCRYPTS. A little surprised Thorpe won again with some controversy, I would’ve thought they’d go the other way and have Kemp win by controversy. And in Dabba VS Scrypts, I should’ve figured Axiom would show up. Scrypts gets the win but Dabba has the last laugh, so I sense a handicap match in the future. WWE has done 2 Faces VS 1 Heel before, but it never felt like it was a situation where the Heel was really so much more powerful. In this case, it will work because Dabba is as big as Scrypts and Axiom combined.
Good prison visitation promo, especially that Kardashian joke. Stacks keeps saying it’s Gallus but that just means it isn’t Gallus. But Tony is giving him permission to do what he needs to in order to bring Gallus down, I wonder if Stacks recruits people to the D’Angelo Family for a Six Man Tag. Also, good stuff out of the tag division with everyone doing the mind meld and irritating Malik. Malik VS Edris will be a fun match, who knows how that goes. I feel like NXT could even be building things to a massive NXT Tag Team Championship match for Great American Bash, like the Ladder Fatal 4 Ways of old.
Hard Hitting Home Truths was alright, but those names Dragon Lee came up with for Dar’s group felt more like something HBK and Road Dogg would come up with. But Dar and his group had a good promo in return, and their name, “The Meta Four” is much better than those five names. Frazer VS Dar is going to be great stuff, but with just Dragon Lee, I don’t see Frazer having a chance with Oro, Jakara and Lash all out there. But in tonight’s main event, it looks like they could’ve been building some women’s tag feuds. Lash & Jakara went after Yulisa & Valentina, that could be some good stuff, and we could see Yulisa & Valentina side with Dragon & Frazer as their own quartet.
And speaking of that battle royal, good promo from Gigi and Kiana beforehand, and same for Thea’s promo earlier on. Gigi and Kiana feuding seems to be the next move, helping Gigi build up momentum while Tiffany takes care of her first defense. Roxie brawling with Blair made sense, but I did not see Tatum joining Team Blair. Maybe Dani helps Roxie against them since she was also a target, and also lost to Blair tonight. Great moving of pieces to have Thea out of commission until the end and then finish it up with a big win over Dana and Cora. Thea got that like, Lex Luger beat Yokozuna celebration, where even future superstars, Haley & Hanna Cavinder, got to show up for it.
Now, Thea and Tiffany are going to have an awesome build to their match, they’re going to have an awesome match, but with this being Tiff’s first defense and there being the bigger Chase U story, I don’t see Thea winning. If only NXT had a women’s midcard title, Thea and a few other names could be fighting for that. Just not sure what to name it, as the WWE already uses the phrases Intercontinental, United States and North American, and they wouldn’t want to copy AEW’s International Championship. WWE hasn’t had a Television Championship in 20 years, so giving that concept to the women’s division would be pretty cool.
My Score: 8.8/10
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