Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (1/4/22)
Happy New Year’s Evil!
What a wicked way to start the New Year!
2022 is here, so it’s time to get New Year’s EVIL! But will we see a NEW NXT Champion as Bron Breakker gets a second chance against Tommaso Ciampa?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- NXT Cruiserweight & North American Championship Unification: Roderick Strong w/ Malcolm Bivens VS Carmelo Hayes w/ Trick Williams; Hayes wins and is the Undisputed North American Champion.
- Six Man Tag: Matt Riddle & MSK VS Imperium; Riddle & MSK win.
- NXT Women’s Championship Triple Threat: Mandy Rose VS Raquel Gonzalez VS Cora Jade; Mandy wins and retains the title.
- NXT Championship: Tommaso Ciampa VS Bron Breakker; Bron wins and becomes the new NXT Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
NXT Cruiserweight & North American Championship Unification: Roderick Strong w/ Diamond Mine VS Carmelo Hayes w/ Trick Williams!
The Savior of the Backbreaker represents Diamond Mine, while the Breakout Superstar of 2021 simply represents. Will Strong break Melo under the pressure of this huge spotlight? Or will Melo shoot and score to become an even greater North American Champion?
Melo has a shirt that already says “Roderick Strong, 9/21/21 – 1/4/21,” declaring the reign is ending tonight. The introductions are made, both belts are raised, but only one walks away with THE belt to start the New Year!
Melo and Strong tie right up and go around. They end up on the ropes, in a corner, back to ropes and then across the way. The ref reprimands as they keep moving around, and Melo lets off first. Melo says that’s one, but Strong shrugs that off. The two of them tie up again, Melo gets an arm and wrenches while fans rally and duel. Strong reverses things around to a wristlock, but Melo rolls, kips up, and arm-drags Strong away! Melo dropkicks Strong down, and the two have a standoff! Strong keeps himself back and the two reset again. They circle, Strong swipes at Trick, then ties up with Melo. Melo headlocks and grinds to hit a takeover.
Strong headscissors, Melo kips out but roles reverse. Melo headscissors, Strong kips out, they trade arm-drags, Melo sweeps to a cover. ONE, Strong sweeps to a cover, ONE! Melo hits an Eddy Gordo Kick to take Strong down! Melo says that’s a three. Strong goes to a corner, Melo runs in to CHOP him! Strong swings but Melo dodges, and again! And again! Melo headlocks, Strong endures and fans rally. Strong powers up, throws body shots and powers out, but Melo slides and comes back, into a CHOP! Strong drags Melo up, CHOPS him again, and again, and again, but Melo bails out! Trick shields Melo but Strong almost chops him! Trick runs away, Strong CHOPS Melo!
Strong follows Melo, Melo knees low and puts Strong in the ring. Melo slides in but Strong drops an elbow! Strong rains down forearms, then whips Melo, only for Melo to slide off his back. Strong elbows Melo, runs, but Melo puts him in ropes! ENZIGURI, then an IMPLODING LEG DROP! Fans fire up while Bivens shouts at Strong to get up. Melo drags Strong back up, ROCKS him with a forearm, then runs to springboard, into a half nelson! But Melo slips out, only for Strong to elbow him! Strong and Melo counter hip toss back and forth, Melo has Strong on the apron for a SLINGSHOT DDT! Trick is all fired up and fans are losing their minds!
Melo puts Strong back in, goes to a corner and climbs, to leap but miss! Strong runs in to SHOTGUN BOOT! Cover, TWO!! Melo survives and Trick is relieved! The fans are thunderous as NXT goes picture in picture!
Melo and Strong are still down, but Strong drags himself away. Strong gets to his feet, goes back for Melo and brings him up into a corner. Strong throws body shots, CHOPS, and then CHOPS again! Melo drops to his knees while his chest is stinging, but Strong drags him up again. Melo CHOPS back so Strong CHOPS him again! Melo leans on ropes, Strong chokes him against the ropes! Strong stomps away on Melo, has him back in the corner, and drags Melo up to throw more forearms! Strong kicks at Melo, brings him back up and brings him around to snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Strong keeps on Melo with a grounded stretch.
Strong throws elbows, pulls on Melo’s arm, but Melo endures. Strong shifts to cobra clutch, but Melo fights up to JAWBREAKER free! Strong staggers, Melo springboards, FLYING CLOTHESLINE! Cover, TWO! Strong is still in this but Melo keeps on him with a chinlock. Strong grabs at Melo, Melo gets that arm for a top wristlock. Strong endures, fights up, Melo wrangles him down and leans on the hold. Strong kicks around, NXT returns to single picture and fans are dueling again. Melo keeps on the hold but Strong fights up. Melo knees low, Strong throws body shots, and the two are brawling! Melo whips, Strong LARIATS!
Strong gets up, drags Melo up and scoops for a BACKBREAKER! Strong drags Melo back up, for another BACKBREAKER! Strong drags Melo up a third time, for a third BACKBREAKER! Fans fire up as Strong fires up, and he drags Melo up to throw uppercuts. Strong then reels Melo in but Melo slips out of the slam to run and tilt-o-whirl FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Strong is still in this, but Melo has the CROSSFACE! Almost a shoutout to Johnny Gargano here, but Strong powers out to get the legs! Melo blocks the catapult to get the legs back! BOSTON CRAB! Strong endures, powers Melo away, and then trips him for the STRONG HOLD!
Melo endures, fans rally and duel, and Melo powers his way through to get a leg free! Melo BOOTS Strong away, then gets up, into an URENAGE BACKBREAKER! Melo writhes, Strong covers, TWO!! Melo survives again and Strong is beside himself! Bivens glares at the ref and Hachiman argues the count, as do many of the fans. Strong drags Melo up to SLAP, but Melo SLAPS back! It is a SLAP fight! Strong gest the edge, CLUBS Melo, then ROCKS him with elbow after elbow! Strong runs side to side to give Melo forearm after forearm! OLYMPIC SLAM! Cover, TWO!!The fans are thunderous again as Melo finds a way to survive!
Strong drags Melo up, puts him in a corner, “This is Awesome!” as Melo resists being put up top. Melo CLUBS Strong, shoves him away, then goes up and over for a sunset flip! Strong slips out but Melo gets him for a suplex CUTTER! Cover, TWO! Melo and Trick are both shocked, but Bivens is rabid as he shouts to Strong. Strong gets Melo for a cradle, TWO! Strong is up to ROCK Melo with a right! Suplex but Melo slips right out to SUPERKICK! Melo hurries for a corner and goes up, but Strong GAMANGIRIS Melo first! Melo wobbles up top, Strong goes up after him! Strong CLUBS away on Melo, gets him up, SUPER X-PLEX!?! Melo manages a cover, TWO!!!
No one can believe what they’ve just seen! Melo drags himself to a corner, he goes back up top, and Strong stands for the FLYING FAMOUSER!! Cover, Melo wins!!
Winner: Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall (Undisputed North American Champion)
Bivens is stunned! His champion is no longer champion, and Carmelo Hayes is THE champion! But then, what is next for Carmelo Hayes in NXT?
Tommaso Ciampa is preparing backstage.
“Well isn’t this Phenomenal.” AJ Styles walks in and wishes Ciampa luck in his big match tonight. And Styles looks dressed for business tonight, too. Waller. Yes, sir. Now defend that title. Of course. Ciampa is ready, Styles is ready, but which of these old veterans starts off 2022 on the right foot?
The Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic is coming back!
History will be made again as both the men’s and women’s tag divisions look to win it all and go for the tag titles. The men kick things off in two weeks, with the women’s tournament starting in February!
AJ Styles is here!
The Phenomenal One is on NXT, looking to get at the 21st Century Success Story’s disrespectful self! Styles gets a mic while the fans chant his name. “I never get tired of hearing that. I’ve done a lot in my career, and that never gets old. I will always enjoy that. Thank you for that.” Styles has won a lot of championships, too, but those who followed him this long already know that. He thanks the amazing fans, but he’d be lying if he didn’t say he had some regrets. When Styles first got to the WWE, he wasn’t in NXT. He knows he sounds crazy for saying that, but his debut was at the Royal Rumble. He was on Raw and SmackDown, and within months, he was at WrestleMania. But there’s something special about NXT.
And the fans are showing him what. It’s that passion! The passion the fans have for the superstars here, and the passion that the superstars have for the fans. Styles doesn’t care if it is 1.0 or 2.0, passion makes NXT go ’round. And Styles will be damned if someone takes that passion away from the fans. So if you haven’t figured it out, he’s talking about Grayson Waller. Fans immediately boo. Styles says there will always be one who thinks they’re bigger and better than the place they should respect, and that right now is Grayson Waller. And speaking of, here comes Waller!
Waller says, “Mate, credit where it’s due. You really tug at the heartstrings, laid it on thick tonight.” He sees fans are emotional, one guy is crying, it’s all beautiful. A phenomenal deflection. Put the heat on Waller so people forget Styles lost to Omos. Actually, he got crushed! So this whole, “I really wish I started in NXT,” Waller ain’t buying it. Waller is pretty sure what Styles will say next: Grayson’s green, he doesn’t belong, didn’t pay his dues. None of that is real. Waller is a student of the game. He knows why Styles lost. No one else saw it that way but Waller did.
Even this one guy here, who’s probably watched WWE his whole life, didn’t see it. He hasn’t been in the ring, or a gym, or in the sun, in a long time, but Waller knows. Styles lost last night because the whole time, he was thinking about Waller! Waller is living in Styles’ mind rent free! Waller wishes he was at Raw just to see it, but he didn’t want to give Styles an excuse to blame him for the loss. Styles wants everyone to hold on a second. Waller is right. Styles is hurt and beat up, not at 100%. So then, Waller, take advantage of the situation. Styles has never had a match here at NXT. He’s got his gear on, so just get a ref and they can do this here and now!
Waller tells fans not to cheer here. They’re not on Phenomenal Time, they’re on Waller Time! You see this? Why not grow a sack, Waller, and do something?! Fans chant, “Grow a Sack!” and Waller throws off his shirt! Waller gets in, though he’s in white jeans, but Waller says no. This is a money fight, they need the spotlight. They can do this in the main event of next week’s NXT. Then Waller can get the biggest win of his career! Oh, the biggest win of his career? No, it’ll be the biggest embarrassment. Waller backs off, but the sucker punch is coming! Styles dodges to DECK Waller! Waller bails out, Styles puts him back in, but Waller stomps away!
Fans boo as Waller drags Styles up, JABS him, then swings! But Styles dodges again to PELE! Fans fire up with Styles, he runs in but Waller puts him out! Styles ROCKS Waller, springboards, but Waller gets away before the forearm flies in! Waller is running, but he only has seven days left! Will that main event Waller wants so bad be phenomenal for Styles?
Pete Dunne looks at his busted hand.
“So let me get this straight. I treat ya like anybody else and break your fingers, and you think that’s me trying to get one up on ya?” Dunne tells Tony D’Angelo that breaking his hand is the best? Well done, Tony, you poked the bear. Bet you’re real proud. But he thinks this is where it ends? That Tony can walk away? “Nah, mate, this is just the beginning.” And now it won’t be four, it’ll just be 1v1. Too late to back out, because Dunne will rip Tony’s arm out the socket and stomp that stupid mouth shut! If Tony’s as bad as he thinks he is, then face Dunne and finish what you started. And bring that crowbar, because you’re gonna need it!
Amari Miller checks in with Kacy Catanzaro & Kayden Carter.
They’re all getting a workout in, and Amari asks them how that country music concert date went. Oh, they had a blast. Briggs & Brooks got them to put their boots on and do a Texas two step. Literally, though, not some metaphor. They’re now gearing up to become NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions! But then Persia Pirotta & Indi Hartwell walk over. The funny thing about New Year’s Resolutions is that they always fall short. These two are the next NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions, okay? Oh, well then you’re looking at three women who wanna kick y’all in the face. Big talk from a small girl. You’re on!
Wait, what? Persia, what’s with all the handicap matches? Well, Indi’s always so focused on Dexter Lumis, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have a partner. What about that new girl? Tiffany Stratton? She says thanks but no thanks. “Daddy, these girls are so ew!” Tiffany bails, but then they see that snoozing pajama girl waking up. Hey, how about her? KC Squared & Amari head out, and Indi asks who that even is. “I’m Wendy Choo. And why’re you looking at me like I’m a ham sandwich?” What? Who? Choo? Sandwich? Will this random partnership be a complete mess next week? Or is there more to Wendy than meets the eye?
Six Man Tag: Matt Riddle & MSK VS Imperium!
The Bro turned out to be the Shaman, and he helped give Wes Lee & Nash Carter the confidence to call out the NXT Tag Team Champions. But now, the Ring General is here to lead his men into battle! Will the #MustSeeBros be able to take the fight to Walter, Marcel Barthel & Fabian Aichner? Or will the mat once again be sacred?
NXT returns and MSK lead the way, followed by the Shaman Stallion! The trios sort out and Barthel starts against Carter. They circle, tie up, and Barthel arm-drags then floats to a hammerlock. Barthel scuffs Carter with a boot, Carter reaches back to headlock, but Barthel headstands out of it to keep the hammerlock! Barthel gets the other arm and pulls it back. Barthel digs knuckles into ribs, then brings Carter up in a chinlock. Carter snapmares free but Barthel kips up to get a facelock! Barthel wrenches an arm, Carter rolls, kips up and flips through to arm-drag! Carter goes Matrix, runs, trips Barthel up then basement dropkicks!
Carter kips up again and fans fire up! Barthel headlocks, Aichner tags in as Carter powers out, and Aichner hits an arm-drag! Aichner wrenches the wristlock, hammerlocks, then RAMS Carter into buckles! Aichner CHPOS, Carter SLAPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Carter whips, Aichner reverses and he blocks a boot! Carter avoids the clothesline but Aichner blocks the crucifix takedown! Aichner throws Carter away then pops Carter up, but Carter turns that into a RANA! Hot tag to Lee! Lee gets in, fires off hands, dodges Aichner’s clothesline and rolls back to headscissor! Lee kips up, fans fire up and Lee runs in, but Aichner dodges!
Lee QUEBRADAS, Aichner catches him but Lee slips off! Lee mule kicks but Aichner reverses the whip. Aichner blocks Lee’s boot and reels Lee in to CLOBBER him! Fans rally and duel, Aichner looms over Lee. Aichner brings Lee over to the corner but Lee wrenches! Lee breaks free, Aichner blocks a boot to flip Lee, but Lee dodges and slides to the corner! Tag to Riddle! Fans fire up and Riddle stares Aichner down! But Walter tags in! The Bro and the Ring General meet, and Riddle fires off fast hands! Riddle KICKS and KICKS but Walter CHOPS Riddle down! Walter drags Riddle up, CLUBS Riddle down, then tags Aichner back in.
Walter stomps Riddle, Aichner drags Riddle up to scoop and SLAM then drop an elbow! Cover, TWO! Aichner clamps a chinlock on Riddle, Riddle fights up to throw body shots, but Aichner KICKS him down! Aichner back suplexes, Riddle lands on his feet! Tag to Lee then to Carter! MSK fires off on Aichner with kicks, ENZIGURI and DOUBLE STMOPS! Barthel rushes in but MSK send him to a corner, RAIL GUN DROPKICK! Walter tags in, and he CLOBBERS Lee, DECKS Riddle, tanks Carter’s kick and CHOPS him off his feet! Walter runs into Lee’s BOOT, and Lee goes up to Leap! But Walter catches him to RAM him into the corner, and CHOP him on the top rope!
Walter keeps Lee from falling out, and Barthel gets in, Imperium meet at the corner with double dropkicks! Now Lee falls to the floor and the fans are thunderous again as Imperium strike their poses and NXT goes picture in picture.
The ref restores a bit of order, Walter waits, and Carter gets in the ring. Walter stomps Carter, drags him around and has a motorcycle stretch. Carter endures as Walter stands on his shoulder blades. Carter fights up, but Walter KNEES him low! Walter drags Carter over, stomps the leg, then tags in Aichner. Aichner drags Carter to drop an elbow on the leg and trap it in a toehold. Carter grinds his forearm on Aichner’s face but Aichner drops knees on the knee! Aichner pulls on the leg, turns Carter over, and drops down for an STF! Carter endures, crawls and gets the ROPEBREAK! Aichner lets go to stomp Carter down.
Aichner CLUBS Carter, tags Barthel, and Barthel whips Carter to a corner for a EuroUpper and GAMANGIRI! Then a BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! Barthel goes up top, FLYING EUROUPPER! Cover, TWO! Barthel clamps on a cobra clutch and he leans on Carter. Carter endures, fights his way up and JAWBREAKERS free! Barthel catches Carter first to whip him away from the corner and EuroUpper again! Barthel whips, Carter reverses and ROUNDHOUSES! Barthel waistlocks, Carter gets around and SUPERKICKS Aichner! Dropkick to Barthel! Both men are down and fans are thunderous again! Barthel and Carter crawl, hot tag to Walter!
Walter stomps Carter down then stares at Riddle. Walter stomps Carter more, eggs him on, and Carter CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Walter knees low, reels Carter in, but Carter dodges! Only for Barthel & Aichner to trip Riddle and Lee! Walter runs in to BOOT Carter down, then SEATED SENTON! Cover, TWO!! Carter survives but Walter keeps egging him on. “This is Awesome!” as Walter gets Carter up, only for Carter to RANA free! Hot tag to Riddle! Riddle fires off strikes and KICKS on Walter! Walter shoves, Riddle comes back to spin and PELE! Riddle kips up, runs in and forearm smashes! Forearm smashes for Barthel and Aichner, another for Walter!
Walter fights the Brosploder, but Riddle powers up to still BROSPLODER! Then a PENALTY KICK! But Walter avoids the moonsault, only for the BROTON to hit! Riddle DECKS Barthel, KICKS Aichner, and he has them both in ropes! Riddle wants to shout out Randy Orton but Walter gets a SLEEPER HOLD! Riddle pries free, but Walter walistlocks! GERMAN SUPLEX, but Riddle lands on his feet! FINAL FLASH! Walter flounders out of the ring, MSK get in to DOUBLE SUPERKICK Aichner & Barthel! Riddle goes up and out to PENALTY KICK Walter! MSK build speed, Riddle springboards, DOUBLE TOPE FLOATING BRO!! Fans lose their minds for that triple awesomeness!
Riddle puts Walter in, GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Fans are loving this, they rally and duel, “WAL~TER!” “BRO!” Riddle is up, he hears voices in his head like The Viper! But then Imperium clobber MSK! Carter is sent into steps, Lee is sent over the desk! Riddle sees that and is distracted long enough for Walter to SHOTGUN DROPKICK him down! Walter drags Riddle up, to WALTER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!?! Riddle survives and Walter is furious! Walter tags Barthel in and Barthel drags Riddle up. Aichner tags in, they set Riddle up, GAMANGIRI, ROCKET LAUNCHER BRAINBUSTER! Cover, Carter breaks it!
Barthel goes after Carter, throwing him out by his dreadlocks. Walter shouts orders, Imperium get Riddle back up. Walter goes to one corner, Barthel tags in and climbs up the main corner. Aichner brings Riddle up but Riddle back drops free! FINAL FLASH for Barthel! GERMAN SUPLEX for Walter! Hot tag to Carter! Lee tags in, Carter hoists Aichner up! Riddle tags back in, MUST SEE BLOCKBUSTER! FLOATING BRO!! Barthel runs in, into an RKO!! Cover, Riddle & MSK win!!
Winners: Matt Riddle & MSK, by pinfall
Broooo! The Stallion did Orton proud, and he also helped Lee & Carter get back up! Will MSK do their Shaman proud and take those NXT Tag Team Championships from Imperium?
Backstage interview with Joe Gacy & Harland.
McKenzie asks about things that happened with Andre Chase and one of his students. Does Harland wish to explain himself? Gacy says it is okay. Harland has been working through things, coming to grips with how people have treated him in the past. Harland has made great strides and has shown more restraint than he ever has before. They’ve discussed it, and if they were to compete for the Dusty Cup, it’d bring Harland peace, joy and happiness. They are a brand new tag team, so they don’t want to be automatically put in the field. They don’t want a handout, or the “privilege” other tag teams receive. They will prove to the committee they are a viable tag team. “Thank you for your time.” Their goal is clear, but will Gacy and Harland look to enter the cup and redefine what it stands for?
Mandy Rose arrives by helicopter.
“This is how the champ arrives in style. New Year’s Evil, baby.” Mandy blows us a kiss, but will she be kissing the belt good-bye in tonight’s Triple Threat?
Backstage interview with Elektra Lopez.
McKenzie gets right to it: What is going on with her and Xyon Quinn? Oh everyone wants to know~? Well, keep on wondering. But she will say this: she joined Legado del Fantasma because Santos Escobar knew she was a difference maker. Family comes first, but sometimes when someone catches your eye, it makes you look at things differently. She is attracted to success. She makes no apology to anyone, even her own family. But people are still wanting an answer. Next week, we will get that answer when Santos takes on Quinn, and the winner of that match leaves with Lopez. Things are heating up, who takes the heart and loyalty of Elektra?
NXT Women’s Championship Triple Threat: Mandy Rose VS Raquel Gonzalez VS Cora Jade!
Toxic Attraction’s leader may have had a bit of help getting this title off Big Mami Cool, but she might be overestimating herself thinking she can just use her opponents against each other. Will Ricky Desperado become a rare two-time NXT Women’s Champion? Or will #GenerationJade truly be established to start off the New Year?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if the “Beast Behind the Beauty” is unleashed, or just unburdened of a belt!
Raquel BOOTS Cora down then fires off on Mandy! Raquel whips Mandy to a corner, Mandy bounces off buckles, then Raquel whips her into another corner! Mandy flops down, Cora gets up but Raquel scoops her and HOTSHOTS her on the ropes! Mandy CLUBS Raquel, throws a knee, then hits another KNEE! Raquel flops out of the ring, Mandy ROCKS Cora! Mandy whips, Cora goes up and headscissors Mandy down! Raquel returns to push Cora to a corner and whip her corner to corner. Cora goes up but gets caught, tilt-o-whirl into a scoop, but Cora slips off to roll Raquel up! ONE, but Raquel runs in and is dumped right out!
Cora builds speed as fans rally, but Mandy trips her up! Mandy drags Cora out and RAMS her into the apron! And then again! Mandy CLUBS Cora, ROCKS her, but Raquel comes in to BOOT Mandy! Cora goes up to CANNONBALL onto Raquel! Fans fire up with Cora as the young spitfire is standing all! But then Mandy YANKS Cora into steel steps! Mandy gloats as she stands tall, and she puts Cora in the ring. Cover, but Raquel drags Cora out. Mandy wrecks Raquel with a dropkick then throws Cora back in. Fans are dueling, Mandy covers, but again Raquel drags Cora out. Mandy goes back out to ROCK Raquel and RAM her into steps!
Mandy goes back to Cora, drags her up, but Cora makes it a cradle! Cover, Raquel breaks it herself! Raquel puts Cora up top, throws forearms on her, but Mandy kicks Raquel. Raquel knees Mandy, fireman’s carries, and then RAMS her into Cora! Raquel adds Cora to the stack! Fans are thunderous for the DOUBLE SAMOAN DROP! Raquel is all fired up as she hurries, but both women bail out as NXT goes picture in picture!
Raquel seethes, having missed her window on a cover. Mandy and Cora crawl on the outside. Mandy looks under the ring, Raquel grabs at her, and Mandy SMACKS Raquel with a kendo stick! Mandy then JAMS Raquel, SMAKCS her on the side of the leg, then stalks her. Mandy CHOKES Raquel with the kendo stick in Raquel’s jaw! Raquel powers out and Mandy is panicking! Raquel SMACKS Mandy in the leg now! And then she makes Mandy eat kendo stick in the mouth! Raquel eggs Mandy on, but Cora rolls Raquel up! TWO, and Cora has the stick! Raquel wants Cora to take it easy, but Cora says she deserves to be here. Mandy BOOTS Cora down, then SHOVES Raquel out of the ring!
Mandy drags Cora to a cover, TWO! Mandy scuffs Cora, Cora kicks back from below. Mandy stomps Cora, DECKS Raquel off the apron, then she goes back to get the kendo stick. Cora wants mercy, but Mandy jams the stick into Cora’s jaw! Cora sputters, Mandy covers, TWO!! Mandy is furious but she wraps Cora up in body scissors! Mandy thrashes Cora around, Cora fights but Mandy CLUBS away on her chest! Cora endures as Mandy puts on the squeeze, and then Mandy rolls it to a cover, TWO! Mandy keeps on with the body scissors as NXT returns to single picture. Fans are dueling, Mandy gets another cover, TWO!
Raquel stomps them both down, and then she drags Mandy up. Mandy CLUBS Raquel’s leg, but Cora sunset flips Mandy! TWO!! Cora is shocked how close that was, but she BOOTS Mandy! Mandy CLOBBERS Cora on the return! Cover, TWO!! Raquel whips Cora to a corner hard then she scoops and SLAMS Mandy! “This is Awesome!” as Raquel whips Mandy into Cora’s BOOT! Raquel runs in, Cora gets her for a RANA! Cora runs but Raquel bypasses, so Cora springboards to RANA Mandy! Cora fires off on Raquel but Raquel blocks and reverses the whip to run, but into a SHINING WIZARD! Cora has the cravat but Raquel powers up to hit a BACKBREAKER!
Raquel drags Cora up, fireman’s carries, and she hoists her up to TOSS her! Mandy moves, Cora hits floor! Mandy is shocked at the brutality, and even Raquel can’t believe what she just did to her! But then Raquel dares Mandy to get some courage and get in the ring. Mandy runs for it! Raquel gets Mandy at the ramp and runs her all the way back to the ring! Raquel stalks Mandy, Mandy wants mercy. Raquel looms over Mandy as she goes to ropes, and she gets legs to bring Mandy in for a SLAM! Raquel runs and rallies with big lariats! Mandy tires to dodge but Raquel grabs her by the hair and CLOBBERS her! But Mandy again scrambles out of the ring!
Raquel fetches Mandy, puts her back in, but Mandy hits a DRAPING CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Raquel is still in this and Mandy can’t believe it! Mandy is furious and she dribbles Raquel’s head off the mat! Mandy talks trash, but Raquel avoids the Kami-Goye to send Mandy into ropes! Mandy sputters, Raquel rolls Mandy and gets her up! Raquel shakes Mandy by her head, then gets her up for the CHINGONA BOMB!! Cover, but Cora SUPER SENTONS in outta nowhere to break it!! Cora grins but Raquel is seething! Raquel drags Cora up to ram her into a corner! Raquel puts Cora up top, ROCKS her, then climbs up! Cora slips out to SHOVE Raquel down!!
Fans are thunderous as Cora finds herself alone with Mandy. Cora crawls over after Mandy, rolls her up, but Mandy spins through to sit down! Mandy wins!!
Winner: Mandy Rose, by pinfall (still NXT Women’s Champion)
Mandy wins by the seat of her leather hot pants! Cora can’t believe it, and Raquel is fuming, but Mandy is still golden. Who will step to Toxic Attraction’s leader next?
Boa washes his face.
“The powers are uncontrollable. I cannot contain them. Please, let me face Solo Sikoa by myself.” He keeps splashing water on his face, but he sees Tian Sha in the mirror. Will Boa still be Boa when he fights the Street Champion of the Island?
MSK & Riddle celebrate in the parking lot.
That was so awesome! It was an incredible journey, but now it is time for Lee & Carter to fulfill their destinies and win those NXT Tag Team Championships. This isn’t good-bye forever, just good-bye for now. Later, dudes! Riddle scooters off into the night and MSK say farewell. They know what they have to do, but then the Creed Brothers walk over saying, “How cute.” While MSK were on the cute little trippy vacation, the tag division has gotten more competitive. The only way MSK gets at Imperium now is by winning the Dusty Cup again. And that ain’t happening with Julius & Brutus in the way. Will MSK show the Brothers Creed that they can and will make history?
Andre Chase heads to the ring!
HIs student section is growing, and Professor Chase is here with a mic. “Last week was indeed a Teachable Moment! I was in deep trouble, and one of my students risked life and limb to slide in this ring and protect me. That’s the kind of bond we have between our student body and our faculty at Andre Chase University.” And Chase is so grateful that Harland didn’t follow through and throw his student off the roof. That would have been terrible for enrollment. So for his heroics and selflessness, Chase wants to recognize this student. The student section fires up as Chase says this is a man he is so proud of. “You Deserve It!”
This is a man Chase has watched grow right before his very eyes. This is the recipient of the first-ever Chase U FULL SCHOLARSHIP! You DO deserve it! But wait, here comes Von Wagner. “Enough with the bullsh*t. Now let the real star of NXT say something.” Von hears us, our boos and negative comments. But when Von steps in the ring, suddenly, he’s your new favorite. Everyone wants to tune in to the Von Wagner Watch Party, so we can see who he tunes out next. And let’s be real. Von only needs to be liked by those who matter, and none of the fans do! “Look at me! Look at me! I’m everything that you’re not!” And Chase, Von is everything that you’re not.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, Von. This is what a teachable moment is- Von CLOBBERS Chase!! And hauls him up for an OLYMPIC SLAM! But he’s not done, he puts Chase in a corner and chokes him! Von throws Chase down, then glares at the student section. The star pupil shouts at Von, but Von snatches the Chase U flag and throws id won! Then he throws the student down! And then he grabs at a fan! Referees rush out, but Von gets a child and SLAMS him down! And then he fires off punches on more fans! Von’s violence has reached an all time low! Who will stop him from doing whatever he wants to whoever he wants?
Security ejects Von from the building.
But on his way out, Ivy Niles is there with Diamond Mine as they are with Strong in the medical area. Von tells her to get out of his face, and then leaves.
Cameron Grimes speaks.
“2021. What a year, and what a life. Who else but ol’ Cameron Grimes showing up in a spaceship coup and wearing a butler suit? From the highest of highs to the lowest of lows. I went from cuttin’ grass to kickin’ ass. That damn Ted DeBiase taught me how to conduct myself like a champ.” But that legacy was Ted’s. Time for Grimes to make his own. Instead of chasing green, he’s going to start chasing gold. 2022 THE~ MOON~!
Next week’s NXT is also big!
Or rather, phenomenal! Styles VS Waller IS the main event, but we’re also getting the Six Woman Tag of Amari & KC Squared VS Indi, Persia & Wendy Choo, and a CROWBAR ON A POLE MATCH! Will the Bruiserweight break Tony D’s digits? Or will Tony take Dunne’s other hand and completely sideline him?
NXT Championship: Tommaso Ciampa VS Bron Breakker!
The Psycho Killer told “the Big Booty Nephew” that he’d drown in inexperience, and perhaps that was true. One mistake on a second rope move and Bron lost at Halloween Havoc. But after winning WarGames for Team 2.0, Bron’s confidence is up and he’s ready for redemption! Have Ciampa’s chances of retaining just drastic go down in the New Year? Or will the only thing new be that Ciampa is on to a new challenger after this?
Speaking of, Bron has a new singlet, and he BOOTS his way through an old NXT logo. Ciampa doesn’t even bat an eye at all that as he makes his way to the ring. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we go COMMERCIAL FREE in this main event!
Bron and Ciampa circle, tie up, and Bron puts Ciampa on ropes. The ref counts, Bron lets off but stares Ciampa down. Ciampa and Bron tie up again, Ciampa puts Bron in a corner and the ref counts. Ciampa lets off, then CHOPS! Bron just laughs it off, so Ciampa kicks low and whips. Bron reverses, Ciampa stops himself to come back and LARIAT! Ciampa runs in to corner clothesline, then keeps going to duck, dodge and redirect. Bron hurdles, gator rolls and suplexes Ciampa for a stalling SLAM! Bron kips up and fans fire up while Ciampa bails out. Ciampa takes a moment to catch his breath, and Bron holds the ropes open.
Ciampa waits, gets on the apron but Bron rushes in. Ciampa gets Bron’s foot but Bron pulls Ciampa in! Bron deadlifts Ciampa for another suplex and SLAM! Bron CLUBS Ciampa on the back, stalks him to a corner and shoves him at the ropes to CLUB him again. Fans duel and bark, Bron waistlocks and shoves Ciampa, but Ciampa elbows him away! Ciampa CHOPS, Bron throws a forearm! Ciampa CHPOS, Bron throws a forearm. Ciampa fakes Bron out to stomp his foot and scrape laces on Bron’s face. Ciampa headlocks to grind Bron into ropes, but lets off as the ref counts. Ciampa climbs up to rain down rights on Bron in the corner.
Fans count all the way to nine, but Bron carries Ciampa for an atomic drop! Bron LARIATS Ciampa down, then storms over to Ciampa in the corner. Bron whips corner to corner, Ciampa reverses but Bron goes up and over. Bron keeps moving, ducks and dodges, but Ciampa dropkicks him down! Ciampa takes a bow while fans rally up. Ciampa kicks Bron around, stomps him, then drags Bron up to throw haymakers. Ciampa whips, Bron ducks and dodges again, and he leaps, only to miss! Deja vu to Halloween Havoc there, and Ciampa runs to KNEE Bron down! Ciampa runs to FLY! Direct hit with the conjilo, and Ciampa sits on the apron to applaud and pat himself on the back!
Fans are fired up as Ciampa fetches Bron back into the ring. Ciampa drives a knee into Bron, then does it again. Ciampa drops ax handles, then clamps on a chinlock to grind Bron down. Bron endures, fights up, powers Ciampa into a corner, but Ciampa hops on to be a backpack! Bron stays on his feet, and then drops back for a SENTON! Fans rally up while both men are down. Ciampa and Bron rise, and they start throwing forearms. Ciampa CHOPS, Bron forearms, repeat! Bron blocks the leg lariat to LARIAT! Bron rallies, whips Ciampa to the corner, then runs in to SPLASH! Bron keeps moving, ducks a chop and turns Thesz Press into SPINEBUSTER!
Bron RAMS Ciampa in the corner, hoists him up top, and Bron climbs up to join Ciampa. Fans fire up as Bron goes to the very top, but Ciampa slips out to trip Bron up! Ciampa stomps away on Bron in a Tree of Woe! The ref counts, Ciampa lets off and goes side to side to basement dropkick! Bron flops out of the Tree, fans rally, and Ciampa drags Bron back up. Ciampa reels Bron in, underhooks, but Bron blocks! Ciampa CLUBS and ROCKS Bron with forearms, then runs, into another SPINEBUSTER! Bron hits a STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Bron can’t believe it, but it’s hard to believe Bron just did that!
Bron goes to a corner, he goes up top, but he thinks better of the second rope. Ciampa CHOPS Bron and then shoves him down! Bron hits the apron then the floor, Ciampa goes out to run and KNEE Bron down! Ciampa puts Bron in the ring, and KNEES Bron down again! Ciampa’s bleeding from an eyebrow but he doesn’t care, he runs to- SPEAR!! Bron takes Ciampa down but he can’t make the cover! “This is Awesome!” and far from over! Ciampa pushes himself up, Bron gets up near the ropes. They both stand, Bron throws a haymaker! Ciampa forearms back, so Bron throws another! Ciampa throws a forearm, Bron hits back again!
Ciampa JABS, JABS, one-two combo and then some! Ciampa has Bron in the corner, the ref counts but Ciampa lets off at 4. Ciampa runs in again, but into a RANA! Bron gets Ciampa to a cover, TWO!! Ciampa sits up in a daze, but Bron gets up and stands Ciampa up. Bron trophy lifts, but no powerslam as Ciampa slips out and puts Bron on the apron! WILLOWS BELL! Cover, TWO!! Ciampa hurries to get the leg! He kicks Bron into position for a HALF CRAB!! Bron endures, crawls forward, reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Ciampa holds on and even adds pressure until the ref counts 4! Fans still rally and duel as Ciampa goes out and peels up floor mats!
Ciampa is again revisiting Halloween Havoc as he refreshes the count and drags Bron out. Bron shoves Ciampa away but Ciampa BOOTS him back! Ciampa has Bron out but Bron Alabama lifts to ALABAMA SLAM Ciampa on the announce desk! The desk falls apart under Ciampa and fans are losing their minds! Bron hauls Ciampa up and into the ring, then gets him for the trophy lift! POWERSLAM!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!!! Ciampa saves himself by mere fingertips! Fans hope these two “Fight Forever!” at this point! Ciampa clings to the ropes, gets to the apron, but Bron keeps going after him.
The ref keeps having Bron back off, so Bron goes out, and Ciampa SNAPS the ropes! Ciampa gets Bron in his breakkers! PSYCHO KNEE! Then another PSYCHO KNEE! And a THIRD! Ciampa gets Bron in, underhooks, FAIRY TALE ENDING!! Cover, TWO?!?! HOW?!? Ciampa can’t believe it and fans are going nuts! Ciampa gets Bron up on the top rope and climbs up after him. Bron hits back, Ciampa still tries. Bron CLUBS Ciampa, shoves him down, and then goes to the second rope, for the FLYING BULLDOG!! Bron brings down the straps and he stands over Ciampa! STEINER RECLINER!!! Ciampa endures, flails, and TAPS! BRON WINS!!
Winner: Bron Breakker, by submission (NEW NXT Champion)
New Year, NEW NXT Champion! Bron looks at Ciampa one more time, and Ciampa nods. Bron takes Goldie for his own and holds her way up high! Maybe Bron fell for some of the same old tricks, but he had some tricks of his own. Will Bron carry the torch for NXT into a bright future?
My Thoughts:
What an AWESOME event to open the year for NXT! And much like I said for NXT WarGames, this event really brought things back to 1.0 levels. And while I’m still greatly disappointed Vince killed the Cruiserweight Division all over again, the match we got tonight of Strong VS Melo was a great one, and I suppose was worth it. Melo winning to retain the North American Championship is great for him, and he will definitely continue a great run with that title. As for Strong, he could rebound and go after the top title, the one title he hasn’t held. I don’t know what the chances of Roddy Grand Slam would be, it probably won’t happen now that we’re in 2.0, but he should at least be given a match.
Speaking of the top title, Ciampa VS Bron II was awesome stuff, and I figured that this was where Bron would win. Bron is the new champion, using his uncle’s submission, and fulfilling the inevitable from when 2.0 took over. Bron has a long list of people to face, both those still here from 1.0 and those in the same 2.0 class as Bron, and I would think Bron has a lengthy reign as the first 2.0 guy to be champion. We got a lot of good promos to build things for next week, like Dunne’s response to Tony D’Angelo, Boa bargaining with Tian Sha before taking on Solo Sikoa, and the Six Woman Tag. Great to see Karen Q, now Wendy Choo, finally talk, too.
Lopez making Quinn VS Escobar a “Winner gets Lopez” match is definitely the blow-off I was expecting, and I’m thinking this means Quinn wins. He is still undefeated, and being undefeated with a win over Escobar would be even bigger for him. Then, I could see him going after Melo and the North American Championship, Lopez as his manager to counter Trick Williams being in Melo’s corner. Grimes also says his piece, and I expect him wanting the North American Championship, too. We could even end up with another North American Championship Ladder match, as we’ve seen in the past.
I clearly didn’t realize Styles VS Waller wasn’t happening here and this was just going to be a “Face calls out Heel” segment. That was a bit of a let down that Styles shows up just for Waller to brawl and then duck him. Styles VS Waller in next week’s main event will be good, but I feel like this delay gives Waller a chance to figure out a way to cheat. Andre Chase coming out to reference last week was good, but Von showing up was a surprise. Von going after “fans” was also pretty wild, I feel like this is their attempt to build Von up as a Heel the way Waller going after Gargano built him up. And I do like that Ivy Nile is so ready to fight the guys, she did not back down from Von.
Glad that the Dusty Cup is coming back, that is going to be a good tournament. We’re obviously getting the four teams who had the big promo last week in it, so totally expect The Creed Brothers, Jacket Time, Grizzled Young Veterans and Briggs & Brooks to be pit against each other. MSK & Riddle had an awesome match with Imperium, and it was pretty clever for Riddle to take the win so that the math on MSK and Imperium to be unaffected. Imperium and MSK are clear choices for semifinalists, but Gacy & Harland are also in, so I bet we see MSK VS Gacy & Harland for the finals. That match could go either way, but MSK making history would be pretty cool.
Mandy Rose entering by helicopter was cool, a lot like the one time Charlotte Flair did that, so maybe it should’ve been obvious Mandy would retain. It was a very good match, and went how a Triple Threat should with the odd person out always getting after one of the others. It was very active, but the finish seemed really abrupt with Mandy just turning a cover into a cover. I did appreciate she didn’t straight up copy Becky Lynch with holding ropes during that sitting cover, but it seemed too easy for her to get Cora stacked and stuck. Chances are, a team of Raquel & Cora comes out of this in time for the Women’s Dusty Cup.
As for who is next to challenge Mandy, there’s a chance Io Shirai is next in another attempt to boost Mandy’s reign. Kay Lee Ray is probably being saved for a bigger event, and I would hope then KLR wins to take that title off Mandy.
My Score: 9.1/10
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Did you know that challenger in French is still “challenger?”
In a WrestleMania rematch, AJ Styles takes on LA Knight in a #1 contender’s match, to challenge WWE Champion Cody Rhodes at Backlash in France!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Undisputed WWE Championship #1 Contender’s match: AJ Styles VS LA Knight; Styles wins and will challenge Cody Rhodes for the title at Backlash.
- SmackDown/WWE Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Fatal 4 Way: The Street Profits VS New Catch Republic VS The Authors of Pain VS Legado Del Fantasma; The Profits win and will challenge A-Town Down Under for the titles.
- Carlito w/ Zelina Vega VS Santos Escobar w/ Elektra Lopez; Santos wins.
- WWE Women’s Championship: Bayley VS Naomi; Bayley wins, by disqualification, and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Undisputed WWE Championship #1 Contender’s match: AJ Styles VS LA Knight!
After fighting their way through Triple Threats, the Phenomenal One and the Mega Star meet again, YEAH! It’s a WrestleMania Rematch, the winner moving on to Backlash, YEAH! Will AJ Styles avenge his loss at the biggest WrestleMania ever? Or will everyone from here to France know whose game it is?
The bell rings and the two step to each other. The fans in Pittsburgh “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” and Knight lets Styles know it. Styles snarls, they tie up, and they go around. Knight puts Styles in a corner, the ref counts, but Knight lets off slowly. Styles kicks low! The fans boo but Styles headlocks. Knight pulls hair, throws body shots, then headlocks in return. Styles pushes Knight to ropes, powers up and out, then hurdles, drops and DROP- NO, Knight avoids the dropkick to BOOT, and LARIAT! Knight then TOSSES Styles out of the ring, storms out after him, and brings him to commentary. Knight SMACKS Styles off the desk! And again! And again!
The fans chant “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” with every SMACK, then Knight tops it off with one last SMACK! Knight drags Styles up and into the ring, storms in, but Styles KICKS Knight in the ropes! Styles reels Knight in, but Knight back drops Styles up and out! Styles flounders on the floor, Knight runs to WRECK him with a dropkick! Styles hits desk again and Steel City is loving “L! A! KNIGHT, YEAH!” as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Styles soaks up the heat as he taunts Knight. Styles brings Knight up, but Knight fires haymakers! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight backs Styles down, whips, but Styles ducks ‘n dodges! Knight ducks ‘n’ dodges, then DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Both men are down and the fans fire up. Both men slowly sit up, crawl around, and then stand. Styles fires a shot, but Knight gives it back! The haymakers go back and forth, “YEAH! BOO! YEAH!” Styles staggers but he still ROCKS Knight! Knight ROCKS Styles again and again, but Styles throat chops! Styles fires off the Phenomenal Blitz, but Knight ducks the lariat!
Knight JABS, JABS, JABS, and DECKS Styles! Knight stomps a mudhole in at the corner, “YEAH!” Knight then runs corner to corner to KNEE Styles down! The fans fire up, Knight puts Styles up, and Knight ROCKS Styles. Knight climbs, but Styles ROCKS him back! Knight staggers away, but returns to spring right up! SUPER DUPER PLEX! Cover, TWO!! Styles survives that crash but both men are down again. The fans rally as Knight rises, and he brings Styles around. Knight reels Styles in, suplexes, but Styles slips free! Styles goes to a corner, ELBOWS Knight away, then goes up to QUEBRADA DDT! Cover, TWO!
The fans fire up as Knight stays in this and Styles starts losing his cool. The fans rally for Knight but Styles looms over him. Styles brings Knight up and in, but Knight RAMS him into a corner! Knight then scoops Styles, but Styles slips free to roll up, TWO!! Knight escapes, swings, but Styles dodges to PELE! Knight ends up in a corner, Styles runs in, but Knight puts Styles on the apron! Styles ROCKS Knight, springboards, but Knight gets under! Styles comes back, into a scoop and POWERSLAM! Then JUMP ELBOW DROP! The fans fire up with with Knight as he storms around. Styles rises, Knight winds up, B F- NO, Styles bails out!
The fans boo but Knight storms over. Knight drags Styles up but Styles HOTSHOTS him! And pokes him in the eyes! Then ROCKS him! And springboards, to PHENOMENAL FOREARM!! Cover, Styles wins!
Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the Undisputed WWE Championship)
Styles bent the rules, but a win is a win! He will get his shot at the American Nightmare in Lyon, France, will this year’s Backlash be phenomenal?
The Bloodline arrives backstage.
The car pulls up, Solo Sikoa steps out in a suit, and Paul Heyman is there to greet him. Nice threads, Solo. Tama Tonga walks over and Solo says meet the newest member of The Bloodline, Solo’s MFT. The Wise Man is stunned. But Solo cuts him off to ask if Kevin Owens is here. Heyman hesitates and Solo asks again, is Kevin here? If he is, he’s probably already in the locker room. Then take them to him. Heyman obeys and leads on. There have already been changes to the chain of command, is there about to be a change to the landscape of SmackDown, too?
Nick Aldis is in the ring.
In a familiar scene to Monday Night Raw, there is a podium with something under a satin sheet. The SmackDown General Manager welcomes to Pittsburgh the Chief Content Officer, Paul “Triple H” Levesque! The fans fire up as The Game makes his way to the ring! HHH joins Aldis in the ring, gets a mic, looks around at the crowd as he revels in the cheers, then says, “On the heels of the biggest, most epic, history making, record breaking, epic, unbelievable WrestleMania of all time, we are here tonight, sold out, 15 thousand strong, Pittsburgh, PA! So let me say, welcome to SmackDown!” The fans cheer that!
HHH wants to take a moment to say that he thinks Adam Pearce and Nick Aldis are both doing great jobs at leading their respective brands into the future. Thank you to both of them. And when we talk about the future, we have to talk about the history made coming into the future. So when history is made, HHH wants it to be represented here befitting of those that make it. So Aldis, if we could, let us bring the… champions out here. Aldis says without further ado, the NEW SmackDown Tag Team Champions, Austin Theory & Grayson Waller. The fans boo as A-Town Down Under make their way, blue belts in hand.
Theory & Waller join Aldis and HHH in the ring, mics already in hand, and they soak up the heat from Steel City. Waller says this is huge. Monday, we saw the second place champions get new belts. And now A-Town Down Under will be presented new titles! Theory says speaking of truth, didn’t Truth think HHH was a magician? Well, who knows what magic trick HHH has to make these guys look better than they already do, but hey, give it a try. HHH says congratulations on becoming tag team champions, so he will show them what they will wear going forward. From now on, they will be the WWE Tag Team Champions.
Reveal! In the style of the Attitude Era and Ruthless Aggression Era belts, the solid gold shines. HHH offers a handshake, but Waller leaves him hanging to shake Theory’s hand! Aldis makes it clear to them. They ever pop off and disrespect HHH like that, here’s a real magic trick: A-Clown Down Under will disappear, permanently! The fans like the sound of that! Aldis snatches the blue belts away since they won’t need them, and speaking of disappearing, there’s a chance one of the following four teams will make their title reign disappear. That #1 contenders match starts right now! The fans fire up, but which team defies the odds to get some golden tickets to France?
Backstage interview with Naomi.
Kayla Braxton is with The Glow and says last week, she beat Tiffany Stratton to get this title opportunity tonight. Will the friendship with Bayley get in the way of this match? Naomi says no, of course not. Bayley’s her sister, and she needed help against Damage CTRL, so Naomi was more than happy to help. But in no way will friendship get in the way of this opportunity. It has been over two YEARS since Naomi’s last WWE singles championship match, and there is nothing that will get in the way of making the most of this moment. Now last week, Tiffy Time felt the glow, so that same energy keeps going tonight.
Naomi is also looking forward to next week’s WWE Draft, where she will walk in the NEW WWE Women’s Champion. Naomi is ready, but will she be able to best Bayley in Bayley’s first title defense?
WWE Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Fatal 4 Way: The Street Profits VS New Catch Republic VS The Authors of Pain VS Legado Del Fantasma!
SmackDown returns as Legado makes their entrance, followed by Akam & Rezar with the Final Testament. Waller & Theory are on commentary, Waller admitting he wants any team but AOP, and Theory saying these teams are fortunate to have real superstars leading their division. In this form of Fatal 4 Way, only two teams are active, so the Big Strong Boi, Tyler Bate, starts against Montez Ford. They circle, tie up, and Ford headlocks. Bate powers up to pry at the hold but Ford clamps on tighter. Bate powers up and out, drops, but Ford leaps over! The fans cheer, things keep moving, Bate feints high to drop low!
Bate shows knuckle lock, Ford obliges, but Bate wrenches, baits and double pump handles to FLIP Ford! Cover, TWO! Ford gets up to sweep and cover, TWO! Bate steps over, La Magistrol, TWO! Ford gets up, dropkicks cancel out, and both men kip up! The fans fire up and the two reset. But then Humberto Carrillo sneaks a tag, before he DECKS Bate with a sucker punch! Ford dodges Humberto but Angel Garza holds the ropes open! Ford tumbles out, Garza tags in, and Humberto sits Ford up. Garza runs in to KNEE Ford down! The fans boo, Garza drags Ford to a cover, TWO! Garza back suplexes, Ford lands out!
Ford tags Dawkins and he dodges Garza to FLYING ELBOW! Garza tags out to Akam, but then the Bruiserweight, Pete Dunne, tags in off Dawkins! Rezar tags, Dunne runs up but Akam LARIATS him down! Rezar DECKS Dawkins, then the AOP start clearing the corners! But Ford goes up to leap, but into an URENAGE! The fans boo but the AOP roar and soak up the heat. Waller’s worst case scenario might end up reality, but SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and the fans rally as Ford endures a facelock. Ford fights up, pries at the hold, but Rezar shoves him to ELBOW him down! Rezar talks trash, Waller taunts the Steelers players sitting in the front row that they don’t really know what championships are, and then Rezar sucker punches Dawkins down! Rezar stands Ford up, Canadian Racks and bends him! Ford endures, the fans rally, but Rezar thrashes Ford around! Ford kicks and flails, he gets free, hot tag to Dunne! Bate sneaks a tag, Dunne GAMANGIRIS Akam and then NCR fire off on Rezar! The fans fire up, Humberto runs in, but Dunne dodges to SNAP GERMAN!
Bate & Dunne STOMP Humberto’s hands! Then BASEMENT DROPKICK! Garza runs up, but into the REBOUNDER GERMAN COMBO!! The fans fire up with NCR, but Rezar runs up! He grabs Dunne, but Bate says Bop up, BANG! Bate fireman’s carries Rezar?! But Rezar ELBOWS right free! Dunne GAMANGIRIS, Ford SUPERKICKS, and Dawkins ENZIGIRIS! Rezar wobbles, and everyone helps Bate gets Rezar up! BIG STRONG AIRPLANE SPINE! But then Legado CLOBBER Bate and Rezar! They BOOT Dunne, whip the Profits but the Profits reverse to TOSS Legado out! Ellering coaches Rezar while the Profits regroup.
Bate gets up, Dawkins ROCKS him! Dawkins brings Bate to the very top, but Dunne CLUBS Dawkins! NCR mug Dawkins but Ford joins in! They brawl, but AOP add on! Humberto finds Rezar to tag in, before the DOUBLE TOWER OF DOOM!! Bate’s the only one left up top, so Legado mug him! They double trophy lift Bate, to DOUBLE ROCKET LAUNCH him onto everyone!! Humberto then finds Bate, sunset flips and rewinds, Garza jumps, MISSILE DROPKICK DOOMSDAY! Cover, DUNNE BREAKS IT! “This is Awesome!” as all eight men are down around ringside, and Waller says this is gonna be easy pickings for A-Town Down Under now.
Dunne grabs Garza, Bate has Humberto, STEREO ANKLE LOCKS!! Grapevine for Garza! But Humberto BOOTS Bate onto Dunne! Legado is free, Ellering has AOP regroup, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Rezar CLUBS Dawkins down. Rezar soaks up heat, taunts the other teams, then CLUBS Dawkins again. Rezar brings Dawkins up again, but Dawkins fires off body shots! Rezar KNEES low, reels Dawkins in, talks more trash, and lifts Dawkins up, to POWERBOMB! But then Dunne runs up to ROCK Rezar! Akam gets in to scoop Dunne and SLAM him on Dawkins! Cover, TWO! Rezar looks to Ellering and he coaches AOP. Rezar HAMMERS Dawkins, Akam tags, and AOP get NCR up! The fans boo but NCR RANA free to send AOP into each other! Ford jumps in, as does Garza.
All the teams realize, they gotta do something about AOP. So they all mug AOP! The fans fire up as AOP tumble out, but now who strikes first? Dunne runs up but Garza SUPERKICKS him first! Bate waistlocks Garza and Ford winds up, but Garza ducks so the BACKHAND hits Bate! Garza SUPERKICKS Ford, but Dawkins DECKS Garza! Humberto springboards to FLYING CHUCK! Cover, TWO!! Theory says if A-Town Down Under were in this match, he’d knock everyone out and Waller could just sneak in to cover. Humberto and Dawkins rise and go to corners. Humberto runs up, but Dawkins POUNCES him away!
Dawkins gets Humberto up, Ford returns and tags in! Dawkins Electric Chair Lifts Humberto and Ford climbs! The stars are out for the BLOCKBUSTER DOOMSDAY! Cover, DUNNE BREAKS IT! Another save from the Bruiserweight and Ford is frustrated. Dunne drags Dawkins up to CHOP, but Dawkins ROCKS him! Dawkins whips Dunne out of the ring, but Dunne grabs the arm! And he pulls off the glove so he can SNAP fingers! The fans fire up, but Ford ENZIGIRIS Dunne down! Ford brings Humberto up, Humberto JAWBREAKERS! Bate tags in off Ford, BOOTS Garza, then runs up, but into a POP-UP! But Bate RANAS Humberto!!
Bate then DUMPS Garza out, goes to the apron, and Dunne lines up targets. Bate and Dunne climb, Ford runs in, NCR DOUBLE ARIHARA MOONSAULT while Ford FLIES over the corner post!! Down goes Legado and AOP!! The fans are losing their minds as Bate hurries to get Humberto up. Bate puts Humberto in, reels him in, underhooks, but Humberto fights it! Humberto back drops but Bate lands on his feet! Humberto cradles, TWO! Humberto LARIATS Bate, tag to Garza! Legado gets Bate up, feed to the POP-UP KICK!! #FTY! Humberto then DIVES to take out Dunne! Garza goes up the ropes to LIONSAULT!!
But Ford flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! The fans are thunderous as everyone is down again! Bate flounders, Dawkins tags in! Dawkins whips Legado, Ford joins in, THE REVELATION!! Cover, PROFITS WIN!
Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contenders to the WWE Tag Team Championships)
Waller & Theory are relieved it isn’t AOP, but they still look a bit annoyed that it is Ford & Dawkins. The Profits are Triple Crown Tag Team Champions from Raw to SmackDown to NXT, but will they soon add the WWE Tag Team Championships to make it a grand slam?
Backstage interview with Bayley.
Byron Saxton is with The Role Model, and brings up the emotional moment from Monday Night Raw where Rhea Ripley had to relinquish her title. But let us focus on Bayley’s title, as she defends it for the first time against Naomi. Where is her head at ahead of the main event? Bayley says after seeing Rhea vacate the Women’s World Championship on Raw, Bayley appreciates her reign more. She is focused, and she has realized she’s THE Women’s Champion in WWE right now, something she does not take for granted. Because we all know that with the WWE Draft, things are bound to change.
And as excited as Bayley is to face her friend, Naomi, one thing that won’t change is her as THE WWE Women’s Champion. Bayley is just as confident at Naomi, so something’s gotta give! Will The Role Model #FeelTheGlow? Or will she still be shining with gold after tonight?
Paul Heyman talks with Solo Sikoa.
The Wise Man apologizes that they haven’t found Kevin Owens, but he has to be here somewhere. Just look at the time. They will find him, somewhere. Solo stops listening and heads to gorilla. Heyman follows after, but Solo gives him a look. Heyman says he isn’t trying to upset Solo. Please believe him. The last person on this planet Heyman wants to piss off is Solo. But respectfully, Solo is making decisions that are not his to make, yet. One day, these will all be Solo’s decisions. But not now, not here! These are decisions that can only be made by one man. Solo asks Heyman if he’s done talking. Heyman asks if MFT is coming with Solo.
Solo just gives a thumbs up, with that taped thumb. The music hits and Solo makes his entrance, Heyman still following all the way into the ring. What does the Enforcer have planned? We’ll find out, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Heyman has the mic to give his usual introduction. And he doesn’t know if there is a list of the most brilliant backstage maneuvering politicians int he history of the WWE, but if there were, Heyman would have to think that he personally is in the top… Well, permit Heyman, with Solo’s permission, to explain what’s going on right now within The Bloodline, “the premier act in the history of WWE.” The fans chant, “We Want Roman!” but Solo shrugs that off. Heyman assures us that as The Wise Man for… Heyman gets emotional, so Solo just snatches the mic! The fans boo but Solo paces.
Solo tries to talk but the fans boo. Solo says last week, he had to lose a brother! He had to! It was in order for him to find a new one! His MFT, Tama Tonga! And with that, a bloodied Kevin Owens is tossed out, by the Good Bad Guy! Tama shoves Kevin down the ramp, stalks behind him, and referees rush out to stop him from doing anything further! Kevin can’t even sit up, but Tama steps over him to go to the ring. The fans boo as Tama joins Solo in the ring while the refs help Kevin to his feet and to the back. Tama raises his finger to the sky, because he acknowledges Solo! Heyman has no choice but to go along, but wait! Kevin is heading back down the ramp!?
The fans fire up as Kevin shows his grit and defiance! He drags Tama out to fire off hands!! The fans cheer but then Solo whips Kevin into steel steps! Solo drags Kevin back up, puts him in the ring, but now security rushes in! Tama storms in after Kevin but Kevin TACKLES Tama! The security gets Kevin away from Tama, but Solo SAMOAN SPIKES Kevin down!! The fans boo but then Tama SPLASHES Kevin! Tama rains down fists on that bloody wound, then he DECKS guard after guard! Producers try but Tama is a madman! Tama shoves everyone away so he can slip out of the ring, to grab a chair!!
The fans boo as Tama storms back in, but now Aldis steps up! Aldis warns The Bloodline here, and Solo has Tama stand down. Solo takes the chair from Tama to show they’re done here. The fans chant “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” but the damage is done. Solo & Tama are a dangerous duo, will nothing and no one stop them from taking over SmackDown?
Heyman goes to the parking lot.
He’s in shock, but Aldis finds him and pulls him along. Was Heyman aware of this? Aldis shows Heyman the aftermath of one car T-boning another! And in case Heyman can’t guess, the struck car was Kevin’s. The attacking car was Tama’s! Heyman says this wasn’t authorized! No, Heyman, Aldis is speaking now. He gets this is a conflict within The Bloodline, but on his show, things are settle din the ring. Next week is the Draft, a lot of eyeballs on it, and a lot top brass are gonna be here. So Aldis will not tolerate this behavior. So make sure The Bloodline understands. Because, Heyman, if you don’t, the repercussions will be equally savage.
Aldis brings Heyman in close to tell him losing isn’t the only thing that has consequences. Will the Wise Man be able to rein in such an unruly force as Solo and Tama?
Carlito w/ Zelina Vega VS Santos Escobar w/ Elektra Lopez!
The LWO still doesn’t believe Legado’s claims that they had nothing to do with Dragon Lee going down before WrestleMania, so they’re going to get to the bottom of this one themselves! Will Caribbean Cool make the Emperor of Lucha confess his crimes? Or will Santos prove he was right all along?
The bell rings and the two talk trash. Then they start throwing hands! Carlito backs Santos down but Santos gets around to whisper something in Carlito’s ear. Carlito ELBOWS Santos away, runs up and hits a THESZ PRESS! Carlito then bumps Santos off buckles, fires hands, then has him in another corner. Carlito whips corner to corner, runs up, but Santos BOOTS him! Santos runs up, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Vega coaches Carlito to stay on Santos and he brings Santos up. Carlito ROCKS Santos, whips, but Santos KICKS him! Santos runs, but into a DROPKICK! Carlito kips up and the fans fire up!
Santos is on the outside, the ref won’t let Carlito go after him, but then Carlito WRECKS Santos with a dropkick! Carlito loads up to PLANCHA! Direct hit on Santos and Carlito hoists Vega up to celebrate! The fans cheer the LWO on as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Santos whips Carlito hard into buckles. Carlito falls over, Santos soaks up the heat, then Santos HEADBUTTS Carlito to a corner. Santos then CHOPS, gets space and runs in, to DOUBLE KNEE! Carlito slumps in the corner but Santos puts him up top! Santos GAMANGIRIS then climbs up! SUPER STEINER! Carlito flounders, Santos pushes him to a cover, TWO! Vega is relieved but Santos huffs and puffs. Santos rains down fists on Carlito, then clamps on a top wristlock. Carlito endures and Vega coaches him while the fans rally. Carlito rises, throws body shots, then LARIATS!
The fans rally as Carlito starts to rally with more clotheslines, and an ELBOW! Carlito kicks, runs, and KNEE LIFTS! Santos wobbles, Carlito LARIATS again! Cover, TWO! Santos is tougher than that but Carlito says he’s going up! Carlito climbs, but then Lopez gets on the apron! Vega storms right over to YANK her down! The fans fire up as Vega goes up, and RANAS, only for Lopez to block! Lopez SWINGS Vega into barriers! Carlito ROCKS Santos, steps in, but the ref is reprimanding Lopez so he misses Santos KICK ropes to jam Carlito low! Santos reels Carlito in to POST him, then brings him back for the fireman’s carry! PHANTOM DRIVER!! Cover, Santos wins!
Winner: Santos Escobar, by pinfall
La Madrina helps The Emperor steal this victory, them taking down the Caribbean Cool and La Muneca! Whether or not Legado beat down Dragon Lee, will nothing stop them from conquering SmackDown?
VIP Skybox interview with Damage CTRL!
Kayla is with Iyo Sky, Dakota Kai, Kairi Sane & Asuka as they sit way up in the back. What made the former WWE Women’s Champion and crew want a special view of this main event? Dakota takes offense for Iyo with the use of “former” there. Is Kayla trying to disrespect them? Iyo will take that title back when they’re good and ready. But for now, they’re here to watch two people they can’t stand tear each other apart! Does Dakota need to remind everyone here that DMG CTRL is still the most dominant force in the WWE!? The fans boo but Dakota says the Kabuki Warriors are STILL the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, and that will not change-
WAID! Jade Cargill is here! She makes her entrance from the other skybox, with Bianca Belair alongside her! The strongEST duo argues with DMG CTRL, their own title intentions clear. But for now, it’s time for the main event! Who shines with gold here in the Steel City? We find out, after the break!
Cody Rhodes speaks.
The American Nightmare is in the UK as part of Raw’s tour, but he still took time to say, “What is the task? Run up the score, leave no doubt, right? Formerly, the task was ‘win the big belt, in the big place.’ We’ve done that. Now, it’s a whole new frontier for us, undiscovered country.” There’s an old expression: the title can make the man, or the man makes the title. Which will it be for Cody? He’s in London tonight, the O2, 16 THOUSAND, then it’s on to Belfast, Ireland. Cody is keeping his promise to bring this title all around the world. Back home, AJ Styles has emerged the #1 contender to this championship.
So then, it will be two Georgia boys duking it out in Lyon, France. The first time ever, at that. Styles has an unprecedented reputation in pro-wrestling. The modern day Excellence of Execution, if you will. Styles rarely misses. But the same goes for Cody. So Backlash in France, Cody looks forward to it. The contract signing is next week, even as the WWE Draft is going on! Will things be explosive when American Nightmare and Phenomenal One meet face to face?
WWE Women’s Championship: Bayley VS Naomi!
SmackDown returns and Bayley makes her entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and either we shine or we glow!
The bell rings, the fans rally, and the two circle. The two tie up, go around, and Bayley headlocks. Naomi powers up but Bayley wrenches to wristlock. Naomi slips through, rolls Bayley up, ONE!! The fans rally as the two go again. Naomi waistlocks, Bayley headlocks to hit a takeover, and she makes it a cover, TWO! Naomi fights up to her feet, powers up but Bayley wrenches gain. Naomi waistlocks, O’Conner Rolls, ONE! Both women get up, Naomi ducks the boot but Bayley arm-drags her around! Bayley has the cording hold, the fans rally up, and Naomi fights to her feet. Naomi whips Bayley away, but Bayley runs her over!
The fans cheer and Bayley tells DMG CTRL she’s watching them, too. Things speed up, Naomi does the splits to duck under, then she comes back to kick from below! She drags Bayley into a cradle, ONE!! Bayley hurries to step over, LA MAGISTROL! ONE!! Naomi and Bayley get up, Naomi trips Bayley to jackknife, ONE!! Ghost pin, TWO! Both women hurry up, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! The fans rally while both women are down, evenly matched in this chess game so far. Both women rise, and Naomi SHOTGUNS first! Then she runs up, uses the ropes to slingshot and BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Naomi is frustrated but keeps her focus.
Naomi drags Bayley up, Bayley shoves her away. Naomi dodges the lariat to hit REAR VIEW! Cover, TWO!! Bayley survives but Naomi lets her know it was that close, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Bayley whips Naomi to a corner, runs in, but into a BOOT! Bayley gets up, Naomi runs up, JAWBREAKER! Bayley ends up in a corner now, Naomi runs in, and she forearm SMASHES! Naomi then runs Bayley corner to corner for a BUCKLE BULLDOG! Naomi slips out to the apron while Bayley flounders, and Naomi climbs. The fans duel as Naomi CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Bayley is tougher than that but Naomi knows that. Naomi keeps her focus while DMG CTRL, Bianca & Jade all focus on them. Naomi ROCKS Bayley, tries the ropes again, but Bayley stops the bulldog to SMACK Naomi off buckles!
Bayley then reels Naomi in, SAIDO! High stack, TWO! Naomi is still in this and Bayley remembers Naomi’s tougher than that, too. Bayley drags Naomi into a drop zone, then goes up the corner! Bayley aims, to MACHO ELBOW onto knees! Bayley writhes, Naomi goes to the apron. Bayley stands, runs up, but into a ROUNDHOUSE! Naomi slingshots, for a FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Bayley survives and Naomi is stunned! Naomi refocuses, goes to the corner, and goes up to SPLIT LEG MOONSAULT onto knees! Bayley returns the favor and both women are down. Bayley shakes out the leg, stands and runs, to KNEE Naomi down!
Bayley hurries to put Naomi back in a drop zone, and then hobbles her way to a corner. Bayley climbs, to MACHO ELBOW!! Direct hit this time and Bayley covers, TWO!! Naomi survives and Bayley is frustrated. Bayley hobbles on the bad leg, leans on ropes while she catches her breath, and the fans duel even more. Bayley stalks Naomi, hooks her up, but Naomi PELES free! Naomi hurries to a corner, Bayley runs up, but Naomi goes up to sunset flip! TWO!! But into the BUTTERFLY LOCK!! Bayley endures, reaches out with her legs, but then she tucks to a cover, TWO!! Naomi gets up, both women throw forearms!
They both wobble, storm up, and Bayley eggs Naomi on. Naomi wants this, right? So hit her! Naomi fires a forearm, Bayley hits back! Naomi winds up to forearm, Bayley comes back with another! The fans fire up as the forearms go harder and faster! Bayley gets the edge, but Naomi SWATS one, to SCORPION KICK, and then JUMP KNEE! Bayley tumbles out of the ring, Naomi PLANCHAS! Direct hit and a hard one, both women are down on the floor! The ring count starts, Naomi stirs at 3 of 10. Naomi brings Bayley up, but BAYLEY2BELLY onto the desk!! The count is 7! Naomi flounders on the desk, but then TIFFANY ATTACKS BAYLEY!!!
Winner: Bayley, by disqualification (still WWE Women’s Champion)
Tiffany makes herself the center of attention as always as she ruins this main event! She dribbles Naomi off the desk, then RAMS Bayley into steel steps! Then she drags Naomi off the desk to POST her! Tiff storms back over to Bayley, puts her in the ring, then adds Naomi in, too. Tiff says sorry not sorry, but it’s Tiffy Time! Tiffy goes to the corner, for the PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER! Tiff flexes over both champion and challenger, having upset Bianca & Jade but having entertained DMG CTRL. But will Wrestling Barbie pay for pissing off the Role Model?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown that also acted as a WWE Draft go-home. Great match from Styles and Knight to open the night but also follow-up their WrestleMania match. Naturally, Styles wins because then he and Knight are 1-1 in 1v1 matches, and also natural Face VS Heel right there. Good promo from Cody Rhodes, that title match is going to be awesome. Awesome new looks for the WWE Tag Team Championships, though maybe too much gold. Nothing really pops when it’s all the same color, so they should’ve had silver on the WWE logo and the words, “Tag Team Champions,” but it’s still a great redesign.
We also got an awesome Fatal 4 Way tag match, with Theory & Waller decent on commentary. And pieces are falling into place for what I was thinking: Profits win the right to face Theory & Waller, we’ll surely get Lashley wanting the US Championship, we’ll get a good faction feud there as we approach those title matches. Also good continuation of the LWO VS Legado feud with Carlito VS Santos, and distractions of course helped Santos win. There’s gotta come a point where Carlito reveals it was him, Dragon Lee, it was him all along! Now, that would make like the third turn since the start of this rivalry (Santos to Heel, Andrade to Face and Carlito to Heel) but hey, the drama is heightened each time, and maybe Dragon Lee will actually get a win in this feud.
Great stuff in Bayley VS Naomi, as well as all the promos. DMG CTRL watching from the skybox, same as Bianca & Jade, was good stuff. The tag title match is definitely coming for Backlash, that will be great stuff. But I should’ve figured Tiffany would “ruin” the main event so that there won’t really be a choice between Bayley and Naomi. The Draft is coming, hopefully they think to keep all three on the same brand, and probably here on SmackDown, so that those three can have it out. I don’t know the chances of a Triple Threat for Backlash but it still feels possible. Though at the same time, I don’t think they’d take the title off Bayley after only a month, so she’d probably use Tiffany against Naomi to retain.
And what wild stuff with this new, more vicious Bloodline. Solo is in a suit because he certainly thinks he is Tribal Chief already, given Roman Reigns did give him the nod as “Tribal Heir” a few months ago. And while Tama is the MFT, which everyone is already wondering what that even means, it’s clear he’s also the right hand man and a loose cannon at that. Without the Draft, it’d be pretty wild for Jimmy to come back and help Kevin against this new Bloodline. With the Draft, we could get Jey back on the same brand as his family and then he and Jimmy stand against Solo and Tama. But either way, it’ll be a wild ride in this new chapter and I’m all for it.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 4.18.2024
Motor City Machine Guns either go out on their backs, or head to Rebellion as champs! Lets see how they finish their current run in TNA!
No burying the lead here! The Main Event is The System versus Motor City Machine Guns, and it’s the Go Home episode before Rebellion! So we’re guaranteed a damn good tag match, and we should get either new wrinkles, or ways to keep the storylines cooking going into the Pay-per-View.
With all the rumors and innuendo about the Guns being on their way out, I think we all assume that MCMG is losing, but my inner fanboy is still excited.
Part Three: Acceptance @TheJonGresham #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/NE9FPzCCz2
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 19, 2024
Ratings:
- Little Guido w/New FBI vs Hammerstone: Hammerstone wins via Torture Rack – SQUASH
- LSG vs Joe Hendry: Hendry wins via Standing Ovation – SQUASH
- Mustafa Ali & GYV vs Cody Deaner, Jake Something & Rhyno: Ali wins via 450 Splash – ** 3/4
- Rosemary w/Havok vs Jody Threat w/Dani Luna: Rosemary wins via Spear – ***
- Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley) vs The System (Eddie Edwards & Brian Myers) w/Alisha Edwards: System wins via Roster Cut + Knee Party – *** 1/4
Results:
So we kick off the match with Josh coming out to commentary again to watch Hammerstone’s match. They really need a new way to try and keep heat without reusing the same tired gimmick of “ring side seat” to a Squash match.
Little Guido w/New FBI vs Hammerstone
Guido tries to shoot the half, but Hammerstone shrugs him off, lifts him like a child and runs him into a corner, few short shots and then just tosses him across the ring. Hammer gets a little distracted talking smack to Josh and eats a foot, but then tosses Guido with the ole Sack of Shit move and keeps working over Guido.
Hammer shoves Clayton, and provokes him to push him back right in front of the referee. She ejects them, Guido tries to take advantage but when he goes for the pinfall Hammer kicks out immediately and presses Guido out of thing through the ropes. Continues to dog walk Guido, puts the head gear on the ECW Original and then Torture Racks him while staring directly at Josh, and of course picks up the submission victory.
.@XiaBrookside and @Ashamae_Sebera face off NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT! pic.twitter.com/Q0S3wSRpeu
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 19, 2024
LSG vs Joe Hendry
Hendry cuts a little promo, mentioning the Fat Uncle Phil joke…something about shopping at the TOP Dollar Store. Solid mic work.
LSG is a damn good local talent, he’s been seen in ROH and AEW in the past (perhaps others, but that’s what comes to mind immediately for me), but we all know this is an enhancement match. A few nice chain wrestling spots early, but Hendry uses his power to stop the smaller wrestler, Sack of Shit into Standing Ovation and the match is over quickly.
Mustafa Ali & GYV vs Cody Deaner, Jake Something & Rhyno
Well okay, having Deaner ask the crowd if they wanted a 3v2 or their third member…RHYNO…is pretty much a no brainer in Philly. But at least the gimmick isn’t quite as cringe as I expected.
Jake starts with Zack Gibson and throws him around. Jake goes for the tag and Deaner asks the crowd who Jake should tag, and the crowd picks Rhyno. Rhyno Whips Gibson into a corner, Drake actually softens the impact, allowing Gibson to fire back, tag out, but Rhyno levels both GYV members and then even knocks Ali off the apron. Rhyno tries to call to the crowd to tag in Deaner and that goes over like a fart in church. He tags him in anyway, and the crowd is kinda dead and doing whatever it wants after the obvious ECW chants when Rhyno tagged in.
GYV take a couple lumps but they of course start to work over Deaner and capture some momentum. Solid tandem work from GYV, they cut off Deaner from making a tag and goad Jake a little to cause the ref to block off the babyfaces so the heels can take a few shortcuts. Cody eventually makes the tag to Rhyno, hot tag, he tries to set up the Gore but the GYV manage to stop him in his tracks and hit an Enzuigiri to daze the Man Beast, he falls to his corner and Jake tags himself in. Jake literally runs them all over, tags in Cody and Launches him from the Top Rope into Zack Gibson. Ali makes the save and Jake tries to get his hands on Ali, but the GYV keep throwing themselves at him, literally. The triple team finally gets the best of Jake, they hit 3 Dives and then post Jake, so they gather around Cody like hyenas.
They forgot about Rhyno, he’s set up for a Gore, he Gores Drake, Gibson and Ali take out Rhyno, but then Cody starts to fight back. Ali stops Deaner’s offense with an Avalanche Sunset Bomb, then hits his 450 Splash. Jake barely misses being able to break up the pin.
.@TheEricYoung channels "The Sickness" as he prepares for FULL METAL MAYHEM with @FrankieKazarian at #Rebellion! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/tm1TqxZBLo
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 19, 2024
Rosemary w/Havok vs Jody Threat w/Dani Luna
Jody tries to start quickly with Shoulder Tackles, Lariats and Scoop Slams, and it does seem somewhat effective. Rosemary is having trouble finding offense against the intensity, but she keeps kicking out. Shotgun Dropkick finally gives Rosemary an opening, she goes into full mount and rains down strikes. Rosemary shoves Jody into a corner and Bites her in the corner. Jody tries to fight out, they go across and Rosemary catches her with the legs and puts her in the Upside Down. Splash in the corner from Rosemary, Exploder Suplex and Jody is eating a lot of offense.
Rosemary looks like she’s caught after she gets tripped up into the ropes and Jody goes for her Rope Knee into the German, but Rosemary dodges. Rosemary hits her own suplex and pulls out a beautiful Last Chancery! I haven’t seen her do that in a long time. Jody manages to fight to the ropes, Rosemary is a little slow to capitalize and eats a Pump Kick. Rosemary goes flying into the ropes, Jody hits the Double Knees into the German this time for 2, and they trade a few haymakers after that. Jody folds Rosemary with a low Lariat, Zombie rise spot a few times, Jody goes for a pinfall and Rosemary kicks out.
Havok jumps up on the apron, Dani meets her and they decide to step down, but the distraction was enough. Jody turns around and eats a Spear. Rosemary wins!
Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley) vs The System (Eddie Edwards & Brian Myers) w/Alisha Edwards
Eddie and Shelley start off, and its a very simple slow start. Mostly an early stalemate, the typical Japanese style the TNA seem to love to employ. Starters tag out, but then Shelley with the blind tag, Sabin Baseball Slides out, picks Eddie’s ankle and sends his face bouncing off the apron, while Shelley sneaks up being Myers and they hit a tandem move before we cut to commercial. Off of the commercial it looks like Eddie and Myers regained control. But a nice Jawbreaker from Shelley sends Eddie falling back into the MCMG corner. Dragon Screws to both legs from Sabin and Shelley, and we get the Dragon Screw dissection spot for the Guns.
Myers gets sick of things, tries to get involved, but Simultaneous Figure Fours from the MCMG makes The System look silly. Alisha does the classic “push the rope forward” gimmick to assist Eddie in breaking the hold. She keeps chirping at Shelley until she finally grabs his foot. Shelley doesn’t take kindly, tries to grab her by the hair but she gets away, Shelley eats a strike and falls back to the ropes so Lish can just throttle him with the rope, Sabin walks over and acts like he’s going to PK her and the look of disgust on her face is hilarious, like “how dare he threaten to kick her”. Would I be mad is Masha decides to team with Lish and they win the Knockouts Tag titles? No, because the Knockouts Tags are trash. But I still prefer Lish as valet/manager.
Shelley starts fighting back after another commercial break, Eddie tries to cut him off, but Sabin clocks Eddie and Shelley manages to make the tag and Sabin comes in. Lights up both System members, Kick off Tornado DDT, into a Running Gamengiri. Eddie tries to counter but Shelley assists, tandem strikes, Double Baseball Slide into the classic MCMG spot 5 Hole Dive! Keeping up with the classics Shelley stacks the System members on each other and hit the Missile Dropkick/Flatliner spot. As the Guns are rolling, Sabin accidentally catches Sabin with his foot and The System take control! They hit their pieces of the System Overload spot, but Sabin kicks out. Roster Cut attempt from Myers, but Shelley is back. High Speed Dirt, Machine Gun Sandwich, but Lish grabs Shelley’s foot when they’re setting up Skull and Bones. Shelley gets dropped on the turnbuckle and thrown out, Sabin eats the Roster Cut followed up with Boston Knee Party and System retains!
Its a little weird to have had the two commercial cuts and the fact there’s still Nic Nemeth to follow. So it feels a little flat, I hope this wasn’t their swan song match, because it was nice to see some classic spots, but it was entirely too abbreviated.
Nemeth comes out, goes into the crowd and finds a kid with a kendo stick and borrows a beer from someone, so he does a bit of a Sandman tribute. Moose cuts off his promo basically immediately. He throws out the “can’t beat the system” line again, and Nic rolls with the punches well. Moose uses a few cute analogies about Nic having a failure laden past, but Nemeth bites back and its really damn good. He says he can see it in Moose’s eyes that he thinks he’s getting in the ring with Dolph Ziggler, but no, there is no more old Dolph Ziggler, just the new Nic Nemeth. And Moose’s cool seems to be slightly shaken after those words. Good promo.
Overall Score: 6.5/10
So this was okay, if it didn’t end as strongly as it did, I would’ve rated this much lower. Two squash matches in the beginning, reusing the Josh comes out to the announce table to watch trope is boring, hell even Clayton’s shove to Hammerstone was super lame looking. The Deaner match was luke warm at best, but things picked up around the Rosemary match.
Lets also not overlook the segments with ASH & Xia, Jonathan Gresham’s whole deal and EY having to return to the violence/sickness/world class maniac, whatever you want to call it, were all great building blocks. This definitely wasn’t what I would call a strong Go Home, but it didn’t hurt things for Rebellion. The whole injury of Cardona was addressed, which honestly sounded weird since Jordynne basically said she was expecting them to have a backup plan so she has a backup plan. I don’t really like how that video package came across.
But who knows, all I know is, this wasn’t an awful episode, it just wasn’t really strong either. Here’s to hoping Rebellion Saturday is still strong.
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