Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (7/19/22)
NXT is still Toxic!
There must be a new #1 contender to Mandy Rose’s title!
To determine a NEW #1 contender to the NXT Women’s Championship, TWENTY female superstars battle at once for the next title opportunity! Who makes it to the end to go after the Toxic Goddess?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Cameron Grimes VS JD McDonagh; McDonagh wins.
- Roderick Strong VS Damon Kemp; Strong wins.
- NXT UK Tag Team Championships: Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen VS Pretty Deadly; Briggs & Jensen win and retain the titles.
- Axiom VS Dante Chen; Axiom wins.
- NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s 20 Woman Battle Royal: Zoey Stark wins and will challenge Mandy Rose for the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cameron Grimes VS JD McDonagh!
The Carolina Cash Money Caveman knows how close he was to getting THE NXT Championship, and how bad it felt to let it slip through his fingers. But the Irish Ace doesn’t care about any of that, because he wants is own shot! Will McDonagh unleash the #DEVLINSIDE and remove Grimes from the running? Or can Grimes make some money betting against the Ace?
The bell rings, the two circle, and JD shoots in but Grimes blocks the takedown. Grimes facelocks, they move around, they end up on the ropes, and the ref calls the ropebreak. The two let off with some chippy shoving, but they reset. Grimes waistlocks and he SLAMS JD down to headlock. JD powers up to power out but Grimes runs him over! Fans fire up and things speed up, Grimes slides under the hurdle to waistlock. JD bucks the O’Conner Roll to then shin kick Grimes! And then the ripcord, but Grimes KICKS JD away! Grimes brings JD up, JD throws forearms but Grimes whips him. JD avoids the stomps but not the ROUNDHOUSE!
Fans fire up with Grimes and he hurries to bring JD back up. Grimes bumps JD off buckles, KICKS him in the corner, and JD flounders away! Fans rally, Grimes drags JD up to CLUB him down. Grimes ROCKS JD with a forearm, whips him to a corner hard, and JD bounces off buckles! Grimes covers, TWO! Fans rally, Grimes drags JD up to EuroUpper! Fans rally, Grimes brings JD around but JD KICKS his leg! And KICKS it again! JD gets at the leg but Grimes throws forearms! Grimes whips JD to ropes and back drops him! Fans fire up and Grimes rushes in, but JD trips Grimes up! JD has the leg but Grimes BOOTS free with the other!
Grimes staggers up but he goes after JD. Grimes whips JD into a corner but JD tumbles up and out! JD grins but Grimes runs in to BOOT him down! JD flops to the floor and fans rally up. Grimes goes out after JD, puts him in the ring, and fans fire up again. Grimes goes back in but JD slips out to then trip Grimes with a leg scissor, and TORNILLO SPLASH! Fans fire up for JD’s innovative moves, and JD gets the legs to turn Grimes over! HALF CRAB! Fans rally as Grimes endures, but JD digs his knee into Grimes’ back as he pulls the leg. Grimes turns back over, but he can’t kick free! JD just makes it an ANKLE LOCK!
Grimes endures, reaches out, turns over and kicks with his free leg again! JD flounders to a corner, Grimes runs in but JD puts him on the apron. Grimes ROCKS JD, goes up top, and leaps to CROSSBODY! Grimes bounces off the cover and… Joe Gacy is watching from the perch? Grimes isn’t sure what to make of that but NXT goes picture in picture.
Grimes turns back to JD and drags him up. JD YANKS him into ropes! Grimes sputters and JD gets to his feet to stomp Grimes down. JD digs his boots in at the ropes but the ref counts. JD lets off, Grimes gets to the apron, and JD grabs the bad leg! JD brings it through the ropes but Grimes throws big forearms! JD lets him go and Grimes whips JD to ropes. JD reverses and dropkicks the leg out! Grimes writhes and clutches the knee while JD catches his breath. JD clamps onto Grimes’ shoulder, Grimes endures, but now JD digs into both shoulders! Grimes fights up but JD knees him down! JD then mocks the applause before he KICKS Grimes down!
JD drags Grimes by his bad leg but Grimes kicks with his good leg. So JD KICKS the bad leg, turns Grimes over, and SMASHES the knee into the mat! JD pushes Grimes down for a cover, TWO! JD wants a faster count but the ref says that was fair. Grimes reaches for ropes but JD drags him up. Grimes throws body shots but JD still snap suplexes him! Cover, TWO! JD is annoyed but he gets Grimes up to throw forearms at the ropes. The ref reprimands, JD whips but Grimes ducks ‘n’ dodges to CROSSBODY! Both men are down and the ref checks on them. They’re okay to continue so fans rally up.
JD drop toeholds Grimes and CLUBS away on his head and shoulders! JD sits Grimes up to neck wrench but Grimes endures. NXT returns to single picture, fans rally up and Grimes throws body shots. JD clamps onto a chinlock but Grimes stays up to snapmare free! JD wobbles, Gacy is still watching as Grimes throws forearms. JD whips, Grimes reverses and kitchen sink knees! Then BASEMENT BOOTS! Fans fire up as Grimes snarls! JD goes to the apron but Grimes drags him up by his hair! Grimes suplexes JD up but JD fights to shoulder in! JD trips Grimes, drags him over to a corner and he SLAMS the leg into the post!
Grimes writhes and flounders away but JD takes his time getting back in. Grimes staggers up, and JD CHOP BLOCKS the leg! JD stomps away on the leg, drops elbows on the knee, then clamps on for a HALF CRAB! Grimes endures, reaches out, moves around, and gets a ROPEBREAK! JD lets go but is after Grimes in the corner. Grimes kicks him away, then again! Grimes rallies on one good leg, then spins JD around to scoop and SWINGING SIDE SLAM! Fans fire up while both men are down! JD crawls away but Grimes anchors a foot! Grimes drags JD back in, but JD kicks Grimes away now. JD kicks the bad leg, too!
JD gets up but Grimes SUPERMAN PUNCHES! JD is on spaghetti legs but he goes after Grimes’ bad leg again. Grimes ENZIGURIS him away! Fans fire up as Grimes fires off on JD! Grimes peppers JD with palm strikes, then whips to SUPERKICK!! Grimes’ heart and adrenaline are pumping him through the pain and fans are fire dup! JD grabs Grimes’ leg to keep him from going to the corner. Grimes drags JD up but JD HEADBUTTS! JD rushes in, into a KNEE!! Both men are down again and the fans are thunderous! Gacy is still smiling that Cheshire cat smile, “This is Awesome!” JD goes out, Grimes goes to the apron, but JD slips in!
JD goes after Grimes but Grimes ROCKS him! Grimes step sin but JD shoves him down! The bad leg is trapped! JD stomps and kicks away on Grimes but the ref tells him to stop! Grimes manages to get back in the ring but the damage has been done! DEVLINSIDE!!! Cover, JD wins!
Winner: JD McDonagh, by pinfall
The “Necessary Evil” is successful in his NXT 2.0 debut, and he did it in a very evil way! Will the Irish Ace do anything and everything he has to in order to reach the top? Gacy shakes his head, is he disappointed in Mr. Grimes’ efforts?
Nikkita Lyons speaks.
“Tonight, 19 superstars stand in my way of a championship match. I don’t care if it’s Tiffany Stratton, Wendy Choo, Elektra Lopez, Lash Legend, they’re all going over the top rope! And they can all bring the fight, but I’m bringing the heat. And Mandy Rose, we have some unfinished business, girl. After tonight, there’s no more ducking ‘n’ dodging me.” Lyons is ready to roar, will she make that ring the Lyons Den tonight?
Tiffany Stratton speaks.
“I just find it so offensive that I have to compete in this battle royal tonight. Obvi, I am like the only woman deserving of a title match. And if you can’t see that, I am so sorry. It must be so difficult going through life completely blind to everything around you. Enjoy your existence underneath that rock while I go on to win the battle royal tonight. Sincerely, yours truly, Tiffany Stratton, the next NXT Women’s Champion.”
Cora Jade heads to the ring.
Fans no longer cheer #GenerationJade after what she did to her long time friend and NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship tag partner, Roxanne Perez. Cora rolls her eyes at the boos as she gets the mic. “The first thing that you people need to do is shut the hell up if you want to hear what I have to say. Last week, I stabbed my best friend in the back, and honestly? I should’ve done it sooner. For the past year, I have been the face of the NXT Women’s Division. Me. On all the posters, the commercials. You guys appointed ME the next breakout superstar! Don’t you remember WarGames when I jumped off the top of the cage?”
Cora says all the fans could say, “Wow, Cora Jade’s a star! Cora Jade’s so young! Cora Jade’s got such a bright future!” So she takes her best friend along for the ride. She helps get Roxanne Perez in the door, and from day one, everyone’s attention goes from Cora to Roxanne! Suddenly, Roxanne’s the next big star! Everyone loves Roxie! She’s the next Women’s Champion! It was all going to be perfect, right? After how many failed attempts, Cora finally found the perfect partner, and at The Great American Bash, Cora would become champion with her best friend. They’re on top of the world, champions forever together!
But not 30 minutes later, Roxanne decides that she wants to cash in her Breakout contract and beat Mandy Rose for the NXT Women’s Championship. “What the hell are you thinking, Rox?” Cora wanted to make the tag titles the most important ones in the WWE and yet she’s over it? And fans booing now are the same ones chanting for #RoxieTwoBelts, so y’all can go to hell. When Roxie declared her intentions, Cora knew the friendship was a lie. Roxie didn’t care about Cora, she used her to get here! And honestly, Roxie is a selfish BITCH! Fans boo but Cora says it’s true. Roxie was in her own little world, she didn’t even see who attacked her!
Yes, it was Cora! It was Cora all along! And the plan was going to play out perfectly. Mandy wasn’t ready for Cora, Cora was going to win that title, but of course, nope! Roxie comes right on out to ruin it all. And that’s why Cora felt so damn good to hit her in the back with her belt! And honestly, Roxie looked like a poor little puppy, it was priceless. But Roxie wont’ be here because she’s not cleared to compete with that broken heart, there is no one, not a single woman, that’ll stop Cora from winning the battle royal. And as for the tag titles… Cora takes hers right to the trash! “All this title represents to me now is a lie! This title isn’t worth a damn thing to me anymore.”
This is the end of naïve Cora, and the beginning the TRUE Generation Jade! She’s wired just a little bit differently these days. Cora DUMPS the belt in the trash! Let’s just take that as her way of vacating the titles. Is Cora going to get everything she wants in tonight’s main event? Or just what she deserves?
Backstage interview with Xyon Quinn.
Xyon says good for Cora. She never needed Roxie anyway. This isn’t a “we” kind of business, it’s a “me” kind of business. Some disagree with that, but McKenzie wants to ask Xyon why he interfered in Apollo Crews’ match last week. Oh, that was great, wasn’t it? Just great! Apollo thinks he can see the future, but he didn’t see Xyon coming, did he? And next week, Xyon gets what he wants: a match with Apollo. This will be the biggest win of Xyon’s career. And while Xyon doesn’t care about Apollo, Apollo is impressive. Apollo can throw his weight around in the gym, is a former champion, and had a big moment at WrestleMania.
But the truth is, the guy just couldn’t cut it in the big leagues. That’s not Apollo’s fault. Because not everyone has the X Factor like Xyon does. And next week, THE X Factor will be on full display. Will Xyon find that the X Factor only amounts to so much against all of Apollo’s abilities?
Indi Hartwell speaks.
“So far, flying solo has been everything but a smooth ride. I guess the growing pains come with the territory. I’m still searching for what’s missing, but regardless of the slips and slides, the highs and lows, recent history proves that I made the right choice. Because you can’t trust anyone in this division, and that perfectly describes tonight, because it is every woman for herself. Only one can win the opportunity to face Mandy for her title, and that woman will be me.” Will Indi come away with a truly #IMPRESSIVE victory?
Roderick Strong VS Damon Kemp!
The Savior of the Backbreaker tried to keep the Diamond Mine together his way, but his way might be what’s making things worse. Will Strong come to see that in his match with the Diamond Gopher? Or will it be undisputed that Roddy is just headstrong?
NXT returns as Kemp makes his entrance. The bell rings, the two circle and tie up. Kemp waistlocks, Strong wrenches out then wristlocks. Kemp rolls, shoots back in, but Strong facelocks. Kemp still shoots around, Strong wrenches out again, but Kemp cartwheels and gets around to a headlock. Kemp hits a takeover, Strong tries a headscissor but Kemp shrugs that off. Fans rally, Kemp keeps the headscissors away but Strong stands up. Strong powers up and pops out the back to hammerlock then headlock. Strong hits a takeover, Kemp fights up, fans duel, and Kemp wrenches out to headlock back!
Strong powers up and out, but Kemp ducks and spins Strong to then run him over! Things speed up, Strong hurdles but Kemp gets him for a BIG scoop and SLAM, then an elbow drop! Cover, TWO! Kemp keeps on Strong with a deadlift gut wrench suplex! Strong tumbles out to the apron, Kemp runs over but Strong rubber bands the rope into Kemp’s groin! Kemp staggers away, Strong gets in to knee low and GUT BUSTER! Kemp writhes, Strong taunts him and sits him up to CLUB him down! Strong kicks Kemp around, drags him up then puts him on the ropes. Strong stands Kemp up to CHOP, then kicks a leg.
Kemp crawls but Strong puts him in a corner. Strong CHOPS again, but Kemp shoves back. Strong knees low, CLUBS Kemp, then drags him up into a suplex. Kemp fights it, fans rally, but Strong knees low. Strong then suplexes Kemp up and over! Cover, ONE!! Strong hammers away on Kemp then clamps on a chinlock. Kemp endures, Strong CLUBS him in the ribs, and keeps on the double wristlock. Fans rally, Kemp fights up, and Kemp throws back elbows. Strong knees low again, and again! Then he pushes Kemp down to STOMP in the chest! Strong looms over Kemp, KICKS him again, then covers, ONE!!
Kemp is still hanging tough but Strong clamps on with another chinlock. Fans rally, Kemp fights up, and Kemp throws body shots! Strong knees low again and Kemp falls. Strong puts him in a corner, run sin, but into a BOOT! Strong returns, Kemp dodges to CLOBBER Strong! And again! Kemp ducks and dodges to ROLLING LARIAT! Fans fire up with the Gopher as he hauls Strong up for an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Kemp runs in to RAM into Strong, shove shim away and SLINGSHOT SPEARS! Cover, TWO! Kemp hurries to haul Strong up, scoop him, but Strong slips off and BOOTS! Strong then runs but into an elbow!
Kemp and Strong run, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Both men are down, but then The Don gets Strong’s attention on the titantron? “Hey, Roddy! Up here. See, now that I got your attention, these diamonds of yours aren’t shining so bright anymore.” The Family and Legado are mugging The Creed Brothers! “You think Diamonds are forever? That’s Tony D!” Tony has Stacks, Cruz and Wilde let off, and Kemp wants to go help Julius & Brutus! But Strong turns him around for a STRONG KNEE!?! Cover, Strong wins!!
Winner: Roderick Strong, by pinfall
And NOW Strong says they gotta go help the Creeds! What kind of two faced leadership is this? And either way, will the Diamond Mine be able to recover and crush the Family for what they did?
Pretty Deadly meets up backstage.
Elton Prince brought plenty of cleaning products to wipe the trailer trash dirt off the NXT UK Tag Team Championship belts. Kit Wilson looks great in his denim, and Kit says Elton looks great period. In a few moments, they get their babies back from those hillbillies! And don’t worry, Kit says they’ve got some pretty wonderful aftershave for that chest hair. Those titles will smell like hot garbage, but it’s TIME to #CowboyUp! Yeehaw, roll tide! Saddle up, boys!
Josh Briggs, Brooks Jensen & Fallon Henley also talk backstage.
Briggs says tonight is the night! Their first title defense while Fallon’s going to win that battle royal! Fallon tells the boys not to worry about her, they have their match first. It’s harder to keep the titles than it is to win them, so just stay focused and keep that composure. Composure? After what Pretty Deadly’s been saying? HELL NO! They’re coming in full of piss ‘n’ vinegar! Pretty Deadly’s talked down to them, insulted them, and think they’re better! Well Pretty Deadly is heading for an ol’ fashioned country ass whooping! Let’s roll! Will the city slickers from Essex end up two-time champions? Or will they get wrecked by these rednecks?
The Creed Brothers regroup.
Julius tells Brutus that they’ll get even with Tony’s crew. Strong finds them and is furious. They should’ve been able to beat those guys! But it was 4v2! That doesn’t matter, they’re the Creed Brothers! They’re tag team champions! Kemp finally shows up and Strong asks what happened to him. These guys go down and Kemp takes forever to show up! Uh, Strong’s KNEE is what happened! Strong knows, he hit Kemp! Just listen to him! Tony D started this, but Diamond Mine finishes it! That much they all agree on. But will Strong’s leadership bring them to victory against The Don? Or will it dawn on the rest that Strong is just a tyrant?
NXT UK Tag Team Championships: Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen VS Pretty Deadly!
NXT UK’s Ashton Smith & Oliver Carter fought hard to get these belts off Moustache Mountain, but perhaps too hard as Ashton went down with an injury. Briggs & Brooks got their chance and they took these titles, and that only upset the former champions, Elton & Kit. Will Pretty Deadly rope ‘n’ ride and take back these titles? Or will the Yanks continue their reign?
Pretty Deadly seemed to take “cow” literally with the cow print tops. The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who rides off into the sunset with the gold!
The teams sort out, Jensen starts with Elton, and the two tie up at the bell. Elton gets around to smack Jensen on the head, and he mocks the two step. Jensen storms up on Elton but he uses the ropes to defend himself. Elton then SLAPS Jensen! That only angers Jensen and he grabs Elton with both hands to TOSS to the corner! Jensen CHOPS, clotheslines, and repeats! Jensen whips corner to corner, Elton bounces off buckles and into a back drop! Fans fire up and Jensen storms up on him! Jensen spins Elton around to suplex, but Kit blocks that for Elton. Kit then tags in, Jensen suplexes but Kit CLUBS him in the back!
Pretty Deadly mug Jensen, CLUB him and stomp the hands, to then Scott Hall finger wiggle at him. Jensen throws hand son Kit! Kit ROCKS Jensen, ROCKS him again, tags back to Elton, and Pretty Deadly double whip. Jensen kicks them away, ROCKS Kit and tags in Briggs! Jensen and Briggs double whip Pretty Deadly to then run them both over! Fans fire up as Pretty Deadly end up on ropes. Jensen and Briggs run, slide and STEREO HAYMAKERS! Fans fire up for “U S A! U S A!” but Elton jumps on Briggs’ back! Briggs endures the sleeper, he RAMS Elton into the corner, but Elton lets him go while standing on Briggs’ hand against the ropes.
The ref counts, Elton lets Briggs go, and Elton leaps, into Briggs’ arms! Briggs SLAMS Elton down but Kit distracts. Elton rushes in, puts Briggs on the ropes, Kit tags in as Elton whips. Briggs busts through the clothesline but Kit grabs at Briggs. Briggs DECKS Kit but Elton whips again. Briggs reverses this time to TOSS Elton out, into Fallon! Briggs and Jensen realize what happened and hurry to check on Fallon. Jensen is furious but Briggs has him stay back, and NXT goes to break.
NXT returns and Jensen fires off on Kit, then BACKHANDS! Jensen whips and WHEEL KICKS Kit down! Fans fire up with Jensen but Kit gets to his corner, Jensen runs in but misses, and Elton tags in. Elton whips Jensen into a corner, Kit WRINGS Jensen’s arm out, and Elton CLUBS Jensen down. Elton fires off on Jensen in a corner but Jensen hits back! Elton CLUBS Jensen, facelocks, and tags in Kit. Pretty Deadly double suplex Jensen onto ropes, but then Jensen fights it, so they hang him out to dry! Cover, TWO! Kit is frustrated and he eggs Jensen on. Jensen boots but Kit blocks to COLOBBER Jensen at the ropes!
Kit headlock punches over and over then he tags in Elton. Elton stomps Jensen, knees him in the back, then clamps on a chinlock. Elton grinds Jensen down but fans rally up. Jensen endures but Elton cranks on the chinlock. Jensen reaches out, fights up, and Jensen JAWBREAKERS! Jensen keeps Elton from his corner but Elton does the same to Jensen. Elton knees low, tags in Kit, and Pretty Deadly mugs Jensen. Jensen throws body shots, haymakers, but Kit hits back! It is a brawl but Kit RAMS Jensen into the corner! Elton tags in to forearm smash! Cover, TWO! Elton stomps and kicks Jensen but Jensen throws body shots!
Jensen fights but Elton facelocks to hold him back again. Jensen reaches but Elton headlocks. Briggs reaches out, but Elton kicks at him! Elton whips Jensen, runs in, but misses in the corner! Hot tags to Kit and Briggs! Briggs rallies on Pretty Deadly! BOOT for Kit! SIDEWALK SLAM and a SPLASH for Elton! Fans fire up with Briggs and he whips Kit to ropes. Kit ducks ‘n’ dodges, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Fans rally up, both men stand, and Briggs gets Kit for a backslide! TWO, and DOUBLE LARIATS collide now! Both men are down again and Kit flounders to the apron. Fans rally for “U S A!” but Elton sneaks a belt to Kit.
Elton has the other belt, the ref sees what Kit has in his hands, but then Elton tosses the other belt at Briggs. Elton says Briggs is gonna use the belt, but then Jensen BOOTS Elton down! The ref confiscates one belt but then Fallon snatches the other! Fallon lets go and the ref reprimands her, Kit ends up in the COUNTRY HIGH LOW!! Briggs covers, the Yanks win!
Winners: Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen, by pinfall (still NXT UK Tag Team Champions)
Pretty Deadly tried to cheat but got cheated back! Will they learn to play fair and square from the start from now on? Will Briggs & Jensen continue to reign on both sides of the Atlantic?
Joe Gacy speaks.
“For the last ten weeks, you have sat under my tree. You have surrendered yourselves to my teachings, torn down your egos, and rebuilt yourselves as pillars of inclusion and acceptance. Under my guidance, you will be who you were always meant to be. It is time for you to emerge. Before you do, understand there is no going back. Do you accept this fate?” The Dyad says, “Yes.” Gacy says the final step of the purification commences! It’s James Drake & Zack Gibson! Gacy “baptizes” the Grizzled Young Veterans in his smoky aura, and they rise as “Jagger Reed” and “Rip Fowler!” Their past will now stay where it belongs: behind them.
“Jagger” says that they were two souls that needed guidance and found redemption. Now they can feel joy and finally, truly be recognized. They are the first but not the last to be unshackled. Many more will join. There is plenty of shade under the tree. And to Jagger and Rip, welcome home in The Schism.
Bron Breakker arrives.
He wants to know where McDonagh is but no one is sure. Bron is on the hunt, will he unleash some “necessary evil” of his own on JD tonight?
Backstage interview with Wes Lee.
McKenzie say sit seems everyone was dropping his name last week. Yes, on his journey to find himself, he keeps hitting road blocks. Trick Williams blinds him at the Great American Bash, but now Lee has 20-20 vision. Trick thinks the music between them is going to stop, but they ain’t done dancing. But Grayson Waller blames Lee for losing the North American Championship match? And says Lee’s life sucks? Lee’s heard worse from people he actually respects. If Waller was 1/10th as good as he thinks he is, he wouldn’t have been so distracted. But Waller can only blame himself next week when he takes on Lee 1v1.
It’s a two stop detour! Waller first, Trick Willy second, and then Lee is back on his path to find himself. Will the Must-See Kid go viral with Waller next week?
Bron Breakker heads to the ring!
THE NXT Champion is back with that bad shoulder taped up, and fans bark along as he holds up that belt with the beat up arm. Bron gets the mic to say, “At Great American Bash, I went toe to toe with one of the very best here in NXT in Cameron Grimes. He tried to make things personal, but he stood up to me, and that’s something I can respect. And then there’s JD McDonagh.” Fans boo and Bron says JD attacked from behind and put him through a table. Bron gets it, “next man up.” Not the first time and it won’t be the last. But Bron knows who JD is: The Irish Ace! The NXT UK Kingpin! Hell, JD’s a surgeon in the ring.
JD wanted Bron’s attention? Well he’s got it! And he’ll pay for what he did! But JD calls to Bron from the tron. They haven’t formally met, right? How’s that shoulder? It’s fine, so JD can bring his ass to the ring to find out himself! Oh, so aggressive and so predictable. When JD was in the UK competing at a level no one else could touch, he was watching Bron. Bron’s faced a ton of great competitors. But that’s the difference. Those guys were competing with Bron. JD is going to dissect him. Take that bad shoulder, for example. Did Bron know there are eight major muscles in the shoulder? They all have to work together for a strong shoulde rjoint.
JD knows Grimes hurt Bron’s shoulder, but JD will disable him. JD knows exactly how to tear the tendons from the bone. JD knows Bron is going to say, “I’ll fight through the pain! RUFF RUFF!” For a bit, maybe. But there’s only so much trauma a human brain can go through before it shuts down. So what Bron needs to do that while he loves the NXT Championship, he has to ask himself if he’s willing to risk his health for it. One day, many years from now- One day, JD has to get in the ring with Bron! If JD can’t find his balls, borrow some from the mannequin! Oh, Bron. One day, but not today. Bron’s future changed forever at The Bash, he just doesn’t know it yet.
The Necessary Evil has arrived in NXT, and until the next time they meet, Bron should mind his shoulder. Oh, JD wants to rip the shoulder off? Fine! Bron will take it back from JD and beat him over the head with it! The NXT Champion isn’t going to let JD intimidate him, but will he be able to keep that arm and belt where they are?
NXT Media caught up with Solo Sikoa on a Friday.
They asked him what he was doing backstage at a SmackDown, and Solo says he’s just checking out the show, showing some love to the family. Well he and Von Wagner had a big scrap last Tuesday. Solo said he and Von Wagner ain’t through. Next time Solo sees Von, he’ll smack that taste out of Von’s mouth. But Von BLINDSIDES Solo!! And RAMS him into a truck! And then they brawl back out of the building! Von keeps after Solo, slamming him against a security door, and kicking him over and over! Vicious Von says, “This is the Street Champ, huh? I just put the Street Champ on his ass!” But will Solo look to rip Wagner’s World apart with his bare hands?
Backstage interview with Diamond Mine.
McKenzie won’t waste their time, she just wants to know why Tony D and his crew attacked the Creeds. Julius says it doesn’t matter why! Tony will get it anywhere, anytime! They’ll slam bodies on the mat, in the back, on the asphalt, through concrete! It is ON SIGHT! Brutus says Tony’s guys jumped up but they’re already back on their feet! Diamond Mine is a family! You jump one of us, you are jumping all of them! Strong says that’s right! Tony D thinks he has the strongest family? First thing’s first, Tony, take off that stupid hat and then take a good look! Diamond Mine is the strongest! The four of them against any four in the world!
Julius says hold on, they’re not done, bring the camera back over. Tony, you’ve got two choices: Accept the challenge and get your asses beat, or refuse the offer and Diamond Mine hunts you down to beat your ass anyway! Tony’s choice! Diamond Mine is fired up, is this what they needed to keep the family together?
Axiom VS Dante Chen!
No longer just a kid, he is embracing his unique and powerful blend of agility, ability and intelligence to become something more than he was before. He has donned the mask to show us the true face of justice! Will Axiom become the undeniable truth here in NXT?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Axiom powers Chen back, arm-drags him, then wristlocks to arm-drag again. Chen arm-drags back, Axiom gets up but Chen avoids the enziguri! Fans cheer this opening exchange, and Chen headlocks. Axiom powers out and around to have an armlock. Chen rolls, slips around, wrenches back, but Axiom rolls and handsprings to wrench and WRING Chen into the armlock! Chen fights up, whips Axiom to a corner, but Axiom goes up, comes back and arm-drags again to kip up and ENZIGURI! Fans fire up, Axiom waits, and then he dodges Chen to wrench and hammerlock.
Chen reaches back, moves around, they go around and around and Chen throws Axiom out. But Axiom is right back in to slingshot and schoolboy, ONE! Chen waistlocks, whips and CLUBS Axiom on the back! Then a ripcord, into a scoop and BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Axiom is still in this but Chen clamps on to drag Axiom up. Chen whips again, CLUBS Axiom back down, and fans duel. Chen whips Axiom to CLUB him again, then he hauls Axiom up. Chen whips, Axiom ducks the forearm this time, then dodges again to tilt-o-whirl and DDT! Fans fire up while both men get up. Chen goes to ropes, Axiom fires off forearms!
Axiom ducks Chen’s clohtesline to PELE, then O’Conner! But Chen bucks him off. Axiom comes back to HOTSHOT! Axiom is up top and leaps to CROSSBODY! Fans fire up and Axiom aims from a corner, to RYDER KICK! Cover, Axiom wins!
Winner: Axiom, by pinfall
Axiom calculated perfectly and hit the mark! Will he find the winning formula to get to the top of NXT?
Lash Legend speaks.
“The best women that NXT has to offer will be in the same ring at the same time. The top 20! But you’re looking at the top one, numero uno, the odds on favorite to win it all! It’ll be easy as two snaps and a clap. Oh, and Ms. Firemaker? I’ll see your burnt brain in the battle royal. And when I send you flying over the top rope, you’ll realize that no one messes with Lash Legend, the one and only, okay?” Will Lash use the battle royal to become a contender? Or will her playing with Fyre get her burned?
A fan walks up to Giovanni Vinci.
They ask if it’s okay to get a picture. He says sure. He takes a selfie of just himself, but she wanted to be in it with him. With him? Uh, no. Everyone wants a picture of Vinci right now, especially after he handled Apollo Crews with style. Chase U then returns from their field trip and cross paths with Vinci. They ask if Vinci wants to hang out with them in the Chase U student section. Absolutely not! Now move your bus! Thea Hail is in awe of his car. No finger prints. Oh, sorry… Well, they’ll save Vinci a seat anyway. Chase U heads out and Vinci is still upset about the bus! Did Vinci just have a #TeachableMoment about parking spots?
Once again, Carmelo Hayes & Trick Williams visit the barber shop.
Melo is still recovering from the #Melobration last week. Trick understands that. He met two of the finest ladies. Melo saw ’em. One was Mercedes, she drove a Lexus. And the other girl was Lexus, who drove a Mercedes. And Trick was getting them confused the whole time! But we need to lock it in. There’s business to be taken care of. Everyone wants after the North American Championship. Solo said he’s got next, but Melo is so over Solo. Solo is fighting Von, and they say this is Wagner’s World, and we’re just living in it. Pff, what? No, Von is in the Meloverse! But what about someone new? Giovanni Vinci looks good.
C’mon, man, didn’t that guy just get here? Technically… Let’s find someone else. Apollo Crews wants to make this a big homecoming, but with Melo’s title. Melo says Apollo’s lucky he let him off easy. When you’re at the top, you don’t look below or behind you, because you’re too busy leading the way. Wait, his phone is blowing up. Wes Lee was talking about Trick Williams a minute ago. Trick says of course! He’s Trick Willy. Lee needs to be obsessed with his match next week. But two things are for sure in NXT: Waller gonna lie; Wes Lee gonna cry. They might as well watch Titanic. Melo wants Trick to watch that match, though.
Oh, Trick will be watching. Lee can’t, though, because his eyes are still burning. GOTTEE! And that’s all it is, and that’s all it’s gonna be. Now let’s get this do right. WHOA~! Yikes. Wait, seriously? Uh, no, it’s not that bad… But will it be real bad for Melo & Trick if they keep dissing this many superstars?
Backstage interview with Toxic Attraction.
McKenzie asks them about the coming battle royal to name Mandy Rose’s next challenger. Who do they think has what it takes to win? Umm… Well if Mandy had to guess, she’ll go with… Tatum Paxley. Okay, bye. Wait, why Tatum? Ugh, McKenzie, why is it more than one question? Mandy doesn’t care, that was the first name in her head! Here’s what’ll happen. They will leave, McKenzie will watch them leave, just like all the weird microphone holders here do. Jacy says, “Like this?” And then she has a glazed look in her eye. That’s rude… Oh, McKenzie, whoever next up is just the next loser. Take your pick.
The bigger question should be about the NXT Women’s Tag titles. But before Gigi & Jacy can go on about that, Ivy Nile walks in to dare someone to call her “loser” to her face! Once she wins, she will render Mandy unconscious and take her title. Kiana James walks in to say “Ms. Nile” has ZERO chance of winning. Strategy and brains trump muscle in every situation. Especially here. As for Ms. Rose, her long title reign will come to an end when- Alba Fyre beats her! This is the woman who will burn the Toxic Empire to the ground. Fyre’s music hits first, but will she be the last woman standing in that ring?
NXT Media catches up to Cameron Grimes.
He tells the reporters to leave him alone! After losing the North American Championship, he said not now! After losing out on the NXT Championship, he said not now! And now he loses to JD, so what part of “not now” does no one understand?! Let him go home! Joe Gacy is there to say he understands how Grimes is feeling. He knows exactly what Grimes is going through. Not now, Gacy. Grimes hobbles out to the parking lot, and Gacy smiles. Will Gacy get through to Grimes soon enough?
NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s 20 Woman Battle Royal!
If we continue with Kiana James’ math, all these women have a 1/20, a 5% chance, of winning that golden ticket to take on the Toxic Goddess! But will numbers mean nothing when you’ve got some of the hungriest superstars in NXT today in that ring?
NXT returns and Elektra Lopez makes her entrance. McKenzie interviews Tony D’Angelo backstage, and Lopez is in the battle royal. Tony says to say it right: Lopez is going to win the battle royal. Well, what does Tony have to say about the challenge for an 8 Man Tag from Diamond Mine? Oh no~, the big bad dojo bros got beat up. Y’know why those guys need a dojo? Because they can’t fight on the streets. These fake tough guys fooled everyone else, but not The Don. They think they have the strongest unit? They barely get along! And now they think they can beat Tony’s crew? Gentlemen, they accept the offer. Bring your towels, singlets and yelling, but it won’t change the outcome. Next week, Diamond Mine is FINISHED. As is this interview.
Cora makes her entrance now, and she mocks the fans booing and crying over Roxie. Toxic Attraction is in the lounge watching, as ZOEY STARK makes a return!? Is this huge return from the Sin City Soldier going to flip this match on its head?
The bell rings, Cora talks trash to all 19 others, but all 19 aren’t having it. Cora realizes she’s surrounded, but then she slides out under the ropes. Only for Ivy to do the same and DECK her! The match is on as Ivy puts Cora back in! Cora slides back out, Ivy chases her off! The rest are brawling all over, Indi after Amari Miller, Leon after Lyons, Tatum after Sloan Jacobs! Lash scoops Indi, Kiana is after Feroz but Feroz fights back. Arianna Grace fights off Amari but KC Squared is after her now. Fyre goes after Kayden, Grace is after Katana, Tatum puts Amari on the apron! Ivy DROPKICKS and ELIMINATES Amari for the Diamond Mine!
Lopez throws forearms on Ivy but Ivy hits back. Tatum is after Grace, as is Sloane. KC Squared are after Tiffany but she fights back. Feroz & Leon work on Lyons together, Fallon helps Jacobs against Grace! She’s on the apron but Grace hits them both back! Grace waves hi to everyone in the crowd, but Indi BOOTS her and ELIMINATES her! Indi waves bye to Grace. Stark stomps Lyons, Fallon stomps Feroz, Lash is after Fyre. Tatum fights off Sloan, Fyre jumps but Lash blocks the rana to swing her into Leon, Feroz and whoever else! Lash gets Fyre up, but Fyre RANAS Lash out, DOUBLE ELIMINATION!
Fyre isn’t done with Lash, either, SUPERKICK!! Fyre fires off but Lash hits back! They brawl to the back while Lyons fights off Feroz. Tiffany puts Choo on the apron but Choo ROCKS Tiffany! But Tiffany TRIPS Choo! Choo falls, but onto her pillow! Her feet aren’t touching the floor, she’s safe! Choo stands up, slides back in and starts again! Fallon is after Kiana, Ivy schoolgirls Lopez, Loen gets Stark up but Stark holds ropes! Stark kicks Leon away, Leon runs back in but Stark tosses and ELIMINATES her! Feroz is shocked and goes after Stark! They brawl, Stark shoves Feroz into a corner but gets caught into a HANGING ARMBAR!
Feroz puts Stark on the apron but Stark fights up to deadlift and TOSS Feroz! But Leon catches her teammate to carry her back over, but Stark BOOTS Leon down! Feroz hits the floor and Stark ELIMINATES her! Sloane is after Tiffany, Lopez brawls with Lyons, KC Squared stick together while Kiana RAMS Fallon. Kiana puts Fallon out HOTSHOTS her, and RAMS her! Fallon holds on, Kiana KICKS the bad arm! Fallon falls, Kiana ELIMINATES her! Wendy Choo and Tiffany Stratton end up on the apron together now, and Choo tries a full nelson. Tiffany elbows free, then CLOBBERS Choo with her own thermos! Tiffany ELIMINATES Choo, and blows her a kiss good night.
NXT goes picture in picture as Tiffany mocks Choo more, then gets back in. Stark and Sloane are after Lyons but she fights them off. Kiana pie faces Indi, Sloane CLUBS Katana Chance, then throws her over! Katana holds on, hits Sloane back, and Kayden whips Sloane to the ropes. Sloane boots back but Katana crucifix holds her against ropes! Kayden runs back in, dumps Sloane out, KC Squared ELIMINATES Sloane! But Lopez LCOBBERS Kayden! Kayden hits Katana, Katana holds on, so Lopez keeps on Kayden! Kayden hits back, gets around, Katana headscissors, and Kayden dumps Lopez out! KC Squared ELIMINATES La Madrina!
KC Squared watch the competition while Diamond Mine’s ladies stomp away on Kiana. Ivy hits Tiffany while she’s after Indi, KC Squared go after Lyons! Lyons fights them off but they come back for more. Tatum is after Stark, Katana falls but through the middle rope so she’s safe. Tatum gets help from Kiana against Stark but Tiffany goes after Tatum. Lyons stomps Kayden, Tatum brawls with Tiffany and Ivy EuroUppers Indi. NXT returns to single picture, Katana returns to help Kayden while Toxic Attraction still watches. Katana and Kayden are after Lyons again but again she fights them off.
Ivy, Indi and Tatum are after Tiffany but Katan gets involved. Tatum goes after Katana while Lyons is after Kayden. Tiffany is after Indi, Lyons ROCKS Kayden then ROCKS Tatum! Lyons fires off knees on Tatum then forearms. Ivy whips Katana but Katana goes up and out to get a boost from Kayden, DEADLY NIGHTSHADE! They drag Ivy out to ELIMINATE her! Lyons ROCKS Katana and she almost falls, but Kayden holds her hand to keep her on the apron! Ivy grabs at Katana and YANKS her down! Ivy ELIMINATES Katana, but then Lyons BLASTS Kayden off the apron and onto Ivy! KC Squared is ELIMINATED!
Tatum fires off on Lyons, and SCOOPS her! Tatum puts Lyons on the apron, but KC Squared is mugging Ivy for what she did! Tatum sees that, and SLINGSHOTS to PLANCHA! SELF ELIMINATION!! But Diamond Mine is forever, so that is more important to her than gold. Indi sees Lyons still on the apron and rushes over to fire an uppercut! Indi DECKS Tiffany, BOOTS Stark, and SPINEBUSTERS Kiana! Indi then whips Tiffany into a corner! Tiffany goes up and out, Indi runs in but Tiffany holds the ropes down! Indi tumbles and Tiffany ELIMINATES her! Tiffany blows another kiss goodnight to #IndiWrestling.
Tiffany, Lyons, Kiana and Stark all have a corner and fans are thunderous. All four get to their feet and Stark goes after Kiana while Lyons goes after Tiffany! The brawls are on and the fans are loving it! Kiana knees low, Lyons tosses Tiffany then BOOTS Kiana! Lyons runs in to SPLASH Kiana! Then she back body blocks Tiffany! Stark swings but gets a GERMAN SUPLEX for it! Lyons ROUNDHOUSES Tiffany but Kiana RAMS her into a corner! Kiana fires off shoulders, then handsprings, into the SPIN KICK from Lyons!! Lyons tosses and ELIMINATES Kiana! But then Tiffany DUMPS and ELIMINATES Lyons!!
Tiffany blows another kiss goodnight, and she swaggers around, but she forgets Stark is here! Stark fires off forearms on Tiffany, TOSSES her, but Tiffany skins the cat! Stark sees her get in, and clotheslines her back out! Tiffany keeps ONE foot up, she’s still in this!! So Stark goes right at her at the ropes! Tiffany shoulders in, dumps Stark up but Stark is on the apron. They BOTH forearm, both fall, but are still safe on the apron! They get in the ring, fans are fired up, Tiffany SHOTGUNS Stark! Tiffany runs corner to corner with a handspring back- NO, GERMAN SUPLEX from Stark! And a half nelson TOSS up and out, to then DECK her! Tiffany hits the floor, Stark ELIMINATES her!
But she hasn’t won, because everyone forgot about Cora! Cora runs in, but Stark TOSSES her cheating ass outta here! Stark wins!!
Winner: Zoey Stark (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT Women’s Champion)
Cora is furious but no one could deny Stark this moment! Stark is back in the biggest way possible, will she be the one that strikes down the Toxic Attraction’s last champion?
My Thoughts:
A great episode for NXT here with quite a lot set up for the rest of the summer. Grimes VS McDonagh was a great opener, and the result served both stories. Grimes losing adds to his frustration but also to Gacy’s efforts to recruit him. JD wins to head for that NXT Championship, though I’m not sure they really executed his promo with Bron that well. Bron did well in his part because it was standard Bron. JD trying to use a mannequin to demonstrate his knowledge of anatomy is bit out there from how Jordan Devlin’s promos were in NXT UK, but maybe they’re just trying something out. That title match is going to be really good, though.
And speaking of Gacy and his Schism, finally we’re all vindicated. That was the Grizzled Young Veterans all along, but of course they’re getting renamed. Whether or not they needed new names, GYV does have a clever visual presentation as the Dyad with the yin-yang thing going on. And joining Gacy and being “reborn” is also a clever way to kayfabe why WWE is renaming so many people in NXT 2.0. Clearly Gacy wants Grimes to be The Schism’s midcard man, but I’m not sure that’ll happen. Melo & Trick have another good barber shop promo to talk trash on all the possible contenders, but I would love if Lee makes it through Waller and Trick to get at Melo for the title.
Good promo from Xyon, and calling himself “The X Factor” is a half decent nickname. But he’s totally losing to Apollo Crews, it’s what makes sense. Especially after Apollo lost to Vinci. And oddly, Vinci might be on to feuding with Chase U after that goofy promo together with them. Vinci will beat Bodhi, and probably even beat Chase, and since he was namedropped by Melo, he could be in some big North American Championship match, like another ladder match. Similarly, a decent segment from Solo and Von, the best part being the nod to The Bloodline. Solo VS Von has to be Falls Count Anywhere, it’s what makes sense.
As weird as A-Kid becoming Axiom is, I can’t actually rip into it that badly. I’d want to be a whole comic book superhero persona myself if I were a wrestler. And seeing the mask in the light, it looks better than I thought it did last week. I will also say, though, Dante Chen had a look on his face that says he thought he was past the superhero wrestler stuff when NXT (randomly) let go of Trey Baxter. But of course Axiom won, and the Ryder Kick being his finisher is a bit of a surprise, but I suppose it is a nice, flashy finisher for him. If this helps A-Kid get another title, like the North American Championship, then we should be all for it.
Strong VS Kemp was a very good match, but what a random move for Tony D’Angelo and his team to go after the Creeds. Though, I suppose this is all because Tony wants Legado to get those tag titles. But Strong waiting to win the match to go help the Creeds was definitely a jerk move. They could’ve both gone and worst case scenario was a draw. Strong is being extra pumped up for the 8 Man Tag so he’s totally leaving Diamond Mine high and dry. And we got a very good NXT UK Tag Team Championship match, and of course Briggs & Jensen retain. Not sure Pretty Deadly had the right tactic with their cheating, because when the ref caught Kit, Elton should’ve blasted Briggs. But now Briggs & Jensen will “return” to the UK to face teams there, who knows if they “return” to the US with the belts.
Cora had a fairly good Heel turn promo, but I think the best part was that she got to recreate the Alundra Blayze moment of dumping a belt in the trash. Toxic Attraction will of course want those belts back when they’re cleaned up. We got pretty good promos from all the major names in tonight’s main event, and going into it, I thought Nikkita Lyons was primed to win this. Cora has her story with Roxanne, Fyre and Lash have their story, even Tiffany and Choo still have their feud. Anyone else in that match was either in a tag team or in the Level Up midcard. But Zoey Stark making a true surprise return was great stuff, and she even defies Cora’s Heel cheat move to win.
I felt they should’ve made Indi the next to check off both tag title and singles title reign, but Zoey Stark is a great alternate choice. Fans clearly love her, she has story with Toxic Attraction dating back to the previous Women’s Dusty Cup, she really should be the one to dethrone Mandy Rose once and for all.
My Score: 8.5/10
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Four championships on one Friday night!
AEW Rampage hosts FOUR (non AEW) championship matches on one night! Will the champions make it through with their titles?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- AAA Mega Championship Triple Threat: El Hijo del Vikingo VS Komander VS Dralistico; Vikingo wins and retains the title.
- NJPW World Television Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Action Andretti; ZSJ wins and retains the title.
- NJPW Strong Women’s Championship: Willow Nightingale VS Emi Sakura; Willow wins and retains the title.
- ROH Pure Championship: Katsuyori Shibata VS Lee Moriarty; Shibata wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
AAA Mega Championship Triple Threat: El Hijo del Vikingo VS Komander VS Dralistico w/ Jose!
Two of these men teamed up just last night on ROH to win a Six Man Tag, but now they are opponents for the top title in AAA Lucha Libre. Meanwhile, La Faccion Ingobernable’s Prince of Silver and Gold is hungry for gold, will he take it away from Vikingo?
The bell rings and the three circle. Fans rally up for “LUCHA! LUCHA!” and “LUCHA LIBRE!” Dralistico swings, Vikingo dodges, but then Komander ducks Vikingo’s kick! Dralistico picks Vikingo up, throws him at Komander, but Komander throws Vikingo back. Vikingo wheelbarrows and arm-drags Dralistico but handsprings through. Vikingo dodges Komander now, shoves him to ropes, but Komander springboards! Vikingo gets under the crossbody, Komander tumbles and rolls but Dralistico jumps over, and then Vikingo jumps over Dralistico. Komander jumps over Vikingo, Dralistico jumps over Komander again, and they cycle continues!
Fans fire up for jump after jump, and then the three stand off. Dralistico raises the LFI fist and the three circle. Dralistico shoves the other two to then DOUBLE SHOTGUN! They bail out, Dralistico runs to FLY! Dralistico wipes both men out and fans fire up! Dralistico RAMS Komander into steel steps, and then he runs and RAMS Vikingo into railing! Fans cheer, Jose pats Dralistico on the shoulder and Dralistico goes back to BOOT Komander down. Dralistico puts Komander in, aims and springboards, to SWANTON! Cover, TWO! Dralistico wants a faster count but the ref says his count was fair.
Dralistico stomps Komander but fans taunt him. Dralistico bails out, tells the fans he’s done with them, but then they boo. Dralistico goes back to the ring, brings Komander up and tells everyone to hush. Dralistico CHOPS and Komander sits right down! Fans cheer as Dralistico says one more time, and he CHOPS, and CHOPS, and whips Komander. Komander reverses, runs in but is put on the apron. Dralistico swings, Komander blocks, and then Komander CHOPS! Komander slingshots up but Dralistico trips him! Dralistico ROCKS Komander, puts him in the ropes, and then goes up the corner.
Fans fire up as Dralistico WOE STOMPS Komander to the apron!! Fans fire up but then Vikingo gets in to go up and up and AIRHARA MOONSAULT! Direct hit on Dralistico and the fans are thunderous! Vikingo gets Dralistico and Komander in the ring, and then runs in at the corner. Dralistico stands up into the GAMANGIRI! Vikingo goes up the corner, to IMPLODER DRAGON RANA!! Fans fire up as Vikingo keeps Dralistico in the ring to then go up the ropes, OUTSIDE-IN PHOENIX SPLASH!! Cover, Komander breaks it! Fans fire up as this continues, they love “LUCHA! LUCHA!”
Vikingo GAMANGIRIS Dralistico, Komander adds a knee, and they double whip corner to corner. Vikingo sends Komander in but Dralistico TOSSES him out! Vikingo and Dralistico step up face to face, and Vikingo CHOPS! Dralistico CHOPS! Vikingo CHOPS again! Dralistico drops to a knee, and fans rally up. Vikingo throws forearms but Dralistico gives them back. Dralistico then SOBATS, KNEES, and runs, but into a SCREW HIGH KICK! Cover, TWO! Dralistico survives and Vikingo is a bit surprised. Fans continue to rally as Vikingo sees Komander on the apron. Vikingo storms up to throw forearms on Komander while Rampage goes picture in picture.
Vikingo GAMANGIRIS Komander down to the floor, then he fires forearms on Dralistico. Vikingo gets the fans fired up as he whips corner to corner. Dralistico reverses, runs in, but Vikingo puts him on the apron. Dralistico bumps Viking off buckles, ROUNDHOUSES him, then springboards, FLYING CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO! Vikingo is still in this and Jose is upset. Dralistico drags Vikingo up, pushes him to ropes, then goes out to look under the ring. He brings out a TABLE! Jose helps Dralistico set that up at ringside, then Dralistico goes to fetch Vikingo. Komander is there but Dralistico ROCKS him and RAMS him into railing.
Dralistico CHOKES Vikingo against the railing, Rampage returns to single picture, and Dralistico puts Vikingo in the ring. Fans rally up, Dralistico runs to SUPERKICK Komander in the corner! Dralistico tranquilos on the top rope and fans are torn. Dralistico runs side to side again but Komander avoids the boot wash to GAMANGIRI! Komander springboards and double jumps, FLYING RANA!! Not the cleanest but fans fire up. Vikingo returns, Komander goes Matrix to then arm-drag Vikingo around! And dropkick! Fans fire up again as Vikingo brawls with Dralistico on the outside, and Komander climbs the far corner!
Komander tightrope walks to double jump MOONSAULT! “This is Awesome!” as Komander puts Dralistico in the ring. Komander goes up the corner again, tightrope walks again, 450 SPLASH!! Cover, but Vikingo DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS it apart! Fans fire up as Dralistico flops out onto the table. Vikingo whips Komander, Komander reverses, but Vikingo goes up and Komander hits buckles! Vikingo then springboards to FLYING POISON-RANA Komander down!! Vikingo puts Komander out on the table with Dralistico, and then runs the ropes! Fans fire up as Vikingo goes up and 630 SENTONS through the senton!!
“This is Awesome!” but Dralistico avoided disaster! Dralistico puts Vikingo in, slashes his throat, POWER- RANA!! Cover, VIKINGO WINS!!
Winner: El Hijo del Vikingo, by pinfall (still AAA Mega Champion)
Dralistico is furious that victory was snatched away from him in an instant! But this is why you cannot underestimate El Hijo del Vikingo! Will his AAA Mega reign continue through the summer?
Backstage interview with Team Triple J.
Lexi Nair is with Jay Lethal, Sonjay Dutt, Satnam Singh, as well as Jeff & Karen Jarrett, “and the talk all week has been that you, Sonjay Dutt, and your group will be suspended.” WHAT?! Fined? Suspended? The only ones who should be facing that is AEW itself! They backed Triple J into a corner and they came out swinging like any real fighters would! Lethal feels that there should be consequences for Aubrey Edwards! She’s been against Triple J since the dawn of time! Something needs to be done about her! Jeff adds that there’s been enough talk these past five days. Should the heat go on the promotion? Should the heat go on Briscoe? On Aubrey?
The reality of the fact is, these five people are walking, talking, fire-breathing heat! But wait, here comes Mark Briscoe! He wants everyone to simmer down. There will be no suspensions, he assures us that. Mark talked with Tony Khan, Tony promised them there would be no suspensions. Because if Triple J is suspended, then they can’t be here. Because if they aren’t here, then they can’t get the ass whooping they deserve! Lethal wants Mark to hold on but Mark tells Lethal to shut up! We ain’t talking about Lethal! We’re talking about Jeff and KAREN! What?! “We?” Who is “we?!” AUBREY EDWARDS!!
Triple J cannot believe this. Aubrey wants Karen? Then there’s nothing but air and opportunity between them. So then Aubrey CHOKES Karen!! Karen and Aubrey start scrapping and Triple J, other refs and security rush in to stop this! When and where will Double J & the one true Karen have to face off with the Sussex County Chicken and one pissed off zebra?
NJPW World Television Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Action Andretti!
Speaking of just last night on ROH, the Frontman of TMDK just defended this belt against Rocky Romero to prove a point to “Samoan Joseph” about who is the better, harder working Television Champion. And here he is again as part of this championship edition of Rampage! Will the ZSJ Show continue on into the summer block? Or will NJPW have some #LightsCameraAction?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Action gets his 15 minutes of fame!
The bell rings and we’re on the clock. The two circle, fans rally, feel things out, and ZSJ shoots in to waistlock and full nelson. Then he spins Action to a cravat, but Action pries at the hold. ZSJ facelocks now, Action wrenches out of that but ZSJ rolls and slips away. Fans cheer this opening exchange and the two reset. Action shoots in but ZSJ avoids him. They tie up with knuckle locks, ZSJ bridges back and wrenches around to then wrangle Action with a top wristlock. Fans cheer and ZSJ digs a knee into the shoulder. Action rolls, cartwheels, arm-drags, but fans cheer as ZSJ holds onto the wrist!
ZSJ twists the wrist, bends the fingers, drags Action up and wrenches the arm to wrangle him again. Action keeps his shoulders up, fans rally, and Action kips up to wrench and MONKEY FLIP! But ZSJ still holds onto the wrist! Fans rally, ZSJ bends the fingers and he tortures Action’s arm. Action fights up but ZSJ keeps after the fingers. ZSJ flexes but Action stands. Action spins, flips and arm-drags free! Action then CHOPS ZSJ, then knuckle locks to go up and up and FLYING ARM-DRAG! ZSJ flounders up, Action DROPKICKS him down! Fans fire up as Action runs to IMPLODER TORNILLO! Cover, TWO!
ZSJ is still in this but he goes to a corner. Action runs in, but ZSJ dodges. Action goes up, leaps, and FLYING RANAS! ZSJ bails out, fans fire up and Action builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit into the railing! Fans are fired up with Action and he brings ZSJ back up. Action puts ZSJ in, slingshots, but ZSJ shoves him! Action lands safe but swings into body scissors, which ZSJ makes into a HANGING TRIANGLE! ZSJ did this to Rocky last night! The ref counts, ZSJ lets go at 4 and he drags Action back in, to WRING the arm out! Fans sing “OH~ Zack Sabre Junior~” as he stalks Action. ZSJ sits on the arm, hammerlocks it, and TWISTS!
Action writhes while fans are torn over the savagery. ZSJ gets Action’s leg, steps over to get the arm, and he STOMPS the arm! “OI! TV Tekkers, mates!” ZSJ stalks Action to a corner, brings him up and UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! “This is Awesome!” and ZSJ knuckle locks to wrench Action. Action endures as ZSJ twists the wrist more, and then ZSJ KICKS a leg. Action stays up so ZSJ wrenches and twists the wrist. Action throws body shots and CHOPS! ZSJ jumps on to drag Action down to a DISARMER! Action endures, reaches out, and fans rally. Action kicks around, ZSJ pulls on the arm, but Action gets the ROPEBREAK!
ZSJ lets go in frustration but he storms up to drag Action up. ZSJ has a double wristlock but Action endures. Fans rally, ZSJ jumps on to body scissor! Action stays up but ZSJ keeps on that arm. Action throws body shots, then suplexes high and HARD! Both men are down and fans are thunderous! Action roars, runs, springboards, BEAUTIFUL DISASTER! Cover, TWO! ZSJ survives and fans rally up again. Action brings ZSJ up, but ZSJ fights the torture rack to wrench and PELE the arm! And then he drop toeholds Action so he can STOMP the arm again! Fans are torn while Action clutches the bad shoulder.
ZSJ drags Action up, but Action blocks the Pele to ENZIGURI! Action puts ZSJ up top, CHOPS him, then climbs up after him. But ZSJ gets the bad arm to twist it! And YANK it! Action throws body shots, forearms, but ZSJ DECKS Action! ZSJ eggs on the fans, the fans cheer, and Action kips up! PELE!! Action runs corner to corner and jumps up to SUPER STEINER!! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives and Action can’t believe it! Action drags ZSJ up, torture racks, but ZSJ has a SLEEPER! Action sputters, he starts fading! But Action powers up! ZSJ lets go, slips free, but Action drops to victory roll! TWO!!!
ZSJ KICKS Action in the leg! And then KICKS him in the arm! ZSJ is mad now, but he runs into a SUPERKICK! Action goes up, POISON-RANA!! ZSJ flops around, Action runs in again, “This is Awesome!” as Action SHOTGUNS ZSJ down! ZSJ is in the drop zone, Action goes up, SPLIT-LEG MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives again but Action goes right to the apron. Action springboards, but flies into a TAKEDOWN! FUJIWARA ARMBAR!!! Action flails around, but ZSJ gets the other arm! Modified Rings of Saturn, into JIM BREAKS ARMBAR!! Action verbally quits, ZSJ wins!!
Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by submission (still NJPW World TV Champion)
Action’s 15 minutes of fame were really just over 10 minutes as The Frontman does it again! But now he moves on to defend this title at NJPW Dominion on Sunday against Jeff Cobb in a highly anticipated rematch. The Mighty Don’t Kneel, but will ZSJ get crushed by the Imperial Unit?
NJPW Strong Women’s Championship: Willow Nightingale VS Emi Sakura!
The Babe with the Power, too sweet to be sour, is the very-first NJPW Strong Women’s Champion after a powerful run at Resurgence. But will Willow make it through her first defense? Or will the Queen of Joshi take Willow’s throne already?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and one way or another, we witness a historic first defense!
The bell rings and the two RAM each other! Fans rally up as Emi and Willow RAM shoulders again! And again! Emi eggs Willow on so she says okay! Willow runs, RAMS Emi, but Emi roars! Emi runs, Willow follows and runs Emi over! Fans fire up and Willow waves. Willow brings Emi up to snap suplex! Willow runs up to CHOP Emi in the corner, then follows her along the ropes. Willow CHOPS Emi in the other corner and fans rally up. Willow puts Emi in the third corner, CHOPS, CHOPS and MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Fans fire up but Emi avoids the big chop. Emi runs in but Willow goes out to the apron.
Emi stops from hitting buckles, but Willow still counter punches her! Willow then brings Emi up, and fans fire up as they go up the ropes! Emi fights the suplex, tries to suplex Willow, but Willow fights to try again. But Emi rakes the eyes! Emi runs to BODY CHECK Willow off the apron! Emi goes out, signals to media to move, and laughs before she TOSSES Willow at railing! Fans rally as Emi runs in to SPLASH Willow against the railing! The ring count climbs as Emi drags Willow up and Rampage goes picture in picture.
Emi puts Willow in the ring, taunts the fans a bit, soaks up some heat, and then takes her time going up the steel steps. Willow sits up, Emi steps in, but Willow throws body shots! Emi CHOPS Willow, Willow goes to ropes, and Emi CHOPS her again! Willow goes to a corner, Emi soaks up the heat, and she storms up to CHOP again! And again! And again! Emi swaggers around, storms back up, but Willow CHOPS! And CHOPS! And ROCKS! Willow CHOPS again! Willow falls, Emi hurries to sit her up into a DRAGON SLEEPER! Willow endures, fights around, but Emi cranks the hold!
Fans rally, Willow fights but Emi pushes her to a cover, TWO! Willow is free of the hold, but Emi CHOPS her! And CHOPS her again! Willow eggs Emi on but Emi pokes her in the eye! The ref reprimands but Emi just grins. Emi brings Willow up to HEADBUTT! Willow staggers but she throws body shots. Emi eggs Willow on and SLAPS her! Emi brings Willow around to reel her in and hook the arms. But Willow fights with body shots! Willow fires off but Emi CLUBS her down as Rampage goes to break.
Rampage returns and Willow has Emi in a corner. Willow goes corner to corner to back body block! And clothesline! And snapmare to then go up. Emi stands, Willow MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Emi survives, maybe even got Willow’s eyes again, but Willow comes back. Willow fireman’s carries but Emi slips fere to the DRAGON SLEEPER! Emi laughs, to TWISTING DDT! Willow staggers to a corner, Emi grins and runs in, BODY CHECK in the corner! Emi goes up top to TWISTING VADER! Cover, TWO!! Willow survives and Emi is frustrated. Emi reels Willow in, hooks the arms, but Willow fights again!
Willow Alabama Lifts but Emi sunset flips! Willow rolls through to BASEMENT CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO!! Emi survives but Willow just runs in, only for Emi to sidestep and roll-up! TWO, but Emi steps over. Willow powers out of La Magistrol, and DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Willow fires up, DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! Willow fires up again, swings, but Emi gets around to CHOP LARIAT!! Both women are down and the fans fire back up! The ref checks and both women are still in this. Emi drags Willow up, fans rally, but Emi underhooks the arms. BUTTERFLY FACEBUSTER!! Emi fires up, she’s not done here!
Fans are thunderous as Emi waits on Willow to rise. Emi then CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS again! MACHINE GUN CHOPS, but Willow shoves her away. Emi CHOP LARIATS, then whips corner to corner. Willow comes back to POUNCE Emi into the corner! Fans fire up as Willow runs to CANNONBALL! And then she drags Emi out to high stack, TWO!! Emi is still in this and fans fire up! But the straps come down and Willow fires up! Fans fire up with her, she reels Emi in to gut wrench, but Emi fights the lift! Emi slips free to SLAP! SLAP! And SLAP! Emi runs, but Willow CLOBBERS her!
Gut wrench, and BABE WITH THE POWER BOMB!! Cover, Willow wins!
Winner: Willow Nightingale, by pinfall (still NJPW Strong Women’s Champion)
Now that’s a first defense for the history books! How much better will Willow make this inaugural reign if this is just the beginning?
BREAKING NEWS for Dynamite!
After their encounter with Dralistico and Preston Vance last Wednesday, #JungleHook reunites for a TEXAS TORNADO TAG MATCH! Will Jack Perry & The FTW Champion tear apart La Faccion Ingobernable?
BIG news for ROH!
On Friday, July 21st in Trenton, New Jersey, ROH returns to PPV with Death Before Dishonor! Tickets go on sale next Friday, June 9th!
Mark Henry welcomes us back to Rampage.
“Tonight, two technical masters go face to face when Lee Moriarty takes on Shibata for the ROH Pure Championship.” Nigel McGuiness says a competitor like Shibata can pick you apart, one body part by another. But Tony Schiavone and Taz say not enough is said about just how talented Moriarty is for such a young wrestler. It looks like there’s been enough talk. It’s TIME for the main event!
ROH Pure Championship: Katsuyori Shibata VS Lee Moriarty!
The Wrestler defended this title just last night on ROH against his student, Alex “The Android” Coughlin. But now he faces #TAIGASTYLE, who has come close to snatching this title for his own not too long ago. Will tonight be Moriarty’s night? Or will Shibata make it through this Pure Wrestling Double Header?
The introductions are made, our judges are BJ Whitmer, Christopher Daniels & Jerry Lynn, and the belt is raised as we see who is truly THE Wrestler!
The bell rings and the clock is ticking on this 60 minute time limit. The two feel things out, Moriarty shoots in but Shibata holds him off with a sprawl. They clinch on the mat, Shibata slips to a waistlock and then a chinlock. Moriarty slips free but Shibata pushes him to a cover, ONE! Shibata wraps Moriarty up with his own arm and then goes for the armbar! Moriarty clasps hands but ends up in a TRIANGLE! Moriarty falls onto the ROPEBREAK, that is his first of three. Shibata even lets Moriarty know it as they reset. They knuckle lock, go shoulder to shoulder, clinch, and Moriarty tries for a leg.
Shibata powers Moriarty down, gets around to a waistlock, and they stand up. Moriarty pries the hold, fans cheer this technical exchange, but then Moriarty elbows free! Moriarty stomps Shibata into a corner, the ref counts, but Moriarty digs his boot in. Fans boo, but Shibata powers up to back Moriarty down! Shibata throws the foot down but Shibata ROCKS him! Moriarty runs to dropkick the legs out! Fans boo while Moriarty grits his teeth, and then the fans rally up for Shibata as Rampage goes picture in picture.
Moriarty mocks the applause as he stands over Shibata. Moriarty then says they can stop all that, and he grabs a leg to DDT the foot! Moriarty kips up, air guitars, and he ties up Shibata’s legs into a unique crisscross toehold. Then he sits with it for a modified stump puller! Shibata’s shoulders are down, Moriarty is practically stealing Darby Allin’s Last Supper! TWO as Shibata kicks out and Moriarty argues the count. Moriarty drags Shibata around, stomps a leg, then stomps it more and more before another DDT to the foot! Moriarty mocks the clapping from the fans, and then he drags Shibata around for a spinning toehold!
Shibata endures as Moriarty ties up the legs into another cross toehold. Moriarty puts Shibata into an Indian Deathlock, then he knuckle locks Shibata for a cover. TWO as Shibata gets an arm up! Moriarty pushes the arm back down, TWO as Shibata gets the other arm up! Moriarty pushes that arm down, TWO as Shibata gets both arms up! Moriarty CHOPS Shibata, pushes on the legs, then lets Shibata go. Moriarty gets a leg, hooks it, and ties Shibata up in another cross toehold, only for Shibata to trip him! Shibata gets Moriarty’s legs, steps through, but Moriarty fights the figure four! Shibata powers through to sync it in!
Moriarty endures, reaches out, but his shoulders are down. TWO as Moriarty sits up, Shibata keeps on the pressure, and Moriarty falls back onto his shoulders. TWO as he sits up again! Shibata has the extended leg caught in a heel hook behind his back! Moriarty falls back again, shoulders are down, TWO as he sits back up! Moriarty endures, reaches out, claws at the hold, and he pries it open. Shibata works to keep it on tight, Moriarty is down again, TWO! Moriarty sits up, Shibata thrashes around, and Rampage returns to single picture. Fans rally, Moriarty drags Shibata along as he reaches back, but Shibata drags him from the ropes!
Moriarty scrambles and goes to the opposite side, ROPEBREAK! That’s his second, he has one left, and we’ve only just past six minutes! Shibata stomps Moriarty’s bad leg, has him in a corner, and he fires off forearms! The ref counts, Shibata fires again and again, but lets off at 4. Shibata runs corner to corner but Moriarty follows to KNEE him in the corner! And then HALF HATCH BRIDGE! TWO as Shibata fights out of the “pancake.” Moriarty HAMMERS away on the back of Shibata’s head! Fans rally, Moriarty suplexes, but Shibata blocks! Shibata powers out but Moriarty kicks low!
Moriarty runs but into a kitchen sink knee! Fans rally, Shibata stomps his legs into working, and he storms up on Moriarty. Shibata drags Moriarty up to whip him to a corner and BOOT! And he fires off more forearms! The ref counts, Shibata runs corner to corner, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Fans fire up for that Shibata signature and he drags Moriarty up. HALF HATCH! Cover, TWO! Moriarty is still in this but Shibata clamps right on with a chinlock! Moriarty fights to the ROPEBREAK, but that’s his last! Shibata waistlocks. Moriarty switches to roll up, TWO! But Moriarty rolls with to get the BORDER CITY STRETCH!!
Shibata endures, Moriarty pulls him back, but fans rally up. Shibata rolls things to a cover, TWO! Moriarty ROCKS Shibata, winds up, but Shibata ROCKS Moriarty! And then SLEEPER!! Shibata sits Moriarty down, runs, PENALTY KICK!! Cover, Shibata wins!!
Winner: Katsuyori Shibata, by pinfall (still ROH Pure Champion)
Just past nine minutes and Shibata finishes things off, but wait! Daniel Garcia is here! The Dragonslayer is a former ROH Pure Champion, and he’s walking out right to the ring! Garcia steps in, he swaggers up to Shibata, and it is clear this is what’s next for Shibata. Shibata raises the belt to signal his accepting the challenge, will The Wrestler put down this sports… enner-tay-ner?
My Thoughts:
A great Rampage here, though I’m surprised this wasn’t just a Battle of the Belts special. Excalibur said it himself on commentary in the main event, but it was great to start off with the epitome of lucha libre and finish on Strong Style technical wrestling. The AAA Mega Championship was a great opener, and was definitely another instance where I’m grateful we can pause things because they were going fast and furious. Or maybe at Flash speeds, since that’s a Warner Brothers movie they could plug. But as I figured going into this, all the champions retained, since none of these were AEW titles (directly, since ROH is a subsidiary of AEW now).
The NJPW World Television Championship continues to be a great title to watch because of the 15 minute time limit speeding things up. Likewise, ZSJ is always a great wrestler to watch, but so hard to write for cuz he has the biggest collection of named signature moves/holds of any wrestler I’ve seen. I had to double check what he was using to make Action tap, because I keep thinking things are Clarky Cat when they’re not Clarky Cat. ZSJ is setting a very high bar for this title, maybe he retains against Cobb at Dominion or maybe he loses, but it’s going to be hard for the second-ever NJPW World TV Champion to match what ZSJ has done.
Great first title defense for Willow and this title, she and Emi put on a great match. I wonder when Willow has her first defense on NJPW Strong, and who she’ll be facing. And we got a great Pure Championship match to finish, and I’m surprised it was so quick, even compared to the NJPW World TV Championship match. But great win for Shibata, I like that Garcia is stepping up, and that’s going to be an awesome match. I don’t know if they’re going to wait until Death Before Dishonor in July for that match, but knowing AEW and ROH, they can find a way to stretch things out. Especially with Garcia also busy being part of JAS and doing JAS things.
My Score: 8.7/10
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SmackDown celebrates The Tribal Chief!
Roman Reigns celebrates 1000 DAYS as WWE Universal Champion, but what does it matter after Jimmy Uso betrayed him at Night of Champions?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Six Man Tag: The Brawling Brutes VS Austin Theory & Pretty Deadly; Theory & Pretty Deadly win.
- The Good Brothers w/ The OC VS Hit Row w/ B-Fab; The Good Brothers win.
- Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Zelina Vega VS Lacey Evans; Vega wins and advances to MITB.
- Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: LA Knight VS Montez Ford; Knight wins and advances to MITB.
PLAY BY PLAY
Paul Heyman speaks.
“Roman Reigns, your Undisputed WWE Universal Heavyweight Champion, stands at the apex of sports entertainment. Nearly three years ago, Your Tribal Chief reclaimed his Universal Championship. And as time passed, Roman’s title reign has surpassed legends, icons, hall of famers. On the Grandest Stage of Them All, the Head of the Table smashed and stacked his competition. Then humbled a Hall of Famer, and sent a 16-time world champion into the Ocean of Obscurity. Every contender, unable to withstand Roman’s sheer dominance and forced to…” ACKNOWLEDGE him.
“Challenger after challenger, crumble at his feet. And at his second Showcase of the Immortals as your reigning champion, Roman Reigns conquered The Beast, unifying the WWE and Universal titles on his 581st day as the champion in WWE. His power persisted. His Bloodline strengthened. His legacy flourished. Greatness on a different level. And on his 945th day, the greatest champion of any era made history by retaining his championship for the third straight WrestleMania. And now, it’s time to acknowledge the longest reign in over 35 years, over 1000 days. Roman. Reigns…!”
Austin Theory is in the ring.
The Now may not have reached even half of what Roman has achieved, but he is the United States Champion. He welcomes us to Austin Theory Live but the fans boo. Theory says they don’t need to have an attitude. Tonight is a very special night. “Tonight is the celebration of your Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns’ historical title reign. But you know what’s even better than that? If you took Roman’s title reign, and you combined it with the greatest United States Champion of all time… wait for it… Austin Theory’s reign, and you’d have… What is that? A total of 1,209 days! That is impressive. And not only that, it is very inspiring.
“It is almost as inspiring as being the guy who beat John Cena at WrestleMania.” Fans boo but Theory says we should face it. Let’s not be idiots! We all know Theory will have his 1000th day celebration for his title, and a 2000th, and maybe even a 3000th. Probably a 4000th. But if they just keep giving him guys like Sheamus, he’ll be the US Champion forever! “Guys, you really can’t boo me because I’m 25 and I’m the greatest to ever do this. And when you’re this great, everybody wants to gravitate towards you, they wanna be a part of it.” That brings Theory to the guys he wants to bring out.
These two guys did what was right! Theory presents none other than Pretty Deadly! Kit Wilson & Elton Prince make their entrance, and their theme song has a new remix, and they join Theory in the ring. They get mics, and Kit tells Theory, “We came here to tell you, that it was a pleasure destroying those ugly gremlins, the Brawling Brutes.” Elton says that unlike Sheamus, Theory is a champion the people deserve. They wanna show Theory their appreciation for such a good champion, in a way that only they can! “YES BOY~!” And they point to him! Feels good, right? But wait, here come the Brawling Brutes!
Fans fire up as Sheamus leads Ridge Holland & Pete Dunne out to the ring, ready for Fight Night! The ref hurries in to keep the peace, but will Theory & Pretty Deadly be leaving in pieces?
Six Man Tag: The Brawling Brutes VS Austin Theory & Pretty Deadly!
The trios sort out, Ridge starts against Elton. Elton headlocks, Ridge powers out and he CLOBBERS Elton! Fans fire up as Ridge UPPERCUTS Elton, then HEADBUTTS him to a corner. Ridge adds a clothesline, then bumps Elton off the buckle, KICKS him in the back and CLOBBERS him again! Ridge drags Elton up, tags in “Butch,” and they coordinate, suplex dropkick combo! Dunne drags Elton up, wrenches, but Elton throws body shots. Elton RAMS Dunne into the corner, tags in Kit, and Kit runs in to UPPERCUT! Dunne clutches his jaw while fans boo. Kit drops elbows, rains down hands, then covers, TWO!
Kit sits Dunne into a chinlock. Dunne endures, fans rally for Sheamus, and Dunne fights up. Dunne powers out, drops then hurdles to then drop and CLOBBER Kit! Fans fire up, Dunne stands on Kit’s hands, then STOMPS them! Kit ducks the buzzsaw and scrambles away. Tag to Theory, fans boo, and Theory tells Dunne he wants Sheamus! Fans fire up because they want that, too! Dunne tags Sheamus in and the Mohegan Sun Arena are fired up! These two circle, but then Theory bails out, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Elton has Dunne down with a top wristlock. Fans rally, Dunne endures and he fights up to his feet. But Elton throws him down by his hair! The ref reprimands and fans boo but Elton grabs at Dunne. Dunne grabs Elton’s fingers! Dunne bends the fingers, Elton screams, but Elton CLUBS Dunne down! Tag to Theory and he runs to BLAST Ridge! Theory taunts Sheamus, stomps Dunne, then brings Dunne up to CLUB him down. Fans rally for Dunne but Theory flexes on him. Theory drags Dunne over, tags in Kit, but Dunne kicks at Theory. Kit stomps Dunne, stands him up and UPPERCUTS him down!
Tag to Elton and Theory CHOKES Dunne behind the ref’s back! Pretty Deadly stomp while the ref is busy with Sheamus. Elton drags Dunne up but Dunne CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS again! Elton ROCKS Dunne, then runs in, but into a BOOT! Dunne goes up, leaps, FLYING DDT! Fans fire up while both men are down! Dunne and Elton crawl, hot tags to Theory and Sheamus! The Fella rallies on Theory! And clotheslines in the corner! Whip corner to corner for another clothesline! Scoop and POWERSLAM! Fans fire up as Sheamus ROCKS Pretty Deadly and has them both on the ropes!
But Theory rolls Sheamus up! TWO!! Sheamus gets Theory with an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Then an IRISH CURSE for Kit! And then an IRISH CURSE for Elton! Fans fire up and the Brutes return. Everyone fireman’s carries someone, for a TRIPLE WHITE NOISE! Fans are thunderous and Sheamus has Theory all alone! BROGUE!!! Cover, but Pretty Deadly drag Theory out! Sheamus hurries up top!? Ridge BLASTS Pretty Deadly, Sheamus steadies himself, and he FLYING LARIATS Pretty Deadly back down! Dunne goes up, everyone gathers, ASAI MOONSAULT onto Theory & Pretty Deadly!
Fans are thunderous as the Brutes prove they can fly! Sheamus commends Butch for topping things off, and SmackDown goes to break.
Elton stomps Dunne. Elton brings Dunn up but Dunne gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Kit runs in but into an ENZIGURI! ENZIGURI for Theory! GAMANGIRI for Kit in a corner! GAMANGIRI for Elton in a corner! Tag to Ridge and SPLASHES Elton! Then Ridge brings Elton up, Dunne joins in, BACK SUPLEX BOMB COMBO! Sheamus tags in and goes up for a KING KONG KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO!! Elton survives but Sheamus keeps his cool. Sheamus drags Elton up, reels him in, Canadian rack but Elton fights free of the crucifix! Elton BOOTS Sheamus, tags Kit, then gives Kit the boost, CRY MARTINI!
Theory tags in, drags Sheamus up to ROCK him and torture rack him! TOWER HACKER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Theory is furious and he rains down fists! Fans boo while Theory seethes and looms over Sheamus. Theory talks trash, brings Sheamus up, but Sheamus blocks a body shot to LARIAT point blank! Elton gets in but Ridge gives him an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Kit DROPKICKS Ridge but Dunne ENZIGURIS Kit! Dunne runs at Theory but Theory shovels him up and out! Theory somersaults, into a KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! Theory survives and Sheamus is too tired to be upset. Both men crawl and fans rally up.
Sheamus and Theory reach out, hot tags to Elton and Ridge! Kit tags in, but The Fridge picks Elton up! Kit saves Elton, but then Ridge picks them both up! DOUBLE back drop! Fans fire up as Ridge kicks Kit to the apron. Sheamus has Theory, and Dunne has Elton! Fans fire up for the TRIPLE BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN!! The Brutes all go to 10, though Dunne gets a little extra. Ridge then scoops for NORTHERN GRIT! Cover, but Theory breaks it! Dunne swings on Theory but into A-TOWN DOWN! Sheamus clotheslines Theory out! Sheamus pursues Theory, but Theory POSTS Sheamus!
Kit and Elton coordinate, they pull a sneaky move by hiding Elton under the apron skirt. The matching outfits make Ridge think that’s still Kit! Ridge drags Elton in, and surprise! Kit CHOP BLOCKS Ridge! Kit tags Elton, they get Ridge up for SPILT MILK!! And tag to Theory so he can cover, Theory & Pretty Deadly win!
Winners: Austin Theory & Pretty Deadly, by pinfall
The three of them hurry away before Dunne returns, having pulled another fast one. Will Kit & Elton be heading towards the tag titles? Will anyone be able to take the US Championship from Theory?
Paul Heyman is backstage.
The Wise Man is holding onto both the black WWE Championship and blue Universal Championship belts for the Tribal Chief as he walks up to the private suite. Heyman walks inside, is he going to discuss the celebration plans with Roman Reigns during the break?
SmackDown returns, and Heyman’s talking with Solo Sikoa. The magnitude that has never been accomplished before in the WWE. This needs to be special for the Tribal Chief, especially given what happened at Night of Champions. Heyman wants this to be special for Roman Reigns. And he knows Solo feels the same way. Heyman will go talk with Adam Pearce to make sure that Solo’s brothers, The Usos, are nowhere to be found tonight so that this is the night that we acknowledge Roman… Reigns! Heyman smiles and heads out, how does Solo really feel about what Jimmy did to Roman?
The OC talk backstage.
The Good Brothers are worried but Mia Yim says it’s fine, tonight is his birthday. AJ Styles walks in and they say happy birthday! Yes, it IS his birthday! And he apologizes for losing at Night of Champions, he ruined their night. No, no, it is not his fault. But you take the L, keep it moving. The OC has their back. But did anyone else see the “diss” track by Hit Row? Yeah, but Styles would rather see the Good Brothers drop Hit Row. Too Sweet, baby! And that match is happening next! Will Top Dolla & Ashante THEE Adonis think twice before opening their mouths next time?
The Good Brothers w/ The OC VS Hit Row w/ B-Fab!
SmackDown returns as Hit Row makes their entrance. The teams sort out, but Adonis ambushes Karl Anderson! Fans boo and the ref counts while Adonis stomps away, but then he lets off at 4. Adonis whips to CLOBBER Anderson, then he taunts Luke Gallows. Anderson goes to a corner, Adonis drags him out and tags Dolla. Hit Row whip Anderson to a corner, then Dolla whips Adonis in to RAM Anderson! Dolla talks trash on The Machine Gun, then reels him in for an ELBOW! Dolla talks more trash, drags Anderson to the ropes, and he CHOPKES him! The ref counts, Dolla lets off and tags Adonis.
Adonis runs to STRADDLE ATTACK! Adonis sits on Anderson while smoothing his hair, but lets off as the ref counts. The ref argues with Adonis and B-Fab sucker punches Anderson! Michin storms up and B-Fab backs off. Adonis covers, TWO, but he clamps onto a chinlock. The ref has Michin and B-Fab back off, and fans rally as Anderson fights up. Anderson throws body shots but Adonis CLUBS him! Adonis whips, Anderson reverses, SPINEBUSTER! Fans fire up while both men are down. Fans rally, Anderson hot tags Gallows! Doc BOOTS Adonis, BOOTS Dolla, then DECKS Adonis!
Gallows ROUNDHOUSES Adonis to a corner, runs in and back elbows! Then he keeps moving, FLYING UPPERCUT on Adonis! Fans fire up as Gallows scoops to AK 47! Tag to Anderson, the Good Brothers get Adonis up, MAGIC KILLER!! Cover, Good Brothers win!
Winners: The Good Brothers, by pinfall
But Dolla BOOTS Anderson! And CLOBBERS Gallows! But Styles springboards in, PHENOMENAL FOREARM!! Fans fire up as the birthday boy gets him some, and The Hit Row? They don’t want none! Will The OC be too sweet all the way to some gold?
Adam Pearce is on the phone.
Yes, he is very excited, this is perhaps one of the biggest nights in SmackDown history. He excuses himself and ends the call as he sees Heyman walking in. Pearce tells Heyman right now that the Usos’ travel was canceled, they were told they weren’t needed tonight. And as requested, should The Usos want to show up, security has been doubled. The Usos are NOT getting inside the building. Heyman smiles and puts a call into Roman Reigns. Will nothing go wrong during the 1000 Day Acknowledgment?
BREAKING NEWS for Raw!
Seth Rollins put out the open challenge for his NEW World Heavyweight Championships on social media and it was quickly accepted by Damian Priest! Will the Judgment Day add more gold when the Punisher brings down The Visionary?
SmackDown presents an all new Grayson Waller Effect.
The 21st Century Success Story, “The Dynamite from Down Under, the Moment Maker, the Aussie Icon,” gets the big introduction once again as he’s already in the ring. And he says, “What a week it has been here in the WWE, and we’re gonna keep it rolling with the most honest talk show in WWE history.” Waller brings us the biggest and the best, and he’s done it again tonight. So please welcome the NEW Raw Women’s Champion, ASUKA~! The fans do like that as the Empress of Tomorrow walks out with the belt on her shoulder. She joins Waller in the ring and at the desk as he welcomes her to the show.
Waller says, “Congratulations, what an incredible performance against Bianca at Night of Champions. In fact, let’s see exactly how you got it done.” Waller and Asuka look to the tron as we all see a Progressive Match Flo recap video of that match. Asuka used blue mist fingers to finish Bianca, and Waller says wow. Asuka laughs and smiles, and in Japanese, she says “I told you saw! I’m the Raw Women’s Champion!” Waller says he could not have put it better himself! But he can’t help but notice the briefcases above the ring. There’s no shortage of people who think they’re ready for Asuka. They’re gonna climb the ladder, win the briefcase to be Miss MITB, and maybe cash in on her?
Waller says Asuka’s gotta keep her head on a swivel. Nevermind that Bianca’s gonna come looking for a rematch. Asuka is amused there. She reenacts how she spat mist on her finger, got Bianca in the eyes and made Bianca cry. Waller is amused, too! He says that was so true. And so smart! He can’t imagine the pain and suffering Bianca went through. Asuka’s even drooling some blue mist right now. Waller looks a bit worried, but also maybe excited. But then IYO SKY shows up! She tells Asuka in Japanese that she’s nothing special for what she did. And Iyo won’t even need MITB to take that title from! But she’s still gonna win it, and then Iyo will be the new champion!
Asuka laughs, and tells Iyo she’s a child, the way she’s storming up in here. Iyo tells Asuka to shut up, dammit! Asuka calls Iyo an idiot, Iyo calls Asuka a scumbag, and they go back and forth like that. Waller has them stop, this is HIS show, he did not approve a second guest! But wait, here comes BAYLEY! The Role Model says Iyo said that after both Iyo and Bayley qualify for the MITB, one of them is winning the MITB briefcase. Though it is every woman for themselves, and Bayley’s won it before, so either way, DMG CTRL will win the title- Wait! Here comes Shotzi!
Fans fire up as the Wild Child says, “Awww, Bayley! There is NOTHING that I would love more than to crush your dreams with the help of some cold, hard steel! Because, if there is anyone made for the pure chaos of the Money in the Bank Ladder match, it’s me!” Wait, here comes Lacey Evans! The Model Soldier is embodying Sergeant Slaughter and she tells Shotzi to shut up and salute her! Fans boo but Lacey says none of these nasty things are taking the briefcase anywhere, it’s coming home with her. But first, she’ll take her Cobra Clutch, wrap it around that “shrimp,” Zelina Vega, and-
Wait! Here comes Zelina! Fans fire up as La Muneca says there is only one problem with everyone’s plans. They are all underestimating Zelina. And y’know who else did that? Rhea Ripley at Backlash. Because Zelina was this close to becoming champion! So “Shrimp?” Keep that energy, Lacey. Because to be honest, even if Lacey got her hair done, her nails done and traded in those “piss soaked boots” for red bottoms, you still wouldn’t be half the woman Zelina is. So please, underestimate her. Everyone do that. Because it will be that much sweeter when she wins. Because that is how she is going to become Miss MITB!
Bayley laughs and says they’re all idiots. Waller says this is the best day of his life. Bayley asks him what kind of show he’s running here, and he’s hoping for more ladies to show up. Asuka slips away to say, “Hey hey hey hey! NO ONE is ready for Asuka!!” But then Bianca storms up to ROCK Asuka with a forearm! They brawl on the stage and fans fire up! Referees rush out to stop that scrap, only for Bianca to break lose and hit Asuka again! The refs and even some producers get in to separate them again, but fans wanna “Let Them Fight!” Will the angriEST Bianca be coming after the Empress?
Cameron Grimes talks with Adam Pearce backstage.
They watch a replay of Baron Corbin ruining Carmelo Hayes’ moment just last Tuesday on NXT, and Grimes said that’s exactly what Corbin did to him last week. Is Corbin even here? No, and with his free agency status, the next time we see him will be next Tuesday on NXT. Grimes says Melo will handle that. But the next time Corbin shows his face on SmackDown, Grimes will handle that. Pearce nods, will the Carolina Caveman crush Baron Corbin?
Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Zelina Vega VS Lacey Evans!
Since everyone was already at ringside, this match is happening now! And Vega is already clutching her jaw, it seems the Model Soldier got a cheap shot in while everyone was watching Asuka and Bianca. Will Vega still be able to humble Lacey for underestimating her? Or will another Woman’s Right simply take Vega out?
The bell rings and Lacey stomps Vega into the corner! The ref counts, fans boo, but Lacey lets off at 4. Lacey stands on Vega’s hair and salutes, then lets off to SWINGING BRONCO BUSTER! Lacey pushes Vega around, covers, TWO! Lacey sits Vega up, and clamps on the COBRA CLUTCH! And she SWINGS Vega around! Fans rally for Vega but Lacey TOSSES her away! Lacey dusts off her hands, runs in, but Vega goes up and over and rolls Lacey, Schoolgirl Kick! Cover, TWO! Vega whips, Lacey reverses but Vega KICKS her! Only for Lacey to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Lacey dribbles Vega off the mat, then smirks as fans boo.
Lacey salutes but fans boo, and Vega hits low. Lacey BOOTS Vega, drags her from ropes and stands on her for a cocky cover. The ref says it’s on the throat! Lacey steps off to argue with him, and then Lacey clamps onto Vega with a chinlock. Fans rally but Lacey throws knees into Vega’s side! Vega still endures, fans rally up, and Vega kicks from below! Lacey drags Vega up but Vega RAMS her into a corner! And again! Vega smacks Lacey off buckles, headlocks and springboards for a headlock takeover! Lacey runs in but into the tilt-o-whirl and CODE RED!! Cover, VEGA WINS!
Winner: Zelina Vega, by pinfall (advances to MITB)
What did she just say about underestimating her? Because there’s the proof! Lacey toyed with Zelina but got played, will Zelina soon be La Muneca en el Banco?
The LWO celebrates backstage.
They are so proud of Vega! Latinos around the world are going to gather in celebration! And next week, when Escobar wins his qualifier and win the MITB contract, oh he can see it now. She can see it, too. Rey Mysterio can see it, too! It is only a matter of time before the entire locker room refers to them as Santos y Zelina, Mr. and Mrs. Money in the Bank! Will the LWO soon take over London?
Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: LA Knight VS Montez Ford!
The Mega Star told the Street Profits that if they want the smoke, he’ll be the one to burn ’em! Is that not an insult but just a fact of life? Or will #KingTez be the one saying “YEAH!” on the way to London?
The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally up, the two tie up, and Knight wrenches to a hammerlock, and he slaps Ford around. Fans rally for “L A KNIGHT! L A KNIGHT!” The two circle, tie up, and Ford headlocks. Knight powers out the back to hammerlock, but Ford switches it onto him. Knight switches back, Ford switches again, Knight switches again. They keep going, Knight gest the ROPEBREAK, but Ford slaps him around now. Fans are a bit torn but Knight gets heated. Knight shoves, Ford shoves, repeat! Fans are on Knight’s side as the two tie up again but Ford headlocks. Knight powers out but Ford runs him over!
Ford actually seems to enjoy upsetting the Knight fans, and things speed up. Knight hurdles, but Ford whips him away to keep things moving. Ford hurdles, Knight hurdles, but Ford DROPKICKS! Fans are salty as Ford clotheslines Knight in the corner. And then in another corner! Ford whips Knight into the corner, runs in but Knight puts Ford on the apron. Ford ROCKS Knight back! But Knight BLASTS Ford! Fans cheer Knight while Ford crawls and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and both men collide! Fans rally up while both men are down, and then Knight stands. Knight throws haymakers but Ford gives them back! They go back and forth, “YEAH!” “BOO!” “YEAH!” “BOO!” “YEAH!” “BOO!” Ford gets the edge, whips, but Knight reverses, only for Ford to LARIAT! Ford rallies on Knight, ducks ‘n’ dodges to LARIAT again! Knight gets up, Ford hits a BIG back suplex! Ford kips up, fans fire up, and Ford flexes to MOONSAULT, but Knight moves! Ford lands on his feet, swings but misses, and Knight torture racks! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally up, Knight stalks Ford and fans duel. Knight stands Ford up but Ford elbows him! Ford runs in but into an elbow! Ford falls over, Knight tries a springboard, LIONSAULT FLOPS as Ford moves! Ford ENZIGURIS Knight, then fires up to clinch and ROCK BOTTOM! Cover, TWO!! Knight survives and Ford is seething. Fans fire up as Ford drags Knight up. Ford whips, Knight KICKS back! Ford doges the lariat, both men run, DOUBLE LARIATS take them down! Fans fire up again while the ref checks both men. Knight and Ford crawl to each other, and Knight throws a haymaker. Ford gives it back!
Fans rally as the hands go back and forth, “YEAH!” “BOO!” Ford CHOPS, then DECKS Knight! Knight stands at the ropes, Ford runs in but is put back on the apron. Ford GAMANGIRIS Knight then goes up a corner! But Knight ROCKS Ford first! Knight climbs, Ford throws body shots then shoves Knight away. Knight returns and springs right up! But Ford shoves him back down! Fans fire up as Ford comes in, FROM THE- NO, Knight moves! Knight kicks low, BF- NO, Ford O’Conner Rolls, TWO! Knight O’Conner Rolls with ropes!! Knight wins!!
Winner: LA Knight, by pinfall (advances to MITB)
The Mega Star snatches that one away from Ford, but the fans still love it! Knight then brings a ladder out and sets it up under the briefcases. Knight climbs, says this is what we’ll see, because whose game is it? Will this really be what happens when LA arrives in the UK?
Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn speak.
“Sanguis rubeus luna et exponentia exitio.” That phrase repeats as we travel through a snow covered forest. Translation: “The perfect moon will spell your doom.” The Unholy Union is here, what will they do to the landscape of SmackDown?
SmackDown sets the rest of the qualifiers!
For the Men’s MITB, Baron Corbin returns from NXT to take on “Butch” Pete Dunne, and Mustafa Ali returns from NXT to take on Santos Escobar! And then, as announced during the Grayson Waller Effect, DMG CTRL is in the mix as Bayley takes on Mia Yim and Iyo Sky takes on Shotzi! Will DMG CTRL look to take control of that briefcase one way or another?
Triple H is here!
Fans fire up for The Game as he heads to the ring! It seems even he is here to celebrate Roman Reigns’ 1000+ days as Universal Champion! What will HHH have to add to the occasion? We find out, after the break.
SmackDown returns and HHH is in the ring with a pedestal and a familiar looking cloth. HHH has the mic to say, “On rare occasions, an athlete comes along that is so dominant that they change the entire face of their chosen sport. And when it happens, they will be talked about for generations to come. In boxing, it was the Great One, Muhammad Ali. In basketball, Michael Jordan. In the WWE, right now, we have the privilege of witnessing that greatness live. Believe me, you will talk about this for generations, so please help me welcome a man who has passed 1000 days as champion. Please help me welcome a man that you will tell your children and your grandchildren about.
“Please help me welcome the Tribal Chief, the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, Roman Reigns.” The Head of the Table makes his entrance with fans torn between boos and throwing up the ones. Roman has Solo and Heyman with him, the brand new “1000 Days” branded jacket and shirt on as he holds up the belts for the pyro. The Bloodline, if this group even still counts as that, continues on into the ring. Roman then shakes HHH’s hand and Heyman fetches a mic. Heyman also shakes HHH’s hand, and then HHH tells Roman, “On behalf of the WWE, and on behalf of the entire WWE Universe, I would like to congratulate you on surpassing 1000 days as champion.”
That is something that hasn’t been accomplished in the WWE in almost forty years! Truly an epic accomplishment. So to congratulate Roman and celebrate this historic achievement, it is HHH’s honor to present him with a brand new Undisputed WWE Universal Championship belt. HHH takes the cover off to reveal the same home base design, but with a GOLDEN face plate! Heyman removes the belt Roman is wearing on his waist so that he can hold up the new belt, for more pyro! HHH then helps Roman put that belt on, then Heyman hands Roman the mic. Roman smiles while fans are torn between cheers and jeers.
Roman says, “Pennsyl- No, no, no. I mean, c’mon! That’s not good enough anymore. The entire universe…! ACKNOWLEDGE ME!!” Wait, the USOS are here?!? How?! Heyman heard from Pearce that this wasn’t supposed to happen! But Jimmy & Jey do walk out and Roman glares at Heyman. Heyman defends he was assured this wouldn’t happen, but it is! And we see what the Usos are going to do, after the break.
SmackDown returns and the Usos are now in the ring with Roman, Solo & Heyman. And Jimmy’s staring Roman down. He even glances at the brand new Universal Championship blet. Jimmy has the mic, but Roman speaks first, telling Jey to kick Jimmy in the face! Fans boo but Roman says it again, kick Jimmy in the face. He didn’t stutter, do it now! That’s what Jimmy did to Roman. Jimmy took Roman’s tag team titles away from him, so Jey has to fix this. Jey has to kick his brother in the face! Fans boo more, and Jey just paces. Roman is not happy about that, and he tells Jey this is the last time: KICK HIM IN THE FACE AND FIX THIS RIGHT NOW!
Jimmy speaks up to that the only one who needs fixing is ROMAN. Fans cheer that! Roman scowls but Jimmy says Jey can’t fix this. Jimmy kicked Roman in the face, “The Kick Heard Worldwide.” And Jimmy did what he did in Saudi not to be the Tribal Chief, not to lead the Bloodline, but because Jimmy was being a brother. Brothers treat each other with love and respect, and as of lately, you ain’t been such a good brother, Roman. What kind of brother manipulates, betrays and hurts his own family? What kind of brother does that, Uce? Roman has gone crazy! CRAZY! This right here is Jimmy’s brother! It is embedded in Jimmy to protect Jey.
In fact, SOLO is Jimmy’s brother! He’ll protect Solo, and he’s gonna tell Solo right now, that after Roman’s done using you, he’s gonna abuse you, betray you, kick you to the side, and put you in the dirt! Jimmy IS Solo’s brother, that’s why he’s saying this. Fans cheer that, too! Roman tries to laugh it off but Jimmy tells Solo to listen to him. Fans rally for the “USOS! USOS!” and Roman says that’s because of ROMAN! Roman is the Tribal Chief! You see him? Tribal Chief. This here is an imposter! Jimmy talking like he’s the leader, like Solo don’t have a voice. Let’s hear it from Solo who Solo is loyal to!
Roman hands the mic to Solo and fans boo. Solo looks at the mic, thinks about it, and fans chant for “SOLO! SOLO!” Solo says, “I acknowledge you, My Tribal Chief.” Fans boo and Roman smiles. But then Solo says, “But these two right here… They’re my brothers.” UH OH~! Roman is shocked and the Usos smile! Solo hands the mic back, to stand with his brothers!! Roman can’t believe what he’s seeing! Jimmy says hey, hey, so what’s it gonna be, Uce? Does Roman wanna run this thing together with respect? Or just end up on the Island of Relevancy all by himself? Roman tells Jimmy to shut up, but Jimmy pie faces him!!
Heyman is shocked and cowering in the corner! Fans fire up as Jey and Solo are both tense. Roman registers what just happened, then gets up in Jimmy’s face. Jey stops them both, and he wants to keep the peace. It’s not going like this. Jey needs them both, they cannot start fighting! They’re better than that, okay? Jey gets Jimmy to understand, and Jimmy cools off. Stronger together, Uce. But see, Jey is Jimmy’s brother, and Solo is Jimmy’s brother. But so is Roman. Roman’s always been family. So be a brother, have respect, and run this place like they’ve been doing! But TOGETHER! Bloodline, right? Family, right? They are still the ones, right?
Roman wipes sweat from his brow and takes a breath. Fans want Roman to accept what the Usos are saying, but he seems unsure what to do. Roman and Jimmy HUG!! Fans cheer, and Jey is relieved. Roman then says, “No.” WHAT?! Heyman is shocked all over again! Roman lets go and Jey is upset again! How could Roman say that?! And then Solo SAMOAN SPIKES JIMMY!?!? Jey is even more devastated!! Roman takes his leave, Heyman and Solo following behind. Is the Tribal Chief’s iron grip that powerful? Heyman then asks Roman, “What about Jey?” Roman says Jey will do what he always does and fall in line. Just give it time.
Fans boo as Roman refuses to share love and respect with his family. What will it take for The Usos to change that?
My Thoughts:
An awesome episode to follow Night of Champions with! Granted, a lot of that comes from the Bloodline story, which once again continues to be the top story. And with this story already having set a high bar, they find a way to raise the bar again. Great video package narrated by Heyman to open the show, good promos backstage to expertly set up what we got in the closing segment. I did appreciate that since they’re not undoing the unification, Roman now just has one actual belt to hold onto and he can just keep the other two at home. Naturally, they just kept the cookie cutter shape they’ve been using, but I like the gold backing on the logo there, it really stands out.
And naturally, the Usos DID show up, and what an amazing emotional rollercoaster there. After all that, we are definitely getting Usos VS Roman & Solo, and that will be the moment of truth where I would think Solo really does side with his brothers. Then it’s on Roman to either “fall in line” and accept his family as family, or he ends up all alone with just Heyman. Either way, this is all great stuff that can carry the story into the Summer, maybe even to SummerSlam. And what would really put a cherry on top: if Roman, no more pawns to get in the way, gets beat by a Mr. MITB cash-in.
Great opening Six Man from Theory & Pretty Deadly VS Brawling Brutes, and I figured the Heels would find a way to win. I would think Pretty Deadly finds a way into the Undisputed Tag Team Championship scene for the summer, as those titles are meant to be on both Raw and SmackDown. And who wouldn’t love seeing a promo between Kevin, Sami and Pretty Deadly? At the same time, The Good Brothers should also get in on some of that, they got a really good win off Hit Row. Happy birthday to AJ Styles, maybe he can find his way to a title match of some kind. Him and Theory wouldn’t be half bad for MITB.
Really good Grayson Waller Effect segment, though not really because of Waller. If this same stuff happened with The Miz and MizTV, it’d amount to about the same great stuff. Asuka and Iyo getting at each other and then arguing in Japanese seems to be their thing, but I would love if we got Iyo to turn Face. Between her and Asuka being longtime rivals, and DMG CTRL about to fall apart at a moment’s notice, Iyo could come out a top Face for the SmackDown Women’s Division. But I also do like that Bianca went after Asuka, that was a logical move. I just wish we got to see the sucker punch from Lacey live and not in a replay.
The MITB qualifiers were both good matches, but Zelina was a very obvious winner given Lacey’s attitude and how Zelina seems to be on a great push. Ford VS Knight was a bit closer, but the fans are just loving Knight, so it makes sense Knight won here. We’re also going to get great stuff out of next week’s matches, and I’m thinking Bayley, Iyo, Escobar and Dunne win. Bayley and Iyo because of the DMG CTRL breakup story they’re giving us, Escobar because the LWO tease they gave us, and Dunne because it won’t be Corbin since he’s got stuff brewing in NXT and Grimes just isn’t gonna let him win.
And what a spooky vignette from Fyre & Dawn. Just as it isn’t clear what they’re planning with having the Smackdown Women’s Championship on Raw and vice-versa, I’m not sure what’s going on with the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships still being up here on main roster. I don’t think they’d unify, nor do I want them to unify, mostly because Fyre & Dawn probably wouldn’t beat Ronda & Shayna. Well, Shayna didn’t do well against spooky given Twisted Alexa during pandemic era, but I still don’t think using supernatural elements would be enough to take out Ronda. Though it would be pretty funny to see.
My Score: 8.8/10
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