Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (12/12/22)
Who will be the contenders?
Visionary VS All Mighty! Five Foot Fury VS Role Model!
Tonight, live in Milwaukee, new #1 contenders will be named for the WWE United States and Raw Women’s Championships!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Raw Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Alexa Bliss VS Bayley w/ Damage CTRL; Bliss wins and will challenge Bianca Belair for the title.
- AJ Styles w/ The OC VS Chad Gable w/ Otis; Styles wins.
- Six Man Tag: Akira Tozawa & The Street Profits VS The Judgment Day; The Judgment Day wins.
- Candice LeRae VS Iyo Sky w/ Damage CTRL; Sky wins.
- Elias VS Solo Sikoa w/ Sami Zayn; Solo wins.
- Rhea Ripley w/ Dominik Mysterio VS Asuka; Rhea wins.
- WWE United States Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Seth Rollins VS Bobby Lashley; Rollins wins and will challenge Austin Theory for the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Raw Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Alexa Bliss VS Bayley w/ Damage CTRL!
The two Triple Threats for last week gave us two contenders, but now we see who is THE NUMBER ONE! Will the Five Foot Fury return to the top of Raw? Or will the Role Model get one more chance against Bianca Belair?
But wait! Becky Lynch gets revenge on Kai & Sky! Fans cheer as Becky POSTS Dakota then TOSSES her over the timekeeper’s area! Then she does the same to Iyo! Fans fire up as The Man has a chair! Bayley freaks out as Becky runs off the sidekicks! And now here comes Alexa! Alexa smiles while Bayley stresses out over this being truly 1v1. But then wait! Bianca Belair makes her way out to watch this in person! Bayley is even more upset, and the bell rings. Alexa and Bayley circle, tie up, and Bayley kicks low to throw Alexa down. Cover, TWO, but Bayley SLIDING LARIATS! Cover, ONE!
Alexa goes to a corner but Bayley back elbows her! Bayley taunts the fans and she whips Alexa corner to corer. Alexa BOOTS Bayley, hops on and hits a SUNSET BOMB! Cover, TWO, and Bayley bails out! Bayley grits her teeth while the ring count climbs. Alexa waits on Bayley, Bianca is watching from an armchair, and Bayley gets to the apron at5 of 10. Alexa rushes over, Bayley jumps back, and then she HOTSHOTS Alexa down! Bayley stomps Alexa, CLUBS her down, and drags Alexa up. Snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Bayley is annoyed but she stomps Alexa around. Bayley drags Alexa up but fans are dueling, “Let’s Go, Bayley!” “BAYLEY SUCKS!”
Bayley ROCKS Alexa, but Alexa JAWBREAKERS back! Alexa rallies with shoulders, and then a THESZ PRESS! Alexa fires off fast hands but Bayley kicks her away. Alexa comes back with another THESZ PRESS! Alexa fires more fast hands, then takes Bayley down with an STO! Insult2Injury 2.0! Cover, TWO! Alexa clamps onto Bayley’s arm but Bayley gets to ropes. The ref counts, Alexa lets off, and she brings Bayley back in. Bayley stomps Alexa’s foot, then ROCKS her with a forearm! Bayley whips Alexa to ropes but Alexa ducks ‘n ‘dodges to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Alexa is annoyed but she steps on Bayley as she goes to the corner.
Alexa climbs up, Bayley bails out, but Bianca tells her she can’t run from this. Alexa hops down to grab at Bayley but Bayley ROCKS Alexa! And then POSTS her! Alexa falls to the floor and fans boo Bayley while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Bayley has Alexa in a chinlock. Bayley digs her knee in but Alexa fights back, so Bayley CLUBS her and KNEES her. Fans boo but Bayley drags Alexa up. Bayley whips Alexa to the corner, back elbows, and then talks trash to the fans. Fans boo more as Bayley snapmares to a cover, TWO! Fans rally but Bayley drags Alexa back up. Alexa throws body shots and fans fire up! Alexa throws more hands, then throws Bayley down by her hair! Insult misses as Bayley moves! BLINDISDE LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Bayley drags Alexa up but Alexa throws more body shots. They scrap and Alexa fights Bayley to a corner.
Bayley turns things around, puts Alexa up top but Alexa BOOTS back! Alexa FLYING RANAS! It wasn’t the prettiest but Alexa crawls over to drag Bayley up. Cradle, TWO! They both clinch, Bayley rolls Alexa, TWO! Alexa stands but Bayley CLOBBERS her! Fans boo but Bayley snarls as she drags Alexa up. Bayley wrenches and fireman’s carries, and swings Alexa, to a SIDEWALK SLAM! Cover, TWO! Alexa bails to the apron but Bayley pursues. Bayley drags Alexa up through the ropes and tells the fans this is for them! But Alexa shoves her away! Bayley storms in, into a HOTSHOT! Bayley sputters and both bail out.
Bayley rushes Alexa but Alexa KICKS her! And then KICKS her again! Alexa hurries into the ring but Bayley grabs her feet. Alexa BOOTS Bayley, then goes to the apron. CANNONBALL! Direct hit and fans fire up! Alexa puts Bayley back in, covers, TWO! Bayley hangs tough but Alexa clamps on with a choke grip. Bayley wrenches out but Alexa mule kicks and DDTs! Cover, TWO!! Bayley survives but Alexa climbs the corner! Bayley ROCKS Alexa first! Alexa throws hands back, sends Bayley staggering away, but Bayley comes back! Alexa hooks Bayley up again, but Bayley swings to SLAM Alexa into buckles!
Bayley waits for Alexa to stand up, SUNSET BUCKLE BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Alexa survives but Bayley drags her up, BAYLEY2BELLY!! Cover, TWO!?! Bayley is furious that Alexa survives! Bianca tells her that was just two, but Bayley undoes a buckle pad! Fans boo but Bianca points out what Bayley did! Bayley is upset with Bianca but Alexa DROPKICKS her out of the ring! Bayley returns to HOTSHOT Alexa! Bayley tells Bianca to stay out of the way. Alexa runs, slides, but Bayley ducks! Alexa avoids hitting Bianca, and she ducks Bayley’s haymaker! Bianca blocks the punch and stares Bayley down.
Bianca lets Bayley go, Bayley ELBOWS Alexa! Bayley and Bianca argue, Bayley returns but into a flurry from Alexa! SHOTGUN to the corner! Alexa has Bayley in a drop zone and climbs up top! TWISTED BLISS!! Cover, Alexa wins!
Winner: Alexa Bliss, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the Raw Women’s Champion)
And now Bianca knows who her next opponent will be! Bianca joins Alexa in the ring to congratulate her, but also to hold up the belt. Bianca offers a handshake, but Alexa wants a hug. But then White Rabbit!! Alexa reels Bianca into a clinch!! But then Alexa snaps back to normal! She realizes what almost just happened, apologizes, and leaves. Is there still a darkness in the back of Lil Miss Bliss’s mind?
Backstage interview with The Alpha Academy.
Byron Saxton found Chad Gable & Otis as they arrived, and oh, they still smell like milk. Byron says Gable & Otis planned to spoil Kurt Angle’s birthday but they were left udder-ly embarrassed. Gable says he sees through the double meanings! It isn’t punny! See? Two can play at that stupid game. But moving on, Kurt Angle is a dinosaur and not credible enough to be in the same ring as the Alpha Academy. That’s why Angle plays these little tricks, like driving a milk truck and dousing them with 2%! Otis has been washing that out of his beard all weekend! The OC come in and laughing, and Gable asks what’s so funny. Did one of their bar wives get a typo on her tramp stamp?
Oh calm down, Gable. Karl Anderson sent them a video while he’s in Japan “handling some business.” But it was of the Academy getting hosed with milk! It’s hilarious and Japan loves it! Gable says cute. But Styles is no different than Kurt: a fossil. Because all anyone talks about is how good Styles used to be. But if he got in the ring with Gable, he’d get a free lesson in embarrassment on the world stage. Yeah, Gable does know about getting embarrassed. But then let’s do it again tonight. Get your gear. The ones that doesn’t smell like cheese or Otis’ beard. Gallows says they stink! “NERDS!” Will Styles make tonight phenomenal?
AJ Styles w/ The OC VS Chad Gable w/ Otis!
While the toughest man in the room, the Machine Gun, Karl Anderson, is handling business in Japan, the rest of the Club is here in Milwaukee to do the same! Will Styles make Gable feel as sour as he smells? Or will Gable make all the puns “SHOOOOSH~” once and for all?
The bell rings and Gable circles with Styles. They tie up, Gable waistlocks, spins Styles, trips him and then facelocks for a gator roll. Gable waistlocks again, rolls Styles and facelocks again, but Styles gets the ropebreak. Gable lets off cleanly and Otis talks some trash. Gable tells Styles “SHOOOOSH~!” then headlocks. Styles powers up and out, DROPKICKS Gable down, and fans fire up. Styles tells Gable to “SHOOOOSH!” then bumps him off buckles. Styles CHOPS, bumps Gable off more buckles, then CHOPS again! Styles scoops Gable to a BACKBREAKER! Fans cheer as the OC throw up the Too Sweets.
Styles stands Gable up but Gable throat chops! Gable CHOPS and CHOPS Styles against ropes, then says, “A THANK YEW~!” Gable runs but Styles dumps Gable out onto Otis! Otis catches Gable and sets him down safely, but Styles runs in to SLIDING- NO, Gable fireman’s carries to SNAKE EYES Styles! Then Gable KNEES Styles into steel steps! Styles tumbles, clutches his own knees, and Gable shouts, “A THANK YEW~!” as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Styles is up top, but Gable ROCKS him! Gable climbs up, brings Styles up, but Styles slips under to trip Gable! Gable hits buckles on the way down and fans fire up! Gable staggers to his feet, and Styles LARIATS! And then again! Styles snapmares, and SLIDING FOREARMS! Fans fire up and Styles runs in to clothesline at the corner! Fireman’s carry, USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO! Gallows & Mia coach Styles up as he drags Gable into position. But Gable slips out of the Clash, only for Styles to fire off the Phenomenal Blitz! But Gable gets under the lariat to GERMAN SUPLEX!
Gable holds on, he GERMAN SUPLEXES again! Otis says Gable’s got the hips! But Styles elbows free of the third! PELE! Gable staggers, Styles swings but into another GERMAN SUPLEX! Fans rally up while both men are down! Styles and Gable crawl to opposite sides, and Gable runs in, but Styles catches him! Styles rolls, but Gable rolls through to have the ANKLE LOCK! Gable leans on the hold, Styles rolls and gets Gable’s leg! CALF CRUSHER! Gable flails, reaches out, powers up and rolls through, to ANKLE LOCK!! Styles endures now, he powers up and rolls to throw Gable away! Styles swings, into a spin and NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO!!
Mia and Gallows are relieved while Otis is frustrated. Gable drags Styles to a drop zone, shouts “SHOOOOSH~!” and climbs. MOONSAULT, but Gable bails out as Styles moves! Styles trips Gable to a jackknife, TWO! But then into a STYLES CLASH!! Cover, Styles wins!
Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall
Now that was a phenomenal way to turn things around! Mia and Gallows celebrate with Styles, will The OC get back up in time for the holidays?
Johnny Gargano talks with Dexter Lumis.
They’re brainstorming ideas for using the money they have after the poker invitational last week. Baby bling, cloning their dog, making functional Iron-Man suits, all good stuff. But that real-life Scrooge McDuck money pool thing might not be so possible. Diving headfirst into coins will more than likely break your neck. Candice LeRae walks over and asks just what in the world they’re doing. They’re trying to figure out what to do with the money. How much is even left? Show her. Lumis opens the bag and WOW, that’s still quite a bit. Candice has a match so good luck, guys. Good luck, Candice!
And Candice says the reason they can’t figure out what to do is that they have everything they need. It’s the holiday season, though, so maybe time for giving? That gives Gargano an idea. Grab the cash and let’s go. Lumis does, but he still seems to want Iron-Man suits. What is the wonderful holiday idea Gargano just got?
Six Man Tag: Akira Tozawa & The Street Profits VS The Judgment Day!
Speaking of that poker invitational, The Stamina Monster caught Dominik Mysterio cheating, they had it out in the ring, but Dominik managed to lie, cheat and steal the victory. But Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins weren’t going to let the Judgment Day beat down Tozawa, and so that confrontation led to this match! Will Tozawa, Ford & Dawkins make the Judgment Day pay for pushing the limits? Or will they bust like a bad hand at the table?
Raw returns and Cathy Kelley interviews Tozawa & The Profits at gorilla. She wants to know why the Profits came to Tozawa’s rescue at all last week. Ford says that is everyone’s question the last seven days: Why did the Profits come to the aid of Tozawa? Because it’s Akira Tozawa! Dawkins says he’s their ninja. Tozawa put his all into that match, and though he failed, does anyone deserve to have salt poured on their wounds? NO! While the Profits were gone, the Judgment Day was running around on Raw like they run things, but they don’t! The Profits & Tozawa run this! And they’re about to show- Tozawa shouts, and then says, “We! Want! The smoke!”
Tozawa drinks up, and roars! Ford and Dawkins join in! “AHHHH!!” Tozawa smashes the cup, splashes some of Dawkins’, but the Profits love that energy! The three head out, will that Powah of Tozawa lead them to victory?
The teams sort out and Dawkins starts against Priest. They circle, tie up, and Dawkins headlocks. Priest powers out but Dawkins RAMS shoulders with him. The two stare down and fans rally up. Priest runs, Dawkins drops and hurdles, but Priest blocks the hip toss! Dawkins avoids the clothesline, avoids the jump kick, and DROPKICKS Priest down! Fans fire up as Priest goes to a corner. Dawkins whips corner to corner, Priest reverses but Dawkins goes up and over. Things keep moving, Dawkins ducks but Priest ROCKS Dawkins! Tag to Dom and the JD mug Dawkins. Fans boo hard as Dom fires body shots on Dawkins.
Tag to Finn, Finn RAMS into Dawkins again and again! The fans boo more but the JD just soak up the heat. Finn taunts Ford but Dawkins DROPKICKS him down! Tag to Ford, the Profits whip and DROPKICK Finn down! Ford kips up, covers, TWO! Ford wrenches Finn’s arm, tags Tozawa, and Tozawa climbs up to AX HANDLE! Tozawa is all fired up, he whips Finn but Finn reverses to kick low. Finn runs, sunset flips but Tozawa rolls through to PENALTY KICK! Fans fire up with Tozawa but Finn RAMS him into the corner! Finn RAMS in again and again, then CHOPS! Finn roars in Tozawa’s face, then ROCKS him with rights.
Finn whips Tozawa corner to corner to CHOP! Finn gives another “AHH!” then whips again. Tozawa BOOTS back, runs in and RANAS Finn out of the ring! Tozawa builds speed but Priest stands in the way. Fans boo, but Tozawa CHOPS! Priest doesn’t flinch! Tozawa apologizes, but then Finn CLOBBERS Tozawa! Finn drags Tozawa over, climbs the corner, and the Judgment Day poses and soaks up the heat together as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Priest has Tozawa in a motorcycle stretch. Fans rally, Tozawa kicks from below, but Priest scoops him! Tozawa slips off, and hot tags Ford! Ford fires off hands on Priest! Priest shoves, but Ford avoids the kick and the backhand to kick, KICK and- Choke grip from Priest! Ford slips free, runs, and LARIATS! Priest stays up and roars, but Ford BACKHANDS Priest! Priest is furious, but Ford ducks the roundhouse to run and BLOCKBUSTER! Ford roars at Finn, tells him to “SUCK IT!” but Priest puts Ford on the apron. Ford GAMANGIRIS, then DECKS Finn! Dom sweeps but Ford jumps it to PENALTY KICK!
Ford talks trash on Dom, but Priest POUNCES Ford over the desk! Priest high-fives Rhea and the JD regroups to laugh at Ford. Dawkins checks on Ford but the ring count starts. The count reaches 5 of 10 before Ford crawls out from behind the desk. Ford flounders at 8, but jumps in at 9! Priest runs in to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Ford is still in this but Priest tags Dom. They mug Ford and fans boo. Dom CHOKES Ford on the ropes, Rhea is pleased, but Dom lets off as the ref counts to give some Latino Heat. Dom drags Ford up again and makes Dawkins watch! Uno Amigo! And then Dos Amigos! And then Dom dumps Ford down to taunt the fans.
Tag to Finn, he and Dom CHOKE Ford on the ropes. The ref counts, Finn lets off but then facelocks to GUILLOTINE Ford. Ford endures, reaches out, but Finn keeps him back. Fans rally, Dawkins and Tozawa coach Ford, and Ford powers up! Ford carries Finn, but Finn brings Ford back! Ford powers Finn back a bit, he’s so close! Ford tags Dawkins! But Priest was distracting the ref!! Finn pushes Ford back and stomps away! Finn DECKS Tozawa, Priest gets a cheap shot on Ford, then Priest tags in! Priest runs to back elbow Ford, tags Finn, and Finn stomps Ford. Tag to Dom for the slingshot SENTON!
Tag back to Finn, he drags Ford up and hits a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Ford is still in this after that onslaught, but Finn drags him up. Finn back suplexes but Ford lands on his feet to ENZIGURI! Both men are down and fans fire up! Ford crawls, Finn stirs, hot tag to Dawkins! Dawkins rallies on the JD! Dom gets scared of the haymaker, so Dawkins DECKS Priest! Dawkins whips Finn but Finn reverses, only for Dawkins to hurdle and FLYING ELBOW! Fans fire up and Dawkins runs in to CYCLONE SPLASH! And ENZIGURI, to the SILENCER! Cover, Dom breaks it! Fans boo but Dom gets away before Dawkins can get him.
Dawkins drags Finn up, scoops but Finn dragon sleepers to the ELBOW DROP DDT! Fans rally as both men are down again. Hot tags to Dom and Tozawa! Tozawa dodges, fires off haymakers, and fans fire up as he takes it to Dom! The haymakers aren’t stopping! Tozawa knees low, whips Dom to ropes, and then SOBATS! Dom ducks the spin kick but Tozawa slides under to reel Dom in. Dom fires off elbows, Tozawa ends up in a corner. Dom runs, into BOOTS! Tozawa MISSILE DROPKICKS Dom! SOBAT for Finn, Ford CROSSBODIES Finn down! Priest SUPERKICKS Ford! BELL CLAP for Dawkins! COMPLETE SHOT!
Priest choke grips Ford, SOUTH OF HEAVEN! Priest LARIATS Dawkins out of the ring! Fans boo as Priest roars, but Tozawa dumps Priest out! Dom rolls Tozawa, TWO!!! Tozawa dumps Dom out, builds speed, and DIVES! Direct hit at the ramp!! Tozawa puts Dom in the ring! Tozawa climbs, Dom springs up to get under the leap! Finn runs in, but Tozawa kicks him first and hits a DDT! Dom runs in, into a SATELLITE DDT! Tozawa hurries up top and fans fire up! But Rhea distracts the ref! Priest drags Tozawa off with an inverted crucifix! RAZOR’S EDGE!! Dom covers, and the Judgment Day wins!!
Winners: The Judgment Day, by pinfall
Fans boo as Dom gets another assist in the win! Will the Judgment Day continue to stack the deck in their favor?
Gargano & Lumis go to the merch stand.
Good stuff! Lumis drops the big bag of cash on the table, and Gargano says, “We’ll take it.” Take what? Everything! Whoa, okay. Gargano says Candice was right, this is the giving season, so they’re gonna spread some WWE holiday cheer. Yes, there is still a lot of money in that bag, but this is a great start, right? Gargano grabs the merch with both hands, and says they’re gonna need something to carry all this in. Oh, another idea! Let’s get this all to the ring! Lumis makes sure a kid waiting in the pavilion gets a free teddy bear. Seems there is a heart behind that silent and scary exterior.
Raw returns as Gargnao & Lumis make it out to ringside.
Gargano says, “Happy Holidays, everyone!” Lumis pulls the wagon full of toys and Gargano says they’ve got a lot to be thankful for this year. They came into all this money, Lumis won his WWE contract, and Gargano & Candice returned to the WWE after having a beautiful baby boy, Quill Gargano. The holiday music starts and Gargano says that’s wonderful! Gargano says “Baby Wrestling” lent them this wagon to carry all the goodies, which Lumis starts tossing to the fans at random. This is a token of gratitude from Gargano & Lumis by giving back with cool stuff! Gargano gets in on throwing the merch around to the fans up front.
They keep on moving along ringside, and they’re feeling good about it. Hopefully fans aren’t fighting over this stuff. Gargano offers something to Graves, but then gives it to Kevin Patrick instead. Gargano even throws some of his own Johnny Wrestling shirts out. Gargano gets on the desk and Lumis hands over a T-shirt cannon! Fans cheer as Gargano takes aim and… FOOMP! Wow, that one got far! But then someone CLOBBERS Lumis into Gargano! And they snatch the bag of money! It’s MIZ! Miz steals back what’s left of the money he gave over to Lumis! But then Pearce stops Miz at the ramp to say, “Where the hell do you think you’re going with that?”
Pearce says Miz is gonna go back to the ring with that money and give it back to Lumis! NOW! Miz is upset but Pearce says this is what Miz deserves! Miz goes back, Gargano and Lumis are there, and Gargano dares Miz to get in the ring. Miz steps forward with Pearce by his side. Gargano tells Miz to give the money back. Miz holds the bag out, but then clings to it. Miz gets a mic first to say, “Let me make this perfectly clear to all of you. This is MY money!” Fans boo, but then Lumis goes for the wagon. Gargano says Miz is in trouble now, Lumis wants his ax. Pearce says no, no axes. Just please, handle this peacefully, we can’t let the show devolve into chaos.
Gargano says Pearce should’ve remembered from SmackDown just a few days ago. That’s what happens here. Well not here in Milwaukee. Miz, give the money to Lumis, NOW. Miz says, “What do I have to do to keep this? I will do anything! I’m desperate! I will even earn it back with a rematch.” Gargano says Miz wants a rematch with Lumis? That IS desperate! Well yeah, you don’t have to rub it in! Gargano and Lumis talk it out, and Lumis gives a thumbs up. “Okay, Mike.” “Miz.” “Okay, Mike-” “THE MIZ!” Fans chant “MIKE! MIKE! MIKE!” Either way, does he want to hear what Gargano has to say? Yes! Then okay, Mike!
Gargano says that if Pearce is okay with this, Lumis is willing to give Miz a chance to win that money back next week. But, but, but… Let’s raise the stakes, literally. The rematch will be a LADDER MATCH! Whoever climbs up and brings down two bags of money wins it all. Okay! Wait, two? Yes! If Lumis is putting his money on the line, Miz has to put some, too. DOUBLE OR NOTHING, WINNER TAKES ALL! No, Miz already doesn’t have the cash! Oh, so Miz wants everyone to think he’s broke? We all know he’s rich! He brags about it all the time! Well no he’s not broke! He’s just not liquid! He has a ton of money in the accounts… that Maryse controls…
Don’t anyone laugh! We all know Candice controls the finances for Gargano! Good point. Miz has an allowance, and Maryse gives him that allowance. Fans taunt “TINY BALLS!” Miz, Mike, whatever, in case you can’t hear, you have tiny balls. Miz angrily defends he has MASSIVE balls! Well, then ask Maryse for an advance on the allowance. Oh, that’d be so easy, asking his wife for money to put on the line in a ladder match! ARE YOU CRAZY!? But Miz promises to figure out how to get the money. Okay, cool. One more, small little thing. If Miz wants the rematch, there is still a lot of merchandise to give away, so Miz needs to help.
Fans cheer and Gargano says Miz needs to do it dressed as an elf! Pearce loves that idea! It is official, go get a costume! Happy Holidays, Miz! In the meantime, this is still Lumis’ money so thanks. Merry Christmas, have fun. Go, Miz. Gargano and Lumis make Miz be their little helper, but will Miz be able to find the funds to face Lumis next week?
Candice LeRae VS Iyo Sky w/ Damage CTRL!
We saw Becky get some revenge on Bayley’s crew, but now Mrs. Wrestling is after her own payback! Will she pile on to DMG CTRL’s bad night? Or will the Evil Genius be able to turn things around?
Graves reprimands Kevin Patrick for not preparing a seat for Bayley, but then the bell rings and Candice stares down with Sky. They approach, Candice blocks a kick but Sky dodges the haymaker. Candice avoids the handspring, then rushes in. Sky dodges but Candice arm-drags to a cover, TWO! Candice clamps onto an arm, whips, but Sky reverses. Candice holds ropes to avoid the dropkick, and then she hits the step-up SENTON! Cover, TWO! Candice drags Sky up but Sky shoves her away. Candice returns to tilt-o-whirl but Sky handsprings through! Sky comes back but Candice ENZIGURIS! Fans fire up and Candice runs, into a FLAPJACK!
Sky growls and she stomps Candice around. Sky talks trash, Candice pushes Sky but Sky pie faces Candice. Candice throws body shots, Sky kicks Candice down! Dakota rallies for Sky as she CLUBS away on Candice. Sky drags Candice up by her hair but the ref reprimands. Sky lets off but pulls hair again to throw Candice out. Candice lands on the apron, she drags herself back up, but Sky runs in, Candice KNEES Sky in the ropes! Candice turns Sky for a NECKBREAKER in the ropes! Bayley is frustrated and Candice is climbing as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Sky has Candice in a straitjacket stretch. Candice endures, fights up, but Sky wrangles her back down. Sky digs her knee into Candice’s back but Candice fights back up. Candice arm-drags free, Sky runs in and spins Candice to tuck and underhook! Candice fights the lift, and back drops free! Fans fire up but Bayley says they suck! Sky and Candice stand, and Candice fires off forearms! Candice CHOPS, forearms, repeat, and she fires off on Sky in the corner! Fans fire up with Candice as the ref counts. Candice whips corner to corner but Sky reverses. Candice comes back to CLOBBER Sky!
Fans fire up, Candice runs in at Sky to back body block! Candice snapmares Sky, goes up the corner, and she brings Sky in, TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Sky survives but Candice drags her back up. Sky resists the waistlock and she RAMS Candice into a corner. Sky is free, she runs back in, but into a BOOT! Candice goes up, but Sky hurries up to DROPKICK Candice to the floor!! Bayley & Dakota fire up while Candice flounders. Candice drags herself to the apron, but Sky runs to SUNSET- NO, Candice holds off the bomb! Sky avoids the stomp, and the Penalty Kick, to Electric Chair! Candice fights to POISON-RANA to the floor!!
Candice puts Sky back in the ring while Bayley & Dakota panic! Cover, TWO!!! Sky survives and Candice isn’t sure what to do to finish this. Candice drags Sky up, but Sky SHOTEIS! And then GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Candice survives and Sky is beside herself! Sky drags Candice to a drop zone, steps on her while going to the corner, and she goes up top, only for Candice to trip her! Candice climbs up after Sky, and brings her in, only for Sky to shove her down! Sky adjusts, for OVER THE MOONSAULT!! Cover, Sky wins!
Winner: Iyo Sky, by pinfall
DMG CTRL celebrates with the Evil Genius, but they have a short week to recover. Kai & Sky face Liv Morgan & Tegan Nox on Friday Night SmackDown with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships on the line, will DMG CTRL return to Raw still holding onto gold?
Backstage interview with Kevin Owens.
Cathy asks the Prizefighter what his reaction is to The Bloodline’s Solo Sikoa brutalizing Matt Riddle. Riddle is now out for six to eight weeks with a damaged trachea. Kevin says that Solo is a very dangerous man, and he proved it last week. But then Elias strums his guitar as he walks in. He wants to talk with Kevin. Elias is facing Solo up next, The Bloodline is gonna be out there, Sami Zayn included. The Bloodline took Sami from Kevin and took Riddle from Elias, so maybe Kevin can back Elias up tonight?
Kevin can’t believe Elias is asking him to be in his corner tonight. Does Elias think Kevin just forgot what Elias did to him earlier this year?! The MONTHS and MONTHS of mental torment! Kevin didn’t forget! Elias says that wasn’t him, that was Ezekiel! Kevin stops him right there! Even if Kevin believed all that, the last time he was in the ring with Elias, the one right here, Kevin was smashed with a guitar! Not that one but a different one, because that one was smashed to pieces and this is a new one! But that’s what Kevin remembers, so why would he have Elias’ back? Elias says Kevin took out Zeke, Elias took out Kevin, so let’s wipe the slate clean and start over.
HOW!? How are they even!? Elias and Zeke are separate people, according to Elias! So how does this work? Elias says it’s all the post. Let’s focus on tonight. Can Kevin be out there for Elias? He needs Kevin. He needs Kevin!? Yes! Kevin is speechless as he walks off, but then he comes back. He’s still speechless, so he walks off again. For now, that seems like a no. Will Kevin change his mind before the match is over?
Ladies and gentlemen: Elias.
Elias is in the ring and he strums his guitar. He makes his introductions, and he clearly has a picture of Riddle and Riddle’s bongos on display. Elias thanks the fans for coming out to the Matt Riddle Tribute Concert. Elias has his match with Solo up next, after Solo ripped away Elias’ opportunity at the tag team championships. But Elias wanted to honor his friend first. Riddle is charismatic, charming, and had a childlike wonder for both Elias and his brother, Ezekiel. Riddle also had an unmatched love for music, namely Elias’. Elias believes Riddle knew the universal truth that we all know deep in our hearts: WWE stands for Walk With Elias!
Elias is happy to hear Milwaukee knows. But it was Riddle’s dream to perform with him in the ring. Elias thought he’d do something special for Riddle. He thinks about the bongos, and those won Elias over. Elias was picking up Riddle’s stuff and he found something: a rolled up paper of lyrics. Riddle was writing a song. Elias sets that up on his stand and will honor his buddy. Riddle, if you’re watching, please enjoy. Elias starts strumming a tune, and he sings, “Grass is green. The sky is blue. I’m your best friend. You’re mine, too. I’ll walk with you wherever you go. Elias, you’re my bro.
“Elias, you’re jacked. You’re such a freak. I wonder who’s bigger: you or Zeke. I walk with you wherever you go. Elias, you’re my bro. I said, Elias, you’re my bro! Everybody! Elias, you’re my bro! One more time. Elias, you’re my bro!” Elias wants everyone to understand, he didn’t write this, Riddle did. But it’s time for a solo. And yep, Solo Sikoa makes his way out! Elias is upset but Sami is dancing his heart out to Solo’s theme. Will Elias be able to make Solo face the consequences of his sadistic actions? Or will the Street Champion of the Island walk through Elias?
Elias VS Solo Sikoa w/ Sami Zayn!
The bell rings and fans chant “UCEY! UCEY” for Sami. Elias rushes in to scare Sami off and fire off on Solo! Elias CHOPS but Solo clinches and tosses Elias to a corner. Elias elbows back, kicks low and ROCKS Solo. Elias CHOPS, Solo UPPERCUTS! Solo HEADBUTTS Elias, but fans chant for “SAMI USO!” Solo storms up on Elias, drags him up and HEADBUTTS him again! Elias flounders to ropes, Solo stands Elias up to whip him and ELBOW him down! Solo roars and Elias crawls to ropes. Solo CHOKES Elias, but he lets off at 4. The fans rally with “UCEY! UCEY!” and Solo swings, but Elias counter punches!
Elias CHOPS but Solo throat chops! Solo HEADBUTTS, then he ROCKS Elias with a haymaker. Solo CHOPS then whips Elias corner to corner. Elias goes up, Solo catches the legs, but Elias mule kicks free! Elias rushes in but into another UPPERCUT! Fans fire up as Solo runs, but Elias dumps Solo out! Elias BOOTS Solo down! Sami checks on Solo but Elias runs in to WRECK Solo with a dropkick! Solo stays up and he’s pissed! Sami stops Solo from bringing the chair into the ring! Sami has Solo cool off, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Elias throws body shots to back Solo down. Elias then fires forearms and whips corner to corner. Solo reverses and then SAMOAN DROPS on the rebound! Cover, TWO! Sami argues the count but the ref says it was fair. Solo paces around Elias, then goes to the corner. Solo hops up and Sami gets hyped for the DIVING HEADBUTT FLOP! Fans rally as Elias goes to a corner. Solo run sin but Elias dodges! Solo hits buckles, then staggers into right hand after right hand from Elias! Elias CHOPS Solo in a corner, ROCKS him, CHOPS him, repeat! Elias whips corner to corner, runs in and SPLASHES!
Elias keeps moving, he SPLASHES again! Elias keeps going, he dodges Solo and hits a SPINEBUSTER! Fans fire up while Sami is panicking! Elias drags Solo up to turn him, but Solo powers out of the neckbreaker! SAMOAN- NO, Elias slips free to SYMPHO-KNEE! And then NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Elias goes to a corner, but he has to tell Sami to get away so he can climb. The ref reprimands, Solo waistlocks Elias but Elias switches to roll Solo! TWO, and Elias kicks low! Elias whips, Solo blocks and reverses! Elias goes up but no mule kick as Solo throws Elias into the ropes! SUPERKICK! Elias flops down, Solo drags him back in! SPINNING SOLO!! Cover, Solo wins!
Winner: Solo Sikoa, by pinfall
Sami helped out just enough and the Enforcer beats the Drifter! Is it only a matter of time before all of The Bloodline is going for gold?
Wait, Solo goes back for seconds! He hammers away on Elias, and then Sami helps drag him up. Solo has the thumb at the ready! SAMOAN SPIKE!! Sami grins and says, “I know what that’s like.” But now Solo grabs a chair! Sami has Elias in the corner, and he says this is because Elias messed with the Bloodline. Solo stomps Elias into the corner, and he puts the chair around his head! Solo goes to the far corner, wanting to repeat what he did to Riddle. Fans boo but here comes Kevin! Kevin hits Solo with a STUNNER!! Sami runs for it to help Solo get out of here, and Kevin takes the chair off Elias’ head.
Solo wants to get back at Kevin but Kevin has the chair! Sami brings Solo away and says not now. When and where will Kevin get his hands on the rest of the Bloodline? Elias thanks Kevin, but then Kevin gives Elias a STUNNER! That’s for the whole Zeke thing! Kevin isn’t fighting for anyone else but himself, so how long will he #JustKeepFighting?
Tribute to the Troops hits its 20th anniversary!
John Cena narrates as footage plays of the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida back in 2003. WWE superstars and staff volunteered time to entertain those who risk it all to defend America’s freedoms. And no one then expected this was just the first step of a 20 year journey. Tensions were high as they were headed into a warzone. Final destination: Camp Victory, Baghdad, Iraq. Vince McMahan said on behalf of the WWE and the United States, “Thank you.” It was bringing a piece of home to those so far from home. And 20 years later, it is a tradition like no other.
From Baghdad to the US, the WWE will go to thank the troops who serve and remain steadfast. It is a debt that can never be fully repaid, but as we celebrate 20 years of Tribute to the Troops, we have one message: Thank you for protecting the freedoms of the United States of America.
Rhea Ripley w/ Dominik Mysterio VS Asuka!
The Judgment Day’s Eradicator got hit with blue mist at WarGames, and though she lost the Triple Threat that following Monday, she still got some semblance of revenge after that match. But now the Empress of Tomorrow looks for payback for that payback! Will Rhea not be ready for Asuka? Or will the eradication be complete tonight?
Raw returns as Rhea makes her entrance, Dom by her side. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Rhea shoves Asuka down but Asuka’s right back with KICK after KICK! Asuka gets a leg, Rhea stays up and facelocks in return. Asuka switches around to a facelock but Rhea elbows free. Asuka dropkicks Rhea, fires off in the corner, and CLUBS away! Rhea shoves Asuka but Asuka catches an arm! Rhea shoves free, tries again, but Asuka catches that arm! Rhea ROCKS Asuka, then storms up on her in the corner, but Asuka bumps Rhea off buckles. Asuka goes again but Rhea blocks the bump to give the bump!
Rhea scowls but Asuka SOBATS! Asuka runs, but Rhea holds off the armbar takedown! Rhea SLAMS Asuka down, stomps her around, and kicks her for good measure. Dom soaks up the heat for Rhea and then cheers her on. Rhea talks trash on Asuka as she dribbles Asuka off the mat. The ref says to watch the hair pulling but Rhea tells him to shut up. Rhea stands Asuka up but Asuka throws more hands. Rhea knees low, then drags Asuka up to TOSS her! Rhea tells the booing fans to shut up, too, then she drags Asuka up. Asuka hits an ARMBAR TAKEDOWN!! Rhea flails, stands up, stacks to a cover, ONE as Rhea deadlifts!
But Asuka hits another takedown! Rhea reaches out to the ROPEBREAK! Asuka lets go, runs in but Rhea avoids the shoulder to KNEE Asuka back. Rhea drags Asuka to the apron, but Asuka fights the suplex. Asuka blocks the kick, puts that leg in the ropes, and fires off forearms! Asuka ROCKS Rhea, to then HIP ATTACK her into the post! Rhea staggers, into an APRON CODE BREAKER! Rhea falls to the floor and Dom panics while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Rhea stands tall over Asuka now. Rhea sits Asuka up to KICK her in the back. Rhea then runs but Asuka avoids the dropkick! Asuka KICKS and KICKS but Rhea ducks the buzzsaw to BOOT Asuka down! Dom applauds Rhea and she stomps Asuka down. Asuka snarls and fans rally as Rhea clamps on with a waistlock. Rhea drags Asuka around in a rear bearhug but fans rally up for Asuka. Asuka fights up to throw elbows! Rhea ducks and RAMS Asuka into a corner, then hauls her back up for a front bearhug! Asuka endures the squeeze, throws elbows of her own, but Rhea throws Asuka. Asuka sunset flips but Rhea rolls through to BOOT her down!
Rhea drags Asuka up and reels her in, double pump handles, and flips Asuka up into a HUGE suplex, but Asuka cradle counters! TWO!! Rhea ROCKS Asuka, Asuka comes back with an elbow! Rhea ROCKS Asuka again, Asuka elbows then SOBATS! And ROUNDHOUSES! Rhea goes down, Asuka storms up, but Rhea CAPOERIA KICK! Fans fire up as both women are down but Dom gets nervous. Dom coaches Rhea up, Asuka and Rhea stand, and Asuka dodges the haymaker to fire off KICK after KICK! Rhea blocks one but Asuka ducks the haymaker to URAKEN, URAKEN, SOBAT and KICK!
Rhea ducks the uraken but not the HEEL KCIK! Cover, TWO!! Asuka roars as Rhea survives, she KICKS! Rhea grins but Asuka SLAPS her! Rhea is pissed now, so Asuka BUZZSAWS her! And SLIDING KICKS! Cover, TWO!! Fans rally and Dom panics again. Rhea gets to the apron, Asuka runs in to HIP ATTACK! Rhea falls to the floor and Dom hurries to mami’s side. Asuka goes out after Rhea, but Dom stands in the way. Dom tells Asuka that if she wants after Rhea, she has to go through him. Okay. She kicks at Dom! Dom runs away but Rhea RAMS Asuka into the apron! Rhea puts Asuka in the ring while fans boo.
Rhea makes sure Dom is okay, Dom says to go finish Asuka. Rhea hurries into the ring, but Asuka kicks! Rhea ducks, pump handles, RIP- NO, Asuka slips out to the ASUKA LOCK!! Fans fire up as Asuka drags Rhea down! Rhea flails, reaches out, Dom grabs a foot to put it on the ropes! Fans boo again as Dom points out the ropebreak! The ref counts, Asuka lets Rhea go, and then Asuka glares at Dom. Dom says the Judgment Day runs this! BLUE MIST!! Dom gets a face full! But then Rhea shoves Asuka into Dom! RIPTIDE!! Cover, Rhea wins!!
Winner: Rhea Ripley, by pinfall
Rhea wins by using Dom as a pawn! Rhea is upset at Dom for getting that close, and she wants water to wash Dom’s face. Did Dom get what he deserves for helping mami? Will Asuka ever get back up after getting screwed over again?
The Judgment Day regroups at the trainer’s room.
Dom says the mist burns his eyes, but Finn tells Dom it’s alright. The trainer brings eye drops but Rhea is pacing. Dom does his best to open his eyes for the drops, but he asks if this trainer even has his license. Finn tells Dom to go to his happy place. Priest says it could be worse. Something else could be burning. Rhea slaps Priest on the shoulder and tells him not to joke right now. Sorry. Priest tells Dom he’s tough, he can take this. The drops don’t seem to work all that well, will Dom need something stronger for that burning sensation?
Dolph Ziggler speaks.
“The United States Championship. It’s not just a championship. It’s not just the workhorse title of Monday Night Raw. It means more than that. That’s why two of the best in the business right now, Bobby Lashley, Seth Rollins, those two are gonna go to war tonight for a chance, an opportunity, at the United States Championship. That’s what that title means. Not just to me, not just to everyone in the back, everyone out there. That’s what that title means.
“Austin Theory. You’re the United States Champion. On paper. You’ve done it all! You’ve come a long way in a short amount of time, but you walk around with this chip on your shoulder. Like if someone calls you ‘kid,’ you’re gonna snap and take it out in the moment. That’s not what a champion does. That’s not how a champion lives. At any given moment, you need to be able to put that title over your shoulder and put this show on your back. You don’t know what that’s like yet. That cocky arrogance of not being able to be knocked off your pedestal. That will be your downfall. That is why you are not a deserve United States Champion.
“Watch your back, kid.” The Show-Off warns The Now of WWE, but will Theory be more concerned with who is next? And speaking of…
WWE United States Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Seth Rollins VS Bobby Lashley!
The Visionary and the All Mighty have gone around a few times already in regards to the US Championship. But after Theory got a little lucky at Survivor Series, these two must now fight to be Theory’s challenger! Will Rollins #BurnItDown in Milwaukee? Or will the Rocky Mountain Machine keep his mind clear and eyes focused on the mission?
Raw returns as Rollins makes his entrance. The fans sing “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” even before the bell. The bell rings, Rollins enjoys the singing but Lashley CLOBBERS him! Lashley brings Rollins up to bump off buckles and fire off haymakers! The ref counts, Lashley stomps but lets off at 4. Fans rally for Rollins and he fires forearms back! Rollins runs but Lashley runs him over! Rollins staggers up but Lashley clotheslines him out! Rollins stagger sup, Lashley storms out after him and RAMS him into barriers! Fans rally, Lashley hauls Rollins up to a fireman’s carry, but Rollins fights free to POST Lashley first!
Rollins climbs to the apron, gets some space, and he leaps to FLYING KNEE Lashley down! Milwaukee fires up and sings, “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~” as Rollins brings Lashley up. Rollins puts Lashley in, taunts him, and says, “I told you Lesnar was stronger than you.” Rollins kicks, underhooks, but Lashley back drops Rollins out of the ring! Lashley then goes out after Rollins while Theory is seen watching backstage. Lashley SMACKS Rollins off the steel steps, and he drags Rollins up again. Lashley SMACKS Rollins off the steps again, then again! Theory smirks as Lashley pulls the steel steps apart! Lashley aims at Rollins, but the ref tells him no!
Lashley drops the steps, but Rollins comes back! Lashley TOSSES Rollins into the crowd! Fans fire up as Lashley pursues and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Lashley has Rollins in a corner. Lashley RAMS into Rollins, brings him out and puts him in another corner to RAM him again and again. Then Lashley hits a NECKBREAKER! Lashley drags Rollins up, suplexes, and fans fire up as he hold Rollins up! Lashley SLAMS Rollins down after ten, then covers, TWO! Lashley drags Rollins back up, puts him back in a corner and then puts him up top. Fans rally, Lashley ROCKS Rollins, and then Lashley climbs up. Lashley stands Rollins up but Rollins throws body shots. Rollins BITES Lashley’s forehead! The ref reprimands but Rollins shoves Lashley away!
Rollins CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Lashley swings, misses, and Rollins PELES! Both men are down and fans fire up again. Lashley and Rollins slowly stand up and fans sing “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Lashley runs in but Rollins dumps him out! Rollins builds speed to DIV! Direct hit and Lashley is sent into barriers! But Rollins keeps moving, he DIVES again! Another hit into the barriers! Rollins keeps moving, but he has to dodge Lashley! SUPERKICK! Rollins suplexes Lashley but Lashley blocks! Lashley suplexes but Rollins knees free! Rollins suplexes for the FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!
Both men are down again and fans rally back up. Rollins sits up first as the fans sing “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Lashley bails out but Rollins keeps his eyes on him. Rollins goes out the side, runs in around the way, but Lashley fireman’s carries! Lashley POSTS Rollins! Fans fire up as Lashley drags Rollins back into the ring. Lashley aims at Rollins, runs in at the corner, but Rollins jumps! Lashley hits buckles, Rollins rolls him up, TWO! SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Lashley survives but Rollins hurries up top! Fans fire up for the FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Lashley survives and Rollins is beside himself!
Fans rally up again as Rollins aims from a corner. Rollins runs in, CURB- NO, Lashley just braces himself to stay up! Lashley scoops Rollins, for a POWERSLAM! Rollins staggers, into the HURT LOCK!! Rollins flails, pushes Lashley back, the ref falls out of the ring as he gets out of the way! Lashley lets Rollins go, and he SPEARS Rollins down! The ref hurries in to count the cover, TWO!!! The delay may have just saved Rollins! Lashley is furious but the ref explains about the bad leg! Lashley just aims again, Rollins stands up, and Lashley runs in! SPEARÂ becomes PEDIGREE!! Cover, Rollins wins!!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the WWE United States Champion)
Lashley gets up and is furious with the ref all over again! He doesn’t let the ref leave, another erf runs in, but Lashley DECKS him! Lashley’s temper gets the better of him and Pearce runs out to get in Lashley’s face about it. Didn’t they talk about this last week? Lashley says he made a mistake, but Pearce says his hands are tied now. But then Lashley SHOVES Pearce aside!! Pearce is furious now, he says some things that get censored, and he says LASHLEY IS FIRED?!?! Fans sing, “Nana na na, hey hey hey! Good-bye~!” The All Mighty, gone from the WWE? What is he to do now?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw here, with a lot of great story progression. Great #1 contenders matches that made for good bookends of the night. Bliss VS Bayley was great stuff, and I like that Becky came out after Dakota & Iyo to run them off. I’m a little surprised we didn’t get more from Becky after, but that was a good bit after what we saw last week. Bliss winning was of course the right call, we’ve had plenty of Bianca VS Bayley already. And also, great teaser from White Rabbit and Alexa almost using Sister Abigail on Bianca. This is great stuff, and it will add a lot to the title build. And I think in the title match, that is the moment Alexa goes full Twisted Bliss and maybe even wins the belt.
The US Championship contender’s match in the main event was a great stuff, especially with Rollins playing such a good Tweener. Rollins winning makes sense with the interactions of him and Theory. Ziggler had a good promo to call out Theory, it makes me think Ziggler tries to screw Theory over and that screws Rollins instead. Lashley losing his cool and knocking out a ref follows the story, but I was surprised he shoved Pearce. And then Pearce firing Lashley, I wonder if this brings Triple H back on screen as an authority figure to try and figure this out. There’s no way they can (kayfabe) let Lashley go when he’s a top star.
Good promo from the Alpha Academy and The OC. Nice mention that Karl Anderson is in Japan, so he must be getting in on the Road to Tokyo Dome events leading to NJPW WrestleKingdom 17. Anyway, great match from Styles VS Gable, and seriously, that was another awesome way to get to the Styles Clash. The OC hasn’t quite found their next feud but they’re having fun giving us these great matches just for fun. The Judgment Day is getting their feud going with The Street Profits, and we got a great match out of them and Tozawa. Tozawa is looking great, even though he’s the one taking the losses. I hope they can keep this going until Bianca can join in.
Really fun stuff from Lumis, Gargano and Candice, such as the promo about how to use the money. I like that they gave fans free stuff, but I feel like it’s tricky because quite a few fans miss out. Miz showing up to try and steal his money back was good stuff, but then the promo started to drag down as Miz tried to come up with excuses about Maryse controlling his money. But a ladder match is going to be awesome stuff for Miz and Lumis. And since it’s kayfabe money, I would love if Miz lost again. Miz should face his own little crisis like Baron Corbin did as “Bum Ass Corbin,” because I swear this has to somehow bring Maryse into it so Indi Hartwell can show up on Raw already.
Candice VS Sky was a very good match but for the life of me, I can’t figure out why fans just don’t get that excited. Sky winning made sense, though, so that she and Kai have some momentum going into this Friday’s tag title match. Kai & Sky VS Liv & Nox is going to be really good stuff, but I would think DMG CTRL retains. Rhea VS Asuka was great stuff and the fans got excited for that, maybe it’s the names involved. Well, it was probably cuz they got to boo Dom. Dom getting hit with the mist and playing it up in that promo right after was great, but he really should’ve been upset that Rhea shoved Asuka into him so she could win. Hard to say what Asuka does next. Heel turn? New partner? Some kind of character reset?
Great stuff from Elias, Kevin and the Bloodline. Kevin Owens is a genius for using continuity and natural human behavior in how he dealt with Elias. Elias VS Solo was a great match, but of course Solo wins. And of course Kevin runs Solo and Sami off, to then also hit Elias for what happened during the Ezekiel saga. Kevin will continue to get involved with anything Bloodline related until Sami comes around to see things his way. Also in the case of Matt Riddle, we all know that neck injury wasn’t legit but don’t expect him to “defy” that return timeline. Word has it he’s really going into rehab for a drug test failure, so let’s hope and pray he makes it through that and comes back soon.
My Score: 8.6/10
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The House of Torture gets another try!
Despite losing in the NEVER Openweight Six Man title tournament, the House of Torture get one more shot against Tanahashi, Yano & Oleg! But will shuffling the deck really help the King of Darkness trump President Ace?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Six Man Tag: Bishamon & Shoma Kato VS Bullet Club; Bullet Club wins.
- 8 Man Tag: El Desperado, El Phantasmo, Hikuleo & Katsuya Murashima VS TMDK; TMDK wins.
- NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg VS The House of Torture; Tanahashi, Yano & Oleg win and retain the titles.
- LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: Yota Tsuji VS Gedo; Tsuji wins.
- LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: BUSHI VS Gabe Kidd; Gabe wins.
- LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: Shingo Takagi VS Clark Connors; Takagi wins.
- LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: Tetsuya Naito VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney; Drilla wins.
- LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: Hiromu Takahashi VS David Finlay; Finlay wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg VS The House of Torture!
Don’t adjust your screens, this is not a rematch from Wrestling World in Taiwan. That’s because while The Ace, the Joker and the Rook won the tournament, they’re up against a different formation! The King of Darkness and Heel Master now have Tokyo Pimp as their third man, but will that change be enough to change the result? Or will Tanahshi-sachou and team be an undefeated combination?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if Darkness Falls!
The teams sort out, and Oleg starts against Yoshinobu Kanemaru. The fans rally behind “BO-LU-TIN! BO-LU-TIN!” as he circles with Kanemaru, but then Evil & Yujiro attack! The fans boo, Tanahashi & Yano hurry in but Evil & Yujiro get them first! Kanemaru drags Oleg out of the ring to stomp him down while Evil & Yujiro have Tanahashi & Yano in corners. Yujiro fires forearms, Evil CHOPS, then the House all whips. But Oleg reverses and sends Kanemaru into railing! And Tanahashi & Yano reverse to send Evil & Yujiro into each other! Oleg returns to CLOBBER Evil & Yujiro! The fans fire up as now Yano & Tanahashi intercept Kanemaru.
Tanahashi & Yano whip Kanemaru to Oleg for a scoop and SLAM! The fans rally behind the champs as Oleg paces around Kanemaru. Oleg stomps Kanemaru, tags Tanahashi, and Tanahashi eggs Evil on. Evil tags in, Tanahashi kicks first! Tanahashi fires hands, UPPERCUTS, then tears away the “President Evil” shirt to TOSS it away! Evil is furious, he made that himself! Tanahashi throws a body shot, then whips Evil corner to corner. Evil reverses, runs in, but Tanahashi ELBOWS him! Tanahashi goes up to CROSSBODY! The fans fire up for the air guitar and Tanahashi tags in Yano! Yano unties a buckle pad, dodges Evil, then gives Evil the pad!
The ref reprimands Evil and confiscates the pad, and Yano SLAPS Evil on the head! Yano whips, Evil reverses, but Yano avoids the bare buckles. Evil runs up to SLAP Yano, and shove him into the buckles! Kanemaru & Yujiro BLAST Tanahashi & Oleg off the corner! Evil SMACKS Yano with the pad! Evil TOSSES Yano out of the ring, distracts the ref, and that lets Dick DECK Yano! Dick drags Yano up and puts him in the ring for Evil to cover. TWO! Evil is upset with the “slow count,” and he tags Kanemaru. Kanemaru runs to basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer but Kanemaru ELBOWS Yano in the head!
Kanemaru snapmares Yano down into a chinlock and drags him to the corner. The ref reprimands but Yujiro tags in. Kanemaru lets go, so that Yujiro can CHOKE Yano! The ref counts, Yujiro lets off, and he drags Yano back up. Yujiro whips Yano into the bare buckles! Yano suffers his own trick, and Yujiro brings him up to knee low. Yujiro snapmares, drops a leg, then drops an elbow! Then he drops a HEADBUTT! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer but Yujiro tags to Evil. Evil BLASTS Tanahashi & Oleg off the corner! Dick distracts the ref so Evil can put Yano in the COBRA TWIST, and link up with the others!
The fans boo but the House gets away with that. Evil covers, TWO! Evil is even more upset with the ref, and he drags Yano up. Evil reels Yano in for a FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Wait, who is ringing the bell? Dick is ringing the bell, and Kanemaru is giving the announcement that they’ve won! The fans boo, this is of course a farce. Tanahashi & Oleg storm over, scaring off Dick and Kanemaru. Evil tags Kanemaru, then TOSSES Yano outside. Kanemaru drags Yano back up to whip him into railing! Then DDTÂ to the floor! Yano is down in enemy territory while Tanahashi argues with the ref.
The fans rally up but Yujiro puts Yano in. Kanemaru covers, TWO! The fans cheer but Kanemaru drags Yano around. Yano is dead weight so Kanemaru leaves him behind to BLAST Tanahashi! Kanemaru drags Yano up but Yano pulls hair! Kanemaru CLAWS Yano’s eyes! Kanemaru whips, Yano reverses and throws him down by his hair! The fans fire up as Yano crawls, hot tag to Oleg! The fans fire up as Oleg CLOBBERS Kanemaru, BLASTS Evil & Yujiro, then runs in at the corner. Kanemaru BOOTS Oleg, runs, but into a POP-UP BEARHUG! Kanemaru endures, but then Oleg turns that into a BIG suplex! The fans fire up as Oleg storms around.
Oleg deadlift gut wrenches, but Dick gets on the apron. Oleg drops Kanemaru to scare Dick off. But then Yano puts Dick in! Dick prays and begs for mercy, but Oleg just deadlift gut wrenches him! Shake, Rattle and THROW! And a kip up!? Oleg then gets Kanemaru back up, Shake, Rattle, and some more shaking, and THROW! Oleg roars, runs, and SPLASHES down! Cover, Evil & Yujiro break it! Then they BLAST Tanahashi & Yano! The House stomps away on Oleg, then drag him up. They double whip Oleg to a corner, then Yujiro BOOTS! Evil clotheslines! They snapmare, Kanemaru distracts the ref, and Dick goes up!
The fans boo but Dick hits the DICK CHOP! Kanemaru covers, TWO!! The fans fire up but Evil tags back in. Evil and Kanemaru get Oleg up to suplex, but Oleg fights it! Oleg DOUBLE SUPLEXES back! Hot tag to Tanahashi! Ace of the Universe meets King of Darkness, and Tanahashi runs to CLOBBER Evil! Tanahashi fires forearms and body shots on Evil, then scoop SLAMS him into a drop zone! Tanahashi goes up to SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! The fans rally behind Tanahashi as he waits on Evil. Tanahashi runs, but Evil goes to the corner! Evil LARIATS Tanahashi down! Tag to Yujiro and he storms up on Tanahashi.
Yujiro brings Tanahashi up to knee low and fire forearms. Yujiro CHOPS then runs up, to BOOT! Yujiro then runs, to BOOT again! Tanahashi SHOTEIS! Tanahashi runs, but Yujiro TOSSES him out! Evil is there to set Tanahashi up for a whiskey bottle shot! Evil puts Tanahashi back in, then he and the rest go after Oleg and Yano! Yujiro gets Tanahashi up for an INCOLLE SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Yujiro goes for his pimp cane, but the ref stops him! That leaves Dick open to use the SPOILER CHOKER on Tanahashi!! The fans boo as President Ace suffers! Tanahashi fades out, Dick slips away, and Yujiro laughs.
Yujiro drags Tanahashi up while the fans rally. Yujiro reels Tanahashi in, but Yano gets in to grab Yujiro! Kanemaru gets in while the ref is distracted again! But Yano ducks, the WHISKEY MIST hits Yujiro! LOW BLOW for Kanemaru! But Evil LOW BLOWS Yano! So Tanahashi LOW BLOWS Evil! Dick gets in but Tanahashi kicks the ropes! Dick falls, Oleg returns, and he gets Yujiro up! Tanahashi climbs, Oleg hits the KAMIKAZE SENTON! Then Tanahashi HIGH FLY FLOWS!! Cover, Team Go Ace wins!
Winners: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg, by pinfall (still NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions)
The House of Torture tried their usual tricks, but Tanahashi’s team proved they could play that, too! The Ace, the Joker & The Rook stand tall again, will The House have to start playing a different game?
LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: Yota Tsuji VS Gedo!
While Los Ingobernables de Japon and the Bullet Club War Dogs have already done battle on this Road to Wrestling Dontaku, tonight is a best of five series! Will it be Gene Blast or Blacksmith that sets the tone for tonight?
The moment Yota hops off the corner, Gedo takes a swing! Yota dodges and GENE BLASTER!! The bell rings, Yota covers, Yota wins!!
Winner: Yota Tsuji, by pinfall
Well not sure about the tone but this sure set a new record! From bell the bell, that was FIVE SECONDS! Score one for LIJ already, and Yota helps roll Gedo out of the ring. Will LIJ make this a shut out? Or will the other War Dogs be a bit smarter about the pitches they throw across the plate?
LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: BUSHI VS Gabe Kidd!
Round two is here sooner than expected after what we just saw, and the Black Mask is up against the #WarReady Mad Man. Gabe vows to take back everything NJPW used to mean, but will he get War Dogs on the board? Or will Bushi keep things tranquilo?
Bushi climbs onto the corner and Gabe rushes him! Bushi jumps over, the bell rings and Bushi DROPKICKS Gabe down! Bushi whips, Gabe reverses but Bushi ducks ‘n ‘dodges to RANA! Gabe bails out, Bushi builds speed, but Gabe gets away. Bushi slides out, but Gabe kicks and CHOPS! Gabe UPPERCUTS Bushi down, then drags Bushi up to dig at Bushi’s eyes! The ref reprimands, Gabe storms around and mockingly calls upon the wrestling gods. Gabe runs but Bushi dodges, Gabe crashes into railing! The fans fire up while Bushi rises. Bushi brings Gabe up, fires forearms, then brings Gabe around. Gabe blocks the bump off the apron to whip Bushi hard into railing!
Bushi flounders and Gabe snarls while the fans rally up. Gabe storms out to open the way to the orange bleachers! Gabe ROCKS Bushi, brings him around and they go up into the stands. Gabe HEADBUTTS Bushi down, shouts “I’m a MAD MAN, y’know!” then continues up to the next level. Bushi fights the lift but Gabe CLUBS him! Gabe lifts again but Bushi still fights! Gabe CLUBS away on Bushi, CHOPS and HAYMAKERS! Gabe backs up, flips everyone off, and he runs back in, but Bushi dropkicks the leg! Bushi SMACKS Gabe off railing, then he goes up higher into the stands! Bushi stands on the ledge, to SUPER CROSSBODY! Down go Gabe and the Young Lions!
The fans are thunderous as Bushi rises, and he brings Gabe up. Bushi headlocks Gabe to bring him back down the bleachers. Gabe throws body shots but Bushi throws hands in return. Bushi brings Gabe back to ground level, then through the gate. They return to ringside but Gabe CLUBS Bushi down again. Gabe HEADBUTTS, then he puts Bushi in. The fans rally, but Gabe drags Bushi around to ROCK him again. Gabe has Bushi on the apron, CLUBS him again, then brings Bushi out. Bushi fights the suplex to throw body shots! Gabe HEADBUTTS again, but Bushi fires more hands! Bushi puts Gabe in and the fans cheer.
Bushi drags Gabe up but blocks his haymaker to spin and DDT! Cover, TWO! Bushi goes to a corner while Gabe sputters. Gabe stands, Bushi runs in, but no Code Breaker! Gabe ELBOWS, JABS and YUKON LARIATS! Gable copies Takagi, covers, TWO! Gabe flips off the fans, they boo, and so he just flips them off more. Gabe eggs Bushi on, taunts him, so Bushi CHOPS! Gabe dusts himself off, Bushi CHOPS again! Gabe CHOPS, says Bushi ain’t got nothing, but Bushi fires a flurry! Gabe CHOPS again, Bushi DOUBLE CHOPS! Gabe UPPERCUTS, then he gut wrenches! But Bushi slips free and shoves!
Gabe blocks one kick, ducks the enzigiri, but not the REWIND HEEL! Bushi reels Gabe in, for a DESTROYER!! Cover, TWO!! Gabe survives and flounders away while the fans fire up. Gabe flops right out of the ring but Bushi pursues. Bushi drags Gabe up, but Gabe HEADBUTTS him back down! Gabe rips away the LIJ shirt to tell them to suck it! Gabe SPITS on the shirt, throws it down, then goes back for Bushi. Gabe puts Bushi in, Bushi goes to a corner, and Gabe runs in to clothesline! Gabe suplexes, Bushi slips free, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and uses the ref as a shield! BLACK MIST!! Bushi gets the better of Gabe and hooks the arms!
Gabe fights the backslide, BOOTS the ref, so the ref can’t see the Bushi Roll! Bushi would’ve had this one! Bushi goes to check on the ref but Gabe storms up to HAYMAKER! Gabe shouts at the ref, drags him back up, and then storms over to Bushi! PILEDRIVER!! Cover, Gabe wins!
Winner: Gabe Kidd, by pinfall
The series is tied 1-1, and Gabe shouts for water to wash out the mist. LIJ VS War Dogs aside, Gabe now has momentum going into his NEVER Openweight Championship match with Shingo Takagi. Will the Rampaging Dragon be just as #WarReady as Gabe after tonight?
LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: Shingo Takagi VS Clark Connors!
Speaking of the NEVER Openweight Champion, he’s third up in the batting order, ready to drive home another run. Will the Rampaging Dragon score and soar towards Wrestling Dontaku? Or will he be struck out by 100 Proof?
Takagi and Connors get in each other’s face and talk some trash. Connors shoves but the ref has them both back down. Connors gets all fired up, Takagi says okay then, and the bell rings, only for Connors to bail out. The fans boo Connors trolling them, but he says tranquilo. Takagi paces while Connors goes around the outside. Takagi dares Connors to get in but Connors dares Takagi to come on out. The fans rally up so Connors goes back to the apron. Connors steps in, fires up, but then bails out. But Takagi pursues! They go around the ring, back in, and then Connors RAMS Takagi! But Takagi doesn’t fall!
Connors runs again, RAMS Takagi, but still Takagi stays up. Connors fires forearm after forearm after forearm, but then Takagi ROCKS, KNEES, CLUBS and CHOPS! And JABS! Takagi whips, Connors ducks ‘n’ dodges to RAM Takagi! Takagi rebounds, but Connors runs him over! The fans fire up while Takagi goes to a corner. Connors runs corner to corner to clothesline, then he reels Takagi in. Takagi fights the suplex, and he suplexes Connors instead! The fans fire up again but Connors bails back out. Takagi pursues, JABS, then SMACKS Connors off the apron. Takagi follows Connors around, POSTS him, and the fans cheer.
Takagi stomps Connors, Connors goes around the way but Takagi follows. Takagi runs up to BOOT Connors, then follows him. Connors uses a Young Lion as a shield, then shoves him into Takagi! Connors then whips Takagi into railing! Takagi leans against railing and Connors UPPERCUTS! Connor opens the gate and pushes Takagi into No Man’s Land. Connors brings Takagi around to SMACK off the wood bleachers! Takagi hits back, they brawl, and Takagi knees low! Takagi whips, Connors reverses and Takagi is sent into the wall of the hallway! Connors throws up the Too Sweet but the fans boo.
Connors brings Takagi back to SMACK into the gate, then POST! Connors reels Takagi in, to snap suplex to the floor! Takagi writhes, the ref reprimands but Connors wants the ring count to start. The ring count does start, and Connors scoops a Young Lion to SLAM him onto Takagi! And then he grabs another Young Lion to SPINEBUSTER onto Takagi! Connors slides into the ring at 10 of 20 while Takagi pushes the Young Lions off him. Takagi stands at 17, hurries up at 18, but Connors SPEARS him down! Cover, TWO!! Takagi is still in this and the fans rally, but Connors keeps on Takagi with a half nelson.
Takagi fights as Connors goes for the full nelson! Takagi reaches out but Connors keeps him from ropes. Takagi fights to his feet, powers up, but Connors keeps the nelson! The fans rally more as Takagi keeps fighting. Takagi powers the hold open, but Connors spins him to knee low! Connors whips, but Takagi avoids the snap powerslam! Takagi runs up to SLIDING- NO, Connors dodges, but runs into the ELBOW! JAB! YUKON LARIAT! The fans fire up and Takagi goes to a corner. Connors flounders around, rises up, and Takagi storms up to the corner. Takagi clotheslines, then JABS and CHPOS on repeat! Takagi JABS, JABS, JABS and CHOPS!
Takagi whips corner to corner, runs in to clothesline again, then short arm LARIAT! Takagi scoops Connors to SLAM him, then he goes up and up for the FALLING ELBOW DROP! Takagi hauls Connors up for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Connors is still in this but Takagi looks around. The fans rally with “OI! OI! OI!” and Takagi says, “OI, KORAKUEN! TOKI GA KITA!!” The time has come and the “OI! OI! OI!” continues. Takagi brings Connors up, pump handle, but Connors fights the lift! Connors throws elbows, then ROCKS Takagi! Takagi eggs Connors on, Connors throws another forearm! Takagi fires back!
Connors fires more forearms, but Takagi HEADBUTTS! Connors HEADBUTTS, but he’s the one wobbling! Connors ROCKS Takagi with a forearm, then eggs Takagi on. Takagi ROCKS Connors with boxing elbows! Takagi runs, Connors follows to LARIAT against ropes! Connors runs but Takagi follows to KNEE against ropes! Takagi keeps moving, Connors gets under to come back and POUNCE! Then a whip and SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! But Connors powers up and runs, to SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, ONE?!?! The fans fire up but Connors aims from a corner! Connors runs in to SPEAR!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous!
Connors rises, Takagi stirs, and Connors brings Takagi up. But Takagi fights No Chaser! Takagi wrenches out to JAB! And HEADBUTT! Connors dodges the lariat, but runs into a SNAP POWERSLAM! Takagi runs up to PUMPING BOMBER! Then SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Connors shakes his head as he stays in this, but Takagi roars! Takagi pump handles for MADE IN JAPAN!! Cover, TWO!?! Connors survives and shocks Takagi, but the fans are thunderous again! “OI! OI! OI!” and Takagi powers up. Takagi runs, but Connors dodges! But PUMPING BOMBER still finds him! Cover, Takagi wins!
Winner: Shingo Takagi, by pinfall
We’re halfway done and LIJ takes the lead! Takagi has momentum for himself, too, but will the Rampaging Dragon be #WarReady for Gabe Kidd? Or will Wrestling Dontaku be the end of the road for Takagi?
LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: Tetsuya Naito VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney!
The Uncontrollable Charisma may no longer be IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, but we all know he never lets things get to him. Will he therefore stay tranquilo as he looks to win this series for his team? Or will he lose a shootout with the .44 Caliber?
As always, Naito takes his time with his entrance attire. Drilla mockingly asks what happened to his belt, but Naito doesn’t let that get his goat. The fans rally for Naito and that annoys Drilla. Naito puts the pants away, the bell rings, and Drilla runs up! But Naito puts him on the apron, and sweeps the legs! Then he DROPKICKS Drilla down! Naito goes out slowly to fetch Drilla, CLUB him on the neck, and then CLUB him again. Naito CLUBS Drilla more, cravats for a neck wrench, and even grinds Drilla against railing! The ref counts, Naito puts Drilla in, and the fans applaud. But Drilla comes back to WRECK Naito with a dropkick!
Drilla whips Naito hard into railing, and Naito gets stuck! Drilla dumps him over, tells fans off about cheering for Naito, then drags Naito up and around. Drilla CHOPS Naito, follows him along the way, and whips him hard into railing! The fans applaud the impressive speed and strength, but Drilla leaves Naito behind as Naito slumps into the front row. The ring count climbs, Naito sits up at 7 of 20. Naito finds his way around to the gate at 12, steps in at ringside, and rolls in at 15. Drilla throws Naito’s hat at him, then stomps away! Drilla drags Naito up, HEADBUTTS him, then has him on ropes. Drilla CHOPS and Naito staggers.
Drilla eggs Naito on so Naito fires forearms! Naito whips, Drilla reverses and ELBOWS Naito down! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Naito but Drilla digs his knee into Naito’s neck! The ref counts, Drilla lets off to get in the ref’s face, but the ref reminds Drilla to respect his authority. Drilla kicks Naito around, steps on Naito’s head, then taunts the fans. Naito gets up to throw hands but Drilla hits back! They go back and forth, forearm for forearm, but then Drilla CHOPS! Drilla runs, into an ELBOW! Drilla rebounds, but Naito hip toss NECKBREAKERS! The fans rally as Naito rises and Drilla writhes. Naito drags Drilla up to fire forearms and kicks!
Naito whips, arm-drags, then he ELBOWS Drilla down to basement dropkick in the back! Naito turns Drilla for a NECKBREAKER! Drilla writhes, Naito pushes him to a cover, TWO! Naito keeps on Drilla with a cravat neck wrench. Drilla endures, fights around, and he fights up. Drilla breaks free, CLUBS Naito, then runs, but Naito catches him to a dragon sleeper, NECKBREAKER! Drilla fights the legs but Naito still hooks him into the LEG HOOK NELSON! Drilla endures, fights around, and has the ROPEBREAK! Naito again “forgets” how to undo the hold, so the ref pries the legs away.
Drilla is free and clutches his neck, but Naito paces around. Naito drags Drilla back up, but Drilla CHOPS! Naito fires a forearm in return! Drilla CHOPS! Naito forearms! The shots go back and forth, Drilla grunts and has a crazy grin. Drilla fires a forearm, Naito mocks the grunt! Naito fires back, both men grunt and fire forearms again! Drilla CHOPS, but then Naito ROCKS him, SPITS on him, and fires off more forearms! Drilla gets under, shoves Naito then hurdles, drops and DROPKICKS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Naito and Drilla go to opposite corners, and Drilla runs corner to corner! Drilla blocks a boot but Naito SPITS!
Naito runs up, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Drilla horks up and SPITS a big one at Naito, then DOUBLE STOMPS! Cover, TWO!! Naito stays in this and Drilla is seething. Drilla slashes his throat and throws up the Too Sweet. Drilla drags Naito up, reels him in, but Naito fights the lift. Drilla ENZIGIRIS Naito, then gets him back up! Canadian Rack, but Naito arm-drags Drilla into the ref! The ref tumbles all the way out, Naito atomic drops Drilla and ENZIGIRIS! COMPLETE SHOT, and then PLUMA BLANCA!! Drilla endures, flails, is he tapping? But there’s no ref anyway! Wait, David Finlay rushes out here!
The Rebel taunts Naito while swinging the shillelagh! Naito lets Drilla go, only for JAKE LEE to show up!?! Talk about a CrossOver, the Good Looking Emperor is here in NJPW and he fires hands with Naito!! The fans are going nuts, but Naito gets the edge! Only for Jake to KNEE low! Jake puts Naito in a corner, takes aim, and runs in to HELLUVA KICK!!! Or as he calls it, #FaceBreakShot! Naito staggers into Drilla’s arms, for the DRILLA KILLA!!! Cover and the ref is back, Drilla wins!!
Winner: “Drilla” Dan Moloney, by pinfall
The Rebel gets the Madness Dark Side to help him screw over Naito, and now this series is all tied up again! But then Finlay & Drilla beat Naito down more! Jake steps in, and the War Dogs back away. Jake stands on Naito’s chest, then stomps away! Is Jake going to destroy Naito once and for all? But wait! Here comes Hiromu! The Ticking Timebomb ROCKS Jake, ROCKS Drilla, then fires off on Finlay! But then Drilla & Finlay mug Hiomru! They double whip, but Hiormu ducks ‘n’ dodges to DOUBLE SHOTGUN! Hiromu goes out after Finlay, but Drilla CLUBS Hiromu! They POST Hiromu, but what about the main event!?
Red Shoes hurries out here, the fans tell Jake and Drilla to go home. Jake literally kicks Naito out of the ring and then stands him up against railing. Jake gets space, takes aim again, and Finlay makes Hiromu watch the FACE BREAK SHOT that sends Naito into the front row!! The fans boo and tell Jake to go home. Jake smirks as he takes his leave with Drilla, the damage done. Is there an alliance between Jake’s Good Looking Guys and Finlay’s War Dogs? Is Naito just the first casualty of many?
As for Finlay and Hiromu, Finlay RAMS Hiromu into railing! And then RAMS him in again! Finlay RAMS Hiromu a third time, then he soaks up the heat. Red Shoes reprimands, but this isn’t officially a match yet. Finlay takes aim, he runs in, but Hiromu sends him into railing! Hiromu gets Finlay in, the bell rings, and it’s time to settle the score!
LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: Hiromu Takahashi VS David Finlay!
Hiromu fireman’s carries, CORNER DEATH VALLEY! Hiromu fireman’s carries again, but Finlay slips away! The fans rally for Hiromu as he eggs Finlay on. Finlay snarls, storms back up but Hiromu then SUNSET FLIPS! Finlay holds ropes to throw down hands! Hiromu staggers away, Finlay fireman’s carries him now! Finlay runs and THROWS Hiromu at a post! The fans boo while Finlay throws up the Too Sweet and taunts them all. Finlay leaves Hiromu behind, he tells the fans they look stupid, then he goes back to fetch Hiromu. Finlay slaps Hiromu around, drags him up, and throws him into the ring.
Finlay crawls to a cover but Red Shoes says nope, too many shenanigans. Finlay is upset, there were a lot of shenanigans both ways. But Finlay drags Hiromu up to suplex and TOSS Hiromu! Now things are fine and Finlay covers, TWO! Hiromu stays in this but Finlay mocks the “MOTO! MOTO!” Finlay whips Hiromu hard into a corner! Hiromu falls then crawls, and Finlay taunts him that it’s too easy. Finlay stalks Hiromu to another corner as the fans rally up, but Finlay makes Hiromu smile! Finlay says smile like Tsuji! Red Shoes reprimands, Finlay lets off, but then he drags Hiromu up to whip hard into another corner!
Hiromu staggers and falls out of the ring and Red Shoes checks him. Finlay waits on Hiromu while he writhes on the floor. Finlay mockingly says “Moto! Moto!” Red Shoes has Finlay stay back, and the ring count starts. Hiromu stands at 4 of 20 while Finlay lounges on the ropes. The fans rally, Hiromu rolls in at 10, but Finlay brings him back up. Finlay scoops and carries Hiromu around for a BACKBREAKER! Finlay says he’s strong AF, and then he kicks Hiromu around. Finlay mocks the fans chanting for Hiromu, and that makes them boo Finlay. Finlay pushes Hiromu around, so Hiromu CHOPS! And CHOPS!
Finlay dusts himself off, eggs Hiromu on, so Hiromu CHOPS again! Finlay felt that one so he knees low. Finlay runs, Hiromu follows, and Hiromu RANAS! The fans fire up while both men are down! Finlay flounders while Hiromu goes to ropes. Finlay runs up, but into a BOOT! Hiromu then has a HANGING HEADSCISSOR! Red Shoes counts, Hiromu lets go at 4 and he drags Finlay out to wheelbarrow FACEBUSTER to the floor! The fans rally up behind Hiromu and he goes to the apron. Hiromu aims as Finlay stands, FLYING SHOTGUN sends Finlay through the gate! The fans fire up with Hiromu as he pursues.
Hiromu smiles at TJP on English commentary, then gets a real “MOTO! MOTO! MOTO!” going. Hiromu gets Finlay up and in, and Finlay goes to a corner. Hiromu runs up to clothesline, snapmare and basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Hiromu keeps his cool and he kicks Finlay around. Hiromu drags Finlay up, fireman’s carries, but Finlay fights free. Hiromu takes a swing, but Finlay catches him to an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Hiromu survives but Finlay scoops him, for the SWINGING IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives again and Finlay grows frustrated.
Finlay mocks Yota Tsuji as he powers up and goes to the corner. Hiromu rises, Finlay flips him off, and steals GENE- TRIANGLE D!! Hiromu has Finlay caught and the fans fire up! Finlay flails, tries to stack Hiromu, but Hiromu squeezes tighter! Finlay is fading and the fans fire up! But Finlay gets a second wind, deadlifts Hiromu, and POWERBOMBS him down! Finlay is free of D, but both men are down as the fans rally again. Finlay drags Hiromu up, reels him in, and lifts, but Hiromu RANAS to a cover! TWO!! Finlay escapes, kicks low and whips, but Hiromu slips free of Deep Six to wheelbarrow and COMPLETE SHOT!
The fans fire up while Finlay flounders! But Finlay sneaks his shillelagh into the ring! The fans rally for Hiromu while Finlay hides the shillelagh under him. Hiromu rises, Finlay shields the shillelagh from Red Shoes but Red Shoes is suspicious. Red Shoes sees the weapon! Finlay shoves Red Shoes away and takes a swing, but Hiromu dodges! SUPERKICK! Hiromu takes the shillelagh now! The fans are torn, but then Hiromu plays like Finlay did hit him! Red Shoes isn’t sure who to believe, but Finlay really is innocent this time! Finlay argues with Red Shoes but fans boo to help sell Hiromu’s trick.
Hiromu then runs to HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER! And then fireman’s carry! TIMEBOMB 1.5! Cover, TWO! Finlay is still in this but the fans are still with Hiromu. Hiromu fireman’s carries again, but Finlay fights free. Hiromu elbows, runs, but into an UPPERCUT! Finlay runs, but into a SUPERKICK! HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER, but Finlay stays up! Hiromu runs again, but Finlay catches him spins him, ROLLING ELBOWS, then runs! Into a SUPERKICK! Finlay returns, for another SUPERKICK! Hiromu runs to HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!! The fans are thunderous and Hiromu gets Finlay up, suplex and INTO OBLIVION!! Cover, TWO!!!
Finlay survives his own move but Hiromu won’t let that bother him! Hiromu drags himself up, dragon sleepers Finlay, but Finlay fights the suplex with knees! Finlay suplexes, but Hiromu knees free! Hiromu runs, but Finlay LARIATS! Finlay hauls Hiromu up, Canadian Rack, DOMINATOR!! Cover, TWO!!! Hiromu survives and the fans are thunderous! Finlay goes to a corner as he thinks on what to do next. Finlay storms over to Hiromu, says it’s over now, and he drags Hiromu back up. But Hiromu slips out of the bomb to tuck the arms! Finlay wrenches out, but into TRIANGLE D!! Finlay flails, CLUBS at Hiromu, but he’s fading again!
Red Shoes checks, the fans rally up, and Finlay fights to deadlift again! POWERBOMB, but Hiromu just holds onto D!! Finlay is fading, flailing, reaching out, but Hiromu squeezes tight! Finlay deadlifts again! BUCKLE BOMB, and INTO OBLIVION!!! Cover, TWO?!?!?! Hiromu survives again and Finlay is beside himself! The fans are electric as Finlay shakes his head. Hiromu sputters but Finlay brings down the kneepads. Finlay slashes his throat and vows to end this! Finlay drags Hiromu back up, suplexes, but Hiromu slip free! Hiromu wrenches, pump handles, HIROMU-CHAN ROLL!! TWO!!! Finlay escapes and Hiromu is frustrated!
Both men catch their breath while the fans rally as hard as they can. Hiromu grits his teeth, pounds the mat, and rises up. Hiromu hobbles over but Finlay UPPERCUTS! Hiromu comes back, into another UPPERCUT! And another UPPERCUT! And another! And another, and another! But Hiromu stays on his feet, even as Finlay UPPERCUTS again! And again! And again!! Hiromu won’t stop, but Finlay won’t, either! The fans rally and Finlay eggs Hiromu on. Hiromu runs in, into another UPPERCUT! UPPERCUT! UPPERCUT! Hiromu roars, runs, but into an UPPERCUT!! Hiromu drops to his knees, and Finlay says this is it!
Finlay suplexes, INTOÂ OVERKILL!! Cover, Finlay wins!
Winner: David Finlay, by pinfall
Bullet Club War Dogs takes the best of five in the fifth and final round! It took much more than Finlay wanted, but Hiromu always gives it his all. Will the Timebomb be able to fire back up in time for the Best of the Super Juniors?
Wait, Drilla returns, and now the War Dogs mug Hiromu! But then Tsuji & Takagi return to run them off! The War Dogs egg them on and vice-versa, but then GABE KIDD runs in! He CLOBBERS Takagi, DECKS Tsuji, and the War Dogs beat up on LIJ! The fans boo but the War Dogs just keep stomping LIJ! Drilla stands Tsuji up for Finlay’s SHILLELAGH SHOT! Drilla gives Hiromu the DRILLA KILLA! Gabe hits Takagi with a PILEDRIVER! Drilla gets to hold on to the shillelagh so he can JAM Hiromu! Finlay gives Tsuji the OVERKILL!! The War Dogs stand tall over LIJ, but Finlay still gets the mic to talk.
“What have I been telling you people? I AM the Savage King! You all thought you saw cracks in my game, but that’s because I let you. You all thought you saw weakness in my War Dogs, but that’s because I let you. Time and time again, I have been steps ahead of everyone in this company. Time and time again, I have solved any problem that was put in our way. The only thing worse than fighting a man who knows how to hurt you is fighting a man who knows when. LIJ learned that tonight, didn’t they?” A young fan tells Finlay to shut up and the fans cheer the kid.
Finlay says you can strip him of championships, you can keep him from tournaments, but in the end, remember this: “HATE always finds a way!!” The Rebel has spoken, will he and his hateful War Dogs find a way to dominate all of NJPW whether we like it or not?
My Thoughts:
A great event for the Road to Wrestling Dontaku series. Great Six Man title match with Tanahashi’s team winning again, probably no more shots for House of Torture. Not really sure what House of Torture is supposed to do next, though. We’re seeing Narita go after Moxley and the IWGP World title, Jack Perry is technically back in AEW, Evil and Yujiro could try for the IWGP Heavyweight Tag titles but you know they’d lose to Bishamon. I’ve been thinking that House of Torture should join Jack in AEW for this stretch until Forbidden Door, have some interactions with The Young Bucks and Kazuchika Okada or something like that.
Really fun Best of 5 series, and it was hilarious that Yota beat Gedo so easily. Great wins for Gabe and Takagi going into their NEVER Openweight Championship match. For a moment, I thought LIJ was winning, given how badly the War Dogs beat up Naito with the help of their new pal, Jake Lee, a former GHC Heavyweight Champion and a big name in Pro-Wrestling NOAH. But then in the end, Finlay found a way to win against Hiromu, keeping him strong as he probably moves up from midcard titles to world title. If we go by the math, Takagi should win the NEVER Openweight title match, but it’d feed Gabe’s story better if he did get the title.
As for Hiromu, he probably gets a strong showing in Best of the Super Juniors, but since his streak of tournament championships was broken, who knows if he gets another one or if he puts someone else over.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Will the Mad Dragon Whoop Dat Trick right out of NXT?
Spring Breakin’ returns, and it is a make or break moment for Trick Williams! Either he dethrones Ilja Dragunov, or he LEAVES NXT!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- NXT Women’s Championship Triple Threat: Roxanne Perez VS Lyra Valkyria VS Tatum Paxley; Roxie wins and retains the title.
- Six Man Tag: The D’Angelo Family VS No Quarter Catch Crew; The D’Angelo Family wins.
- Fallon Henley VS Jaida Parker w/ OTM; Jaida wins.
- Beach Brawl: Sol Ruca VS Blair Davenport; Sol wins.
- Baron Corbin VS Lexis King; King wins.
- NXT Championship, Trick’s Last Chance: Ilja Dragunov VS Trick Williams; Trick wins and becomes the new NXT Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
The General Managers have a meeting in the WWE Draft War Room.
Ava Raine ins with Adam Pearce in person and Nick Aldis via video chat. They wrap up and Ava thanks them for being here. This is a big night for NXT as Spring Breakin’ is now two weeks, and it is also the NXTÂ before the Draft. Aldis says congrats on the fine job she’s doing here. NXT has a deep pool of talent. To keep it 100, he’s got his eyes on quite a few NXT talents. Pearce says Aldis isn’t lying, the NXT Women’s Division is incredible, and the world would love to see them on Mondays. Aldis will be watching Dragunov VS Trick very closely. Ava agrees, and they will be changing the lives of numerous superstars, so everyone is going to be on their A Game.
But after this week, it won’t be about who goes to Raw or SmackDown but about who steps up to take their place. So one way or another, NXT will never be the same after tonight. All the GMs are in agreement there, but just what will the landscape look like after tonight’s main event?
NXT Women’s Championship Triple Threat: Roxanne Perez VS Lyra Valkyria VS Tatum Paxley!
Speaking of that landscape, The Prodigy is back on top of the Women’s Division, for now. She thought she could just slip away while The Morrigan and the twisted Tatum fought it out, but Ava wasn’t going to let her have it so easy. The odds have drastic gone down for Roxie, will she be able to survive? Or will there be a new champion crowned to start off the night?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and Spring Breakin’ is already heating up!
The bell rings and Roxie is wary of both challengers. Tatum creeps up but Lyra TACKLES Tatum! Lyra fires hands, Tatum BOOTS her away, but then Lyra runs up to kick low! Lyra stomps Tatum in the corner and Roxie seems to be getting what she wanted all along. Tatum BOOTS Lyra then rolls her up, but Roxie breaks it! Roxie TOSSES Lyra, but Tatum creeps up on her! Tatum also creeps Roxie out, and she backs up, for Lyra to trip her and drag her out! Lyra CLUBS and KNEES Roxie, but Roxie shoves her away. Tatum runs but Lyra blocks the copycat dropkick! Lyra drags Tatum out to trip her up and Tatum hits the apron!
Lyra gets Roxie up, meeting of the minds for Roxie and Tatum! Lyra then runs to WRECK them both with the dropkick! The fans fire up as Lyra goes out to fetch Tatum. Lyra puts her in, climbs up a corner, but Roxie drags her down! Lyra kicks Roxie away, then BOOTS her down! Lyra continues the climb, the fans duel, but Lyra jumps over Tatum. Tatum runs up at her, Lyra dodges to springboard and CROSSBODY! Lyra gets Tatum up, blocks a shot and SLAPS Tatum, to then SHOTGUN her down! Lyra whips corner to corner, then reels Tatum in for a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, Roxie breaks it!
Roxie drags Lyra up to fire hands! The fans duel, Roxie UPPERCUTS and whips but Lyra reverses to NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! The fans rally as Lyra brings Roxie up. Roxie fights the waistlock with elbows, then drops to victory roll! TWO, Lyra has it, TWO! Both get up, Roxie goes for an arm, but Lyra slips free. Lyra waistlocks, Roxie switches, Tatum joins in! Roxie ELBOWS Tatum, O’Conner Rolls Lyra, TWO! Roxie tumbles out hard! Tatum waistlocks Lyra but Lyra switches! O’Conner, TWO! Lyra goes up, Roxie is there to SHOVE her down! Roxie then goes up, tells Lyra off, but Tatum runs up!
Roxie ROCKS Tatum first, then CROSSBODIES! But Tatum rolls through! TWO!! Roxie knees low, says Tatum isn’t getting her title! But Tatum TOSSES Roxie out onto Lyra! The fans fire u pas Tatum says it IS her title now! Tatum says she told Lyra so, and NXT goes picture in picture.
Tatum storms out to fetch Lyra up and SMACKS Lyra’s arm on the apron! Tatum CLUBS Lyra, then clamps onto the bad arm to POST it! Tatum drags Lyra back up to put her in the ring, but Roxie anchors her foot! Tatum kicks Roxie away into the steel steps! Tatum slides in but Lyra drop toeholds! But Tatum avoids the elbow drop! Tatum drops a knee on the bad arm! Tatum SLAPS the hand into a knuckle lock and twists the wrist! Lyra endures, Tatum YANKS the arm, and then brings Lyra up. Tatum whips Lyra to the corner, runs corner to corner to CROSSBODY! Roxie adds a SHOTGUN and takes them both down!
Roxie drags Lyra up, but Lyra RAMS into her! And again! Roxie CLUBS Lyra down, hauls her back up, and whips. Lyra CROSSBODIES but Roxie rolls through! Roxie YANKS the bad arm! Lyra endures as Roxie pulls on the arm, fights up to stack Roxie, TWO as Roxie kicks her away! Roxie then gets Lyra’s arm to wrench and YANK! And RUSSIAN- NO, Lyra fights off the leg sweep! Lyra pries free, throws body shots, but Roxie powers through to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover, Tatum breaks it! Tatum drags Roxie up, whips her to a corner, then runs in. Roxie slides out and Tatum hits buckles! Roxie climbs, but Tatum ROCKS her first!
Tatum climbs up but Roxie fights her with body shots. Roxie slips under, and SMACKS Tatum off the buckles! Then Roxie goes up after Tatum, but Tatum holds onto ropes to resist! Roxie CLUBS Tatum, NXT returns to single picture, and Lyra CLUBS both Roxie and Tatum! Lyra gets them both for a DOUBLE POWERBOMB!! The fans are thunderous for “NXT! NXT!” as all three women are down! Lyra fires hands on Tatum, she fires back, then Roxie joins in! Tatum CHOPS Roxie, Lyra CHOPS Roxie! Roxie CHOPS them back! Lyra ROCKS Tatum, HEADBUTTS, then she CLUBS Tatum! Lyra gives Roxie a SOBAT, KICK, HEADBUTT, SOBAT!
Tatum storms up so she gets a SOBAT, KICK, HEADBUTT! Roxie storms up but Lyra ENZIGIRIS! Tatum returns but she ducks the enzigiri! Tatum reels Lyra into a fireman’s carry, swing and- NO, Lyra slips free! Lyra kicks low, fisherman, and BUSTER! Cover, Roxie breaks it! Lyra snarls, kicks Roxie low then reels her in. FISHERMAN- NO, Roxie cradle counters! TWO!! Lyra escapes, Roxie SMACKS her! Lyra sits back, Roxie RAMS her into buckles! Roxie then runs in to UPPERCUT! Roxie goes corner to corner to UPPERCUT Tatum! Roxie wrenches Tatum, wrangles her, but Lyra runs in! So Roxie gets Lyra! CROSSFACE!!
Lyra endures, but Tatum puts a CROSSFACE on Roxie!! Roxie flails, rolls it to a cover, Lyra breaks it! Roxie gets Tatum up first to wrench and clinch, “This is Awesome!” Lyra runs in, Roxie kicks her first! Roxie reels Lyra in, DDT LEG SWEEP COMBO! Cover, TWO!! Lyra survives so Roxie covers Tatum! TWO!! Roxie is losing her cool but she hurries to get Tatum up. Tatum swings, misses, and Roxie wrenches to serve SOLE FOOD! Cover, Lyra breaks it! Roxie drags Lyra up, fires a forearm, but Lyra hits back! They go back and forth shot for shot! Lyra windmills haymakers then whips, but Roxie ducks the leg lariat!
Roxie comes back, tilt-o-whirl, but Lyra turns that into a GERMAN SUPLEX! Tatum runs in, into a waistlock! But she victory rolls Lyra into Roxie’s BOOT! Roxie hops onto Tatum, Tatum shrugs her off into the HEEL KICK! Roxie tumbles away, Tatum sunset flips Lyra! TWO!!! Lyra escapes but Tatum hurries to whip! Lyra blocks, kicks, but Tatum ducks! MADE IN JAPAN!! Tatum hurries up a corner and the fans are going wild! 450 SPLASH!!! Cover, Roxie high stacks her!! ROXIE WINS!!!
Winner: Roxanne Perez, by pinfall (still NXT Women’s Champion)
The Prodigy proved she’s a prodigy in opportunism! She snatches victory from the jaws of defeat, will nothing and no one stop her now?
Fallon Henley, Kelani Jordan & Thea Hail talk backstage.
Fallon asks if Thea and Mr. Chase got everything sorted. Yes, thank goodness. But it was so rude for Jacy Jayne to put him on the spot like that. But Thea will handle Jacy next week, and that Chase U is all on the same page. And she’s thankful to have so many amazing people around her. From Fallon to Kelani to Mr. Chase to Riley and Duke. Kelani says they’ve got her. Thea says so many wonderful people make her better! Jaida Parker cannot take hearing this anymore. Fallon Henley, NXT’s hero! The most popular loner she has ever seen. Fallon should worry about herself and not give her opinion on everyone else’s life.
Fallon asks if Jaida has a problem. They can, so what’s up? Fallon is the one sick and tired of- Jaida don’t care, and she pushes Fallon. Fallon pushes back, and the rest of the locker room rushes in to stop this from getting physical! Will the Cowgirl have to show Ms. Parker that she should take her own advice about keeping to herself?
A new duo is ready to Level Up!
“What it do, NXT? It’s ya boi, Tyson Dupont, baby! He’s the BRICK!” “And I’m Tyriek Igwe. Ya bois in the building!” Next week, they debut in front of the world. They’re so strong yet so smooth, ready to go pound for pound with anybody or any team. Any team that steps to them end up under these Timberlands. When these boots start stomping and bodies start flying, grown men start crying! See y’all next week.
Backstage interview with The Diamond Mine.
Kelly Kincaid is with Ivy Nile & The Creed Brothers and welcomes them back. Brutus says they wouldn’t miss this for the world! Dragunov VS Trick, one of the biggest title matches in NXT history! Ivy remembers when the Creeds were chasing the NXT Tag Team Championships. And now, Trick’s on a chase of his own. Julius says it feels like it was yesterday. But the moment Trick’s picked up is truly remarkable. They saw from day one how Trick’s worked hard and bet on himself. Julius says Trick will slay the dragon. Brutus isn’t sure about that, but if there’s anyone who can, it is Trick Willy! The Real Dealy, lookin’ like a milli!
So then what he’s saying is… WHOOP DAT TRICK! Uh huh! I like it! Okay! The Diamond Mine heads out, will they be on the winning side of the main event?
Six Man Tag: The D’Angelo Family VS No Quarter Catch Crew!
The Don will neither confirm nor deny what they did to… handle a certain situation. However, he will ask that he is paid for services rendered. Will he, Luca Crusifino & Channing Lorenzo get their money through the winner’s purse tonight? Or will Charlie Dempsey, Damon Kemp & Myles Borne give no quarter, literally and figuratively?
NXT returns and NQCC make their entrance. The teams sort out and then hands start flying! The ref reprimands but Stacks TOSSES Myles out to PLANCHA, only to miss! Kemp and Luca tumble out the side, the bell rings, and Dempsey BOOTS Tony! Dempsey UPPERCUTS again and again, but Tony runs up to TACKLE him! Tony rains down fists but Dempsey gets the TRIANGLE HOLD! Tony deadlifts to POWERBOMB Dempsey! Tony says this is what they get for not paying up! But then Dempsey ROCKS Tony, knees low, and wrenches an arm. Tony RAMS Dempsey into the corner, but Myles runs up.
Tony DECKS Myles, but Dempsey CLUBS Tony! Dempsey fires more knees, Kemp tags in, and they set Tony up for a leg pick and ANKLE LOCK, then a STOMP on the leg! Kemp stomps Tony, throws hands but Tony fires hands in return! Tony RAMS Kemp into the corner, Stacks tags in! Tony sends Stacks in to SPLASH! Then Stacks bumps Kemp off buckles, brings him around, and ROCKS him with haymakers! Kemp falls over, gets up, and Stacks drop toeholds. Stacks rains down fists, then a FIST DROP! Tag to Luca and the mugging continues! Luca tells Kemp to pay up, pay up! Stacks feeds Kemp toa BOOT!
Luca gets Kemp up but Kemp SPINEBUSTERS! The two scrap, go around, Myles manages to tag in. Myles BOOTS Luca, storms up and stomps him around. Myles brings Luca up but Luca throws body shots. Myles knees low, whips Luca but Luca reveres. Luca runs up, but Myles BOOTS him! Myles goes up, leaps, but into an UPPERCUT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Myles flounders, comes back, DROPKICK to Luca! Cover, ONE!! Luca stays in this but Myles tags Dempsey in. Dempsey tags Kemp, but Luca fights back! That’s 3v1 so Tony & Stacks run up to fight back! The fans fire up as its chaos once again!
Tony LARIATS Dempsey up and out, he and The Family stand tall, but then they go back out after NQCC! Kemp CANNONBALLS onto everyone! The NQCC turn things around and NXT goes picture in picture.
NQCC put Luca back in, Kemp stomps and drops an elbow! Kemp drags Luca over, tag to Myles, and they double whip to DOUBLE ELBOW! Kemp DOUBLE STOMPS, Myles covers, TWO! Myles drags Luca over, tags Dempsey, and they mug Luca again. Dempsey UPPERCUTS, brings Luca around and GUT WRENCH SUPLEXES! Cover, TWO! Dempsey keeps Luca down with a facelock, then brings him back to the corner. Tag to Myles, they mug Luca, and Myles fires hands. Myles whips, but Luca holds ropes! Luca BOOTS back, then dodges! Hot tag to Stacks! Stacks rallies on Myles, trips him and drops down to rain down fists!
Myles gest away but Stacks DROPKICKS Myles down! Then he DECKS Kemp! Stacks drags Myles up, Myles shoves him away and then DROPKICKS him! Kemp holds ropes down so Stacks tumbles up and out! Kemp SMACKS Stacks off the apron, RAMS him in, then puts him in the ring. Myles KNEES Stacks in the back and stomps away. Myles whips Stacks hard into the corner! Tag to Kemp and he ROCKS Stacks with a right hand. Kemp stomps Stacks in the corner, whips him corner to corner hard, then back drops Stacks on the rebound! Cover, TWO! Kemp facelocks to bring Stacks up and around, tag to Dempsey.
The NQCC mug Stacks then Dempsey UPPERCUTS him down! Dempsey clamps onto Stacks and hauls him up, SWINGING BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Dempsey drags Stacks around by a leg, tags Myles, and then Dempsey stretches Stacks so Myles and KICK him in the side! Myles ROCKS Stacks with a right, ROCKS him again, then tags Dempsey back in. The mugging continues as NXT returns to single picture. Dempsey snapmares Stacks into a chinlock but the fans rally as Stacks endures. Stacks fights up, pries the hold open, and elbows free! Stacks runs, CROSSBODIES, and covers, ONE!!
Dempsey stands, blocks a kick, and DRAGON SCREWS! Dempsey pushes on Stacks’ knee, has a standing KNEEBAR, but Stacks endures! The fans rally, Stacks fights, but Dempsey keeps him back! Dempsey ducks the enzigiri! Dempsey stomps Stacks, waistlocks, but Stacks powers him back! Kemp tags in, he tags Myles, and they DROPKICK GERMAN SUPLEX COMBO! Cover, TWO!! Stacks is hanging in there but Myles stands on him. Dempsey tags in to stomp Stacks down. Dempsey hauls Stacks up to FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect, but Dempsey goes right to a HALF CRAB!
The fans rally as Stacks endures but Dempsey sits deep! Stacks fights, crawls, reaches out, but Dempsey steps over for an ANKLE LOCK! Stacks fights up, ENZIGIRI! That one hit and Dempsey falls out of the ring! Myles runs in, Stacks sends him back out! Stacks hurries, but Myles YANKS Tony down! The tag misses, and then Dempsey drags Luca down! Tony DECKS Myles, storms back up, Stacks tags in him! Tony rallies on the NQCC with haymaker after haymaker! BELLY2BELLY for Kemp! BELLY2BELLY for Myles! Dempsey runs in, Tony dodges him, and then SPINEBUSTER! The fans are thunderous, Tony covers, but then moves so that the DOUBLE STOMPS hit Dempsey!
Tony gets Kemp up, but Dempsey CHOP BLOCKS a leg! Dempsey tags Kemp in, he tags Myles, and they get Tony up! OLYMPIC NECKBREAKER!! Cover, TWO!!! Tony survives and the fans are thunderous! Dempsey tags in, he gets Tony up, underhooks and BUTTERFLY SUPLEX BRIDGE!! Cover, Stacks breaks it! kemp whips but Stacks reverses to TOSS Kemp! Myles ROCKS Stacks, runs, but Luca jumps in, SHATTER MACHINE!! Dempsey KNEES Luca down! Then he has the FULL NELSON on Tony! Tony powers out, shoves, SPINEBUSTER again! Cover, The Family wins!
Winner: The D’Angelo Family, by pinfall
A huge win for The Don, the Underboss and the Consigliere, but bigger still is that now, Tony D has a win over the Heritage Cup Champion(s)! Will Tony bring that trophy home to The Family to make up for the money owed?
WWE shares a digital exclusive.
Baron Corbin was in the middle of a photoshoot in relation to the loss of the NXT Tag Team Championships. Did he know what Bron Breakker was going to say post match? No, not at all. Corbin never knows what Bron is gonna say before the match, during the moment, and we’re lucky if any of it makes sense. But then in walks Lexis King. He says it’s okay, keep the cameras rolling, this is a great moment. From a “True King” to a “pretender,” Lexis heard Corbin was leaving NXT so here’s a going away basket. Oh, wonder who put this together, with the big picture of Lexis himself in it. And the card just says, “Goodbye.”
Okay, look, Lexis is hearing people who hope Corbin is leaving. Yeah, well, Bron is on SmackDown, having the time of his life, not worried about Corbin at all. But let’s face it, Corbin will strap his wagon onto the next second generation superstar that will be bigger, better and more handsome than anyone else. And come to think of it, King accepts! And you’re welcome. King heads out, Corbin says what he does know is, Lexis is a tool and no way that beard is real. Will the Lone Wolf make sure to humble the Drama King and make him wish Corbin was leaving?
Fallon Henley VS Jaida Parker w/ OTM!
That confrontation backstage has everybody fired up, so it’s time to take it to the ring! Will it be #YEEHAWB*TCH tonight? Or will Miss Parker make this all about herself ahead of both the WWE Draft and the Women’s North American Championship chase?
Entrances are made while NXT is picture in picture. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, go around, and Jaida waistlocks. Fallon switches, Jaida hip bumps free and waistlocks to SLAM Fallon down. Jaida talks trash, but Fallon SLAPS her! Jaida swings, Fallon dodges to wrench and YANK the arm. Fallon wrangles Jaida with a hammerlock but Jaida scrambles around. Fallon pulls on the arm, Jaida fights up, but Fallon wrenches to YANK the arm again! And again! Fallon wrenches again, but Jaida pulls hair and knees low. Jaida bumps Fallon off buckles, CHOPS her, then talks more trash. So Fallon SLAPS her again!
Jaida SLAPS back, whips, but Fallon goes up and over! Fallon rolls, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then CROSSBODIES, but Jaida catches her! Jaida pops Fallon around but Fallon slips free! Fallon wrenches, wristlocks, but Jaida ROCKS her with a forearm. Jaida bumps Fallon off buckles, then puts her in the ropes. NXT returns to single picture as Fallon fights free! Fallon drop toehold Jaida, Jaida goes to ropes, and Fallon runs in to slide out and HAYMAKER! Fallon tells OTM is next if they don’t back up. Jaida runs up but Fallon RAMS into her! Fallon body scissor rolls, TWO! Fallon wrenches, wristlocks, but Jaida powers up and whips.
Fallon ducks ‘n’ dodges then trips Jaida, to then CALF KICK! Jaida goes to a corner, Fallon runs up but she blocks a boto! Fallon whips, Jaida reverses, but Fallon goes up, only to get thrown onto the ropes! Fallon flops down, and Jaida puts her in the ropes to CHOP! The fans fire up as Jaida DROPS IT LIKE IT’S HOT! Jaida then drags Fallon up, wrenches and runs her over! Jaida drags Fallon up to run her over again, and again! Jaida drags Fallon up, whips her to ropes and KNEES her low! Fallon flounders, Jaida talks more trash then covers, TWO! Jaida clinches for a BEARHUG! Fallon endures as Jaida thrashes her around!
The fans rally and Fallon fights the hold. Fallon HEADBUTTS, runs, sunset flips, TWO! Jaida sit son it, TWO! Jaida runs to then throw Fallon by her hair! Cover, TWO! Jaida is frustrated but she drags Fallon into a seated COBRA TWIST! Fallon endures, the fans rally, and Fallon fights up. Jaida squeezes tighter but Fallon still endures. Fallon gets to her feet, pries the hold open and arm-drags Jaida away! Jaida runs up but into an ELBOW! Fallon traps the arms, HEADBUTTS, and staggers. Fallon fires forearm after forearm, then whips. HAYMAKER! Jaida gets up, Fallon LARIATS her down! And then body shot, ELBOW and CHOP!
Fallon SMASHES Jaida off her knee, then runs! FLYING FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Fallon is frustrated but she gets Jaida back up. Jaida wrenches free, swings, but misses! Fallon goes up and up, leaps over Jaida and rolls again, to then get around and waistlock! Jaida fights the lift, and then SLINGS Fallon into ropes! TEAR DROP!! Cover, Jaida wins!
Winner: Jaida Parker, by pinfall
OTM celebrates with their girl, and Miss Parker blows a kiss to the camera. Will she be the one to grab that Women’s North American Championship?
Jacy Jayne & Jazmyn Nyx speak.
The Toxic Element speaks first: “Ungrateful. That’s what I think of when I hear the name Thea Hail. I gave you a free road to success, a one way ticket to the hottest attraction in NXT. I even stood behind you in hopes that one day, you would realize that Jacy Jayne always knows best. But Thea, did you fall and smack your little head on the pavement? Or maybe I missed the part where you said ‘Thank you.’ Everything that I’ve done for you. I took you under my wing, I made you into everything that you wanted to be. You should be kissing the ground I walk on, begging for my wisdom on your hands and knees.
“But instead, all you did was show that you’re an ungrateful little girl. So next week at Spring Breakin’ week 2, I’m gonna end you. And Thea, you’re gonna learn that gratitude is not an option, but a debt that you will repay to me.” Jacy thinks Thea will see the truth, but will next week be a #TeachableMoment for Jacy?
Lola Vice speaks.
“Being a legend gives Natalya confidence, and rightfully so. But that confidence will be her downfall. If she’s confident enough to think she can handle being overseas on a rigorous touring schedule, and then waltz back into NXT, into my domain… she better think again. Natalya, come NXT Underground, you’re entering my world.” Natty wants Lola to show her what she’s made of, but while Natty is out there being a legend, Lola is becoming one at Natty’s expense. The contract signing is tonight, will there be fireworks before the fight?
Backstage interview with JD McDonagh.
Kelly Kincaid is with the Irish Ace as he’s also here to watch Dragunov VS Trick. What are his predictions? Well, he and Dragunov have history, one of the greatest rivalries in NXT. He thinks he can speak with more experience than most that the only way to beat Dragunov is to hospitalize him. And as someone who’s done both, he doesn’t think Trick Williams is up to it. Dragunov retains. But then in come the New Catch Republic! Tyler Bate more or less drags Pete Dunne along, he’s that excited about Dragunov VS Trick! Those boys are gonna smash the spuds outta each other! It’s happening, Pete! It’s happening!
Pete says his money’s on Dragunov. That’s a bad man right there. He’s absolutely solid. Bate says Trick’s always bounced back, though, so he’s got the tekkers. #WhoopDatTrick! The Big Strong Boi and the Bruiserweight are torn, who will be backing the right horse in the race?
Ava Raine is in the ring.
And fitting of NXT Underground, the ropes are gone and there are prospects all lining the ring, drumming the apron. Ava says as NXT GM, one of the most important parts of her job is continuing to push this brand into a new era, and breaking glass ceilings. That is why she is honored to host the contract signing for the first ever Women’s Underground match! At this time, let’s bring out the competitors. First, with her corner-person Karmen Petrovic, Natalya! The fans cheer as the Queen of Harts has her Canadian Connection with her as she goes to the ring. They take their seats on one side of the podium, and then Natty signs on the dotted line.
The fans cheer as Natty says she loves the NXT fans. Her part is done, so now we welcome out her opponent, Lola Vice. Fans are torn as the Mayor of Vice City struts her way out. Lola signs her part, and it is officially in the books! History: made! But then Natty says Lola sealed the deal, so who does she have in her corner? Lola says in Spanish that Natty is so stupid. Natty is more worried about who is in her corner than what Lola’s gonna do to her? But Lola will make something clear: just because she shakes her ass doesn’t mean she can’t kick your ass! And next week, they’re making history. And next week, Lola WILL break Natty.
The fans appreciate the Rocky 4 line, but Natty tells Lola that from the first moment they met, Natty knew Lola had an ego that needs to be kept in check. But one thing about Natty is that she respects Lola where she came from, how Lola was fighting in the cage. But it seems Lola doesn’t respect Natty was made in a dungeon! And if you can survive the dungeon, you can survive anything! Natty respects the superstars of the past, of the present, but if Lola wants to be the future, then Natty’s gonna beat some respect into her! The fans like that, too! “She’s The Boat! She’s The Boat!” Natty says next week, she wants Lola to bring everything she’s got, because Natty will tap dat ass out!
Lola just smiles as she says Natty can try. But when the lights dim, Natty’s fate is in Lola’s hands. The fastest hands in this division. And Lola’s training partner will make them even faster. Because it’s SHAYNA BASZLER!! The Queen of Spades is the ace up Lola’s sleeve, and even Natty knows this is going to be a hard hand to beat. Shayna stands beside Lola, fans chant “Welcome Back! Welcome Back!” Shayna tells Natty that she’s smart enough to tell that her chances just went from slim to none. When it comes to fighting around here, the most dangerous woman in NXT is aligned with the baddest woman in the WWE.
So Natty, there is still time to bow out gracefully. Just take the contract and tear it up. Especially if uh, this is her partner., Shayna shoves Karmen, so Karmen ROUNDHOUSEES Shayna! And the brawl is on between Natty and Lola! The fans are thunderous as natty TOSSES Lola onto the prospects! The ante has just been raised in this match, who makes the other fold in the Underground?
NXT Media catches up with Ridge Holland.
They ask Yorkshire Grit how he feels after his return victory. It was a start. It’s been a rough few months, but Ridge wants to rack up victories and show he can earn success the right way. But then Shawn Spears applauds as he walks over. “Bravo, Ridge. For a second, it actually looked like you believe everything you were just saying.” Ridge tells Spears to leave him alone. Spears says maybe Ridge is finally seeing what he’s capable of. And that he likes it! Why not embrace it then? They both know what Ridge wants to do to Spears right now, so why not do it? Give in to those thoughts. Or better yet, let them out.
Ridge chuckles and says he knows what Spears is up to. He can’t rile Ridge up. See you around. Ridge leaves, but will Spears still pull out the “truth?”
The Final Testament speaks.
Karrion Kross says, “Good evening. This is your former two-time NXT Champion just letting you know we’re about to take you back to the good old days. Where we left everyone beaten and broken. And if you don’t have an army behind you or a little miracle in your pocket, you’re going eight miles out, and six feet under.” Paul Ellering says the Authors of Pain, Akam & Rezar, have a clear destiny. They’re coming for all the gold! And that will be their dynasty. They will bring destruction back to NXT! Nathan Frazer, Axiom, prepare for the end. Scarlett says, “So saith the Final Testament.” Will NXT have no choice but to Fall & Pray?
The locker room responds.
Axiom says, “Bringing back the good old days? Destruction? These guys coming in and ruining our championship celebration…!” Frazer says yeah, they’re monsters. But he could care less! Axiom says somehow, someway, they will beat the Authors of Pain! Malik Blade says yeah, screw AOP! Hank ‘n’ Tank and the others agree. Why’re all these RawDown teams coming in here, demanding opportunities? The rest of NXT can’t even catch a break. The Good Brothers step in and say yeah! They’re so sick of all these other teams coming in here, trying to take those titles! After all, this is NXT! Edris Enofe says no one else is saying it, so he will.
The Good Brothers- OOPS! He just dropped his mirror! And it broke… That’s bad luck, isn’t it? Was Edris about to say something. No… The Good Brothers leave, has Edris just jinxed himself and all of the NXT Tag Division?
Beach Brawl: Sol Ruca VS Blair Davenport!
NXT Underground isn’t the only place where there are no rules! The Sol Surfer and the Ichiban Gaijin are throwing the rules away so they can finally get even with each other once and for all! Will Sol get snatched? Or will it be Blair who has to beware the consequences of her actions?
NXT returns and Sol makes her entrance, bringing her own surfboard to beat down Blair! Blair already has one of her own, thanks! Blair swings, but Sol dodges to SMACK Blair! The bell rings, Sol puts her board aside, only for Blair to SMACK her with the boogie board! Blair shoves the surfboard aside, goes up the steps, and leaps, into a boogie board SMACK! Sol pushes Blair into the ring, grabs some sports balls, and gets in the ring with her. Blair chucks a beach ball but Sol swats it! Sol then DECKS Blair, then she puts an innertube around her! Sol BOPS Blair with footballs and dodgeballs, then whips and CLOBBERS her!
Blair flounders out of the ring, Sol pursues, and she SMACKS Blair off the apron! Blair hits back, avoids Sol’s boot, but Sol does the splits on the apron to dodge back! Sol BOOTS Blair down and then goes to the picnic table. Sol grabs the bench seat, props it up against the apron, and then she brings Blair up. But Blair whips Sol into the bench! The bench doesn’t break but Sol still feels the pain. Blair drags Sol up but Blair fights the suplex! Sol fights free to ROCK Blair! Blair knees low, then POSTS Sol! Blair drags Sol back up, brings her back around, and SMACKS her off the apron! Blair fires forearm after forearm, then goes looking for goodies.
Blair SPIKES a beach ball on Sol’s head! Sol SMACKS Blair with the boogie board! Blair CHOPS Sol, shoves her into steps, then goes looking under the ring. Sol brings out a chair! But Sol blocks the chair shot! Sol kicks low, then runs up, to handspring through the toss! X-FACTOR into the kiddy pool ball pit! Sol shoves the surfboard down onto Blair, then stomps on it! Sol hangs ten on Blair and the fans cheer as she DOUBLE STOMPS! Blair sputters while NXT goes picture in picture.
Sol throws down balls on Blair, SPIKES a beach ball on her now, then drags her out of the pool. Sol puts Blair in the ring, climbs the corner, and CARTWHEEL- NO, Blair avoids the DDT to kick low! Blair whips, Sol goes up and out! Solo rams in but Blair dodges to KNEE her! Blair goes up and up to GUILLOTINE DOUBLE STOMP! The ref checks Sol but she’s okay to continue. Blair goes out, looks under the ring, and brings out another chair. Blair puts that chair in, gets the boogie board, puts that in, then finds a bucket! Blair SMACKS Sol with the bucket, SMACKS her with the boogie board, then SMACKS her again! And of course, Blair SMACKS Sol with the chair!
Blair sits the chair up, makes Sol take a seat, and then fires forearms and CHOPS! Blair ROCKS Sol, CHOPS Sol, then repeat! But Sol hits back! Sol gets the edge, shoves Blair and drop toeholds her into the chair! Sol crawls her way over, props herself up with the chair, and then brings that around, only for Blair to SHOTGUN the chair into her! Solo tumbles out, Blair pursues, and the brawl is on! Blair scoops Sol to SLAM her through a surfboard! Solo writhes, Blair says this is over! Blair drags Sol up and into the ring, pushes her to a cover, TWO! Solo is still in this and Blair is seething. Blair sets the chair up again, and pulls Sol through it!
Blair has the arms, it’s a FULL METAL CAMEL CLUTCH! Sol endures as we return to single picture, and Blair BOOTS Sol out of the chair! Sol crawls, Blair stalks her, and brings her around Sol SMACKS Blair with the bucket! And SMACKS her with the boogie board! And SMACKS her again, and again, and then gets the chair! Blair takes the chair away, but Sol dodges to springboard and FLYING SHOULDER TACKLE! Sol runs, trips Blair, handsprings over and SUPERKICKS! Blair is down, Sol STANDING BOODIE BOARD SAULT! Cover, TWO! Blair survives but Sol drags her right up. Sol scoops, but Blair slips free.
Blair SUPERKICKS Sol, then runs! But Sol SUPERKICKS again! Blair wobbles, Sol fireman’s carries, SWINGING POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Blair survives but Sol keeps her cool. Sol goes to a corner, goes up an dup, but Blair SUPER GERMAN SUPLEXES her down! Cover, TWO!! Sol survives and Blair is frustrated. Blair stalks Sol out of the ring, puts the surfboard up against the corner, and she brings Sol around. Blair whips, Sol reverses and Blair SMACKS off the board! Sol goes to the barrier, she cartwheels, but Blair SHOVES her into the Plexiglas! Blair clears the picnic table and positions it before going for Sol.
The fans rally as Blair goes up the barrier, but Sol fires body shots! They brawl int he gap, and Sol picks Blair up as a backpack! BACKPACK SENTONÂ through the picnic table!! The fans lose their minds while the ref checks. Sol rises and roars, and the fans fire up again! Solo drags Blair up and puts her in the ring. Solo then climbs to the apron, steps in and runs, springboard for the SOL SNATCHER!! Cover, Sol wins!
Winner: Sol Ruca, by pinfall
Now that was tubular! Sol gets her revenge, will this wave of momentum help her go all the way to the NXT Women’s North American Championship?
Trick Williams is on the phone.
“What’d the doctors say?” That she’s getting better. Trick tells Mama Williams that he’s fighting tonight, so she needs to fight. Well then she needs him to #WhoopDatTrick. Trick says, “I love you, Mama.” “I love you, too.” Trick hangs up the phone, and then in steps Johnny Wrestling! Gargano says hey, big night! How’s he feeling? Trick knows this is his last chance. His career’s on the line, but he loves this place. Gargano knows that feeling. And it’s a man Trick hasn’t beat before. he thought the pressure was on at Stand & Deliver, or last week in the cage. But tonight, this is pressure. Gargano says no pressure, no diamonds.
Trick’s lost to Dragunov before, but he needs to take all that loss, that pain, that betrayal and use it. It is not a burden, it is a weapon. It is what made Trick stronger. It has built Trick for this moment! It has made Trick who he is, there is only one Trick Williams! And Dragunov has not beaten that Trick Williams. When Gargano won the NXT Championship, it changed his life. But he had to give everything to do it. Is Trick willing to do that? Is he willing to give that much to slay the Mad Dragon and win the NXT Championship? He is. Then #WhoopDatTrick! Gargano says it is Trick’s night, but will Trick get it done?
Meta Four posts to TikTok.
Via Jakara Jackson’s account, she, Lash Legend, Noam Dar & Oro Mensah have the fans join them on the road trip to the NXT Orlando live event. They had some car troubles, though, but the ladies got it done. Then Lash plays the “Oh no, crash!” prank on them all while they were napping. And that was just the first ten minutes!
Baron Corbin VS Lexis King!
The Wolf Dogs may no longer be NXT Tag Team Champions, but that doesn’t mean The Lone Wolf sulks and returns to RawDown with tail tucked between his legs. Will he prove to the Drama King that Corbin does what he wants? Or will defeating a former King of the Ring be Lexis’ crowning achievement?
NXT returns as Lexis makes his entrance. The bell rings, they circle, then tie up. King waistlocks and shoves Corbin, then they circle again. Corbin blocks a kick to ROCK King, then has King in a corner. Corbin TOSSES King across the ring! King bails out, Corbin goes after him and sends him into barriers! The fans fire up as Corbin puts King in the ring. King comes back to ROCK Corbin! King CHOPS, then runs up, but into a CORNER URENAGE! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Corbin as he drags King up. Corbin runs to run King over! The fans cheer and Corbin drags King up. Corbin DECKS King, then has him on ropes.
Corbin CHOKES King, the fans cheer, but the ref counts. Corbin lets off at 4, has King in a corner and throws hands! Corbin then runs, runs King over again, then covers, ONE! King toughs it out, but Corbin brings him up and around. Corbin runs, but King dropkicks the legs out! King then CLUBS Corbin down and fires hands! The fans boo, Corbin shoves King away, but King runs up to CHOP! King brings Corbin around to CLUB him, then snapmare for a KICK! King HAMMERS down on Corbin, drops an ax handle, then covers, ONE! Corbin is tougher than that, but King brings him up. King whips but Corbin fights it.
King kicks, CHOPS and bumps Corbin off buckles. King then uses the ropes for leverage as he digs boots in. The ref counts, King lets off, but Corbin CHOPS back! King knees low, CLUBS Corbin down, then whips. Corbin reverses but King KICKS back! King kicks a leg out, says Hail to the King, BLINDSIDER! Cover, TWO! Corbin survives but King eggs him on. King kicks Corbin around, CHOPS, then DROPKICKS! Corbin rebounds to LARIAT! The fans fire up as Corbin shakes out the stars. Corbin then runs to clothesline in the corner! The fans cheer as Corbin back drops King away! King staggers up, Corbin suplexes for the CUTTER! Cover, TWO!
King stays in this but then bails out of the ring. Corbin pursues, but King SUPERKICKS! King returns to the ring, Corbin pursues, and Corbin storms up, into another SUPERKICK! King trips Corbin, high stacks with feet on ropes! The ref sees that and says nope! King argues with the ref, but Corbin fireman’s carries! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! King survives but Corbin reels him in! King gets under to shove Corbin into the ref! LOW BLOW!! And then CORONATION!! Cover, King wins!
Winner: Lexis King, by pinfall
The Drama King steals the biggest win in his young career! He blows kisses to the booing fans, but will Lexis make NXT into his kingdom?
The visiting NXT Alumni join the crowd!
The Diamond Mine are behind commentary, Johnny Gargano joins New Catch Republic in the Chase U student section, and they’re all excited to watch this high stakes main event!
NXT Championship, Trick’s Last Chance: Ilja Dragunov VS Trick Williams!
After an absolute saga spanning multiple matches, many twists and turns, and both men managing to Stand & Deliver in Philadelphia, it all ends here. Either Trick slays the Mad Dragon, or he leaves NXT forever. Something’s gotta give, who comes away THE NXT Champion?
Before his entrance, Dragunov is interviewed by Sarah. We are moments away from the main event, what are his thoughts? Trick has gained Dragunov’s respect. But all Dragunov has in this life are his family, and this title. And Trick’s not going to change that. Dragunov is forever #UNBESIEGBAR. But then in steps WWE World Heavyweight Champion, Damian Priest!! From champ to champ, the Punisher wishes Dragunov luck. Dragunov goes to gorilla, and Priest asks Sarah how she doin’. We cut to Byron Saxton with Trick Williams. Byron asks Trick for any final thoughts before the biggest match of his career.
Trick says we all know what this is: Either Trick wins tonight, or he leaves NXT. Either he is the champion, or he’s a bust. Either he proves himself right or proves himself wrong, but either way he’s gonna fight! If there’s one thing you need to know about Trick, it’s that he fears no man. He can live with the results, whether he wins or he loses. But like Mama Williams said, time to #WhoopDatTrick. The challenger makes his entrance first, but will it be his last?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it all comes down to this!
The bell rings and the fans are fired up as Trick rushes in! Dragunov dodges, waistlocks, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Dragunov CLUBS away on Trick, then drags him up. The fans rally for Trick as he throws elbows. Trick is free, but Dragunov rebounds to PELE! Trick rebounds to LEG LARIAT! But Dragunov JUMP KICKS! Trick spins, but Dragunov blocks that kick to SLAP Trick! Dragunov winds up to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Trick goes to a corner, he blocks a chop! Trick says, “Are you crazy?!” Dragunov HEADBUTTS Trick! Trick HEADBUTTS back! Trick fires haymakers, but Dragunov blocks to spin and CHOP!
Trick stays up, Dragunov runs in, but Trick dodges! Trick lifts but Dragunov SATELLITE DDTS! Dragunov runs, CONSTANTINE SPECIAL! Cover, TWO! Trick stays in this, shaking his head. Dragunov says it was that close. Dragunov brings Trick up, reels him in, but Trick fights the lift! Dragunov goes again, and POWERBOMBS Trick down! Dragunov checks his chin, he wants Trick to get up, but Trick EDDY GORDO KICKS! Both men are down again and the fans fire up! Trick sits up, Dragunov follows, and they head for each other. They stand, get forehead to forehead, then they secret handshake and hug it out! Then they fire off forearms!!
The fans are thunderous as Dragunov beats Trick down, runs and KNEES him down!! Dragunov shouts, “This is MY ring!” and the fans fire up as NXT goes picture in picture.
Dragunov huffs and puffs and goes back for Trick. Dragunov CHPOS Trick, Trick staggers to ropes, and Dragunov CLUBS him! Dragunov CLUBS Trick again, snarls, and eggs Trick on. Trick kicks from below so Dragunov stomps away! The ref counts, Dragunov lets off, and Trick rises. Dragunov brings Trick around, snap suplexes, then jumps to SENTON! Trick sputters and flounders to ropes, but Dragunov brings him up. Trick ROCKS Dragunov, ROCKS him again, but then Dragunov gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Dragunov doesn’t hold on this time, he goes to the apron. Dragunov climbs up a corner, drags Trick up to join him, but Trick throws forearms!
Trick ROCKS Dragunov, ROCKS him again, then climbs up after him. Trick brings Dragunov up, but Dragunov throws body shots! Dragunov pries free to fire boxing elbows! And CHOPS! NXT returns to single picture as Dragunov just fires more shots! He CLUBS Trick into position, to SUPER SUNSET- NO, Dragunov’s legs give out, Trick sits down right on Dragunov! Dragunov still gets up first to KICK Trick in the side! Dragunov reels Trick in, hauls him up, and JACKKNIFE POEWRBOMBS! Trick flounders to a corner, Dragunov runs in to BOOT WASH! Trick sputters, Dragunov goes all the way to the other end.
Dragunov climbs, aims, and blows a kiss before he goes COAST2COAST!! Cover, TWO!! Trick survives and Dragunov is surprised! Dragunov goes to the apron, climbs up another corner, and SUPER SENTONSÂ into a NECKBREAKER!! The fans fire up as Trick pounds the mat! “WHOOP DAT TRICK!” echoes out as Trick rises! Trick gets Dragunov up and in, hauls him up, and POWERBOMBS! Trick storms around and tells Dragunov he’s got something for him! Trick powers up to steal the H BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Dragunov survives but Trick doesn’t lose hope. Trick aims from a corner, runs in, and steals TORPEDO MOSCOW?!? Cover, TWO!!!
Dragunov again survives, Trick trying to use his moves against him isn’t working! Trick runs up again, but Dragunov BOOTS first! And ENZIGIRIS! And then fireman’s carry, CORNER DEATH VALLEY! The fans are thunderous, “This is Awesome!” as Dragunov pushes Trick out of the ring. Dragunov roars, clears the desk, and the fans fire up again! Dragunov brings Trick up and reels him in, but Trick back drops free! The fans fire up as Trick fires hands! They go around commentary, right to the front row! Trick goes up onto the barriers and the fans fire up even more! Trick clinches, SUPER BOOKENDÂ through the desk!!!
The fans again lose their minds as both men are down in the wreckage! Even Diamond Mine is going nuts for this one! Trick drags Dragunov up, puts him in, and hurries to the apron. But Dragunov KNEES Trick down! Dragunov brings Trick to the corner, goes up, and he deadlifts to SUPERPLEX!! Roll through, and H-BOMB!! Dragunov still isn’t done, he drags Trick around by a leg to put him in the drop zone! Dragunov climbs as the fans rally as hard as they can for Trick! SUPER H-BOMB!!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Trick still lives and the fans are electric! Dragunov drags Trick around again, goes back up, and SUPER H-BOMBS again!!!
But wait! Dragunov clutches his own hand! Dragunov may’ve broken his own wrist or something in that impact! Dragunov crawls to the cover, TWO?!?!?!? Trick is reaching superhuman levels! Dragunov shakes his head, drags Trick up, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! But Trick stands right up!! TO BLINDSIDE KNEE!!! Cover, TWO!!! Dragunov survives but Trick isn’t out of tricks yet! Dragunov rises, Trick lets his hair down, and these two fire up! “UN! BE! SIEG! BAR!!” TRICK SHOT HITS FIRST!!! Cover, TRICK WINS!!!
Winner: Trick Williams, by pinfall (NEW NXT Champion)
The arena is shaking all the way to the rafters, the fans are that elated that Trick slayed the Mad Dragon! Dragunov grabs the belt from the ref, gives it one last look, and then personally hands it over to Trick! They hug it out, Dragunov so proud of Trick in this moment! What will be next for The Czar now that he is no longer champion?
As for Trick, he raises the belt in victory, then goes out to the crowd to celebrate with the NXT Universe that never gave up on him! It is a new era in NXT, that’s all it is, and that’s all it’s gone be!
My Thoughts:
An awesome NXT to start Spring Breakin’ and to lead into the WWE Draft. Great opening Triple Threat, one of the better ones I’ve seen here in NXT. Roxie got a great win out of it, and maybe she’s staying on NXT a little longer. The Draft might take Lyra away, and then we can get a 1v1 story for Roxie and Tatum going towards Battleground in June. At the same time, lots of other great developments as we draw closer to the NXT Women’s North American Championship. Good promo from Fallon, Thea, Kelani and Jaida that then gave us a really good match from Fallon VS Jaida. And then good promo from Jacy, though it repeated some things she’s said before. Jacy VS Thea is going to be great stuff, and while Thea’s team won at Stand & Deliver, maybe Jacy wins this 1v1 match.
The Beach Brawl being a themed Street Fight, it was of course a bit on the goofy side with the beach balls and kiddy pool, but Sol and Blair got to do some great stuff with chairs and tables. Great win for Sol, she might be a Face frontrunner for the Women’s NA title. And great contract signing segment tonight, great twist that Shayna is going to be Lola’s trainer and corner-person. It already felt like Lola was going to win out, but between Shayna on her side and Natty standing tall tonight, it’s very clear Lola will win, which would make her a Heel frontrunner for the Women’s NA title. And hopefully it’s a tournament that leads the way into Battleground, especially now that it’s in Vegas and in the UFC Apex, a fitting venue for Lola to walk in as the favorite.
Good promo from Final Testament, and really good promo from everyone else in the NXT Tag Division. I laughed at Good Brothers pulling the “Yes, we’re NXT, too!” And good bit of Edris breaking the mirror and now putting bad juju on him, Malik and maybe everyone Final Testament is going to face. Hard to say if Axiom & Frazer survive AOP, and I’d actually prefer if Kross tries going after Oba Femi instead of the top title. Good promo from Corbin and King to set up their match, and good win for King. A real shame that Von Wagner was among the handful of releases we just got this week, he didn’t get to finish his story with King and Robert Stone loses his third(?) stable.
Really good Six Man Tag and a great win for The D’Angelo Family. Tony VS Dempsey for the Cup is going to be great stuff, and surely Luca & Stacks help Tony out the way Kemp & Myles will help Dempsey, so it’ll be about who is the savvier team. We got a great amount of “callbacks” from RawDown, and with Gargano giving Trick that last little pep talk, that was like one last foreshadowing that Trick was winning. This has been a long time coming, and it’s rather wild that it happens here, on TV, rather than at a Premium Live Event. It might be the timing because of how they’re doing the Draft, so that Dragunov gets his call-up via Pearce or Aldis picking him, Melo goes fulltime to SmackDown, and Trick starts a clean slate going into the Summer.
My Score: 9/10
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