Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (2/20/23)
Raw is about respect!
Will The Now really be forever?
Austin Theory is STILL United States Champion after Elimination Chamber, but now things get Rated R as EDGE comes after the title!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Sami Zayn VS Baron Corbin; Sami wins.
- Mustafa Ali VS Dolph Ziggler; Ali wins.
- Asuka VS Nikki Cross; Asuka wins.
- Seth Rollins VS The Miz; Rollins wins.
- Bronson Reed VS Chad Gable w/ Otis; Bronson wins.
- WWE United States Champion: Austin Theory VS Edge; Theory wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Sami Zayn is here!
Fans fire up as the Honourary Hab, the Great Liberator, and the man who would have beaten Roman Reigns if not for The Bloodline as he heads to the ring. Sami grabs a mic and fans chant his name as the spotlight is on him. Fans then sing, “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~! OLE~, OLE~!” for him, too. Sami says, “Wow. I’m feeling a lot of feelings here, guys. After these past couple of days, the one feeling that comes to the front more than anything is gratitude. The ovation I’ve been given these past couple of days, and the ovation you guys just gave me just now, you have no idea what means to me. Thank you. Seriously, thank you so much.”
Fans chant, “You Deserve It!” and Sami is touched. Sami says that for him just as much as everyone, another thing he’s feeling is, after coming so close to putting a bow on a storybook ending in front of his hometown, he feels a lot of guilt. He feels like he let people down. Fans say “NO! NO! NO!” because he hasn’t let anyone down. Fans even chant “We Still Love You!” Sami says people told him to “finish the story,” but he didn’t, and after the last few days, he realized now more than ever, “around here, the story is NEVER over! However, we are entering the final chapter. And the final chapter is not just about me. So there’s one person that I do need to talk to more than anybody else.
“So Kevin Owens…! I would love it if you came out here right now.” Fans cheer that, and here comes KO! The Prizefighter joins his best frenemy in the ring, fans cheer him on now, and Kevin gets a mic. Sami says, “There was so much I wanted to say to you, and now that you’re standing here, I don’t know what I want to say. I wanna say… I wanna say thank you, I guess. I wanna say I’m sorry. But I know we’re kinda passed the point of words at this point, right? Let’s be honest, things got a little messy, right? There’s a lot that you said, that I said, that was done here that I don’t know if there’s any coming back from. I know, I know.
“But here’s the thing, Kevin. For months and months, you said there is only one thing that you care about, and that is taking down The Bloodline. And I know you better than anything, when you get something in your head, nothing stops you from doing it. But here’s the thing, Kevin. Now I have a mission. I will make sure, if it’s the last thing I do, I will not rest ’til I see with my own eyes that Roman Reigns and the Bloodline come crumbling down! But here’s the thing. You couldn’t do it alone. And I couldn’t really do it alone. But I do think that there’s only way to get it done. And that is if we do it… together!” Fans love the sound of that!
Kevin seems a bit surprised, and he says he doesn’t need an apology or gratitude. Saturday, what he did, it had nothing to do with Sami. Kevin didn’t do it for Sami, he did it for HIS family. Saturday, they were in the front row. But at the Royal Rumble, they were at home. And Sami stood there and watched it happen. Kevin needed the Bloodline to hurt. Kevin did it for Sami’s family so that his wife, children, father wouldn’t have to watch Sami get beat down! That’s why! Kevin has been fighting The Bloodline for months, on his own. As far as he’s concerned, that’s fine, and that’s the way he will keep fighting them.
Because Kevin still means what he said in November after Survivor Series about being done with Sami. But guess what? If Sami needs help taking them down, then just ask Jey. Kevin drops the mic and leaves while fans boo. Sami watches Kevin go but isn’t upset. Will Sami have to do things on his own, too?
But wait! BARON CORBIN ATTACKS! Corbin throws Sami around as Raw goes picture in picture! Corbin fires off hands, throws Sami into railing, then CLUBS away against barriers! Fans boo and give thumbs down but Corbin throws more hands. Corbin throws Sami back into railing, then tot he floor. Referees hurry on stage to stop Corbin but he goes back for more! Corbin rains down fists, refs back him off, but Sami gets up to go after Corbin! Sami returns fire with furious fists! Corbin trips and falls but gest right back up to CLOBBER Sami! Corbin hobbles but he drags Sami up. Security and officials rush out but Corbin still wants more!
Corbin whips Sami into the LEDs! Sami falls over, Corbin stands over him, but refs tell him to leave. Corbin storms down the ramp to ringside. Corbin soaks up the heat as he walks around the ring, then he gest in the ring. Raw returns to single picture as Corbin has the mic to ask, “How’d that feel?” Corbin says Sami interrupted him to cry about his insecurities, thinking he didn’t deserve to be in the same ring as Roman Reigns. Corbin says Sami didn’t, and Corbin should know, because Corbin is the last person to beat Roman Reigns! Roman embarrassed Sami in front of his family and friends, and tonight was pathetic.
Sami begged his “so-called best friend,” Kevin Owens. Sami wants to get at Corbin but Adam Pearce holds him back. Corbin says Sami’s story is done! Sami embarrassed himself, his hometown, and ALL of Canada! Because Sami is a complete and utter failure! Sami talks with Pearce, Pearce gives Sami the green light! Sami gets in the ring and TACKLES Corbin! Sami rains down fists, Corbin pushes him away, but Sami clotheslines Corbin out of the ring! A ref gets in the ring, this is a match!
Sami Zayn VS Baron Corbin!
The bell rings, Corbin gets up and Sami BLASTS him! Sami goes out to SMACK Corbin off the desk! Fans fire up with Sami and he POSTS Corbin! Sami puts Corbin back in the ring, runs corner to corner, but Corbin bails out! Fans boo but Corbin shoulders in then CLOBBERS Sami! Corbin rains down fists, then rips Sami’s shirt off him. Corbin drags Sami back up and he makes the world look at the bruises and scrapes from Eliminating Chamber’s title match. Corbin CLUBS Sami, shoves him to ropes and CLUBS him again! Corbin stands Sami up, ROCKS him, then shoves him, only for Sami to DECK Corbin!
Sami fires off hands now and whips Corbin to a corner. Corbin reverses, runs in, Sami dodges and Corbin hits buckles! Sami goes up top, for a FLYING- NO, choke grip to CHOKE SLAM BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Sami is still in this as Raw goes back to picture in picture.
Sami bails out of the ring but clutches his back. Corbin goes out after Sami, drags him up, and RAMS him into barriers! The front row cheers Sami on but Corbin puts him in the ring. Corbin stalks Sami, stands over him, then drags him up by his beard! Corbin puts Sami in the corner, whips him corner to corner hard, and Sami bounces off buckles to fall to the mat. Corbin looms over Sami, drags Sami back up, and CLUBS him back down! Corbin CLUBS Sami again, and again, and again, driving his elbow into the bruised back! Sami crawls to a corner, Corbin is on him again and puts him up top.
Corbin throws hands, climbs up after Sami, and he throws hands. Sami hits back with haymakers! Sami CLUBS Corbin, Corbin falls off the corner! Sami adjusts, leaps, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Corbin is still in this, but Sami grits his teeth as he stands. Sami hobbles, but Corbin RAMS him into a corner! Corbin drags Sami around, stomps him, then tells the ref to back off. Corbin runs to SPLASH! And then Corbin hauls Sami up to a Canadian Rack! Raw returns to single picture as Sami endures the backbreaker stretch! Fans rally, Sami fights free, and he elbows Corbin from the corner! Corbin comes back, but into a BOOT!
Sami goes up again, leaps, FLYING ELBOW! Sami goes up another corner, leaps again, another FLYING ELBOW! Ottawa fires up, but Corbin throws body shots! Sami blocks the bomb, wrenches out to kick low, and he goes up and up and FLYING DDT!! Cover, TWO!! Corbin survives but Sami keeps his focus. The fans rally behind him, but Corbin throat chops! Corbin whips, but Sami holds ropes! Sami dumps Corbin out, then builds speed! Sami FLIES! Direct hit and Ottawa is thunderous! Sami fires up, he puts Corbin back in, and Corbin flounders to the corner. Sami aims, runs in, but into a LARIAT!
Sami flounders, but Corbin rains down elbows and forearms on his bruised back! Corbin whips, and DEEP SIX! Cover, TWO!! Sami is still in this and Corbin is shocked! Fans fire up as Sami goes to the corner again. Corbin runs in, and hits a big clothesline! Corbin runs in again, another clothesline! Corbin goes corner to corner, Sami follows, HELLUVA KICK!! Cover, Sami wins!!
Winner: Sami Zayn, by pinfall
Ottawa sings along with Sami’s song as Sami gets redemption! Will Sami’s wish come true come WrestleMania? Will The Bloodline soon fall?
Byron Saxton has a sit-down interview with Rhea Ripley & Dominik Mysterio.
He appreciates them joining him. He wants to ask about Elimination Chamber. What about it? Well, she and Finn Balor faced The Grit Couple and ultimately came up short. Rhea says the last thing she will say about Beth Phoenix is that after going toe to toe, Beth admitted Rhea is the real deal. But for her, she and Beth have unfinished business. But that’s the past, and Rhea is fully focused on WrestleMania. Then does Rhea think that loss- Dom interrupts, saying Mami just said she’s done talking about Edge & Beth. “Those has-beens are just like my deadbeat dad, they’re not worth talking about.
“And Byron, if you keep asking stupid questions, you’re gonna find out what I did to people who talked too much when I was locked up.” In that case, Byron moves to WrestleMania and the SmackDown Women’s Champion, Charlotte Flair. How does Rhea respond to Charlotte saying that three years ago, Charlotte taught Rhea a lesson, but this year, she puts Rhea in her place. “Look, Charlotte can keep living in 2020. The only reason that she wants to keep talking about what happened three years ago is because she refuses to believe what everyone else can see, and that’s that right now, in the present, I am the best bloody woman here in the WWE.
“And as for lessons being learned, the only lesson is that Rhea Ripley doesn’t make the same mistakes twice. So if Charlotte wants to ‘put me in my place’ at WrestleMania, then good. Because my place is standing on top of her crumbled queendom when I walk out of WrestleMania the new SmackDown Women’s Champion.” Byron says looking ahead, what can we expect on Friday when Rhea goes face to face with Charlotte on SmackDown? Watch and find out. Dom says Rey has a match that day. Dom will “tag along” to watch. Rhea likes that idea. Byron, we’re done here. Rhea & Dom leave, but will they leave their mark on SmackDown this weekend?
WWE shares Austin Theory’s comments from the Elimination Chamber Press Conference.
The Now retained his title inside the Chamber, though it was because Logan Paul screwed over Seth Rollins. But Theory said, “If I have a United States Championship Open Challenge this Monday on Raw, who’s gonna step up.” Well, moments later, when Edge hand his turn to speak, he accepted! Theory’s work ethic will be tested, and Edge might even kick Theory’s teeth in!
Backstage interview with Austin Theory.
Cathy Kelley brings up tonight’s title match knowing Theory retained his title in the grueling Chamber match just 48 hours ago. Theory admits he’s banged up, but he’s here like he always is. And why’s that? Because he’s the champ! He stepped inside the Chamber with five of the best in the WWE. Included in those five was Seth Freakin’ Rollins. Rollins was someone everyone said had it in the bag, and what happened? Theory put him down like he said he would. Everything Theory says happens! But what he doesn’t understand is the headline. It isn’t that Theory is the Now, Then and Forever, but that John Cena is coming back to Raw in two weeks!
Theory is upset by that. What the headline should say is, “WHO CARES?” Where’s the respect for Theory for the work he puts in every week? But he has a US Championship Open Challenge tonight that was accepted by the Rated R Superstar. And Theory loves that, because he gets to beat a WWE Hall of Famer in his home country of “crappy Canada.” After that, Theory will continue his Forever Reign right on to WrestleMania, and his legacy will stand over everyone. Theory will never lose this title! How’s that for a headline?
Mustafa Ali VS Dolph Ziggler!
The Beacon seems to be pulling a page out of the Show-Off’s playbook by constantly complaining “It should’ve been me!” But will it be Ali with a win here tonight? Or will it be Ali having to eat his words when Ziggler humbles him?
Raw returns and Ali makes his entrance. The bell rings, Ali offers a handshake and Ziggler accepts it. But then Ziggler uses it to hit a fireman’s carry takeover! Cover, TWO! Fisherman cradle, TWO! Ali gets up, swings, but misses! Ziggler DECKS Ali, DECKS him again, then whips. Ali reverses, but Ziggler ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Ali! Ali goes to a corner, but Ziggler STINGER SPLASHES! And then NECKBREAKER! Ziggler fires up and fans fire up with him as Ali goes to ropes. Ali bails out before the superkick! But Ziggler drags him up by his hair! Ali HOTSHOTS Ziggler away!
Ali hurries inside, and he CLOBBERS Ziggler in return! Ali mockingly tells Ziggler to smile and be thankful that he’s here. Ali fishhooks Ziggler’s mouth! The ref reprimands, so Ali brings Ziggler up to suplex. Ziggler slips off, shoves Ali away, but Ali goes back out to the apron! ROUNDHOUSE! Down goes Ziggler and Ali smiles. Ali aims, somersaults, and- SATELLITE DDT! Cover, TWO!! Ali survives and Ziggler grows frustrated. Ziggler kicks Ali’s leg out, runs, FAMOUS- NO, Ali handstands free! Ghost pin, ALI WINS!
Winner: Mustafa Ali, by pinfall
Even Ali seems shocked he won! Ali celebrates big time, and he seems to mock Ziggler with it. But will Ali really get back on track after this?
Backstage interview with The Miz & Maryse.
Cathy Kelley lets them finish kissing and then Maryse hurries to get an envelope. Happy anniversary! Miz thanks Maryse, and brags that her gift was too big and expensive to bring across the border. She knows, she picked it. Anyway, Miz opens the envelope and… Is this real? What does it say? Maryse says to read the room, Cathy. Miz says this is bigger than his game winning half court shot in the NBA Celebrity Game. Cathy points out it didn’t count officially. Miz says this news is not for Cathy! This is to be broken by a world-renowned journalist: MIZ. But he’ll wait for next week, because tonight is about them.
Miz & Maryse kiss again but Cathy brings up Seth Rollins. Miz says, “What do you not understand about ‘us’?” GO! BYE! THANK YOU! But Miz has a match with Rollins after back-to-back losses to Boogs- Uh, those were both very controversial wins by Boogs! But if we’re to talk about Rollins, then maybe Rollins got a little too big for his stupid red boots last week. Miz is glad Rollins was brought down to earth by Miz’s former protégé, Logan Paul. Miz molded Logan into the superstar he is today. And in a way, Miz cost Rollins his US Championship. Miz’s outstanding tutelage ruined Rollin’s WrestleMania dreams, while this (the envelope) just made his dreams come true.
Miz and Maryse kiss again and head out. Will tonight be more awesome for The Miz? Or will Rollins #BurnItDown?
Cody Rhodes is here!
Ottawa cheers as The American Nightmare has his smoke and pyro then heads to the ring. Cody gets another round of pyro, then gets the mic. Fans cheer, and Cody asks, “So…” “Ladies and gentlemen…!” Paul Heyman is via the titantron, with a neck brace on, as he introduces himself. Cody asks, “Mr. Heyman… Where are you?” Uh, right here backstage. Oh, okay. So then, Heyman should just come out here in person. Everyone wants to hear what he has to say! Fans cheer, but Heyman sputters. He isn’t sure if Cody is aware of this, but Heyman was “mauled” on Saturday by a “KO-diac, and subject to the miserable Canadian healthcare system.”
Fans boo but Heyman says what should’ve been a celebratory weekend for The Tribal Chief ended up a tragedy for the Wise Man. But Heyman assures us, “the true tragedy of this story that you want to finish will befall, sir, onto you.” Heyman has Cody stay calm and wants us to hear him out. “Cody, man to man, face as close as to willing I am to be to face, you can’t beat Roman Reigns! Oh, they can boo all they want, but let’s go on the hypothetical. Let’s play to everybody’s fantasy. Let’s say that the stars align, the gods smile upon you, the devil collects my debt. Let’s say at WrestleMania, Cody Rhodes beats the Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, for these championships.
“Then, sir, what will your life be like? Have you ever heard the phrase, ‘indentured servitude?'” Heyman knows that we’re thinking Roman doesn’t live that life. But that’s because Roman has a Special Counsel. Roman has The Wise Man. Roman has Paul Heyman. If Cody defeats Roman for the titles, which he won’t, but if he does… Cody won’t have Paul Heyman. “So let’s do the math, playing to this notion that Cody Rhodes defeats Roman Reigns. What will your life be like? First of all, 200 days a year on the road, defending these championships. 40 to 50, let’s mark it up, 50 days a year doing charity appearances and red carpets. Now we’re at 250.
“Thirty days a year overseas promoting the general brand of World Wrestling Entertainment. Now we’re at 280. Another 20 days promoting WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Survivor Series, Royal Rumble, Money in the Bank, Backlash, I don’t know, Peoria! Oh, let’s not forget to promote your title defenses in Peoria. Now that’s 300, 305 days a year, that means 60 days at home. And what happens to those 60 days? 20 of them, Spike calls? Skype calls? What do you call ’em? Zoom calls, promoting the product, meetings.
“What did your brother Dustin so famously say? The American Dream, Dusty Rhodes, was one the road, he was never home. And even when he was home, he was never home. Is that the life you want for your wife and child? Is that what you want for your family, Cody? Is that the sacrifice that you’re willing to make for these titles?! I know what you’re thinking. I’m about to say something really vile and vulgar and contemptible, like, ‘Hey, don’t worry, Cody. On a cold winter night, Roman Reigns will keep your wife warm.’ I would never say something like that. Roman Reigns is a happily married man. But I’m not!”
Fans boo Heyman going there, but Heyman assures Cody that that is when he finds out his WrestleMania dreams are going to become his own personal nightmares. Heyman “drops the mic” by taking off the lapel mic, and Cody paces as he tries to contain his feelings. Fans cheer Cody on, and Cody says, “Damn! Roman Reigns is great. You’re great, Roman. But I have seen this play before. Do not send this man again. We haven’t come face to face yet, we probably will and it’ll probably be very soon. And I will say the same thing to you now that I’m going to say then.
“You are without a doubt the greatest WWE Undisputed Universal Champion in the history of the company. You are the current bets champion in all of sports. But it doesn’t change a damn thing! I HAVE to finish the story! I beat you at WrestleMania!” Fans fire up as Cody does a REAL mic drop! Will the American Nightmare only be a nightmare for the Head of the Table?
Asuka VS Nikki Cross!
The Empress of Tomorrow is poised for WrestleMania and the Raw Women’s Championship after winning the Elimination Chamber match, but she isn’t just going to rest on her laurels! Will the Loony Lass not be ready for Asuka?
Raw returns and Nikki makes her entrance. The bell rings and the two circle, but here comes Bianca Belair! Both Asuka and Nikki watch The EST struts out with the title to join commentary. Nikki and Asuka rush each other, Nikki dodges a kick to throw Asuka by her hair! Nikki rains down fists then sits Asuka up to smile. Asuka shoves Nikki away but Nikki CHOPS! Asuka snarls, things speed up, Asuka avoids the crossbody to SLIDING KICK! Asuka then stands Nikki up for knee after knee! Nikki blocks the suplex to put Asuka up on the ropes. Asuka slips off, avoids Nikki’s shoulder, and KICKS away on her in the ropes!
Asuka grins as she brings Nikki out, but Nikki pushes her away. But Asuka hits a POP-UP KNEE! Nikki staggers back, Asuka kicks, but Nikki ducks! Asuka hits only post! Nikki dragon sleepers, for a REVERSE DDT to the apron! Nikki grins and Asuka writhes while Raw goes picture in picture.
Nikki drags Asuka off the apron to THROW her into the barriers! Nikki tells everyone to stay down, then she refreshes the ring count. Nikki drags Asuka up, POSTS her, then fires up as she goes to commentary. Nikki messes with Kevin Patrick, then puts Asuka back in the ring. Cover, TWO! Nikki is upset but Asuka kicks her from below. Nikki CLUBS Asuka down, brings her up, and whips, only for Asuka to reverse. Asuka runs in to back elbow! Asuka CLUBS away on Nikki, bumps her off buckles, then brings her around to bump off more buckles! The ref counts, Asuka lets off, but then just brings Nikki to another corner.
Nikki hits back and she bumps Asuka off buckles! Nikki brings Asuka in and turns her for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Nikki still grins and she drags Asuka back up. Nikki RAMS into Asuka at the ropes, but Asuka hits back. Nikki CLUBS her down, but Asuka kicks her. Nikki grinds her forearms into Asuka’s face, covers, TWO! Nikki keeps on Asuka with an armlock, wraps it up a into a top wristlock, but Asuka endures. Nikki thrashes around, Bianca even rallies for Asuka, and Asuka throws body shots. Asuka is free but Nikki throat chops! Nikki stomps a mudhole, then tells the ref to back off. Nikki whips Asuka corner to corner but Asuka goes up and MISSILE DROPKICKS!
Both women are down, Raw returns to single picture, and fans rally up. Asuka and Nikki both stand up, and they both run in! Asuka dodges to KICK, KICK and URAKEN! URAKEN! SOBAT! URAKEN! BOOT! ROUNDHOUSE! HEEL KICK! Fans fire up and Asuka GERMAN SUPLEXES! Asuka holds on, she brings Nikki back up, another GERMAN SUPLEX! Asuka drags Nikki up again, GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Nikki escapes but Asuka grins. Nikki goes to the apron, flops to the floor, but Asuka runs in to slide, only to fall for the apron skirt trap! Nikki fires off on Asuka, then lets off as the ref counts.
The ring count climbs but Nikki puts Asuka in at 6 of 10. Nikki climbs, but Asuka ROCKS her first! Asuka climbs up, bumps Nikki off buckles, and then brings Nikki around to SUPER DDT!! Cover, TWO!!? Nikki survives and even Bianca’s surprised. Asuka and Nikki go forehead to forehead and they throw forearms! Fans fire up, Asuka gets the edge, and she KICKS Nikki in the chest! And KICKS again! And again! Nikki slaps herself and fires up, but Asuka KICKS her down! Nikki sits up, ducks the buzzsaw, and fireman’s carries! But Asuka slips off, shoves Nikki away, ROUNDHOUSE! Chicken wing!
Nikki flails, fireman’s carries, and MICHINOKU DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!!! Asuka survives and Nikki is furious! Nikki drags Asuka up, but Asuka wrenches out, TAKEDOWN into the RINGS OF SATURN!! Nikki grins but she verbally quits, Asuka wins!
Winner: Asuka, by submission
Even Bianca applauds that win, and then she joins Asuka in the ring. Fans fire up seeing champion and challenger stare down, and Bianca holds up the title. Fans cheer as they both point to the WrestleMania sign, but then Asuka spits up the blue liquid! Only Asuka is smiling now. Is Bianca not going to be ready for Asuka when they meet on the Grandest Stage of Them All?
Backstage interview with Carmella.
Cathy brings up how Asuka is the one going to challenge Bianca, has the Fabulous Princess given any thought to her own Road to WrestleMania? Mella says Elimination Chamber was just two days ago, okay? So no, she hasn’t thought up a whole new game plan in just 48 hours. But what she has thought of is Asuka. “That little freak thinks she can mess with the Moonwalking, Trash-talking Princess of Staten Island? I don’t think so. So I’m about to make Bianca’s Road to WrestleMania super easy when I return one hell of a receipt to Asuka. Because Mella, is, money!” Mella heads out, and then Cathy spots Seth Rollins.
Rollins seems in a good mood considering everything that happened with Logan Paul. Does he care to comment? “Two times now, Logan Paul has ruined my WrestleMania plans. And he thinks this is a game, he wants to hit me with my own move, he wants to get on social media and call me a clown! HAHAHAHAHA! Well, Logan! Joke’s on you. See, Logan may not be very familiar with a certain side of me, but anyone who has gotten in my way knows that side all too well. I’m going to find Logan Paul, and I’m going to hurt Logan Paul.” But since Logan isn’t here, the man who wants to take credit for Logan’s success, The Miz, seems like the perfect surrogate for the suffering.
Rollins laughs his way to gorilla, will he be the only one laughing after he burns it down?
MVP speaks.
“Brock Lesnar. You, sir, are a coward. You realized that you couldn’t escape Bobby Lashley’s Hurt Lock, so you got yourself disqualified at the Elimination Chamber.” Omos is there with MVP, and MVP says the Nigerian Giant is issuing a challenge to face Lesnar at WrestleMania! Lesnar can show up next week to officially accept, “if you have the intestinal fortitude.” Will the Beast have more than enough courage to come back and conquer Omos?
Seth Rollins VS The Miz!
The Visionary was perhaps goaded into insulting Logan Paul by the Hollywood A-Lister, but will he add insult to injury when he takes out the man who brought the ImPAULsive Influencer to the WWE? Or will The Miz hit his shot like he technically did at the NBA Celebrity Game?
The bell rings while fans sing “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Rollins then CLOBBERS Miz! And fires off in the corner! The ref counts, Rollins lets off with stomps, and Miz bails out. Fans fire up as Rollins goes out the side and storms up, but Miz kicks low! Rollins blocks the desk bump to SMACK Miz off the desk! And then Rollins THROWS Miz into barriers! Fans fire up while the ring count climbs. Rollins puts Miz in at 5 of 10 and he slides in. Fans sing more as Rollins stands on Miz’s back. Rollins fishhooks Miz and then hits crossface forearms! Miz crawls away, Rollins runs in and clotheslines Miz up and out!
Fans fire up more as Rollins builds speed! Rollins WRECKS Miz and Miz goes flying over the desk! Fans fire up as Miz crawls out from the armchairs. Rollins storms up, Miz hurries into the ring and uses the ref as a shield! Kick to the legs, BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO! Miz is in control now as Raw goes picture in picture.
Rollins bails out, Miz catches his breath, and then Miz runs to WRECK Rollins! Rollins hits barriers, Miz mocks the fans singing, and Miz drags Rollins back up. Miz puts Rollins in, climbs a corner, and Miz leaps to AX HANDLE! Cover, TWO! Miz keeps cool but the fans keep singing. Rollins stands up while Miz tells fans to shut up. Rollins ROCKS Miz with haymakers! And CHOPS! Rollins whips, Miz reverses and kitchen sink knees! Then Miz runs to BASEMENT BOOT! Cover, TWO! Miz JAMS his knee into Rollins’ back and pulls on the arms. Rollins endures the stretch and fights up to his feet to turn things around on Miz!
Rollins stretches Miz but Miz turns things around onto Rollins. Miz even digs his boot into Rollins’ back to add onto the stretch. Rollins still fights back up, throws elbows, then swings, into the BACKBREAKER and NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Miz’s A-List Combination wasn’t enough, but he CHOKES Rollins on the ropes! The ref counts, Miz runs side to side to STRADDLE ATTACK! Miz paces around Rollins with a smirk, and Raw returns to single picture. Miz points to Rollins, fans cheer. Miz holds up his hands for himself, the fans boo. Miz verifies that by doing it all again, and yes, fans cheer Rollins and boo Miz.
Rollins stands, he throws body shots, and then he throws haymakers! Rollins CHOPS, runs, but Miz kitchen sink- ROLL-UP! TWO!! Rollins CHOPS again, and again, then whips! Miz reverses and Rollins hits buckles hard! Miz KICKS Rollins but fans taunt him with “TINY BALLS!” Miz KICKS more, then goes to the far corner. Fans boo, Miz runs in, but into a LARIAT! Fans fire up while both men are down! Fans sing again, Miz crawls to ropes and stands up. Miz swings, but Rollins counter punches him! And again! Rollins ROCKS, CHOPS and repeat on Miz! The ref counts as they end up on ropes, Rollins whips but Miz reverses, only for Rollins to CLOBBER Miz!
Rollins rallies on Miz, mule kicks and front kicks to then ROLLING ELBOW! Fans fire up with Rollins and he drags Miz up. Suplex, but Miz slips free to roll Rollins. Rollins rolls through to SUPERKICK! Fans fire up again and Rollins aims from the corner. Miz avoids the stomp but Rollins kicks low! Underhooks, but Miz trips Rollins! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Sunset flip, TWO! Miz pushes Rollins to a corner, runs in, but into a BOOT! Rollins goes up but Miz trips him, for a DRAPING CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Rollins survive but Miz snarls. Fans taunt Miz more but Miz powers up. Rollins sits up, Miz full nelsons!
Rollins arm-drags free, catches Miz to a back suplex but Miz lands on his feet! Miz ducks ‘n’ dodges, BUSAIKU KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Miz admits Rollins is tough, but the fans still taunt him with “TINY BALLS!” Miz KICKS Rollins in the chest, KICKS him again, then KICKS again and again and again! Fans chant “NO! NO! NO!” but Miz reminds Rollins that Miz cost him the title. Rollins blocks the kick! ROLLING ELBOW! Rollins keeps Miz from falling over, and he fires off forearm after forearm! Then the turn, for the DREAM SMASHER ELBOW! And CURB STOMP!! Fans fire up because Rollins isn’t done there!
Rollins fires up and the fans are with him! Rollins tells “Mike” to sit up, Miz does sit up, CURB STOMP!! But Rollins still isn’t done, and many fans want that “ONE MORE TIME!” Rollins agrees, and this is the viciousness he mentioned earlier. The ref tells Rollins no, Miz is done. Rollins STILL CURB STOMPS Miz!!! The ref calls it, Rollins wins!!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by referee stoppage
The Miz was knocked out cold by Rollins’ burning anger! Fans sing for the Visionary, will Rollins make sure to “introduce” Logan Paul to this side?
Carmella talks with Adam Pearce.
She appreciates him taking the time since she knows he’s super busy. He wants to thank her for the positive attitude, it is refreshing. So if Mella wants to face Asuka next week, he’ll make that match. In fact, it is official. Mella thanks “honey bunny” Pearce, then she heads out. But then someone calls Pearce. It’s Chelsea Green. She knows he knows who she is, but she wants to let him know that their “awful talent relations department” seems to have sent her to Ottawa, Illinois instead of Ottawa, Canada. How did this happen? On second thought, don’t answer that. How are they going to make this up to her?
Pearce apologizes, but next week, WWE will be in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in the US. So he will call the travel department and get this figured out. Chelsea can’t just be left here! She goes on and on but Pearce says he can’t hear her. Technical difficulties or something. Okay, see you next week. Pearce hangs up and walks on, to find The Alpha Academy posing in front of a mirror. Chad Gable wonders what “those clowns” in Maximum Male Models are missing about his look. He’s got great complexion, great physical condition. Any idiot can do modeling! But then Bronson Reed walks up. “Is this how you prepare for a match?”
Gable tells Bronson that not only is Gable a bonafide Olympian and a man with “a big, beautiful golden brain,” but Gable is also on the cusp of a very lucrative modeling career. Then get ready to model a full body cast! Otis says no one talks to Master Chad like that. Bronson chuckles and heads out. Will the Colossal Aussie crush Gable’s modeling hopes ‘n’ dreams with one Tsunami?
DING DONG, HELLO~!
Bayley returns to Raw and she’s brought her friends in Damage CTRL, Dakota Kai & Iyo Sky! Bayley says hello and welcomes us to her show. She could’ve called it, “Ding Dong, Bonjour,” but she takes that back cuz these fans are booing. But since we’re in Canada, she didn’t wanna come and could’ve stayed home to sulk over not getting into the Elimination Chamber match like she deserves. But since in Canada, today is Family Day, Bayley decided to pick herself up and spend today with her family, DMG CTRL! Bayley hugs Kai & Sky and says they know how much she loves them. “But these idiots don’t know how to love you! these idiots don’t love you the way that I do!”
Bayley says Kai & Sky are so underappreciated, so that’s why she has them on her show. So to the questions! First, Dakota. “How does it feel to be the greatest Women’s Tag Team Champions of all time?” Kai says that is an amazing question, and she says she and Sky wouldn’t be here without Bayley, their “fearless leader” and beloved Role Model. That is why Kai & Sky have completely dominated for over 100 days! They’ve been on every show, beaten the likes of Alexa Bliss, Asuka, Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, and even The Man, Becky Lynch. And they will dominate for another 100, and another 100, and-
WAIT! Here comes The Man! Ottawa just entered the Big Time, but Bayley is upset Becky is interrupting her show! Becky says “Greatest tag team champions, she calls them. It’s been nine full moons cycles since the last time you defended those titles! No, no, no, no. Those titles are getting dusty! There’s cobwebs in them titles! There’s probably some spiders living in there. You two, you’re not gonna get to just sit on those titles and coast to WrestleMania.” Becky has a plan: she wants to take those titles into WrestleMania! Fans fire up for that, but DMG CTRL laughs. Becky is a joker. With who? Her daughter? HA! Becky’s got no friends!
Becky says she’s not sure her daughter is ready for this level of awesomeness, but there is someone Becky is thinking of. LITA!! Fans fire up as the legend returns again! DMG CTRL freaks out as Becky & Lita head to the ring! Bayley refuses to let them interrupt her show, unless they use the door! Lita knocks, but then Bayley says they’re not welcome. Becky still steps through. What’s Lita even doing here? Becky must be desperate if she’s bringing her around! But fans chant for Lita nice and loud! Bayley waits for them to calm down, and asks Lita if she remembers the last time they were in the ring together. They tried to end each other! Can they even trust each other?
Becky tells Bayley not to even try that, she already apologized to Lita. Becky admits she gets a bit “Gollum-y” when titles are concerned. Lita says Gollum is kinda cute in a goofy way. But they’re both past all that. But Bayley has a good point: Lita has her eyes set on a fifth title run. But if Lita can’t get that title against Becky, she likes the idea of walking into Mania as a tag team champ. Fans like that, too! Lita tells Kai & Sky, “This is an official challenge for a tag team title match!” Bayley says those two are not even CLOSE to being worthy against two of the best.
Well, Lita is a Hall of Famer and a four-time champion while Becky won the first women’s main event at Mania. They’re two of the greatest ever, that’s enough! And maybe, if Kai & Sky are the greatest, they should want to prove it. So what’s the problem here? They are the greatest! Then they should defend the titles, right? Unless… Are they scared? Are they? Bayley says they’re not scared, Kai & Sky accept!! But then Kai & Sky ask Bayley what she’s doing! Bayley says it’ll be fine, but then Becky & Lita literally snatch the belts away! Fans fire up as Becky and Lita say they’re the future champs!
Bayley steps up, the titles are thrown at her! DMG CTRL is literally on their heels, and Bayley might’ve just bitten off more than the team can chew! Will Lita & Becky make WrestleMania in Hollywood even bigger?
Backstage interview with Candice LeRae.
Byron says coming out of Elimination Chamber, do we have an injury update on her husband, Johnny Gargano? Candice says Johnny got pretty banged up, and the Chamber is definitely one of the most brutal matches in the WWE. But she assures us that… Wait, Nikki walks over. Candice won’t let her stalk her anymore, and she wants to know why. Nikki tries to squirrel away, but Candice keeps her there. Candice says she has a match against Piper Niven to worry about, she can’t focus on that and Nikki always popping up. Just tell her why! Nikki is sheepish, mumbles something, but then she runs off.
Candice is confused, but what did Nikki say? That all her friends are gone and she’s alone. Candice gets back to Johnny. Johnny will be back, but she has to go. Was Nikki just wanting to be Candice’s friend this whole time?
Bronson Reed VS Chad Gable w/ Otis!
It took just about everyone else in the Men’s Elimination Chamber to eliminate the Colossal Aussie, will even the big brain of “Master Gable” fail to stop him? Or will Gable have a plan for avoiding the Tsunami?
Raw returns and Bronson makes his entrance. The bell rings, Gable shoots around to headlock but Bronson powers out and CLOBBERS Gable! Gable flounders out of the ring, Otis coaches him, but Bronson goes to the apron. FLYING SHOULDER! Otis coaches Gable more but Bronson stares him down. Fans fire up for these mirror images staring down, but Bronson puts Gable in the ring. Bronson bumps Gable off buckles, CLOBBERS him, then looms over him. Bronson drags Gable back up, whips him to a corner hard, and Gable bounces off buckles! Bronson then goes up as Gable stands, for a FLYING- NO! ANKLE LOCK!!
Gable has Bronson’s leg, Bronson rolls and BOOTS him away! Gable fires off forearm sand uppercuts and knees! Gable CHOPS, runs, but Bronson reels him in to CLUB him! Bronson back suplexes, Gable lands on his feet to waistlock, and he manages to lift Bronson!? Bronson elbows free, Gable runs and Gable runs Bronson over! Bronson goes up top, to DIVING HEADBUTT! Cover, ONE!! Bronson is still in this, but Gable runs, into a LARIAT! Otis looks and sees Maxxine Dupri in the crowd. Maxxine waves hi, but Bronson gets Gable up! Gable slips out of the bomb to ROCK Bronson with a forearm!
Gable staggers to a corner, Bronson runs in but Gable dodges! GERMAN SUPLEX?!?! Bridging cover, TWO!!! Fans fire up as Bronson bails out,. Otis talks with Maxxine about the modeling but Gable tries to get his attention. Bronson returns to SPLASH Gable in the corner! Whip and POWERSLAM! Bronson drags Gable to the drop zone, goes up top, TSUNAMI!!! Cover, Bronson wins!
Winner: Bronson Reed, by pinfall
Otis realizes he just missed the natural disaster that demolished his coach! Will Maxxine sign “Otīs” to her stable when the Alpha Academy crumbles to the ground?
Ladies and gentlemen: Elias.
The Drifter is here and he has the mic to say, “Hello, I am Elias. Rick Boogs, I hope you’re back there taking notes right now, because this is how you do it.” Boogs is watching, and he IS taking notes! Elias says, “This is the time of the year that legends come out. This is the time of the year when stars are made. And lemme tell ya, there are no bigger stars than Elias. There’s no bigger legend than Elias. And so the question that has to be on everybody’s mind right now, and Boogs, you better be back there taking notes, is this: Who wants to Walk With Elias at WrestleMania?” Ottawa seems pretty fired up.
Elias wants someone to show up to stand center stage on the Grandest Stage with the Grandest Performer! But wait, here comes BOBBY LASHLEY! Elias didn’t expect the All Mighty but he gets ready for him! Lashley runs in to SPINEBUSTER Elias! Elias bails but Lashley pursues! Lashley hauls Elias up to RAM him into barriers! And then he fireman’s carries, to POST Elias! Ottawa fires up as Lashley drags Elias up again, puts him in the ring, and then SPEARS!! But Lashley isn’t done, he clamps on the HURT LOCK!! Elias taps but that won’t save him! Lashley TOSSES Elias away, then gets the mic.
“Everybody has a plan until I slap that Hurt Lock in. This past weekend, I put Brock Lesnar in the Hurt Lock. And Brock Lesnar panicked, and he had to resort to a low blow. Not Brock Lesnar, not Bray Wyatt, not Elias, nobody in that locker room breaks the Hurt Lock. So know I will not be disrespected by nobody in this locker room. If you disrespect me, I will put you down.” The All Mighty has spoken! Will all fall before him? Is Boogs taking notes on what not to do with an Open Challenge?
Backstage interview with Edge.
Byron congratulates the Rated R Superstar on the win he and Beth Phoenix got over Finn Balor & Rhea Ripley on Saturday. But no rest for the weary, as Edge accepted Theory’s Open Challenge. How is he feeling just moments away from this huge match? Edge is happy to put Judgment Day behind him, Beth is happy at home with their daughters, and Edge finally feels like he can get to the goals he set for himself. So when Theory issued an open challenge, Edge just had to take him up on it.
“See, Austin Theory has the physical abilities to help shape the WWE for the next two decades, just like how I helped shape the last three. But does he have the mental? That’s where our similarities end. The thing with youth is sometimes, it comes with ignorance. He talks about his Forever Reign, but nothing lasts forever. And I don’t wanna be that guy, but I’m about to be that guy. And cliches are cliches for a reason because they’re true. With age comes wisdom. More than anyone else in that locker room, I know that all of this can be taken away faster than I’m gonna smack that stupid duck face off his overly manscaped head tonight.
“Now, I haven’t held a championship here in a long time. I’ve done everything else there is to do in this business, but I haven’t held a title in a while. And we both know that window is closing more and more every day, I’m running outta time. My second match in this company was here, in 1997. I haven’t performed here in 19 years. So it’d feel pretty damn good to win it here, and walk into WrestleMania as the United States Champion. Now I know I’ve had a lot of cliches on me, Byron, but here’s one of them: Never say never.” Edge heads out, will he once again reign on this day?
WWE United States Champion: Austin Theory VS Edge!
Raw returns and Edge makes his entrance. Introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if The Now loses to the past!
The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally for Edge, he and Theory tie up, and Edge headlocks, spins, hammerlocks and trips Theory! Theory scrambles away in a huff and fans fire up for Edge again. Edge and Theory circle, tie up, and Theory headlocks. Edge powers out, hurdles, and hurdles! Fans chant “You Still Got It!” as Edge trips Theory, drags him out, and wheelbarrow SLAMS him to the floor! Edge keeps the ring count fresh as fans rally up again. Edge drags Theory up, SMACKS him off the desk, then puts him back in the ring. Theory checks his face, Edge brings him up to a headlock.
Theory powers out, hurdles, hurdles, but Edge faked him out on that one! RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover, TWO! Edge keeps focus as he watches Theory clutch his neck. Edge stalks Theory to ropes and Raw goes picture in picture.
Edge bumps Theory off buckles, throws haymakers, then whips corner to corner hard! Theory bounces off buckles and falls, clutching his back. Edge drags Theory back up, to DECK him with a forearm! Theory flounders to a corner, Edge brings him up, but Theory throws hands! Theory backs Edge up, throws hands, bumps him off buckles and RAMS into him again and again! Theory tells fans to shut up, then he brings Edge back up. Theory puts Edge on ropes to fire forearms into the back! The ref counts, Theory lets off, and Edge falls tot he apron. Theory kicks Edge to the floor, then goes out after him.
Theory aims but Edge blocks the barrier bump. Edge SMACKS Theory off the barriers instead! Fans fire up as Edge follows Theory, but Theory kicks back! Edge hits back to SMACK Theory off the barriers! Edge refreshes the ring count, and RAMS Theory into barriers! Edge puts Theory in the ring, stalks him, and stomps away on him. Edge drags Theory up, whips him to ropes, but Theory kicks back! Theory runs in, but Edge tosses him up and out! Theory crashes off the apron and hits the floor! Edge goes out after Theory and brings him up for haymakers. Theory staggers, Edge pushes him back into the ring and covers, TWO!
Edge clamps right onto an arm! Theory endures the armlock, Raw returns to single picture, and Theory fights up. Theory kicks low, throws hands, and stomps away in the corner! The ref counts, Theory whips Edge corner to corner, but Edge slides out! Theory rushes out but Edge slides back in. Theory slides back in but Edge slides back out. Theory grows frustrated, he chases Edge around the ring, but Edge hits a back drop to the floor! Fans fire up as Edge gets on the apron, and FLYING LARIATS! Down goes Theory and fans fire up again! Edge puts Theory in at 6 of 10, covers, TWO! Edge wraps on a chinlock and grinds Theory down.
Theory fights up, throws hands to get free, and he LARIATS Edge! Fans boo but Theory rains down fists! Theory lets off to soak up the heat and Edge sits up. Theory stomps Edge, bumps him off buckles, then whips him corner to corner hard! Theory runs in to clothesline, then he scoops to FALL AWAY SLAM! Theory covers, TWO! Theory wraps on a chinlock and grinds Edge down. Fans rally as Edge endures but Theory says this is HIS time. Edge fights up and pries at the hold, but Theory throws him down by his head! Cover, TWO! Theory clamps the chinlock back on and he grinds Edge back down.
Edge still endures, Theory says he grew up watching Edge and now he’ll beat Edge! But Edge fights up again, fans fire up, and Edge throws body shots! Edge ROCKS Theory, ROCKS him again, then whips Theory to a corner. Edge runs in, but Theory drop toeholds him into buckles! Then somersault SHOTGUN! Cover, TWO! Theory grows frustrated but he rains down fists as Raw goes back to picture in picture.
Theory lets off on Edge, soaks up the heat from Ottawa as he mocks Edge’s rock ‘n’ roll hands, then TOSSES Edge out of the ring. Theory flexes while Edge is down on the floor. Theory grins, goes out after Edge, and he stands Edge up, only for Edge to avoid the chop! Edge turns things around and he CHOPS Theory! Theory is stinging but the fans fire up, only for Theory to POST Edge! Edge gets in the ring but Theory is right after him to cover, TWO! Theory sits Edge up, clamps on an armlock and grinds forearms into Edge’s face. Edge endures, fights up, and he pries the forearm away, only for Theory to knee low!
Theory snap suplexes Edge, covers, TWO! Theory smiles and taunts the fans. Theory talks trash about how HE is the champ, HE is The Now, and Edge is the past. Theory drags Edge up, ROCKS him with a haymaker, then pushes him around. Theory throws more hands, he DECKS Edge, then cocky covers, TWO! Theory stomps Edge down, then paces around. Raw returns to single picture and Theory stomps Edge more! “Show me something!” Fans boo but Theory drags Edge up. Theory tells fans to shut up, and he goes to suplex. Edge blocks, fans fire up, and Edge throws body shots! Theory ROCKS Edge again, then RAMS him into a corner!
Theory hoists Edge up top, throws more hands, then climbs up after him. Theory stands Edge up, but Edge blocks the superplex! Edge throws body shots, and SUPER GOURD BUSTERS Theory down! Edge then adjusts, to CROSSBODY from behind! Both men are down after what was almost a flying bulldog! Edge crawls to ropes, as does Theory. Fans rally up for Edge, he shakes out the cobwebs and sees Theory stand. Theory staggers up, into a LARIAT! Edge rallies and then FLAPJACKS! Theory swings, into the EDGE-O-MATIC! Cover, TWO! Theory survives but Edge drags him back up and reels him in!
Theory blocks the lift, throws body shots, then swings and ELBOWS! Theory fisherman’s a leg, but Edge fights that off! Edge suplexes Theory but Theory lands on the apron! Theory CLUBS then HOTSHOTS Edge! Slingshot somersault, but into a POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Theory survives again but Edge keeps his cool. Fans rally up again as Edge goes to a corner! Theory goes to the other side, Edge runs in, but Theory hurdles! Edge POSTS himself, then Theory comes in to MONKEY FLIP! Edge lands on his feet?! Theory swings, into a takedown! CROSSFACE!! Theory endures, flails, reaches out, ROPEBREAK!
The fans boo but Edge lets off as Theory survives by a literal foot. Edge storms back up, but Theory trips him! High stack, feet on the ropes! The ref sees that and fans cheer! Theory argues but Edge rolls him up! TWO and Edge hits buckles! Theory fireman’s carries! A-TOWN- NO!! IMPALER!!! Edge crawls to the cover, TWO!!! Theory survives one of Edge’s best and no one can believe it! Theory and Edge stir, fans rally up, “This is Awesome!” Edge grits his teeth, the fans are thunderous, and Edge goes back to the corner. Theory slowly rises but Edge takes aim! Only for FINN BALOR to show up! Edge DECKS Finn! And dodges Theory! Roll-up, TWO!!
The ref doesn’t see Finn GAMANGIRI! Theory fireman’s carries! A-TOWN DOWN!!! Cover, Theory wins!
Winner: Austin Theory, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)
Theory survives Edge thanks to Judgment Day’s front man! But Finn adds on by throwing down fists! Fans boo but The Prince stomps away on Edge! Finn then drags Edge to a drop zone and goes to a corner! Finn climbs up, for COUP DE GRACE!! Finn tells Edge this is far from over, this is just the beginning! Finn goes up again?! The refs tell him now, but Finn hits another COUP DE GRACE!!! And then a THIRD COUP DE GRACE!!! Finn said this was just the beginning, but did he just end the Rated R Superstar’s run in WWE?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw to follow up Elimination Chamber, and great follow-up for Sami Zayn’s part of the Bloodline story. I suppose Kevin Owens not forgiving Sami so easily makes sense, Kevin is good about keeping consistency as a character even as he turns Heel and Face. But somehow, someway, Sami will get Kevin on his side, because Kevin can never truly cut Sami out of his life. And great match from Sami and Corbin. I did like that Pearce was willing to let Sami go after Corbin after Corbin insulted Sami hard. Sami stays strong, and Corbin’s story takes an interesting turn. Maybe he’s going to be “Angry Corbin” like I imagined months ago.
Great promo segment from Cody and Heyman. I love how Heyman is selling that Stunner he got with that neck brace. And Heyman can’t help himself but to make this personal with Cody. Cody warning Roman not to have Heyman talk anymore is great, too, and actually out of the box for a feud with a manager involved. At least, I’ve never seen that. But of course Elias gets beat up daring someone to show up. I also did like that Boogs really was taking notes. Lashley rebounds from the lame finish to his match with Lesnar, but he name-dropped Bray so clearly that will still be the Mania plan.
MVP calling out Lesnar on behalf of Omos (and technically Lashley) was a surprise. Seems like a letdown from what could’ve been Lesnar VS Bray, but maybe we get an unofficial tournament of monsters? Night one: Bray VS Lashley, Lesnar VS Omos. Night two: the winners face off, which I’d assume are Bray and Lesnar. Ali VS Ziggler was rather quick but I think that works into the story they’re building. Ali was rather hilariously sarcastic with how happy he was to win, but I’m thinking this is just the first of many matches.
Asuka VS Nikki was great stuff, and Asuka creeping Bianca out was a nice touch. Nikki then showing up in a very different demeanor during Candice’s segment was interesting. Instead of Candice and Mia as a team, are we getting Candice and Nikki? Carmella had a good segment with Pearce that of course found a way to bring Chelsea Green into it. I suppose it was creative to have Chelsea somehow end up in the wrong Ottawa, though I don’t think she can blame the WWE’s various departments on this one. And I’m thinking Chelsea ends up in another match that should humble her but will only enhance her ego.
Also really fun Ding Dong Hello segment. Bayley gets goaded into something again like when Becky first challenged her to the Steel Cage match. Dakota is still selling bad leg, but she could surely be fine next week. Maybe Becky & Lita win, maybe Kai & Sky retain, but I’m just glad they’re getting the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships going again. Having the title match next week must mean something even bigger is planned for WrestleMania, so I’m sticking to thinking it’ll be a Fatal 4 Way, with contenders from every brand, including NXT since NXT will be in town for Stand & Deliver.
Fun promo from Gable, Otis and Bronson before Gable VS Bronson. Gable managing a German Suplex was awesome, but I figured Bronson would win. And Maxxine continues to court Otis, I’m pretty sure we’ll see Alpha Academy VS MMM happen, but I would also love to see Otis VS Bronson. Those guys are true hosses if I ever did see one. And honestly, it’d be a fitting move if losing to MMM and/or Bronson could be the reason Otis joins MMM and becomes “Otīs.” Not that Alpha Academy hasn’t been fun, but something’s gotta give as they’re just sitting in the midcard right now.
Really good interview promo from Rhea & Dominik, mostly on Rhea’s part. Them going to SmackDown makes sense, especially since there’s a chance the Judgment Day moves to SmackDown full time if Rhea wins the title. Dom will surely try to cost Rey his match against Karrion Kross, and that could be the moment of truth on whether or not Rey gonna whoop his son himself. Good promo from Miz & Maryse to tease something big for Miz’s WrestleMania, and I can’t possibly guess what that is. Great promo from Rollins, great match from Rollins and Miz, especially with Rollins immediately showing us what he means by hitting three Curb Stomps. Rollins is going to go ham on Logan and I’m here for it.
Great promo from Edge before a great main event match with Theory. But between Theory calling out Cena and Finn still wanting to settle things with Edge, of course Edge loses. Theory and Cena are going to have good stuff for WrestleMania, as will Edge and Finn. Edge did make a good point in his promo about running out of time before he has to retire once and for all, but I don’t know if he’ll get a title before then with how the Judgment Day story still isn’t done.
My Score: 8.6/10
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Why, Konosuke, Why?
Another Double or Nothing in the books, and after their betrayal of The Elite, we hear from Don Callis and Konosuke Takeshita!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Six Man Tag: The Blackpool Combat Club VS The Lucha Brothers & Bandido; The BCC wins.
- Triple Threat: Swerve Strickland VS “Big Bill” Morrissey VS Trent Beretta; Swerve wins.
- Orange Cassidy & Darby Allin VS The Gates of Agony w/ Prince Nana; Darby & Cassidy win.
- AEW TBS Championship: Kris Statlander VS Nyla Rose; Kris wins and retains the title.
- Mixed Tag: Chris Jericho & Saraya VS Adam Cole & Britt Baker; Cole & Britt win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Six Man Tag: The Blackpool Combat Club VS The Lucha Brothers & Bandido!
Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta, along with Bryan Danielson, were victorious at Double or Nothing in Anarchy in the Arena II, but they had some help at the end. We’ll hear from dirty Don and turncoat Takeshita later, because right now, the BCC want to unleash #DeathJitsu on the ROH World Tag Team Champions & The Most Wanted! Will the Maniac, the Swiss Superman and the Decoder prove they’re ready for more violence?
Fans are fired up for the Lucha Bros & Bandido but the BCC isn’t amused. The trios sort out but then everyone starts shoving. Then they start brawling! The ref reprimands but the BCC have the luchadores on the ropes. They triple whip but the luchadores all reverse to TRIPLE SUPERKICK! Fans fire up with “CERO! MIEDO!” The luchadores build speed and TRIPLE DIVE into forearms and lariats! Moxley drags Penta out to the floor to throw him at the timekeeper’s area! Wheeler RAMS Bandido into steel steps! Claudio SNAKE EYES Fenix off the railing, then tosses him OVER the railing! Then he goes out after him in the crowd!
Moxley has an ANKLE LOCK on Penta, while Yuta throws Bandido into railing! And then more railing! The ref reprimands, but Moxley runs in, only for Penta to toss him into the crowd! Yuta puts Bandido in the ring, the bell finally sounds, and this is finally a match. Fans cheer as Yuta stomps Bandido and Claudio TOSSES Fenix back to ringside. Yuta drags Bandido up but Bandido throws body shots. Bandido clotheslines in the corner, whips him corner to corner, but Yuta goes up and over. Bandido runs back in but into a scoop SLAM! And Claudio clotheslines Fenix back up and over the railing!
Yuta SENTONS on Bandido, covers, TWO! Yuta scowls but Bryan is at least impressed with Yuta using a “fundamentally sound” cover. Yuta drags Bandido up, suplexes, but Bandido blocks! Fans rally up, Bandido suplexes Yuta! And holds him up! Uno! Dos! Tress! But then Mox rushes in! Fenix SUPERKICKS him first! Penta sees Claudio and SUPERKICKS him first! Then they SUPERKICK again! Bandido goes past TWENTY, and then the Lucha Brothers each grab Moxley and Claudio to hammerlock arms. DOUBLE SACRIFICE ARMBARS!! Bandido makes it to THIRTY but he isn’t done!!
Bandido makes it to FORTY, and then FIFTY!! Yuta’s head is almost as red as Bandido’s outfit as we get to SIXTY, and the SLAM!! Cover, TWO!?! Yuta survives and Bryan is proud of his student again. But tag to Penta, Fenix goes up, “CERO! MIEDO!” But Yuta slips free, only for Penta to SUPERKICK! TIGHTROPE WALK KICK! But Moxley CUTTERS Penta! Fenix SCREW HIGH KICKS Mox, but Claudio CLOBBERS Fenix! Penta SUPERKICKS, whips, Claudio reverses but Penta goes up and over, BACKSTABBER!! Fans are thunderous and Bryan has to admit, the lucha trio is incredible.
Penta crawls, as does Yuta, hot tag to Bandido! He HOTSHOTS Yuta, springboards but Yuta moves! Bandido FLOPS, then distracts the ref! Claudio & Moxley drag Bandido out to ASSISTED PILEDRIVER to the floor!! Bryan loves it while fans boo, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Yuta snap suplexes Bandido up and over, then drags Bandido back up. He fists bumps Claudio, puts Bandido in the ring, then tags Moxley. Moxley keeps Bandido from the corner with a facelock, but fans rally up. Bandido fights to his feet, only for Moxley to HALF HATCH! Moxley then tags Claudio in, they stomps Bandido, then Claudio grabs an arm to grind it down. Bandido endures, fights to the ROPEBREAK, but Claudio brings him up. Bandido throws body shots but Claudio chinbars to keep him from the corner. Claudio whips and CLOBBERS Bandido, then flexes. Tag to Moxley and the BCC stomp Bandido again.
Moxley gets the legs to stomp Bandido int he stomach. Moxley then turns Bandido with a HALF CRAB! Bandido reaches out, Yuta tries to keep the rope from him but the ref reprimands. Fans rally up, Bandido gets the ROPEBREAK! Moxley lets go to bring Bandido up and he throws knee after knee. Moxley whips, Bandido sunset flips, but Moxley rolls through to KNEE Bandido down! Cover, TWO, but Moxley gets the arms for DRAGON STOMPS! Moxley drags Bandido to a cover, TWO! Moxley grabs an arm to hammerlock it and grind Bandido down. Bandido endures while Dynamite returns to single picture.
Fans rally but Moxley chinbars Bandido into a chinlock. Bandido still endures, but Moxley wraps Bandido arms around for a straitjacket stretch. Bandido still fights up and JAWBREAKERS free! Moxley runs in to clothesline at the corner! And again! Moxley talks trash on Bandido, whips him corner to corner, but Bandido BOOTS him! And UPPERCUTS! And goes up top for a TORNILLO! Direct hit and fans are thunderous! Both Bandido and Moxley crawl, hot tags to Claudio and Fenix! Fenix waistlocks, Claudio fights it and elbows free to then whip. Fenix ducks ‘n’ dodges, tiger feint rewind but Claudio dodges the heel kick!
Fenix still SUPERKICKS! Yuta runs in to BOOT Fenix! Fans foo, but Yuta runs in and only gets the buckles! JUMP SOBAT! Snapmare and tag to Penta! UNO, DOS, TRES! DOUBLE SUPERKICKS!! Claudio returns, Penta dodges and SLINGBLADES! Penta goes to a corner, Claudio runs in but Penta pops him up into a headstand, to SUPERKICK him down! Penta then uses Claudio to victory roll and jump, DDT for Moxley! Claudio LARIATS in return!! Fans fire up again as Claudio stirs. Claudio drags Penta back but Penta kicks him away. Hot tags to Yuta and Bandido! Yuta and Bandido fire forearms back and forth!
The fans are on Bandido’s side but Yuta ROCKS him! Yuta eggs Bandido on, and the forearms go back and forth again! Bryan says Yuta’s technique is the advantage, but Bandido starts using speed! The forearms keep going and the fans fire up! Yuta BITES Bandido’s forehead! Yuta runs, into a DROPKICK! Bandido throws off the shirt and fans are thunderous again! Bandido whips, pops Yuta up, CUTTER!! Bandido goes up, the Lucha Brothers get in. “CERO! MIEDO!” The Lucha Brothers DOUBLE TOPE to take out Mox & Claudio! FROG SPLASH for Bandido! Cover, TWO!!! Bryan says this is what he was talking about!
Fans boo but Bandido drags Yuta up to gut wrench and Canadian Rack. Torture rack to KNEE STRIKE! Bandido has Yuta on the ropes, he runs, but Moxley anchors Yuta out of the 21 Plex! The ref reprimands, Penta ENZIGURIS Moxley! Yuta sends Bandido to ropes, Claudio UPPERCUTS Bandido! Yuta BUSAIKU KNEES, to the HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS!!! Bryan calls ever shot, and then Yuta shifts into the SEATBELT! The BCC wins!
Winner: The Blackpool Combat Club, by pinfall
Bryan celebrates with his guys, though the fans aren’t as happy about it. Will the BCC soon look to take over AEW one division at a time?
Backstage interview with The Elite.
Alex Marvez is with Hangman Page and the Young Bucks while Matt Jackson is having his foot taped up. Anarchy in the Arena II was perhaps one of the most brutal matches in AEW history, what is the status of Matt and the rest of the team three days later? Matt says a long time ago, he told Hangman that he brings out the good in them. Safe to say, after Sunday, the BCC bring out the worst in them. Never thought the day would come where Matt would try to melt the face of another man with an explosive sneaker, and alas, here we are.
Nick, a big bandage on his forehead, recounts Hangman saying that they are the heart, the soul and the spirit of AEW. Not one setback is gonna keep them down! Hangman says they are still standing, still swinging, and still breathing! To be a group that prides themselves on being the best, the BCC sure love to use numbers. But the truth is- Wait, in walks the Dark Order. They tell Hangman, “Good to see you.” Oh, did Matt hurt his foot? Silver says Hangman is with his new-old best friends, they should probably just go. Sorry about that. Hangman wants to respond to that, but Marvez has one more question.
It has been said, rumored, that Kenny Omega has left the country and gone home to Canada based on everything that’s happened the last few weeks. Any word on that? Hangman says Kenny is hurt, he is pissed, and yes he is out of the country, but he’s not in Canada. Hangman excuses himself to chase after The Dark Order, what is the status of that friendship? What is the status of The Cleaner after further betrayal by men he once called friends?
Tony Schiavone is in the ring.
Double or Nothing is in the rearview mirror, and he welcomes out two men who were very active that night, Jay White & Juice Robinson, Bullet Club Gold! The Switchblade & Rock Hard make their way out, and White says the money’s here! Schiavone says their issue with Ricky Starks seems never ending. They get in close and he says they attacked Starks backstage! White starts by saying that Double or Nothing was a great night. Fans cheer and White applauds, too. But White bets Starks feels he’s on top of the world after he eliminated Jay & Juice from the battle royal.
But as a reminder to everyone, especially to Ricky Starks, he’s not the International Champion. he lost that battle royal just like he lost to White. And Juice says that brings them to FTR! BCG wants to know, WHY, Dax & Cash, did you come to the aid of “sweet boy” Ricky? It doesn’t make sense! There’s no way FTR are friends with Ricky Starks, because we all know Ricky Starks ain’t got no friends! White says we also know FTR are “a couple of Southern boys,” so maybe they’re a little bit slow. And they look dumb, too, have you seen them? You heard them talk? They sound pretty dumb, too!
White just didn’t actually think they were dumb enough to get in the Bang Bang Gang’s business! But wait, here comes FTR! Dax & Cash are still AEW World Tag Team Champions after Mark Briscoe saw who were his real friends on Sunday night. The champs get in the ring but White uses Schiavone as a shield. Seems FTR are that dumb. Juice says keep this cordial. This isn’t them being dumb, they’re here to apologize! White isn’t so sure, but maybe Juice is on to something. Maybe they’re also here because they wanna join BULLET CLUB GOLD~! Yeah? Huh? White says FTR are ready to be some Gold members!
So do they wanna join the top shelf gunslingers? Top Shelf Top Guys! If they wanted to join, all they had to do was ask. Just make sure you do it politely. White holds out the mic to Dax, then drops it as he reaches out. Fans boo and Dax glares at White. But then Juice sucker punches Dax! FISTFUL O’ SILVER DOLLARS!! Cash TACKLES Juice, but White goes after Cash! The BCG mug Cash while Dax writhes, clutching his jaw! Juice drags Dax up, JUICE IS LOOSE!! “Take that!” White gets Cash for a BLADERUNNER!! “That’s what you get!!” But here comes Starks! Starks runs BCG off and grabs the mic.
“Hey you two cowards! I’m sick of you two every single week! So how about this? You keep that jabroni ass freak in the back, and you and me, Jay, we finish it next week on Dynamite! YOU PUNK ASS B*TCH!!” The Absolute throws out the ultimatum, will he and King Switch finally put an end to this?
Tony Khan has an announcement for AEW Collision.
“It’s great to be here tonight in San Diego. The last few weeks, we made some announcements regarding the debut of AEW Saturday Night Collision, starting June 17th at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. I’m here tonight to give you a little more information about the debut of AEW Collision. I’m here to announce that AEW Collision, beginning June 17th, will feature… CM Punk!” Fans go wild hearing that! The Best in the World, the polarizing Plus Delta of AEW, is making his return in his hometown! What kind of collision are we going to say for that debut episode?
Triple Threat: Swerve Strickland VS “Big Bill” Morrissey VS Trent Beretta!
The Blackjack Battle Royal was a bust for everyone hoping to take the title off Orange Cassidy, but there was a lot of beef between these three men during all the chaos. Who scores a much easier win under 33% odds versus the one in 21?
The bell rings and Swerve bails out so Bill can’t get him. Fans boo but then Bill turns his attention to Trent. Fans fire up and Bill storms up on Trent. Trent slips away to not be cornered, then he CHOPS Bill! Bill scowls and dusts himself off. Bill storms up again, Trent slips away again and headlocks. Bill powers up but Trent holds on. Bill powers out, Trent ducks ‘n’ dodges and DIVES onto Swerve on the outside! Fans fire up as Trent puts Swerve in the ring saying “You’re turn!” He wants Bill to get at Swerve and Bill’s fine with that. Swerve wants Bill to hold on, but then he swings on Bill!
Bill blocks the punch, so Swerve kicks a leg. Swerve goes to whip but Bill blocks that, too! Bill whips, Swerve goes up and around and BOOTS Bill! Trent returns to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Bill just choke grips back! Bill BOOTS Swerve, then shoves Trent to a corner. Bill SPLASHES Swerve, SPLASHES Trent, and repeat! Bill clotheslines Swerve up and out! Trent ducks ‘n’ dodges but Bill FLAPJACKS Trent then BOOTS him down! Fans fire up with Bill while Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Bill watches as Trent crawls back in. Bill kicks Trent, drags him up, and CLUBS him back down. Bill then steps out to go after Swerve. Fans fire up as Bill stalks Swerve around the way, then UPPERCUTS him! Swerve CHOPS, Bill TOSSES him to the ramp! Swerve writhes, Trent goes out after Bill and throws body shots. Bill ROCKS Trent with a haymaker! Then he SMACKS Trent off the steps! Trent falls and Bill soaks up the cheers and jeers. Bill stalks Swerve on the ramp, drags him up, and brings him around to SMACK him off the apron! And then CHOPS him against the apron! Swerve sputters and drops to his knees.
Bill gives a toying kick to Swerve, but Swerve comes back with a CHOP! Bill ROCKS Swerve with a right hand! Bill then kicks Trent down. Bill soaks up the cheers and jeers as he brings Swerve around the way, to scoop, but Swerve lips off! Swerve POSTS Bill, Trent SPEARS Bill! Fans fire up but then Swerve RAMS Trent into the railing! Swerve puts Trent on the apron, goes up after him, and fireman’s carries. Trent fights free, but Swerve CHOPS him! Trent ROCKS Swerve! Swerve ROCKS Trent and Dynamite returns to single picture, right as Trent ROCKS Swerve! Swerve ROCKS Trent back so the shots keep going!
Fans fire up but Swerve knees low! Swerve fireman’s carries, Trent slips off again, but Swerve fights the half nelson! Swerve throws elbows, Bill gets in the ring and runs that way, Trent pulls Swerve into the path of the BOOT! Down goes Swerve, then Trent SHOTGUNS Bill off the apron! Fans fire up as Trent goes up a corner, to ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Down goes Bill! Fans fire up with Trent but now Swerve goes up to BOOT from the apron! Swerve drags Trent up, puts him in the ring, and fans rally up. Trent is in a drop zone, Swerve goes up the corner. But Bill choke grips him! Swerve fights the arm but Bill CHOPS him!
Bill climbs up to join Swerve, choke grips again, but Trent hits Bill low! Trent climbs up, but Bill grabs him, too! But then both Trent & Swerve throat chop! Fans boo, but Trent & Swerve work together to DOUBLE SUPERPLEX Bill!! All three men are down and fans are thunderous! Bill goes to a corner, Swerve and Trent throw forearms again! They go back and forth, Swerve throws body shot after body shot! Swerve runs, but Trent gets around, HALF ‘N’ HALF! Swerve tumbles out, Trent builds speed, but Bill scoops! BIG BOSS MAN SLAM!!! Cover, Swerve HOUSE CALLS! Cover on Bill, TWO?!?!
Bill survives but Swerve rolls to COMPLETE SHOT Trent! Trent sits up, Swerve goes up, KILL- NO, Trent avoids the stomps! To BUSAIKU KNEE!! Trent reels Swerve in, PILEDRIVER!! Cover, BILL BREAKS IT! Bill stalks Trent to the apron and fans fire up. Bill drags Trent up but Trent CHOPS! Bill doesn’t budge, so Trent CHOPS again! Bill clamps onto Trent’s throat, CHOKE SLAM into the ring! But Swerve APRON KILL STOMPS Bill!!! And then roll-up on Trent, Swerve wins!!
Winner: Swerve Strickland, by pinfall
The Mogul takes advantage and gets a huge win! Will Swerve soon be aiming for another title shot?
Kris Statlander speaks.
“Today’s date is May 28th, 2023. It’s the PPV, Double or Nothing, in Las Vegas, Nevada, and I am officially cleared. I am your NEW TBS Champion. It’s been a long time coming, and this whole time, I was never really sure if I deserved it. Not sure if I was someone deserving of this moment. It just really shows me how much not only does this place mean to me, but how much I mean to AEW. It’s just so nice to physically hold something to feel like you deserve it for once. Not only am I gonna prove to everyone that they were right, but I’m gonna prove to myself that this is my time. And I’m gonna have the best damn title reign anyone’s ever seen.” But she’s already putting the title on the line, will her time be short?
Renee Paquette is on stage.
“Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome The Acclaimed & Daddy Ass.” Max Caster, Anthony Bowens & Billy Gunn are here, and Renee says that unfortunately, thing didn’t go their way in that AEW World Trios Championship match. They asked for this time, so the floor is theirs. Billy says Renee is right, things did not go quite the way they’d planned. But that’s okay! Because anyone can get beat at any given time. Billy’s biggest regret is that he let his guys down. Caster says that Billy shouldn’t blame himself. They win as a team and lose as a team. They won a lot as a trio, undefeated until facing House of Black.
And see, Caster is the best wrestler alive, Bowens is the Five Tool Player, and Billy is the legend! They ARE The Acclaimed, they are the People’s Choice. Bowens says that is right. And their goal remains the same. A few months ago, Acclaimed were screwed outta tag team gold. Fans boo that, but the Acclaimed want gold back! “And this man, this legend, after over 30 YEARS of giving his all to the business, of giving his all to each and every one of you, giving his all to us, this man deserves to hold gold one more time!” Fans love the sound of that! They chant for “DADDY ASS! DADDY ASS!”
Bowens says do not worry about it, Billy, because EVERYONE loves The Acclaimed! So the goal remains the same, and the three SCISSOR FINGER~! Will they cut down the House of Black one way or another? Or will the House always win?
Tony Schiavone is back in the ring.
The bile rises in his throat as he has to say these names. “Here comes… Don Callis! And… Konosuke Takeshita.” Fans boo as Callis & Takeshita walk their way out to no music, but with highlights of Callis helping the BCC cheat the Elite. Callis & Takeshita go to the ring to join Schiavone, and Schiavone says, “Sunday night, Double or Nothing, not so sure. We talked to Bryan Danielson, whose side are you on? Whose side are you with? One thing we know for sure, you apparently have yourself a new protégé.” Callis grins but fans boo, and Callis says he sincerely hopes that such boos are for Kenny Omega! No, they’re for Callis.
Callis continues to say he is the REAL victim here! He has done everything for Kenny Omega! The booing gets louder! And they’re even flipping Callis off! Callis says Kenny only had what he had because of Callis! The AEW World Championship? All Callis! Kenny chose his friends. Every morning, Callis has to get up and look at the scar on his head! 23 stitches! And Callis blames it all on Kenny! Kenny destroyed Callis’ family! And maybe Callis lost a nephew, but he gained a son in Konosuke Takeshita! Fans chant “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” but Callis says Takeshita is the best athlete he has ever seen in wrestling! 6’3″, 240 pounds, and you know who he’s better than?
Konosuke is better than Rikidōzan! Better than Antonio Inoki! Better than Keiji Mutoh! And yes, better than Kazuchika Okada! But you know who else he’s better than? We’ll see it very soon, too! Konosuke is better than Kenny Omega! Konosuke gets the mic to tell everyone Japanese that they’re all stupid! Kenny Omega is nothing! And they all know it! Then in English, “We will destroy the Elite! We will destroy Kenny… Omega!” Callis tells Kenny that he destroyed his family so Callis is building a new one! And that new family will cut the Elite out of All Elite Wrestling! Fans boo as hard as they’ve ever booed before, but will that not stop what Callis is planning for Kenny Omega?
Arn Anderson & Wardlow speak.
The Enforcer says that before Double or Nothing and the ladder match, he cut through all the BS and asked Wardlow one question: What are you willing to do to Christian Cage? Everyone’s giving Arn a bunch of hoopla about biting that giant lizard’s thumb. But Wardlow got manhandled, and when you snatch Arn by the neck, what you think’s gonna happen? Wardlow says Luchasaurus found out not to get involved with their business. Arn wants to know what Wardlow’s willing to do, and he answered that. There are no more limits! If Luchasaurus wants to be next, Wardlow will be more than happy to finish the job!
Orange Cassidy & Darby Allin VS The Gates of Agony w/ Prince Nana!
Freshly Squeezed is still the AEW International Champion after facing the steepest odds possible, while the Relentless One could not overcome MJF, Sammy Guevara & Jack Perry all at once to become AEW World Champion. But will this unlikely duo keep going against even this daunting duo in front of them?
The teams sort out, but Bishop Kaun shoves Darby off the corner! And Toa Liona goes after Cassidy with clubbing forearms! The bell rings, Kaun keeps after Darby on the outside, and Cassidy just gets his jacket and shirt off. Kaun CHOPS Darby, Liona pushes Cassidy down, then Liona drags Cassidy up to whip corner to corner. Cassidy tumbles up and out, baits Liona in and shoulders into him. Cassidy bumps Liona off buckles, but Liona just glares at him! Liona drags Cassidy up and into the ring to OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Kaun scoops Darby, but Darby slips free to POST Kaun! Darby tags in!
Fans fire up as Darby, bad shoulder all taped up, has the fans behind him. Darby SLAPS, RAMS, and runs, but Liona rushes in! Darby dodges but then runs into a BODY CHECK! Liona roars, fans boo, but Liona drags Darby up. Liona puts Darby in the corner, tags Kaun, and the Gates fire each other up! Kaun whips Liona in but Darby dodges! Darby BOOTS Kaun away, springboards, but Liona POUNCES the Coffin Splash! Kaun drags Cassidy in, GUT BUSTER DROP! Nana, Cage and Swerve return to ringside, they wanna watch this in person. Kaun has Darby up to CHOP him in the corner!
Kaun drags Darby up and over, tags Liona in, and the Gates mug Darby in the corner. Liona paces, the ref reprimands, but Kaun digs his boots into Darby! The fans rally up for Darby but Liona drags him up. Liona smirks, whips Darby to the corner, but Darby BLASTS Kaun! But then Liona SPLASHES Darby int he corner! But Darby boots from below! Liona gets the legs, yanks Darby up but Darby slips to the outside! Darby HOTSHOTS Liona, but Kaun trips Darby to RAM him into the railing! And then apron! And then railing! And then apron! And then a whip into the railing! Liona rushes around the way to CLOBBER Cassidy!
Fans boo but The Mogul Embassy is pleased while Dynamite goes picture in picture. Kaun drags Darby but he’s deadweight. Kaun gets Darby up and into the ring, covers, TWO! Kaun rains down fists on Darby, lets off to soak up the heat, and then he drags Darby back up. Kaun fishhooks the nose but the ref reprimands. Kaun lets go, Darby goes to a corner, but Kaun fires off on him. Darby hits back, but Kaun kicks and whips to then kitchen sink knee! Kaun stands on Darby for a cover, ONE! Kaun drags Darby over, tags in Liona, and the Gates stomp Darby at the ropes. The ref counts, Liona steps off, then drags Darby back up.
Liona scoops Darby, SLAMS him, then SPLASHES! Darby writhes while Liona looms over him. Liona CLUBS Darby in the side, drags him up and pushes him into the corner. Kaun tags in, Darby is in the ropes, and Kaun kicks him to the floor. Kaun taunts Cassidy, then goes out to stomp away on Darby. Darby scrambles into the ring but Kaun is after him. Kaun stands on Darby’s hands to keep him from reaching Cassidy! Kaun stomps the hands, puts him in the Gates’ corner, then CHOPS him! Darby sputters, drops to a knee, and Kaun taunts Cassidy. Fans rally as Dynamite returns to single picture.
Kaun puts Darby up on the top rope, climbs up behind him, and then scoops for a TOP ROPE BACKBREAKER! Darby writhes on the apron, Liona hits an APRON SENTON! Liona then BLASTS Cassidy, drags Darby up, URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Darby is hanging tough and fans fire up! Tag to Kaun and the Gates circle Darby. Fans rally up but The Gates drag Darby up and high five, but then Darby flops over. The Gates laugh, and Swerve smirks seeing his old rival suffer. But Darby fights back with CHOPS! Liona doesn’t budge! Liona choke grips Darby, he and Kaun throw him to the corner!
Darby comes back, leaps but the Gates catch him to throw him back! Kaun runs in but Darby dropkicks his leg out! Liona runs in, but Darby BOOTS him down! Darby goes up and sunset flips, but Liona stays up! Darby stands up and baits Kaun in, sending him into Liona! Hot tag to Cassidy! Cassidy gets in, raises his hands, and fans fire up as they go in his pockets! Cassidy dodges Liona, dodges Kaun and sends him into Liona, then he dodges Kaun again to send him into buckles! Cassidy SHOTGUNS Liona to the other corner then kips up! Fans fire up, Kaun runs in but Cassidy dodges, Kaun’s SHOTGUN hits Liona!
Cassidy runs to tilt-o-whirl DDT! Cover, TWO!! Kaun survives but Cassidy keeps his focus. Cassidy throws off the elbow pad and takes aim from the corner. Kaun rises, Cassidy runs in, ORANGE- NO, Kaun dodges! Liona fireman’s carries, SAMOAN DROP! The Gates drag Cassidy up, high five, and SHUT THE GATES! Cover, Darby breaks it!! Liona TOSSES Darby, Swerve is getting annoyed, but Liona goes back to the corner. Liona tags in, fans rally up for Cassidy, but the Gates reset. DOUBLE- RANA!! Cassidy hot tags Darby! Darby COFFIN SPLASHES Liona! And again! then one for Kaun! Another for Liona!
Darby fires up a la Sting, dodges Liona and Liona hits buckles! Darby puts Liona outside, CLUBS him and CLAWS him! Liona stands up, grabs Darby, but gets an ORANGE PUNCH! Darby then DIVES to take Liona out!! Kaun ELBOWS Cassidy down! Kaun suplexes, but gets STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! And a boosted CODE RED! Cassidy DIVES to take out Liona! Darby is up top, COFFIN DROP!! Cover, Darby & Cassidy win!
Winners: Orange Cassidy & Darby Allin, by pinfall
But the rest of the Mogul Embassy makes their way to the ring! Swerve & Cage glare right at Darby & Cassidy, and Liona & Kaun both get up. But wait! Here comes STIIIIING! The Icon is back, and he has his baseball bat! Fans are thunderous as Sting steps into the ring and the Embassy backs off. Will Swerve’s house have to worry about the showtime?
MJF speaks.
“AEW fans, AEW fans! Oh my God, clock’s ticking and you’re running out of competition. Darby Allin, you sweet, sweet little emo b*tch. Once again, you found yourself victim to a maneuver as simple as a headlock takeover. Now if that’s not telling about my competition around here, I don’t know what is! You are running out of gladiators for me to slay, you are running out of people you could possibly claim that are better than me. And you know it. Once again, it has been made abundantly clear, and this time, in Sin City, that nobody is on the level of the Devil!” Will anyone ever exorcise MJF away from the AEW World Championship?
Tony Schiavone is once again in the ring.
He welcomes us back, and thanks San Diego for being part of this great night. But wait, here comes Hook! The Cold-Hearted Handsome Devil, the undefeated FTW Champion, steps in the ring. Schiavone says Hook once again helped the Hardy Boyz against Ethan Page at Double or Nothing. But then, what is next for Hook? But wait, someone interrupts. It’s Jose of La Faccion Ingobernable! He has Dralistico y Preston Vance with him, and he “apologizes” for interrupting Hook’s time, but this is the only way LFI is gonna get TV time here! There are two studs here who have never been given opportunities the way Hook has.
Fans boo but Jose says they know it’s true. Rush is too dangerous to be on TV, so he isn’t here right now. Salud, Rush. But where are the fans when they need LFI? When LFI is looking for chances and they get NONE? But they’re gonna start taking opportunities! Show this perro what LFI is about! Dralistico & Vance mug Hook, but here comes JUNGLE BOY! Jack Perry has helped Hook out before, and he’s here again, with a chair! JB JAMS Dralistico, JAMS Vance, and then he SMACKS them both down! Jose sneaks up, but JB sees him first. Jose runs away into the ring, but that’s where Hook is!
Hook clinches to hit the EL CAMINO! Jose flops out of the ring, JB joins Hook in the ring, and they fist bump. Will #JungleHook reunite to shut LFI up?
Backstage interview with The Outcasts.
Renee is with Saraya, Ruby Soho, and the NEW AEW Women’s World Champion, Toni Storm. How does it feel this time around to be champion? Oh, c’mon, look at her! She’s having a great time! She has the world title, the world’s best friends, and she couldn’t be doing any better. A lot of people say she’s just very lucky, but luck’s got nothing to do with this. Toni’s been wrestling since she was 13 years old, a child really! Over half her life! That’s because she’s been all over the world, carrying everyone’s bags and doing everything she can to get to this point.
The Outcasts look around this locker room, and they see no one who could carry Toni’s bags. Ruby says Toni is being very humble. No one anywhere could match Toni’s work ethic. Toni is gracing the AEW fans with her presence during the House Rules live shows. And she’ll even defend this title. That is what a fighting champion does! Oh so humble! Saraya loves Toni so much. But really, there is really no one worthy of carrying Toni’s bags. Not at all. But they’ll keep looking out. And as for “luck,” the only lucky ones are the fans. Who will be “lucky” enough to have some #ToniTime this summer?
AEW TBS Championship: Kris Statlander VS Nyla Rose!
The Galaxy’s Greatest made perhaps the greatest return possible, answering the open challenge of the cocky Jade Cargill. Not only did she end Jade’s reign, she ended the undefeated streak! But will Kris regret putting it all on the line so soon? Or will she start her own incredible reign?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Mama Statlander holds onto her baby!
The bell rings and fans rally as the two tie up. The two are in a deadlock, but then they break. Kris shoves Nyla, they tie up again, and they go around. Nyla puts Kris in a corner, the ref counts, and Nyla lets off. Kris dodges the cheap shot to fire off forearms! Nyla dodges to get some air, but Kris SHOTGUNS Nyla down! Fans fire up, Kris is after Nyla but the scoop doesn’t work. Nyla scoops Kris but she slips free to scoop again! Nyla is still really big, and she scoops Kris to SLAM her! SENTON flops as Kris moves! Kris wraps on the body scissors! Nyla endures, those knee braces are right in the ribs!
Nyla scrambles, gets the ROPEBREAK, and Kris lets go. Kris storms up but Nyla shoulders into her! And bumps her off the buckles! Kris falls and Nyla stalks her. Nyla kicks Kris around, drags her up, and brings her over to ropes. Kris fights the suplex and tries to suplex Nyla! Nyla CLUBS Kris, CLAWS her back, but Kris fights with body shots! Fans rally and Kris still tries a suplex. Nyla knees low, brings Kris around, and snap suplexes her into buckles! We see Taya Valkyrie is watching backstage, surely upset that she didn’t get the TBS title off Jade. Nyla grins as she soaks up the heat and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Nyla taunts Kris, drags her up, and then bumps her off buckles. Nyla stomps Kris, digs her boots in, but the ref counts. Nyla has Kris on the apron before she lets off. Nyla then puts Kris on the ropes to CHOKE and even bend back! Nyla puppets Kris’ mouth, but lets off as the ref counts. Kris flounders, Nyla brings her up to suplex! Cover, ONE!! Nyla grows frustrated, but she stands on Kris before getting a leg. HALF CRAB! Kris endures, reaches out, but Nyla talks trash while she CLUBS away on the knee! Kris crawls, ROPEBREAK! Nyla lets go, Kris goes to a corner, but Nyla RAMS into her!
Nyla pulls the leg against ropes! The ref counts, Nyla lets off and Kris hobbles to another corner. Nyla is after her in the corner with body shots! Nyla then goes corner to corner to ELBOW Kris, and LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Nyla keeps Kris down with a chinlock. Kris endures the knee in the back, fans rally up, and Kris fights, only for Nyla to CLUB her in the chest! Nyla clamps onto the arms to keep Kris down, but still Kris fights. Fans rally, kris throws body shots and elbows, but Nyla CHOP BLOCKS! Kris falls, Nyla gets that leg, and has a modified Half Crab! Kris endures, so Nyla stomps away on the leg before going back to the Crab!
Dynamite returns to single picture as Kris fights with her free leg. Nyla lets go, Kris kips up, but Nyla CLOBBERS her! Cover, TWO!! Kris is still in this but Nyla runs, only to miss the splash! Kris runs to DISCUS LARIAT! Nyla stays up to Kris LARIATS again, ROCKS Nyla and ROUNDHOUSES her! Fans fire up with Kris and she runs in at the corner, UPPERCUT! Kris goes side to side, KNEE! Nyla staggers, Kris brings her in, BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Nyla survives and Kris is surprised! But Kris pounds the mat and fans rally with her. Kris drags Nyla to a drop zone and climbs up the corner.
Kris reaches the top but Nyla trips her up! Kris hits the buckles on the way down! Nyla runs in to SPLASH! Kris sits down, Nyla calls her shot and runs again, but Kris bails out! Nyla stops the cannonball to go tot he apron, CANNONBALL to the floor! Nyla grins and she brings Kris up to RAM her into railing! Fans boo but Nyla runs in to CANNONBALL against the railing! Nyla puts Kris back in the ring, stalks her, and catches Kris’ haymaker into a CHOKE SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Kris survives and now Nyla is surprised! Nyla drags Kris up but Kris JAWBREAKERS! Kris puts Nyla in the drop zone and goes up again!
Fans fire up as Kris aims, to 450 SPLASH!! Cover, Kris wins!
Winner: Kris Statlander, by pinfall (still AEW TBS Champion)
The Galaxy’s Greatest has her first win as champion in the books! Taya is not amused, though. Will La Wera Loca get one more shot at that title? Will the third time be the charm? Or will things not go her way now that Mama’s home?
BREAKING NEWS for Rampage!
It’ll be regularly scheduled, 10 PM Eastern on Friday night, but it’s gonna be a CHAMPIONSHIP Friday! The AAA Mega Championship is on the line as El Hijo Del Vikingo defends against Dralistico AND Komander in a Triple Threat! Will the numbers spell disaster for Vikingo in San Diego? And in her first defense, Willow Nightingale puts up the NJPW Strong Women’s Championship against The Queen of Joshi, Emi Sakura! Will the Babe with the Power be too sweet to be sour? Plus, the NJPW World Television Championship makes its AEW Rampage debut as Zack Sabre Jr. defends against Action Andretti!
But that’s not all! Assuming he defeats Alex Coughlin on ROH TV this week, Katsuyori Shibata will defend the ROH Pure Championship against #TAIGASTYLE, Lee Moriarty! Will The Wrestler still be the champion after this week is over?
BREAKING NEWS for next week’s Dynamite!
Ricky Starks put out the challenge, and Jay White accepted! In a match where Juice Robinson and FTR are all banned from ringside, The Absolute and the Switchblade will finally settle things 1v1! Plus, after big wins from both men tonight, Orange Cassidy defends the AEW International Championship 1v1 against Swerve Strickland! Will the Mogul Embassy grab up even more gold?
Mixed Tag: Chris Jericho & Saraya VS Adam Cole & Britt Baker!
It would seem the Unsanctioned Match at Double or Nothing was not enough for anyone to end this! The Wizard & The Knight called out the Undisputed Couple for this match, and they obliged! Will Jericho & Saraya be the ones standing tall with a fireball? Or will San Diego be all about The Boom?
Fans sing Judas for Jericho, but Saraya still calls them all losers. The teams sort out and Jericho starts against Cole. Cole and Jericho fire off hands right at the bell! Jericho gets the edge, CHOPS, then CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! Cole fires back, Jericho ROCKS him, then puts him in a corner, Jericho ROCKS Cole again and again, whips corner to corner, and Jericho clotheslines! Fans are torn but Saraya says they better cheer! Jericho goes back to Cole, but Cole turns things around to ROCK Jericho with forearm after forearm, then he CHOPS! Jericho CHOPS, Cole CHOPS, they CHOP back and forth!
Jericho gets the edge with those CHOPS, but Cole rakes the eyes! Saraya complains but Cole stalks Jericho. Cole stomps Jericho, digs a boot in, but lets off as the ref counts. Jericho pokes Cole in the eyes! Jericho then throws Cole out, goes out after him, and fans fire up as Jericho whips Cole into railing! Jericho puts Cole back in, stalks him to a corner and CHOPS again! Jericho whips, Cole comes back and he CLOBBERS Jericho! Jericho hurries away, Cole dares him to come back, but Jericho tags out to Saraya. Saraya dares Cole to do something, but fans fire up as Britt steps in! And she fires off on Saraya!
Saraya shoves, Britt dodges and SLINGBLADES! And NORTHERN LIGHTS! Cover, TWO! Britt CLUBS Saraya, brings her up to Alabama Lift, AIR RAID CRASH! Britt revels in the cheers and spells it out, “D! M! D!” Britt then sits Saraya up, runs, but Saraya distracts the ref so Jericho can trip Britt! Fans boo but Cole rushes Jericho! Saraya stomps Britt, the ref keeps Cole from getting at Jericho, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Saraya covers Britt, shouts at the ref, and the ref returns, TWO! Saraya drags Britt up to HEADBUTT her down! Saraya paces around Britt, drags her up, and throws her down. Saraya points to Jericho, they “tag,” and then Jericho eggs Britt on. The ref tells Jericho to get out, that’s not the kind of match this is. Saraya taunts Cole while Jericho exits, and Saraya stomps Britt. Saraya drags Britt around, puts her in the ropes, then goes to the apron to fire off knee after knee! The ref counts, Saraya lets off to step back inside and they argue. Jericho talks trash on Britt but she swipes at him! Cole protests but Saraya stomps Britt down.
Saraya drags Britt up to snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Saraya argues with the ref but the count was fair. Saraya drags Britt into a chinlock stretch but Britt endures. Fans rally, Britt fights up, but Saraya CLUBS her back down! Saraya brings Britt around, CLUBS her, then Saraya “tags” Jericho again. Jericho spells it out, “D! M! D!” then signals the fans can shove it! Saraya stomps Britt, Jericho shouts at Britt, and the ref keeps Cole back. Saraya stands on Britt’s hair, pulls on the arms, but lets off as the ref counts. Dynamite returns to single picture as Saraya tosses Britt out. Saraya then goes out, Cole and Jericho shout at each other and the ref is distracted.
Saraya waves to the ramp, and out come the Outcasts! Ruby & Toni stomp away on Britt! Fans boo, Saraya drags Britt into the ring, and they get away with all of that! But HIKARU SHIDA is here! She SMACKS the Outcasts around with the kendo stick and fans fire up! Saraya is furious, but Britt rolls her up! TWO!! Saraya escapes and CLUBS Britt down! Jericho storms in and shouts at Britt, but Britt glares at him. Britt SLAPS Jericho, DECKS Saraya, and tags in Cole! Fans fire up as Cole rallies on Jericho with forearms! Cole whips, Jericho reverses but Cole CLOBBERS him! And ELBOW! And BOOT!
Cole rains down fists, just like at the end of their Unsanctioned match! Jericho pushes Cole away, CHOPS him, but, Cole PELES! Cole whips, Jericho holds ropes and avoids the dropkick! LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Cole survives but Jericho scrambles away, hot tag to Saraya! That allows Britt to run in and rally on Saraya! Fans fire up and Britt hits a NECKBREAKER! Britt then hauls Saraya up but Saraya wrenches out to kick low! Saraya whips Britt to a corner, storms up, but into a BOOT! Britt goes up, Saraya runs back in to ROCK Britt! Saraya climbs up after Britt, but Britt resists the superplex!
Britt SHOVES Saraya down, adjusts, and fans fire up! But Jericho scurries over and asks for mercy! He even shields Saraya? Britt FROG SPLASHES them both!! Cover on Saraya, TWO!! Saraya survives but Britt tags Cole in! Cole BOOTS Jericho, hits a BACKSTABBER, and goes to the corner. Cole climbs up, aims, and Jericho stands, PANAMA- NO, Jericho trips Cole! Cole resists as Jericho tries to turn him! WALLS OF JERICHO!! Fans fire up, Saraya BLASTS Britt!! Cole endures, powers up, crawls forward and reaches out, but Jericho drags him back from the ropes! Fans fire up more as Jericho sits deep!
Wait! Britt gets her glove! Britt puts the glove on, steps into the ring and she fishhooks Jericho!! Jericho lets Cole go and fans fire up! Britt puts Jericho in the Rings of Saturn! LOCKJAW!! Saraya STOMPS Britt! The ref reprimands everyone, but Saraya goes to her corner. Cole tunes up the band as he aims at Jericho. Jericho stands, Cole rushes in, CODE BREAKER hits first!! Cover, TWO!!! Cole survives and Jericho can’t believe it! Jericho and Cole throw forearms back and forth and fans rally up. They stand, CHOP and forearm on repeat, and Cole gets the edge! Cole whips, Jericho reverses but DOUBLE LARIATS collide!
Saraya and Britt shout for Jericho and Cole, both men crawl for their corners. Hot tag to Saraya and Britt jumps in! Britt and Saraya fire off forearms! Saraya hits low, whips, but Britt holds ropes to then reel Saraya in! Saraya wrenches out, HOOK KICK to the GOOD KNIGHT!! Cover, TWO?!?! Britt survives and shocks Saraya! Jericho has Floyd the Baseball Bat! He aims, swings, but Britt doges and Cole SUPERKICKS! Then Britt SUPERKICKS Saraya! Then they DOUBLE SUPEKRICK Jericho!! Fans are thunderous, Cole goes to the corner and Britt tags him in! Cole drops the kneepad, takes aim, “I told you!”
Jericho sits up, into the BOOM!! Cover, Cole & Britt win!
Winners: Adam C0le & Britt Baker, by pinfall
The Undisputed Couple stands tall! The power of love, but also just all that pent up frustration, wins out in the end, while Jericho throws a fit! Cole dares Jericho to keep fighting then! Jericho throws in a chair, and even the ring bell! Cole and Britt grab those for themselves, and that makes Jericho back off. Can Cole & Britt finally move on from The Wizard and his schemes to go get themselves some gold?
My Thoughts:
A very good aftermath show for AEW after only a very good Double or Nothing. Good promos from Kris Statlander, Wardlow and MJF to follow their title wins. A little surprising that Kris had her first defense so soon but I suppose this gets it out of the way, and it gets Kris going on doing her best to match Jade’s streak. Taya watching backstage makes some sense, and I sense her turning Heel over being denied twice. Sadly, I think Taya is going to go 0-3 for the TBS Champion, because if she didn’t beat Jade, she’s not going to beat the person who beat Jade. And I do appreciate that Wardlow is calling out Luchasaurus, he’s being a proactive champion.
MJF of course isn’t, he’s just expecting AEW to find somebody. But I feel like, with Tony Khan letting us know CM Punk IS returning, that’s just the natural course of things for the world title. AEW Collision’s success is not fully dependent on CM Punk being back, but it will definitely incentivize Chicago fans to show up. But I love that there were plenty of fans who hated that news as there were who loved it in San Diego. And MJF VS Punk is an obvious route given how the Pillars he cheated at Double or Nothing are now going to other stories in the meantime. Sammy was the only absent one, but he’s surely preparing to be a parent.
Darby & Cassidy had an awesome tag match with The Gates of Agony, and I figured Darby & Cassidy would win. Swerve also won an awesome Triple Threat against Bill and Trent, and of course Swerve is moving on to a title. I feel like Swerve should be the one to dethrone Cassidy. He’s got The Mogul Embassy to help him cheat so that technically keeps Cassidy strong, and then Swerve can bring that title into a feud with Darby or in whatever finish we FINALLY get of Swerve VS Keith Lee. Then Jungle Boy returns to teaming with Hook just because there’s no other singles title open. JungleHook VS LFI is still going to be fun, and maybe we get Jungle Boy VS Rush. But honestly, I almost thought JB was gonna turn on Hook there. Heel Jack Perry taking the FTW Championship could be pretty cool.
Great promo from Bullet Club Gold and then great brawl with FTR and Starks. Starks VS White is going to end things one way or another, but I feel like it has to be White’s win. Then BCG VS FTR can be for the AEW World Tag Team Championships going into All In London. Speaking of titles, Championship Rampage is loaded, though I’m surprised there wasn’t just another Battle of the Belts special. I wonder if Battle of the Belts goes away with Collision being on Saturdays. Pretty sure all champions retain, though, because NONE of those titles are AEW property. Also, I feel that’s irresponsible to automatically say it’s Shibata VS Moriarty when Shibata VS Coughlin is airing tomorrow night on ROH.
The Acclaimed had a good promo with Renee on stage, and I figured they’d stick together and try again. They’ll probably choose a Open House Rules stipulation next time, I look forward to something wild from them. Really good promo from The Outcasts, and Storm could face just about anyone in her first defense of the world title. From how things went in the main event, pretty sure it’s Shida since she is still fighting against The Outcasts. Britt & Cole of course win against Jericho & Saraya, but that was a pretty fun Mixed Tag. And if Shida doesn’t beat Storm, I bet we get Britt VS Storm at like All Out or something.
Great opener of BCC VS Lucha Bros & Bandido, and Bryan was pretty good on commentary. I figured BCC would win, they’re going to keep things rolling from Double or Nothing. And good promo from The Elite and Dark Order, because it kept up the continuity from over the years. Hangman saying Kenny was out of the country but not in Canada totally hints at him being in Japan to reconnect with Kota Ibushi, which is definitely the next phase of this. Elite plus Ibushi VS BCC plus Konosuke, Blood & Guts, that has to be it. And speaking of, Callis and Konosuke had a great promo, especially factoring in that nuclear Heel heat Callis has. Like, every other Heel wishes they had the level of booing, jeering and middle fingers Callis had aimed at him.
My Score: 8.7/10
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Tonight: Jacy Jayne, Gigi Dolin, and a WEAPONIZED STEEL CAGE!
NXT returns from the Battleground, but another battle is about to begin! The Toxic War between Gigi and Jacy ends, inside a cage, the walls lined with weaponry! Who will be left standing as the Toxic Victor?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Weaponized Steel Cage: Gigi Dolin VS Jacy Jayne; Gigi wins.
- Wes Lee & Tyler Bate VS The Dyad w/ Ava Raine; Wes & Bate win.
- Joe Coffey VS “Stacks” Channing Lorenzo; Joe wins.
- Cora Jade VS Ivy Nile; Cora wins.
- NXT Championship: Carmelo Hayes w/ Trick Williams VS Noam Dar w/ Oro Mensah, Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson; Melo wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Weaponized Steel Cage: Gigi Dolin VS Jacy Jayne!
What was once one of the most dominant duos in the NXT Women’s Division was torn apart by ambition and pride. Where one thought they were closer than sisters, the other only saw herself as the star and everyone else as a side character. This is going to end one way or another, but will it be the Toxic Avenger or the Toxic Traitor that comes out on top?
But wait! Jacy attacks Gigi during her entrance! And then RAMS her into the steel! And then into steel steps! Fans boo but Jacy takes Gigi’s jacket from her, throws it at her, then throws Gigi into the steel again! Jacy says it’s all about her, and she SMACKS Gigi off more steps, and Gigi’s head also hits the underside of the door! Jacy makes Gigi take a seat, to SLAM the door shut on her! And again! And again! Jacy howls but fans boo, and Jacy drags Gigi into the cage. Jacy then closes the door, the bell rings, and Jacy stalks Gigi. Jacy has a duffel bag, and she brings out a LEATHER STRAP! She LASHES Gigi!
Jacy LASHES Gigi more and more, then howls again. Gigi writhes, Jacy gets a chair, but Gigi gets a trash can lid! Gigi kicks Jacy low, SMACKS her on the back, and now Jacy writhes. Gigi runs, but Jacy drop toeholds her onto the chair! Jacy drags Gigi through the chair, runs, but Gigi avoids the ax kick! Gigi comes back with a ROUNDHOUSE! Jacy takes a seat, Gigi CROSSBODIES her down! Gigi drags Jacy up, RAMS her into the steel, then RAMS her into the other side! Gigi gets that strap for herself now, and she LASHES Jacy! And again! And again! And again! Then she just throws the strap at Jacy before getting a trash can lid.
Gigi brings the can around, puts it on Jacy, and then Kawada Kicks away on it! Jacy falls over, Gigi takes the can off her, and fans fire up. Gigi has Jacy against ropes, digs the can into her, and says this is what Jacy wanted! Gigi SLAPS Jacy, runs, and dropkicks the can into Jacy! Cover, TWO! Jacy is still in this, and Gigi snarls. Gigi looks for something else to use as fans rally behind her. Gigi gets the strap and CHOKES Jacy with it! Gigi says Jacy ruined everything! They were like sisters! Gigi lets Jacy go, gets more trash cans, and she sets one down. Fans chant “We Want Tables!” but Gigi gets the bat! It has a rose on it!
Gigi JAMS Jacy with the baseball bat, then DIGS the thorn covered side into her! Gigi climbs up to CHOKE Jacy with the bat and again shouts that Jacy ruined everything! Gigi then takes aim, waits on Jacy to get up, but Jacy avoids the homer to SPINEBUSTER Gigi on the can! Fans are shocked while NXT goes picture in picture.
Jacy talks trash on Gigi, stalks her, and brings her up. Jacy RAMS Gigi into steel, then RAMS her into more steel! Jacy then grinds Gigi into the chain link like it’s a cheese grater! Jacy lets off to revel in the moment, then she steps back in through the ropes. Jacy talks trash on the fans and on Gigi, and then stalks her to ropes. Jacy KICKS Gigi in the face! Jacy gets a chair, wedges it in a corner, and then goes back for Gigi. Jacy brings Gigi up to whip, but Gigi stops herself! Gigi ELBOWS Jacy, runs and BOOTS her down! Gigi then gets another trash can, and she wedges that in another corner.
Gigi goes to Jacy, kicks her low, and whips, but Jacy reverses! Gigi blocks, Jacy kicks low, then blocks a kick to LARIAT Gigi down! And SENTON! Cover, TWO! Gigi is still in this but Jacy rains down fists on her! Jacy eggs Gigi on, taunts fans, then gets a steel chain! Jacy wraps that around her first, gives it a kiss, and FULL METLA BODY SHOTS! And then another! And another! Gigi falls over while Jacy swings the chain. Jacy grinds as she sits Gigi up, and wraps the chain around Gigi’s face! Gigi can only endure as the chain digs into her nose and mouth! NXT returns to single picture as fans rally back up.
Gigi fights, powers up, and swings Jacy into the steel chair! Jacy goes down and fans fire up! Jacy staggers up, Gigi roars, and Gigi ROCKS Jacy, KICKS her and KNEES her! Ripcord and STO! Cover, TWO!! Gigi is frustrated but she pounds the mat. Fans rally up, Gigi gets another chair, and she puts that down at center. She gets that chair from the corner, and another chair, and another chair, and she piles them together. Gigi brings Jacy over, half nelsons, but Jacy fights! Jacy whips, spins Gigi, and then NECKBREAKER on the chair pile!! Both women writhe but Jacy covers, TWO!! Gigi survives and Jacy is beside herself!
Fans rally up, Jacy clears the chairs out of the way and she throws a forearm on Gigi. Gigi comes back with a haymaker! Jacy throws a forearm back! Gigi throws a forearm of her own! Fans rally, Jacy throws another forearm but Gigi fires a flurry! Gigi wrenches, hooks Jacy up, but Jacy dosidos her into the TRASH CAN! And then SUPERKICKS! Just like the night she betrayed Gigi! Jacy runs in, CANNONBALL into the trash can! Cover, TWO!!! Gigi survives again and Jacy is at a loss for words. But then Jacy just grins and rains down fists on Gigi! Fans chant “We Want Tables!” and Jacy drags the table out!
Fans actually chant, “Thank You, Jacy!” and she says shut up, she’s not doing it for them! Jacy sets the table up near a corner, and she goes back to Gigi. Jacy suplexes but Gigi blocks! Gigi throws body shots, turns things around, but Jacy blocks the suplex! Gigi CLUBS Jacy, KNEES her low, and then drags her up to whip. Jacy reverses and sends Gigi into the steel! Jacy then brings Gigi up, bumps her off buckles, and brings her up the corner! Fans fire up as Jacy dribbles Gigi off buckles and the steel! Jacy says this is all about HER, and she reaches the very top rope. But Gigi HEADBUTTS in return!
Jacy wobbles, Gigi SMACKS her off the steel again and again! Jacy stays on the top rope but Gigi clinches, CHOKE SLAM THROUGH THE TABLE!! High stack, Gigi wins!!
Winner: Gigi Dolin, by pinfall
The Toxic Avenger finally ends the Toxic War! Fans chant “YES! YES! YES!” What is next for Gigi now that she’s gotten past her past?
Backstage interview with Wes Lee.
McKenzie Mitchell is with the North American Champion and notes we’re just 48 hours removed from his win in a Triple Threat. He is now the longest reigning North American Champion, with TEN successful defenses. Has it sunk in yet? Now that she says it, yes! He is PUMPED! But he’s also sore. Comes with the territory. Back when he won the title at Halloween Havoc, he had no idea how this ride was gonna go. But through the multiple multi-mans, the open challenges and the unforeseen odds- “Sunday’s victory proved nothing!” The Dyad storms in to say Joe Gacy wants to send a reminder.
Wes says okay, he’ll bust them all! But then Tyler Bate steps up to say that if they want to fight Wes, they fight him, too! The Dyad backs off, and Bate tells Wes that as he said on Sunday, that was all business. He still has Wes’s back, if he’ll have him. Wes says he appreciates that. They fist bump, but will Rip Fowler & Jagger Reed still try to send that “message” from The Schism?
Tony D’Angelo gets his mug shot.
He isn’t happy about it, either. But what will happen should The Don have to go to court?
Gallus talks backstage.
They’re of course happy to be NXT Tag Team Champions, but Wolfgang admits, The Creed Brothers are tough. But no one can stop Gallus! They never stop. The Creeds are done, so who steps up to their kingdom next? Well, Tony D and Stacks had next, but uh, Tony can’t do too much with his hands cuffed. “It wasn’t me, officer! I swear! I’m a nice guy!” Fogedaboutit! But Stacks storms in! He knew it was them! They ratted on Tony! Don’t get the wrong idea, Stacks, it wasn’t them. But what is he gonna do without his daddy? Better question: Ever heard that snitches get stitches?
Stacks fires off on Gallus, but he gets mugged 3v1! The refs rush in, but Gallus still throws Stacks into shelfs! The refs tell Gallus they are EJECTED from the building! Gallus is fine with that, they did the damage. But who is going to be next if The Family is busy with their own problems?
Carmelo Hayes is here!
Fans cheer as Trick Melo Gang heads to the ring, because the NXT Champion is still HIM! Trick gets the mic to get to business. They went to Melo’s hometown, Melo went to Battleground, and he left still champion. Fans cheer that, and Melo says he did that. Now listen, Battleground was exactly that: a battle. So he will paint a picture: Melochussetts was going crazy! Bron VS THOUSANDS! Big Spear, Melo still alive. Nothing But Net, #AndStill! And one thing everyone needs to realize, sometimes you gotta take shots to make shots. When it comes to this NXT Championship, Melo don’t ever miss!
Trick says Melo don’t lie, either! Battleground is another brick in the foundation of the HIM Dynasty. But wait, NOAM DAR is here? Dar and his squad walk out, and Dar tells Melo, “Well done! Congratulations! You managed to escape your hometown still champion. And Melo, you weren’t the only one to retain their championship.” Fans boo as Dar says HE defended HIS NXT Heritage Cup, “the most coveted prize in NXT.” But Melo only just managed to beat Bron. Dar beat Dragon Lee not once, but twice. Thank you.
Trick tells “Mr. Supernova” that we don’t have time to talk about how it took four of them to cheat Dragon Lee. Fans cheer that! But there is time to talk about Dar coming out to interrupt Trick Melo Gang. Interrupting Trick Melo Gang is a super no-no. Melo says he saw that match, Dar really is like that. But there’s levels to this. That trophy puts Dar on a high level, but this NXT Championship puts Melo on the HIGHEST level. Dar may’ve “beat” Dragon twice, but Melo bets he couldn’t even beat Melo once. And that’s all it is, and that’s all it- NO NO NO NONONO! SHH! The adults are talking, Trick.
Fans boo as Dar tells Melo that that almost sounded like a challenge. Is Melo challenging Dar, even though that’d be the biggest mistake of his life? If Melo is building a dynasty, then step up! Put the NXT Championship on the line TONIGHT! Trick says whoa, whoa, wait a minute. Dar is trying to take advantage of Melo while he’s tired. DUH! Well done, Captain Obvious. But hey, straight up, what does Melo say? Oh, wait, Lash was right! Melo is just counting the minutes, making it easy, because he doesn’t have what it takes to compete at the highest level night in and night out, like Dar.
But actually, it must be hard to miss when he has… What’s Lash calling it? Low management! No, no, if Dar wants it, then he’s got it! TONIGHT! Fans fire up, but did the Supernova Squad just get the better of HIM?
Cora Jade talks with the other women in the locker room.
They all saw her match with Lyra in the tournament, right? Lyra headbutted her right in the eye! Cora was basically blind half the match! And if she could’ve seen, SHE would have gone to Battleground, and SHE would be NXT Women’s Champion. Literally everyone else goes, “Um…” Cora says fine, but the only one to be celebrated is HER! Her accomplishments, her star power. But nooo~, we all let Cora get screwed over. She deserves to be champion! But in walks Ivy Nile. We’ve all had it with the whining. Injuries are part of the game, so suck it up and get over it. Everyone would’ve loved to have been in that tournament, too.
Cora tells Ivy not to give her attitude just cuz her guys couldn’t get the job done and Ava whipped her ass. Ivy says at least they were all in that fight. Where was Cora on Sunday? Just sitting here bitching about it. Cora says she’s not scared of Ivy, but does anyone believe that?
Axiom watches footage on his phone.
Reggie walks over and says, “What’s up, Ax? Tell me you’re watching Battleground.” Axiom says yes, but then sees who he’s talking to. Axiom stands right up but Reggie tells him to chill, he means you no harm. Then what does he want? See, “Reggie!” Everyone always calls him that, and that is his given name, but growing up, a lot of people called him “Scrypts.” Who? His family? And why “Scrypts?” Definitely not his family. And he won’t get into it right now, that’s a story for another day. Then what does Scrypts want? He appreciates what Axiom did for him. Wait, what? When he took the mask off! It opened Scrypts’ eyes!
It was like Scrypts was living in a cave, watching shadows on the wall. But now, he is living in the sunlight, seeing what is meant to be seen. And Dabba-Kato trying to take Axiom out after their match last week, Scrypts couldn’t stand by. He jumped into action to help Axiom since Axiom helped him. And Scrypts just wants to thank him. Scrypts/Reggie leaves, and Axiom says, “Any time.” Is Scrypts going to go from a would-be archenemy to a new ally?
Wes Lee & Tyler Bate VS The Dyad w/ Ava Raine!
The Cardiac Kid & Big Strong Boi are standing together again against Rip Fowler & Jagger Reed. The Schism isn’t done with Wes, but will their tree get chopped down?
NXT returns as Bate makes his entrance, followed by Wes. The teams sort out and Reed starts with Bate. They circle, tie up, and Reed wrenches an arm to a wristlock. Bate rolls, rolls back, then uses a leg to get free and knuckle lock. Bate whips and WRINGS Reed out, then wrenches the arm again. Reed pulls hair to put Bate in the corner and Rip tags in to ROCK Bate! Rip ROCKS Bate again, puts him in a corner, but Bate boots then KNEES back! Bate goes up to FLYING UPPERCUT! Fans fire up and Bate wrenches Rip to tag in Wes. Wes slingshots to sunset flip! TWO! Rip gets Wes in the face with that kickout, then he ROCKS Wes!
Rip scoops, Wes slips off but Rip bucks the O’Conner. Things speed up, Wes slides and headscissors! Wes runs in, tilt-o-whirl CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Wes facelocks Rip, tags Bate, and Bate goes up to AX HANDLE the arm! Bate wrenches the arm, tags Wes back in, but Rip shoves Bate into Wes! Rip CLUBS Bate, tags Reed, and the Dyad brings Bate up to whip to the corner. Reed runs in but into a BOOT! Bate goes up and over Rip, under Reed, and baits them in for Wes’s FLYING ARM-DRAG HEADSCISSOR COMBO! Fans fire up as Wes & Bate DOUBLE DROPKICK The Dyad out!
Fans fire up as The Dyad get back in and the four stare down. But then Wes & Bate see MUSTAFA ALI in the perch!? The Beacon is here, but why!? Ali heads down to ringside while NXT goes to break.
NXT returns as Jagger grinds Bate down with a chinlock. Fans rally up, Bate fights up, and we see Ali is on commentary now. Bate powers the hold open but Reed KNEES him in the back and tags Rip. They double suplex and hold Bate up but Bate throws knees! Bate knees and knees and DOUBLE KNEES, to then get free! Bate DOUBLE RANAS The Dyad! Fans fire up, Bate dodges Reed but Rip ROCKS him! The Dyad set Bate up but Bate BOOTS Reed away! He ends up in the corner with Rip, Wes tags in to rally on The Dyad! SUPERKICK for Reed, ELBOW for Rip, BOOT for Reed, and a flurry of fists for Rip!
Wes snapmares and DROPKICKS Rip and fans fire up! Reed storms up but Wes elbows him away. Victory roll and jump, DDT for Rip! Reed runs in but Wes ducks the enziguri to wrench and fire off fast strikes! DOUBLE STOMP on Reed’s back! Rip runs in but is sent into the corner! ENZIGURI, then snapmare! Wes flips but Rip dodges! THROAT CHOP! Fans boo but Ava cheers, and Reed tags in. Reed and Rip aim, but Bate gets up, Rip DECKS Bate, but Wes fires off haymakers and CHOPS on The Dyad. The Dyad kicks back, double whips, but Wes ducks ‘n handsprings to DOUBLE PELE!! Tag to Bate!
Bate and Wes each have a corner, they each aim at a Dyad, for DOUBLE TORNILLO!! Wes then FLIES to take out Rip! Bate gets Reed for the TYLER DRIVER 97!! Cover, Bate & Wes win!
Winners: Wes Lee & Tyler Bate, by pinfall
That was definitely a big strong victory, and then Ivy gets at Ava!! The Creed Brothers rush out, but The Dyad goes after them! It is a chaotic brawl, more refs rush out to stop this, but fans want to “Let Them Fight!” And then Gacy gets in to CLOBBER Wes and Bate! Gacy stomps away on Wes, but Ali jumps in! Ali DECKS Gacy! Fans fire up as Ali DECKS Gacy again! Ali TOSSES Gacy out hard, and he throws off his jacket! The Beacon stands with Bate and Wes, will they join forces to chop down The Schism’s tree?
Drew Gulak & Charlie Dempsey lead another Chase U class.
The Philly Stretcher says, “The name of the game is leverage.” Collar ‘n’ elbow, let’s go. Then you get the headlock. Thea Hail watches closely but Duke Hudson tells her that while he’s all for pushing yourself, but Gulak was the one who made her cry. She doesn’t have to take this class, he can give her a pass. No, she has to do this for herself. She never wants to feel that way again! They think she’s weak, but she’s not! She wants to prove it! She wants to get in there! Let her go! LET HER GO!! Thea, let HIM go! Yeesh. But okay, give ’em hell. Okay okay okay! She jumps in, Gulak tells the one guy, “Submission wrestling is the backbone of success. Good job.”
Dempsey taps Gulak’s shoulder and says, “Speaking of success. Look who decided to join.” Well, so nice of Thea to join in. But no crying this time or running away, okay? Loud and clear, sir. She can do this. Alright. Everyone done. She circles with Dempsey, what will her grade be in this test?
Tiffany Stratton heads to the ring.
The Center of the Universe is the NEW NXT Women’s Champion, and given all the pictures of herself in the ring, this “Tiffybration” is only about herself. Tiffany gets the mic to say, “Raise your hands if you’re not surprised that Tiffany Stratton is the NEW NXT Women’s Champion~!” She knows she isn’t. This Sunday, she claimed her rightful spot at the “Tiffy top” of NXT. Fans do cheer, and Tiffany says this title has been held by future hall of famers: Charlotte Flair, Asuka, Bayley, Rhea Ripley, the list goes on and on. And tonight, she shows everyone what it means to be a true champion.
Fans cheer that, and Tiffany says “Honestly, when I think of what a champion is, it is me! Nobody in that locker room can do what I can do. And when I look in the mirror, I think to myself, I am the epitome of what a true WWE Superstar is! So to continue on in my Tiffybration, I would like to invite up the entire NXT Women’s locker room so they can all recognize me as their Women’s Champion. Ladies?” No one comes out. Fine, no one wants to know who her first opponent is gonna be. Do the fans do? “YES!” “Aww, you guys actually think I care what you think.” Tiffany asks the locker room to come out, and finally they all walk out.
Tiffany says she knows they’re all starstruck, and that they all have the same question: “What is next for Tiffany Stratton? Who will I give my first title defense to? And to be honest, as everyone is out here, I can’t help but think to myself that I’m gonna be champion for a long, long time. I mean, I might as well retire as champion. Nobody can sit with me. Not you, not you, and I don’t even know why you’re out here,” Thea. Oh, and it is DEFINITELY not Lyra. Sorry not sorry. This is getting so awkward, she invited them all out here. Hah, JK! Luckily for them, on her way home, she had a Tiffany Epiphany!
She thought to herself, she should give them all an opportunity at the #TiffyTitle! So next week, there will be a #1 Contender’s Battle Royal to determine her challenger. Good for you all. “But TBH, it doesn’t matter who’s gonna win, because I’m gonna beat all of you to it. I am gonna beat all of you to it, because as far as I know, and for as long as I want, it is Tiffy Time.” Tiffany raises the belt, and confetti and balloons fall. But then Thea gets in to SLAP Tiffany! Fans fire up, and then both Roxie and Fallon get in! They pinball Tiffany with forearm shots! And SOBATS! Lyra gets in, too, but Tiffany scurries away!
But Lyra WRECKS her with a dropkick! Tiffany is furious but she’s the one who just turned the entire roster against her. Who will have their moment and get their shot at the Center of the Universe?
Trick Williams is on the phone backstage.
He says it is going down, but Melo will be alright. They’ll pull up afterward. Just keep the bottles on ice and the jacuzzi hot. Lash, Jakara & Oro walk over. Lash says they call him Trick Willy. Well, you heard that right. Then your boy is about to get whooped by Dar. A shame, though, cuz they kinda cute. Kinda? Hey, now! They may disagree on the match, but in the looks department, Trick Melo don’t miss. And y’all can leave, button your lips, move your hips, he’ll holler. Oro wants Trick to understand what the ladies are saying: Melo should’ve taken the night off.
Trick recognizes Oro. He saw that match, Oro was in Dar’s corner, this must’ve all be his plan. Oro’s a real shyster, y’know that? And Miss Jackson the Distraction, and Lash is a distraction herself. Bet they’d like to hit Trick with a bucket. Trick would like that, huh? Trick says he’s watching all y’all! Don’t try him! Will Trick Melo Gang be ready for everything the Supernova Squad is bringing?
Dani Palmer is in the ring.
“I cannot leave, I cannot leave this ring, until I find out who this attacker is! Whoever’s been wreaking havoc in this division said that they’d reveal themselves TONIGHT! You attacked me, and you attacked my best friend, Sol, and now she’s out for a year! I’m done waiting. I’m not going anywhere until you show your face!!” The attacker is on the tron, watching the footage of her handiwork. Nikkita Lyons, Wendy Choo, Sol Ruca, Dani Palmer, Roxanne Perez. Dani gets anxious, but the person is RIGHT BEHIND HER!! She attacks Danni, drags her up, and suplexes for a FALCON ARROW!!
IT’S BLAIR DAVENPORT! The Top Gaijin is back, and she gives Dani a KAMI-GOYE!! Targets of the Heir, beware! Who will be next on the list for Blair?
NXT shares footage from after the show last week.
Eddy Thorpe returned backstage and encountered Malik Blade & Edris Enofe. They congratulated him on the great effort against Tyler Bate. It’s tough, but so are you. And if Bate were to win the title, he could be looking at Eddy as next. Eddy says that’s nice of them to say, but he wishes he had that one back. Nah, they all feel down after a loss. You learn more after a loss than you do a win. But Damon Kemp gives a sarcastic clap. Kemp was watching, and he has to admit, he was impressed. But Eddy can’t win without cheating, huh? Eddy rushes Kemp but Kemp gets away, will the Alpha Wolf get back at the Golden Gopher in their rematch?
Joe Coffey VS “Stacks” Channing Lorenzo!
Gallus was poking fun at The Don, and the Underboss wasn’t going to stand for it! Mark Coffey & Wolfgang were sent home, but will the Iron King still be on top? Or will Stacks make Joe fogedaboutit?
The bell rings and Stacks SHOTGUNS Joe! Stacks stomps Joe in the corner, the ref counts and Stacks lets off. Joe gets up to CLUB Stacks in the back, and throw body shot after body shot! Stacks still tackles Joe and rains down forearms! Stacks headlocks, but Joe fights up, only for Stacks to KNEE Joe again, and again, and again! FIST DROP! Cover, TWO! Stacks clamps on a chinlock and he grinds Joe, but Joe fights up. Stacks hits a headlock takeover, Joe keeps his shoulder up but Stacks pushes the arm down, TWO! Stacks throws hands, Joe is down again, TWO! Joe rolls Stacks to a cover, TWO!
Stacks still has the headlock, but Joe fights up. Joe powers out and hip tosses Stacks hard! Stacks staggers up to ropes, but Joe runs in to fire haymakers. Fans rally and Joe whips Stacks corner to corner hard! Stacks bounces off buckles, Joe drops knees on his back! And then an elbow on the ribs! Cover, TWO! Stacks is hanging tough but Joe drags him up. Stacks throws body shots but Joe knees low. Joe ROCKS Stacks, RAMS him, then HIP TOSSES! Stacks flounders to ropes but Joe digs his laces into Stacks’ face. Stacks throws body shots, ROCKS him, and wrenches an arm to HIP DROP it! Cover, TWO!
Stacks keeps cool, he brings Joe up but Joe scoops to SLAM! Stacks writhes, Joe shakes out the arms and checks his ears. Joe runs in but Stacks put shim on the apron! Stacks DROPKICKS Joe off the apron! Fans fire up and Stacks eggs Joe on. Joe tells Stacks that HE’s the rat, but Stacks goes out to ROCK him! Stacks has Joe on the defense as NXT goes to break.
NXT returns and Joe has Stacks in body scissors. Stacks powers back to a cover, TWO and Joe keeps on the squeeze. Fans rally as Stacks endures, and Stacks pries at the hold. Stacks pushes back again, ONE, and now Stacks is free! Stacks gets the legs but Joe kicks him away! Joe and Stacks stagger up, Stacks rushes in but into a FLAPJACK HOTSHOT! Joe drags Stacks up to hit a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Joe drags Stacks up but Stacks throws hands! Stacks ROCKS Joe, brings him in, DDT! Fans fire up while both men are down! Stacks rises, Joe crawls, and Stacks runs in to rally with haymakers!
Fans fire up as Stacks dodges Joe to UPPERCUT him down! Joe staggers around, Stacks runs in at the corner to UPPERCUT again! Joe staggers out of the corner, Stacks gets him for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! The Iron King is hanging tough but Stacks tells him vaffanapoli! Stacks goes up the corner, but Joe UPPERCUTS him first! Joe climbs up, clinches, SUPER OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY!! Cover, TWO!?! Stacks survives and fans fire up! Joe is furious and he drags Stacks up. Joe whips, Stacks reverses, but Joe goes up and around, but into a back drop! Fans fire up, Stacks runs in and clotheslines Joe and himself out of the ring!
Fans fire up while both men are down on the outside. A ring count starts, both men stand at 3 of 10. Stacks runs in to UPPERCUT Joe against the apron! We’re at 7, Stacks runs in, but is sent into the steps!! Joe drags Stacks up and in, aims from the corner, GLASGOW SENDOFF!! Joe keeps moving, ALL THE BEST FOR THE BELLS!! Cover, Joe wins!
Winner: Joe Coffey, by pinfall
Stacks fought hard to protect Tony D’s honor, but The Iron King still crushes him. Will NXT still be Gallus’ kingdom?
NXT shares more footage from after last week’s show.
Robert Stone asked Von Wagner, “What the hell was that, man?!” What the hell was what? Luca deserved everything he got out there! That’s not what Stone meant. Von got disqualified! He wants to get suspended? Fined? Have his free agency status revoked? That could happen if you keep acting like this! Von says Luca was running his mouth the last two weeks, on Von and on Stone. Von finally just shut it! Then don’t take what Stone’s about to say the wrong way. But whatever went on in Von’s past, he has anger issues. If Von isn’t gonna listen to Stone, then it is time to talk to a therapist.
A therapist? What the hell is that gonna do? So that they can take Von’s hard earned money? No, look, Stone can pay for it. He’s just asking Von do this for him. Von thinks about it, pats Stone on the shoulder, and says he’ll still think about it. Is Vicious Von going to finally get past his past?
NXT shares footage of Ilja Dragunov.
It was before Battleground on Sunday that he called home and assured his son, Constantine, that he’ll make it home in one piece. He made sure Constantine know he loves him. “Is it the pain that keeps searching for me? Or am I the one who searches for pain? Or maybe, I am the pain. In the end, it doesn’t matter. Because tonight, the world shall know pain.” Dragunov put on his gear, brought back the red contact lenses, and prepared for the war that was ahead of him. Last Man Standing with Dijak was truly the definition of pain. And in the end, Dragunov stood tall. The Czar will return next week, what will he be searching for when he does?
Cora Jade VS Ivy Nile!
Selfish, arrogant, entitled. Sound familiar? The Generation of Jade may have a black eye, but as she sees it, she’s still the most important part of NXT. Will she prove herself right? Or will the Diamond Pitbull make her see she’s just a punk?
NXT returns as Ivy makes her entrance. She already got into a scrap with Ava Raine, maybe that was just a good warmup. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, and Cora claims Ivy touched her bad eye! But then she ELBOWS Ivy! Cora laughs at Ivy but Ivy grabs that finger! Cora kicks low, headlocks, but Ivy powers out. Things speed up and Ivy goes to hip toss but Cora turns it around. Ivy blocks that to CLOBBER Cora! Ivy grabs an arm, steps through, drags Cora down, cover, ONE! Ivy wrenches Cora to an ELBOW BREAKER, and then she YANKS the arm. And YANKS it again!
Ivy WRINGS Cora out again, then brings her up to a fireman’s carry. Cora fights free with elbows and throws Ivy down by her hair! The ref reprimands, Cora laughs at Ivy, then runs to ELBOW her against ropes! Cover, TWO! Cora kicks Ivy around, taunts her, then throws her down by her hair again. Cora gives more toying kicks, CLUBS Ivy, then brings her around to TOSS her out to the apron. Fans duel as Cora brings Ivy in to CLUB her! Ivy is in the ropes, Cora puts some stank on the CHOP! It gets Ivy in the face!! Cora runs to SHOTGUN Ivy down! Ivy flops down, Cora covers, they’re in the ropes so Cora has to pull Ivy away. Cover again, TWO!
Cora is upset but she throws Ivy down by her hair again. Cora clamps on a chinlock and she squeezes tight. Ivy endures, fans rally up, and Ivy arm-drags free! Cora comes back but into a roll-up, TWO! Cora swings, Ivy blocks to KICK! KICK! And ROUNDHOUSE! Cora staggers, Ivy whips her to a corner. Ivy runs in around the way, CALF KICK! Snapmare and cover, TWO! Ivy drags Cora back up to fisherman, but Cora cradle counters! TWO!! Ivy escapes but Cora kicks low. Cora wrenches the hair to throw Ivy back down! Fans rally, Cora runs, IMPLODER- NO, Ivy dodges the stomps and Cora jams a knee!
Ivy gut wrench SLAMS Cora! But here comes AVA! Ava grabs Ivy while the ref checks Cora! But Ivy gets the DIAMOND DRAGON on her! But Cora SHINING WIZARDS from behind! Cora gets Ivy up, FUTURE SHOCK!! Cover, Cora wins!
Winner: Cora Jade, by pinfall
Ivy is feeling rather #Jaded after that, but that’s more because Ava came back for more. Will the Generation of Jade look to go after the gold during #TiffyTime?
Hank ‘n’ Tank talk backstage.
Hank is sorry but how is the shoulder? Better every day. How’s Hank’s wrist? Better every day. But in all seriousness, they crushed it. Tank says Hank deserved that win, though. And at the end of the day, it worked! They’re tighter than ever! There’s this energy going back and forth! That connection! That’s what Hank was gonna say. Whoa, there’s the connection! Okay, let’s test it. First word that comes to mind, no thinking. Favorite food? On three- Wait, wait, “One two, go,” or “one two three, then go?” After three. Okay, okay. Favorite food. One, two, three, CHICKEN PARM! GASP!
Favorite animal? One, two, three, HONEY BADGER! Whoa… Favorite sauce on your wings. One, two, three, BUFFALO!! YES!! Edris & Malik walk over and say if they’re talking sauces, ya boi could eat. Bro, they just did eat! All they’re talking about is, ever since Tank ‘n’ Hank beat the tar outta each other, they’re like this! Fingers crossed. Tight. Oh, okay, after one match. It takes a bit longer than that, y’know that right? Oh, really? Watch this. Best movie of all time. One, two, three, JAWS! Okay, okay, they can do that. Edris & Malik go with “favorite day to work out.” One, two, three, MONURDAY. Monday VS Saturday.
No, try this. Pizza topping. One, two, three, PINEAMI! WHAT? Pepperoni VS Pineapple! Hank ‘n’ Tank let them argue this out, but Edris says they’re not gonna fight. But Malik says that could help them! Will each of these tag teams figure out their synchronicity over the Summer?
Backstage interview with Diamond Mine.
McKenzie finds Ivy & The Creeds, and she says there was just another altercation between Ivy and Ava. Ivy says yeah, and she’s sick of this crap! Ava, if you wanna be part of the game, step up! And for that matter, the Creeds tell The Dyad they can get it, too! Four roots, one stupid tree! But speaking of, Ava & The Dyad storm over! Refs rush in already as everyone is shouting, will the Diamond Mine look to crush The Schism once and for all?
NXT Championship: Carmelo Hayes w/ Trick Williams VS Noam Dar w/ Oro Mensah, Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson!
Two champions triumphant at Battleground now collide to see who is truly at the very top. Will the Melobration continue into the Summer? Or will Supernova 11 have double swagger when he has double the championships?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Dar can beat HIM!
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Dar wrenches and wristlocks but Melo rolls, wrenches and wrangles Dar down. Fans rally, Dar rolls and stands to clinch and put Melo on the ropes. The ref counts, Dar swings but Melo dodges to CHOP! Melo headlocks, he grinds Dar down, but Dar fights up. Dar brings Melo down to a knee, pops out the back, and he wrenches to a wristlock. Dar shouts he’s the champ, then SLAPS the hand! Melo kips up, wrenches back, and arm-drags to an armlock! Fans chant “LOCK IT IN~!” as Trick makes the motion. Dar powers up and out to headlock, but Melo powers out of that.
The two RAM shoulders, neither falls, so Dar kicks a leg then KICKS Melo down! Dar talks more trash but fans boo. Melo swings, Dar gets around but Melo ELBOWS him away! Melo runs and springboards, FLYING LARIAT! Fans fire up but Dar bails out to regroup with his group and NXT goes picture in picture.
Melo dares Dar to get back in but Oro, Lash & Jakara all coach Dar. Dar gets up, catches his breath, tells Melo to be patient, and takes his time returning. Dar slithers in, circles with Melo again and they tie up. Melo arm-drags Dar to a corner and then storms up. Melo CHOPS Dar, Dar staggers but Melo bumps him off buckles. Melo follows Dar to another corner, and CHOPS him down! Dar goes to the apron, Melo drags him up and SLINGSHOT SUPLEXES Dar in! Melo does crunches in the ropes while Dar writhes. Melo then goes to Dar to snap suplex low and hard! Cover, TWO! Dar’s team cheers him but Melo drags him up.
Dar wrenches to sweep the leg! Melo clutches a knee and Dar rains down fists! Dar grabs the arm to stomp it! Dar taunts Trick, follows Melo to a corner and fires off hands. Dar RAMS into Melo, the ref counts, and Dar wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER! Dar snapmares Melo, gets the legs and ties them up, but Melo boots him away! Melo arm-drags to another armlock. Melo digs his knee into Dar’s face and Dar endures. NXT returns to single picture as fans chant “LOCK IT IN~!” Dar fights up, tries to arm-drag but Melo smothers it. Dar ROCKS Melo, whips him, but Melo reverses. Melo runs in to ROCK Dar!
Melo whips corner to corner, runs in, blocks boots and puts Dar in the ropes to ENZIGURI! FADE AWAY! Cover, TWO! Dar is still in this but Melo brings him up. The corner teams argue, Dar elbows Melo! Melo whips, Dar reverses, they dosido and Melo goes out to the apron. Dar swings but Melo blocks. Dar ducks to sweep the legs again! Dar runs to SHOTGUN Melo off the apron! Fans fire up, Dar goes out and taunts Trick while he puts Melo in. Cover, TWO! Dar aims from a corner, Melo sits up, SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Melo is still in this but Dar’s team coaches him again.
Dar drags Melo up, BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Dar grows frustrated but he drags Melo back up. Melo throws body shots, ROCKS him, ROCKS him again, but Dar ducks to step and SUPER FOREARM! Cover, TWO! Melo survives but Dar argues with Trick. Dar brings Melo up, throws knees, but Melo rolls Dar up! TWO, and Dar UPPERCUTS! Melo rebounds to tilt-o-whirl, FACEBUSTER! Both men are down and fans fire up again. Dar and Melo slowly rise, and Dar swings. Melo counter punches! Dar KICKS a leg, Melo CHOPS! Melo CLOBBERS Dar, and CLOBBERS him again!
Melo spins Dar, KNEE SMASH and a LARIAT! And a SUPERKICK! Dar staggers around, Melo runs to BOOT him down! Melo brings Dar up, whips, but Dar reverses to wrench. Melo ducks the kick, pump handle and SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Dar survives but Melo fires up. But Lash AND Jakara bark at him in the corner! Trick tells the ladies to stop that, but they get in Trick’s face now. But then Oro runs up, so Trick DECKS him!! Fans fire up but the ref tells Trick he’s EJECTED! Fans boo, he didn’t even start nothing! Trick still accepts the decision, though Team Dar rubs it in his face.
Dar sneaks up but Melo rolls Dar up! TWO, and Dar boot fents to BACK ELBOW! Cover, TWO!! Into CHAMPAGNE SUPER KNEEBAR!! Melo powers up to stand and he rains down fists! Melo is free, and he grabs the arm! CROSSFACE!! Dar crawls, reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Melo lets off fast to drag Dar back. Dar kicks the leg out, then stands. Melo ROCKS Dar, but Dar ROCKS Melo! Melo ROCKS Dar again, Dar ROCKS Melo again! Melo gets the edge but Dar kicks the leg! Melo blocks a kick but Dar ELBOW JABS! Dar spins, Melo ducks the heel kick but the BACKHAND connects!
Dar reels Melo into the facelock, but Melo SUPLEX CUTTERS! Dar flops over, Melo goes to the corner! Fans fire up as Melo climbs, but Lash distracts! Oro trips Melo! Fans boo as Team Dar keeps at it, but here come NATHAN FRAZER & DRAGON LEE! They got screwed by Team Dar so they go after Oro! Fans fire up but Dar tells them to back off! But Melo goes up, SUPER CROSSBODY on Dar and Oro! Fans are thunderous as Melo puts Dar in! Melo goes up, aims, NOTHING BUT NET!!! Cover, Melo wins!
Winner: Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall (still NXT Champion)
An assist off the bench from Frazer & Dragon, Melo dunks on Dar! Put that on a poster, but who will- WAIT! BARON CORBIN?!? Corbin is back in NXT and he CLOBBERS Melo on the ramp! Corbin puts Melo in the ring, rains down fists, and fans boo as hard as they’ve ever booed before! But Corbin hits Melo with END OF DAYS!! Will the Lone Wolf look to bring an end to the HIM Dynasty?
My Thoughts:
A great episode of NXT, especially for an aftermath episode. They didn’t have quite the “Aftermath Syndrome” Raw was falling into, they were able to take things from Battleground and build upon them, not just recap them. I really liked that Dragunov vignette for the Last Man Standing match, and I look forward to what he’ll have to say next week. And while I was wondering what was next for everyone else, we got that for pretty much all the titles.
Wes Lee & Tyler Bate have a very good match with The Dyad, and of course there’s story overlapping with Schism and Diamond Mine, but I love that Mustafa Ali is part of the next “callback” (a main roster star coming back to NXT for a minute). Wes VS Ali would be amazing, but feels like something they’re gonna put on free TV. And Gacy clearly wants another shot, maybe he and Wes have a 1v1 feud going towards Great American Bash in late July. Wes has hit the record for defenses and apparently days as champion, so maybe he’s soon to drop the title so he can eventually move up. And I would hope we’re getting another Mixed Tag blowoff involving Dyad & Ava, but this time against Diamond Mine.
Also in connection to the Diamond Mine story, Ava attacking Ivy gives Cora a good rebound win after losing in the tournament. Cora is definitely nailing her Heel persona, but she’s gonna have to wait until a Face is champion again. Tiffany’s celebration being ruined was of course going to happen, and the contender battle royal will be really good. But after Gigi won that awesome cage match, I’m thinking she’s a frontrunner for challenging Tiffany. And while Dani Palmer called out the attacker and then got attacked, I feel like it should be Roxanne Perez or maybe a returning Nikkita Lyons should have the real feud with Blair Davenport. Nikkita would count as Blair’s first victim, it’d make make the most sense for her to want revenge.
Good promo from Gallus, Mark Coffey does an excellent Italian American/New Yorker impersonation. Stacks of course points the finger at Gallus, it’s kinda who I thought it was. But that would be too easy, so it’s not them. Stacks VS Joe Coffey was great stuff, Stacks is really coming into his own, but I figured Joe was winning that. Joe Coffey himself should really get in on like the North American Championship story, he hasn’t held anything in his WWE career, so he’s gotta get something. And since he has Gallus, Wes’s loss could be protected cuz Gallus helps Joe cheat and win the belt. Though that feels like how they might play Gacy getting the belt, if he gets the belt.
Good promo from Axiom and Reggie/Scrypts, and obviously last week established Reggie wants to be Axiom’s friend now. Him insisting he’s still Scrypts is an interesting choice, though. Good backstage promos that were “last week.” We’re of course getting Eddy VS Kemp round 2, and I liked Hank ‘n’ Tank having mind sync. Good stuff from Von and Stone, and I do like that Von’s story is starting to turn into a sort of PSA for normalizing therapy and taking care of mental health and emotional stability. But as I see it, either the therapy has no effect and Von stays a rage monster, or therapy makes Von too much of a pacifist and Stone tells him to unleash the righteous fury so he can win against bullies.
Great combining of stories with Dar stepping up to Melo here tonight. Great match, but I figured Melo was going to retain the title. I also figured Dar’s new little group was going to do everything they could to help him, and in turn we would see Dragon and Frazer turn things around on them. I would think Frazer gets next on Dar with Dragon as the cornerman now. And after Ali already made a splash, I did NOT think we were getting a second callback in the form of Corbin. Corbin and Ali do have a thing in common that they never held titles while in NXT, so maybe Corbin thinks he can tear down Melo to finally have the NXT Championship. But it’s not happening, Melo is definitely beating Bum Ass Corbin to make it through to Great American Bash.
My Score: 8.6/10
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