Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia Report! (1/27/18)
All images courtesy of the WWE Network streaming service
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- NXT Tag Team Championships: The Undisputed Era VS The Authors of Pain w/ Paul Ellering; Undisputed Era win and and retain the NXT Tag Team Champoins.
- Kassius Ohno VS Velveteen Dream; Dream wins.
- NXT Women’s Championship: Ember Moon VS Shayna Baszler; Ember wins and retains the NXT Women’s Championship.
- Extreme Rules Match: Aleister Black VS Adam Cole; Black wins.
- NXT Championship: Andrade “Cien” Almas w/ Zelina Vega VS Johnny Gargano; Almas wins and retains the NXT Championship.
PLAY BY PLAY
The NXT Preshow panel is joined by Samoa Joe!
The former NXT Champion, though out with a foot injury, is here in Philadelphia to watch and analyze all the action of his Alma mater in the WWE. He looks forward to everything tonight, and updates us that he’s “feeling strong and healing quickly.” The main roster should consider this a silver lining, since Joe won’t be in the Royal Rumble.
Corey Graves & Renee Young present the NXT Year End Awards for 2017!
Both alumni of NXT are back to honor the highlights and superstars of last year, as decided by the fans via social media and WWE’s official website.
The first award of the night is the Rivalry of the Year. The winner is: Aleister Black VS Velveteen Dream! The Patrick Clark Experience wanted the Embodiment of the End to acknowledge his enigmatic brilliance, and to #SayMyName! Aleister would refuse to do so, as Dream came off as “a child throwing a tantrum”, but in the end, both men would come to respect the other. Aleister made Dream #FadetoBlack, but still said his name. To accept the Golden Ring Bell is Velveteen Dream himself! He takes the bell and thanks God. Why? Because Velveteen Dream is the closest thing to the Light that NXT will ever have. However, tonight is not about the Light and the Darkness. Tonight is about a Velveteen Dream “guaranteed” 30 second KO of Kassius Ohno. Doubters can doubt but you’ll all still #SayMyName.
The second award of the night is “a very, very big one”, it is the Male Competitor of the Year. The winner is: Aleister Black! The Dutch Destroyer is still undefeated in 1v1 competition, so how does it feel to get the Golden Bell? “I set out to do something different.” Something unique and unconventional. The Golden Ring Bell validates that mission, so he thanks the fans for their support. And while he’s here, Renee lets Aleister know he’s also the Breakout Superstar of the Year, so he can expect a second golden bell soon for himself. The Embodiment has already dominated in three categories, will he dominate in tonight’s Extreme Rules match?
The Year End Awards continue after a break.
The third award is for Female Competitor of the Year. The winner is: Asuka! The Empress of Tomorrow was the natural choice after being an undefeated NXT Women’s Champion for 523 days and against many different opponents. Asuka accepts the Golden Ring Bell and reminds everyone that “No one is ready for Asuka!” She’s definitely Corey’s pick.
The fourth award is for Match of the Year. The winner is: Tyler Bate VS Pete Dunne in TakeOver Chicago’s WWE UK Championship match! Tyler Bate appears to accept, and recounts his 2017. “I’m absolutely honored and I’m really grateful for everyone that voted.” Bate even gives props to his rival, Pete Dunne, who is himself a great wrestler. What’s next for Bate? Another match of the year candidate, for sure.
Meanwhile, Pete Dunne joins the panel.
The British Bruiserweight also had quite a great 2017, such as when he won the UK Championship. What does this mean to him? Dunne had two objectives last year: become WWE UKC, and establish the WWE UK Division. His TakeOver: Chicago match accomplished both. Why does Pete Dunne think he and Tyler Bate were standouts from the UK Tournament? Because he and Bate both wrestled with chips on their shoulders as two men who were often overlooked. Joe acknowledges that Dunne and Bate are like wrestling ambassadors. Dunne agrees, because the WWE UKC is the end all, be all to him in wrestling.
What does Dunne have planned next? He wishes to further raise the prestige of the UK Championship and Division. Who would he love to face from outside the UK Division? “Anyone and everyone”, from NXT Champion to Universal Champion. If he had one thing to say to Bate right now, what is it? Dunne would tell Bate that he’s had his turn, “who’s next?”
The Year End Awards resume on stage.
“This is it,” the final award of 2017. The final category is the biggest of all, it is for THE Overall Competitor of the Year! Aleister was Male Superstar of the Year, Asuka was Female Superstar of the Year, but the winner here is: ASUKA!
The Empress claims her second Golden Bell of the night! Can Asuka continue her incredible domination in the inaugural Women’s Royal Rumble match?
Zelina Vega appears on the Preshow panel.
She asks them “Do you guys see what’s wrong with the picture here?” They were talking about the NXT Year End Awards, but they forgot about “the only man that matters.” Andrade “Cien” Almas didn’t win a single category! But the fans decided who won those awards. Oh so it was losers voting for losers? Did anyone here count the votes? No? Then Zelina demands a recount! But, Almas only became champion at the end of 2017. Zelina takes a seat to properly represent her client. Almas went from zero to 100 in that little a time! He and Zelina “are this brand”! Then why didn’t fans choose him? “Because teh fans are losers.” More importantly, Almas will still have the championship after tonight. JOe says it’s easy to reach the top but harder to stay there. Gargano has momentum, and maybe if Almas stays “tranquilo” he can win. Zelina says Almas is the greatest star in NXT ever, even bigger than Joe! Joe doesn’t believe that, but will let Zelina have her opinion.
Sam Roberts brings up Almas needs to keep his championship and have more defenses to establish himself, but Zelina is confident that’s how it’ll happen tonight. Zelina ignores Gargano’s parallels to Almas, because Almas has won twice already and will win the third. But that’s a difficult thing to do, and Joe says it’ll be difficult for Almas. This is also a different Gargano he’s up against. Zelina still doesn’t care. She explains that “we are the NXT Champion”. Her guidance and his focus, they will win again. Joe uses his experience to make sure Zelina understands it is tougher than anyone can imagine to stay on top. Zelina says Almas will show rather than tell. Is Zelina being defensive? Zelina has no time left, but promises Almas will win and retain. She takes her leave, will her words carry through the night?
The Road to Wrestlemania starts tonight!
Philadelphia has always been the land of extreme. “But this isn’t about dwelling in the past. This is about creating the future.” The revolution is growing, and the revolution is N X T!
NXT Tag Team Championships: The Undisputed Era VS The Authors of Pain w/ Paul Ellering!
Akam & Rezar want those titles back and they want them NOW! Does the duo known as reDRagon stand a chance of surviving?
Perhaps Kyle O’Reilly & Bobby Fish don’t, as Akam & Rezar are upon them the moment they hit the ring!
O’Reilly & Fish manage to escape the ring, but the AoP are rabidly waiting. The champions regroup and prepare themselves while Ellering calms his pair of behemoths. The bell rings, Fish starts with Rezar, Fish runs but gets run over! He bails out of the ring again to walk it off, but Akam keeps him from going too far. Fans chant “Shock the System!” while Fish slowly reenters. He stays by the ropes then tags in O’Reilly. O’Reilly circles, and manages to stick ‘n’ move with kicks to Rezar. He goes for a leg, but Rezar uses power to push him off. They each dare the other to bring the fight, Kyle kicks Rezar’s legs. Rezar grabs those feet and rolls O’Reilly but misses the clubbing ax handle. The two men get up, Rezar tackles O’Reilly right down!
Fist after fist hammer O’Reilly but O’Reilly grabs the triangle hold! He rolls Rezar but can’t extend the arm so he hammers away with palm strikes. Rezar shoves him off, O’Reilly narrowly avoids the boot and escapes the ring. The champions regroup again while Philly applauds and the referee counts. O’Reilly walks up the steps and takes his time reentering. He backs up and tags Fish back in. Fish evades Rezar and kicks at the leg. Rezar catches one kick and brings Fish to the AoP corner to tag in Akam. Akam & Rezar drive knees into Fish, then a fireman’s carry takeover before a big stomp. Akam glares at O’Reilly before going back to Fish. Fish drives in a knee then tags in O’Reilly, O’Reilly comes in but gets thrown to the mat. Akam runs him over with a shoulder, reDRagon has to regroup again. The champions want to walk out on this match, but they get run over around the corner instead!
Akam & Rezar coordinate, and throw Fish right into steel steps. They go after Kyle with haymakers from all sides. Kyle tries to get away but flops right off the apron and back to the floor. AoP put Fish in the ring, Fish tries to run away again, but Akam grabs him in a wheelbarrow to slam him into the barriers!
Fish slumps to the floor while Akam grabs O’Reilly. Akam tags in Rezar, they mug Kyle in their territory. Another tag, and they give O’Reilly the side slam stomp. Akam’s knee bothers him, so the referee checks on him. He’s good to go, he whips Kyle, but Kyle dumps Akam to the apron. Akam fights back, Fish sweeps that bad leg! Rezar runs Kyle over, but then Fish tackles Rezar right out of the ring!
They topple to the floor hard, and O’Reilly goes over to Akam. Akam fights back but O’Reilly unloads various strikes before sweeping that bad leg. Fish returns, tags in, and they both go after Akam with sharp kicks. Fish tags O’Reilly back in, they keep Akam offbalance by going after those legs. Akam tries to fight back but Fish tags back in to hold that leg open. O’Reilly runs in, but Akam elbows him away. Fish tries but Akam puts him on the apron. O’Reilly returns but gets thrown down, Fish yanks that bad leg to also crotch-shot Akam on the ropes. Akam can’t defend himself from Fish’s kicks, or the body splash to the bad knee. Fish wrenches the knee, then drags Akam up and around. He gives body shots and tags in Kyle, Akam tries to fight back but Kyle chop blocks the leg. Kyle then pulls on that leg to turn Akam over, but Akam kicks him away. The fans duel while the two men crawl, Kyle gets the bad leg in a kneebar!
Akam endures while Kyle adds on an Achilles lock, and even clubs at Kyle’s back, but it doesn’t get Kyle to let go. Akam drags himself to ropes and gets the break, Kyle is forced to let go. Kyle tags in Fish, Fish stomps that bad knee. Fish tags Kyle back in, they both go after Akam with knee strikes, and even a table top trip back into the kneebar. Akam grabs the ropes again, but Fish tags back in, slingshot senton! Cover, TWO, reDRagon is frustrated. Fish drags Akam up for forearm strikes and kicks to that bad knee. He gives a cheap shot to Rezar, but that only pisses Rezar off. Akam gets a big body drop on Fish! Hot tags to Rezar and O’Reilly, Rezar rallies on reDRagon! He slams Fish with a trophy slam, then slams O’Reilly with a spinebuster! Rezar won’t slow down, and the Philly fans love it! Rezar scoops O’Reilly but Fish hops on with a sleeper. This doesn’t stop Rezar, he just slams them both!
Cover on O’Reilly, TWO! Ellering looks worried, but Rezar gets up and goes after O’Reilly again. He brings O’Reilly up for a powerbomb but O’Reilly counters with a guillotine. Rezar tosses him off all the same, but then takes knees to the stomach and shoulders! He staggers to the Unidsputed corner, Fish tags in. O’Reilly and Fish run a corner strike train! Fish goes for an overhead suplex but Rezar reists. O’Reilly kicks out Rezar’s leg and Fish gets the suplex!
Cover, TWO! Fish is shocked, but he doesn’t stop. He drags Rezar over then tags O’Reilly in. O’Reilly grabs Rezar in a sleeper but Rezar fights out to boot Fish down and clobber O’Reilly with a clothesline! AKam returns to the apron, even with his bad leg. The fans rally while Rezar tags in Akam. Akam walks over and drags O’Reilly up. Rezar gets running, but runs into Fish’s leaping knee strike! O’Reilly rolls Akam into the kneebar! Fish subdues Rezar with a sleeper hold!
Rezar gets up while Akam endures, Rezar throws Fish onto O’Reilly! The two holds break at the same time and all four men are down while the fans applaud. The fans rally and duel while the competitors stir. Rezar rolls out one side of the ring while Fish rolls out the other. O’Reilly and Akam stand up in the ring, and O’Reilly kicks away at the bad leg. Akam gets up each time, despite the pain. O’Reilly shifts to hitting Akam in the head but that only fires Akam up. He catches O’Reilly in a one-leg overhead suplex!
Akam rams knees into O’Reilly, then clobbers Fish off the apron! He lifts O’Reilly and gives him a buckle bomb before returning to those massive knees. Rezar returns to boot Fish right down, and now they hit their favorite, the Super Collider!
However, O’Reilly reverses and throws Akam at Rezar with a huricanrana! Then he rolls Akam up in a school boy, Undisputed Era win!! The champions retain by the skin of their teeth and once again #ShockTheSystem!
Kassius Ohno VS Velveteen Dream!
This match was made because the Knockout Artist said “I told you so” to the Patrick Clark Experience after he failed to defeat Johnny Wrestling on last Wednesday’s NXT. Dream promises to not only defeat Ohno, but do it in 30 seconds or less. Will Dream get to say “I told you so” back to his opponent tonight?
Dream is ready for Ohno to the point that he even has a special mouth guard to protect against Ohno’s devastating elbow strikes. Meanwhile, Ohno represents the Pittsburgh Pirates with the black and yellow.
The fans are already fired up before the bell rings. They count those 30 seconds to keep Dream to his word, but Dream struggles as Ohno gets him against the ropes. Dream turns it around to throw body shots in a corner, but the referee backs him down. Dream gets the haymaker, and he wants the ten count! The referee checks on him, the fans count for Dream, but Ohno gets up to knock that mouth piece out!
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The fans boo and jeer, they thought Dream was gonna do it. Dream picks up his mouth piece, but Ohno kicks him right in the face! Then boots him out of the ring! Ohno goes out to fetch Dream, bringing him up and into the ring. Dream hits Ohno with a sucker punch back elbow, then runs, only to run into Ohno’s boot! Ohno runs, into Dream’s spinebuster!
Both men are down but Dream springs up to pose for a second. The fans are loving this match already as they cheer for “Vel-ve-teen!” Dream stomps and punches Ohno, Ohno staggers to a corner and Dream keeps up the boxing. Dream whips OHno corner to corner while the fans keep up the chanting. He toys with Ohno, then drags him up for a big suplex. Cover, ONE, so Dream kicks Ohno in the back and clubs him in the head. Ohno is down, so Dream swivels his hips over him. Dream drops knees into ribs then kicks Ohno while he’s down. The referee reprimands Dream, but that doesn’t stop Dream from choking Ohno on the ropes. Dream stomps Ohno and demands he quit already. Ohno stands up and chops Dream back, so Dream rocks him with an uppercut. Dream snapmares Ohno down and into a modified abdominal stretch. The fans rally while Dream puts pressure on the ribs. The fans duel while Dream shifts to a camel clutch, but Ohno uses power to get up and carry Dream into a corner. Dream turns it around, then takes off his arm band before unloading on Ohno in the corner. The referee has him back down, but Dream shouts that tonight is “Dream Over!” He kicks Ohno in the face, but that only fuels the fire. Dream climbs up and hits a double ax handle, TWO. He keeps on Ohno with more ax handles and frustrated kicks to the ribs. Dream wants Ohno to quit, or #SayMyName. Ohno refuses to do either, he endures the clutch to power up again. Dream keeps him down and on the ropes, then lifts Ohno with a fireman’s carry. Ohno elbows his way out, but Dream boots him in the face. Dream tries a suplex but it is Ohno countering with a suplex toss! The fans applaud while both men are down again. A ten count begins, and the two men stir. The count climbs past 6 before Dream stands up. He clubs Ohno, Ohno rock shim with a forearm. Dream gives Ohno a European Uppercut, Ohno retaliates with an elbow. Ohno then chops Dream, boots him, and runs for a lariat. Ohno keeps moving with another boot, then the back senton! He isn’t done there, either. He takes aim, spins and boots Dream down!
Cover, TWO! Ohno grows frustrated, but he keeps his focus. He calls for his killer elbow, and fans rally as he stands up. Ohno brings Dream up, brings him around, but Dream counters with a backslide, TWO. Dream’s kick is blocked, Ohno spins around, but Dream gets him with the second SUPERKICK! Dream then drives Ohno down with the sidewinder DDT!
Cover, TWO! Now Dream is the one surprised. The two men stand up, Dream climbs up top. He jumps, into Ohno’s boot! Ohno keeps going with a stiff elbow, then runs for the high– Rolling Death Valley!
Dream rolls Ohno to a cover, TWO! The frustration grows in Dream, but he stands up and calls for the end. OHno gets him in the wristlock, ripcord, roaring elbow! TWO! Ohno doesn’t know how Dream survived, but Philly loves it all the same. They’re thunderous as Ohno brings Dream up. He spins him around, but Dream evades the elbow for another fireman’s carry, and another Rolling Death Valley!
Dream hurries to the top rope, and from the post he hits the Purple Rain Maker elbow!
Dream wins!! It wasn’t in 30 seconds, but it was still a win. Can Dream use this momentum to rise to the top?
NXT Women’s Championship: Ember Moon VS Shayna Baszler!
The Prophecy of Flame fought for so long and finally achieved her dream. However, the Queen of Spades quite literally bullied her way onto the scene. Will the underdog reign already come to an end?
The bell rings and the two tie up, Shayna gets the waistlock and slam. Ember gets up and gets the standing switch but Shayna puts her in a corner. She grinds a forearm in Ember’s face before honoring the break, then trips Ember anyway. Ember goes after Shayna, but Shayna uses the ref as a shield. Shayna then takes Ember down and grinds her palm into Ember. Ember shoves Shayna away, Shayna just grins at Ember. Ember ducks under Shayna’s kick then kip-ups. Shayna blocks a kick and goes for her signature Kirafuda but Ember throws her off and sweeps the legs! Shayna stands up with a frustrated grimace, but Ember dropkicks her down! She does it a second time! And a third time! Shayna gets out of the ring and walks off her frustration, but Ember runs and DIVES!
The champion knocks her challenger over and Philly fires up. Ember drags Shayna up and into the ring, then stalks the Queen of Spades from behind. Shayna gets to a corner, Ember handsprings but into Shayna’s takedown, where she repeatedly knees Ember in the face! Shayna lets her hair down and then gives Ember one last big kick before the cover, TWO! The fans cheer Ember on while she slowly gets up, but Shayna shoves her back down. Shayna stands on Ember’s hand before stomping on her arm!
Ember’s arm bent just like Dakota Kai’s did weeks ago on NXT! Shayna just laughs it off while Ember writhes. She goes after that arm with a seated keylock that shifts to a torturous wristlock. Shayna drops a knee on it, and Ember continues to writhe. Cover, ONE, but Shayna is still all smiles. She toys with Ember while she stomps on the injured arm. Ember endures the kicks and the wrenching while the fans continue to support her. Shayna bends and twists the arm again, then pulls it as hard as she can while she keeps Ember down. Ember rolls and escapes the hold but Shayna just kicks her down. Shayna uses the ropes now, and only the referee’s count gets her to let go. Shayna keeps toying with Ember, daring the champion to try something. Ember uses her good arm to slap Shayna, then she evades Shayna’s strike to slap her again. Ember keeps retaliating with kicks and that one good arm. The fans fire up while Ember springboards for the crossbody!
TWO! Ember and Shayna stand up, Ember runs in for a forearm smash on Shayna. The champion climbs up with one arm, wanting her finish. She takes aim, jumps and hits the Eclipse!!
That bad arm hurts Ember, she can’t make the cover. Shayna is out cold but Ember can’t do a thing about it from the pain! The referee checks on her, and asks for medics to come out. The fans boo, they don’t want it to end this way. Ember doesn’t want that either, but she can barely do anything with that arm. The fans call “Bullshit!” Ember stands up, she drags Shayna up, but SHayna catches her in a modified armbar!
Ember resists while she reaches with her legs, but Shayna has that bad arm locked. Ropebreak! Shayna lets go, then staggers to her feet. She drags Ember but Ember’s good arm holds the ropes. The grip lets go, Shayna puts the lock back on! Ember claws at Shayna, but she cant’ get free. Shayna keeps the lock, even as Ember flails and rolls! Ember runs out of steam, Shayna keeps wrenching the bad arm. Shayna goes to hook a leg but Ember keeps flailing. Ember endures another wrenching of the arm, rolls but cannot escape! Ember doesn’t need to escape, she just rolls and covers, SHE WINS!! No one can believe this, least of all Shayna! Ember’s savvy helped her survive, but what is teh state of that arm?
Forget the arm, Shayna goes after Ember’s throat with her Kirafuda Lock!
She brings Ember down on the ramp and chokes her out! The Queen of Spades is a sore loser to say the least. She lets go when more referees appear, only to put the back on! Shayna wants Ember to pay for escaping defeat, but what will the consequences of this attack be?
Extreme Rules Match: Aleister Black VS Adam Cole!
It is an understatement to say that this grudge has grown as intense as possible. The Embodiment of the End transforms into the Embodiment of Extreme, will he make the Undisputed Leader #FadetoBlack?
Anyone unfamiliar with Extreme Rules should know, that there is only one rule: win! The bell rings, the two men stare at each other from across the way. Cole trash talks while fans already declare “This is awesome!” The two run at each other and trade off forearms! Cole gets an advantage but then gets kicked right out of the ring. Aleister runs, but fakes Cole out to then sit down. Cole doesn’t hesitate to grab a chair! He paces while fans chant “E C Dub!” but Aleister calmly watches. Cole gets on the apron and says Aleister should be afraid. Instead, Aleister ducks the strike, kicks Cole low and takes the chair from him. Cole bails out of the ring again, so Aleister simply sits and waits for him to reenter.
Cole gets up and in, but Aleister throws the chair out to then throw Cole out. Aleister pursues and rocks Cole with a right hand! He keeps up on Cole, but Cole hits back and bumps Aleister off the apron. Cole brings chairs out from under the ring, kicks Aleister and bounces him off the barriers, then brings out a trash can. The can is tossed into the ring while Cole boots Aleister down again. Cole puts more chairs in the ring, but Aleister comes back with strikes. Cole knees low again to throw Aleister into a barrier! The fans love it while Cole looks for something. He fetches a kendo stick! However, Aleister grabs one for himself. The two men get in the ring, armed with the bamboo swords. Aleister then reconsiders, he wants Cole to come at him! Cole laughs, and says Aleister is stupid for this. However, Aleister dodges each of Cole’s swings to then swing away with forearms and kicks! Aleister runs and springboards but Cole SMACKS the Quebrada out of the air!
Aleister writhes while Cole catches his breath and the fans lose their minds with “Holy Shit!” Cole stands up, still armed with the kendo stick. He walks over and SMACKS Aleister across the back. “You don’t know how you’re dealing with!” Cole uses the stick to bend Aleister back. Aleister stands up but Cole brings him down with a backstabber!
Cover, TWO! Cole grows frustrated, but he keeps on Aleister with a rain of right hands and stomps. The fans wants Cole to “Get the Tables!” Cole rolls out of the ring and obliges! He drags out a table and Philly goes wild! Cole brings the table around while Aleister flounders in the ring. Cole sets the table up while fans cheer “Too Sweet! Woop Woop!” The table is placed at an angle near a post while fans serenade themselves with “Oh~ We Want Some Tables~.” Cole lets them know they’re gonna get tables while he drags Aleister over. They go up to the top rope, but Aleister resists. Aleister fights back and crocks Cole with rights, to then throw him down onto the trash can!
Now Cole writhes while Aleister recovers. The Dutch Destroyer stands up and runs in for a running knee! TWO! Aleister does not lose focus, he just formulates a new plan. He goes outside and brings out a second table! The fans love what they see as Aleister sets his table up next to Cole’s. Aleister thinks about it, and it seems if two tables are better than one, then a ladder will only make it that much better! However, Cole dropkicks that ladder into Aleister, and Aleister hits the announce desk. Cole takes that ladder and sets it up in a corner. He then fetches Aleister and brings him back into the ring. Cole drags Aleister up and over to the ladder, but Aleister resists the suplex. He turns thigns around on Cole but COle resists. Aleister evades a punch but Cole gives him an enziguri! A dazed Aleister ends up in a corner, Cole stomps and punches away on him. COle climbs up to give corner punches, but he stops at about 6 to hit his “BAYBAY” pose. He continues but Aleister turns it around to an Electric Chair, to fling him at the ladder!
Both men are down but the fans are fired up as they lose their minds again. The referee checks on both men, but they’re somehow still okay to compete. The fans rally and Aleister starts to stir. He crawls over to Cole, Cole clutches his own hand. The medics must check on him, which upsets the fans a bit. Aleister manages a cover, TWO, but that doesn’t deter Aleister. He stands up again, and picks up one of those chairs. Aleister stands it up, then brings Cole over to place his head there. Aleister runs, but Cole revives to bring that chair up and ram it into Aleister’s stomach! Cole catches his breath before grabbing another chair and standing it up. He hobbles over to Aleister and brings him over now. Cole wants a repeat of NXT from weeks ago but his back gives out in the fireman’s carry. ALeister tries to grab Cole but Cole elbows him away. Cole goes for the Shining Wizard but Aleister ducks under to roll him up. Cole dodges a kick, but not the double stomps!
Aleister drags Cole over to that chair, sets his head down and gets to the apron. He climbs up top, but Cole gets up and throws the chair at Aleister. SUPERKICK knocks the chair into Aleister’s face, and then Aleister falls back to fall through the tables!!
Philadelphia loses their minds harder than ever with that crash landing! Cole recovers in the ring while the referee checks on Aleister. The fans chant for “NXT! NXT!” while Cole slowly makes his way out and over. He drags Aleister’s limp body up and around the wreckage before putting him in the ring. Cover, TWO!? Cole has no idea how Aleister survived, but fans know “This is awesome!” Cole brings a chair back over and sets it up again. He then brings a second chair over and sets it up with the first. Cole thinks for a moment, and decides to invert the chairs. He grins an evil grin before bringing Aleister up, but Aleister reverses and throws Cole onto the chair edge!!
Cole clutches his break as he writhes in pain and the fans hit an all time high. They even tell Cole “You deserve it!” Cole crawls his way around to the chairs and makes one into a crutch. Aleister knees that chair into Cole!
Cover, but then the rest of the Undisputed Era appear to disrupt it!
Kyle and Fish drag Aleister out, and hit an unfortunately legal Total Elimination!
Aleister goes down at the hands of the banged-up reDRagon, but there’s nothing the referee can do to stop them. Philly calls “Bullshit!” on this as reDRagon drag Aleister over and around the ring. They coordinate to take the announce desk apart, as well as position Aleister on spare production trunks. SAnitY appears to make the save!
They clobber the NXT Tag Team Champions mostly for what they owe the Undisputed Era from weeks ago. They throw reDRagon all around ringside, and Big Damo is in the ring with Cole. He wants Cole to watch as he DIVES onto everyone!
Damo takes out reDRagon AND SAnitY, and though Cole is frightened, the fans eat it up. HOwever, Aleister is still prone on the trunks, and Cole takes advantage! He goes over and brings Aleister up, but Aleister blocks. Aleister knocks Cole away, then takes aim, to double knee drop Cole through the announce desk!
The fans again chant for “NXT! NXT!” while Aleister drags himself over to Cole. He brings Cole up and into the ring, and fans chant “MAMA MIA!” Cole SUPERKICKS Aleister outta nowhere! Cole crawls back to a chair, and he vows to use it to end this. He brings that chair up but BLACK MASS outta nowhere!!
Aleister wins!! This match went to the extreme, but it is still Aleister’s win! Can anyone hope to stop the Embodiment of the End?
NXT Championship: Andrade “Cien” Almas w/ Zelina Vega VS Johnny Gargano!
El Idolo does not believe Johnny Wrestling is a match for him, but Johnny FREAKING Wrestling refuses to be doubted ever again. Can Gargano dethrone El Campeon this soon into his reign?
The fans are already thunderous for Johnny Wrestling before the bell. The bell rings and the two men stare down while they slowly circle. The tension builds and then they tie up. Almas powers Gargano aruond and into a waistlock, but Gargano keeps up with Almas in technical back and forth. Gargano gets the facelock but ALmas gets loose, fans applaud. They circle again, the cheers continue, Almas gets the waistlock again. Gargano gets a wristlock and then the arm wrench, bringing Almas ot his knees. Almas stands up and tries to pry hsi way out, but instead slips around to another waistlock. Gargano feels his way through the hold to reapply the wristlock and into a hammerlock. Gargano gets the headlock takeover, Almas headscissors but Gargano pops out. Almas turns the tables but cannot pop out of Gargano’s headscissors. He still finds a way out and the two go seated switch for seated switch. Almas stands up and the fans applaud again. Mrs. Wrestling, Candice LaRae, watches from the front row as Gargano and Almas go again. Almas brings Gargano in for a headlock but Gargano powers out, only for Almas to rum him over with a shoulder. Things speed up, but Almas fakes Gargano out. Almas grabs Gargano and has the hammerlock but Gargano denies the DDT. Gargano goes for his submission but Almas slips out, he goes for the hammerlock again but Gargano reverses. Gargano still wants his submission hold but Almas continues to resist. The two separate once more, and the fans are loving it. Both men grin, Gargano because he knows he’s always close but Almas because he is still ahead. The two walk and circle again while the fans cheer “This is Wrestling”. The two go again but Almas kicks low, then drives Gargano to a corner. He whips corner to corner but Gargano goes up and over and side steps the hit a running headscissors and dropkick!
Gargano arm-drags Almas to an armlock, and fans applaud again. Zelina doesn’t like what she sees. Almas keeps from being caught in a cover, but Gargano puts more and more of his weight on Almas. Gargano keeps on an arm, but ALmas pulls on hair to put Gargano in a corner. Almas whips Gargano corner to corner again and fakes Gargano out, for a STIFF chop!
The chop gets Gargano across the face and chest, but Almas keeps on him with stomps. He drags Gargano up and around to a corner for another stiff chop. Almas whips Gargano back into the corner but Gargano boots back. Gargano hops up and throws ALmas with a flying huricanrana! He clotheslines Almas out then slingshots, but Almas evades. Gargano alley-oops Almas up but Almas lands on the apron. Almas asais but Gargano evades, Gargano hops onto the apron. Gargano jumps to evade Almas’ leg sweeps, then mule kicks Almas away. Gargano takes aim and jumps for the cannonball, but Almas side-steps!
Johnny Wrestling hits nothing but floor! Candice is concerned but Almas drags him up and into the ring. Cover, TWO, and Almas grows frustrated. Zelina keeps him focused as he stomps on Gargano. The fans continue to cheer for “Johnny Wrestling!” while Almas brings him up. Gargano revives to give southpaw forearms, but Almas shoves him away. Gargano turns that around to throw Almas at ropes, but Almas goes Spider-Man on the ropes. He then shifts and blocks Gargano’s forearms to then put Gargano in a dragon sleeper on the ropes!
The referee counts, Almas lets go at 4. He then sits Gargano up for a dropkick right to the head! Cover, TWO, and Almas grows further frustrated with Gargano. He puts Gargano in the chinlock. The fans rally, which upsets Zelina. Gargano endures the squeeze, but he starts to fade just a bit. The fans keep cheering while Zelina calls Gargano a loser. Almas shifts to put Gargano into a deeper chinlock stretch, but Gargano does not quit. The fans rally stronger now, and Gargano feeds off the energy. He wills himself up and fights back to free himself. Almas slips out of the scoop but Gargano denies the dragon sleeper. Gargano tries to suplex but his back won’t let him. He slips out of Almas’ suplex and rolls him for the schoolboy kick! Almas crawls to a corner, Gargano gets up and gives him a running chop. They go corner to corner, Almas reverses but Gargano puts him on the apron. Gargano kicks but Almas blocks and hangs him up in a Tree of Woe! Almas climbs up, takes aim, but Gargano leans back to avoid the draping stomps! Gargano gets out and throws Almas into the buckles!
Both men are down, but Zelina is the most concerned. The champion and challenger stir, and then they brawl with sharp elbows back and forth. Fans cheer for Gargano but boo Almas. Gargano gets an edge with short lariats. Almas shoves Gargano, he returns with a big forearm! Gargano rallies with forearms from both arms and then rocks Almas with an enziguri. Almas staggers to a corner, Gargano runs in for a forearm smash. Gargano hops up, takes aim, and hits a tornado downward spiral!
Cover, TWO! Zelina breathes easier, but she still wants her man to get back into this. Gargano brings Almas up. Almas revives, misses, but elbows his way out of Gargano’s move. Gargano kicks back and throws Almas to the ropes. Gargano knows he’ll Spider-Man so he slips under to the outside. Almas knocks Gargano back with a forearm then gets running, but into Gargano’s slingshot spear!
Cover, TWO! Zelina panics but Gargano keeps his cool. Gargano gets space before standing back up. He runs at Almas in a corner for a big kick, then runs for the tilt-o-whirl, but Almas makes it a facebuster! TWO, and Almas again grows frustrated. Zelina coaches her man, he rams a right forearm into Gargano’s head. Almas then climbs up to the top, moonsault but Gargano evades, Almas lands on his feet to immediately moonsault again! Cover, TWO! Zelina is furious and Almas is shocked. Almas drags Gargano up and gives him more stiff elbows. Gargano responds with his own elbows, then runs but into a big back elbow! Cover, TWO and three quarters! Almas runs, but into Gargano’s SUPERKICK!
Cover, TWO! Gargano and Almas get moving again, going lariat for lariat and slap for slap! The two fall down but the fans applaud this instant classic. The two men stir and get to opposite ends of the ring. The fans hope they “Fight forever!” while Almas gets to a corner. Gargano runs in but into a boot. Almas hops up, Gargano grabs a leg, so Almas enziguris him with the other leg! He brings Gargano up and onto the top rope. Almas climbs up to join him, hammerlock and facelock, but Gargano resists. Gargano slips out but Almas denies the powerbomb with punches. Gargan slips outs and SUPERKICKS Almas upside-down!
Almas is stuck up there, and Zelina panics all over again. Gargano climbs up again, and goes to sunset flip Almas but Almas springs out and lands on his feet! CIEN KNEES!
Almas goes corner to corner, but Gargano evades and Almas hits buckles! Gargano gets to the apron, slingshots in, but Almas catches him for a draping facebuster and clubbing forearm! Almas keeps going, inverted tornado DDT!
Cover, TWO! Zelina looks this close to ripping her hair out over this but Philly gives a standing ovation! Gargano and Almas drag themselves to the apron while the fans are thunderously cheering. Almas brings Gargano up, wants the DDT but Gargano hooks a leg on the ropes. Almas clubs Gargano and lifts with a fireman’s but Gargano slips out. Gargano rocks Almas with a forearm, Almas forearms back. They brawl like this, Gargano enziguri Almas but he stays on. Gargano sees his opening, slingshot DDT to the apron!!
Both men slump to the ground, the referee checks on Almas. They’re both okay to continue, so the referee starts a ring count. Gargano drags Almas up and over at about 4, and they both get in at 7. Cover, TWO! Zelina keeps coaching, but Gargano slips around and slowly applies his hold. Almas revives just in time to resist the final phase. The two struggle and stand up, jawbreaker from Almas. He then wrenches Gargano’s arm but gets a forearm for it. Almas swings but Gargano spins him, the back elbow comes in from the other end. Zelina shouts orders, Almas runs, but into Gargano’s lariat! Gargano keeps moving, scooping Almas for the long dart! Gargano isn’t done there, and the fans know it. He takes aim, Zelina swipes at him, Almas dropkicks in the distraction! Almas hurries to do anything, but Gargano counters with a small package! TWO!! super feint to mule kick, then killer mule kick! TWO!! The fans still applaud this insanity and want them to “Fight Forever!” while repeating that “This is awesome!” Gargano gets up and crawls over to a corner. Almas chases at a crawl while Gargano climbs up. Almas anchors a foot but Gargano punches him away, but Almas sweeps the legs. Gargano hangs on as Almas climbs up now and keeps up those elbows. Almas reaches the top, draping stomps to the apron!
Gargano topples down and his eyes glaze over. Almas drags him up to shove him back into the LED board! He won’t let up, he keeps bouncing him off the board. The referee backs him off but Almas wont’ stay back. Almas drags Gargano up and in, then watches him in the corner. CIEN KNEES again!!
TWO!? No one can believe Gargano survived, but this is how much winning the NXT Championship means to him! Gargano’s eyes still look dazed, but fans still hope they “Fight Forever!” Almas and Gargano fight as best they can on the ground. Almas slaps Gargano, and fans boo the disrespect. He does it again, but Gargano keeps moving. They stand up, Gargano revives to throw a left haymaker. Then another, and another. Gargano keeps going, slapping Almas back. Almas chops Gargano, Gargano SUPERKICKS, then POISONED RANA!!
The fans fire up all over again, as does Gargano! Almas is the one dazed, Gargano gets running, tilt-o-hwirl into GargaNO Escape!!
Almas crawls and reaches, but fans chant “TAP! TAP!” The champ rolls but Gargano keeps a hold of him! Zelina reaches out for Almas and keeps him from tapping. The referee goes over to her, and in that time, Almas scratches Gargano’s eyes and gets him to let go! Almas goes over to Gargano, wants the hammerlock but Gargano power shim to a corner. Gargano shoves Almas over and out of the ring, then runs to DIVE!
He puts Almas in the ring, but then Zelina finds an opening to get on the apron and hit Gargano with a flying headscissors! Gargano is sent into steel steps!
Zelina shouts for Almas to fetch Gargano and he does. They return into the ring, Almas brings Gargano up, and hits the Hammerlock DDT!!
Almas covers, TWO!?!? Gargano lives!? Philly chants “YES! YES!” for the unofficial heir to Daniel Bryan’s legacy! The fans will not give up on “Johnny Wrestling!” but Zelina has hit her limit. She gets on the apron and shouts at the referee. Gargano rolls away in the meantime. Zelina storms her away around the ring, headed right for him, but in comes Candice to defend HER man!
Mrs. Wrestling unloads on La Gerente, then throws her right into the barriers!
The assault continues but Zelina retreats through the crowd! Candice gives chase, and now Almas is alone against Gargano. The fans say “Thank you, Candice!” while Gargano gets himself onto the apron. Almas comes over but Gargano kicks him away, to hit another slingshot DDT!!
TWO!? Even so, Gargano puts his GargaNO Escape back on! He bends Almas back and Almas endures, his legs get a ropebreak. Gargano lets go and Almas gets to the apron. Gargano goes out to join him, Almas shoves him into the post! The referee checks on Gargano as he slumps down, but Almas gets to the opposite ends. CIEN KNEES NUMERO TRES, and into the ring post!!
Almas leaves Gargano down and out on the outside. The referee checks on Gargano again, but Almas comes back over. Gargano somehow pulls himself up but Almas brings him the rest of the way. The fans keep cheering for Gargano as Almas drags him over the top rope, for a SUPER DRAPING HAMMERLOCK DDT!!
Almas covers, Almas finally wins. As Mauro Ranello puts it, “You could not ask for more out of an NXT Championship match.” Whether by hook or by crook, El Idolo inches out a win against Johnny Wrestling to remain NXT Champion. Zelina even returns to celebrate with her man. Has Almas earned a place in the conversation of top superstar in NXT?
As for Gargano, his wife, Candice, returns to check on him.
Mrs. Wrestling consoles Mr. Wrestling, he did nothing wrong in this match. Philadelphia also cheers for him and his superhuman effort. The chant of “Thank you, Johnny!” mixes with the others while Candice helps Gargano up the ramp. He turns around to give Philly one last look.
But then Tommaso Ciampa attacks from behind!!
The Psycho Killer returns to make Gargano’s loss even worse! Gargano writhes on the ground, and his former friend simply stares at him. Philly calls Ciampa an “Asshole!” but he doesn’t care what they think. Ciampa simply wants to make good on his promise to bring Gargano down with him. When will he strike again?
My Thoughts:
NXT just raised the bar on everything else in WWE with this special alone. Everything was brilliant from start to finish, and with no complaints from me. The NXT Year End Awards were fun to see presented in the preshow, and they truly went to the most deserving nominees. The NXT Tag Team Championships opening was a great surprise and completely works within story given the attitudes of the Authors of Pain. Obviously reDRagon were the underdogs despite being champions, and they played it up well. That said, they managed to exploit the one weakness all humans have, and that is the joints. There was great storytelling with going after Akam’s leg, and though it technically didn’t lose AoP the match, the leg came into play enough to help reDRagon come away with a win and those NXT Tag Team titles. This defeat likely means AoP could show up on the main roster as soon as Monday to do whatever they want to the main roster’s tag team divisions. Likewise, Ohno losing in a stellar match with Velveteen Dream could mean he’ll finally make his way to the main roster and perhaps freshen up the mid-card. If I had to choose, I’d put Ohno on SmackDown to challenge Bobby Roode for the US Championship.
The NXT Women’s Championship match was also incredible, and it felt like Philly legitimately disliked Shayna Baszler. Shayna played up her Heel persona perfectly, and there was again great storytelling through Ember’s arm injury. Ember’s character may not have gone the way it should have but she still impresses with how she persevered and found a way to win. Of course, Shayna ups the ante with a Sore Loser Heel move, she is not through with the Women’s Championship scene just yet. Aleister-Cole was the first Extreme Rules match for NXT, and probably the best one of those in the history of WWE as a whole. There was innovation in the destruction as well as legitimacy in the storytelling, such as reDRagon coming out to legally interfere on Cole’s behalf only to be thwarted by SAnitY. SAnitY are still owed NXT Tag Team Championship rematches, but Wrestlemania Weekend is so far away that the rematch will likely happen long before then. Either team could come away champions, but both teams will definitely give an amazing match. And probably the most amazing match ever was properly saved for last as Almas and Gargano tear it up and tear it down for the NXT Championship. I still can’t believe they went as long and as hard as they did even after it’s all said and done. I was also glad to see Candice get involved to stop Zelina from interfering, as she’s super close to making her own NXT debut. Almas still wins in this microscopically close match-up, so that he isn’t a transitional champion. While it means Gargano is swept 0-3, that in itself feeds his ultimate underdog story, and allows him and the returning Ciampa to feud over personal pride and disdain rather than the gold. And in which case, Ciampa VS Gargano in the feud we’ve been waiting for is going to be full of instant classics itself.
My Score: 9/10
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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.
The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.
Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!
Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!
Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!
The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.
As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.
Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.
Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.
Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?
Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.
My Score: 8.9/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
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Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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