Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE United Kingdom Championship Tournament 2018, Part 2!

The opening round of sixteen has lead eight back to the Royal Albert Hall in London! And in one single special, all the remaining rounds WILL happen! Only one man can rise above to be the new #1 Contender to the WWE UK Championship! Plus, The Undisputed Era challenge #BritishStrongStyle, Pete Dunne & Mustache Mountain!
All images courtesy of the WWE’s official Twitter
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Zack Gibson VS Jack Gallagher; Gibson wins and advances to the semifinals.
- Joe Coffey VS Dave Mastiff; Coffey wins and advances to the semifinals.
- Flash Morgan Webster VS Jordan Devlin; Webster wins and advances to the semifinals.
- Travis Banks VS Ashton Smith; Banks wins and advances to the semifinals.
- NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contender Triple Threat: Toni Storm VS Killer Kelly VS Isla Dawn; Toni wins and will challenge Shayna Baszler for the NXT Women’s Championship tomorrow in the Finale.
- Zack Gibson VS Flash Morgan Webster; Gibson wins and advances to the finals.
- Joe Coffey VS Travis Banks; Banks wins and advances to the finals.
- Six Man Tag: The Undisputed Era VS British Strong Style; British Strong Style wins.
- WWE UK Championship Tournament 2018 Final: Zack Gibson VS Travis Banks; Gibson wins and will challenge Pete Dunne for the WWE UKC tomorrow in the Finale.
PLAY BY PLAY
The second WWE United Kingdom Championship Tournament WILL conclude!
The first round happened over the last few weeks, and now we have our Elite Eight. This second-ever edition of the WWE UKCT will finish all in one night! Who will triumph? Who will fall? And will the winner stand a chance against The British Bruiserweight in tomorrow’s championship match?
A living legend walks into The Royal Albert Hall.
#WWEUKCT takes center stage at London's @RoyalAlbertHall… RIGHT NOW on @WWENetwork! pic.twitter.com/sp546EEfDF
— WWE UK Championship (@WWEUKCT) June 25, 2018
One of the most famous and historic venues in the world, with over 100 years of wrestling. Johnny Saint was here in this ring many times. “But that was then.” The WWE UK Division has already had two amazing champions, but “everything evolves.” This tournament will take center stage, and bring someone to new heights. Zack Gibson claims it for himself, but Flash Morgan Webster needs it. For those who came before. For those who are here. Eight men, one winner, and one major opportunity. The Royal Albert Hall welcomes you to the 2018 United Kingdom Championship tournament.
This is what it's all about.
HERE. WE. GO! #WWEUKCT @WWENetwork pic.twitter.com/RfqcRIivDM
— WWE (@WWE) June 25, 2018
Zack Gibson VS Jack Gallagher!
Liverpool’s Number One showed the Baghra Badboy he “doesn’t belong”, but the sadistic gentleman showed Drew Gulak who is truly the better grappler. Both men are gritty with a mean streak a kilometer long, but who will be the first man to move on into the semifinals?
This 20 minute time limit match begins with Gallagher offering but Gibson declining a show of respect. Fans boo and jeer Gibson as the two circle. They tie up, Gibson gets a waistlock but Gallagher quickly reverses. Gibson reverses back, but has to spin again to shovel Gallagher over. Gallagher is up and wrings Gibson out, but Gibson headscissors. Gallagher finds his way out, then stands off with Gibson. Fans are already rowdy for Gallagher and he embraces it. The two circle again and tie up. Gibson arm-drags into an armlock and even tells fans to shut up.
Gallagher gets up, whips but Gibson arm-drags him again. Fans boo at the sneering and cocky Gibson. They rally for Gallagher, and Gallagher stands to flip and headlock. Gibson powers out but Gallagher gets under to an armlock then leap frog to a roll up, TWO. Gallagher tells Gibson just how close that was.
The two stand up again, Gallagher ducks the clothesline to become a pretzel! Gibson has seen this before, but he still falls for it. Cover, TWO, so Gallagher gets a chinlock. Gallagher adds a chinbar, but Gibson stands to pull hair. Gallagher hits a European Uppercut, then another. Gibson powers Gallagher to the ropes, but dirties the break before hotshot-ing the arm. He dropkicks Gallagher down then hammers away. Cover, TWO, and Gibson grows frustrated. Gibson stalks Gallagher to the ropes, then reels him into a lariat. Fans keep taunting Gibson but he dropkicks Gallagher again. Cover, TWO, so he wraps Gallagher in a half-nelson.
Gallagher endures, fans rally, and Gallagher gets up to fight back with body shots. Gibson knees low then whips Gallagher, but Galaglher sunset flips. Gibson stops that and yanks on the arm. He goes after the wrist, but Gallagher gets up and snapmares. Gibson still has the wrist! He brings Gallagher down but fans rally up again. Gallagher stands, throws hands, but Gibson elbows Gallgher. Gibson throws Gallagher with the straight-arm suplex! He blows a kiss to the fans before going back to Gallagher with punches and EuroUppers of his own. Fans love taunting Gibson as he whips Gallagher corner to corner hard! Gallagher hits buckles and then mat, but Gibson is right on that arm. The ropebreak is barely honored, then Gibson whips Gallagher hard again.
Gibson taunts Gallagher now, he wants Gallagher to “show me something!” Gallagher hits back with forearms, but Gibson trips him up and clobbers him. Cover, TWO, so it’s back to the arm. Gallagher stands again, but Gibson brings him down to another take on the arm and chinbar. Gallagher endures so Gibson shifts back to his half-nelson. Fans rally for Gallagher, and Gallagher feeds off that energy. Gibson knees low, then whips, but he runs into Gallagher’s forearm and elbow. Gallagher keeps going, backing Gibson down! Gallagher fires off all sorts of strikes. Gibson whips and kicks low, then goes to suplex, but it’s Gallagher who lifts Gibson! Fans fire up as Gallagher slams Gibson down. Gallagher stands first, then runs to Penalty Kick Gibson! Cover, TWO!
Gibson clutches his head, but Gallagher is right on him. They scrap on the mat, and Gallagher brings Gibson up. Gibson powers Gallagher to a corner, but Gallagher clubs back. Gallagher goes up, clubs more, but Gibson trips him up to hit a draping code breaker! Cover, TWO! Gallagher rolls to the apron while Gibson is in disbelief. Fans are strongly behind Gallagher while Gibson suplexes him in. Gallagher breaks free and dropkicks Gibson. Gallagher back elbows Gibson off the wristlock, then runs in for- The dropkick is countered to a Liger Bomb! But Gallagher gets him in a triangle hold! Gibson endures, powers up to deadlift, buckle bomb! Gallagher hops up, hanging triangle! Gallagher lets go at 4, then comes back up to slingshot in to put on a sleeper and body scissors!!
Gibson reaches and gets a ropebreak. Gallagher lets go, but both men are slow to standing. Gallagher is up first, and runs in, but his dropkick misses again. He lands on his feet to DIVE! Gallagher puts Gibson in, and with no hesitation, Gentleman’s Dropkick! Cover, TWO!? Gibson survives, but Gallagher is too tired to be frustrated. Gallagher drags Gibson up, but Gibson throat chops! Gibson throws Gallagher into a post, and Gallagher falls to the floor. Gibson catches his breath and leaves Gallagher to the mercy of the count. Gallagher returns at 9, but Gibson clobbers him! Then, Ticket to Ride gut buster! Cover, TWO!! Gallagher survives, and now Gibson is too tired to be frustrated.
Fans declare “This is Awesome!” Gallagher endures a new hold, but fights back, snapmare to dropkick! But Gallagher isn’t finished. He gets himself to the top rope! Gallagher aims, leaps, but into boots! And Shankly Gates! Gallagher taps, Gibson wins!
Winner: Zack Gibson, by submission; advances to the semifinals
Liverpool’s Number One has won again. Whether he was tougher than Gallagher, he was at least smarter to reverse that situation. How will he fare in the next round?
One step closer. @ZackGibson01 has defeated @GentlemanJackG to advance to the next round of the #WWEUKCT! pic.twitter.com/pWXz4kY58t
— WWE (@WWE) June 25, 2018
Joe Coffey VS Dave Mastiff!
The literally biggest men in the tournament face off! The Iron King of Scotland and the Black Country’s Big Bad Dave are equally determined to show just how great they are, but who will prove to have more heart behind it?
🤝 = ✅
Match = UNDERWAY!@Joe_Coffey @DaveMastiff #WWEUKCT pic.twitter.com/ag7ktrQCLV— WWE UK Championship (@WWEUKCT) June 25, 2018
Unlike Gibson, both men are willing to shake hands to make this match respectful. The bell rings, and the big men circle. They tie up, and Mastiff pushes Coffey back. Coffey comes back and gets a headlock. Mastiff powers out and the two collided, but neither man backs down. Coffey runs and they collide again, they still don’t move. Mastiff moves, but Coffey stands his ground. They both go and collide. Things speed up, double crossbodies take them both out. They both roll out of the ring to recover. Coffey and Mastiff spot each other across the way, and go around the corner to run and collide again and again. Coffey goes up and over but Mastiff runs him over!
Mastiff puts Coffey in the ring, then backs Coffey down with elbows and uppercuts. He throws Coffey into a buckle then kicks the rope. Mastiff lifts Coffey but Coffey sunset flips. Mastiff goes to sit on him, but Coffey narrowly escapes. Coffey gets to a corner, but Mastiff gets up. Coffey runs at Mastiff but is put on the apron. Mastiff swings but Coffey counters, then climbs up. Coffey leaps, missile dropkick takes Mastiff down! Cover, TWO. Mastiff is dazed but Coffey catches his breath. They both stand, and Coffey throws big lefts. Coffey backs Mastiff down but Mastiff shoves him away. Mastiff runs out but into Coffey’s takedown! Coffey runs in at Mastiff in a corner but gets a back elbow. Mastiff throws Coffey in but Coffey elbows back. Coffey leaps, but into a right hand! Back senton! Cover, TWO!
Mastiff gets back up to stalk Coffey. He brings Coffey up for a stretch and elbow after elbow into the head. Cover, TWO. Mastiff keeps his cool, but Coffey throws hands. Mastiff drags Coffey out in a facelock and grinds Coffey to the mat. Fans rally, Coffey gets up and fights back. The two slug it out, but Mastiff backs Coffey down to then whip hotshot Coffey with the top rope. Mastiff waits for Coffey to stand, but Coffey hits back. Mastiff tries but Coffey denies the suplex. Coffey slips out but gets an elbow. Mastiff tries again, but Coffey suplexes Mastiff!
Yup, @Joe_Coffey JUST DID THAT! @DaveMastiff #WWEUKCT pic.twitter.com/AUOj0y43gU
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) June 25, 2018
Both men are down while fans fire up. The 10 count begins but both men stand. Coffey runs in at Mastiff, but into an elbow. Mastiff runs, but into a belly2belly!! Both men are slow to standing again, but fans keep rallying. Coffey throws hands, then runs in, big splash! He tries again, blocks the boot to punch and German Suplex! Bridge, TWO! Coffey tosses off the elbow pads, then runs, but Mastiff headbutts the roaring elbow away. Mastiff tries his discus, Coffey ducks, but Mastiff comes back with the other side! Mastiff deadlifts and Germans Coffey! Bridge, TWO!
Fans love the toughness as Coffey gets to a corner. Mastiff runs in, but into a pop-up EuroUpper! Yet Mastiff still dropkicks Coffey to a corner! Mastiff runs corner to corner, but Coffey dodges the cannonball! Coffey gets up, boots Mastiff, then hops up to crossbody! He’s not done there, discus lariat, aka All the Best for the Bells! Cover, Coffey wins!
Winner: Joe Coffey, by pinfall; advances to the semifinals
The Iron King moves on, and he’s made both his country, these fans and his brother Mark very proud.
A round of applause from @m_coffey90, and for good reason! #WWEUKCT pic.twitter.com/f0Dl95rVab
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) June 25, 2018
In-ring interview with Coffey.
Congrats on the impressive win. What is his mind-set going into the semifinals? “My mind-set,” is to win! The Iron King vows to take Pete Dunne on, and take that WWE UK Championship! “Because this is opportunity!” He’ll show no mercy, and win by any means necessary. Who will be next to face the power of the Iron King?
The winner of this match, @Joe_Coffey, has a message…
He'll be showing NO MERCY and win by ANY means necessary! #WWEUKCT pic.twitter.com/0zC4GlExoS
— WWE UK Championship (@WWEUKCT) June 25, 2018
Flash Morgan Webster VS Jordan Devlin!
Another clash of styles and personalities, the Modfather said he needs this United Kingdom Championship opportunity. However, Finn Balor’s former student feels he needs this to settle “unfinished business” from the original tournament. Since last year, Devlin has been undefeated as the Irish Champion! Who will move on to face Liverpool’s Number One in the next round?
No handshake for you, @Flash_Morgan.
This matchup is underway RIGHT NOW on the award-winning @WWENetwork! @Jordan_Devlin1 #WWEUKCT pic.twitter.com/E6ukGMU0G9
— WWE UK Championship (@WWEUKCT) June 25, 2018
The handshakes are 1-2 as Devlin refuses Flash’s offer. The bell rings, Flash and Devlin circle fast. They tie up, Devlin powers Flash back but they go all around the ropes. Devlin ends up on top, then slaps Flash out of the break. Flash is furious but the referee keeps them back. They circle again, fans behind Flash. They tie up, Devlin gets the wristlock but Flash rolls and flips. Flash reverses the wristlock but Devlin gets a ropebreak. Devlin dirties the break again with a kick, then puts on a headlock. Flash powers out, things speed up, and Flash arm-drags Devlin! He does it again, then puts on an armlock. Devlin gets up and knees low. Devlin puts Flash in a corner, but while he catches the boots, Flash arm-drags back. Flash blocks the kick to sweep, imploding senton! Cover, ONE, but Flash is ready.
Flash runs in but Devlin denies the full tilt-o-whirl. Devlin blocks the boot to give back an elbow. Devlin runs, meteora! Flash gets to the apron but Devlin is right on him. Devlin suplexes but Flash slips out. Flash swings but ends up in a yurinagi. Standing moonsault! Cover, TWO, and Devlin is frustrated. Devlin kicks Flash stiff, then covers, TWO. Flash gets up, Devlin rocks him with a forearm. Devlin wrenches Flash’s neck before locking him into a seated abdominal stretch. Fans rally and Flash pries his way out. Devlin knees low, then gives a EuroUpper. Devlin runs in but into boots! Flash gets to another corner, and hops up and over to run and waistlock to then headscissors!
Devlin flounders to a corner, Flash runs in for the forearm smash, then corner to corner for the Mod-Trigger! Cover, TWO! Flash is a bit surprised but he keeps on Devlin. He sets up a double underhook, but Devlin powers out to forearm. Devlin whips but Flash reverses. Flash then trips an ddrags Devlin out to build speed and DIVE! A low-pe, but Flash isn’t done. Flash builds speed, and DIVES a bit higher. Fans want one more, and Flash is gonna give them one, as he FLIES! He puts Devlin in the ring, cover, TWO! Flash is surprised again, but fans are still rallying.
Flash goes up top, but Devlin follows! Devlin throws forearms but one big left from Flash sends him down. Devlin trips Flash up! He chops and brings Flash up, SUPER SPANISH FLY!! Cover, TWO! SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO!! Fans are loving this but Devlin is frustrated. Devlin climbs up now, moonsault, FLOP! Flash tilt-o-whirls, Eton Rifle DDT! Cover, Flash wins!!
WInner: Flash Morgan Webster, by pinfall; advances to the semifinals
History repeats itself for Devlin, he can’t get past the second round. But given that Tyler Bate defeated Devlin to become THE UK Champion, does that mean good things for The Modfather?
Moving on to the #WWEUKCT Semi-Finals: @Flash_Morgan! pic.twitter.com/VVRmAmz5YW
— WWE (@WWE) June 25, 2018
Travis Banks VS Ashton Smith!
The Kiwi Buzzsaw cut down El Ligero, but D-Rok managed to show Joseph Conners what it takes to advance. Which hard-hitting hotshot will move on to face The Iron King in the next round?
It's @Trent99 vs. @Travis_BanksPW, and it's happening RIGHT NOW on @WWENetwork! #WWEUKCT pic.twitter.com/03L5cE8wUf
— WWE (@WWE) June 25, 2018
The handshakes go 50-50 as these two show signs of respect. The bell rings and we begin with an immediate tie-up. Travis powers Ashton to a headlock, then down to a knee. Ashton stands back up and powers out. Things speed up and Travis trips Ashton. La Mahistrol, ONE, and the two stand off. They circle again, and Ashton arm-drags Travis around. Things speed up again, Ashton dropkicks Travis. Travis gets to a corner, but Ashton is on him. Travis breaks free and sweeps the legs, then kicks Ashton in the back again and again. He also chops Ashton, then rocks him with a forearm. Travis snapmares to kick away again. Ashton writhes but Travis stands him up for another chop. Travis stalks Ashton to a corner, then chops him again.
Fans rally while Ashton walks to another corner. Travis chops him again, then again, then snapmares to kick Ashton again. Cover, TWO, but Travis stays on Ashton with a wristlock. Ashton endures, stands, and powers his way out. Travis knees low, then runs, but into a boot! Ashton whips but Travis reverses, only for Ashton to rally with lariats and elbows. Ashton gives Travis a backbreaker, then gets himself to a corner. He runs in at Travis in the other corner, but Travis dodges. Travis runs in for an uppercut, rolls for another, then corner to corner. Ashton follows, only for Travis to sweep the legs again. Ashton hits buckles face first! Travis adds a dropkick! Cover, TWO!
Fans cheer and chant while Travis brings Ashton up. Travis runs, springboards but Ashton gets under. Ashton goes up, leaping leg lariat! But Travis gets out of the ring, frustrating Ashton. But Ashton fires himself up, and builds speed, to FLY!
The REWARD of @Trent99 taking a RISK in this #WWEUKCT Quarter-Finals matchup… pic.twitter.com/9T4OAXq3bZ
— WWE UK Championship (@WWEUKCT) June 25, 2018
Ashton takes Travis down and even undoes the carpeting. He puts Travis in the ring, brings him up, fireman’s carry. Travis fights out, but runs into a SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO!! Ashton is shocked, he thought that did it. They both stand, and get to corners. Ashton runs in for a big knee, then runs again, only for Travis to blast him with a dropkick. Travis does not stop, German Suplex and bridge, TWO! Both men grit their teeth as they sit up. Travis throws a forearm, then another. He brings Ashton up for another, but Ashton just feeds off those hits. Then Ashton throws hands of his own. Ashton misses once and Travis springboards for Slice of Heaven! Travis suplexes, KIWI CRUSHER! Cover, Travis wins!
Winner: Travis Banks, by pinfall; advances to the semifinals
New Zealand’s own moves on in this UK Championship tournament, keeping that international flavor. Travis is tough as nails, and he’ll have to be with Joe Coffey ready for him in the next round. Will the Kiwi Buzzsaw be able to cut through Coffey? Or will he be cut down instead?
New Zealand native @Travis_BanksPW has punched his ticket to the Semi-Finals! #WWEUKCT pic.twitter.com/rpoglntxVC
— WWE (@WWE) June 25, 2018
NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contender Triple Threat: Toni Storm VS Killer Kelly VS Isla Dawn!
Who will challenge @QoSBazler for the #WWENXT #WomensTitle tomorrow night?@tonistorm_, @Kelly_WP, and @IslaDawn battle for the opportunity RIGHT NOW on @WWENetwork! #WWEUKCT pic.twitter.com/XWFDglUhgb
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) June 25, 2018
Three women compete for a major crossover opportunity! Will it be the inaugural Progress Women’s Champion, the wXw Women’s Champion, or the woman yet to hold gold be the one to face the Queen of Spades?
The bell rings, and Toni finds herself in a 2v1 situation! Kelly and Dawn know she’s arguably the best, so they need to stop her now. Toni fires back on both of them, focusing on Dawn. She swings on Kelly, but Kelly catches her in a waistlock, and Dawn comes over for a wheelbarrow DDT! Toni rolls out, and now the allies turn on each other. Dawn dodges and rolls up, TWO. She kicks Kelly first, then forearms and elbows in the corner. She snapmares Kelly out to mule kick her. Dawn runs for a knee, covers, TWO! Kelly checks her jaw but Dawn is a bit surprised.
Dawn brings Kelly up, but Kelly blocks the suplex. Kelly hits back then suplexes Dawn up and over. Kelly drags Dawn back up, and puts on a cravat for those knee strikes. Dawn flounders to a corner while Kelly gets a running start, hesitation dropkick! But Toni’s back! Snap German! Dawn gets Toni with a saido suplex, and all three women are down. Fans love this already. They rally up as all three women stir. Toni and Kelly head for each other, but Dawn joins in. They all trade forearms and elbows. They stand up but the brawl continues. Dawn snap suplexes but Kelly breaks the cover.
Kelly throws on Dawn, then whips, but Dawn reverses. Kelly holds ropes then dumps Dawn out. Dawn hits the floor, but Kelly gets to the apron, for a brutal Penalty Kick! Kelly roars, then drags Dawn up and in. Toni boots Kelly, then grabs Dawn, German Suplex! Toni keeps going, scoop into the Air Raid Crash, aka Storm Zero! Cover, Toni wins!
Winner: Toni Storm, by pinfall; will challenge Shayna Baszler for the NXT Women’s Championship
The Storm rolls through and finishes this one fast!
She's done it! @tonistorm_ has secured her #WWENXT #WomensTitle opportunity here at @RoyalAlbertHall! #WWEUKCT pic.twitter.com/KOMwobvhiR
— WWE UK Championship (@WWEUKCT) June 25, 2018
But speaking of Shayna Baszler, she’s here! The Submission Magician is ready to make Toni #TapNapOrSnap, but will she be taken by surprise?
#WWENXT #WomensChampion @QoSBaszler vs. @tonistorm_.
Tomorrow… it is ON! #WWEUKCT pic.twitter.com/YCk343vcee
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) June 25, 2018
Triple H heads to the ring!
.@TripleH takes some time to reflect on the success of last year's inaugural #WWEUKCT! pic.twitter.com/yiyjcNBKYE
— WWE UK Championship (@WWEUKCT) June 25, 2018
The COO of WWE is greeted by standing ovation and fans singing along with his theme. He does have something very special to announce, however. He’s been dying to come to the Royal Albert Hall himself. He reflects on the inagural UK Championship Tournament, “and quite frankly, we were blown away.” That night changed what it means to be a UK wrestler. WWE told everyone there would be more. Talent like Wolfgang, Tyler Bate, Trent Seven, Mark Andrews, Pete Dunne, they’ve all turned themselves into global names. But that is just the beginning. Looking at just these first two rounds, it’s so clear that WWE is scratching the surface. HHH is here to tell us that we will get more. Fans chant “YES! YES!” HHH continues by introducing “one of the godfathers of British wrestling”, the new GM, Johnny Saint!
Fans greet Johnny Saint with another standing ovation. The Man of 1000 Holds is the GM for WWE UK, but there’s more to it than that. He thanks HHH and lets everyone know that he is so proud to be here tonight, to announce the NXT UK Brand!
Are. You. READY?!?!@TripleH #WWEUKCT pic.twitter.com/Tlo6nlLtK6
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) June 25, 2018
There it is! The official logo for NXT UK! The global expansion has begun, and NXT UK will bring the very best of UK wrestling in both men’s, women’s and tag team divisions. July 28th and 29 in Cambridge, to August 25th and 26th in Birmingham, to October 13th and 14th in Plymouth, and November 24th and 25th in Liverpool. There’s just one question left to ask: “Are you ready?!” This is just the beginning of a great new chapter for all pro-wrestling!
Zack Gibson VS Flash Morgan Webster!
The semifinals begin with an age-old battle as grit and grappling meets flash and flying. Who will rise up to be the first finalist in the 2018 UKCT?
Gibson gives a handshake that isn’t genuine, so don’t expect any respect in this match. The bell rings and Flash hits a Mod-Trigger and furious right hands. And he won’t let up! Another knee sends Gibson out of the ring, but Flash keeps an eye on him. Flash swings on the post for a headscissor throw! He puts Gibson back in, then climbs up, big missile dropkick! Cover, TWO! Flash has been fast and furious but he’s firing up again. Gibson stands, Flash comes in for the tilt-o-whirl, but Gibson blocks into snake eyes! Gibson stomps a mudhole into Flash, then walks it off. He drags Flash back up for body shots and forearms.
Gibson stops just to catch his breath before reeling Flash in for a lariat. Gibson puts Flash in a cobra clutch but fans troll Gibson again. He tunes them out, but Flash stands, only for Gibson to knock him down again. Gibson shouts for Flash to stay down and ignore the fans. Flash kicks back but Gibson goes after the arm again. Gibson powers Flash over, but Flash slips out. Flash gets away, then goes up and over. Flash runs, springboard corkscrew senton! Cover, TWO! Fans rally again, and Flash brings Gibson up. Flash wrenches but Gibson blocks the tilt-o-whirl. Flash rocks Gibson with a forearm! Gibson rolls out, Flash builds speed, and the LOW-PE hits!
Flash keeps going, to DIVE- But Gibson catches him! For a Helter Skelter brainbuster! Fans lose their minds over the impact. Gibson crawls away and returns to the ring. Flash is left to the mercy of the count, but gets in at 9.5! Only for Gibson to be right on him for Shankly Gates! Flash taps, Gibson wins!!
Winner: Gibson, by submission; advances to the finals
What a shocking turn of events! Flash was fast but Gibson was the truly furious one. Gibson closes the gates on Flash and has the first finals spot. Who will meet him from the other end of the bracket?
One spot left. Who will @ZackGibson01 face in the Finals? #WWEUKCT pic.twitter.com/xpffJKyUWg
— WWE UK Championship (@WWEUKCT) June 25, 2018
Joe Coffey VS Travis Banks!
The Iron King and the Kiwi Buzzsaw are to of the favorites for this tournament, but only one can advance. Who will challenge Liverpool’s Number One in hopes of then challenging The British Bruiserweight tomorrow?
One of these men will face @ZackGibson01 in the Finals… but who will it be?@Joe_Coffey and @Travis_BanksPW battle RIGHT NOW on @WWENetwork! #WWEUKCT pic.twitter.com/FjsXdGPD6X
— WWE UK Championship (@WWEUKCT) June 25, 2018
The handshakes at least keep the 50/50 streak going. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, and Coffey powers Travis to a corner. Coffey backs off cleanly, and circles with Travis again. They tie up again, and Coffey gets a wristlock. He brings Travis to the mat but Travis arm-drags out. They circle once more, and Coffey offers a second handshake. It’s just to trick Travis into an arm wringer. Travis stands back up and SLAPS Coffey! Coffey fires back with forearms and it’s a brawl. Travis backs Coffey down but Coffey turns around to fire chops and body shots back. Coffey whips but Travis reverses to sweep the legs. Travis runs but Coffey follows to run him over!
Travis gets to a corner but Coffey is on him with big lefts. Coffey keeps on Travis as they go to another corner. Coffey brings Travis out for the double underhook swing! Around and around they go, then overhead with the suplex. Cover, TWO. Travis steadies himself but Coffey stays close. Coffey stomps Travis, then stomps a mudhole into him. He backs off but comes back for more. Travis chops back, chops and chops, then runs. Sunset flip, but roll through and Coffey goes for a Half Crab. He gets it part way, then all the way! Travis endures, but Coffey pulls back harder. Travis crawls for ropes, and gets the ropebreak.
Coffey lets go, but he keeps on Travis with a knee drop. He goes after the arm again, but Travis resists. Coffey still gets the straitjacket stretch, and adds knee strikes into the back. Travis turns but Coffey continues through. Coffey brings Travis to his knees, and pulls back while putting in a knee. Travis endures, stands up, but Coffey wrings him out for a shoulder to shoulder collision.
They stand up, Coffey shoves Travis for a forearm to the back on the rebound. Coffey chops Travis while he’s down, then throws hands. He backs off for Travis to stand but keeps throwing hands. Travis fires chops in return! Coffey shoves but Travis sweeps the leg. Travis chops and chops and chops and chops, then SUPERKICK. Coffey goes out of the ring, but Travis is on the apron for the Penalty Kick! Coffey goes down, but Travis brings him up and in. Travis runs, builds speed, shotgun knee! Cover, TWO, and Travis grows frustrated. Coffey flounders but Travis gets up. Travis runs, but into the pop-up EuroUpper! Coffey runs and tackles Travis to a corner!
Coffey fires up, runs back in, big splash! He’s not down, but he runs into a boot! Travis runs, but into a pop-up powerslam! Cover, TWO, but Coffey is right on Travis. Waistlock, deadlift, but Travis resists. Coffey still completes the German Suplex, with bridge! TWO, and both men are down from exhaustion. Coffey sits up first while fans love this. He and Travis get to corners, and the elbow pads come off. Coffey stands on wobbly legs, and fans build to a fever pitch. Coffey runs, but into a dropkick! Travis then hits springboard stomps! Cover, TWO!!
Travis keeps his focus and revs himself up. He stands up, drags Coffey up with him, but that suplex is too much for his back. Coffey staggers around while Travis crawls. Travis stands, runs in, but into an elbow. Coffey up but misses the crossbody! Coffey writhes from that belly flop. Travis drags him up again, but Coffey chops. Coffey runs, but into another boot. Then another, then the wheelbarrow takedown, TRAVIS WINS!!
Winner: Travis Banks, by pinfall; advances to the finals
It took so much from both men to fight through this match, and in the end, it’s the Kiwi Buzzsaw that snags victory! He’s pretty beat up and tired, but his night is far from over. Can Travis Banks do it again against Zack Gibson in the finals?
But wait! Coffey clobbers Travis from behind!
A celebration was in order after @Travis_BanksPW secured his place in the #WWEUKCT Finals…
…until @Joe_Coffey decided to strike! pic.twitter.com/lWHzXTMQhX
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) June 25, 2018
The Iron King promised no mercy and any means necessary, and he throws Travis into a post!! The referee tries to talk Coffey down, but the Black Coffey Discus still connects! Coffey declares himself the true winner, but he’s really just a sore loser. Can Travis hope to win against gritty Gibson after this?
Six Man Tag: The Undisputed Era VS British Strong Style!
#UndisputedERA @AdamColePro, @KORcombat, and @roderickstrong take on #BritishStrongStyle @PeteDunneYxB, @Tyler_Bate, and @trentseven RIGHT NOW on @WWENetwork! #WWEUKCT pic.twitter.com/B7ZWvpEY4F
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) June 25, 2018
There’s history here long before this match-up, and even before Roderick Strong betrayed Pete Dunne in the Dusty Rhodes Classic. Now that Mustache Mountain is back in action, can they and the WWE UK Champion get revenge on Strong, O’Reilly & Adam Cole (BAYBAY) in their home turf?
The teams sort out, and it will be O’Reilly and Bate to start. O’Reilly already uses his ground defense, but then ties up with Bate. O’Reilly gets the headlock, but Bate powers out. Bate runs but is run over. Things speed up and Bate arm-drags O’Reilly, but O’Reilly powers Bate to a corner. O’Reilly gives strikes, then whips Bate corner to corner. Bate goes up and under, then O’Reilly does. Bate tries to roll but O’Reilly gets the cross armbreaker. But Bate makes it a roll up, TWO, and Bate arm-drags O’Reilly again. Now Bate has O’Reilly in an armlock. O’Reilly stands up but Bate wrenches. O’Reilly goes low and trips Bate up, then drags him tot he Undisputed corner.
Strong tags in to stomp Bate, then drag him out. Bate kicks him away then wrenches the arm. Bate brings Strong over, and Dunne tags in! Strong panics, and even tries to reason with Dunne. Dunne just rock shim with a forearm! Dunne stomps away on Strong in a corner, and fans are all fired up. Strong comes back out but Dunne whips him. Things speed up, and Dunne clobbers Strong again. Dunne grabs that arm, then the fingers, and tortures Strong’s digits. Both teams come in, but British Strong Style all put up Bop, to give BANG!
Wait for it… #WWEUKCT pic.twitter.com/RmJxP63c1L
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) June 25, 2018
The Undisputed Era stagger into retreat, and British Strong Style control the ring. Fans are thunderous and it feeds British Strong Style. Strong slips back in, but into a toehold from Dunne. Dunne grabs the legs, then the arms, it’s a BRITISH Surfboard, to knee stomps. Dunne tags in Trent Seven, and Trent keeps on the legs with a toehold. Strong kicks out, then powers him to the Undisputed corner. Cole tags in and stomps a mudhole into Seven, BAYBAY! Cole drags Seven up, then chops him, but it does nothing. Neither does the next chop. Seven’s chop has effect, as does the next. O’Reilly and Strong come in but the get chops, too! Seven fakes a chop, to give a DDT!
Cole rolls out but Seven pursues, only for Cole to enziguri Seven! O’Reilly distracts while Strong gives Seven a backbreaker on the barriers! Dunne and Bate try to help but Cole is on Seven already. They go back into the ring and Cole rains down rights. Cole brings Seven up and tags O’Reilly. O’Reilly throws knees into Seven, then hands. Tag to Strong, and Strong adds chops with O’Reilly’s kicks. Seven staggers, but he still chops Strong. Strong kicks Seven, then taunts Dunne. Tag to Cole, and Cole stomps a mudhole into Seven. Cole runs in but into a boot. Seven fights out of the corner, dodges Cole, then crawls for his corner. O’Reilly tags in to boot Bate and swing on Dunne. He goes to Seven, but Seven hits the suplex slam! Both men are down but crawling. Hot tag to Strong and Dunne!
Dunne decks Strong over and over, then fires off so many furious fists! He whips Strong, Strong reverses, but Dunne goes up and over to enziguri Strong. Strong standing switch but Dunne lands out of the German Suplex to enziguri Strong again! Dunne kicks Cole, and X-Plexes him onto Strong! Cover, TWO!! Strong rolls to ropes, but Dunne runs at him. Strong boots, enziguris, then Olympic Slam, but Dunne arm-drag counters. Dunne tags in Bate! The inaugural UK Champion trips Strong, then catches O’Reilly to Exploder suplex him onto Strong! Cole returns, but Bate takes him for a spin! Strong tries to stop, but Bate trips him up. Bate takes them BOTH for a spin!
.@Tyler_Bate just took things to a WHOLE NEW LEVEL! #WWEUKCT pic.twitter.com/umBaCrjK4R
— WWE (@WWE) June 25, 2018
Around and around, but Bate is just as dizzy. Bate staggers back and tags Dunne. Dunne and Bate work together, for a boosted butterfly into backstaber!! Cover, but O’Reilly breaks it. Dunne throws O’Reilly out, then gets to a corner. Strong staggers up, but dropkicks Dunne out of the air! Tag to Cole, who suplexes Dunne for the Last Shot! Cover, TWO!! Tag to O’Reilly, Penalty Kick! Cover, TWO, to armbar! Dunne resists, rolls, but ends up in a triangle. He endures, makes it a cover, ONE. Dunne is loose, and German Suplexes O’Reilly on a rebound. O’Reilly springs up to discus forearm Dunne, but Dunne roars back with a buzzsaw kick! Dunne grabs O’Reilly, pumphandle but guillotine counter! Dunne tries hammer fists but he can’t get loose. So he backs up, step by step, and tags in Bate! Bate climbs up, and knee drops on O’Reilly!
Cole comes in, but misses his kick on Bate. Seven chops at Cole, but Cole sends it to Bate! SUPERKICK! Enziguri from Dunne, but Strong gets him with the side slam. Bate gets Strong with the rebound lariat! O’Reilly hops on for an armbar, but gets powerbomb’d! Everyone is down but the fans are fired up! They chant “NXT! NXT!” in honor of the brand bringing them all together. O’Reilly and Bate crawl to their corners, hot tags to Seven and Strong. Seven dodges to chop, then swing Strong out, for the Seven Star Lariat! Cover, TWO!!
But Seven won’t stop. He drags Strong up, but spots Cole coming in with a belt. Specifically, Cole has grabbed the WWE UK Championship belt. Seven stops him, but Strong hits a knee smash. Cole tags in, then tags in O’Reilly. Seven stands, Ax, Smash, and Shining Wizard! Cover, but Dunne drags O’Reilly off it! Bate hits Strong, but SUPERKICK from Cole. Dunne blasts Cole with that forearm, then Dunne climbs to MOONSAULT! Dunne tags out Strong and Cole but also himself! Seven hits O’Reilly, but O’Reilly hits back. Seven clobbers O’Reilly with a Seven Star, but he’s not down. He brings O’Reilly up, but O’Reilly lands out of the inverted Death Valley. O’Reilly runs but Bate tags in. Seven catches O’Reilly into a full nelson, Bate rebounds, Lariat Dragon Suplex! Cover, British Strong Style wins!!
Winners: British Strong Style, Bate pinning
Royal Albert Hall gives a standing ovation to the winning home team! Pete Dunne is WWE UK Champion, and awaits his challenger tomorrow. Will he still be champion after that match? And Mustache Mountain get their own shot at the NXT Tag Team Championships tomorrow, will it be a golden British Strong Style going forward?
#BritishStrongStyle is VICTORIOUS here in London's @RoyalAlbertHall! #WWEUKCT@PeteDunneYxB @Tyler_Bate @trentseven pic.twitter.com/746Lmn8Niu
— WWE UK Championship (@WWEUKCT) June 25, 2018
Shawn Michales is here!
#HBK @ShawnMichaels is HERE! #WWEUKCT pic.twitter.com/CKuXhEPhrQ
— WWE (@WWE) June 25, 2018
The Heartbreak Kid is in the Royal Albert Hall, a great surprise for the fans. HBK lets the fans sing his song before speaking. “You gotta admit, it’s still a pretty snappy tune, is it not?” After 30 years, HBK was never scared to follow anything. But after that Six Man, he is. To be perfectly honest, this entire show officially scares HBK. As much as HBK wants to go down memory lane to 1991 and the first WWE match here in Royal Albert Hall. HBK is honored just to be a small part of history, and to celebrate with the fans– The fans want “One More Match”? Stop with that. But being part of history, #NXTUK, it gives back to the fans that have supported WWE for years here. “With that said, let’s get to our final match!”
WWE UK Championship Tournament 2018 Final: Zack Gibson VS Travis Banks!
This is the reason we are here! It will either be Liverpool’s Number One or the Kiwi Buzzsaw that wins the right to face Pete Dunne tomorrow. However, is it even fair for Travis after what Joe Coffey tried to do to him? You don’t see any complaints from him, so this match is still happening!
It all comes down to this.
Will it be @ZackGibson01 or @Travis_BanksPW that earns the opportunity to challenge #UKChampion @PeteDunneYxB? #WWEUKCT pic.twitter.com/pPGlDeJrYz
— WWE (@WWE) June 25, 2018
Gibson still doesn’t shake hands, there’s still no respect for anyone else. Fans let him know what they think as the bell rings. Gibson and Travis stare down, and Gibson tells Travis to ignore the fans and focus on the fight. They circle, tie up, and they’re even for the most part. Gibson goes for the arm but Travis gets to ropes. Gibson backs off, and they circle again. They tie up again, Travis gets the waistlock but Gibson get that arm. Another ropebreak backs Gibson off, and they go again. Travis kicks Gibson’s leg, then they tie up. Travis gets a waistlock and takedown, but Gibson reaches. They shift to a headlock but Gibson reverses out. Gibson uses the bad arm for a takedown, but Travis breaks free to chop Gibson off his feet! Fans like the look of that.
Gibson gets back up, they tie up, and Gibson powers Travis to a corner. He goes after the arm with the ropes, but Travis fires off with the good arm! Travis kicks, too, then chops. Gibson shoves him away, but Travis kicks him down. Gibson gets out of the ring to catch his breath, but Travis pursues. They brawl on the outside, but Gibson goes after the bad arm again. Gibson throws an elbow, but Travis body shots back. Gibson’s EuroUpper rocks Travis, but Travis follows, only for Gibson to go back out. He drags Travis back out, but Travis kicks him against the barriers. Gibson grabs the leg, to then hammerlock the arm before throwing it into the barrier. Gibson hammerlocks Travis again before throwing him into steel steps! Travis writhes while Gibson returns into the ring.
The referee checks on Travis, but Gibson just grins as he comes back out. Gibson drags Travis up and in, then stomps a mudhole into that bad arm. He clubs away, and even pulls at the tape before clobbering Travis with a clothesline. Gibson goes after the tape more, then grounds and pounds. He covers, TWO, but he’s right back on the arm. Fans cheer for Travis but Gibson puts Travis in the half-nelson. Travis endures, but Gibson just bends and twists the arm more. Gibson even stomps on it! Travis crawls to a corner, but he won’t let the ref stop this match.
Gibson looms over Travis as he kicks him. He brings Travis up for a big forearm, then tells Travis to stay down. He hits Travis again, but Travis won’t stay down. Gibson gives another forearm, but Travis grits his teeth to give chops back. They go back and forth, and Travis even gets that bad arm going. Travis sweeps Gibson’s legs, then runs for the dropkick! Gibson gets out of the ring, but fans rally as Travis takes aim. Travis runs, and DIVES!
.@Travis_BanksPW refuses to be held back! #WWEUKCT pic.twitter.com/rPkB3h6sQi
— WWE UK Championship (@WWEUKCT) June 25, 2018
He takes Gibson out, then puts him back in. Travis runs more, shotgun knee! Cover, TWO! That bad arm was likely a factor, but Travis doesn’t lose his cool. Fans rally as he goes over and climbs up, diving double stomps! Cover, TWO! Gibson drags himself to ropes, but Travis is first to stand. Travis and Gibson claw in a corner, but the referee backs Travis up. Gibson kicks the bad arm, then Ticket to Ride! Cover, TWO! Gibson grows frustrated while Travis crawls away. Travis is on the apron, but Gibson follows. Gibson grabs Travis, goes to suplex, but Travis resists.
Travis knees Gibson off the apron, then takes aim, to leap. He has to roll through, and Gibson throat chops! Gibson whips Travis at a barrier, but Travis jumps up, Slice of Heaven off the barrier! It connects, but Travis is also down after that landing. The 10 count begins and reaches 7 before either man stands. Travis and Gibson beat it at 9, and they glare at each other. They stand up and start brawling again with forearms. Gibson and Travis fire off whatever they can, but neither man falls. In fact, they just speed up! Gibson SLAPS Travis! Travis is dazed, but he still SLAPS back. Now it’s a slap fight of open palm strikes. Back and forth, but then Gibson forearms again. Travis boots Gibson!
Travis fires up and starts giving kicks. “YES! YES!” but Gibson catches one. But Travis pries himself free, to then stomp and stomp and stomp! Travis brings Gibson up, but Gibson wrings him out. Fans rally, but Gibson goes for his hold. He grinds in a forearm, but Travis holds on. Travis arm-drags out, then runs, but Slice misses. Gibson grabs him, SHANKLY GATES!! Travis endures, and even bites his fingers to ignore the arm pain. ROPEBREAK!! Somehow, someway, Travis survives. Gibson himself is so tired, he can only give short kicks. He tries to use the ropes in the hold, but Travis arm-drags him out. Travis gets to the apron, LEAPING stomp! He puts Gibson in, runs, SLICE OF HEAVEN! Cover, TWO!? How?! But that doesn’t matter, so long as both men get up again.
Fans rally and will them up. Travis drags Gibson up and tries to use both arms, but Gibson just trips Travis for the high stack cover. He’s using the ropes! The referee catches that and stops his count. Gibson tries to plead with the referee, but Travis gets to a corner. Travis runs in and clobbers him! He fires up, KIWI CRUSHER!! TWO!?!? Another shocking survival! Gibson is dazed but fans rally up for Travis again. Gibson gets out of the ring again, giving himself more time. But Travis builds speed again, to DIVE!
But Gibson deflected it enough, then hurries Travis into the ring for Helter Skelter!! Cover, TWO!!! Now Gibson is shocked by Travis. But he won’t stop, either, he wants and gets Shankly Gates! Travis endures all over again, drags himself all over again, but Gibson rolls him away. Travis flails, reaches, but taps! Gibson wins!!
Winner: Gibson, by submission; wins the 2018 UK Championship Tournament, will face Pete Dunne for the title tomorrow
Liverpool’s Number One wins, and could be the entire UK’s Number One. And as if to add insult to injury, only now does Gibson want a handshake. Travis considers it, even though fans say not to. Gibson takes back his offer, so much for respect. With such a gritty performance tonight, can Gibson muster up what it takes to defeat The British Bruiserweight?
The WINNER of the 2018 #WWEUKCT, and #UKChampion @PeteDunneYxB's challenger tomorrow…
…@ZackGibson01! pic.twitter.com/lY4ZQWTHrn
— WWE (@WWE) June 25, 2018
Johnny Saint, HHH & HBK make their way back out to congratulate the winner, but they still shake Travis’ hand to commend his efforts. Does this mean good things for The Kiwi Buzzsaw in the future of the WWE UK Brand?
You simply can't deny the efforts of @Travis_BanksPW tonight. @TripleH #WWEUKCT pic.twitter.com/D4YJfZRYQ0
— WWE UK Championship (@WWEUKCT) June 25, 2018
Saint, HHH & HBK join Gibson in the ring and shake his hand. Gibson is on cloud nine but it’s bittersweet for the fans. Gibson then decides to speak. “I am Liverpool’s–” But wait, here comes Dunne! The WWE UK Champion wants to see his challenger in person. Dunne smirks at Gibson as he makes his way back into the ring. They stand face to face, and Dunne raises his belt. Will he be raising his belt again after their match?
Same time. Same place. #UKChampion @PeteDunneYxB will see YOU tomorrow, @ZackGibson01!#WWEUKCT @TripleH @ShawnMichaels pic.twitter.com/ydyYGDvKvP
— WWE (@WWE) June 25, 2018
My Thoughts:
This entire night was amazing! Nothing was a disappointment, but plenty was shocking and entertaining. The only thing was that the Women’s Triple Threat seemed short. It was still good with the fast pace, but if Toni was going to win so easily, maybe it should’ve just been 1v1. Toni VS Shayna is still going to be great for the finale. That Six Man of Undisputed Era VS British Strong Style would’ve likely happened months ago if Bate hadn’t gotten hurt, but it was definitely worth the wait! Bate & Seven are shoe-ins for the future UK Tag Team Championships, as is Toni for the future Women’s Championship. Cole VS Wolfgang for the NXT North American Championship and Undisputed Era VS Mustache Mountain for the NXT Tag Team Championships are going to be great, too.
All the matches in the tournament were great, not a bad one in the bunch. Zack Gibson was truly the Heel of this entire tournament, but he never had to cheat. He did, but he didn’t have to, because he won through just being a gritty bastard. I thought this result wasn’t going to happen, but then I remembered Pete Dunne is actually more a Face-Tweener these days, what with Strong & The Undisputed Era being the Heels he’s up against. Though, for the sake of getting fans to mark out as hard as they possibly could, I still would’ve given Travis Banks the win. But WWE just loves Face VS Heel. Either way, the title match will be at least equal to tonight’s final, but I doubt Dunne loses.
My Score: 9/10
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Can the Last Real Champion handle The Truth?
While the King & Queen of the Ring tournaments reach their semifinals, John Cena has his first match on SmackDown in years, against Ron Killings!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Asuka VS Alexa Bliss; Asuka wins and advances to Night of Champions.
- Aleister Black VS Kit Wilson; No Contest.
- King of the Ring Semifinals: Randy Orton VS Sami Zayn; Orton wins and advances to Night of Champions.
- Charlotte Flair VS Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice; Charlotte wins.
- Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker VS LA Knight; Knight wins, by disqualification.
- John Cena VS Ron Killings; Killings wins, by disqualification.
PLAY BY PLAY
LA Knight is here!
Grand Rapids fires up as the Mega Star marches right to the ring. Knight grabs a mic while the fans chant his name, and he says, “LEMME TALK TO YA!” The fans cheer, and Knight says, “Let’s just go ahead and rewind our mind a little bit. We go to back to Money in the Bank, Seth and his boys, they just happen to come down and screw this guy.” The fans boo that. Knight says usually, he lets things slide. But he just figured he couldn’t let it slide, so he made sure to screw on of Rollins’ boys in their title opportunity, King of the Ring. But then they came back, paid it back and screwed Knight outta KOTR, so he had to go and screw the other one over!
And it just has Knight thinking. Fans “YEAH!” and Knight says there is only one way this can go. He has gone back and forth between Raw and SmackDown, where it ends, nobody knows! Except Knight! He knows! He knows where this ends! The fans cheer that! And Knight says it ends with him and Rollins! And what better place than here? And what better time than now! Knight tells Rollins to come on out and talk to him! But “Ladies and gentlemen…” The fans boo as Paul Heyman walks out and gives his introductions. He serves as the Wise Man to Mr. Money in the Bank, Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins!
Heyman says you do not boo that name. And you screwed up your cue, so they’ll do this again. He serves as the Wise Man for Seth Freakin’ Rollins! The fans keep booing, Heyman wants to try again, but Knight says shut up and get to the point! Why is Heyman here?! Heyman walks to the ring and asks permission to step inside. The fans chant “O T C! O T C!” but Knight steps back. Heyman steps into the ring, and he says yes, there has been a lot of bad blood between Knight and Mr. MITB, Seth Freakin’ Rollins. However, Heyman happens to be, with all due respect to everyone here in Grand Rapids, Michigan…
The fans chant “C M PUNK!” at Heyman now and he frowns. Knight says Heyman has a lot of enemies. Heyman says he is the biggest LA Knight fan in all of WWE! Heyman’s been waiting a long time to say this: YEAH! Now, because of that, Seth Freakin’ Rollins (the fans boo again) has allowed Heyman to say to Knight, as a favor to Heyman… It is time for Knight to get the hell outta Grand Rapids, Michigan. Because if he does not, something really bad is going to happen to him before the end of the night. Have a nice evening. Heyman turns to go but the fans cheer Knight on. Knight says he couldn’t help but notice, but did you~ (poking fun at Heyman’s voice cracking) threaten Knight?
Because Knight wants to wrap his head around this. He’s heard Heyman say stuff like this before, because Heyman is a liar, a swindler, a grifter, a scammer and a schemer! Heyman leeches on to any talent that has a bit of hype, sucks ’em dry, then moves on to the next! Rollins just happens to be the latest in this. But where next? Who cares! But the bottom line is, Knight asked for Rollins but he got Heyman. And while he got Heyman, he got a Heyman out here talking all tough. So it has Knight thinking, he has a great idea.
Talking about wise man, wisdom, there was a point in time if Heyman had said something like that, a man like Knight would look at a “thing” like Heyman and punched his wisdom teeth down his throat! Knight won’t do that, yet. But here’s the deal: Heyman’s talking all tough, but if he can’t bring Rollins out here, then the only thing to do out here in Grand Rapids is Knight fighting Heyman here and now! The fans fire up for that! Knight asks if the fans want that, and they cheer! “HUH?” “YEAH!” “HUH?” “YEAH!” “YEAH!!” Knight promises he’ll turn around, take his vest off, and Heyman gets the first shot. He better make it good, or Knight will molly whop his ass right outta Grand Rapids!
The fans fire up as Knight does as promised. He turns around, his vest is off, but Heyman bails? The fans boo as the Wise Man doesn’t play along. Heyman says, “Remember when I told you to get the hell out of Grand Rapids or else something really bad is gonna happen to you before the end of the night? That wasn’t a prediction. That… was a spoiler!” Heyman throws down his mic, and here comes Bronson Reed & Bron Breakker! Rollins’ behemoths head to the ring, but Knight fires off on them first! The fans rally as Knight throws hands and feet, but then Bron TACKLES Knight! Bronson joins in and they mug Knight right out of the ring!
Bronson drags Knight up to TOSS him over barriers! Bron clears the desk, he wants Bronson to put Knight through it! But Knight has a chair! He JAMS Bron, JAMS Bronson, then SMACKS Bron and SMACKS Bronson! Knight gets in the ring, ready to hit whoever gets in! The fans cheer Knight but Heyman has Bron & Bronson stand down. Will Heyman have the henchmen try again before the end of tonight?
SmackDown returns and…
Heyman has Bron & Bronson calm down, they have this under control. It is all in their favor, and it always will be in their favor. That is the whole point behind this. Byron Saxton steps in and wants to talk to them, but Heyman has to hold Bron back like the dog he is! Heyman says no need to bite Byron. Byron apologizes, he has word from SmackDown GM, Nick Aldis, that Bronson Reed VS LA Knight is set for tonight. Heyman says okay, thank you, and goodbye. Byron leaves and Heyman smiles. He told them! Patience is not a virtue, it is strategy. Bronson smiles and nods. Will Auzsilla destroy LA here in Grand Rapids?
Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Asuka VS Alexa Bliss!
Two great returns to action through this tournament, and now they cross paths with each other. The Empress of Tomorrow overcame Ivy Nile, Raquel Rodriguez and Stephanie Vaquer while Lil’ Miss Bliss outsmarted Alba Fyre, Candice LeRae and Charlotte Flair. But whose comeback story overtakes the other’s here just one match away from Night of Champions?
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Alexa headlocks, but Asuka powers up and out. Alexa RAMS Asuka, Asuka roars, and the fans fire up as Asuka fires hands! Alexa blocks a kick to THROW Asuka down, then basement DROPKICK! The fans cheer as Asuka and Alexa reset. Alexa kicks, Asuka blocks and slips through to waistlock. Alexa elbows free, runs, but Asuka runs past her to then RUN her over! The fans fire up and Asuka runs in again, HIP ATTACK! Alexa falls to the floor and the fans fire up while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Asuka lets Alexa stay down while she soaks up the cheers. The ring count starts, Alexa rises, but Asuka goes out after her. Alexa slips inside and DROPKICKS Asuka’s leg! Asuka falls from the apron but she has to nod respect for that savvy move. Asuka steps back in at 6 of 10, and she resets with Alexa. They circle, feel things out, and tie up. Asuka wrenches and wristlocks, but Alexa rolls and wrenches to hammerlock. Alexa waistlocks, rolls Asuka, TWO! The two stand off again and they both nod respect. They reset, the fans rally up, and the two feel things out. Asuka trips Alexa, clamps on with a headlock, and she grinds Alexa down.
Alexa endures, Asuka turns her over to go after the arm, then she stands on Alexa’s arm. Alexa endures, Asuka shifts arms, but Alexa wrenches out to wrangle Asuka. Alexa shifts to a cording hold, but Asuka fights up and fires body shots. Alexa whips Asuka to a corner, but Asuka elbows her away! And BOOTS! Asuka goes up, leaps, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Alexa stays in this but Asuka stays focused. Asuka drags Alexa around and gives her Kawada Kicks! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Asuka wrenches for a chicken wing! Alexa fights the Asuka Lock and JAWBREAKERS free! Alexa runs up to RUN Asuka over!
The fans rally as Alexa rallies, then hits a BLOCKBUSTER! The fans fire up as Alexa SLAPS, ROCKS, and KNEES Asuka down! Then SOMERSAULT SENTON! Cover, TWO! Asuka stays in this and Alexa grows frustrated. The fans rally while Alexa brings Asuka up. Asuka breaks free to URAKEN, SOBAT, FRONT KICK, and GERMAN SUPLEX! Alexa tumbles away, Asuka runs up, SLIDING KICK! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Asuka stands and takes aim. But Alexa ducks the buzzsaw! Cover, TWO! Alexa clinches, TWISTED- NO, Asuka rolls Alexa up! TWO! Alexa sits up, BUZZSAW! Cover, TWO!! Alexa survives but Asuka just fires up!
The fans rally as Asuka goes to the corner. Asuka climbs from the outside, and MISSILE- NO, Alexa dodges this time! Alexa kicks and DDTS! Cover, TWO! Asuka stays in this and the fans fire up! “This is Awesome!” as Alexa drags Asuka into the drop zone. Alexa goes up, up, and the fans fire up! TWISTED- NO, Asuka moves, so Alexa stops. Alexa won’t let Asuka sneak away, but then she gets caught in an ARMBAR!! Alexa flails, rolls, but ends up in an omoplata! RINGS OF SATURN!! Alexa fights around, pops her arm free for a cover, TWO!! Asuka reels Alexa in, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as Alexa stays in this! Asuka fires up, the fans are with her, and she runs up, only for Alexa to ROCK her with a right! Alexa puts Asuka in the Tree of Woe, and she DROPKICKS Asuka out of it! Alexa climbs back up, and TWISTED BLISS onto knees!! Asuka still counters the moonsault, and hits the EMPRESS IMPACT!! Cover, Asuka wins!
Winner: Asuka, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)
The Empress says no one is ready for Asuka, and that has certainly been the case! But on Raw, we find out, will it be Jade Cargill or Roxanne Perez that meets Asuka in Saudi Arabia?
Jade Cargill, Mia Yim & B-Fab watch backstage.
And Fab says damn, Asuka just came back and she’s already making statements. Almost like she never left. Michin says maybe they need to make their own statements. They need to talk to Aldis about the tag titles. Fab agrees. Fab & Mia wish Jade luck before heading out. Byron walks in and asks if he can have a word. Jade says shoot. Byron says Asuka just advanced, but Jade has her match on Monday with Roxanne Perez. How does Jade feel about facing a talented competitor like Roxie? And how does she feel about the possibility of facing Asuka in the finals? Jade says “Rox” has potential. Roxie is quick and scrappy.
But she’s still trying to prove herself. And this isn’t a proving ground, this is a throne room, and Jade was built for royalty. As for Asuka, there’s a storm on the horizon. But news flash, Jade is that storm. This entire tournament wasn’t built for the future, but for a woman who can walk through fire, shatter glass ceilings, and take her crown on the way to the top. This Queen of the Ring, Jade isn’t just walking in to win. She’s here to reign. Will the Prodigy be washed away by the storm this Monday?
Alexa Bliss returns backstage.
And Chelsea Green finds her. Flanked by her Secret Her-vice, The Hot Mess asks, “Hey, little fu-fu, how’s your boo-boo?” Alexa asks back, “How’s yours?” Piper tells Chelsea not to get upset, Alexa is just jealous. Chelsea says this serves Alexa right. Chelsea should be Queen of the Ring, and she’d be building her parliament if not for Alexa! Oh, if she has that big of an issue, then try facing her in the ring. Chelsea says she will! But then Charlotte Flair walks in and says if anyone should’ve still been in this tournament, it’s her. But had Chelsea’s “replacement” tapped out sooner, maybe she would.
So here’s the deal: Charlotte will have a match made and tap Chelsea out instead. N-Not if Chelsea makes it a bank holiday! ROYAL DUTIES! NICHOLAS! Chelsea hurries away with the Secret Her-vice following, and Alexa tells Charlotte that she doesn’t need Charlotte’s help. Oh, that’s cute. Because Charlotte wasn’t helping Alexa. Charlotte leaves now, leaving Alexa to chew on that. Will The Queen chew up the Hot Mess and spit her out now that she has nothing better to do?
Aleister Black VS Kit Wilson!
The Dark Father is also directionless now that he is out of the King of the Ring tournament, but he never lets that bother him. Will he make himself the direction all roads lead when things #FadeToBlack? Or will Kit prove he can be Pretty Deadly all on his own?
Wait, who is attacking Kit? It’s R-TRUTH! But why’s Ron Killings going after Kit?! He POSTS Kit, drags him back out, and puts him in an STF!! The fans fire up and Kit taps, but it won’t matter when this isn’t a match! Killings lets Kit out of the hold and demands a mic. A mic is given, and Killings says, “Get John Cena out here now. I’m driving! On my terms! Cena, get out here!” The fans fire up and then Killings puts Kit back in the STF! Aleister is rather confused, but producers hurry out here to stop Truth. Truth lets Kit go, Jamie Noble asks Truth wait for the main event. Truth seethes, but he accepts the terms.
Killings leaves, walking right past Aleister. Will there be no denying The Truth when he finally gets his hands on the Last Real Champion?
Jamie Noble talks with Truth backstage.
Jamie says Truth has to calm down. Truth says he wants John Cena NOW! He’s driving! Yes, okay, but just wait. Truth promises that when he sees Cena, he is killing him tonight! Aleister steps in and asks Truth why he is getting involved in Aleister’s match. Truth says it wasn’t personal, it had nothing to do with Aleister. These two stare down, and then Damian Priest steps in. The Archer of Infamy has Aleister stand down. Truth is going through a lot, let Priest talk to him. Oh, of course. Aleister says, “Ron.” “Black.” Aleister leaves, Priest tells Truth that there’s no need for any of that. Priest gets Truth is frustrated, but he can’t just go beat up people for no reason.
Priest used to do that, and Truth was the guy there to make him smile. Truth made the world smile! All that anger and negativity, focus that on the match tonight. Focus that on John Cena. Go out there and handle business with Cena, then Priest and Truth can go downtown to celebrate. How’s that sound? Truth says sounds good, DP. They shake hands, and Priest heads out. Truth is still seething, but will he make sure it all explodes on Cena?
Cody Rhodes is here!
Grand Rapids sings along as The American Nightmare makes his way out, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, he high-fives fans in the front row, then looks closely at the King of the Ring’s crown. Cody goes to the ring and grabs the mic. He hears the fans cheer him on, but then Jey Uso is here! The fans fire up as Main Event Jey makes his way down through the crowd! A young fan joins in bouncing along, but so does all of Grand Rapids! Jey continues down the stands, finds another young fan, and they bounce along again. Jey then reaches ringside, high-fives the front row, and he joins Cody in the ring as we get the next wave of YEET!
Grand Rapids might want to YEET all night, but Jey hugs it out with Cody before he gets his own mic. The music dies down, the fans chant, “One More Time! One More Time!” and Cody says sure, one more is fine. Jey says okay, and yes, the fans get to YEET again! Jey says hey, Cody doesn’t even have to say nothing. They been in the trenches! “YEET!” Still in the trenches! “YEET!” From fighting The Bloodline… “YEET!” To winning tag titles… “YEET!” To finishing their stories at WrestleMania! “YEET!” They’ve both been to the mountaintop. “YEET!” But Cody, on Monday, there is only room for one of them.
The fans are intrigued, and Cody nods. Jey says there’s only one that can go. Cody VS Jey, Jey VS Cody, and Jey knows Cody will bring it. Jey has to get his, Uce. He has to, just like Cody has to get his. But that said, Uce, it ain’t personal. This all business. But that all said, too, Uce, on Monday, after they go to war, please believe that it will be four letters, one word, uh uh… YEET! Cody smiles and the fans cheer. They shake hands again, and wait! Here comes Sami Zayn! The fans cheer as the Great Liberator makes his way to the ring. Sami grabs a mic to say, “This is nice, isn’t it? I get to share the ring with two great friends.”
The fans applaud, and Sami says he is in the ring with two of the very best that this business has to offer! The fans cheer that, too! Sami says he’d be lying if he denied there was a part of him that sees the three of them in this ring, and notices how only one of them has never been world champion. Jey, Sami wants him to know, man to man, this year, Sami missed Mania. Sami had no reason to be in Las Vegas, but he got his ass on a plane to Vegas for one reason: To congratulate Jey the moment he won the World Heavyweight Championship! Sami loves Jey, and he is proud of him. And Cody, for years, everyone watched as Cody finished his story.
And when Cody did, he did the unthinkable and pinned Roman Reigns in the middle of this ring, Sami was the first one out here to congratulate Cody. Sami is so proud that Cody finished his story. So he hopes both men understand that now, it is time for Sami to finish HIS story! The fans cheer, but then here comes Randy Orton! The Viper looks at the crown, then goes to the ring. The fans sing along with Voices and Orton grabs himself a mic. “So Cody, same deal as last week but I’m gonna say it again. There is no line I will not cross, even if it means going through you, so that I can get to John Cena at SummerSlam, beat him, and get my FIFTEENTH world championship!”
The fans cheer, and Orton tells Jey, “Man, I respect the… Hell outta you, dude. Our families go way, way, way back. Nothing but love, dude. But if you’re standing across the ring from me at SummerSlam, it’s not gonna be four letters, one word. It’s gonna be three letters, one move.” The fans say it, “R K O!” And Orton says he not only speaks for himself but for everyone here in this arena when he says, and from the bottom of his heart, one day and one day soon, Sami Zayn will be world champion. But not at SummerSlam. Because tonight, Sami is on the receiving end of the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment: R K O.
Orton drops the mic, and it is time to put those words into action. Will it be the Legend Killer or the Underdog from the Underground that heads for Saudi Arabia?
King of the Ring Semifinals: Randy Orton VS Sami Zayn!
SmackDown returns, the bell rings, and these two circle. They tie up, Sami wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, then wristlocks. Orton endures, fights up, and the fans duel. Orton wrenches Sami in return to then headlock. Sami endures, powers up to wrench again, and he grinds the arm. Sami wrenches and CHOPS, and Orton goes to the corner. Sami CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” but the ref counts. Orton pushes past Sami, bails out of the ring, and he is pretty red already. Sami builds speed but he fakes Orton out with the Arabian Press! The fans fire up and Orton has to admit that was good.
Orton goes up the steps and steps back into the ring. The fans rally, Orton and Sami tie up, and Orton puts Sami in the corner. Orton lets off slowly, but he pokes Sami in the eyes! The fans boo but Orton UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! But Sami pokes Orton in the eyes! The ref caught that one and reprimands Sami. Sami TOSSES Orton out, goes to the apron, but Orton YANKS Sami down! Sami hits off the apron, and Orton reels him in, DESK BACK SUPLEX! Sami writhes and Orton rolls into the ring, just to refresh the count. Fans want that “One More Time!” and Orton agrees! DESK BACK SUPLEX again!
Sami writhes more and whatever monitor wasn’t busted, they’re busted now! Orton leaves Sami behind for a moment while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Orton goes out to fetch Sami, but Sami fights off a third back suplex! Orton kicks low, brings Sami over, but Sami blocks the smack off the steel steps! Orton sputters, Sami stalks him, and Sami decides to give him some payback! But Orton ROCKS Sami first! Orton SMACKS Sami off the desk, puts him in the ring, and covers, TWO! Sami stays in this but Orton looms over him. Sami rises, Orton puts him in a corner, and Orton fires body shots. Orton climbs up and rains down fists! Orton gets to eight before Sami fires back! Sami has Orton in another corner, climbs up, and Sami rains down a fast TEN!
Sami huffs ‘n’ puffs and CHOPS! Orton is stinging but Sami CHOPS him again! Sami wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, and whips! Orton reverses, Sami hits buckles hard, and Sami falls in a heap. Orton dusts himself off and looms over Sami again. Orton stomps Sami’s hand! Sami writhes and clutches his finger. Orton stomps Sami’s foot, ten the other foot! And then the other hand! Sami sits up, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Orton CLUBS away on Sami’s chest! Orton DECKS Sami, the fans cheer, and Orton brings Sami up. Orton whips, Sami goes up and over, and Sami LARIATS Orton down! The fans fire up again as Sami rises!
Sami goes to the corner, Orton runs up, but Sami ELBOWS him! Sami goes up, AX HANDLES, and the fans fire up more! Orton takes a swing, but Sami slips around! Orton fights the Blue Thunder, then LARIATS! And LARIATS! Orton dodges Sami to SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up while Sami goes to the apron. Orton drags Sami in through the ropes, and DRAPING DDTS! The fans fire up as Orton hears those voices! Orton watches Sami rise, but then Sami bails out! The fans are torn but Sami is smart to avoid what was coming. Orton goes out to fetch Sami, SMACKS him off the desk, and then back suplexes, only for Sami to lands out!
Sami CLUBS Orton, and hits a DESK BACK SUPLEX on Orton! Sami puts Orton in the ring, goes to a corner, and the fans fire up as Orton rises. Orton runs in, Sami dodges, and Orton POSTS himself! Sami runs corner to corner, HELLUVA- SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Sami survives and Orton seethes. “This is Awesome!” as Sami goes back to a corner. Orton runs back in and he LARIATS! Orton runs but Sami follows! But Orton dodges the Helluva Kick! Sami gets stuck on the to rope, frees himself, and hobbles into an RK- NO! BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Orton survives and the fans fire up again!
“This is Awesome!” as Sami drags Orton to the drop zone. Sami goes up the corner, Orton stands and he gets under the leap! R K- NO, Sami SLAMS Orton down! And then HELLUVA- RKO!!! Orton crawls to the cover, Orton wins!!
Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)
Sami fought his heart out, but the Viper still strikes! Orton is going back to back in KOTR finals, but will he win the crown this time?
Nia Jax is here!
Grand Rapids boos as The Irresistible Force goes to the ring. She grabs the mic dot say, “You know what’s crazy? Tiffany Stratton approached me to be under my wing, because she knew exactly what I could do for her. And look, she’s thriving! And what kind of thanks did I get for it? She betrayed me. She has MY title!” But wait, here comes Tiffy! Grand Rapids cheers as the WWE Women’s Champion has the mic to tell Nia, “You’re like that toxic ex I just can’t get away from. News flash: get over it! You make excuse after excuse, but when are you just gonna admit that maybe I’m just better than you?”
The fans cheer and Tiff heads to the ring. Nia says yeah, okay, if Tiff is so much better, then give Nia a rematch without kicking a chair into her face. Tiff says if Nia’s so desperate for a match, it is her lucky day! She made it official for next week: Tiff VS Nia! And Tiff will have more fun adding more scars to that “five head” of Nia’s. Because it won’t just be a regular match. It will be Last Woman Standing! Nia takes a swing but Tiff dodge! Tiff fires off, kicks low, and runs up, but into a POP-UP HEADBUTT! And then Nia drops a leg, brother! Nia holds up the belt and soaks up the heat. Nia thinks about leaving, but decides to add on! ANOTHER leg drop, brother!
The fans boo but Nia says that’s not enough! Nia tells Wade & Joe that she’s taking the title! But wait! NAOMI is here, with a ref! Is she doing it!? Is she doing it?! But Nia YANKS Naomi out! Naomi tells her back off! Nia doesn’t, Naomi shoves her, but Nia still grabs at her! Tiff DROPKICKS Naomi onto Nia! Tiff avoids a cash-in because Nia was in the way, but is she setting herself up for failure with that extreme title match?
Charlotte Flair VS Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice!
The Queen was denied her crown, but she’s not even angry at Alexa Bliss, the one who took that opportunity from her. She instead looks to humble the Hot Mess that claims she would be queen if her demands were met. Who vents their frustrations and comes away with the win?
SmackDown returns and Charlotte makes her entrance. The bell rings and the fans actually cheer on Chelsea. Alba distracts Charlotte and Chelsea sucker punches her! The ref reprimands but Chelsea SMACKS Charlotte off the mat again and again! Chelsea salutes, but Charlotte CHOPS! Chelsea KNEES low, whips, but Charlotte goes up and out at the corner. Charlotte BOOTS Chelsea away, avoids Alba and KICKS her! Chelsea runs up, Charlotte RAMS her, and then Charlotte climbs up. CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Chelsea scrambles away and Charlotte runs up, but into an ELBOW! Charlotte GAMANGIRIS!
Charlotte snapmares, Chelsea distracts the ref, and Alba grabs Charlotte by the hair! Alba HOTSHOTS Charlotte and Chelsea hits a BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Chelsea is furious but Charlotte stays in this, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Chelsea hops onto Charlotte for a SLEEPER! The fans rally, but Charlotte hits a BACKPACK SENTON! Charlotte is free, Chelsea runs back up, but Charlotte gives her a BACKBREAKER and BUCKLE SHOT! Chelsea falls back, Charlotte huffs ‘n’ puffs and runs up to fire hands! The fans fire up as Charlotte CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Charlotte CHOPS again, then clinches for an EXPLODER! And a kip up! The fans fire up and Charlotte salutes to poke fun at Chelsea. Charlotte runs, dodges, and handsprings to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Chelsea survives but Charlotte stays on her by going for a leg.
Alba gets on the apron, so Charlotte BOOTS her down! The fans cheer, but Charlotte turns around into a ROUGH RYDER! Cover, TWO!! Charlotte survives and Chelsea is furious! Chelsea takes off her face protector and drags Charlotte up. Chelsea has the arms, turns Charlotte, but Charlotte shoves her away! Charlotte dodges and SPEARS! Cover, TWO!! Chelsea survives but Charlotte has the leg! FIGURE- CRADLE!! TWO!! Charlotte has the leg again, FIGURE FOUR! And the bridge for the FIGURE EIGHT!! Chelsea TAPS, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
But then Piper Niven SENTONS onto Charlotte!! Alba storms in, she and Piper mug Charlotte, but here comes Alexa! She RAMS into Piper, she ROCKS Alba, then she catches Chelsea! Charlotte LARIATS Alba out while Alexa hits a TWISTED SISTER ABIGAIL! And then Charlotte BOOTS Piper down! Charlotte and Alexa look at each other, and despite what either one thinks, maybe they both need the other after all. Alexa offers the handshake, but Charlotte walks right past Alexa. Alexa lets that slide, but will Charlotte come around soon enough?
Solo Sikoa talks with JC Mateo.
Why is JC taping up? Uh, duh, he’ll take out Jacob. No, Solo is going out there alone to talk with Jacob. Solo was the only one that Jacob would listen to. Jacob needs Solo. Solo will smooth things over. JC accepts that, but Solo does say that JC should stay ready. Solo is covering his bases, but will he need the Imperial Unit to put down the Samoan Werewolf? Or will it all be alright between them all?
Solo Sikoa heads to the ring.
SmackDown returns as the former Tribal Chief makes his way out, and Grand Rapids boos. Solo grabs the mic, takes a moment, and says, “Alright, Jacob. I’m out here in the middle of the ring, all alone, with open arms, willing to talk to you face to face. I feel terrible about what happened. So if you’re back there, come on out so we can clear the air.” Jacob Fatu makes his entrance and Grand Rapids cheers! Fatu holds up the United States Championship before he steps into the ring, and he has a mic of his own. The fans cheer on “FATU! FATU!” and Solo says he didn’t come out here to fight him, okay? He’s not here for that.
Solo wants to make it clear to Fatu that he loves him, always has loved him, no matter what. One thing Solo learned from being Tribal Chief is how to love family and how to take care of them. That’s all he’s trying to do. Families fight all the time. They fight, they argue, they forgive, and then they move forward. So they should move forward together, Jacob. Move forward as one. The fans boo that, but Solo says nobody saw the potential in Jacob except Solo. Nobody wanted Jacob here in the WWE, except Solo. That is why Solo brought Fatu here and gave him the chance to change his life and put food on his family’s table.
And why did Solo do that? Because Solo loves Jacob. He does. And to be honest, Solo doesn’t have anybody else. Fatu isn’t sure about that, but Solo says all he has is Fatu. And he’s all Solo needs. So come back to the family, and even if Jacob doesn’t say those four words, Solo will. Solo will say it for him, to him, loud enough so everybody can hear it! Solo tells Jacob, “I love you, Jacob.” The fans boo, they don’t trust this. Fatu paces as he thinks on that. “So you love me, huh?” Solo nods yes. So this is what it comes down to, huh? Solo loves Fatu? The way Fatu sees things, Solo has been using Fatu! Solo has been using Fatu to gain power, to fight his battles, and to stay Tribal Chief.
Hell, Solo brought Fatu in so Fatu could bring Solo fame! Solo brought Fatu in because he thought Fatu would bring him gold! Is that all this is about? Fame? Gold? Power? SOLO, LOOK AT HIM! Solo looks up from the floor while the fans cheer Fatu on. Fatu tells Solo that ever since he won the US Championship, Solo is the one that’s been acting different. And maybe Fatu isn’t the problem. Fatu just figured it out! The problem… is this. The problem is the US Championship. Fatu sets it down between him and Solo, and he says if this is what he thinks it is, then just fight him for it! Fight Fatu for the title! The fans fire up for that!
And Solo, Fatu will only warn you one time: If you ever think about coming this way, you know what Fatu is about! You know what’s poppin’ with Fatu, blood! And you know Jacob Fatu is all gas, no brakes with it! YADADADA- SOLO TAKES A SWING! Fatu blocks the spike and he HEADBUTTS! JC Mateo rushes out here! Fatu HEADBUTTS him, too! But Solo CHOP BLOCKS the legs! The fans boo but JC & Solo mug Fatu! But then here comes JIMMY USO! The fans fire up as #BigJim slides in, dodges Solo, and SUPERKICKS JC! And then he SUPERKICKS Solo! But JC LARIATS Jimmy down! JC HAMMERS Jimmy and Solo has him put Jimmy in the corner.
The fans boo but Solo tells Jimmy that he should’ve chosen Solo’s side, not Jacob’s! But speaking of, Fatu is up! The fans fire up as Fatu BODY CHECKS JC! Then he SUPERKICKS Solo! Solo is in a corner, Fatu fires off on him, HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT! SUPERKICK for JC! HIP ATTACK for Solo! The fans are fired up for the Samoan Werewolf, and he locks eyes with Jimmy. Jimmy came to Fatu’s rescue, Fatu just saved him, so Fatu goes up, up, only for Solo to bail out! No Best Moonsaults here in Grand Rapids, but will Fatu cut Solo down soon enough?
Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker VS LA Knight!
The Wise Man warned, or rather threatened, the Mega Star that he should just cut and run, but that’s not how he does things. Knight is ready to fight, but will he survive a battle with Auszilla? Or is a Tsunami about wipe out LA?
Wait, Knight doesn’t enter from the stage! He enters from the crowd! And he POSTS Bron! The fans fire up as Knight evens things out! He TOSSES Bronson out, throws his vest at him, and Bronson snarls. Bronson has Bron stand down, and says, “Tonight, I kill him.” Bronson steps into the ring, the bell sounds, and Knight fires off! The fans fire up as Knight fires hands, but Bronson puts him in the corner. Knight ELBOWS back, Knight fires more hands, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips but Bronson blocks! Bronson whips Knight to a corner, runs up, but Knight dodges! Bronson POSTS himself, and Knight stomps a mudhole in!
The fans rally, the ref counts, and Knight goes corner to corner, but into a fireman’s carry! Knight slips down to sunset flip, but Bronson stays up! Bronson jumps but Knight avoids the hip drop! Then Knight basement BOOTS! The fans fire up and Knight storms up on Bronson. Bronson TOSSES Knight to the apron, but Knight slingshots back in! Bronson catches Knight to a fireman’s carry! Knight flails free and he RAMS Bronson into a corner! But Bronson holds ropes to deny the Jump Neckbreaker! Bronson runs but Knight avoids the senton! The fans fire up as Knight goes up, up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! That’s a Steiner move!
The fans fire up and spell it out, “L! A! KNIGHT!” but Bronson bails out! Knight runs to WRECK Bronson with a dropkick! Knight goes back up, springboards, CROSSBODY to the ramp! The fans fire up with Knight and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Bronson has Knight up top. The fans rally as Knight fights back with body shots! Knight ROCKS Bronson, ROCKS him again, and ROCKS him again! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Bronson finally falls and Knight adjusts position. “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” BOX JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Bronson survives and Knight is rather stunned while Heyman is relieved. Knight aims, kicks, but Bronson denies the BFT! HEADBUTT, then a fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Knight survives the “Jagged Edge” DVD but Bronson brings him right up. Bronson reels Knight in and says thumbs down.
Bronson lifts Knight up, but Knight flips the bomb into a DDT! The fans fire up but Bron barks at the apron! Knight DECKS the dog, tells Heyman to get the same, but Bronson runs up! Knight DUMPS Bronson out, builds speed, but BRON SPEARS!!
Winner: LA Knight, by disqualification
The fans boo but Bron handed Knight the win with that one. Bronson stands Knight up so Bron can build speed and SUPER SPEAR!! Grand Rapids is torn but plenty of fans bark. And now Bronson goes up!? TSUNAMI!! Bronson goes up again, the refs hurry out here, but TSUNAMI AGAIN!! The fans want another, so Bron scares the refs off to let Bronson go back up! THIRD TSUNAMI!!! Have Rollins’ rooks just broken Knight into pieces? Is this a message to everyone that no one can stop the vision?
Jacob Fatu speaks.
“Yeah, c’mon on widdit! I just spoke to the man, and you know the man makes everything possible here on SmackDown! So next week, next week on Saturday, me ‘n’ you, Solo! Night of Champions, mano a mano, I’m about to dog walk yo’ ass for the US Championship! Solo, you better get in where you fit in. Cuz if you don’t, then baby, it’s ’bout to be all gas, no breaks with it. Yadadadada mean?” The Samoan Werewolf will get to sink his teeth into Solo, but will he stay golden through it all?
John Cena VS Ron Killings!
The Undisputed WWE Champion was the exact opposite of grateful for R-Truth saving him from Randy Orton at Backlash, and he doubled down when Ron tried to show him the truth at Saturday Night’s Main Event. So, if Cena doesn’t want the Truth, he’ll get someone who knows about ruthless aggression! Will Ron Killings bring an early end to the retirement tour? Or will Cena continue to ruin wrestling for everyone else?
SmackDown returns as Cena makes his entrance. The fans sing “JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” despite him wearing the Detroit Pistons colors. Cena makes Mark Nash give the “proper” introduction: “He is the Greatest of All Time, the Never Seen Seventeen, gracing Grand Rapids with his presence one final time… He is the Last Real Champion, JOHN CENA~!” The fans boo, the bell rings, and Truth stares at Cena while Cena smirks hearing the “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Truth TACKLES Cena! He fires off hands but Cena bails out! So Truth goes out to DECK Cena! “What’s up!?” “WHAT’S UP!” Truth has Cena at the desk and SMACKS him off it!
Truth ROCKS Cena again, and shakes his hand out from hitting so hard. Truth SMACKS Cena off the apron, storms in after him, and whips him to a corner. Cena hits buckles hard and falls to the mat! The fans continue to duel while Truth keeps his eyes on Cena. Truth storms up on Cena while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Truth stands Cena up, whips corner to corner again, and Cena hits buckles hard! Cena sputters, Truth looms over him, and Truth ROCKS Cena! Cena ROCKS Truth! They go back and forth with haymakers, and then Truth dodges to SHOULDER TACKLE! Truth still uses Cena’s own moves against him, and that includes the SPIN-OUT BOMB! Truth raises his hand and Grand Rapids joins in! “You Can’t See Me!” But then Cena bails out so Truth can’t hit him! Truth is annoyed, the fans give thumbs down, but here comes Truth. Cena ELBOWS him down! Cena drags Truth up, POSTS him, and he brings Truth back into the ring.
Cena HEADBUTTS Truth, CHOKES him on the ropes, but stops as the ref counts. Cena stomps away on Truth, then runs to KICK Truth in the back! Cena talks trash, then he runs to SHOULDER TACKLE! Cena takes his time, knowing it is what the fans want. Truth rises up, Cena runs to SHOULDER TACKLE again! Cena watches Truth rise again, gets around him, SPIN-OUT BOMB! And Cena raises his hand, reveling in the cheers and jeers. “You Can’t See Me!” SmackDown returns to single picture for the FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Then Cena fireman’s carries, but Truth slips free! THESZ PRESS! And fast hands!
The fans fire up and Truth has Cena in a corner. Truth runs to STINGER SPLASH! Truth hitting all sorts of other iconic moves! Cena tumbles out and grabs the belt! Cena doesn’t care about this match anymore, he doesn’t need to take this! Truth says hold up! Truth runs Cena down and fires hands on the ramp! The fans fire up but Cena CLOBBERS Truth with the belt!!
Winner: Ron Killings, by disqualification
Cena wants to get another shot, but wait! PUNK IS HERE! Cena runs away into the ring, and he catches Punk as Punk slides in! The fans boo Cena but he huffs ‘n’ puffs. Cena drags Punk up, but Punk fires hands in return! Punk DECKS Cena, grabs the belt, and he holds it up! The fans cheer, and Punk aims, but Cena LOW BLOWS! Cena has a sinister smile as he grabs the belt. BELT SHOT for Punk!! The fans boo even more, but Cena decides to up the ante! Cena brings out a table! The fans cheer, everyone loves tables! Cena puts the table in the ring, then watches Punk sputter around. Cena sets the table up while the fans rally behind Punk.
Punk stands but Cena has the belt again! BELT SHOT!! Cena drags Punk up, fireman’s carries, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT through the table!! Cena made Punk snap into a Slim Jim, and then he grabs a mic. Cena laughs at Punk, and then sits up on the corner. “Punk… As you lay there in your most uncomfortable…” Cena pretends the mic cut out, taps it, and then says, “Somebody’s afraid of what I’m gonna say.” Cena grins and the fans boo as Cena flips the iconic “Pipebomb” moment on it’s head. “As you lay there in your most uncomfortable, I hope you can listen. I hope you can digest.
“Because before I leave here in six months with that WWE Championship, I gotta get a whole lotta stuff off my chest. First thing’s first, I don’t hate you. I don’t even dislike you. I like you. I like you more than anyone you ever shared a locker room with, that’s for sure. I hate this idea of you. This idea that you’re the Best int he World. You’re not. I’M the Greatest of All Time.” Grand Rapids is a bit torn on that statement, but Cena says Punk is better than Cena at one thing: You’re the best BS artist in the world. Oh no, kiddos~! John Cena just dropped a curse word! That means the show is off the rails! Hey, Stu, shoot this. Hi~! “I’m breaking the forth wall! HAHA!”
Cena then says the truth is, Punk… Cena is jealous of you. Cena is jealous that Punk has conned the fans into believing the myth that Punk is the Best in the World. Oh how they chant for Punk! Which they literally do right now. Hell, the fans even sing for Punk now. But they don’t believe a damn word you say. Because Punk changes his values as much as Cena changes his shirts! Punk is just a loud mouthed opportunist who steps on the necks of those who actually work hard if it gets him ahead. Oh, hey, look, another cameraman! “Hi, Claudio Castagnoli! Hey, Nic Nemeth! Hey, Matt Cardona! How’re you guys doing?”
The fans can’t believe Cena is going this far but Cena is loving it! “He’s heating up! He’s on fire! And there’s nobody back there that’s gonna cut my mic to save your ass, cuz I’m your only friend! Remember who gave you the stage for your pipebomb, pal! And what’ve you done with it since then, huh? You just regurgitated the same five microphone moves of doom. You’re promo potato salad, pal. Hey, you’re no longer the Voice of the Voiceless, you’re a friggin’ millionaire despite yourself. You’re not a punk, you’re a capitalist! And you’re not against TKO, dude, you are Mr. TKO. Cuz they knocked your balls technically off your body.
“Your tweets are strong, but your actions are weak. And in Saudi Arabia, you’re gonna face some loud, loud music when I finally prove to the world that each and every day, day in, day out, no days off for 25 YEARS, I have been the Greatest of All Time!” The fans cheer that a bit more now, to Cena’s surprise. “See, they know. And they know that you were the Best in the World… for seven minutes, 14 years ago. And if after Night of Champions, you’re still delusional enough to believe that you’re the Best in the World, well… I guess it’s a small world after all. You’re welcome, Grand Rapids.” The fans cheer, and Cena lets the world hear it.
Cena tells Punk to bring his A Game to Night of Champions. If Grand Rapids is any indication, the mood is starting to change. Refs finally appear to check on Punk, Cena says no, that’s fine. Punk needs to rest up for his big title match. Get a good shot of this: Best in the World VS Greatest of All Time, for THE most coveted prize in sports entertainment, THE WWE Undisputed Championship! And Cena knows the fans will sing and chant, but he also knows even the idiots are smart enough to see the truth: The Champ is Here. And USA Network, keep the extra two and half minutes. He doesn’t need a bomb to blow the “mother fudging” building.
Oh, and thanks, Punk, for letting Cena rip off your best promo just to make you look even more foolish. Cena finally drops the mic and he raises the belt up again. If the proverbial tables have turned this drastically, is there no saving WWE from losing its north star championship?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown with an awesome ending. All those years ago, when CM Punk dropped THE OG “Pipebomb” promo, no one could’ve ever in a million years guessed that here tonight, we would’ve gotten the John Cena remix. Not only was that promo of the year, but Cena blew up go-home math. I can’t see Cena losing the title to Punk now. He can lose the match since Cena loves getting disqualified, and there’s the possibility of Rollins trying a cash-in, but Cena is leaving Saudi Arabia as champion to then go to SummerSlam. It also works because Cody Rhodes still feels like the favorite for King of the Ring.
A lot of that has to do with how Sami lost to Orton tonight. Great promo from the four semifinalists, especially since it was Jey, Sami and Orton kinda keeping Cody from talking since there isn’t more Cody needs to say. Win or lose, no explanations needed at this point. Sami VS Orton was an awesome match, but I could just feel an RKO countering the Helluva Kick as the way to go and that’s what they did. Now, as awesome as it would be for Jey to beat Cody, and then for Jey to beat Orton to go for the World Heavyweight Championship again, there are a lot of moving parts right now that it would just be the easiest for Cody to win the crown and have his rematch with Cena.
And while talking the WHC, Gunther VS Goldberg IS confirmed for the title, but has also been confirmed as Goldberg’s last match. This is a huge indicator that despite Rollins teasing a cash-in on the Undisputed title, he will likely be thwarted and then falls back to the title he feels is rightfully his. That is to say, Rollins cashes in on the winner of Gunther VS Goldberg, which I half expected even before all this talk of Goldberg’s last match. Rollins can take this title from Gunther and Goldberg, and then we can throw Jey and even LA Knight into the mix as things are getting heated between Knight and the henchmen.
Great promo from Knight with Heyman, great match with Knight VS Bronson, and a really powerful beating Knight takes from Bron & Bronson. If nothing else, Knight costs Rollins his cash-in. Truth going after Kit Wilson was an interesting move. Also a shame Elton Prince is hurt, Pretty Deadly gets going and then something happens to slow them down. But Kit was going to lose to Aleister so this really messes Aleister up more than anything. Priest keeping the peace between Aleister and Truth was good stuff. Priest and Truth being allies on SmackDown can be some real fun stuff, and I feel like they’re already set up for a feud with Aleister.
Very good stuff with Fatu, Solo and this US Championship story. Fatu VS Solo was the natural move, and I like that Jimmy Uso ends up an ally for Fatu. The title match is set, I wonder if we get a tag match first. In fact, next week is title night in Riyadh with Tiffany Stratton giving Nia the Last Woman Standing match, and basically setting the stage for Naomi to cash in. She almost did tonight but Nia was again able to stop her, so I would think Naomi waits until the very end of the Last Woman Standing match to take full advantage. Then, if Jade wins Queen of the Ring, we get Jade VS Naomi at SummerSlam.
Good promo from Jade, B-Fab & Michin watching Asuka VS Alexa. Asuka winning made the most sense, Alexa clearly has story with Charlotte and Asuka is just that good. Jade VS Roxie will be a good match but Roxie’s story in Judgment Day might keep her from winning. But then the fallback there is Roxie might actually sub in for the tag titles like I was thinking. Charlotte VS Chelsea was very good, and of course the Secret Her-vice does what they can to help. The beatdown they put on Charlotte and then Alexa making the save, that’s going to be one of those “can they coexist?” tag matches for sure.
Honestly, a little surprised we didn’t get any tag team promos tonight, unless I completely missed something. I believe title night is going to have Profits VS Gacy & Lumis for the tag titles, too, so that’s going to be something wild. And while DIY is scared of the Wyatts, I feel like they’re going to interfere because they don’t want the Wyatts to take the titles. But at the same time, the Wyatts need something substantial this time around, so maybe they win the titles at SummerSlam.
My Score: 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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THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
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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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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 6.19.25
Are we going to start trending upwards with Slammiversary to build toward?

Last week’s episode was lacking in ring work but had decent story moments and segments. Starting the build to Slammiversary we can either launch nicely or things can always get worse. Jason Hotch and KC Navarro are the real shining stars of the last few months, so lets hope once they get over this Leon Slater idiot ship, they can push X Division wrestlers with actual talent for pro wrestling and not just flippy charisma vacuums.
Oh and let’s not forget, it is the episode they celebrate the 23rd anniversary of TNA! TWENTY – THREE!! Somewhere PCO hates this.
.@Kelly_WP is back in TNA Wrestling and has a message for TNA Knockouts World Champion @mashaslamovich!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/cF0F1ZKKuL pic.twitter.com/tnm4TIuPUz
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 20, 2025
Ratings:
- Sami Callihan vs Eric Young w/Losers: EY wins via Piledriver – ** 3/4
- Lei Ying Lee & Masha Slamovich vs The Elegance Clique w/M & Personal Concierge: Elegantos win via Rarefied Air – ***
- Eddie Edwards & JDC w/Alisha & Brian Myers vs Matt Cardona & Home Town Man: HTM wins via Cradle – *
- Champion’s Challenge: The Rascalz, Joe Hendry, Leon Slater & Elijah vs The Kaiba Boys, Moose, Steve Maclin & Trick Williams: Elijah wins via Highwayman’s Farewell – ***
Results:
Sami Callihan vs Eric Young w/Losers
Sami knocks them all off the apron before the bell rings, he levels the loser children, finds a chair, attacks EY but EY counters and this is the excuse to use weapons since the bell didn’t ring yet. EY tries to break Sami’s hand on the steps with the chair, but Sami moves, throws EY back in the ring, bell rings and EY hits a Belly to Belly suplex for two. They slug it out, Sami goes for Headbutts, then Sami wants to run the ropes but a loser trips him, distracts long enough for EY to knock him out of the ring and loser children swarm as loser children do. EY does the classic, throw back out for losers to attack while EY grabs and distracts the ref. Sami is selling a few lame attacks from the losers like he got shot. It’s an excessive sell, so it’s honestly a dumb transitional moment.
EY levels Sami, Lariat into Scoop Slam, looks for the Macho Elbow but Sami hits the ropes to crotch EY. Sami Superplex time, but EY bites the face to make Sami drop, EY jumps at him but eats a straight right hand. Cactus Driver, but no, EY tries his Piledriver…they both gouge eyes at the same time, Sami catches an EY charge into a Flatliner as they’re both down…for…reasons? The selling in this match seems…poorly timed and kinda stupid. Hard Irish Whip, EY Flair Flips the corner, levels Sami, Macho Elbow for 2.9! EY threatens to hit the ref, but then goes to mad dog commentary. EY then wants to attack fans…he’s more unhinged than World Elite EY. Sami gives him the old Dick Twist into a Stunner but only for two! Losers try to distract, first one gets taken out, second one uses a chair, EY hits the Piledriver on Sami, EY wins.
I feel like this is gonna continue for a few weeks since it wasn’t a clean win.
Mustafa Ali’s group comes out, and I refuse to say the name because it’s dumb and they’re already fraying at the seams. Ali wants an apology session, Tasha and Hotch apologize to him but Skyler bites back and refuses, even shoved Ali. So Ali challenges him to a “Call to Arms” match. What in the hell is a Call to Arms match?
Lei Ying Lee & Masha Slamovich vs The Elegance Clique w/M & Personal Concierge
ASH does her borderline racist fake karate before Lei stares her down and tags in Heather. Heather avoids Lei, Lei throws a few Tornado Kicks to make a point and Heather tags out. Heather being 4’8″ helps her here. Concierge says “There’s no Karate in wrestling”. ASH, Lei and Masha are in the ring, ASH is trying to decide who she wants to face, but the Concierge google translated it and hands it to ASH, before the face team rocks ASH. Masha lifts up Lei and Lei does the Liu Kang Bicycle Kick, steering more into her Mortal Kombat aesthetic. Senton off the apron from Lei and Masha dives into the pile, the comedy heels are getting leveled. We go to commercial and come back with Lei getting Double Teamed but she spins it into a weird Neckbreaker..but can’t tag out just yet. Lei blocks Heather, Enzuigiri, simultaneous tag, Masha is Yakuza kicks for all and the 2 for 1 Lariat/DDT special. Near fall, but Masha goes for murder, but Heather breaks it, Rocket Launcher/Code Breaker from Elegance but Lei breaks up the pin. ASH tries to intimidate Lei with her fake Karate before throwing her out of the ring. Heather hits Lei with a handful of Glitter and then bounces her face off the post. Masha tries to stop ASH, Kelly’s music distracts Masha, Rarefied Air gives ASH the win.
Santino comes out and GOD DAMMIT no one wants to see Tommy Dreamer fight Mance Warner…that’s a useless thing. Pivot away…no one wants this. Oh no, now we have to listen to Steph talk too. Okay it seems to be a pivot, thankfully. Steph and Mance talk shit, Dreamer says something about Something is gonna happen…and Jake Something comes out. So…I guess we’re gonna build him up for 2 months and then job him out for 6 before he fucks off to his home galaxy or whatever?
.@indi_hartwell has a run in with Tessa Blanchard!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/cF0F1ZLikj pic.twitter.com/I6UCCk2fAG
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 20, 2025
Really wish Indi just opened with the Billy Butcher classic of, “Oi Cunt!” – but this wasn’t bad.
Eddie Edwards & JDC w/Alisha & Brian Myers vs Matt Cardona & Home Town Man
I hate… Cardona so much more now. Heel reasons for Cardona…go away heat for Deaner.
JDC wants the Home Town Man to start…and Deaner does his stupid Flip Flop and Fly, Cardona tags in, JDC is eating some offense, Cardona wants the Reboot, JDC powders, Cardona Dives but then Lish and the general numbers catch up to Cardona. Eddie is legal, and now they isolate Cardona with some decent tandem work and isolation. This turns into kind of a schmoz, lots of silly spots, near falls and then Home Town doofus gets the cradle pinfall on Eddie.
Whenever Deaner is involved I can’t be asked to care. The System beats Cardona and Deaner down, but Eddie did eat a pin. Which is embarrassing not even for work reasons, like it’s just sad.
Champion’s Challenge: The Rascalz, Joe Hendry, Leon Slater & Elijah vs The Kaiba Boys, Moose, Steve Maclin & Trick Williams
Elijah and Nic start things off, slow push off, arm wring, top wristlock, simple chain wrestling start. Nic breaks the chain and hits a Dropkick, Elijah runs the ropes and hits a Diving Lariat and starts the Rope Walk. Nic seems far to awake and alert for that move then, I hate how people pull that off too early. Wentz gets tagged in, Nic tags in Maclin who wasn’t looking for a tag, but him and Wentz have a nice clash, Trey tags in, they try to double him, but they pause and look at each other. Maclin asks for a tag, no one tags him so he Chops Ryan to tag him in and throws him in.
The little nod to Maclin and Rascalz history and the fact the faces realize Maclin isn’t a piece of shit. A little MCMG homage tandem attacks on Ryan, Wentz punctuates with the Handspring Knee Lift, Ryan tags out to Trick. Trick and Wentz go back and forth, Rascalz have Trick eating offense, Moose tries to slow things down, both Trick and Moose powder, Rascalz Double Golden Triangle Moonsaults. Trey gets tripped by Nic, Moose hits Lights Out, but there’s no referee so it’s a little chaotic.
Out of the commercial things are controlled kinda and we see a simultaneous tag to Moose and Leon. Leon comes out hot, level Moose with a Leg Lariat, attacks Nic Nemeth, attacks Ryan, and then Moose hits Leon with the Stun Gun. Moose looks to tag in Maclin but Maclin jumps off the apron. Trick takes the tag, keeps control, Trick forcibly tags in Maclin but Ryan tags himself in and pulls Leon to the Champions’ corner, Nic tags in and isolates Leon, with the Kaibas quick tagging and keeping Leon down.
Moose tags in, tries to Suplex Leon about four times but Leon stops it then counters the Suplex. Moose tries to cut him off, but the Champions distract the ref so the ref can’t see Leon tag out. Nic and Moose doubling up and Leon is the bump guy of this last portion of the match. Big Uranage from Moose…Moose looks for Lights Out but Small Package almost ruined things, Body Scissors Cradle, GAME CHANGER! Moose looks to hit a Jacknife Powerbomb but Leon turns it into a DDT. Maclin and Ryan start fighting, Nic Superkicks Maclin, Hendry and Nic tag in, Hendry is a house of fire. Sack of Shits for everyone! Nic, Ryan, there’s a pause when Hendry is face to face with Trick and Trick gets Uppercuts first then Sack of Shit! Standing Ovation on Nic, but Ryan blocks, Kaibas try a tandem attack but Hendry Lariats them both. Elijah tags in and is the maestro of the crowd and chopping Ryan to some fun. Ryan goes for a Polish Hammer but eats the Knee Lift. Signature spam time…
Ryan tries to use the International title but Maclin grabs the title away from Ryan, clocks Nic, Standing Ovation into the Highwayman’s Farewell. Champions lose!
Overall Score: 4/10
Well this was a rough one boys and girls. Sami and EY was just an overbooked shitshow, Lei Ying Lee is unfortunately in a spot where it’s obvious TNA has no clue how to use her, the Elegantos are the New Beautiful People, and I’m not mad at that. But you need to space out your goofball crap. You can’t have Elegance Clique, Home Town Moron and Santino in 3 consecutive segments. And if anyone goes “it was 3 out of 4” that’s doesn’t lessen my point, the beauty of Pro Wrestling being a variety show is…FOR VARIETY! When the lead match feels stupid because of bad pacing, poor selling and overbooking with two losers, it feels like a useless match with idiots, then comedy, followed by more comedy…you see how that’s literally NOT VARIETY.
Figure it out seriously. This was a disappointing episode. If you’re a casual viewer than it’s just chalk for TNA doing cringe and borderline goof crap since they’ve always steered a little more into the carny than other companies. But this show was…where’s Jisoo and Jenny? I feel like I need that gif:
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!