Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Monday Night Raw Report! (8/20/18)
The Raw After Summerslam has THREE new champions! The Architect, The Big Dog and the Baddest Woman on the Planet reign, so what’s next for Monday nights?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Baron Corbin VS Bobby Lashley; Lashley wins.
- Six Woman Tag: Ember Moon & The Boss & Hug Connection VS The Riott Squad; The Riott Squad wins.
- Dean Ambrose w/ Seth Rollins VS Dolph Ziggler w/ Drew McIntyre; Ambrose wins.
- Elias VS Curt Hawkins; Elias wins.
- Titus Worldwide VS The Authors of Pain; The Authors of Pain win.
- Bo Dallas w/ Curt Axel VS Scott Dawson w/ Dash Wilder; Dawson wins.
- Curt Axel w/ Bo Dallas VS Dash Wilder w/ Scott Dawson; Wilder wins.
- WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns VS Finn Balor; Roman wins and retains the WWE Universal Championship.
PLAY BY PLAY
The Big Dog heads to the ring!
Roman Reigns enters as the NEW WWE Universal Champion after the chaos and brutality that was Summerslam’s main event. Roman looks at the belt he fought so hard to get, and lifts it up with pride. He ignores the noise as he slings it on his back and continues down the ramp. Roman stands in the ring with a big smile on his face while fans are divided down the middle. “I’m a man of my word”, he says. “I said I was gonna beat Brock Lesnar, and I did.” Roman hears the fans chant “You Still Suck!” but Roman repeats that he vowed to defend the belt. He’ll even do that tonight. Fans like the sound of that.
Roman would make this an open challenge, but he has someone in mind already. That same man won the title in Brooklyn, too. But then he got hurt and never got his opportunity to get it back. Roman will defend this belt tonight, against… FINN BALOR! And speaking of the Extraordinary Man, he heads to the ring! The inaugural Universal Champion stands in front of the current champion, and says, “Wassup, Roman?” Finn accepts the challenge, and vows to take that title back! Fans love this already, so let’s make it official. They shake hands, but here comes Baron Corbin.
Stephanie’s appointed Constable wants us to calm down. As great as that match would be, it’s not happening on Corbin’s watch. If Finn thinks he’s getting rewarded for that “little stunt”, he’s crazy. Finn no-showed and sent his Demon instead. Corbin says that was unprofessional, cowardly, and in breach of contract. Plus, with all the smoke and noise, Corbin couldn’t hear or see so he didn’t know the match was on. Corbin refuses to accept that match happened. The fans boo, and he says they’re booing Finn. He wants Finn The Man tonight. Roman says the fans are booing Corbin, not Finn. And if he sucked as bad as Corbin did, he’d want to strike it from the record, too. Corbin claims the only reason Roman won was because Lesnar had to worry about Braun Strowman. Roman steps to Corbin but Corbin backs down. Here comes Kurt Angle!
The Raw GM soaks in the “You Suck!” greeting, then speaks to the three men in the ring. Corbin’s letting his Constable role go to his head, because Angle makes matches, not him. Angle also tells Corbin to shush, so we can get what Brooklyn wants. Does Brooklyn want Reigns VS Balor for the title tonight? “YES! YES!” Then that’s our main event! As for Corbin, he has a match, right now! And it’s against… Bobby Lashley!
Baron Corbin VS Bobby Lashley!
The Lone Wolf stuck his foot in his mouth, and now he has to take on the Dominator! Will Lashley send Corbin reeling with a bout of vertigo?
Raw returns as the bell rings and these two circle. Lashley gets around Corbin to throw him down. Then he throws him again! Lashley brings Corbin up but Corbin elbows into the standing switch. Lashley switches back to throw Corbin again. Corbin gets a ropebreak, so Lashley backs off. Lashley sees the sucker punch coming and drop sCorbin with a neckbreaker. Fans fire up as Lashley bumps Corbin off a buckle. Lashley bumps Corbin off another buckle, then another. He throws hands then whips. Corbin slides out and catches his breath, but fans boo and jeer him. Lashley pursues and rocks Corbin with forearms. He bumps Corbin off the apron, then puts him in the ring at 6. Lashley enters at 7, then rams a shoulder into Corbin in the corner.
Lashley climbs and gives Corbin corner punches. He gets all 10, then clotheslines Corbin back out. Fans cheer while Lashley goes back to get Corbin. Lashley puts Corbin in the ring then hops right up, only for Corbin to kick him down. Corbin throws Lashley into barriers, then puts him in the ring. Corbin stalks Lashley into a half-nelson. Lashley endures while fans rally up. Lashley stands and fights back with body shots. Corbin knees low, then whips Lashley. Lashley reverses but misses in the corner. They speed up and Lashley leaps over to lariat Corbin down! Lashley brings Corbin up, rocks him with clubbing haymakers, then prepares a suplex. Corbin powers Lashley all the way out, for a rough landing! Then he slides out to clobber Lashley down! The Lone Wolf has control while we go to break.
Raw returns and Corbin has Lashley in the half-nelson. He taunts Lashley while leaning his weight on the hold. Lashley feeds off the fan rally but Corbin knees him low. Corbin then throws Lashley into a post! He tries again, but Lashley turns it around and throws Corbin into a post! Lashley recovers while Corbin stands up. Lashley and Corbin brawl with big haymakers, but then Lashley gets on a roll. He throws Corbin overhead, then runs in for a big clothesline. Lashley keeps going, but runs into a back elbow. Corbin runs, but into a spinebuster! Cover, TWO! Corbin rolls out of the ring, but Lashley pursues again. Lashley throws hands on Corbin, then puts him in the ring. Corbin hotshots Lashley on the return, then clobbers him again.
Corbin drags Lashley in, then hoists him to the top rope. He throws forearms on Lashley while climbing up. Fans boo and jeer while Corbin grins. Lashley headbutts Corbin down, adjusts, and leaps, but into the Choke Slam Backbreaker! Cover, TWO! Corbin is furious, so he runs in. Lashley dodges, Corbin slides in and out, but into a knee. Then into the dominator lift! AK-47 Slam! Cover, Lashley wins!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, by pinfall
The Dominator may not have dominated, but he did come out on top. Will the Constable come up with excuses for this loss, too?
Paul Heyman visits Kurt Angle.
What’s he doing here? He has a specific mission, as his client, Brock Lesnar, would like his contractually obligated rematch clause. Seriously? Well, yes, Lesnar VS Roman or Finn. Heyman knows what Angle is thinking, Lesnar should be down the road to UFC by now. But Lesnar goes where he wants to go, so he’s going to want a rematch. Yes, that title contract has a rematch clause, but it doesn’t specify when and where that rematch happens. The thing is, Angle has a fighting champion now, and one that shows up. Lesnar will have to wait a long, long long time for that rematch.
Heyman agrees to that, it should be a long time. Obviously it wouldn’t happen next week. Heyman sees it way down the road, where Lesnar uses his rematch clause for… Hell in a Cell. Angle says it’ll be a cold day in hell for that. Or as they say in Brooklyn, forgettaboutit!
Baron Corbin complains to Kurt Angle.
Corbin says he was prepared for Finn the Man at Summerslam, not Demon Balor. And then tonight, the same thing happens but with Lashley the Dominator. Corbin isn’t some dog who does tricks! He is Stephanie’s Constable! And Corbin is tired of not getting what he wants. Angle says his job isn’t to do what Corbin wants. As long as he’s GM, he does what’s best for the WWE Universe. Fine, but Stephanie’s gonna be here tonight. Corbin’s gonna go talk to her, how does that sound? Will Stephanie give her pet Lone Wolf what he wants? Or will she give him what he deserves?
WWE and Raw take a look at the coming Final Chapter.
Super Show-Down in Australia, October 6th, Triple H and The Undertaker resurrect their ruthless rivalry! Six years ago at Wrestlemania, in a Hell in a Cell mach, it was the End of an Era. But finally, we will get the end of this iconic feud. Who wins this #LastTimeEver match?
Six Woman Tag: Ember Moon & The Boss & Hug Connection VS The Riott Squad!
The Prophecy of Flame and the #LegitHuggable duo take on the entire trio of Ruby, Liv and Sarah! Can Ember, Bayley & Banks Eclipse the entire Squad tonight? Or will Ruby and company #StartARiott in Brooklyn?
The bell rings and Sasha starts with Ruby. Sasha slaps Ruby around, then jumps on her for fast hands! She brings Ruby up and to her corner, tag to Bayley. They crisscross and throw Ruby back. Bayley stomps a mudhole, then tags to Ember. Roll up, TWO, and Ruby scrambles to her corner. Tag to Sarah, but Ember fires off a big right hand! Ember fires off kicks, then roars for a SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO, but Ember keeps on the Kentucky Viking. Liv and Ruby come in but get decked! The Squad escapes the ring, but Sasha gives Ruby a Meteora while Bayley crossbodies on Liv! Sarah stands alone, but Ember DIVES! The War Goddess and the best buddies are in control while we go to break.
Raw returns and Bayley has Liv down with an armlock. Liv shrieks while her partners shout. Fans sing for Bayley but Liv gets up to whip her into a corner. Bayley snake eyes Liv back, then hits a big knee. Sarah saves Liv from a second one, but gets a punch for it. Liv rocks Bayley out of the ring with that right hand, then tags Ruby. Ruby stalks Bayley to bring her down with an STO! The ref reprimands the Squad but Ruby just puts Bayley back in. Cover, TWO, but Ruby drags Bayley over. Tag to Sarah and the Squad starts mugging Bayley. Tag to Liv, Liv pulls Bayley against the ropes with the backpack chinlock. Sarah gets a cheap shot in, then Liv covers. TWO, but the Juvenile Delinquent keeps Bayley grounded with another chinlock.
Bayley endures while fans rally up. Liv thrashes Bayley around, then knees Bayley low. She puts Bayley in the corner then tags Ruby. Ruby tags Sarah and the Squad coordinates. Ruby whips Liv in for a big corner clothesline, then Sarah throws Ruby in for a shoulder tackle. Liv and Ruby feed Bayley to Sarah’s pop up headbutt! Cover, TWO! Sarah wraps Bayley up in a cobra clutch and thrashes her all around. Fans rally up and Bayley jawbreakers out. Sarah takes out Ember, then howls. Bayley boots her back then fights out of the Squad corner. Sarah grabs Bayley’s leg and stomps her down. Sarah drags Bayley back and tags in Ruby. Ruby stays between Sasha and Bayley, but gets rolled up! TWO, hot tag to Sasha!
The Boss rallies as fans fire up. She dropkicks Ruby, then counters the kick with a knee! She runs in, stops those boots, and sets Ruby up for the Stock Drop! Cover, but Liv breaks it just in time. Ember throws Liv out, then gives her the tornado snap suplex! Sasha runs but Ruby puts her on the apron. She knees Ruby away, but has to fight Sarah. Bayley goes after Sarah, but gets a lethal lariat! Sasha hits a Meteora on Sarah, then climbs up again. Ruby kicks the arms, then brings Sasha in for the Riott Kick! Cover, Riott Squad wins!
Winners: The Riott Squad, Ruby pinning
The numbers were even, but it was about the right moves. Ruby and her Squad continue to rise up, how high will they go?
Triple H is here!
The Game and COO of WWE returns, his already legendary #LastTimeEver match with the Phenom on the horizon. Fans chant “NXT!” for the man behind that brand, and HHH admits, TakeOver blew the roof off the arena. Summerslam took it to another level, and it’s all been incredible. HHH was on the edge of his seat, because just like us, he’s a fan of wrestling “to the core, from day one.” He will work until the day he dies that this is here for all of us. But weekends like this give HHH “that itch” to rip his suit off, tape up and lace up to truly be The Game again! That is why when Vince called with an idea, HHH said “Hell Yeah!” Vince wanted HHH VS The Undertaker. HHH said “Hell No.” But for a different reason than we think.
For everything HHH has done, there’s a moment that stands out against all the others. A moment that he will never forget. The Wrestlemania #EndofanEra Hell in a Cell match. He, Taker and Shawn Michaels, on the ramp. Fans chant “HBK!” for the Heartbreak Kid. HHH says that moment is as real as it gets in this business. That is a moment of mutual respect, two of the biggest icons ever, just as responsible as anybody for WWE today. That moment changed them all. It was the End of an Era, but it also changed them. HBK was gone, The Streak would die. The Undertaker would put his hat and gloves down and disappear. HHH put his gear away and put on a suit. And it was over.
The three of them have talked about it, everything changed. The sound, the goosebumps, gone. It was truly the End of an Era, and without sounding bitter, their Era was special. But fans say “You Still Got It!” HHH continues, for the respect he had for that moment, and told Vince that he was back in. HHH takes off the suit to put back on his tape and boots, and be The Game once again! If Undertaker will pick up his hat, put on his gloves and be The Phenom one more time! Melbourne, Australia, 80000 in attendance and everyone around the world watching, that feeling will be back! “Because the Era is back!” Undertaker, The Game, #oneLASTtime! It’s clear on HHH’s face that the Cerebral Assassin is back already, will he meet the Deadman Down Under?
Dean Ambrose w/ Seth Rollins VS Dolph Ziggler w/ Drew McIntyre!
The Lunatic Fringe kept the Scottish Psychopath at bay last night and now The Architect is the NEW Intercontinental Champion! The Show-Off wants after Ambrose himself, but will lose twice within 24 hours?
The bell rings as Rollins and McIntyre move aside, and Ambrose ties up with Ziggler. Ambrose gets a waistlock, then a facelock, but Ziggler reverses to a hammerlock. They stand up and Ambrose gets a headlock takedown. Ziggler gets up and powers out, but Ambrose runs him over. Ambrose glares at Ziggler while Ziggler regroups with McIntyre. Ziggler comes back and circles with Ambrose again. Ziggler lunges in and gets a leg, but Ambrose counters with a roll. Ambrose has a facelock, but Ziggler gets him to ropes. Ziggler gives a shove, but Ambrose shoves right back! Ziggler kicks low and throws hands, but Ambrose gives back a chop! Ambrose chops Ziggler again, but Ziggler rakes the eyes. Ziggler whips but Ambrose reverses to run him over. Cover, ONE.
Ambrose gets another headlock takeover, but Ziggler stands up. Ziggler powers out, but Ambrose runs him over again. They speed up and Ziggler goes to hip toss. Ambrose blocks it to scoop slam! Ambrose runs but McIntyre sweeps his leg. Rollins keeps Ambrose from going after McIntyre, but Ziggler dropkicks Ambrose down! Ziggler gets control back while we go to break.
Raw returns and Ziggler has Ambrose in the sleeper hold. Ziggler is a backpack, but Ambrose works his way up and out. Rollisn rallies the fans, but Ziggler kicks Ambrose’s legs out. Ziggler slaps Ambrose around, daring him to do something. Ambrose ducks the clothesline to give his own! Ambrose gives Ziggler another, then whips him into the kitchen sink knee. Ziggler rolls to a corner, but Ambrose is right on him with a mudhole stomp. Ambrose goes corner to corner but runs into a boot. Ziggler has the ropes, but TWO! Ambrose bucks off the ZigZag, then catches Ziggler into a Fall Away Slam! Ziggler rolls out to the apron while Rollins coaches Ambrose up. Ambrose drags Ziggler up, but Ziggler hotshots Ambrose back. Ziggler kicks but is blocked into a catapult! Ziggler hits post, but then he dodges Ambrose to send him into the post!
Ambrose tumbles out to the floor, but Rollins keeps McIntyre back. McIntyre takes off the jacket and dares Rollins to do something. Rollins takes him up on it! He fires off and McIntyre fires back, but then Ziggler blasts Rollins from behind. Ziggler holds Rollins up so that he and McIntyre can throw Rollins into barriers. But then Ambrose goes after them! He puts Ziggler in but has to get McIntyre. Ziggler kicks, Ambrose dodges, but Ziggler haymakers. Ambrose stops the superkick, Rollins runs in, but only to DIVE onto McIntyre! Ambrose denies the satellite, to get his Dirty Deeds! Cover, Ambrose wins!
Winner: Dean Ambrose, by pinfall
The Lunatic wins on a great return! He and Rollins regroup while McIntyre comes rushing in. The Shield Brothers are firing on all cylinders, how high will they go?
Elias does a double check with his technicians.
He tells them neither of them are special, that designation is reserved for someone like him. And the guitar better not break or it’s both their careers on the line. The Drifter heads to the ring, will he redeem himself from last night?
Finn Balor prepares backstage.
But he encounters Braun Strowman. The Monster in the Bank got screwed out of a cash-in, but he’s reminding Finn here and now, it’s coming. “Good luck tonight.”
“Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias.”
The Drifter tries again from his embarrassing instrument malfunction. After that moment, someone is clearly trying to destroy him. He fired three crew members, and knows Fender does better than that. This mystery person doesn’t realize WWE really stands for “Walk With Elias!” Now he was supposed to give us the greatest performance ever, but his doctor warned him of his blood pressure being around people from Brooklyn. But a performer must perform, so he simply asks New Yorkers to do the impossible and shut up. But just as he starts playing, it’s Brooklyn’s own, Curt Hawkins! Hawkins says Elias can be Number One, as in the first man to lose to Hawkins!
Hawkins feels so lucky tonight in front of not Elias’ town. So maybe together, Elias and Hawkins go ahead and end the 218 match losing streak! Elias likes the moxie, but he has a cold hard fact: Hawkins is a loser. Hawkins was born a loser, will die a loser, just like everyone in Brooklyn. Elias’ ring is his stage, Hawkins doesn’t belong. No more wasting time, just get out of here. Elias can’t even believe he’s wasted this much time. Hawkins turns and walks up the ramp while Elias begins to play. “Hey, Elias,” Hawkins says. Is he gonna hide behind a guitar and a scarf? Or are they gonna fight? Hawkins gets in the ring, and challenges him to a match, right now! Elias sees he has no choice, we have a match!
Elias VS Curt Hawkins!
The bell rings, Hawkins rolls Elias, TWO! Elias hits him with a jumping knee! The Drifter rips off his shirt before throwing hands on Hawkins. Brooklyn is behind their ultimate underdog, but Elias whips him and runs him over. Elias drops an elbow, then covers. TWO, but then a crucifix! TWO! Elias swings, Hawkins rocks him back. Hawkins throws haymakers, then whips. Elias reverses, Hawkins runs him over. Hawkins rallies, “you Deserve It!” Hwakins pursues but gets a big knee to the heart. Elias brings Hawkins up, Drfit Aaway! Cover, Elias wins!
Winner: Elias, by pinfall
Hawkins goes to 0-219, but he at least kept Elias from singing. Will Hawkins ever get that bad streak off his back?
Titus O’Neil finds Apollo Crews and Dana Brooke talking.
Where’ve they been? They were talking “strategy”. Dana has a weakness in AoP’s tactics. Then let’s get to it! That match is up next, does Dana have the algorithm to undo Akam & Rezar?
Titus Worldwide VS The Authors of Pain!
Raw returns as Rezar has Titus in a bearhug. Titus fights his way out with elbows, then with headlock punches. Rezar powers him to the AoP corner, tag to Akam. Akam and Rezar throw in knees and clubbing forearms, then talk trash in their respective native tongues. Akam tries but can’t lift Titus. Titus lifts and suplexes Akam! Dana rallies the fans while Akam and Titus crawl. Hot tag to Apollo! Apollo swings on Rezar, but gets clobbered by Akam! Tag to Rezar, and the Authros double lift and slam Apollo! Cover, TWO! Rezar keeps on Apollo with both hands and trash talk. He lifts Apollo into a facelock. Apollo endures, and powers Rezar backwards step by step. Rezar powers Apollo all the way back, but lets go at 4 in the corner.
Rezar drags Apollo back up and over to tag in Akam. Akam climbs while Rezar lifts Apollo, sidewalk slam and stomp! Cover, TWO! Akam keeps on Apollo with a standing crossface, but Dana rallies the fans. Apollo stands and fights back with elbows. He fires off forearms from both sides, but trades hip toss blocks. Akam throws Apollo with a fireman’s carry, but Apollo fights out of the corner! He dodges Akam, whose knee goes into the buckle! Akam still blocks the enziguri, then tags in Rezar. Both Authors hoist Apollo up top, but Apollo keeps fighting. He gets Akam down then elbows Rezar away, for a BIG crossbody! Cover, TWO! Shooting Star! But Akam covers that cover.
Titus goes after Akam and they go all the way out. The referee is busy with Titus, so that Rezar can knee him down. Apollo rolls Rezar, but Rezar holds ropes. Rezar yanks Apollo up with one hand! He whips Apollo hard, then tags in Akam. The Authors finish this with the Last Chapter! Cover, AoP wins!
Winners: The Authors of Pain, Akam by pinfall
Dana’s diagrams didn’t help, the story ended the same as before. Will the AoP write their way all the way to the very top?
Stephanie McMahon heads to the ring!
The rest of the Raw Women’s Division is already ringside as the Commissioner heads out. Alexa Bliss has her arm in a sling after what the Baddest Woman on the Planet did to her. When Stephanie thinks of today’s Women’s Division, she thinks of “proud.” Stephanie is proud of all the women in the WWE, and of the All Women’s PPV, Evolution. She’s also proud of the Raw Women’s Championship from Summerslam. She cues up footage, The Goddess VS Rowdy Ronda Rousey! Needless to say, Ronda threw Alexa around and then popped that arm out! And then the crowning achievement, Ronda won the title! “This one’s for Roddy!”
Ronda is the first woman to ever be UFC and Raw Women’s Champion. Stephanie takes credit for the business prowess that brought Ronda and her “raw talent” to make it into a diamond to shine above all others. Stephanie takes credit for “molding” Ronda into a superstar, and for setting an example for all the women of WWE. She introduces Ronda as her “protege”, but Ronda skips being formally introduced. Ronda takes up a mic, hears the fans chant for her, which Stephanie takes credit for. Ronda says this isn’t about Stephanie, this is about the women who wrestle in the WWE. Why are they even ringside? What is this? Is Stephanie putting herself above all of them? Ronda invites them into the ring!
Stephanie doesn’t think this is becoming of a champion. She’s telling Ronda what it’s like to be a champion? This isn’t even about one person, this is about the Women’s (R)Evolution! From Natalya, a cornerstone of the Division today, to Sasha & Bayley who made history with NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn sparking this movement. Ronda isn’t Lesnar, she is GOING to be a fighting champion and looks forward to facing each and every woman in the WWE. Stephanie agrees, Ronda isn’t Lesnar. Who is this Ronda? This is the Ronda who wants to just hurt people. Stephanie knows what that feels like! As does Alexa. Alicia comforts her friend, while Stephanie shows everyone how Alexa’s elbow got bent back. Look at Alexa’s anguished face! “That’s not wrestling, I don’t know what that is.”
Stephanie says Ronda will do the same to the Squad, to Alicia, to Dana and the Bellas. Ronda will wipe them all out so that she can stand alone in the spotlight. “That’s who Ronda really is.” Ronda won’t let Stephanie turn them against each other. Ronda only breaks those who deserve it. She then creeps closer to Stephanie, and throws her down! Ronda has the arm, and Stephanie taps out! Stephanie’s arm broke!? Fans love it, as do Natty, Dana, The Bellas, Ember, Sasha and Bayley. They’re with her, but will Ronda suffer consequences for what she just did to the Billionaire Queen?
Bo Dallas w/ Curt Axel VS Scott Dawson w/ Dash Wilder!
“Dearly beloved!” The magic carpet ride of life has its twists and turns, because only a month ago, these two had never won once! Not once! But then, one letter changed all of the WWE, and now Bo & Axel are Raw Tag Team Champions! Tonight, they dedicate these singles matches to the WWE Universe. The B in B-Team stands for Brooklyn! The #TopGuys come out, and we begin.
Bo and Dawson tie up, and Bo powers Dawson back. Dawson pulls hair to pull Bo back, then gives him a headbutt. Bo rocks Dawson with a right, then has him at the ropes. Dawson uses the rope to snap Bo back, then reels BO in for a lariat. Bo gets to a corner, but Dawson is on him with a buckle guillotine! Dawson stalks Bo while Axel rallies the fans. Dawson digs an elbow into Bo’s forehead, then jams it in. Bo crawls but Dawson sits him up for a chinlock.
Bo powers his way out but Dawson rocks him with a European Uppercut. Dawson brings Bo up for a neckbreaker, but Bo backslide counters! TWO, Bo rocks Dawosn with a back elbow. Bo rallies, then hits a knee lift to body check! “B-Team, B-Team! Go go go!” Bo brings Dawson up for a draping neckbreaker, but Dawson counters with buckle bumps. Dawson lifts Bo, for a package DDT! Cover, Dawson wins!
Winner: Scott Dawson, by pinfall
Dawson shows Bo’s luck has run out, but now it’s time to switch. Can Axel keep things even with The Revival?
Curt Axel w/ Bo Dallas VS Dash Wilder w/ Scott Dawson!
“Dash, get your ass in here!” Axel wants this match asap, but Dash takes his time. Raw goes to break while Axel and Dash get ready.
Raw returns and Dash bends Axel back. Axel fights out but Dash is on him again. Dash whips but Axel sunset flips. TWO, and Axel kicks low. Axel runs but into a Wasteland backbreaker. Cover, TWO! Dash mocks the B-Team chant while Brooklyn does the wave. Dash bends Axel back again, but Axel endures while Bo chants. Axel fights his way out and arm-drags Dash away. He throws hands and then rallies with clotheslines. Axel dropkicks Dash down then hits a corner forearm. Fans join in on the chant, Axel neck snaps Dash. Axel brings Dash up, but Dash powers out. Dash runs but into boots. Axel climbs up,for the ax handle, but misses! Dash has Axel in the Gory Special, to facebuster! Cover, Dash wins!
Winner: Dash Wilder, by pinfall
The B-Team isn’t undefeated in singles matches, but Bo and Axel point out that they’re still the champions. Will The Revival get another go at the titles?
Backstage interview with Roman Reigns.
Renee Young congratulates Roman on his Summerslam victory, but brings up his match with Finn Balor and the possibility of a cash-in. Does he regret putting his title up tonight? Not at all. Roman didn’t spend years of his life taking years off his life just to hide. Roman will defend his Yard, and is giving Finn the rematch he deserves. Finn will lose and go to the back of the line. As for Strowman, Roman wasn’t thrown off at all last night, and won’t be tonight. He’s ready to take on all comers, but will The Big Dog really be ready for the Man and the Monster?
Stephanie McMahon is in the trainer’s room.
She’s getting her arm iced after what Ronda did to it. Alexa is with her, too, because she knows what that’s like now. Baron Corbin has the trainer leave while Angle comes in. Stephanie gets mad at him for not keeping his stars under control. But he wasn’t out there, what could he have done? Corbin and Stephanie get on Angle for everything from last minute matches to Ronda assaulting the Commissioner. Stephanie sees Angle is being worn down by this job. It’s been a year and a half, maybe he needs time off. Angle doesn’t want a vacation. It’s fine, it’ll be temporary, but he just needs time away. Which would then put Corbin in charge as interim GM. Angle is beside himself, what will happen under the Constable’s control?
WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns VS Finn Balor!
The Big Dog finally beat the Beast, but he isn’t going to rest on his laurels. Demon Balor beat the cranky Constable but this is Finn the Man tonight. Will a Man be enough to take over The Yard? And what of the Monster in the Bank promising to cash-in on the champion no matter what?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we begin! Finn and Roman circle then tie up. Roman powers Finn back, then throws him out of the corner. Finn gets a waistlock but also a back elbow. Roman locks on a headlock, but Finn powers out. Roman swings but Finn ducks, only to run into a shoulder. Fans duel while Finn catches his breath. Roman drags Finn up and whips him. Finn sunset flips, TWO, but Finn gets away to swing kick, but Roman rocks him with an uppercut! The Big Dog has control while we go to break.
Raw returns again, and Roman has Finn in a chinlock. Fans duel as Finn fights his way up and out. Roman knees low, then whips Finn. Finn reverses but Roman sunset flips. Finn rolls through for the basement dropkick! Roman checks his face while Finn gets up. Roman runs at Finn, but Finn tosses him out! Finn hits a wrecking ball dropkick, then an apron penalty kick! Wait, Roman catches that to throw Finn into the apron! Cover, TWO! Finn sits up but Roman stalks him to a corner. Roman gives Finn a quick haymaker, then whips him corner to corner hard. Roman takes his time checking his face while Finn writhes on the mat. Fans duel again as Roman circles Finn like a shark. Roman rocks Finn with a right, but then runs into boots!
Finn and Roman runs, but Finn hits forearms. Finn takes Roman down and gives him a double stomp! He keeps going, giving Roman a running chop in the corner. They go corner to corner but Roman reverses. Finn goes up and over, to give another chop. That one wasn’t as strong… Roman puts Finn in the corner to give close range clotheslines! Roman gets all 10, then runs, but into Finn’s dropkick! He goes out, but Finn FLIES! Direct hit on the Big Dog! Finn puts Roman in the ring, then covers, TWO! Finn is shocked but we go to one last break.
Raw returns once more, and Roman stands over Finn. Fans boo Roman, and someone in the crowd, but Roman goes back to Finn. Roman eggs Finn on, but Finn blocks the punches to give his own! Roman uppercuts Finn but Finn PELES Roman! Both men are down from exhaustion, but still have something left. Roman sits up but Finn follows. Finn drags himself up with ropes, but Roman runs at him. Finn ducks to fire off! He gives springboard stomp after springboard stomp! Fans fire up as Finn grits his teeth. He runs at Roman, but Roman counters the slingblade with a roll up. TWO, to a deadlift sit-out! TWO!! Roman can’t believe it, but Finn survives that sudden turnaround.
Roman gets to a corner, and he locks and loads. He runs but into a kick! Then the elbow drop DDT! Cover, TWO! Finn knows he’s close, so he keeps going. Roman shoves him back, but misses in the corner. Finn swing kicks Roman down, then climbs up! Roman gets up and under, but into the Slingblade! Finn runs, SUPERMAN PUNCH! Cover, TWO! Both men have gone so far already, but there’s still fight in both of them. Fans rally up and Roman stands first. He goes to a corner and fans are a thunderous mix as he lets out the howl. Roman runs, but into a knee! Then into a wheelbarrow roll-up! TWO! SUPERMAN PUNCH! Roman shouts “ENOUGH!” and goes back to the corner. But here comes BRAUN!!
The Monster in the Bank gave fair warning, but this is a bit different from his face to face from last night. Finn Slingblade! Blasting dropkick! COUP DE– SPEAR!! Cover, Roman wins!
Winner: Roman Reigns, by pinfall; still WWE Universal Champion
But now Strowman is here! He lets Roman get ready, before booting him down! Strowman cashes in!! It! Is! HAPPENING!
But wait, it’s THE SHIELD!! Rollins and Ambrose are in their Shield uniforms!! They and the Monster stare down. Fans aren’t sure what to make of this, but the match hasn’t been made official because there was no bell. Rollins and Ambrose creep in, Roman stands, and now Strowman has WWE’s Cerberus to deal with. Strowman strikes first! It’s a 3v1 as the Shield tear into Strowman. SUPERMAN PUNCH! Chop block from Ambrose, SUPERKICK from Rollins! Roman clotheslines Strowman out, but that’s not all! Ambrose clears the table, we all know what this means! They beat Strowman down more, then hoist Strowman up… But Strowman fights out! SPEAR from Roman! The Shield tries again, and hit the SHIELD TRIPLE BOMB!! Strowman is down, the Shield stands tall! Will Ambrose & Rollins be the guard dogs for The Big Dog against the Monster in the Bank?
My Thoughts:
This was a wild Raw, but I’m still sorting out if that made it good or bad. Kudos to Roman’s character for being a fighting champion out of the gate and giving Finn Balor the rematch. Baron Corbin gets beat by Bobby Lashley, but now he has complete control because Stephanie forces Angle to take a vacation after what Ronda did. Ronda clearly has the Faces on her side, but I’m still hoping Stephanie via Corbin makes a Woman’s Armageddon Hell in a Cell. Ronda and any five women from Raw fighting in the Cell all for the title. Angle told Heyman that Lesnar would have to wait a long time for his rematch, but I’m betting Corbin changes that, too. It oddly feels that while Raw had just reached a great point, they’re purposefully writing themselves back down the hole.
The Riott Squad wins again, a bit to my surprise. I suppose they have to extend this Woman’s Tag story if they want to give us the Women’s Tag Division before the year is out. Clearly Raw’s side of this is still building to Bayley & Banks VS Riott Squad while SmackDown has currently thrown out the possibility of Becky & Charlotte. As for the Men’s Tag Team Division, I almost thought Ambrose VS Ziggler was going to turn into a tag match but that clean ending was actually pretty good. The Revival look primed to finally get those belts, while AoP keep winning without really gaining round. Raw needs to sort out the Men’s Tag because it feels weaker than NXT’s.
And on the subject of Titus Worldwide, I hope they’re not going for a Dana-Apollo shipping. He’s in a relationship and has a child, they can’t/shouldn’t kayfabe those two together. But if they’re both talking about quitting Titus Worldwide, that might be an interesting twist. For some reason, I thought Hawkins was finally going to get the win here. But Elias’ bad luck was only for Summerslam, he’s back up with his quick win tonight. I have no idea where Hawkins’ story will finally give him his first win, and Elias seems just as aimless right now.
HHH had a really solid promo, with the heartfelt part about the End of an Era Hell in a Cell match. I think he started to shoot there a bit about how the three of them all felt about that moment. But then he did great to get back into character, and man, Super Show-Down sounds great just off of the match between WWE legends. We have Hell in a Cell first, but I’m betting there will be some great matches thrown onto Super Show-Down’s card just to give us some great excitement.
Then comes the main event. Roman VS Finn put on one hell of a match, but then Strowman changes his mind to do things the sneaky way. Fans ate it up either way because they all love Strowman. But then The Shield surprises us all, and Brooklyn ate that up, too. It was hard to tell who was Face and who was Heel anymore, but this twist is more than enough to bring some intrigue back to Raw. A massive multi-turn might be interesting, too, with The Shield back to Heel since everyone loves Strowman as Face. I actually want to see next week’s Raw already just to know what they’re going to do next.
My Score: 8.4/10
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Welcome to the Prestigious Era!
After a grueling seven man ladder match, Joe Hendry is our NEW NXT Champion! But will all of NXT believe? Or will someone try to ruin the fun before it even begins?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Jaida Parker VS Blake Monroe; Double Count-Out Draw.
- Men’s Speed Tournament Opening Round: Eli Knight VS Josh Briggs; Eli wins and advances.
- NXT Championship: Joe Hendry VS Jackson Drake w/ Swipe Right; Hendry wins and retains the title.
- Swipe Right VS Hank ‘n’ Tank; Swipe Right wins.
- NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Stakes: #ZaRuca VS #WrenQCC; ZaRuca wins and Sol will challenge for the title in Atlanta.
PLAY BY PLAY
Joe Hendry opens NXT!
The fans sing along as the NEW NXT Champion makes his way to the ring, the belt around his waist. They all wave their hands from side to side with Hendry, and they cheer again as he holds up the belt. He even does the TURN! The fans chant, “We Believe! We Believe!” Hendry has the mic to say, “Say his name and he appears, Joe Hendry is your NEW NXT Champion! And I wanna thank you for believing in Joe Hendry.” The fans chant, “You Deserve It!” Hendry thanks them, and says that while they never stopped believing in him, he must admit he had a moment of doubt in that ladder match.
Hendry had never been in such a high stakes ladder match before, and he was looking up at Ricky Saints. Saints survived the chaos, he was about to grab his second NXT Championship, until Hendry heard the words, “We Believe!” All the fans gave Hendry the energy to get back up, to climb up the ladder, and when he got to the top, Hendry sent Saints crashing down through the ladder, along with any doubts Hendry had. And now Hendry IS your NXT Champion! The fans cheer Hendry on, and he thanks them again. In that moment, Hendry realized there’s never any reason to doubt himself.
Because the climb to the NXT Championship began long before that match. When Hendry became a two-time amateur wrestling champion in the UK, that was a step. When he became TNA World Champion, that was one step. And when Hendry’s song charted all over the world, that was one step! And when Hendry was called upon to face Randy Orton at WrestleMania, that was a step! And now, Hendry stands here THE NXT Champion. But what that means is that the climb doesn’t stop. We are just getting started! The fans cheer that! Hendry says this goes out to all of the WWE Universe: We Are NXT, and we’re gonna take it to new heights!
That is because “We Believe” is not just a catchphrase, but a movement! But then The Vanity Project interrupts! Jackson Drake sarcastically says, “Wow! Joe, that was incredibly inspirational. I mean, boys, do you feel that? Listen, I dunno about you guys, but I can run through a freakin’ wall right now.” The fans boo but Drake says for those with IQs less than zero, you are looking at the Evolve Champion! And when he speaks, you shout your mouths and pay attention! But seriously, Hendry should be a motivational speaker, maybe even host a podcast. But as NXT Champion, let’s be honest, Hendry’s mid at best.
Hendry goes viral for appearing outta nowhere and singing stupid songs while a guy like Drake goes viral for looking this damn good and doing things in that ring Hendry could only ever dream about. Hendry should’ve never been in the match to begin with! Fans tell Drake to shut up, but then he tells them to shut up! The fans boo louder while Vanity Project steps into the ring. Drake says spoiler alert: Vanity Project DID attack Hendry, because Hendry disrespected them! Hendry made Ricky Smokes’ date disappear! Who does that?! Drake says they tried to take Hendry out because he did not belong.
Hendry says yeah, they tried to take him out, but they failed. And maybe if they spent the same amount of time coordinating their attacks as they do their outfits, maybe they would’ve succeeded. Drake says first of all, they are not gonna take fashion tips from the guy who looks like he was in a boy band their moms liked! And second, Drake is “inspired.” Drake is thinking they take Ethan Page’s advice and finish the job. Then they’ll take the NXT Championship while they’re at it! Hendry says since Drake finally manned up and admitted it was them, Hendry will be man enough to tell them that he has no problem kicking Drake’s ass and defending his title!
The fans cheer Hendry, but then Drake takes as wing! Hendry blocks it to fire off counter punches on Drake, on Smokes, and on Brad! The Vanity Project is thrown all over the place! FALL AWAY SLAM for Smokes, and STANDING- NO, Drake CHOP BLOCKS Hendry! Now VP mugs Hendry 3v1! The fans boo, but Drake runs to UNALIVING! The fans chant “Swipe Left! Swipe Left!” Drake throws off his shirt, then he picks up both the Evolve and NXT Championships… to TURN! Drake has staked his claim, but will the Carolina Reaper be the one getting burned?
ZaRuca meets up backstage.
Sol says all that pushing and shoving last week was maybe a bit much, dontcha think? Zaria says no, not really. What was that Soul Snatcher about? Well, that was an accident. Miscommunication aside, they’re still a great team. But they gotta figure this out. They gotta get back to being ZaRuca! If not, Wren or Kendal gets the shot at Jacy Jayne instead of one of them. Oh, one of them? Sol’s had plenty of chances, so tonight should be Zaria’s chance. Yeah, and if Zaria wins, Sol will be so stoked for her. IF? Well, it’s still a tag match, it’s all fair game. Zaria asks when will enough be enough for Sol! When will it be Zaria’s time?!
Sol sighs, Zaria sighs, and Zaria says they can just stay out of each other’s way to get the win. Zaria storms off and Sol says, “Good talk, I guess…” Is this the night the Agent of Change finally gets her time to shine? Or will the Best Tag Team of 2025 barely make it through 2026?
Jaida Parker walks ‘n’ talks.
“Every woman who tries me ends up learning the same lesson: You don’t cross Jaida Parker and get away with it. Blake, you wanted attention so bad, baby? Congratulations, you got it. Cuz this ass whooping is all about you! You wanted to fight so bad, mama? BET. You got one!” Miss Parker ain’t playing around, but will she humble Blake once and for all? Or will The Glamour do anything, and everything, she has to in order to stay in the spotlight?
Keanu Carver talks with Robert Stone backstage.
Keanu says Stone is really trying him. How he gonna give Jackson Drake a title shot before Keanu? Stone says Drake confronted Joe first, and after what Vanity Project did out there, Joe wants the match, too. HBK likes chaos, so Stone’s delivering on it. Keanu says if they like chaos, say no more. Stone gets worried about what that means, and he has Keanu hold on. But then he regrets touching Keanu on the shoulder. Keanu asks if there’s a problem, and Stone says no. Just what will the One Man Demolition Crew do to “impress” management?
Jaida Parker VS Blake Monroe!
NXT returns and Blake makes her entrance. And Jaida almost gets at her during it! The ref backs Jaida off, but then Jaida SMACKS Blake down! Jaida goes for the hair, the ref backs her off again, and Blake is mad. The bell rings, Blake throws her robe at Jaida, but Jaida catches it! Blake runs away, Jaida pursues, but Blake SLAPS Jaida! Jaida laughs that off, chases Blake back into the ring, but Blake BOOTS her down! Blake CLUBS Jaida, puts her in a corner, and fires off CHOPS and stomps! Jaida hits back but Blake kicks and whips. Jaida reverses, Blake hits buckles hard, then Jaida GERMAN SUPLEXES!
The fans fire up while Blake flounders. Jaida runs up but Blake dodges! O’Conner Roll, TWO! Jaida has the body scissor squeeze! Blake endures, fights around, and turns around to HAMMER away on Jaida! Jaida puts on the pressure and CHOPS in return! And CHOPS! Jaida turns Blake back around and squeezes tight! Blake endures, even as Jaida pushes her around. Blake fights around again, reaches out, but Jaida drags her away from the ropes! The fans rally as Jaida rolls Blake around and around, but Blake uses that to get the ROPEBREAK! Jaida CLUBS Blake as she lets off, then drags her up from the apron.
Blake HOTSHOTS Jaida away! The fans are torn as Blake runs in, THESZ PRESS! Blake rains down fists, Jaida kicks free, and Jaida runs up to BACK BODY BLOCK in the corner! Jaida ROCKS Blake, scoops Blake, and runs, but Blake slips free! Blake sends Jaida into buckles, then LARIATS Jaida in the back again and again! Blake goes to five before the ref counts four. Blake runs corner to corner, but Jaida puts her on the apron! Jaida HOTSHOTS Blake’s arm! The fans duel as Jaida goes out, only for Blake to drop toehold her into the desk! The fans duel while NXT goes to break.
NXT returns again and Blake has Jaida in the corner. Blake mocks the high stepping! The fans boo that, but Blake runs in, and into an ELBOW! Jaida goes up, Blake SLAPS her! Blake then somersaults for a STRATUSPHERE! Then a SHOTGUN! Jaida flounders and Blake runs up, but Jaida blocks the boot! The fans cheer while Blake panics. Blake takes swipes but Jaida swaggers as she’s outta range. Then a BACK ELBOW! Jaida ROCKS Blake, ELBOWS her, then LARIATS! And TACKLES! Then Jaida ducks, fireman’s carries, and SAMOAN DROPS! Blake flounders while the fans fire up with Jaida! Jaida runs up, but into an ELBOW!
Blake BOOTS Jaida away, goes out to the apron, but Jaida gets her int he ropes! Jaida drags her into place, CHOPS and CHOPS, then runs for the TEARDROP! Jaida shows Blake how to do the high stepping! Jaida runs but Blake bails out! The fans boo but Jaida slips out to get Blake. Blake DOUBLE CHOPS! Jaida sputters, Blake CLUBS her, but Jaida BODY BLOWS in return! Jaida sends Blake into the steel steps! Jaida then positions the steps, but Blake sends her into barriers! Then HEADBUTTS! But wait, the ring count is climbing! WE HIT TEN!!
Double Count-Out Draw
Blake doesn’t seem to notice or care, she just keeps firing off on Jaida! The fans boo but Blake SLAPS Jaida, then goes for the apron. Jaida blocks that, fires elbows in return, and refs hurry out here! The fans say “LET THEM FIGHT!” while Blake tries to get away! Jaida stops Blake, drags her over, and goes for the steel steps! Jaida CHOPS Blake into place, then goes up! “SUCKI IT!” TEARDROP! The fans fire up as Blake is down on the floor! Now security rushes over and they stop Jaida from continuing. But Jaida pushes past them to get int he ring! HIP-NOTIC on a REF! Blake avoids disaster but that official did not!
Jaida hurries to chase Blake into the crowd! Security stops Jaida again, but she LOW BLOWS one, and SHOVES the other! Then she SLAPS a third! Jaida missed out on Blake, so she BOOTS the first guy through barriers! The fans go nuts seeing that! Blake watches this from high up in the stands, will she learn not to play with Miss Parker?
Tatum Paxley speaks.
The video starts with the text, “You don’t drown by falling in the water; you drown by staying there.” Tatum asks if you’ve ever been surrounded by people and felt like you were suffocating. That’s what it was like with Izzi Dame. Every moment felt heavier. The most Tatum struggled, the harder it was to keep up. And the harder she tried to keep her head above water, the faster she sank. She spent so much time looking for friendship, answers, reassurance, something to complete her. What she was really doing was searching for pieces of herself. She played with dolls, created worlds where everything made sense to her, where she could control the story.
But Tatum held on too tightly. She tired to become what she thought she needed to be, but instead, she lost sight of who she already was. So she let go. And when she did, everything slowed down. The noise disappeared, and she finally saw things clearly. The strength she was chasing in others, the comfort, the peace, it was already inside her. This feud with Izzi isn’t about control anymore. It’s about clarity, it’s about finding balance, and about stepping into the right mindset. When this is over, Tatum won’t walk out as the person Izzi tried to create, but as the person Tatum was meant to be. Tatum is ready to finally breathe again, but will she be able to survive this story with Izzi?
Kale Dixon confronts Uriah Connors backstage.
Kale asks what the HELL is wrong with Uriah just walking out on Chase U last week! Is he frustrated? Well, so is Kale! Chase U was dead, Mr. Chase was done with the school, and yet they brought it back! Key word: they. Mr. Chase gave everything to help them! They owe it to him- Uriah says he doesn’t owe that man a thing! Chase held Uriah back. If Kale doesn’t see that, then maybe he held Uriah back, too. Lexis King walks in and says they’re still doing this, huh? Kale groans as Lexis also has Arianna Grace & Channing Lorenzo with him. Kale says Uriah may wanna listen to this crap, but Kale’s not gonna.
Kale storms off, and Arianna says it’s okay. Kale and Chase could never understand Uriah’s frustration, because those two are not like them. Uriah says the only thing he wanted to do when he arrived in NXT was separate himself from his dad. But he is done pretending like he wasn’t born into the business! Lexis says they’ve all been there. They’ve walked the same path, and it has led them all to their destiny, to their birthright! They can’t hide from it any longer. All they need now is the last piece of the puzzle. Oh, well, Uriah knows their dads have some history, so maybe he should go talk to you-know-who. Will Uriah get the Son of the Gentleman Villain to join them?
Who is that behind commentary?!
Why, it’s the “Wanted Man” from the new thriller, Psycho Killer! No sudden moves, he’s coming for you!
Men’s Speed Tournament Opening Round: Eli Knight VS Josh Briggs!
The Disrespectfully Athletic and the Man Without Honor both want their shot at Jasper Troy and the WWE Speed Championship, but that means getting through each other first. Will Eli join Elio LeFleur in the finals? Or will the big bad Bullhead Brawler slam on the brakes in three minutes or less?
The bell rings, Eli ducks the boot, and then he hurdles over. Briggs jumps the dropdown and LARIATS Eli down! The fans boo but Briggs ROCKS Eli. Briggs whips Eli corner to corner, but Eli slips out, ROCKS Briggs, then goes up top! Eli CROSSBODIES, but Briggs scrambles to the apron! Eli builds speed, but Briggs grabs him! Eli breaks free of the guzel to ENZIGIRI! Briggs tumbles, Eli goes up, up, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! The fans are all fired up and Eli checks his own jaw as he steadies himself. Briggs rolls into the ring and Eli pursues, but Briggs ELBOWS him away as we hit the orange phase, aka two minute warning.
Briggs HIP TOSSES Eli in for a BACKBREAKER! Then he stands Eli up to BLINDSIDE LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Eli survives but Briggs drags him around. Briggs talks trash as he smothers Eli, then he SLAMS Eli down. The fans boo but Briggs stands Eli up to guzel. CHOKE- NO, Eli wheelbarrows and victory rolls, TWO! Eli runs up, Briggs BACKDROPS him, but Eli handsprings through! SUPERKICK! Briggs wobbles, Eli goes up, BUSAIKU KNEE! Eli hurries up the corner and MOONSUALTS! Cover at the red phase, ELI WINS!
Winner: Eli Knight, by pinfall (advances to the finals)
It was a heart-pounding two minutes, and now we will see two high-flyers fight it out in the next round! Elio appears and shakes Eli’s hand, but then JASPER CLOBBERS THEM BOTH! The fans boo as the MonStar mugs the cruiserweights! And then he swings Elio into Eli for the BLACKHOLE SLAM! Then he CHOKE SLAMS Eli onto Elio! Jasper just put both contenders on notice, but will this only motivate them both to fight that much harder?
Robert Stone checks in with Lola Vice.
One half of the NEW AAA Mixed Tag Team Champions is being double checked by medical for her hand. Stone asks for a moment and the doc steps aside. Stone first congratulates her and Mr. Iguana for winning the titles, and Lola says gracias. Stone knows Lola is resilient, tough, and an all-around warrior. There’s a match on the table for her against Kelani Jordan. If she’s not good to go, we’ll have to push it back. Lola says if Stone knows her, then she’ll take the match. Bad hand or not, she’s fighting Lani. Yeah, but Saturday made it worse. So? Lola still has her feet. And especially since Lani cost Lola another title shot here in NXT, you best believe Lola’s getting her lick back.
Stone sighs, but then a ref hurries in. They need a doc and even Stone to come along, something just happened. Lola asks what about her. Lani DECKS Lola outta nowhere! Then she BOOTS Lola’s hand! The Standout sure knows how to sneak attack. But as for that incident, cameras catch up and find Keanu has just wrecked Sean Legacy, Tavion Heights, Mr. Chase, Tate Wilder, Elio LeFleur, and about four other superstars! Will Stone’s hand be forced? Will he have to give Keanu a title shot of his own in order to stop the destruction?
DarkState is in the ring.
Dion Lennox stands with Cutler James, Osiris Griffin & Saquon Shugars as he seethes over not becoming the NXT Champion. Dion has the mic to say last week, he climbed up the ladder, touched the title belt, and he realized that DarkState belongs in the main event. Almost a year ago to the day, they showed up and set a new standard for dominance in NXT. And look at them now! They operating on a championship level. Last week, that NXT Championship was snatched from Dion’s hands, but it is only a matter of time before the title ends up where it’s supposed to be.
So Jackson Drake, Joe, it doesn’t matter who ends up champion after tonight! Whoever it is will be Dion’s target until the gold is around HIS waist! Cutty says Dion Lennox IS a future NXT Champion! But last week, Tony D’Angelo said some threatening words int heir direction. What are you thinking, Tony? You have no friends, no family, and you wanna target DarkState? Tony, you went on a six month sabbatical after they destroyed your family and left you with nothing! And now Tony wants to triumphantly return, hoping something has changed, when nothing has. DarkState is stronger than ever, and Tony is lonelier than ever.
Let’s go back: In order for DarkState to seize control, they had to destroy an existing pillar. That pillar was Tony D. So this is Tony’s first and final warning: Do your soul-searching somewhere else. Big O tells The Culling to not act like they forgot about them. Shawn Spears, tell your young boy, Niko, that when you mess with DarkState, you get put down. It doesn’t matter how much of a badass you think you are. #ShugarMan says yeah, what was they thinking? Just cuz Dion is going for singles gold, you thought the NXT Tag Team Champions were easy pickings? Spears, Niko, let ’em explain something to y’all. You don’t wanna box with them for real.
And if you do, then you tripping in big shoes, bruh! Spears, Niko, you will NEVER catch them lacking! The Culling interrupts from the perch! Spears tells them, “Ladies, please, stop. Now, I know that you’re hoping we would’ve come down there and confronted you, leading to a 4-on-2 advantage, but Niko and I aren’t the kind of guys to run headfirst into an unfavorable situation. We’re smart!” DarkState is about divide and conquer, Spears gets that. But he and Niko plan first, then conquer later. That’s their advantage, and DarkState finds out soon enough. Niko says that is because the vision splits attention, and it creates weakness.
And weakness is what The Culling preys on. Dropping them two week sago was just a taste of what’s to come! DarkState is exactly what they sought. They are now the hunted, making The Culling the hunters. And they’ve come to purge DarkState of the titles! But wait, someone pulls a DarkState type move with the lights?! It’s O T M! The fans fire up as Bronco Nima says they’d just figure to use a play outta their playbook. Those titles ain’t safe! OTM ain’t done! Cuz if not for Vanity Project, this conversation wouldn’t even be happening. Lucien Price says those titles are rightfully theirs! And as for The Culling, if you wanna wait, then wait. But OTM ain’t missing twice.
But then here comes Hank ‘n’ Tank! The fans cheer as Tank Ledger says, “Whoa, whoa, whoa! Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! Last time that I checked, Hanky and I are the only ones with a certain acquired taste for the tag team championships.” Hank says, “And it tastes SO~ GOOD~! So after we whoop up on Vanity Project later tonight, those titles are gonna be squared off on a one way road with a semi doing 35 over 85, and it sounds a lot like HONK HONK!” But then all the teams start brawling! The fans fire up as Osiris & Saquon go off brawling with Hank, Tank, and OTM! But then TONY D appears in the ring!
Cutler runs up, Tony dodges, and he SPEARS Dion! Then SPINEBUSTER for Cutler! SPINEBUSTER for Dion! The fans fire up with Tony as he just followed through on his promise! But will he be able to break DarkState for what they did to the D’Angelo Family?
NXT returns as Robert Stone is on damage control.
He tells his refs for doing what they can, and he will work on a resolution for the tag team turmoil. Kelly Kincaid is there and he knows she wants an interview, so they’ll walk ‘n’ talk. With all this chaos going on, what IS Stone going to do about the tag division? Stone says next week, Triple Threat #1 contender’s match: OTM VS The Culling VS Hank ‘n’ Tank, the winners get their shot at DarkState in Atlanta. Now, if she’ll excuse him, he has a lot more to handle. Kelly heads out, Stone makes a note of the match he just made, and he steps into the office. Shiloh Hill is there, and Stone says yeah, sorry, he’s got a lot going on.
Shiloh says this won’t take too long. Basically- Oh, Ethan Page interrupts. All Ego says as the Face of NXT, he’s gonna have to ask Shiloh to leave so he can talk with Boss Man Stone. Stone says sorry, Shiloh, but they can talk later. Great showing in the ladder match, too. Shiloh heads out, and Stone says before Ethan gets started, obviously the previous administration never always saw to eye with Ethan. Nor do Aldis or Pearce. But Stone wants to change all that. So what can he do for the champ? Oh, finally, someone learned how to talk to talent around here. Now, Ethan knows Stone is new to the hot seat, but in case he hasn’t read the record books…
Ethan is tied for the most title defenses in a single reign of the North American Championship. So if Stone wants to get on the right foot with Ethan, let’s break that record. Stone says yes, they can do that, but Ethan has beaten a long list of guys here. How about a rematch with Elio LeFleur? Oh, the one in the Speed Tournament? How’s that gonna work? Oh, right. Well, maybe someone from TNA- No, Ethan already beat Moose, he already beat Mustafa Ali, and even their General Manager, Santino Morella. And let’s not even mention AAA. Stone is the new Interim General Manager for NXT, so let’s keep it in house.
Stone says right, okay, let’s give the people what they want: Ethan Page VS Myles Borne! No, no, Ethan says Myles- Oh, Shiloh steps back in because he left his machete behind. Ethan says Myles has already wasted his time proving he’s not championship material. Stone asks about Shiloh. Shiloh says yeah, that’d be dope! Ethan avoids the machete and sarcastically says yeah, that sounds perfect. Then next week, Ethan Page VS Shiloh Hill for the North American Championship! Shiloh is even more excited now! Ethan again has to watch out for the machete. Ethan avoids getting cut, but will his reign be cut down right at the doorstep of making history?
NXT Championship: Joe Hendry VS Jackson Drake w/ Swipe Right!
Speaking of making history, The Prestigious One’s first title defense is against the inaugural Evolve Champion! But there’s not just the title on the line but a bit of revenge. Can Hendry get back at the Carolina Reaper for trying to Unalive him? Or will Drake make history when he becomes a double champion?
The introductions are made, THE belt is raised, and we see the difference between self-belief and arrogance!
The bell rings, Drake runs up, and he SHOTGUNS Hendry to a corner! Drake then runs up to DROPKICK again! Drake goes up, out, then climbs the corner, SWANTON BOMB! Cover, TWO! Hendry survives and Drake snarls while the fans rally up. Drake KICKS Hendry, KICKS again, then KICKS again! Hendry just gets mad! Hendry blocks a kick, but not the ENZIGIRI! Swipe Right gloats on behalf of their boy as he hits a STANDING SHOOTING STAR! But Hendry rolls through with him?! The fans fire up for the pure strength! Hendry pops Drake up, for the WIDOWMAKER! The fans fire up again as Hendry has Drake in a corner.
Hendry TOSSES Drake across the way, then BACKDROPS him! Drake flounders to his feet but Hendry LARIATS him up and out! The fans fire up with Hendry, and he sees Drake sputter on the outside. Hendry slides out, Swipe Right backs up, but Drake throat chops! Hendry blocks the apron smack to SMACK Drake off the apron! Hendry SMACKS Drake off the apron again, then puts him in the ring. Hendry storms in, dodge a shot, then headlocks for a takeover. Drake endures, headscissors, but Hendry kips free! Another headlock but Drake powers up and out. Hendry RUNS Drake over and the fans cheer!
Hendry hits another headlock takeover and he grinds Drake down. The fans rally, Drake fights up, and Drake fires body shots. Drake powers up and out, but Hendry slips free of the scoop! Hendry scoops to SLAM! Cover, TWO! Hendry huffs ‘n’ puffs, brings Drake up, but Drake powers up and puts Hendry in a corner. The ref reprimands, but Drake SMACKS Hendry off buckles! Hendry holds on with the headlock, but Drake SMACKS Hendry off buckles again. Hendry stops the third try to SMACK Drake off buckles! Hendry then runs Drake side to side so he can dribble Drake off buckles! Hendry then reels Drake in, suplexes, and SLAMS! Cover, TWO!
Drake toughs it out but the fans still cheer on Hendry. Drake wants mercy, but then he YANKS Hendry into ropes! The ref reprimands but Drake TOSSES Hendry out. Drake argues with the ref, and Swipe Right THROWS Hendry into steel steps! But the noise of the crash gives them away! The ref sees Swipe Right standing over Hendry, and EJECTS them! The fans cheer while Vanity Project is freaking out! The fans sing, “Hey Hey Hey, Goodbye~!” while NXT goes to break.
NXT returns and Drake has the cravat for a neck wrench. Hendry endures and the fans rally up behind him. Hendry fights up, fights around, and he arm-drags free. Drake runs back up, but into a kick! Hendry underhooks then wrenches and spins Drake for a NECKBREAKER! The fans cheer while both men are down! Hendry rises up, he ROCKS Drake again and again, then DECKS him! And DECKS him again! Hendry whips to DISCUS LARIAT! The fans fire up even more as Hendry scoops and FALL AWAY SLAMS! Hendry kips up, winds up, and… TURNS! The fans cheer again, and now we stomp stomp clap.
The fans cheer as Hendry guzels, STANDING- NO, Drake powers out! But Hendry slips back around to ANGLE SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Drake survives but Hendry hurries to drag him back up. POWER- RANA! Drake sits on the cover, TWO! Hendry is up, but Drake ROUNDHOUSES and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO! Hendry survives and Drake is furious! Drake shakes out his leg, gets moving, UNALIVING!! Cover, TWO!! Hendry survives and Drake is freaking out! No one in Evolve has survived the Unaliving! Drake goes up a corner, takes aim, and FLYING- NO, Hendry stops the rana!
Hendry shakes his head, swings Drake back up, and POWERBOMBS him! Drake staggers up, Hendry guzels, STANDING OVATION!! Cover, Hendry wins!
Winner: Joe Hendry, by pinfall (still NXT Champion)
Heartbreak Drake could not break Hendry, and the WWE Universe still believes! We all get to wave our hands from side to side, and Hendry turns- INTO A TACKLE!! Who is this?! He throws off the hoodie, and it’s RICKY SAINTS! The fans boo as The Absolute beats up on Hendry, then hits his TORNADO DDT! Saints picks up the belt, and obviously he wants his shot! Will Saints come marching in and become the TWO-TIME champion he feels he’s destined to be? Or will even Ricky believe in Joe Hendry?
The #WrenQCC talks backstage.
They know this is their night, ZaRuca is fighting between themselves, but the WrenQCC is a team and that’s all the difference. Kendal almost had Jacy the first time, and it is a fact that Jacy doesn’t wanna see her again. Kendal says it could be either of them. Jacy’s good, but when it comes to technical wrestling, Wren is up here while Jacy is down here, know what she means? Wren does know what she means. But it doesn’t matter who gets the fall, WrenQCC gets the win. And then they bring the title home with them! Will it really be that easy? Or will ZaRuca pull together when it matters most?
DarkState regroups backstage.
Osiris says the entire tag division is coming at them, but fine! They’ll handle it. Saquon says everybody wanna be like DarkState! Hopping up in outta the crowd! Whoever makes it through that title match, Saquon swears on his mama that they ain’t making it outta Atlanta! Dion says yeah, Tony don’t wanna come down the aisle like a man but crawl out of the shadows and sneak Dion!? Nah! Next time, it’s on sight! Saquon says yeah, they should look for Tony right now! Cutler speaks up and says this doesn’t change anything. The plan stays the same: Saquon & Osiris can handle the tags while Dion stays locked in on the NXT Championship. Cutler will handle Tony D.
Nothing and no one will take DarkState off course! Yeah, do your thing, Cutty! But is he just stepping up to be Tony’s first casualty?
Swipe Right VS Hank ‘n’ Tank!
Brad Baylor & Ricky Smokes failed to help Jackson Drake out, but now they’ve got a fight of their own to deal with. Will the new kids on the block prove they deserve to be part of the tag title conversation? Or will it be HONK HONK all the way to that Triple Threat contenders match?
NXT returns and Swipe Right returns to ringside with their entrance. The teams sort out and Brad steps to Tank. They circle, feel things out, and Brad slips around to shove Tank! Brad talks trash but then runs away as Tank runs up! Brad is in the ropes, the ref has Tank back off, but Tank still tries to whip Brad. Brad holds the ropes, then he ROCKS Tank. Brad slips around again but Tank fights the waistlock. Tank says no no no, and he revs up the hips. Brad trips Tank to waistlock him again. The fans rally for Tank and he fights up again. Tank swivels free, then steps over the shoot to SLAM Brad down!
The fans fire up as Tank arm-drags Brad and grinds the arm. Brad fights up but Tank wrenches and CLUBS the arm. Tank YANKS Brad’s arm, tags Hank, and the fans cheer as Hank ‘n’ Tank double wrench then double whip Brad to the corner. Hank WRINGS Brad out, drops a leg on the arm, then short arm scissors to a cover, TWO! Hank stays on Brad with an armlock but Smokes distracts the ref. Tank gets involved, but this lets Brad whips Hank, duck under, and then Smokes gets a cheap shot in! Then Brad ENZIGIRIS Hank down! Tag to Smokes and he sends Brad in so he can RAM Hank! Then feed to Smokes’ BOOT! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally but Smokes clamps onto Hank with a chinlock. Hank endures the grind, fights up and lifts, but Smokes holds on. Hank powers up, Tank tags in, and they redirect to run Smokes over! Hank then winds it up, SPLASH DOWN! Cover, TWO! Tank keeps Smokes down and he wrenches an arm. ELBOW BREAKER! Tank drags Smokes over, tags Hank, and Hank sets up! Three point stance for the BIG SPLASH! Then Hank puts Smokes up top, tags Tank, and the fans cheer them on as they run up to HEADBUTT the ribs! Cover, TWO! Tank keeps Smokes down and fans chant, “HONK HONK!” Tank bumps Smokes off buckles then tags Hank.
Hank runs Smokes side to side for a buckle bump. Hank fires body shots from all sides, then he whips corner to corner hard! Smokes falls and flounders, Hank pushes him to a cover, TWO! Smokes survives but Hank drags him up. Hank whips Smokes for a scoop and- NO, Smokes fights free, CLUBS Hank, then tags Brad! Hank runs up, Smokes goes up and over, but Hank puts him on the apron! Brad SHOTGUNS Hank! Smokes goes up, and Swipe Right mugs Hank! The ref counts, Swipe Right stops to soak up the heat, and NXT goes picture in picture.
Brad drags Hank up to ROCK him, then CLUBS him. Hank staggers around, Brad CHOKES him on the ropes, then he stops as the ref counts. Smokes CHOKES Hank behind the ref’s back! Tag to Brad, and Swipe Right mugs Hank. Smokes CLUBS Hank, but Hank fires in return! Smokes throat chops Hank! The ref reprimands but Smokes pushes Hank to the corner. Smokes digs his boot in, backs off as the ref counts, but Brad CHOKES Hank again! Brag tags back in, Smokes whips him in, but Hank dodges! Brad eats buckles, Hank dodges Smokes, tag to Tank! FLAPJACK into the buckles! Then Tank BACKDROPS Brad!
Tank is all revved up and he goes outside to run in, only for Smokes to throw him off course into the POST! Brad hurries to get Tank up and into the ring! Tag to Smokes and they mug Tank again. Smokes rains down fists, then stops to soak up the heat. Smokes drags Tank over, tags Brad in, and Brad hits a NECK SNAPPER! Smokes adds a basement DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Brad huffs ‘n’ puffs, taunts Hank, then he CLUBS Tank down. Brad stomps Tank around, but Tank fires body shots. Brad ROCKS Tank, then CLUBS him! Brad eggs Tank on, then UPPERCUTS! Tank goes to the corner, Brad tags Smokes, and they mug Tank again.
Smokes snapmares Tank, taunts Hank, then KNEES Tank in the back! Smokes CLUBS Tank, but Tank fires body shots in return! Smokes ROCKS Tank, Tank ROCKS Smokes, and repeat as NXT returns to single picture! The fans fire up as Smokes shoves Tank, but Tank ELBOWS Brad, ROCKS Smokes, repeat! Smokes keeps Tank from Hank, then Brad waistlocks Smokes to be an anchor! Tank drags them both in, breaks free, and hot tags Hank! hank scoop SLAMS Smokes, LARIATS Brad, then ELBOWS Brad! Hank fireman’s carries Brad to LAWN DART him into Smokes! Then BODY CHECK on Smokes!
The fans fire up with Hank as he whips and BOSS MAN SLAMS Smokes! Cover, TWO! Smokes survives and the fans can’t believe it! Hank snarls and he looms over Smokes. Hank drags Smokes up, but Smokes SLAPS Hank! Hank frowns, but then he smiles. Smokes taunts Hank, but Hank guzels and CHOPS! Hank whips Smokes to scoop and FLAPJACK! Then a wheelbarrow for a POP-UP SLAM! Cover, BRAD MACHO ELBOWS! Brad BLASTS Tank, then hurries back to his corner! Brad tags in, lifts Hank up, and Smokes DROPKICKS Hank into the SPINEBUSTER! Cover, but Tank breaks it! The fans fire up again!
Smokes runs up, Tank ELBOWS, mule kicks, and KNEE LIFTS Smokes out! Then he dodges Brad! Hank lifts Brad, Tank gives him a push-start before he DIVES onto Smokes! BLUE THUNDER BOMB for Brad! Hank tags Tank back in, they throw off the jerseys, and they set up in the corners! HONK HONK!! BIG BELLY SANDWICH!! Then the scoop and- Smokes MISSILE DROPKICKS Hank!! Tank goes up, up, and FLYING SHOULDER TACKLES Smokes! Brad KNEES Tank! Brad runs, into a LARIAT!! All four men are down and the fans are thunderous! But wait, here comes OTM! They want after these teams, but then The Culling is here, too!
The fans are torn as Culling and OTM argue with each other, but JACKSON DRAKE shows up! UNALIVING on Tank!! Brad rolls Tank up, SWIPE RIGHT WINS!
Winners: Swipe Right, by pinfall
The fans boo this upset victory, because it was only thanks to the Carolina Reaper that Brad & Smokes survive! Will the Vanity Project continue to use numbers to get ahead like they have their entire careers? Or will someone finally humble them once and for all?
Backstage interview with Sean Legacy.
Kelly Kincaid is with “Super Sean,” and notes that while he had a great showing in last week’s ladder match, he was also one of several men just laid out by Keanu Carver. How is he feeling? Sean says he was caught in Keanu’s path of destruction tonight, just like he was last week. And that ladder match, that was the biggest match of his career, but he did not get his hands around that title. Instead, Keanu drove Sean through a wall. Sean did not see that coming, just like he didn’t this week. But he’s back on his feet, and this might be crazy, because it is… But Sean wants to fight Keanu Carver! Yeah, the man’s badass, scares the crap out of just about everyone, but Sean isn’t backing down.
And sure, Sean might get his ass kicked, but Keanu is going to know that he was in a fight with Sean Legacy. How about they go 1v1 in Sean’s home state of Georgia? He awaits your decision. Super Sean is ready to face a beast, but will he get even in Hotlanta? Or will February 24th simply be his doomsday?
The Vanity Project runs across Robert Stone backstage.
Smokes says how about that! Biggest win of their career! Stone says yeah, he saw. Brad says they just beat former NXT Tag Team Champions! How is Stone NOT gonna put them in the contenders match? Fair point, fair point. Drake also says that while he didn’t win the NXT Championship, but his boys here are FUTURE Tag Team Champions! The Vanity Project creates their own opportunities! Yes, okay, done deal. Stone will make it a Fatal 4 Way. Yes! Thank you! Vanity Project is all fired up, but will they go from new kids on the block to the NEW NXT Tag Team Champions?
Myles Borne then steps in and asks why Shiloh is getting the shot with Ethan over him. Stone says he is just trying to build a rapport with the roster, especially the champions. Ethan doesn’t think Myles is worthy, and Stone thinks that’s just cuz Myles is the last man to pin Ethan. But hey, moving forward, if Myles wants Ethan’s attention… And Stone probably shouldn’t be telling him this… But Myles, you gotta do something out of character. Myles says understood. Myles heads out, but what will he do to prove himself “worthy?”
NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Stakes: #ZaRuca VS #WrenQCC!
In a rather unorthodox move, Interim GM Robert Stone decided to make a very unique tag team match. All four women want their shot at Jacy Jayne, but only the woman who scores the fall will get it! Which team shows they can still work as a team for the greater good? And who will earn their golden ticket to Atlanta and the NXT Women’s Championship?
NXT returns and the WrenQCC makes their entrance. The teams sort out and while ZaRuca argues, Kendal just rolls Sol up! TWO, and Kendal headlocks. Sol endures, powers up and out, but Kendal handsprings over Sol! Things keep moving, and Kendal counters hip toss with a wrench and fireman’s carry takeover, only for Sol to handspring through that! Sol runs up but Kendal ducks the Penalty Kick! And she avoids the standing moonsault! But Sol avoids the dropkick to cover, ONE! The fans cheer the standoff, and then the two reset. Kendal waistlocks and SLAMS Sol, but Sol fights up. Sol wrenches to a switch, and she SLAMS Kendal in return.
Kendal fights up, pries the waistlock open to switch, but then Sol throws Kendal away. Kendal ELBOWS Sol away, goes up and out and slides under, then gets moving! Kendal redirects Sol, Wren tags in, sweep and chancery to basement DROPKICK! Cover, ONE!! Sol is still in this but the fans rally for Wren. Wren wrenches, hammerlocks, and full nelsons to then snapmare. Sol shoves Wren away, but Wren comes back to wrench and wristlock. Sol handsprings and steps over to mule kick! Sol brings Wren up, whips her to the corner, then runs in for a BACK BODY BLOCK! Sol offers the tag, so Zaria takes it.
Zaria runs in and SPLASHES Wren! Then she sets up for Sol to hit POETRY IN MOTION! Zaria says yeah, that’s how it’s done! But then her shove counts as a tag! Zaria is confused and upset, but Sol snapmares and covers. But Zaria YANKS Sol off it!? The fans boo but nothing Sol can do about it. Sol goes back to Wren, but Wren victory rolls! TWO and Sol has it, TWO! Wren is up, she blocks a kick, and she shoves Sol. Sol handsprings through the hip toss, then X FACTOR! Cover, TWO! Wren is still in this but Sol brings her up. The fans duel as Sol runs, but Zaria tags herself in! Sol sighs and Zaria pushes past her to get Wren.
But Wren catches Zaria to a COBRA TWIST! Zaria powers right out, but Wren sunset flips! Only for Zaria to YANK Wren right up! Zaria swings, Wren dodges, and Wren tilt-o-whirls to RANA Zaria onto ropes! Tag to Kendal and she KICKS Zaria! Wren adds a DROPKICK at the ropes! Kendal slingshots to DOUBLE STOMP! Cover, TWO! Kendal keeps Zaria down with a facelock but Zaria powers up. Zaria lifts Kendal, THROWS her away, but Wren tags in! Kendal BOOTS Zaria, then WrenQCC works together to DOUBLE- NO, Zaria fights the suplexes, and then DOUBLE SUPLEXES in return! The fans fire up for the powerhouse!
Zaria drags Wren up, and against her better judgment, she tags Sol. ZaRuca double whip and DOUBLE ELBOW Wren down! Sol wants the handshake but Zaria hesitates. They still shake hands, and they DOUBLE ELBOW DROP! Sol covers, but Zaria YANKS her back again! Zaria and Sol argue again, Zaria wants the win for her, but Sol says this is just how a tag match works! But then WrenQCC both ROCK ZaRuca and fire off shots! Zaria and Sol swing, Wren and Kendal dodge, and then WrenQCC shoves ZaRuca into each other! Then they dodge Zaria, and she almost hits Sol! But then WrenQCC DOUBLE DROPKICK Zaria into TACKLING Sol!
ZaRuca stays standing, but WrenQCC DOUBLE LARIAT them up and out! Wren goes up, up, and she SUPER DOUBLE CROSSBODIES! The fans fire up as Wren then sets ZaRuca up for Kendal’s ARIHARA MOONSAULT! WrenQCC secret handshake and chest bump while NXT goes picture in picture.
Wren drags Sol up, puts her in the ring, and pushes her to a cover, TWO! Sol stays in this but Wren stays on her with a ghost pin! TWO, and Wren gator rolls to a bridging cover, TWO! Wren wrenches Sol’s arm, hammerlocks it, then swings her around into the corner. Wren RAMS Sol, tags Kendal, and Kendal sends Wren in for the SPLASH! Wren sends Kendal in for the BACK BODY BLOCK! Kendal snap suplexes Sol down, covers, TWO! Kendal clamps onto Sol with a facelock, drags her up, but Sol wrenches out to ROUNDHOUSE! Sol tags Zaria and Zaria DISCUS LARIATS! Zaria then RAMS Kendal into a corner, and RAMS her again and again!
Zaria scoops Kendal and SLAMS her down! Cover, TWO! Kendal survives but Zaria looms over her. Zaria drags Kendal up, but Kendal fires body shots! Zaria whips Kendal to a corner, but Kendal goes up and over to sunset flip! TWO, and Zaria runs back up, but into a BODY BLOW! Kendal fires more shots, then CHOPS! Kendal whips, Zaria reverses, and she BOOTS Kendal down! Cover, TWO! Kendal survives again but Zaria drags her right up. Zaria torture racks Kendal for the stretch! Kendal endures, even as Zaria thrashes her around! Kendal fires elbows, and NXT returns to single picture!
Zaria throws Kendal, but Kendal lands out! Kendal slips around to BACKSTABBER! Then she goes up, up, and FLYING DDTS! The fans fire up again while both women are down! Kendal and Zaria crawl, but Zaria tries to avoid Sol! Sol reaches out to tag in, hot tag to Wren! Wren fires off on Sol with forearms and CHOPS! And a DOUBLE CHOP! And a LARIAT! Wren runs to LEAPING LARIAT! The fans fire up with Wren and she runs up to SPLASH in a corner! Underhooks and BUTTERFLY PLEX! Wren drags Sol right up, X-FACTOR of her own! Cover, TWO! The fans duel as hard as they can, and Wren runs up again!
Sol dodges the splash to GERMAN SUPLEX! Wren flounders, Sol goes up, and Sol leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK! Wren flounders around again and Sol resets. PENALTY- NO, Wren ducks that kick, rolls Sol up, TWO! SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO!! Wren survives and the fans rally up again! Sol is frustrated, she scoops Wren, but Wren slips free. Sol switches, O’Conner Roll, TWO! Sol goes up, the corner, but Zaria tags in! Sol is annoyed again but Wren SHOVES Sol down! Then she snatches Zaria to a cradle, TWO!! Zaria escapes but Wren CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Wren is throwing heat as she mule kicks low!
Wren underhooks, Zaria breaks out, HEADBUTT! Then a GERMAN SUPLEX! Wren flounders but Kendal tags in. Kendal runs up, wheelbarrows, but Zaria throws her away. But Kendal gets the FLYING ARMBAR TAKEDOWN!! Zaria flails, fights around, keeps her hands together, and she stacks Kendal! TWO, and Kendal runs up! Zaria JUMP KNEES her down! Zaria then fireman’s carries for the DELTA- CRADLE COUNTER!! TWO!! Kendal is up and SUPERKICKS Zaria! Zaria knocks Sol off the apron, but the ref says tag?! Zaria SPEARS Kendal!! But then Wren gets Zaria, only for Zaria to fireman’s carry Wren!
Kendal avoids getting hit by Wren’s boots! Sol goes up the ropes, SOUL SNATCHER on Kendal! DELTA FORCE on Wren!! ZaRuca stereo covers, and they WIN!! But it was SOL’s fall!
Winners: ZaRuca, by pinfall (Sol Ruca is the NEW #1 Contender)
Zaria cannot believe it! But the technicality of the “tag” is what snatched the golden opportunity from Zaria. Sol tries to explain that to Zaria, but Zaria is in no mood. Either way, this means Sol gets her first real shot at- Well, speak of the devil, Jacy Jayne leads the way for The Fatal Influence. The Toxic Rockstar and her cronies applaud Sol, then Jacy holds up the championship. Will Jacy survive another challenger when NXT is in the ATL? Or will she get her soul snatched along with that title?
My Thoughts:
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Is there about to be pure carnage in The Land?
While Otis & Akira Tozawa battle The Usos for the WWE World Tag Team Championships, Maxxine Dupri vows to BREAK NATTIE’S ANKLE!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE World Tag Team Championships: The Usos VS Otis & Akira Tozawa; The Usos win and retain the titles.
- Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier Triple Threat: Rhea Ripley VS Lyra Valkyria VS Ivy Nile; Rhea wins and advances to Elimination Chamber.
- Maxxine Dupri VS Natalya; Double Count-Out Draw.
- Los Americanos VS Je’Von Evans & El Grande Americano Original; Evans & Americano Original win.
- Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier Triple Threat: LA Knight VS PENTA VS Austin Theory; Knight wins and advances to Elimination Chamber.
PLAY BY PLAY
WWE mourns the loss of Jim Shank.
CM Punk & AJ Lee are here!
But then Becky Lynch spots them and she goes the other direction! Will The Man have to face her past at some point tonight?
BREAKING NEWS!
Bron Breakker is out of action indefinitely from a hernia! The Vision is down their new leader, what are they to do on this directionless Road to WrestleMania?
Becky Lynch goes to the ring!
Cleveland boos, but Raw has now entered The Big Time! She storms right to the ring, grabs a mic, and throws off her jacket in a fit. Becky paces while she huffs ‘n’ puffs and the fans boo more. “There is only so much disrespect that one woman can take! I came out here with a big announcement! That we were going to overthrow the corruption at the Royal Rumble! But who do I see that’s come back? Who do I see that’s come back to my show?!” The fans already know, “A J LEE! A J LEE!” Becky says yes, AJ Lee- makes her way out here! The fans cheer as AJ frolics and skips her way down the ramp and around the ring.
The fans cheer as AJ grabs a mic and steps into the ring with Becky. Becky asks what AJ is doing here on HER show?! AJ shrugs and says she’s not here for Becky! She’s here to support Maxxine tonight! The fans cheer that. AJ was then just gonna hang out in catering, but mostly- Becky stops her there and says yeah, we get the whole AJ Lee thing! She’s acting all cute and with her eyebrows! But it’s NOT cute! Y’know what AJ is? She’s a chihuahua that keeps barking and barking in Becky’s ear, all night long, keeping Becky awake and ruining her life! AJ asks how she’s ruining Becky’s life. That’s a tad dramatic.
AJ hasn’t done anything to Becky personally. Except beating her at WrestlePalooza. But other than that- Oh, right, AJ’s team won at WarGames. But other than those- OH, right, AJ cost Becky the title against Maxxine at Madison Square Garden. Hearing this out loud, AJ gets it. But Becky has the belt back, so that’s all water under the bridge, right? Becky says no, there is no water and there is no bridge! Becky starts to laugh like a crazy person, and she asks what it is going to take to get AJ Lee to leave. Oh, no, Becky knows! Elimination Chamber in Chicago! Is that what AJ wants? She wants to go 1v1 with Becky, the greatest of all time, and that’s not just her saying it, Sports Illustrated and Bleacher Report say it!
Is that what AJ wants? AJ wants Becky to pummel her, splatter her blood in front of her friends and family, and ruin her life just like AJ did to Becky? Is that what she wants?! HUH!? AJ feels awkward now and just says what she’s getting from all that is… Either Becky’s having a breakdown or… Becky wants to go 1v1 with AJ! The fans cheer that idea! AJ knew Becky liked her. But AJ hasn’t had a singles match in over a decade. And it’d have to be really special, really worth it, y’know? But like Becky said, Becky is one of the greatest of all time. So… Oh, wait! If AJ beats Becky, what would that make her? Lucky? Or maybe better than Becky?
Oh, wait, AJ gets it now. That’d make her #1 contender to the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. Becky says no, no, no! What? No title shot? No! The fans say “YES! YES! YES!” in return! Becky says AJ is not worthy of this title, she is not even a member of the Raw roster! NO title match! AJ says okay, okay. No title, no match. AJ will just go home to Chicago… Becky has her stop and says FINE! But just listen here. If AJ thinks she was held down by The Man before she left, she has no idea what she’s in for! Welcome to the Big Time!! Becky throws down her mic and it sounds like we’re getting a title match in Chicago! Will AJ’s first singles match in years crown her a champion?
WWE World Tag Team Championships: The Usos VS Otis & Akira Tozawa!
Jimmy & Jey are in Cleveland Browns colors as they enter from the concourse, and they hit that music! UH UH, YEET! But now, after taking time to prepare for this match, will they be ready to put their friends in lockdown? Or will the Alpha Academy finally strike gold?
Raw returns as the fans continue to YEET with The Usos. Otis & Tozawa then make their entrance, showing off the new #100%PurreBabe shirts. The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who stands tall in The Land!
The teams sort out and Otis steps to Main Event Jey Uso. Otis offers a handshake, Jey accepts, and the fans rally up. Jey and Otis tie up, Otis SHOVES Jey back, and Otis is fired up already. The fans rally again as Jey and Otis reset. Jey and Otis tie up, then Jey waistlocks. Jey headlocks but Otis powers out to a waistlock. Otis SLAMS Jey down, then runs the ropes to RUN Jey over! The fans are torn but Otis brings Jey up. Tag to Tozawa and they set Jey up for the DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Tozawa clamps onto Jey with a chinlock and grinds him down. The fans rally up, Jey fights up, and Jey RAMS Tozawa into the corner!
Tag to Jimmy and he runs up to ROCK Tozawa! Then Jey shoves Tozawa down. Jimmy drags Tozawa up, CHOPS him, then whips to the corner. Jimmy runs up but Tozawa BOOTS him away! Tozawa goes up to FLYING RANA! Jimmy tumbles but he stands up, into the SOBAT! Jimmy ducks the spin kick, but Tozawa slides under, SCREW KICK! Cover, TWO! Jimmy bails out but Jey runs in! Tozawa dodges Jey to ENZIGIRI! Jey tumbles out, and Otis slips in. Otis has Tozawa hold on, then he LIFTS Tozawa to GORILLA PRESS SLAM Tozawa onto the Usos! The fans fire u for the Alpha Babes while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Tozawa runs the ropes, but into a POP-UP- DDT!! Tozawa turns things around on Jey and the fans fire up! Both men are down but they crawl for their corners. Hot tags to Jimmy and Tozawa! The fans fire up as #Dozer CLOBBERS #BigJim! And again! Then he dodges Jey to CLOBBER him, too! But Jimmy mule kicks, UPPERCUTS, and whips! Otis reverses and BACKDROPS! Not the cleanest but Otis sees Usos in corners! SPLASH on Jey, then he runs up on Jimmy! Jimmy BOOTS Otis, goes up, CROSSBODY caught into a WORLD’S STRONGEST SLAM! Cover, TWO! Jimmy survives but the fans rally for Otis!
Otis sees Jimmy go to the corner, then runs up to SPLASH! But Jey tags in before Jimmy falls! Otis sees Jimmy down, and he rips up the shirt! The fans fire up for the CATERPILLAR- SUPERKICK! Not the cleanest shot there, either, but it was enough! Then a SUPERKICK for Tozawa! Tag to Jimmy and the Usos DOUBLE SUPERKICK Otis! Otis staggers but he rebounds! DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up again and Otis tags Tozawa! Tozawa goes up, up, and DOUBLE MISSILE DROPKICKS! The fans cheer as Tozawa rips his shirt! Tozawa builds speed to DIVE onto Jey! Then he gets going to DIVE onto Jimmy!
The Stamina Monster is unleashed as he DIVES onto Jey again! And then he copies the “run it back!” DIVE onto Jimmy! Tozawa puts Jimmy in, goes back up top, “This is Awesome!” as Tozawa hits the TOKYO TOWER SENTON!! Cover, TWO?!? Jimmy survives and shocks everyone! The fans fire up as Tozawa crawls, tag back to Otis! Otis drags Jimmy up while Tozawa climbs. Otis fireman’s carries but Jimmy slips free! Tozawa leaps over as Jimmy POSTS Otis! SUPERKICK for Tozawa! Tag to Jey, and they dodge Otis! SUPERKICK from Jimmy! Jey runs, Jimmy joins, DOUBLE SPEAR!! Then they set Otis up for the ONE AND DONE!! Cover, Usos win!
Winners: The Usos, by pinfall (still WWE World Tag Team Champions)
The Alpha Academy brought that pure carnage, but this is why The Usos are perhaps THE greatest tag team in WWE history! Jimmy & Jey encourage their friends and show respect. The fans cheer the sportsmanship, and Byron Saxton interviews The Usos int he ring. he congratulates them on retaining the World Tag Team titles. Now, this is the Road to WrestleMania, so what is next for The Usos? Jey says YEET, big respect to Tozawa and “Big Daddy” Otis. They see you! YEET! But what’s on the road for The Usos? Jimmy says they are gonna stay the best tag team int he game. But waht Jimmy needs Jey to do is to qualify fort the Chamber!
Then Jey needs to WIN the Chamber! YEET! And then Jey needs to go and get right back to being THE Main Event Jey Uso! Cleveland, if you down with that, give us four letters, one word, UH UH, YEET!! Big Jim is Jey’s biggest fan, but will The Usos look to put all of the WWE on lockdown?
Liv Morgan is here!
Cleveland cheers as she walks out here, Dominik Mysterio right by her side. They are going to the ring, but will the 2026 Women’s Royal Rumble Winner make her choice? We find out, after the break.
Raw returns and WWE’s Bonnie & Clyde have the mics. But before Liv starts, Dom has her hold on. The fans boo Dom but he picks up a BIG bouquet of flowers. “To the greatest Royal Rumble winner of all time!” He hands her the flowers and even a heart shaped box. Liv says learn from Daddy Dom! Valentine’s Day is coming up! She thanks him and says she’ll give him his gift later, wink wink. “But Cleveland, you are now in the presence of the greatest Intercontinental Champion and Royal Rumble winner of ALLLLLLLLLLLL~ TIIIIIIIME~!” The fans are torn, they clearly like one more than the other.
Liv says last week, she put Jade Cargill and Stephanie Vaquer on notice. They’re afraid of her, Liv knows it! She knows that they know that whoever she picks, they will lose their title on the Grandest Stage of Them All! HAHA~! Liv then hugs Dom, and Dom goes to speak, but Vaquer interrupts! Cleveland cheers La Primera and she high-fives the front row as she goes down the ramp. The WWE Women’s World Champion goes to the ring, and Liv is already hiding behind Dom while smirking and waving. Vaquer grabs herself a mic, and she tells Liv, “You talk too much.” Vaquer warns Liv in Espanol, and Liv has to ask Dom for translation.
Dom says he doesn’t think she’d like what Vaquer said. But he’ll handle this! Dom tells Vaquer back that his lovely Liv will become Women’s World Champion no matter what. Liv likes how it sounds but she asks Dom to properly translate. Vaquer says she’ll handle this: Dom said he’s a little b*tch! The fans laugh but even Liv knows that is not it! Vaquer is a liar! But since Vaquer wants all this attention, maybe Liv should give Vaquer her own “Hot Girls Love Dominik Mysterio” shirt! But on second thought, Vaquer doesn’t qualify to wear a shirt. HAHA~! The fans boo, but Vaquer says she hopes Liv picks her, just so Vaquer can kick Liv’s ass at WrestleMania!
Vaquer storms off, Liv says that’s what Vaquer wants. Vaquer wants Liv to rush into this decision, but Liv is not going to rush for her or for Jade. And if you don’t like it, cry about it, p*ta! Vaquer winds up, Dom steps forward, and DOM takes the SLAP for Liv! The fans cheer as Vaquer has the last laugh for tonight. But will Liv eat her words in Las Vegas?
We hear from Rhea Ripley, Ivy Nile, and Lyra Valkyria.
Rhea says, “Lately, Mami’s gotten used to having someone in her corner. But tonight, I’m in there all alone against two very talented women who are trying to cement their legacies.” The Diamond Pitbull says, “Tonight, three of the best collide. But I’m the only one that’s built for the Elimination Chamber.” The Morrigan says, “Last year, I walked into WrestleMania the Women’s Intercontinental Champion, and I walked out as one-half of the Women’s Tag Team Champions, two titles on my shoulders.” Ivy insists she’s the only one who has trained for something like the Chamber her entire life. And she’ll leave it to go on and become the champion she was always destined to be.
Lyra vows that tonight, her Road to WrestleMania starts again. She’ll qualify for the Chamber and put the name, “Lyra Valkyria,” back on the map. Rhea says there’s only woman who can survive the Elimination Chamber and the brutality it holds, and that is HER! Forces of nature are about to collide, but who survives in The Land to head to the Windy City?
Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier Triple Threat: Rhea Ripley VS Lyra Valkyria VS Ivy Nile!
Raw returns with Lyra and Ivy already in the ring, leaving Rhea to make her entrance. The fans fire up for Mami already, but will she be the one on top?
The bell rings and Ivy DECKS Lyra! Then Ivy waistlocks Rhea but Rhea fires elbows. Ivy holds on but Rhea bucks the O’Conner Roll. Rhea runs up, Ivy slips around and ROCKS her! Ivy whips, Rhea reverses, but Ivy goes up and leaps into a DROPKICK from Rhea! The fans fire up but Lyra is back! Lyra ducks a haymaker, wrenches and cradles, TWO! Lyra runs, Rhea ducks ‘n’ hurdles, but then Lyra cartwheels over! Lyra comes back to wheelbarrow and- NO, Rhea blocks the rest with the waistlock. Ivy joins in, and she DOUBLE GERMAN SUPLEXES! The fans are torn but Ivy goes out after Rhea.
Ivy whips Rhea at the steps but Rhea leaps over! Ivy leaps at Rhea but Rhea dodges! Rhea CLUBS Ivy, hoists her up, ELECTRIC CHAIR SLAM off the apron! But then Lyra runs and FLYING RANAS through the ropes! The Land fires up for Lyra while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Ivy has Rhea up top! Rhea HEADBUTTS Ivy into the Tree of Woe! Lyra DOUBLE STOMPS Ivy, then climbs up to get Rhea! Rhea and Lyra brawl, but then Ivy sits up! SPIDER GERMAN SUPERPLEX COMBO!! The fans fire up while all three women are down! Rhea goes to a corner, Lyra goes to another, but Ivy runs up and DROPKICKS Lyra! Then she DROPKICKS Rhea! Then a DROPKICK to Lyra! Rhea dodges this time, then wrenches ot short arm LARIAT! And LARIAT! And wrench, HOOK KICK, then ATOMIC FACEBUSTER! Rhea runs to basement DROPKICK! The fans fire up with Rhea, but Lyra’s back! Victory roll, TWO!
Rhea wrenches an arm, wrangles Lyra and steps over, but Lyra rolls through to give that back! LA MAGISTROL with a stack, TWO! Rhea kicks but Lyra ducks! Lyra kicks but Rhea ducks! Rhea pops Lyra up but Lyra CLUBS free! Lyra whips, Rhea reverses, Lyra goes up, and now Rhea gets her! But Ivy is up top, too! STEINER BULLDOG! Ivy covers, Rhea breaks it! Ivy gets Lyra up but Rhea CLUBS away on her! Rhea waistlocks, Ivy switches, SNAP GERMAN! Lyra gets clipped by it! Ivy covers Lyra, TWO! Ivy hauls Lyra up to suplex, and she holds Lyra, only for Lyra to cradle counter, TWO! Ivy escapes, but Lyra ducks her kick! ENZIGIRI!
Ivy flounders but Rhea is up. Lyra wrenches Rhea, reels her in, and then kicks at Ivy. Ivy blocks, and she FLIPS Lyra, but she uses that to DDT Rhea!! Ivy POUNCES Lyra, covers Rhea, TWO!! Rhea survives but Lyra SOBATS Ivy! Ivy kicks back, Lyra ducks, but the ENZIGIRI hits! Ivy scoops, and SWINGING SIDE SLAMS! Cover, TWO! But Ivy has the DIAMOND DRAGON SLEEPER! Lyra endures, Rhea rises, and Rhea HEADBUTTS Ivy! Rhea pump handles, and RIP- NO, Ivy slips free! BACKSTABBER! Ivy runs up on Lyra, sunset flips, but Lyra rolls through! Lyra jackknifes and rolls with Ivy! Fireman’s carry for the NIGHTWING DRIVER!! Cover, RHEA BREAKS IT!
The fans fire up as Rhea hauls Lyra right up! RIPTIDE!! Cover, RHEA WINS!
Winner: Rhea Ripley, by pinfall (advances to Elimination Chamber)
It was a wild ride but it only takes one Riptide to end it! Mami is heading to Chicago, joining Tiffany Stratton from SmackDown, but who else will enter the sadistic structure with them?
Raquel talks with Liv in the clubhouse.
But then Dom steps in and he’s still stinging from Vaquer’s slap. Liv says it’s okay, he still has his qualifying match next week. Yeah, but Pearce said Dom still has to defend his Intercontinental Championship. Oh, bummer… Raquel says while we’re at it, maybe we should be worried about Finn Balor. Finn is grumbling to himself but Dom snaps Finn out of it. Dom knows it was rough losing to CM Punk in Ireland, but JD McDonagh will be back soon, Finn & JD can get the tag titles back, it’ll all be right in the world again. Finn asks what Dom’s talking about. Didn’t Finn make it clear? He’s not done with Punk, he wants THE World Heavyweight Championship!
Dom says yeah, but… Everyone’s talking about Punk VS Roman at Mania. The window might be closed… Finn says he’s tired of being an afterthought. Aren’t they supposed to be family? Dom says they are, but Finn still storms off. Judgment Day is worried about their Prince, but should Punk be worried about what Finn might do to get that world title?
Michael Cole is in the ring.
Raw returns and Cole says last week, the winner of the Men’s Royal Rumble match, Roman Reigns, already made his WrestleMania choice. In what could be one of the greatest main events in Mania history, The OTC will battle for THE World Heavyweight- FINN BALOR STORMS INTO THE RING! The Prince snatches the mic and says, “I feel like everyone is so focused on the future, they’re forgetting what happened two weeks ago when I left the World Heavyweight Champion laying in the ring like a wounded dog.” The fans are torn but Finn says Punk is hurt! Finn knows Punk’s hurt cuz Finn’s the one who hurt him!
So Finn is not just gonna step aside and let Roman Reigns slide in and take advantage of FINN’s kill! Wouldn’t be the first time Roman did that, either. Finn hasn’t forgotten. Roman took advantage of the top rope breaking when Finn had him dead to rights! Finn is tired of being the afterthought, and he is done being pushed around. Finn wants Punk, he wants the World Heavyweight Championship, and he wants it at Elimination Chamber! Finn knows Punk beat him on his home turf, fair play. Now Finn will beat Punk on his! But Adam Pearce walks out telling Finn no. We’ve had this conversation already.
Pearce ushers out his security, and he tells Finn that we are not conducting business like this. Finn had his shot, he missed, we’re on the Road to WrestleMania, we’re moving on. Oh, just like Royal Rumble? Yeah! Punk VS Roman is the main event of WrestleMania. So Pearce says this again, the title is spoken for. They’ve known each other too long to let this get ugly, so Pearce wants Finn to leave, let Cole do his job and interview Punk. Or else, security will escort Finn out. But wait! CM Punk makes his entrance now! The fans cheer, but Finn is already inviting Punk for a fight! Punk goes right to the ring, he tells Pearce that he needs to step aside.
Punk and Pearce argue, and Pearce is not budging. So Punk jukes him and slides into the ring! But then Finn slides out! Finn gest on top of the desk and Pearce wants everyone to stop! Punk, look! Pearce asks he stay calm. But then Punk snatches Pearce’s mic! The fans cheer Punk as he stares Finn down. “You hear ’em, Finnski? You hear ’em?! I see you, you’re sittin’ right in front o’ me! And you’re not an afterthought, you’re the first thought. But you don’t deserve a title shot, you deserve an ass beating!” The fans like that! Punk dares Finn to get off the desk, grow a set, be a man, and see what happens when you step into the ring!
The fans cheer but Finn says nah, not like this. Not for free. Put the title on the line, and Finn will finish what he started! The fans cheer that! Punk takes the title belt off and says Cleveland would love to see Finn try! Punk puts the belt on the mat, dares Finn to bring it, but Pearce and his security stay between them! Pearce asks if Punk’s crazy, and Punk says YES! But Punk already beat Finn’s ass once, he’ll do it tonight if he can! And he’ll beat Finn’s ass in Chicago if he wants it! Punk tells Pearce to make the match already but Pearce says absolutely NOT! The fans boo but Pearce doesn’t want to jeopardize WrestleMania! Think for a second!
Punk tells Pearce that Punk is the champion, he deserves to have a say. He deserves the clout and the juice that comes with the title. So either Pearce gives Punk what he wants, or Punk spends the rest of the show chasing after Finn, kicking his teeth down his throat! Punk WILL get his pound of flesh! Pearce says do not make him regret this. Punk asks the fans if they want it and they cheer! Pearce says FINE! CM Punk VS Finn Balor, World Heavyweight Championship at Elimination Chamber! IT IS OFFICIAL! The fans are torn that they aren’t getting it tonight, but will everyone get what they want in Chicago?
Finn takes his leave since he got what he wanted, but Punk looks to Cole and says they were scheduled for the interview. If Cole has a question, Cleveland would love to hear it. Cole does have a question now. What is Punk doing? Why jeopardize what is already one of the greatest main events in WrestleMania history over this grudge? Punk says, “Jeopardize? Jeopardize…” Punk shakes his head and says he is not jeopardizing anything. What he is doing is building something! He is chasing something! And that something is greatness! Punk is being the fighting champion that the fans deserve to see every Monday night!
The greatness Punk is chasing is a story he told over 10 YEARS ago. 434 DAYS, and Punk just wants to be 1% better every single day. And that comes with the responsibility of wearing the crown. Punk will face anybody, anywhere, at any time, to prove that he is what he says he is, and that is THE BEST IN THE WORLD! The fans cheer that. Punk says he isn’t jeopardizing anything. Punk is brave enough to know that without risk, there is no reward, and he’s brave enough to put it all on the line in front of these people because he loves ’em and they deserve it. Punk is also humble enough to know that it can all end on any night in any city.
But Punk is also confident enough to know that ladies and gentlemen, that ish ain’t gonna happen! “Roman Reigns…” Punk pauses as the fans chant “O T C! O T C!” Punk smirks and says Roman claims to hate him. That can’t be true, because how could Roman hate Punk? Roman doesn’t even hate what Punk is trying to build. Roman just hates that Roman can’t do a damn thing to stop it! There’s one way WrestleMania ends, and that is with Punk’s hand raised as the ring announcer says, “AND STILL Heavyweight Champion of the World… C! M! PUNK!” The Second City Saint has spoken, but will he still be on top after his homecoming in Chicago?
Adam Pearce talks with security.
They confirm, Finn Balor has been escorted out of the building. But then Logan Paul walks in, and he whistles The Vision over. Pearce sighs and says it’s definitely Monday. Security is dismissed, and Paul Heyman says he must hand it to Pearce. Pearce is far more worthy of an adversary than Heyman gave him credit for. Heyman thought Pearce was just another mid-level shmuck. But no, no, Pearce is much more savvy than he realized. Pearce pushed Bron’s buttons again and again until Bron was so worked up that he worked out until 5 AM, deadlifting more weight than any human should try on his own, and that’s how he got his hernia!
Which is major surgery, career ending surgery for anyone not named Bron Breakker. But that’s Pearce’s responsibility, his accountability, and his corporate liability. Pearce steps forward and tells Heyman that he is the Raw General Manager. So that means Pearce knows Bron is not just one of the keys but potentially THE KEY to the future of WWE. Heyman agrees. Pearce says outside of The Vision, no one wants Bron back faster than Pearce. But until then, what’s done is done, so let’s concentrate on Elimination Chamber. Tonight gets Theory to Chamber. Chamber gets Theory to WrestleMania. But he’s up against Penta and LA Knight.
Theory says that’s an easy day at work. But Pearce makes sure The Vision understands: do NOT get involved. Heyman asks the GM if that’s a request or a declarative statement. Talking as friends, that’s a threat. Heyman says there it is. FAFO, right? Damn right. The Vision heads out, but Logan leans in and asks what Pearce would do if they do get involved. Wait, don’t answer that. Rhetorical question. Logan is the biggest star to ever come out of Cleveland, so Pearce will do nothing. Bronson Reed returns to have Logan leave it, and he wishes Mr. GM a good night. Bronson says Pearce isn’t Logan’s problem, he’s Bronson’s problem now. Is Auszilla going to be the new alpha?
Maxxine Dupri VS Natalya!
The Alpha Babe was a dutiful Dungeon Doll, but apparently nothing she did was enough to impress the Lowkey Legend. Will Nattie destroy what she tried to create? Or will Maxxine bring that pure carnage?
Raw returns as Maxxine makes her entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, and Nattie picks her right up, only for Maxxine to swing through and ANKLE LOCK! The fans fire up as Maxxine already thrashes that leg! Nattie rolls to send Maxxine into ropes, then she DECKS Maxxine! Nattie drags Maxxine up with a snarl, she gets in Maxxine’s face, but Maxxine arm-drags free! And HEEL KICKS! Nattie bails out and the fans fire up with Maxxine again. Maxxine goes out after Nattie, ANKLE LOCK! But Nattie BOOTS her into steel steps! Maxxine writhes but Nattie gets her up to whip into a POST!
Nattie looms over Maxxine, drags her back up, and sends her into the desk! Maxxine flounders up and over, but Nattie clears the desk! The fans fire up already as Nattie pushes past Maggle and drags Maxxine up. FLAPJACK onto the desk! Maxxine flounders but Nattie climbs onto the desk. Nattie HAMMERS away but the ring count is climbing! Nattie doesn’t hear it, or she doesn’t care about it, and we get a DOUBLE COUNT-OUT!
Double Count-Out Draw
The fans boo, no one wanted this ending! But Nattie just CLUBS Maxxine, then she has the legs! Nattie steps through and turns Maxxine over, SHARPSHOOTER!! Maxxine endures, grabs at wires and cables, but producers rush out here to tell Nattie to stop! But then AJ LEE rushes out here! She did say she was here to support Maxxine, and guess that means stopping a bully like Nattie! Nattie lets Maxxine go so she can get outta there. The fans boo, but then they cheer AJ for checking on Maxxine. AJ helps Maxxine hobble to the ramp, but BECKY POSTS AJ! The fans boo but Becky talks trash on AJ! Refs hurry out here to get Becky to back off, and Becky tries to bully Jessica Karr!
Becky just laughs her way out of here, but will The Man realize she messed up big time?
LA Knight speaks.
“Lemme talk to ya! I can see it. I see The Vision, I see The Vision everywhere. Do you know why I see The Vision everywhere? Two months ago, what’d they do? Put me through a car, a whole big bunch o’ mess, and where am I? Sitting on the shelf, sitting at home, watching Raw. As I walked back in the Royal Rumble, I got to eliminate this Vision member, I got to eliminate this Vision member, that Vision member, but it wasn’t enough. I need to take them out piece by piece, one by one. And whaddya know? Bron Breakker went and took himself out! As far as I’m concerned, he got off easy.
“Austin Theory, man, you drew the short straw. Man, you are about to eat one tonight, cuz you’re gonna get got! YEAH! And that means I’m gonna take your opportunity away from going to Elimination Chamber, I take your opportunity away from going to WrestleMania. I will do everything that I can to take away everything that I can, because you guys all wanted to take everything away from me. The sweetest revenge on this Earth, it’s not my success. It’s me getting to beat the heads off of each and every one of ya, and that’s exactly what I’m gonna do tonight with Austin Theory and everybody saying, L A KNIGHT! YEAH!”
The Mega Star is ready, but will it be BFT for 1-2-3? Will Theory redeem The Vision with a victory? Or are they both overlooking the Man with No Fear?
Los Americanos VS Je’Von Evans & ???
El Grande Americano, if he was ever truly El Grande Americano, is sending his amigos, Bravo y Rayo, to finish what they started with The Young OG, but we don’t even know who is joining him in this match! Who will get BOUNCY~ with Je’Von? We find out, after the break.
Raw returns as Evans makes his entrance. And who did he find? Why, none other than El Grande Americano ORIGINAL! The fans love it already! Will we all be saying, “AH GRACIAS~” now? The teams sort out while El Grande Dos is upset. Evans steps up to Rayo and they circle. The fans rally, but then Bravo distracts Evans. Rayo CLOBBERS Evans, CHOPS him, then stomps away. Rayo headlocks, Evans powers up and out, then hurdles over! Evans ducks the hurdle, rolls and DROPKICKS! The fans cheer and Evans does a little dance. Then he goes Matrix to dodge, kip up and STUNNER! The fans cheer but Rayo hurries to tag Bravo.
Bravo runs up, but Evans blocks a kick to give a SUPER PUNCH! Bravo staggers, and Evans hits the BOUNCY~ RANA! The fans fire up and Evans DROPKICKS Bravo down! Evans strikes a pose, the fans cheer more, and Evans whips Bravo. Rayo tags in and Bravo reverses. Evans slides to a stop, then goes up and around Bravo! Tag to Original and Evans dodges Bravo. But Rayo trips Evans up! Rayo drags Evans out, Bravo WRECKS Evans with a dropkick! But as Los Americanos gloat in the ring, Original goes up top! They turn around into his DOUBLE FLYING LARIATS! The fans fire up again as Evans returns!
Evans y Original DOUBLE LARIAT Los Americanos out! They shake the ropes together, and they both say, “AH GRACIAS~!” Cleveland cheers while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Bravo has Evans in Los Americanos corner. Bravo JABS, JABS, then UPPERCUTS! Bravo puts Je’Von up top, but Je’Von fires hands! He ROCKS Bravo, BOOTS him, then goes up to BOX JUMP TORNILLO! Direct hit and both men are down! The fans fire up while Evans and Bravo crawl, hot tags to Rayo and Original! The fans fire up as Original RUNNING HEADBUTTS again and again! Then an OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Then a GERMAN SUPLEX! Then he BACKDROPS Bravo before he GERMAN SUPLEXES Rayo again! The fans fire up for EGA Original as he then torture racks Rayo.
Bravo makes the save, but then Original waistlocks Bravo! Bravo holds onto Rayo, so Original DOUBLE GERMAN SUPLEXES! The fans fire up with another, “AH GRACIAS~!” Rayo runs up but Grande catches him to an ANKLE LOCK! Rayo endures, rolls, and he sends Original into buckles! Evans tags in, but so does Bravo! Evans springboards to FLYING LARIAT! Evans dodges Rayo to then handspring, RED DOT ENZIGIRI! Evans throws off his shirt and the fans fire up again! Evans goes to the apron, he ROCKS Bravo, but Rayo runs up! HEADBUTT! But Original ROLLING LIGER KICKS Rayo!
Original goes up, but EGA Dos SHOVES him off the corner! The fans boo but Bravo and Evans both climb! Bravo aims for Original, but Evans intercepts with a FLYING CUTTER!! Evans tags Original to then FLY out onto Rayo! Original tags in, and he DIVING HEADBUTTS!! Cover, Evans & El Grande Americano Original win!
Winners: Je’Von Evans & El Grande Americano Original, by pinfall
When one OG teams with another, they of course win out! But then El Grande Americano Dos CLOBBERS them both! The fans boo EGA Dos being a sore loser, but he wants after Original’s mask! Only for Original to arm-drag free and LARIAT! Now Original wants the mask of this imposter! The fans fire up, but Rayo & Bravo drag him out to safety! El Grande Americano and El Grande Americano argue, but it would seem this issue of intellectual property and gimmick infringement will not be settled any time soon. What will it take to decide who is El Grande Americano Primero?
We hear from Knight, Penta, and Theory.
The Man with No Fear tells Austin Theory and LA Knight, “Tonight, I have the most important match of my life.” But Theory says his new nickname is “The Pressure” because he’s no stranger to it. He won Elimination Chamber before, he’ll win it again. LA Knight adds that he knows Theory has a lot to say. Theory says The Vision will cement their legacy on the Grandest Stage of Them All. Penta says when he wins the Chamber, he shows the world who Penta truly is in the main event of WrestleMania! Because he IS Penta, and he has #CeroMiedo! But Knight says if he can go to Elimination Chamber then go to WrestleMania, then that’s what he’ll do, YEAH!
Oba Femi speaks.
“Man has always struggled with the concept of change. People fear change. When the tides start to shift around them, they cling to their idols and false prophets, holding onto what once was. What they don’t understand is that change is inevitable. And if you do not adapt, you perish. After a long time, I’ve been saying, ‘A change is coming, a change is coming.’ But now, change is here. So you will hear my drums, and you will see my strut, and you will look when the deed is done. Because change has sent Oba Femi.”
Backstage interview with Gunther.
Byron Saxton is with Der Ring General after we recap how Gunther put down Dragon Lee for trying to avenge AJ Styles. Gunther is all smiles because of it, too. Byron brings up what happened, and Gunther knows he wants to ask about Dragon. Gunther couldn’t care less. Gunther’s focus is solely on WrestleMania. Then Gunther’s Road to WrestleMania begins next week with an Elimination Chamber qualifier. Oh, is that so, Captain Obvious? Like Gunther doesn’t know that? The reality is, Gunther’s Road to WrestleMania should’ve started way back when he dragged that Old Yeller, Bill Goldberg, behind the barn.
It should’ve all been cemented when Gunther made John Cena do the one thing he said he’d never do. Or when Gunther put AJ Styles to sleep. Understand? And yes, it starts next week. But don’t worry, the result will be the same. Because Gunther walks out of WrestleMania, the NEW Undisputed WWE Champion. Gunther smiles and leaves, but will he be able to overcome both Dominik Mysterio and Je’Von Evans in one match? Or will one of these young stars snatch the golden ticket to Chicago right out from under him?
Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier Triple Threat: LA Knight VS PENTA VS Austin Theory!
We heard from all three men on their determination, but now it’s time to back up words with actions. Will the Megastar kill two birds with one BFT? Will there be #CeroMiedo in the Elimination Chamber? Or will they both crack under The Pressure?
Raw returns and Theory makes his entrance to join Penta in the ring. This leaves Knight to make his entrance last, but certainly not least. The bell rings, the three stare down, and the fans rally up for everyone but Theory. Penta and Knight agree and they beat up on Theory together! The fans cheer a they stomp away on Theory in the corner, then Knight gives Penta the boost into the headstand and SWINGING DROPKICK! THen Knight adds a KNEE! But Penta rolls Knight up, TWO! Knight is upset by that but Penta says you can’t blame him. Knight accepts that, and then they DOUBLE LARIAT Theory up and out! Knight rolls Penta up, TWO!
Penta says okay, that’s fair. Penta and Knight reset, then Penta dodges to waistlock. Knight switches, Penta switches, but Knight elbows free! Knight RUNS Penta over, things keep moving, and Knight KICKS Penta! Knight whips, Penta ducks ‘n’ dodges to then RANA! Knight tumbles out and Penta takes aim. Penta builds speed and he FLIES out onto Knight at the ramp! The fans cheer but Paul Heyman is rather miffed at ringside. Penta puts Knight in the ring, he throws forearms, then he says, “CERO! MIEDO!” Penta runs, but Theory trips him up! Theory drags Penta out while the fans boo, but Knight storms up.
Theory HOTSHOTS Knight, somersaults in, and SHOTGUNS him down! Theory then goes out to fetch Penta, and THROWS him into the steel steps! Penta falls and Theory talks trash while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns once again and Theory soaks up more heat from the fans. But Knight fires haymakers! the fans cheer, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” But Theory kicks low! Theory then suplexes, but Knight lands out to NECKBREAKER! Cover, Penta breaks it in time! Penta drags Knight up but Knight JAWBREAKERS free! Knight runs up, but Penta DUMPS him out! Penta then triangle jump DROPKICKS! Knight falls, but Theory ROCKS Penta! Then suplexes for the BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Theory grows frustrated but he BLASTS Knight off the apron. The fans boo more but Theory just soaks it all up.
Theory brings Penta up, whips him to the corner, then runs in, only for Penta to dodge! Penta CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” and then Penta whips. Theory reverses and he BOOTS Penta down! Theory snarls, stomps Penta around, then he YANKS Penta up for a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Heyman coaches Theory to keep on that pressure, but the fans rally for Penta. Knight is back and he RAMS Theory form the apron. Then SLINGSHOT SHOULDER TACKLE! knight keeps moving and he LARIATS Theory up and out! Theory clutches a leg but Knight stands him up to SMACK him off the desk! And again, and again!
The fans cheer Knight, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight brings Theory around. Penta DIVES but Knight ROCKS him first! Knight then dribbles Penta off the desk! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight drags Theory back up, and he gives Theory more dribbling off the desk! Then Knight puts Theory in the ring and the fans cheer him on. Kick and B F- NO, Theory rolls Knight up, TWO! Theory goes to a corner, Knight runs up, but into a drop toehold! Knight hits buckles, Theory slingshots back in, but into a BIG back suplex! Both men are down, and Penta is still on the outside. The fans rally up again while Heyman continues to be frustrated.
Penta climbs up a corner now, and he aims at both men! DOUBLE CROSSBODY! The fans fire up, Penta SUPESKRICKS Theory! Then he dodges Knight to kick the leg out! SLING-DOG! GAMANGIRI for Theory! Penta whips Theory, Theory reverses, but Penta goes up and over to BACKSTABBER! Cover, but Knight breaks it in time! Penta SUPERKICKS Knight in return! Penta runs up, but Knight puts him up top! Knight ROCKS Penta, then he climbs up after him. The fans duel as Penta fires body shots. Penta shoves Knight away but Theory runs up! Theory ROCKS Penta, climbs up, but Penta CLUBS away on Theory.
Theory hops back down, but Knight springs back up! Theory gets in there, TOWER OF DOOM!! Theory crawls to cover Knight, TWO!! Theory is beside himself but Heyman says keep on the pressure! But Knight avoids the stomp! REVERSE DDT! They’re both down, but then Knight rolls to his feet! Knight goes up the corner, the fans cheer him on, BOX JUMP ELBOW DROP! Theory flounders around but Knight is locked in. But wait, here comes Logan Paul! Knight DECKS Logan! Bronson runs up but Knight WRECKS him with a dropkick! Knight then WRECKS Logan with a dropkick! But Bronson CLOBBERS Knight! And ELBOW DROPS!
The fans boo but Bronson puts Knight in the ring. The ref reprimands but Logan distracts him while Bronson goes up top! TSUNAMI on Knight!! Pearce rushes out here with security and tells them he already warned them! But consequences will have to wait, Theory hits the CURB STOMP!! Cover, PENTA DRAGS THEORY OUT! The fans fire up as Penta SUPERKICKS Theory down! Penta then runs up, but Theory BACKDROPS him onto the desk! But wait! THE HOODED MAN! SUPERKICK on Theory! And then a CURB STOMP!! Now Theory is being fed to Knight! Logan runs back out here and he chases the hooded man into the night!
The fans are thunderous as Knight, Theory, and Penta all stir. Knight and Theory rise up in the ring while Heyman panics! Kick and B F T!! Cover, KNIGHT WINS!
Winner: LA Knight, by pinfall (advances to Elimination Chamber)
Heyman asks what the hecc, but Pearce says The Vision was told not to get involved. On top of that, neither man knows the identity of the hooded vigilante costing The Vision their golden opportunities! But that all aside, Knight tells The Vision to get the message: He’s going to tear them all down! Will nothing stop Knight from going to Las Vegas for WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A very good Raw, bordering on great, but it already feels like some things have been hurt by Bron Breakker getting hurt. And while they kayfabed him overdoing it in training, it was apparently resulting from either last week’s literal table flip or even something before. On behalf of The Chairshot, well wishes to Bron. As for The Vision pivoting from it, good promo with Adam Pearce to put extra pressure (no pun intended) on the main event Triple Threat. LA Knight having his own solo promo and then still being part of the triple promo was a bit redundant, not usually something WWE does, but could be because we had no Bron promo.
The Triple Threat itself was great stuff, all three guys being evenly booked, and of course it was all affected by The Vision and our newest masked man getting involved. It can no longer be Logan Paul or Austin Theory in that costume, and some fans wondered if it was Adam Pearce but no, not him either. They want us to think it’s Seth Rollins in kayfabe but even that could be used as a swerve. I’m just not sure who it could be otherwise. Maybe Grayson Waller? Though, that’d shoot down the theory of “Theory is Rollins’ mole.” Unless that is itself the trick? Well, either way, Rollins’ retaliation on The Vision seems to be going well.
Great tag title match from Usos VS Otis & Tozawa, with Otis & Tozawa looking great. But in the end, I figured Usos would win. Jimmy telling Jey to go for the world title is intriguing. Not sure if they’re gonna still give us an “Uso turns on Uso” story, that seems a bit played out. But at the same time, maybe a Two Uso Power Trip could be something. Though, that assumes Jey wins the Chamber to then go for the Undisputed title, and it is definitely spoken for from now until after Mania with Cody, Drew, and Fatu fighting each other. It certainly still feels like Cody is going to win Chamber and face Drew one last time in Vegas.
Great tag match of Evans & Gable Americano VS Bravo y Rayo, and like, highlight of the YEAR was Evans and Bravo timing that flying cutter interception perfectly. Great win for Evans and Gable, and clearly we gotta build our way to Grande Americano VS Grande Americano, Mask VS Mask, to finally reveal who is who, even though we all already know. Great Women’s Triple Threat, but I figured Rhea would win that one. Her and Ivy had that mistiming on the Steiner Bulldog but I’m surprised they even tried it. But with Rhea going to Chamber, I wonder if Iyo also gets in and that presses the issue of them as friends yet rivals.
Great promo from Becky and AJ Lee to open the show, and Becky continues to do a great job with this character, a wonderful character. AJ goading Becky into a title match for Chamber is great, and who knows how that goes. I feel like we’ll also get Maxxine and Nattie involved in a tag match for the go-home given everything that happened there. And if that were to happen, Nattie should ditch Becky, but it’ll probably be Becky ditching Nattie. Great promo from Dom & Liv with Vaquer, and Dom taking the hit was great. Obviously, it should be Liv VS Vaquer for Mania, that will be both a very good match and it’ll feed right into the Judgment Day dysfunction.
Speaking of, great stuff from Finn and CM Punk, and I could just tell they were gonna run it back for Elimination Chamber. Cleveland was clearly disappointed they didn’t get so much as a brawl, but that’s because Adam Pearce’s character is being much more stern about NOT having that stuff happen, which is absolutely how a GM who fears he’s on thin ice would/should behave. But with the wait, Punk VS Finn 2 will be awesome stuff, but I would think Punk wins because they really aren’t going to change the plan of Punk VS Roman. Makes me wonder if Finn snaps and goes after Dom and the Intercontinental Championship for Mania…
My Score: 8.8/10
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