Coverage
Mitchell’s NXT TakeOver: WarGames II Results & Report! (11/17/18)
NXT takes over Los Angeles with WARGAMES! Can The Undisputed Era #ShockTheSystem with back-to-back victories? Will Tommaso Ciampa feel The Experience?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Matt Riddle VS Kassius Ohno; Riddle wins.
- NXT Women’s Championship 2 out of 3 Falls: Shayna Baszler VS Kairi Sane; Shayna wins and retains the NXT Women’s Championship.
- Aleister Black VS Johnny Gargano; Black wins.
- NXT Championship: Tommaso Ciampa VS Velveteen Dream; Ciampa wins and retains the NXT Championship.
- WarGames: The Undisputed Era VS Ricochet, Pete Dunne & The War Raiders; Ricochet, Dunne & The War Raiders win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Nina Strauss joins the NXT TakeOver preshow panel!
The rocking guitarist behind one of WarGames’ themes, Mariana Trench, joins Charli, Sam and Pat. It’s been an amazing week as her album Controlled Chaos debuted at number seven. And that’s on top of joining forces with Lzzy Hale at WWE Evolution for an amazing performance. From rock ‘n’ roll to wrestling, the Women’s Evolution is inspiring everyone, but especially young girls.
Evolution was also where Shayna Baszler recaptured the NXT Women’s Championship. But now Kairi Sane comes back for another rematch, in best 2 out of 3 falls. Nina is in the #FightForeverClub, she wants them to keep going. But this match tonight will be the most amazing one yet. What is it that makes this feud so compelling? The story, the tension, the build and the tied record. How does Nina feel about badass Baszler? Yeah she definitely doesn’t want to run into her in a dark alley. But Kairi is tough herself, so it could be either woman’s match. Who will be THE Women’s Champion after no less than two falls?
Matt Riddle joins the panel!
The King of Bros feels great to be here, “bro.” He and Pat have a bro-down and fans join in. But the NXT Universe of course loves Riddle, but here comes Kassius Ohno. Ohno mocks the bro-ness, it makes him physically ill. Ohno is sick of the bro, and is sick of Riddle. He sees through Riddle’s act! Everyone loves Riddle, but Ohno sees the mirage. Ohno says he’ll only need one second to expose Riddle. Riddle used to think Ohno was cool. But now Ohno’s just bitter. And maybe instead of being bitter, try being better. These two will face off next week on NXT, who will be better, bro?
The War has Returned Again.
For the second year in a row, “battle lines have been drawn.” Two teams, two rings, one cage. Two falls, two women, one champion. And two forces of nature, two sides to a story, one winner. “Opportunity still reigns.” Scores will be settled, let the WarGames begin!
Matt Riddle heads to the ring!
The King of Bros is here, but he’s not on the card. Riddle grabs a mic and greets LA with a “Bro…!” He wasn’t going to have a match tonight on TakeOver, a shame. But if you saw the kickoff, a certain someone interrupted him. Now Riddle and Ohno are meant to fight next Wednesday on NXT, but… If they’re chilling in LA, with two rings, maybe Riddle will KO KO in both of them! Riddle has called Ohno out, so here Ohno comes! Ohno says Riddle is “too stupid to know you’re not supposed to be out here right now”, or that he’s not ready for a TakeOver. But there’s a ref, so ring the bell! And hopefully Riddle enjoys his moment, because he won’t remember it after getting knocked out, “bro”! Is it happening? IT IS!
Matt Riddle VS Kassius Ohno!
The bell rings, and Ohno rushes Riddle! Riddle is ready, with a BIG knee! Cover, RIDDLE WINS!!
Winner: Matt Riddle, by pinfall
WHOA, BRO!! Riddle just beat Kassius in the fastest match in TakeOver history!! Who wasn’t ready for this? Will this instant victory skyrocket Riddle to a title?
NXT Women’s Championship 2 out of 3 Falls: Shayna Baszler VS Kairi Sane!
The Queen of Spades and the Pirate Princess have gone back and forth four times, and they’re all tied up. Of course, Shayna had her friends help her the last time, not that she’s bothered by it. There must be a true winner here tonight, who will be THE NXT Women’s Champion by the end of this epic fifth chapter?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we begin the first fall. Kairi runs and dropkicks Shayna in the corner! She rams her shoulder in but Shayna shoves her. Kairi gets her with a sweep then furious palm strikes. Shayana shoves Kairi away but gets the blockbuster! Then another! Kairi is all fired up and so is LA. Kairi chops Shayna at the ropes with both hands, then furiously with her right. She marches the plank and hits Shayna with a Sliding D! Shayna bails out but Kairi is on the apron, Flying Kabuki elbow! Kairi catches her breath but keeps going on Shayna. LA rallies up behind her as she puts Shayna in. Shayna fakes injury, but that’s so Jessamyn and Marina can attack! They throw Kairi into a post, then the apron!
Marina feeds Kairi to Shayna, Shayna wraps on the Kirafuda! Kairi moves around but Shayna stays on her! Shayna drags Kairi in deep, and Kairi taps! Shayna takes the fall!
Kairi: 0; Shayna 1
The Horsewomen help Shayna win again. Fans call “Bullsh*t!” but the second fall begins. Shayna hits Kairi with a step-up knee! Cover, TWO!! Kairi avoids a screw job sweep, but Shayna goes for the clutch again. Kairi resists and backs Shayna in the corner. Fans are on her side without question, even as Shayna sinks in the body scissors! Kairi gets loose and rolls around, ropebreak with a foot! Shayna lets Kairi go at 3, but she goes at Kairi. Kairi throws forearms and body shots. Kairi kicks but gets caught into a Half Crab! Shayna stands on Kairi’s head for good measure! Kairi endures, but Shayna stomps! Fans boo but Shayna just soaks it up.
Shayna looms over Kairi, and clubs her back. Shayna kicks Kairi down, then brings the legs around for a figure four while wrenching the neck. Kairi endures the various twists and stretching as fans rally up. Kairi gets a cover, TWO! Shayna suplexes Kairi but Kairi rolls her up, TWO! Shayna goes for the Kirafuda again! Kairi makes it a cover, TWO! Kairi CHOPS Shayna, then baits her to a corner. She throws big palm stirkes but Shayna kicks back. They brawl fast and furious with wild strikes! Fans love the aggression, even as Shayna clobbers Kairi! The Horsewomen applaud as Shayna stands first. Kairi stands and Shayna runs in, but is dumped to the apron. Kairi runs in but misses, and Shayna drags her out. Shayna suplexes, but Kairi DDT’s her on the apron!!
The Horsewomen panic and go to Shayna’s side while fans lose their minds. Kairi gets away to the ring while the ref checks on her. Fans chant “Mamma Mia!” Jessamyn and Marina go after Kairi but she sends them into the steps! Kairi then climbs up top, and LEAPS at Shayna for an INSANE ELBOW! She wipes all three Horsewomen out!! Fans are thunderous as Kairi puts Shayna in the ring. Kairi hurries up top again, she wants this on the mat! INSANE ELBOW #2! Cover, Kairi gets a fall!
Kairi: 1; Shayna: 1
We’re all tied up going into the third and final fall! Shayna manages to stand, and we begin again. Kairi SPEARS! And then SPEARS! Two interceptors in a row, here’s the hat trick! Kairi drags Shayna up, big back hands rock her! Kairi climbs once again, but Shayna is up quick. Shayna stops her with a right hand, then climbs up to join Kairi. They brawl up top, and fans are of course on Kairi’s side. Shayna rocks Kairi, but Kairi rocks her back. Shayna throws many forearms, and clubbing fists. She drags Kairi up for a gut wrench, but Kairi sunset flips for a powerbomb! Cover, TWO!! Kairi was so close, but she still has more to give! She drags Shayna up, Alabama Slam! Then she climbs up again, but Jessamyn distracts. Marina shoves Kairi down.
Here comes Dakota! She clobbers Marina then boots Jessamyn in the face! But she ends up 2v1 against them, until IO SHIRAI appears! Shirai climbs high, for her ASAI!! She wipes the Horsewomen AND Dakota out! Kairi climbs up again, INSANE ELBOW #3! INTO A COVER! Shayna wins!!!
Winner: Shayna Baszler, by pinfall; still NXT Women’s Champion
The Queen keeps her throne, but only thanks to highway robbery! Her friends helped her get the first fall, and then she survives by the skin of her teeth in the last fall! With back-up like this, will there ever be an end to Shayna’s reign of terror?
Aleister Black VS Johnny Gargano!
The Embodiment of the End wants revenge on the man who took him out before TakeOver: Brooklyn. Of course, Mr. “Why, Johnny Why?” doesn’t even see what he did as something wrong. It was just business. Will it be business when Aleister makes Gargano #FadeToBlack forever?
The referee keeps the two apart before the bell. It rings, and Aleister stares daggers into Gargano as fans duel. Gargano and Aleister approach, Gargano talks to Aleister then SLAPS him. Aleister boots Gargano! Then fires off furious body shots. Gargano throws Aleister out the slingshots, but Aleister dodges to roundhouse Gargano off his feet! Aleister throws more hands, but Gargano runs into the ring. Aleister follows but msises in the corner. Gargano CHOPS, then dodges the kicks to throw jabs. Gargano taunts Aleister as he dodges and ducks. Aleister kicks but Gargano gets clear. Gargano grins as he copies the cross-leg sitting. Aleister kicks but Gargano roll shim up for a school boy kick! Gargano runs in and chops Aleister, but Aleister goes after him. Gargano dodges again and throws left hands. Fans are thunderous as Aleister goes to another corner.
Gargano keeps on him, then whips. Aleister rolls off Gargano’s back to then throw more hands. He fakes Gargano out to hit a knee lift. Aliester blocks a punch to give knees, kicks, elbows, and one more knee! Gargano bails out, Aleister runs, but he fakes Gargano out. But Gargano knew it, and boots Aleister! Gargano stmops a mudhole into Aleister, then backs off at 3. He soaks up the heat, and the few cheers there are. Gargano goes back to Aleister for more kicks. He drags Aleister up, suplex but Aleister counters. Gargano slips out and rolls Aleister up, TWO, so he rolls Aleister into the seated surfboard! Aleister endures as Gargano pulls back on his arms. Fans rally up, and Aleister pries an arm out. Gargano shifts, but Aleister counters his Mahistrol, TWO! Aleister gets caught into an elbow DDT! Cover, ONE!
Gargano keeps his cool, and stomps Aleister’s hand. Gargano scrapes Aleister’s face, then puts him in a corner. Johnny Wrestling becomes Johnny Boxing as he throws hands. He chops Gargano, but then turns around into Aleister’s counter punches. Gargano kicks and whips but Aleister reverses. Gargano goes up and over, school boy kick misses. Aleister misses his knee and gets a forearm, but then he sweeps the legs! Gargano rolls out, but Aleister builds speed. Gargano expected a fake, so he gets a boot. Then Aleister FLIES! Direct hit! Fans fire up with the Dutch Destroyer as Aleister puts him in the ring. Aleister stalks Gargano to a corner, and fires off kicks and boots. Aleister whips Gargano to ropes, then sweeps the legs again, to hit double knees! He keeps going, Quebrada! Cover, TWO!
Gargano survives but Aleister keeps his cool. Gargano gets to another corner, but Aleister goes over. He elbows Gargano, then breaks free. Gargano stops Aleister up top, then brings him out. Aleister slips out but Gargano blocks the German. He gets a roundhouse, and bails out again. Aleister runs, triangle jump! But Gargano gets out of the way, and DIVES for a tornado DDT! Gargano puts Aleister in, then slingshots for another DDT! Cover, TWO!! Gargano almost had Aleister there! Fans rally up as Gargano wipes the sweat from his brow. Gargano stands on wobbly legs, but he still trash talks Aleister. Gargano chops and kicks Aleister. “You’re not the chosen one, I am!” Gargano kicks, but Aleister blocks it to hit a back elbow!
Aleister runs, but into an enziguri. Gargano runs, but into Aleister’s boot. Aleister runs, but into a SUPERKICK! They both hit each other with clotheslines, but then Aleister fires off elbows. Aleister kicks and kicks but Gargano dodges them. Gargano POISON-RANA! But he runs into a BIG knee! Both men are down but the fans give a standing ovation! Both men stir, and Gargano gets to ropes. Gargano is in No Man’s Land between the rings, and he brawls with Aleister. Aleister throws more forearms but so does Gargano. Aleister boots Gargano, and counters the slingshot spear! Then springboard meteora! Roundhouse to bridging German! TWO!! Fans love this, “This is Awesome!” but it’s far from over.
Aleister stands first but Gargano slowly follows. Aleister runs in, but misses the knee. Gargano blocks a kick, and spins Aleister for a discus clothesline! Gargano runs, tilt-o-whirl takedown! And he gets the GargaNO Escape! But Aleister rolls it up, TWO! Aleister sweeps, Gargano leaps, buzzsaw! Gargano scoops Aleister, for the lawn dart! Aleister hits buckles as Gargano grins. Gargano stands up, and he copies the foot lift. He wants Aleister to see this, as he builds up the energy. Aleister says stop? Aleister sits cross-leg. And then dares Gargano to do it! Gargano takes the knee pad down, to take Ciampa’s Psycho Knee! Aleister dodges and rolls up, but Gargano rolls through to SUPERKICK! Then the Psycho Knee! Cover, TWO!! Aleister survives and shocks Gargano! LA hopes they “Fight Forever!” but there must be a winner.
Gargano goes over to Aleister and drags him up by his hair. He keeps insisting he’s the hero, as he gives Aleister heavy forearms. Aleister still sits up, so Gargano brings him up for more. Aleister fires back, and now we brawl! Gargano hits, Aleister hits, and repeat. Then they hit at the same time! Aleister gets the edge with furious hands from all sides. Gargano gives forearms from all sides, but Aleister counters with a knee! Aleister springboards but Gargano shoves him out! Gargano builds speed, and DIVES, into a knee!! Both men are down on the outside as fans lose their minds! Aleister sits up first as the ring count climbs. He hobbles over to Gargano and puts him in. Aleister follows, but Gargano wants mercy? There will be no mercy, even as Gargano grovels at his feet. So Gargano wants Aleister to end him.
Aleister lifts him with the foot, and swings, but Gargano makes it a roll up! TWO!! GargaNO Escape!! Aleister is stuck in the hold, and he scrambles for ropes! Gargano rolls him away! Aleister pries at the hold, but rolls again! ONE, big spinning knee! Gargano is rocked, and Aleister takes the knee pad down. Aleister hits Gargano with bare knee! Then he holds Gargano up again, for the BLACK MASS! But he holds Gargano up on his feet as fans are thunderous. Because he gives Gargano a SECOND Black Mass!! Cover, Aleister wins!!
Winner: Aleister Black, by pinfall
No mercy for “Johnny Takeover”, the Embodiment of the End ends him tonight. Aleister settles one score, but is he on his way to settle another, with the title on the line? Who will be holding it when Black comes back for the gold?
NXT Championship: Tommaso Ciampa VS Velveteen Dream!
The Psycho Killer benefitted the most from Johnny Wrestling’s turn to the dark side, and now he hogs the spotlight by any means necessary. However, a shining star has come along and says the spotlight belongs to him. Ciampa claims to be the killer of fairy tales, but the Patrick Clark Experience makes dreams come true. Will the Dream be over tonight? Or will it just be over for the Dream?
The introductions are made for Ciampa and “Hollywood Dream.” Ciampa clutches to his precious a moment, gives it a kiss good luck, and “Goldy” is raised. The bell rings and we begin!
Fans are on Dream’s side and he soaks it in. Ciampa chuckles, it amuses him. The two circle and tie up. They go around, and Dream almost shoves Ciampa out of the ring! Dream backs off at the ref’s count to strike his pose. Ciampa and Dream circle again, then tie up again. They go around and Ciampa gets a waistlock. Ciampa brings Dream down, then shifts to a facelock. Dream pops out and rear mounts, and even Supermans on Ciampa. Dream slaps Ciampa in the head as he backs away. Fans are on Dream’s side as he and Ciampa tie up again. Dream puts Ciampa in the corner, but Ciampa messes Dream’s hair! So Dream SLAPS Ciampa in the front of the face! Ciampa runs into the fireman’s carry but escapes. Ciampa kicks low, underhooks, but Dream sprawls and escapes.
But Ciampa has the headband! Ciampa winds up to hear the fans. Dream slides out of the ring, and laughs it off. Why? Because Dream picks up “Goldy”! Dream gets away from Ciampa, and then goes to give Ciampa a draping DDT! Ciampa escapes, and both men are rather amused by the other. Ciampa swings but Dream counter punches. Dream whips but Ciampa reverses. Dream slides to come back with more haymakers. Big scoop slam from Dream, then he swivels the hips before hitting a big dropkick! Then a running hotshot! Dream climbs up, big ax handles! Dream gets his headband back and puts it on. Fans applaud as Dream hears them out. Dream goes back to Ciampa, whips and boots, brother! Dream calls for it, hears the fans, and runs. But Ciampa bails out.
So Dream climbs up and LEAPS! Double ax handles hit, and Dream puts Ciampa in. Dream climbs again, but avoids the counter attack. He then slingshots, but Ciampa shoves him down! Dream loses his headband in the crash, but then Ciampa hits him with a swinging neckbreaker on the outside! Ciampa gets up and asks if Dream thinks this is a game. Ciampa clubs Dream then puts him back in. He keeps on Dream with a mudhole in the corner. Then he runs side to side, BIG knee wash! That knee brace adds to the impact, Dream might be knocked out! Ciampa doesn’t cover, he just mocks Dream with the sliding crawl. Fans call Ciampa names but Ciampa just grins as he drags Dream up. Ciampa clubs Dream in the ropes, and Dream slumps over. Dream gets up, but Ciampa elbows him down again.
Ciampa drags Dream up, neckbreaker hotshot! Dream falls and Ciampa gives himself a pat on the back, because “I’m the man! I’m the main event!” Ciampa drags Dream up and onto the announce desk, for another big knee! Dream flounders and flails from that impact, but Ciampa puts him back in the ring. Ciampa stomps Dream, then wraps on a chinlock. Dream scrambles up but Ciampa snapmares him back down. Ciampa keeps on Dream with the hold, but fans rally up. Ciampa wrenches back and Dream sputters in the hold. Dream’s drool hangs out, so Ciampa makes Dream eat it! Ciampa says “Night-night!” but Dream keeps fighting. Dream flails around as fans rally up.
Dream fights back but Ciampa knees low. Ciampa drags Dream up again, but gets a backslide! ONE, and Dream throws a haymaker. Then another, then another! Dream gets Ciampa around, and gives him a neckbreaker! Both men stir, Ciampa gets up first. Ciampa brings Dream up but Dream fights again. Draem whips but Ciampa reverses, only for Dream to hit forearms! And a kip-up! Dream keeps going, big haymakers and clotheslines. Another whip but Ciampa gives another knee. But Dream points his finger at Ciampa! CIampa runs into the sidewinder but slips out. Dream bucks Ciampa off, blocks and gives haymakers. Dream whips and boots Ciampa! Then the LEG DROP! And another! And a third! Ciampa gets up as Dream hulks up!
Dream brings Ciampa up but Ciampa slides out and shoves. But he runs into Dream’s spinebuster! Cover, TWO! Dream feels he’s close, and so do the fans as they chant. Dream stands and goes over to Ciampa. He throws more haymakers, then another whip. Ciampa grabs the ropes but is sent out. Dream slingshots for a big plancha! Dream puts Ciampa back in, then climbs up fast. Ciampa rolls away, so Dream hops down. Ciampa yanks Dream out, but Dream is up quick. Dream avoids the DDT to throw the knee into the apron! Ciampa clutches the brace, but Dream keeps on him through the ropes. Dream takes the legs and brings Ciampa over to a post. Hanging Figure Four on the post!! Ciampa tapped but the ref was busy reprimanding Dream!!
Fans try to point that out, but Ciampa gets Dream with a package! TWO, and Ciampa gives a big forearm. Waistlock, but victory roll, to Figure Four! Dream has Ciampa in the legendary leg lock, and “WOO~” echoes through LA. Ciampa drags himself towards ropes but Dream drags him back. Dream puts as much pressure as he can on Ciampa, and fans are thunderous. But Ciampa rolls it over quick! Bug then Dream rolls it back! Ciampa rolls, Dream rolls, and now Dream throws haymakers. Dream kicks Ciampa to a cover, TWO! Ropebreak! Dream lets Ciampa go, but fans applaud this amazing exchange. Dream goes for the legs again, but Ciampa shoves Dream into barriers!
Ciampa catches Dream on the return, but no draping DDT this time. Ciampa and Dream fight, and Dream resists the suplex. Dream then suplexes Ciampa and himself out of the ring! Fans lose their minds as both men crash and burn! Ciampa undoes his boot laces, his leg is really hurting now. A ring count begins now as both men stir. Dream stands and realizes he needs to get Ciampa in. The count is at 8 when Dream puts Ciampa in. Fans applaud as Dream and Ciampa stand, and they brawl with haymakers! Dream gets an edge, but Ciampa kicks low. Ciampa double underhooks but Dream slips out. Ciampa dodges the superkick and it almost hits the ref! Roll up, with tights! But the ref notices! The ref stops the count and reprimands Ciampa! SUPERKICK, then Dream Valley Driver! High stack cover, TWO!? Ciampa survives and fans can’t believe it!
Dream himself is shocked, but he turns around into Ciampa’s fist. Dream jackknifes to a fireman’s carry, but Ciampa slides out. Ciampa rocks Dream with an elbow, but Dream gives Ciampa one back. Dream springboards, into a knee! Cover, TWO! Ciampa brings Dream up, Project Ciampa! Cover, TWO?! Dream survives and Ciampa is at wit’s end. Fans are thunderous for Dream as Ciampa undoes more of his boot. Ciampa bails out, and hobbles over to his belt. Ciampa wants to take Goldy into the ring but the ref stops him. Dream rolls Ciampa, TWO! SIDEWINDER ON THE BELT! Not on purpose, so no DQ! Cover, TWO!? Ciampa survives, but Dream won’t stop.
Dream climbs, leaps, but stops Ciampa’s counter boot! Dream wants the Figure Four again, but Ciampa shove shim out of the ring! Then DRAPING DDT! Cover, TWO!?! HOW?! Ciampa can’t believe it, but the fans love it. Maybe these two will “Fight Forever” because “This is Awesome!” But Ciampa goes to an old trick, as he pulls off padding from the floor. He exposes concrete, and then goes after Dream at the apron. Ciampa positions Dream as he drags him out, but Dream pushes through to barrel Ciampa over the announce desk! Both men are down and fans shout “Mamma Mia!” for Mauro’s sake. Dream and Ciampa stir back to life and head for the ring. The ref hasn’t even started counting yet.
But then Ciampa throws something at Mauro?! That’s uncalled for! Death Valley on the ground! Dream climbs up, PURPLE RAIN MAKER!! Cover, TWO!?! Dream keeps moving, seeing Ciampa on the apron. Purple Rain Maker, MISSES! Dream hits floor, and hurts his arm! Ciampa drags Dream up and in, but then to No Man’s Land? DDT on the steel!! Ciampa drags Dream into their ring, covers, and wins!
Winner: Tommaso Ciampa, by pinfall; still NXT Champion
Dream came so close so many times but the Black Heart wins out. If not even this much can end Ciampa’s reign, what will it take? Who will be the man to accomplish such a feat?
WarGames: The Undisputed Era VS Ricochet, Pete Dunne & The War Raiders!
Ever since they debuted, Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly & Bobby Fish have been running wild on NXT. And as enemies would close in, they managed to convince Roderick Strong to join their quest to forever #ShockTheSystem. However, they can no longer run from the fight, and must again face this sinister structure of steel. With the One and Only joining forces with the WWE United Kingdom Champion and the bearded behemoths of Ray Rowe & Hanson, will Cole and crew stand a chance of surviving? Or will they shock us all again by staying undefeated and undisputed?
Pete Dunne and Ricochet show solidarity with the War Raiders by wearing their own bits of war paint. To start the preliminary stage of this match, it’s Adam Cole BAYBAY and the One and Only NXT North American Champion! Cole trash talks Ricochet already, as these two still have a score to settle over that very title. The bell rings, and we have five minutes until another man is added. Kyle O’Reilly won an Advantage match this past NXT, so it will be Undisputed Era getting a new man first. As for these two, each man dares the other to fight in their ring. Ricochet is willing to cross over, but Cole is right on him! Cole clubs away but Ricochet turns things around with big haymakers.
Ricochet throws a European Uppercut and a swift chop. He whips but Cole reverses. Ricochet goes up and over then handsprings to headscissor and dropkick! Cole rolls to the other ring, but Ricochet follows. Ricochet brings Cole up for more clubbing forearms. Ricochet chops, then puts Cole in a corner. He gives Cole EuroUppers, then whips him corner to corner. Cole reverses but runs into an elbow. Ricochet springboards, but into a backstabber! Cole stands up and rains rights down on Ricochet. He then brings Ricochet up for a neckbreaker. Cole circles Ricochet, then brings him up to throw him into steel. Ricochet stops himself and then hits Cole back. Cole scoops but Ricochet slips out. Ricochet jumps, but into the ushigoroshi! Cole tosses Ricochet to the other ring, then follows.
Ricochet crawls but Cole is on him with a knee drop. Cole drops ax handles then drives a knee into Ricochet’s back. Cole brings Ricochet over to grind his face into the steel! He lets off and Ricochet writhes in a corner. Cole comes back and throws a forearm, but Ricochet hits back. Cole kicks Ricochet then whips. Ricochet kicks Cole back, then boots Cole from a corner. Ricochet dropkicks Cole down, and Cole rolls to the other ring. Cole stirs while Ricochet takes aim from far away. Ricochet runs, triangle jump and leaping uppercut! Both men are down, but the countdown begins. The buzzer sounds and the Undisputed Era sends… Kyle! Kyle goes in and gets Ricochet down! He fires off palm strikes while the three minute countdown begins. Kyle drives his knees into Ricochet while Cole stands.
The duo once known as Future Shock works together to mug Ricochet against steel. They double whip but Ricochet holds ropes. Ricochet sends Cole to the other ring, then avoids Kyle. He jumps into No Man’s Land to fight both men off! But Kyle gets a leg for a dragon screw through the ropes! Ricochet is down, and Cole joins Kyle again. They mug Ricochet with knees and kicks, and Ricochet is rocked. Cole and Kyle stomp Ricochet around, then taunt him to get up. Ricochet crawls away but they stay on him with more stomping. Kyle drags Ricochet up and Future Shock double whip. Ricochet dodges, pushes Cole into Kyle, then hits Kyle with a forearm. Cole boots Ricochet, then Kyle fires off strikes! Cole scoops, ushigoroshi on Kyle’s knee! Kyle keeps Ricochet down and throws more palm strikes, but the countdown returns.
Ricochet gets help from… Pete– Hanson? Hanson kept Dunne back because Hanson wants payback on Kyle. The War Beard rallies on Future Shock as we start another three minute countdown! Sidewalk slam and splash to Kyle! Scooping powerslam to Cole! Hanson misses in the corner, but he gets Kyle with a seated senton! Then Hanson cartwheels to avoid Cole, and clobbers him with a clothesline! Fans fire up with Hanson as he stands tall. They chant “War! War!” for Hanson as he begins a corner clothesline train! He hits Kyle, then Cole, then back again. Hanson gets a total of 10 but doesn’t stop! He brings Kyle into Cole, and they’re stacked in a corner. Hanson goes corner to corner, for a double bronco buster! Ricochet recovers, and Hanson helps him into the same ring. They forearm bump, Hanson becomes a step stool, shooting star onto Kyle!
Hanson decides to fetch Cole in the second ring, while Ricochet keeps on Kyle in the first. Cole elbows Hanson away, but then walks into a scoop. Kyle comes over to sweep Hanson’s legs! Ricochet gets Kyle with a clothesline, then he goes after Cole. Ricochet chops Cole, then rams his shoulder in. The countdown returns, and the Undisputed Era adds… Roderick Strong! Roddy hurries to help, going after Ricochet and Hanson! He chops away on Ricochet then whips, to dropkick Ricochet down! Roderick chops Hanson, then runs to shining wizard Ricochet! He does the same to Hanson, then gives Ricochet a urenage backbreaker. And another! And then torture rack, backbreaker drop! Fans fire up with Roddy as he drags Ricochet up to throw him into Hanson! Then Roddy runs, but Hanson catches him. Cole boots Hanson, Kyle gives the Ax ‘n’ Smash! Olympic Slam from Roddy!
The 3v2 favors the Undisputed Era, and fans are loving it! Cole, Strong and Kyle take turns stomping and dropping knees on Ricochet and Hanson. They have to fill time, so Strong puts Ricochet in a corner. Strong trash talks then Kyle joins him in chopping and kicking Ricochet. Strong hits Hanson for good measure, then works with Kyle again. Gutbuster and knee drop! Cole grinds his boot into Hanson, then Strong drives in a knee. The Undisputed Era pace about, confident they have control. But the countdown brings out… Rowe! Rowe pushed past Dunne, and then he goes right at all three men of the Undisputed Era! They stand up, he knocks them down, then he throws Strong overhead! Kyle runs into a gutbuster, then a gutwrench. Cole hits Rowe, but it only gets Rowe’s attention. Shotgun knees!
Rowe throws strikes all over Strong, but then Kyle climbs on for a sleeper! Rowe stays up, Cole runs in, but Cole gets an urenage! Then Rowe backs Kyle into the buckles and breaks free. Hanson returns, and now War Raiders work together. Hanson hauls Strong up while Rowe carries Kyle, and Strong is placed on Rowe’s shoulders! Powebomb-powerslam combo! Fans chant “War! War!” again as the Raiders stand tall. Hanson throws Kyle into steel, and then Rowe throws Strong! Cole realizes he’s all alone now, and Ricochet is up, too! Cole is fed to the Raiders, who then lawn dart Cole into steel! Ricochet and the Raiders stand tall, and they mug Cole in a corner. Ricochet keeps on Strong with haymakers and chops, but the countdown returns. The last one for the Undisputed Era, Bobby Fish, finally joins in!
But wait, Fish goes after Dunne? He wants to lock Dunne up, and he rams Dunne into steel bars! Fish puts his lock on, and only Fish has the key! He uses it to taunt Dunne, but then he throws it away! And then Fish goes looking under the ring! He brings in Undisputed Era branded chairs?! The Undisputed Era planned for this all along! Hanson blocks Kyle’s attack, but Fish gets his chair shot in! Then reDRagon tees off on the War Raiders and Ricochet! Cole and Strong regroup with them to take up chairs and throw them down on the others. Kyle strums his like a guitar while the others continue to SMACK their opponents. If Dunne can’t get in the ring, this match can’t officially start, which means it can’t end, either! The Undisputed Era can do this for as long as they want!
Strong and Fish throw Hanson into steel! Then they sit a chair up, and give Rowe an urenage across it! Fish taunts Rowe while Strong kicks Ricochet down. Cole and Kyle keep Hanson down on their end by going after his sore leg. Strong and Fish bring Rowe over, and they throw Rowe into steel of the cage! Rowe rebounds, though, and takes Fish out. Fish has to be careful because of his leg, but he seems fine. Kyle and Cole throw Hanson into more steel while Strong keeps on Ricochet. The countdown returns, but what does it matter if Dunne’s stuck in a cage? The ref’s use their key to unlock the first lock, but it won’t work on Fish’s lock. Dunne fights against it but there’s nothing he can do as Undisputed Era run a train on Ricochet against steel cage.
Fish and Cole keep on Rowe while Strong and Kyle keep on Hanson. They put each War Raider on a corner, then climb up to join them. Cole and Kyle help them coordinate, DOUBLE SUPERPLEX! Cole mocks Dunne, “You can’t do a darn thing!” He blows a mocking kiss, but here come bolt cutters! The ref gets the chain, and breaks it! Dunne is loose, and storms to the ring! Dunne may have one bad leg, but he’s going to find a way in. He grabs a kendo stick! Dunne smacks the hands of reDRagon off the cage door, then is ready for Cole. Dunne puts Cole’s hand on the steel steps, to SMACK it with the stick! Strong comes over but Dunne slams the door on him! Dunne brings out more things, and Ricochet crossbodies onto all of Undisputed Era!
Fans are thunderous as Dunne brings in a trash can, then another trash can, another kendo stick, and just as fans hoped, a TABLE! Rowe helps Dunne bring that table in as a brawl breaks out. Ricochet keeps reDRagon rocked as Dunne brings in a second table! Hanson helps him with that one, while Rowe sets a table up in No Man’s Land. Dunne grabs himself a stick, and this match FINALLY begins with a SMACK on Strong! SMACK for Kyle, SMACK for Strong! Dunne fires off on all four men of Undisputed Era, then hands the sticks over to Rowe and Ricochet. Hanson has a chair and Dunne has a chain, and they just beat down the Undisputed Era!
Kyle lands on the No Man’s Land steel, and Dunne tortures his arm. Dunne hammerlocks and STOMPS Kyle’s arm on that steel! Hanson hits Strong and Ricochet SMACKS Strong on the back. Fish grabs a can but Rowe stops him from using it. Dunne has Kyle’s arm and twists it. The kendo sticks fly, Strong gets over to where Kyle is, but Dunne X-plexes him onto Kyle! Cole chop blocks Dunne! Ricochet heads over but Cole tosses him into cage wall! The Era regroups in the second ring, and are ready for the Raiders. Strong kicks Rowe down, but Hanson avoids the chair shot. Kyle himself avoids the rebound accident, but then Hanson boots the chair into his face! Rowe gets back up as Hanson chops Cole. Hanson puts Cole in a can, and then puts him in a corner. Rowe picks Hanson up, senton attack on the canned Cole!
The Raiders then fire each other up, and Rowe scoops Hanson for a scoop slam senton on Kyle, across No Man’s Land! Kyle writhes while the Raiders go after Roddy. Pop up to German, springboard clothesline! Cover, but Fish breaks it in time. Rowe goes after Fish, German Suplex and springboard- TRASH CAN! Kyle hit Hanson with a flying trash can, and then he saves Fish from Rowe. Rowe fights off reDRagon, but ends up in a sleeper, and kick sandwich! Strong staggers up to help Cole in the second ring. Ricochet fights but still ends up in the gutbuster drop to backstabber! The Undisputed Era has regained control, and they surround Dunne. The Bruiserweight sees the situation he’s in, but doesn’t care! He throws hands on everyone!
Dunne blasts Cole with a forearm, then blasts with Fish with a forearm. Dunne dodges Strong, Strong hits steel cage, then staggers into Dunne’s German Suplex! Fish blocks Dunne’s kick, then ducks, so Dunne enziguris Kyle! Fish blocks a kick but gets reeled into a Kneebar! Dunne wrenches Fish’s bad leg, but Kyle saves Fish. Kyle uses that chain Dunne found, and uses it on Dunne’s bad leg! Kyle wraps it up as best he can, but then Dunne uses it to wrap up Kyle’s fingers! Dunne brings Kyle into a Kimura, the chain helping hold on. But Kyle lifts Dunne, and Fish SMACKS Dunne with a chair! Kyle uses that chain on Dunne now, for an ankle lock! Fish and Cole hold off the Raiders and Ricochet with chairs. Strong puts a chair on Dunne’s face and it’s an ankle lock with crossface.
Dunne somehow endures as the rest of his team work their way through, Ricochet FLIES in! Ricochet saves Dunne but gets a chair to the ribs. Strong hits Hanson, then runs, but for a BIG back drop! He ends up in the first ring, and now everyone is down. Hanson gets up and goes after Kyle. Rowe goes after Strong, and the Raiders have the NXT Tag Team Champions on either side of the table. Cole saves Kyle, but then Ricochet hits Cole. Fish saves Strong, but Dunne goes after Fish. Ricochet and Dunne have Strong and Kyle now, for a Butterfly SUPERPLEX and SUPER STEINER! Covers, TWO!! The Undisputed Era survives, but the Raiders decide the tables need to come into play now. The Raiders bring one over to the second ring, and Hanson sets it up.
Hanson targets Cole and puts him on the wood. The legs give out so Hanson dumps Cole off to try again. Cole scrambles away but Rowe is on him. He has him in No Man’s Land, powerbomb lift but Cole fights out. So he gets Thor’s Hammer! Cover, but Kyle breaks it with a chair shot! Rowe grabs Kyle, but Fish saves Kyle with a kendo SMACK. Fish then spears Rowe through the table! Fans are loving the carnage, but it isn’t over yet. Cole and Ricochet fight and end up near the other table. Cole has Ricochet in a corner and hauls him up. He climbs up to join him, but Ricochet resists. Ricochet kicks Cole, drags him into a Tree of Woe, but Kyle saves Cole. Kyle and Ricochet fight now, and Ricochet gets Kyle on the table.
Strong comes over and gives Ricochet a leaping knee! Kyle reels Ricochet into a triangle hold! But Hanson climbs up, and as Ricochet gets free, Hanson splashes down on Kyle, through the table! Cover, but Strong uses a trash can to break it! All four men but the fans are thunderous. The referees clear the debris, and Cole is first to stand up. Cole decides to climb up, but not to escape. Ricochet follows Cole, though, and they go after each other! They brawl, but have to be careful not to fall out. If even one man hits the floor, their entire team is disqualified. Strong climbs up to go after Ricochet, and they decide to throw Ricochet out! Ricochet holds on, and manages to kick Strong down! Strong gets crotch’d on the top rope, and now Ricochet only has to worry about Cole.
Cole clubs Ricochet on the back, but here comes Dunne! Dunne grabs Cole’s fingers and pulls, and gets Cole back in. But Kyle climbs up to go after Dunne. Rowe goes after Cole, but then Strong goes after Rowe. things are getting crazy up there as Hanson and Fish scrap on their way over. Hanson grabs everyone, even with Fish on his back, for a special WarGames TOWER OF DOOM!! All seven men go down in a heap, and fans lose their minds! But wait, Ricochet is still up top, and fans spot him sitting back up. The others regroup as he stands, and Ricochet 630 MOONSAULTS! He wipes them all out!! Fans are at a fever pitch as all eight men are down and out!
The teams regroup in opposite rings, and the teammates help each other stand. Fans rally up as the two teams stand across, each man facing a counterpart on the other side. They approach each other, and fans are thunderous. They go into No Man’s Land, to brawl!! Hands just fly wildly, and then things spill out into rings. Hanson has Kyle while Fish DDT’s Rowe. Fish kicks but Rowe gets him with Ace Ten Mao! Hanson leaves Kyle behind, for FALLOUT! But Kyle grabs Rowe before the cover, Strong Elimination! Strong and Kyle double whip Hanson, but he breaks through, to handspring back elbow!
Cole SUPERKICKS Hanson, but Ricochet springboards at Cole, for another SUPERKICK! Dunne blocks the kick to tweak the ankle! And snap the fingers! And hit Bitter- DDT from Cole! Last Shot brianbuster, to shining wizard! Cover, TWO?!? Cole keeps going, but misses the second shot, for a Bitter End! 450 splash outta nowhere! Double cover, #OneAndOnlyBruiserRaiders WIN!!
Winners: The War Raiders, Pete Dunne & Ricochet, both Ricochet & Dunne pinning
TakeOver is no longer Undisputed, and the Undisputed no longer rules TakeOver! There is wreckage everywhere, but Ricochet’s team can hold their heads high. Dunne and Ricochet get their belts back, and stand tall atop the cage. They’re reminded of their own unsettled score, the Champion VS Champion match the Undisputed Era ruined. Ricochet still has to keep Cole away, but will he get another shot at proving the North American Championship is better than the United Kingdom Championship? Will the War Raiders get themselves another go at the NXT Tag Team Championships?
My Thoughts:
There is already so much to love about any TakeOver, but this may have been the best TakeOver yet! I loved the surprise of Riddle VS Ohno, and it worked perfectly in story. Ohno was acting so superior, so him losing in mere seconds was the right way to go. Then Ohno and Riddle can have a lengthier rematch on a later NXT episode to really give us something incredible. The Women’s Championship match felt really fast. Shayna has ultimate Heel heat from Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir helping her again, mostly with the first fall. The brawling of Jessamyn and Marina with Dakota Kai, then Io Shirai coming in, tells me this will be the Six Woman Tag showdown we get, which is great given Dakota’s history with Shayna and Shirai’s friendship with Kairi. And obviously, this means Shayna VS Kairi will continue.
In Aleister VS Gargano, I liked that both guys knew the other’s moves enough to counter, and there was great story elements like Gargano begging for forgiveness only to use it as a way to steal the win. I like that Aleister didn’t have to use two Black Mass kicks but chose to use two. Aleister wins to keep Gargano’s story going, because Gargano will be seeking vindication of his “I’m still the hero!” claims. Ciampa VS “Hollywood” Dream was so great, and Dream really used all his references to legendary wrestlers like Hogan, Flair and Rick Roode to great effect. I really thought Dream was winning, but that’s how good they booked the match, Ciampa wins to perhaps set up a proper Aleister VS Ciampa match now.
The WarGames match itself was incredible. It seemed odd to me that Ricochet’s team had dysfunction when it came to sending members out, but things like that tend to plague Faces more than Heels in such situations as a standard wrestling trope. The Undisputed Era’s scheme of locking out the last man while preparing their own weapons was a great touch. I almost thought Dunne was going to stay locked in and someone else (like EC3) was going to sub in for him. But I suppose it’s fine that Dunne still gets free, NXT can save EC3 VS Undisputed Era for later. I know in our Chairshot staff picks I expected the Era to still win, but it does work for Ricochet’s team to win. Now the Era will have to regroup in order to keep the tag titles while Cole looks to regain the North American title.
My Score: 9/10
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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.
The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.
Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!
Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!
Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!
The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.
As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.
Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.
Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.
Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?
Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.
My Score: 8.9/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
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TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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