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Mitchell’s NXT TakeOver: Phoenix Results & Report! (1/26/19)

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NXT takes over Phoenix! With so many titles on the line, who comes out holding gold at the end of the night? Will Aleister finally make Ciampa #FadeToBlack?

 

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • NXT Tag Team Championships: The Undisputed Era’s Kyle O’Reilly & Roderick Strong VS The War Raiders; The War Raiders win and become the new NXT Tag Team Champions.
  • Matt Riddle VS Kassius Ohno; Riddle wins.
  • NXT North American Championship: Ricochet VS Johnny Gargano; Gargano wins and becomes the new NXT North American Champion.
  • NXT Women’s Championship: Shayna Baszler VS Bianca Belair; Baszler wins and retains the NXT Women’s Championship.
  • NXT Championship: Tommaso Ciampa VS Aleister Black; Ciampa wins and retains the NXT Championship.

PLAY BY PLAY

Welcome to the NXT TakeOver Preshow!

Join Charly Caruso, Sam Roberts and Pat McAfee as they review the action that led up to tonight’s incredible match card!

 

It’s finally time for the Year End Awards for 2018!

These awards are great honors for the superstars of NXT, but they’re even more special because fans voted for the winners!

The first award awarded tonight will be the Breakout Star of 2018! So many great nominees, but the winner is… The One and Only Ricochet! Ricochet is the second North American Champion and is already a winner with this award. Ricochet had a great 2018 but to pinpoint his favorite moment, was winning this NXT NAC. How will he keep running so high now that it’s 2019? By beating Johnny Gargano in their match tonight, of course. Will the wins keep racking up for the King of Flight?

Second is Match of the Year for 2018! Every match on the nominee list was an instant classic, but only one can be the best for 2018, and that match is… TakeOver: Brooklyn, Andrade Almas VS Johnny Gargano for the NXT Championship! Gargano has had many great matches, but does he feel his match tonight will be even be better? Well this is Gargano’s second MOTY award, and this match in particular was the transformation of Johnny Wrestling into Johnny Takeover. However, there are two sides to every match, and Zelina Vega arrives to accept Almas’ part of the award on his behalf. And she doesn’t get how Gargano can talk like that when he lost this very match. Gargano’s ego is going out of control.

What has Gargano done since losing to Almas? Almas is on SmackDown, beat Rey Mysterio and is taking over the main roster. Meanwhile, Gargano is “still coming up short.” 2018 was Johnny Takeover’s year, but 2019 is the Year of Tranquilo. Gargano admits to that. But he’s going to get himself a third MOTY, and a title. Will Vega’s trash talk be the motivation Gargano needs to overthrow the One and Only?

The third award is the Male Competitor of the Year. Needless to say, champions have advantage in this category, and the winner is THE NXT Champion, Tommaso Ciampa! Ciampa doesn’t care about the golden bell, he has his golden belt to hold onto. Will Ciampa still have that belt after facing Aleister Black?

Moving right along, the Female Competitor of the Year is just as stacked with championship level talent. The winner is the Pirate Princess, Kairi Sane! Ahoy, the Mae Young Classic’s inaugural winner has a golden bell for all her own. She thanks all her fans, she’s so happy to have won this. 2018 was a great year, of course, but she’ll do her best in 2019! She loves the fans, she loves NXT and she loves wrestling! Bye~! Will Kairi sail on for even bigger and better in the new year?

The Infamous One, Bobby Fish, joins the panel! And he’s ringing a golden bell. Pat teases Fish that Adam Cole is letting Fish speak for the team. Fish gets Pat back by not knowing who he is. But Fish is here to say that the Undisputed Era are the NXT Tag Team of the Year for 2018. Pat says the War Raiders are flawless from their feats of strength to their great beards. Fish says his beard is better, but as for that tag title match, the Undisputed Era will just be the Undisputed Era. TakeOvers are their events, and that won’t change. Pat tries to talk but Fish rings his golden bell each time he starts.

Will this award be extra motivation to win tonight? They don’t need extra motivation, NXT is already their show, this is already their Era. Then will Cole and Fish do something to help Kyle O’Reilly and Roderick Strong? Yes, by eventually capturing the other two titles and making the Undisputed Era completely golden. Fish mocks Pat’s jorts, but Pat takes pride in his cannon leg. Will O’Reilly and Strong be able to back up Fish’s confidence when they go against Ray Rowe & Hanson?

Finally, the Overall Competitor of the Year! We know Ciampa is the winner of the Male Competitor award and Kairi is the winner of the Female Competitor award. But which one of them won more fans over? It is KAIRI SANE! The Pirate Princess returns and has a second golden bell to hold! “I can’t believe it! Are you sure?” Yes, she is! This deserves no less than a celebration dance. Kairi can’t thank the fans enough, she is so honored. This is clearly the fans thanking her for her time in NXT, what’s next for Kairi? She vows to again be NXT Women’s Champion! “I love you!”

 

“In the desert, the heat burns.”

But the hottest thing won’t be the sun or the sand, it will be the fights in the ring. New blood takes on old guard. Hunters become the hunted. And an Era is at war. The snake looks to keep itself wrapped around the title, but a Dutch Destroyer looks to break the snake’s fangs. Who will take over Phoenix?

 

NXT Tag Team Championships: The Undisputed Era’s Kyle O’Reilly & Roderick Strong VS The War Raiders!

Do you hear the drums? Do you hear the calling of the horn? The war has come to Phoenix! Will Hanson & Rowe raid the Undisputed Era’s treasures and take those tag titles away? Or will 2019 stay golden for Strong & O’Reilly?

Introductions are made, the belts are raised, and the teams sort out, only for Strong and O’Reilly to jump the Raiders! They throw Hanson out and then Strong wrecks him with a dropkick! They gang up on Rowe now, double whip but Rowe runs them over! Strong and O’Reilly bail out but Hanson runs them over on the outside! Rowe and Hanson regroup on the apron , for a scoop slam senton! Fans are thunderous as Row e throws Strong into the ring. Strong dodges Hanson but then bounces off Hanson’s shoulder! Tag to Rowe and Hanson squashes Strong before feeding him to Rowe’s shotgun knee! The Raiders work together for a spinbuster hip attack! Rowe covers, TWO!

Rowe drags Strong over to tag in Hanson. They want to end this quick but O’Reilly saves Strong from Fallout! Strong stops Hanson, then the Era throws Rowe into him! Tag to O’Reilly and O’Reilly fetches Hanson. Hanson hits him back but Strong clubs Hanson in the ring. The Era mug Hanson then O’Reilly throws kicks and knees. Tag to Strong and they mug Hanson more with kicks and chops! Strong brings Hanson over with a suplex but Hanson blocks. Hanson suplexes Strong but Strong slips out. Tag to O’Reilly and they mug Hanson more. But Hanson blocks the double whip so they chop and kick him more. They double whip and then add kicks and elbows. O’Reilly grinds Hanson down with a facelock but fans rally up on both sides.

Hanson pushes O’Reilly back while crawling, then powers his way up. O’Reilly does his best to keep Hanson from Rowe with a guillotine, but Hanson powers through! Tag to Rowe and Rowe runs Strong over. Rowe rallies with forearms on both champs! Tilt-o-whirl gutbuster, but O’Reilly throws a forearm. Rowe doesn’t care, he just throws Strong at O’Reilly! Rowe drags O’Reilly to the apron, then elbows Strong away. O’Reilly kicks Rowe’s legs out, then Strong runs in for a wrecking ball dropkick, but Rowe catches that! O’Reilly hits a leaping knee! Hanson clotheslines Strong out, then DIVES! But Strong gets clear and Hanson hits the floor! Fans lose their minds over that massive crash landing! O’Reilly goes after Rowe in the corner, but he runs into a BIG urenage!

Rowe shotgun dropkicks Strong then scoops O’Reilly, but Strong saves O’Reilly. Strong takes the hit but O’Reilly chop blocks Rowe! O’Reilly keeps on Rowe but Rowe hits back hard! Tag to Strong, and Strong gets Rowe with a backbreaker! Cover, TWO! Strong keeps Rowe down and tags in O’Reilly. The Era stomp Rowe down then drag him back up. They double suplex and hang Rowe out to dry! O’Reilly keeps on Rowe with elbows and knees to the ribs. He runs for a sliding knee, then throws down palm strikes. Fans duel as O’Reilly wants the armbar. Rowe resists and rolls, but O’Reilly makes it a triangle. Rowe deadlifts but Strong tags in, and gets him with another backbreaker! Cover, TWO! Rowe survives and Strong is frustrated.

Strong drags Rowe over then tags in O’Reilly. O’Reilly drags Rowe up but Rowe breaks free. Rowe swings but gets caught into a hold. Hanson returns but O’Reilly and Rowe push each other around. Rowe keeps pushing for his corner so Strong hits Hanson. It does nothing! Hanson gets in but the referee stops him. Strong drags Rowe back and the Era get away with more mugging! Tag to Strong but Rowe fights his way out. Rowe throws O’Reilly at Strong with an exploder! Both members of the Era are out of the ring, and Hanson shouts for Rowe to hurry over. Rowe staggers and crawls, but O’Reilly trips Hanson! Hanson doesn’t fall, but Strong wrecks him with a dropkick! Strong dropkicks Rowe next, then covers, TWO! Strong keeps his focus as he tags in O’Reilly.

Rowe kicks O’Reilly, throws knees, but turns not a kick and elbow from O’Reilly. O’Reilly turns into the discus forearm, then boots. But Rowe gets O’Reilly with Ace Ten Mao! Both men are down but fans reach a fever pitch! Rowe and O’Reilly crawl for their corners, hot tags to Strong and Hanson! War Beard blasts Strong with a forearm then tosses him with a back drop! Hanson fires off backhands and haymakers, then whips Strong into a side slam! He keeps moving, crossbody splash! Strong flounders but dodges in the corner. Hanson hits a seated senton! Hanson cartwheels and clotheslines O’Reilly! Phoenix is fired up for Hanson as he takes aim at the Era.

Hanson pumps up and starts a clothesline train! Strong, then O’Reilly, then back to Strong, repeat! O’Reilly runs but his boot goes into Strong! Hanson hits O’Reilly with a powerslam! Then Strong gets a bronco buster! Cover, TWO! Hanson can’t believe it, but he keeps his cool as the match continues. Fans already know “This is Awesome!” as Hanson throws heavy hands on Strong. Hanson backs off at 4 but Strong boots and enziguris back. Strong runs into a scoop but slips out to hit a leaping lariat! Hot tags to Rowe and O’Reilly. O’Reilly kicks but Rowe just takes it. Rowe’s clothesline is booted away, but O’Reilly slips out of a scoop. Strong runs in but is caught, so O’Reilly sweeps Rowe’s legs!

Hanson boots Strong, but O’Reilly knees him. Rowe rocks O’Reilly with a right but gets a fireman’s carry gutbuster! Hanson hits Strong, O’Reilly hits Hanson, but O’Reilly runs into Thor’s Hammer! Hanson DIVES on Strong outta nowhere! Rowe covers O’Reilly, TWO!! “Fever pitch” doesn’t even describe how fans are loving this. Rowe gives O’Reilly a backbreaker, then gut wrenches. Hanson tags in then climbs as Rowe bombs O’Reilly. Hanson leaps for a Viking Splash! Cover, Strong breaks it! Rowe throws Strong out and the War Raiders regroup. Hanson climbs again but Strong gets in. Rowe throws Strong out and lifts O’Reilly. O’Reilly slips out and fights back. Strong gets Rowe out and then goes after Hanson up top. SUPERPLEX! O’Reilly leaps in with a super knee! Cover, TWO!! The Undisputed Era cannot believe they haven’t won yet!

Fans give a standing ovation as Rowe fights the Era on the apron. Strong lifts Rowe for an apron backbreaker! O’Reilly tags Strong and they go after Hanson. Ax and SMASH, then Olympic Slam! Cover, TWO!! Hanson lives again and the Era doesn’t understand. Fans hope they “Fight Forever!” but this is just the first match! Strong tags O’Reilly but Hanson scoops. Strong hits a knee, STRONG ANNIHILATION! Cover, TWO!? Hanson survives something that never fails! Strong and O’Reilly fire themselves up but Hanson grabs them both. They break free to mug and go again, but Hanson escapes with a cartwheel! And then a handspring back elbow wipes them out!? Tag to Rowe, and the Raiders double stack Strong and O’Reilly for the powerbomb powerslam combo! Then O’Reilly gets FALLOUT!! Cover, The War Raiders win!!

Winners: The War Raiders, Rowe pinning; NEW NXT Tag Team Champions

The war came to Phoenix and the raid was successful! The Undisputed Era’s era is already over! Rowe & Hanson now reign over the Tag Team Division, is this only the beginning of their conquest?

 

Matt Riddle VS Kassius Ohno!

The King of Bros and the Knockout Artist had the fastest match in TakeOver history! But those seven seconds weren’t enough to satisfy the bitterness in Ohno, and now it’s come to this. Will Ohno finally break the Original Bro? Or will Riddle get a 3-0 sweep?

The bell rings and the two start throwing hands! Riddle backs Ohno down but Ohno shoves Riddle away. Ohno bails out so Riddle follows, and hits a flying forearm from around the corner! Fans chant “Bro! Bro!” as Riddle keeps on Ohno. Ohno ducks the kick and avoids a moonsault but not the senton! Riddle rams knees into Ohno’s ribs then gut wrenches Ohno up and over! Ohno bails out again while fans applaud that show of strength. Riddle walks into Ohno’s kick, then Ohno whips Riddle to ropes. Riddle reverses but Ohno tumbles to the apron, only to get a forearm. Ohno holds on but Riddle slingshots for a sunset flip bomb! Ohno hands on to the apron skirt, and uses it to blind Riddle! He stomps Riddle in the head!

Riddle flounders back into the ring but Ohno grinds his boot into Riddle’s ear. Ohno then runs to drop a BIG leg drop! Cover, TWO! Riddle gasps for air while Ohno goes after him with a cravat. Ohno grinds Riddle down but fans rally up for Riddle. Riddle gets up and throws body shots. Ohno shoves him but Riddle returns, only to get a tricky back elbow! Cover, TWO! Ohno kicks Riddle back down then eggs him on as he stomps Riddle down. He calls Riddle a “bum”, and boots Riddle again. Riddle SLAPS and chops away on Ohno! Ohno puts Riddle in a corner for furious forearms and backhands! Ohno backs up to boot Riddle out of the ring! Fans boo and jeer while Ohno drags Riddle up. Ohno throws Riddle into a post! Ohno drags Riddle up in a cravat to throw him into steel steps!

The referee reprimands Ohno as Ohno refreshes the count. Riddle writhes and gasps on the outside but fans rally up. The count passes 5 as Riddle gets up and in. Ohno is right on Riddle with a forearm but Riddle stands back up. Riddle’s glare worries Ohno so Ohno boots him. But Riddle stands back up and goes right at Ohno! Ohno stops Riddle with a suplex, but Riddle slips into a sleeper hold! Riddle wraps tight around Ohno but Ohno gets ropes. Riddle lets go, to instead waistlock. Ohno stomps Riddle’s foot! Riddle’s bare feet are his biggest weakness now against Ohno’s boots! Ohno goes to knee but Riddle blocks and gets the German Suplex! Bridging cover, TWO!

Fans rally up as Riddle gives Bro Kicks to Ohno’s chest. Kick after kick after kick, but Ohno grabs the foot. Again, bare feet are bad as Ohno BITES a toe! Ohno reels Riddle into a knee! Ohno picks Riddle up, but Riddle fights in the powerbomb position, only to get the sit-out bomb! Cover, TWO! Ohno is shocked but he keeps going. He climbs up top, to MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Riddle still lives and Ohno is beside himself. Ohno sits up and grits his teeth as he aims at Riddle. He spins, but Riddle ducks, only to get a boot! And a back senton! Then another, but into the sleeper! Riddle has Ohno but Ohno rolls to ropes. Riddle lets go but then takes his anger out with stomps! He backs off but still has a lot of rage.

Ohno begs for mercy from Riddle, but fans don’t believe him when he puts out the bro fist. Riddle doesn’t either, knee trigger! Sleeper hold suplex! And then Riddle drives elbow after elbow into Ohno’s shoulders! Ohno taps! Riddle wins!

Winner: Matt Riddle, by submission

Riddle leaves Ohno tapping and sobbing, and still without a win over him or at TakeOver. Will Riddle finally be able to leave Ohno behind and go for some gold?

 

Velveteen Dream is in Phoenix!

The Patrick Clark Experience seems to channel any number of legends who charmed the ladies given his valets. While Dream isn’t on the TakeOver card, he’ll be part of the huge WWE Worlds Collide tournament! Watch that tournament all next Saturday on various outlets, but watch the finals exclusively on the WWE Network!

 

NXT North American Championship: Ricochet VS Johnny Gargano!

Whether Johnny Gargano was manipulated by Tommaso Ciampa or not, Gargano still wants to be champion. However, he’ll have to take on the One and Only King of Flight to take that title. Ricochet isn’t about to let Gargano do what he wants, but will he have a choice in this ever intensifying feud?

Introductions are made, the belt is raised, and fans duel already as we begin. The two circle and tie up and push each other around. Ricochet gets a wristlock but Gargano spins to reverse while fans agree they like “Both These Guys!” Ricochet spins and rolls to reverse back but Gargano pushes him away. Gargano arm-drags and rolls Ricochet to a ghost pin, TWO! Gargano gets a facelock and holds on as Ricochet rolls around. Cover, TWO, and Ricochet avoids Gargano’s superkick! Gargano dares Ricochet to return and the two circle again. They tie up and fans duel again. Gargano brings Ricochet to a keylock and headlock takeover. Ricochet rolls to a cover, TWO!

Gargano keeps the hold but Ricochet stands up. Ricochet fights out but Gargano runs him over. Ricochet kips right up but Gargano throws him down. Gargano runs but Ricochet gets up and arm-drags him. Gargano wheelbarrows and rolls Ricochet around but Ricochet rolls back to a fireman’s carry! But Gargano slips out and rolls Ricochet up. Ricochet gets out and things speed up, Gargano blocks a kick but Ricochet filps through. Gargano tilt-o-whirls but Ricochet handsprings through, Gargano comes back to try again but Ricochet still handsprings through! Fans give an ovation to this amazing exchange! Ricochet wants to know which Johnny he’s getting, and offers a handshake. Gargano takes it to throw a sucker punch!

Ricochet knows which Johnny it is now, and they start throwing hands. Gargano CHOPS Ricochet in a corner, then whips him corner to corner. Ricochet goes up and over and things speed up again. Ricochet handsprings to headscissor then dropkick Gargano! Gargano bails out, Ricochet fakes him out. Ricochet hops, and moonsaults off the post! Direct hit takes Gargano down and fans are loving this! Ricochet gets Gargano up for more chops, and follows him around the corner. Ricochet chops Gargano into the ring then follows. Gargano crawls to a corner but Ricochet runs in, only to get an elbow. Gargano hops up but Ricochet SHORYUKENS! Ricochet climbs up and sits Gargano up, but Gargano grabs a leg. Gargano pushes Ricochet but Ricochet SLAPS him back.

Ricochet climbs up but Gargano sweeps the legs! Ricochet’s face hits buckles! Gargano catches his breath before raining down left hands. He drags Ricochet up for a snapmare and basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Gargano keeps on Ricochet with a wrench. He hooks the arm as he wrenches the neck. Fans rally up as Ricochet endures. Ricochet fights out and gets free. He whips but Gargano reverses, only for Ricochet to reverse back. Ricochet goes to moonsault but Gargano kicks him out of the air! Gargano drags Ricochet up for a modified neckbreaker using his knee! Cover, TWO! Gargano keeps on Ricochet by pulling him up by his ear. Gargano wrenches back to that arm hook, then makes it a cover, TWO! But now Gargano has Ricochet’s head hooked!

Fans rally as Ricochet endures, and Ricochet makes it a cover. TWO and Gargano throat chops Ricochet down! Gargano kicks Ricochet at the ropes, then drags Ricochet up for CHOPS against the ropes. Ricochet CHOPS back but Gargano punches him down. Gargano whips but Ricochet reverses, only for Gargano to sunset flip. Ricochet breaks free and deadlifts, but Gargano slips out to shove. Gargano runs but is put on the apron. Ricochet turns around but avoids the slingshots spear! Standing moonsault lands on Gargano’s back! Both men are down but fans fire up. The count passes 4 but both men stand. Gargano throws a forearm but Ricochet gives it back.

They go back and forth with forearms and chops, but Ricochet gets an edge. Ricochet shoves, lariats, runs and headscissors Gargano to a corner! He runs in for an uppercut, back elbow then throws Gargano to buckles for a tiger feint kick! Springboard uppercut! Fans fire up with Ricochet as he rolls Gargano up to a Northern LIghts! Then roll through to a deadlift brain buster! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet grows frustrated with Gargano but fans are loving this. Ricochet brings Gargano up but Gargano blocks the pumphandle. Gargano throws palm strikes then wants his own suplex but Ricochet elbows him away. Ricochet runs in but is put on the apron. He punches Gargano away and springboards, but Gargano gets under. Ricochet shoves Gargano, then rolls into a powerbomb! TWO, but Gargano gets a crossface!

Ricochet endures but crawls, so Gargano rolls him away from ropes. Ricochet reaches, but Gargano wants his own take on the hold. Gargano can’t get the arm so he just rolls to a Mahistrol! TWO and Ricochet just narrowly ducks the buzzsaw! Ricochet sends Gargano to the apron, but Gargano kicks back. Gargano slingshots, but the DDT is blocked!? Ricochet dumps Gargano back out hard! Ricochet builds speed to FLY! Direct hit takes Gargano out! Ricochet puts Gargano in quick but Gargano rolls all the way away. Fans chant “Mamma Mia!” after that high spot. Gargano boots Ricochet but gets a European Uppercut. Gargano goes up and over to roll Ricochet back, but Ricochet rolls to hit a standing shooting star! Then hops up for another moonsault! Cover, TWO! Ricochet grows frustrated but fans know “This is Awesome!”

Ricochet goes to another corner but Gargano scrambles to anchor the feet. Gargano gets kicked away but he comes back to try again. Ricochet and Gargano brawl as both men fight for control. Gargano climbs up but Ricochet gets him in a fireman’s carry! Gargano fights back and adjusts, SUPER STEINER denied! Ricochet brings Gargano up, but Gargano STILL Steiners! But Ricochet lands on his feet! Fans are thunderous while Gargano is speechless! Gargano walks into a right hand but gets an enziguri. Ricochet uppercuts, ducks the clothesline but misses the Pele. Gagano’s superkick misses and Ricochet hits a knee strike, only for Gargano to SUPERKICK back! Ricochet ducks the lariat to hit the PELE! Ricochet runs to handspring, but into a takedown! GargaNO Escape!! Ricochet endures and deadlifts Gargano for a Fall Away Slam into buckles!

Fans are fired up as Ricochet climbs up. Ricochet aims but Gargano rolls all the way away. Gargano goes to the apron but Ricochet just smirks. Ricochet runs corner to corner, but Gargano drops down to deny him again. Ricochet doesn’t mind, he just LEAPS over the post! He puts Gargano in quick, then springboards for a 450! Cover, TWO!? That superhuman heart of Gargano’s is back, but Ricochet won’t stop now. Ricochet climbs up again, takes aim, and leaps for a shooting star! ONTO KNEES! Cradle cover, TWO!! Gargano and Ricochet go to opposite ends as fans duel again. Gargano grits his teeth and aims, SUPERKICK! But it sends Ricochet all the way out of the ring! Gargano builds speed to DIVE, but into Ricochet’s fireman’s carry! Ricochet pops Gargano up, but REVERSE-RANA to the floor!

Gargano puts Ricochet in quick, slingshot DDT hits! Cover, TWO!? Fans are giving another thunderous ovation of the night as they chant “NXT! NXT!” Gargano drags Ricochet around but his anger is boiling over. Gargano borrows a page out of Ciampa’s book by pulling up floor mats! He drags Ricochet out onto the apron, but the referee warns Gargano. Gargano stops himself and puts Ricochet in the ring. He walks into a small package! TWO, but Ricochet blocks the superkick. Ricochet spins Gargano to clothesline his head off! Ricochet climbs again, Phoenix Splash misses! SUPERKICK! Gargano runs, but into a tilt-o-whirl toss! Ricochet STEALS the GargaNo Escape!! Gargano endures his own hold as he reaches for ropes!

Ricochet wrenches back but Gargano flails and crawls. Gargano gets free and gets the ropebreak, keeping Ricochet away. Fans hope these two “Fight Forever!” just like they did for the tag team championship match. Ricochet joins Gargano on the apron, but Gargano shoves him into the post! Gargano sees the bare concrete again, and is torn on what to do. He drags Ricochet over, BRAIN BUSTER ON CONCRETE!! Fans lose their minds and the referee checks on Ricochet. Somehow Ricochet is okay to continue, and Gargano puts him back in the ring. Gargano grimaces as he looks down at Ricochet. Gargano says he’s going to win, and he slingshots for another DDT! Cover, Gargano wins!!

Winner: Johnny Gargano, by pinfall; NEW NXT North American Champion

Whether he’s Johnny Wrestling, Johnny Venom or Johnny TakeOver, he is now Johnny Champion! Gargano has the title like he wanted, and he did it by any means necessary. But will he have this title for long? Or will he soon become Johnny Forever?

 

NXT Women’s Championship: Shayna Baszler VS Bianca Belair!

The Queen of Spades is the first two-time Women’s Champion, and has made opponent after opponent #NapTapOrSnap. However, the EST is the strongest, fastest and boldest, but she still needs to prove she’s the best. Will Bianca stay Un-De-Fea-Ted all the way to the end of this match? Or will Shayna show everyone that win streaks mean nothing against a mean streak?

Introductions are made, the belt is raised, and fans duel all over again with the bell. Bianca and Shayna are not intimidated by the other as they circle. They tie up, and Shayna gets a headlock. Bianca powers her to a corner then backs off. She dares Shayna to come back but Shayna just grins as they go again. They push each other around but the strength goes Bianca’s way again. Bianca lets up again, but Shayna catches her bragging! Shayna sits Bianca down in the corner, but Bianca gets her back! Un-De-Fea-Ted, but Shayna shoves. Bianca shoves, but runs into a headlock. Shayna wrenches and shifts around through locks. Bianca powers out and things speed up, Bianca runs Shayna over.

Bianca dares Shayna to stand, and then whips her corner to corner. Shayna reverses but Bianca goes up and over and shows her agility! Bianca runs Shayna over again! Shayna rolls out but Bianca pursues. Bianca bumps Shayna off the apron, but Shayna throws Bianca at the post. Bianca slips to the other side but Shayna uses Bianca’s own long ponytail against her! Shayna reels Bianca into the post! Shayna leaves Bianca behind while Bianca clutches her shoulder. Bianca gets up at the count of 6, but that arm bothers her. She still gets in at 9, but Shayna is right on her with stomps and fists! Shayna covers, TWO, but she’s right after that bad arm. Bianca kicks and flails as Shayna twists her arm in different angles. Shayna has the arm stuck, and hammerlock stomps it!

Bianca writhes and scrambles to a corner, but she doesn’t want to give up. Shayna hammers away on Bianca, then stalks her around the ring. Shayna wants to know where the confidence went as she goes after the arm again. Bianca endures as Shayna has a spinning armbar. Shayna YANKS the arm, then grins as she circles Bianca like a shark. Shayna kicks Bianca while fans duel again. She wraps Bianca’s arm around the ropes, but backs off at 4. She rolls Bianca to a cover, TWO! Shayna keeps focus as she goes after the arm with another mounted wristlock. Bianca endures the pain while fans rally up again. They stand and Bianca uses her good arm to fight out. Shayna ducks and gets the sleeper! But Bianca backs Shayna into buckles. Bianca’s free but not for long! Shayna fires off forearms and rocks Bianca with a knee! Cover, TWO!

Shayna still grins as she toys with Bianca. Fans duel more as Shayna taunts Bianca. Shayna stands Bianca up and tells her she’s O-Ver-Rate-Ed. But then Bianca SLAPS Shayna! Then she dodges Shayna and baits her into a corner! Bianca rams her knee in, then tosses with her good arm! Bianca barrels into Shayna with the bad shoulder, but dropkicks Shayna to a corner. Shayna comes back but Bianca dodges and SPEARS! Cover, TWO! Bianca gets her bad arm moving then tries again, ONE! Bianca grits her teeth as she drags Shayna up, but Shayna gets the bad arm with legs. Shayna can’t get the hold, Bianca stomps away on her! Bianca runs and splashes, but onto knees! Step-up shining wizard! Cover, TWO! Shayna grows frustrated with the seemingly toughest woman in NXT, but fans rally up for them both.

Shayna drags Bianca up for a forearm, but Bianca hits back. They brawl with forearms, but Bianca kicks the bad arm. Shayna dodges Bianca’s swings to then throw fast strikes! Bianca falls, but HAIR WHIPS! Shayna writhes from that stinging ponytail attack! It left a mark! Bianca drags Shayna up in double chicken wings, but Shayna rolls, and sends Bianca into the ref! Shayna grabs Bianca by her hair, but Bianca reels her in with it for a forearm! Bianca torture racks, KOD!! Cover but the ref is out! The fans count past 6 but it doesn’t matter! Bianca is furious, she’s the angriest woman right now. And with no ref, here comes Marina Shafir! Bianca tacklse her down, and is ready for Jessamyn Duke! Chicken wing bomb of Jessamyn onto Marina! Bianca drags Shayna up but Shayna throws her into the Kirafuda Klutch!

Bianca flails as the ref revives. Fans boo but Bianca is trapped! Bianca keeps moving, keeps trying, and holds her breath to power up!! Shayna holds tight, but Bianca turns the hold into a suplex!! Both women are down but fans have new respect for Bianca! Bianca drags herself to a corner and to the top rope, but the Horsewomen return. Bianca kicks them away, then leaps at Shayna! 450 splash, but into the KIRAFUDA!! Bianca flails, reaches, claws at Shayna’s arms, but she’s fading! She tries again, and somehow gets a second wind, only for Shayna to drag her right back down. Shayna squeezes tight, but Bianca won’t stop! Bianca somehow stands again with a THIRD wind, but she falls again. Bianca is out, Shayna wins!

Winner: Shayna Baszler, by submission; still NXT Women’s Champion

The Horsewomen stick together and keep that title with The Queen of Spades. The EST came so close, but she just didn’t have the numbers to win. Is Shayna done with Bianca forever? Or will the EST only grow stronger for this experience?

 

NXT Championship: Tommaso Ciampa VS Aleister Black!

Is the Psycho Killer a puppet master? Is he truly THE greatest in sports entertainment? It doesn’t really matter because he is THE champion of NXT. However, he only got that belt thanks to the main puppet in Johnny Gargano. Can Ciampa keep the belt after finally having it out with the Embodiment of the End? Or will Ciampa’s reign with “Goldie” #FadeToBlack?

Introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we begin. Fans duel again as the two men go right at each other! They tie up and go around, then out to the floor! They break and return into the ring, and fans applaud as they stare down. Ciampa SLAPS Aleister, but Aleister gets a waistlock slam and floats all over. Ciampa gets to ropes and Aleister backs off. Aleister dares Ciampa to get back as fans agree they like “Both These Guys!” They tie up again and fans return to dueling. Ciampa has the wristlock, Aleister rolls but Ciampa throws him down by his hair. Ciampa stands on Aleister’s hair but lets up at 4. He does it again but again stops at 4.

Ciampa throws Aleister’s arm down then wrenches it. Aleister pushes Ciampa to a corner then whips. Ciampa reverses but Aleister goes up and over. Aleister gets a headlock and turns Ciampa’s push into a takedown. Cover, ONE, but Aleister gets the headlock takedown again. Fans rally as Ciampa goes after Aleister’s ear! Ciampa gets out of the headlock and goes for an underhook but Aleister back drops out. Aleister hits a running headlock takedown and has Ciampa back on the mat. Ciampa endures and stands up to power Aleister to a corner. He doesn’t honor the break right away and gets a sucker upnch in. Aleister hits back but they end up in another corner. Ciampa swings but Aleister counter punches. Ciampa knees low and whips but Aleister rolls off his back to kick away!

Aleister kicks Ciampa out of the ring but fakes him out to springboard. Ciampa runs in but avoids the kicks, so Aleister sits down in front of him. Ciampa boots Aleister right in the face! He rains down rights and stomps away on Aleister! Ciampa drags Aleister upt o whip but Aleister rebounds so easily! Aleister throws Ciampa out then gets Ciampa on the return. Ciampa gets away but Aleister FLIES! Direct hit takes Ciampa down, but Aleister puts him in quick. Aleister knees away then elbows and kicks to hit the shotgun knee. Fans applaud the ferocity, but Ciampa wants a timeout. Aleister sees the sucker punch coming and sweeps the legs. Then quebrada! Cover, TWO! Aleister drags Ciampa up but Ciampa gets away again. Ciampa comes in from another side to drag Aleister out. Aleister ducks the clothesline to roundhouse Ciampa off his feet!

Aleister drags Ciampa up but Ciampa throws him at steps. But Aleister stops himself and kicks back, only for Ciampa to block the kick and throw the foot at the steel! Ciampa then throws Aleister at and over the other steel steps! Aleister is down and Ciampa takes a moment to catch his breath. Ciampa comes back and suplexes Aleister into the steps! Aleister’s legs collide with the steel, and Ciampa just laughs. Ciampa drags Aleister up and into the ring as fans continue to duel. He goes after Aleister’s leg and jams it across his own knee. Ciampa uses a modified stretch to pull on the knee, then gets a heel hook to wrench the foot. Aleister kicks with his free leg but Ciampa rolls to throw Aleister around. The legs are still locked and Ciampa kicks Aleister down again and again.

Fans rally up and Aleister keeps fighting back. Ciampa kicks the leg and puts Aleister in a corner. Aleister elbows back, but Ciampa puts the leg on the rope to kick it. Ciampa drops a knee on the vulnerable leg! Ciampa stomps and drops more knees. He traps the leg in the ropes and pulls Aleister away to create more torque. Then he rams his braced knee into Aleister’s! Ciampa says Aleister is a “one trick pony”, because the Black Mass is his only move. Ciampa pulls Aleister into the post to swing the leg against it! The ref counts but Ciampa refreshes the count so he has more time to swing the leg into the post! Ciampa drags Aleister out, shin breaker on the announce desk! Aleister writhes while Ciampa mockingly applauds. Ciampa even mocks sitting cross legged while he sits on the desk.

Fans duel while Ciampa gets himself a bottle of water. Ciampa takes a big sip, but Aleister kicks the water out of his mouth! Ciampa flounders into the ring while Aleister hobbles after. Aleister walks into a basement dropkick! Ciampa grabs and yanks the bad leg, then hooks Aleister’s nose. He sits Aleister back to grind his foot in! Ciampa brings Aleister up for an STO, then rolls him around to a corner. Ciampa hoists Aleister up backwards, and naturally puts Aleister into a Tree of Woe so he can stomp away. The ref counts and Ciampa stops at 4, to then go directly after the knee with elbows! Fans boo but Aleister kicks back with his good leg! Aleister gets out of the Tree while Ciampa climbs up. Ciampa throws hands but Aleister comes back with a step-up enziguri! Both men crash and burn to the outside!

The referee checks on both men but they’re okay to continue. A ring count begins but both men stand at 3, and return to the ring at 5. Aleister supports himself on ropes but Ciampa gets the bad leg. Aleister elbows Ciampa away then throws hands. Ciampa still wants the leg but Aleister denies him with the good knee! Aleister suplexes but the legs won’t let him. Ciampa wants the leg but gets kicked away. Aleister waistlocks, Ciampa elbows him away, but Ciampa walks into Aleister’s kick! Aleister rallies with forearms and lariats. Fans fire up as Aleister manages another kick! Cover, TWO! Aleister keeps his cool and hobbles over to Ciampa. He brings Ciampa up but Ciampa packages, TWO!

Ciampa dodges, catches Aleister in underhooks, but Aleister fights out. Black Mass misses, Ciampa backslides! Aleister rolls through but Ciampa underhooks. Ciampa lifts for Fairy Tale Ending, but Aleister slips out! Ciampa manages to intercept Black Mass with a forearm! he underhooks again but Aleister back drops. Ciampa sunset flips but Aleister sits on it, TWO! Roundhouse to snap German! Bridging on one leg, TWO! Fans applaud the heart of both men as Aleister stands again. Aleister grits his teeth as he tries to lift Ciampa with his foot. The leg hurts too much so Aleister brings Ciampa up. Ciampa dragon screws to a Half Crab! And deep!

Aleister reaches but Ciampa drags him away. Aleister rolls over and pushes Ciampa away, and Aleister gets a leg. Ciampa throws hands but Aleister still gets his own Half Crab! Aleister’s bad leg gives out but both men are down. Ciampa goes out to the apron but Aleister goes after him. Ciampa grabs hair but Aleister spins and elbows out! Aleister aims at a dizzy Ciampa, runs, but Ciampa moves! Ciampa comes from the other side to drag Aleister out for a Tower of London! Cover, TWO!! Ciampa hits the Psycho Knee! Cover, TWO!! Aleister survives to big moves in a row and Ciampa grows frustrated.

Fans duel again as Ciampa steals the foot lift. Aleister hits him with a knee trigger! But Ciampa hits back with one! Both men are dazed but Ciampa drags Aleister up. Ciampa throws hands but Aleister only grows stronger for them. They brawl back and forth with heavy hands and fans are divided. They pick up speed and fans fire up. Aleister kicks but Ciampa ducks to boot! Ciampa runs but into a boot! Aleister runs but Ciampa drops down to victory roll! TWO, and Ciampa tires again. Aleister sits on it, TWO and Ciampa sunset flips, TWO! Aleister knees Ciampa then fires off strikes. Ciampa lariats Aleister! Ciampa runs from a corner, but Aleister blocks the knee! Aleister sweeps the legs, pulls down his own knee pad, and fakes Ciampa out into double stomps!

Aleister suplexes but the bad leg bothers him again. Ciampa boots, Aleister blocks and spins him, and then Aleister kene triggers Ciampa in the back! Aleister tries another suplex, brain buster! Cover, TWO!! Ciampa survives and rolls all the way out. Aleister runs again, asai moonsault from the corner! Direct hit! And Aleister puts Ciampa back in. The water makes Aleister slip a little, Fairy Tale Ending!! Cover, TWO!? Aleister lives and Ciampa can’t believe it! Fans again want a match to “Fight Forever!” but Ciampa has the same idea Gargano had earlier: he pulls up floor mats! The referee reprimands Ciampa, too, but fans chant “DIY!” because devious minds think alike. Ciampa drags Aleister over, then tells the referee to stop bugging him. But Aleister hits METEORA to the floor!

Aleister forces himself up even after the double edged attack. He puts Ciampa in, BLACK MASS!! Aleister crawls to a cover, but Ciampa rolls just in time! Fans are thunderous while Aleister keeps his cool. Aleister and Ciampa slowly stand, and Aleister swings. Ciampa uses the ref as a shield, but still gets Aleister’s knee! But Ciampa rolls Aleister to a draping DDT! And Fairy Tale Ending!! Cover, TWO?! How?! Fans are loving this match, but Ciampa wants it to finally end. Ciampa underhooks again, for a THIRD Fairy Tale Ending! But he’s not done there, he wants a fourth! Aleister roundhouses! But the leg gives out before he could Black Mass, Fairy Tale Ending #4! Cover, Ciampa wins!!

Winner: Tommaso Ciampa, by pinfall; still NXT Champion

The Dutch Destroyer was so close and yet so far from a win, and the Blackheart makes him fade out! Ciampa survives with “Goldie” still in his possession. The NXT Champion makes his way up the ramp and to the stage, shouting “I win!!” But here comes the new NXT North American Champion, Johnny Gargano! They both have titles, and they both hold them up proudly! Is DIY resurrected in darkness and gold?!

 


 

My Thoughts:

Another incredible TakeOver for NXT USA! The Year End Awards went to a lot of the right people. Ricochet had a great 2018, the Undisputed Era dominated the Tag Division by any means necessary, Kairi Sane has been great from her Mae Young Classic debut to the rest of 2018, and even Tommaso Ciampa was a great choice as the Male Competitor because of his transformation into the Heel he is today. I’m really happy to see Kairi was the one to win Overall Competitor, she is obviously beloved and WWE has only scratched the surface of her ability, so I hope she gets to show even more this year, whether on NXT or on main roster.

NXT Tag Team Championship matches seem to be the traditional choice for opening TakeOvers, and that’s actually perfect because they keep impressing beyond expectation. The War Raiders had an almost Wrestlemania style entrance, so naturally they had to win this. It was so good, and this is actually better for Undisputed Era’s mission to get all the gold. Now we can have reDRagon, Fish & O’Reilly, being the ones challenging for the tag titles, Strong can try for the North American and of course Cole goes for THE NXT Championship. As such, it was also good that Gargano won the title off Ricochet. Ricochet VS Gargano was great, especially with the familiarity both men have and that allowed them to counter and dodge all over. Gargano wins obviously to also set up the final moment, a natural choice.

Ohno VS Riddle was so good. They took what they did in their second match and upped it a couple notches. Riddle wins to make a clean sweep, but the way it ended this time was actually just right. I can’t be sure what’s next for Ohno, because losing again doesn’t really bode well for him trying to take on Keith Lee. Maybe Ohno finally goes to the main roster with the Rumble match tomorrow? Then Aleister VS Ciampa was another instant classic for that title. Even with the DIY moment at the end being a natural closing image, I am rather surprised Ciampa won. The story of the bad leg was great, and Aleister reached his own superhuman levels of heart. But now we have Heel DIY as singles champions, I wonder if the Undisputed Era would end up being Faces against them…

The only flaw in tonight’s booking was how the Women’s Championship was handled. Bianca had to have won a good number of fans with her performance tonight, but I’m really annoyed Shayna had to win with help from the Horsewomen. Shayna should’ve put Bianca over to keep that Un-De-Fea-Ted streak going and get the MMA Horsewomen going on the main roster. Maybe Bianca gets another shot and wins on Wrestlemania Weekend, but WWE seems to only make win streaks to break them for someone else’s sake. See: Charlotte beating Asuka. I’m curious to know what the plans were if Dakota Kai stayed healthy, because I again say there should’ve been one Six Woman Tag of the Horsewomen VS Kai, Shirai & Sane, and then who knows? Kai comes full circle to face Shayna and win?

My Score: 9/10

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Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (5/6/25)

Prepare the Battleground!

Published

on

Who will grab their golden tickets to Tampa?

While TWENTY-FIVE men fight in a Battle Royal to face Oba Femi, Jordynne Grace and Giulia go 1v1 to face NXT Women’s Champion, Stephanie Vaquer!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Six Man Tag: Joe Hendry, Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Dark State; Dark State wins.
  • Kelani Jordan VS ZARIA w/ Sol Ruca; Zaria wins.
  • NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Battle Royal: Myles Borne wins and will challenge Oba Femi for the title at NXT Battleground: Tampa.
  • Karmen Petrovic VS Jaida Parker; Jaida wins.
  • NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Giulia VS Jordynne Grace; Grace wins and will challenge Stephanie Vaquer for the title at NXT Battleground: Tampa.

PLAY BY PLAY

Six Man Tag: Joe Hendry, Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Dark State!

Say his name and he appears, HONK HONK! Hank ‘n’ Tank believe in Joe Hendry! And they also didn’t like that the Prestigious One got attacked by the pack of wild dogs known as Dark State. But will we all be believers after the TNA World Champion and the NXT Tag Team Champions stand tall together? Or will we see that truly #NoOneIsSafe?

The teams sort out, but then it is just a brawl! The fans fire up, Dark State knocks Hank and Hendry out of the ring to isolate Tank. Dion Lennox starts and he throws hands. Dion whips, then hits a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Tank stays in this but Dion is already bringing out his Mr. Hyde side. Tank fires body shots but Dion headlocks. Tank powers him to ropes but Osiris Griffin tags in. They mug Tank, then Osiris dribbles Tank off buckles. Tag to Cutler, Osiris feeds Tank to him, but Tank swings around and hits a crucifix takedown! TWO, Cutler headlocks, but Hank tags in as Tank powers out! They misdirect and CLOBBER Cutler! Then SENTON! Cover, TWO!

Hank keeps Cutler down with a facelock, then wrench to a wristlock. Tag to Hendry, the fans fire up, and Hendry KNEES low! Hendry suplexes Cutler, holds him up, and the fans cheer him on as he marches around with Cutler! Then the SLAM! Cover, TWO! Hendry wrenches Cutler, tags Hank, and Hank goes up to AX HANDLE the arm! The fans rally as Hank whisp, but Cutler grabs ropes to block! Cutler BOOTS Hank, then brings him around to whip. Cutler ELBOWS Hank down, then CHOKES him on the ropes! Saquon Shugars talks trash on the big boy, then Dion tags in. Dion scoops but Hank fights it!

The fans fire up as Hank fires hands, but Dion fires back! Dion whips and ELBOWS Hank down! Dion stalks Hank to the ropes, wrenches his arm, then RAMS his shoulder! Cover, TWO! Hank is tougher than that, but Dion scoops. Hank slips free, shoves Dion then BOOTS him! Tag to Tank and they bump Dion off buckles! Tank SPLASHES, Hank SPLASHES, then BULLDOGS! The fans fire up and Dark State is mad! But HONK! HONK! BIG BELLY SANDWICH! Feed to Hendry for a scoop! FALL AWAY SLAM! The fans fire up as Hendry kips up! Cutler is in, but Hendry scoops to FALL AWAY SLAM! And another kip up!

Hank hugs Hendry but Hendry scoops out of instinct! Tank tells him that’s Hank, and Hendry realizes it. Hendry sets Hank down, and then trio TURNS! The fans cheer the big smiles and NXT goes picture in picture.

Hendry waits on Dark State while they huddle up. They talk it out, Dion rushes in, but Hendry SLAMS him down! Hendry wrenches an arm, tags in Hank, then Hank goes up again. Hank winds it up, then AX HANDLES Dion! Hank taunts Dark State before he wrenches Dion and YANKS the arm! Hank wrenches again, tags Hendry back in, and Hendry goes up. Hendry winds it up, and then AX HANDLES Dion’s arm! Hendry wrenches the arm again, tags Tank, and they double wrench to DOUBLE CLUB Dion! Tank snapmares Dion, covers, TWO! Dion stays in this but Tank stays on him with a chinlock.

Dion endures the grind and fights up to his feet. Dion fires body shots, Tank grinds the hold, repeat. Dion powers Tank to ropes, Osiris tags in, btu Tank fights them both off! Osiris HOTSHOTS Tank, then storms in and CHOKES Tank on the ropes! The ref counts, Osiris stops at 4, then he CLUBS Tank down! Osiris scoops Tank to SLAM him, then covers, TWO! Osiris keeps Tank down with a COBRA CLUTCH! Tank endures as Osiris thrashes him around. Osiris ripcords, Tank dodges! Hot tags to Cutler and Hank! Hank fires haymaker after haymaker, then whips for an ELBOW! And another ELBOW! Hank bumps Cutler off buckles, then runs him corner to corner to do it again!

NXT returns to single picture as fans fire up with Hank! Hank goes up the corner, Cutler storms over, but Hank fires hands! Cutler falls back, Dion distracts the ref, and Saquon SHOVES Hank down! Cutler tags Dion, Dion stomps away on Hank, then SPLASHES DOWN! Dion pulls Hank back by pulling hair, then he tags Osiris. Osiris waits on Hank, scoop shim, and hits a BACKBREAKER! Osiris then CHOKES Hank on the ropes, drags him up, and bumps him off buckles. Tag to Dion, then tag to Cutler, and Dion sends Osiris to SPLASH Hank! Cutler sends Dion in and he SPLASHES Hank! Then feed to Cutler for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO!

The fans fire up as Hank toughs it out, but Cutler drags him up and RAMS him into an open corner! Cutler talks trash on Hank, hits a short arm LARIAT, then he covers, TWO! Cutler is annoyed but he clamps on a chinlock. The fans rally as Hank endures. Hank reaches out, fights up, and he fires body shots! Cutler CLUBS Hank, Hank ROCKS Cutler! The fans rally as Hank ROCKS Cutler again! Cutler clamps on an IRON CLAW! Cutler powers Hank to the corner, tags in Osiris, and Cutler feeds Hank to Osiris’ POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Hank survives but Osiris grins. Then he sucker punches Hendry!

The fans boo but Osiris ROCKS Hank and RAMS him into the corner! Tag to Cutler, then tag to Dion! Cutler sends Osiris in, but Hank dodges! Osiris POSTS himself! Hank then DUMPS Cutler, dodges Dion, and hot tags Tank! The fans fire up as Tank rallies on Dion with big shoulders and haymakers! Dion staggers, Tank dodges, and Tank OVERHEAD SUPELXES! Cutler is up but Tank wrenches and DECKS him! Tank then goes up, out, and CANNONBALLS Cutler and Osiris down! The fans are thunderous for Tank as he hurries back in! Tank catches Dino to a BUBBA BOMB! Cover, Osiris & Cutler break it!

Hendry and Hank return, the brawl is back on! Osiris runs up, Hank DUMPS him out! Hendry and Cutler throw hands while Osiris drags Hank out! Saquon distracts Hank, Osiris RAMS Yank into a POST! Hendry hits a FALL AWAY SLAM on Cutler! Hendry kips up, and the fans join in on “We Will Rock You!” But wait! TRICK WILLIAMS drags Hendry out of the ring!! Hendry fires hands on Trick in return! Tank goes for Cutler, but Dion CHOP BLOCKS a leg out! Tag after tag, and now Dark State gets Tank up! DARK STATE BOMB!! Cover, Dark State wins!

Winners: Dark State, by pinfall

Trick Williams’ grudge with Hendry cost Hendry’s team, and Dark State steal another win! Will nothing stop this fearsome foursome from taking over NXT?

 

Thea Hail talks with Karmen Petrovic.

Karmen thanks Thea for being on her side with the Karmen x Ashante breakup. Karmen is so done worrying about Ashante when this Women’s Division is only getting deeper. Thea says it feels safe relying on others, but sometimes, you gotta worry about yourself. That’s how you get stronger. Jaida Parker walks in and asks what Thea knows about being strong. Thea came back acting grown when nothing has changed. Thea is still the yappy little girl she was. And Karmen ain’t safe, either. Didn’t Jaida tell her four MONTHS ago to dump Ashante? Now look at you. But go ahead, open your ears to hear more wisdom.

Ashante wasn’t the only thing holding Karmen back. Karmen is just too damn soft. Thea gets heated but Karmen says she’s got this. Maybe the problem is Jaida had such an amazing opportunity at Stand & Deliver and, cough cough, choked? So what happened? We thought Miss Parker don’t play. Karmen’s right. That’s why Jaida will see Karmen in the ring. Since she’s acting so froggy, Karmen might as well jump. Jaida heads out, will she make sure the #ShingShing doesn’t get out the mud?

 

No Quarter Catch Crew talks backstage.

Myles Borne & Tavion Heights hype each other up for the battle royal, and Charlie Dempsey says, “Fellas… Before we compete in this battle royal, there’s something I gotta say.” Myles says if it is what he thinks it is, it can wait. Dempsey says no, it can’t. Tonight, it is a major opportunity for all of them. Tavion says damn right! Dempsey says it isn’t about grudges or individual glory. They are three individuals with the same goal in mind: That is to make sure that the NQCC takes one step closer to Oba Femi and taking that NXT Championship from him at Battleground! Yeah! Now, are they all on the same page?

Tavion says Dempsey knows they are! Time to get a title back in the NQCC! NQCC all the way to the top! Wren Sinclair checks if Myles heard that. Yeah, he heard. Let’s do this. Wren says NQCC on three. Hands in! NQCC! They’re united in wanting to win that battle royal, but will any of them make it through to the end of the 25 Man Battle Royal?

 

Kelani Jordan VS ZARIA w/ Sol Ruca!

Speaking of acting tough and wanting opportunities, The Standout’s new attitude is making her act a little entitled to a title shot. Kelani wants to face Sol for the NXT Women’s North American Championship, but Zaria wants Kelani to earn it. Will that be easy enough when No One Does It Like Lani? Or will the Agent of Change be the gatekeeper for Sol’s gold?

NXT returns as Zaria makes her entrance, Sol by her side. The bell rings and Kelani DROPKICKS Zaria! The fans are torn as Kelani runs and slingshots, but Zaria stops the arm-drag! Zaria whips Kelani away, Kelani ducks around to waistlock, but then ducks an elbow. Zaria pie faces Kelani! Then shoves her! Kelani frowns, then fires forearms and CHOPS! Kelani backs Zaria up but Zaria shoves her away! Zaria runs up, Kelani dodges, and Zaria hits buckles. Kelani runs up, Zaria puts her on the apron, but Kelani ROUNDHOUSES! Kelani goes up, leaps, FLYING- NO! Zaira stops the rana and brings Kelani up! Kelani fights with fists, sunset flips, but Zaria stays up!

Zaria YANKS Kelani up and scoops, but Kelani slips free again! Kelani shoves Zaria at the corner, Zaria stops herself short, and then she runs up to lift Kelani! Kelani sunset flips it, TWO! Zaria escapes, and now she RAMS Kelani into the corner! Zaria RAMS Kelani again and again, the fans are torn, but Zaria stalks Kelani to another corner. Zaria stands Kelani up, tells her she isn’t just gonna get a title opportunity, but Kelani breaks free! Zaria CHOPS Kelani on the back! Kelani goes to a corner, Zaria puts some stank on it, but Kelani dodges the chop to CHOP in return! Kelani puts stank on the CHOP to Zaria’s back!

The fans fire up as Kelani then RAMS Zaria into the corner again and again! Kelani digs her shoulder in, lets off as the ref counts, and Kelani whips. Zaria reverses to scoop and SWINGING GUT BUSTER! Kelani writhes, Zaria brushes herself off, and the ref checks on Kelani. Kelani says she’s okay to continue, but then Zaria clamps onto her face! Kelani SLAPS Zaria! Kelani BOOTS Zaria outta the ring! Zaria is furious, btu Kelani gets her in the ropes! HOTSHOT KNEE, and then the POMMEL LEG DROP! Kelani goes up, up, but Zaria bails out! Kelani adjusts, leaps, but into Zaria’s hands! Zaria knees low, whips Kelani, but Kelani stops short of the steps!

Kelani ELBOWS Zaria away, then goes up, up, and FLYING RANAS to the floor! The fans fire up and Sol is stunned while NXT goes picture in picture.

Sol coaches Zaria up but then Kelani gets in her face. Sol backs off, not wanting trouble, and Kelani drags Zaria up. Kelani whips Zaria into the apron! And then whips her into the apron again! And then she puts Zaria in the ring, runs, and SPLASHES! Cover, TWO! Zaria toughs it out but Kelani KNEES her in the back! And again! And again! Kelani then basement DROPKICKS Zaria in the back of the head! Kelani bumps Zaria off buckles, snapmares her and runs, to then SPLASH into BOOTS! Zaria turns the tide and Kelani goes to the apron. Zaria storms up, Kelani RAMS into her, then Kelani slingshots, but Zaria trips her up!

Kelani tumbles to the floor and flounders around. Zaria storms up on Kelani, drags her around, and digs a knee into her back while she pulls her back! Kelani endures, fights up, but Zaria CLUBS her down! Zaria KICKS Kelani in the side, stalks her to the ropes, then puts her in a corner. Zaria RAMS Kelani, brings her around, and KNEES her low! Zaria KNEES Kelani again and again, then reels her in for another SWINGING GUT BUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Kelani survives but is in rough shape. Zaria reels her in, hoists her into a Canadian Rack, and bends Kelani with the Argentine Backbreaker Rack! And BACKBREAKER!

Zaria holds onto Kelani, stands back up, and FLIPS Kelani! Kelani just manages to land out, and she fires body shots! Zaria storms up and they both throw hands! It gets scrappy as Zaria whips. Kelani dodges as NXT returns to single picture and Zaria hits buckles. Zaria BOOTS in return, then storms up to bring Kelani into the corner. Zaria goes up, and drags Kelani up using a full nelson! Kelani flails but the ref counts so Zaria drops Kelani. Zaria then stands Kelani back up, but Kelani ROCKS Zaria and TOSSES her from the top! The fans fire up as Zaria staggers to her feet. Kelani runs up, and she CLOBBERS Zaria! And CLOBBERS her again!

Zaria catches Kelani’s cartwheel to GERMAN SUPLEX! But Kelani is right up to handspring BACK ELBOW! Both women are down, Kelani kips up, and Sol is worried for Zaria. Kelani brings Zaria up, whips her to ropes, but Zaria reveres. Zaria scoops Kelani but Kelani tilt-o-whirl DDTS! Cover, TWO! Kelani is frustrated and she goes up, up, and 450- NO, Zaria moves! Kelani rolls through, but comes back into a SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!?! Kelani survives and Zaria is stunned! Zaria drags Kelani up, fireman’s carries, but Kelani fights around to a dragon sleeper! And THE SLICE! Cover, TWO! Zaria stays in this and Kelani is frustrated, but “This is Awesome!”

Kelani kicks at Zaria while holding a wristlock. Then Kelani changes sides to KICK from there! But Zaria blocks a kick, and she clamps onto Kelani’s neck! CHOKE- NO, Kelani slips free to waistlock. Zaria switches, Kelani switches, O’Conner Roll! TWO and Kelani staggers to ropes. Zaria runs up but Kelani DUMPS her out! Kelani aims, slingshots and ASAI MOONSAULTS! Direct hit and down goes Zaria! Kelani hurries to her feet, stands Zaria up, but Zaria shoves Kelani at Sol! Sol helps Kelani from falling! Kelani is confused, but then Zaria SPEARS Kelani through the barriers! The fans go nuts and even Sol is shocked!

Zaria rises up, she drags Kelani into the ring, and then fireman’s carries! DELTA FORCE 5!! Cover, Zaria wins!

Winner: Zaria, by pinfall

The Standout was perhaps moments away from winning, but those moments slipped through her fingers so that Zaria could come out on top! Sol celebrates with her friend, but who else will want their shot at what Sol’s got?

 

Tony D’Angelo is on the phone.

The Don is assuring them he’s got this. But then Wes Lee walks in, Tyriek & Tyson with him, talking up how big Wes winning the battle royal will be. They spot Tony, and Wes says look it! The Don of NXT! How’s the family, dog? Oh, haha, real funny, Wes. But if anyone knows about stabbing a brother in arms in the back, it’s Wes. What Stacks did to Tony, Wes did to Zachary Wentz. Wes says if he’d had to, he’d do it all over again. And he’s pretty sure Stacks feels the same. But hey, there’s something different about Tony. Oh…! Less confidence. That’s why Tony ain’t in the battle royal. He doesn’t think he can win without The Family.

Tony says Wes doesn’t know what he’s talking about. Wes has all this talent, yet still no instincts. But if he wants to be a tough guy, take a shot. Whoa, whoa, whoa. Wes would, but he has the battle royal to win. So see ya~! Wes heads out, his guys stare Tony down a second, and then they head out. Will the path to Battleground go through the Wes Side?

 

Lola Vice talks with Stephanie Vaquer.

The Mayor of Vice City tells La Primera that no matter who wins tonight between Giulia and Jordynne Grace, it will be tough at Battleground. And Lola knows Stephanie knows this, but Lola has no doubt that if anyone can walk through Hell and come out the other side NXT Women’s Champion, that’s Stephanie. Stephanie says, “Gracias, hermana.” And competing all over the world, in different promotions, could not have prepared her for what being at the top of this division would mean. Stephanie wants to say more but Lola stops her there. Lola says no matter what happens at Battleground, Lola will be waiting on the other side for her title shot.

But then in steps Giulia. Giulia says she hasn’t forgotten anything between the two of them, so she’ll see her at Battleground. Giulia heads out, but will the Beautiful Madness make it through the Juggernaut to have one last shot at the NXT Women’s Championship?

 

NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Battle Royal!

Everyone wants to win and face Oba Femi at Battleground, but Trick Williams says he NEEDS to win. Is this finally when #CrashOutTrick gets his way? Or will one of the other 24 hungry contenders be heading to Tampa?

NXT returns as most everyone has gotten in the ring, and Je’Von Evans makes his entrance. “All Ego” Ethan Page joins the field, but then the lights go down. A guitar strums, and the fans go nuts! That’s because E- Uh… ELIJAH is here! The fans sing, “Oh~ Walk With Elias~!” but no, no, the Drifter corrects them, and also sings. “I saw a friend in need~. And I don’t like Trick Willy~! So I decided to come back to NXT~. TNA, we walk this way. I got one more thing to say! It’s NXT, walk with me.” The fans cheer, and even chant, “Welcome Home! Welcome Home!” Elijah has a question for everyone here tonight: Who wants to walk with ELIJAH?

But then Ethan slides out to get in Elijah’s face! The bell rings and the brawl is on! Lexis King ROCKS and TOSSES Chris Island to ELIMINATE him! Lexis says he should go back to LFG! But then Island’s fellow LFG prospect, Shiloh Hill, TOSSES and ELIMINATES Lexis! The fans fire up for that, and wit, Elijah and Ethan brawl on the outside! Trick stomps away on Ricky Smokes while Sean Legacy brawls with Brad Baylor, Swipe Right is in trouble! Ty & Ty keep Wes safe, but then Briggs & Inamura get in there. Elijah and Ethan finally in the ring, but Ashante slides out under the ropes for a breather.

The Culling and NQCC are all over the place, Ridge Holland HEADBUTTS Niko Vance, but then Niko brawls with Myles. Dempsey KNEES Elijah, Myles KNEES Niko, and NQCC work together for a second. But Myles gets caught up with Thatcher, Elijah LARIATS and ELIMINATES Dempsey! Tavion goes after Elijah and Inamura is after Myles! Shawn Spears finds a pocket to stay safe before going after Elijah. Swipe Right brags a bit, and Inamura POUNCES Brad up and out to ELIMINATE him! The fans fire up with The Great Rush as he CLOBBERS Ricky Smokes! But then Trick hits a JUMPING NECKBREAKER!

The fans boo, but Adonis returns to TOSS Trick! Trick holds onto ropes while Ashante SUPERKICKS Tyson! And SUPERKICKS Smokes! And SUPERKICKS Tyriek! And SUPERKICKS Thatcher! Ashante is letting loose after being dumped by Karmen! He also SUPERKICKS Shiloh! Ashante TOSSES Shiloh, but Shiloh holds onto ropes! Shiloh dangles off the apron, Trick CLOBBERS Ashante up and out of the ring! Trick ELIMINATES Ashante and Ashante is furious, but Trick dares him to do something about it! The fans are torn over Trick while he stomps away on Shiloh, and NXT goes picture in picture.

Refs have to usher Ashante away, he’s that upset. The brawling continues chaotically, but Thatcher and Inamura trade UPPERCUTS! Elijah bumps Tavion off buckles and stomps him down, Wes and Zach find each other, but they have to fight off everyone else! They end up working together on Smokes?! Kick after kick, and then they TOSS Swipe Right out to ELIMINATE them! Then Wes and Zach stare down again. Only for Tyriek to CLOBBER Zach! Wes lets Tyriek & Tyson mug Zach, but then Briggs busts things up. Je’Von is clinging to ropes for dear life while Briggs & Inamura mug Tyson. Thatcher tries to throw Spears but Spears holds onto ropes.

Tyson fights back against Inamura, but Briggs BOOTS him and DUMPS him out of the ring to ELIMINATE him! Inamura CLOBBERS Tyriek! They stomp away on Tyriek now, then NXT returns to single picture. Ethan brawls with Thatcher, Culling works together, and Ridge is after #SuperSean. Thatcher throws uppercuts on Ethan, Jensen throws hands with Wes, and Thatcher whips Ethan. Ethan BOOTS back, then ROUNDHOUSES! Ethan TOSSES and ELIMINATE Thatcher! The fans boo but Ethan catches his breath. Briggs runs up on Je’Von but Je’Von dodges! Je’Von ROCKS Briggs, Shiloh throws hands on Niko, but Niko turns things around on him!

Tavion stomps away on Trick, Spears helps Niko against Shiloh but Shiloh throws hands! Shiloh ROCKS Spears, runs up, but Niko takes the LARIAT! Shiloh ELIMINATES Niko instead! Shiloh is still fired up, and he dodges Ridge, only for Ridge to come back and CLOBBER him! Ridge TOSSES Shiloh but Shiloh holds on! Trick ROCKS Ridge, but then Shiloh ROCKS Trick! Trick fires hands on Shiloh, but that just fires Shiloh up! Shiloh HEADBUTTS Trick, but a BOOT ELIMINATES Shiloh! The fans are torn but Trick has fire in his eyes. Elijah fights off Legacy, Inamura DECKS Trick! Jensen fires off on Inamura!

Spears CHOPS Tyriek! Je’Von whips, Tavion reverses, and Je’Von clings to ropes again! Je’Von RAMS into Tavion, hurries back in, and Trick stomps away on Inamura. Tyriek fights off Spears, Wes fights off Briggs, Inamura CHOPS Trick! Tavion stomps Sean, Ridge is down on the mat, but Briggs & Inamura work to shove Trick up and out! Trick clings to the ropes as best he can, and he stays on the apron! Briggs & Inamura kick at him, but Trick keeps one foot up! Tavion YANKS Wes down and tosses him aside. Jensen has Tyriek on the apron, and goes for broke with the FLYING LARIAT! Jensen ELIMINATES himself and Tyriek!

Tavion fires hands on Ethan, then on Ridge! Wes and Zach brawl, Tavion fires hands on Ridge! Ridge fights the German Suplex, Zach handsprings and JUMP KNEES Wes ! Ridge ROCKS Tavion! Briggs & Inamura DOUBLE LARIAT Tavion up and out, but Tavion stays safe on the apron!! Tavion grabs each of them, but Ridge runs up to BLAST Tavion! The fans boo as Ridge ELIMINATES Tavion, but then Briggs & Inamura go after Ridge! Elijah stomps Myles and goes after Spears while Briggs & Inamura give Ridge an ASSISTED BACKBREAKER! Je’Von stomps Sean, Briggs & Inamura TOSS Ridge!

Ridge holds onto ropes, but Briggs runs back up! Ridge drags Briggs out to join him! Inamura sets up while Briggs choke grips Ridge! Inamura runs up, Ridge pulls Briggs into the path, Inamura POUNCES Briggs!! Inamura accidentally ELIMINATES Briggs!! Inamura is stunned, Ridge steps back inside, and then Ridge CLOBBERS Inamura! Zach CLUBS Ridge down, stomps him, and then Je’Von DUMPS Myles out! Elijah kicks Je’Von and fires hands. Zach DECKS Spears, then goes for Wes. Je’Von leaps at Elijah, but the JUMP KNEE finds him! Wes and Zach have another stare down, but Je’Von and Sean storm up!

Wes and Zach shrug them off to SUPERKICK them both! Then they TOSS Je’Von and Sean out! They go back to a stare down while Sean and Je’Von hold on! And then Ethan and Spears TOSS the former Rascalz up and out! But then Wes and Zach both hold on! Ethan and Spears now stare down, as we get QUADRUPLE SKIN THE CAT! Ethan and Spears hurry, they LARIAT Zach back up and out to ELIMINATE him! Ethan grins and taunts Zach but Wes is safe, and NXT goes back to picture in picture.

Myles ROCKS Wes, then CHPOS him! Ethan and Trick meet again and Trick works to dump Ethan out! Ethan BOOTS Trick away, Sean and Je’Von work together on Elijah. Inamura CHOPS Wes in a corner! Spears ROCKS and CHOPS Ridge, TOSSES him, but Ridge holds on! Spears keeps after him, but Ridge punches from below! Wes throat chops Inamura, then goes after Je’Von. Wes kicks everyone he sees, and he KNEES Myles in a corner! Wes drags Myles up, but Myles puts Wes on the apron! Wes DECKS Myles, but TRICK BOOTS Wes off the apron and onto the desk! Trick ELIMINATES Wes, and is still seething.

Inamura knocks Spears down, Trick stomps Ridge, Elijah stomps Spears. Ethan and Je’Von brawl, Sean fires hands on Inamura, and Je’Von SUPERKICKS Ethan! Ethan BOOTS Je’Von! Sean puts Inamura up top, Trick has Myles, and Je’Von fights off Ethan’s powerbomb! STUNNER! Je’Von runs up but Ethan BOOTS him down! Inamura goes after Ridge with a CHOP! Ridge CHOPS in return! Elijah and Spears brawl, and Elijah JUMP KNEES him down! Ridge and Inamura fire up and go forearm for forearm! Inamura ROCKS Ridge again and again but Ridge just eggs him on! NXT returns to single picture as the big meaty men roar!

The forearms keep going, and the fans fire up more! They both roar, run, and DOUBLE LARIAT! And DOUBLE LARIAT! And DOUBLE LARIAT! Inamura roars, runs, but Ridge LARIATS him at the ropes! Ridge roars, runs, but Inamura LARIATS him at the ropes! Trick runs up to DUOBLE LARIAT and he ELIMINATES them both!! Trick has the most eliminations of this match and the fans fire up behind him! But wait! JOE HENDRY makes his way back out here! Trick screwed Hendry, Hendry is going to return the favor! Elijah TOSSES Trick and ELIMINATES him! And now Hendry brawls with Trick!!

The fans are torn but security rushes out here as Trick and Hendry fight around ringside! But then Spears TOSSES and ELIMINATES Elijah!! The fans boo as The Chair Man marks The Drifter! But Sean Legacy springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK Spears! Then Sean and Je’Von meet again. The fans fire up as these young guns take aim, and draw! Sean’s BOOT hits first! Sean TOSSES, but Je’Von rebounds, gets around, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! But Sean is back up! Je’Von runs up, Sean DUMPS him out, but Je’Von grabs the ropes! Je’Von’s feet are so close to the floor!! Je’Von rises up, he ROCKS Sean, and then he springboards in, into a SUPERKICK!!

Je’Von goes to a corner, Sean fires up and he GAMANGIRIS in the corner! The fans are torn between Young OG and Legacy, but Ethan is back! Sean turns that around to TOSS Ethan! Ethan holds onto the ropes, Sean turns around into an OG CUTTER! Je’Von gets moving, BOUNCY GAMANGIRI, and Ethan holds the ropes down! Sean falls out, Je’Von & Ethan ELIMINATE Sean together! And now we’re down to our final four! Ethan Page, Je’Von Evans, Shawn Spears, and Myles Borne! “This is Awesome!” as the brawl is back on! Je’Von has Spears, Myles has Ethan, and the fans fire up! Je’Von whips but Spears reverses to fireman’s carry!

Je’Von grabs ropes to stay safe, and he RAMS Spears! Myles stomps Ethan down in a corner, but he sees Je’Von slingshot up and over Spears. SNAP POWERSLAM from #BabyRandy! But Spears runs up, into a SNAP POWERSLAM! Ethan is up, and he BOOTS Myles from outta nowhere! Ethan whips, Myles reverses, clinches, and OVERHEAD SUPLEXES! Myles fires up, he puts Ethan on the ropes, but Ethan holds on! Je’Von fires hands on Spears, whips, but Spears reverses to send Je’Von into Myles and Ethan! Spears then pushes past Je’Von to DECK Myles! Je’Von runs up, Spears ducks but Je’Von leaps to the corner!

Spears turns around, Je’Von mule kicks! Ethan is up, Je’Von BOOTS him away! Myles DROPKICKS Je’Von! Je’Von dangles from the ropes! Spears SUPERKICKS Myles! Spears sees Je’Von on the apron, runs up, but Je’Von holds ropes down! Spears ends upon the apron and Je’Von BOOTS him! Je’Von goes up the corner, but Ethan BOOTS him! Je’Von slumps down and fans freak out, but Je’Von grabs the ropes at the last possible second! Je’Von stays safe, but Ethan stomps away! Ethan calls to Spears, but Je’Von RAMS them both! Je’Von DECKS Ethan, ROCKS Spears, then he goes to the corner! Springboard, DOUBLE FLYING LARIATS!

The fans are thunderous as the Young OG reloads, springboards again, but Spears and Ethan both move! OG CUTTER for Myles!! Je’Von kicks at Spears, Spears blocks it, and sends it into Ethan! Je’Von still SUPERKICKS Spears! Springboard and DOUBLE- NO!! Ethan & Spears hold Je’Von up and TOSS him!! The Canadians ELIMINATE Je’Von! The fans boo but now Spears and Ethan agree, Myles is next. But then Spears whips Ethan! Only for Ethan to reverse and send Spears out! Spears holds onto ropes, Myles runs up, Ethan dodges! Myles dodges back, and he DROPKICKS Ethan into Spears’ headscissors!

Spears drags Ethan out with that, but the BOTH fall! MYLES WINS!!!

Winner: Myles Borne (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT Championship)

NQCC returns to celebrate with their guy! Though, Tavion & Wren are more excited than Dempsey is about it. Will #BabyRandy start to live up to that parallel? Is Myles the next NXT Champion? Or will Oba Femi still be the Ruler?

 

Backstage interview with Jordynne Grace.

Sarah Schreiber is with the Juggernaut and brings up tonight’s #1 contender’s match. Grace and Giulia are going 1v1 for the first time ever, with only one of them going on to face Stephanie at Battleground. Grace says last week, the two of them fought all the way out of the arena. Tonight, it has to stay in the ring. Grace vows to beat Giulia and win her long overdue 1v1 opportunity at the title. Grace has the power advantage over not just Giulia, but the entire NXT Women’s Division. But in steps Izzi Dame. “What a great attempt at being interesting. You might be one of the strongest here, but you’re not one of the biggest.

“And regardless of what happens tonight, or at Battleground, I plan on-” Lash Legend walks in and says, “SKRRRR~! The birthday girl has finally arrived. Now, I know y’all ain’t talking strong, powerful women without mentioning the Bougie Bully at the top of that list.” Grace sees where this is going. After she becomes #1 contender tonight, and then wins the title at Battleground, she’ll gladly see both of them on the other side. Grace heads out, will the Juggernaut prove it isn’t about size but about backing it up?

 

Karmen Petrovic VS Jaida Parker!

The locker room confrontation is now a battle in the ring! Will Karmen prove that she is a strong, independent woman who doesn’t need a man? Or will Miss Parker remind us that she don’t play, period?

NXT returns and Karmen is in the ring. The bell rings and the fans rally up. The two tie up, go around, and Jaida puts Karmen on the ropes. Karmen turns things around but Jaida turns it back around. Jaida has Karmen in a corner, the fans chant, “Hey, Miss Parker~!” and the ref counts. Jaida pushes Karmen while she lets off, and Karmen frowns. The two tie up again, go around, and Jaida scoops to SLAM! Jaida says Karmen is in HER ring now! Karmen dodges the lariat, then sweeps the legs! Karmen runs and though Jaida leans back, Karmen changes from Penalty Kick to LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Karmen drags Jaida up, whips her, but Jaida reverses.

Karmen goes up and SOBATS, then runs up again to wrench and PELE! Jaida bails out in frustration but Karmen builds speed! Karmen DIVES and down goes Jaida! The fans are torn but Karmen puts Jaida back in. Karmen storms up, but Jaida ELBOWS her down! Jaida doesn’t play, and she runs to BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Karmen stays in this but Jaida stays on her with buckle bumps. Jaida RAMS into Karmen again and again, then puts Karmen in the ropes. Jaida CHOPS Karmen, then runs to TEARDROP! Jaida high steps it out, then she drags Karmen up for a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Cover, TWO!

Jaida is frustrated, but she clamps onto Karmen. Jaida pulls Karmen’s arms into the motorcycle stretch, then she steps over to sit on Karmen! Karmen endures being folded up and the fans rally. Jaida talks trash, but Karmen powers up to pull her arms back in. Jaida HIP DROPS Karmen first! Jaida then stands Karmen up, throat chops her, and fireman’s carries. Karmen kicks and fights free, then runs up! Karmen ducks ‘n’ dodges to rally with FLYING FOREARM after FLYING FOREARM! Then she DISCUS LARIATS Jaida down! Karmen fires up, fans are torn, but Karmen runs in at the corner to ELBOW!

Karmen sits Jaida down, goes corner to corner, SLIDING KICK! Jaida sputters, Karmen goes up, and Karmen SHING-BLADES! Cover, TWO!! Jaida survives and Karmen is beside herself! Karmen thinks on what to do, and she tries the LION’S- NO, Jaida dodges the kick to HIP-NOTIC!! Cover, Jaida wins!

Winner: Jaida Parker, by pinfall

A big comeback win, but Jaida isn’t done! She HAMMERS away on Karmen, fires KNEE after KNEE, then suplexes for a GOURD BUSTER! Jaida high steps it, then runs up again, but THEA HAIL takes the hit! Jaida tells Thea to mind her own business. But then Karmen almost gets Jaida with a roundhouse! Jaida goes running, and Karmen checks on Thea. Will Jaida show Karmen and Thea what it really means to be a grown ass woman?

 

Ava Raine talks with Joe Hendry.

The “Mayor of NXT” has security on hand as she says this situation with Hendry and Trick has gotten out of hand. It has to end! Rebellion, the attacks on TNA Impact, and even this tonight, it is all too much, she is not having it anymore! Hendry says as TNA World Champion, he is NOT backing down from Trick. Ava says that’s fine, she knows Trick, and Trick surely won’t back down. So she spoke with Santino Morella earlier tonight, and they came to an agreement. At Battleground, it will be Hendry VS Trick 1v1. And for the first time on a WWE PLE, the TNA World Championship will be on the line.

Hendry is a bit surprised by that, but Ava says the contract signing is next week. Hendry says he’ll be there. Perfect. Hendry heads out, but is he risking a lot just to settle things with Trick? Or is TNA about to stand for Trick’s Newest Achievement?

 

Out The Mud is on their way back.

Lucien Price says, “Sometimes you gotta let the noise die down. That’s when you strike. We got sloppy. No patience, no control.” Bronco Nima says now they know better. They been crawling out that damn mud. Now that they’re back up, they see the NXT Tag Division for what it really is. There are teams begging to prove what they can do, but OTM ain’t begging. OTM will just take whatever they want. That means they’re taking everyone else’s shine, everyone else’s opportunities, and most importantly, everyone else’s gold! When and where will Price & Nima strike down the competition?

 

The Wes Side regroups backstage.

Wes himself is on the phone, and he says, “He took the bait, right? The match is set.” And he tells Tyriek & Tyson it’s as the saying goes: Everyone’s got a price! They laugh and head out, but what exactly does Wes mean by that? Meanwhile, we spot Inamura & Briggs. Briggs wants Inamura to hold on, and he wants to talk about the last couple of weeks. Inamura tells Briggs that he knows what he’ll say. Inamura disappointed Briggs again. Unable to win tonight, unable to win last week, and it was all on Inamura. Inamura is sorry. No, Briggs wasn’t going to say that. Inamura says he has already talked to Ava. Tonight, he heads home to Japan.

Briggs says he doesn’t want Inamura to go, but Inamura says he wishes he could’ve been a better tag partner. Inamura even returns his leather vest! “Goodbye, my friend.” Inamura leaves, and Jensen walks in, The Culling by his side. Jensen says he knows that feeling. He’s lived that feeling! And it sucked! But hey, Briggs is better off now, right? Briggs always thinks it’s his partner, but maybe, just maybe, the problem has always been Briggs. Izzi says, “The truth hurts, huh?” The Culling leaves, and Briggs is all alone. What is the Bullhead Brawler to do with himself now?

 

The NQCC returns backstage.

Wren & Tavion continue to be fired up for Myles, but Dempsey still seems torn. Dempsey does pat Myles on the shoulder and tells him that was a fantastic job out there. But now is the time to get serious. Dempsey needs each and every one of them to help HIM get ready for the match with Oba at Battleground. Myles says he knows he’s hard of hearing, but did Dempsey just say he is facing Oba? Yeah. Uh, no, Myles won the battle royal. Dempsey says hey, Myles won for the good of the group, but it needs to be Dempsey going to Battleground, going after that big piece of meat and stretching it out to have Oba crying for mercy. Uh… What?

Before anyone can question what Dempsey’s talking about, Oba walks in and applauds Myles’ victory. Myles was not Oba’s pick to win, but he is still impressed. He will be seeing Myles at Battleground. Dempsey says no, it’ll be him. Oba says he’s pretty sure he saw Myles win the match. Yeah, but- Myles says yeah, HE won, so HE will be facing Oba at Battleground. But hey, Dempsey can still show Myles how it’s done by facing Oba next week. Because before Oba showed up, Charlie was saying something about… Uh, Tavion, can you help Myles remember? Something about stretching out that big meat? Dempsey says he wasn’t saying that!

Myles says no, he’s pretty sure he heard that. And Wren, didn’t Dempsey say he was gonna make Oba cry for mercy? Hey, Charlie, look. If you beat Oba like you believe you can, then maybe Battleground can be a Triple Threat. No, no, no, Oba is done with Triple Threats. But he will see Dempsey next week. Oba heads out, Myles says Oba’s pissed. Dempsey “thanks” Myles for that. What wonderful selective hearing he has… Sorry, what was that, Charlie? Dempsey frowns then storms off and Myles chuckles. Wren says Dempsey said Myles has wonderful selective hearing, and Myles chuckles again.

Tavion says Myles shouldn’t worry about that. But will Dempsey manage to take down Oba all by himself? Or will Dempsey just be an appetizer for The Ruler?

 

Uriah Hall & Kale Dixon talk with Mr. Chase.

It is so exciting to have Chase U back! Mr. Chase agrees, it’s been awesome. Kale says he and Uriah have been thinking. First, they love the sweater. So does Mr. Chase! And they love the polo shirts. So does Mr. Chase! But they were thinking to spruce it up a bit by getting rid of the polo. W-What? Uriah says no one really wears polo shirts anymore, and they already have some clothes for Mr. Chase to try on. Chase isn’t so sure, he was just getting used to wearing the sweater again. Uriah says just try these on. And trust them, it’ll be worth it. Chase sighs and gives in. He takes the stack of shirts, goes into the dressing room, but then a few minutes later, he shouts at them!

Uriah & Kale stand at attention as he walks out in a quarter-zip. They love it! It’ll look sharp in the classroom! Chase isn’t so sure, and he goes to try on the second shirt. That’s fine, it’s good to have options. A few minutes later, Chase comes out in a full tracksuit! There it is! That’ll look great ringside! Ringside?! J-Just a suggestion. Chase says y’know what? He does like it. Kale & Uriah fist-bump! New Chase U, new Chase Fit, this is going to be great!

 

NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Giulia VS Jordynne Grace!

La Primera may have overcome The Beautiful Madness, The Juggernaut and Miss Parker all at once, but now she’ll have no choice but to face someone 1v1 at Battleground. Will the former NXT Women’s Champion have her rematch of revenge? Or will Grace go Beast Mode and earn her spot at Battleground?

NXT returns as Grace makes her entrance. The bell rings and both rush in! They fire forearms back and forth and the fans fire up! Grace gets the edge, but then Giulia dodges to ROCK Grace! Giulia has Grace in a corner, CHOPS and ROCKS her over and over, but stops as the ref counts. Giulia winds up, runs up, and hits a FASTBALL! The fans fire up, but then Grace puts Giulia in the ring! Grace fires forearms and CHOPS of her own! The fans fire up, the ref counts, Grace GRIZZLY MAGNUMS! Grace brushes herself off, then whips Giulia corner to corner. Giulia reverses, Grace reverses back and atomic drops!

Grace whips, scoops, and GUT WRENCH SLAMS Giulia! Giulia hits her head hard, but Grace hurries to deadlift suplex! Grace holds Giulia up, even as Giulia kicks and flails! Grace then shifts to hit a GUT BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Giulia stays in this, slaps herself to make sure she’s still in this, and we see Stephanie Vaquer watching this backstage. Grace drags Giulia back up, whips her to a corner, and Giulia bounces off buckles! Grace whips her back the other way! Giulia drops to her knees, but Grace looms over her. The fans rally, Grace bumps Giulia off buckles, then LARIATS to the back again and again!

The ref counts, Grace stops, and then Grace brings Giulia around. Grace waistlocks, Giulia switches, but Grace switches back. Grace goes for a full nelson, but Giulia uses her own leg as leverage to fight the hold. Grace still powers up to nelson, and then she spins Giulia to KNEE and LARIAT! Giulia stays up so Grace LARIATS her in the back! Giulia grits her teeth as Grace LARIATS her again! Giulia then clinches to STO! Cover, TWO! Giulia snarls and headlocks, then she brings Grace to a corner. Giulia ROCKS Grace, runs up, but Grace gets around to RAM her into the buckles! Grace has the arms hooked but Giulia pushes off the buckles!

Grace backslides, Giulia rolls through, then Giulia SHOTGUNS Grace down! The fans fire up, Giulia brings Grace up, but Grace wrenches out and whips Giulia to the apron. Giulia dodges Grace, but Grace blocks a kick! Grace pulls the leg into the ropes, Giulia pulls Grace’s hair, and the ref reprimands them both. They both let go at 4, but then Grace blocks the sucker punch! Grace trips Giulia, then goes up, up, and STOMPS! Giulia avoids disaster, then she YANKS Grace down! Grace hits apron, then Giulia pushes her back in! Giulia stands, goes Matrix to avoid the haymaker, but then Grace BOPS her! Grace goes up and brings Giulia up!

Giulia CHOPS at Grace’s legs, then drops down to trip Grace up! Grace has a hard landing now, and Giulia drags her to the apron. Giulia has Grace dangling, DRAPING NECKBREAKER to the floor! The fans fire up again and NXT goes picture to picture.

Giulia fires up, and she brings Grace back up. Giulia puts Grace in the ring, stomps her around, then brings her back up. Giulia wrenches Grace’s hair, wrenches again, then THROWS Grace by her hair! Giulia throws down hands, then throws down HEADBUTTS! The ref reprimands the hair pulling but Giulia runs to DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Grace is tougher than that, but Giulia looms over her. Giulia drags Grace up by her arms with a motorcycle stretch. Grace powers up to turn that around! But then Giulia turns it back around! Giulia brings Grace to a knee, then STOMPS her down! Giulia kicks Grace around, then clamps on for a NECK TWIST!

Grace writhes but Giulia drags her up. Giulia bumps Grace off buckles, reels her in, and puts her up top. Giulia puts Grace in a Tree of Woe, taunts her, then builds speed side to side, basement DROPKICK! Grace falls out of the Tree, but Giulia clamps on a cravat! Grace endures the neck wrench, fights up to her feet, and fires body shots! Giulia just clamps on tighter! Grace fires more body shots as NXT returns to single picture. Giulia ROCKS Grace, whips her, but Grace goes up and over! Grace then hits a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Giulia then has a GUILLOTINE FACELOCK!! Grace endures, even as Giulia has the body scissors on!

The fans rally, Grace fights up and powers through, but Giulia HEADBUTTS again and again! But Grace still hits an EXPLODER! The fans fire up while both women are down! “This is Awesome!” as both women slowly rise. They go forehead to forehead, then Giulia fires a forearm! Grace fires a haymaker! Giulia fires a forearm, Grace fires back, and they go back and forth! The fans rally as Giulia gets the edge and ROCKS Grace! Giulia whips but Grace holds ropes! Giulia SLAPS Grace, then whips! Grace reverses to SLAP back! The fans fire up, Grace runs, but Giulia blows past! Only for Grace to scoop and SLAM!

Grace scoops and SLAMS again! Then she scoops and- NO, Giulia fights it! But even so, Grace powers through to scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER!!! Cover, TWO?!!? Giulia survives and no one understands how! Grace grows frustrated but Giulia gets herself to a corner. Grace drags Giulia up, ROCKS her, then winds up, only for Giulia to dodge! Giulia runs up but Grace puts her on the apron! Giulia goes up, but Grace UPPERCUTS! Grace climbs up and brings Giulia to the top! Stalling SUPERPLEX! And then roll through to a JACKHAMMER!! Cover, TWO!!!! Giulia survives again and Grace is beside herself!

The fans rally up for Giulia but Grace pump handles and half nelsons! Giulia fights free, but Grace reels her in! NORTHERN- DDT!! Giulia hurries to wrench and hammerlock Grace, then scoop, GLORIOUS DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!?!? Now Grace shocks us, but Giulia isn’t done! But then Grace scoops! The fans are thunderous for “Women’s Wrestling!” as Giulia fights the scoop to have an IRON OCTOPUS! Grace endures, powers through, but Giulia has her up again! Grace slips free, inverted suplexes, and tucks Giulia in for a REVERSE POWERBOMB!! But Giulia rises?!? Both women roar, Giulia runs up, but Grace ROCKS her! And URAKENS!

Grace reels Giulia in for the pump handle, BEAST MODE DRIVER!!! Cover, Grace wins!!!

Winner: Jordynne Grace, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT Women’s Championship)

These two pushed past their limits and put on a banger, but Giulia could not outlast the Juggernaut! Grace is headed to Tampa, but here comes Stephanie Vaquer! La Primera walks to the ring to be face to face with Jordynne, and she holds up the title. Will Vaquer still be the best of the best in the best women’s division in the world? Or will the Dark Angel learn to lose with Grace?


My Thoughts:

An awesome NXT here, jampacked with both action and build towards Battleground. For one, an awesome main event from Giulia VS Grace, though that rough landing for Giulia out of the gut wrench was scary. Grace winning was a moderate surprise, but Vaquer VS Grace will still be awesome. I feel like this is Giulia’s way to move on to Raw, but I guess we’ll see as soon as next week. Good promo from Jaida with Thea and Karmen, and then a very good match between Jaida and Karmen. Jaida gets a good win, and with OTM on the way back, maybe the trio can finally get going on the other side of Battleground.

Lola wanting next after Battleground is also fitting. Lola VS Vaquer was teased months ago, so they might go through with it on the way to the big weekend in LA. Worlds Collide is essentially a spotlight on Latino talent, so an all Latina title match would make the perfect main event. Kelani VS Zaria was a great match, and who doesn’t like a barrier breaking spot? I figured Zaria would get the win, and I still think the route to go with is Zaria facing others who want at Sol, so that Zaria builds herself a win streak that then leads to Sol VS Zaria. Good little promo from Chase with Uriah & Kale to give an origin story behind some new ring gear. I can’t be sure if Uriah & Kale will help Mr. Chase do better or end up messing Mr. Chase up, but it’ll be good story material.

Great opening Six Man, and I didn’t think Trick would cost Hendry the match, but it still works given Trick going after Hendry every chance he can. And of course Hendry costs Trick in return during the battle royal. Trick VS Hendry for the TNA World Championship is going to be awesome stuff, I can’t wait to see the contract signing or the title match. And we might get Trick joining the exclusive club of men who’ve been both NXT and TNA Champion in their careers. The others in that club are Samoa Joe, Bobby Roode, Drew McIntyre, & Dolph Ziggler/Nic Nemeth.

That battle royal also made for a great throughline for a lot of the other stories tonight. Wes talking smack on Tony D is going to give us Wes VS Tony D, and I feel like Wes’s phone call after the battle royal has something to do with Stacks. Inamura and Briggs having their last match together for it to go south was a good move since Inamura really is going home to Pro-Wrestling Noah. And of course Jensen & The Culling had to pour salt on the wound. I stick by what I said last week where Briggs ends up siding with Culling so he and Jensen can be a team again.

I really liked the interactions of Wes and Zach in the battle royal, because they never got the chance to fight each other, and then ended up working together instead. I can’t wait to see if we get more of Wes VS Zach, maybe for some bigger TNA VS NXT show. I am really surprised Myles Borne won, but this is great for him. It also feels like NQCC could fall apart, as Dempsey was clearly trying to Freebird Rule that title opportunity even though that’s not how it works. Oba had a good promo with NQCC, and Oba will definitely beat Dempsey next week. Now, I don’t know the odds of Myles beating Oba, but Myles will certainly have an awesome showing, and this obviously will lend towards an eventual Myles VS Dempsey story, which will be great stuff.

My Score: 9/10

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Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (5/5/25)

Penta wants payback!

Published

on

Cero Miedo on Cinco de Mayo!

Penta made sure Judgment Day didn’t win the WWE World Tag Team Championships, and now he’ll make JD McDonagh pay for the WrestleMania screwjob!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • PENTA VS JD McDonagh w/ The Judgment Day; Penta wins.
  • Austin Theory w/ Grayson Waller VS Sheamus; Sheamus wins.
  • Iyo Sky VS Roxanne Perez; Iyo wins.
  • Rusev VS Otis w/ Akira Tozawa & Maxxine Dupri; Rusev wins.
  • WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Jey Uso VS Seth Rollins w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker; Rollins wins by disqualification, Jey retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Jey Uso is in the concourse.

The fans are all fired up as the WWE World Heavyweight Champion makes his way out into the crowd! Omaha, Nebraska all YEET along, and even Pat McAfee does, no concern for what Gunther might think. Jey high-fives fans on his way to the ground level, high-fives some more fans on the way to ringside, and Jey daps it up with Pat & Cole. Jey then goes to the ring, and the fans continue to bounce while singing along with Day One Ish! Jey then gets a mic while the fans cheer. Omaha even says, “One More Time! One More Time!” Jey thinks about it, and he figures why not! YEET! Jey and the fans bounce again, then Jey goes back to the mic.

Jey says, “The World Heavyweight Champion, Main Event Jey Uso, is now in your citaaay~!” The fans cheer, and Jey says look. He’s here. He knows Logan Paul’s here. So let’s just stand on business tonight! Where you at, Logan!? But instead, “Ladies and gentlemen…” The Wise Man walks out on stage! The fans boo as Paul Heyman continues his introduction, and he says he cam here tonight not to disrespect the World Heavyweight Champion, Main Event Jey Uso. But he dragged himself all the way to Omaha, Nebraska because he wanted to say something straight to the face of the World Heavyweight Champion, Main Event Jey Uso.

Jey tells OG Heyman, “You got a lotta balls stepping to me after what you just did to my family.” Heyman says wow, Jey is going to lecture Heyman about betraying their Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns? Jey says yeah, he’ll talk to Heyman. Day one, Jey saw past him. He warned Roman about him, and he warned CM Punk about him! Well, a shame that no one warned Heyman. Warned him about his best friend, his BFF, his brother in arms, CM Punk. And while he’s at it, keep your damn boos to yourselves while he’s on the mic! Not one of these fans, or Jey, had to live through what Heyman did.

Heyman’s best friend, CM Punk, put him in a position that 100% absolutely guaranteed it would sabotage him! The fans chant for Punk and Heyman mocks them for it. “They chant his name because they don’t know what’s in the dark heart of that man.” Punk put Heyman in a guaranteed lose-lose situation with Roman Reigns. And let’s talk about Roman Reigns for a minute! The fans chant for “O T C!” and Heyman sighs. Heyman says he had a dream with his best friend, CM Punk, while Roman was still playing high school football. Long before Roman thought about following in his father’s footsteps into pro-wrestling.

And while Heyman helped Punk overcome adversity, what’d Roman think he was going to do? Sell him out to Punk? Why? After Heyman built the Bloodline for five years, why would he do that?! The fans boo more but Heyman sighs again. Heyman found a “stray big dog on the island of irrelevancy, and I turned him into the Tribal Chief and the ruler of the WWE Universe. We were the Undisputed WWE Champion for 1,316 days! And I’m not the one that blew it by getting beat by Cody Rhodes after being distracted by Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 40! HE lost the title! HE lost the title that I spent five years of my life building him up as the champion!

And then what’d he do? He disappeared. He went back to being a big dog licking his big wounds, and left me in the hands of Solo, and Jacob Fatu and those Tongans, who put me through a table at Madison Square Garden and almost ended MY 40 year career. And he didn’t come back toa venge me, he came back to get his ula fala back! But I betrayed Roman Reigns, right? I betrayed Roman Reigns, who couldn’t handle the fact that I just wanted to help out my best friend live out his dream! No, it’s always Paul Heyman! I’m always the liar! I’m always at fault! I’m the betrayer, I’m the double crosser, I’m always the freakin’ scumbag in this situation! NOT THIS TIME! I’M RIGHT! I’M RIGHT! I’M IN THE RIGHT! And you blame me?! Screw you!! And screw each and every one of you for booing me!”

The fans boo more but Jey isn’t sure what to think. The fans chant “You Suck! You Suck!” and call Heyman an a-hole, but Jey takes a moment. Jey asks if Heyman is okay. In fact, is Heyman done? Jey has another question: What does this have to do with Jey? Heyman smirks and says that he does owe an apology. It has nothing to do with Jey. Not that part. He didn’t come out here to talk Roman and Punk. Here is the thing Heyman did come out here to talk with Jey. See, Jey won that title because he wanted that title> But that title is all about power and control. And honestly, Jey doesn’t know how to wield that. Jey doesn’t understand that!

Jey thinks coming out here to YEET with the audience and putting on the best in-ring performance is all it takes. But that’s not what this title is about. So while Jey needs in his heart and wants to be a champion… Seth Rollins has to be a champion. Rollins has to have that power, that control, and Bron Breakker… Well, that is just stage one of the plan. Stage two is the World Heavyweight Championship. But Heyman is out here tonight to do Jey a favor. And we all know how well Heyman’s favors work out> Jey gets to sign his own death warrant. Jey gets to chose the night he loses the World Heavyweight Championship.

Because Seth Rollins hereby challenges Jey to the World Heavyweight Championship! Rollins pinned Roman Reigns at WrestleMania, Rollins deserves to be #1 contender! Jey gets to pick the time and the place, because Rollins will fight Jey for that title any time, and any place. Heyman drops his mic then takes his leave. Jey tells Heyman to hold on, OG. Omaha, can you help him out? Jey asks if Heyman just said “any time,” and “any place,” “any where,” for the world title, against Seth Freakin’ Rollins? Then it’s on TONIGHT! FOUR LETTERS! ONE WORD! UH, UH… YEET!!

Jey had Logan Paul on his mind, but now he is daring the Visionary to put up or shut up! Will Jey turn the tables on Rollins? Or is Jey playing into Rollins’ hand?

 

Heyman returns backstage.

He finds Rollins & Bron, and Heyman smiles. Heyman says, “He fell for it> I cannot believe he fell for it! He wants to do the match tonight! You were so right!” Rollins asks you know what he loves. He loves to say< “I told you so.” And he tells Heyman, “I told you so.” Heyman says that is true. Bron says Seth Freakin’ Rollins, World Heavyweight Champion… Heyman asks if Bron understands what is going on. Roman Reigns prepared Seth Rollins at Mania, and Rollins pinned the biggest star in the main event. CM Punk prepared with unbridled passion for Rollins at Mania, and Rollins not only beat Roman & Punk, Roman & Punk lost to Rollins in the main event.

Jey Uso is a great champion, don’t take that away from him. He made Gunther tap out! Gunther! Jey is no easy day in the park. But Jey wasn’t focused on Rollins, he was distracted by Logan Paul! And now he has no time to prepare for Rollins. But Rollins is fully focused on Jey because there’s no one left. Rollins is a sniper, and he has Jey in his sights. And tonight, we get handed the keys to the kingdom when the ref hands that World Heavyweight Championship to Seth Freakin’ Rollins…! Bron can see the vision now, but will we all see Rollins burning down the YEET Era?

 

PENTA VS JD McDonagh w/ The Judgment Day!

The Intercontinental Championship Fatal 4 Way at WrestleMania only went well for “Dirty Dom” because he had an Irish Ace up his sleeve! JD is back, but will Penta make him pay for the part he played? Or will The Judgment Day be able to screw Penta over again?

Raw returns and JD is in the ring. The bell rings, JD and Penta circle while Carlito & Finn Balor watch from ringside. The fans rally for #CeroMiedo as Penta throws it up. But JD kicks low! JD headlocks for the takeover, but Penta headscissors. JD kips free, arm-drags and has the armlock. Penta headscissors again, JD kips free, and then he waistlocks. Penta ELBOWS free, runs, but JD drop toeholds! Penta avoids the basement dropkick, but JD avoids the Penalty Kick to roll Penta up! TWO and JD returns. Penta again avoids a kick but the STANDING MOONSAULT hits! Cover, TWO! Finn argues the count but JD CLUBS Penta.

JD stands Penta up to bump him off buckles, then he CHOPS! Penta CHOPS JD in return! And CHOPS again! Penta runs up to KICK JD’s leg out! The fans cheer while JD hobbles away. Penta CHOPS again, then KICKS the leg out again! The fans fire up with Penta while JD goes to another corner. Penta storms up, but JD puts him in the corner, only for Penta to dodges and CHOP! JD sputters, Penta swaggers, and Penta KICKS the legs out! Cover, TWO! Finn wants a timeout but there’s no such thing here. Penta drags JD up, whips him to a corner, but JD BOOTS in return! JD ELBOWS Penta down, then drags him up to bring him around.

Penta blocks the buckle bump, GAMANGIRIS, then CHOPS! JD leans back, Penta climbs, but JD SLAPS him! And SLAPS! JD shoves Penta down, kicks him, then goes to the apron. Penta blocks the boot, then ENZIGIRIS in return! The fans fire up, but Penta tells Finn to stay back. Finn says he’s just standing nearby. JD fireman’s carries Penta to APRON DEATH VALLEY! JD is in control and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and JD has Penta up top. JD pulls Penta into the Tree of Woe, then runs corner to corner, but Penta sits up! JD slides into the POST! Penta is free of the Tree, and then he runs to handstand and SWINGING DROPKICK! JD gets feet right to the face and Penta covers, TWO! JD stays in this but the fans rally behind Penta. Penta fires up, and he counter punches JD! Penta bobs ‘n’ weaves to CHOP, then ROCK JD! Penta fires forearm after forearm, whips, but JD reverses. Penta KICKS in return! Penta runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, SLING-DOG! Cover, TWO! Penta hurries to stand JD back up and JAB!

Penta puts JD against the ropes to CHOP! The fans fire up and Penta whips. Penta scoops JD to BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! JD stays in this but Penta fires himself back up! The fans fire up but Finn distracts on the apron! That lets Carlito pull no Penta’s mask! Penta breaks free to GAMANGIRI! JD runs up but Penta TOSSES him out! Penta climbs, the fans fire up, “CERO! MIEDO!” SUPER CROSSBODY! Down go JD and Carlito! Finn freaks out but the fans rally up behind Penta. Penta puts JD in, but Finn creeps up! JD distracts the ref and Finn YANKS Penta down! Finn puts Penta in, but the ref DOES see it!

The fans fire up as the ref now EJECTS Finn & Carlito! The fans cheer whiel Finn & Carlito freak otu! They apologize, but it’s too late for that! Penta goes up a corner, but CHAD GABLE is here?! Gable grabs at Penta, Penta kicks him away, then Penta leaps over JD! Penta dodges JD to then FLY out onto Gable! Penta drags JD up but JD hits a JAWBREAKER! JD goes up, up, MOONSAULT FLOPS as Penta moves! MEXICAN DESTROYER!! Cover, Penta wins!!

Winner: Penta, by pinfall

Despite all the extra help on the outside, JD could not win! Cero Miedo is victorious, but when will Penta be Numero Uno?

 

Adam Pearce talks with Grayson Waller.

The Raw General Manager says the Aussie Icon wanted a match, so here’s his match. Yeah, but he didn’t know it’d be against him! Austin Theory finds Waller and Waller says good timing. Waller was talking with Pearce about how Waller’s been a bad friend to Theory, wanting a singles match for himself, but that’s selfish. Waller wants Theory to have the match, it’d be great for him. Okay, Theory is down! Pearce asks if Waller is serious, and Waller says he is! Well, if that’s what they want, fine. Theory has a singles match now. It’s official! Great! But who is it against? Uh, well, it’ll be better as a surprise, but they better get to the ring. #AllDay, remember?

Waller hurries away and Theory wonders what kind of surprise it could be. Well, everyone is wondering that. Who will Waller pass over to Theory to avoid getting brutalized?

 

Austin Theory w/ Grayson Waller VS ???

Raw returns as A-Town Down Under is already in the ring. And who is Theory’s opponent that was meant for Waller? It’s SHEAMUS! Monday Night Raw is once again Fight Night Raw as the Celtic Warrior is back again! Will Theory regret taking this banger?

The bell rings and the two circle. The fans rally, the two tie up, and Theory waistlocks. Sheamus throws Theory away and the fans cheer him on. Theory brushes that off, resets with Sheamus, and then Theory kicks low! Theory throws hands, puts Sheamus in a corner, but Sheamus ROCKS Theory! Sheamus UPPERCUTS, but Theory ELBOWS back! Sheamus fires a BODY SHOT, an UPPERCUT, then whips. Theory goes up and over, rolls, comes back, and he DROPKICKS Sheamus down! Waller says that’s his best friend right there! But then Sheamus CLOBBERS Theory! The fans fire up, and Sheamus storms up on Theory.

Theory ELBOWS Sheamus, whips, but Sheamus reverses to scoop, IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! The fans fire up as Sheamus says one more time! IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Sheamus goes for the legs but Theory kicks at him! Theory reels Sheamus in and throws some hands, but Sheamus stomps Theory down! The fans cheer as Sheamus turns Theory over for a CLOVERLEAF! Theory crawls and has the ROPEBREAK! Sheamus lets go, Theory rolls out, and Waller checks on his friend. But Sheamus climbs up! SUPER FLYING LARIAT! Down goes Theory! The fans fire up, and Sheamus finds a fellow Ginger! The fans cheer more while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and the fans rally behind Sheamus. Theory CLUBS Sheamus and throws hands, but Sheamus shoves him and eggs him on! Theory BOOTS Sheamus, but Sheamus just eggs him on more! Theory runs, but into a scoop and POWERSLAM! Theory flounders to the apron and Sheamus storms his way over. Sheamus stands Theory up and Waller stays back, but Theory HOTSHOTS free! Theory slingshots and somersaults, but into the KNEE CAPPER! Cover, TWO! Theory survives but Sheamus stays cool. The fans rally while Sheamus catches his breath, and then Sheamus goes to the apron.

Sheamus glares at Waller, Waller backs away, and Sheamus climbs. Theory avoids the flying lariat but Sheamus comes back! Theory dodges and Sheamus POSTS himself! Theory SUPERKICKS, somersaults, and BLOCKBUSTERS! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up for Sheamus while Theory goes back outside. Theory checks his jaw, shakes out the stars, and Theory climbs. Sheamus ROCKS Theory, fires body shots, and Sheamus climbs. Sheamus brings Theory up, tucks him in, WHITE NOISE! The fans fire up and Sheamus smiles as he’s clearly enjoying this. “This is Awesome!” as Sheamus rises up again.

Waller coaches Theory as Theory crawls to the apron, but Theory asks why Waller did this to him! Sheamus stands Theory up, and the fans cheer on the BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! The fans count along, Sheamus goes past TEN, and Theory slumps down at FOURTEEN! The fans fire up, Waller is worried, and Sheamus goes to a corner. The fans cheer Sheamus on, and we get a BROGUE! Cover, Sheamus wins!

Winner: Sheamus, by pinfall

The Celtic Warrior made quite the return, and Theory is surely regretting subbing in for Waller. Will A-Town Down Under have a meltdown because of this?

 

BREAKING NEWS for Backlash!

Penta was so close at WrestleMania, and he got through JD here tonight, so now he will be challenging Dominik Mysterio for the Intercontinental Championship!

Judgment Day regroups in the clubhouse.

They’ve clearly heard the news, and JD storms in asking what happened out there. The ref kicked them out? And why did Gable go out there? That wasn’t on any of them. JD says then Penta and Gable need to get it ASAP! Dom says Penta will be handled at Backlash, but as for Gable- Wait, who is this walking into the clubhouse? It’s A J STYLES! The Phenomenal One nods to Finn, Finn nods back, but Carlito asks how Styles even got here. Oh, R-Truth told him where they were. Plus, it wasn’t that hard to find. But he’s not here to fight or cause trouble. Styles just wants to give a friendly warning. Whether it is Dom or Penta, Styles is after that title.

Dom says whatever, old man. Wow, oh, so hurtful. But Styles tells Dom that it doesn’t matter who wins, he want the title! And then he’ll beat Dom up either way. Dom says this is crazy. Who knew being a champion was this hard. Penta, Styles, his hands are full! Wait, Finn has history with Styles. Can’t he handle Styles for Dom? Oh, what? Now Finn cleans up Dom’s messes for him? Nah, just messing with you. Finn’s got this. They fist bump, but will Judgment Day (not) hold it together without Liv around?

 

Chad Gable is backstage.

“Freakin’ luchadores. Bloody my nose?” The New Day walk over and Gable says it is not the time for this. Kofi Kingston says hold on, hold on, hear them out. They saw what went down, and that was awful. And they know that it is around time American Made got some respect around here. Xavier Woods says the War Raiders are already talking about getting a rematch, but New Day beat the bejeezus out of them, so that’s a no. What the New Day thinks is that opportunities need to start coming back to American Made. Gable likes what they’re saying. Give him some more ideas like that. But then Becky Lynch pushes through.

Woods tells The Man it was messed up how Lyra Valkyria treated her. Becky thanks him for that. Becky heads to the ring, what will she have to say here in Omaha?

 

Becky Lynch goes to the ring.

Omaha is torn as The Man has a mic in her hand. Becky says The Man has come around to Omaha, and she’s baffled by the bit of boos and “You Suck” chants she’s getting. Wait, wait, wait. She is very confused. The fans are treating her like she’s the bad guy here? No, she’s the victim! Okay, okay, she took out Bayley, fine. But when she came out to WrestleMania, everyone lost their minds! A woman in the crowd cried tears of joy! No one asked where Bayley was, because no one cared, Bayley is garbage! Becky took out the garbage! The fans were happy the garbage was taken out, but then Becky took credit for it and everyone got mad she took out the garbage!

That’s not what they should say when someone takes out the garbage! You tell that person, “Thank you for taking out the garbage! And what’s more than that, I also took out the recycling! Because that’s what Lyra is! She’s less offensive than garbage, but she’s still garbage! And what is garbage about her is her attitude. She doesn’t have a dream if it isn’t for me! She doesn’t have a title if it isn’t for me! She doesn’t make history if it isn’t for me! She doesn’t even have a freakin’ fiancé if it isn’t for me!!” The fans boo, but Becky says she still gets all this disrespect! But wait, here comes Lyra! Becky says this is what she’s talking about!

Lyra has a mic and asks, “Did you actually just call me recycling? You’re the Queen of Recycling! You’ve been recycling the same moves and the same tired old act for years! But that’s fine, Becky, you do you, I don’t care. What I have a problem with is you acting like you had anything to do with my success. The one thing I want to drive into your skull more than my foot is that you didn’t make me!” The fans cheer, and Lyra says she’ll catch Becky up. Becky went on holiday, and everyone here got better. Becky went on holiday, and Lyra made history of her own. Lyra holds up the Women’s Intercontinental Championship and the fans cheer.

Lyra says, “Oh, but you’re what this championship needs, right? That’s what you said. That’s rich, considering I’ve defended it more times than days you’ve shown up to work this year.” The fans cheer that zinger! Becky paces but Lyra says she sees it now. Lyra sees it so clearly. Becky shattered glass ceilings and Lyra is forever grateful. But Becky left all that broken glass on the ground and the rest of the Women’s Division were supposed to just follow behind because Becky never had any intention of taken anyone to the top with her. Becky says okay, okay, Lyra is right. Becky was gone, and everyone had the best year of their careers.

But that’s only because they didn’t have Becky around to compare themselves to! The fans boo but Becky says no, she didn’t help anybody because she doesn’t like anybody. She didn’t help anyone because her job isn’t to help anyone, it is to beat everyone! And Becky is very, very good at her job! She’s the greatest to ever do it! That’s not just her saying it, SPORTS ILLUSTRATED said so! The fans do cheer that, but Becky tells Lyra it doesn’t matter how great she thinks she is or how great she’ll become, because she will always be the moment after Becky! Wow… Sports Illustrated, huh? Lyra is wrong, she’ll take it back. Please, continue listing the achievements.

What can we say? Becky’s first SmackDown Women’s Champion, first woman to win the main event of WrestleMania, and the first Women’s Intercontin- NO! Wait! That’s Lyra! Becky frowns while the fans cheer, and Lyra says Becky must hate it. Becky must hate that this is Lyra’s first ever. But get used to being second. Becky throws hands but Lyra hits back! The fans fire up as these two brawl, and then Lyra hits a SPINEBUSTER! Becky gets up, Lyra is right on her, but Becky puts her in ta corner! Lyra dodges, RAMS into Becky again and again, then things spill outside! Lyra sends Becky into barriers! And apron! And barriers again!

The fans fire up but refs rush out! Omaha says, “LET THEM FIGHT!” but Becky gets free and throws off her jacket! Becky then gets in the ring and tells everyone, “You see this disrespect?! You see this disrespect?!” Lyra gets free and is back for more! The fans fire up, Becky clinches, but Lyra slips free to fireman’s carry! NIGHTWING DRIVER!! Lyra stands tall over Becky, title in her hand! Will this be the scene this Saturday for Backlash?

 

Iyo Sky VS Roxanne Perez!

The Genius Women’s World Champion won big last week on NXT alongside Jordynne Grace, but now The Prodigy is back in hopes of returning the favor. Will Roxie prove she’s ready for Raw? Or will Iyo show being a prodigy only gets you so far?

Raw returns and Iyo makes her entrance. The bell rings and the fans rally. The two circle, tie up, and Iyo pushes Roxie back. Roxie puts Iyo on ropes, Iyo turns that around, and the two go around. Iyo clinches, Roxie wrenches, but Iyo headlocks. Roxie powers up and out but Iyo runs her over! Things speed up, Iyo ducks ‘n’ dodges, then whips Roxie. Roxie cartwheels over the dropdown, then SLAPS Iyo! Roxie takes a bow, then dodges Iyo to bail out. Iyo pursues, they go back in the ring, and Roxie dodges again to roll back! Roxie RANAS, but Iyo handsprings through! The fans fire up, things keep moving, and Iyo handsprings again!

Roxie dodges, but Iyo comes back to SHOTGUN! Roxie tumbles out, Iyo builds speed, but Roxie is back to dropkick the legs out! Iyo writhes, but Roxie grabs the leg to stomp it and SMASH it! Roxie wants both legs but Iyo BOOTS her away. Iyo runs, but Roxie puts her on the apron. Iyo ROCKS Roxie first, but Roxie grabs a leg! DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Roxie builds speed and DIVES! Down goes Iyo at the ramp! The fans boo but Roxie puts Iyo in. Iyo gets moving and she DIVES! Direct hit on Roxie at the ramp! The fans fire up with Iyo, and Iyo hurries to put Roxie in. Iyo aims, springboards, but Roxie SLAPS her down!

Roxie grabs Iyo’s leg, drags her to a corner, and STOMPS the knee against the crossbar! Iyo clutches her leg and slumps to the floor while Roxie leaves her behind, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Iyo has Roxie up top, for a SUPER ARM-DRAG! The fans fire up while both women are down! Iyo slaps her leg into working, then she crawls her way over. Omaha is behind Iyo as she ROCKS Roxie! Roxie ROCKS Iyo, but Iyo ROCKS Roxie back! The forearms keep going, Iyo fires a flurry, then she winds up to SHOTEI! Roxie staggers, runs up, but Iyo FLAPJACKS! And BUZZSAWS! Cover, TWO! Roxie toughs it out but Iyo goes to the apron. Roxie runs up, but Iyo blocks her punch to HOTSHOT the arm! Iyo climbs, Roxie stands, MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans fire up while Roxie flounders, and Iyo kips up!

Iyo goes wild, so do the fans, and all aboard the SHIN- NO, Iyo’s leg bothers her! Roxie runs up, wheelbarrows, but Iyo rolls through to STOMP 182! Cover, TWO! Roxie survives and Iyo is frustrated! The fans rally, Iyo waistlocks, and she deadlift GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridge, but then a roll through! Roxie fights the second try to SAIDO! Iyo and Roxie stand, Roxie runs up, but Iyo wrenches and hooks her up! TIGER BACKBREAKER! Iyo says time to end this! Iyo CHOPS Roxie, hobbles to a corner, and climbs up! OVER THE MOONSAULT but Roxie moves! Iyo lands out but that jams up the leg! Roxie runs to SPIKE RANA!

Roxie roars, runs, and hits the HANDSPRING KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO!! Iyo survives the Guillotine Knee as taught to Roxie by Meiko Satomura, and Omaha rallies up more. Roxie fires hands, SOBATS, then runs to hop on! Iyo handsprings through, but Roxie blocks the kick! DRAGON SCREW! Roxie then has the arm, LA MAGISTROL BRIDGE! TWO!! Iyo bridges, TWO!! Roxie has the body scissors, O’Conner Roll, TWO! Iyo rolls Roxie up, TWO! Roxie has a lateral press, TWO! Iyo sunset flips! TWO! Roxie high stacks, TWO! Iyo sunset flips again, IYO WINS!!

Winner: Iyo Sky, by pinfall

Roxie is shocked! She tried to match speed with speed and move for move, but she just couldn’t keep up with the Genius! But then Roxie gets in Iyo’s face! Roxie offers a handshake? The fans aren’t so sure, but Iyo takes it. They both bow, and surprisingly, there is now respect here between them. But wait! GIULIA ATTACKS! It was all just so the Beautiful Madness could slip in! Roxie grins and they mug Iyo like they have before! Giulia ties up Iyo’s legs, has the arms, and sets Iyo up for a SUPERKICK and SURFBOARD STOMP!! Rhea Ripley is in Australia, she can’t save Iyo! Giulia sets Iyo up again, for another SUPERKICK and another SURFBOARD STOMP!!

Roxie and Giulia stand over Iyo, will these former NXT Women’s Champions soon run Monday Night Raw?

 

Rusev VS Otis w/ Akira Tozawa & Maxxine Dupri!

Bulgarian Brute no more, he has been REDEEMED! And now, he feels it is his divine appointment to “fix” all those on Raw who were once like him. Will that mean #TheDozer is going to go through baptism by fire? Or will he simply be crushed?

The bell rings and the fans rally as the two big men circle. They tie up, are in a deadlock, and they break. The fans rally more as the two tie up again. Another deadlock, but Rusev manages to power Oits bac. Otis powers Rusev back, the fans duel, and the big men break again. Rusev nods, perhaps liking what he is seeing already. They tie up again, and Rusev KNEES low, CLUBS Otis and fires hands in the corner! The ref counts, Rusev stomps a mudhole, but stops as the ref gets in there. Rusev storms up on Otis, stands him up, and whips him, only for Otis to reverses. Rusev returns to LARIAT! Otis stays up and shakes his head!

Rusev LARIATS, Otis stays up, so Rusev runs. Otis dodges with a roll! Otis then comes back and he LARIATS Rusev! Rusev stays up, but now Otis runs, and Otis LARIATS again! Rusev shoves Otis, Otis ducks ‘n’ dodges, but the WHEEL KICK comes outta nowhere! The fans are torn while Rusev stands tall, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Otis is down on the outside. Tozawa & Maxxine check Otis and coach him up, but Rusev storms outside. Rusev kicks at Otis, stands him up, but Otis EXPLODER Rusev over the desk! The fans fire up as Otis has more to give! Otis shoves the Hydration Station aside, then drags Rusev up to whip him hard into steel steps! Otis puts Rusev in the ring, but then drag shim out to fire clubbing arms! But then Rusev ducks, Otis’ arm hits POST! Rusev aims, but Otis ducks, so Rusev’s kick hits POST! Otis then CLOBBERS Rusev! Otis puts Rusev in the ring, storms in after him, and SPLASHES in the corner!

Rusev sputters and Otis runs up again! But Rusev MACHKA KICKS him down! Rusev roars and he shouts, “RUSEV! CRUSH~!” Stomp and ACCOLADE!! Otis endures, but he’s turning red! Otis shouts for Maxxine and Tozawa, but he TAPS! Rusev wins!

Winner: Rusev, by submission

Rusev continues to make Otis suffer by holding on, but Tozawa storms into the ring! Tozawa tells Rusev he can’t do that to his friend! They’re gonna fight right here and right now! The fans fire up as Tozawa rips his shirt away! Rusev says hold on now. Rusev did what he came here to do, and he spares Tozawa for tonight. But that’s just to lower Tozawa’s guard! Ruzev storms back in and GUT WRENCH POWERBOMBS Tozawa onto Otis!! The fans boo but Rusev shows no mercy! He POSTS Otis!! Then he drags Otis back in, and sends him into another POST! Otis falls out of the ring, Rusev goes out to drag him back in!

Rusev hits another MACHKA KICK!! And then he turns Otis back over, and he clamps the ACCOLADE back on!! The fans boo but that only makes Rusev want to do this more! Pearce, refs, and security rush out here! They tell Rusev to let go, but he waits until Otis is OUT! The fans boo, Natalya is here to console Maxxine, and Pearce reprimands Rusev. Will Rusev not care what he must do to “redeem” Monday Night Raw?

 

Raw returns and Adam Pearce is in the ring.

The General Manager hopes that they can get this show back on track. That said, please join him in welcoming to the ring… Pat McAfee! Omaha fires up as Pat hops off the desk, grabs a mic, and joins Pearce in the ring. Pearce also welcomes out Pat’s opponent for Backlash… DER RING GENERAL, GUNTHER! The fans are less excited as Gunther makes his way to the ring. Gunther and Pat keep their eyes on each other as Gunther fetches his own mic. Pearce wants to remind them that they’ve gone over this. They will NOT have what happened two weeks ago happen again. Get what you want out verbally, because Saturday, the time for talk is done.

Pearce says the floor is theirs, but keep it professional. Pearce then steps aside so Pat and Gunther can stare down. The fans cheer Pat on but Gunther says, “Well first of all… Do not worry. I’m not gonna do anything tonight, I’m not going to spoil that for myself. Because luckily for you, unlike you and your friend out there, I am professional.” The fans chant “You Tapped Out!” at Gunther, and he tells them to shut up! He’ll get back to that later, don’t you worry! Pat says he heard Gunther mentioned being professional. And Pat’s friend, Michael Cole, that is a walking, talking GOAT right there! The fans cheer that!

Pat tells Gunther, “For 28 YEARS, every single week of his life, except for three times, he has dedicated to traveling the world for this company. 28 years straight, 52 weeks a year, for this company!” The fans cheer that, too! Pat says Maggle has earned the right to have an opinion. And since that opinion pissed Gunther off so bad, Gunther flipped a switch and felt he had to attack a 60-year-old man, Pat will give Gunther an opinion of the man he’s standing in front of. Pat says it is apropos to be here in Omaha, Nebraska. When he thinks Nebraska, he thinks of the Cornhuskers! Pat shouts out Coach Rhule and his players in the crowd.

Pat says he can’t wait to watch the boys in the Fall rise to the top! And when Pat’s in Omaha, he also thinks of their steaks. Nobody beats this town’s meat! NOBODY! The fans chant “BEAT THE MEAT!” Pat says right across from this very arena is a baseball field that has hosted the NCAA World Series since 1950! The fans cheer that, and Pat says this city is a symbol of working hard and dreams coming true. And Pat feels “dreams” is a good word. They both have that in common. Pat might be from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the USA, and Gunther might be from Vienna, Austria, both men grew up with the same dream.

They both grew up wanting to be in this business, idolizing the superstars of yesterday, and spent hours and hours in front of TV watching pro-wrestling, thinking that is what they were put on this earth to do! The problem with Gunther is, he was at this for 20 years. He has been a champion for 80% of his WWE career. He’s jaded! This is no longer a dream but a job for Gunther. For Pat, every time he walks into an arena, he gets jacked up about life, baby! The fans cheer that! Pat says he thinks about 12 year old Pat, the kids out there in the crowd like him, dreaming in the upper rows to get in this ring and let a-holes like Gunther know that they don’t like what Gunther’s about.

And what Gunther’s about right now, as opposed to the Waltering around stage… Gunther doesn’t want it anymore. He’s too comfortable. It happened against Sami Zayn, it happened against Jey Uso, and it’ll happen with Pat. Pat will prove to Gunther and the fans that this Gunther… is SAWFT. The fans fire up for that! Gunther paces a moment, then he stares Pat down as he says, “Did you enjoy your little daughter’s birthday last week? Two years, right? It’s cute. I bet it was a very special day for you. Because for me, Saturday is a very special day, and you just got me into the right mood for it!

“Because it’s my first match since WrestleMania, and I’m going to show up sharp, I’m going to show up prepared, I’m going to show up more focused than every before. Don’t you worry that I’ll overlook you. Don’t worry that I’ll underestimate you. I promise you, you have my full and undivided attention. Because on Saturday, that bell is going to ring, and I’m going to beat you up! I’m going to MAUL you! I’m going to grab you by the head, and DRIVE it into this mat! I’m going to CHOKE YOU OUT until you drop like a wet towel! Tonight, by my grace, you are untouchable. But on Saturday, trust me when I say this! On Saturday, only the grace of GOD can lift my arms off your throat!”

Gunther shoves his mic into Pat, then he storms off. Der Ring General is ready to reload and unleash his full arsenal upon Pat, will Pat survive to even be part of next week’s show?

 

WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Jey Uso VS Seth Rollins w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker!

To what Pat McAfee just said, perhaps Gunther did underestimate Main Event Jey Uso, but Jey also managed to bring something out of himself that even he didn’t know was there. But that confidence was preyed upon to give The Visionary his shortcut back to this title. Will Rollins and his A-Team make the plan come together? Or will we bookend the show with some YEET?

Raw returns as Jey makes his entrance, and from the ramp this time. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly in control!

The bell rings and Jey’s first defense begins. The fans rally behind Jey while he and Rollins stare down. Omaha gets the “YEET! YEET! YEET!” going and Jey is fired up. Jey is already undoing his wrist tape, he wants to throw down! Rollins slowly steps forward, the two tie up, and Rollins waistlocks. Rollins headlocks, spins, hammerlocks, headlocks again and hits the takeover to ghost pin! TWO, and Rollins laughs at how close he had Jey. The fans duel with “YEET!” and “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Jey and Rollins circle, tie up, and Rollins headlocks again. Jey powers up and out, but Rollins runs him over! Cover, ONE!

Rollins sweeps the legs to cover, ONE! Jey kicks, Rollins blocks, and then Rollins ducks the Dragon Whip! Rollins lounges on the top rope and the fans boo. Jey is annoyed but he keeps his cool. Rollins swaggers up, but Jey UPPERCUTS him down! Jey just suckered Rollins! “YEET!” Rollins says okay, and he shoves Jey. Jey shoves back! Rollins shoves again, Jey shoves again, so Rollins CHOPS! Jey fires a haymaker, Rollins fires back, and the fans are torn! “YEET!” wins out but Rollins mule kicks low! Jey avoids the stomp, but Rollins kicks low again. Jey fights off the Pedigree, but Rollins bails out to avoid the superkick!

The fans are torn but Bron & Heyman walk over to check with Rollins. Rollins says it’s alright, Jey is good. Jey is champion for a reason. Rollins goes to the apron, has Bron relax, and then he steps inside. The fans rally behind Jey as Jey and Rollins circle. They feel things out, but then Rollins kicks low! Rollins CLUBS and stomps away on Jey, then stands him back up to bump him off buckles! Rollins stomps a mudhole in, digs his boot in, but the ref backs him off. Heyman sings along, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” and Rollins stalks Jey to the ropes. Rollins drags Jey up, “You think you’re on my level?” Rollins whips, Jey ducks ‘n’ dodges, and then UPPERCUTS!

Jey runs, Rollins blocks the kick, but the DRAGON WHIP hits! Jey runs and LARIATS Rollins up and out! Jey then DIVES, and Rollins is sent over the desk! The fans fire up while both men are down! Heyman & Bron are worried, but Raw goes to break.

Raw returns once more, and Rollins slithers into the ring. Rollins runs corner to corner at Jey, and Rollins forearm SMASHES! Jey falls to his knees but the fans still cheer him on. Rollins says the fans are just like Jey, they just don’t understand. Rollins brings Jey up, but Jey ROCKS Rollins! And ROCKS him again! And again! “YEET!” But Rollins kicks low! Rollins fires off in the corner, the ref counts, and Rollins keeps trying as the ref backs him off. The ref reprimands, but Rollins just goes back to Jey. Rollins puts Jey up top, CHOPS him, then climbs. The fans rally as Rollins brings Jey up, and Jey fires body shots!

Jey HEADBUTTS Rollins down and the fans cheer! Rollins stands, Jey leaps, but Rollins gets under! Jey keeps moving, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but then Rollins runs! DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! The fans fire up while both men are down again! “This is Awesome!” as Rollins and Jey go to opposite ends. Rollins storms up, but Jey counter punches again! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Rollins wobbles, Jey pops, locks ‘n’ winds up to DECK Rollins! Then SAMOAN DROP! The fans fire up again as Jey shakes out the stars. “UCE! OH!” HIP ATTACK! Cover, TWO! Heyman is relieved and Jey grows frustrated.

Rollins slowly rises up, but Jey is there to fireman’s carry! Rollins fights the Samoan Drop and slips out of the ring. Jey pursues, they go around the way, and Rollins slides in. Jey drags Rollins back out, but Rollins BOOTS Jey into barriers! Rollins builds speed and he DIVES! Direct hit and Jey hits barriers! Rollins puts Jey in, goes to the apron, and springboards, into a SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO!! The antiair didn’t end this and the fans can’t believe it! The fans again declare, “This is Awesome!” as Jey and Rollins stir. Rollins rises, Jey aims from a corner, and Jey runs up, but into a KICK! Rollins fireman’s carries, then pops Jey around!

Rollins aims, runs up and BUCKLE BOMBS!! Jey falls, Rollins climbs, and the fans fire up! FROG SPLASH FLOPS as Jey dodges! Jey runs and SPEARS into a PEDIGREE!!! Cover, TWO!! Rollins is furious and Heyman is shocked, but Jey is showing that championship grit! Heyman coaches Rollins up while he goes to a corner. Rollins nods, he knows he has Jey in his crosshairs. Rollins runs back up, but Jey avoids the stomp again! SLEEPER!! Jey has Rollins like he has Gunther, but Rollins throws Jey away! Jey hurries to get moving! SPEAR!!! Cover, TWO!??! Jey is stunned and the fans are shocked, but Bron has a huge smile seeing Rollins’ own grit on display.

Omaha again declare “This is Awesome!” and Jey rises back up. Jey hobbles to a corner and climbs up. Rollins stirs, rises, and he anchors a foot! Jey tries to get free but Rollins CLUBS him! Rollins climbs up now, HAMMERS Jey, but Jey HEADBUTTS! And HEADBUTTS! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Rollins falls back, but into the ref! Bron grabs at Jey! Jey BOOTS Bron off into the Hydration Station! But that lets Rollins get up and SUPER DUPER PLEX! Roll through and FALCON ARROW! Rollins aims from a corner now, and he CURB STOMPS!!! Cover, TWO!?!?! Jey survives and Omaha is thunderous! Bron, Heyman, Rollins, none of them know how this is possible!

Rollins goes to Bron, whispers something to him, but wait! SAMI ZAYN is here?!? Even after what happened last week!? Bron hurries to the ramp, ready to fight Sami. But wait, Sami LEAPS in from the crowd! The fans fire up as Sami fires hands on Bron! Sami POSTS Bron, then Jey SUPERKICKS Rollins! And a SPEAR!!! Jey hurries up top and Sami cheers him on! USO SPLASH!!! Cover, TWO?!?!?! HOW?!?! Omaha has no idea what to make of that, and neither does Sami! Sami coaches Jey, Heyman coaches Rollins, and the fans rally back up. But Bron SPEARS Sami!!! Bron then slithers away to hide while the fans boo!

Jey asks what happened to Sami and he goes outside to check. Heyman distracts the ref, Bron SPEARS Jey!!! The fans boo even more, and Bron drags Jey up to put him in the ring! CURB STOMP!!!! Rollins crawls to the cover, laughing all the way, but C M PUNK is here?!?! Omaha goes nuts seeing Punk back! Punk CHUCKS a chair at Bron’s face! Then he gets int he ring! Rollins and Punk brawl, there goes the title match!

Winner: Seth Rollins, by disqualification (Jey Uso retains the title)

Punk SMACKS Rollins with the chair, JAMS him up, then SMACKS him again! Bron slides in, but Punk SMACKS away on him! Rollins tries to get back in but Punk runs him off! The fans are thunderous for Punk as he and Sami stand tall! Jey gets back up, and clearly the battlelines have been drawn! Will Rollins’ vision for Monday Night Raw fall apart?


My Thoughts:

A great Monday Night Raw as the go-home to Backlash, but everything with the world title match was both great and curious. No Logan Paul here in Omaha is a mixed bag itself. From the story side, he should’ve, so he and Jey could’ve had a face-to-face. But as a person, I was glad we didn’t have to endure Logan being smug. And quite the audible bringing Heyman out to talk with Jey. Heyman’s passion was great, really adds some stuff to help us understand his side. And I like that they “suckered” Jey into this match. It was definitely an awesome match, even with the overbooking that eventually threw it out.

Sami and Punk showing up was all fine in story, but after what happened last week, I feel like Sami shouldn’t have come back so soon. But that aside, Jey, Sami and Punk make for a good unit to counter Rollins’ team. Though, Rollins will need another member who can wrestle since Heyman won’t be of any use. Here’s hoping it is Austin Theory given how Theory is upset with Waller after that switcheroo. Good return for Sheamus, though I feel like Sheamus has done more returns in the last 12 months than just about anyone ever. Here’s hoping Sheamus still gets in on the Intercontinental Championship story.

Speaking of, great match from Penta VS McDonagh, even with the overbooking. A bit surprising Penta overcame all that to win, but it works since now Dom and Penta are now set for an Intercontinental Championship. And there is room on the card as it doesn’t seem Jey VS Logan is happening for Backlash. Makes me wonder if they started us on a Jey VS Logan feud before they were really ready, as Backlash “isn’t big enough” for Logan’s “star power.” I like that Styles also got in on this, Styles VS Finn is going to be awesome, and can certainly set up the winner as the next challenger. It really depends on what happens with Dom VS Penta.

Gable getting involved as also good, given how he and Penta had their confrontation last week. New Day had a good promo with Gable to gas up American Made. That is to say, New Day is using American Made as a shield against The War Raiders, but it’ll only help Erik & Ivar earn their rematch. Great return match for Rusev with Otis looking strong even in defeat. Rusev doesn’t waste time teasing he’s a Tweener, he goes right to blindsiding Tozawa and beating Alpha Academy down. Not sure who is next for Rusev, as there aren’t as many Faces not really tied into anything on Raw. Maybe whatever WWE Draft we get moves Rusev to SmackDown, or at least moves some names from SmackDown and NXT to Raw so Rusev can face fresh meat.

Great promo from Becky and Lyra to help hype Becky VS Lyra. Good brawl, but now Lyra standing tall makes me think Lyra loses the title. Becky can start on some sort of second Grand Slam or something like that, but also she and Lyra will be 1-1 and the rematch for the Women’s Intercontinental title can be the tiebreaker at like MITB or SummerSlam. Iyo VS Roxie was a great match, but of course Giulia showed up. No reinforcements with Rhea promoting Crown Jewel: Perth, and sadly, Dakota Kai being hurt and now released, no Damage CTRL to help either. But the Heels did need a moment where they stood tall, and one of them could even get a world title shot.

And honestly, Pat and Gunther had an awesome promo to hype their match. Pat put over Maggle, he put over Nebraska, and quite perfectly framed this story as the hungry dreamer in Pat himself and the complacent veteran who has already done so much. Gunther’s response was also great, because now he’s angry enough to get that hunger and that fire back. I would think Gunther wins, as he needs the rebound from WrestleMania and Pat doesn’t really need much. But Pat can get a moral victory of sorts by lasting longer than Gunther or any of us expect. Pat can just keep getting up after every chop, have a false finish or two, but ultimately lose because his body can’t come through for his fighting spirit. Respect for Pat but momentum for Gunther, that’s the best outcome.

My Score: 8.9/10

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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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Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR


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