Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Monday Night Raw Results & Report! (1/7/19)
Raw kicks of its 2019 in epic fashion! A talk show premiere, a Tag Title Lumberjack Match, and the returns of John Cena, Brock Lesnar AND Hulk Hogan!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Six Man Tag: Finn Balor, Seth Rollins & John Cena VS Dean Ambrose, Drew McIntyre & Bobby Lashley w/ Lio Rush; Cena, Balor & Rollins win.
- Raw Tag Team Championships Lumberjack Match: Bobby Roode & Chad Gable VS The Revival; Roode & Gable win and retain the Raw Tag Team Championships.
- Elias VS Baron Corbin; Corbin wins.
- Mixed Tag: Mahalicia w/ The Singh Brothers VS Apollo Crews & Ember Moon; Crews & Moon win.
- Raw Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Sasha Banks w/ Bayley VS Nia Jax w/ Tamina; Banks wins and will face Ronda Rousey for the title at the Royal Rumble.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship Falls Count Anywhere: Dean Ambrose VS Seth Rollins; Ambrose wins and retains the WWE Intercontinental Championship.
PLAY BY PLAY
WWE mourns the loss of “Mean” Gene Okerlund.
A fight breaks out backstage!
Bobby Lashley attacks Seth Rollins for the beating The Architect gave him on last week’s Raw! Security and superstars pull the two apart but it doesn’t stop the fighting! Rollins and Lashley fight up gorilla and towards the stage, for it to spill out onto the stage! Rollins and Lashley brawl more, and even OFF the stage! Lashley staggers to his feet but throws security aside, only for Rollins to FLY onto him! Rollins hammers away but referees join the superstars in pulling them apart. Lashley tosses Rollins back onto the stage, but Rollins is quickly pulled away. Fans want to “Let Them Fight!” but Lio Rush talks sense into Lashley.
John Cena is Raw!
The Cenation is back, and is fired up as he makes his way down the ramp. Cena hits the ring and picks up a mic as fans both cheer and jeer. “For those watching around the world, welcome to Orlando, Florida! Welcome to Monday Night Raw! And welcome to the Road to Wrestlemania!” That fight was all about Wrestlemania. Rollins knows it, Cena knows it, fans know it. You either step up or get left out. Cena isn’t going to be left out of the plans this year, which means he’ll step up right now. Everyone knows that on the Road to Wrestlemania, there is one match anyone can go after the main event! And that is THE Royal Rumble match. “In life, nothing is handed to you.” Cena plans on earning his ticket, because he officially enters the Rumble!
However, Drew McIntyre appears! The Scottish Terminator stares Cena down from the stage and tells Cena “I have waited for this moment for years. Years!” Unlike everyone else, McIntyre doesn’t care who Cena shares his bed with, or doesn’t. McIntyre doesn’t care about that stupid haircut or what Cena does in Hollywood. What McIntyre cares about is those 16 world championship reigns. That Cena has main-evented multiple Wrestlemanias, and that Vince Mcmahon says Cena is the Greatest of All Time. And why is that? Because McIntyre actually agrees. Cena is the GOAT! What’s his point?
If Cena has been watching, McIntyre has a reputation for taking out some greats. Cena can check with The Shield on that. No, wait, McIntyre broke them. Check with Ziggler- No, McIntyre destroyed Ziggler. Then call Kurt Angle, and he will tell McIntyre what he’s capable of. McIntyre humiliated and tapped Angle out to his own ankle lock! McIntyre tells Cena to look at him. He is the most dangerous man in the WWE, and now he targets Cena. Cena feels good after how Raw started. And now this makes Cena sad. Because McIntyre’s just saying the same thing everyone else does. Cena had to leave, to force everyone to come up with different promos. What makes McIntyre different than them? McIntyre says they were all talk, “I’m gonna bloody show you!” McIntyre is ready to fight, Cena is ready to fight, but Lio Rush says there’s a situation?
Rollins has gone CRAZY! Rollins attacked him and Lashley “viciously”, and claims Rollins attacked Lashley. It’s not their fault Rollins can’t get a rematch with Dean Ambrose. Lio threatens legal action! “This show is officially cancelled until somebody does something about Seth Rollins!” Speaking of, Rollins attacks Lashely!! The brawl is back on, on the ramp! And Ambrose appears to join the fight! Cena helps Rollins, but McIntyre goes after Cena for himself! Ambrose and Lashley beat up Rollins then hit Cena. McIntyre helps Ambrose with Cena, but here comes Finn Balor! Finn goes right at McIntyre with a slingblade! Then he clotheslines McIntyre out, and FLIES onto everyone!! Chaos returns, but we go to break!
Six Man Tag: Finn Balor, Seth Rollins & John Cena VS Dean Ambrose, Drew McIntyre & Bobby Lashley w/ Lio Rush!
Holla holla! Raw returns as Cena puts Lashley in a headlock. Lashley powers out but Cena grabs the ropes. Lashley runs in but misses, and then things speed up. Cena runs Lashley over with a lariat and tags in Finn! Finn climbs while Cena wrenches the arm. Finn drops ax handles and then wrenches Lashley. Lashley knees low, and drags Finn up for a fast scoop slam! Lashley stares Cena and Rollins down, then tags in Ambrose. Fans chant “Lashely Sucks!” as he and Ambrose mug Finn. Ambrose grinds Finn into the ropes, but backs off at 4. Ambrose runs but into arm-drags! Finn has Ambrose down, but Ambrose gets up and fights out.
Ambrose whips but Finn reverses. Ambrose sunset flips but Finn rolls through to dropkick! Cover, TWO! Finn grabs Ambrose but Ambrose powers him to the corner. Tag to McIntyre and McIntyre throws hands and CHOPS Finn! McIntyre stalks Finn and drags him up in a deadlift suplex! Cover, TWO! McIntyre eggs Finn on, but Finn counter punches! They brawl and McINtyre knocks Finn down. McIntyre stomps Finn, then taunts Cena. McIntyre tags in Lashley and they mug Finn in the corner. Lashley drives elbows into Finn then wraps on a chinlock. Fans rally for Finn and Finn feeds off the energy. Lashley elbows Finn down, then tells the fans to hush. Fans boo instead.
Lashley scoops Finn but Finn slips out. Finn reaches for his corner but Lashley keeps him away. Finn throws forearms but Lashley whips Finn into the corner. lashley runs into boots, and FInn fights his way out. Fnn runs but into a tackle to the open corner! Lashley rams his shoulder n over an dover, then tags Ambrose in. Ambrose stomps Finn in the corner, but backs off at 4. Ambrose whips Finn corner to corner, and hits a forearm smash. The Lunatic says his team is the “dream team”, and he whips Finn corner to corner again. Finn boots Ambrose but runs into another forearm, only to PELE! Fans fire up as both men head for their corners. Hot tag to Cena!
Cena rallies with those famous shoulder tackles! Then the spin-out powerbomb, and Five Knuckle Shuffle! Cena lifts but Ambrose tags to McIntyre. The AA hits but so does the Glasgow Kiss! McIntyre staggers from the impact, too, but covers. TWO, and we go to break!
Raw returns and Ambrose grinds his forearm into Cena’s face. Ambrose backs off, and Cena counters the sucker punch from Lashley! Cena dropkicks Ambrose down, and fans fire up again. Ambrose and Cena head for their corners, hot tag to McIntyre! McIntyre clobbers Cena then throws hands and chops. Cena hits back with heavy hands, but runs into a spinebuster! Jackknife cover, TWO! McIntyre puts Cena in their corner and tags in Lashley. Lashley stomps Cena then drags Cena up for a neckbreaker. Cover, TWO! Cena survives but Lashley flexes. Fans boo as Lashley sucker punches Rollins! But Cena gives Lashley an AA! Lashley and Cena crawl, tag to Ambrose! Ambrose puts Cena in a sleeper! Cena flails and Ambrose drags him away.
Ambrose wrangles Cena down with body scissors. Cena endures as fans rally up. Cena rolls around and gets free of the scissors. He reaches for his corner, but first pries his way out of the hold. Cena knees low, then headbutts and throws hands. Cena runs but into Ambrose’s knee. Ambrose drops an elbow on Cena and Cena rolls out of the ring. Ambrose goes out to drag Cena up and throw him into steel steps! Cena is down as the count rises, and we go to another break.
Raw returns again and Ambrose snapmares Cena to stomp him out. Cover, TWO, but Ambrose puts a chinlock on. Cena endures as fans slowly build to a rally. Cena gets up and Ambrose becomes a backpack, but Cena still takes steps towards his corner. Rollins and Finn reach out but Ambrose rakes Cena’s eyes! Ambrose boots Rollins, but turns into a clothesline from Cena! Both men are down and fans rally up again. Cena crawls for his corner, and tags in Finn! Finn boots and rallies on Ambrose, then hits McIntyre! Finn hits Ambrose with forearms, then the elbow drop DDT! Lashley runs in but gets a Slingblade! Ambrose wants Dirty Deeds but Finn counters to double stomps! Finn blasts Ambrose to a corner with the dropkick! He heads up top! COUP DE GRACE!
But CLAYMORE from McIntyre! The referee reprimands McIntyre but he just grins because he saved the match for his team. McIntyre reaches out to Ambrose as Ambrose crawls. But Rollins returns to his corner! Ambrose hurries, but so does Finn! Hot tags to McIntyre and Rollins! Now The Architect rallies! Rollins jumps over McIntyre to then enziguri! Rollins runs corner to corner but is put on the apron. He springboards onto Ambrose and Lashley! Rollins keeps moving, springboards over McIntyre. McIntyre kicks low and reels ROllins in, but ROllins slips through to Falcon Arrow! Cover, TWO!! Rollins keeps his focus as he fires up with Orlando. Orlando already chants it, so Rollins stomps along, “Burn It Down!”
Rollins aims, mule kick but McIntyre back elbow.s McIntyre as Rollins but Cena gets McIntyre with an AA! Lashley SPEARS Cena! SUPERKICK to Lashley from Rollins! And then Rollins drags McIntyre back into the ring. Rollins hurries to SUPERKICK McIntyre down! Rollins heads up top, for the Frog Splash! But it flops as McIntyre rolls away! Ambrose tags in to go after his hated enemy. Ambrose underhooks but Rollins rolls up to CURB STOMP!! Cover, Rollins and team win!!
Winners: John Cena, Finn Balor & Seth Rollins, Rollins pinning
The Architect wins it for his dream team, and all three men roll on towards the Royal Rumble match! Will Rollins earn himself an Intercontinental Championship match along the way?
But wait, everyone can see Triple H talking with the Boss & Hug Connection. HHH seems to be talking with Sasha Banks & Bayley about their WWE Women’s Tag Title aspirations, but Rollins goes in search. Will Rollins want a straight answer out of HHH about his title predicament?
Rollins finds HHH, and slaps him!? “I want Dean Ambrose, I want the Intercontinental Title, and I want it tonight.” HHH gives Rollins the match, and yes, it’ll be tonight. And it’ll be Falls Count Anywhere. “Welcome back.” The Architect gets the match he wanted, but will he get the revenge he wants on The Lunatic?
WWE and Raw honor the life of “Mean” Gene Okerlund with a 10 Bell Salute.
Hulk Hogan is Raw!
The Immortal One was one of Gene Okerlund’s closest friends, and their interviews together were some of the most memorable from wrestling history. The Hulkster is here now to honor Mean Gene in person. Orlando gives Hulk a great ovation as he says “Now let me tell you something, brother!” But Hogan gets serious, letting us know that making an in-character entrance because that’s how Gene would’ve wanted it. Gene loved to entertain, especially the WWE Universe. So now, let’s have a look at some of his greatest moments! Hogan cues up the tribute video for Gene, which includes some of the greatest wrestling icons of all time.
“Hulkamania would never have gotten as big as it did without Gene Okerlund.” Hogan, Savage, Warrior, Flair, you name them, he’s talked to them. “If one day I’m called up to the big house, I want you to bury me face down. And then all of my critics can kiss my ass!” Mean Gene will forever be missed. Hogan says Gene was one of a kind, and speaks on behalf of everyone who has even anything to do with WWE, “we love you, my brother.” Gene may not be in the ring, but he’s in our hearts. Orlando claps, “Thank you, Mean Gene!” Hogan wants them to keep going, then asks them what to do? They want that. “Well let me tell you something, Mean Gene!”
Hogan knows Gene is with the angels on them big white clouds, putting the greatest matches together, like Randy Savage & Ultimate Warrior VS Roddy Piper & Mr. Perfect! And Andre the Giant is the guest referee! Gene’s probably breaking up fights between Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby Heenan, too! Those weights are clanging and banging, but Gene doesn’t have to get so swole. He’s got Moolah and Mae Young! Mean Gene, there’s one last question to ask all the Maniacs: “What you gonna do when Mean-Gene-o-mania runs wild on you, brother?!”
Raw Tag Team Championships Lumberjack Match: Bobby Roode & Chad Gable VS The Revival!
The rest of the Raw Tag Division surrounds the ring as the GLORIOUS Duo takes on Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder in this escalated rematch! Why are the #TopGuys getting another? Because there was some controversy as to who was the legal man for The Revival. Now with the Lumberjacks ringside to be witnesses, will Dash & Dawson get a fair finish to this title fight?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we begin with Roode and Dash. Dash and Roode tie up, and Dash gets a headlock. Roode powers out but Dash runs him over. Cover, ONE, but Dash gets Roode with a headlock takeover. Roode headscissors but Dash pops out, and then Roode gets a headlock. Dash powers out but things speed up, and Roode wants the DDT! Dash gets away, but rolls out to where Heath Slater & Rhyno are waiting! They scare Dash back in, and Roode rolls Dash up! TWO, but Roode wrenches the arm. Dash pushes Roode to the Revival’s corner, tag to Dawson. Dawson runs into Roode’s arm-drag, and then Roode tags Gable. Gable takes the hand-off to wrench Dawson. Dawson reels Gable into a lariat!
Dawson puts Gable on the top rope with a rebound suplex but Gable slips out. Gable waistlocks and rolls for a cover, TWO! Gable springboards for a crossbody cover, TWO! Things speed up and Gable arm-drags Dawson. Dash tags in but Gable headscissors Dawson. Then he headscissors Dash! Tag to Roode, and the Glorious Duo double whip the Revival into double back drops! The Revival bail out but the Lucha House Party force them back in. Gable & Roode clothesline them back out, so the Lucha House Party go to bring The Revival back up. The Ascension back The Revival up and back the Lucha House Party off. Slater & Rhyno back LHP up, but Roode helps Gable FLY onto The Revival! LHP help put Dash in, Roode covers, TWO!
Roode keeps on Dash with an arm wrench and he tags in Gable. Gable climbs to ax handle the arm. Gable hits Dawson for good measure, but Dash pulls Gable’s hair. Tag to Dawson, things speed up but Dash kicks Gable and Dawson hangs Gable out to dry! Gable tumbles out, Rhyno and The B-Team help him back in. Dawson covers, TWO! The title continues after the break.
Raw returns as Dash pulls Gable’s hair to keep him from Roode. Dash whips but Gable arm-drags! Gable reaches but Dash again keep shim back. Gable breaks free, hot tag to Roode! Roode rallies, but Dawson tags in. Roode still gets Dawson with an exploder! Then he gives one to Dash! Roode fires up and so does Orlando. Roode tackles Dawson in a corner then knocks Dash off the corner. He clotheslines Dawson out and the lumberjacks put him back in. Roode gives Dawson a spinebuster! Cover, TWO! Gable returns and Roode tags him in. The Glorious Duo coordinate but Dawson hits Roode away. But Gable leaps over and waistlocks Dawson, for Roode to add a blockbuster to the German Suplex! Bridging cover, but Dash makes it in time!
Dash throws Roode to a post, then puts Gable on the top rope. Gable brings Dash out with bodyscissors! Gable climbs up top, and leaps at Dawson! But Dawson rolls through, TWO!! Dawson runs but into a waistlock. Dash tags in, Chaos Theory hits, but Dash frog splashes onto the bridging Gable! Cover, TWO!! Gable survives and all four competitors are down. The lumberjacks watch anxiously as Dash and Gable slowly stand up. Dash has Gable in the Electric chair, and tags in Dawson. Gable throws Dash with headscissors, but Dawson leaps for a sunset flip! TWO, and Gable trips Dawson up for a jackknife. TWO as Dawson lifts up. Dawson wants a backslide but Gable goes for his own. The two duel and roll to some kinda cover, TWO!
Gable goes for another backslide but has to dump Dash to the apron. Dash saves Dawson but Roode trips Dash! Dawson cradles but Roode rolls it to favor Gable! But Dawson’s leg is on the ropes! The Glorious Duo win!?
Winners: Bobby Roode & Chad Gable, Gable pinning; still Raw Tag Team Champions
But the lumberjacks do serve as witnesses, they all saw that! Is this some kind of conspiracy? Or is it just bad officiating? Will the Revival get a third chance at the titles over this controversy?
Raw takes another look at the coming new faces.
Lars Sullivan is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before! Who will be the first to suffer a Freak Accident?
Lacey Evans vows to use her Woman’s Right to clear out and clean up the Women’s Division, while maintaining her manners.
They’re COMIIIN’! Heavy Machinery will use the power of #SteaksAndWeights to bring the good times and the big fights to the Tag Team Division.
“You wanna play? Play with Nikki!” The Loony Lass has no fear, there’s only chaos. Nikki Cross is on her way, who wants to play?
And of course, last but certainly not least is the #TopOnePercent. The Best Here, the Best There, the Best Everywhere is prepared to rack up #VictoryAfterVictory no matter where he ends up.
Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias.
The Drifter comes to Orlando, plays his guitar, and reflects over his 2018. Elias weeps over the level of stardom he’s reached and the speed at which he reached it. He dropped an album, sold out Madison Square Garden, and has been all over the world. And now it brings him here to Orlando. There is a universal truth that follows him everywhere, and that is that WWE truly stands for “Walk With Elias!” Orlando knows it and it fires Elias up. Now if you thought 2018 was great, it will be nothing compared to 2019. Because on January 27th, he will walk into Chase Field, be in front of 40 thousand, and he will win the Royal Rumble match!
But as much as Elias enjoys his successes, he enjoys the failures of one Baron Corbin. Corbin was GM, running Raw into the ground and cancelling all Elias’ performance. Corbin’s a joke. Elias hasn’t forgotten any of Corbin’s wrongs, and has a song about it. But Corbin interrupts! Fans boo but Corbin claims he’s here to help because he tells Elias to stop. No one can endure another mind-numbing performance. Just like the WWE Universe, Elias has no idea what it’s like to be in such a respected and high-stress position as GM. After everything Corbin did for Elias, Elias should respect him. Everyone should respect and admire Corbin!
But that’s the problem: no one understands, so they disrespect him. They’d probably like it if he disappeared, huh? “Yes!” Well that’s not happening! Corbin’s entering the Rumble, and will actually win to main event Wrestlemania! Elias put his stool and guitar away, how about they– Elias tells Corbin to stop talking and shut his mouth! Their match is now, who will gain some major momentum towards the Royal Rumble?
Elias VS Baron Corbin!
The bell rings and Corbin circles with Elias. They tie up and Elias gets a waistlock. Corbin backs Elias down but Elias dodges to chop and chop and chop! Corbin knees low then whips Elias to a corner, but Elias goes up and over. Elias mule kicks Corbin then clotheslines him out of the ring! Elias builds speed to wreck Corbin with a dropkick! Fans fire up as Elias climbs up top. Elias falls right onto Corbin! “Who Wants to Walk With Elias?!” Orlando does, but we’re going to break.
Raw returns and Corbin has Elias in a half nelson. Elias fights out but Corbin knees low. Corbin runs but Elias sends him out, only for Corbin to come back and throw Elias over the ropes. Corbin blasts Elias off the apron, then mockingly applauds as fans rain down boos. The referee counts but Corbin goes out to fetch Elias. Corbin rams Elias into barriers, then puts him back in the ring. Corbin continues to mockingly applaud, but Elias hits back! Elias chops and whips but Corbin slides out. Corbin slides back in and clobbers Elias with a clothesline! Cover, TWO! Corbin is furious and tells the ref “You Suck!” Fans tell Corbin he sucks, but Corbin drags Elias up for a rain of right hands. Fans troll Corbin with chants of “You Got Fired!” as Corbin climbs. Corbin leaps, into Elias’ leaping knee!
Elias and Corbin get to opposite corners, and Elias grits his teeth as he drags himself up. Elias runs and hits Corbin with an elbow, then rams in a right hand. He drags Corbin up to whip but Corbin reverses. Elias runs out to clothesline Corbin down! Elias stomps and punches away on Corbin in the corner! The ref backs Elias off as Elias roars. Elias hits Corbin in the corner again, then hauls him up in an Electric Chair! Corbin slips out but Elias runs, to reel Corbin in for a swinging neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Elias keeps his cool as he heads up top. Elias leaps for the Macho Elbow, but rolls through as Corbin evades. Corbin throws Elias at the ref, then rocks him with a right! Corbin throws Elias into the post! Then End of Days! Cover, Corbin wins!
Winner: Baron Corbin, by pinfall
The Lone Wolf mockingly applauds again as he rubs his victory in the fans’ faces. Corbin wins this match, but can he win the Royal Rumble on his road to redemption?
Dean Ambrose speaks.
“What is this world coming to?!” HE tries to keep his promise to the ungrateful fans. Ambrose never liked Six Man Tags, anyway. Ambrose is the only man he trusts. He is the Moral compass and the last line of defense against “that mad man”, Seth Rollins. Do the fans not think it hurts Ambrose to fight Rollins? Ambrose lost everything to “bring balance back to WWE.” If Rollins wins, it’s game over for everyone! But Ambrose won’t let that happen. If Ambrose has to do it in the ring, on stage, or getting in line for hot dogs, Ambrose vows to end this tonight. Ambrose vows to burn Rollins down, but will he be the one burned?
BRAUN is Raw!
The Monster Among Men returns from elbow surgery and is ready for his WWE Universal Championship match at The Royal Rumble! And knowing that The Beast is in the building, Strowman wants to be here to meet him. Strowman picks up a mic as fans chant “Get These Hands!”, but then decides this isn’t time to talk. He dares Brlock Lesnar to appear! But of course, Paul Heyman makes his introductions, from backstage. The Advocate for the “reigning, defending, undisputed Universal Heavyweight Champion, Brock Lesnar”, says he knows that The Monster in the ring is looking for a face-to-face confrontation.
But Heyman gives Strowman some education. Heyman knows how much hype has gone behind this encounter, but the lesson is “card subject to change.” That change is this confrontation, and for Strowman’s benefit. Because if Lesnar came down to #GetTheseHands, he wouldn’t have an opponent left at the Rumble, just another victim. Let this be a lesson learned. Strowman doesn’t need to thank Heyman, but Heyman will still say “you’re welcome.” And Lesnar smirks as he takes his leave. But Strowman tells the “Beastie Boy” that he’s waiting in this ring, for Lesnar. Lesnar considers his options. Is that all? Well unless Lesnar wants to hide with Heyman… Fans chant “Get These Hands!” and Strowman says he’s in Lesnar’s ring. Why doesn’t Lesnar get in Strowman’s face like Heyman said would happen?
Is that all Strowman’s got? Lesnar doesn’t have to do anything, because he’s the champion. Strowman asks Brock if Heyman’s ass is every jealous of all the crap that comes out of Heyman’s mouth. Lesnar chuckles at that one. Strowman hears “Blah blah blah, Lesnar is afraid of Strowman. Blah blah blah, Lesnar doesn’t want to be face to face with the Monster Among Men.” Strowman’s right here while Lesnar hides on a screen like a coward. Lesnar should thank Paul because otherwise, Lesnar wouldn’t be making it to The Rumble. “Because everybody in here knows what happens when you Get These Hands!” Lesnar decides to test Strowman, even to Heyman’s surprise! Lesnar goes to gorilla, then out on stage!
Beast and Monster stare down as Lesnar heads down the ramp. Lesnar circles the ring, but doesn’t enter. He goes back up the ramp, even as fans boo. Strowman tells Lesnar to turn around, but Heyman laughs as Lesnar takes back his belt. Strowman promises that the Rumble will see him crowned new Universal Champion! The Beast and Advocate are confident now, but who will have the last laugh when this rematch finally happens?
#Mahalicia is in the ring!
Jinder Mahal says that before he obliterates Apollo Crews, please join him in finding tranquility. “Captain” Alicia Fox leads the way with Shanti. Wait, wait, that’s not quite right. Mahal calls out all the fans who do not chant along. Where is this? Right, Orlando. Yuck! Fans boo as Mahal says they do not deserve his tranquility! But before he can continue to rant, out come their opponents!
Mixed Tag: Mahalicia w/ The Singh Brothers VS Apollo Crews & Ember Moon!
The Shenom and the rising star join forces as each of them are on great rolls as of late. Mahal, Fox, Ember and Apollo are all in their respective Rumble matches, who will win big to gain momentum on the Road to Wrestlemania?
The bell rings and the men start. Mahal and Apollo tie up and Mahal powers Apollo to a corner. Mahal throws his shoulder in but then says Shanti. He whips Apollo corner to corner but Apollo goes up and over to handspring and also use Shanti. Things speed up and Mahal throws Apollo to ropes, only for Apollo to crossbody on the rebound! Cover, TWO! Apollo tilt-o-whirls to try a crucifix pin, TWO! Mahal runs into a dropkick! Apollo drags Mahal up but things speed up again. Apollo hits a leaping back elbow, then kips up to raise the roof. Because he now raises Mahal! Mahal slips away to tag in Foxy. Apollo clotheslines Mahal out to then slingshot out onto him and the Singhs!
Meanwhile, Moon and Foxy enter, and Ember blasts Foxy with a dropkick! Then springboards for a crossbody! Ember roars and runs in to handspring forearm smash! She has Alicia in the target zone, climbs up, and hits the Eclipse! Cover, Moon & Crews win!
Winners: Apollo Crews & Ember Moon, Moon pinning
The War Goddess brings victory to her team, and now both she and Apollo roll on towards The Rumble! Will 2019 be their year to main event Mania?
It’s the premiere of A Moment of Bliss!
The Goddess, Alexa Bliss, walks out on stage to her “set”. She appreciates the ovation from Orlando. They don’t have much going on as a city, but that changes tonight. Orlando goes down in history as the site of her show’s premiere. She demands coffee. Her assistant comes out and serves Alexa in her special cup. She dismisses the assistant rather dismissively, then cues up the highlight reel of Ronda Rousey’s 2018. From Ronda’s debut at Royal Rumble to her first match at Wrestlemania to all the media appearances in between, Ronda has been a big hit with everyone. Alexa gives the Baddest Woman on the Planet her introduction, and out comes the Rowdy Raw Women’s Champion! Orlando is excited to see Ronda, but Ronda isn’t as excited to see Alexa.
Alexa and Ronda take their seats, and Alexa asks Ronda about her 2018, and what’s next for her in 2019. Ronda hears out the fans cheering for her, and Ronda admits 2018 was extraordinary. As champion, Ronda looks forward. Ronda wants to be someone everyone can be proud of, and that means chasing her limits down with a vengeance. There is one woman that pushes everyone she faces to their limits. This woman has more athletic ability in her pinkie finger than Charlotte Flair does in her entire body. A woman who has more great stories than Becky Lynch. A woman that makes Ronda’s admiration for this business look like nothing. That is the unsung hero of Raw, Sasha Banks! Alexa is rather surprised to hear that name come up. Wasn’t she talking about Alexa?
Nia comes out, making gag noises. Cue the romcom music, right? Should they let Ronda and Sasha have a date? Girl crush, anyone? Or is Ronda forgetting about someone? She and Ronda have unfinished business. Nia is all about “new year, new me.” Rollins gets a rematch, what about Nia? When and where? But here comes The Boss! Sasha smiles as she’s honored to be named by Ronda. It is better to look forward and not back. Sasha is looking forward to a title match with Ronda. Because it will be Sasha’s pleasure to teach Ronda how to lose with class and dignity. Nia refuses to accept Sasha ignoring her. Nia won’t just rip Sasha’s face off, she’ll break her face. Get to the back of the line.
“B*tch, what line?!” Sasha sees a ring, so why don’t they have a #1 contender’s match? Sasha doesn’t hear Nia’s answer, she heads to he ring. Nia refuses to do this on Sasha’s time, but will management make it time? Find out after the break!
Raw Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Sasha Banks w/ Bayley VS Nia Jax w/ Tamina!
Management did make this match, and now the Irresistible Force must put up or shut up against The Boss! Who is going to the Rumble as Ronda’s next challenger?
Raw returns with the bell, and we can see that each superstar has their allies ringside. Sasha and Nia circle and tie up. Nia shoves Sasha but Sasha comes back with forearms. Nia knees low then grabs Sasha by the chin. Sasha SLAPS Nia, then leads her on a game of cat ‘n’ mouse. Sasha goes under the ring to come out the other side. Tamina warns Nia and Nia catches Sasha’s crossbody. Sasha slips out but Nia whips her at he ring. Sasha swings around to kick Nia, then runs to wreck her with a dropkick. Nia stays standing so Sasha knees her on the way back in. Sasha dropkicks Nia down then covers, TWO! Sasha runs and rolls to get a guillotine on Nia! Nia stays standing, and powers out to a suplex! Both women are down and Bayley grows concerned.
Nia stands first and drags Sasha to her feet. She whips Sasha to a corner, then squashes her with a splash. Nia soaks up the heat as she says she’s front of the line. Nia drags Sasha up to put her in a corner. She runs in but Sasha dodges. Sasha runs back in but Nia puts her on the apron. Sasha knees Nia back, but Nia runs Sasha over and out of the ring! Tamina goes after Sasha but Bayley goes after Tamina! Tamina throws Bayley into barriers! Sasha goes after Tamina, but Nia comes out to grab Sasha. Nia fireman’s carries and then trophy lifts Sasha around. She throws Sasha onto the spare trunk! Nia and Tamina laugh as Nia returns to the ring. The ring count climbs past 5 as Sasha crawls back towards the ring. Sasha gets up and runs, to beta the count at 9.5!
Nia drags Sasha around in the ring, then picks her up for a sit-out powerbomb! Cover, TWO!! Sasha survives and the Samoan Dynasty is frustrated, but we go to break.
Raw returns and Nia tortures Sasha in the torture rack. Sasha endures and fights out with elbows. Nia puts Sasha down but Sasha goes after the arm! Nia shoves Sasha off but Sash fires back kicks. Sasha jawbreakers then baits Nia into a corner. Nia misses and Sasha hits her with a big bulldog! Sasha keeps moving, meteora! Cover, TWO! Sasha keeps going, shining wizard! Cover, TWO! Sasha doesn’t give up as she climbs up top. Sasha leaps, SUPER Meteora! Cover, TWO! Nia survives but Sasha puts her in the Bank Statement crossface! Nia powers her way out as she lifts Sasha up. Sasha sunset flips through but Nia stays on her feet. Nia prepares her first and punches, but the Facebreaker hits the mat! Sasha runs, tilt-o-whirls, and gets the guillotine, only for Nia to pop her into the Samoan Drop!
But Sasha rolls away! Nia crawls to a cover, ROPEBREAK! Sasha survives and Tamina is frustrated for Nia. Nia drags Sasha back up by her hair, then tells her to stay down as she tosses her to a corner. Nia runs in for another splash, then soaks up the heat. She scoops Sasha into the fireman’s carry, then climbs up top. Sasha slips out but Nia kicks her away. Nia adjusts, but Sasha is on her with forearms. Sasha climbs up, but Nia gets her in the fireman’s carry again. Samoan Drop to the buckles! Sasha falls out of the ring and Nia grins. But Nia won’t leave her out there as she puts her back in the ring. Nia covers, TWO!! Tamina is furious and Nia is seething, but Sasha still lives.
Nia glares as Bayley rallies the fans behind Sasha. Nia drags Sasha up for a headbutt, then runs, but Sasha avoids the leg drop! Sasha drags herself up with ropes as Nia comes over. Sasha boots Nia away, then dodges her. Nia hits buckles, but Tamina goes after Sasha. Bayley dropkicks Tamna, then throws her into barriers! Bayley stomps Tamina out, and Sasha dumps Nia out. Nia climbs back up and both women are on the apron. Sasha baits Nia into the post! Nia staggers on the apron, and Sasha gets up to huricanrana Nia into the apron! But Sasha crashes and burns on the ground, leaving them both worse for wear. Sasha forces herself up and pushes Nia into the ring. Sasha slingshots and rolls Nia into the crossface! Nia endures, but taps! Sasha wins!
Winner: Sasha Banks, by submission; will face Ronda Rousey at the Royal Rumble
It’s #BossTime for the title in Phoenix! Will Sasha do in 2019 what no one could in 2018 and stop the Baddest Woman on the Planet?
WWE Intercontinental Championship Falls Count Anywhere: Dean Ambrose VS Seth Rollins!
The Lunatic burned a bridge when he betrayed The Architect months ago. And since then, he’s tried to ruin Rollins’ life, all in the name of atonement for past sins. Will Ambrose atone for his own sins at the hands of his former friend? Or will he finish his mission and put Rollins out of the Intercontinental title’s misery?
As Ambrose makes his entrance, Rollins attacks! Rollins doesn’t want to wait for this fight as he brings the fight to Ambrose! They go to the ring but then Rollins throws Ambrose into barriers. Rollins throws hands then puts Ambrose in the ring. The ref can finally ring the bell, but then Ambrose bails back out. Rollins pursues because there are no boundaries to this match! Rollins tackles Ambrose then rains hands! He puts Ambrose back in the ring only to clothesline him right out. And then Rollins DIVES! And rolls Ambrose up! TWO, and Ambrose goes running. Rollins gives chase to clothesline Ambrose into the crowd! Rollins hops the barriers and chases Ambrose up the side. He throws hands and Ambrose staggers about. Rollins bounces Ambrose off an equipment case!
Rollins rains down rights but Ambrose shoves him away. Ambrose retreats around behind commentary and then behind the stage. Rollins follows and the two fight backstage. Cameras do what they can to keep up as these two fight. Rollins throws Ambrose into a ladder! And he has a shovel!? Rollins swings but misses. Ladders fall as Ambrose retreats again. Rollins catches up to throw more haymakers, then bounces Ambrose off trunks. He throws Ambrose into spare rafters, then lines up a shot. Rollins pushes the rig, but Ambrose gets away! Rollins chases Ambrose up onto trunks and the two brawl! Ambrose clubs Rollins but Rollins shoves him into the wall. Rollins glares at Ambrose, as he lifts for a bomb. Ambrose fights out to throw Rollins onto the trunks! Cover, TWO!
Ambrose glares down at Rollins as he asks “Is this what you wanted?” Ambrose throws a ladder at Rollins, then covers. TWO, and this match continues after the break!
Raw returns once again, and the two have now ended up among the fans on the stairs! Ambrose grinds his fingers into Rollins’ face, trying to pry Rollins’ jaw apart! Rollins gets free of the grip and fires of CHOP after CHOP! Rollins haymakers and chops Ambrose step by step back down the stairs. They end up by the railing and Rollins tosses Ambrose over. Rollins then LEAPS and tackles Ambrose down! Cover, TWO! Ambrose survives, but retreats as he asks for a timeout? Rollins won’t give him one, and throws him into the railing. Fans chant “Burn It Down!” for Rollins as he punches Ambrose right in the nose! Rollins brings Ambrose back to ringside, and keeps pursuit around the corner. Rollins haymakers and hammers Ambrose, then whips him into barriers.
Ambrose shoves Rollins away, and grabs a chair! Ambrose jabs the chair into Rollins’ ribs, then SMACKS him on the back! Cover, TWO! Ambrose tosses the chair aside and fans say “We Want Tables!” Rollins crawls as Ambrose exposes the bare concrete. It’s just like the night Ambrose started this dark mission. Ambrose rains down rights on Rollins to keep him down, then says “For old time’s sake.” He drags Rollins over to the exposed floor, and underhooks Rollins. Rollins counters with a back drop, onto the concrete! Ambrose writhes and clutches his back while Rollins stands back up. Rollins puts Ambrose in the ring, but Ambrose rolls back out. Ambrose pokes Rollins’ eyes! Ambrose climbs up while Rollins blindly feels around. But Rollins still gets up top, to SUPERPLEX! Roll through to Buckle Bomb! And SUPERKICK!
Rollins fires up with Orlando as he stomps, “Burn It Down!” Rollins runs, CURB STOMP!! But Bobby Lashley appears to attack Rollins! Lashley lifts and tackles Rollins into barriers! And then again! The Rocky Mountain Machine makes Rollins pay for last week with a belly2belly suplex! Fans chant “Lashley Sucks!” but Lashley doesn’t care, he just wants revenge. Lashley puts Rollins in the ring so that he can gut wrench and hit the Dominator! Lashley aims at Rollins as Rollins slowly staggers to his feet. He SPEARS Rollins, and then leaves him prey to Ambrose. Ambrose crawls to a cover, Ambrose wins!
Winner: Dean Ambrose, by pinfall; still WWE Intercontinental Champion
The Lunatic should give a massive assist to Lashley & Lio for that attack. Rollins no longer has a claim to the title, but now he must suffer more at the hands of Lashley. Lio puts a table in the ring for Lashley, and helps him set it up. Lashley then drags Rollins up, and SPINEBUSTERS Rollins through the table! The Almighty Lashley leaves Rollins down in the wreckage, but will Rollins rise from the ashes to burn Lashley down?
My Thoughts:
Raw 2019 finally begins, and it feels like that “fresh start” is starting to really take effect. I really expected Hogan’s tribute to Mean Gene to open the show, but it really worked to open with something else instead. Hogan’s tribute to Gene itself was really well done. He managed to keep it about Gene, the video itself was incredible (as many WWE video packages are), and that closing in-character bit was actually just right for this. Whether this was just WWE/Vince wanting any reason to bring Hogan back or what, that’s a subject for someone’s opinion article, and everyone’s feelings over Hogan, good or bad, this was still a well-done moment in time.
As for how Raw did start, it was great. Lashley and Rollins fighting, it bleeding into the Cena VS McIntyre tease, and then escalating to bring in Finn and Ambrose for a great Six Man Tag, it was a very good flow to me. If anything, this Six Man Tag should be seen as a framework for how things are going to be for Wrestlemania. Cena VS McIntyre can make a great match for both guys, and would be even bigger if it was at Mania. This really becomes #MondayNightRollins as he does double duty, both the Six Man and a great Falls Count Anywhere with Ambrose. I’m a little disappointed Lashley didn’t wait until after the match to attack, but I suppose this is the only way to put a period on Rollins VS Ambrose.
But that’s good for Finn, as I suspect he’ll get a title program with Ambrose next. Since Finn doesn’t outright look like he’ll get a Universal Championship shot, even with the Royal Rumble match coming, Finn getting another chance at a different title looks good to me. The Universal Championship spot wasn’t quite what it should’ve been. Both in reality and in kayfabe, Lesnar doesn’t get face to face with Strowman, the first disappointment. The second disappointment was that Strowman didn’t give the best lines to egg Lesnar on. The lines directed at Heyman were pretty good, but Strowman could’ve done better insulting Lesnar. But the part that did seem to plan was that Lesnar would keep his distance, to keep his cocky aura while also making it plausible that he is afraid. I just really hope that Strowman wins, it’s the only way this Fresh Start will be real.
The Raw Tag Team Championships story is actually alright now. The lumberjack stipulation worked well this time because now there are eyewitnesses to the controversial finish that helps Roode & Gable win. With three weeks until the Rumble, I’d expect at least one more tag match to settle this, and I would think with The Revival winning. The Revival win and take on any number of teams on the road to Mania, and then Roode and Gable can either try again or go their separate ways for them to try for a title match via the Royal Rumble. Roode and Gable each joining the Intercontinental Championship scene would be great for them and for Raw.
Raw’s new talk show had a decent first episode, but it’s not like the focus was on the talk show. Ronda naming Sasha was quite surprising, but I suppose it’s really only Sasha or Bayley left. Sasha VS Nia was great, even though it was sloppy, and totally teases some Sasha & Bayley VS Nia & Tamina for the Raw half of the WWE Women’s Tag Titles story. Ronda VS Sasha will be good, too, and I would love if Bayley got her turn with Ronda at either Elimination Chamber or Fastlane. That way Ronda VS Becky makes a great finale for Ronda’s (first) series with the NXT Horsewomen at Wrestlemania, and we worry about Horsewomen VS Horsewomen and such going towards Summerslam and hopefully Evolution 2019.
My Score: 8.5/10
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NXT has a contract signing for the TNA Championship?
Joe Hendry and Trick Williams look to settle their score, and if Trick can’t be champion of NXT, then he’ll make himself champion of TNA! But will things stay civil for the contract signing? Or will Hendry have to #WhoopDatTrick?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Oba Femi VS Charlie Dempsey w/ No Quarter Catch Crew; Oba wins.
- Tony D’Angelo VS Wes Lee w/ Tyson Dupont & Tyriek Igwe; Wes wins.
- NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Myles Borne VS Ethan Page; Myles wins and will challenge Oba Femi for the title at Battleground.
- Thea Hail VS Tatum Paxley; Thea wins, by disqualification.
- Stephanie Vaquer & Jordynne Grace VS The Fatal Influence; Vaquer & Grace win.
PLAY BY PLAY
No Quarter Catch Crew is here!
The fans cheer as Myles Borne leads the way for Tavion Heights, Wren Sinclair & Charlie Dempsey. They step into the ring and the fans cheer Myles on as he grabs the mic. “Last week, I shocked the damn world. 25 of the toughest men across NXT, LFG and Evolve, and I was the last man standing. And now, I’m going to Battleground. Now, I probably wasn’t your first pick. Or your second. Maybe not even your third. But that’s okay. I’m used to this. We’ve been dancing around this whole thing for awhile now, but I have a disability.” Fans pretend to be shocked, but Myles says he is partially deaf. It affects his speech, the way he talks, but he’ll tell you this.
Last week, when he eliminated Ethan Page AND Shawn Spears, he heard y’all go crazy! He doesn’t wanna just be known as “The Deaf Kid.” He wants to be judged by his ability, not by a disability. That is what everyone who has a disability wants. So Battleground, he’s the underdog. He’s facing a dominant champion. But he’s fighting for all the kids who are struggling with their own fight. He’ll prove that they, too, can have success! Oba Femi, Myles hopes you’re listening. Last week, they didn’t give Myles a shot, but look what happened. And May 25th, they might not be giving him a shot then either, but he’s ready to shock the world again!
The fans cheer, and Myles says he might be hard of hearing. But at Battleground, Myles will hear Mike Rome say, “AND NEW NXT CHAMPION!” But wait, here comes Ethan Page… All Ego says alright, enough with the sentimental crap. Myles might actually be worse than Ricky Saints with all his pandering to these “basic civilians.” Ethan gave Ricky a reality check, so now he’ll give Myles his. Myles won a battle royal, and won it on a fluke! A legitimate one in a million chance thing actually happened. The fans taunt Ethan with, “Myles Can’t Hear You!” Ethan says that’s probably true, sorry there’s no closed captions in real-life.
Ethan will do Myles a favor and say it slow so Myles can read his lips. “You. Can’t. Beat. Oba! You’re not on his level! You’re not on my level! Better yet, before you go to Battleground and embarrass yourself, I’ve got a better idea for you. You wanna prove to these people and yourself that you actually deserve this opportunity at this championship? Prove it. Prove it! Put the contendership on the line tonight, against me!” The fans boo but Dempsey takes over here. This is the perfect learning opportunity for Myles. Myles put Dempsey up against Oba for some advice, learn how to face Oba. Think about this: What better way to learn than to go toe-to-toe with a former NXT Champion?
Now, this is going to be the perfect fight camp! Iron sharpens iron, as they say. And Myles can silence the doubters, especially his biggest one. Myles says yeah, Charlie’s right. Challenge accepted! Ethan loves it, but here comes Ava first! The NXT General Manage has everyone dial it back. Myles, truthfully, Ava isn’t sure this is the right move. But she also sees how confident he is, and how badly he wants to prove himself. So she will allow it. Ethan Page VS Myles Borne, the contendership on the line! BUT that match is later. Right now, Charlie has some business to handle. Charlie’s match with Oba Femi is right now.
Charlie almost forgot about that. The Ruler makes his way to the ring, will he make an example out of the Son of the Gentleman Villain? Or could Charlie earn himself a title match in his own right?
Oba Femi VS Charlie Dempsey w/ No Quarter Catch Crew!
The bell rings, the two tie up, and Dempsey waistlocks. Oba elbows free, then waistlocks to SLAM Dempsey down! The fans chant, “Oba’s gonna kill~ you!” but Dempsey fights up to his feet. Dempsey wrenches the arm, then facelocks, but Oba powers up to lift Dempsey! Oba puts Dempsey on the apron, the ref counts the ropebreak, and Dempsey slowly lets go. Oba shoves Dempsey down! Tavion is there to catch Dempsey and help him up. NQCC coaches Dempsey up and he storms back in, but NXT goes picture in picture.
Dempsey headlocks, Oba powers up and out, but Dempsey ducks ‘n’ dodges to RAM Oba! Oba stays up so Dempsey runs again. They RAM shoulders, Dempsey runs again, but he slides under Oba to grab a leg! Dempsey wrangles Oba to a HEEL HOOK! Oba endures, grabs at Dempsey, but Dempsey pulls on the leg. Oba crawls back and drags Dempsey along, ROPEBREAK! Dempsey lets go slowly, and Oba CHOPS him! Then CLOBBERS him! Oba looms over Dempsey, but Dempsey KICKS at a leg! Oba grabs Dempsey but Dempsey reels him into an armlock, then omoplata! Oba powers out before Dempsey can crossface!
The two reset, circle, and tie up again. Dempsey waistlocks but Oba fights the lift. Oba wrenches and RAMS shoulders! Oba holds onto Dempsey’s arm to wrench and RAM him again! Dempsey ROCKS Oba with a forearm! And UPPERCUTS! Oba blocks then DECKS Dempsey in return! Oba scoops, but Dempsey slips into a SLEEPER! Oba RAMS Dempsey into the corner, snapmares him down, then covers, TWO! Dempsey stays in this but Oba stays on him with a KNEE to the back! Oba drags Dempsey up, whips, and HIP TOSSES! Oba fires up while Dempsey flounders. NQCC coaches Dempsey but Oba hauls him up.
Dempsey counters the suplex to a cradle! TWO, and Oba BOOTS Dempsey down! Oba huffs ‘n’ puffs, then drags Dempsey up. NXT returns to single picture as Oba whips again. Dempsey KICKS Oba, UPPERCUTS him, then whips. Oba reverses but Dempsey turns hip toss into hip- NO, Oba blocks the throw! But Dempsey HEADBUTTS, then hits a headscissor takedown! Dempsey has the wristlock and headscissors together but Oba endures! The fans rally, Oba kips free, but Dempsey keeps the arm! Dempsey reels Oba into a TRIANGLE HOLD! But Oba deadlifts Dempsey! Dempsey slips into a sunset flip!
Oba stays up, drags Dempsey to his feet, then shoves him for a BACKDROP! Dempsey staggers back up to his feet and into a corner. Oba is on him but Dempsey kicks low! Dempsey wrenches the arm, CHOPS, and repeat! Dempsey wrenches for an ELBOW BREAKER, then he RAMS Oba into buckles! Oba shakes out the arm but Dempsey grabs it! Dempsey brings the arm through ropes and YANKS Oba into buckles! Oba staggers back, Dempsey hurries after a leg, and Dempsey trips Oba! Dempsey then isolates the bad arm and STOMPS it! Oba writhes but Dempsey clamps onto him. Dempsey drags Oba up, but Oba fires elbows!
The fans rally, Oba ELBOWS again, but Dempsey CLUBS Oba! Dempsey facelocks, but Oba fights the underhooks! Oba RAMS Dempsey into buckles! Dempsey KNEES Oba down! Cover, TWO! Dempsey clamps onto the arm again but Oba fights the double wristlock! Oba fights up, NQCC coaches Dempsey, but Oba scoops and SLAMS Dempsey! Oba runs to AX HANDLE but onto knees! Dempsey turns things around, and then he waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Oba survives but Dempsey grabs an arm! Oba fights the armbar so Dempsey shifts to short arm scissor on the other!
Oba endures, fights around, reaches out but then rolls back! High stack, TWO, into a deadlift and FALLING SLAM!! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Oba and Dempsey rise, and Dempsey SLAPS! Oba SLAPS! Dempsey and Oba trade forearms! Oba UPPERCUTS and Dempsey falls, only to get back up! But Oba UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS again! Oba hits an EXPLODER! Oba runs and UPPERCUTS Dempsey! Oba goes corner to corner to UPPERCUT again! And then UPPERCUT again! The fans are thunderous as Oba hoists Dempsey up, SHOTPUT THROW! And then, the FALL FROM GRACE!! Cover, Oba wins!
Winner: Oba Femi, by pinfall
Dempsey got a lot closer than most, but he still failed to topple this mountain of a man. Myles Borne doesn’t shy away, but will Ethan Page steal his golden opportunity later tonight?
Karmen Petrovic and Thea Hail talk backstage.
Karmen appreciates Thea having her back last week and Thea says that’s what friends are for. Jaida Parker was coming in with another hip attack, Thea couldn’t just let it happen. But then they both hear Tatum throwing a fit! Tatum throws her toys all around, knocks her dollhouse over, and she says, “Oh look! The two new best friends!” Tatum says Thea is a “grown ass woman,” yet she can’t do anything alone! And now Tatum has lost everything and everyone! She can’t take this anymore! And yet THEA is the worst! Thea is Karmen’s friend? Well, she’ll just leave her, too! That’s what friends do! They just leave you all alone!
Tatum storms off, no one left to be her friend. What will become of NXT’s resident outcast now?
Ricky Saints finds Ethan Page backstage.
The Absolute sarcastically says, “There he is! Ethan, my man. Wow. You really are selfish, huh? It’s bad enough I live rent free in your head, but now you have to go and ruin Myles’ moment, as well. It seems to me that you really love raining on people’s parades around here, huh?” Ethan says oh yes, he really does. Ethan gets “immense pleasure in taking peoples’ moments from them.” Ethan though Ricky knew that by now. And Ethan says that while he said they’d pick things up later, that’s not now. There’s a title match at Battleground that desperately needs All Ego in it so he can win it.
Then after that, Ethan will restore balance to NXT. So Ricky can go back to playing second fiddle to him. Ethan heads out and Ricky says good luck with that. Will All Ego force us all to accept him as the #1 contender?
Tony D’Angelo VS Wes Lee w/ Tyson Dupont & Tyriek Igwe!
Well speaking of alone and unable to trust people, The Don was betrayed by the Underboss, his Consigliere is MIA and Rizzo has to stay in hiding until things blow over. “The High Ryze” had to go and rub it in, but will Tony make sure to cross them off the list? Or will nothing go right for Tony tonight?
NXT returns and Wes makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Tony SHOVES Wes, but Wes rolls to his feet. Wes nods and sees Tony’s here to fight. They tie up, Wes dodges and ROCKS Tony in the back. Wes headlocks, Tony powers up but can’t power out as Wes holds on tight. Tony blocks the takeover, lifts Wes to a back suplex, but Wes lands on his feet. Wes dodges a haymaker and he taunts Tony. Tony scowls, storms up on Wes, but Wes dodges to fire fast strikes! Wes kicks, BOOTS, then ENZIGIRIS! Tony staggers to a corner while the fans rally. Wes runs in, Tony dodges, but Wes CROSSBODIES! Tony catches Wes!
Tony pops Wes up, body shots him, then fires more hockey scrum punches! Tony TOSSES Wes and the fans fire up! Tony runs to CLOBBER Wes and Wes tumbles to the apron. The fans rally behind Tony as he drags Wes up by his hair. Tony TOSSES Wes back in, then watches Wes flounder to ropes. Tyriek coaches Wes, Tyson jumps onto the apron, but Tony BLASTS Tyson! Then he DECKS Wes! Tony whips but Tyriek grabs Tony’s leg! Wes comes back, Tony gets free to BOOT Wes! Tony tells Wes he is still The Don! Do not disrespect him! Tony then TOSSES Wes out of the ring! Ty & Ty are there to catch Wes!
The fans cheer as Tony goes to the apron, and he CROSSBODIES! Tony topples the whole High Ryze and the fans fire up while NXT goes picture in picture.
Tony leaves Wes behind while the ring count climbs. The High Ryze regroups, talk strategy, and then Ty & Ty surround the ring! The ref reprimands, but then Wes rushes in and KNEES Tony from behind! Tony hits ropes, Wes fires hands, and Tony falls out! Wes builds speed to DIVE, and Tony is sent into the desk! Then Wes BOOTS Tony down, and KICKS him again and again, against the desk! The ref reprimands, Tyriek has Wes back down so he doesn’t get disqualified. Wes calms down and he puts Tony in the ring. Wes goes up the corner, and FROG SPLASHES! Cover, TWO! Tony survives but he clutches his ribs.
Wes clamps onto Tony with a facelock, then rains down fists! Tony sputters back to ropes but Wes is on him. Tony fires body shots, then ROCKS Wes! And ROCKS him again! Wes kicks a leg out, then KICKS the leg before he BUZZSAWS Tony down! Then Wes DOUBLE STOMPS! Tony writhes and flops out of the ring, but Wes clutches his foot. Wes has the ref check him, but this is just so Ty & Ty can mug Tony! The ref misses the mugging, and Tony crawls his way around. Tony rolls into the ring but Wes METEORAS! Cover, TWO! Tony stays in this and Wes grows frustrated. Wes stalks Tony to ropes, then ROCKS him with a right.
Tony goes to a corner but Wes RAMS into him! Wes digs his shoulders in, Tonty CLUBS Wes, and the ref counts. Wes RAMS Tony again and again, then lets off. Wes pulls Tony’s hair while NXT returns to single picture. The fans rally for Tony while Wes talks trash. Wes ROCKS Tony with a right, tells Tony he lost the Family, and then ROCKS Tony again. Wes says Tony lost his title, lost the Family, and now, he’s gonna lose his title as Don. But Tony clamps onto Wes’s neck! Tony is pissed, and he HEADBUTTS Wes again and again! Wes flops out of the ring! Tony storms out and THROWS Wes into his guys!
Tony runs up but Wes dodges, Tony DOUBLE LARIATS Ty & Ty! The fans fire up as Tony chases Wes back into the ring, only for Wes to roll him up! Feet on the ropes! TWO!! SUPERKICK! Wes runs up, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! The fans rally and Tony fires up! Tony storms up to ROCK Wes! And ROCK him again! And then he LARIATS! And LARIATS! And BELLY2BELLY SUPLEXES! And then GERMAN SUPLEXES! Tony roars and the fans are with him! Tony whips Wes to POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Wes survives but Tony is not stopping! Tony watches Wes rise, then clinches again, SPINE- RANA!
Wes hurries to ROUNDHOUSE! And then handspring, but Tony SPEARS Wes outta the air!! Tony roars, but Stacks talks on the tron! “Hey, T! T! Look familiar? Yeah it does. Of course I know where the Rizzo safehouse is.” What?! Stacks laughs and Tony can only watch in horror, but Wes CARDIAC KICKS Tony down! Cover, WES WINS!
Winner: Wes Lee, by pinfall
Stacks just made sure Tony takes the L, yet Stacks continues to taunt him! They’ve known each other a long time, they’ve put a lot of people in this safehouse. Tony always said to think like a Don. But now Stacks is, so he’s gonna go pay Rizzo a visit. Tony is distraught and hurries to the back! But there’s no way Tony can stop Stacks, so can Tony at least warn his guys on the inside?
OTM speaks.
Lucien Price says, “From the mud we rose. From the dirt and the pain. Not just through stone but through thunder and rain.” Bronco Nima says their struggles and failures aren’t just something you hear about, it’s there. So yeah, it is sink or swim for the entire tag team division. You better be ready, because they ain’t Noah, they ain’t saving no lives! OTM about to put all of N XT under! Every team that can hear them, listen. Once they’re back, it is the end of your games! When and where will NXT be #OutTheMud?
Stephanie Vaquer is here!
The fans fire up for the NXT Women’s Champion as she goes to the ring. Vaquer grabs the mic to say, “Last week, Jordynne became the #1 contender for my NXT Women’s Championship at Battleground.” The fans applaud, and Vaquer says she has much respect for Jordynne’s journey. She was of the top TNA Knockouts. And now, she wants to ascend to the top of NXT. Vaquer takes a moment to think on her words. She uses Española to tell Jordynne that she’s ready, but then she’s interrupted by the Fatal Influence. Fallon Henley has a mic to say, “Gosh, it must be nice to be on top of the world. I mean, everyone and their mom loves Stephani Vaquer. Am I right, guys?”
The fans do cheer, and Fallon says heck, Vaquer’s been on top ever since she got here. Vaquer is truly one of a kid. But see, that’s exactly what will make her downfall that much sweeter. And sure, Vaquer was the historic double champion! She was both NXT Women’s North American and- Jacy Jayne interrupts by saying Vaquer and Fallon must both know how great it is to have that title. Jacy on the other hand can’t relate. But since Vaquer did pin Fallon to win that North American Championship- Fallon interrupts Jacy to say yeah, but she also pinned Giulia to become NXT Women’s Champion. What’s the point, Jacy?
Jacy’s point is that she doesn’t think this (Vaque’s top title reign) lasts much longer. Fallon couldn’t agree more. Jacy says NXT is Fatal Influence’s world! A world Vaquer does not belong in. And just think: How ironic would it be if Fatal Influence took that title off Vaquer? But wait, here comes the Juggernaut! The fans cheer as Grace has her own mic to tell Fatal Influence, “You two can’t even get out of each other’s way. So how are you out here talking about the NXT Women’s Championship? I’m not here to save the day. I’m here to protect MY investment, MY opportunity.” Vaquer says she is no one’s investment.
Jacy & Fallon stir the pot as Jacy says she destroys friendships and flips this division on its head. And Fatal Influence- Fallon says that was the past, Jacy. Yeah, well, what she was getting at, is that Vaquer and Grace have collected stamps on their passports. Sure, awesome, whatever. But Fallon & Jacy were holding things down in NXT. And now, they deserve to be on top. And although they usually don’t like newbies, at least Vaquer has taken her opportunities and made them worth it. Vaquer says yes, Jordynne failed last time, and she’ll fail again. Grace laughs that off and tells Vaquer that a lot of growth can be made in a year.
Grace WILL beat Vaquer at Battleground and become champion. And nothing, especially not Fatal Influence, will stop her. So if she has to take care of those two again tonight, she will. As for Vaquer, Grace will make 100% sure that she makes it to Tampa in one piece. Jacy says it doesn’t matter who makes it through Battleground, because they’ll be ripe for the picking, and Fatal Influence will be the ones to do it. The Toxic Rockstar & Cowgirl take their leave, but will no one take down La Primera?
NQCC regroups backstage.
Myles warms up for his match, but Dempsey is still in rough shape. Dempsey says he’s okay, but Myles says there’s no way he can be ringside for Myles’ match. Dempsey says no, he insists. But then he almost falls over! Myles & Tavion keep him upright, and Myles says Tavion & Wren can help Dempsey to medical, Myles will handle Ethan. Wren says yeah he will! Myles heads to gorilla, will #BabyRandy silence All Ego?
Bubby Ray & The Undertaker are with the LFG finalists.
They tell Zena Sterling and Tyra Mae Steele congratulations on making it this far. They have earned the right to compete this Sunday in the finals of LFG. Not just that, but to compete in the mecca of sports and entertainment, New York City and Madison Square Garden! But only one can win THE NXT contract. Only one of them gets to fight, wrestle, compete, entertain in what is the best women’s division in the entire business. Boss man Taker will surely back Bubba up on this when he says the winner will have a giant bull’s eye the moment that- Izzi Dame & Nikkita Lyons walk over and look the LFG finalists up and down.
Izzi says they’re fighting to see who can make an impact here. Good luck lasting a minute in their locker room. But then Lash Legend walks over and says SKIRRR~! If they think that they’re gonna come for her spot, they’ll both wish they were on a second season of LFG. A few other women come by to see the new girls. Taker says whoever wins on Sunday, they’ve got their work cut out for them. Who will be the inaugural LFG Champion and be right in the mix of NXT?
NXT Media catches up with Tony D.
He tells then to shut up and just get in the car with him. They hurry to the safehouse to help Rizzo, but can they really make it in time?
NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Myles Borne VS Ethan Page!
Clearly being runner-up to “The Deaf Kid” upset All Ego, and now he’s goaded Myles into putting the title opportunity back on the line! Will Myles shut up all the haters and doubters by taking down a former NXT Champion? Or will Ethan swoop right in and snatch away Myles’ golden ticket?
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, are in a deadlock, and Myles waistlocks. Myles SLAMS Ethan down, facelocks, but Ethan scoots back to a ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Myles lets off, but Ethan ROCKS him with a sucker punch! Ethan headlocks, Myles endures, and Myles powers up and out. Myles drops down, hurdles over, then arm-drags! Myles clamps onto that arm and grinds Ethan down. Myles adds a chinbar but Ethan fights up. Ethan ROCKS Myles, ROCKS him again, then whips. Ethan LARIATS Myles down, CLUBS him, then ROCKS him! Ethan stomps Myles but the fans rally up.
Ethan drags Myles up to ELBOW him in the head! Ethan stands Myles up but Myles fires body shots! Ethan KNEES low, reels Myles in, but Myles suplexes! Myles ROCKS Ethan, UPPERCUTS him, and repeat! Myles UPPERCUTS more, then whips, but Ethan reverses. Ethan ELBOWS Myles down, the fans boo, but Ethan rains down fists! Ethan paces then clamps on a chinlock. Myles endures, the fans rally, and Myles fights up. The fans rally, wrenches around, and hits a BIG back suplex! The fans fire up for Myles, but Ethan is up first to CLOBBER Myles! Ethan clamps on with another chinlock but Myles endures.
Myles fights as the fans rally, and Myles fights to his feet. Ethan hops on as a backpack, but Myles RAMS him into the corner! Ethan holds on, but Myles RAMS him in again! Myles is free, and he ROCKS Ethan! Myles fires body shots and haymakers, then UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! Myles whips, runs in, and SPLASHES! Ethan sputters against the ropes but Myles whips him corner to corner. Ethan reverses, Myles goes up and over, but Ethan BOOTS back! Myles returns and LARIATS Ethan up and out! The fans fire up with Myles while NXT goes picture in picture.
Myles goes out after Ethan, UPPERCUTS him again, then UPPERCUTS him against barriers. Ethan staggers away but Myles pursues. Myles UPPERCUTS again, then pushes Ethan into the ring. Myles storms in but Ethan swings on him! Myles counter punches! Ethan kicks low, whips Myles but Myles reverses! Ethan hits buckles and falls back, but Myles stands him up to UPPERCUT! Ethan flops against ropes and Myles brings him around. Myles whips, Ethan reverses, but Myles BOOTS Ethan! Myles goes up, but Ethan UPPERCUTS! Ethan drags Myles off the corner for a RUNNING POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!
Myles survives but Ethan stays on him. Ethan grabs the legs to turn Myles over for a BOSTON CRAB! Myles endures, reaches out, and he fights forward. Ethan sits deep, but Myles still fights! ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Ethan lets go at 4, then he stomps Myles around. Ethan soaks up the heat, then stalks Myles to ropes. Myles fires body shots, but Ethan DECKS him! Ethan bumps Myles off buckles, soaks up heat, then drags Myles to his feet. Ethan whips Myles hard into buckles, and Myles falls to the mat. Ethan watches Myles writhe, then he drags Myles into a corner. Ethan ROCKS Myles, hoists him up top, then climbs.
The ref reprimands while NXT returns to single picture. Myles fights against the suplex, but Ethan goes to the very top! SUPER DUPER PLEX! Cover, TWO! Myles stays in this, but Ethan is right on the legs! BOSTON CRAB, but Myles rolls through! Myles BOOTS Ethan, dodges, and SNAP POWERSLAMS! The fans fire up for that #BabyRandy energy! Ethan stands, Myles counter punches, and counter punches, and then he LARIATS! And LARIATS! Myles wrenches to UPPERCUT, then he clinches, OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Myles fires up, the fans fire up, and Myles SPLASHES Ethan in a corner! Then ANGLE SLAM! Cover, TWO!
Ethan survives but Myles stays on him. Myles fireman’s carries, but Ethan fights with elbows! Ethan waistlocks, Myles fires elbows back, but Ethan dodges the haymaker. Myles dodges a haymaker and DROPKICKS but into a FLAPJACK! Ethan covers, TWO! The fans boo but Ethan drags Myles up. Ethan puts Myles in a corner, puts him up top, and then he throws hands. Ethan climbs up, brings Myles onto his shoulder, but Myles fights with body shots! The fans chant for “M K O!” as he shoves Ethan away! FLYING FOREARM! Myles kips up, not the cleanest, but he still shoves Ethan. Ethan avoids the snap powerslam to BOOT!
Ethan reels Myles in, Canadian Rack, but Myles slips free! ANGLE- NO, Ethan slips free, TWISTED- NO, Myles powers out to DROPKICK! Jackknife cover, MYLES WINS!!
Winner: Myles Borne, by pinfall (still #1 Contender to the NXT Championship)
Ethan is absolutely shocked, but he shouldn’t really! Myles shows he was born for this, will he soon pull off the shocker of a lifetime?
Sean Legacy tweets.
The caption reads, “This video is for Je’Von Evans. If you’re not Je’Von Evans, keep scrolling!” The video says, “Man, from the WWE ID to Evolve to being in that battle royal last week, man, I felt that passion last week. That NXT passion I’ve heard so much about. That’s honestly the same energy I’m trying to bring to Evolve every Wednesday night on Tubi. And uh, y’know something? I’m not an NXT superstar. But hell, why not? I’m gonna throw this out there, I’ve got nothing to lose. Je’Von Evans. You know the roads I’m traveling on in the indies right now. You’ve walked in my shoes on this circuit right now.
“So, if you wanna recreate some of that magic we had in the battle royal, Je’Von, it’d be an honor for me. Just lemme know.”
Je’Von watches the video.
The Young OG wonders about Super Sean, but Ashante THEE Adonis says Je’Von doesn’t need to be worried about that “Evolve talent.” Je’Von says Ashante should worry about his pickup lines and less about Je’Von. Ashante says hey, he is THEE Adonis, but the girls call him Papi. The reason is natural, boy. And by the way, didn’t Je’Von main event Stand & Deliver? Then these indie boys don’t deserve his time. Je’Von says Ashante might be cool playing big timer, but Je’Von doesn’t forget where he came from. The indie scene’s got some dawgs, and Super Sean is one of ’em. Ashante says he ain’t trying to hear that.
And Adonisly, he could smoke them both! For real! Oh, really? Ricky Saints hears that and says he’d like to see that. Yeah, he really would. Unlike Ethan Page, Ricky ain’t one to cut somebody down before they get an opportunity. Ricky will talk with Ava, and the winner of Je’Von VS Ashante can see him on the other side of Battleground. Ricky heads out, Ashante says that’s something worthy entertaining. But is the pickup artist only giving the Young OG his chance to go for gold?
Tony’s arrived at the safehouse!
The car pulls up, Tony tells his driver to get the rest of the boys, and then NXT Media follows The Don up tot he doorstep. But Stack sis there to CLUB Tony with a crowbar! “Wrong move, T! As your Underboss, I studied you. I know every move that you’re gonna make. Now look at you! A desperate Don with no family, no best friend, no direction!” Tony takes a swing from the ground, but Stacks throws down fists! Stacks tells Tony to listen. He’s not the only one here with stroke. Stacks humiliated Tony at Stand & Deliver by choice! At Battleground, Stacks finishes The Don and puts an end to the D’Angelo Family once and for all!
Stacks storms off and Tony can only glare after him. What will Stacks do to tear apart what’s left of Tony’s life?
Thea Hail VS Tatum Paxley!
The Grown-Ass Woman is just being herself, as is Powerlifter Paxley, but only one of them seems to have any luck when it comes to friends. Will NXT all be saying #HailYeah?
NXT returns and Tatum makes her entrance. Thea wants Tatum to calm down but the bell rings and Tatum runs up. Thea dodges to waistlock, Tatum switches, but Thea switches back. Tatum ELBOWS Thea, but Thea ROCKS Tatum! Tatum falls back to ropes and Thea asks, “What’d I do to you?!” Tatum shoves Thea, but Thea traps Tatum’s arms! Thea snapmares Tatum to then KICK her down, and STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Thea clamps onto an arm for the FUJIWARA! Tatum rolls Thea, TWO! Tatum avoids the arm-drag, flips Thea over, but Thea arm-drags Tatum anyway! Thea runs up to wheelbarrow, but Tatum KICKS her down!
Thea flounders but Tatum stands her up to fire forearm after forearm! And a HEADBUTT! Thea falls back in a daze while Tatum clutches at her own sides, her emotional pain far worse than the physical. Tatum runs up on Thea, sends her at the corner, but Thea stops the buckle bump. Thea bumps Tatum off buckles, then runs up, only for Tatum to ELBOW her! Tatum runs up, Thea ELBOWS Tatum, and Jaida Parker watches backstage. Tatum comes back to ENZIGIRI Thea down! Cover, TWO! Tatum clamps onto Thea, Thea breaks free, but Tatum avoids the forearm and ENZIGIRIS again! But Thea still rolls Tatum up! TWO!
The fans rally as Thea counter punches Tatum and fires body shots. Thea ROCKS Tatum, ROCKS her again and again, then whips. Tatum grabs ropes and KICKS Thea back! The fans rally and Tatum runs, ROLLING SCISSOR KICK! Cover, TWO!! Thea survives and Tatum is frustrated. Tatum shouts, “Where’re my friends?!” Tatum clamps onto Thea, asks why Thea gets to have friends, but Thea HEADBUTTS her! Tatum comes back, waistlocks, but Thea arm-drags free! Thea then wrenches, ARM BREAKER! Tatum writhes, Thea fires up and CHOPS! CHOPS! And ROCKS! Tatum comes back, Thea dodges and DOUBLE AX HANDLES!
Thea ROCKS Tatum, kicks the legs out, and BASEMENT LARIATS! The fans fire up with Thea and she runs in at the corner. Tatum dodges, hits a KNEE SMASH, then reels Thea in! Suplex, but Thea fights that to a KIMURA!! Tatum flails, reaches out, and manages the ROPEBREAK! Thea lets go at 4, hurries up, and she blocks a kick to reel Tatum in! KIMURA! Tatum rolls Thea up, TWO! SUPERKICK! Thea runs and cartwheels into the underhooks, BUTTERFLY SLAM! KIMURA!! Tatum is trapped, but she CLAWS at Thea’s face!! The ref counts, Tatum doesn’t stop, so the ref disqualifies her!!
Winner: Thea Hail, by disqualification
The ref finally gets Tatum to stop, but then Tatum just HAMMERS away on Thea! She wants Thea’s EYES!! Tatum CLUBS away on Thea, so more refs rush out here to stop this! Tatum’s gone off the deep end! Will anyone ever save Tatum from her own darkness?
Meanwhile, Jaida Parker says Thea is so stupid. This is what happens when you play hero. But then Kelani Jordan walks in asking if anyone’s seen #ZaRuca. Oh, there they are. Jaida says no no no, she is not listening to any of their bitchin’. They’re no better than Thea. Jaida storms off, Kelani has no idea what her problem is, but she focuses back on Zaria. What was with the spear through barriers? Is Zaria feeling threatened? Or is she just jelly that Sol caught Kelani. Sol says sorry, she didn’t know any of that was gonna happen, but jealousy is not what’s going on here. Zaria asks what they’re even talking about.
There is no need to apologize to Kelani. Zaria pinned her fair and square. Bitch all you want, spear through a barrier or not, if they run this back, the result will be the same. Then let’s run it back next week! Then if Kelani wins, she gets her title shot with Sol at Battleground. Zaria sarcastically says yeah, sure. But Sol says fine by her. Zaria is confused but Kelani has her match. Will ZaRuca be able to iron out the details? Or will the Standout have her shot at taking back that title?
Ava, Joe Hendry & Trick Williams meet backstage.
The contract signing will happen in the boardroom, not the ring, and she thanks them both for being here at this historic signing. For the first time ever, the TNA World Championship will be on the line at a WWE event. “A brand that just celebrated 23 years, and a title that has been held by the likes of AJ Styles, Kurt Angle, LA Knight, and Bubba Ray Dudley. It all happens at Battleground.” But Trick tells Joe, “You did this to yourself, Joe. You took my opportunity at what meant the most to me. So you know what I’m gonna do? I’ma take what means the most to you, and that’s that TNA Title.
“You should’ve stayed in your sweet spot, where you were getting your flowers as the man in TNA. But next Sunday, we’re going to Battleground, and that’s my house.” Hendry says if anyone knows about breaking out, taking risks, having the confidence to do and be more, it’s Trick. But somewhere along the way, Trick forgot that. And instead, he bitched about what he deserves. Trick says Joe deserves a solid three minute ass whooping! Both men stand up up but Ava says she doesn’t care who did what. Security is right outside, do NOT make her call them. Sit down and sign the contract. Trick and Joe do as told and sit back down.
Joe says TNA is the hottest it has ever been in years. That’s because every morning, Joe wakes up and makes it his mission to make TNA the biggest brand it can be. That means him as champion, defending this against TNA wrestlers, NXT superstars, and putting them all down. Next Sunday, the TNA World Championship will be on the line on a WWE Premium Live Event! Does Trick understand how big that is? Of course Trick does! He’s in the match! This match is historic, thanks to Trick. And something Joe needs to realize is that while Joe is a social media sensation, Trick is bigger than NXT, bigger than TNA, and even both of them combined!
Dammit, this is Hollywood Trick! And Trick doesn’t have to tear Joe down or what Joe believes. Every man has his 15 minutes of fame. Except Trick Williams. Because next Sunday, Trick takes Joe’s fame, Joe’s title, and Joe’s company. Ava has Trick stop and shoves the contract at him. Trick signs his part as challenger, then slides the contract back to Ava. Joe says no one’s more confident than Trick. But that’s all on the outside. Yes, Trick main-evented back-to-back Stand & Delivers. Maybe this isn’t the biggest match of Trick’s career. But it Joe knows is the most important. Trick takes off his sunglasses to look at Joe more seriously as Joe continues.
Joe knows Trick is at a crossroads. There’s no road back to the NXT Championship. And after Joe beats Trick for the TNA Championship, then there’s no roads there, either. And then the number one star has no pathway to gold. That is when the doubt creeps in and Trick finds out that as fast as his star rose to the top, it can all come crashing down. So if anyone is gonna find out what it’s like for their 15 minutes of fame to expire, it’s Trick. Joe signs his part as champion, and now it is official! Ava thanks them both, and Joe heads out. Trick looks shook, is he starting to believe in Joe Hendry? Or will he still make TNA into Trick’s Newest Accomplishment?
Hank ‘n’ Tank find Josh Briggs in the locker room.
The big belly bandits ask how he’s doing. They thought they were having a rough week losing to Dark State. They feel for Briggs. He just lost a tag partner and best friend. Briggs says he didn’t want Yoshiki Inamura to leave. Inamura was like a brother to him. Inamura took care of Briggs while he was in Japan, and they all saw how happy he was when Inamura came to NXT. Briggs got mad because they kept losing and losing, he just wishes he didn’t push Inamura away. Hank says whatever Briggs needs, they’re here for him. He thanks them for that, but then Shawn Spears steps in. “You don’t appreciate what you have until it’s gone.”
The Chair Man says if Briggs had appreciated his best friend, his best friend would still be here. Briggs says he is not trying to hear about this from Spears. Spears clarifies, he meant Brooks Jensen, not this… uh, who was it? Inamura! Well, him, too. It happens a lot, huh? Tank says not the time. Spears says when it comes to friendships, Briggs is a cancer. They should change that before it consumes him and he has no choice but explode. Briggs says he has a lot on his mind right now, he doesn’t need Spears’ “wisdom.” Though, he has a really good idea on how to clear his head. Spears chuckles and leaves. Will the Bullhead Brawler have to expose Spears to some painful truth?
Kale Dixon & Uriah Connors meet with Ava.
She mentions how they both texted her 50 times, separately. What is going on? Kale says Chase U is back in full force, and it is time to get the ball rolling. Does she get what they mean? Afraid not. Uriah says what they want is that they don’t care who their opponents are, where they’re from or what they do, so long as Chase U gets back on the map. Ava says she feels they’re ready. Next week, they can have their debut tag team match. That easy? That easy. They’re excited, and Mr. Chase steps in. Ava says she loves the new fit, it is serving. Chase thanks her and asks what’s going on here.
Kale says he and Uriah have their very first tag team match next week! That’s great! Who against? Ava says the returning OTM. Oh no… Guys, WTF!? Will Kale & Uriah survive Nima & Price? Or are they just the first time to sink to the bottom?
Stephanie Vaquer & Jordynne Grace VS The Fatal Influence!
Despite the tension from earlier tonight, La Primera & The Juggernaut will try to put their differences aside in order to clear out the obstacles on the road to Tampa. Will it be easy pickings for champion and challenger against the dysfunctional Fallon & Jacy? Or can Cowgirl & Rockstar hold it together long enough to steal a win in this trap game?
The teams sort out and Grace starts against Fallon. They tie up, Grace headlocks, but Fallon powers up and out. Grace RUNS Fallon over, brushes herself off, then runs again. Fallon stays low, but then Grace dodges the lariat to shove, scoop, and BACKBREAKER! Grace stands Fallon up to LARIAT front and back and over again! Then Grace winds up, but Vaquer tags in! The fans are torn, but Vaquer springboards to CROSSBODY Fallon down! Things keep moving and Vaquer ducks ‘n’ dodges, then slides under a boot. Fallon CHOKES Vaquer, but Vaquer CHOPS! Vaquer knuckle locks, goes up and up, then jumps around, only for Fallon to kick the ropes!
Fallon has Vaquer stuck up top, bumps her off buckles, then brings her over. Tag to Jacy and the Influence mugs Vaquer. Jacy ROCKS Vaquer, says SHE should be champion, the pie faces Vaquer. The fans boo, Jacy SLAPS Vaquer, then Jacy reels Vaquer in. Jacy snap suplexes, covers, TWO! Jacy drags Vaquer up, whips her again, but Vaquer tilt-o-whirls and rolls Jacy up! TWO, and Jacy jackknife bridges, TWO! Vaquer manages the sunset flip, TWO! Body scissors and JAPANESE LEG ROLL CLUTCH! TWO!! Jacy escapes but Vaquer kicks low! Vaquer snapmares, and the fans fire up, only for Vaquer to chinlock.
The fans boo Vaquer teasing them, but she has Jacy’s arm trapped. Jacy endures and fights up to her feet. Jacy powers out and Fallon tags in. Vaquer dodges Jacy but Fallon KNEES her in the back! Jacy SUPERKICKS Vaquer down, then coordinates with Fallon. They reel Vaquer in, double suplex, but Vaquer lands out! Fallon gets away but Vaquer THROWS Jacy down! Vaquer then grabs Fallon, CODE BREAKER SENTON COMBO! The fans fire up, but Fallon trips Vaquer! Vaquer kicks Fallon but Fallon holds on. Fallon has both legs, but Vaquer BOOTS her away! But Jacy YANKS Grace off the corner!
Grace CHOPS Jacy, but Fallon BOOTS Vaquer! Fallon then sucker punches Grace! Jacy CANNONBALLS Grace down, Fallon goes up, up, and SUPER CROSSBODIES Grace & Vaquer! The Influence soaks up the heat, and NXT goes picture in picture.
The Influence drags Vaquer up and into the ring, and Vaquer goes to a corner. Fallon stomps away on Vaquer, digs her boot in, but stops as the ref counts. Fallon stands Vaquer up to cravat and neck wrench. Vaquer endures, Fallon throws knees, and Vaquer falls. Fallon sucker punches Grace again! Fallon whips Vaquer to the Influence’s corner, then storms up to ROCK her again! Tag to Jacy, she taunts Grace, then runs in for a CANNONBALL! Cover, TWO! Vaquer is tougher than that, but Jacy stomps her. Jacy taunts Grace more, sits Vaquer up, and KICKS her in the back! Cover, TWO! Jacy is annoyed but she brings Vaquer back around.
Jacy bumps Vaquer off buckles, tags Fallon, and Fallon snapmares. Fallon runs to SLIDING FOREARM! Cover, TWO! Fallon is annoyed but she drags Vaquer back up. Fallon whips Vaquer to a corner, ROCKS her again, then whips her corner to corner. Fallon runs up to ROCK Vaquer again! Vaquer fires forearms on Fallon, then SOBATS! Vaquer runs, but into a BOOT! Fallon drags Vaquer up, NXT returns to single picture, and Fallon bumps Vaquer off buckles. The fans rally but Fallon tags Jacy in. The Influence double whip but Vaquer crisscrosses them and CHOP away! Vaquer mule kicks Fallon out, but Jacy KNEES SMASHES and LARIATS! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally for Vaquer as she goes to a corner. Jacy runs in but Vaquer goes up and over! Vaquer rolls but Jacy BOOTS her down! Jacy drags Vaquer up, bumps her off buckles and stomps a mudhole in. Jacy puts Vaquer up, SLAPS her, then climbs. But Vaquer HEADBUTTS Jacy and fires body shots! Vaquer slips down, she tucks Jacy in, CHEEKY NANDOS! Then a FLAPJACK off the corner! The fans fire up while Jacy and Vaquer are both down! Jacy and Vaquer crawl, the fans rally up, hot tags to Fallon and Grace! The fans fire up as Grace rallies on the Influence! GERMAN SUPLEX for Fallon! GERMAN SUPLEX for Jacy!
Grace throws hands on Fallon in the corner, then CHOPS her! Then she ELBOWS Jacy, RAMS Jacy into Fallon, and then gives Jacy a SPINEBUSTER! Fallon is up, Grace fireman’s carries, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! SLIDING FOREARM! Cover, Jacy breaks it in time! Jacy bails out before Grace can get her, so Grace ROCKS Jacy! Grace hoists Fallon to the top rope, CHOPS her, then climbs. Fallon fires body shots, Grace hops down and Fallon KICKS her! Fallon reels Grace in, TORNADO SNAP SUPLEX! Grace sputters, Fallon drags her up, but Grace ROCKS Fallon! And fireman’s carries, but Jacy saves Fallon!
Vaquer storms in and she ROCKS Fallon! Grace ROCKS Fallon, these four brawl and the fans fire up! The ref reprimands but Vaquer ROCKS Jacy, only for Jacy to BOOT Vaquer! Grace suplexes Fallon, but Jacy SWEEPS the leg, Fallon DDTS Grace! Vaquer is up, Jacy SUPERKICKS her! Vaquer tumbles out, but Fallon drags her back in! The Influence set Vaquer up and run, but Grace shoves Vaquer out of the way! FATAL CONNECTION!! Cover, TWO?!? Grace survives eating the bullet for Vaquer and Fallon is shocked! Vaquer is up but Fallon DECKS her! Fallon tags Jacy, Jacy PENALTY KICKS Vaquer!
Fallon drags Grace up, Jacy steps in, but Grace BOOTS Jacy first! Grace ELBOWS Fallon, HEADBUTTS her down, then ROCKS Jacy! Pump handle, BEAST MODE!! Cover, Grace & Vaquer win!
Winners: Stephanie Vaquer & Jordynne Grace, by pinfall
Fatal Influence is at a loss for words, but Vaquer is rather stunned herself. The Juggernaut took care of Jacy & Fallon all by herself, will Vaquer have no chance at Battleground? Or will this Dark Angel refuse to lose to Grace?
Something is happening backstage!
Ethan Page has just knocked down Ricky Saints! Ethan told Ricky they’d pick this up later, and it’s later. Ethan drops the North American Championship on the champion, then takes his leave. Will All Ego still take someone’s spotlight?
My Thoughts:
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Opening weekend wraps up with the Funky Weapon!
There’s more mix ‘n’ match as Best of the Super Juniors 32 keeps going! But will Ryusuke Taguchi kick Bone Soldier butt in tonight’s main event?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Dragon Dia & Katsuya Murashima VS Francesco Akira & Jakob Austin Young; Akira & Jakob win.
- El Desperado & Shoma Kato VS Nick Wayne & Daiki Nagai; Nick & Daiki win.
- Hiromu Takahashi & Shingo Takagi VS Kosei Fujita & Hartley Jackson; Hiromu & Takagi win.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Ninja Mack VS Robbie X; Mack wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Kevin Knight VS MAO; Mao wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Master Wato VS Clark Connors; Connors wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: YOH VS Robbie Eagles; Eagles wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Taiji Ishimori; Taguchi wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Ninja Mack VS Robbie X!
It’s the return of the Mack! Will the American Ninja start to take the block? Or will he be unable to solve for X?
The bell rings and the fans rally while the two circle. They start a “NINJA! NINJA!” chant, but then Robbie brings out a copy of the Ninja Mack mask! Just to rip it up! The fans boo, but Robbie throws it at Mack, and then SMACKS him down! The fans boo but Robbie stomps Mack at the ropes! The ref reprimands but Robbie ROCKS Mack! Robbie whips, Mack reverses, and Robbie handsprings over to then handspring with the ropes! Mack catches him, shove shim, hurdles over him, then backflips over, only for Robbie to SOBAT! The fans cheer, Robbie whips, but Mack reverses. Robbie goes up and over and shows off with his own handspring!
Mack runs in, Robbie slips out to the apron to ROCK Mack! Robbie springboards but Mack gets under. Robbie handsprings through, comes back and RANAS, but Mack handsprings through! The fans fire up and the two reset. Robbie runs up, Mack TOSSES him up and out! The fans fire up as Mack builds speed, and he handsprings for the NINJA- NO, Robbie moves back! But the Ninja Special continues even on the floor! Robbie runs away but Mack catches up, to HANDSPRING KICK him down at the stage! The fans fire up for that Super Ninja Special, and Mack leaves Robbie behind for the ring count.
Robbie sputters and crawls at 4 of 20, but is still far away at 10! Robbie hurries, the fans rally, and Robbie runs at 15 to slide in at 17! But Mack is on him with a facelock! Robbie fights up, lifts Mack, and then throws him away! Mack comes back, but Robbie uses the ref as a shield! Then he throws Mack down by his mask! Robbie throws down forearms and a stomp! The fans are torn but Robbie storms up on Mack to BOOT him in the corner! Robbie brings Mack around, suplexes then covers, ONE!! Mack is tougher than that and the fans rally up. Robbie CHOKES Mack on the ropes, then soaks up the cheers and jeers.
The ref counts, Robbie steps off at 4, then he WRECKS Mack with a dropkick! Mack is on the ground but the fans rally up. Robbie stands Mack up, CHOPS him, then stalks him to railing. Robbie pushes Mack into the ring, clamps on with a half nelson and covers, TWO! The fans cheer and Robbie gets annoyed. Robbie hauls Mack up to a fireman’s carry, but Mack slips around to sunset flip! TWO, and Robbie SWATS Mack’s haymaker to CHOP! Robbie whips, Mack reverses, but Robbie slides and then dodges! Mack is on the apron, Robbie runs to CANNONBALL KICK! The fans fire up as now Robbie builds speed!
Robbie goes up, up, and he ESCALARAS! Down goes Mack and the fans fire up with Robbie! Robbie drags Mack up and puts him back in the ring. Robbie then slingshots for a stalling SENTON! Cover, TWO! Mack is still in this and the fans rally up. Robbie and Mack slowly rise, and Robbie takes aim. Robbie runs in but blocks a boot! Robbie puts the leg on the ropes, KICKS the ropes, then SPIN KICKS Mack! Robbie snapmares Mack, RUNNING SHOOTING STAR onto knees! Mack cradles Robbie, TWO! Mack waits on Robbie, and DOUBLE CHOPS him! Then he DOUBLE CHOPS against the ropes! Mack won’t let Robbie get away as he unleashes CHOP after CHOP!
The fans fire up and Mack whips. Robbie reverses, then Robbie runs past Mack to fireman’s carry! ROLLING SENTON, STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO!! Robbie is frustrated but the fans fire up! Mack flounders to the corner, the fans rally up, and Robbie runs up to BOOT! Snapmare and now Robbie goes up the corner! From the top rope, X EX- NO, Mack dodges! Robbie rolls through, handsprings, but into a GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Mack holds on but Robbie victory rolls! TWO!! Mack and Robbie hurry up, Robbie handsprings, but into a DREAMCAST KICK AND CRADLE!! MACK WINS!!
Winner: Ninja Mack, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Robbie earns 0)
Innovating in the blink of an eye, Ninja Mack ends this just as quickly! Will every match Mack has be as fast ‘n’ furious as this? Or will someone find a way to slow Mack down?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Kevin Knight VS MAO!
The Jet may be All Elite now, but he’s always going to be #2Flyy! However, he’s up against DDT Pro’s Idol Wrestler. Can Knight get through the Michinoku Tornado? Or will his flight to the top be grounded?
The bell rings and the fans rally as Knight and Mao stare down. The fans seem strongly behind Mao as he and Knight circle. They tie up, Knight headlocks, then he hits a takeover. Mao fights around, stands back up, and he powers his way out of the headlock to have the armlock. Mao steps over to wrench the arm, but Knight rolls, handsprings, and wrenches back! Knight hammerlocks, but Mao reaches back to headlock. The fans applaud, but Knight rolls Mao to get free. Mao ducks a kick, Knight dodges a spin kick, and the fans cheer the standoff. Mao runs up, Knight dodges then arm-drags! Knight runs up, springboards and FLYING ARM-DRAGS!
Mao is up but Knight FLYING SHOULDER TACKLES! The fans fire up and Knight runs corner to corner to LARIAT! Knight goes up to rally the fans, then he hops down to stomp and UPPERCUT on repeat! The ref counts as Knight stomps a mudhole in, and Knight snapmares Mao for a SLIDING SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans rally, Knight covers, TWO! The fans applaud while Mao grits his teeth. Knight stands Mao up but Mao fires body shots! Knight ROCKS Mao, runs, but Mao ELBOWS him! Mao runs, Knight follows, but Mao goes up and around! Knight tumbles out to the apron, but he ROCKS Mao first!
Knight springboards but Mao WHEEL KICKS him down! Mao wrenches an arm and SLINGSHOT CUTTERS! The fans fire up and Mao climbs up, to then SPLIT LEG MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO, but Mao goes right to the corner! Mao aims again, for a KING KONG KNEE DROP! Mao rolls off the impact, but then rolls back and has Knight in the COBRA TWIST! Knight endures, the fans rally, and Knight powers his way to switch the twist! Mao endures now and the fans rally more. Knight says he’s #MecchaTsuyoi, but then Mao throws elbows! Mao switches things back, and he says he is meccha, meccha, TSUKAKUI! Mao puffs up to show how strong and handsome he is!
The fans cheer, but Knight powers out with a HIP TOSS! But Mao drags Knight down into a JUST FACELOCK! Knight endures, reaches out, fights around, and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer again while Mao lets go. Mao rises and the fans rally while Knight is on the ropes. Mao runs and CANNONBALLS Knight against the ropes! Knight writhes but Mao brings him up, only for Knight to fire a forearm! Mao fires one back! Knight fires another forearm, so Mao fires back! They go forearm for forearm, then Knight has the edge. Knight winds up but Mao SHOTEIS! Mao whips Knight to a corner, but Knight comes back to LARIAT!
Knight LARIATS again, then whips, but Mao reverses. Knight goes up and over, runs back in, and he LARIATS again! The fans fire up with Knight as he goes to a corner. Knight aims, runs in corner to corner, but Mao dodges! Mao runs, but into a DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Mao survives and Knight is stunned but the fans rally up! Knight fires up and the fans rally again. Knight runs up but Mao stops the satellite DDT! Mao BOOTS Knight against the ropes, then runs, but he goes Matrix to avoid Knight’s superkick! Mao BOOTS Knight’s lariat to SHOTEI, but Knight ROCKS Mao with a forearm! Mao REAR HEADBUTTS!
Mao runs, Knight hurdles over to PELE! But Mao tiger-feints and rewinds to SPIN KICK! The fans fire up even more while both men are down! Knight staggers to his feet, Mao ROCKS him with a hard right! Mao reels him in, but Knight suplexes first! The fans fire up and Knight covers, ONE as Mao goes Matrix again! Knight is stunned, runs up on Mao, but blocks a boot. Mao ENZIGIRIS Knight, goes up, only for Knight to go to the UPPER ROOM! The fans fire up as Knight hurries to the apron and then the corner. Knight climbs, but Mao rises again! Mao goes up the ropes to SUPER STEINER Knight in return!
The fans fire up as Mao hurries up top again, but Knight goes back up! But no Upper Room, this is a SUPER DUPER PLEX!! But Mao’s right up!? And so is Knight! But then both men fall over! The fans fire up as Knight and Mao slowly stir. They both rise up, but Knight goes to the apron. Knight springboards, but into a DREAMCAST KICK! Mao reels Knight in and gut wrenches, but Knight TORNADO DDTS free!! Knight roars, runs, but Mao uses the ref as a shield! Then Mao runs to jump over the ref, only for Knight to jump over Mao! ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!! Mao survives and the fans are thunderous!
Knight and Mao hurry back up, Knight runs up, but Mao stops the satellite again! MICHINOKU DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!?!? The fans rally as hard as they can and Mao aims, SUPERKICK! Cover, MAO WINS!
Winner: Mao, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Knight earns 0)
The Idol Warrior’s Samurai Kick strikes down the Knight! Knight shows respect with a bow, will we see these two meet again down the line? Will Mao soon take over the BOSJ for DDT Pro?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Master Wato VS Clark Connors!
The Way of the Grandmaster is once again IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion, but that just means he has a target on his back. Will Wato soon owe a golden ticket to this War Dog? Or will Wato be stronger than 100 Proof?
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two stare down. Connors and Wato circle, the fans rally more, and the two feel things out. Wato stays away from the leg takedown, then they feel out a knuckle lock. They back off, step forward, but Connors KNEES low! Connors ROCKS Wato, CHOPS Wato, then whips Wato. Connors bypasses but Wato hurdles over the backdrop! Connors still ROCKS Wato and has him in a corner. Connors runs in, but Wato BOOTS Connors, then BULLDOGS! The fans fire up with Wato and he KICKS Connors’ leg. And KICKS, and KICKS! Wato snapmares Connors, KICKS him again, then KICKS, KICKS, KICKS!
Connors ducks Wato, shoves him, and then hits the JEEP FLIPPER! Wato tumbles out of the ring but Connors pursues. Connors SMACKS Wato off the apron, then tells fans to move! The Young Lions usher fans out of the way, and Connors BOWLS Wato into the chairs! That was a STRIKE and then some! The fans fire up and even bark with Connors. Connors storms over to Wato, stomps him, then drags him up to his feet. Connors SMACKS Wato of a chair, then brings him back around. Wato fires elbows and CHOPS, but Connors CHOPS back! Wato staggers deeper into the crowd and Connors pursues!
The fans rally as Connors BOWLS Wato into more chairs! Connors has cleared out the whole section! The fans rally as Connors shoves the ref aside. Connors JAMS Wato up with a chair, then tells another section of fans to move! They hurry out of the way as Connors BOWLS Wato into even more chairs! Connors hits a turkey, aka bowling hattrick, and the fans fire up more. The ref reprimands but Connors clears out the chairs so he can stand Wato up. Wato fires body shots and forearms! Wato ROCKS Connors, and then Connors falls onto chairs! This entire area is a mess but Wato drags Connors up.
Connors body shots Wato, then POSTS him! Wato falls in a heap and the fans are torn. Connors intimidates commentary, then he goes looking under the ring. Connors brings out… a TIRE?! Why was one of those under there?! The ref reprimands Connors but Connors shoves him aside! Connors brings the spare tire over and JAMS Wato up! Connors sets the tire down, and he has Wato’s leg! Connors SMASHES Wato’s knee on the hubcap! The fans are torn but maybe so is Wato’s knee! Connors puts Wato in the ring, covers, TWO! Wato stays in this and the fans applaud, but Connors ties the legs up in a knot!
Wato endures, reaches out, and he claws his way to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer but Connors doesn’t let go. The ref counts so Connors stops at 4. Connors mocks the fans cheering Wato on, then drags Wato to his feet. Connors CHOPS Wato, whips him, but Wato blocks by holding ropes! Connors KNEES low, whips again, btu Wato reverses to ROCK, KNEE, and SHOTGUN Connors to a corner! The fans fire up and Wato rises. Wato runs in, Connors dodges, and Connors comes back, only for Wato to dodge! Wato then reels Connors in for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Connors stays in this but Wato goes to the apron.
Wato slaps his leg into working, then watches Connors rise. Wato springboards but Connors gets under! Wato lands on his feet but his bad leg jams! Connors CHOP BLOCKS the leg! The fans are torn as Wato writhes, but Connors circles like a shark. Connors runs, but Wato catches him to a cradle! TWO!! Wato ROUNDHOUSE, but Connors blocks! And pops Wato up for a SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Both men are down and the fans fire back up! Connors rises, drags Wato up, then whips, but Wato avoids the powerslam! Wato runs in, tilt-o-whirls, then hooks Connors up, RECIENTEMENTE!! Cover, TWO!!
Connors survives but Wato doesn’t stop! He body scissors and rolls Connors into VENDEVAL!! Connors endures, fights around with his legs, and he rocks the boat, only for Wato to pour on the pressure! Connors still fights, but Wato puts even more pressure on!! Connors powers through to have the ROPEBREAK!! The fans cheer while Wato lets go in frustration. Wato drags Connors up, reels him in, but Connors holds ropes to fight the suplex! Wato KICKS the arms, TSUTEN- NO, Connors mule kicks the legs! Wato SOBATS and runs, but into a POWERSLAM!! Wato rises up, into a SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as Wato survives, and Connors hurries to bring Wato up. Connors puts one out, but Wato fights No Chaser! ROUNDHOUSE, and Wato fires back up! The fans rally, Wato hooks Connors up, RECIENTE- NO, Connors slips free and reels Wato back in! NO CHASER!!! Cover, CONNORS WINS!!
Winner: Clark Connors, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Wato earns 0)
100 Proof gets his clear shot on Wato, and now he has both two points and a golden ticket for it! Will the DEFY Champion soon run the whole Junior Heavyweight Division?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: YOH VS Robbie Eagles!
The Direct Drive is also once again IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion alongside Wato, but that means the same target is on his back. Will Yoh owe this Ichiban Sweet Boy a title shot? Or can he shoot down the Sniper of the Skies first?
Wait, Yoh’s near jacket and gear is made with… recycled Ziploc bags? Well, guess that’s one way to stay fresh. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but Yoh’s height gives him leverage to put Eagles on ropes. The ref counts, Eagles turns things around on Yoh, but he lets off slowly, to kiss Yoh on the cheek. The fans cheer, especially the ladies, and then Eagles asks Yoh for one in return. Yoh steps closer, but Eagles headlocks! Eagles hits the takeover, Yoh headscissors, and Eagles kips free. Roles reverse and Yoh headlocks for a takeover and Eagles headscissors. Yoh kips free, the two stand off, and the fans cheer.
Eagles steps closer and he gives Yoh another kiss on the cheek. Yoh still wants to reciprocate but Eagles says no thanks. Because right now, he wants to “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” “ROBBIE!” “OI!” “ROBBIE!” “OI!” “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” And Yoh kisses Eagles on the cheek three times! The fans cheer and Eagles is stunned. Eagles slaps sense into himself, then SLAPS Yoh! Yoh runs up, Eagles trips him, but Yoh boots him away. Yoh drops down, bypasses, then drop toeholds Eagles! He calls Eagles a “hentai (pervert)” before he DROPKICKS Eagles!
Eagles tumbles out, Yoh PLANCHAS and direct hit! The fans fire up for Yoh, and he uses a fan’s towel to wipe his face. Yoh stalks Eagles, puts him in the ring, then hurries to a corner. The fans rally as Yoh climbs, and he CANNONBALLS! Cover, TWO! The fans rally while Eagles goes to a corner. Yoh stomps Eagles, throws forearms, then wrenches and whips corner to corner. Yoh runs in and ELBOWS Eagles, then turns him, but Eagles SAIDOS free! The fans fire up while both men are down! Eagles covers, TWO! The fans applaud and Eagles sits Yoh up to run and SLIDING KICK! Cover, TWO!
Eagles is annoyed but the fans rally up. Eagles kicks Yoh around, drags him up, and reels him in for a scoop and SLAM! Eagles soaks up the cheers, then covers, TWO! Eagles eggs Yoh on, so Yoh fires a forearm then a kick, and repeat. Eagles kicks low, CHOPS, then whips. Yoh reverses but Eagles stops himself, so Yoh’s dropkick gets nothing. Eagles runs up to roll Yoh into a KNEEBAR! Yoh endures as Eagles grapevines the leg, and the fans rally up. Yoh reaches out, crawls around, and manages the ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud and Eagles lets go. Eagles drags Yoh from the ropes to drop a KNEE on the knee!
The fans rally while Eagles paces. Yoh rises up, but Eagles KICKS, KICKS and KICKS! Yoh eggs Eagles on, so Eagles runs to LEG LARIAT! Cover, TWO! The fans rally and Eagles drags Yoh up. Eagles cravats but Yoh fights the rest. Eagles CLUBS away on Yoh, UPPERCUTS, then ASAI- NO, Yoh slips free of the Asai DDT! But Eagles back suplexes! Yoh lands out and waistlocks but Eagles switches and CHOP BLOCKS! Eagles runs, but into a DROPKICK! Both men are down and the fans rally up. Yoh and Eagles go to opposite ends, then they both run up! Yoh rallies with forearm after forearm, then whips, only for Eagles to reverses. But Yoh FLYING FOREARMS!
The fans rally more and Yoh brings Eagles around. Yoh scoops and SLAMS Eagles, then he sets up to soak up cheers. Yoh soaks up quite a lot, and then Yoh ELBOW DROPS! Cover, TWO! KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO, SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Eagles stays in this and the fans rally up again. Yoh brings Eagles around, reels him in, but Eagles fights the suplex! Yoh CLUBS away on Eagles, then brings him up to suplex, only for Eagles to fight free! Eagles wrenches, but Yoh ROCKS him! And ROLLING ELBOWS! Yoh reels Eagles back in, FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Eagles survives and the fans fire up again!
Eagles and Yoh stir and Yoh goes to a corner. Yoh tunes up and the fans rally. Eagles rises, Yoh aims, but Eagles ducks the superkick to trip Yoh and tie up the legs! RON MILLER SPECIAL!! ROPEBREAK, but Eagles brings Yoh up fast, ASAI DDT!! Both men are down again and the fans rally back up. Eagles drags Yoh up, but Yoh breaks free, only for Eagles to KNEE low! And KICK down! Yoh goes to a corner, Eagles runs in, DOUBLE KNEES! Eagles comes back but Yoh BOOTS him! Eagles returns again to BASEMENT 619, but Yoh jumps it! Yoh then JUMP KNEES Eagles! Eagles DOUBLE KNEES Yoh again!
Yoh sits down, Eagles runs in yet again, METEORA! The fans fire up as Eagles drags Yoh to center and covers. TWO, but Eagles stands Yoh up to hook him up! But Yoh fights the backpack to scoop and FALCON GOROSHI! The fans fire up while both men are down, and Yoh clutches his leg. Yoh crawls to the cover, TWO! Yoh clamps on an ANACONDA VICE!! Eagles endures as Yoh uses Tenzan’s signature hold! Eagles fights around, stands up, but Yoh SLAMS Eagles down! Yoh pulls on the hold but Eagles still endures! The fans rally, Eagles reaches out, then manages to sit up! Eagles stands again, fights towards ropes, but Yoh ripcords and reels Eagles in!
DIRECT- NO, Eagles BACKDROPS out of that! Yoh sunset flips but Eagles rolls through! Eagles steps through, but Yoh BOOTS him away! Both men stand and the fans rally. Yoh ROCKS Eagles, Eagles kicks the leg, and both men back up. Yoh slaps his leg into working, and DOUBLE FOREARMS collide! DOUBLE FOREARMS collide again! And then again! Both men stagger all the way back to the ropes, for DOUBLE I’LL BE BACK! Eagles and Yoh SUPERKICK each other down! The fans fire up and both men go to corners. Eagles runs in, Yoh pops him up! Eagles lands on the apron, KICKS the leg out, then springboards to SNIPER DROPKICK!
The fans fire up as Yoh flounders! Eagles aims again, HYPER- NO, Yoh ducks that and rolls Eagles. Eagles rolls through but Yoh blocks the superkick! But Eagles stops the dragon screw, grabs an arm, and YANKS Yoh up to the fireman’s carry! Eagles shifts Yoh around to the TURBO BACKPACK!! Cover, TWO!!! Yoh survives and Eagles is shocked! The fans fire up as Eagles takes aim, BASEMENT SUPERKICK! Eagles hurries up top, takes aim, and WARP 4.5!! Direct hit on Yoh’s legs, and then Eagles steps through. But Yoh cradle counters! TWO!! Eagles escapes but he and Yoh fight for facelock control!
Yoh suplexes, Eagles slips through to waistlock, but Yoh switches! Yoh half nelsons, but Eagles fights the suplex! Yoh powers up and gets the full nelson! Eagles breaks free, but Yoh hops up to POISON-RANA!! Eagles rises, into a SUPERKICK!! The fans fire up and Yoh powers up again! Yoh drags Eagles up and in, DIRECT- NO, Eagles arm-drags and steps through, but Yoh turns Ron Miller Special into an O’Conner! STAR GAZE- NO, Eagles pushes on the bad leg! Yoh falls forward and Eagles ties the legs up! RON MILLER SPECIAL!!! Yoh endures, flails, and claws at the mat while the fans rally! Eagles drags Yoh away from ropes, YOH TAPS! EAGLES WINS!!
Winner: Robbie Eagles, by submission (gains 2 points; Yoh earns 0)
Both IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions have lost! A golden ticket to Clark Connors, a golden ticket to Robbie Eagles, will Wato & Yoh be busy after the Best of the Super Juniors? Will Eagles use this win to go for the trophy?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Taiji Ishimori!
The Funky Weapon and the Bone Soldier have had quite a few battles through this tournament series, and more often than not, #ItsReborn! But will Taiji keep up that streak #ByGrace? Or will Taguchi finally get lucky here in the main event?
The bell rings and the fans rally behind “TA-GU-CHI!” Taguchi and Taiji circle, feel things out, then clinch. They go around, Taiji facelocks, but Taguchi wrenches out. Taiji wrenches in return and hammerlocks but Taguchi moves around. They stand, Taguchi switches the hammerlock, but Taiji drop toeholds. Taiji floats but Taguchi slips out the back to hammerlock again. The fans applaud this technical exchange, and Taguchi hooks an arm for a cover, TWO! Taguchi holds onto Taiji but Taiji fights up. Taiji wrenches out, but Taguchi rolls, trips Taiji and has the toehold. Taiji goes for an armbar but Taguchi goes for the leg!
Taiji scrambles forward and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud and Taguchi lets go. Taguchi scoots back and keeps his eyes on Taiji. The fans rally as Taiji stands and the two reset. They circle, tie up again, and Taiji headlocks. Taguchi powers up and out and RAMS shoulders with Taiji! The fans cheer as Taiji dares Taguchi to run. Taguchi runs, they RAM shoulders again, and now Taiji runs. Taguchi drops down, hurdles, but Taiji waistlocks. Taguchi elbows free, whips to arm-drag, then he RAMS Taiji! Taguchi springboards to FLYING ARM-DRAG! And DROPKICK! The fans fire up as the Dropkick Master returns!
Taiji bails out but Taguchi builds speed! Taiji runs away but Taguchi rolls back and swivels them hips! Then Taguchi does the dance moves! The fans cheer but Taiji is annoyed. Taiji rushes up but Taguchi HIP ATTACKS him down! Taguchi slingshots, but Taiji YANKS him down! Taguchi hits apron then the floor, and Taiji stomps him. Taiji drags Taguchi around and CATAPULTS him into the POST! Taguchi falls and clutches his arm but the fans rally up. Taiji paces around the outside while Red Shoes checks Taguchi. Taguchi is okay to continue, but Taiji undoes the blue buckle pad! Red Shoes is none the wiser as he starts the ring count.
Taguchi shakes out the bad arm while he’s down on the mat. We go past 5 of 20, then past 10. Taguchi stands at 14 and the fans applaud. Taguchi hears 17 and rolls in at 19! The fans cheer as Taguchi maximizes his rest time, but then Taiji stomps Taguchi down! Taiji pulls on Taguchi’s bad arm, twists the wrist, and even stands on Taguchi’s face! Red Shoes reprimands, and it sounds like a young fan in the crowd shouts at Taiji. Taiji tries to spot the kid but he just pulls on Taguchi’s arm more. Taguchi fights up, but Taiji hammerlocks and POSTS him! The fans boo as Taguchi is stuck in the bare corner. Taiji brings Taguchi out to snapmare and FIST DROP! Cover, TWO!
The fans cheer but Taiji keeps Taguchi down with an armlock! Taguchi endures, and he reaches out to a ROPEBREAK with his foot! The fans cheer but Taiji holds on! Red Shoes reprimands and counts, Taiji lets go at 4, and the fans rally more. Taiji has Taguchi on the apron and drags him up. Taiji wrenches to HOTSHOT the arm! Taguchi drops to the apron and rolls in, clutching that shoulder. Taiji grins and looms over Taguchi. Taguchi CHOPS from below, but Taiji CLUBS him! Taguchi CHOPS again, but Taiji CLUBS Taguchi again! Taiji then grabs the bad arm for a STRAIGHT ARM BAR! Taguchi scrambles around again, ROPEBREAK!
Taiji still holds on so Red Shoes counts again. Taiji lets go at 4 and Taguchi crawls to the ropes. Taguchi kicks from below but Taiji eggs him on. Taguchi kicks more, so Taiji stomps him down! Taiji taunts the fans as they rally up for Taguchi. Taiji drags Taguchi up, Taguchi fires body shots, and the fans rally again. Taguchi runs, but jumps into an atomic drop! Taiji runs, btu Taguchi follows! Only to get another atomic drop! Taiji laughs while Taguchi drops to his knees. Taiji waistlocks but Taguchi fires elbows. Taguchi runs but fakes Taiji out, and then HIP ATTACKS! Then Taguchi TRIANGLE JUMP PLANCHAS! Direct hit and the fans cheer!
Taguchi still clutches the bad arm and shakes it out, but both he and Taiji are down as the ring count starts. Taguchi sits up at 6, drags Taiji up at 10, and puts him in at 11. Taguchi steps in and HIP DROPS! And HIP DROPS! And HIP DROPS again! Taguchi then goes back out to the apron, and he fires the fans up for the SLINGSHOT HIP DROP, but onto knees! Taiji turns things around on Taguchi and Taguchi hobbles away to a corner. Taiji runs in, but Taguchi BOOTS him! Taguchi goes up to get Taiji for the DEADLY BUTT SHADE! Taiji staggers back, Taguchi goes up, FLYING HIP ATTACK! The fans fire up and Taguchi covers, TWO!
Taguchi kips up and the fans fire up! Taguchi calls upon the powers of Strange Style, “ORYA~!” KETSU- NO, Taiji rolls Taguchi up! TWO!! Taiji ROCKS Taguchi, whips, but Taguchi reverses. Taiji handsprings to NEURALIZER KICK! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Taiji hobbles over to Taguchi, drags him up, and gut wrenches. Taguchi slips free and waistlocks but Taiji switches. Taguchi drop toeholds but Taiji scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi still uses OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Red Shoes reprimands, Taguchi stops, but then he drops KNEE after KNEE on Taiji’s ankle! Taguchi drags Taiji up and chicken wings!
DODON TO THE- NO, Taiji blocks the knees and deadlifts Taguchi into the CIPHER UTA- NO!! OH MY GAH- NO, VICTORY ROLL! TWO!! Taiji runs up, Taguchi dodges, ENZIGIRI! Both men are down again and the fans fire up! Taiji and Taguchi stir, and fans rally as Taguchi stands. Taguchi chicken wings but Taiji fights the lift! Taguchi CHOPS Taiji on the back, runs, but Taiji catches and spins him, to POST him again! Red Shoes reprimands but Taiji grabs Taguchi’s arm. Taiji hammerlocks one then half nelsons the other, but Taguchi fights the lift! Taiji powers through to hoist Taguchi up, SHOULDER BUSTER!
The fans rally while Taguchi writhes, and Taiji aims from the corner. Taguchi rises, Taiji runs in, LA MYST- NO, Taguchi powers through to roll Taiji up! TWO, and OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Taiji crawls, reaches out, but Taguchi drags him back! But Taiji drags Taguchi down! FUJIWARA, into the BONE LOCK!! Taguchi endures, fights around, reaches out, but Taiji rolls him away from ropes! Taguchi pops free to OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Taiji flails and reaches out, then grabs Red Shoes! Taiji YANKS Red Shoes into Taguchi, and that undoes the hold! Taguchi hurries back, but Taiji BOOTS Taguchi into Red Shoes!
The fans boo as Red Shoes goes down, but Taguchi rushes up on Taiji! Taiji slips around and hooks the arm, to LOW BLOW MULE KICK!! The fans boo more but Taiji GEDO CLUTCHES, TWO!!! Taguchi survives Taiji’s sneaky tactics and the fans fire up! Taiji, Taguchi and Red Shoes all slowly stand back up, and Taiji hobbles over to Taguchi. Taiji drags Taguchi up, but Taguchi is a ragdoll! Taiji snarls and he drags Taguchi up all the same, BLOODY- NO, Taguchi rolls through, and then has the OH MY GAH ANKLE!!! Taiji endures, Taguchi keeps him from ropes, and Taguchi pushes on that leg! The fans rally as hard as they can as Taguchi puts on the pressure!
Taiji grits his teeth, reaches out, but Taguchi twists the ankle more! Taiji fights forward, Taguchi drags him back, and repeat! Taguchi then yanks Taiji into the DODON BUSTER!!! Cover, TWO!?!? Taiji survives, but Taguchi just goes for OH MY GAH ANKLE!!!! The fans rally for Taguchi but Taiji rolls! Taguchi holds on!! Taguchi ELBOW DROPS the leg, then TWISTS the ankle!!! Taiji endures, but he TAPS!! TAGUCHI WINS!!!
Winner: Ryusuke Taguchi, by submission (gains 2 points; Taiji earns 0)
Taiji tried and tried, but who knew Taguchi would take this one so seriously? Will it only be #ByGrace that Taiji can turn this around and reach the top?
As for Taguchi, he ices his arm while the fans cheer him on. Then he gets the mic to say, “Thank you for the chants.” The fans cheer, and Taguchi continues, “Thank you all for so many of you showing up here in Iwanuma, and thank you for all the support.” The fans cheer again, and Taguchi adds that he’d like to thank Mayo Junichi Sato, as well as the Iwanuma City Board of Education. “The elementary and middle school kids were able to come here for free today, so we got so much support from the kids. For you to understand how pro-wrestling can give you strength is something that brings me so much joy.”
The fans applaud that, too, and Taguchi hopes they’ve all found a new hobby today in pro-wrestling. Please keep watching pro-wrestling, as there are so many great wrestlers for you to discover and enjoy. He hopes watching wrestling makes their lives more fun. He wishes them all the best. The fans applaud, and Taguchi says not just his opponent tonight, Taiji, but also Yoh and Mao are from here in the Miyagi Prefecture. “We produce a lot of great wrestlers, but I guess the Saito brothers are most famous.” The fans have a good laugh at that, and Taguchi says he hopes he can be like them in terms of popularity. Please continue to support him!
The fans applaud, and Taguchi says Hirooki Goto is leading NJPW and his Goto Revolution. The fans do applaud that, and Taguchi says he is willing to follow Goto. The G in IWGP may be for Goto, but the T in “The” that is in “Best of The Super Juniors” will now stand for Taguchi! The fans do like the sound of that. Taguchi says the BOSJ’s T will send his love to Iwanuma today. The fans like that, and Taguchi sees the cheerers are here, as is the mascot! The fans applaud and “Chief Clerk Iwanuma” waves. Taguchi says this is also on NJPW World, so this is good promotion around Japan and the world. You will see how great Iwanuma is today!
So, let’s go! The T in Best of the Super Juniors is for Taguchi! Iwanuma, daisuki desu~!” And since it’s been awhile, let’s do that, huh? The fans cheer and clap along as Taguchi does his dance! Will the Funky Weapon get even funkier as this tournament goes on? Will he lead the Junior Heavyweight Division just as Goto leads all of NJPW?
Here are the updated A Block standings!
Hiromu Takahashi: 1-0, 2 points
Dragon Dia: 1-0, 2 points
Kosei Fujita: 1-0, 2 points
Ninja Mack: 1-0, 2 points
Clark Connors: 1-0, 2 points
Master Wato: 0-1, 0 points
KUSHIDA: 0-1, 0 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 0-1, 0 points
Francesco Akira: 0-1, 0 points
Robbie X: 0-1, 0 points
Here are the updated B Block standings!
El Desperado: 1-0, 2 points
Nick Wayne: 1-0, 2 points
MAO: 1-0, 2 points
Robbie Eagles: 1-0, 2 points
Ryusuke Taguchi: 1-0, 2 points
Kevin Knight: 0-1, 0 points
Titan: 0-1, 0 points
SHO: 0-1, 0 points
YOH: 0-1, 0 points
Taiji Ishimori: 0-1, 0 points
My Thoughts:
A great second day for BOSJ’s opening weekend. Mack VS Robbie X was immediately a high bar with that extra special Ninja Special Mack pulled off, and even how the finish came about with that spin kick into a cradle. Knight VS Mao also had some great innovation, and a great first win for Mao in his first-ever BOSJ. Connors and Eagles each getting a win over the tag team champions was a bit surprising, but they could do some big stuff with the tag teams after the tournament. I did like Connors using a tire in this match, and it sounds like that’s part of a new gimmick or something he’s doing. Yoh’s Ziplock outfit is pretty fun, too.
And great stuff out of the main event with getting “Serious Taguchi” here tonight. Taguchi is usually such a jokester so it’s great when he busts out a banger like this, especially when he wins. I appreciate Taguchi giving such a promo where he genuinely wants the kids to know pro-wrestling can be a hobby but also a career. I also like that he brought out the comedy here, copying Goto’s “the G in IWGP is for Goto” but to where it’s something irrelevant. Taguchi rising back up as a serious contender would be something to see, especially with all these crossovers.
My Score: 9/10
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