Coverage
NXT TakeOver: XXV Results & Report! (6/1/19)
It’s the 25th TakeOver event!
NXT takes over Bridgeport!
The milestone 25th TakeOver event is here! With all the NXT gold on the line and even literally up for grabs, who walks away on top of the brand?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Matt Riddle VS Roderick Strong; Riddle wins.
- NXT Tag Team Championships Ladder Match: The Street Profits VS The Forgotten Sons VS Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch VS The Undisputed Era; The Street Profits win and become the new NXT Tag Team Champions.
- NXT North American Championship: Velveteen Dream VS Tyler Breeze; Dream wins and retains the NXT North American Championship.
- NXT Women’s Championship: Shayna Baszler w/ The Horsewomen VS Io Shirai w/ Candice LeRae; Baszler wins and retains the NXT Women’s Championship.
- NXT Championship: Johnny Gargano VS Adam Cole; Cole wins and becomes the new NXT Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
It’s the NXT TakeOver Preshow!
Just five years and NXT has grown so much! Join Charly Caruso, Sam Roberts and Pat McAfee as they look back at history and prepare for tonight’s historic milestone event!
Tommaso Ciampa joins the Preshow panel!
The Psycho Killer is back! And fans duel between his best frenemy, “Johnny Wrestling!” and “Adam Cole!” But then fans give Ciampa cheers and he gets on the table! Ciampa pats himself on the back and fans cheer him more. Ciampa says he’s half Black Heart, half Wolverine. He’s on his way back, and Goldie will belong to “Big Daddy Ciampa” once again. But if anyone is going to hold onto the belt while Ciampa is away, it’s Gargano. Gargano changes when a TakeOver comes around. Ciampa will watch very closely that it takes a certain kind of main to crawl his way to the top, but it takes a different kind of man to stay on top.
But Ciampa isn’t making a prediction, he’ll just be going after whoever comes out of it. He’s not saying he wants Gargano or Cole as an opponent, just know that he’ll be champion soon after his return.
From Orlando, Florida to the entire world, NXT knows how to take over.
There have been chants from “This is Awesome!” to “This is Wrestling!” to “Fight Forever!” But in the end, TakeOver isn’t about money or fame, but the passion to be the best! History is made, as are stars and icons. #WeAreNXT, and we are only just getting started!
An epic championship match gets a sequel! Two inspired dreamers fight for the spotlight. A genius looks to kick a queen’s ass. And an Era looks to be golden, “and that is Undisputed.”
Matt Riddle VS Roderick Strong!
The Bro is far from his jovial self as he goes up against the Savior of the Backbreaker tonight. Strong got back in the good graces of the Undisputed Era by attacking Riddle from behind and even stealing a sandal. Will Riddle make Strong regret ever coming up with that move?
Riddle kicks his flip-flops at Strong as fans fire up for this match. The bell rings, the lights come down, and we begin!
Riddle and Strong grapple and Strong gets control but Riddle slips around to the back. Strong gets up but gets thrown by Riddle! Strong’s up fast and the two tie up again. They both grapple and use that amateur background. Riddle gets Strong to a cover, ONE, but Riddle stays on Strong, wanting the Bromission already! Strong scrambles to the ropebreak, and Riddle lets him go. Fans cheer this opening exchange, and the two go again. Strong powers Riddle to ropes but Riddle has a body scissor block. The ref counts and Strong lets off, only to CHOP Riddle back! Strong rams his shoulder into Riddle in a corner, but Riddle gut wrenches fast!
Riddle holds on to gut wrench suplex Strong again, and a third! Strong bails out and Riddle runs to the apron, but Strong trips him up. Riddle still throws forearms but so does Strong. They brawl and Riddle CHOPS before throwing Strong in. But Strong bails out the other side, only to get a FLYING forearm! Riddle pursues the scrambling Strong to CHOP him and kick him around. Riddle puts Strong on the apron but Strong kicks back. The brawl continues and even goes to the apron. Strong throws body shots but Riddle throws haymakers. Riddle gives muay thai knees but Strong shoves him into a post. Strong drops Riddle with a back suplex to the apron! Riddle writhes but gets up, as does Strong. Strong follows Riddle into the ring and keeps on him with CHOPS!
Fans duel as Strong throws more CHOPS and even forearms. Strong suplexes and hangs Riddle out to dry, Riddle flops to the floor. Strong goes out to fetch Riddle and club him down. He puts Riddle in to cover, TWO! Strong CHOPS Riddle more, then whips. Riddle holds the ropes then breaks free to throw hands. Strong dodges and catches Riddle into a backbreaker! Cover, TWO! Strong keeps on Riddle with pulling hair and clubbing away! Riddle pushes back but Strong throws more hands, then knees the back. Strong pulls Riddle back in a camel clutch. Fans still duel and Riddle still fights. Strong knees low and then drags Riddle to the post. Strong pulls Riddle back in a Bow ‘n’ Arrow! The ref counts and Strong lets up at 4 to CHOP Riddle again.
Strong puts Riddle in and stalks him, but Riddle chops back! Riddle punches from the mat, but Strong clubs him down. Cover, TWO! Strong drags Riddle up but Riddle fights back again. Riddle throws elbows and palm strikes! Strong blocks the kick but gets hands! Riddle cradles Strong, TWO! Strong knees low, then hits the Olympic Slam! Cover, TWO!! Riddle lives but Strong keeps on him. Strong powerbomb lifts to the Canadian rack, but Riddle slips out! Riddle wants the Bromission but Strong escapes and kicks. But Riddle suplexes Strong for a brain buster! Strong staggers up and the brawling continues. Riddle strikes, boots and roundhouses! Leaping forearm, PELE! Riddle kips up and runs in for a forearm smash! He runs the other way for another! EXPLODER!
Riddle runs but misses the kick, Strong evades the moonsault but not the Bro-ton! The Penalty Kick hits this time! Cover, TWO! Strong survives the rush and fans fire up. Riddle gets up first, stalks Strong and waistlocks him. Strong slips out but gets Bro Kicks! Riddle kicks more and more and more, and hits the buzzsaw! Strong flounders up but dodges the next kick to fireman’s carry. Riddle slips out but Strong knees him first. Strong spins but into Riddle’s fireman’s carry! Bro To Sleep! German Suplex, with bridge, TWO!! Strong survives and Riddle is beside himself. Riddle keeps on Strong with stomps and then drags Strong up for forearms. Riddle scoops and slams but Strong boots Riddle back. Strong walks into Riddle’s boot, but then enziguris Riddle up top! Strong climbs up to join Riddle, SUPERPLEX! Cover, TWO!! Riddle still lives and Strong grows frustrated.
Strong stands up first and heads back to Riddle. Riddle hits back and the brawl is on again. Strong throws forearms from both sides, ducks a roundhouse and rocks Riddle again. Riddle slips through to powerbomb but his back gives out! Strong boots, enziguris, and then runs in to shining wizard Riddle on ropes! Forearm after forearm after forearm, STRONG SLAM!! Cover, TWO?! Riddle survives and the fans are thunderous for “NXT! NXT!” Strong staggers to his feet and drags Riddle around. He goes to turn Riddle for the Strong Hold, but Riddle boots Strong away! Strong ends up on the outside but gets back in, only to miss a knee. Riddle roundhouses and Bro-Triggers! Deadlift to POWERBOMB! Final Flash Knee! Cover, TWO!? Strong survives that?!
Riddle drags Strong to a drop zone and moonsaults, onto knees!! Strong smashes with another knee! Fireman’s carry to a gutbuster! But not just that, Tiger Bomb! Cover, TWO!?! STRONG HOLD!! Riddle endures as Strong sits down deep! Fans are thunderous as Riddle turns things back over. Strong turns it back but gets a knee into the back for a Lion Tamer! Riddle still endures, turns, and kicks Strong over and over. Strong swings but into elbows! BROMISSION!! Strong tries everything he can, but Riddle shifts to just elbow away on Strong again and again. Strong grabs the arm! The two stand, but Riddle keeps elbowing! Gut wrench, Gotch hold, cradle tombstone!! Cover, Riddle wins!!
Winner: Matt Riddle, by pinfall
The Bro gives a shout out to Jerry Lynn with that finish! Riddle gives TakeOver: XXV an incredible start, and things already look iffy for the Undisputed Era. Will Strong’s stablemates make up for Strong’s loss?
NXT Tag Team Championships Ladder Match: The Street Profits VS The Forgotten Sons VS Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch VS The Undisputed Era!
The titles are vacant and literally hang in the balance! The Raid has moved on, but now it’s time for someone to step up. Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford want to finally cash-in. Wesley Blake & Steve Cutler want to be remembered. The Brit-Am Brawlers want to finally hold some gold. And Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly want to again be undisputed tag team champions! Who reaches new heights to be on top of the entire NXT Tag Team Division?
The introductions are made, with the Profits in new blue and gold ring gear and with the Forgotten Sons tempting luck by going under a ladder. Lorcan & Burch keep it simple while the Undisputed Era’s reDRagon look to be the first-ever three-time NXT Tag Team Champions. The bell rings, and we begin this massive match!
All eight men look up at the belt, and then it sparks into a fight! Four different brawls go all over the ring. Cutler & Blake drag Lorcan & Burch out while reDRagon throws Dawkins out. Fish & O’Reilly focus on Ford with double whips and kicks! Cutler returns but he gets kicks and palm strikes and knees from O’Reilly! O’Reilly sweeps and Fish fights with Blake. Fish dragon screws Blake out, then reDRagon mugs Cutler. They double whip but Lorcan dumps Cutler out. Lorcan and Burch throw hands with reDRagon! They go back and forth, then criss-cross. Lorcan CHOPS Fish, but O’Reilly catches Lorcan’s kick for Fish to kick the leg. Burch headbutts O’Reilly but O’Reilly kicks back. Fish forearms Burch but Lorcan CHOPS Fish and O’Reilly!
O’Reilly grabs the arm, Fish knees and O’Reilly sweeps. O’Reilly throws Burch out, and then boots Dawkins down. Fans cheer as reDRagon hurries for ladders. They get a couple ladders over to ringside, but settle on one. Only for Blake to DIVE the ladder into them!! Fans lose their minds over the double-edge risk Blake just took! Cutler drags two ladders over but gets blaseted by Lorcan’s uppercut! Burch and Lorcan drag Cutler up for more uppercuts, but Blake fights back. The teams brawl, but Dawkins runs and LEAPS onto them all! The Curse of Greatness wipes them all out! Fans fire up with Dawkins, and he and Ford regroup. The Profits get a ladder up and in and are all alone as they set it up! Both climb but reDRagon stops them both.
O’Reilly and Fish climb but Blake shoves the ladder over! O’Reilly lands ON the ladder! The Forgotten Sons get in and get the ladder back up, and ram Lorcan with it! And Burch! But the Profits return, to get bulldozed! And so does reDRagon! Lorcan & Burch return, but they edge dodge the Forgotten Sons, to double German Suplex them! The ladder goes flying at ropes! Everyone is down but the fans are losing their minds all over again! O’Reilly drags himself out while Lorcan & Burch flounder to their feet. But the Profits take them out with an exploder suplex, and a whip to a SPINEBUSTER! Ford climbs up and gives Burch a FROG SPLASH! The fans are thunderous as the Profits grab a ladder. They ram Blake with it, then set him on it. Dawkins makes it a bridge, for Ford’s Leap Frog!
Blake tumbles out and Cutler runs in, for a double flapjack on the ladder! But Dawkins builds another bridge! Fish intercepts Ford, O’Reilly missile dropkicks Dawkins! But O’Reilly still hits ladder! Even so, reDRagon powers through to give Ford the butterfly wheelbarrow DDT! And suplex to the ladder! Fans know “This is Awesome!” while also losing their minds. O’Reilly and Fish drag the ladder up and ram Dawkins with it. They set the ladder up but Lorcan returns. Fish hits Lorcan, then kicks Burch. But Cutler comes around back, only for Fish to body check! O’Reilly falls and hits his jaw! O’Reilly tells Fish to go up instead, and then tackles Blake! Fish reaches, but Blake powerbombs O’Reilly into the ladder!! “They killed Kyle!”
Everyone is down again as fans chant “Mamma Mia!” Cutler puts the ladder in a corner and regroups with Blake. They grab a second ladder as well as Fish. Blake bumps Fish on buckles while Cutler sets the other ladder over O’Reilly. Cutler climbs and Blake keeps guard. But O’Reilly trips Cutler up! It’s a kneebar through the rungs! Cutler taps but that doesn’t matter! Blake stomps O’Reilly out and drags him away to throw him out. Cutler climbs again but Fish kicks him! Blake goes after Fish, and the Sons give Fish Memories Remain! Blake and Cutler climb up together, but Burch and Dawkins stop them with double electric chairs! Lorcan returns, and they give Cutler a EuroUpper Doomsday! Ford returns to give Blake the Blockbuster Doomsday! The fans are at a fever pitch over this newest tag team classic!
O’Reilly crawls to the ladder, bad back and all! Fans cheer for O’Reilly, but is that… That’s Jaxson Ryker! The Gunner is not dead, even after what happened on last Wednesday! Ryker grabs O’Reilly and drags him off, to powerbomb him on the other ladder! Ryker choke slams Burch! And tosses Ford way out! Fish runs into an urenage! Dawkins climbs but Ryker spots him. Ryker tips the ladder and dumps Dawins down! Fans boo as Ryker resets the ladder, to then ram it into Dawkins! And again, and again, and again! But Ryker turns around to see Lorcan, and back drop him on the ladder!! Ryker stands alone amidst the carnage. Fans say “We Forgot You!” but he doesn’t care. Ryker stands the ladder back up, but Ford attacks! Only to get clobbered.
O’Reilly returns to throw hands! As does Fish! Fans fire up for reDRagon as they go after Ryker! Burch and the Profits do, too! Lorcan brings in yet another ladder, and oddly enough, the other three teams work together to SLAM Ryker with it over and over and over! BUt then it’s right back to their own fight! Fish and O’Reilly clear the ring of the other teams, but Ryker is still stirring. O’Reilly says they need to end him, so he and Fish ram Ryker right off the apron! But Ryker still stands?! Ford FLIES over reDRagon to wipe him out!! But Ryker sits up again! Lorcan dodges the ladder to DIVE onto Ryker! Dawkins gets rammed by reDRagon! Burch climbs and dropkicks the ladder into reDRagon! Lorcan regroups with Burch to keep on Fish, arm wrench to running uppercut! Then they throw Fish into the post!
Burch clotheslines and kicks O’Reilly, then feeds him to Lorcan for the Half ‘n’ Half! Blake returns but he gets haymakers. Dawkins and Cutler get the ladder, as does Ford. Burch and Lorcan have a ladder each, and they sandwich the Profits! Then Lorcan and Burch TOSS a ladder at the Forgotten Sons in full! Burch and Lorcan are alone, and they stand a ladder up! They both climb, but Fish and O’Reilly return. Fish and O’Reilly kick them off the ladder, then get a ladder of their own. Fish and O’Reilly climb but Lorcan and Burch follow. The two teams brawl side-by-side on the pair of ladders. Lorcan falls, leaving Burch alone with reDRagon. But Lorcan returns from the other side and stops O’Reilly from reaching. Lorcan grabs but Fish stops him.
The four men brawl fast and furious way up high! But the Sons return to tip them all!! They shove one ladder out hard, then climb the other! But Dawkins SPEARS Cutler! Ford springboards to join Blake and punch him down!! The Profits climb and WIN!!
Winners: The Street Profits; NEW NXT Tag Team Champions
They did it! They finally have the gold! Ford and Dawkins win big in their TakeOver debut! And now they celebrate with the fans! Will the Profits only grow bigger now that they’re golden?
NXT North American Championship: Velveteen Dream VS Tyler Breeze!
The Patrick Clark Experience wants to see if Prince Pretty remembers what it was like to be in the spotlight. Breeze wants to recapture those gorgeous glory days by capturing his first ever title in the entirety of WWE. Who wins this #GorgeousDream match?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised and we begin!
Fans duel as Dream takes off the jacket and gloves, to throw them at Breeze! Breeze applauds the classic move. Dream and Breeze hear the fans duel as they pace. Breeze and Dream tie up and go around, and Dream gets the wristlock. Dream shifts to a hammerlock but Breeze turns it around. They go around and Breeze wants the Unprettier, but Dream gets clear. Dream seems shocked so Breeze lounges on the ropes. Breeze keeps Dream way with a “no no no” foot. Dream yanks him off but Breeze kicks and shoulders back. Breeze straitjackets an arm and brings Dream sideways into a backstabber! Cover, TWO!
Dream gets away but Breeze clotheslines him out hard. Fans cheer for Prince Pretty as he builds speed, only to run into a haymaker! Dream elbows and ax handles Breeze down! Dream springboards, Lionsault! Cover, TWO! Breeze bails out but Dream pursues. Dream puts Breeze in then climbs up, but Breeze bails out again. Dream hops down and Breeze trips him up! Breeze yanks Dream into the post, and swings a leg into it! Then hits a flying forearm off the apron! Fans fire up for this new gritty yet still gorgeous side of Breeze. Breeze aims at Dream and leaps, but into a big haymaker! Dream leaves Breeze behind for the ring count. Breeze returns at 3 but gets scooped. Breeze slips out and shoves Dream. Dream goes up and over but his knee jams, and Breeze rolls him to a Half Crab!
Breeze sits deep on the hold but Dream flails with his long limbs. Dream grits his teeth and heads for ropes to get the ropebreak. Breeze holds on until 4 then comes back at Dream in a corner. Dream SLAPS Breeze, so Breeze stomps a pretty mudhole into Dream! Breeze starts throwing ugly haymakers, and then dropkicks Dream right out of the ring! Fans cheer as Breeze glares and pursues after Dream. Dream dodges and SUPERKICKS Breeze! Dream gets back in the ring and lets the count begin. Breeze stirs at 4 but Dream decides to stop the count. Dream fetches Breeze to bump him off the desk! And again! And again! Dream shows no mercy to Breeze! The referee stops him but Dream is all fired up. Dream goes to the timekeeper’s area to get his belt, and Breeze’s phone? Dream takes that selfie now! “Say cheese!”
Dream hears the ring count and just plays along. Fans cheer for Dream, but Dream turns into a SUPER(MODEL)KICK from Breeze! Dream staggers into the ring and Breeze gets in, but gets the Dream Valley Driver! Cover, TWO!! Dream gets to a corner and climbs, but Breeze rolls to the apron. Dream storms over but Breeze slips under, and then enziguri! Fans cheer both men as they slowly stand. Breeze goes up top and Dream staggers over into a crossbody! But Dream rolls through to cover, TWO! Dream trips Breeze and rolls to a fireman’s carry, but Breeze slips out. Breeze shoves Dream but the kick is blocked. Dream grabs Breeze but Breeze slips out of the Dream-DT for a SUPER(MODEL)KICK! Cover, TWO!! Dream survives but Breeze is too tired to be frustrated.
Fans duel again as Breeze stalks Dream. Dream resists and back suplexes but Breeze lands on his feet. Breeze grabs the arms again but Dream rams him into buckles. Dream elbows but Breeze throws Dream back. Breeze walks into a boot, and Dream hops up, to get a dropkick! Breeze turns Dream but Dream slips out for the Dream-DT! Cover, TWO?! Breeze survives and Dream is shocked! Breeze has a bloody ear but fans rally for him and Dream. Dream goes for a corner but Breeze anchors his feet. Dream clubs Breeze off then climbs. But Breeze trips Dream up! Dream coughs and gasps but Breeze drags him out, only for Dream to toss him off! Dream hobbles over but into a big knee! Breeze and Dream slowly stand and fans duel again.
Breeze scoops but Dream slips out to pull Breeze up. But Breeze does the same, only for Dream to do it, too! Breeze slips out and shoves Dream, but Dream elbows. Dream fakes Breeze out, leap to the jackknife to the fireman’s carry! But he pops Breeze out for the UNPRETTIER! Cover, TWO!! Dream stole Breeze’s move but Breeze still survives! Dream drags himself back to a corner and fans fire up as he climbs. Purple Rain KNEES! Dream writhes and rolls, and walks into a flapjack. But Dream lands on the ropes! But Breeze tucks him in for a cheeky SUPER(MODEL)KICK! Breeze turns Dream around for UNPRETTIER! Cover, TWO!?! Breeze can’t believe how close that was, and neither can fans!
Breeze grits his teeth as he goes back to Dream. He drags Dream up but Dream is dead weight. Breeze still gets Dream up, to get a cradle counter! TWO, BEAUTY SHOT! But Dream flops out of the ring! Breeze was again so close yet so far! The ring count begins but Breeze fetches Dream. Breeze drags Dream but he’s dead weight all over again. Breeze stands Dream up at 5 but Dream flops back over. Prince Pretty has no choice but to refresh the count, but Dream goes to hit him with the belt! Breeze blocks the belt shot, but then Dream scopos for Dream Valley! And then PURPLE RAIN!! Cover, Dream wins!!
Winner: Velveteen Dream, by pinfall; still NXT North American Champion
The Experience survives, though he did try to play a little dirty. Will the Purple Reign continue through the Summer? Will Prince Pretty come back for another try? Or will someone else step up to share Dream’s spotlight?
Dream has Breeze’s phone and takes selfie vids of himself. Breeze sees this, and Dream says that while the phone belongs to Breeze, the belt belongs to him. But Breeze keeps Dream from leaving. Fans want a “Selfie! Selfie!” and so does Breeze. Dream considers it, and accepts! The two take a selfie of sportsmanship! Is this the last we’ve seen of this #GorgeousDream?
NXT Women’s Championship: Shayna Baszler VS Io Shirai!
The Queen of Spades has made challenger after challenger #TapNaporSnap. From Ember Moon to Nikki Cross to Bianca Belair to Kairi Sane, Shayna’s reign of terror has been tested but not ended. At least, not for long. But the Genius of the Sky didn’t want to kick Shayna’s ass until Shayna tried to put Kairi out of commission. The Horsewomen have Shayna’s back, but Mrs. Wrestling has Shirai’s. Will Shirai win one for Kairi? Or will the Queen keep her throne by any means necessary?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we begin!
Shirai rushes Shayna! But Shayna turns it around to snapmare and fake a kick to instead toy with Shirai. Shirai gets up and goes at Shayna again. They end up in the corner and Shirai lets up, only for Shayna to snapmare and fake her out again. Shayna has the hammerlock but Shirai rolls and sweeps the legs. Shirai snapmares Shayna now, but Shirai fakes Shayna out, to SLAP her! Fans like that one! Shayna gets up but Shirai redirects her for slaps and a takedown. Shirai drops a basement dropkick! Shayna bails out but Shirai runs. Shayna gets clear, but still gets a baseball slide! Shirai pursues, dragging Shayna up and into the ring. Shirai climbs and kicks Shayna away, but Shayna yanks her off anyhow!
Shayna kicks Shirai’s arm! And hammerlocks it again! Shirai tries to kick back but Shayna shoves her down, for that #RealityCheck hammerlock stomp!! That’s been Shayna’s MO since hurting Dakota Kai almost a year ago! Shirai clutches her arm while Shayna soaks up the heat. Shayna stalks Shirai to ropes. Shayna drags Shirai up and wristlocks that arm. Shirai endures even as Shayna bends the fingers. Shirai rolls Shayna, ONE, and Shayna LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Shayna just grins as she goes after the arm again. Shayna stands on Shirai’s head and twists the wrist. The ref counts but Shayna lets up at 4. Shayna yanks the arm! Shirai clutches her arm as she crawls to a corner. Shirai kicks but Shayna kicks her back. Shayna double wristlocks and suplexes Shirai. Shayna drops elbows on Shirai, then bends Shirai in a modified Bow ‘n’ Arrow.
Fans rally for Shirai and she spins out of the hold. Shayna whips but Shirai ducks and waistlocks. Shayna breaks the grip and wrings Shirai out. She sits Shirai up for a swift kick to the back! Cover, TWO!! Shayna is a bit surprised but she goes after Shirai’s bad arm again. Fans rally up and Shirai endures. Shayna wants a second Reality Check, but Shirai dodges! Shirai dodges the Penalty Kick, too, then throws hands with her good arm. Shirai dodges in a corner, and manages a German Suplex! But she can’t hold the bridge because of the other arm! Shayna is dazed but her evil scheme is working. Fans rally up and Shirai throws CHOPS and a fast ball on Shayna! Shayna rolls to ropes but gets the 619! Shirai aims at Shayna and springboards for a missile dropkick! Cover, TWO!
Shirai won’t let her bad arm slow her down as she drags Shayna up. Shayna throws forearms, but Shirai baits her into a takedown! Crossface! Shayna endures as Shirai just holds her bad arm by the wrist. But Shayna powers out to sidewalk slam Shirai down! Both women are down but fans are loving this. Shirai crawls but Shayna stalks. Fans actually duel as Shayna drags Shirai up by her hair! For a hanging keylock! But Shirai fights free! Shirai climbs up behind Shayna, springboar dropkick sends Shayna crashing down! Shirai fires up more, and goes to another corner. She climbs up for a SUPER ASAI MOONSAULT!! Fans are thunderous as the Genius wipes out the Queen and herself!
Both women are down on the outside, but Shirai is up first. Shirai throws Shayna back in, climbs up again, and leaps for another missile dropkick! Shirai goes corner to corner for Meteora in the corner! She walks over Shayna to climb again, but here come the Horsewomen. But same for Candice LeRae! Candice SMACKS away on Marina and Jessamyn with a kendo stick! Candice will not be held back, she leaps and wipes them both out! Shirai cheers her new friend for that, but walks itn oa cradle! TWO!! Shirai throws furious forearms, but gets a kick! Kirafuda Klutch! But Shirai fights out and SHOTEI! Then she climbs, for the Asai! But she lands on her feet when Shayna dodges! Kirafuda Klutch, but Shirai rolls through, TWO!! BUZZSAW! La Majistrol, Japanese Clutch! TWO, into the Klutch!
Shirai flails, reaches, scrambles and claws, and even sits up. Shayna holds on tight but Shirai still fights! Shayna grabs a leg and then thrashes around. Shirai flails and fades, but she gets a second wind thanks to the fans rallying behind her! But that second wind goes out, and she taps!! Shayna wins!!
Winner: Shayna Baszler, by submission; still NXT Women’s Champion
The Genius came so close, but the Queen still reigns! Will Shayna ever be dethroned from atop the NXT Women’s Division?
But wait! Just because she lost doesn’t mean Shirai’s out of the fight! She grabs what’s left of Candice’s kendo stick and SMACKS Shayna from behind! This is not the “snap” Shayna expected! Shayna pokes and jabs and SMACKS Shayna more, then finally hits her ASAI MOONSAULT! And then she tells Candice to get something from under the ring. A chair!? Shirai takes that chair, and brings it with her in a second moonsault!! Fans are loving how hardcore Shirai has become! Fans want “One More Time!” but in a way, so does Shirai. The fans also tell Shayna, “You Deserve It!” Will Shirai take the fight to Shayna for a Summer blockbuster?
NXT Championship: Johnny Gargano VS Adam Cole!
At NXT TakeOver: New York, these two had an amazing Best 2 Out of 3 Falls match to crown a new champion. Now #JohnnyTripleCrown and the Undisputed Era’s charismatic leader will go one more time to prove to everyone the reality of the championship. Who walks out of this historic night THE NXT Champion?
Adam Cole has Mr. Wrestle & Flow himself, Josiah Williams, rapping for his entrance, “BAYBAY!” Gargano’s entrance isn’t quite as epic, but his Captain Marvel inspired gear is definitely on point. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and Gargano’s historic 14th TakeOver appearance begins!
Fans duel as the two stare down. They eventually just settle for cheering on “NXT! NXT!” for giving us this sequel. Gargano and Cole slowly circle, then approach. They tie up and Gargano puts Cole on ropes but Cole turns it around, repeat. The ref counts for a break and Gargano lets up and dodges Cole’s sucker punch. Gargano headlocks but Cole powers out, only for Gargano to run him over. Gargano keeps going and drops down, but Cole runs him over. Things keep moving, Gargano leaps but into a fireman’s carry. He slips around to a sunset flip but Cole escapes and runs. Gargano knows what’s coming and dodges the Last Shot shining wizard!
The two sit up and stare down. Cole swings into a roll but scrambles out before it’s a GargaNo Escape. Fans fire up while Cole takes a moment to breathe. Gargano waits for Cole, and even holds the rope down for him. Cole refuses that and gets in at the ring count of 8 from the other side. Cole and Gargano circle again and tie up. Gargano goes for a headlock but Cole reverses with a wristlock. Fans still duel as Cole wrenches more. Gargano spins and turns it around on Cole, then brings Cole to the mat. Gargano pulls Cole in the modified neck vice. Cole throws Gargano off but Gargano keeps hold for a crucifix. Cole slips out again but Gargano wants the crossface! But Cole gets out and forearms Gargano hard! Gargano hits back and now it’s a brawl.
Cole kicks but Gargano fires off. Cole knees and puts Gargano in a corner for stomps. The ref backs Cole off, but he comes back to wrench and whip Gargano corner to corner. Gargano goes up and over and rolls to then push and huricanrana Cole out. Gargano slingshots but Cole gets clear. Cole swings but Gargano avoids the sweep. Gargano leaps but Cole avoids the knees. Cole boots but Gargano dodges to kick. Cole blocks that but Gargano gets away to apron cannonball! Gargano takes Cole down and a ring count finally begins. Gargano hobbles over to Cole to put him in the ring. But Cole rolls all the way out to the other end. Gargano pursues but sees the Pele coming! He gets clear and lets Cole flop onto the ground. Cole gets up, to get a kick and double stomps to his arm!
Cole writhes and clutches that arm as the ref checks on him. Gargano drags Cole up and puts him on the apron. Gargano slams the bad arm on the apron then gets back in the ring. Fans duel again as Gargano drags Cole up. Gargano wrenches the arm to a shoulder breaker, then snapmares Cole to drop a leg on the arm. Gargano has the arm trapped while covering, TWO! He tries again, TWO! Gargano turns Cole over and ties up the legs into an Indian Deathlock! Gargano bends Cole back like a House of Pain, but Cole turns over, so Gargano splashes the arm. Cole crawls but Gargano brings him up. Cole kicks and hops up, but Gargano kicks him back. Gargano climbs to join Cole and grabs the bad arm. Cole slips out to SUPERKICK the legs out! Gargano falls from that Charlie Horse!
Cole gets up and bumps Gargano off buckles. Cole puts a leg on the ropes to stomp away, then dropkick Gargano down. Gargano clutches his leg but Cole is all over it with a leg DDT! Cole drags Gargano around to push on that knee. Gargano endures the kneebar as fans rally up. Gargano kicks with his free leg but Cole ax handles Gargano down. Cole stomps Gargano then dargs him up. Gargano throws haymakers but Cole kicks the leg out. Cole hops up and leaps to missile dropkick that knee! Gargano crawls away but Cole drags him back up. Cole dragon screws the leg! Fans duel as Cole stalks Gargano again. Cole drags Gargano up and puts him in a corner. He puts that bad leg on the ropes to stomp away. The ref reprimands Cole and Cole lets up at 4, but Gargano is down on the mat.
Cole drags Gargano up and wants another screw, but Gargano throws forearms. Cole trips Gargano for a Figure Four but Gargano cradle counters! TWO, and Cole kicks out the bad leg again. Cole hops up and leaps, but into a powerbomb! Both men are down but fans still duel. Gargano crawls to ropes while Cole stands up. Cole throws a forearm but Gargano gives one back. They brawl back and forth, Gargano dodges the kick to wrench. Cole whips but Gargano comes back to rally with lariats! Gargano throws Cole overhead! Gargano rolls Cole for the school boy kick! Then hits a swinging enziguri! Gargano rolls Cole and hops up to leap, flying complete shot! Cover, TWO! Cole survives but Gargano hobbles after.
Cole puts Gargano on the apron but Gargano hits back. Gargano goes to slingshot, but stops when he sees Cole show superkick. Cole runs over but into another kick. Gargano slingshot spears this time! Cover, TWO! Gargano still works on his bad leg, and goes after Cole in a corner with CHOPS! He hoists Cole up top and climbs up to join him. Gargano stands Cole up but cole fights back. Cole bumps Gargano on buckles, but Gargano blocks the sunset flip. Cole still gets up and over and then dodges the counter punch. Gargano kicks Cole away, then leaps back, into a backstabber! Cover, TWO!! Cole keeps his cool as he walks it off.
Cole drags Gargano back up but Gargano resists more. Gargano fights out of the suplex but his leg jams. Cole runs in but Gargano goes up and over, only to get caught. Gargano fights out and hops up but Cole slips out the back, only to get a kick. Cole comes back with a PELE! Cole brings Gargano up in a torture rack, for an inverted Ushigoroshi! Cover, TWO!! Gargano still has that superhuman heart and Cole grows frustrated. Cole gets to a corner and hops up as fans duel again. Gargano crawls over and anchors Cole’s foot. Cole clubs Gargano down and leaps, but Gargano gets under.
Gargano and Cole collide with clotheslines and forearms. They both show superkick and hesitate. Cole SUPERKICKS first, but Gargano SUPERKICKS next! Cole fakes Gargano out to get another SUPERKICK! Gargano drops to his knees and Cole leaps, into a SUPERKICK! Cole flops out of the ring but so does Gargano, and fans fire back up. Fans love “NXT! NXT!” as both men come crawling around the corners. Gargano glares at Cole and vice-versa. DOUBLE SUPERKICKS take both men out! “This is Awesome!” A ring count begins but both men barely stir. They start heading for the ring at 6, and get to the apron at 8. Cole is in at 8, Gargano slingshot DDT’s! Cover, TWO!! Gargano was clever but Cole survives.
Gargano grabs Cole and gets a full nelson. Cole ropebreaks but Gargano kicks the arm away. Fans hope they “Fight Forever!” as Gargano avoids a chop block to give double stomps! Gargano aims at Cole, but Cole bails out. Gargano goes to the apron but gets a PELE to the leg! Cole gives Gargano a Last Shot 1.0! They go in the ring, Cole drags Gargano up for a Fisherman Ushigoroshi! Cover, TWO!! Gargano still survives, and Cole grows frustrated. Cole gets up and to the corner again. Gargano swings a kick but gets caught! But then he arm-drags Cole off hard! Tilt-o-Whirl, GargaNO ESCAPE!! Cole endures, pries his way up and to the bad leg! Figure Four Leg Lock!! Gargano endures the legendary hold as Cole pulls harder.
Fans rally and duel as Gargano ends up in a cover. TWO, and he goes to turn the hold. Cole pulls back the other way, and Gargano is in another cover. TWO but Gargano isn’t out of the leglock. Gargano grabs Cole’s hand and pulls on the bad wrist! He uses that for leverage into the reversal! Cole grabs the ropes for the ropebreak! The ref helps untangle them, but the damage has been down. Fans rally up as Cole and Gargano get their limbs working again. The two stare down, and Cole lunges! But into Gargano’s elbows! Gargano wrenches but gets haymakers from Cole. Gargano kicks Cole but Cole hammers away. Cole has the leg and smashes the knee! Cole pulls Gargano’s knee pads off to kick directly at the joint. Fans still duel as Cole goes at the leg again.
Gargano shoves Cole out, then catches him when he returns, draping DDT! A shout out to Ciampa! Cole falls out of the ring but Gargano builds speed, to DIVE, into a SUPERKICK! Gargano crashes and burns and fans lose their minds! Gargana flounders to his feet but Cole gives him the PANAMA SUNRISE!! Cole destroys Gargano with a destroyer to the floor! He puts Gargano in the ring while fans again lose their minds. Cover, TWO!?! Even this is insane for Gargano’s inhuman heart. Fans shout “Mamma Mia!” for that. Cole grits his teeth as he grabs Gargano again. “Johnny, it’s over for you.” Gargano had his moment, now it’s time for Cole’s! Cole takes the knee pad down, runs, but Gargano dodges! GargaNo Escape, escaped and STOLEN!! Cole has Gargano’s hold on Gargano!
But Gargano pops out, rolls back, and steals the Last Shot!! Cover, TWO!?! Now Cole shocks us with his resilience! Fans are loving this all the more! Gargano and Cole crawl towards each other, and fans still hope they “Fight Forever!” Cole throws a forearm but Gargano gives it back. They go back and forth as they stand, and faster and faster! Gargano gets an edge but he gets a BOOT! And then another! And a third! But Gargano comes back with a LARIAT! Gargano gets up, but gets Cole’s SUPERKICK! Cole runs but gets Gargano’s SUPERKICK! Gargano hops up, Reverse-Rana! But Cole is on his feet, and hits a Last Shot!! Cover, TWO!?! Gargano still survives! And the fans are at a fever pitch! Cole looks like he’s losing his mind now.
Cole argues with the ref, and goes to the outside. He gets a chair! The ref tells Cole to drop the chair but Cole doesn’t care. So the ref grabs the chair, only for Gargano to DIVE! But Gargano gets the ref instead of Cole! And now, Cole swings! But Gargano dodges and SUPERKICKS the chair into Cole’s face! Gargano puts Cole in the ring and covers, but the ref is out! The fans count past 10 but it doesn’t matter because the ref has to do it. Gargano hobbles to help the ref, but of course Cole has help of his own. Cole waves, and Gargano prepares for the Undisputed Era. But when the Era doesn’t appear, Gargano goes to the ring. Cole gets Gargano with a draping piledriver!! Cover, TWO?!? Cole is at his wit’s end. But fans know “This is Awesome!”
Cole sits Gargano up and runs, but Gargano just flops over. Gargano denies Last Shot just by not being able to do anything. Cole makes Gargano sit up again, but gets caught in GargaNO Escape! And Gargano uses his own leg to prop up the other! Cole crawls for ropes but Gargano rolls him away! Cole elbows the bad leg over and over and over until he’s free! He mule kicks the leg over and over, then hosp up again, PANAMA- Gargano sits down! TWO, roll, and Gargano can’t get up. PANAMA SUNRISE!! LAST, SHOT!! Cover, Cole wins!!
Winner: Adam Cole, by pinfall; NEW NXT Champion
It took more than either man has ever given before, but the champion is now Undisputed! The champion is now ADAM COLE BAYBAY! And the rest of the Era celebrates with him! Is the Undisputed Prophecy finally beginning? Is Cole’s reign the beginning of his team #DrippingInGold?
My Thoughts:
NXT does it again! The 25th TakeOver was definitely on the level you’d expect for something as momentous, but it still had some things it could’ve improved on. We didn’t get as many guests as I thought for the preshow, but it was great to see Ciampa, have him plug story with the title, and give us hope of seeing him in the near future. I was surprised they opened the show with Riddle VS Strong but hot damn did it deliver like every other TakeOver opener. If fans weren’t impressed with either guy before, they better sure be impressed now. And it was good for everyone involved for Riddle to win. Riddle lost to Dream last time, he deserves a win this time, and Strong losing adds to the story of the Undisputed Era struggling to get where they want to be.
Then we go into the tag ladder match, and WOW that was crazy stuff! It’s like they saw the Men’s MITB Ladder match and said, “We can get way more brutal.” And judging from Kyle’s bod, they did. But it was the perfect choice for it to be the Street Profits. Fans love those guys so much, and they’ve been red hot since their return. And now the story can be about them retaining with there still being plenty of teams wanting the belts, such as reDRagon. Speaking of retaining, Dream VS Breeze was great, and reestablishes that Breeze knows how to go. The only problem Breeze had on the main roster was Vince, but honestly, that’s everyone’s problem. But Breeze has stuck it out and kudos for him putting on a great match. Hopefully Dijakovic recovers to try next, but maybe “Damien Priest”/Punishment Martinez gets a shot.
I was surprised Shayna retained. I really felt like tonight on the 25th TakeOver, another status quo change should’ve happened. Shirai was going into this with such fire as the vengeful Face, and I was happy to see Candice have her bit with the Horsewomen the way I pictured. Still would’ve meant more if Candice didn’t talk to Shirai about it. Shayna finds a way to win, but obviously everyone loved Shirai’s attack afterward. I hope this leads to an NXT Women’s Extreme Rules or something to that effect, and that’s how Shayna loses the belt. And of course, quite the surprise but still done in epic fashion, Gargano loses to Cole for a NEW NXT Champion to cap off this milestone night. It was like they blended the New York match into one epic fall, and now the story moves to the Undisputed Era truly trying to be #DrapedInGold.
My Score: 8.9/10
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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.
The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.
Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!
Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!
Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!
The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.
As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.
Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.
Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.
Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?
Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.
My Score: 8.9/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
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TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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