The storied rival has its final chapter!

For the last time, John Cena and Randy Orton battle over the WWE Championship! This time, it is on Backlash, in Orton’s hometown of St. Louis!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• WWE United States Championship Fatal 4 Way: Jacob Fatu VS Drew McIntyre VS LA Knight VS Damian Priest; Fatu wins and retains the title.
• WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Lyra Valkyria VS Becky Lynch; Lyra wins and retains the title.
• WWE Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio VS PENTA; Dominik wins and retains the title.
• GUNTHER VS Pat McAfee; Gunther wins.
• Undisputed WWE Championship: John Cena VS Randy Orton; Cena wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

It’s the WWE Backlash Countdown Show!

Join Michael Cole, Wade Barrett & Big E in discussing, analyzing and predicting all the action on this highly anticipated night!

Backstage interview with Lyra Valkyria.

Byron Saxton is with The Morrigan and asks how she is feeling tonight. She looked up to Becky Lynch for so long, only for her to stab her in the back. And at the same time, Lyra has dedicated this match to Bayley. How is Lyra going to manage all her emotions? Lyra says there is so much going on in her head, but the way to deal with it is focusing on the main emotion: embarrassment. She gave herself “the ick” looking back and seeing how she ate everything Becky fed her. Becky would’ve had a friend for life in Lyra, but then Becky turned on her. And what did The Man expect? For Lyra to run home to Dublin and cry?

No! That shows Lyra that Becky underestimated her. Lyra meant it when she said she is the better wrestler now. Becky may still be the bigger star, but when that bell rings, Lyra will show that she was never a stepping stone. Becky becomes Lyra’s stepping stone, as well as the crowning name on the long list of opponents when Lyra retains the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. Lyra is locked in, but will the Luck of the Irish favor her in the end?

Vic Joseph joins the panel!

The Voice of NXT helps plug Battleground, but he also gives Lyra her props. From NXT UK to NXT USA, Vic has seen Lyra achieve her potential every step of the way. The NXT Women’s Championship match between Lyra and Becky was all about someone from the NXT roster stepping up and proving herself, and Lyra did just that. Lyra took the NXT Women’s title off Becky, but will Lyra keep the Women’s Intercontinental title from Becky? Or is #BeckyHogan going to step on Lyra to get ahead?

Jackie Redmond & Peter Rosenberg tag in for the panel.

Cole & Barrett have to go prepare for calling Backlash, so Jackie and Peter join Big E in looking back on memory lane. John Cena VS Randy Orton as a rivalry predates the iPod, Wikipedia, and even the original Xbox! 25 years later, will this truly be the end of an era for WWE?

Pershard Owens sings the Star Spangled Banner.

Talkin’ ’bout a detonator…

The fuse is let, and tonight is about to be explosive. Egos, attitudes, grudges, ambitions, motivations, and glory, it’s overflowing! WrestleMania was historic, but now everyone will face the Backlash!

WWE United States Championship Fatal 4 Way: Jacob Fatu VS Drew McIntyre VS LA Knight VS Damian Priest!

The Samoan Werewolf only just took this title “for the family” at WrestleMania, and yet now the stakes are raised! The Scottish Warrior wants to fight a real fighter, the Mega Star wants to redeem himself from his loss, and the Archer of Infamy wants to kill two birds with one stone by avenging his own loss while putting gold back around his waist. Will one of these challengers get what they want? Or will Fatu dog walk all of ’em, YADADA MEAN!?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who’s really all gas and no brakes with it!

The bell rings and the fans rally up as all four men look at each other. Knight talks some smack but St. Louis is loud for “FATU! FATU!” Knight runs up to throw hands on Fatu, Priest and Drew go after each other! Fatu fires back and they trade shots. Priest and Drew are on the outside while Knight throws hands “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Priest CLUBS Drew, Fatu TOSSES Knight, and then Fatu runs corner to corner. Knight dodges, Fatu hits buckles, and Knight hits a JUMP NECKBREAKER! Priest is back in the ring, but Knight gives him a BIG back suplex! Knight WRECKS Drew with a dropkick, then RAMS into Fatu!

Knight slingshots to SHOUDLER TACKLE Fatu! Knight sunset flip BACKBREAKERS, then he dodges Drew to pop-up and POWERSLAM! The fans fire up as The Mega Star is unlocking that kavorka! Spell it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” ELBOW- NO, Priest catches Knight, but Knight kicks free! DDT! Knight runs and DOUBLE ELBOW DROPS! Fatu shoves Knight, scoops, but Knight slips free, REVERSE DDT! Cover on Fatu, ONE!! Fatu is tougher than that, but Knight drags Fatu up. Fatu RAMS Knight into a corner, fires hands, then he ROCKS Priest! Knight ROCKS Fatu, Priest ROCKS Fatu, and Knight runs, they HIGH-LOW COMBO!

The fans fire up for that teamwork, and then Priest & Knight POST Fatu! Fatu flops out of the ring, but Priest avoids Knight’s cheap shot! BELL CLAP! Drew RAMS Knight into Priest, then OVERHEAD SUPELXES Knight! Priest runs up, but into a SPIENBUSTER! Drew has Knight again, NECKBREAKER! Then a NECKBREAKER for Priest! Fatu is back, but Drew gives him a NECKBREAKER! Drew kips up, the fans fire up, and Drew aims at Fatu. Drew runs up, but Knight LARIATS! Fatu SUPERKICKS Knight! Fatu kicks Knight out, ELBOWS Priest away, then goes up. Priest JUMP KICKS! Priest climbs up to the very top, SUPER STEINER!

Fatu flounders, Priest rises, and Priest clinches Knight for a FLATLINER! Priest goes out to run around the ring, and he FLYING AX HANDLES Fatu! Priest puts Fatu back in, then dodges a shot to ROUNDHOUSE Fatu! Priest knuckle locks Fatu, St. Louis wants tables, but Priest goes Old School to CROSSBODY Drew! Fatu runs up, Priest dodges, COMEBACKER LARIAT! Fatu flounders out, Priest runs to ELBOW Drew! And ELBOW Knight! Priest runs, and he LARIATS Drew up and out! Knight swings, misses, and Priest DREAMCAST KICKS! The fans fire up and Priest goes back out. Priest runs in but Fatu POP-UP SAMOAN DROPS Priest onto the barriers!

The fans fire up with Fatu, and then Fatu stares down with Drew. The fans fire up even more as these alpha males step into the ring. This is the match-up Drew wanted all along, and the two men step up. The hands start flying and the fans fire up! The fans are strongly on Fatu’s side, but the hands keep going faster and faster! Fatu gets the edge, but Drew HEADBUTTS! Drew runs, but Fatu BODY CHECKS him! Drew is right up, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but runs into a POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! The fans are thunderous, and Fatu runs in, HIP ATTACK on Drew! The fans fire up again, and Fatu drags Drew to the drop zone.

Fatu climbs the corner as St. Louis declares, “This is Awesome!” Fatu nods, reaches the top, but Drew is up to CLAW Fatu’s face! The ref reprimands but that’s all he can do! Drew goes up to the top, but Knight trips Drew up! Knight puts Drew in the Tree of Woe to stomp away, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight then runs corner to corner and back again, KNEE for Drew! Knight then climbs up, has Fatu on the very top, but Fatu HEADBUTTS Knight down! Fatu adjusts, but Drew sits up! SPIDER SUPLEX throws Fatu onto Knight! But Fatu’s right up to HIP ATTACK Drew!! And then he DIVES onto Priest!! Fatu is all fired up and the fans are thunderous!

Fatu goes up again, SEWANTON BOMB on Drew! Fatu geeks out, but gets B F T!! Priest has Knight, SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Drew hits a CLAYMORE on Priest!!! Priest falls on Knight for a cover! DREW BREAKS IT!! The fans are electric as all four men are down! “This is Awesome!” and that might be an understatement now! Priest flops out of the ring, Fatu and Drew go to corners, and Knight finds his way to another. The fans rally, Fatu geeks out, and Fatu runs, into a FLYING HEADBUTT! And then a kick and FUTURE SHOCK!! Then Drew has Knight, but Knight wrenches out! B F- NO, Drew powers out, reels Knight in, FUTURE SHOCK!!

Drew kips up, the fans fire up, and Drew calls his shot! Drew gives the countdown, “THREE! TWO! ONE!!” CLAYMORE for Knight!! Cover, PRIEST yanks the ref!! Priest really does screw Drew this time! Drew is furious but Priest drags him out now! Priest and Drew throw hands and the fans fire up! Drew THROWS Priest and himself over the barriers! Fatu is up, he brings Knight around for HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT! Fatu has Knight down, goes up, up, BEST MOONSAULT FLOPS!! Knight rises up, goes to the corner, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” BOX JUMP FLYING AX HANDLE! And then the BOX JUMP ELBOW DROP!! Cover, TWO!?!

Fatu survives and Knight is beside himself! Priest and Drew are brawling in the crowd! Priest SMACKS Drew off a road case! Priest makes Drew look into the camera, “He’s bored at work!” Priest ROCKS Drew, but Drew ROCKS Priest! They go up to some upper deck, and Priest ROCKS Drew again! They stand on road cases, but Drew HEADBUTTS! Drew reels Priest in, takes aim, but Priest CLAWS Drew’s face! Priest decides to do what Drew was planning, and with the straps down, SOUTH OF HEAVEN DOWN THROUGH THE TABLES!!! The fans go nuts with Priest and Drew down in the wreckage!!

Producers and medical hurry to check Drew and Priest, but that just means Knight and Fatu are the only two left! Knight RAMS Fatu into the apron, then POSTS him! Knight hobbles but he brings Fatu back up to SMACK him off the desk! Fatu is on the desk, and Knight uses a piece that fell off to SMACK Fatu! Knight keeps Fatu on the desk, and he looks for a perch. The fans fire up as Knight climbs the corner! “L! A! KNGIHT!” NO, Solo Sikoa gets Fatu clear! Knight is furious but Solo tells him it’s not going down like that. Knight storms up on Solo, but a LARIAT hits outta nowhere!! IS THAT JEFF COBB?!?

The fans go nuts as now the Imperial Unit is Solo’s new enforcer! Cobb THROWS Knight around, POSTS him, and then runs  to SPLASH Knight against the post!! Cobb drags Knight up, puts him in the ring, and Fatu sees what’s going on. Fatu is not happy with Solo bringing in reinforcements when he didn’t want it, but Solo still serves Knight up on a silver platter. Fatu doesn’t look the gift horse in the mouth, and he gives Knight a HIP ATTACK!! Fatu puts Knight in the drop zone, goes up and up, BEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Fatu wins!

Winner: Jacob Fatu, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)

The Samoan Werewolf may not like Solo bringing in a ringer, but he still keeps his gold. Will nothing stop “the family” now that they’ve reloaded the arsenal?

WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Lyra Valkyria VS Becky Lynch!

When they say, “Never meet your heroes,” perhaps those people were talking about this scenario right here. The Morrigan & The Man were bonded by their Irish blood, and by how the younger followed in the footsteps of the elder. They’ve battled over the NXT Women’s Championship and even won the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania. But the moment they lost those titles, Becky showed her true colors and betrayed Lyra! Becky called Lyra “recycling,” or rather, “less offensive trash,” but will Becky be the one thrown out this time? Or will Becky take away a title just as Lyra did to her back in the day?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who the real Lass Kicker is around here!

The bell rings and the fans rally up. Lyra and Becky circle, tie up, and they go around. Becky puts Lyra in the corner, the ref counts, and Becky lets off to talk trash. Becky shoves, Lyra shoves, and the two reset. They tie up, Lyra waistlocks, Becky switches, and Becky SLAMS Lyra down. Becky smothers Lyra into the mat, then waistlocks again. Lyra fights up, ELBOWS free, then runs. Becky dodges and RUNS Lyra over! Becky flexes, talks trash, then soaks up the heat. Things speed up, Lyra drops down then hurdles, but Becky hits an arm-drag, only for Lyra to ghost pin! TWO, and Becky arm-drags again!

The fans boo but Becky soaks it up. The two reset, tie up, and Lyra waistlocks. Becky elbows Lyra, whips her to ropes, but Lyra slides under! Lyra blocks a kick, trips Becky, and then turns Becky over with the REVERSE CRAB, to then go for the arms! MEXICAN SURFBOARD! Becky endures as Lyra swings her around! Lyra drops Becky, stands on the legs, and then hooks the legs up! Becky resists but Lyra still gets the arms to pull her back, into the ROMERO SPECIAL! Becky endures, Lyra rolls and pulls Becky back into the ROMERO SPECIAL! Becky still endures, but Lyra rolls her and pulls her back again! A third ROMERO SPECIAL! Then a cover, TWO!

Becky escapes, but Lyra waistlocks. Becky switches, Lyra spins through and NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Becky scrambles and Lyra says she told her she’s the better wrestler! Lyra then dodges to ENZIGIRI! Becky bails out, the fans “WHEW~” with Lyra, and she WRECKS Becky with a dropkick! The fans fire up and Lyra puts Becky in the ring. Lyra climbs, but Becky trips her up! Becky THROWS Lyra down, then snarls as she rains down fists! The fans boo but Becky seethes as she paces around. Becky signals that she will be champion! She CLOBBERS Lyra, smothers her into the mat again, then HAMMERS away on Lyra! Cover, ONE!!

Lyra is tougher than that, but so is Becky given she has a bloody cut on her elbow. Lyra ELBOWS Becky but Becky CLUBS Lyra! Becky stands Lyra up to SLAP her! And CHOP her! And CHOP again! Lyra falls into a corner but Becky soaks up the heat. Becky stands Lyra up, runs corner to corner, but Lyra dodges! Becky hits buckles, but then she dodges to JUMP KICK! And BECKSPLODER! Lyra writhes, Becky covers, ONE!! Becky argues the count with the ref, then goes back to Lyra. Becky talks trash on Lyra, CHOKES her on the ropes, but stops as the ref counts. Lyra goes to the corner but Becky brings her around to TOSS her out!

Lyra is on the floor, Becky builds speed, and Becky WRECKS Lyra with a dropkick! Becky THROWS Lyra into barriers, then SMACKS her off more barriers! “Is this your girl?” Becky tells Lyra’s fiancé to thank her! Lyra fires forearms off on Becky! Becky POSTS Lyra in return! Becky puts Lyra in the ring, covers, TWO! The fans rally for Lyra but Becky talks more trash. Becky SLAPS Lyra, pie faces her, but Lyra just stares defiantly! Then Lyra SLAPS Becky back! The SLAPS fly, Becky clinches, but Lyra cradle counters! Roll through, into a RUNNING FISHERMAN BUSTER!! Both women are down and the fans fire up!

Lyra feeds off that energy and she rises up! Lyra runs and LARIATS! And LARIATS! And SOBATS! KICKS! HEADBUTTS, KICKS again, then runs, cartwheel and ENZIGIRI! Becky staggers around, Lyra GUT WRENCH BOMBS! Cover, TWO!! Becky survives and Lyra is beside herself! Becky goes to the apron but Lyra drags her up. The fans rally m ore, but Becky ROCKS and ROUNDHOUSES Lyra! Becky climbs, but Lyra ROCKS her first! Lyra reaches the top, and fans actually duel as Lyra stalling SUPERPLEXES!! Cover, TWO!! Becky survives, reminding us why she’s a Grand Slam Champion!

The fans rally up and Lyra has Becky for a fireman’s carry! Becky fights free, waistlocks, but Lyra switches! O’Conner Roll, TWO! Becky has the O’Conner, but wants the rope! The ref stops that! The fans boo and Becky “apologizes,” but then she runs up on Lyra! Lyra scoops, Becky slips free, EYE OF THE HURRICANE! Cover, TWO!! Lyra survives and Becky is growing frustrated. The fans rally for Lyra more and Becky dares Lyra to get up. Lyra rises, Becky clinches, but Lyra slips free to shove Becky into buckles! Lyra runs up, Becky dodges, but Lyra stops the jump kick! Lyra DUMPS Becky out, takes aim, and PLANCHAS! Down goes Becky!

The fans fire up as Lyra hurries to put Becky back in. Lyra climbs the corner, takes aim, TURN OF FORTUNE!! Cover, TWO!!! Lyra is frustrated, but she hurries back up! MOONSAULT onto knees! Becky turns that around on Lyra while the fans fire up! Becky crawls her way over to Lyra, both women stand, and the forearms fly! Becky ROCKS Lyra but Lyra ROCKS Becky right back! The shots pick up speed, Lyra gets the edge, but Becky KNEES low! UPPERCUT into a hook! Becky fights the backslide, SLAMS Lyra down, ARMBAR!! Lyra clasps hands, rolls through, and she has the ARMBAR!!

Becky fights, rolls, high stacks, TWO! Becky steps over, DISARM-HER!! Lyra rolls Becky to a cover, TWO!! Becky clinches, MANHAND- ARM-DRAG! Cover, TWO!! MANHANDLE SLAM!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Lyra survives and Becky cannot believe it! St. Louis is thunderous, “This is Awesome!” Becky is freaking out trying to figure out what to do. Becky just HAMMERS away on Lyra! The fans boo but Becky goes to the outside. Becky grabs a chair! The fans boo but The Man is getting desperate! Becky brings the chair in, the ref stops her, and they tug-o-war over the chair! Becky give sit up to the ref, but that lets her untie a buckle pad!

Becky drags Lyra up, brings her around and whips, but Lyra reverses! Becky stops from hitting steel but Lyra GERMAN SUPLEXES! And HEEL KICKS! MOONSAULT!! Cover, TWO!! Becky survives and Lyra is beside herself! The fans rally while Lyra now thinks on what she must do. Lyra drags Becky up, fireman’s carries, but Becky fights free! Becky shoves Lyra into a buckle! MANHANDLE SLAM!! Cover, TWO?!?! Lyra survives one thing after another and Becky is going berserk! Becky HAMMERS away on Lyra again, and even DRIBBLES Lyra head off the mat! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Becky stands Lyra up.

Becky aims but the ref sees the bare buckle! The ref stops that, goes to fix things, but Lyra fireman’s carries! NIGHTWING DRIVER!!! The ref is too busy with the buckle! Cover, TWO!?!?!? Becky survives thanks to her shenanigans and Lyra is completely frazzled! Lyra drags Becky up, fireman’s carries, but Becky still fights! Clinch and MAN- NO, wheelbarrow for the victory roll! TWO, and Becky SLAPS Lyra! Roll-up, high stack, TWO! Lyra has a victory roll, LYRA WINS!!!

Winner: Lyra Valkyria, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion)

Becky attacks Lyra! The Man is a sore loser! DISARM-HER!! The ref reprimands, pries at Becky’s grip, but Becky refuses to let go! More refs rush in, Becky still doesn’t stop, so producers are needed! Adam Pearce shouts right at Becky, and only now does Becky let go!! Lyra is down, potentially her arm and even her nose broken by the woman she once looked up to! Becky scowls, wants to go back for more, but the producers stand in her way. Did Becky still coset Lyra her title with all the damage she did? Or can The Morrigan rise up and keep her #ShinyShiny?

WWE Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio VS PENTA!

Though it took a Fatal 4 Way to win it, and an Irish Ace in the hole to keep it, “Dirty Dom” thinks he is already the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time, as well as the greatest Mysterio and the greatest luchador ever. But now, the Man with Zero Fear gets another shot, and hopefully it’ll be a fair one. Will Penta prove he is the greatest? Or will Dom have another dirty trick up his sleeve?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly El Campeon!

The bell rings and Dom circles with Penta. Dom talks trash but the fans rally behind Penta. Dom shoves Penta, so Penta DROPKCISK Dom! Penta runs up, Dom dodges and fires hands! Dom whips, Penta ducks ‘n’ dodges and RANAS! Dom tumbles, the fans fire up, and Penta runs in. Dom dodge the kick, comes back, ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! The fans cheer because that was impressive, and Dom runs up again. Penta pops him up to SUPERKICK him upside-down! Then BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Dom stays in this and Penta nods respect. The fans rally for Penta while Dom goes to a corner.

Penta runs in, Dom pops him up to crotch him on the ropes! Dom then DROPKICKS Penta down to the floor! The fans cheer, Dom builds speed, and Dom DIVES to TORNADO DDT! Dom flexes and fans cheer because that was impressive, too! Dom refreshes the ring count then mocks Penta’s swagger. Dom stomps Penta, fans actually sing for “Dirty, Dirty Dom~!” Dom stands Penta up to CHOP, but Penta CHOPS in return! The CHOPS go back and forth, then Dom dodges to SHOVE Penta into steel steps! Dom rolls into the ring and flexes. The fans cheer, Dom goes out to drag Penta up, and Dom puts Penta in.

Dom hears the fans dueling, tunes out the taunts, and he slingshots to SENTON! Cover, TWO! Penta stays in this and Dom argues the count. The ref defends it, so Dom just stomps away on Penta! Dom uses the Finn style jump stomps, then he rains down fists! Dom lets off to soak up cheers and jeers, then covers, ROPEBREAK! Dom is annoyed and he CLUBS Penta into the chinlock. Penta endures, claws at the hold, and fights up. Penta fires body shots, but Dom fires knees! Dom whips, Penta KICKS him, then Penta dodges to come back, SLING-DOG! The fans fire up and Dom bails out. Penta goes up, up, and from the post, SUPER CROSSBODIES!

The fans fire up as Dom and Penta crash down! The ring count starts, both men stir at 3 of 10, and Penta rises up. Penta pushes Dom into the ring, huffs ‘n’ puffs, and he climbs up the corner. Penta leaps, but into Dom’s kick! Dom snap suplexes, that’s Uno Amigo! Then another suplex, but Penta slips free! Penta shoves Dom, but Dom drop toeholds him onto ropes! Dom dials it up, but Penta ducks the 619! Penta GAMANGIRIS, then slingshots to CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Dom survives and both men are down! The fans rally up and Dom DROPKICKS Penta! Dom runs up, OBLIVION!! Cover, TWO!!

Penta survives Liv’s move and Dom is furious! Dom runs up, Penta puts him on the corner, and Penta GAMANGIRIS! Penta climbs, but Dom shoves him down! Penta CHOPS from the apron, then runs up, but Dom BOOTS him! Dom hops down, reels Penta in, but Penta fights the suplex! Penta ENZIGIRIS, then runs up, APRON DESTROYER!!! Both men are down and the fans go nuts! But wait, here comes Carlito! Judgment Day let Dom come out here alone, but Caribbean Cool isn’t gonna let this go down! But this is all so Finn & JD can get Penta up! Finn gets an idea and grabs a chair!

But the ref sees Finn! Finn’s improvising just cost him his chance! The ref EJECTS Judgment Day!! The fans fire up as now things are 1v1 again! Carlito can’t believe Finn messed this up! Penta FLIES onto Judgment Day! The fans fire up but wait, Finn avoided disaster! Where’d he go? Penta hobbles, rolls into the ring, and SUPERKICKS Dom down! Penta vows to finish this, but Finn returns! Finn distracts the ref now, and EL GRANDE AMERICANO is here! Grande HEADBUTTS Penta with that loaded mask!!! Dom goes up, FROG SPLASH!!! Cover, DOM WINS!

Winner: Dominik Mysterio, by pinfall (still WWE Intercontinental Champion)

The Prince almost screwed things up, but then he managed to turn things around with help from the supposed other greatest luchador in history! Will Judgment Day owe Chad Gable- Er, uh, El Grande Americano big time for this?

GUNTHER VS Pat McAfee!

Once again, Der Ring General lost a championship, at WrestleMania, against someone he surely felt was beneath him. And while his ego was still hurting, he lashed out against Michael Cole in an attempt to intimidate and silence commentary. Pat stepped up for his friend, got beat up for it, but he isn’t going to back down just because Gunther is a bully. In fact, Pat has always believed in standing up to bullies, which is why he’s getting back in the ring! Will Pat win one for all the underdogs out there? Or will Gunther unleash all of his anger and silence Pat for good?

The bell rings and Pat throws his shirt to the crowd! The fans fire up as Pat and Gunther circle. They feel things out, Gunther smirks but Pat is stone cold serious. The fans taunt Gunther with, “You Tapped Out!” but Gunther ignores that. He and Pat tie up, and Gunther shoves Pat to a corner. Pat sees what he’s dealing with now, but he still comes back to circle with Gunther again. They tie up, Gunther headlocks and THROWS Pat! The ref checks Pat but Pat stands back up. Pat and Gunther circle again, tie up, and Gunther grabs an arm! Gunther wrenches Pat, wrangles him down and steps over. Gunther pie faces Pat around and the fans boo.

Gunther wrenches, wristlocks, but Pat rolls, rolls, handsprings, and wrenches! But Gunther breaks free! Pat avoids the chop and the fans fire up! Pat and Gunther circle again, and Gunther is oddly amused. Pat and Gunther tie up, and Pat headlocks! Gunther powers Pat to ropes, Pat shifts to a facelock, but Gunther puts Pat on the apron! Pat holds on, the ref counts, and Pat lets go slowly. Gunther pats Pat on the head, and Pat says okay. Pat ROCKS Gunther! Pat slingshots, runs, and fires forearms! Pat runs, into a CHOP! Pat is right down and coughing for air! Gunther drags Pat up, just to CLUB him back down!

Gunther stomps and kicks Pat around, pushes Pat, but Pat comes back to JAB! JAB! HAYMAKER! Pat fires hands, and even CHOPS! Gunther eggs Pat on! Pat CHOPS, the fans fire up, but Gunther wants more! Pat CHOPS, but Gunther CHOPS Pat down again! The fans boo as Gunther glares at Michael Cole. Gunther stalks Pat to a corner, talks trash, “You wanna play with the big boys, huh?” Gunther CHOPS Pat in a corner, CHOPS again, then stomps a mudhole! Gunther stops and Pat puts up his dukes! The fans rally, but Gunther CHOPS Pat down! The fans boo and Cole tells Gunther fine, just pin and finish it!

Gunther decides not to do that, he wrenches and whips Pat instead. Gunther CLOBBERS Pat, but Pat avoids the elbow drop! Pat KICKS Gunther! That NFL punt wasn’t quite enough, and Gunther snapmares Pat! Gunther KICKS Pat now! Pat writhes, but he still rises up! The fans rally behind Pat and he stands again. Pat roars, Gunther eggs him on, and Pat spins to CHOP! Gunther CHOPS, but Pat stays up to CHOP! Gunther BOOTS Pat down now! Gunther glares at Cole, dares Cole to help Pat, but Wade Barrett tells Cole to just sit down. The fans still taunt Gunther with, “You Tapped Out!” as Gunther goes back to Pat.

Gunther talks trash on the fans, then he brings Pat up. Gunther dares Cole to keep cheering his guy on. Cole says stop toying with Pat then! Pat SLAPS Gunther! Gunther CHOPS Pat, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Pat sputters, Cole says just end it then! Gunther looms over Pat, eggs him on, and Pat still rises up! Gunther clamps onto Pat’s head, and then has the SLEEPER!! Pat is already red from everything else, but wait! Pat pries at the grip! Gunther is amused as Pat manages the ROPEBREAK, but then Gunther GERMAN SUPLEXES! Pat flounders and Gunther paces. Gunther laughs as the fans boo, because Gunther knows only he can end this.

Gunther soaks up the boos and he stalks Pat to ropes. Pat sits up, Gunther clamps onto him again, and Gunther uses a facelock to put Pat in a corner. Gunther CLUBS Pat, reels him in, and hoists Pat up top! Gunther CLUBS Pat, then climbs up. The fans rally for Pat, and he holds on for dear life! Pat fires elbows and he knocks Gunther down! Pat adjusts, and manages to MOONSAULT! Gunther moves, Pat lands out, GERMAN SUPLEX! Pat lands out?! PUNT!! PUNT!! And then a PUNT!!! Cover, ONE?!?! Gunther takes all those shots and is just pissed!! Gunther eggs Pat on, so Pat SLAPS him! Gunther eggs Pat on more, so Pat SLAPS again!

Pat SLAPS, Gunther CHOPS, but Pat just feeds off that now! The CHOPS keep going, and then Pat ELBOWS Gunther! The forearms go back and forth, Pat fires fast hands, Gunther guards! Pat runs, and he BOOTS Gunther! Pat keeps moving, to SUPERKICK! Shoutout to the Panama City Playboy, but Gunther reels Pat in for a POWERBOMB!! Cole says fine, just end this match already! Gunther clamps on the BOSTON CRAB!! But Pat endures! Cole goes to the apron to tell Pat to keep fighting! But Gunther drags Pat back to rain down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! The fans cheer on Cole, but Gunther grabs him through the ropes!!

The fans boo as Gunther drags Cole into the ring! The ref reprimands and Cole says Gunther should just pin Pat already! Gunther pushes Cole around, has him by his tie, then reels Cole in! But Pat BOOTS Gunther! Gunther BOOTS Pat!! Gunther glares at Cole as Cole is on the outside again. Pat O’Conner Rolls! TWO!! Pat bails out, Cole coaches him, but Gunther is on Pat again! Gunther suplexes, but Cole trips Gunther!! Cole holds Gunther’s foot down as Pat covers, TWO!!! Gunther is pissed, but Pat puts on the SLEEPER!!! Gunther flails, powers out, and short arm LARIATS!! Gunther drags Pat back up, and he stares Cole down before putting on the SLEEPER!!!

Pat is down in the body scissors and he’s turning purple! The fans rally as Pat still fights, but Gunther traps his arms, too!! Pat is still fighting even now!! Pat rises up, throws elbows, and the fans are thunderous! Pat fires shot after shot but Gunther wrangles him back down!! Pat is caught again, and NOW he’s out! Gunther wins!!

Winner: Gunther, by submission

Gunther pushes Pat away and Cole is distraught. Cole goes to Pat’s side, feeling just a bit responsible for letting it go this far. Der Ring General grins as he still returns to his winning ways. Pat manages to sit up again now that he can breathe, and Cole helps him stand. Gunther and Pat stare each other down, and Gunther shows Pat a nod of respect! Gunther leaves, but will he be just as ruthless as he heads back for the mountaintop?

Undisputed WWE Championship: John Cena VS Randy Orton!

Both men have been here in the WWE for 25 years, never wrestling anywhere else, and never wanting to go anywhere else. And while he’s “gone Hollywood,” Cena still became the #NeverSeenSeventeen. The Viper is still only at 14, but he hopes to change that tonight as he now has the homefield advantage. Will the Legend Killer add one more name to that hit list? Or will Cena still be the Last Real Champion?

The fans obviously sing along with Voices as their hometown hero makes his entrance. Orton already seems to be getting chills hearing his hometown sing that for him. Then things turn to “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” even before the music plays. Then things turn to “JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” with the music, even as Cena wears his St. Louis Blues inspired merchandise. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly the greatest of their generation!

The bell rings and the fans fire up as Cena and Orton circle. They feel things out, tie up, and are in a deadlock. The two break, the fans applaud, and the two reset. Orton and Cena circle again, tie up again, and are in another deadlock. They break again and the fans again applaud. St. Louis rallies behind “RANDY! RANDY!” which annoys Cena, but then he offers a handshake. The fans boo and Orton smirks. Orton steps up, Cena still offers, and Orton accepts. But then Cena pokes Orton in the eyes! Cena fires hands, headlocks, but Orton powers up and out. Orton runs Cena over, then he pokes Cena in the eyes!

The fans cheer, Cena bails out, and Orton goes to the corner so he can look down at Cena. The fans cheer more and Cena slides in. The two tie up, go around, and Orton puts Cena in a corner. The ref counts, Orton lets off at 4, but he counters Cena’s punch! Orton ROCKS Cena, headlocks, and the fans duel, “You Can’t Wrestle!” “YES, HE CAN!” Cena powers up and out, ducks down, and hurdles over! Orton still runs Cena over again! The fans fire up as Orton headlocks, hits a takeover, but Cena keeps his shoulders up. Cena endures, fights up, and powers out. Orton runs Cena over yet again! Cena bails out and the fans boo.

Cena wants to walk!? The fans boo more but Cena doesn’t care. But Orton rushes out to CLUB Cena from behind! Orton ROCKS Cena, ROCKS him again, and they return to ringside. Orton ROCKS Cena, Cena rolls into the ring, and Cena comes back to LARIAT! Cena rains down fists, the fans boo, but Cena stops to catch his breath. Cena brings Orton up to bump him off buckles. Cena climbs up and fans boo more as Cena rains down fists! The fans still count along, and Cena goes to 7 before he hops down. But Orton kicks low! Orton bumps Cena off buckles, then climbs up to rain down fists! The fans count and Orton goes past TEN, to hit TWENTY!!

The fans fire up and Orton backs off. Cena staggers around, Orton reels him in, and UPPERCUTS Cena down! Cover, TWO! Orton drags Cena to center to stomp a leg! The fans cheer and Orton stomps Cena’s other leg! Cena clutches his ankle, but Orton stomps Cena’s hand! The fans cheer as Orton picks Cena apart, with a stomp to the other hand! Orton pushes Cena down and runs up, to KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO! Cena stays in this but Orton stays focused. Cena goes to ropes, rises up, but Orton is on him with a kick down low! The fans cheer Orton and he whips, but Cena reverses. Cena clamps on a SLEEPER! And becomes a backpack!

Orton stays on his feet and Cena slips down. Orton powers up and out, and he catches Cena for a SLEEPER! Cena endures, but he drops to a knee. Cena fights up, powers out, and he grabs the SLEEPER again! The fans boo but Orton powers up and out. Orton has the SLEEPER! Cena powers out, to have the SLEEPER! Orton slips around to hit a BIG back suplex! The fans rally while both men are down. Orton and Cena stir, Cena goes to the ropes, and Orton is up. Cena ducks ‘n’ dodges to start up those SHOULDER TACKLES! And then the SPIN OUT BOMB! The fans boo but Cena smooths his hair. Cena smirks, raises his hand, and says the fans can’t see him!

Cena runs, and FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLES! Orton staggers, Cena fireman’s carries, but Orton slips free! Orton shoves Cena and LARIATS! And LARIATS again! Orton dodges then SNAP POWERSLAMS! The fans fire up while Cena flounders to the apron! Orton storms over there, drags Cena through the ropes, but Cena slips through to roll Orton up! TWO, and Cena has a leg! Orton fights off the crossface, but Cena powers through! STFU!! Orton endures, reaches out, but Cena drags him from the ropes! Orton BOOTS Cena away and Cena goes back to the apron! Orton runs up, has Cena in the ropes, DRAPING DDT!

The fans fire up while Cena sputters, and Orton starts to hear those voices! Orton watches Cena rise up, R K- NO, Cena powers out, fireman’s carries, and ATTITUDE- RKO?!?! Orton turns that around at the last second and the fans are losing their minds! “This is Awesome!” while both men are down again! Both men slowly rise up, Cena has Orton, but Orton ROCKS Cena! Cena ROCKS Orton! Orton kicks Cena low, but then Cena fires a body shot! Orton HEADBUTTS Cena, but Cena HEADBUTTS back! Orton ROCKS Cena again, but Cena ROCKS Orton again! Orton UPPERCUTS! Cena HAYMAKERS! Cena fireman’s carries, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!! Cover, TWO!?!

The fans fire up as Orton survives while Cena grows frustrated. Cena waits on Orton to rise up, the fans duel again, and Cena fireman’s carries! Orton grabs ropes, Cena pries him free, but Orton slips off the carry! Cena ducks ‘n’ dodges to start more shoulder tackles, but into an RKO!!! The fans fire up but Cena flounders away to a corner! Orton clutches his shoulder, the RKO continues to be a double-edged move when you get right down to it. But wait! Orton wants to go yard! But Cena avoids the Orton Punt! Fireman’s carry and ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!! Cover, TWO!!!! Orton survives again and Cena is beside himself!

The fans rally as hard as they can for Orton but Cena stalks Orton to a corner. Cena talks trash, and he mocks hearing those voices! Cena smirks as the fans boo, and then Cena decides to further copy Orton! Cena aims from a corner, runs up, but Orton dodges Cena’s kick! RK- NO, Cena shoves Orton into the ref!! The ref goes down, Cena has Orton again, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!! But no ref means no pins! Cena smirks again, and he tells the fans, “Shh.” Cena goes outside, grabs the title belt, and Cole asks why he’s resorting to this. Cena says, “History.” Cena slips back into the ring with the belt, but Orton hits an RKO!!!

The ref stirs, Orton covers, and the ref counts! TWO!!!! The delay saves Cena and Orton is beside himself! Cena flops out of the ring, crawls off towards barriers, but Orton pursues. Orton huffs ‘n’ puffs and storms up on Cena. The fans call BS, but Orton thinks this is a good a place as any. Orton clears the desk! The ref reprimands but then Cena RAMS Orton into the ref!! The ref hits steel steps! Cena POSTS Orton, and the fans are dueling again! Cena sees the desk, and then smirks again. Cena decides to use another of Orton’s ideas, and he fireman’s carries Orton. But Orton slips free and fireman’s carries! ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT onto the desk!!

Cena tumbles off the desk and to the floor! Then the desk breaks! They really made those sturdier than before. Orton mutters something while he clears space. Orton drags Cena up, SMACKS him off the pieces of the desk, then goes back to the ring. The fans fire up as Orton starts looking underneath the ring! Orton goes around the way, and tada! Orton brings out a TABLE! St. Louis fires up again as Orton sets the table up right where he found it, then he drags Cena over that way. Cena fires hands and SMACKS Orton off barriers! And off the steps! Cena fireman’s carries Orton, but Orton fights free! Orton fireman’s carries again!

Orton hits another ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT, through the table!!! Once again, Orton gives Cena his move! Orton drinks some Prime Hydration, then goes back to Cena. Orton steps over Cena to drag him back up, and he puts Cena in the ring. “This is Awesome!” but the ref is still down! Orton huffs ‘n’ puffs and he hears those voices again! Cena stirs, rises to his feet, and RKO!!! Cover, here comes a spare ref!! The count, TWO!??!?!? Another delay saves Cena and Orton is at a loss for words! The ref defends the count was fair, but Cena has the belt again! Cena aims, runs up, but Orton dodge! BELT SHOT on Eddie Durango! RKO AGAIN!!!!

Orton covers, he would’ve won ten times over! Nick Aldis and his producers hurry to ringside to finally check on both refs. Orton argues with Aldis, they need another official! Aldis says okay but there aren’t many left to work tonight! Orton is furious, so he just RKOS Aldis! And RKO for each and every producer! Even Jamie Noble!! The fans are thunderous as Orton unleashes that 2009 Viper! Orton looms over Cena, seethes, and goes with the last thing he has in his arsenal. Orton lines up a shot, Cena rises up, BUT R-TRUTH gets in the way! Truth pleads with Orton to spare his “childhood hero!” Orton just RKOS Truth!!

Cena is up, and he LOW BLOWS Orton!!! The fans boo, but Cena isn’t done there! He has the belt, and he CLOBBERS Orton with it!!! Cena puts the belt outside, the first ref returns, and he counts the cover! CENA WINS!!!

Winner: John Cena, by pinfall (still Undisputed WWE Champion)

Cena’s first defense of his 17th world title is certainly one for the history books! It took multiple referees, tables, distractions, and even a friend/fan biting the bullet for him, and Cena comes out the other side still the champion. Cena takes the mic, and he shouts to cut the damn music! Cena says he doesn’t need the music, he needs competition. And he sure as hell doesn’t need the fans. “Drink it in, St. Louis. Because this is what the Last Real Champion looks like.” The fans boo as Cena holds up the title at the corner, but if this is what the Last Real Champion needs to survive the Viper, what more will it take for him to finish his Farewell Tour?

My Thoughts:

Despite the concerns from right after WrestleMania, this Backlash turned out amazing! It didn’t need a two hour preshow when there wasn’t gonna be a preshow match, but I get that they did so because this was the final Backlash for Cena, they needed time to talk about Cena becoming the 17 time world champion, and what facing Orton one more time meant to everyone. Cena VS Orton: The Final Time was definitely better than Cody VS Cena at Mania. There was a lot of talk of Cena “purposefully” giving a bad match at Mania and whether that saved it from actually being a bad match because of the meta, but I think they realized that this time, it had to be a legitimately good match.

And it was! It was great stuff from two icons of wrestling, no matter what anyone says. It’s that saying of “I’m not as good as I once was, but I’m as good once as I ever was.” It didn’t flip the classic moment of Orton slapping the ref to get disqualified, but Cena did still took out two refs through the course of this. Great stuff with Aldis and all those producers, aka former/retired wrestlers, taking RKOs so Orton could unleash his anger. And while I figured R-Truth would play a part, I didn’t think we’d get him taking an RKO. Cena of course resorts to all the cheating ways to win, but this is Heel Cena after all, what else would he do? And now there is some real intrigue as to who is next for Cena as he continues his farewell tour.

To go back to the top, awesome move with the Fatal 4 Way opening tonight. All four guys got their stuff in, it was wild, and yet, Solo Sikoa still gets involved, just as they implied last night. Additionally, Solo brought in a new member to the team, also as they implied. Personally, I still wanted Hikuleo, just so that Solo would be leading the entire Guerrillas of Destiny, but maybe they want to wait until Tama and Loa are health. At the same time, I can’t fault them for going with Jeff Cobb because he’s Jeff Cobb. Cobb is sturdy, strong, athletic, and anyone who has watched NJPW, ROH and/AEW already knows what he’s capable of. You can tell already that this only ups the tension within the faction, and we might get Cobb VS Fatu very quickly.

Lyra VS Becky was great, with Becky really doing her best to Heel her way through this. I really thought she was going to pull off a cheap win thanks to the buckle or some other trick, but Lyra does prove herself the better wrestler tonight. Now, with Lyra holding her nose and then playing up the damage to the rest of her body, they could be setting up some injury angle where she has to take time off, maybe even vacate the title. Lyra’s fiancé was right there, this could be Lyra’s out so the two of them can have their wedding and honeymoon and all that while Becky goes for the vacated title. Bayley could even return to be a major roadblock to that title, and we get a great match from Bayley VS Becky to crown a new champion.

Dom VS Penta was great, and St. Louis seems to be a Dom friendly crowd. Naturally, Judgment Day had to help, but also a logical move for El Grande Americano to get involved because of how Penta superkick’d Gable. Penta will surely confront Gable and get a match with El Grande, this can lead us into something for either Worlds Collide or Money in the Bank in June. As for Dom, things seem patched up in Judgment Day for now, but that could easily change at a drop of a hat. Honestly, Worlds Collide needs to be built starting this Monday, and maybe some AAA stars show up to call out “the greatest Intercontinental Champion/greatest Mysterio ever.”

And of course, for being a bit sudden, Gunther VS Pat was great stuff. It went about how I expected, with Pat just taking damage and getting back up. A little surprised Cole tried to help Pat cheat Gunther out of this, but it didn’t change the outcome. Gunther make Pat take a nap to get the win, but I did like the modicum of respect Gunther showed on his way out. Logan VS Jey is set for Saturday Night’s Main Event in a couple weeks, but much like Rollins, perhaps Gunther tries to change plans? Or maybe Gunther wants the Intercontinental Championship? Gunther should go for something, I’m just not sure what with all these other stories going on right now.

My Score: 9/10

Will Swipe Right survive the night?

Keanu Carver and Harlem Lewis both want to be the Evolve alpha male, but for now, they have to work together against Brad Baylor & Ricky Smokes!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Zayda Steel w/ Bryce Donovan VS Layla Diggs w/ Aria Bennett; Zayda wins.
• Tyson Dupont & Tyriek Igwe VS Freedom Ramsay & Aaron Rourke; Dupont & Igwe win.
• Kylie Rae VS Wendy Choo; Wendy wins.
• Keanu Carver & Harlem Lewis VS Swipe Right; Keanu & Harlem win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Kylie Rae speaks.

“So, I’m gonna be honest, this is a little hard for me to talk about. But I just want everyone to know what’s really going on here. You see that teddy bear that Wendy Choo gave Zara Zakher last week? That’s actually my son’s teddy bear. Yeah. And it’s been missing for weeks. And I have no idea how you got it, and maybe I’m a little bit sleep deprived when I say this because he’s been up crying every single night, but let me be very clear when I say this, Wendy Choo. This has gone way too far, and this ends tonight!” Smiley Kylie is in no mood, will she give Wendy the nightmares from now on?

Zayda Steel w/ Bryce Donovan VS Layla Diggs w/ Aria Bennett!

The Real Deal has the Paradox with her, so that means the party’s started! Not that anyone else is invited… But will The Vanity Project be looking good to open the show? Or will Layla show Zayda she can dig it?

The bell rings and the fans rally behind Layla. The two tie up, Zayda waistlocks, but Layla does the splits to trip Zayda up! Layla facelocks but Zayda wrenches out and WRINGS Layla’s arm! Zayda clamps onto the arm, drags Layla into a facelock, but Layla wrenches and WRINGS Zayda back! Layla somersaults over, then steps over so she can arm-drag Zayda away! Zayda comes back, but into another arm-drag! Zayda goes to a corner, Layla handsprings and RAMS her! Layla brings Zayda out, but Zayda wrenches and kicks! Zayda TOSSES Layla, but Layla flips up and over to land safe on the apron!

The fans fire up and Layla RAMS Zayda low! Layla slingshots up and over, then catches Zayda to spin, scoop and SPINNING SLAM! STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Zayda survives but Layla stalks her to ropes. The fans rally up, but Zayda grabs the ropes to fight the whip. Zayda ROCKS Layla, but Layla blocks a kick to ROCK Zayda back! Layla wrenches to ELBOW BREAKER, but Zayda whips Layla hard into the ropes! Zayda stomps Layla, the fans chant “SWIPE LEFT!” at her, but Zayda brings Layla up. Layla BODY SHOTS Zayda! Zayda dodges the ram this time and BOOTS Layla! Then DRAPING CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO!

Layla survives but Zayda keeps on her. The fans rally, Zayda wrenches and whips Layla to then run and SHINING WIZARD! The fans boo but Zayda just SLAPS Layla! The fans boo more, and Layla is mad now! Layla TACKLES Zayda and rains down fists! The fans fire up and Layla has Zayda in a corner. Zayda drop toeholds Layla into buckles! DOUBLE STOMP! Zayda drags Layla to a cover, TWO! Layla stays in this but Zayda stays on her with a GROUND COBRA! Layla endures and the fans rally up. Layla fights up, but Zayda thrashes her! The fans rally more, Aria coaches her up, and Layla fights back to her feet! HIP TOSS!

The fans cheer as Layla is free! Layla fires body shots, then she ROCKS Zayda with a forearm! Zayda still comes back, but into a LEG LARIAT! LEG LARIAT! Layla roars, underhooks, and BUTTERFLY SUPLEXES! Cover, TWO! Zayda stays in this, but Layla pushes her to the corner. The fans rally, Layla runs corner to corner, handspring and- NO, Zayda dodges! Zayda comes back, Layla ELBOWS her away, then Layla goes up! QUEBRADA, but Zayda dodges! Zayda runs up, tilt-o-whirl, #ZDT!! Cover, Zayda wins!

Winner: Zayda Steel, by pinfall

Bryce Donovan “celebrates” with Zayda, and Zayda finally has her W. Will she really be the Real Deal with the title on the horizon?

Tyson Dupont & Tyriek Igwe VS Freedom Ramsay & Aaron Rourke!

Ty & Ty may still be in the chase, but they’re still in the chase! Will #TNT blow away the competition? Or will they fall short of star-spangled perfection?

The teams sort out and Rourke starts against Igwe. They circle, tie up, go around, and Igwe headlocks. Igwe THROWS Rourke away, but Rourke brushes that off. They tie up again, Igwe headlocks again, but Rourke powers up and out. Igwe CLOBBERS Rourke, then “kicks dirt” on him. Igwe runs, Rourke drops down then jumps up, but Igwe catches him for a fireman’s carry! Igwe talks trash, but Rourke slips free and SPANKS him! The fans fire up, Rourke tags Ramsay and taunts Igwe. Rourke bails out, Ramsay slips around and waistlocks, but Igwe THROWS Ramsay away. Ramsay comes back but Igwe scoops to SLAM!

Tag to Dupont, but Ramsay drop toeholds him! Ramsay facelocks, Dupont powers him back, but Rourke tags in. Rourke & Ramsay double whip Dupont to DOUBLE DROPKICK! The fans fire up but Igwe tags back in. Rourke dodges, wrenches, and whips, but Igwe blocks! Igwe whips, Rourke goes up and over to handspring and SHOTGUN! Rourke fires up, runs corner to corner, and handsprings to DOUBLE CHOP! Rourke says that’s gotta sting, but Igwe just gets pissed! Igwe DECKS Rourke, and he fires forearms! Then a scoop and SHOULDER BUSTER! Rourke writhes, Igwe says Ramsay is next!

Igwe whips Rourke to the corner hard, then runs in and ELBOWS him! Tag to Dupont and he runs in, LEAPING LARIAT! Dupont taunt Rourke, taunts Ramsay, but Ramsay avoids the stomp! Roll up, TWO! Dupont BOOTS Rourke, then swings on Ramsay! Rourke fires body shots, but Dupont KNEES low! Dupont whips Rourke to the corner and LARIATS! Dupont talks more trash, but Rourke CHOPS Igwe, and kicks at Dupont! Dupont blocks, throws the foot away, but Rourke says “EAT IT!” and ENZIGIRIS! Dupont staggers, Igwe calls to him, but Rourke crawls under! Dupont grabs a leg, but Rourke stands to ENZIGIRI!

Rourke hurries, hot tags to Ramsay and Igwe! Ramsay rallies, ROCKS Igwe, then atomic drops! Igwe wobbles, Ramsay runs and DROPKICKS! Ramsay runs up on Dupont, FREEDOM FACEBUSTER! Ramsay runs up on Igwe, tries again, but Igwe puts him up top! Ramsay BOOTS Igwe, FREEDOM FLIES into a FIST! Igwe tags Dupont, and Dupont BLASTS Rourke! Igwe RIPCORDS Ramsay, into the HOOD STOPPER!! Cover, TNT wins!

Winners: Tyson Dupont & Tyriek Igwe, by pinfall

Pride and patriotism could not withstand the explosive power TNT is bringing! Will Evolve and even NXT soon belong to the Wes Side?

Kylie Rae VS Wendy Choo!

Smiley Kylie called wicked Wendy out last week, but Wendy escalated by taking that teddy bear! Before, it was just business. But now, it’s personal! Will Kylie kick some serious keister? Or will she just take another Dirt Nap?

The big fight introductions are given for this “co-main-event.” The bell rings and Kylie runs up! Wendy slips around to waistlock and SLAM Kylie, then she clamps on a headlock! Kylie endures, fights around, but Wendy hits a headlock takeover! Wendy grinds Kylie down, but Kylie fights up. Wendy wrenches and wristlocks, but Kylie rolls, handsprings, and wrenches to WRING Wendy! Wendy rolls through and smiles! Wendy comes back, but Kylie catches her to hook the arms! Backslide, TWO! They’re still hooked up and Wendy fights to her feet. Wendy swings Kylie to snapmare and NECK- NO, Kylie victory rolls! TWO!

Kylie stands, but Wendy throat chops! The fans boo and the ref reprimands, but Wendy bumps Kylie off buckles. Wendy CHOPS, and ROCKS, and then brings Kylie out for a snapmare. NECK TWIST! Kylie writhes, the fans boo, but Wendy stalks Kylie to ropes. Wendy drags Kylie up, but Kylie grabs the ropes to block the whip! Kylie then ROCKS Wendy and clamps on a headlock. Wendy powers up and out, but Kylie runs her over! Only for Wendy to sit up! Things keep moving, Kylie jumps over the dropdown and slips around to waistlock. Wendy switches, Kylie bucks the O’Conner, then SUPER- NO, Wendy blocks!

Wendy stands, spins Kylie, but Kylie ROCKS Wendy again! Kyile storms up on Wendy, whips her corner to corner, but Wendy reverses. Kylie goes up and over, gets moving to duck ‘n’ dodges, and then arm-drag and handspring, SKY DAY SPECIAL! The fans fire up, and then Kylie sees the teddy bear! The fans tell her to get the bear, but then Wendy POSTS Kylie! The fans boo but Evolve goes to break.

Evolve returns and Wendy has Kylie down in the headscissors squeeze! The fans rally as Kylie endures, and Kylie KICKS from below! Kylie pushes back to a cover, TWO! Kylie is free, she goes to a corner, and she BOOTS Wendy! But then Wendy fireman’s carries! Kylie slips free and ducks a backhand, but the HEADBUTT hits! Kylie still wrenches for a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Both women are down and the fans fire up! Kylie and Wendy slowly rise, and Wendy growls! Wendy fires a haymaker, but Kylie hits back! Wendy kicks, Kylie ROCKS! Wendy UPPERCUTS! Wendy pulls hair, but Kylie fires forearms!

Kylie whips, then CLOBBERS Wendy! And LARIATS! The fans fire up with Kylie, and she runs in at the corner to UPPERCUT! Kylie snapmares Wendy, goes up, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! The fans fire up more as Kylie runs, tilt-o-whirls, LA MYSTICA! CROSSFACE!! Wendy flails, reaches out, but Kylie pulls on the hold! Wendy still claws her way over, only for Kylie to roll her back to center!! Wendy flails but she’s fading! Wendy pushes things to a cover, TWO!! Kylie lets go in time, and she SUPERKICKS! Wendy falls, then flounders out of the ring! Kylie snarls while the fans rally up. Kylie hurries to fetch Wendy back into the ring and then she climbs a corner.

Wendy runs up to SHORYUKEN! Wendy climbs, SUPER NORTHERN LIGHTS!! Wendy then hurries to bring Kylie up, BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, TWO?!? Kylie survives and the fans fire up again! “This is Awesome!” but Wendy goes to the teddy bear! Kylie says don’t! Kylie begs Wendy give it back, but WENDY RIPS THE BEAR IN HALF!! Kylie is furious, and now she’s Kylie RAGE! Kylie fires forearms, but Wendy pushes her away! Kylie comes back, THESZ PRESS! Kylie rains down fast hands, Wendy pushes her away, but Kylie comes back with a ROLLING ELBOW! Kylie then goes to the teddy bear and mourns over the stuffing spilling out.

But then Wendy rises up! DIRT NAP!!! Kylie flails, reaches out, but she’s going to sleep! WENDY WINS!!

Winner: Wendy Choo, by submission

Kylie’s emotions brought her so close to victory, but they were also why she lost focus. And then to add insult to injury, Wendy uses a marker to draw a frown on Kylie’s face! Will Wendy continue to haunt Kylie then, now, and forever?

Sit-down interview with Kali Armstrong.

Chuey Martinez welcomes the Ironwoman of Inglewood and asks how she’s doing. She’s good. He congratulates her on the big win in that Fatal 4 Way, and asks if she called her shot. She says she did. Chuey is hearing there’s a championship on the way, perhaps Kali will get at it because of this. Kali says no doubt, because that is why they’re here in Evolve! Championships! Bragging rights! “I don’t want nobody to be able to talk to me about nothing once I get that title. And best believe, it’s coming home with Kali Armstrong.” When she started hearing the rumors, she moved all her trophies aside. Those were the past, this is the present, and that championship she’s about to win is the future!

Chuey asks what this Evolve Chapter in her career looks like for her and the WWE. Kali says the name “Evolve” is perfect, because that is what she’ll do. And it is getting kinda scary even for her, because the more matches she has, the more opportunities she has, these girls better look out. Then what would it mean to be THE first WWE Evolve Women’s Champion? Kali says it’s great to be the first, but she also wants to be the best. She wants to win the title to set the example. She wants to show that it doesn’t matter where you’re from. She grew up on the streets of Inglewood, now she’s here in Orlando, holding the Evolve title. That shows promise, purpose, motivation, and possibility.

Chuey says the people watching this, the kids watching Evolve, they might be in similar situations as to what Chuey and Kali grew up in. What’s her advice to them? Her advice is to dream big, dream crazy, have someone tell you it doesn’t make sense, then say, “Good,” and go do it. Anything is possible, she is proof of that. So you better hope someone else puts out this fire. Because once it gets going, she’ll burn it down. Chuey thanks Kali for her time. Will it be Kali’s time all the time?

Haze Jameson is in the VIP Lounge!

And as the factoid says, “She’s been fighting for people’s right to party since 2012.” Will she enjoy watching tonight’s massive main event tag match?

Keanu Carver & Harlem Lewis VS Swipe Right w/ The Vanity Project!

These two teams couldn’t be further opposites. Two giants, two alpha males, who butt heads over who is THE alpha around here, are taking on two men who are best bros and an established tag team. But they all want the same thing and that is to win! Will Keanu & Harlem put their differences aside to break these pretty boys? Or will the Vanity Project look good from start to finish?

The big fight introductions are give, and the teams sort out. The fans taunt “SWIPE LEFT! SWIPE LEFT!” as Brad starts against Harlem. Brad and Harlem tie up, and Harlem SHOVES Brad! Harlem talks smack to Keanu, but then Keanu tags in. Ricky also tags in, they tie up, and Keanu SLAMS Ricky down! Keanu pushes Ricky, then he taunts Harlem. So now Harlem tags himself in. Brad is back, he kicks and CLUBS away on Harlem! Brad headlocks, Harlem powers out and he CLOBBERS Brad! The fans fire up but Harlem talks more trash to Keanu. Harlem willingly tags Keanu in, but Brad fires off hands! Keanu powers out and he CLOBBERS Brad!

The fans fire up and Keanu says that’s how you do it! Keanu tags Harlem in, and Harlem scoops Brad for a SLAM! Harlem and Keanu talk some smack, but now Keanu tags himself in. They were on the same page for a second there, but Keanu still wants to one-up Harlem. Keanu ELBOWS Brad in a corner, then throws a BODY SHOT! Keanu talks trash but Harlem CHOP tags in! The fans fire up but the ref reprimands the two big men. Brad hurries to tag Ricky! But then Keanu & Harlem CLOBBER Swipe Right! Keanu TOSSES Brad, goes out after him, and Harlem fireman’s carries Ricky. Zayda & Jackson freak out while Harlem and Keanu stare down!

Keanu APRON POWERSLAMS Brad while Harlem THROWS Ricky across the ring! The fans fire up, “This is Awesome!” while Swipe Right writhes. Harlem storms up on Ricky, Brad holds Ricky’s hand, so Harlem just drags them both in! The ref reprimands Brad, Harlem storms up and LARIATS Brad up and out! Harlem goes after Ricky in the corner, but Ricky BOOTS him away! Harlem shakes that off, runs back in, but Ricky goes up and over! Harlem POSTS himself! Ricky distracts the ref, Brad KNEES Harlem down! Ricky runs up to GAMANGIRI! Snapmare and cover, ONE!! Harlem is tougher than that!

Ricky rains down fists on Harlem, then he tags Brad. Swipe Right mugs Harlem, and Brad rains down fists! The fans boo but Brad tags Ricky. Swipe Right mugs Harlem more but the fans taunt “SWIPE LEFT!” Swipe Right stomps Harlem, then Ricky CLUBS Harlem down! Ricky puts Harlem in the corner, tags Brad, and they mug Harlem more. They reel Harlem in, and Brad shouts, “It’s time…! To SWIPE!” The fans say “LEFT!” And then Harlem DOUBLE SUPLEXES Brad & Ricky! The fans fire up while The Vanity Project panics! Harlem crawls, Keanu reaches out, hot tag to Keanu! Keanu runs and DOUBLE LARIATS!

Keanu scoops Brad for a BIG BACKBREAKER! Keanu TOSSES Brad away, the fans fire up, and Keanu runs up to ELBOW Brad in the corner! Keanu whips corner to corner, Brad hits buckles hard, then staggers into a POP-UP and FALL AWAY SLAM! Keanu didn’t even need to fall to throw Brad that hard! Ricky swipes at Keanu from the outside, but Keanu just grabs Ricky by the neck! DRAPING HAYMAKER!! Ricky flounders, Keanu is all fired up, and he waits on Swipe Right. Keanu runs and DOUBLE POUNCES!! The fans are thunderous, but then Harlem tags in! Harlem hauls Brad up, so Keanu drags Ricky around.

Keanu scoops, Harlem suplexes, BOOM SLANG and SPINNING POWERSLAM!! Cover(s), Keanu & Harlem win!

Winners: Keanu Carver & Harlem Lewis, by pinfall

These alpha males dominated, just as Stevie Turner knew would happen. But now that the tag match is over, they’re back to being rivals. The ref calls for reinforcements to keep these two from throwing hands with each other! And speaking of Stevie, she’s watching. She loved seeing that, that was impressive. She is gonna love next week’s Town Hall Announcement. But then Gallus steps in, and they agree, that was impressive. But uh, Gallus gets next, right? Oh, they want Swipe Right? No, no, they want a fight. They want Keanu & Harlem! Stevie says okay… Will the Coffey Brothers make sure Evolve stays Gallus’ kingdom? Or do the rivals have one more tag win in them?

My Thoughts:

A great Evolve here, even with pulling the “double main event.” Good promo from Kylie to open, though I bet some apathetic wrestling fan(s) will think, “Ugh, why’re Kylie and Wendy fighting over a teddy bear? This is as dumb as Punk and McIntyre with the bracelet or Swerve and Ricochet with the coat!” Kylie did such a great job bringing out the emotion of the moment on top of just a great match. I am a little surprised she lost, but using the emotional state to cost her was good stuff. They still did this under normal rules, so I wonder if Kylie VS Wendy Round 3 will be No Disqualifications just so Kylie can take out her anger on Wendy.

Very good tag match from Tyson & Tyriek against debuting Rourke & Ramsay. Rourke and Ramsay have pretty complete presentation, it’ll be interesting to see where each of them goes from here. Very good interview promo from Kali, and while her attitude had been Heel before, this promo helped bring out her more Face side, being a role model to young people and those who doubt themselves before of whatever reason or another. Stevie’s town hall promo will definitely be about the title tournaments and the brackets, and Kali will definitely be the number one seed.

And then we of course got a lot of Vanity Project tonight. Very good opening match from Zayda VS Layla, but of course Zayda got her win to stay strong. She might get in the tournament just on virtue of being one of the first WWE ID recruits. And then great tag match main event, really good use of Keanu and Harlem one-upping each other. And it makes sense they would win here, they’re both top choices for the men’s tournament. Gallus wanting their shot at Keanu and Harlem is an interesting move, and I feel like that is where Keanu & Harlem will lose. They’re both undefeated, and the tournament is coming, so maybe their first loss is in a tag match to get the first loss out of the way.

My Score: 8.7/10