Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (1/6/20)
The first Raw of the New Year!
A MASSIVE Monday Night Raw opens 2020!
A Raw Tag Team Championships Triple Threat! A United States Championship rematch! And the reigning, defending, undisputed WWE Champion, BROCK! LESNAR! What goes down on the first Raw of the New DECADE?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE United States Championship: Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega VS Rey Mysterio; Almas wins and retains the WWE United States Championship.
- Raw Tag Team Championship Triple Threat: The Viking Raiders VS The Street Profits VS The OC; The Viking Raiders win and retain the Raw Tag Team Championships.
- Erick Rowan VS KJ Orso; Rowan wins.
- AJ Styles VS Akira Tozawa; Styles wins.
- Charlotte Flair VS Sarah Logan; No Contest.
- Drew McIntyre VS No Way Jose; McIntyre wins.
- Aleister Black VS Shelton Benjamin; Aleister wins.
- Six Man Tag: Seth Rollins & The Authors of Pain VS Kevin Owens, Samoa Joe & ???; Owens, Joe & Big Show win, by disqualification.
PLAY BY PLAY
The Most Ravishing Wedding in history was RUINED!
Whether it was Lana’s first husband, Bobby Lashley’s first wife, or Liv Morgan revealing she and Lana were together, Lana and Lashley could not get through their “I do’s”! And then RUSEV popped out of the admittedly over-sized cake. No holy matrimony, only MACHKA! But the question is now, what comes next in WWE’s own personal soap opera?
Oklahoma City is SUPLEX CITY!
Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman return to Raw to open the New Year! And while fans boo and jeer, The Advocate wishes them a “Happy New Year, b*tches.” Heyman then gives his usual introduction for the reigning, defending, undisputed WWE World Heavyweight Champion, BRRROCK! LESNARRR! And to kick off the New Decade, let’s make history. “Because that’s what Brock Lesnar does: Brock Lesnar makes history.” Lesnar told Heyman he wonders who will dare challenge him for the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble. Heyman said back, “Well, Brock, who do you think is worthy of stepping into the ring with the Conqueror? The Beast! The single-greatest fighter in sports entertainment history!” Lesnar’s answer was, “There is not one single member of the Raw, SmackDown or NXT roster that is man enough to step into the ring, let alone worthy enough of sharing the spotlight.”
So to get it straight: fans aren’t allowed to boo Lesnar. But they do. Not when Lesnar is about to do something unprecedented. Something that is legitimately advertised as first-time-ever. Every time Lesnar makes history, it’s unprecedented. The Undertaker couldn’t lose at WrestleMania? Lesnar conquered the Streak! No man could ever be NCAA Division I Heavyweight Champion, UFC Heavyweight Champion, WWE Universal Champion or WWE World Champion, and yet Lesnar is. So how about a dream match at the Royal Rumble? Every single challenger that wants Lesnar at the Rumble can have Lesnar at the Rumble, because here’s the official announcement: “Brock Lesnar hereby enters the Royal Rumble match!” Wait, wait, not just entering it! That would be slightly historic. “Let’s go all the freakin’ way.” Lesnar enters the Rumble… FIRST.
That means that if Roman Reigns is in the Rumble, it’s like Lesnar VS Reigns. If Seth Rollins is in the Rumble, it’s like Lesnar VS Rollins. Every single man that steps into the Rumble will be face-to-face with Brock Lesnar! Because while Lesnar takes the ring first, Lesnar will be victorious at the end. This is unprecedented, historic and even brazen! But The Beast will conquer the Royal Rumble, will WIN the Royal Rumble, and that’s not just a prediction, Heyman says that’s a spoiler. A huge move from the WWE World Champion! Will Lesnar clear out the field of 30 to deny everyone an automatic WrestleMania main event?
Rey Mysterio speaks backstage.
And in passionate Spanish, at that. He speaks about respect and excellence. Clearly tonight’s WWE United States Championship match means a lot to Mysterio. At this point in his career, it could be a matter of days left, not years. Mysterio thanks Dominic for convincing him to stay and compete against the best of the best. With the way El Idolo has been acting, Andrade Almas doesn’t deserve to represent the Latino community as champion. That is why Mysterio is taking that title back, and NOW!
WWE United States Championship: Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega VS Rey Mysterio!
The King of Lucha Libre is as fired up as he’s ever been! He lost the title in Madison Square Garden but has been raring for this rematch! Will he be able to humble Andrade? Or is 2020 the Year of El Idolo?
Raw returns as Almas and Vega make their entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and Almas rushes Mysterio right away! Almas clubs away but Mysterio dodges to come back with a huricanrana! Then he slides to huricanrana again! Fans are fired up and Vega is panicking! Almas gets up but Mysterio kicks away. Mysterio puts Almas in and covers, ONE. Mysterio has fans cheering for “Lucha Libre!” but Almas throws forearms and body shots. Almas whips but Mysterio kicks him back. Mysterio runs, springboards and hops onto Almas’ shoulders. Mysterio headscissors Almas out but Almas holds on and still has Mysterio on his shoulders! Almas spins around but Mysterio pops out of the Electric Chair to victory roll Almas into steel steps! El Idolo is down and Vega is in shock!
The referee checks on both men but somehow Almas is okay to continue. Vega coaches Almas up but Mysterio stands first. Fans rally behind Mysterio as a ring count begins. Mysterio puts Almas in and takes his time aiming from the apron. Mysterio springboards but Almas dropkicks him out of the sky! Vega is relieved and Almas is back in control as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns as Mysterio has Almas up top. Mysterio climbs and the two brawl, but Almas sends Mysterio down. Almas sunset flips but Mysterio slips through to buzzsaw! Both men are down and Vega is worried again. Almas and Mysterio slowly rise as fans rally up again. Mysterio counter punches Almas and then throws haymakers. Mysterio whips but Almas reverses, only for Mysterio to huricanrana again! Almas ends up in a corner, Mysterio runs in but Almas puts him on the apron. Mysterio enziguris back then springboards, seated senton! Mysterio keeps moving, springboard but Almas catches him, only for Mysterio to tornado DDT! Cover, TWO! Almas lives and Vega is again relieved, but Mysterio keeps his cool.
Mysterio drags Almas up as fans chant “6 1 9!” Almas elbows free and runs in but into a boot. Mysterio climbs but Almas clubs him on the back. Almas climbs up from the outside and has Mysterio in a Tree of Woe! Almas aims from up high, WOE STOMPS but Mysterio evades! Almas stomps the apron and tumbles to the floor! Mysterio frees himself from the Tree of Woe, then builds speed to side and sunset flip! But Almas slips through, Point-Blank CIEN SHADOWS! A ring count begins again but Almas puts Mysterio in. Almas slingshot sentons then covers, TWO! Mysterio still lives and Almas grows frustrated. Almas rises and drags Mysterio up to suplex. Uno amigo! Almas spins through and suplexes, Dos Amigos! Almas wants the third, but Mysterio cradle counters! TWO!!
Almas runs but Mysterio dropkicks the legs out! Almas is on the ropes but gets clear, boot to ELBOW! Cover, TWO!! Almas goes to drop knees but Mysterio blocks and jumps up, DESTROYER!! Cover, but Vega gives Almas the ropebreak!! The ref counts three but sees the leg on the rope just after! Mysterio does NOT win! This match has to continue because La Muneca gets away with another cheat! Fans protest, as does Mysterio, but this match does not end! The ref tries to explain it to Mysterio while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Almas whips Mysterio corner to corner hard! Almas runs in, but Mysterio dodges and Almas’ knee hits buckles! Almas tumbles all the way out of the ring! Mysterio goes to the apron and Vega is worried all over again. Mysterio leaps for a huricanrana, sending Almas into barriers! Fans fire up with Mysterio as he stares Vega down. Mysterio drags Almas up and into the ring, then hops on for another DESTROYER! Cover, TWO!! Almas survives and Vega coaches him up. Mysterio rises as fans rally behind him. Mysterio goes to where Almas is on the apron but Almas throws body shots. Mysterio kicks back and we have a brawl! Almas CHOPS but Mysterio dropkicks! Mysterio runs, SUNSET BOMB into post! Almas crashes down but Mysterio won’t let up. Mysterio drags Almas up as fans chant “This is Awesome!”
Mysterio has Almas in a drop zone and springboards, LEG DROP! Cover, TWO!! Almas shocks Mysterio and Vega is shouting for him to stand! Mysterio heads up top first, wanting another one. Mysterio leaps and wheelbarrows, but Almas makes it a FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Almas and Vega are furious, but Almas puts Mysterio in the corner. Almas stomps a mudhole then backs off to run corner to corner! CIEN BUCKLES! Mysterio springboards, huricanrana puts Almas on ropes! Dial it up, 619!! Mysterio heads up top, but Almas bails out thanks to Vega. Mysterio runs and leaps! But Almas catches the seated senton, to toss Mysterio onto Vega! Down goes La Muneca! Mysterio can’t believe it, but Almas just throws him into steel steps!
Almas puts Mysterio in and leaves Vega behind to hammerlock. But the ref won’t allow it! Mysterio looks in bad shape and the referee tells Almas to leave him be. Mysterio rolls out of the ring to check on Vega, but he should be more worried about himself. Referees check on Vega while Mysterio seems to be very upset. Almas doesn’t care, NOW he hammerlocks and LA SOMBRA DDT! Cover, Almas wins!!
Winner: Andrade Almas, by pinfall; still WWE United States Champion
Only now does Almas care about Vega. Or, no, is he just grabbing the United States title? And then he SNATCHES Mysterio’s mask!! Insult to injury of the highest order! Almas hands the mask to Vega as a trophy of her own, but will watching the footage back nullify this good will?
Backstage with Kevin Owens and Samoa Joe!
Seth Rollins has been trying to divide and conquer, and went onto Twitter to say these two are “individualists” who do not stand a chance against a “united front” like him and the Authors of Pain. Kevin wants to get this out of the way: Rollins is right about Kevin and Joe. Kevin doesn’t play well with others, and Joe just doesn’t play. But this situation has brought them together, “and the fact is, the enemy of my enemy is my friend.” So against a force like Rollins & The AOP, Kevin and Joe need each other to watch each other’s back. That is what they will do here tonight. Joe admits he is prideful, but even he knows when back-up is needed.
So Joe poses a challenge to The Architects of Pain: the three of them against the three of them. Wait, he surely doesn’t mean including Charly in this. No no, Joe has a guy. Who is it? Just trust Joe, and let their opponents worry about the rest. Kevin still worries a little. But who is it that’s joining this battle against Rollins and his heavy hitting henchmen?
Backstage interview with Rollins & The AOP.
Charly asks for The Architect’s response to this Six Man Tag challenge. Akam and Rezar are already annoyed but Rollins handles this. They don’t need to be briefed on some challenge. They’ve faced challenges every single day of their lives! The only concern is about taking Raw to the next level. Rollins didn’t ask to be the Chosen One, but the WWE Universe made him that. Rollins has sacrificed everything he stands for to be the visionary and Messiah of Monday Nights. As for this “challenge,” KO, Joe and a surprise? No one stands with Kevin or Joe! The Architects of Pain are inevitable! And those who stand up against them, they will be taken care of. But with a variable in the equation, can Rollins and the AOP really #BurnItDown?
Raw Tag Team Championship Triple Threat: The Viking Raiders VS The Street Profits VS The OC!
Erik & Ivar are the champions but Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson are the Best Tag Team in the World! However, Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins have a win over the Good Brothers, and have taken on the raid and pushed it to its limits! So what will this make the Profits if they happen to win tonight? Who will be the Best Tag Team in the UNIVERSE after this match?
Before the match, Ford and Dawkins have mics. “Everybody seems to be talking about the Golden Globes, or who’s Kevin and Joe’s mystery partner here tonight. But we’re here to tell you that NOW, we are changing the conversation!” The first Raw of the DECADE, “and we ain’t ringing it in. We blinging it in!” So the OC can hold up their little hand signs, but there won’t won’t be kliq’ing. And the Raiders may be the champions, they may be Vikings, but the Profits are pillaging! The Profits are up, and #WeWantTheSmoke! Where there’s smoke, there’s fire! The OC make their entrance, followed by the war machines, Erik & Ivar! Will this match be the fire that blazes a trail into the New Decade?
Raw returns with the bell as Erik starts with Anderson. They tie up, Erik puts Anderson on the ropes but backs off. Anderson kicks low and headlocks but Erik powers out. Things speed up, Anderson dodges but collides solid with Erik! Erik trips Anderson and turns him over to waistlock and dead lift, to then slam Anderson down! Tag to Ivar and Erik feeds Anderson to Ivar’s knee. Ivar feeds to Erik’s knee and down goes Anderson! Cover, TWO! Ivar drags Anderson back over and tags Erik. Ivar rams his shoulders in then Erik rams his. Tag back to Ivar and Ivar drags Anderson up to scoop. Anderson slips out but Ivar bucks him off. Dawkins tags in off Ivar before Ivar runs Anderson over! Dawkins and Ivar stare down but back away.
Dawkins headlocks Anderson but Anderson powers out. Dawkins hurdles Anderson then throws him tot he ropes to dropkick down! Ford is fired up as he tags in. Dawkins whips and Ford dropkicks Anderson! Ford shoulder shimmies at the Vikings, but Anderson tags out to Ivar! That’s allowed in a Triple Threat, obviously. Ford isn’t as fired up now that the War Beard is back. Ford and Ivar circle and tie up, and Ford headlocks. Ivar powers out but Ford slides under. Ford tries but can’t arm-drag Ivar! Ivar whips Ford, Ford goes up and over and shows off his agility! Fans like that but Ivar runs at Ford. Ford dodges and ducks but Ivar rolls off Ford’s back! Ivar shoves Ford and Ford comes back, to handspring off Ivar’s back!
Ivar swings on Ford but Ford cartwheels. Ford swings on Ivar but Ivar cartwheels! Both men cartwheel! Fans are loving this stand-off, but the OC aren’t! They attack Ivar and Ford from behind, then take out Erik and Dawkins as they come in! The ref restores order but Gallows tags off Ivar. Gallows stomps Ford down then puts Ford in the open corner. Gallows throws big body shots and an uppercut! Gallows throws the Too Sweet up but fans boo. Gallows drags Ford to the OC corner and tags in Anderson. The Good Brothers mug Ford and Anderson throws European Uppercuts. Anderson rakes Ford’s eyes then pulls on his ears. Anderson throws haymakers and grinds a knee in! The ref backs Anderson off and Gallows tags in. Gallows butterfly suplexes Ford and covers, TWO!
Gallows keeps on Ford with big elbows into the shoulders and chest! And then he wraps on a thrashing chinlock! Ford endures and fans rally up. Ford fights to his feet but Gallows knees low and hard. Tag to Anderson, and the OC hit the back suplex neckbreaker combo! Cover, but Dawkins breaks it! Anderson protests but then he knocks Dawkins off the apron! Ford enziguris Anderson down! Both men are down but Gallows tags in. Gallows stalks up Ford and suplexes but Ford slips out! Ford doges, hot tag to Erik! Erik fires off strikes on Gallows, then lifts him for an EXPLODER! Dawkins returns but Erik gives him an EXPLODER! Anderson returns, but gets Ace Ten Mao! Shotgun knees for Gallows!
Tag to Ivar and the Raiders scoop slam Dawkins! Then Erik scoop slams Ivar onto Dawkins! The Raiders fire up and Erik tags back in. Ivar corner clotheslines Gallows, then is the human weapon, hip attack! But Ford tags in off Gallows! Ford runs in, avoids the clotheslines, but not THOR’S HAMMER!! Cover, but the OC break it up! Ivar throws Anderson out and Erik throws Gallows out. Ivar DIVES Onto Dawkins and Anderson!? Erik DIVES onto Gallows, but gets caught! And thrown into barriers! Then into the crowd! The Best Tag Team in the World has control as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and Erik fights up and out of Gallows’ chinlock. Fans fire up but Gallows knees low. Gallows throws big hands on Erik in the OC corner then tags Anderson. Anderson drags Erik out for EuroUppers! Anderson rains down angry right hands then covers, TWO! Anderson keeps on Erik with a chinlock but fans rally again. Erik fights up and throws hands but Anderson EuroUppers back. They brawl in OC territory! Tag to Gallows and the OC mug Erik in their corner. Gallows stomps a mudhole then headbutts Erik against ropes. Gallows throws body shots then tags Anderson. Anderson snapmares Erik to a chinlock. Fans rally with “We Want the Smoke!” Anderson grinds Erik down but Erik is fighting his way up again. Erik pushes but Anderson throws more hands.
Erik pushes and fights out of the OC corner, but Anderson whips him away. Erik goes up and over, hot tag to Ivar! Ivar rallies and sidewalk slams Anderson! BASEMENT CROSSBODY! Ivar whips Anderson but Anderson dodges! But runs into a seated senton! Ivar cartwheels and clotheslines Gallows! Fans fire up and Ivar runs corner to corner, but Anderson avoids the bronco buster! Dawkins tags in off Anderson but Erik tags in off Ivar. Dawkins ROCKS Erik with a right, and dropkicks Ivar! Dawkins throws Ivar with an EXPLODER! And body blocks Erik into a corner! Dawkins decks Gallows, cyclone splashes and bulldogs Erik! Tag to Ford, and Dawkins whips him corner to corner at Erik. Erik puts Ford on the apron but Dawkins SPINE BUSTER!
Ford is up top but Anderson tags in before the WORLD STAR SPLASH! Anderson pushes Ford out of the ring! And hits Dawkins! Cover on Erik but Ivar breaks it! Dawkins hits a spinning back elbow on Ivar, but Gallows YAKUZA KICKS Dawkins! Ford dropkicks Gallows but Anderson whips Ford. Ford dodges to FLY out onto Gallows! Erik sneaks up on Anderson, but Anderson mule kicks and UPPERCUTS! Anderson runs side to side, but no Rocket Kick! Ivar tags in. POWERBOMB and VIKING SPLASH!! Cover, the Viking Raiders win!
Winners: The Viking Raiders, Ivar pinning; still Raw Tag Team Champions
The raid continues! Erik & Ivar keep the gold, even after facing two teams at once! Are they truly the Best Tag Team in the Universe? Or will a new challenge arise in this New Year?
Backstage with Samoa Joe!
Charly wants to ask Joe about this mystery opponent for tonight’s Six Man Tag. Will he give us who that is? Well Joe is sure that everyone is eager to hear about who Joe managed to recruit, especially the “Monday Night Messiah” and his disciples. But everyone will just have to wait. Kevin comes by, and says he’s probably the most eager. Kevin has done a lot of bad things to people in the WWE, so he just wants to know in case he has to smooth things over first. Perhaps it’s best of Joe shows Kevin who they have. Charly hurries after but we go to break. Just who did Joe get?
Raw returns as Joe, Kevin and Charly arrive at a door.
Is Kevin ready? Sure. Just go through this door. Cameras, please stay outside. Kevin peeks in, and has a smile on his face. Good? Yeah, that’s good. But Rollins & The AOP won’t be. Charly asks who is in there, but Joe has his mystery friend “lock it up.” Well it seems we have no choice but to wait.
Becky Lynch is here!
Oklahoma City is fired up to see The Man dressed up in her Kill Bill best! The Raw Women’s Champion takes the mic as fans chant her name. “Man, it is so good to hear your voices.” Becky says that she’s been walking around for months now, “wondering what kind of a champion I am.” She let the doubters get in her head and forced “the powers that be” to give her this coming title match with Asuka. But to be honest, Becky’s starting to doubt herself on this one. Becky’s life has changed so much in just the last year, living in a whirlwind. Over the holidays, she finally had time to think about “what it really means to be The Man.” Should she just be content to have made the history she has? Should she just be happy with being on cereal boxes and red carpets? Should she follow all the advice from the people backstage “looking out for her?” Should she avoid the one woman she just can’t seem to beat?
Footage replays of last year’s Royal Rumble, when The Man and The Empress fought for the SmackDown Women’s Championship that Asuka held. Becky was fired up and pulled out all the stops, but Asuka tapped her out! Of course, we do know that Becky would shift gears later that night to win the Women’s Rumble, but a loss is a loss. And footage now shifts to a tag team match back in November, The Man & The Queen VS The Kabuki Warriors. Becky tried but Asuka had an answer for her each time to get the roll-up. And of course, TLC 2019, the Women’s Tag Team Title TLC match. That was brutal to say the least, and in the end, Asuka had a trick up her proverbial sleeve to deny Becky a new belt!
Back to the present, Becky says she realized something in all of this. But before she can share that wisdom, Asuka appears! “Hey, hey, hey!” The Kabuki Warriors’ Asuka is here! And Becky, of course you can’t win against her! “Mudi mudi mudi,” it’s not going to happen! “Baka baka!” You dummy! Baka Lynch! The fans know! It will be “easy peasy” all over again! Asuka swaggers as she walks into the ring and around Becky. Becky DECKS Asuka! No matter what language you speak, actions speak louder than words! Asuka is furious but Becky is smiling. Who will be the one that can say they won it all in Houston?
Erick Rowan walks backstage.
And encounters Mojo Rawley. Mojo just wants to take one look at what’s in the cage. Please? Rowan considers it, and says “help yourself.” But don’t tell anyone. Mojo takes his peek, and FREAKS! “What is wrong with you, man?! What the hell!?” What the hell is in there to horrify Mojo!?
Backstage interview with Zelina Vega and Andrade Almas.
El Idolo is still holding onto Mysterio’s mask, so Sara asks if he feels he’s crossed a line tonight. Crossed the line? Almas says he has the mask of Mysterio after he just ended Mysterio’s final run. But Mysterio ATTACKS! He’s more concerned about revenge than he is of lucha libre tradition! Vega shouts at Mysterio to stop this but Mysterio gets his mask back. And now that he has it back on, he really fires off on Almas! Vega freaks as Mysterio snatches the belt away! Security backs Mysterio off but this is far from over!
Erick Rowan VS KJ Orso!
Mojo was SHOOK after seeing what Rowan’s pet really is. Will we ever see the nightmare inside the cage? Or will Rowan be the scariest thing in Oklahoma tonight?
Rowan doesn’t even wait for the bell to grab Orso with both hands! “You wanna see what’s in the bag, don’tcha?!” No, no he doesn’t! But Rowan still throws Orso out and keeps him from running away! “You want to look?! Take a look!” Orso breaks free to run away into the ring. He would rather take the beating than see whatever scared a grown man that badly. Rowan throws his jacket aside and gives Orso that fight. The bell rings and LEG LARIATS Orso down! Then corner to corner splash! IRON CLAW SLAM! Cover, Rowan wins!
Winner: Erick Rowan, by pinfall
That was scary fast, but also natural. But Rowan still won’t spare Orso, he makes Orso look at the pet!! Orso freaks out, and his face is all red!? Was that from the creature?! What did it do to him?! And why is Rowan laughing!? Will no one be laughing as Rowan runs roughshod over Raw?
AJ Styles VS Akira Tozawa!
The Phenomenal One is not in a good mood. And it isn’t just that The OC didn’t get the Raw Tag Team Championships, it’s that he got suckered by The Viper! Randy Orton faked a foot injury just to lower Styles’ guard and hit an RKO outta nowhere! Will Styles take his frustrations out on the Stamina Monster? Or will it throw him off his game enough for Tozawa to get his biggest win on Raw?
The bell rings and Styles talks trash to Tozawa but Tozawa pushes him. Tozawa dodges Styles’ punch and throws punches of his own! Tozawa has Styles in the corner but the ref backs him off. Tozawa whips, Styles reverses, then Styles runs in, to miss! Tozawa runs in but gets boots and a forearm. Styles springboards and PHENOMENAL FOREARM! Cover, but Styles pulls Tozawa up! Styles is angry now and wants to make Tozawa rethink hitting him. Styles drags Tozawa up, in position, but thinks better of it. He puts Tozawa through the ropes and fans all get what’s going on here! Styles copies Orton with the draping DDT! Fans boo but Styles soaks it up as he looms over Tozawa. Fans chant for “Randy! Randy!” but Styles hears the voices in his head, just like Orton! RKO!! Cover, Styles wins!
Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall
The Phenomenal One copies The Viper and still gets the win! Styles even copies the Orton pose! But with a match next week between the two, how will Orton respond to Styles?
Bobby Lashley and Lana are here!
At least, their music hits. It makes sense they’d be hesitant to appear after the humiliation they must’ve felt after their on-air wedding went sideways. Lashley and Lana still go down the ramp and to the ring, and the wedding officiator is back! Lana snatches his mic to address the fans. They boo so she tells them to be quiet. “For all of you who didn’t want us to get married, that is too damn bad.” Because tonight, they’re getting married here and now! Yes, this is the Most Ravishing Elopement ever! With all the objections out of the way last week, “by the emergency power” invested in nWo Bill Belichick by the state of Oklahoma, he now pronounces Lashley & Lana husband and wife. Lashley may now kiss his bride. And they kiss.
Lana snatches the mic back and says the money she paid was not worth it. She is supposed to be happy, but she’s not. Lana is “extremely, extremely sad,” but not because of her or Lashley. It is not their fault what happened last week, it is “every single person” that does not want to see a ring on Lana’s finger! She therefore shows it off to everyone, and hopes they’re taking a long look at it. All these civilians should be honored to be in her presence! Those at fault for making Lana feel so sad are all the exes that literally interrupted the wedding ceremony over and over and over! Lana can’t even with their jealousy! They should be ashamed! Lashley says the worst one of them all is Lana’s “sorry excuse for an ex-husband,” Rusev. Rusev ruined the greatest day of Lana’s and Lashley’s lives, for what?! So that he and “these little idiots” can have a laugh? Fans chant for “RUSEV DAY!” as Lashley says Rusev wasn’t man enough to keep his own wife!
But wait, Rusev is on the titantron! Rusev says hi to Lana and “Bob” and congratulates them becoming “Mr. & Mrs. Bob.” Now they have a joint bank account. Rusev and Lana used to have one, “before she cleaned it out.” But with them claiming everyone else is miserable, it seems like those two “are more miserable than anyone else in the arena.” And now that they’re not on their honeymoon, Rusev took one of his own! He’s on a beach by a restaurant, but he doesn’t want to be selfish or rude. He got them a very special Lana & Bob wedding album as their present. “And oh boy are you going to like this. Enjoy.”
It is a slideshow from their wedding last week! Lashley slamming that first husband of Lana’s, Liv and Lana cat-fighting, and of course, Rusev popping out of the cake to tackle Lashley. And Machka Kick him. And Liv rubbing Lana’s face into the frosting. Rusev is tearing up. Lana and Lashley are not happy in the slightest. Lashley tells Rusev he’s an SOB and Lana shouts she HATES Rusev so much! But Lashley then tells Lana to shut up!? Lana is both shocked and furious, bu doesn’t speak up. Lashley continues to address Rusev, saying Rusev “used to be a man.” But apparently his ex stripped him of his manhood. So if Rusev has any balls left, he should show up next week so Lashley can castrate him and shove those balls down Rusev’s throat!
Rusev says NO! Because it won’t happen that way. This will be the return of THE Bulgarian Brute, and he promises to do “unspeakable things” to Lashley. Rusev will brutalize every part of his body, and whatever is left is Lana’s. The challenge has been made. Who will be the one to survive this battle full of hate and tainted love?
Backstage interview with R-Truth!
The historic 29-time 24/7 Champion is here on the first Raw of 2020, and what is in store for him? Well Liv Morgan appears first, and Charly is excited to interview her, too. Of course she is. Liv wants to congratulate Truth on his record-setting reign with the title. Thanks, much obliged. But Liv couldn’t help but hear about Rusev VS Lashley. That means Lana is going to be in Lashley’s corner. So Rusev will need someone in his corner, right? And that is a moment she’d live for. Truth likes the word play. Will Liv be dying to get her hands on Lana at the same time Rusev goes after Lashley?
Charlotte Flair VS Sarah Logan!
The Queen is the first woman to officially declare for the Women’s Royal Rumble match, but you can be sure there are many others to follow her into that huge match. Will the Country Valkyrie make a mark in her own return to Raw?
Attacking from behind sure helps! Sarah clobbers Charlotte and stomps her down! Sarah rams Charlotte into the post, then pursues Charlotte on the outside with a BIG KNEE! Sarah shows no mercy as she clubs away on Charlotte! The ref backs Sarah off but that doesn’t last long. Sarah whips Charlotte but Charlotte reverses to send Sarah into barriers! Now Charlotte fires off clubbing forearms on Sarah! Charlotte dumps Sarah out to the crowd but Sarah brings Charlotte with her! The fans enjoy seeing this brawl up close, and Charlotte shoves Sarah over the barriers the other way. Charlotte climbs over but Sarah shoves her back into the post! The ref can barely keep Sarah off Charlotte, but Sarah goes into the ring on her own accord.
Sarah circles Charlotte’s feathered robe and paws at it. She drags it up to show it to Charlotte, and then thrashes it around! Charlotte sees Sarah wipe her feet on the robe before throwing it out. Sarah goes out after Charlotte again, but Charlotte SPEARS her down! And then rams her back into barriers! The ref pleads these two stop but Charlotte throws Sarah all around, EXPLODER into the barriers! Fans “WOO~” for The Queen as she drags Sarah up to bounce off the apron. Sarah shoves Charlotte into another post! Sarah stomps and kicks but Charlotte hits back. Charlotte shoves then BOOTS Sarah down! Charlotte dusts herself off and demands the ref fetch her robe. The ref does as told and Charlotte puts her robe back on. She didn’t have a match but she did win this fight. First Natalya scraps with Charlotte and now Sarah, just how violent will the Women’s Rumble be this year?
Drew McIntyre VS No Way Jose!
The party might be over as the Fighting Fiesta faces the studly Scottish savage! Will it all be over but the crying here in OKC?
McIntyre starts off by going after the conga line! Jose is furious as McIntyre TOSSES the hula fire dancer! The bell rings and Jose fires off fists on McIntyre! Jose whips, McIntyre reverses but Jose goes up and over, only for McIntyre to kick him out of the air! McIntyre runs in corner to corner to then overhead suplex Jose across the way! Jose writhes but McIntyre goes back out to target the man in the kilt! The kilt wearing hipster trips and McIntyre has him! McIntyre rips the man’s shirt off to CHOP him! And then inverted Alabama SLAM into the apron! McIntyre returns to the ring at 8 but Jose BOOTS! Jose throws fast ball haymakers from all sides but McIntyre boots him away. McIntyre runs corner to corner, misses, Jose rolls him up, ONE! FUTURE SHOCK! McIntyre kips up just to show off!
McIntyre aims from the corner as Oklahoma is divided. But McIntyre gives the countdown, CLAYMORE! Cover, McIntyre wins!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
McIntyre has almost too much fun destroying his opponents. But he’s not done with Jose, he throws him out onto what’s left of the conga line! Then he gets the mic to address Oklahoma City. “Who dares me to do one more Claymore?” No no, who double dares him to do another Claymore?! Oklahoma City does! McIntyre drags Jose back into the ring and takes aim from the corner again. The countdown begins again, CLAYMORE!! And a kip-up! “Didn’t even drop the microphone, thank you very much.” And don’t expect an apology, because McIntyre’s always hated conga lines. Though Mr. Cheeseburger seems like an nice guy.
But does anyone want to know a “not so fun fact” about McIntyre? He has never had one opportunity to fight for the world title. Fans are upset by that. So since everyone is too scared to fight McIntyre, he seems he has to put himself in maybe… the ROYAL RUMBLE! So who has declared? AJ Styles, Randy Orton, Roman Reigns, and apparently Brock Lesnar. McIntyre doesn’t care if you’re from Raw, SmackDown, NXT or walked in off the street, “lads, when it’s all said and done there can only be three… two… ONE!” Mic drop. Will McIntyre have a Claymore in store for all 28 men and The Beast?
Aleister Black VS Shelton Benjamin!
The Embodiment of the End meets the Gold Standard in the City of Thunder. Who wins this first-time-ever match as we travel down the Road to the Royal Rumble?
The bell rings and Aleister circles with Benjamin. Aleister blocks a kick and avoids the dragon whip to also deny Pay Dirt! The two stand off and fans cheer. Benjamin and Aleister tie up and Benjamin waistlocks. Aleister resists the lift to victory roll, TWO! Aleister comes in but Benjamin shoves him away, only for Aleister to roll off Benjamin’s back and sit down. Benjamin keeps his cool as he slides to headlock, but Aleister slips out to a facelock. Benjamin trips and goes to cover but gets caught to a hammerlock! Aleister grabs at arms but Benjamin resists, so Aleister just cranks the arm. Benjamin powers his way up and around to dead lift Aleister! Electric Chair Drop! Benjamin is free and shakes out his arm as he looms over Aleister.
Aleister kicks from the mat and Benjamin staggers. Aleister boots but Benjamin forearms! And again! Benjamin has Aleister on the ropes but he whips. Aleister springboards but Benjamin gets under. Aleister bobs ‘n’ weaves but Benjamin grabs hair. Aleister back elbows HARD, but Benjamin ROUNDHOUSES! Aleister wobbles but KNEE TRIGGERS! Benjamin falls to a knee, but Aleister lifts him up with his foot. BLACK MASS! Cover, Aleister wins!
Winner: Aleister Black, by pinfall
But Buddy Murphy attacks?! The Aussie Juggernaut is furious after his defeat to Aleister before the New Year! He whips Aleister HARD into the post! Then into the apron, and the barriers! Murphy drags Aleister up to DECK him, then whip him into the timekeeper’s area! Murphy won’t let up, he rains down hands! Fans boo but Murphy scowls as he KNEE TRIGGERS Aleister down! Fans want “One More Time!” but Murphy gets a chair first. Aleister crawls but Murphy looms over him with that chair. Murphy uses his foot to lift Aleister’s head onto the edge of the chair and shouts, “I can beat you, Aleister!” FULL METAL AUSSIE-GOYE!! Murphy grins as he sits with crossed legs and watches Aleister. Will Murphy be the one to make Aleister #FadeToBlack?
Six Man Tag: Seth Rollins & The Authors of Pain VS Kevin Owens, Samoa Joe & ???
Akam and Rezar enter first as harbingers of the “Monday Night Messiah” before The Architect makes his entrance. This “united force” looks to #BurnItDown and #ImposeHisWill on all of Raw, and Rollins grabs a mic to first address the crowd. “I have been chosen to lead Monday Night Raw to the Promised Land!” He was chosen by the WWE Universe. “You did this. I gave you Monday Night Rollins, and that was not good enough for you.” But the truth is, the fans don’t know what’s good for them. But Rollins does and always has! He knows what is BEST for them and all of us is to “eliminate people who impede progress.” Tonight, those are Kevin Owens, Samoa Joe and whoever it is that took up arms with them. So Rollins dares them to meet their fate!
Kevin Owens enters first, followed by Samoa Joe. But who is their mystery third man? “Welllll~…” It’s THE BIG SHOW!! The World’s Largest Athlete returns to Raw and the Architects of Pain can’t believe it! Big Show’s come to set things right, will he be just the thing Kevin and Joe need to stop Rollins and the AOP?
The teams sort out and Big Show starts against Akam. Akam goes right at Show but Show reverses the whip and runs him over! Then Show hits Rezar! And throws in Rollins! Show has Rollins in the corner to CHOP! It’s been a long time since someone’s felt one of those! Rollins bails out to regroup with the AOP as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns once more and Joe has Rollins in a corner to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Rollins’ chest is red like raw steak! Joe whips Rollins corner to corner and back elbows, to the PELE! Rollins is down in the corner, Joe tags Kevin and Kevin says “SUCK IT” before hitting the CANNONBALL! Kevin covers, TWO! Kevin mocks Akam and Rezar before giving Rollins another CHOP! Kevin whips and redirects Rollins but Rollins goes up and over to run the ropes. Rollins dodges Kevin’s clothesline but can’t avoid the tilt-o-whirl backbreaker! Cover, TWO! Kevin keeps on Rollins by putting him in a drop zone. Kevin climbs but Akam distracts the ref so that Rezar can attack! Rezar knocks Kevin right down to the ground and Big Show protests!
Rollins tags to Rezar and Rezar storms right over to Kevin to throw him into barriers! And then the apron! Fans chant for Big Show as Rezar pushes Kevin in. Rezar hammers away on Kevin’s head! Rezar talks trash to Kevin before cranking on the neck. Kevin endures and fans rally up. Kevin fights up and back but Rezar knees low. Tag to Akam and the AOP combine for the sidewalk slam STOMP! Cover, TWO! Akam keeps on Kevin with more stomps and more hammering hands. Akam looms over Kevin and brings him up, but Kevin CHOPS! And haymakers! But Akam tackles Kevin down for more hammering fists. Tag to Rollins, and Rollins waits for Kevin to stand. Kevin does, but Rollins springboards to hit the flying knee! Cover, TWO!
Rollins stares right at Big Show as he drags Kevin around to ram elbows in. Rollins wraps on a chinlock to grind Kevin down but fans keep rallying. Kevin fights up but Rollins clubs him back. Tag to Akam and Akam mugs Kevin. Akam whips Kevin into a corner but Kevin boots back! Kevin reaches but Akam keeps him from Joe. Kevin elbows the waistlock off and enziguris! Akam staggers but Rezar tags in to sucker punch Joe! Big Show swipes at Rezar, Kevin SUPERKICKS and SHOTEIS Rezar! Kevin gives a shout out to Jushin Thunder Liger, on this, the day Liger officially retired! Kevin and Rezar are down but fans are thunderous! Hot tags to Rollins and BIG SHOW! Rollins freaks out as Big Show runs him over! And runs Rezar over! And Rollins again!
Big Show whips Rollins to a corner and back bumps him! Then keeps moving to shoulder block Rollins upside-down! Fans fire up but Rollins bails out. The AOP target Joe on the outside and throw him into steel steps! Big Show glares at them but Rollins returns with a FLYING- No! Show catches him with one hand! The AOP rush Big Show but he shoves Rollins away to catch them in one hand each! Big Show holds them back but that’s a lot of power. Rollins returns with a chair and USES IT! SMACK on Big Show’s back!
Winner: Kevin Owens, Samoa Joe & The Big Show, by disqualification
The AOP beat down the Giant as fans boo and jeer. But Joe returns to fight AOP off. They spill outside but Rollins aims at Show from the corner. Kevin anchors Rollins’ foot, and then Big Show hits the BIG punch! Rollins is out, but the AOP drag him to safety. Akam and Rezar have to drag Rollins in their retreat, and Big Show stands tall with The Prizefighter and Samoan Submission Machine!
BREAKING NEWS for next week’s Raw!
Things are already big with Rusev VS Lashley and Orton VS Styles, but it’s only getting bigger! Aleister VS Murphy will have another rematch after what happened tonight, and it’s already been decided by WWE management that we will have a special rematch of the Six Man Tag we just witness! BUT it won’t be just a normal match, it will be the first ever “Fist Fight” match in WWE history! But what does that even mean!? And what will it mean for Raw when the dust settles and one side is left standing?
My Thoughts:
What a wild Raw to start the new year! What’s really wild is, I honestly can’t say there was anything bad this time! Lesnar entering the Royal Rumble as the number one entrant is pretty crazy. I suppose that while Lesnar has been a part-time wrestler for quite some time, he’s at least putting in a lot of work Rumble night. At least, that’s how it might look. The way they are probably going to book this, and probably should book this, is that a lot of the early entrants are midcarders or jobbers that everyone knows won’t win so that Lesnar gets some easy eliminations. Bigger names should come in later, perhaps from spots 7 and up just so it isn’t “Lesnar waits, eliminates, repeat.” This really does give a lot of great potential showdowns we wouldn’t normally get. But Lesnar better not win. There needs to be someone, or even a group of superstars, that eliminates Lesnar so that we’ll get a contender for a top title. Personally hoping it’s McIntyre so he can turn Face. He had a lot of fun squashing Jose and the conga line, and fans had fun watching him do it.
Even though we all knew Rowan was going to win his match, and we all knew we wouldn’t get to see Rowan’s pet tonight, I love that we got some development in that tonight. Mojo did a great job selling the horror, and now that only increases the intrigue. I am having a hell of a time imagining what could possibly be in the cage. Styles was also obviously going to beat Akira Tozawa tonight, but it was great that he did it using Randy Orton’s moves. A bit disappointed their blow-off is supposedly next week to get it before the Royal Rumble, but hopefully that match will be as great as they’ve built this rivalry up. Aleister VS Benjamin was good, I could tell they were going for a “real fight” feel with the strikes and how quick it was, and then WOW Murphy’s attack on Aleister. Aleister VS Murphy Round 3 will be incredible!
I’m only a little disappointed they got the two big title matches out of the way so early, but I suppose it has to do with ratings and viewing habits with so many other things on TV these days. The United States Championship story was incredible tonight. Mysterio’s passion, the match itself with Vega taking that bump, Almas taking Mysterio’s mask and the subsequent attack to take it back, that’s good stuff. There seemed to be a bit of a hiccup with the timing on getting refs out to check on Vega and Almas wanting the finisher, and I’m pretty sure I heard John Cone tell Mysterio to go outside to stretch things. But in the end, this is a great story they’re telling with these two and I can’t wait for the next part. The Raw Tag title Triple Threat was really good, and I’m just a little disappointed there wasn’t a title change. But I suppose even the New Year Raw wasn’t the right time in WWE’s eyes for one. Maybe the Royal Rumble PPV in another epic Triple Threat?
Sarah Logan and Charlotte Flair had a great brawl, which I did not expect. Technically Sarah doesn’t lose despite Charlotte standing tall, but Sarah got her shots in so that’s about as good as if she were to have fought and lost a match. It does make me think the rest of the Women’s Division is finally being built up so there are more opponents for the Four Horsewomen. Becky and Asuka had a pretty good segment, too. Not sure if we needed all that recap but the package itself was well done. And Asuka going on and on for Becky to simply respond with one punch was a great exchange. Their match is going to be great, too. I just hope Kairi Sane makes her recovery, and that WWE gives her fat checks given how Stardom is courting her to return.
Good to know that Liv will be on Rusev’s side for next week, if only to spite Lana. And the Lana-Lashely-Rusev segment was actually not cringey this time! The eloping made sense, it was actually good that they didn’t make a big deal of Liv claiming she and Lana were together behind the scenes, and Lana actually hit the right level of annoying where it wasn’t nails on a chalkboard. Rusev had a great promo and just Lashley’s “Shut up!” was amazing. This is already showing signs of his relationship with Lana breaking down, and next week’s match could break them up already. This might be the best case of WWE salvaging their own mess in a long time.
The main story of the night, Rollins & AOP against Kevin, Joe and a mystery man, was handled fairly well. It was an interesting tease for Joe and Kevin to go to a door and peek in. Maybe they were trying to make it seem like Aleister was joining them, but that would’ve been a shame since he’d ditch his story with Murphy. Unless Murphy was going to join Rollins, but that doesn’t fit Murphy. I don’t think I would’ve guessed Big Show in a long time, but it was great to see him back in the ring. The Six Man Tag was pretty great, and I suppose it works for the best for things to end in a Disqualification. I just worry what this “Fist Fight” stipulation is. I don’t know if this is the time to think up new match types. I’m sure a No DQ Six Man would’ve been good enough. Also why announced so soon? Maybe give us time to breathe at the end of the show and tell us about this on social media or even the night of Raw next week. I guess as long as it’s really good, we can’t complain.
My Score: 8.6/10
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Dynamite begins the countdown to WrestleDream!
It’s another big week for AEW! And before Swerve Strickland returns home to Seattle, he and Hangman Page sign on the dotted line!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- AEW International Championship: Rey Fenix w/ Alex Abrahantes VS Jeff Jarrett w/ Triple J; Fenix wins and retains the title.
- AEW International Championship #1 Contender’s Triple Threat: Nick Jackson VS Brian Cage w/ Prince Nana VS Claudio Castagnoli; wins and will challenge Fenix for the title next week.
- Julia Hart w/ Brody King VS Willow Nightingale; wins.
- Fatal 4 Way: Penta El Zero Miedo w/ Alex Abrahantes VS Matt Jackson VS Orange Cassidy VS Austin Gunn w/ Colten Gunn; wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
AEW International Championship: Rey Fenix w/ Alex Abrahantes VS Jeff Jarrett w/ Team Triple J
The Immortal Firebird burned brightest last week in his revenge match with Jon Moxley, and now HE is opening the night with an open challenge! But will the entire carnival help the Last Outlaw win this title right off Fenix? Or will Fenix refuse to be a transitional champion?
Well as soon as Team Triple J is ringside, Fenix FLIES out onto them all! Fans fire up and Fenix drags Jarrett up to fire off shots! Fenix stalks Jarrett, CLUBS him, then fires more forearms! And CHOPS! Jarrett pokes Fenix in the eye! Jarrett whips Fenix into railing! And JAMS him with a chair! No rules since this ain’t a match yet, but Fenix CHOPS in return! And CHOPS again! Fenix whips, Jarrett reverses but Fenix RANAS Jay Lethal into Satnam Singh! But Karen CLAWS Fenix’ back! Fenix grabs Karen, but Sonjay CLUBS Fenix! So Fenix SUPERKICKS Sonjay! Fenix puts Jarrett in the ring, the bell finally rings, and Fenix SMACXKS Jarrett to GAMANGIRI!
Fenix goes up and up and QUEBRADAS! Cover, TWO! Jarrett is still in this but Fenix brings him around to fireman’s carry. But the back gives up! Jarrett CLUBS Fenix down, fans rally up for Fenix but Jarrett stomps him. Jarrett brings Fenix around to CLUB him again, and then CLUBS him again! Fenix leans against ropes but Jarrett CHOKES him! Jarrett runs, Karen CHOPS Fenix, and Jarrett hits the STRADDLE ATTACK! Jarrett struts while fans boo, and then Jarrett mocks Cero Miedo, and says ‘SUCK IT!” Jarrett runs, into a SOBAT! KICK! And FOREARM! Fenix runs in to JUMP SOBAT!
Fenix pushes Jarrett down, goes up, but Satnam distracts! Fenix avoids the big haymaker, but Jarrett kicks low to DDT! Fans boo while both men are down and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Fenix crawls to ropes, Jarrett pursues, but the ref has Jarrett back off. So Karen CHOKES Fenix more! Abrahantes shouts at Triple J but Jarrett stomps Fenix. Jarrett puts Fenix in a corner, whips him corner to corner hard, and Fenix hits the mat. Jarrett struts some more, distracts the ref, and that allows Lethal to drag Fenix out for some stomps! Sonjay gest some shots in, too! Sonjay mocks #ANIMO, and Lethal keeps Abrahantes back! Jarrett soaks up the heat from Broomfield, Colorado before he goes out after Fenix. Jarrett whips Fenix hard into railing, and Fenix tumbles into the front row!
Abrahantes checks Fenix as he drags himself up, but Triple J chases him off! Abrahantes can’t do anything when it’s 4v1! Jarrett then drags Fenix up to suplex to the floor! Fenix writhes, the ring count is climbing, but Jarrett stomps Fenix. Jarrett talks trash, drags Fenix up, and puts Fenix in before ten. Jarrett CLUBS Fenix, taunts the fans, and then paces around Fenix. Jarrett CLUBS Fenix, taunts him, and Dynamite returns to single picture. Jarrett drags Fenix up but Fenix CHOPS first! And CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! Fenix whips, Jarrett reverse but Fenix ducks ‘n’ dodges and rolls, but Jarrett trips him up!
Fenix goes to the apron and Jarrett kicks him down. Triple J rallies behind their guy but he then sicks them after Fenix. The ref stops Karen right in her tracks! Aubrey ain’t having it no more, and fans love it! Fenix gets up on the apron, RAMS into Jarrett, then RAMSA him again! Fenix RAMS into Jarrett one more time, then hobbles his way to the corner. Fenix springboards and leaps, FLYING ARM-DRAG and DOUBLE STOMP! Fans fire up as Fenix crawls to the cover, TWO! Jarrett is tougher than that but Fenix SUPERKICKS him down! Fans fire up as Fenix goes to the corner and drags himself up top!
Fenix aims, Lethal distracts, but he gets a PENALTY KICK for it! Sonjay tries now, and Jarrett LOW BLOWS! Fans boo but Jarrett cradles! TWO!! Triple J is furious but Jarrett whips. Fenix reverses, Jarrett lifts, Fenix slips out of the bomb! Jarrett kicks and wrenches, THE STROKE!!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Fenix survives and the fans are loving this! Satnam gets on the apron, Jarrett sends Fenix his way, but Fenix dropkicks the legs out! Satnam falls but Jarrett gets Fenix’s legs! FIGURE- NO, Fenix cradles now! FENIX WINS!!
Winner: Rey Fenix, by pinfall (still AEW International Champion)
Triple J tried all the tricks, but nothing could stop Fenix! But he only has a week to rest as we’re getting another title match next week! Will Fenix be facing Nick Jackson, Brian Cage or Claudio Castagnoli? We find out in a Triple Threat later tonight!
Adam Cole & MJF have another bro session.
Though with a bad foot, the Panama City Playboy joins Maxwell Jacob Friedman at the Long Island pierce to celebrate the win at Grand Slam. MJF sees Cole and tells him to hop onboard! Wait, MJF has a boat? Nah, this is his dad’s, but he doesn’t need to know. Uh, what? But anyway, they set sail, have some drinks and even go fishing. Cole thanks MJF for the invite. So beautiful out here. Yeah, it’s the greatest place on Earth. But uh, quick question. MJF is so glad Cole came out to help a brochacho out, and got hurt in the process, but… He was on the phone with Roddy a long time, huh?
Yeah, sorry, he was just worried about Roddy. Yeah, MJF gets it. Seems he was so worried, he couldn’t even be out there at the start of the match. Cole apologizes but Roddy is a brother to him. Yeah, yeah. MJF has Cole hold his beer so he can get some more. Cole hopes they can catch something today. Good beers, right? Yeah, delicious. MJF goes to the cooler, and brings out the Dynamite Diamond Ring?! MJF puts it on his pinkie, but Cole asks if MJF brought him out here just to hit him with the diamond ring then dump his body in the ocean, did he? What? No that is the last thing he’d ever do! MJF is secretly taking the ring off behind his back.
Cole says they do need to talk. Part of a healthy friendship his having more than one friend. It is okay and normal and healthy. Cole knows friendship is new to MJF, but MJF needs to know, Cole still cares about him. Well, look, having more than one friend is not for MJF, but… If it is normal and is Cole’s deal, then he supports that. Cole appreciates that. Plus, MJF almost got caught the last time he threw someone overboard so that’s a relief. What? Whoa, wait, we got a bite! They work together and pull it in! It’s PAUL WIGHT!? He says he was just trying to go for a swim! Paul spits out the hook and joins the boys on the boat. Paul knows they’re Better Than You, Baybay, and that’s aight.
Don Callis & Konosuke Takeshita returned to Japan.
The patriarch of the Don Callis Family and his “new son,” The Alpha, walked the streets of Tokyo as they responded to the Six Man Tag Challenge. Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi & Chris Jericho want to make a match for WrestleDream, but they’re not even in Seattle. They’re in Japan to hunt down the Golden Star! And Don knows all the favorite places of the Golden Lovers, so Kenny better have a new third man in mind for WrestleDream after they take care of business! The DCF will be live and in person after the break, will they have succeeded in their mission?
Renee Paquette is in the ring.
She says to expound upon their actions this past week, please welcome Don Callis & Konosuke Takeshita. The fans boo as dastardly Don and treacherous Takeshita make their way out during a recap package. Back in present, Renee gets to business. We all saw what happened between Sammy Guevara and Chris Jericho at Grand Slam and the days after, so is it safe to say that Sammy is DCF? And sorry, but it is hard to hear over the chorus of boos. Callis says he has something to say. “I’m so happy that Sammy Guevara is FREE of the toxic influence of Chris Jericho, that I wanted to bring him out here myself! Ladies and gentlemen, the newest member of the Don Callis Family, SAMMY GUEVARA!”
The Spanish God, the REAL Judas of AEW, struts his way out like he did last Friday on Rampage. Fans boo him like they boo Callis and he joins the family. Sammy and Callis hug, and then even Konosuke hugs Sammy. Callis says, “You wanna know about Tokyo now?” Renee says yes, we just saw their video. What was the business there? Callis reminds us that Kota Ibushi is not safe! He and The Alpha went to Tokyo with a personal camera crew that caught it all! They were at Ibushi’s dojo in Gunma, Japan, and they barged right in! Ibushi wasn’t there, so they beat up on one of his students!
Ibushi showed up, took the fight to Konosuke, but checking on his student left him open to a SLEEPER! Ibushi fought free, gave some ground ‘n’ pound, but Callis SMACKED Ibushi with his umbrella! Big mistake, Don! Ibushi stormed up on Callis, Callis ran away, but Konosuke CLOBBERED Ibushi with a kettle bell weight! Callis then came back to stomp Ibushi, and then Konosuke CHOKED Ibushi with his jacket! Callis told Omega that this is his beating heart lying on the ground! No one is safe from the Don Callis Family!! Fans boo as Callis says his family has never been stronger! With Konosuke, Will “BAH GAWD” Ospreay and Sammy Guevara going to WrestleDream!
Fans boo as Sammy now speaks. Sammy is being painted as the bad guy, when in reality, he’s the HERO! Fans boo more but Sammy says Jericho is the real villain. Fans chant “F YOU, SAMMY!” but he just tunes that out to say Jericho, for four YEARS, held Sammy back! Sammy was champion without Jericho! He headlined PPVs without Jericho! And he was great all on his own. Every time Sammy started to fly, Jericho would clip Sammy’s wings and bring him down. Sammy thought that one day, Jericho would pass him the torch. But Jericho never was going to do that, and Callis is the one who showed Sammy that Jericho is selfish!
Sammy TOOK the torch, and now looks to become the star he was born to be! Fans boo more but Callis says at WrestleDream, they take everything from Ibushi, Jericho and Omega, “until there’s nothing left but the tears!” Konosuke adds as much in Japanese, will the Don Callis Family truly destroy three of the greatest of all time?
AEW shares footage from after Collision.
Last Saturday, after losing to Bryan Danielson again, Ricky Starks & “Big Bill” Morrissey were backstage, and Starks says that he survived again! He didn’t lose, he survived, period! Bryan Danielson has not tapped him out, and he never pinned him. The rankings is still Starks above Bryan! But then Wheeler Yuta walks over. Easy, man, he comes in peace. Yeah, Starks survived. And Yuta is man enough to admit he was wrong for what he did. He put his hands on Starks when the fight was over, and Starks was just trying to show Bryan respect. Starks tells Yuta that the next time Yuta puts his hands on Starks, Starks makes sure Yuta doesn’t walk away on his own accord!
Yuta says he’s trying to be the bigger man but it seems Starks doesn’t wanna hear it, so here’s how Yuta really feels. Starks is an entitled prick, all style and no substance, and all he does is whine, complain and moan! Starks couldn’t get up after everything Bryan put him through but guess what? Yuta gets up every damn day! The Blackpool Combat Club beats his ass, puts him down, and he just gets back up because that makes him stronger. And Starks doesn’t have the balls for that! But if he disagrees, let’s find out at WrestleDream. Starks smirks and walks off. Yeah, walk away. But it is now official! Absolute VS Decoder, who proves they’re tough enough?
AEW International Championship #1 Contender’s Triple Threat: Nick Jackson VS Brian Cage w/ Prince Nana VS Claudio Castagnoli!
WrestleDream on Sunday, and the FOURTH ANNIVERSARY of Dynamite next Wednesday, things are looking up for AEW! As such, one of these three men will challenge Rey Fenix for his title live on Dynamite next week! Who grabs themselves a golden ticket to #ANIMO?
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We’re on the road to Bakersfield!
Before battling over the NXT Championship, Carmelo Hayes and Ilja Dragunov sign on the dotted line! But will things get intense even before No Mercy?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- NXT Global Heritage Invitational Tournament Finals: Pete Dunne VS Joe Coffey w/ Gallus; Dunne wins and will challenge Noam Dar for the Cup at No Mercy.
- Trick Williams VS Joe Gacy w/ Ava Raine; Trick wins.
- Baron Corbin VS Josh Briggs w/ Brooks Jensen & Fallon Henley; Corbin wins.
- Hank Walker & Tank Ledger VS Lucien Price & Bronco Nima w/ SCRYPTS; Price & Nima win.
- Strap Match: Eddy Thorpe VS DIJAK; Dijak wins.
- Thea Hail w/ Jacy Jayne VS Dani Palmer; Thea wins.
- Gigi Dolin VS Blair Davenport; cancelled.
- NXT North American Championship #1 Contender Triple Threat: Axiom VS Tyler Bate VS Dragon Lee; changed into…
- NXT North American Championship #1 Contender Fatal 4 Way: Axiom VS Tyler Bate VS Dragon Lee VS Trick Williams; Trick wins and will challenge Dominik Mysterio for the title at No Mercy.
PLAY BY PLAY
NXT Global Heritage Invitational Tournament Finals: Pete Dunne VS Joe Coffey w/ Gallus!
With No Mercy this Saturday, there’s no time to waste! Noam Dar either faces the Bruiserweight or the Iron King, will the Scottish Supernova be ready to work this weekend?
Speaking of Dar, he and Meta Four are in their lounge, looking ready to watch the Kentucky Derby or something. Wonder which “horse” they’re betting on. But the bell rings and the two tie up. Fans fire up and duel as Joe puts Dunne on ropes. The ref counts, Joe lets off but Dunne turns it around to SLAP Joe! They tie up again, go around, and they’re in a deadlock. The two let off, go again, and circle. They tie up again and Dunne wrenches an arm, to then shift and wrangle Joe down! Dunne tarps that arm, and he neck wrenches Joe while also grinding in forearms. Fans fire up as Dunne twists Joe’s ears! Dunne then STOMPS Joe’s arm!
Joe shakes that elbow out as he and Dunne reset. They tie up, Joe goes for Dunne’s arm and uses his head for leverage. Joe wrangles Dunne, digs a knee in, and then he twists Dunne’s ear. And claws at Dunne’s face! Dunne endures, kips up, and he grinds forearms in return. Dunne powers Joe to ropes, puts him in a corner, and the ref counts. Fans rally, Dunne and Joe stare down, but then Joe DECKS Dunne! Joe drops knee after knee then an elbow! Joe drags Dunne up, headlocks for a takeover, but Dunne pushes up. Dunne powers out, things speed up. and Dunne hurdles to drop and then- NO, Joe runs through the forearm to CLOBBER Dunne!
Fans are torn but Joe puts Dar on notice. Joe drags Dunne up while Dar taunts back. Dunne SLAPS Joe again! And then ARMLOCK DDT! Dunne drops knees on the elbow, then crosses his arms to mock Gallus! Mark has to keep Wolfgang back as Dunne bends Joe’s fingers. Dunne isolates the arm to STOMP it! Joe goes to a corner and fans fire up. Dunne runs up to GAMANGIRI! Dunne goes up to FLYING KNEE Joe’s arm! Joe writhes and flounders but Dunne is on him with a FUJIWARA! Mark gets in the ring but the ref stops him, only for Wolfgang to ROCK Dunne! Joe is free while fans boo.
Joe deadlifts to GERMAN SUPLEX, but Dunne lands on his feet! Joe ducks the lariat, ELBOWS Dunne, then goes up and up to CROSS- FOREARM!! Cover, TWO!! Joe survives and Dunne seethes as he sees Gallus regroup. Dunne goes up and out and up again, ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Gallus Boys go down and fans fire up! Joe scrambles, Dunne pursues to SNAP GERMAN! Dunne then STOMPS the hands! BUZZSAW! Gallus gets on the apron but the ref sees them now! The ref EJECTS Gallus!! Fans fire up as this is now truly 1v1, and Dunne just shrugs as NXT goes picture in picture.
Even Meta Four joins in on taunting Wolfgang & Markus with “Hey hey hey, goodbye~!” Dunne waits on Joe as Joe fumes. Joe storms up to Dunne, and the hands start flying! Joe ducks to ROCK Dunne! And JAB! And body shot! JAB! BODY! Repeat! BIG LEFT! Joe stomps away in the corner but the ref counts. Joe lets off, shaking out his bad arm. Joe drags Dunne back up, ROCKS him, but that just hurts the bad hand. Joe goes up the corner, takes aim, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Dunne is tougher than that and Joe seethes again. Joe drags Dunne around by his legs, but Dunne kicks back. Joe just grabs both legs in one arm!
Joe turns Dunne for a DOUBLE HALF CRAB! Maybe some kinda lobster stretch? Dunne endures, turns over, and he kicks Joe again! Dunne drags Joe down into an ARMBAR! Joe scrambles, but ends up in a TRIANGLE HOLD! Joe endures, fights around, but Dunne squeezes tighter! Joe fights back up, deadlifts Dunne, and BUCKLE BOMBS! Both men are down yet glaring at each other. They crawl over to junkyard dog headbutt! Then they throw haymakers and jabs! They brawl, Dunne fires off on Joe! Dunne hammers down on the Iron King, then STOMPS his arm! Joe writhes, Dunne paces, and then Dunne gets the wrists.
Dunne drags Joe up but Joe HEADBUTTS! And HEADBUTTS! And HEADBUTTS! NXT returns to single picture as Dunne flops to the apron. Joe drags Dunne up by his hair, has him against ropes, but Dunne grabs that bad arm! Dunne wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER! Then he gives Joe BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! Shoutout to The Fella, as Dunne goes BEYOND ten!! Fans are thunderous, Meta Four says nuh-uh, that won’t happen to Dar. But Dunne drags Joe back up, for another ELBOW BREAKER! Joe HEADBUTTS back! Joe seethes and drags Dunne up, but Dunne holds ropes to fight the driver!
Dunne reels Joe in, APRON DDT!! Fans are thunderous again and Dunne goes back for more. Joe stands, swings, but Dunne ROCKS him! And ROCKS! Joe ROCKS Back! Dunne rebounds, into a POP-UP UPPERCUT! Joe goes up and up, FLYING CROSSBODY! Joe roars, he drags Dunne into another waistlock, but the bad arm won’t let him lift! Joe just one arms it?! GERMAN SUPLEX!! Joe aims from a corner, fans rally up, and Dunne rises into the GLASGOW SENDOFF! Joe keeps moving, ALL THE- BOOT! Joe stays up, ALL THE- ENZIGURI! ALL THE BEST SOUTHPAW STYLE!! Fans are thunderous for “NXT! NXT!” while both men are down!
A standing count starts, the watch party is loving this, and Joe flounders his way over. But Dunne gets the arm! FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Dunne bends the fingers back! Joe fights up, rolls, and reels Dunne in! POWERBOMB!! Dunne manages to rise up, but Joe runs in again, GLASGOW SENDOFF!! Dunne goes down, Joe keeps moving, ALL THE BEST FOR THE BELLS!!! Cover, TWO?!? Dunne survives and even Meta Four is shocked! Joe shoves Dunne out of the ring, runs in, but the sendoff is sent into steel steps! Dunne puts Joe in the ring, reels him in, BITTER END!!! Cover, DUNNE WINS!!
Winner: Pete Dunne, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT Heritage Cup)
Dar does NOT like this! He knows how dangerous the Bruiserweight can be, just as we all saw with our own eyes! Will Dunne rip the Cup away from Dar once and for all?
Backstage interview with Dominik Mysterio.
McKenzie Mitchell is with the North American Champion and says he retained it against Dragon Lee just last night. Yes, Dom knows, it was another instant classic. Another challenger, another successful defense. And now he has a free Saturday to hang out with Mami and eat chicken tendies. But didn’t he know- Well you thought wrong, Kenzie! No Dom at No Mercy. But HBK just made a Triple Threat to determine a contender. What? Did Dom not see HBK’s social media? No, Dom doesn’t follow HBK. Well, take a look: Axiom VS Tyler Bate VS Dragon Lee! Dom fumes and says HBK’s no better than Pearce! He’s a champion, he should be respected!
Dom storms off, but will he have no choice but to accept a new challenge so soon?
The D’Angelo Family holds their tag team summit dinner.
Stacks says this is a big night for them. Do they have enough food? The Don says c’mon, Adrian’s got ’em covered. So what’s the plan? Everyone sits down, and then they lower the boom? Yeah, Stacks, they lower the boom. Would he relax? Eat some bread. First, they feed their guests, with Uncle Chez slaving away in the kitchen. The chicken parm, the baked ziti. Then they’ll decide who challenges for the tag titles at No Mercy. Right, the champs call the shots. Exactly. The guests arrive and get checked out. Angel Garza doesn’t get it, but Stacks says this is a family establishment. Humberto has his cousin cool off and they sit down.
Humberto appreciates the invite. The last time they met, thigs got… outta hand. Exactly. But Garza says they’re not apologizing. They aren’t even here to eat, just to talk. Well, that mistake is on them. There’s a six course meal coming, and your tastebuds will thank you later. Garza says they’re after one thing. The titles? Good, get a drink, wait for the others. Others? Fine. We’ll check back in on this later, will this meeting even make it through the appetizers?
Trick Williams VS Joe Gacy w/ Ava Raine!
Trick Melo Gang is now, then and forever, while The Schism’s tree seems to be rotting away. Will Trick Willie prove he is his own man and can win his own battles? Or will Mr. Inclusion make him feel all alone?
NXT returns as The Schism makes their entrance. At least, what’s left of it. The bell rings and the two tie up. Gacy headlocks, Trick powers out but Gacy whips. Trick whips Gacy away, then runs him over! Fans fire up as Trick headlocks. Gacy powers out, Trick goes up and over and scoops to SLAM Gacy down! And then DROPKICKS him down! Fans fire up as Trick whips Gacy corner to corner, but Gacy reverses. Gacy runs in, Trick blocks the boot and spins him. Trick ducks the lariat to JAB, JAB and UPPERCUT! Fans fire up more and Trick whips, but Gacy blocks hip toss to knee low and DDT Trick down!
Fans boo as Gacy stomps Trick around. Gacy CLUBS Trick, CLUBS him again, then rains down forearms to the back! Fans boo as Gacy just hammers away! Gacy roars and clamps on a BULLY CHOKE! Trick endures, fights around, and Gacy shouts for Trick to give up! Fans rally, Trick fights up, and Trick pries the hold open! Trick turns around but Gacy kicks low. Gacy throws Trick down by his hair, but Trick avoids the elbow drop! Trick BOOTS from the corner, runs up and fires off haymakers! Trick DECKS Gacy, then throws hands against the ropes! Trick whips, and LEG LARIATS! Then a scoop, but Gacy slips free!
Gacy shoves Trick to a corner to clothesline, ELBOW, and run to UPSIDE- KNEE!! Trick covers, TRICK WINS!
Winner: Trick Williams, by pinfall
If you blinked, you would’ve missed it! He whooped dat trick, is this proof enough Williams ain’t no sidekick? Kelly Kincaid congratulates Trick on the win and he tells her let’s talk about it. He ain’t gonna lie,. it feels good to get that dub. And he is ambidextrous: he whoops ass with both hands! Believe that! Kelly says with No Mercy on Saturday, does he feel Melo also walks out with the W? Or do we see a new champion in Ilja Dragunov? Kelly, Kelly, Kelly. Gacy is weird, but this was a good match. This might’ve been Trick’s best yet. And we wanna talk Melo VS Ilja? But hey, Trick will answer the question.
We all know Dragunov hits hard, and no one knows better than Trick. Trick would be a fool to bet against him. And by him, he means his boy, Melo! Fans cheer that, and Trick says Trick Melo Gang always gonna be here. So at No Mercy, Melo retains that title. And now that Trick thinks about it… Melo has his title, yeah? Trick wants to go get his! Trick heads out, but what is he planning on doing next?
Backstage interview with Blair Davenport.
McKenzie is with the Ichiban Gaijin, and says the last time we saw her and Gigi Dolin, they were brawling in the back. Blair says she gets it. That was Gigi’s feeble attempt at taking Blair out. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but in Gigi’s case, it was just sad. The biggest difference is that when Blair targets people, they don’t get up. Blair got back up, and the refs had to pull them apart to save Gigi from Blair. Blair tells Gigi that if she thinks she can share the same vindictive nature and match her vicious intent? Well, she can’t. And if you don’t believe her, just watch what she does tonight.
Andre Chase talks with Duke Hudson.
Mr. Chase knows they have to give Thea her space, but he’s still worried about her. Duke says yeah, but there’s not much they can do. But then Jacy Jayne walks over and asks who they’re looking for. She knows who. They know Jacy is Thea’s new friend, but Thea isn’t returning their texts. How is she doing? Don’t ask Jacy, professor. Just ask her for yourself. Thea! Thea walks in and Duke says HOLY ISH! Thea is in that new leather skirt and top combo Jacy helped her pick out. Chase cannot even, but Duke keeps him from admonishing Thea. Chase says she has never looked so nice. Wait, really? Really really? Yes.
Then great! Because she finally feels like a grown ass woman. All credit to Jacy! But okay, time to go get ready for Dani Palmer in their match. Laters. Jacy says if they liked that, wait until they see the new ring gear. Chase asks what the hell. Duke says it will be okay. Has Chase U’s Sandy gone from cheerleader to modern day Pink Lady? And how much more (or less?) can there be for her ring gear?
Baron Corbin VS Josh Briggs w/ Brooks Jensen & Fallon Henley!
Before facing the #MeanerThanEvil Bron Breakker this Saturday, “No More BS” Corbin looks to show this country boy no mercy. Will Corbin #BurnTheShips and leave Briggs stranded? Or will Briggs show Corbin there’s nothing he can do about the new wave of superstars?
NXT returns as Briggs makes his entrance. The bell rings, the two circle, and then tie up. They go around, Corbin puts Briggs in a corner, and the ref counts. Corbin lets off, to SLAP Briggs! Briggs JABS back! Briggs fires off, fans fire up and Briggs clotheslines Corbin up and out! Briggs pursues, he CLUBS Corbin, then SMACKS him off the apron! The ring count starts as Briggs CLUBS Corbin, then RAMS him into barriers! Fans fire up as Briggs gets in Corbin’s face. Briggs puts Corbin in at 5 of 10, hurries up, and he ROCKS Corbin! Briggs runs, Corbin dodges, but Briggs BOOTS Corbin down!
Fans fire up with Briggs, and he drags Corbin. Corbin grabs ropes, kicks Briggs away, then he kicks Briggs’ leg out! Corbin hauls Briggs up, HALF NELSON SLAM! Cover, TWO! Corbin is frustrated but Briggs is a former tag champion so he’s tough. Corbin fires hands on Briggs, has him in a corner and whips him corner to corner hard. Corbin runs in to SPLASH! Corbin mocks the cheering of the fans and of Fallon, but Briggs avoids his splash! Then scoops for a SIDEWALK SLAM! SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Corbin is also a former US Champion, he’s tougher than that. Fans rally and Briggs looms over Corbin.
Briggs fires hands but Corbin fires back! They go back and forth, Corbin ROCKS Briggs but Briggs fires a flurry! Briggs BOOTS again and Corbin goes to a corner! Briggs snarls, runs in, but Corbin uses the ref as a shield! THROAT CHOP! Corbin goes up to FLYING LARIAT! Corbin drags Briggs up, reels him in, END OF DAYS! Cover, Corbin wins!
Winner: Baron Corbin, by pinfall
One thing Briggs has to learn is that Corbin will do anything to win. Corbin gets a mic to call out “Badass Bron Breakker. This Saturday, we find out if the little doggy is all bark or if he bites.” Corbin burned his past, is looking to the future. Bron just his in the End of Days. But wait, Bron is here! The “little doggy” storms to the ring with a mic of his own, and he tells Corbin, HAYMAKER! Breon fires off, Corbin hits back and fans fire up! Security rushes in, but fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” Corbin and Bron ram into each other, throw hands, the others separate them but they just get hit, too! If this is how fired up they are tonight, how much more violent will it get on Saturday?
Trick Williams walks up to HBK’s office door.
Trick knocks, and Shawn has him come in. Trick asks if he has a minute. Yeah, come on in. What is Trick going to ask of the NXT GM?
NXT takes a closer look at Becky VS Tiffany for No Mercy.
Tiffy thinks she’s effortlessly perfect. But then she talked about the wrong Horsewoman, and ended up thrown into the Big Time. Becky took that title to become a Grand Slam Champion, but Tiffany demanded a title rematch. Becky’s been here nearly a decade, and Tiffany’s only been here a year, and yet she went toe-to-toe with The Man. But Becky says she’s seen the ladies with rockets strapped to their backs and they fizzle out just as fast. But then Tiff had to go and push things, and now Becky’s pushing back with EXTREME RULES! Tiff says she’s hungry, Becky says weapons will be used and bodies will be bruised. But will The Man still be the champ?
Hank Walker & Tank Ledger VS Lucien Price & Bronco Nima w/ SCRYPTS!
Tony D’Angelo’s guest list for dinner is not yet complete, but these two young and hungry teams are ready to eat! Will Hank ‘n’ Tank bring that hoss energy to the table? Or will Reggie’s new crew truly be #OutTheMud?
The teams sort out and Price starts against Tank. Tank dodges the boot to waistlock but Price elbows. Tank tags Hank, whips, and then Hank CLOBBERS Price! Hank ‘n’ Tank DOUBLE FALLING HEADBUTTS! Fans rally while Price goes to a corner. Hank storms up but Price BOOTS! Hank throws hands, whips Price to another corner, then SPLASHES! Hank runs side to side, tags Tank and SPLASHES again! Tank RAMS into Price, feeds him to Hank’s scoop, and then Hank SLAMS so Tank can slingshot SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Tank drags Price up, but Nima distracts. Price wrenches to HOOK KICK! Very Booker T style there!
Tag to Nima, he runs to STOMP Tank down! Tank flounders while Nima fires up. Nima runs to STRADDLE ATTACK! Nima bounces with it, then he throws Tank down. Nima STOMPS Tank’s leg, then tags Price. Price runs to JUMP SPLASH! Tank sputters, Nima cheers Price on, and Price runs in to clothesline! Price snapmares, tags Nima, and Nima runs up. Tank avoids the stomp this time to roll Nima up, TWO! Hot tag to Hank! Hank hits a THESZ PRESS and fast hands! Fans fire up, Price runs in but Hank DECKS him! Fans fire up with Hank as he runs corner to corner to SPLASH! Then whip and scoop, to SNAKE EYES!
Hank keeps moving to BOOT Nima down! Fans are all fired up with Hank and he tags Tank! The big boys scoop the bigger boy, but Scrypts grabs at Hank! The ref stops Reggie but that allows Price to SUPERKICK Tank! Then Nima shoves Tank into Hank! Hank goes down, Nima tags Price. They get Tank up, GRIDIRON SPINEBUSTER!! Cover, OTM wins!
Winners: Lucien Price & Bronco Nima, by pinfall
Scrypts was the brains of the game plan, and they’re ready to eat now! Will Tony have Uncle Chez make some extra helpings for these guys?
Gigi Dolin prepares backstage.
But then the lights go out!? And someone attacks Gigi in the dark!! The lights come back up, and of course it was Blair! Blair tells Gigi she’s pathetic. Did Blair just violently cancel her match? Or will this only further motivate Gigi to get revenge?
NXT checks back in on the D’Angelo dinner party.
Stacks says he’s filling up on bread waiting for the other teams to arrive. Tony says it’s good wine, though. But hey, why does it look like Angel & Humberto got mauled by sabretooth tigers? Garza asks if he is disrespecting their grandfather. Stacks says not at all! Humberto explains that these claw mark tattoos remind them who they are, and is a message from their grandfather. A message that includes taking those tag titles. Oh, some message. Maybe it’ll be a long time before they can respond, huh? Heh. And speaking of family, look who is here! The Creed Brothers walk in, get patted down but Tony assures his guys that these two are alright.
Brutus says he’s starving, so he came to the right place. Tony had them whip up double of the, how did Brutus say it? A-spicy-a meatball-a! Some real I-talian food! Julius says they’ll eat, but they’re also here to discuss business. Stacks rolls his eyes at Julius’ Godfather act. Julius figures maybe Tony can just cut them in on No Mercy with the primos here. Stacks says nothing has been settled, just relax and eat something. Brutus asks if this is where… you know? Know what? Where people have had their last suppers. Food poisoning, that is. Humberto hesitates to eat the pasta now. Tony says no, that’s the place up the street! C’mon!
Stacks reports that OTM is OTM. G O O D. Huh? Good. Oh! And here comes some more pasta! Will Brutus & Julius leave enough for Nima & Price?
Tyler Bate talks with Axiom.
The Big Strong Boi says it goes without saying, but no hard feelings out there, mate. The Undeniable Truth agrees. And no offense to either Bate or Dragon Lee, but understand that opportunities like this don’t come along every day. Bate agrees, you gotta seize these moments with both hands. Trick walks in and he wants everyone to know, face to face… The Triple Threat is now a FATAL 4! See you out there. Well, that changes things. Will Dom be doomed no matter who comes away with the golden tickets?
Strap Match: Eddy Thorpe VS DIJAK!
After going back and forth, The Alpha Wolf being pushed to his limits by Hard Justice, both men are ready to tear into each other! And that’s what the leather strap is for! Who walks away the winner while the other walks away licking his wounds?
In the front row is Thorpe’s family: his mother, father, sister, and six-year-old niece. Will they give Eddy the strength to fight through the pain and bring Dijak down? The strap is secured onto each man’s left wrist, and the bell rings. Fans fire up but Dijak already goes out of the ring. Dijak works to drag Eddy out with him but Eddy uses the corner to stay put! Eddy then YANKS Dijak into the post! And then Eddy DIVES to send Dijak into barriers! Fans fire up, Eddy puts Dijak in the ring, but Dijak YANKS Eddy into the apron! Dijak drags Eddy in, gathers up some slack, but Eddy dodges to use slack to trip Dijak!
Eddy KICKS and CLUBS away but Dijak shoves him away. Eddy comes back with more shots! Dijak shoves again, then BOOTS Eddy! Dijak goes up but Eddy YANKS him down to GAMANGIRI! The fans rally behind Eddy as he uses the strap to help drag Dijak up in a waistlock. Dijak ELBOWS Eddy over and over, but Eddy still holds on! Dijak pries the hold and throws more elbows! Eddy lets go, Dijak gathers up the slack, but Eddy BOOTS him first! Eddy then SHOTGUNS Dijak into a corner! Fans fire up and Eddy aims. Eddy runs in, but Dijak dodges the boot! To LASH Eddy with the strap! Dijak then drags Eddy around to whip and TOSS!
Eddy hits the ground hard, his family and the fans rally behind him, but Dijak just laughs as NXT goes to break.
NXT returns and Dijak has Eddy down, with the strap across Eddy’s mouth! Eddy endures and fans boo Dijak but Dijak tells Eddy to stay down, he’s stuck! Eddy claws at the strap, brings it away from his mouth, but Dijak pulls it back down! Fans rally up, Eddy fights to his feet and he throws elbows! And windmill haymakers! And CHOPS! Dijak SUPERKICKS, whips, and then yanks again, but Eddy stops himself! SOBAT! Eddy runs in but Dijak choke grips! But Eddy swings and clotheslines Dijak and himself out of the ring! But Dijak holds on!? APRON CHOKE SLAM!! Eddy sputters while Dijak grimaces.
Dijak drags Eddy from the apron, to whip him into barriers! Right in front of the Thorpe family! Fans boo and mama tells Dijak he’s a bad man. Eddy’s niece fires up for Eddy but Dijak stands Eddy up. Dijak grabs some slack, to LASH Eddy! Dijak says this is for the family! LASH!! Fans boo Dijak for being mean to a kid, but he LASHES Eddy over and over again! Dijak drags Uncle Eddy up and into the ring and fans boo more. Dijak takes off his white belt! The same belt that started it all, and that lashed the tree Eddy uses as a guidepost! Dijak swings, but Eddy dodges! Eddy BOOTS Dijak, then runs in to BOOT in the corner!
Dijak staggers, Eddy has some slack now and he LASHES away on Dijak! Again and again and again! Shot for shot, each one for his family, his heritage and himself! Eddy just unloads and the crowd is thunderous! Dijak grabs for his belt but Eddy stands on it! Eddy shakes his head, and he LASHES Dijak again! Dijak staggers to a corner, Eddy uses the white belt for a LEATHER FIST!! Eddy has Dijak down, drags him into a drop zone, then goes up the corner! Eddy wraps his arm in leather, for a LEATHER MACHO ELBOW! Cover, Eddy wins!!
Winner: Eddy Thorpe, by pinfall
The Alpha Wolf deals with Dijak, but Dijak isn’t done with Eddy! Dijak torture racks Eddy for FEAST YOUR EYES!! Dijak is a sore loser and fans boo, but Dijak drags Eddy up again! Dijak RAMS Eddy into the corner, hoists him up top, then SUPERKICKS him down! Eddy is stuck in a Tree of Woe, and we know what Dijak does to trees! Dijak uses the strap to tie Eddy’s legs to the corner, and then grabs his white belt! Fans boo as hard as they can, and Dijak points at the Thorpes to say watch this! Dijak LASHES Eddy again and again and again!! Then he threatens the refs! Dijak storms off, what will the consequences be for pushing things this far?
Jacy Jayne waits in the hall.
She’s so excited for Thea’s new look. She knocks on the door and asks if she’s ready. Almost ready. She looks so good. Good! Jacy is sure everyone will go nuts, but will this new gear help Thea feel like a winner?
Thea Hail w/ Jacy Jayne VS Dani Palmer!
While Dani makes her entrance for this match, Blair snatches the headset from Vic Joseph to mockingly say “what a shame” that Gigi can’t compete tonight. Maybe her tortured little soul is more beat up than she thought. Next time Gigi wants to play Blair’s game, make sure she remembers how she feels right now. Because next time, it’ll be even worse. And now back to our regularly scheduled match.
Thea makes her entrance, Jacy leading the way to bring out a new theme and tron. Thea walks out in leather and garter belts! Fans seem to accept the new Thea. Will Thea show us she grown in more ways than one? The bell rings, she and Dani tie up, and Thea trips Dani to have a toehold! Dani handstands, slips free and trips Thea into a toehold of her own. Thea rolls, Dani handsprings and headlocks for a takeover! Thea fights around, wrenches out of the headlock to top wristlock, and she wrangles Dani down. Dani kips up, but Thea arm-drags her down! Thea SPLASHES down on the arm!
Thea wrenches, Dani rolls, and then flips to arm-drag free! Thea comes back to wheelbarrow and arm-drag! Dani ducks ‘n’ dodges and tilt-o-whirls to RANA Thea away! Things speed up, Thea tilt-o-whirls to RANA back! They go again and Thea wrangles Dani to a FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Dani rolls Thea up, TWO! Dani DROPKICKS Thea down, and then runs, but the splash only gets buckles! Thea GAMANGIRIS, clinches, and EXPLODERS! Cover, TWO! Thea grabs Dani’s arm to WRING it out! Thea wrenches again, but Dani ROCKS Thea! Then LARIATS! And DROPKICKS! Dani kips up and fans fire up as Dani runs in to HANDSPRING KICK!
Dani pushes Thea down, goes up the corner, and SKY TWISTERS! But she lands out of it as Thea moves! Thea runs in to scoop, and KIMURA!! Dani goes down, she TAPS! Thea wins!
Winner: Thea Hail, by pinfall
New look, new attitude, new Thea? Well, one win does not make a streak, but is this just the beginning? Jacy sees Chase & Duke and waves hi to them. Is that also a wave goodbye for the good ol’ days of good girl Thea?
Melo is on his phone.
And in walks Trick! He’s in his bag right now! He showed Gacy while the whole world will be chanting “Whoop Dat Trick!” And now Trick’s gonna show the rest of the world why… Wait, what’s up? Is Melo listening? Yeah, man, he saw Trick do his thing against Gacy. And knew he would! Trick’s getting in a Fatal 4, he’s gonna win! Yeah, and then Trick will go on to No Mercy to face Dom for the North American Championship. Trick will get his first title shot! Melo, c’mon! Is he on mute? No, Melo is hearing Trick, but the contract signing with Ilja is big stuff. He has to lock in. Trick understands, right? Right, Trick understands. Melo handles his business, Trick will handle his.
Trick heads out, and Melo hopes Trick wasn’t upset right there. Will all be okay when Trick Melo Gang leaves the Golden State dripping in gold?
NXT Media catches up with Baron Corbin.
Corbin’s on his way out as he is asked about Bron confronting him after his match, but Corbin says to stop. He has no time for this! “Badass Bron thinks he’s intimidating people but he’s not. This Saturday, No Mercy, he’s getting his ass whooped, and that’s-” BRON LEAPS IN AND CLOBBERS CORBIN! They brawl again and refs rush in! Security, too! These two are separated, will they even make it to Saturday?!
NXT North American Championship #1 Contender Fatal 4 Way: Axiom VS Tyler Bate VS Dragon Lee VS Trick Williams!
Each man in this match has been disrespected by Dirty Dom ever since Judgment Day started coming around NXT. And each man wants their shot at Dom’s title. What was a one-in-three is now a one-in-four, but will the numbers still spell disaster for Dom at No Mercy?
NXT returns as Axiom makes his entrance so now all four men are here. The bell rings, the four look around at the others, and then Axiom and Bate DOUBLE SUPERKICK Trick! Those two must really not like that Trick got himself into their match, but even Dragon is stunned. But now we have the original Triple Threat, and both Bate and Axiom rush Dragon! Dragon dodges, shoves Bate into Axiom and then trips Bate. Things speed up, Bate hurdles but Dragon comes back. Bate dodges to FLY out onto Trick! Fans are torn but then Dragon runs. Axiom dodges, RANAS, but Dragon handsprings!
Axiom trips Dragon, Dragon reaches up to RANA, but Axiom handsprings through. Dragon kicks low, whips Axiom toa corner and runs in, but into an ELBOW! Axiom goes up to FLYING ARM-DRAG! Axiom kips up, DROPKICKS Dragon, and fans fire up. Axiom goes up and out to FLYING KNEE Trick down! Bate drags Trick and Axiom up but Dragon builds speed to FLY out onto all three! Dragon hurries to get Trick up and in and fans fire up again. Dragon reels Trick in, but Trick trips Dragon! Trick has the legs, BOSTON CRAB! But then Bate has a FUJIWARA ARMBAR on Dragon! But then Axiom slides in, and he studies this puzzling predicament.
Occam’s razor says the simplest solution is often the best, so Axiom just adds on! SLEEPER on Trick! Trick starts fading while Dragon still endures, but Bate sees Axiom. Bate CLUBS Axiom down and now everyone is free. Fans fire up, Bate goes after Dragon but Dragon fires haymakers! Bate puts Bop up but Dragon ducks Bang to ROCK Bate! Dragon whips, Bate reverses and DROPKICKS! Trick DECKS Bate! Axiom runs in but into body shots and an UPPERCUT! Trick runs but Axiom ducks, the LEAPING LARIAT gets Dragon! GORDO KICK gets Axiom! Bate & Axiom run in, into DOUBLE FLAPJACKS! Fans are thunderous with Trick and NXT goes picture in picture!
Trick huffs ‘n’ puffs but Bate ROCKS him back! And again! Trick ROCKS Bate, storms up but blocks the boot. Bate KNEES Trick away, goes up, and FLYING UPPERCUTS! Trick goes to another corner, Bate runs in but Trick TOSSES him up and out! Axiom runs up but into a knee! Trick CHOPS Axiom down! Trick stalks Axiom to a corner, CHOPS him again, and Axiom flounders around! Axiom tries to hit back but can’t put much into it. Trick just CHOPS Axiom down again! Trick shakes out that hand, then he sees Bate on the outside. Trick drags Bate up but Bate RAMS into Trick! Slingshot sunset flip! TWO!
Trick runs up to knee low! Trick reels Bate in, but Axiom stops the suplex. Bate & Axiom double suplex Trick, btu Dragon joins in! Dragon & Trick VS Bate & Axiom in a battle for suplex superiority! It’s Bate & Axiom that get Dragon & Trick up and over!! All four men are down and the fans are going wild! Trick and Dragon crawl away, so Bate throws a hand on Axiom! Axiom hits Bate back, they go back and forth, and Axiom kicks from below! Bate stands Axiom up to UPPERCUT! Axiom and Bate keep going back and forth, SUPERMAN PUNCH from Axiom! NXT returns to single picture as Bate rebounds!
Bate gest under and around Axiom, underhooks the arms, and TYLER DRIVER- RANA COUNTER! Cover, TWO! Axiom runs up, gets around but Bate bucks the O’Conner. Axiom catches Bate, HALF ‘N’ HALF! Axiom then kicks Trick, runs, but Dragon is back. Axiom goes up and up and ARM-DRAG RANA COMBOS! Bate is up, he kicks Axiom low and whips. Axiom tilt-o-whirls to send Bate into Trick! LARIAT DDT COMBO!! Cover on Bate, but Dragon breaks it! Dragon whips Axiom, runs in to JUMP KICK! Leg sweep! COMBINACION DRAGON! Fans rally as Dragon HYDRAULIC DROPKICKS Trick! Then HYDRAULIC DROPKICKS Axiom!
The Boy Wonder swings, Big Strong Boi dodges, REBOUNDER but Dragon slips through! DRAGON BOMB!! Cover, Trick AND Axiom break it!! Fans are thunderous again as all four men are down! The fans love “NXT! NXT!” for making this match a reality! Trick drags Dragon up to TOSS him out, but Axiom is up top! Axiom leaps, into a HAYMAKER from Trick! Trick scoop SLAMS Bate, stomps him around, then rolls to lift, but Dragon adds on! So Trick just DOUBLE BOOKENDS!! Double cover, TWO!!! Trick keeps his focus on Bate and brings him. Trick CLUBS Bate, fans sing “Trick gonna beat yo’ ass~!”
Trick suplexes but Bate SATELLITE DDTS!! Trick is dazed, Bate is roaring! Bate fireman’s carries Dragon to AIRPLANE SPIN! But Axiom runs in! So Bate trips him, and much like a certain Swiss Superman, AIRPLANE SPIN GIANT SWING COMBOS!!! Fans are thunderous as Bate goes around and around, then stops to SLAM Dragon onto Axiom! And then deadlift GERMAN SUPLEX for Dragon! Trick gets Bate to whip, but Bate hits a REBOUNDER!! Cover, Axiom breaks it while giving Dragon a DESTROYER!!! Fans are losing their minds as all four men are down again!! “This is Awesome!” as all four men stir.
Axiom and Bate rise, Axiom kicks but Bate blocks! Bate Bop up, BANG sends Axiom down! Trick whips, again, POP-UP UPPERCUT! Axiom SUPERKICKS Trick! Axiom aims at Dragon, but Dragon blocks the kick to send it into Trick! Dragon then pops Axiom up in the corner, to SUPERKICK him down! And SUPERKICK again!! Fans fire up with Dragon and he goes up the corner! But Bate GAMANGIRIS Dragon first! Bate climbs up to get Dragon, but Axiom CLUBS them both! Axiom climbs to join them, he SUPERKICKS Bate to the apron! Axiom has Dragon now, for a SUPER SPANISH FLY!!! Cover, TWO?!?!?
Dragon survives and fans are losing their minds! Both men rise, Axiom afraid for his life! Dragon shoves, spins, tilt-o-whirl, DESTINOOO~!! Cover, Trick breaks it! Trick drags Dragon up, Dragon HEADBUTTS Trick into Bate!! Bate falls back, Dragon falls out, and Trick falls forward onto Axiom!! It’s a cover! TRICK WINS!!!
Winner: Trick Williams, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT North American Championship)
Even Trick is stunned! Trick is going to No Mercy to have his own title fight!! Will Trick Melo Gang be the top two of NXT?
NXT returns to the D’Angelo dinner party.
Everyone is enjoying course after course, but only now does OTM arrive. Tony says they were told to impress, and they did. Stacks says Hank ‘n’ Tank ain’t no joke, so they earned their seat at the table. Pull up a chair. They’ll get a booster seat for Scrypts there. The others laugh, but Price says not to disrespect his man. Scrypts says it’s cool. He brought cheese for the rats anyways. What’s that? Nima says they ain’t here to break bread. Brutus says he did, that focaccia bread was amazing. At least someone’s enjoying the hospitality. But Humberto also gets to business. Who will face the champions at No Mercy?
Naturally, Humberto & Angel want their shot, but The Creeds say no one remembers the last time Los Lotharios won. Was it before or after the siesta? Oh, sorry, guess the Creeds were too busy trying to get their jobs back. No, they did that in a Steel Cage Match. Maybe Garza was still napping. Brutus asks if there’s more of that chicken parm. Bro! What? This is great! Better than mom’s. Mom’s is good, too. Eh. Scrypts says it is time for new blood in the division. The D’Angelos invite them just to disrespect them. They won’t even say Lucien’s & Bronco’s names. This man must want to cake walk in Cali. Well, guess Scrypts is a mind-reader now.
Who’re they calling a cake walk? Oh, cake. Brutus, pay attention. The match the people want is Tony & Stacks VS The Creeds! Hey hold up. Everyone’s begging for their shot, but OTM don’t beg. Either Tony gives them the shot, or this place is gonna get real dirty, real quick. Tony says okay. But then he calls in his muscle. Oh, didn’t know Tony rolled like that. Tony says to sit down and shut up. Stacks says this is what they’re gonna do. Everyone makes a good case for themselves. But as their first title defense on a premium event, The D’Angelo Family won’t let others say “Oh, you picked your favorites, you took the easy road.”
So it m ight be high risk, but Tony will see all their ugly mugs at No Mercy! Don’t like it? There’s the door. The three other teams stay quiet, so Tony says that’s more like it. Stacks says they’ve even procured everyone’s favorite beverages for the sake of this toast. Everyone stands, and Tony says to the Fatal 4. Salud. Salud. Everyone toasts, the Creeds having milk while the others have wine. Then No Mercy just got a whole lot bigger! Will The Don & Underboss even make it outta Bakersfield on their own two feet? Or will there be new champions in the NXT Tag Division?
Backstage interview with Dominik Mysterio, again.
McKenzie again has Dirty Dom with her and says it will be Dom VS Trick at No Mercy. Dom says big deal. HBK is throwing curve balls, but Dom will whoop dat Trick, just like he did Dragon Lee. By the way, thanks for the black eye. But HBK needs to realize he doesn’t run NXT, DOM does! On Saturday, Dom will whoop Trick, even DESTROY him, just like he did Dragon Lee. But then Dragon DECKS Dom!! Dragon warns Dom that if he makes it past Trick, they’re going another round. Refs back Dragon off, is the clock running out on Dirty Dom’s run?
Trick catches up with Melo.
Trick is sore and tired, but he and Melo celebrate. Melo is proud of Trick. At No Mercy, they’ll both walk out champions! Trick Melo Gang always gonna be here! They secret handshake, then Melo heads out. The contract signing is next, will Melo and Dragunov keep from blowing things up in the ring before the title match?
Someone is watching.
Watching television, that is. He flips through the channels, watches some classic 80s news, Cincinnati Bengals training came, and even WCW. Just who could this be?
BREAKING NEWS for No Mercy!
HBK heard Dom run his mouth about who runs things, so he’s about to show Dom what’s up! In a bit of karma from before, Dom VS Trick for the North American Championship will have a special guest referee! And it’s none other than DRAGON LEE!! Will Dirty Dom finally taste some of his own medicine at No Mercy?
Ilja Dragunov heads to the ring.
Fans conduct the music along with The Mad Dragon as he goes to the table waiting for him. Then Melo makes his entrance, and both men take their seats. Melo has a mic to tell Ilja, “You and I both know that everything that happened last week, there’s really nothing for us to talk about. So let’s sign this contract, and we’ll see each other on Saturday at No Mercy.” Dragunov asks Melo if he realizes that in that moment last week, Melo is always the wrong person in the wrong place at the wrong time? And Dragunov is convinced that Melo is just the wrong man to be NXT Champion.
Melo says okay, hold on. Wrong person at wrong time? Like Dragunov at The Bash? Melo didn’t plan for it to go down like that, he didn’t call that shot, but it is what it is. Melo didn’t walk into The Bash thinking he wasn’t gonna win, and now he’s walking into No Mercy knowing Melo will beat you! Dragunov says Melo just explained himself, and it had to hurt, right? Dragunov can clearly see that Melo struggles outside of his comfort zone. So at No Mercy, Melo shall know true unbearable pain when he faces a dragon spitting fire! Melo says hold on. Talk about struggling with confidence? Yeah, for the first time ever, Melo is struggling! But only for a moment before he checked himself.
But if Dragunov wants to talk confidence and pain, the unbearable pain is Dragunov believing his own hype! His own hype that Dragunov beat Melo at The Bash when we all know that Dragunov did not. Dragunov says the people know, and deep inside, Melo knows that Dragunov did. So on Saturday, it is destiny! Dragunov isn’t just talking about a prophecy, but here’s a question. What does Melo do when he throws everything he has at Dragunov, and Dragunov doesn’t stay down? Wait, what does Melo do when he shoots his best shot, and oh, I dunno… he misses? Did Melo prepare himself to answer these questions?
Melo says the reality is, being the NXT Champion is not about how much pain you can endure, how many veins you can make pop out of your head, it is about being undeniable! It is about being… HIM! Fans fire up for that one. And Melo wants Dragunov to realize this: Melo is not like any of these guys Dragunov’s beaten lately. He’s not Wes Lee, he’s not Oro Mensah, he’s not Trick- Melo catches himself there and Dragunov laughs. What was that? Melo says no, hold on. Melo will be the one to push Dragunov to his limits, because Melo is champ for a freakin’ reason! And at No Mercy, we get rid of the What Ifs!
Dragunov stands, takes the contract, and signs his part. Then he hands it over to Melo with some stank. Then he tells Melo, “You will do nothing, because you can do NOTHING!” Dragunov is finished with letting destiny slip through his fingers, and so if Melo wants to push Dragunov to places beyond his limit, great! Because everything Melo will find there is a nightmare he will never forget for the rest of his life! And when Dragunov is crowned the NEW NXT Champion, Melo will realize that his dynasty has fallen. “Long Live the Czar!!” Melo stands up, signs his part, and it is official!
Melo then tells Dragunov that now that he’s done, understand something. This NXT Championship is bigger than either of them. When Melo carries the title, it represents a beacon of hope for kids that look like him. It is a beacon of hope for anyone who has shot their shot in the dark and prayed it went in. So can Dragunov carry this championship and all its responsibilities? Melo says absolutely. But does Melo think he can do it better than Melo? Absolutely NOT. Melo holds up the title as he and Dragunov stare down. Neither man is backing down, and neither is going to back down. But who will be knocked down while the other rises up as THE NXT Champion?
There’s a fight going on!?
Baron and Bron are at it again, this time in the parking lot!! Refs ands security try to stop this but Bron knees low, then RAMS Corbin into the side of a car! It gets dented! Corbin staggers up but Bron fires off haymakers! The refs back Bron off, Corbin gets in the car, but Bron tries to drag him out! Security drags Bron back, but then Bron gets loose! But Corbin moves and Bron rams himself into the car door! Corbin SMACKS Bron off the hood, then fires off hands! The security can’t stop Corbin as he brings Bron over, but Bron sends Corbin into the garage door! And then SPINEBUSTERS Corbin on the car hood!!
Bron isn’t done, he just gets on the hood with Corbin! But Corbin LOW BLOWS Bron! To CHOKE SLAM Bron on the car roof!! The refs say c’mon already! But Bron sits up like the Deadman!! SLEEPER HOLD!! Corbin SLAMS Bron back but Bron won’t let go! Corbin fires elbows but Bron RAMS him into the garage door! Corbin RAMS Bron into the wall! They end up going indoors, but where is this? Bron shouts, “Where’re you goin’, b*tch?!” The brawl continues in this random hallway! Bron ROCKS Corbin, Corbin CHUCKS a fire extinguisher!! Bron narrowly dodges that, to then SPEAR Corbin through the wall!!!
WHOA, they end up in HBK’s office!! Security and producers and pretty much every ref rushes in to stop this as Bron tries to choke Corbin out!! Again, will these two even make it to Saturday?!
My Thoughts:
An awesome go-home for NXT, probably one of their best in this post-2.0 era. For one, we got about as close to Prime Target as we’re probably getting in this current NXT. Didn’t really add much, though, as we got more highlight reel and recap than we did new promo material. As I said for Raw, Tegan facing the winner doesn’t really add any indicators either, but it’ll be great stuff all the same. And really good stuff from the other women’s division stories. Hilarious and fully expected reaction from Duke & Chase regarding Thea’s new look, and of course Thea wins to keep her momentum going. And Blair attacking Gigi to cancel their match, this has to be leading to something extreme of their own for after No Mercy.
Really good series of promos from Tony, Stacks and the tag teams. Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Nima & Price was solid stuff, but I figured #OutTheMud would win on virtue of being the one fully(?) Heel team in this story. And I also figured we were getting a Fatal 4 Way Tag, and that is awesome. This is definitely HBK working to get this brand back to the best times of Black ‘n’ Gold. With this Fatal 4, any team can win this, and it will be a lot of fun. Corbin VS Briggs was a good match, great showing for Briggs, but of course Corbin wins. Then great stuff the rest of the night with Corbin and Bron brawling, and what an awesome closing image of them busting into HBK’s office and still fighting. Bron as a Heel has been doing great, I oddly want him to win.
Awesome opener with the Global Heritage Invitational finals, and I figured Dunne was going to win that. Now, while we’ve got Dom with the North American title and Becky with the women’s title, I don’t know another RawDown star wins an NXT prize. It’d be awesome for Dunne if he did, but unless someone backs Dunne up, Meta Four is totally gonna screw him over like they have all Dar’s other challengers. An obvious move would be for Ridge Holland to show up, but it would be pretty cool if Bate backed Dunne up to harken back to their British Strong Style days. Plus, just Ridge won’t be enough, and for those who haven’t heard, Sheamus is out with shoulder injury. Also, well wishes to The Fella that he gets back quickly.
Great stuff out of the Strap Match, and great win for Eddy, but man, Dijak doubled down on his Heel heat in this match. It feels weird that WWE is also doubling on using a Face’s family as a way to get extra heat on things. Chad Gable with his family for when he lost to Gunther, and now Eddy’s family ringside for both his win but also the beating… Well, if the Strap Match isn’t the end of this, then maybe Eddy and Dijak finish this in a return to NXT Underground? That is where this feud started: Eddy won an NXT Underground match and got praise for it, which pissed Dijak off.
And just awesome stuff in this Trick Melo Gang story. Trick beat Gacy much faster than I expected, though I did expect him to win anyway. And with WWE (stupidly) releasing Mustafa Ali before No Mercy and the match he was scheduled for, NXT had to improvise a new match. They pulled out a genius way of doing it, with Trick getting in on the #1 contenders match and then winning it in such an awesome “luck based” finish. Trick VS Dom with Dragon as the special guest ref is going to be a lot of fun, and this might (emphasis on might) be how Dom loses the belt.
Melo and Dragunov had a great contract-signing segment, and NXT is good about having solely promo-based ones, no fighting at all. Something that could add major intrigue to the story is if Trick beats Dom to be champion, and then Melo loses to Dragunov so that he isn’t. Will Melo put his pride aside to be happy for Trick? Or will Trick being the only one with gold upset Melo?
My Score: 8.9/10
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