Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Worlds Collide Results & Report! (1/25/20)
NXT VS NXT UK! Who you got?
Even before the Rumble, worlds will collide!
To prove which brand is the better half of the NXT umbrella, USA and UK go head to head! Whose side will you be on when the Undisputed Era clashes with Imperium?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Preshow: Mia Yim VS Kay Lee Ray; KLR wins.
- Finn Balor VS Ilja Dragunov; Balor wins.
- NXT Cruiserweight Championship Fatal 4 Way: Angel Garza VS Isaiah “Swerve” Scott VS Jordan Devlin VS Travis Banks; Devlin wins and becomes the new NXT Cruiserweight Champion.
- DIY VS Moustache Mountain; DIY wins.
- NXT Women’s Championship: Rhea Ripley VS Toni Storm; Ripley wins and retains the NXT Women’s Championship.
- 8 Man Tag: The Undisputed Era VS Imperium; Imperium wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
It’s the Worlds Collide Preshow!
Join Charly Caruso, Sam Roberts and Andy Shepherd as they hype up and predict the incredible crossover between NXT and NXT UK! “This is what it looks like to build a global brand from the ground up.” NXT and NXT UK aren’t all that old as brands, and yet here we are, kicking off not just Royal Rumble Weekend, but the Road to WrestleMania!
Preshow: Mia Yim VS Kay Lee Ray!
The Head Baddie In Charge is always up for a fight, but the Scary Queen of Scots does more than just fight. Will Mia make the NXT UK Women’s Champion eat da feet in the States? Or will KLR leave Mia with a killer headache?
The bell rings and Mia SHOTGUN Dropkicks KLR right away! Mia stomps and stomps but lets up at the count of 4, to CANNONBALL! Cover, TWO, and KLR scrambles away. Mia drags her back in but KLR pushes her down. KLR SLAPS Mia, but Mia just grins. Mia CHOPS and CHOPS and SLAPS and fires off, but KLR pushes her back. KLR’s superkick is blocked and Mia throws her down to ax kick. Mia whips, KLR reverses, Mia headscissors KLR down! Fans fire up as Mia CHOPS KLR more! KLR blocks the whip and ROCKS Mia with that right hand. KLR whips now but Mia ducks and redirects to then sweep the legs. And basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! KLR gets to a corner but Mia runs in, only for KLR to wrench and tornado DDT! Cover, TWO!
Fans start to duel as KLR stomp Mia down. KLR drags Mia up, suplexes and gourd busters! Cover, TWO! KLR grabs Mia in a grounded cobra twist and even adds a neck wrench. Mia endures and fans rally up. Mia gets up but KLR throws her down by her hair! KLR stands on Mia’s face while taunting her, then grabs the arm while standing on hair! The ref reprimands and KLR lets go, but Mia kicks from the floor. KLR stomps Mia then puts her in a corner. KLR CHOPS Mia and it echoes out in Houston. Fans duel as Mia gives CHOPS back. KLR whips and SUPERKICKS then covers, TWO! KLR grows frustrated, but she brings Mia into a drop zone. KLR climbs up top and SWANTON FLOPS! Both women are down now and fans rally up.
Mia stands up first, KLR follows. Fans duel as Mia rallies with clotheslines and a boot! Neckbreaker! Mia fires up and runs in at KLR but KLR puts her on the apron. Mia enziguris then steps in to tornado DDT! Cover, TWO!! Mia grows frustrated but she keeps close to KLR. Mia watches KLR rise, to throw jabs. But KLR sliipis around, gets in position, but Mia back drops her off! KLR bails out, Mia builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit at the ramp! Houston fires up as Mia drags KLR up and into the ring, but KLR SUPERKICKS again! Mia is down, KLR builds speed, triangle SWANTON! Direct hit wipes both women out and Houston is fired up all over again! “This is Awesome!” and “NXT! NXT!” are both echoing out as a ring count begins.
The count reaches 5 before either woman stirs. KLR sits up first, then brings Mia up at 7. They both get in at 8, and Mia throws hands. KLR SLAPS, so Mia slaps back. They throw forearms back and forth, then palm strikes! It’s a scrap with 13 minutes to spare! Chicken wings for the Gory Especial, but Mia reverses to CODE BLUE! Cover, TWO!?! KLR survives but that’s why she’s champion! Mia grows frustrated but she drags KLR back up. Fans duel as Mia wrenches and puts a foot up, but KLR pushes Mia off to then wrench and STEAL Eat Da Feet!! Cover, TWO!! Mia survives her own move being used against her and that infuriates KLR!
KLR stalks up to Mia and chicken wings again, but Mia blocks the lift. Mia ducks and blocks the huricanrana, to then POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Mia is further frustrated as KLR rolls away. Mia hurries over but KLR kicks a leg out. KLR goes to lift but Mia silps out to get back on, ANOTHER Code Blue! Cover, TWO!?! Fans continue to duel as Mia tries to keep her cool. Mia hooks an arm but KLR rolls her up, TWO! Mia waistlocks, KLR elbows but Mia O’Conner rolls, TWO! KLR does the same, with the ropes! KLR WINS!
Winner: Kay Lee Ray, by pinfall
See what I mean? KLR doesn’t just fight, she CHEATS! But a win is a win in the end. Will KLR keep getting the better of her opponents? Will Mia Yim want payback the next time these two brands meet?
“We shall go on to the end.”
Fight on the seas and oceans. Fight with great confidence and great strength. Whatever the cost may be. Fight on the beaches, on the landing grounds, in the fields and in the streets. “We shall never surrender.” This has been building for weeks and it finally explodes in one night! The best of NXT, the best of NXT UK, but there can only be one top brand!
Finn Balor VS Ilja Dragunov!
Worlds Collide gets rrrreeeal as The Prince and the Madman go head to head! But as Balor says, when you aim at the Prince, you better not miss. Will Torpedo Moscow hit its mark? Or will Dragunov be the one shot down?
The bell rings and Balor circles with Dragunov. They tie up, Balor waistlocks but Dragunov pries out to wristlock. Balor reverses the wristlock to get Dragunov down. Dragunov rolls and gets headscissors but Balor pops out. The two stand off and Houston is fired up. Dragunov and Balor tie up and Balor headlocks to a takedown. Dragunov works his way up but Balor stays on tight as Dragunov tries to power out. Balor headlock takeovers again, but Dragunov headscissors again. Balor pops out again, and roles reverse as Dragunov headlock takeovers. Balor rolls to a cover, TWO, and Dragunov holds on. Dragunov grinds Balor, Balor powers out, things speed up, and Dragunov crossbodies! Cover, TWO and Dragunov keeps Balor back with his fighting stance.
Dragunov dares Balor to bring it, but Balor gives his finger guns. So Dragunov SLAPS Balor! Then kicks and whips, only for Balor to reverse. Dragunov sunset flips but Balor slips out, to SLAP back! Fans cheer as Balor drags Dragunov up and throws him out. Balor builds speed to wreck Dragunov with a dropkick! Balor shouts, “You’re in here with Finn Balor!” before putting Dragunov in the ring. Fans cheer with “Too Sweet! Woop woop!” as Balor CHOPS Dragunov. Balor whips but Dragunov wrenches and CHOPS Balor down! Then drops the senton! Cover, TWO! Dragunov clamps onto Balor’s arm and grinds hard. Balor powers up as fans rally, and Balor gets to a corner. The ref breaks the two up and Dragunov kicks low! Dragunov clubs and stomps Balor, but Balor slips out to the apron, only for Dragunov to DECK him!
Balor is down but gets clear as Dragunov runs in, so Dragunov uses the 619 to go back in. Dragunov fakes Balor out, then hops onto the apron to mule kick! Dragunov springboards to crossbody! Direct hit at the ramp, and fans are divided as Dragunov puts Balor in. Balor bails out the side, so Dragunov climbs up. Dragunov LEAPS, but Balor gets clear of the ax handles! Dragunov crashes ‘n’ burns, and now Balor seethes as he stalks over. Balor stomps Dragunov down as the ring count climbs, and even BOOTS Dragunov down. Balor CHOPS Dragunov and puts him in at 7. Balor drags Dragunov up to snapmare, run and basement dropkick in the back! Cover, TWO! Balor keeps close and clamps on a chinlock. Dragunov endures and fans rally up. Dragunov gets to his feet and pries free, but Balor scoops and slams and drops elbows! Cover, TWO!
Balor grows frustrated with Dragunov and he stomps Dragunov at the ropes. Balor lets up at 4, to then springboard stomp Dragunov! And again! Balor hears the ref reprimand him, but Balor keeps going! Houston fires up as Balor just unleashes on Dragunov! Balor backs away finally, but Houston still loves him. Dragunov flounders up to throw forearms but Balor gives back a CHOP! Balor whips Dragunov corner to corner to CHOP again! Cover, TWO! Balor clamps back on with the chinlock, but Dragunov again endures. Dragunov fights his way up, but Balor knees low. Balor reels Dragunov in, suplexes, but Dragunov resists. Dragunov suplexes Balor back! Both men are down but crawl to opposite corners. Houston rallies up as Dragunov runs corner to corner, and hits a BIG knee! Dragunov keeps moving, but Balor ducks one clothesline, only to get the other!
Dragunov fires up but Houston is divided. Balor is in a corner but Dragunov gives him another clothesline. Dragunov leaps up, flying knee drop! Cover, TWO! Balor gasps but survives and Dragunov gets fired up again. Fans start to duel as Dragunov drags Balor up. Dragunov wristlocks and back hands Balor over and over and over and over and over! Dragunov knees Balor a few times, but Balor trips Dragunov up. Dragunov pushes Balor away, then baits him in, for a KNEE! Cover, TWO! Balor lives and fans rally up as Dragunov stands. Dragunov drags Balor back up, fireman’s carries, and runs, only for Balor to slip out and trip Dragunov up. DOUBLE STOMPS! Now Dragunov gasps for air while Balor stands up. Balor gives Dragunov forearms, but Dragunov eggs him on. Dragunov hits back and now we have a brawl.
Balor runs to forearm but Dragunov hits back. They go back and forth, fans divided, but Dragunov CHOPS! Balor CHOPS, Dragunov enziguris! PELE CAUGHT! Dragunov rolls and scoops Balor but Balor breaks the grip. Balor wants his own lift but Dragunov fights, so Balor spins him around for the elbow drop DDT! Fans fire up and Balor grits his teeth. Balor gets up and aims from the corner. Dragunov rises to get the SLINGBLADE! And then Balor gives finger guns, but Dragunov’s BOOT hits first! Dragunov then uses a single leg SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Balor barely escapes and Dragunov can’t believe it! But Dragunov refocuses as fans rally up. Dragunov and Balor both rise, and Dragunov uses the 6-1-LINE! Balor bails out but Dragunov is up top, to LEAP! Direct hit with a full body attack!
Fans are still divided as Dragunov puts Balor in the ring. Dragunov is up top again, COAST2COAST! Cover, TWO!! Balor survives because he is that tough! Though, he is bleeding from the bridge of his nose. Balor ends up in another drop zone and Dragunov climbs again. Dragunov aims and leaps, but onto knees! Dragunov stands, SHOTGUN DROPKICK! Balor has Dragunov in position now and Houston explodes! COUP DE GRACE!! But that’s not enough for Balor, he drags Dragunov up for 1 9 1 6!! Cover, Balor wins!
Winner: Finn Balor, by pinfall
It was a bloody Saturday for Balor but he came out on top! Dragunov wasn’t quite Unbesiegbar, but has he at least won some respect?
Front row interview with Grizzled Young Veterans.
Cathy Kelly is with Zack Gibson and James Drake, one half of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic finals. But not too far away are the Broserweights, Pete Dunne and Matt Riddle. Fans like those two more, obviously. But we just got word that not only will the finals be about the prestigious Dusty Cup, but it will serve as a #1 Contender’s match to THE NXT Tag Team Championships in TakeOver: Portland! Gibson speaks but fans boo. “Honestly, I’m surprised that these two jokers have actually made it this far.” Don’t get it wrong, Dunne and Riddle are two accomplished singles wrestlers. But as a tag team, Gibson saw their resume. There’s nothing on it! The Dusty Cup Finals is the biggest match of the GYV’s career. Look at the tournament has done for previous winners. Then imagine what it will do for “the most legitimate tag team in all of NXT.” They are the Grizzled Young Veterans, SOON to be recognized as 2020 Dusty Classic winners.
But to get their response, Cathy goes to the Broserweights. Riddle responds with, “Bro… Why so serious?” They just found out the winners get a tag team title shot. Those two should be smiling. Riddle has a huge smile. And he knows Dunne, his “Bro From Another Mo,” has a huge smile on his face, ear to ear. Well, not exactly. That’s Dunne’s happy face. Dunne himself speaks, “Listen. I’ll just be blunt.” Blunt? Riddle will smoke the two Grizzled Young Veterans, and the Broserweights walk out with the trophy. And all of Gibson’s hopes and dreams come to a bitter end, bro. Shrug. But will the Broserweights be able to shrug off the Grizzled Young Veterans once they’re in the ring?
NXT Cruiserweight Championship Fatal 4 Way: Angel Garza VS Isaiah “Swerve” Scott VS Jordan Devlin VS Travis Banks!
El Latino es en la casa with the title, but will he have it for much longer? Or will he find away to out maneuver Swerve, trump the Irish Ace and cut down the Kiwi Buzzsaw?
The introductions are made, the newly redesigned belt is raised, and literally the largest match in Garza’s young reign begins!
Houston cheers for Garza as he stares down with his three challengers. But fans do speak up to shout, “Whose house? Swerve’s house!” Swerve starts winning fans over just by standing there. The four men approach, and we have a Fatal 4 Way grapple! Swerve uses one arm to whip Banks away then he boots Devlin! Swerve half nelsons Garza but Garza elbows out. Devlin kicks Garza but Garza forearms the ripcord away. Banks grabs Garza but Garza forearms him, too. Garza tells his three challengers to wait… because he wants to tear off the pants! But he’s stopped by a TRIPLE KICK! Devlin then elbows Banks and kicks Swerve.
Devlin whips but Swerve reverses, Devlin springboards to quebrada! He has Swerve in the dragon sleeper but then Banks runs in. Devlin catches Banks to urenage him on top of Swerve in the inverted DDT! And then Devlin standing moonsaults onto them both! Garza gets in to grab Devlin, but gets caught into an atomic backbreaker! Cover, TWO! Devlin stomps Banks then runs at Swerve. Swerve goes up and over, forearms Banks and elbows Devlin. Banks catches Swerve’s boot to send it into Devlin! Banks waistlocks, Swerve switches and O’Conner rolls, TWO, leaping Complete Shot on Devlin! Headscissors for Banks and a strike fest for Garza! Houston fires up for Swerve as he does it so easy!
Devlin throws Swerve out, only for Swerve to handspring through and land on his feet! Devlin runs in, gets a boost from Garza and MOONSAULTS onto Swerve! But Swerve catches him! Death Valley Driver! Banks is up, and Penalty Kicks Swerve! Garza runs in and FLIES over Banks to wipe out Swerve! But Banks DOUBLE STOMPS Garza down! All four men are down but fans are loving “NXT! NXT!” Banks boots Devlin as they get up, and then CHOPS Swerve. Banks boots Garza then CHOPS Swerve again! Banks CHOPS Garza, then goes back to Devlin. Devlin backs up but gets caught for a CHOP! Swerve stands to CHOP Banks, but Banks shrugs it off to CHOP and forearm! Banks puts Swerve in and follows after.
Swerve flounders up but Banks Penalty Kicks him back down. Swerve and Banks brawl but Garza gets in, only to get a kick for himself. Banks kicks Swerve, then Garza, repeat! Banks fires up but ducks Swerve’s roundhouse, that goes into Garza! Banks grabs Swerve in a SNAP German! Fans fire up with Banks as he has two targets. Banks back elbows Garza in the corner, runs corner to corner to elbow Swerve, then goes all the way back to elbow Garza. Swerve comes in, Banks sweeps the legs and Swerve tumbles onto Garza! Banks DIVES onto Devlin! Fans stay hot for the Kiwi Buzzsaw as he returns to CANNONBALL onto Swerve and Garza! But Devlin returns, only to miss and be belly2belly suplexed onto them both! Banks takes a moment to check his leg as the other three crawl around.
Banks drags Devlin up, suplexes but Devlin slips out. Banks elbows him back then whips, but Devlin puts Banks on the apron. Devlin body shots Banks, dodges Swerve, then run side to side. Swerve sends Devlin out but Banks is there for Devlin to use as a rebound, to tornado DDT Swerve! Fans are thunderous, and then Garza runs into Devlin’s SPANISH FLY! Cover, but Banks drops in with a DOUBLE STOMP! Cover on Devlin, TWO!! All four men are down again and fans are rallying up. Banks sits up while Devlin and Garza kick at each other. Garza hits Swerve while Banks hits Devlin, Swerve hits back. The four men have paired off by their brands, and we have brawls in stereo. All four men work their way to their feet, and Swerve whips Garza. Devlin and Banks double hip toss Garza to ropes but he rebounds and rolls to kangaroo kick Swerve! Garza sends Devlin into Banks then pop-up KICKS Devlin! And OFF COME THE PANTS!!
Devlin runs in but is caught, and then Banks runs in, only to get stuck! Swerve is up top, he adds on KILLSTOMPS! But Garza covers Devlin, TWO!! Fans are thunderous for that stomping powerbomb powerslam combination, this match is innovative to say the least! Garza and Swerve fight with CHOPS! And then Garza throws forearms, only to get a pop-up KNEE! Swerve backs off while Garza wobbles, but Devlin dropkicks the House Call! Banks sweeps Devlin’s legs, but misses the buzzsaw to get a HEADBUTT! Devlin holds onto Banks’ arm, and ripcords, for a DESTROYER!?! All four men are down, and Houston is loving this! Banks gets up as fans chant “This is Awesome!” Banks puts Devlin in a drop zone, then climbs up top. But Garza shoves him down hard!
Garza drags Devlin into position as he climbs up, but Swerve hurries over to CHOP! Garza holds on and Swerve climbs up. Garza hits back but Swerve does, too. They brawl up top but Devlin rises to join in. Devlin gets up top, elbows Garza and Swerve into position, DOUBLE SUPER SPANISH FLIES!! But then SLICE OF HEAVEN from Banks! KIWI KRUSHER!! Cover, TWO!?! How?! How any of that!? But fans are loving “All These Guys!” as they’re all down again. Banks stands Swerve up to CHOP, but Swerve headbutts back. Banks CHOPS so Swerve CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, but Banks goes up to headscissor, only to be flipped into a DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Swerve grits his teeth and drags Banks up again.
Garza is climbing in the background as Swerve Electric Chair lifts Banks. Garza missile dropkicks Banks, who uses that to POISON-RANA Swerve! Garza throws Banks out to grab Swerve, WING CLIPPER! But Devlin pulls and HEADBUTTS Garza! Devlin goes to Swerve, ripcord, DEVLINSIDE!! Cover, Devlin wins!?!?
Winner: Jordan Devlin, by pinfall; NEW NXT Cruiserweight Champion
Garza was fingertips away from breaking that cover! But “close” only counts in horse shoes and hand grenades, and now Houston is exploding with the first-ever NXT UK Cruiserweight Champion! And to celebrate, Devlin gets a mic and on the announce desk to shout, “Do you believe me now?!” Devlin says he told everyone that he is pound-for-pound the BEST wrestler on this planet! He is no longer denied, and he proved tonight that you never bet against the Ace! Is this going to completely revolutionize the Cruiserweight Division?
Robert Stone and Chelsea Green find seats up front.
The budding new stable wants to see all the action for themselves. Will they be impressed by anyone enough to recruit them to the Robert Stone brand?
DIY VS Moustache Mountain!
Two incredible tag teams reunite to give us this incredible dream match! Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa take on Tyler Bate and Trent Seven, but what happens when the heart of NXT collides with the pride of NXT UK?
Houston is already electric for this moment as the teams sort out. The bell rings and fans duel as Gargano starts with Bate. Bate and Gargano circle and tie up, then Gargano wristlocks to wrench. Bate rolls, hooks a leg and pries at the hold, but Gargano sweeps the leg to get Bate down. Gargano has the arm but Bate works his way back up. Bate monkey flips Gargano but Gargano holds on tight. Gargano has the armlock as fans sing for Bate. Bate arm-drags but Gargano holds on to arm-drag back! Gargano still has the arm but Bate fights his way up. Fans rally and duel but Gargano wrenches. Bate rolls, bridges, handsprings and finally gets free. Fans cheer that and even Gargano has to nod respect. Gargano and Bate circle and tie up again, and Gargano hammerlocks. Bate slips out but ends up in a headlock and takeover.
Bate powers his way around with his legs, gets back to his feet, and spins out to arm-drag. Now Bate has the wristlock and control but Gargano kips up to wrench and drop toehold. Gargano floats to a facelock but Bate rolls. Gargano holds on tight again, but Bate keeps trying. Bate powers Gargano up but Gargano holds on. They end up on the ropes and the ref calls for them to break. Gargano lets go and Bate throws him. Things speed up, Gargano headscissors but Bate handsprings through! Things keep moving and Bate runs Gargano over. Bate runs, Gargano ducks under then jumps up, into a fireman’s carry! But Gargano slips and sunset flips, only for Bate to bring him up in underhooks! Gargano gets free and wants to drag Bate down, but Bate avoids the submission.
Gargano shifts to a hammerlock, Bate squats and pries free to get under, only for Gargano to roll to a cover! ONE, Bate pushes Gargano over but Gargano gets a leg. Bate slips over, Gargano slips over, Bate avoids the school boy kick, Bate waistlocks! Gargano fights free, wrenches but Bate handsprings. Gargano swings, Bate swings, both men boot but catch it! Bate gets free first, but he’s a good sport and lets Gargano go. Fans cheer the respect between these amazing superstars! Gargano and Bate shake hands, then back away to tag in their partners! Fans fire up all over again to see Ciampa and Seven in the ring together. Houston chants, “Daddy’s Home!” as Ciampa circles with Seven.
Seven teases Ciampa’s beard but Ciampa mocks the mustache tweaze. Seven shows him how to do it right. Ciampa shows him how to flex. Seven fires himself up, to offer a handshake. Ciampa takes it and fans cheer. Ciampa and Seven tie up, Ciampa headlocks but Seven powers out only to get run over! Seven tries to anchor Ciampa but he gets free to run again. Seven fakes Ciampa out but Ciampa still reverses to get Seven down. Ciampa wants the Psycho Fujiwara! But Seven quickly counters with a crucifix pin, TWO! Fans cheer as Seven says it was this close. Ciampa and Seven tie up again, go around, and Seven wristlocks to wrench. Tag to Bate but Ciampa gets free. Seven leaves and Bate shows he can flex, too. The Big Strong Boy has fans chanting, but Seven is a big strong dad.
Ciampa asks for a test of strength, but also mocks Bate’s height. Bate still ties up with Ciampa and they go shoulder to shoulder. Bate has the strength to bring Ciampa to his knees! But Ciampa gets back up to give some back! Bate powers up to slip around and wrench the knuckle locks. Ciampa turns Bate around and flips him over his back, but Bate hops up to monkey flip! They both keep the knuckle locks and it’s a double cover, TWO as they both bridge! Fans cheer as the two roll off and both break free. Bate waves at Ciampa, but Ciampa shows him how that’s done. Ciampa and Bate tie up again and go to ropes. The ref calls for the break, Bate whips instead. Things speed up as Bate hurdles, then stops himself to show Bop. Ciampa DECKS Bate then sucker punches Seven!
Ciampa puts Bate on the apron to KNEE down! Gargano has Seven for a SUPERKICK! DIY throws Bate over the announce desk, then Seven! Ciampa pats himself on the back, and Gargano joins in! Thumbs up, too. Ciampa puts Bate in the ring and stomps him down. Ciampa aims at the tape on Bate’s shoulders as he stomps and clubs Bate down. Tag to Gargano and Bate is fed to Gargano’s boots. Gargano mocks the Big Strong Boy pose before bringing Bate up. Gargano snapmares Bate and basement dropkicks! Cover, TWO, but Gargano keeps on Bate. Tag to Ciampa, and DIY mugs Bate in their corner. Ciampa CHOPS Bate, whips Bate to the ropes, then runs him over with a shoulder! Ciampa drags Bate up to put on a thrashing chinlock.
Fans rally and duel as Bate endures, but Ciampa cranks harder. Bate works his way up and throws elbows into Ciampa’s stomach. Ciampa keeps Bate away from Seven and clubs him back down. Fans rally harder and Bate gets up, only for Ciampa to back suplex. Bate lands on his feet, goes under and tags Seven! Seven flapjacks Ciampa and CHOPS Gargano! And again! Seven fires up, fakes Gargano out, DDT! Seven CHOPS Ciampa in a corner, then runs to CHOP Gargano. Ciampa runs in but gets a SPINE BUSTER! Seven SLAPS Gargano out of the ring before going after Seven. Seven POWERBOMBS and high stacks Ciampa, TWO! Cartwheel LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Seven keeps his focus as fans rally and duel. Seven grabs Ciampa in the wristlock ripcord, but Ciampa boots the lariat away. Ciampa ducks the back hand then hits a jumping knee!
Both men are down but crawling for their corners. Fans fire up as each man hot tags! Bate and Gargano are back in, Gargano slingshots to BOOT Bate down! Gargano enziguris Seven then ducks Bate to kick and facelock. Seven runs in but gets caught, Complete Shot DDT combo! Fans fire up with Johnny Wrestling as he watches Bate. Gargano puts Bate in a corner to CHOP and CHOP. Gargano runs corner to corner but is put on the apron. Bate runs but into the SLINGSHOT SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Bate crawls away to get out of the ring, but Gargano just builds speed. Seven anchors Gargano but Ciampa baseball slides him away. Bate grabs Gargano but Ciampa runs in to KNEE Bate down! Ciampa holds the ropes and Gargano DIVES onto Bate! Fans cheer for DIY as Gargano puts Bate in the ring.
Ciampa intercepts Seven at the ropes and Gargano lines up Bate, Willow’s Bell draping DDT in stereo with the slingshot DDT! Cover on Bate, TWO!! DIY keeps their cool and bring Bate around. Gargano CHOPS Bate then tags Ciampa. Gargano whips Bate back in, DIY meets at the corner with knee and enziguri! Gargano sees Seven and CANNONBALLS! Bate enziguris Ciampa and waistlocks but Ciampa elbows out. Ciampa runs in but blocks a boot only to get a knee! Bate hops up, leaps but into a dropkick! Ciampa drags Bate around, underhooks, but Bate slips out to underhook for his own! Ciampa back drops, Bate lands on his feet, REBOUND LARIAT! Underhooks, TYLER DRIVER ’97!! Cover, TWO!?! Seven CHOPS Ciampa! Gargano SUPERKICKS Seven but Bate has the cover back! Gargano SUPERKICKS Bate and now Ciampa has the cover! TWO!! Houston is thunderous as all four men are down!
Houston also hopes they “Fight Forever!” as the two teams regroup. Gargano tags in and goes after Bate as fans duel again. Gargano throws big forearms on Bate then scoops, but Bate slips out to waistlock, O’Conner roll, TWO! Bate catches Gargano out of the air for an EXPLODER! Bate kips up to standing shooting star, but onto knees! But Bate still hits the rolling heel kick! Bate ducks the discus but Gargano ducks the rebound, tilt-o-whirl but then the fireman’s carry, AIRPLANE SPIN! Into the takedown! GargaNO Escape! Ciampa gets Seven for the Psycho Fujiwara! Deja vu to DIY’s feud with The Revival!! Bate and Seven grab for each other while enduring, and then Seven powers up to fireman’s carry. Bate does the same, and Moustache Mountain DOUBLE SPIN! They orbit each other like binary stars, then dump Ciampa down to throw Gargano into a double clubbing slam! Cover, TWO!
Bate gets up to tag Seven in, and Moustache Mountain coordinate. Seven full nelsons Gargano, Bate rebounds, but Gargano gets free! The LARIAT hits SEVEN! Hot tag to Ciampa! BIG KNEE for Bate! Now DIY gets to coordinate for a classic, and Houston is ready for it! But Seven gets in to shield Bate, so he just gets added to it! D I Y- Double Bop? DOUBLE BANG!! Seven torture racks Ciampa and Bate goes up top, FLYING KNEE BIRMINGHAMMER! Cover, TWO!?!? Houston cannot believe this! Seven tags Bate back in, and then Bate tags Seven back in. Moustache Mountain drag Ciampa up and rock him into DOUBLE BIRMINGHAMMER! But that’s not all, as Bate goes up top! CORKSCREW SENTON, but Ciampa pulls Seven into it!! Ciampa covers off that, but Bate breaks it just in time!
Gargano crawls back in as Houston shouts, “This is Awesome!” DIY and Moustache Mountain regroup and then stand up. Fans cheer as the two teams start throwing hands! DIY then Moustache Mountain! Seven fires up, but Ciampa sends the back hand into Bate! Bate still rocks Gargano, but Ciampa KNEES Bate! Seven Snap Germans Ciampa, Gargano BUZZSAWS Seven and Ciampa knees him, too! Bate goes up top to leap into double dropkicks! Seven is down and DIY take their corners! Houston is thunderous for the D I Y MEET IN THE MIDDLE! Cover, DIY WINS!
Winner: DIY, Ciampa pinning
“Incredible” doesn’t even cover it! That was above all expectations, because what is this other than a dream come true? Gargano and Ciampa reunited “for old time’s sake,” and they won one to go out on! At the same time, they give much deserved respect to Seven and Bate. Fans agree, and cheer for all the men involved as the teams shake hands and hug it out. When and where will we see these two teams again, whether against each other or others?
Dakota Kai is spotted in the front row.
The cruel Kiwi isn’t all that impressed with what she’s seen, apparently. But then Tegan Nox blindsides her! Their grudge match is finally happening next week, but Tegan doesn’t care! She’s stomping Dakota and hammering away right here in front of the fans! Security gets in but Dakota goes after Tegan! Then Tegan SPEARS Dakota and knocks railing over! Tegan won’t let up but Dakota hits back, too. More security gets in there but Houston boos. Fans want to “Let Them Fight!” but they aren’t on the card. This will happen on Wednesday, but will it end there?
NXT Women’s Championship: Rhea Ripley VS Toni Storm!
This is a throwback to not just the early days of NXT UK, but to the second Mae Young Classic tournament! Toni Storm won that prestigious trophy, but it would be Rhea who became inaugural UK Women’s Champion. Of course, Toni took that from Rhea, only for Rhea to move on and dethrone the Queen of Spades. Will Toni cause history to repeat in Houston? Or will the Storm be wiped out by the Riptide?
Of course, taking a front row seat for this one is Bianca Belair. The EST is also the actual #1 Contender, and awaits the winner of this match in Portland. The introductions are made, the title is raised, and this red hot rematch begins!
Rhea and Toni stare down and circle slowly as fans cheer. Toni and Rhea tie up, and go around the ring. Fans duel as Rhea puts Toni in a corner. Rhea backs off and they circle again. They tie up, go around, and Toni wristlocks and wrenches. Rhea yanks and reverses the hold, but Toni spins through and bridges back to also handspring and fire off strikes! Mule kick and Toni runs. Rhea drops but Toni redirects to dropkick! Toni throws big forearms but Rhea shoves and CHOPS! Toni sputters but ducks to CHOP Rhea on the back. Rhea scowls but Toni laughs. Toni swings another but Rhea blocks to clothesline Toni down! Rhea brings Toni up to lariat again, and again, then SUPERKICK! Toni staggers to a corner and Rhea stomps her down. Rhea drags Toni up to ram her shoulder in over and over. The ref counts, Rhea lets up and argues with him, but then Toni SUPERKICKS and German Suplexes Rhea into buckles!
The ref checks on Rhea as she writhes in pain, but Rhea gets out of the ring. Toni catches her breath as she waits for Rhea. The ring count begins, but Toni won’t wait any longer! Toni clubs Rhea on the back then puts her in the ring. Toni kicks Rhea while she’s down and then drags her up. Toni half hatch suplexes then covers, TWO! Toni keeps close as she brings Rhea around. Toni grabs at the legs but Rhea chops her on the butt. More of a spank then, isn’t it? Toni ignores that as she laces the legs and drops down, Queen Angelito STF! Rhea endures as she crawls and claws her way forward. Rhea drags both herself and Toni forward, even as Toni cranks back hard! Rhea reaches, and gets the ropebreak! Toni lets go quickly so as not to waste time.
Toni stomp Rhea but Rhea hits back with body shots. Toni clubs Rhea down then scuffs Rhea. Toni stands Rhea up to CHOP and CHOP again, then DDT! Rhea flounders and flails in pain but Toni covers, TWO! Toni keeps her cool as she drags Rhea from the ropes. Rhea holds on so Toni stomps her down. Fans duel again as Toni drags Rhea back into a chinlock. Rhea endures as Toni leans on her, and powers up again. Rhea throws body shots but Toni clubs her down. Toni stands on Rhea’s head and kicks her in the back. Cover, ONE, and Rhea grits her teeth. Toni drags Rhea up but Rhea throws more body shots. Toni clubs Rhea but Rhea ROCKS Toni. Toni throws more haymakers but so does Rhea! They go back and forth, fast and furious! There’s no stopping this one!
Rhea swats Toni then clubs her back. Rhea shoves and LARIATS! Then again! Rhea spins Toni for a cravat and knee strikes, then a snapmare and basement dropkick! Toni is in a daze as she gets up, only for Rhea to BOOT her down! Rhea brings Toni up, back suplexes to throw her face down! Rhea catches her breath while kicking at Toni on the ground. Fans still duel as Rhea stomps Toni more. Rhea grabs Toni’s legs now, figure four, Inverted Cloverleaf! Toni endures being upside-down but Rhea cranks harder. Toni handstand walks but Rhea keeps her away from the ropes. Toni keeps trying, and rolls to send Rhea into ropes! Toni waistlocks but Rhea elbows out hard. Rhea pump handles and lifts, but Toni makes it a crossbody! Cover, TWO!
Toni headbutts low then brings Rhea in. Underhooks, but Rhea resists to Alabama lift. Toni sunset flips through, Rhea slips out but the kick is blocked! Toni waistlocks, GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Rhea survives landing hard again but both women are down. Fans rally and duel, though “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie! OI OI OI!” applies to both women… Toni stomps Rhea at the ropes, then springboards to drop knees! Toni whips Rhea but Rhea reverses to swing a kick. Toni ducks that but Rhea hits the heel kick, and then the dropkick! Rhea runs, into a HEADBUTT! Toni wobbles but stays up and puts Rhea in a drop zone. Toni heads up top, to FROG SPLASH! It FLOPS! Rhea pump handles, lifts, RIPTIDE!! Cover, Rhea wins!!
Winner: Rhea Ripley, by pinfall; still NXT Women’s Champion
Rhea gives Toni some chippy kicks as she gets up, but she still got the better of perhaps her most storied rival. The Riptide downs the Storm, will Toni return to NXT UK with her head hanging low? Or will Toni stick around to try and strike again? As for Rhea, she and Bianca are getting geared up for Portland! Who wins when it’s Nightmare VS EST?
BREAKING NEWS!
While Rhea and Toni battled for the NXT Women’s Championship, something broke out backstage! Gargano was being interviewed about DIY’s reunion and victory when Finn Balor said “hello” with an attack! Balor threw Gargano over catering! Security and other superstars came to stop this but Balor threw the guards aside. Balor is ready to fight anyone and everyone, but he has his fight with Johnny Wrestling first. Will Gargano make Balor pay in Portland?
8 Man Tag: The Undisputed Era VS Imperium!
As this event drew closer, the two dominant factions started taking shots at each other. Adam Cole led Roderick Strong, Kyle O’Reilly & Bobby Fish on a Blackpool ambush, but Walter would lead Alexander Wolfe, Fabian Aichner & Marcel Barthel in a counterattack at Full Sail! The war is only going to rage harder in Houston, which side comes out on top, waving their brand’s banner high?
The factions sort out and fans are cheering “U S A!” as we begin with Aichner and Kyle. Kyle and Aichner circle and tie up, and Aichner powers Kyle down. Kyle is back up but into a waistlock and slam! Aichner talks trash as he circles with Kyle again. They break, tie up again, and Kyle gets a takedown! Armbar to kneebar to heel hook! Aichner crawls to a ropebreak and Kyle lets go. Aichner gets a cheap shot in then EuroUppers. Kyle forearms back and also kicks. Aichner knees then CHOPS Kyle in a corner. Kyle turns things around to forearm but Aichner CHOPS again! Kyle fires off a flurry of forearms and fans fire up. Kyle whips, Aichner reverses but Kyle boots back. Kyle runs into a spinning powerslam! Tag to Barthel, and Imperium’s elite tag duo coordinate to flapjack EuroUpper! Cover, ONE but Barthel looms over Kyle.
Barthel talks trash then runs but Kyle ducks the Penalty Kick to throw kicks. Barthel blocks them then ducks to uppercut! Barthel runs but into a knee! Tag to Strong, and he gut busters for Kyle to knee drop on Barthel! Cover, TWO! Strong drags Barthel up but Barthel uppercuts him down! Barthel throat chops Strong into Imperium territory and Wolfe tags in. Wolfe snapmares Strong and Barthel hits a basement EuroUpper! Cover, ONE, but Wolfe clubs Strong down. Wolfe puts Strong in a corner and throws body shots. Wolfe throws EuroUppers of his own, then wrenches Strong. Strong forearms and CHOPS back, and tags in Fish. Fish and Strong double suplex Wolfe for the gourd buster! Then they add a kick CHOP combo! Fish covers Wolfe, TWO but barely! Wolfe might be in bad shape as the ref checks on him. The ref puts up an X and medics come over. Fans are bummed as the match has to pause.
Fish waits in his corner as Wolfe is helped away. This 8 Man now becomes 4v3 as Walter steps in for his fallen comrade. Cole tags in, and now we get NXT Champion going against NXT UK Champion! Walter and Cole tie up, and Walter just TOSSES Cole aside! Cole is shocked, but he comes back for more. Walter hip tosses Cole but Cole SLAPS Walter. “How about that?!” Walter puts Cole in a corner but Cole headlocks before that massive chop can come. Walter powers out but Cole kicks him back, then goes to superkick. Walter blocks that but Cole again avoids the chop. Fish runs in to take a forearm and Cole goes after Walter with clubbing forearms and stomps! Tag to Strong and Strong drags Walter up for clubbing forearms of his own.
Walter shoves, Strong forearms again, then runs. Walter HURDLES Strong to then BOOT him down! Walter glares at Cole before going to Strong. Strong is put in Imperium’s corner and Aichner tags in. Aichner stomps away on Strong and then reels him in for a back suplex! Aichner strike a pose but fans boo as he scuffs Strong. Strong throws a forearm but Aichner knees him down. Tag to Barthel and Imperium mugs Strong. Barthel bumps Strong off buckles and stomps a mudhole in! Barthel shouts “NEIN!” but Strong throws body shots. Barthel shoves Strong, Strong kicks back then throws more forearms. Barthel uppercuts, Strong boots and Cole tags in. Strong hops up but Barthel blocks the headscissor, but Cole kicks the legs out! Strong still gets bombed but Barthel is down for Cole to rain down rights!
Cole hammers away even as he adjusts his mount. Cole drags Barthel over to drop elbows and ax handles. Cole brings Barthel up and grinds him in as Fish tags in. Fish and Cole mug Barthel then Kyle tags in. Kyle throws forearms and shots of his own, and even kicks and knees. Tag to Strong and Strong CHOPS while Kyle kicks! CHOP, kick, repeat! The fans fire up but the ref has to keep Walter back. Strong toys with Barthel and mocks the Imperium pose. Tag to Fish and they both bring Barthel up for more knees. Fish snapmares Barthel, slingshots out and in for the senton! Fans duel as Fish tags Cole in. Cole brings Barthel up for a neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Cole clamps on with a chinlock and Barthel endures being ground down on the mat. Barthel fights his way up as Aichner coaches him from the corner.
Barthel gets up and throws body shots, only to get a BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Cole keeps his eyes on Walter and drags Barthel to tag in Kyle. Kyle goes side to side for a sliding knee! Kyle brings Barthel up for a waistlock slam and then rams elbows and knees into the ribs. Kyle is just picking Barthel apart as he runs to ram another knee in. Fans cheer the dominance, but Kyle boots Walter! Walter is just angry but Kyle makes fun of “Walterstein.” But Kyle gets caught with a Russian Leg Sweep by Barthel! Both men are down now and fans rally up. Hot tag to Walter! And now Walter rallies on the Undisputed Era! He throws Fish out, BOOTS Cole, and Strong gets clear to check on Fish. Kyle realizes he messed up, but he still tries to throw hands with the Austrian Anomaly!
Walter blocks a kick to make it an Ankle Lock! And then a trapped-leg GERMAN! Kyle flounders up to clothesline, but then Walter just CLUBS Kyle down! Walter drags Kyle up but Kyle slips into a GUILLOTINE! Kyle can’t bring Walter down to the mat, and Walter powers out with a suplex! Kyle slips out to waistlock, Walter standing switches, but Strong gets in to help keep Kyle grounded! But Walter gives a tug and Strong just ends up part of the GERMAN SUPLEX! Two men for the price of one! Walter tags Aichner in, and Aichner tags Barthel in. Barthel brings Kyle up as Aichner climbs. Wheelbarrow, FLYING DDT! Then the cover, TWO!! Kyle survives that blitzkrieg but Barthel is back on him. Barthel whips and runs Kyle over with an elbow, covers, TWO! Barthel drags Kyle up while talking trash and then tags in Aichner.
Imperium mugs Kyle, underhook and butterfly suplex! Cover, TWO, but Aichner clamps on with a chinlock. Aichner grinds Kyle down but the Undisputed Era coach Kyle from the corner. Fans rally up and Kyle fights his way up. Kyle throws body shots but Aichner shoves to hit Kyle with the kitchen sink knee. Aichner toys with Kyle then tags in Walter. Imperium mugs Kyle more, and then Walter brings Kyle around to scoop and slam. Walter runs to LEAP onto Kyle! The seated senton all but squashed Kyle, and Kyle crawls into the Imperium corner. Walter clubs Kyle in the chest, but Kyle is gritting his teeth. Kyle is hulking up and throwing hands! Kyle slaps Walter, decks Aichner, but Walter CHOPS! Cover, TWO!! Kyle survives the Walter Chop, and fans want more. But Aichner tags in to drag Kyle up for a back suplex.
Kyle slips out and boots back. Kyle sweeps Walter’s leg but Aichner boots Kyle down. Tag to Barthel and Kyle is set upside-down. Imperium meets in the corner, double dropkicks! But there was some mistiming, Barthel hit Aichner more than he did Kyle. Barthel gets Kyle by the foot but Kyle rolls through the Ankle Lock! Barthel hits buckles but Walter tags back in. Walter drags Kyle up but Kyle slips under to tag in Strong! Strong rallies on Imperium, dropkick for Aichner, CHOP for Walter! Dropkick for Barthel and another CHOP for Walter! But Walter CHOPS Strong! Strong stays standing so Walter CHOPS him again! Somehow Strong keeps throwing forearms and CHOPS on Walter! Walter grabs Strong but Strong just keeps throwing CHOPS! Then forearm for forearm for a LARIAT from Walter!
Fans are fired up again as Walter brings Strong up. Strong slips out, STRONG KNEE! Aichner tags in as Strong runs, PSYCHO KICK for Walter! Aichner runs in, Strong sees him coming and spins him around for a butterfly BOMB! Cover, TWO, into STRONG HOLD! Aichner endures as Strong sits deep! Aichner turns it around to kick free. Aichner CHOPS and kicks and EuroUppers Strong to DISCUS! Both men are down but Houston is fired up again. Strong and Aichner go to their corners, tag to Fish and Barthel. Fish rushes Imperium and just throws elbows all over. But Barthel shoves Fish, Aichner SPINE BUSTERS and Barthel PENALTY KICKS! Aichner feeds Fish to Barthel’s AIR RAID! Cover, TWO! Fish survives but Imperium regroups.
Barthel feeds Fish to Aichner, but Fish back drops out of the bomb! Fish BOOTS Barthel and EXPLODERS Aichner onto him! Fish tags in Cole and Houston explodes! Barthel falls for a 52 Fake Out and then Cole heads up top. Cole leaps, but Barthel gets clear of the Sunrise. Cole fireman’s carries but Barthel slips out. Barthel’s boot is caught but Barthel pries free and knees back! Barthel waistlocks but Cole PELES! Fireman’s carry, USHIGOROSHI! Cover, but Walter stomps it apart! Strong, Kyle and Fish return to go after Walter! A 3v1 mugging in the corner! The ref backs them all off but the Undisputed Era drag Walter up to throw him out. They don’t stop there, they decide to clear off the announce desk! Fans fire up because they’re anticipating a table! Walter CHOPS away and throws big forearms!
Walter brings Strong around, but Kyle kicks a leg out! Strong is saved and then reDRagon mug Walter. But Walter just fights out again! CHOPS all around and Fish is put into a post. Walter clears off the other announce desk as fans chant his name. Walter puts Kyle on the desk then climbs up to join him. But Fish kicks Walter’s leg! Ax ‘n’ SMASH! OLYMPIC SLAM ONTO THE OTHER DESK!! Strong and Walter crash down and Houston loses its mind! Fans also chant “MAMMA MIA!” since Mauro Ranallo isn’t here. Back in the ring, Cole has Barthel. Suplex, but Barthel fights out. Barthel dodges and Cole gets buckles. Barthel runs to EuroUpper to butterfly suplex! Barthel is up top, flying EuroUpper! Kyle returns but misses Barthel to get an enziguri! And then Barthel tosses Kyle to Aichner’s BRAIN BUSTER! Strong returns, to get a SAIDO! SUPERKICK for Barthel! Aichner flies in, to a SUPERKICK!
Cole drags Barthel up, suplex, LAST SHOT 1.0! Cover, TWO!! That wasn’t the last one as Barthel survives. Cole tags in Strong and Strong drags Barthel up. Strong fireman’s carries for the gut buster drop, Shining Wizard! Cover, TWO!! Strong drags Barthel up, tags in Fish and Fish tags in Kyle. Strong lets reDRagon handle this but Aichner gets in to save Barthel! It’s a brawl and Aichner gets the pop-up double kicks! Barthel is on the apron and he baits Fish in. Barthel hits Kyle but Kyle dragon screws back! Cole distracts the ref so that Fish can sweep the legs! Kyle climbs up and leaps to drop knees on Barthel’s back! HEEL HOOK! Barthel endures, flails, reaches, but CHOPS Kyle! Kyle just cranks harder! Barthel manages to crawl his way over, to the ROPEBREAK! Aichner triangle MOONSAULTS onto Kyle!
Fans are loving “NXT! NXT!” for this incredible international instant classic! Teams regroup on the outside and Aichner helps Barthel in. Fish and Strong go after Aichner and into a corner of the barriers. But Walter rises?! Barthel fights Kyle off with kicks but Cole tags in! Cole drags Barthel away, but Cole ducks the enziguri, and it hits Kyle! Barthel gets away to tag in Walter! Houston erupts as Walter CHOPS Cole! And CHOPS Kyle on the back! Fish runs in but gets a CHOP, too! Cole is back up to SUPERKICK and SUPERKICK! The knee pad comes down, Cole runs, into a CHOP!! Walter decks Kyle and clobbers Strong! Strong gets back up so Walter gives him a WALTER BOMB! Walter heads up top and fans remember seeing this before. WALTER SPLASH!
But Cole is right behind Walter, LAST SHOT 2.0!! Cover, but Barthel breaks it up!! Houston can’t believe what they’re seeing, but they know “This is Awesome!” The factions regroup, 4v3. And it fires off again! Cole spills out but Strong ROCKS Aichner! Barthel gets Kyle out of the way as Walter puts Fish in a sleeper hold! Barthel clobbers Strong and Kyle climbs onto Walter for a sleeper of his own! Fish pries free, TOTAL ANNIHILATION ON WALTER! Who is legal!? Barthel climbs the apron to leap onto Cole! Kyle throws hands on Barthel but is scooped for a slam! Strong lines up his shot to FLY out onto everyone! Fish and Walter are slowly sitting up as Aichner triangle LEAPS onto the rest! Fish goes to the corner to MOONSAULT but FLOPS! Walter SHOTGUN dropkicks, and then brings Fish up, WALTER BOMB!! Cover, IMPERIUM WINS!!
Winners: Imperium, Walter pinning
Even after losing Wolfe, NXT UK’s dominant force overcomes the odds! The mat is sacred, their brand stands tall, and that is undisputed. Is this a sign of how much bigger and stronger the NXT UK brand is becoming? Or is it a sign that the entire NXT franchise is going to take over the world of wrestling entertainment?
My Thoughts:
Honestly, what is there to say? his was an incredible event from start to finish! Even the preshow match of KLR and Mia Yim was really good! Balor VS Dragunov was an amazing main show opener. A new Cruiserweight Championship belt goes to a new champion after an incredible Fatal 4 Way. I was always talking about NXT UK getting a midcard title and having Devlin be in that conversation, so now the Cruiserweight Championship just becomes the shared midcard title between both brands! I don’t recall where 205 Live will be this week, but we need Devlin to show up in person to make his presence known to everyone and just shake up a lot of what was going on. At the very least, send some 205 Live guys to NXT UK in response. DIY VS Moustache Mountain couldn’t have been any better, and it works out great for DIY to win and for Finn to attack Gargano backstage. That is the RRRREEEAL Prince Balor right there.
Ripley VS Storm should just go down as the biggest female rivalry in NXT history, those two do great against each other. Though, it was pretty clear Toni wasn’t going to win here. Now Rhea and Bianca get to have more build for a couple weeks before TakeOver: Portland. Though, I’m confused as to why Rhea was only being refereed to as the NXT Champion when she’s the NXT Women’s Champion. It’s not like they renamed Adam Cole’s belt to be the NXT World Champion or something. The only distinction at this point for a Women’s Champion is that there is a Women’s Division because WWE doesn’t officially do co-ed wrestling. And then, while it was a shame Wolfe went down with a legitimate injury, the main event of Undisputed Era VS Imperium was still an amazing match. Adding Wolfe would’ve only made it better, but this still blew the roof off the place. It was very surprising that Imperium won, but HHHBK do seem to be putting a lot of effort into NXT UK. It’s crazy how an event fans weren’t so sure about turned into perhaps something as good as any traditional TakeOver event, maybe even better.
My Score: 9.8/10
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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.
The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.
Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!
Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!
Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!
The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.
As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.
Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.
Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.
Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?
Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.
My Score: 8.9/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
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THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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The Front and Center Sports Podcast – NFL Conference Championships and Jimmy Butler
The Chairshot presents a new episode of The Front and Center Sports Podcast, with an NFL Conference Championship preview, and...
Oblong Ball Foot Show: NFL Conference Championships
It's Championship Sunday and the gents have you covered as we breakdown both AFC and NFC title games!
Oblong Ball Foot Show: NFL Divisional Playoffs
Rey, Andrew and Tunney catch you up on the NFL coaching carousel and breakdown the Divisional round matchups.
Bandwagon Nerds #276: Do You Style Your Moustache?
The Nerds continue their review of Season 3 of Invincible, review Captain America: Brave New World, and check out trailers...
Bandwagon Nerds #275: Master of Porpoise
The Nerds begin their review of Season 3 of Invincible and look at the latest trailers for Final Destination, Jurassic...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (2/5/25)
There’s a lot going on this time around!
Bandwagon Nerds #274: Rey Cash Caught Sleeping On The Job
Tune in for another episode of BANDWAGON NERDS for your weekly fix in the world of Comics & Pop Culture!
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu Results & Report! (1/31/25)
The Bracket of Courage!
Mindless Wrestling Podcast: Weekend Wrasslin’ Wrap-up!
DJ, Rob and Jason break down NXT Vengeance Day and AEW GrandSlam Australia. Plus, Rob's SmackDown adventure and some beer...
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (2/21/25)
The Final Boss is back!
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (2/20/25)
Anillo de Honor!
DWI Podcast #464: NXT Vengeance Day & SNL 50
NBA All-Star weekend, SNL 50th anniversary and plenty of Rasslin' talk this week on the DWI podcast.
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (2/19/25)
Phoenix is Dynamite!
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (2/18/25)
NXT is Absolute!
Mitchell’s ROH Global Wars Australia Results & Report! (2/17/25)
G'day, mates!
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (2/17/25)
Visionary VS Prince!
#TheOddity 028: One Monkey = Total Chaos
Join Dave Wortz and PC Tunney for your weekly newsletter on the ridiculous and dumb of actual headlines from around...
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