Results
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (3/13/20)
The show must go on!
SmackDown will not be stopped!
Circumstances being what they are, SmackDown moves to the WWE Performance Center in Orlando! How will this affect the Road to WrestleMania?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Empty Arena Tag Match: Sasha Banks & Bayley VS Bliss-Cross; Banks & Bayley win.
- Elimination Chamber replay: SmackDown Tag Team Championship Elimination Chamber match.
- Empty Arena Match: Daniel Bryan w/ Drew Gulak VS Cesaro w/ The Artist Collective; Bryan wins.
- Empty Arena Match: Jeff Hardy VS Baron Corbin; Hardy wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Triple H welcomes us to the show.
“Welcome to Friday Night SmackDown on Fox.” HHH personally welcomes us to the WWE Performance Center. “This 30 thousand square foot, amazing state-of-the-art facility” is designed to bring us the WWE superstars of the future. “This is the athletic hub of the WWE.” On any given day, hundreds of athletes from all over the world are here training, putting everything into everything they do, all for the goal of performing for the fans. Bayley, Asuka, Roman Reigns, Bray Wyatt and many more have walked through these doors, and tonight, they shall return. Not to train, but do what they have been trained to do better than anyone else on this planet: entertain. Now yes, tonight will be very different. But sit back, relax, and let the world melt away as the WWE does what it does best: put a smile on your face.
That said, this is a historic and truly unprecedented night for SmackDown and the WWE as it not only has its first broadcast from the PC, but with an empty arena! Not even this speed bump will slow us down on the Road to WrestleMania!
Michael Cole is joined by HHH on commentary.
SmackDown will have a rotation of guests tonight, and the first one is The Game. HHH says this is an opportunity to show that nothing stops the WWE.
Sasha Banks and Bayley head to the ring!
The Boss and the SmackDown Women’s Champion are here and still braggadocios even without WWE fans around to rub it in their faces. Bayley and Sasha go over to commentary to interrupt HHH just to ask the music be turned off. “The Role Model and the Legit Boss have arrived” to kick off SmackDown, their show, because they are the faces of Friday Nights! It doesn’t matter if it’s 10 thousand or zero fans in attendance, these two are leading by example by being right here in “the place that we built,” the WWE Performance Center. This is THEIR House! Good one. We remember that catchphrase, don’t we?
Speaking of Paige… Oh hi, HHH. Thanks for having them back, but where is Paige? She said she wanted to confront these two so where is she?! They’re on a schedule, right? Michael Cole explains Paige has had travel issues. Oh, really? HHH says he’s sick of excuses and the BFF’s agree. Paige is no better than the rest of the SmackDown Women’s Division these days. They’re all jealous. But instead of Paige, here comes Bliss-Cross! Alexa and Nikki are also best friends, and they ask, “Don’t you just love surprises?” No Paige but no problem, because while Bliss-Cross called out the Kabuki Warriors, the only response since was a bunch of weird tweets. Asuka and Kairi are clearly ducking Bliss-Cross by hiding out on Raw. That makes Bliss-Cross a bit salty.
But if Bayley & Banks are willing to stop talking trash about every woman in WWE History, they can shut up, get in the ring, and give Bliss-Cross a fight! Bayley grabs a mic again to say bring a ref, because these “little idiots” made a big mistake! Will this oddly historic match go a long way to determining contenders for the Kabuki Warriors?
Empty Arena Tag Match: Sasha Banks & Bayley VS Bliss-Cross!
The teams sort out and Nikki starts against Bayley. Nikki fires up and ties up with Bayley, and they go around. Nikki brings Bayley to the corner and stomps into her. Alexa tags in and wrenches Bayley to a standing STO. Alexa drops knees then tags Nikki and Nikki basement dropkicks. Tag back to Nikki, and Alexa helps Nikki run in for a corner splash! Alexa runs in to SLAP Bayley! Alexa climbs up but Sasha drags Bayley out. Nikki comes around to LEAP onto Sasha! Alexa wrecks Bayley with a dropkick and Bayley collides with announce desk! Bliss-Cross hug as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Bayley pushes Alexa into buckles to stomp a mudhole. The ref backs Bayley off but Bayley brings Alexa to the corner. Tag to Sasha and they stomp away into Alexa. Sasha drags Alexa up by her hair and whips, but Alexa blocks the hip toss to try a hip toss. Sasha blocks that, but Alexa rolls her for a cover! TWO, and Alexa strikes a pose and smiles. Sasha gets annoyed but Alexa counter punches and SLAPS her! Alexa runs, dodges, and tilt-o-whirl headscissors! Sasha ends up in the corner, but she drop toeholds Alexa into buckles! METEORA! Cover, TWO! Sasha mocks Nikki as she rallies for Alexa. Sasha grabs Alexa by her hair then brings her over for a bump.
Tag to Bayley and the two crisscross Alexa into buckles. Bayley covers, TWO! Bayley taunts Nikki but the ref keeps her back, and Bayley gets away with chokes. Sasha gets a cheap shot in! Cover, TWO! Bayley mocks Nikki and bumps Alexa on buckles. Sasha tags in while Bayley traps Alexa, and then Bayley whips Sasha in to SLAP Alexa! The “role models” brag too long and Alexa rolls Sasha up! TWO, and Sasha dropkicks Alexa down! Cover, TWO! Sasha grows frustrated but Nikki cheers Alexa on. Sasha drags Alexa up and snap suplexes her down. Cover, TWO! Sasha keeps on Alexa with a chinlock and digs her knee in. Alexa endures and Nikki rallies up. Alexa fights but Sasha shifts to a half surfboard.
Bayley and Sasha mock Nikki as she stomps on the steps. Alexa gets up and arm-drags Sasha away! Sasha knocks Alexa down then drags her to the corner. Tag to Bayley and Bayley mocks Nikki firing up before she punches Alexa down. Bayley clamps onto Alexa with a chinlock and grinds her down. Alexa endures as Bayley leans on her. Alexa fights up but Bayley pushes her in the corner. Tag to Sasha and Sasha stomps away. Alexa kicks back and elbows Bayley down! Sasha keeps Alexa from Nikki and puts her in an open corner. Meteora MISSES! Hot tag to Nikki! The wild child rallies on Sasha with forearms! Sasha is in a corner, Nikki runs in for a corner splash! Bulldog!
Bayley is up but Nikki knocks her off the apron. Nikki elbows Sasha away but her tornado DDT is denied! Meteora countered into a sunset flip! TWO, and Nikki rolls Sasha again, ONE! Cradle, TWO! Nikki tries a backslide, TWO, but Nikki whips Sasha to a corner. Sasha puts Nikki on the apron but Nikki shoulders and kicks her down! Nikki goes up, leaps, BIG Crossbody! Cover, but Bayley breaks it! Alexa ROCKS Bayley with a right! Everyone but Alexa is down, but wait! Asuka attacks! The Kabuki Warriors’ Empress of Tomorrow makes her presence known! Sasha gets Nikki with a BACKSTABBER, to the BANK STATEMENT! Nikki flails but taps, Bayley & Sasha win!
Winners: Sasha Banks & Bayley, by submission
Asuka taunts Bliss-Cross as HHH makes jokes about her coming from the crowd. The Goddess and her crazy best friend will surely want revenge, will they go to Raw to get it?
SmackDown returns with Michael Cole in the ring.
He welcomes the challenger to Goldberg’s WWE Universal Championship, Roman Reigns! The new champion was more than eager to find out #WhosNext, and the Big Dog gladly stepped up! Roman now sits with Michael in the ring and first of all, how odd is it to make an entrance with no fans to react? Roman knows that they’re in a business that is all about reactions, so this is definitely weird. But it’s still great to be back in the Performance Center.
Michael moves on to asking about Roman’s past year. Things will be capped off at WrestleMania for the WWE Universal Championship, against Goldberg. Roman notes that it has been a crazy year, and blessed. The highs, the lows, but ultimately, he is grateful to have his health. He is in familiar territory and it is good to be back in a main event. Michael brings up the critics, both online and in person. Many say Roman shoved himself into the main event at Mania without deserving it. Roman says he’s dealt with that his whole career. He counters with a question: “If I can main event Youngstown, Ohio,” a small town of maybe 5000, if he could do that every night of the year, why can’t he be allowed to main event the biggest shows? Why shouldn’t all his hard work pay off? Roman brings attention, works hard night in and night out. No one has the same level of commitment. He came back as fast as he could to do what he loves. Roman bows down to no one, takes what’s his and he earns what he gets.
Michael brings around how this is pitched as “Spear VS Spear.” Goldberg told WWE’s The Bump that he will “bulldoze” Roman with his Spear. Roman says Goldberg went to Georgia U, so he might not even be smart enough to operate a bulldozer. But in all seriousness, Roman does respect Goldberg. This business is about putting people in seats, getting viewers at home, and he’s capable of doing that. Goldberg has been great throughout his career. But he’s now a “part-timer,” and WWE ain’t got time for that. Roman is full-time, dedicated to the craft, 24/7/365. Roman was born for this, groomed for this since he was a child. Goldberg doesn’t know what he’s in for. Roman has more than one more, and has mastered the nuances of pro-wrestling. The Big Dog vows to whoop Goldberg’s ass, take back his championship, and set things right. Will Goldberg find out this is still Roman’s Yard?
Backstage interview with Sami Zayn.
Kayla Braxton’s introduction is interrupted by Cesaro giving the introduction to the NEW WWE Intercontinental Champion, “The Untouchable” Sami Zayn! Sami, Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura are excited given their big victory of Braun Strowman. But Kayla explains this wasn’t their scheduled interview time. It isn’t? No, sorry, the schedule changed. Normally that’d upset Sami, but the team has celebrating to do! The real guest is Jeff Hardy! Jeff is happy they’re all excited to have him back. Everyone is, and it feels so good for him to be back. Jeff has done soul searching and found out a lot of things. One of those is that he has a lot more to do in the WWE.
But Baron Corbin has to come in and talk down to Jeff now. the Lone Wolf King says not everyone is happy Jeff’s back. SmackDown has changed, because it is run by a “benevolent king” that keeps peasants in their place. But what is Jeff’s big return even going to be? Walking in a straight line? Maybe reciting the alphabet backwards. No, wait, the greatest thing of all, touching his finger to his nose! No, Jeff has a big match tonight. Or did “His Majesty” not hear that it’s against him!? Jeff heads out and Elias strums in. Elias says he never forgets, and that goes for Corbin’s insults last week. Elias wants to sing his response, but Corbin storms off. This is why no one likes Corbin. But will everyone like it when Jeff gives the king his comeuppance?
To Michael Cole’s surprise, HHH is still on SmackDown.
Turns out he’s not as busy as he thought. Or at least, busy with the kind of business you’d think. “I’m the only man in the history of that world that can get demoted and get busier.” But the Game is still with Michael because the internet immediately demanded it. They discuss how impressive Drew Gulak looked against Daniel Bryan on Elimination Chamber Sunday, even in defeat. Speaking of…
Daniel Bryan finds Gulak backstage.
Gulak doesn’t want to talk but Bryan says he actually sees what Gulak was talking about. Bryan got in the ring with Gulak and Gulak countered so much of what he did. And even a week later, Bryan is still sore. So Bryan is willing to learn if Gulak is willing to teach. But Sami and friends come in laughing it up. Good ol’ Bryan, Sami remembers asking Bryan to join the “Artist Collective” and he said no. But now, look! Sami has the Intercontinental Championship after pinning Braun Strowman! Meanwhile, Bryan is a shell of his former self after being chewed up and spat out by The Fiend. And now he has to ask for tips from a nobody.
Bryan gets heated but Cesaro stands in his way. Easy, guys, easy. Bryan wants after Sami, but Cesaro that if he has issues with Sami, he has issues with Cesaro. Is that a challenge? Sure sounds like a challenge. Then challenge accepted. We all know where the ring is, so meet him there. As for Gulak, he’ll show Sami who’s the “nobody.” HHH already approves of the match, so who is going to learn a lesson later tonight?
Elimination Chamber replay: SmackDown Tag Team Championship Elimination Chamber match!
That’s right! If you missed Elimination Chamber the Pay-Per-View, or even just missed this match, WWE and Fox are willing to give it to you right here and now!
Along with Roode-Dolph, the champions Miz & Morrison themselves, as well as Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik of Lucha House Party and Heavy Machinery are put in the pods. That means the first two teams to start this match are The New Day and The Usos! This incredibly storied rivalry starts off this incredible gauntlet!
Jimmy and Jey stare down with Kofi Kingston and Big E. Fans are already loving this as the four men circle. And the brawl is on! Jimmy CHOPS Kofi while Big E RAMS Jey to a corner! Jimmy headlocks but Kofi powers out, only for Jimmy to run him over. Things speed up for Kofi and Jimmy while Jey turns things around on Big E. Kofi ducks, dodges and hits a leaping back elbow on Jimmy! Cover, TWO! Kofi whips Jimmy but Jimmy reverss. Jimmy runs in and monkey flips but Kofi lands on his feet! Kofi dropkicks Jimmy down, but Jey ROCKS him with a right! Big E grabs Jey but Jey powers out of the headlock. Big E runs Jey over, and starts swiveling the hips. Things speed up, Jey runs into Big E’s belly2belly!
Big E runs but Jey gets clear as Jimmy crossbodies in! Cover, TWO! Jimmy turns around, Kofi springboards but slips a little. Kofi still collides with Jimmy and tackles him to a cover! TWO and Kofi walks into Jey’s mule kick. Jey uppercuts Kofi away and then helps Jimmy up. The Usos put Kofi on the top rope and CHOP! Miz and Morrison felt that one in their pod. The Usos climb up and they make sure Miz and Morrison are watching. But Big E drags Jimmy down to throw him out hard! Big E then gets Jey on his shoulders, Kofi adjusts, but Jimmy saves his brother! The two teams have a stand off and fans cheer. The first countdown is here, and joining this match… Lucha House Party!
Lince and Metalik double enziguri the New Day! Then double springboard over the Usos to double seated senton the New Day! LHP is back up to double mule kick the Usos. Lince get a boost from Metalik to dropkick Kofi out! LHP stomp Big E out then go after Jey with CHOPS! They double whip Jey then Metalik runs in, but is put on the outside. Metalik enziguris back, Lince handsprings for the GOLDEN REWIND! Metalik gets some help, for an elevated splash! Cover, Jimmy runs over but Metalik gets clear, Jimmy ends up dropping ax handles on his brother! LHP goes after Jimmy together but Jimmy uppercuts and CHOPS them away! Jimmy whips Metalik but Metalik runs the ropes to missile dropkick!
Lince goes up to moonsault! Metalik MOONSAULTS! Lince goes up for another MOONSAULT! Cover, but Jey breaks it! Big E returns but LHP kicks and CHOPS him first. LHP double whip but Big E holds ropes. Metalik runs in but Big E hip tosses him out hard! Then he does the same to Lince! Big E and Kofi coordinate, and Big E boosts Kofi to take out both members of LHP! Kofi throws the luchadors in and Big E drags Lince over. Kofi scoops Metalik to slam next to Lince. Big E stands ready, Kofi runs and leap frogs, but Lince gets clear! Metalik gets elbows but Big E runs at Lince. Lince goes up and over and Big E gets only post! Lince springboards but Jey shoves him!
The Golden Lynx collides with steel cage and gets stuck in the chains! He sits up and climbs to get away from Big E, but Jey pursues! Lince kicks Jey away and sits on top of a pod. The Usos both go after Lince and he fights them away. Kofi hops up from the post but Lince just clubs away with fury! Metalik joins in and LHP mugs Kofi on the pod’s roof! Kofi drops! He catches himself on the edge, but LHP stomp his hands! Kofi drops to the floor, and Lince LEAPS onto the Usos! Metalik SUPER SENTONS onto The New Day in the ring!! While Elimination Chamber has no commercials, SmackDown chooses this moment to go to break.
SmackDown returns with the countdown. The next team to enter the match is… The Miz & John Morrison! The champions rush in to go after the New Day! Morrison throws Kofi out while Miz throws Big E into steel! Morrison mugs Kofi against the chains and grinds a knee in! Miz throws Jey Uso into steel, then Jimmy, too! Miz and Morrison drag Lince into the ring, and double ALABAMA SLAM! Morrison runs and Miz follows, Shining Wizard and basement boot! Standing shooting star! Cover, but Metalik breaks it! Miz and Morrison mug Metalik, then whip him into a Tree of Woe! Miz unleashes It Kicks then holds Metalik up for Morrison’s spinning enziguri! Jey runs into a double gut buster, and double basement DDT! Cover, but Jimmy breaks it!
Morrison kicks Jimmy to the ropes then drags him up. Miz and Morrison double whip Jimmy corner to corner, then Miz whips Morrison in. Jimmy puts Morrison outside and boots Miz. Jimmy ROCKS Morrison with a right then Miz with an uppercut. But Miz counters Jimmy to an A-List Combination, with Morrison’s springboard DOUBLE STOMPS added on! Cover, TWO!! The Usos survive but Morrison goes right after Lince. Miz boots Jimmy out then keeps Big E out. Morrison toys with Lince, then gut wrenches him for a spinning crucifix SLAM! Cover, Metalik breaks it! Miz kicks Metalik around, then Morrison ROCKS Metalik with a right! Morrison whips Metalik at Miz and Miz pops Metalik up, but Metalik lands on the corner!
Metalik mule kicks Miz then goes up the pod again. Morrison pursues but Metalik kicks and punches back. Metalik SUPER-RANAS Morrison down!! Cover, but Miz breaks it in time! Miz throws hands on Metalik as fans chant “This is Awesome!” Miz endures that because it sounds like “Miz is Awesome,” but Kofi leaps ax handles on him! Kofi rallies and hits a dropkick to a leaping ax handle! NEW~ DAY~ Boom Drop! Kofi is fired up and aims from the corner. Fans clap along as Kofi spins, but Miz ducks to lift. Morrison springboards, FLYING CHUCK HART ATTACK! Cover, but Big E breaks it! Morrison throws hands and kicks on Big E while Miz keeps Kofi down. SmackDown decides to take another break.
SmackDown returns again, and after HHH jokes about Michael being through is own Elimination Chamber match, we jump into after Heavy Machinery has joined the match. Otis has Big E in the drop zone, and fans fire up as he pumps up! Otis says this one’s for Roode-Dolph, and he hits Big E with the CATERPILLAR! Cover, but Kofi breaks it! The Usos, Miz and Morrison and Kofi go after Heavy Machinery, but… Wait, is Lince up on the ceiling!? They all see him as he SHOOTING STARS!!! Only Otis got clear! Philly loses their minds as Heavy Machinery regroups aside of the human wreckage. Metalik runs in, but gets the COMPACTOR!! Cover, Heavy Machinery ELIMINATES Lucha House Party!
Otis and Tucker tell Roode-Dolph it’s only a matter of time. Because he comes the countdown! Heavy Machinery surrounds the pods, and now Roode-Dolph wants to stay in! Miz and Morrison help out and they mug Heavy Machinery 4v2! Morrison and Roode have Tucker in a corner while Miz and Ziggler throw Otis into steel! Ziggler grinds Otis’s face into the chains! Fans rally up for Otis as Ziggler pie faces Otis around. Tucker takes more stomps as Roode whips Morrison and Morrison whips Roode. Tucker elbows Roode down, and Otis rises up against Ziggler and Miz! Morrison runs in but is thrown outside! Otis throws Miz hard on the outside! Ziggler climbs the chains but Otis grabs hold of him! Ziggler fights and scurries away and has to go to the top of a pod. But Tucker climbs up behind him!
Tucker taps Ziggler on the shoulder, before bumping him off glass! Otis is waiting, and Tucker tosses Ziggler to him! Otis has Ziggler, then turns and tosses him into ropes! “Oh yeah, Tucky!!” Tucker SUPER SWANTONS onto the New Day and Usos!!! Philly is thunderous for Heavy Machinery, but Roode goes after Otis! Roode-Dolph mug Otis at the ropes with punches and stomps. Fans boo as they grind their boots into Otis. Roode and Ziggler drag Otis up to throw at steel, but he powers up again! Otis clotheslines Roode into the ring then CLOBBERS Ziggler! Fans are all fired up for Otis as he brings Ziggler up. Roode saves Ziggler to kick Otis and reel him in. But no Glorious DDT, just a big back body drop!
Otis wants after Ziggler still, and Ziggler flounders in a corner. Otis runs in, but Ziggler gets clear, sending Otis into the pod! The Dozer SMASHES through the Plexiglas!!! He’s OUTSIDE the Chamber!! Philly is losing their minds, but who wouldn’t be?! Tucker sees what happened to his best friend and is in utter shock! “This is Awesome!” even as medics check on Otis. Tucker has to focus back on the match, and he’s locked in on Roode-Dolph. Roode and Ziggler tell Tucker to stay back, but he takes them both on! BIG hands for Roode and Dolph! Fans are on Tucker’s side but Ziggler kicks low. Ziggler runs in, but the Famouser is sent into buckles! Tucker ROCKS Roode, but Ziggler SUPERKICKS Tucker! Roode hits a GLORIOUS DDT!! Cover, Roode-Dolph ELIMINATE Heavy Machinery! All it took was a pod and a 2v1 situation.
Otis rises but it doesn’t matter now as he and Tucker are out. Fans tell Roode-Dolph what they think of them, but Ziggler just mocks Otis’s departure. Kofi hits TROUBLE IN PARADISE on Ziggler! Big Ending for Roode! The Usos are climbing opposite ends, and are on the pods… DOUBLE SUPER UCE! Cover, The Usos ELIMINATE Roode-Dolph! That’s what you call karma! And now, with the match down to The Miz & Morrison, the Usos and the New Day, SmackDown takes another break.
SmackDown returns as the three teams regroup. The long time rivals of The New Day and The Usos stare down, but then all four men look at Miz and Morrison. And a fight is on! Now Miz and Morrison are in a 4v2 situation as they get stomped on! The Usos and New Day take a breather, then stomp some more! The New Day have Miz and the Usos have Morrison, and throw them both out hard. But then Jimmy SUPERKICKS Big E while Kofi SUPERKICKS Jey!! No more alliance, Kofi hook kicks Jimmy into a cobra clutch and crossface forearms! Kofi drags Jimmy up but Jimmy slips out of the inverted suplex. Jimmy shoves, pop-up SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Jimmy runs into the Urenag-E! Big E runs into a Samoan Drop! Cover, TWO!
All the teams are down but Jey runs at Kofi. Kofi slips out to swing kick back, then he climbs up top. Kofi headbutts Jey but Jey uppercuts Kofi! Jey climbs up but Kofi fights with body shots. Kofi gourd busters Jey down! Kofi goes up on top of a pod…! For a SUPER SPLASH! But Jey moves! Miz and Morrison cover, they ELIMINATE the New Day!! Now it’s just the champions and the Usos! The Usos regroup in one corner and Miz-Morrison are in the other. Fans rally and duel as the four men stand. And then throw hands! Jey knees low but Morrison fires off, only to get an uppercut. The Usos throw the champs out but each one shoulders back in. Double springboards, into double SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO!!
The Usos coordinate again, taking aim at a champion each. DOUBLE UCE, but Miz gets knees! Jey covers Morrison but Miz has Jimmy in a cradle, TWO!! Miz has Jimmy but Jimmy arm-drags out. Superkick is blocked but the Figure Four is denied. Miz ducks the double kicks, sends Jey into Jimmy, FINALE!! Cover, TWO!?! Into the FIGURE FOUR! Jimmy endures but Morrison dropkicks Jey out. Morrison goes up as Miz has the ropes, so that STARSHIP PAIN hits Jimmy! Jimmy is out, Morrison covers, but Jey rolls Morrison! Miz has to undo the Figure Four first! TWO, but Jey SUPERKICKS Miz! SUPERKICK for Morrison! Cover, TWO!?!
All four men are down and fans are rallying again. Jey drags Morrison up and whips him at Miz. Miz slides under, sunset flips, but Morrison slingshots for a prawn hold and Miz slips out to put his feet on the ropes for his match box, it’s a very complicated double cover!! The Miz & Morrison win!!
Winners: The Miz & John Morrison, by pinfall (still SmackDown Tag Team Champions)
The Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century survive this blockbuster of a match! Miz and Morrison are the last team standing and continue down the Road to WrestleMania! Will they ride off into the sunset all the way to Mania?
SmackDown returns to the present, and The Miz and Morrison are in the ring.
“Hola, bonjour, hello everybody watching at home.” The fans all thought putting 10 superstars against them in the Elimination Chamber in their first title defense would hold them back. Miz will explain to all of us that the first time these two were in a tag team, they won championships! And 13 years later, they did it again! “If there is anyone here tonight that does not think that we are the Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century, speak up now.” Well, there’s no one to speak up so… Miz adds that if there is anyone here that doesn’t think Miz is the best wrestling technician that the business has ever seen, speak up. Again, no one is here.
If there’s anyone here that doesn’t think Morrison’s new film, Boone the Bounty Hunter, is the greatest cinematic achievement of this generation, speak up now. Well… Miz’s Marine 3, 4, 5 and 6 were critically acclaimed and there’s already Oscar buzz about his next one, The Main Event, coming soon to Netflix. Isn’t that a kids movie? Your point? Fair enough. But there will be no booing, no “You Suck,” except from Morrison. They can’t suck, they’re not from Orlando! Hey yo~! But Morrison and Miz don’t need the catchphrases or the sing-alongs. They’re not here to pander to fans. They’re here for themselves, and for the titles. In life, there are winners and losers, but these two are the Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century. Look off into distance and… #BeJealous!
SmackDown returns as HHH relives Degeneration X antics with Michael Cole.
That is to say, HHH has a camera and is zooming in and out on Michael’s head. But Michael keeps things serious by giving us WWE Backstage’s announcement that Rob Gronkowski, aka Gronk, is headed to the WWE! Will the three-time Super Bowl winner follow in a long line of men going from grid iron to squared circle?
Mojo Rawley joins commentary to discuss this big news, being that he is a great friend of Gronk’s. Is Gronk a superstar? Mojo confirms the rumors as true! Now there is no official contract signed, but next week on SmackDown, it will be Friday Night Gronk! Gronk will speak to everything on his mind, and that means Mojo will be with him. Get hype, boys! HHH is hype, and both he and Mojo rough Michael up a bit.
Empty Arena Match: Daniel Bryan w/ Drew Gulak VS Cesaro w/ The Artist Collective!
The Philly Stretcher is in Bryan’s corner to help him be aware of his openings. Will Gulak be able to help Bryan reach 100% efficiency against the Swiss Cyborg?
Sami joins commentary to brag about his victory over Strowman, and the bell rings. Cesaro and Bryan tie up and go around. Cesaro headlocks but Bryan powers out, only for Cesaro to run him over. Bryan gets up but Cesaro is all over him. Bryan puts Cesaro in a corner for body shots and Yes Kicks! The ref counts, Cesaro blocks a kick to turn things around, and starts throwing European Uppercut after uppercut! The ref counts more but Cesaro stops at 4. Cesaro gets around the ref to BLAST Bryan into buckles! Sami likes what he sees while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns as Bryan kicks but Cesaro EuroUppers. Bryan ends up on the apron but he hits Cesaro back. Cesaro knees Bryan’s shoulder thrust then drags him up for a hotshot! Cesaro then climbs up and drags Bryan over, for a dead lift SUPERPLEX! Cover, TWO! Bryan crawls but Cesaro looms over him. Cesaro throws another EuroUpper, then whips corner to corner for another EuroUpper! Then the other way, but Bryan goes up and over. Bryan dodges and hits a leaping lariat! Bryan’s neck is still a concern but Gulak coaches him up. Cesaro sits up but Bryan gives him Yes Kicks from all sides! Gulak likes what he sees as Bryan vents and BUZZSAWS! Cover, TWO!
Cesaro gets to a corner but Bryan is after him with more Yes Kicks. Bryan goes corner to corner but Cesaro pops Bryan way up for a BIG EuroUpper! Cover, TWO!! But Cesaro puts Bryan in a Crossface! Cesaro cranks back on Bryan like Gulak did, but Bryan rolls Cesaro back to a cover! TWO, and Cesaro has Bryan in a ghost pin! TWO, and Bryan cradles to a cover! BRYAN WINS!
Winner: Daniel Bryan, by pinfall
But Shinsuke is right after him with stomps and clubbing hands! Gulak gets in and saves Bryan, and gives palm strikes and boots to Shinsuke! Cesaro turns Gulak around, but Gulak headbutts him! Gulak leaps onto Cesaro for a guillotine hold! Shinsuke stomps Gulak as they’re on the ground, and Sami gets in! The Artist Collective beat Gulak down and throw him out. Cesaro bumps Gulak off the announce desk! Then they throw Gulak into steel steps! But Bryan DIVES and sends Nakamura over the desk! Bryan and the referees shield Gulak as the Collective is told to leave. Sami mocks Bryan and the “nobody” as they go, but is Gulak here to stay by Bryan’s side?
SmackDown returns and Elias joins commentary.
The Drifter introduces himself and says he’s always wanted to be out here like this. He thanks Michael for this opportunity, but HHH asks why Elias isn’t thanking him. HHH is in charge, after all.
Empty Arena Match: Jeff Hardy VS Baron Corbin!
The Charismatic Enigma won’t let the Lone Wolf King talk down to him when he hasn’t been where Jeff has been. Will Hardy make sure Corbin gets a taste of the extreme as he makes his in-ring return?
But before Jeff even gets in the ring, Corbin stomps him down! Corbin goes after Jeff on the outside, throwing him into barriers! And then RAMS him into them! The ref reprimands Corbin but Corbin doesn’t care. Corbin bumps Jeff off apron then goes in the ring. Corbin dares Jeff to get in and Jeff does. The ref checks on Jeff, but Jeff says he wants this match. The bell rings and this match finally begins, with Corbin throwing Jeff at buckles! Corbin whips Jeff corner to corner hard and Jeff grits his teeth in pain. Corbin yells at Elias but Jeff gives Corbin a jawbreaker! Jeff counter punches Corbin and gets an edge with haymakers. Corbin shoves Jeff but Jeff dodges to clobber him!
Jeff hits an atomic drop, then leg trip to the leg splitting leg drop! And basement dropkick! Falling splash to a cover, TWO! Jeff calls for his move, kicks and spins but Corbin shove shim off the Twist. Jeff elbows and clubs Corbin away then throws boots. Corbin catches Jeff for a DEEP SIX! Cover, TWO!! Corbin is immediately furious but the ref says that’s the count. Corbin glares at Elias but Elias says he should focus on Jeff. “Why are you even out here?!” Jeff crawls but Elias gets up to get his guitar. Elias gives us the song and Jeff slips out of End of Days, TWIST OF FATE! Off comes the shirt and Jeff climbs up top! SWANTON BOMB!! Cover, Jeff wins!
Winner: Jeff Hardy, by pinfall
Elias applauds Jeff’s victorious return. Is this the first of many wins in Jeff’s newest chapter in the WWE?
SmackDown returns as HHH speaks to the viewing audience again.
“I hope you’ve enjoyed this historic edition of Friday Night SmackDown on Fox.” We are missing the most important part of the show, the fans, the WWE Universe. They may not be in attendance, but they are here in the superstars’ hearts. That is why they poured their hearts out performing as they would any other night. The WWE has earned the right to put the words at the top of the show: “Then, Now, Forever.”
John Cena returns to SmackDown once again!
Michael Cole is already in the ring as he welcomes the 16-time world champion to the show. Cena knows Michael has questions. The first is how Cena feels with an empty arena. Cena gives a shout out to everyone watching at home that he misses us, and hopes to see us all again soon. Now to WrestleMania. Cena VS The Fiend is set, but this is not the first time Cena and Bray Wyatt fought on the Grandest Stage of Them All. It was a few years ago that Cena faced and defeated the Face of Fear, and that is why Bray went on a “downward spiral.” Cena says that’s a lot to digest. How does he respond to being blamed for Bray’s failures? It’s nothing new.
Many people have said somewhere, whether to his face, behind his back or on the internet that Cena is the reason for another superstar’s failure. Add Bray to the long list of names with “potential.” “Potential can be good, but it can also be dangerous.” It can make you lazy or too into your own hype. So why is it that Bray Wyatt went into that downward spiral? He got lazy, he gave up, and he blamed Cena. Bray’s enemy isn’t Cena but Bray. Why does no one ever say something like that about Cena? Because Cena wins a lot. Well then you’re forgetting that Cena had his own “monumental setbacks” in the WWE. He lost to The Miz at WrestleMania. He lost to Rob Van Dam at One Night Stand.
Cena lost to CM Punk in Chicago and had to watch him walk out with the WWE Championship. He’s lost to The Rock, pulverized by Brock Lesnar, and had to buy a ticket to WrestleMania but then got squashed by The Undertaker. So why, after all those setbacks, does no one ever say John Cena got buried? It’s because Cena never blames another. He adapts, overcomes and gets back in the fight. There are too many superstars that talk about dreaming of being in the WWE their whole lives, but then the load gets to be too much and they look for someone like Cena to blame, except for themselves. Cena’s response is that he’s going to give Bray an Attitude Adjustment.
Michael turns things to SmackDown in Boston a couple weeks ago when Cena had a homecoming. Cena wanted to let Mania go on without him this year. It is because Cena knows the superstars work hard each and every day for even just one Mania Moment. It was because Cena knows fans are just as passionate about those moments as Cena is. Then why is Cena antagonizing The Fiend? Antagonizing? He accepted Bray’s challenge because it is about investing in the future. To Cena, Bray is no longer that future. Drew McIntyre, Tommaso Ciampa, Matt Riddle, Rhea Ripley, Velveteen Dream, those are the names that are the future.
Cena wants to know why we continue to give fifth and sixth chances to people who, when times get hard, they get upset and whine, “What about me?” when they should ask, “How can I help?” Cena invests in those who earn it each and every day! The reason Cena accepted Bray’s challenge is so that he could take Bray out of the equation. It won’t be a show-stealing Mania moment, it will be “physical, gruesome and uncomfortable to watch.” But this match accomplishes what should’ve happened six years ago: “Ending the existence of the most over-hyped, overvalued, over-privileged WWE superstar in existence.”
YOWIE WOWIE! Bray laughs it up from the stands! Riveting stuff, Cena, it really is. And Bray is glad to see Cena here in person. Even if he’s being really mean, “it’s good to see you again, John.” But look at him! Cena’s doing great! Big Hollywood star with big muscles and beautiful girlfriends on tap. Most can’t even imagine what it’s like to be Cena for one day. But Cena has Bray all wrong. Bray isn’t sick, Cena’s sick. And Bray knows why Cena is back, and why Cena can’t say no. Cena doesn’t think we believe him when he talks about the future, does he? We know Cena doesn’t care about anything but Cena! It doesn’t matter who Cena smashes or buries, so long as he has his spotlight! Cena craves it like a drug addict. He is a fiend for it. And he took something from Bray.
Obviously Bray thought a lot about that day six years ago. So much so, that he wanted to take his hands and dig them into his head and smash his brain into a million little pieces just so he could have a few seconds of peace from the voices. But the voices never stopped. And then something magical happened! One day, Bray stopped fighting those voices, and listened to them. The voices took the crooked little world Bray lived in, and made it the Fun House! Cena broke Bray, but The Fiend put him back together. And at WrestleMania, “it’s going to be a slaughter. You just don’t know it yet.” Let him in, Cena. Bray laughs into the night as the lights go out. Will it be lights out for the brightest superstar of this generation?
My Thoughts:
This will definitely go down as a SmackDown unlike any other. For one, everything tonight was Empty Arena Mode, so it felt really weird not hearing even just a general mumbling during matches or promos. Another thing was HHH being just incredible on commentary while also being able to be a great host at the beginning and before the last segment. HHH was apparently demoted because Vince is losing his composure during all this, but if that means HHH can do things like this, I certainly don’t mind. Another interesting move was airing 90% of the SmackDown Tag Team Chamber match. It was fun to relive, and Miz & Morrison gave a great promo that took advantage of there being no fans. A little surprised they didn’t give us Usos getting at them, but maybe that’s next time.
Crowd or no crowd, the matches we got were still good. Bayley & Banks VS Bliss-Cross helped progress the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship story for Asuka to interfere without throwing out the match. Not sure why Kairi couldn’t be there, though. Also Paige not showing up on SmackDown despite being advertised might have to do with recovery from the surgery she recently had, as well as not wanting to waste all the great returns meant for tonight on an empty arena. If the world can return to normal soon, Paige coming out to a great reaction will make up for the delay. It was smart to give us a quick finish to Bryan VS Cesaro, and I like that Gulak has basically turned Face to be on Bryan’s side. I hope we get those two in a tag match against Cesaro & Nakamura.
Roman’s in-ring interview was almost like a WWE Backstage shoot-adjacent interview. That line dissing Goldberg and the University of Georgia, being that Roman is Georgia Tech, was pretty good. Their contract signing next week basically parallels the Taker VS Styles signing for Raw already, I’m just thinking neither one needs physicality since there are two much older wrestlers who need to save their energy for Mania, in whatever form that event will be in. Cena tore it down with that promo, which feels like a shoot but could be reverse psychology. Bray had a pretty good response promo, and it worked well for him to be there in person rather than by a titantron Firefly Fun House. I do hope the one part of Cena’s promo that’s true is how it’ll be rough, because it really should be given the animosity coming off both men.
My Score: 8.3/10
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Ain’t Nobody Safe!
After costing Dion Lennox, Saquon Shugars looks to redeem himself by taking the NXT North American Championship from Myles Borne!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- NXT North American Championship: Myles Borne VS Saquon Shugars w/ DarkState; Myles wins and retains the title.
- EK Prosper &
Dorian Van DuxSean Legacy VS Uriah Connors & Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo w/ Birthright; Prosper & Legacy win. - Lizzy Rain VS Nikkita Lyons; Lizzy wins.
- Kelani Jordan VS Wren Sinclair w/ Kendal Grey; Kelani wins.
- Ricky Saints VS Shiloh Hill; Shiloh wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Robert Stone talks with Shawn Michaels & Matt Bloom.
The NXT General Manager is with the heads of NXT management and wants to get right to the point. Ethan Page, Joe Hendry, Fatal Influence, Sol Ruca, Blake Monroe, and even Ricky Saints, all called up to Raw and SmackDown to make an impact there. Those are big shoes to fill, though, and Stone’s phone has been blowing up from all the talent. But he thinks it is time for some fresh faces, maybe even from Evolve and LFG. Bloom says they have a great crop of international talent looking for their chance. HBK says they’ve done what NXT does, they’ve been through this before many times. Now, Stone can put names on cards, put pictures on the board, and continue to take calls.
Or… He can throw a stick of dynamite into the locker rooms and see who runs out. Stone likes that bold approach. Things are about to change drastically, but who will show up while the others blow up?
NXT North American Championship: Myles Borne VS Saquon Shugars w/ DarkState!
Speaking of, we just saw Myles overcome a member of DarkState when he defeated Dion Lennox, but admittedly, The Sugar Man muddied the waters on that. But will it be clear that Myles will #NeverBreak? Or can Saquon redeem himself by taking this title for himself?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if nobody’s safe!
The bell rings and Saquon runs up! Myles dodges then fires hands! The fans rally for Myles as he UPPERCUTS again and again! Saquon flounders, but then he YANKS Myles! Myles stops from hitting ropes, but Saquon gets around for the NECK JACKER! Myles goes to a corner, Saquon runs up again, but Myles dodges again! Saquon tumbles off buckles, and Myles kicks him low. Myles reels Saquon in for the X-PLEX! The fans rally as Myles then deadlift GUT WRENCH PLEXES! Saquon tumbles again while the fans fire up. Myles storms up but Saquon BOOTS him! Saquon runs, but into a SNAP POWERSLAM! Saquon bails out and DarkState regroups.
But wait! Myles goes AIR BORNE! Down go Saquon & Osiris while the fans fire up! Myles puts Saquon in, but Cutler drags him out! Myles ROCKS Cutler, then he CHOPS Saquon! Myles ROCKS and whips but Saquon avoids the dropkick! Saquon grins and runs up to RAM Myles! Saquon climbs up, he rains down fists, but Myles carries him away! Atomic drop! And LARIAT! Then a wrench and hook, but Saquon hooks the ropes! Saquon turns things around on Myles to backslide him onto ropes! A unique hotshot to say the least, and then Saquon goes up, out, around, and he YANKS Myles into the crossbar!
The fans boo but Saquon skins the cat. Myles sputters, Saquon WRECKS him with a dropkick! Saquon wants after Myles but the ref backs him off! Saquon says screw that, and he goes up onto the desk! Saquon soaks up the heat while NXT goes picture in picture.
The ref checks Myles as he sputters, that crossbar he hit was exposed steel! Saquon still stands Myles up to SMACK him off the desk! Saquon drags Myles up and puts him in the ring for a KNEE DROP! Myles coughs and sputters again, but Saquon lines up another KNEE DROP! Saquon stalks Myles, brings him around, and JUMPING KNEE DROPS! Cover, TWO! Myles toughs it out but Saquon stays focused. Saquon drags Myles up, kicks him to a corner, then stomps a mudhole into him! The ref counts, Saquon stops at 4, and Myles sputters as he leans against the ropes. Saquon storms up but Myles fires body shots!
Saquon CLUBS Myles , turns him, but Myles turns neckbreaker into O’Conner Roll! TWO, and Saquon has the legs to drag Myles under the ropes! ROPE GUILLOTINE! Myles again sputters and coughs while Saquon looms over him. Saquond rags Myles to a cover, TWO! Myles tough sit out but Saquon clamps on with a chinlock. Myles endures, fights around, but Saquon KNEES him in the back! Myles goes to the apron, Saquon storms up, and Saquon ROCKS Myles with a right! Saquon turns Myles around, CLUBS away on his chest, then stops as the ref counts. Myles RAMS into Saquon, and NXT returns to single picture as Myles slingshots to sunset flip!
The fans rally and even duel as Saquon flails to stay up! Saquon breaks free, but Myles avoids the knee drop! Saquon hurries to headlock but Myles powers up, out, then drops down. Saquon hurdles over the backdrop, but turns around into a HIP TOSS! Myles still coughs, and Saquon UPPERCUTS him! Saquon KNEES Myles in the back and Myles is on the ropes! Saquon runs to BLINDSIDE LARIAT! Then slingshot LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Saquon clamps on with a chinlock and he grinds Myles down. The fans rally while Dion coaches Saquon on the squeeze. Myles fights up, but Saquon wrangles him again! Saquon adds a top wristlock into the hold!
The fans rally again and Myles fights back up. Myles fires body shots, then he runs up in the corner, but Saquon puts him up top! Saquon ENZIGIRIS, then mocks the fans cheering Myles. Saquon climbs up, he neck wrenches Myles, then goes to the very top! The fans rally as Saquon stands Myles up for a SUPER DUPER- CROSSBODY COUNTER!! Cover, TWO!! Saquon survives Myles turning this around and the fans fire up! The fans rally as both men rise, and Myles hobbles his way over to Saquon. But Saquon fights the dragon sleeper to victory roll! TWO, Myles has it, TWO! DROP- NO! Saquon blocks the kick, but Myles twists for a cradle, TWO!
Saquon hits a headlock takeover, Myles headscissors, but Saquon pushes to a jackknife bridge, TWO as Myles bridges up! Myles spins things to a backslide, TWO! Myles reels Saquon in, dodges the lariat, but Saquon UP KICKS while he skins the cat! But Myles DROPKICKS a mile high! The fans fire up as Saquon flops down! The fans fire up as Myles LARIATS again and again! Then EYE OF THE HURRICANE! Myles is all fire dup, kick and FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect, and now Dion gets on the apron! Myles swings on him but Dion gets back. Saquon clinches, EXPLODING NORTHERN LIGHTS!
Saquon rolls through to basement DROPKICK! Myles tumbles out, but DarkState argues with the ref? Saquon isn’t sure why, but that’s because Dion has a chair! Saquon shouts at him, “What’re you doing?! I’m trying to win!” The ref spots them both with the chair, and then Myles SHOVES Saquon into Dion! Then BACKDROP for Saquon! Myles SHOVES Dion into the steel steps! Myles slingshots for a BORNE AGAIN!! Cover, Myles wins!
Winner: Myles Borne, by pinfall (still NXT North American Champion)
Just as Saquon tried last week, Dion tried to put the fix in, and it all backfires! What is it going to take for DarkState to get back on the same page? As for Myles, Evolve’s Tristan Angels is here! And he tells Myles congratulations on another successful defense. It truly is very impressive. Now, if you’d allow him to introduce himself, he is Mr. England, Tristan Angels! The fans boo but he tells them, “Order, order! Do not let my good looks have you fooled. For I am here today as a courtesy to let you and all these people know that you will be seeing much, much more of Tristan Angels on NXT from here on out!”
Angels lives- OH NO, KAM HENDRIX ATTACKS! The fans boo as Kam gives Myles the KAMERA SHOT! Kam says he is about that action! NXT is now HIS show, because it’s showtime! Well, the opening left by the call-ups is already being filled, but who will prove they’re not just ready to Evolve, but to reign?
Wren Sinclair & Kendal Grey talk backstage.
The Women’s Speed Champion says first it was Kali Armstrong and Lizzy Rain, and now there’s Tristan Angels and Kam Hendrix! It’s all happening so fast! Kendal says yeah, but good thing for Wren is she’s built for Speed, right? Incoming new talents and she’s no longer the new kid on the block anymore. Kelani Jordan walks in and Kendal asks if she’s good. No, she’s not good. She’s staring at someone who got a two-part Chronicle when she doesn’t deserve it, and someone who has had multiple shots at THE NXT Women’s Championship when Lani hasn’t even gotten one! Not to mention, LANI tapped out Lola Vice, something not even Kendal could do. Lani is the one to beat!
Kendal asks about what happened when she faced Lola again. Oh, that’s right! Lani’s ass got knocked out in the Underground! Even though Kendal didn’t win at Stand & Deliver, she also didn’t get pinned, so she deserves her shot at Lola. Lani sighs and says oh, Wren, clueless as always. They both need to realize there are no such things as friends in NXT! Kendal will turn on Wren just like Charlie did. Oh? How about instead of worrying about the NXT Women’s Champion, you worry about this women’s champion? Lani says okay, they can face off, and Wren doesn’t even have to put up the title. Lani will settle for embarrassing Wren in front of Kendal, who better be ringside to watch.
Lani leaves, Kendal says Lani is just crazy. But will the Standout stand tall over Wren as she aims for Lola?
Tony D’Angelo is here!
The fans cheer as THE NXT Champion makes his way to the ring, stoic and stone faced as usual. He already has a mic to say, “Now the more this place changes, the more it stays the same. And there’s only one thing that’s for certain in NXT, and that’s competitors, they come and go. But ever since I got into this building, I have been the constant. And now that I have this title, there isn’t a man on this roster who is tough enough to kick me off of this mountain!” The fans cheer for that, and Tony says that includes whoever sent him the little box last week. Some fans already ask, “What’s in the box~?!”
Tony says there are competitors from LFG and Evolve jumping Myles Borne, European talents stepping up, Keanu Carver side-eyeing him, but Tony’s more curious about that box. Now Tony ain’t stupid, he knows that wasn’t a gift. That was a warning. Wait! The lights go out! Then a blacklight turns out, and from the stage, a man in a hooded jacket walks down the ramp. The man steps into the ring, and the fans chant “EVIL! EVIL!” The man hands Tony a scroll, then reveals, it IS the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Evil! The scroll is actually a shirt, and on it is simply the kanji for war. Evil has made his declaration, but when and where will these two battle?
But wait, someone else is trying a sneak attack! Tony is quick to dodge, but then that man clinches and BELLY2BELLY! WAIT! That’s Tavion Heights! Tavion says he ain’t asking no more, he’s taking! He is after everything he deserves, and he deserves it all! But hold on, someone is adding insult to injury! MOONSAULT off the top rope! The fans here know him, but will the entire WWE Universe soon learn what is going on?
Shiloh Hill & Tatum Paxley are… somewhere in the woods…
And they’re looking down in a grave they dug. Tatum says, “Here lies the final resting ground for Blake Monroe here in NXT. May the cold darkness engulf her glamorous and narcissistic ways.” Shiloh likes those last words. Tatum says she didn’t want to do it, but Blake made her! Tatum had to end it! At least now they don’t have to hear Blake’s voice. Well, they don’t call it soundproof foam for nothing. RIGHT, BLAKE?! HAHA! But seriously, hopefully Blake’s soul finds peace wherever it winds up. Tatum says in a funny way, she does, too. It’s just… She feels like something comes over her when it comes to this title. Like she goes into survival mode.
Shiloh sits with Tatum and says that makes sense. Sometimes, when we work so hard for things, it feels like they become part of us. And when that thing is threatened, it feels like you’re threatened. Plus, Tatum is the kind of person who forms really strong attachments to things and people. That’s what makes her so fun to be around. Tatum says she never thought of it like that. She’ll figure it out later, but as for Shiloh, he has a big match with Saints! Yeah, he’s so excited! Biggest moment of his life! He’s watched every Ricky Saints match the past six months, even made a simulator to study how Saints strings his moves together. Wow, so cool!
Yeah, but it’s sad, though. It got super realistic, and now the virtual Ricky is a little lonely… But at least now, Shiloh knows what to do to win. But speaking of, he’d love to enjoy this scene… Tatum understands, he can go. Shiloh will kill it. No offense to the deceased here. Tatum says she’ll rest here a bit first. Tatum reclines back, holding her title tight. Will anyone ever stop #TuesdayAddams and her reign? Will #ToothlessAggression give the Absolute a proper sendoff before Saints goes to SmackDown?
EK Prosper & Dorian Van Dux VS Uriah Connors & Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo w/ Birthright!
The Disrespectfully Athletic was definitely disrespected when the entirety of Birthright made sure Lexis King would reign as WWE Speed Champion. And the Muscles from Brussels stepped up to help EK step up to these entitled brats in a 2v2 situation. But before the match, the Drama King himself gets a mic so he can speak. “Hey, there’s no such thing as a slow news day when you are the Fastest Man Alive! And I do have some news to share with y’all, some terrible, terrible news. And y’know, I just wanted to come out here and cheer on my brothers, because they were gonna put on a tag team classic that only generational talent can do.
“But unfortunately for EK, he’s gonna have to prosper all on his own tonight! Because his Belgian bud suffered from a little accident.” They cue up footage, and it was Arianna Grace selfie video vlogging BIRTHRIGHT BEATING DVD UP! Oh no~! The fans boo as they don’t even try to hide what they did! EK makes his entrance and he rushes the ring! EK dodges Lexis, SUPERKICKS Stacks, fires hands on Charlie & Uriah, then SUPERKICKS Lexis! But it’s still a numbers game! WAIT! Sean Legacy is here! #SuperSean rushes the ring to throw hands on Birthright! Things are evening out now, and they TOSS Birthright out! Then they SLIDE Stacks onto the pile!
The fans fire up as legacy is 100% and ready to roll! The ref slides in, and as they say, card subject to change! Birthright is riled up so they’re more than willing to take this fight! Will Prosper & Legacy make sure Birthright gets what they deserve?
EK Prosper & Sean Legacy VS Uriah Connors & Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo w/ Birthright!
Stacks rushes in, the bell rings, and Sean dodges to headlock. Stacks powers up and out, Legacy rolls through the hip toss, then trips Stacks up for a DOUBLE STOMP! And DROPKICK! The fans fire up with Legacy and he whips Stacks to ropes. Uriah sneaks the tag, Stacks sunset flips but Legacy stays up. But then Legacy lets himself roll back to avoid Uriah’s lariat! Legacy blocks Uriah’s kick, hands it to Stacks, then he SUPERKICKS Stacks! Then a GERMAN SUPLEX for Uriah! The fans fire up as Legacy stands Uriah up, CHOPS him, and CHOPS again! Uriah sputters but Legacy snapmares for a KICK to the back! Cover, TWO!
Legacy keeps Uriah from his corner, brings him over to EK and EK tags in. EK goes up, up, and DOUBLE STOMPS Uriah on the back! The fans fire up as EK headlocks but Uriah powers out. Stacks tags in, they drop down and hurdle, but EK ducks the double lariat to NO HAND HANDSPRING! Birthright dodges, but EK comes back to DOUBLE DROPKICK! The fans fire up with EK, and he runs up on Uriah. Uriah puts him on the apron, Stacks trips EK up, and EK hits apron! Uriah BLASTS legacy , then he DIVES! Down goes EK, and then Stacks PLANCHAS! The fans boo but Birthright proves they can fly! They also stand tall while NXT goes to break.
NXT returns as the fans rally for Legacy, but Uriah drags him up. Uriah stomps Legacy back down, kicks him around, and talks trash while he does. Uriah then stands Legacy up to CHOP! Uriah runs up, Legacy puts him on the apron, but Uriah ROCKS him! Uriah goes up but Legacy GAMANGIRIS! The fans rally as Legacy climbs, but Uriah fires body shots! Uriah goes up, calls his shot, but Legacy SUPER BACKDROPS him! Then QUEBRADA into the SAVING GRACE! Both men are down but the fans fire up again! Legacy and Uriah crawl, hot tags to Stacks and EK! The fans fire up as Prosper somersaults to NECKBREAKER DROP Stacks!
EK dodges Uriah to ENZIGIRI! Then he runs up on Stacks, blocks a boot, and DROPKICKS! The fans fire up as EK wrenches Uriah, kicks off Stacks, TORNADO DDT on Uriah! EK gets moving, springboard to DOUBLE QUEBRADA! Then a MICHINOKU DRIVER on Stacks! Uriah SUPERKICKS the cover apart! Legacy BOOTS Uriah! Stacks ENZIGIRIS Legacy! Stacks catches EK to a waistlock, they go to the ropes, and Uriah tags in before EK can buck the O’Conner! Stacks sends EK back into the corner for a GAMANGIRI! Then FLATLINER! Uriah is up top, SWANTON BOMB! Cover, Legacy DOUBLE STOMPS it apart!
The fans fire up but Stacks is on Legacy! “This is Awesome!” as Stacks whips but Legacy stops himself. Legacy DUMPS Stacks out, then runs up on Uriah. Uriah dodges to SUPERKICK! Legacy tumbles out, Uriah builds speed, but Legacy is back! Stacks tags in before the SPANISH FLY! EK SHINING WIZARDS Stacks! EK then goes up, up, and Legacy tags in! MOONSAULT onto Stacks! Legacy hauls Stacks up, for SHAMBLES!! Cover, Legacy & Prosper win!
Winners: EK Prosper & Sean Legacy, by pinfall
But then Birthright attacks, the sore losers! The fans boo but it is a 4v2 mugging! Lexis has them set EK up while Stacks holds Legacy back. Lexis throws hands, but wait! TATE WILDER is here?! And he goes up, up, and away with a DOUBLE MISSLE DROPKICK! The Modern Day Cowboy then SLINGBLADES Lexis! Wilder fires off hands, then he TOSSES Stacks! Legacy has Dempsey while Wilder DOUBLE SHOOTING STAR ATTACKS Birthright on the outside! Legacy TOSSES Dempsey, Lexis scrambles around, and security rushes out here before this gets any wilder than it already is! But has Birthright found out they can’t just do what they want when they want?
The women’s locker room is buzzing.
Thea Hail wonders with all the faces we’re seeing for the men, and with Fatal Influence on SmackDown, will some new ladies show up? Jaida Parker says NXT is literally anyone’s for the taking, so who knows. Meanwhile, Kali Armstrong walks in and asks why everyone’s worried. Jaida says they’re not worried, they’re just unsure. Kali says oh, Jaida Parker is scared of a little competition. What was that? Kali says Jaida is scared! Oh, okay, that’s what Jaida thought she said. But Jaida ain’t ever scared, so Kali better tread lightly. Or what?! Thea says she wouldn’t do that, Kali. Uh, ain’t nobody asked you!
Kali says that’s the problem with the NXT Women’s Division. Kali is gonna be THE difference maker up in here! And if that has to start with checking Jaida, then so be it. Jaida says okay, we’re having none of that. Jaida stands up, Kali steps up, but the rest of the women step in so this doesn’t get physical. But to the point, with all this change, who pulls ahead as the new alpha female of NXT?
Shawn Michaels speaks.
“WWE NXT will soon be available in one place. NXT PLEs will air exclusively on CW starting this summer. All your favorite NXT superstars, the heart pounding action, will be available in one place, and that is only right here on the CW.” HBK drops a big news bomb, but how hot will this summer be now that the CW IS N X T?
Robert Stone talks with Tate Wilder backstage.
Suit Man Stone tells Tate he is “throwing caution to the wind, you look fired up.” They shake hands as Wilder says heck yeah, he’s fired up! Time to let him loose! Then welcome to NXT. Wilder heads out, Lola steps in, and Lola says if Izzi Dame wants to play games, them Lola is about to knock her ass out! The NXT Women’s Champion goes right to gorilla and makes her entrance! The fans cheer as the Mayor of Vice City goes right to the ring, grabs a mic, and tells Izzi, “Last week, you said The Culling was always two steps ahead. You blindsided me, and you think you did your big one. You think you had your moment.”
But Izzi, Lola feels sorry for you! Because Izzi can’t do anything on her own, and the moment she does, she is getting knocked out! Lola is here in this ring, no waiting, no hiding, and she wants Izzi to come out here so everyone can see what Lola’s about to do to her! The fans cheer, and Lola says she already told us she was gonna be the realest champion this place has ever seen! No excuses, just a straight up fight! So Izzi, mama, show her what you got! But Shawn Spears responds on the tron. “Hola, Lola. You really didn’t think this through, did you? Especially after what happened last week. But listen, champ, some free advice.
“If you’re looking to hang on to your NXT Women’s Championship, then you need to stay one step ahead, just like The Culling always is. One. Step. Ahead.” And yes, The Culling is now in the ring behind Lola! Lola says oh, looks like they got her again. Or did they? MR. IGUANA slides out from under the ring, La Yesca in mouth! The fans fire up as Iguana SMACKS Niko with Yesca, then throws her to Izzi! Izzi freaks out while Lola SOBATS Niko! Then SUPERKICK! Iguana RANAS Niko while Lola ROUNDHOUSES Izzi! The Culling is scurrying away as THE AAA Mixed Tag Team Champions are here! Will this dynamic duo teach The Culling a thing or two?
DarkState regroups.
Osiris tries to keep Dion calm, but Saquon is heated. What were they doing?! Is this what Dion wanted? Dion must be real happy now, huh? Dion says no, he was genuinely trying to help out. Saquon says he didn’t need it, fool! Just cuz Dion couldn’t get the job done last week… Oh, now Saquon’s making this personal? Saquon can’t seriously believe Dion would cost him gold on purpose! Saquon says he doesn’t know what to believe, Dion has been acting real weird as of late! Dion says don’t act like Dion never put Saquon on game. Dion gave Saquon HIS tag title, didn’t he? Oh, yeah, a participation trophy, real nice!
Cutler shouts at them both to shut up! They did it Dion’s way, they did it Saquon’s way, and it didn’t work out! Just give it up! Osiris says Dion & Saquon need to get their heads out their asses, that’s why they’re dropping the ball. Now, here’s a new plan. The first gold was tag gold, so let’s go get that back. Cutler & Osiris head out, Dion & Saquon cool off. Will starting from square one be just the thing for DarkState to survive?
Lizzy Rain VS Nikkita Lyons!
The newest star of NXT and the lover of all things heavy metal makes her entrance as she says, “Scream for me, NXT! Lizzy Rain is bringing heavy metal tonight! And the world is about to find out that Lizzy Rain and heavy metal will never, ever DIE!” The fans cheer the rock ‘n’ roll, but Lizzy is going up against #BigKatKita and her love of hip hop. Will this battle of the genres turn out alright for Lizzy? Or will she fail to top the charts in her debut?
The bell rings and the two circle. The fans rally as the two tie up, go around, and Lyons KNEES low. Lyons THROWS Lizzy by her hair, then swaggers, only for Lizzy to kip up! The fans cheer as Lizzy dodges then THROWS Lyons by her mane! Lizzy runs up to CHOP, then she reels Lyons in. Lyons fights the suplex wrench and BODY BLOW! Lizzy dodges the lariat to springboard and BACK ELBOW! The fans fire up as Lizzy ELBOWS in the corner, then goes up, up, and BOOTS! Lizzy leaps, but Lyons catches her! Lyons grins, swings, and SLAMS Lizzy down! Lizzy sputters, Lyons roars, HEEL KICK!! Lyons rains down forearms!
The fans are torn but then Lyons YAM SLAMS! Lizzy sputters away but the fans rally up. Lyons runs in at the corner, JUMP PUNCH! Lyons then tells Lizzy that if she wants to head bang, let’s head bang! Lyons dribbles Lizzy’s head off buckles! The ref counts, Lyons mocks the rockstar, but Lizzy CHOPS! Lyons BODY BLOWS, then she SCRAPES Lizzy’s face off ropes! The fans cheer, “Make It Rain!” Lyons says shut up! But Lizzy CHOPS Lyons’ leg! Lyons CHOPS Lizzy, KICKS her down, then covers, TWO! Lyons is frustrated but she clamps on with a half nelson, then the COBRA CLUTCH! The fans rally as Lizzy endures.
Lizzy fights up, but Lyons ripcords. Lyons swings but Lizzy ducks, to then BOOT Lyons away! Lizzy ducks a heel kick, but then so does Lyons! But Lizzy comes back with the ROUNDHOUSE! Lyons sputters and flounders, but Lizzy LARIATS! And LARIATS! Then the Matrix bridge for the CUTTER! The fans fire up with Lizzy, and she’s ready to rock! CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! Fans chant along, “MAKE, IT, RAIN!” MACHINE GUN CHOPS!! Lizzy then fireman’s carries, but Lyons fights free! THRUST KICK! Lizzy staggers, Lyons scoops, and MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally for Lizzy but Lyons drags her to a drop zone. Lyons stomps Lizzy, then she goes up the corner. VADER BOMB FLOPS as Lizzy moves! The fans fire up again, and Lizzy goes up and over, somersaults, then LEAPING HEADBUTTS! Now that’s head banging! Lizzy fires up again, then runs up, THUNDER STRUCK!! Cover, Lizzy wins!
Winner: Lizzy Rain, by pinfall
Lizzy rocked the house and the fans are loving it! But will it be long before Lizzy reigns in NXT?
Myles Borne and Tavion Heights talk backstage.
Myles asks what the heck was that! Which part? Myles getting dropped by Kam Hendrix or Tavion dropping Tony D? Myles says he will handle Kam, but he wants to know why Tavion attacked Tony. Uh, that’s Tavion getting his opportunity! That’s him kicking down the door. But that’s not like Tavion. Oh, so Tavion can’t shine with Myles? The spotlight ain’t big enough for the both of them? As if it wasn’t exactly the same thing Myles did to Ethan. But no, now that Myles has a title, he’s gonna act different. Myles says let’s not do that. What he’s saying is, that caught him by surprise. But Tavion is right, NXT is prime for the taking. There are guys coming from all over!
Like that Tristan Angels guy, Kam Hendrix, and that big guy hitting a moonsault! Tavion says add him to the list, champ. Tavion heads out, but Keanu steps in. Keanu says he told Tony, and now he tells Myles, this place is full of sharks, and they’re circling. And you are looking at the Great White. Keanu heads back out, will Myles have to watch his back from now on?
Vanity Project meets up backstage.
Jackson Drake says, “Beep, beep, beep, beep, birthday alert!” Drake pats Ricky Smokes on the shoulder and Smokes says thanks, guys. But just so they know, Drake says things are looking up. And not just cuz Miss Micah’s tall, heh heh. Brad Baylor says yeah, the reality of it is, NXT is changing. Everyone knows Smokes & Brad have the tag division on lock, so now it is Drake’s chance to stand out. For real! New people jumping railings, out of the sky, dudes offering gifts for title shots?! What?! Drake says now he has Micah. Ever since last week, he just feels he’s on top of the world! No one can touch them! He can take on anything! He’s in there like swimwear!
But then Jasper Troy steps in. The MonStar says, “Talk, talk, talk, talk, talk. Jackson, you’ve got a wide mouth, but not much to show for it. Luckily, your boys have these tag titles. You’re focused on dating apps, you should be focused on gold.” Drake asks what Troy just said, and Troy says someone just got rage baited. If he wants a date so bad, Drake VS Troy in the ring, next week. Troy leaves, Swipe Right says chill. But will Dr. Thirst be able to take a bite out of big bad Troy? Or will Drake be the one facing heartbreak while Troy heads for a title?
Kelani Jordan VS Wren Sinclair w/ Kendal Grey!
The Standout continues to mouth off, but she’s also ready to throw down! Will she score a win on the WWE Women’s Speed Champion? Or will the #WrenQCC prove they’re ready for bigger and better?
NXT returns as Wren makes her entrance, Kendal following. The bell rings and the two tie up, Lani waistlocks and SLAMS Wren down, then floats all over her. Lani rear mounts, then talks trash by saying she knows how to wrestle, too. They tie up again, but now Wren waistlocks. Wren half nelsons Lani, spins her, but Lani powers out of the cravat. Lani runs up, goes for a roll-up, but Wren sits on it! TWO and Lani sunset flips it! TWO and Wren sits on the cover, ONE! Wren runs back up but into a shove! Lani talks trash, but Wren TACKLES Lani! Wren then turns Lani over, hooks up the legs, and scissors a leg for a modified toehold!
The fans rally as Lani endures, but Lani reaches back to headlock. Wren slips free to hammerlock, but Lani fights to her feet. Lani ELBOWS free, then headlocks. Lani hits the takeover, but Wren powers her way tot he headscissors. The fans rally but Lani kips up, only for Wren to wrangle her back down! Lani kips free again, cartwheels, but ends up back in the headscissor hold! Lani kips up again, but is brought right back down! Lani flips over, has Wren’s leg, but Wren floats to a headlock. Lani fights up again, powers out, but Wren RUNS her over! Things keep moving, Lani drops down then hurdles over, only for Wren to catch Lani to a cover, TWO! Lani has Wren again, TWO!
Both women scramble up, Lani dodges to slingshot arm-drag! Wren staggers up into a DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Lani is frustrated, but she brings Wren up to CLUB her down! And CLUB her again! Lani bumps Wren off buckles, stomps a mudhole in, but the ref counts. Lani stops at 4 and Kendal coaches Wren. Lani storms back up but Wren BODY BLOWS! Lani CLUBS Wren down for that, then stands her up. Lani goes to buckle bump but Wren blocks! Wren ELBOWS Lani, then whips Lani to ropes. Lani reverses, Wren RUNS her over, then things keep moving! Basement BULLDOG! Cover, TWO!
Lani stays in this but Wren stays focused. The fans rally as Wren runs up in the corner, but Lani dodges! Lani comes back, but she blocks boots to put Wren int he ropes! Lani CLUBS Wren, then goes up, but Wren avoids the guillotine leg drop! Wren ROCKS Lani, then SOBATS! Lani tumbles to the floor, Wren takes aim, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! The fans fire up for Wren but she hobbles as she stands back up. Wren says she’s fine but we’ll see, as NXT goes picture in picture.
Wren hobbles after Lani, drags her up, and puts her in the ring. Wren rolls in, then runs to tilt-o-whirl and IRON OCTOPUS! Lani endures as Wren pulls on the arm! Lani manages to power her way through and dump Wren, but Wren sunset flips it! TWO, and Lani goes to a corner. Wren storms up, whips corner to corner, but Lani reverses. Wren goes up, but Lani blocks the over to THROW Wren down! Wren writhes and clutches her knee, but Lani pushes her down. Lani stomps away on the bad leg, then DDTS the foot! Wren writhes more but Lani steps on her leg. Lani puts Wren’s leg on the ropes to stand on it again!
The ref counts, Lani stops at 4, then stalks Wren. Lani drags Wren around, hooks the leg up, and SNAP LOCKS it! Wren writhes again but Lani just soaks up the heat. Lani drags Wren around, steps through, and has a standing toehold! Lani endures, keeps her shoulders up, and Kendal coaches her. Wren moves around, kicks at Lani with the free leg, and kicks her way free! Lani hurries back but Wren BODY BLOWS! And BODY BLOWS! And BODY BLOWS again! Lani sputters but Wren whips her to ropes. Lani reverses to kick the bad leg out! Lani then drags Wren back up for a SHIN BREAKER! Wren falls and writhes while Lani soaks up more heat.
Lani drags Wren, snapmares, and she twists the bad leg. Wren endures as she moves around again, and NXT returns to single picture. Lani keeps on the toehold but Wren kicks and kicks and kicks free again! Wren then catches Lani to a cradle, TWO! Lani pulls Wren’s hair, lifts, but Wren sunset flips! TWO, and Lani CHOP BLOCKS the leg! Wren writhes again but Lani doesn’t stop. Lani steps over on the bad leg, but Wren BOOTS her out of the ring! Wren hobbles but Lani is back! Wren jumps the chop block to CHOP Lani! And CHOP again! The fans fire up as Wren DOUBLE CHOPS! And LARIATS! Then she dodges a shot to LARIAT Lani again!
The fans fire up with Wren as she shakes the bad leg out. Wren runs up in the corner to SPLASH! Then BUTTERFLY PLEX! Cover, TWO! Lani survives but the fans cheer on “WREN Q C C! WREN Q C C!” Wren underhooks again but Lani blocks! Lani wrenches out, kicks the bad leg, then brings Wren up again. Lani wrenches and fireman’s carries, but Wren slips free! O’Conner Roll, TWO! Wren flounders but Lani runs up! Wren DUMPS Lani to the apron! Lani KICKS the bad leg again! The fans boo but Lani slingshots for the CUTTER! Wren sputters but Lani goes up the corner! Lani aims for the FROG SPLASH but onto knees! Cover, TWO!
Lani survives the turnaround but Wren hurries to get the arm! FINAL WRENCH!! But Wren’s bad leg won’t let her bridge! Lani is up, and she wrenches Wren into the ANGLE SLAM! Then Lani puts Wren in the drop zone for her ONE OF A KIND SAULT! Cover, Lani wins!
Winner: Kelani Jordan, by pinfall
The Standout took advantage of Wren having one leg to stand on, and now she stands tall. Will Lani make it clear that she gets next when it comes to the title opportunities?
Zaria speaks.
Looking at the burning wreckage that was Sol Ruca’s ship, “Much like a wave, you were a thing of beauty from a distance. But up close, you were drowning me until I finally opened my eyes and remembered who I am.” The vision of Sol fades dithers away, and Zaria says she doesn’t make compromises, she doesn’t let anyone extinguish her. She burned through the tide until Sol was evaporated. And now that Sol is gone, all she sees is the path forward. Zaria will scorch everyone and everything in her way! The Agent of Change is ready to change the landscape, but will she truly shape NXT in her image?
Ricky Saints VS Shiloh Hill!
While the Absolute is already advertised for SmackDown, he has a score to settle here in NXT. Granted, Ricky’s been the one talking down to Shiloh, and was the one who wanted to tip the scales in Ethan Page’s favor against Tony D, only for Shiloh to stand up to him. Will Saints get one last win on his way out? Or will NXT now belong to #ToothlessAggression?
The bell rings and the two circle. The fans rally, but then Saints CLUBS Shiloh while he’s not looking! Saints fires off, then CHOPS and ROCKS Shiloh in the corner. Saints stomps away, but he stops as the ref counts. The fans rally for Shiloh and he fires hands! Saints KNEES low, bumps Shiloh off buckles, but then Shiloh turns things around! DOUBLE CHOP! Saints is stinging but Shiloh whips. Saints reverses and ELBOWS Shiloh down! Saints stomps Shiloh, drags him up, and ELBOWS him! Saints brings Shiloh up but Shiloh fires body shots and haymakers! Shiloh blocks a kick, ducks the enzigiri, and he deadlifts Saints onto the ropes!
Shiloh CLUBS away on Saints’ back, then he winds up to DOUBLE CHOP! The fans cheer as Shiloh KNEE LIFTS Saints to the floor! Shiloh goes out after Saints, brings him up, and CLUBS him again. Shiloh whips but Saints tiger feints on the apron to kick Shiloh down! Saints strikes a pose, but Shiloh crawls under the ring! Saints goes to fetch Shiloh, stomps at him, but then yanks out… a dummy?! Shiloh made a double of himself, and Shiloh CANNONBALLS from the steps! The fans fire up for the unorthodox genius, and he shakes hands with his dummy. Shiloh cradles and dances with his dummy while NXT goes picture in picture.
Shiloh carries his dummy, perhaps nicknamed “Jason” given the mask it wears, and sits it on the barriers. Shiloh goes back for Saints, brings him up, and whips him at the ring again. Saints rolls in, staggers to his feet, and Shiloh scoops to SLAM! Then FIST DROP! Saints scrambles away, Shiloh runs up, but Saints FLAPJACK HOTSHOTS Shiloh down! Saints rains down fists fast, but stops so he can bring Shiloh up. Saints bumps Shiloh off buckles, CLUBS away, then ROCKS Shiloh with a forearm. The ref counts again but Saints snapmares Shiloh down for a JUMP KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO!
Saints is frustrated but he CLUBS Shiloh again. And ROCKS him with another forearm. Shiloh slumps against the ropes but Saints brings him to the corner. Shiloh fires back with body shots and haymakers, and he backs Saints down. Shiloh whips, Saints reverses, and Shiloh hits buckles! Saints hurries to stomp away on Shiloh in the corner! The ref counts, Saints stops, and he again snapmares Shiloh. Saints KICKS Shiloh in the back, then grabs the arms for a motorcycle stretch! Shiloh endures, reaches out, and fights up to his feet. Shiloh RAMS Saints into a corner, then fires off body shots! Shiloh RAMS into Saints, then whips corner to corner.
Shiloh runs up, but Saints dodges! Shiloh hits buckles again, and Saints runs to DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Shiloh survives but saints stays on him. They throw hands as NXT returns to single picture, and the fans rally behind Shiloh. Shiloh ROCKS and whips Saints, but Saints crossbodies, only for Shiloh to catch him! But Saints makes it a DDT! Cover, TWO! Shiloh survives and Saints grows frustrated. The fans rally up while Saints scuffs Shiloh. Saints kicks Shiloh, but Shiloh rises up. Saints reels Shiloh in, REVOLUTION- NO, Shiloh powers out of the DDT, then scoops to POWERSLAM! Both men are down but the fans fire up!
Shiloh rises up, Saints ROCKS him, but Shiloh just roars! the fans fire upas Shiloh DECKS Saints, DECKS him again, then scoops and DROPS him! Whip and scoop, TILT-O-WHIRL SLAM! Cover, TWO! Saints survives but Shiloh drags him up. Saints JAWBREAKERS free, but Shiloh HEADBUTTS in return! And then the IMPLDER SENTON but into a body scissors! Saints has the REAR NAKED CHOKE! Shiloh fights the scissors while the fans rally up, and Shiloh moves around. Saints is a backpack on Shiloh, but Shiloh swings Saints around to back suplex! Saints lands out, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and ABSOLUTE SPEARS! Cover, TWO!!
Shiloh survives and the fans cheer but Saints is furious! Saints fires a forearm, Shiloh fires back, and repeat. The fans rally and even duel as the shots keep going! Saints UPPERCUTS, Shiloh ROCKS Saints, repeat! Shiloh ROCKS, whips, and POP-UP FOREARMS! Saints is down, Shiloh hits the IMPLODER! Cover, TWO! Saints survives but Shiloh snarls. Shiloh goes to a corner, climbs up top, but Saints staggers around. He shoves the ref into the rope to trip Shiloh up! The fans boo and the ref reprimands, but Saints is wily as always. Saints goes up after Shiloh, brings him up to the very top, for a SUPER DUPER PLEX! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as Shiloh survives! Saints is frustrated, but he SLAPS Shiloh around. Saints brings Shiloh over to a corner, SLAPS and CLUBS him, then he goes up the ropes. Saints SMACKS Shiloh, and the fake tooth comes out! Saints goes Old School, but #ToothlessAggression has been activated! Shiloh BOOTS the ropes to trip Saints onto his absolute! Shiloh SHAKES the ropes to make it worse! Shiloh then BOOTS Saints down! Shiloh goes out, but Saints FLAPJACKS him off the steps! Then Saints reels Shiloh in, Canadian Rack, ROSHAMBEAUX on the floor! Saints puts Shiloh in, and he grabs a chair!
The fans boo but Saints doesn’t care, he’s head to SmackDown! The ref stops Saints from using the chair, and Shiloh ROCKS Saints! Drop toehold onto the chair! Then the WHISPER TO THE BEAST! Cover, Shiloh wins!!
Winner: Shiloh Hill, by pinfall
Whether or not the simulator prepared Shiloh for this exact fight, that training certainly paid off! Toothless and ruthless, will Shiloh soon find himself on top of NXT?
Tony D’Angelo meets with the heads of NXT.
The champion sits down with Stone, HBK, and Bloom. Tony says Keanu is right: The sharks are circling, and they got one on him. But y’know what? Tony loves the chaos! HBK says Tony won that title, Tony IS NXT Champion. Now, time for Tony to prove it. Damn right! LET’S EFFIN’ GO! HBK likes the fire as Tony D heads out, but just how chaotic will things get in this new chapter of the silver ‘n’ black era?
My Thoughts:
A great NXT, especially with them being much more… transparent, I suppose, on how they’re handling call-ups and the new names coming into NXT. For one, I really liked the chaotic nature of bringing such new names out. I’m rather surprised Tristan Angels is already making his NXT debut when he really only just started on Evolve (from what episodes have aired, anyway). Kam Hendrix making his move also went well, and while Evil and Tavion got the spotlight, they were very sneaky about having Will Kroos, formerly of Pro-Wrestling Noah and Progress Wrestling, show up here. And I like Tony’s character saying he welcomes it all. We could get some great stuff on the road to the next NXT PLE, which I believe is Great American Bash in July.
Speaking of which, the news about NXT being fully on CW here in the States is… interesting. I certainly would not have guessed PLEs would end up on TV through CW, and they absolutely better make sure they air at the same time on ALL CW stations nationwide. I am sick and tired of El Paso CW not airing NXT at the right time, I am NOT stomaching a late PLE. Moving on from that, the DarkState dysfunction continues to grow, and I like that Cutler & Osiris are the ones keeping order. If the group is meant to be four equal parts, then it’s about time because those two always felt secondary to both Dion and Saquon.
Very good promo from Vanity Project, and I oddly like that Drake is committed to Micah (formerly Bayley Matthews), that he likes her for her. Jackson Drake VS Jasper Troy is going to be a really good match, and I feel like Micah Matthews should get involved to become the female muscle to Vanity Project, like a modern day Chyna in DX. Really good stuff with Birthright and the formerly WWE ID/Evolve talent. I hope their “attack” on Dorian isn’t to cover up for an injury. Though, maybe he’s in LFG? I have seen various Evolve and WWE ID names in the trailer, but I don’t get all the playing around with kayfabe just to cover for who is on that show.
Either way, great tag win for Legacy & Prosper, and great spot for Wilder to debut as he backs them up. Maybe DVD is just fine, and now we can get an 8 Man Tag of Birthright VS Legacy, Prosper, Wilder & DVD. Very good match from Lizzy VS Lyons, and naturally Lizzy gets the win in her debut. Lizzy’s got a solid character and mic skills, but time will tell how quickly she rises up the rank. Very good promo from the women’s locker room, but there’s some irony to Thea worrying about new talent showing up when there were Evolve talent making cameos in that promo. Kali calling Jaida out is great stuff, that will be a great feud in the background of the title stories.
Speaking of which, very good promo from Lola with The Culling, and Iguana showing up was very well done. The Mixed Tag will be a great match, but win, lose, or draw, this will of course give us Lola VS Izzi for the title. Very good promo from Lani with WrenQCC, and a very good match from Lani VS Wren. Lani is definitely building momentum towards her own title match, but that might not be until Great American Bash or some time after. Very good promo from Zaria, though that video was clearly helped by AI. Zaria herself can build momentum towards a title match, and seeing her feud with some of the other contenders would be good stuff.
Tatum and Shiloh had a good promo, but it’s a little silly for them to pretend Blake is legit dead/dying when she was advertised for SmackDown. Though, I suppose Tony D “killed off” Pretty Deadly before they showed up on SmackDown, so whatever. Shiloh VS Saints was a very good main event match, and that was a great win for Shiloh. Shiloh himself can get involved in a title story, but how fun would it be if he and Tatum were both the North American Champions at the same time? They aren’t officially a kayfabe couple, not even sure if they’re a shoot couple, but it’d be really fun to have the titles be part of their dynamic since they have such great chemistry.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Tribal Chief, Samoan Werewolf, and Backlash!
Jacob Fatu stated point blank, he’s coming for that WWE World Heavyweight Championship! How will Roman Reigns respond?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- PENTA VS Rusev; Penta wins.
- WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch VS Iyo Sky; Becky wins and retains the title.
- El Grande Americano w/ Los Americanos VS Rey Mysterio; Rey wins.
- Grayson Waller VS Oba Femi; Oba wins.
- Bayley & Lyra Valkyria VS Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez w/ Liv Morgan; Raquel & Roxie win.
PLAY BY PLAY
The OG Bloodline sits down to talk.
The Tribal Chief tells The Usos that he appreciates them coming, being here with him. They know exactly where Roman Reigns comes from, and they know exactly why he stands here today. Roman knows the past is the past, that’s where they’re gonna leave it because they’re blood, and The Usos are the only ones Roman can trust. He needs their thoughts. he doesn’t understand where Jacob is coming from. Roman said it to the whole roster, the family included, that they had two years to take advantage of Roman taking a backseat. And what’d Jacob do? He pushed, procrastinated, then Roman climbed the mountain and beat CM Punk.
Now, Jacob wants to take that from Roman? Help him understand! #BigJim tells #BigUce that he does not disagree. But he also agrees with Jacob. Jacob wants to upgrade his household. Jimmy gets that, they all get that, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of Roman Reigns. Jacob is a different breed. Jey says he’s DANGEROUS! On SmackDown, we all saw Jacob drop MFT one by one by one! Unpredictable, Uce! Unhinged! They left him “out there” for a reason! If Jacob beats Roman, Jacob takes it all! Ula Fala, the family name, Jacob becomes the shot caller! Jimmy debates that but Jey says Jimmy saw it! This is it, Uce!
It can’t be all about respect here. There has to be consequences! Roman’s the Tribal Chief! Roman ponders on the concept of consequences. Jey is right, they’re not doing charity. Roman thanks The Usos for this. He will make it his own, then he will address this later tonight. He appreciates The Usos. They say it is all love and respect, too. Family first, Uce. They all put hands in, for they are the “first family.” Is the Tribal Chief giving Jacob his match at Backlash? We simply have to wait and see.
Seth Rollins is here!
Laredo, Texas cheers as The Architect makes his way to the ring in all black like Neo from the Matrix! The fans sing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” as Rollins goes right to the ring. Rollins grabs a mic, revels in the singing, then says, “Laredo, Texas! Welcome to Monday Night Rollins~! I am the Visionary, I am the Revolutionary, I AM Seth! Freakin! Rollins!” The fans cheer for that! Rollins continues by saying he has a lot of ground to cover so let’s get to it.
There is a reason he lost to Gunther at WrestleMania, and it is NOT because Gunther was better that night. There is a reason Roman Reigns is walking around with ROLLINS’ World Heavyweight Championship, and it is NOT because Roman pinned Rollins’ shoulders to the mat. The reasons for those things are one in the same, and they have a name, and that name is BRON BREAKKER! Fans boo and bark, but Rollins knows Bron is sitting in the back, NINE staples in his dome, which you can thank Rollins for. But they have business to tend to, a score to settle, so Bron can get his pea brain out here so they can do the damn thing!
The fans cheer as Bron obliges! The Unpredictable Badass storms down the ramp, Paul Heyman following behind. The fans are torn as Bron keeps eyes locked on Rollins as he steps into the ring. Bron stares Rollins down while fans either bark or sing the song, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Rollins tells Bron, “I gave you everything. I gave you the world, I handed it to you on a silver platter, and you repaid me by taking EVERYTHING away from me! You are the reason I had to forfeit the World Heavyweight Championship, you are the reason I didn’t get to main event WrestleMania this year, and you are the reason I didn’t get my hand raised at WrestleMania this year.
“But I gotta ask you, Bron… For what? What’d you get out of it? How did it benefit you in any way?” Heyman has Bron step back, then hands him a mic. The fans tell Heyman off but Bron says, “You gave me everything? What’d you give me, by the way? What’d you give Reed and I? Because the way that I see it, every single week, we were like you errand boys. We got to come out here and fight all your battles for you, and put out all the fires that YOU started all on your own! Because look around, Seth! You got nothing! You got no one! You got no friends, you are nothing! You needed us to fight all your battles for you!
“And what? You were giving me such great wisdom and all this guidance when every single week, you’d kick off the show, and Reed and I would have to stand in the back and listen to you regurgitate the same crap every single week.” Bron plugs his nose so he can imitate Rollins’ voice as he repeats, “I am a Visionary, I am a Revolutionary, I am Seth Freakin’ Rollins!” Bron wants to make it clear to Rollins that he never needed him or Rollins’ Vision. The only reason they’re standing here today is because Bron needed HEYMAN. Rollins double checks: Bron needed Heyman? “That dried up sack o’ meat? You needed him?”
Rollins almost laughs, and he says Bron just proved Rollins right on everything. Let’s go on a little ride down memory lane. A couple years ago, Rollins is World Heavyweight Champion, he won a fight with the Best in the World, then calls up The Heartbreak Kid. Rollins asked Shawn Michaels about facing NXT’s best, and who was NXT’s best? Bron Breakker. Rollins said hell yeah, let’s do the damn thing! Last year, Heyman comes to Rollins, asks Rollins about taking Bron under his wing and Rollins said hell yeah, that kid with a year under Rollins’ tutelage will be THE next main event star in this industry!
Just look at Bron! Bron’s got it all! Rollins has been here for 14 YEARS, seen athletes from every single discipline, they are big, strong, fast, but Bron is unique. Bron is the biggest, strongest, fastest, most versatile performer Rollins has ever seen here. Bron has EVERYTHING to be THE next big star… except the most important thing. Rollins points to the brain, and Rollins knows better than anyone what it means to be a 28 year old young cat full o’ piss ‘n’ vinegar, thinking this business owes him something, not wanting to wait for nobody. Rollins knows better than anybody to bet on yourself, take chances, make the hard decisions.
But the difference between them is, Bron tries, Rollins succeeds! And do you know why? Rollins will paint a picture: Every time Rollins bet on himself, it ended with a world title or a main event. Bron bets on himself and it gets him Austin Theory & Logan Paul. It gets him steak dinners, private jets, and happy endings from Heyman. Bron tries, Rollins succeeds, because Rollins will say this plainly for even Bron’s pea brain: Bron is NOT ready. Bron says, “I’m not ready? That’s the narrative you wanna go with? I hate to break it to you, superstar, but before all this was a thing, I was well on my way to becoming a main event with or without you!”
Bron never needed that help, and yet you blame Bron for losing the WHC? The truth is, Rollins’ body can’t handle it, his mind is brittle, and his shoulder can’t handle the weight of a strap on it anymore! The fans boo, but Bron grins as he says yeah, he took his shot and came up short. But y’know what? Bron can go to sleep at night a lot better knowing he lost to the Best int he World instead of someone who self-proclaims it! Bron believes Rollins is everything he says, with all the accolades, titles, everything there is to win here. A first-ballot WWE Hall of Famer, no doubt.
Rollins is THE very best pro-wrestler in the entire world… at being number two. The fans are torn, but Rollins says that was pretty good for Baby Steiner. He come up with all that on his own? Or did he call Big Poppa Pump for the hook up? Bron thinks he is ready, but Backlash is two weeks away! Rollins is going to give Bron the opportunity to prove that he is ready. But let Rollins let you in on a little secret that everyone else knows. As a Steiner, Bron’s not even number two in his own family. Rollins drops the mic and heads out, but will Rollins be ready for the backlash of challenging Bron to a match?
Stephanie Vaquer arrives backstage.
La Primera is ready to get back at Liv Morgan, but RAQUEL RODRIGUEZ ATTACKS! La Ruda catches Vaquer with the cheap shot, then THROWS her into road cases! Roxie & Liv are there, and they RAM a road case into Vaquer! Judgment Day stands over Vaquer, and Liv tells Vaquer this is HER title! Judgment Day leaves Vaquer behind, but have they truly moved past her? Or is the Dark Angel only going to be more hellbent on her revenge?
PENTA VS Rusev!
Speaking of revenge, the Man With No Fear may still be Intercontinental Champion, but now he owes The Bulgarian Brute a beating for last week. Will #CeroMiedo withstand the power of MACHKA?
Raw returns as Rusev makes his entrance. But wait, then so does Ethan Page! The fans boo All Ego getting involved in this, but he technically was part of the problem last week. The bell rings and the fans rally as the two tie up. Rusev KNEES and CLUBS Penta while Ethan takes a seat ringside. Rusev suplexes Penta, then drags him up for a GUT WRENCH PLEX! The fans rally for Penta, but Rusev scoops for a FALL AWAY SLAM! Penta tumbles, but Rusev CLUBS him and BOOTS him! Rusev stands on Penta, but only Ethan applauds. Rusev steps off to whip Penta, but Penta KICKS on return! and SUPERKICKS!
Penta runs, DROPKICKS, and Rusev tumbles out! Penta then FLIES! Down goes Rusev, right in front of Ethan and commentary! Ethan mockingly applauds but Penta warns him. Ethan says eyes on the prize, and Rusev back suplexes! Penta lands out to SUPERKICK Rusev again! Penta puts Rusev in, Ethan protests how close that got, but Penta keeps moving. Springboard, but into the MACHKA KICK! Rusev scoops for a SWINGING SLAM! The fans boo, Rusev snarls, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again as Rusev has Penta up top! Penta fights the suplex with body shots, then with forearms! The fans cheer as Penta HEADBUTTS Rusev down! Penta then adjusts and leaps, CROSSBODY! Penta keeps moving, he ducks ‘n’ dodges to mule kick a leg! SLING-DOG! Rusev goes to a corner, Penta GAMANGIRIS! Penta sits Rusev down, then runs up to headstand and SWINGING DROPKICK! Rusev sputters but Penta drags him to a cover, ONE!! Rusev still has a lot of gas in the tank, and he KNEES Penta down low! Rusev whips, Penta goes up and over, BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Even Ethan is surprised!
Penta and Rusev rise, the fans rally, and Penta runs up to DEST- NO, Rusev BACKDROPS! Then ROUNDHOUSE! Rusev clinches, URENAGES, and he goes to a corner. The fans boo as Penta stirs and Rusev stomps around. Rusev runs up, MACHKA KICK! Penta falls, but Rusev isn’t done there! Ethan applauds as Rusev shouts, “CRUSH!!” Stomp and ACCOL- NO, Penta slips out, SUPERKICKS, then feints the springboard! Machka kick misses, Penta rolls Rusev up! PENTA WINS!
Winner: Penta, by pinfall
The fans cheer, but Rusev CLOBBERS Penta! Ethan cheers, he is also a sore loser so he likes this! The fans tell Rusev off while he stomps away on Penta! Ethan steps in the ring, takes off his jacket and undoes his cufflinks, but then Rusev glares at him. Ethan says okay, Rusev can have his time with Penta. But then Penta CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Ethan CLOBBERS Penta! The fans boo as now Ethan and Rusev stomp away on Penta! But wait, here comes Je’Von Evans! The fans fire up as The Young OG DUMPS Rusev out, then RAMS into Ethan! And then springboards to FLYING LARIAT! The fans fire up as Evans taunts Rusev!
Rusev runs up, Penta SUPERKICKS! Evans goes up, up, O G CUTTER!! The fans fire up as Evans kicks Rusev out, and he stands tall with Penta. They shake hands on it, they’ll stand against Rusev & Ethan to clear them out of the way. Will Cero Miedo get BOUNCY~?
Los Americanos speak.
Rayo introduces himself, Bravo, and El Grande himself. El Grande steps forward to say, “In a few weeks, I will be competing in one of the biggest and most important matches in the history of lucha libre against Chaparro Americano, Mask VS Mask!” And he cannot lie, this match will be the most important match of his entire life! The biggest fight he’ll ever have. And y’know what? He’ll have to be ready to fight for his life. And to be honest, there is much more on the line. He must be ready to fight for his name, his colors, for Mexico, and for his home.
And what better way to prepare for that than to issue a respectful challenge to the biggest lucha libre legend ever, Rey Mysterio? It would be an honor to step into the ring against Rey here in Laredo, Texas! That is a GRANDE challenge, but is he biting off more than he can chew facing the King of Lucha?
Becky Lynch is here!
The Man has come around to Laredo, and she is the THREE-TIME Women’s Intercontinental Champion. But what will Becky have to say about her big time WrestleMania win? We’ll find out, after the break.
Raw returns as Becky stands in the ring, still wearing the ring gear from her WrestleMania victory. Becky takes a moment before she says, “The Man, and the NEW Women’s Intercontinental Champion, has come around to Laredo, Texas!” The fans are torn on that, but Becky says we just entered a whole new era of “The Manosphere,” because a lot of history was made at WrestleMania 42! Becky finally got rid of Loser AJ Lee, having ended her horrible title reign, and she put gold around the waist of someone who truly deserves it in herself. She became the first WWE Superstar to win four different titles at Mania.
She became the first-ever THREE TIME Women’s IC Champion! She’s now won more WrestleMania matches than any woman in history! And Undertaker, she’s coming for that streak next! And she proved once and for all why she is the Greatest Women’s Wrestler of All Time, and it’s not just her saying that, other people say it. Sports Illustrated says it, The Bleacher Report says it. All of that is wonderful, all of that is great, but what was most important is that she looked out at a sea of over 50 THOUSAND fans, and she saw her baby girl in the front row.
Becky was able to take her out, walk with her up the ramp, and she realized that she needed to show her daughter what a real champion is. It isn’t about the five-star hotels, the fancy restaurants and the private jets, even though they indulge in all of those. It is not about going to the biggest cities and performing in front of the best crowds. It is also about going to the rundown towns like Laredo and showing out for the commonfolk like everyone here. And Becky knows what they need and what they want. They want a fighting champion! They want her to defend the title! And not just against some nostalgia act or an underdog.
They want Becky VS the best of the best! They want new, exciting, shiny! So Becky stands here before us as The Man of the People, issuing an open challenge to whoever wants to come out here, look them in the eyes and say, “Welcome to the Big Time. Now let’s throw some hands!” Who is it gonna be?! Becky waits, and we get… IYO SKY! The fans cheer that! Iyo gets herself a mic while Becky is rather stunned, and she tells Becky, “I accept!” Becky laughs and asks what Iyo accepts. She wanted to fight the best of the best, the new, the shiny, the exciting. Iyo is none of those things! The fans boo but Becky says that’s for Iyo!
Iyo says no, that’s for Becky! The fans cheer Becky but Becky says okay, okay, she understands. Iyo is accepting on behalf of Rhea Ripley, the part of the team that actually has gold. Is Rhea coming back? Mami VS Becky, Becky Two Belts again. Becky wanted Shawn Michaels, not Marty Jannetty. And clearly, Iyo was holding Rhea back. Iyo SLAPS Becky down! The fans fire up as Iyo stomps Becky, Becky bails out, but Adam Pearce says whoa, hold on, where are you going? The champ wanted a fight, Iyo answered the call, and in case you forgot, we’re in Laredo! So it will be a title match, let’s get a ref, cuz we’re doing it now!
The fans cheer, but Becky CLOBBERS Iyo! The ref hurries in here and backs Becky off. Iyo is still getting her shot, is the Genius about to make The Man’s historic reign historically short, too?
WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch VS Iyo Sky!
Raw returns as the match is already going, and Iyo SHOTGUNS Becky down! the fans fire up with Iyo, and she CLUBS Becky on the back. Iyo whips, Becky reverses, but Iyo goes up, only for Becky to BOOT her outta the sky, and LARIATS her down! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer but Becky scowls as Iyo survives. Becky runs up in the corner, forearm SMASH, then clinch for the BECKSPLODER! Iyo bails out but Becky builds speed, and Becky WRECKS Iyo with a dropkick! The fans boo but Becky aims, FLYING FOREARM and down goes Iyo! Becky gets Iyo back into the ring, climbs up a corner, and drops the MAN’S LEG! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally as Iyo survives, but Becky talks herself down. Becky drags Iyo up, clinches again, BECKS- NO, Iyo slips free and ROCKS Becky! Becky fires back with forearms, UPPERCUT, and SOBAT, but Iyo blocks! GERMAN SUPLEX! Becky sputters but both women are down! The fans rally up, Iyo and Becky go to ropes, and Becky runs up! Iyo dodges, and URAKEN! SHOTEI! And then FLAPJACK! The fans fire up for Iyo as she brings Becky up to whip. Becky reverses, but Iyo goes up, out, and ROCKS Becky! Then HOTSHOTS her! The fans fire up as Iyo climbs, to then MISSILE DROPKICK! Direct hit, and Iyo kips up!
The fans fire up as Iyo does her crazy taunt! Iyo then aims at Becky in the corner, SHINKANSEN! Iyo pushes Becky to the cover, TWO! Becky survives but Iyo stays focused. Iyo goes up, up, but Becky YANKS her back down! And dragon sleeper for an EYE OF THE HURRICANE! Cover, TWO! Iyo is still in this and that frustrates Becky. Becky demands Iyo stand, then clinches, but Iyo victory rolls for STOMP 182! Becky bails out, Iyo builds speed, but Becky ROCKS Iyo first! Becky reels Iyo in, but Iyo PELES free! Iyo then runs up, SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB to the FLOOR! The fans are thunderous while both women are down, and Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again as Becky has Iyo up top! The fans rally as Iyo fights, but Becky SUPERPLEXES! Then roll through for a DDT! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Iyo survives! Both women are down, “This is Awesome!” Becky and Iyo stir but it is Becky that stands first. Becky brings Iyo up and clinches again, but Iyo turns the lift into a crucifix, then sunset flip! TWO, Becky ducks the roundhouse but not HEEL KICK! Iyo hurries to underhooks and TIGER BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Becky survives and Iyo is shocked! The fans rally as Iyo goes to the corner! Iyo goes up, but Becky trips her up again! Becky climbs, but Iyo ELBOWS her away!
Becky staggers but Iyo reels Becky in, TORNADO DDT! Iyo goes up, up, and OVER THE MOONSAULT, but into BOOTS! Becky hurries to clinch! MANHANDLE SLAM!! Cover, TWO?!? Becky is shocked as Iyo survives her best shot! Laredo is all fired up for Iyo but that infuriates Becky. Becky drags Iyo to the drop zone, goes up, but Iyo trips her up now! Becky SMACKS off post, tumbles to the apron then the floor, but Iyo goes right out! ASAI MOONSAULT! Down goes Becky at the ramp! Iyo hurries to get Becky up and in, then takes off a shoe that’s bothering her. Becky distracts the ref, ASUKA TRIPS IYO!! Becky clinches, MANHANDLE SLAM!! Cover, Becky wins!!
Winner: Becky Lynch, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion)
The Man survives thanks to a big time assist from The Empress of Tomorrow! Asuka may be without her Pirate Princess, but she’s still pissed at Iyo for her supposed disrespect! BUZZSAW! ASUKA LOCK!! Iyo flails, even taps, but nothing can save her from Asuka’s wrath! Fans chant “We Want Kairi!” but Asuka stands on Iyo with a sinister smile. Will Asuka break Iyo and make her respect her senpai?
El Grande Americano Original talks with Rey Mysterio.
EGA OG says hola to Rey, and knows Rey is fraternizing with that faker, that supposed El Grande Americano Dos. First he endorses the guy, then he has a match against him. Original just wants to know that on May 30th for AAA, Mask VS Mask, does Original have to watch his back? Rey says no, he does not, Mr. OG Grande. Listen, the only thing Rey is looking for is for them all to respect lucha libre. Rey says in Spanish that for a luchador, their mask is everything. All OG Grande can says is si, bueno. But then Los Americanos step into the room! And they ask what Rey is doing with this guy! Rey says it is not what they think.
The Grandes start arguing, both in Spanish and English, but Rey shouts them all down. Tranquilos, cabrones! He is not choosing sides. Rayo & Bravo say he better. Is that a threat?! No, take it easy, jefe, they’re just saying. See you in the ring. Los Americanos head out, Rey is a little annoyed with them and OG Grande, but will the King of Lucha teach them all a thing or two about the culture?
Backstage interview with The Usos.
Byron Saxton is with Jimmy & Jey, and he gets to it: Can they give us some intel on which direction Roman Reigns is leaning towards? #BigJim says the OTC will make his decision when The OTC is ready to make his decision. Jey adds YEET, but LA Knight steps in. The Mega Star hopes he didn’t just hear them say that. OTC, sitting at the head of the table. Knight isn’t here to tear them down but to remind them of who they are. Main Event Jey Uso, a former world champion, and how’d he do that? On his own! Big Jim Uso, also all the potential in the world to be world champion, but how is he gonna do that? Not under Roman Reigns, that’s for sure!
Jey tells Knight to stay in his lane, but Jimmy calms him down. Jimmy told Knight that this is family business. Knight understands that, and he can respect that. But the problem is, the whole Bloodline thing, they had immense power, they run roughshod over everybody. But the problem was, that power corrupts, and when it does, it becomes Knight’s business, YEAH! Knight leaves it at this, but does he have a point? Is The Bloodline about to relapse into their old ways?
Joe Hendry is here!
Laredo waves their hands from side to side as The Prestigious One is in the ring. “Say his name because he has appeared in Laredo, Texas!” The fans cheer, and Hendry knows they know he had a big decision to make, so he wants to tell us all about it in the song. “I’ve won the titles everywhere I go. I’ve been on WrestleMania and many other shows. But the time has come for me to pick one brand. I’m sorry to the others, I hope they understand. Joe Hendry’s on Raw, Raw, Joe Hendry signed to Raw. Raw, Raw, Joe Hendry signs to Raw.
“Next time you turn on Netflix, you won’t just want to chill. I’ll have you believing in a better kind of thrill. Raw, Raw, Joe Hendry’s on Raw. respect to the Ruler, I acknowledge The OTC. But Adam Pearce, if you’re listening, can you make one change for me? That’s Logan Paul, Paul, can we fire Logan Paul? Paul, Paul, can we fire Logan Paul? Everyone! Paul, Paul, can we fire Logan Paul? All together! Paul, Paul, can we fire Logan-” Well, now The Maverick is here, and he says you can’t fire him! You can’t fire him, he’s unfireable! Boo you, Hendry, you can’t fire him! He’s Logan Paul! All of you are awful, just like that song!
Logan says, “You’re awful!” to the fans in the front row. He knows this is Hendry’s first not on Raw, and now it’s also his last! He’s made the worst mistake of his life! Theory then tells Hendry that he isn’t seeing things right. See this right here? That’s gold, that makes them the greatest tag team champions of the world! Of the UNIVERSE! What they’re telling Hendry is that they are winners! Hendry asks if these guys are winners. The fans say, “NO!” Hendry says Joe says no to that. He saw ESPN< he saw Mania, he just saw some primetime losers! Now The Vision is mad, and they throw stuff out of the ring!
Theory says lemme tell you something! This mat belongs to The Vision! The camera that everyone sees through belongs to The Vision. And The Vision goes through everybody! Hendry is in a lucky spot, because they’re gonna go through him! They push Hendry, but he TURNS! LARIAT for Theory! Hendry RAMS Logan into a corner! Theory goes after Hendry, the Vision mugs him 2v1, and the fans boo as they KNEE Hendry low! But wait! Here come the Street Profits! Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins went after The Vision last week, so here we go again! Dawkins DUMPS Logan out before he DECKS him!
Dawkins ROCKS Theory, whips him, REVELATION! The fans fire up and pump it up with Ford! He goes up top but Logan saves Theory! At least, for now. Ford points to Hendry, he HIGH JUMPS to take The Vision down! The fans fire up for Hendry & The Profits, and we all get to wave our hands from side to side! The Profits are believers, but will they also be the hunters when it comes to The Vision and those World Tag Team Championships?
Grayson Waller complains to Adam Pearce.
The Aussie Icon doesn’t like the Raw General Manager just giving people opportunities outta nowhere. That bouncy idiot, Je’Von, is one cutter away from retirement! Then Pearce has one guy singing songs, there’s some little vampire kid cursing people, where are the opportunities for Waller? He’s in the shape of his life, lad! Pearce says he’ll give Oba Femi a shot. Wow, okay, he beat Brock at the END of his career? #Obarated! Uh, no, Oba’s behind you. Waller regrets everything but Oba says if Waller wants a chance, then Pearce can give him one against Oba tonight. Waller says Pearce should’ve warned him!
Pearce says he did, but too late. Waller needs to go get his gear on, because that match is official. Is Waller about to have a Fall From Grace?
Joe Hendry & The Street Profits regroup backstage.
Ford & Dawkins are singing the very catchy, “Paul, Paul, can we fire Logan Paul?” Hendry thanks for the help, what a welcome to Raw. They shake hands on it, and Ford says get a different colored shirt now that he’s on the red brand, you know what he means? Hendry nods and heads out, and The Profits secret handshake. And then Rollins steps in, and he tells them that last week- Ford stops Rollins there, because there he goes thinking this is all about him. Last week wasn’t about him but about those tag titles. Rollins thinking he special. The Profits leave and Rollins does have to consider that.
But either way, will Rollins and The Profits find themselves working together against The Vision? Or is this all going to be for naught?
El Grande Americano w/ Los Americanos VS Rey Mysterio!
The battle of Los Grande Americanos is set for May 30th, and the King of Lucha has ended up in the middle of it all. Will Rey be much more than just a tune-up for El Grande Americano Dos? Or will this El Grande be more than ready to face the other Grande Americano next month?
Raw returns as Los Americanos make their entrance. The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. The two tie up, and Grande wrenches to wristlock. Rey rolls, uses the ropes to flip through, then Rey wrenches, only for Grande to wrangle him. Rey kips up to wrench but Grande rolls, spins, and he drop toeholds Rey to then go for the wristlock. The fans applaud the technical exchange as Grande then floats to a cover, ONE as Rey gets an arm up! Grande puts the arm down, TWO as Rey gets the other arm up! Another cover, TWO! A third cover, TWO as Rey bridges! Grande hops on, but Rey stays up! The fans cheer while Grande is stunned!
Grande jumps again but Rey uses that to get up and up and sunset flip! TWO, Grande runs up but Rey sweeps! Cover, ONE! Grande sweeps and covers, ONE! The fans cheer as the two stand off. Rey and Grande applaud each other, then Rey offers a handshake. Grande accepts, but Rey kicks low! Rey whips, Grande reverses to kick low! Grande hammerlocks Rey, brings him around, but Rey fires elbows. Rey cravats to jump and flying-mare! Grande RUNS Rey over! Things keep moving, Rey bypasses Grande to tilt-o-whirl and RANA! Grande’s on the ropes, Rey dials it up, but Grande GAMANGIRIS first! Cover, TWO! The fans rally while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again as Rey whips Grande to ropes and BACKDROPS him! Grande goes to a corner while the fans cheer, and Rey whips corner to corner. Grande reverses, blocks a kick, and SMACKS Rey! Rey staggers to another corner but Grande whips corner to corner. Grande runs up but Rey BOOTS him! Rey ELBOWS Grande, then goes up, but Grande CLUBS him on the back! Grande gets under Rey but Rey slips free. Grande SMACKS Rey again, whips, but Rey reverses. Grande goes up and over, but Rey goes up to QUEBRADA, but Grande stays up! Only for Rey to TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up while Rey covers, TWO!
Rey is surprised but many are surprised he pulled that counter off in the first place. Rey waits on Grande to get up, then DROPKICKS him onto the ropes! The fans cheer as Rey dials it up, but Rayo distracts so Bravo can trip Rey! The fans boo but Bravo plays dumb. Rayo hurries to sneak Grande his metal plate! Rey DECKS Bravo, then runs to 619 Rayo down! The fans cheer, Rey slingshots, but Grande dodges the splash! Grande grabs the metal plate, but then ORIGINAL GRANDE is here! They tug-o-war over the plate, Rey BLASTS the Grandes into each other! Rey runs again, RANA! Grande Dos is on the ropes, so Rey redials, 619!!
Rey aims again, slingshot and DROP THE DIME! Cover, Rey wins!
Winner: Rey Mysterio, by pinfall
El Grande Americano Dos tried to lie, cheat and steal, but Rey spots the metal plate! And he even tells Original that no one is getting it! They’re gonna have to fight fair ‘n’ square in May! Well for now, Grande Original CLOBBERS Grande Dos! The fans fire up as these two brawl while they grapple! Producers and refs rush out here but fans want to “Let Them Fight! Let Them Fight!” The Grandes are separated, but the animosity between them is only growing! Who proves they are El Grande Americano Superior on May 30th?
Asuka speaks.
“Iyo, did you think you were done with me? I say when we’re done! Because I am still your senpai. All I’ve done is try to help you and all you’ve done is disappoint me. For so long, I blamed myself for your mistakes. I thought I did something wrong for you to turn your back on me. But I finally realize YOU are the problem! You are ungrateful, selfish, and my biggest failure. But I didn’t fail you, you failed me. You failed your family! And now, we’re both alone, because I didn’t want another Iyo. I’ve spared you until now because I thought we could be a family again. But now that you killed that family…NOTHING will stop me from destroying you!
“So, at Backlash, I fix my failure. I teach you one final lesson. And that lesson is… You are not and will never be ready for Asuka!” The grudge match is finally set, but will the Empress of Tomorrow make sure Iyo has no future? Or will the Genius prove that she’s left her senpai behind long ago?
Grayson Waller VS Oba Femi!
The Aussie Icon likes him a good “shoey,” but he stuck his foot in his mouth this time. Grayson wanted an opportunity, but will he even survive against The Ruler that conquered The Beast?
The bell rings and the two circle. The fans already chant “O~BA!” as he blocks Waller’s kick. Oba LARIATS Waller, TOSSES him to a corner, then fires body shots from all sides. Oba UPPERCUTS Waller, whips him corner to corner, then UPPERCUTS again! Oba runs corner to corner for another UPPERCUT! Oba keeps going, but Waller bails out! The fans boo, but Oba has Waller at the apron. Waller HOTSHOTS Oba, then somersaults, but into the SHOTPUT BOMB! Oba UPPERCUTS Waller back down and the fans fire up! Pop-up, and FALL FROM GRACE!! Cover, Oba wins!
Winner: Oba Femi, by pinfall
Waller wanted on the card tonight, but maybe he regrets it. At the very least, Waller learned Femi isn’t #Obarated! Oba has the mic to ask Laredo if they’re feeling good tonight. The fans cheer because indeed they are! Oba says they’re feeling good, he’s feeling good, Waller isn’t, but we don’t care about how Waller feels. Waller did say something that was right, though. There is no opportunity around here, because all the big champions are locked in with contenders, the US Champion doesn’t do open challenges, so Oba is going to take it upon himself to create a solution to the problem. Ladies and gentlemen, as of today, the Oba Femi Open Challenge will commence!
The fans cheer, and Oba says to any man back there who wants to prove himself, step up! If you want to see how you fair at the top of the mountain, step up! But Oba will not take too kindly to their decision. Because he will be merciless, unforgiving, and relentless! He will punish them! They are not stepping to just any man, but to OBA FEMI! The fans cheer as Oba makes himself equal to a title! Will anyone be able to overthrow The Ruler?
Judgment Day is in the clubhouse.
Liv, Raquel & Roxie are still feeling great after what they did to Vaquer, because THEY run Raw! Vaquer found out the hard way, and so will BayLyra. Liv asks Raquel for time alone with Roxie. Is this about the thing? Yes, it is. Raquel says sure, she’ll go finish warming up. Raquel heads out, and Liv says hey to Roxie. Liv wanted to finish the conversation they tried having before WrestleMania. Remember? Before Vaquer smacked their heads together? Right, yeah. Well, really, Liv just wants to apologize to Roxie.
Liv is sorry for how things went down with Finn while she was gone. She knows Roxie and Finn were close, and that must’ve been hard watching from home. Liv knows how that felt, because she sat at home watching Finn bring Roxie into the group. And Liv wants Roxie to know that they are family, but Finn put himself before the family. That is not something Liv would do to Roxie, she wants to support her like Roxie supported Liv. So Liv will be in their corner and cheer them on as Roxie & Raquel get one step closer to the tag titles. Liv takes Roxie’s hand and asks, “Do you trust me, my little Roxie?”
Roxie nods yes, but then says she needs a second. Liv says okay, see you out there. Liv heads out, saying this is exciting. But Roxie doesn’t seem so sure. Wait, FINN is in the clubhouse?! Roxie tells him he’s not supposed to be here, but Finn says Roxie CANNOT trust Liv! In fact, she can’t trust anyone in the Judgment Day! Roxie asks if she can’t trust them, or can’t trust Finn. Roxie is with Judgment Day, she has a match coming up, so he has to go. Finn says good luck with the match, and hopes she knows what she’s doing. Finn leaves, but is The Prince right about them all?
Bayley & Lyra Valkyria VS Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez w/ Liv Morgan!
The Role Model & Morrigan fell short of the tag titles at WrestleMania, but Judgment Day wasn’t even in the match! Who proves themselves worthy of the next opportunity with a win tonight?
Raw returns as Judgment Day makes their entrance. The teams sort out and Bayley starts against Raquel. The fans rally as the two circle, tie up, and Bayley wrenches to wristlock. Raquel swings, Bayley ducks, and she puts on the pressure. Raquel powers Bayley to a corner, ROCKS her, then whips her corner to corner. Raquel runs up but Bayley BOOTS her! Bayley headlocks but Raquel blocks the takeover! Raquel lifts Bayley but Bayley fights that with fists. Bayley jumps to tornado takeover! They roll, Raquel fights up, and Raquel hits a BIG back suplex! Raquel looms over Bayley but hears the fans chanting, “We Want Roxie!”
Raquel points to the corner, the fans cheer, so Raquel tags Roxie! The fans cheer even more now as the Judgment Day mugs Bayley! Roxie stomps away, the fans cheer her on, but the ref counts. Roxie backs off, but Bayley lifts Roxie! Roxie kicks and flails but Bayley RAMS Roxie into the corner. Tag to Lyra, she and Bayley mug Roxie, and the fans boo. Lyra headlocks Roxie but Roxie pulls hair. Roxie headlocks and the fans cheer her on. Lyra powers out, but Roxie cartwheels over the dropdown! Roxie takes a bow, then SLAPS Lyra! Lyra CLOBBERS Roxie and rains down fists! Laredo boos but Lyra whips Roxie to ropes.
Roxie tilt-o-whirls through to RANA, but Lyra handsprings through that! Lyra SLAPS Roxie in return! Liv tells Bayley to shut up but Lyra whips Roxie to the corner. Roxie dodges, but Lyra grabs her by the wrist! Tag to Bayley, scoop and BACKBREAKER, but Roxie knees free! Roxie SMACKS Bayley, but Lyra WHEEL KICKS! Bayley goes back up, MACHO ELBOW! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Roxie survives, and she bails out to regroup with the others. Judgment Day avoids Lyra’s dropkick, and Raquel CLOBBERS her! But Bayley fires off on Roxie! Bayley puts Roxie in the ring, but Raquel trips Bayley up!
Bayley POSTS Lyra, all while Roxie distracts the ref! Judgment Day is in control as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again as both Bayley and Raquel are down! The fans rally as both women crawl, Liv coaches Raquel, hot tags to Roxie and Lyra! The fans fire up, but then Lyra CROSSBODIES Roxie and GAMANGIRIS Raquel! Lyra LARIATS Roxie, dodges Raquel, and goes up to MISSILE DROPKICK! Lyra kips up, then clinches Roxie, NORTHERN LIGHTS! Roll through for the fisherman BUSTER! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Roxie survives! Liv coaches her team on but Lyra drags Roxie up. Lyra brings Roxie over, tags Bayley, and Bayley fireman’s carries while Lyra climbs. Roxie slips free, SHOVES Bayley into Lyra, then tags Raquel!
Roxie runs, tilt-o-whirls, and clinches, Raquel adds as BOOT to the LEG SWEEP! Cover, but Lyra SPLASHES onto it! The fans rally again and Raquel crawls, hot tag back to Roxie! The fans fire up again as Roxie BLASTS Lyra, SOBATS Bayley, then hops up and hops on! But Bayley SMACKS Roxie off buckles! Then a BAYLEY2BELLY! Cover, Raquel breaks it! The fans cheer, Lyra runs up and CROSSBODIES Raquel and herself out of the ring! Liv shouts at Bayley, but she gets caught! The fans cheer, but then Liv HOTSHOTS Bayley! Roxie SHINING WIZARDS! Then the POP-ROX!! Cover, Judgment Day wins!
Winners: Judgment Day, by pinfall
Laredo cheers their hometown hero, but it was certainly a team effort as always for Judgment Day! Will nothing stop them from having all the gold again?
Roman Reigns heads to the ring!
Laredo, Texas puts up their ones to the sky as The OTC makes his entrance. The WWE World Heavyweight Champion stands on stage, raises the title to the sky, and the pyro goes off. But what has he decided when it comes to him and Jacob Fatu? We’ll find out, after the break.
Raw returns as Roman is in the ring, and he raises the belt again for the second round of pyro. Roman grabs a mic while the fans chant “O T C! O T C!” The fans then shift to singing, “Roman, Roman Reigns~!” then go back to “O T C! O T C!” Roman enjoys that for a moment before he says, “Y’see, it’s been awhile since I’ve been here in Texas. But if you can’t tell from home, they love their Tribal Chief here, baby!” The fans cheer that! Roman continues by saying, “They made this title in spite of me. They made this title to try and take away from my shine. But it never worked. Y’see, there’s an old saying and it’s very true.
“The title don’t make the man, the man makes the title!” The fans cheer that, too! Roman says that’s what he’s done with this strap! He’s put it in the main event! He’s put it on night two of WrestleMania! He’s made this title relevant! See, now you can finally be proud of this title. Now you can respect this title! Now, you can actually choose to acknowledge this title. “As a matter of fact, let’s demonstrate. Laredo, Texas…!” The fans erupt with “O T C! O T C!” Roman says it again, “Laredo, Texas… ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” The fans cheer again! But then Jacob Fatu makes his entrance! The fans cheer again as The Samoan Werewolf arrives!
Jacob goes right to the ring while the fans chant “FATU! FATU!” Jacob and Roman stare down, and Roman says, “Fatu, right on cue. Perfect timing, I was just getting to you. I gave you a week, gave you time to think. I’m hoping you made the right choice, Jacob. I’m hoping you made the choice to unite our family, and not divide it.” Jacob has a mic to say Roman gave him a week but he didn’t need a week. He didn’t need a day. Hell, he didn’t even need an hour! He knew exactly what he wanted when he came out here last Monday. Jacob didn’t stutter, didn’t hesitate, when he said he doesn’t want the title, but that he needs the title.
What? Is Roman stuck in his WWE main event bubble? Is he stuck in Tribal Chief Land? Roman ain’t grind like Jacob! Jacob is uncut and raw! 12 YEARS of hard work, 12 YEARS of grinding, 12 YEARS of suffering, not knowing when the next meal was gonna be! While y’all was running things up here as The Bloodline, Fatu was foaming at the mouth, grinding, on the frontlines, trying to figure out if he was gonna be here or not! The fans cheer that, and Fatu says it ain’t how you start but how you finish. And that has Fatu standing here in front of Roman. So before WWE, Roman didn’t call, Jimmy didn’t call, Jey didn’t call.
You know who did call? Solo Sikoa! The fans boo that name but Jacob says Solo gave him a chance! Roman says, “Solo?! Either you’re completely confused or you’re dumber than I think. Solo couldn’t get a cup of coffee delivered to the building if he wanted to. Take a look around. Who you think runs this place?” The fans chant, “O T C! O T C!” Laredo ain’t lying, OTC runs WWE. And yeah, he’s been distracted, things get hectic around here, but Roman never forgot about Jacob. Roman signed off on Jacob. But Jacob’s sounding confused, sounding like a fool. Jacob doesn’t deserve it, he hasn’t earned it.
Roman allowing Jacob to compete against him is nepotism! And Roman can’t allow- JACOB GRABS ROMAN BY THE FACE! The fans freak out as the TONGAN DEATH GRIP grinds Roman down, but then Roman SMACKS him with the mic! Fatu just shakes it off?! TONGAN DEATH GRIP!! Roman sputters as Fatu HEADBUTTS away! Fatu chokes Roman right out, and he tells Roman, “I am going to take everything, EVERYTHING, from you!!” Fatu finally lets Roman go, and he picks up the belt. Fans are torn, but the decision should be clear now. Roman coughs and sputters but he grabs the mic to shout at Jacob!
“You want me at Backlash?! I’ll see you at Backlash!!” The fans cheer, and the match is made! The Samoan Werewolf has made The Tribal Chief into his prey, but will he have what he’s really after in the world title? Or will The OTC punish Fatu for this insolence?
My Thoughts:
A very good Raw that was a bit toned down on the action after that hot Raw After Mania. Great bookending with the OG Bloodline, though I’m not sure about the set-up of Roman & Usos sitting at the table that was more like a press conference table than a meeting. But Jimmy and Jey each having a different side of the argument was good, this builds a bit on what we saw before Mania when Jey was telling Roman to “get him” in reference to CM Punk. And great ending with Roman and Jacob, where Jacob is already done with talking, and he brings out a submission type move to make himself even more menacing. It’d be rather shocking of Fatu actually wins at Backlash, but I feel like Fatu losing and joining Roman is too much of a rehash of everything we’ve already seen in the Bloodline Saga.
Very good match from Penta VS Rusev, and very good win for Penta, but Ethan Page and Je’Von Evans getting involved made sense. That’ll be a great tag match, and I bet we’ll sort out who is challenging Penta for Backlash through that match. Very good promo from Rollins and Bron to set up their match, I appreciate Bron’s perspective because that is how it looked and felt and was definitely not how it should’ve been even in kayfabe. I feel like Bron wins out to then send him to the world title after Backlash. Another great song promo from Hendry, and honestly a great over-the-top angry reaction from Logan Paul for it. Profits helping Hendry out was logical and very good stuff, and Profits putting Rollins in his place was also good. But yeah, there’s gotta be a Six Man Tag there, too.
Waller getting upset only to get humbled by Oba is classic wrestling trope, and Oba making his own open challenge is also great. That’s in the same lineage as like Andre the Giant daring people to body slam him when he knows they couldn’t, or even Chris Masters and the Master Lock Challenge. This will give us some really fun matches while also building Oba up towards a title opportunity of his own. Becky wanting her own Open Challenge series is good, and Iyo challenging her tonight was probably their best way to improvise from releasing Kairi Sane and ruining their own story of Kairi, Iyo & Asuka. The fans are already starting #WeWantKairi, not sure WWE will listen this time, but Asuka VS Iyo is happening for Backlash and that’s all we can really expect.
Very good stuff with Los Americanos, this ended up a great plug for the AAA story of Mask VS Mask. Rey Mysterio being part of the story was good, too, and Rey keeps himself afloat with this win. Gable Americano of course got involved in the match, he and Kaiser Americano are even in math right now, but I would think Gable loses to finally be exposed. And great stuff with Judgment Day, from the attack on Vaquer to the tag match as the main event match. But I’m a little confused as to the Finn & Roxie part. Finn and Roxie should’ve discussed how their ultimate plan was still working. It should’ve been revealed that Finn really did bring Roxie into the group to mess with Liv x Dom. They can still have Roxie turn on Judgment Day in the most pivotal moment, but now it’ll be a bit confusing as to why.
My Score: 8.8/10
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