Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (4/22/2020)
The Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament continues!
NXT has a #RRREEEALDream Match!
While the Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament continues, Finn Balor vows to prove why HE is the greatest champion ever!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Shotzi Blackheart & Tegan Nox VS Dakota Kai & Raquel Gonzalez; Dakota & Raquel win.
- Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament, Group A: Drake Maverick VS Jake Atlas; Atlas wins.
- Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament, Group A: KUSHIDA VS Tony Nese; Kushida wins.
- Mia Yim VS Jessi Kamea; Mia wins.
- Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament, Group B: El Hijo del Fantasma VS Jack Gallagher; Fantasma wins.
- Velveteen Dream VS Finn Balor; changed to…
- Velveteen Dream & Keith Lee VS The Undisputed Era; Dream and Dexter Lumis win.
PLAY BY PLAY
NXT opens with chaos!
Finn Balor’s private dressing room has been wrecked! Someone, or perhaps multiple someones, left Balor’s bags and a torn up shirt but there’s no sign of The Prince himself. What happened to Balor? And what does that mean for the main event tonight?
Velveteen Dream is already in the ring!
And he’s parodying Balor’s entrance! Dream has a leather jacket and a mic as he says, “New levels, new devils.” And then he does a finger gun. Dream says that in his experience, sometimes you’re just dealing with the same old demons. None of that matters tonight, because Dream was stood up by The Demon. Yes, Finn Balor, he means you. But wait! The Undisputed Era’s Adam Cole returns! The NXT Champion says a lot of people assumed Balor VS Dream was going to determine a new #1 contender. But that’s rather convenient, isn’t it? Balor is suddenly nowhere to be found! Cole knows EXACTLY what’s going on here. Dream is trying to weasel his way into a guaranteed opportunity. Dream can dream all he wants but he will never be NXT Champion! Adam Cole is reality! And while we don’t know what happened to Balor, Cole knows what’s going to happen to Dream. The Undisputed Era jumps Dream from behind!
Bobby Fish and Roderick Strong stomp away and then Cole joins in! The 3v1 has Dream against the ropes! They drag him up but Dream keeps kicking. But here comes the NXT North American Champion, Keith Lee! He BLASTS the Undisputed Era and rallies with lariats! Lee swats the boot away to run and POUNCE Cole into Strong! The Undisputed Era regroups and retreats as Lee stands with Dream. Will the Limitless One help Dream stand against Cole and his cohorts? Will we learn what happened to The Prince tonight?
Shotzi Blackheart & Tegan Nox VS Dakota Kai & Raquel Gonzalez!
The Team Kick Civil War took a new turn when the wild child made sure the odds were even! But will she be able to help Tegan #TCB, take care o’ business? Or will #CobraKai and the Daughter of the Desperado kick them both to the curb?
The teams sort out and Tegan starts against Raquel. The bell rings and Raquel rushes right at Tegan with a boot! But Tegan side-steps it to go for a roll-up. Raquel stays up and stomps at Tegan. Tegan gets up but Raquel whips. Shotzi tags in and Tegan dropkicks a knee. Shotzi gives a knee, a spinning forearm and a question mark kick! Shotzi runs and springboards to huricanrana, but Raquel stays up! Raquel powers Shotzi up but Shotzi escapes the bomb attempt. Shotzi dropkicks Raquel back and Dakota tags in. Dakota rushes at Shotzi but Shotzi trips her up! Dakota shoves Shotzi back but Shotzi goes up and over in the corner. Shotzi comes back and arm-drags Dakota! She boots away the clothesline to hit a SLING-DOG! Dakota crawls to ropes and Shotzi shouts, “WELCOME TO THE BALL PIT!” What? Shotzi runs and CANNONBALLS into Dakota! Oh that’s what she meant.
Tag to Tegan, and she hits a CANNONBALL, too! Tag to Shotzi but Dakota bails out. Raquel runs in but gets dumped out! Tegan helps Shotzi go up and FLY for a crossbody! Down go Dakota and Raquel, and Shotzi howls to the moon while NXT goes to break!
NXT returns and Raquel has Shotzi in a Canadian torture rack! Shotzi endures but Raquel vows to break her. Raquel RAMS Shotzi into the corner and Dakota tags in. Dakota BOOTS Shotzi down off the top, then drags her in for a cover. TWO, but Dakota keeps on Shotzi with a whip to the corner. Dakota glares at Tegan before going Around the World. The boot misses but Dakota hurries to grab Shotzi. Shotzi enziguris! Hot tags to Raquel and Tegan! Tegan dodges Raquel to hit Dakota down! Tegan rushes Raquel and throws hands, but Raquel clamps on a choke grip! But Tegan breaks free to CHOP away! She backs Raquel down with forearms and body shots! Tegan fires up but her clothesline doesn’t drop Raquel! Nor does the second one! Tegan stomps Raquel’s foot and uppercuts, then HEADBUTTS! Tegan whips but Raquel blocks and reverses.
Raquel runs in but only gets buckles. Tegan uppercuts again, then adds an enziguri! Raquel staggers and Tegan climbs up. Dakota runs over but Tegan boots her away. Tegan leaps, into Raquel’s arms! Raquel FALL AWAY SLAMS Tegan! Shotzi tags in and climbs up, to leap for a SEATED SENTON! Cover, TWO! Dakota runs in and grabs Shotzi, but Tegan throws Dakota out. Dakota drags Tegan out to BOOT down! Shotzi runs, wheelbarrows but Raquel blocks the bulldog, for a POWERBOMB! Cover, Raquel and Dakota win!
Winners: Raquel Gonzalez & Dakota Kai, by pinfall
The difference maker makes all the difference. Will Raquel’s strength and Dakota’s speed be a combination the NXT Women’s Division is not ready for?
NXT announces a big new main event!
With Finn Balor nowhere to be found and the tension rising between Dream and Cole, a tag team match has been made! Dream and Lee team up to take on the Undisputed Era’s Adam Cole and Roderick Strong! What will happen in this #UndisputedLimitlessDream match?
NXT shares Drake Maverick’s emotional video message.
“I have been released from my WWE contract.” Maverick is very fortunate that the WWE is still allowing him to compete in the Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament. It is very likely they will be the last matches Maverick will ever have. Maverick was in tears as he finished recording.
Since then, Maverick has reflected on what this opportunity means. He hasn’t been in the ring in some time, and he’s going up against some of the best in the world today. This tournament now means everything to him. He isn’t done yet, he still has a story to tell. This isn’t even about the title anymore, this is about his life. The global crisis is affecting everyone, from his coworkers, friends and family. Maverick is not special, but he has to give it his all in these next three matches. Just as he said when he poured his heart out, he doesn’t want anyone to feel sorry for him. There are those going through way worse. But Maverick will do everything he has to because he is not done yet. Maverick vows to become NXT Cruiserweight Champion. Will Maverick fight his way back into the WWE in this round robin?
Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament, Group A: Drake Maverick VS Jake Atlas!
As we just heard, the former 205 Live General Manager is staking it all on this tournament! He is a man with nothing to lose and everything to gain! But will that motivation be enough to overpower Atlas?
Before the match, we learn about the newest signing from Evolve. Atlas sharpened his skills and honed his craft and now joins the top athletes in the world. Atlas wants to break barriers and pave the way for others, as well as make those who support him proud. This title symbolizes that whatever you aim for, you can obtain it. The odds are against him but he’s been breaking stereotypes and proving doubters wrong all along.
The bell rings and the two tie up. Atlas pushes Maverick away, showing the difference physically already. But Maverick comes back and gets a headlock. Atlas powers up and out but Maverick slides under to a waistlock. Maverick tries for a roll but Atlas bucks Maverick off, only to turn around into Maverick’s sunset flip. Atlas slips out but Maverick ducks the kick. Atlas standing moonsaults but Maverick gets clear! Maverick goes to sweep the legs but Atlas cartwheels out of the way! Atlas gives a bow but Maverick gets up in a huff. Maverick and Atlas circle again, and Maverick mocks the bow, to then lunge at the leg! Atlas blocks the initial takedown but Maverick brings him around for a trip. Maverick then shifts right to a headlock and grinds Atlas down.
Atlas powers up and the two stand. Maverick shifts to an armlock and traps an arm. Maverick wants La Magistrol or perhaps Tequila Sunrise but Atlas gets away. Atlas and Maverick stand off and reset. They tie up again, Maverick KICKS a leg! Atlas hobbles to a corner but Maverick is after him again. But Atlas powers up to Alabama Lift Maverick! Maverick kicks and gets to the apron for safety, then shoulders in! He slides under, goes around and dropkicks! Atlas wobbles but Maverick runs in. Atlas catches Maverick for a bomb, but Maverick fights for his life! Maverick drags Atlas over the ropes with a headscissors! Atlas hits the floor and Maverick catches his breath. Maverick drags Atlas up and into the ring, then runs, into a tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER! Cover, ONE! Both men grit their teeth as they slowly stand.
Maverick gets to a corner but Atlas whips him corner to corner hard! Atlas drags Maverick up but Maverick pushes him away. Maverick manages to stand in the corner, but Atlas reels him in for a SLAM! Atlas has the waistlock still, and makes it a bearhug. Maverick fights with elbows but can’t get free. He endures the squeeze and throws elbows. Atlas drags Maverick up but Maverick runs him into buckles! Maverick is free but Atlas comes back. Maverick POSTS Atlas! Atlas slowly gets out but Maverick KICKS the leg again! Maverick throws hands and European Uppercuts! Maverick whips corner to corner, Atlas reverses, but Maverick goes up and over! He baits Atlas into a drop toehold that sends him into buckles! Maverick adds on with another KICK! Atlas staggers and Maverick climbs up, for a missile dropkick! Maverick has the legs, TEQUILA SUNRISE! Atlas scrambles and gets the ropebreak!
Atlas bails out but Maverick DIVES!! Maverick is on fire as he puts Atlas back in! Maverick climbs up while Atlas is in the drop zone. MACHO ELBOW!! Cover, TWO!?! Atlas survives but Maverick has a wild look in his eyes. Maverick cravats, but no Sliced Bread! Atlas hits a SUPERKICK!! Atlas climbs up top now, but slowly. Maverick SHORYUKENS! Maverick climbs up to join Atlas, and jumps, but Atlas denies the Super Steiner! Atlas cartwheels on the ropes to DDT Maverick!! Cover, Atlas wins!!
Winner: Jake Atlas, by pinfall; (moves up to 1-0; Maverick drops to 0-1)
The grit and determination was off the charts! Atlas has his first win in both this round robin and in NXT period. Is he on course towards the title? As for Maverick, this is strike one. Will he be able to rebound in the next round?
On-stage interview with Jake Atlas.
Congratulations are in order for this big win. Atlas says he is on top of the world right now! He wants to say something to Maverick on his way out, but Maverick sulks and storms off. Atlas says Maverick gave him a hell of a fight, but that’s one down and tow to go. The world will know Atlas’ story when he becomes the new NXT Cruiserweight Champion.
Someone is replaying last week’s Keith Lee vignette.
The Limitless One’s story has been shared with the entire NXT Universe. But Damian Priest doesn’t give a damn about it. The only thing he cares about is that North American Champions. The same title he granted opportunities to, to the people he knew he could beat. Lee handpicked Cameron Grimes because he knew he could win. He did the same thing with Dominik Dijakovic. And that Triple Threat wasn’t Lee’s idea, it was William Regal’s. And Lee still didn’t beat Priest. Priest understands why Lee avoids him. Priest hits hard, and is the one man that can limit him. Lee thinks of himself as “The Moment Maker.” Priest has a moment for Lee: Priest’s first NXT main event when he beat Keith Lee. But now, he’s thinking of a bigger moment. No, the biggest moment. It’ll be when Priest beats Lee for the title, and solidifies his story, so that he will #LiveForever. When will this huge challenge happen?
Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament, Group A: KUSHIDA VS Tony Nese!
The Time Splitter is no stranger to round robin tournaments, and is ready to conquer this one. The Premier Athlete is no stranger to title tournaments, and is ready to win another. But then who proves they can win a round robin that’s for the title? The first step starts here!
The bell rings and Kushida circles with Nese fast. Nese waistlocks and throws Kushida away! Nese flexes but Kushida keeps his cool. The two go again, go around, and Kushida gets the arm. Nese gets around to another waistlock and slams Kushida down! Nese floats to a facelock, but Kushida slips out and gets Nese in a facelock of his own. Kushida keeps hold as Nese rolls, and again. Kushida floats all over Nese and pats him on the back. Nese gets up in a huff as Kushida flexes back on him. Nese powers Kushida down and has the leg, but Kushida rolls around. Kushida resists but Nese still gets both legs in a modified deathlock. Kushida reaches back and gets Nese in a headlock! Nese rolls but Kushida holds on and shifts to a hammerlock. Kushida cranks but Nese powers him to ropes. The ref calls for the ropebreak, and Nese pie faces. So Kushida ROCKS him with rights!
Kushida backs Nese down but Nese throat chops! Nese brings Kushida around for the bulldog hotshot! It wasn’t the best landing for Nese, but he drags Kushida out to throw him into railing! Nese keeps on Kushida by throwing him hard into more barriers! He puts Kushida back in the ring and covers, ONE! Nese keeps on Kushida as he brings him up. Kushida throws forearms again, but Nese throws him to the apron. Kushida stays on and climbs up, to leap for flying ax handles! Nese flounders but Kushida whips. Nese reverses, and trips up the handspring! He drags Kushida out again and back into barriers! Nese is fired up as NXT goes to break.
NXT returns and Kushida endures the Nese squeeze. Nese pulls on Kushida’s hair while he has the body scissors on tight. Kushida CHOPS so Nese CHOPS back! It’s a CHOP fight inside the body scissors! Kushida gets an edge as he CHOPS again and again! He gets free but keeps on with a ground ‘n’ pound! Nese powers Kushida away and both men stagger to their feet. He CHOPS Kushida back but Kushida CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Nese whips but Kushida reverses to throw Nese out. Kushida walks into another hotshot! Nese PREMIER TRIANGLES, but he FLOPS! Kushida fires up to throw forearm after forearm! He whips but Nese reverses, but Kushida hits the handspring back elbow! He whips Nese to hip toss, cartwheel and dropkick! Nese flounders into the FAST BALL! Kushida Penalty Kicks the arm!
Kushida whips but Nese holds ropes to fake the hip toss out. Nese ROCKS Kushida, but Kushida KICKS away on the arm! Kushida whips, Nese reverses, slides and pump handles! He lifts but Kushida has the bad arm! HOVERBOARD LOCK! Nese endures, stays standing, and powers through to NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO!! Both men are down but Nese drags himself to the corner. Nese climbs up but Kushida handspring heel kicks! Kushida hurries up top, but Nese pushes him down! Nese 450 SPLASH! Cover, TWO!?! Nese can’t believe it! Both men are down but Kushida goes to a corner. Nese has a target, brings down the knee pad, and runs, into a SHOTEI! Kushida runs in to SHOTEI again! Nese is down and Kushida heads up top! But Nese SHORYUKENS!
Nese climbs up and drags Kushida into the fireman’s carry. Kushida fights with elbows, and then shifts around, for the SUPER HOVERBOARD, and TAKEDOWN! SAKURABO LOCK!! Nese taps, Kushida wins!!
Winner: KUSHIDA, by submission (moves up to 1-0; Nese drops to 0-1)
And the Super Junior takes the crucial first win! Will this lead Kushida to another championship in his career? Or can Nese make a recovery to catch back up?
Backstage interview with Matt Riddle and Timothy Thatcher.
Last week, everyone got a big surprise when the Bro’s mystery partner was the debuting Thatcher in an NXT Tag Team Championship defense. Both belts are on Riddle’s shoulders because obviously he and Thatcher won against Indus Sher. But Riddle makes it clear, Thatcher is his new tag partner for the time being. Riddle loves “T Time” here, but he still misses Stallion Pete. But a big win is a big win, so how are they gelling as a team? Thatcher says that even with that big win, there’s a long way to go. Clearly both men have different philosophies. Riddle likes the knockout, Thatcher prefers to lock on and make an opponent submit. Thatcher is a beautiful man, and every time Riddle looks into those blue eyes, he is reminded of Stallion Pete. Um, Thatcher’s eyes are brown. They sure are, bro. And next week, the NXT Universe will see how beautiful Thatcher really is. What does Riddle have in mind? Just trust him, bro.
NXT, “we gave you fair warning.”
He’s coming~! He already struck down Tommaso Ciampa. And soon, everyone will know that “you can’t stop it.” Scarlet and Karrion Kross are here, and doomsday is upon NXT. Who will be left standing when the clock strikes midnight?
NXT hears from Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae.
“September 16th, 2016.” That is a day Gargano will never forget. The most beautiful woman said, “I do,” and became Mrs. Wrestling. Gargano’s fairy tale came true. Most people only get one fairy tale ending, if even that. But Gargano’s entire career has been a fairy tale. The first ever NXT Triple Crown winner! Who would’ve thought? No one but Gargano. During a time when NXT had superstars like Finn Balor, Samoa Joe, Shinsuke Nakamura, Kevin Owens, and Ricochet, who would’ve thought Johnny Gargano would become the heart and soul of the brand? No one but Gargano. “And who thought that Johnny Gargano was always the better man over Tommaso Ciampa?” No one, but them. Dinner is served and both Mr. & Mrs. Wrestling feel great. Because they are not living in a fairy tale, they are living in reality. The true fairy tale was NXT.
“You can play by the rules as much as you want, but let’s be honest.” The NXT Gargano loves has become a toxic wasteland where the good people, like Johnny and Candice, are taken advantage of! The horrible people thrive and are rewarded! The real fairy tale was thinking being a good person and being nice to everyone was going to lead to success. Media appearances! Can Gargano do those? Yeah, no problem! Merchandise! Can Gargano sign these? Yeah, no problem! Happy birthday messages “for some stupid kid”! Can Gargano film these? Yeah, no problem! But it’s a cookie cutter world where they take advantage of kindness. Gargano is sick and tired of saying yes all the time while “a dirt bag like Tommaso Ciampa gets what he doesn’t deserve.” You know who does deserve everything? Gargano does! He is sick and tired of waving the NXT banner on top of a mountain of under appreciation.
Candice agrees. But sadly, that’s just the NXT way. She’s been underappreciated since she stepped foot in the place. She played the big sister role to the entire women’s locker room. Tegan, Dakota, and countless others. Candice sacrificed for those women. She put them before herself. Candice ate second so they could all eat first. It’s what was right. But when she needed help, where were they? Any of them! Nowhere to be found! And Candice kept telling herself, “They’ll change, Candice. It’s okay, they’ll change.” But isn’t that what some people call, “insanity?” Doing the same thing over and over and over, expecting a different result. Insanity is quite enlightening. But in celebration, Gargano lets Candice eat first. Take what you deserve, because that is what they’ll both do from now on.
They both know how NXT has worked for a long, long time. Too long. All these random people walked all over them, and all the horrible people got things handed to them. Yet these two were given table scraps! They wanted to keep the personal and professional lives separate, but where did that get them? Gargano got hurt. Friends betrayed them both time and again! But who does Gargano trust? Candice. And Candice can trust Gargano. They tried to fix NXT separately. But now, they are going to tear NXT down and rebuild it in their image. It isn’t just the Johnny Gargano way. It’s their way. The Johnny & Candice way. And they’ll make history as the first ever married couple to reign together! NXT Women’s and NXT Champion. They will rule together. And then everyone else will get what they deserve, when the happy couple gets what they deserve.
NXT hears from Io Shirai.
“I’ve been waiting a long time to face Charlotte Flair.” But why is that? Because the Evil Genius wants to show Charlotte just how great Shirai really is. “She will find out everything when she sees my eyes in the ring.” The #1 contender is coming for the title. “The castle where the beautiful, beautiful queen lives… I’m destroying it!” Oi, Charlotte! Shirai bows down to NO ONE.
Backstage interview with Drake Maverick.
Maverick is alone, sulking on the stairs, as he is asked about his defeat. “Jake Atlas is great.” Every other athlete in this tournament is fighting their opponent. Maverick is fighting his opponent, and himself. Maverick thinks that maybe everyone was right about him. Is Maverick throwing in the towel when there’s still two rounds to go?
Mia Yim VS Jessi Kamea!
The Head Baddie In Charge got a lot of praise from Charlotte Flair, and wants to stay sharp before that “lesson in humility” the Queen promises. Will Mia sharpen that edge at the expense of the nerdy-turned-naughty Jessi?
The bell rings and Mia circles with Jessi. They tie up, Jessi gets the wristlock and wrenches, but Mia powers Jessi to a corner! Mia grinds forearms but Jessi pushes her away. Jessi runs into Mia’s drop toehold, and Mia headlocks. Jessi throws body shots then whips, but Mia runs her over. But Jessi kips right up! Mia is impressed, and they speed up. Jessi runs Mia over but Mia shows she can kip, too. Jessi runs, Mia side steps then follows to redirect her. Mia comes back to run Jessi over! Jessie is up but Mia fakes her out and kicks her in the back! Cover, TWO! Mia drags Jessi up and throws big knees. She whips Jessi to a corner but Jessi dodges. Jessi waistlocks but Mia standing switches. Jessi bucks Mia off and wipes her out with a windmill kick! Cover, TWO!
Jessi keeps on Mia with a ground ‘n’ pound! Mia powers out but Jessi pushes her around. Mia throws body shots but Jessi CLUBS her down! Jessi snapmares Mia but Mia kicks back. Jessi throws Mia down by her hair then springboards, for an elbow drop! Cover, TWO! Mia gets to a corner and dodges Jessi running in. Jessi hops up and jumps but her dropkick misses! Mia rallies with clotheslines and boots! Jumping neckbreaker! Mia fires up as she taunts Jessi. She brings Jessi up, hits an STO and then flips Jessi for PROTECT YA NECK! Cover, Mia wins!
Winner: Mia Yim, by pinfall
The HBIC gets the W! But wait! Charlotte Flair returns to NXT already! The two stand face to face and surely Mia heard. “Out of the deepest division, I wanted a match with you first.” Mia has had time to think about it, does she still want this match, too? The last five years, Mia has watched Charlotte grow into The Queen she is now. But Mia has grown into the Head Baddie. She would be honored to be in the ring with her. Good! Because Charlotte never got to thank Mia for that match five years ago. Mia helped Charlotte become a star. Mia has always been “a good hand,” so now Charlotte will finally make Mia into a star, too. A back handed compliment, but Flairs know about back hands. Will Mia give it back in kind?
NXT hears from Jack Gallagher.
“Gentleman Jack” has been with the WWE Cruiserweight Division for the last four years. In that time, he has yet to be Cruiserweight Champion. It was fun and games, but now he’s here to be a champion, “not a bloody joke for you people.” Outside of the ring, he remains a gentleman. But inside, when you see those tattoos, that is warpaint. Those are proof of the live he has lived etched into his skin. In this tournament, we will see things from Gallagher that you never expected.
“Another day in the life of the Robert Stone Brand.”
Robert Stone himself lounges poolside while the Hot Commodity, Chelsea Green, poses for a swimsuit photo shoot. Chelsea was mere inches from becoming #1 contender. But now, they will reload, move forward and prove why she is the face of the NXT Women’s Division. She is beautiful, brilliant and tough. Name another woman who has that? Shotzi Blackheart? No. Tegan Nox? No way! Not even Rhea Ripley! Chelsea says that she put the world on notice in that ladder match. She proved she’s not just a pretty face. She is the total package! Yes, she is. And she’s a future NXT Women’s Champion. Yes, she is.
Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament, Group B: El Hijo del Fantasma VS Jack Gallagher!
The Son of the Phantom makes his NXT in-ring debut in the biggest way possible! He is therefore also the newest member of the Cruiserweight Division. But his first match will be quite the challenge against one of the pillars of 205 Live. Will the gentleman turned jackal ruin the debut? Or will his road to the title continue to be treacherous?
The bell rings and the two rush each other! They tie up and ago around, and Fantasma puts Gallagher on the ropes. Gallagher puts him in the corner and the two scrap. Gallagher wants after the mask but the ref reprimands. He backs Gallagher off and Gallagher smirks. Fantasma glares as he and Gallagher circle again. They approach, tie up and Fantasma waistlocks. He slams Gallagher down and facelocks. He holds on as Gallagher rolls, but Gallagher slips out to hammerlock. Gallagher again pulls the mask but shifts to a chinbar. Fantasma sits up and reaches back to use him for leverage. Fantasma stands, powers out and speeds things up to dropkick Gallagher down! Cover, ONE, but Fantasma has Gallagher in a chinlock now.
Gallagher endures as Fantasma cranks the neck. Gallagher stands up, headlocks back, but Fantasma powers out. Fantasma leaps into a fireman’s carry, and wasteland slam! Cover, ONE! Gallagher tries again, ONE! Another cover, TWO! Gallagher keeps his cool as he simply works to tire Fantasma out. He brings Fantasma up but Fantasma throws forearms! Fantasma ROCKS Gallagher with a right then builds speed. Gallagher tosses Fantasma to the apron and ROCKS him back! Gallagher baseball slides but Fantasma ducks under, only for Gallagher to throw him into railing! The second generation luchador is down and Gallagher refreshes the count. Gallagher drags Fantasma up by his mask, and throws EuroUppers. He knocks Fantasma against railing again, then refreshes the count a second time. The ref reprimands so Gallagher goes back in to stay. He reaches for Fantasma, only to get a PELE!
Fantasma counter punches Gallagher from the apron. Fantasma traps on arm, then hops up to get the other, for a crucifix toss! Gallagher crashes down but Fantasma builds speed. Fantasma fakes Gallagher out with that somersault, to then PESCADO! Direct hit and Fantasma fires up! Gallagher is crawling away as NXT goes to break.
NXT returns and Gallagher spins Fantasma on the apron to KICK in the back! Gallagher keeps toying with the mask, then gives another KICK! Gallagher drags Fantasma in for a cover, TWO! The fighting gentleman grows frustrated and he stomps Fantasma’s arm! He cranks on it from wrist to shoulder but Fantasma endures. Fantasma works up to his feet and powers Gallagher back. Fantasma tries but can’t power out of the hold. Gallagher cranks harder on the arm, but Fantasma gets up again. Fantasma whips then breaks Gallagher’s grip to run him over with elbows and clotheslines! Fantasma fires up as he puts Gallagher in a corner. He throws forearm after forearm but Gallagher throws body shots back. Gallagher backs Fantasma up to ram his shoulder into the ribs! Gallagher throws a punch but Fantasma dodges to SUPERKICK! That sends Gallagher tumbling out of the ring!
Fantasma builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit with that powerful tope suicida! The ring count climbs as both men are down, but Fantasma puts Gallagher in at 7. Fantasma stalks Gallagher to a corner and stomps him. He throws some elbows then goes corner to corner. Fantasma hits a corner uppercut! And then a sudden wheelbarrow victory roll! TWO, but Fantasma keeps his cool. Gallagher stands but Fantasma fireman’s carries. Gallagher claws the mask then O’Conner rolls, TWO! Fantasma gets up, to get a HEADBUTT! Cover, TWO!! Fantasma survives and Gallagher can’t believe it! Gallagher grits his teeth as he gets back up. He goes corner to corner now, but the Gentleman’s Dropkick misses! Fantasma fireman’s carries but again the mask is a target. But Fantasma knees away on Gallagher’s head, before hitting the SAMOAN DRIVER! Cover, Fantasma wins!!
Winner: El Hijo del Fantasma, by pinfall (moves up to 1-0; Gallagher drops to 0-1)
The debut is successful! Fantasma joins Akira Tozawa in the top half of the block while Gallagher joins Isaiah “Swerve” in the bottom.
On-stage interview with El Hijo del Fantasma!
A big win for his debut, and he politely takes the mic from Mackenzie. “Muchos gracias” to everyone around the world at home watching. Fantasma vows that this tournament will be his, as will that NXT Cruiserweight Championship. Is tonight’s win just the first of many?
NXT gets set for a big night next week!
Charlotte Flair and Mia Yim have their rematch from the match that started it all! Will the Queen make the Head Baddie in Charge bow down? Plus, Priest’s challenge was heard, and accepted! It will be Keith Lee VS Damian Priest for the NXT North American Championship!!
NXT shares footage from the commercial.
El Hijo del Fantasma was on his way out, speaking with NXT Media about his tournament win, when another mystery van pulled up! And they came for Fantasma! He fought them off and they ran away! What is with those mysterious luchadors and their abducting NXT superstars?!
Velveteen Dream & Keith Lee VS The Undisputed Era!
Dream no longer minds that The Prince is no longer his opponent tonight, because he has the opponent he’s wanted after for weeks. Will the experience be limitless tonight? Or will the winners be undisputed?
The bell rings and the Undisputed Era attack immediately! Strong goes after Lee while Cole goes after Dream! Lee bumps Lee back and Dream turns things around to TACKLE Cole into a corner! Fish swipes at Dream but Dream kicks him away. Dream DECKS Cole while the ref reprimands Fish. Dream wants after Fish but the ref takes care of it. The ref says Fish is EJECTED! Meanwhile, Strong and Lee spill out of the ring. Lee knocks Strong down, but Priest appears! Priest JAMS the baton into Lee’s chest and throat!! Lee is gasping for air as Dream returns to the ring. Dream sees Lee is down and has the ref check on him. They call for help and additional refs appear. Cole and Strong aren’t sure what happened but they like that it’s in their favor. And while everyone’s busy with Lee, the Undisputed Era RAM Dream into railing! Things are chaotic again as NXT goes to break!
NXT returns and Dream is without Lee as Strong ROCKS him with a right! Cover, TWO! Strong mocks Dream by going to the corner and offering a tag. Dream flounders up but Strong clamps on with a facelock. Dream powers Strong to the corner and rams him into buckles! He throws body shot after body shot, then whips Strong. Strong reverses and sends Dream hard into the Undisputed corner! Tag to Cole, and Strong brings Dream up. Dream fights back, blocks a boot and throws hands. But Cole BOOTS Dream into the OLYMPIC SLAM! Cover, TWO! Dream still lives and Cole grows frustrated. Cole tells Dream that he is a nobody and will never be champion. Cole drops ax handles and knees on Dream then drags him to the corner. Tag to Strong and the UE mug Dream in their corner. Strong drags Dream up and scoops for a backbreaker! Cover, ONE, so Strong drags Dream up for an atomic BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!
Strong keeps close to Dream and has him for a grounded cobra twist. Dream endures being bent, but wait. Is that Dexter Lumis on the apron!? Lumis is in Dream’s corner! Why!? What is his obsession with the Undisputed Era about? Dream powers up and pries free of the hold! Strong staggers but Dream elbows him down! Dream crawls towards the corner, but Strong brings him around. Strong suplexes but Dream slips out! Dream fireman’s carries, for a DREAM VALLEY DRIVER! Strong and Dream crawl, and Lumis reaches out his hand! The ref says Lumis needs the tag rope so Lumis grabs it. Cole rushes at Dream but Dream slips under and then leaps over! HOT TAG TO LUMIS! Lumis rallies on Cole with uppercuts! Strong runs in but gets uppercuts and a dropkick! Lumis stomps Strong to the corner then rains down right hands! Cole turns Lumis around and kicks low to whip. But Lumis reverses, Cole ducks a haymaker, but not the Thesz Press!
Lumis rains down fast hands on Cole, then catches Strong for a SPINE BUSTER! Cole flounders into the URENAGE! But Fish returns! He isn’t allowed out here! Lumis tags Dream then FLIES onto Fish and Strong!! Dream is up top, for the PURPLE RAIN MAKER!! Cover, Dream and LUMIS win!
Winners: Velveteen Dream & Dexter Lumis, by pinfall
The Experience pins the NXT Champion!! He has a path to the title! But what is Lumis’ part in all this? And what happened to Finn Balor?!
My Thoughts:
What a wild episode! So much great stuff, stuff I didn’t even expect them to have tonight. But also, an elephant in the room that needs to be addressed. I’m glad Drake Maverick isn’t gone, but it really brings into question what’s really going on. As linked to and reported, Maverick was among the many names on the released talent list last week on #BlackWednesday. I assumed NXT was going to bring back a repackaged Mendoza or Wilde to take his place and use it for story. Instead, Maverick had a vignette to somehow turn the release into its own story. Was Maverick’s release real? If so, was his emotional video somehow the thing that convinced WWE to secretly keep him? Or was it all a badly timed work? In a vacuum, Maverick fighting for his job on top of a title is really powerful stuff, because it was. But given the situation, it just seems a little disappointing that NXT has been dragged into Vince territory.
I won’t knock his match for it, though. Maverick and Atlas really did put it all on the line because of the stories they both came in with. Though Atlas didn’t say any words relating to it, it was clear he is fighting to openly represent the LGBT community within the WWE Universe. That is not solely why he won, because he is a great athlete, and it also just works better in Maverick’s story if he has to struggle even more. I’m not sure Maverick gets even a single win, but I could see Atlas being in the middle of the block with a 2-1 record. Nese VS Kushida was also an incredible Group A match, and naturally Kushida wins to lead off. Kushida is still the favorite to take the group, while Nese VS Atlas will be a big match to determine second and third place in the group. Gallagher VS Fantasma was a great match to wrap Group B’s opening round, and again, it’s natural for Fantasma to win here. I’m intrigued by them tying Fantasma to that luchador abductors story, though. Is it a group trying to stop luchadors or consolidate them?
The Women’s Division gets another strong showing tonight. The opening tag match was really good, and it makes sense for the Heels to win in order to extend the story. Can NXT please lead the way in extending the WWE Women’s Tag Team Division? Though, I suppose that would mean Fox gets over themselves and lets Bliss-Cross be on NXT at some point. Robert Stone and Chelsea Green have a decent promo, mostly about the aesthetics of the Hot Commodity. Jessie Eleban returns as Jessi Kamea and has a decent showing against Mia Yim. I’m very excited to see Charlotte VS Mia next week with the story of both women improving over the last 5 years. Pretty sure Charlotte wins but I’m sure Mia will look strong. Shirai had a great little promo, I wonder if her match with Charlotte is part of Money in the Bank given how A) NXT is slowly becoming on par with Raw and SmackDown, and B) the MITB matches are changed up this year.
Scarlet and “Karrion Kross” are officially named on air so that’s a nice development. Candice and Gargano gave an amazing cinematic promo. It was like a horror movie or something, and that’s a great development for their characters. I would love if they got to accomplish that goal of being the super couple of NXT. Then there’s the Finn Balor mystery and the great overlapping of stories. Lee VS Priest is going to be great next week but wow did Priest do a number on Lee (in kayfabe). And as I sensed last week, Lumis is apparently targeting the Undisputed Era as the most bizarre Face I’ve seen in some time. But at the same time, could Lumis have been the one to go after Balor because he “knew” things would go this way? Did he create the opening for himself to join Dream against the UE? Or was it just Imperium because of what Balor said last week? I’m actually hoping it’s Lumis. Dream getting the win is great, and Cole VS Dream is going to be great, too. It’s hard to say if Dream wins or not, but if WWE pulled the trigger on McIntyre with an empty arena, I would think HHH could do the same for Dream.
My Score: 9.2/10
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Can the Last Real Champion handle The Truth?
While the King & Queen of the Ring tournaments reach their semifinals, John Cena has his first match on SmackDown in years, against Ron Killings!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Asuka VS Alexa Bliss; Asuka wins and advances to Night of Champions.
- Aleister Black VS Kit Wilson; No Contest.
- King of the Ring Semifinals: Randy Orton VS Sami Zayn; Orton wins and advances to Night of Champions.
- Charlotte Flair VS Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice; Charlotte wins.
- Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker VS LA Knight; Knight wins, by disqualification.
- John Cena VS Ron Killings; Killings wins, by disqualification.
PLAY BY PLAY
LA Knight is here!
Grand Rapids fires up as the Mega Star marches right to the ring. Knight grabs a mic while the fans chant his name, and he says, “LEMME TALK TO YA!” The fans cheer, and Knight says, “Let’s just go ahead and rewind our mind a little bit. We go to back to Money in the Bank, Seth and his boys, they just happen to come down and screw this guy.” The fans boo that. Knight says usually, he lets things slide. But he just figured he couldn’t let it slide, so he made sure to screw on of Rollins’ boys in their title opportunity, King of the Ring. But then they came back, paid it back and screwed Knight outta KOTR, so he had to go and screw the other one over!
And it just has Knight thinking. Fans “YEAH!” and Knight says there is only one way this can go. He has gone back and forth between Raw and SmackDown, where it ends, nobody knows! Except Knight! He knows! He knows where this ends! The fans cheer that! And Knight says it ends with him and Rollins! And what better place than here? And what better time than now! Knight tells Rollins to come on out and talk to him! But “Ladies and gentlemen…” The fans boo as Paul Heyman walks out and gives his introductions. He serves as the Wise Man to Mr. Money in the Bank, Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins!
Heyman says you do not boo that name. And you screwed up your cue, so they’ll do this again. He serves as the Wise Man for Seth Freakin’ Rollins! The fans keep booing, Heyman wants to try again, but Knight says shut up and get to the point! Why is Heyman here?! Heyman walks to the ring and asks permission to step inside. The fans chant “O T C! O T C!” but Knight steps back. Heyman steps into the ring, and he says yes, there has been a lot of bad blood between Knight and Mr. MITB, Seth Freakin’ Rollins. However, Heyman happens to be, with all due respect to everyone here in Grand Rapids, Michigan…
The fans chant “C M PUNK!” at Heyman now and he frowns. Knight says Heyman has a lot of enemies. Heyman says he is the biggest LA Knight fan in all of WWE! Heyman’s been waiting a long time to say this: YEAH! Now, because of that, Seth Freakin’ Rollins (the fans boo again) has allowed Heyman to say to Knight, as a favor to Heyman… It is time for Knight to get the hell outta Grand Rapids, Michigan. Because if he does not, something really bad is going to happen to him before the end of the night. Have a nice evening. Heyman turns to go but the fans cheer Knight on. Knight says he couldn’t help but notice, but did you~ (poking fun at Heyman’s voice cracking) threaten Knight?
Because Knight wants to wrap his head around this. He’s heard Heyman say stuff like this before, because Heyman is a liar, a swindler, a grifter, a scammer and a schemer! Heyman leeches on to any talent that has a bit of hype, sucks ’em dry, then moves on to the next! Rollins just happens to be the latest in this. But where next? Who cares! But the bottom line is, Knight asked for Rollins but he got Heyman. And while he got Heyman, he got a Heyman out here talking all tough. So it has Knight thinking, he has a great idea.
Talking about wise man, wisdom, there was a point in time if Heyman had said something like that, a man like Knight would look at a “thing” like Heyman and punched his wisdom teeth down his throat! Knight won’t do that, yet. But here’s the deal: Heyman’s talking all tough, but if he can’t bring Rollins out here, then the only thing to do out here in Grand Rapids is Knight fighting Heyman here and now! The fans fire up for that! Knight asks if the fans want that, and they cheer! “HUH?” “YEAH!” “HUH?” “YEAH!” “YEAH!!” Knight promises he’ll turn around, take his vest off, and Heyman gets the first shot. He better make it good, or Knight will molly whop his ass right outta Grand Rapids!
The fans fire up as Knight does as promised. He turns around, his vest is off, but Heyman bails? The fans boo as the Wise Man doesn’t play along. Heyman says, “Remember when I told you to get the hell out of Grand Rapids or else something really bad is gonna happen to you before the end of the night? That wasn’t a prediction. That… was a spoiler!” Heyman throws down his mic, and here comes Bronson Reed & Bron Breakker! Rollins’ behemoths head to the ring, but Knight fires off on them first! The fans rally as Knight throws hands and feet, but then Bron TACKLES Knight! Bronson joins in and they mug Knight right out of the ring!
Bronson drags Knight up to TOSS him over barriers! Bron clears the desk, he wants Bronson to put Knight through it! But Knight has a chair! He JAMS Bron, JAMS Bronson, then SMACKS Bron and SMACKS Bronson! Knight gets in the ring, ready to hit whoever gets in! The fans cheer Knight but Heyman has Bron & Bronson stand down. Will Heyman have the henchmen try again before the end of tonight?
SmackDown returns and…
Heyman has Bron & Bronson calm down, they have this under control. It is all in their favor, and it always will be in their favor. That is the whole point behind this. Byron Saxton steps in and wants to talk to them, but Heyman has to hold Bron back like the dog he is! Heyman says no need to bite Byron. Byron apologizes, he has word from SmackDown GM, Nick Aldis, that Bronson Reed VS LA Knight is set for tonight. Heyman says okay, thank you, and goodbye. Byron leaves and Heyman smiles. He told them! Patience is not a virtue, it is strategy. Bronson smiles and nods. Will Auzsilla destroy LA here in Grand Rapids?
Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Asuka VS Alexa Bliss!
Two great returns to action through this tournament, and now they cross paths with each other. The Empress of Tomorrow overcame Ivy Nile, Raquel Rodriguez and Stephanie Vaquer while Lil’ Miss Bliss outsmarted Alba Fyre, Candice LeRae and Charlotte Flair. But whose comeback story overtakes the other’s here just one match away from Night of Champions?
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Alexa headlocks, but Asuka powers up and out. Alexa RAMS Asuka, Asuka roars, and the fans fire up as Asuka fires hands! Alexa blocks a kick to THROW Asuka down, then basement DROPKICK! The fans cheer as Asuka and Alexa reset. Alexa kicks, Asuka blocks and slips through to waistlock. Alexa elbows free, runs, but Asuka runs past her to then RUN her over! The fans fire up and Asuka runs in again, HIP ATTACK! Alexa falls to the floor and the fans fire up while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Asuka lets Alexa stay down while she soaks up the cheers. The ring count starts, Alexa rises, but Asuka goes out after her. Alexa slips inside and DROPKICKS Asuka’s leg! Asuka falls from the apron but she has to nod respect for that savvy move. Asuka steps back in at 6 of 10, and she resets with Alexa. They circle, feel things out, and tie up. Asuka wrenches and wristlocks, but Alexa rolls and wrenches to hammerlock. Alexa waistlocks, rolls Asuka, TWO! The two stand off again and they both nod respect. They reset, the fans rally up, and the two feel things out. Asuka trips Alexa, clamps on with a headlock, and she grinds Alexa down.
Alexa endures, Asuka turns her over to go after the arm, then she stands on Alexa’s arm. Alexa endures, Asuka shifts arms, but Alexa wrenches out to wrangle Asuka. Alexa shifts to a cording hold, but Asuka fights up and fires body shots. Alexa whips Asuka to a corner, but Asuka elbows her away! And BOOTS! Asuka goes up, leaps, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Alexa stays in this but Asuka stays focused. Asuka drags Alexa around and gives her Kawada Kicks! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Asuka wrenches for a chicken wing! Alexa fights the Asuka Lock and JAWBREAKERS free! Alexa runs up to RUN Asuka over!
The fans rally as Alexa rallies, then hits a BLOCKBUSTER! The fans fire up as Alexa SLAPS, ROCKS, and KNEES Asuka down! Then SOMERSAULT SENTON! Cover, TWO! Asuka stays in this and Alexa grows frustrated. The fans rally while Alexa brings Asuka up. Asuka breaks free to URAKEN, SOBAT, FRONT KICK, and GERMAN SUPLEX! Alexa tumbles away, Asuka runs up, SLIDING KICK! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Asuka stands and takes aim. But Alexa ducks the buzzsaw! Cover, TWO! Alexa clinches, TWISTED- NO, Asuka rolls Alexa up! TWO! Alexa sits up, BUZZSAW! Cover, TWO!! Alexa survives but Asuka just fires up!
The fans rally as Asuka goes to the corner. Asuka climbs from the outside, and MISSILE- NO, Alexa dodges this time! Alexa kicks and DDTS! Cover, TWO! Asuka stays in this and the fans fire up! “This is Awesome!” as Alexa drags Asuka into the drop zone. Alexa goes up, up, and the fans fire up! TWISTED- NO, Asuka moves, so Alexa stops. Alexa won’t let Asuka sneak away, but then she gets caught in an ARMBAR!! Alexa flails, rolls, but ends up in an omoplata! RINGS OF SATURN!! Alexa fights around, pops her arm free for a cover, TWO!! Asuka reels Alexa in, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as Alexa stays in this! Asuka fires up, the fans are with her, and she runs up, only for Alexa to ROCK her with a right! Alexa puts Asuka in the Tree of Woe, and she DROPKICKS Asuka out of it! Alexa climbs back up, and TWISTED BLISSÂ onto knees!! Asuka still counters the moonsault, and hits the EMPRESS IMPACT!! Cover, Asuka wins!
Winner: Asuka, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)
The Empress says no one is ready for Asuka, and that has certainly been the case! But on Raw, we find out, will it be Jade Cargill or Roxanne Perez that meets Asuka in Saudi Arabia?
Jade Cargill, Mia Yim & B-Fab watch backstage.
And Fab says damn, Asuka just came back and she’s already making statements. Almost like she never left. Michin says maybe they need to make their own statements. They need to talk to Aldis about the tag titles. Fab agrees. Fab & Mia wish Jade luck before heading out. Byron walks in and asks if he can have a word. Jade says shoot. Byron says Asuka just advanced, but Jade has her match on Monday with Roxanne Perez. How does Jade feel about facing a talented competitor like Roxie? And how does she feel about the possibility of facing Asuka in the finals? Jade says “Rox” has potential. Roxie is quick and scrappy.
But she’s still trying to prove herself. And this isn’t a proving ground, this is a throne room, and Jade was built for royalty. As for Asuka, there’s a storm on the horizon. But news flash, Jade is that storm. This entire tournament wasn’t built for the future, but for a woman who can walk through fire, shatter glass ceilings, and take her crown on the way to the top. This Queen of the Ring, Jade isn’t just walking in to win. She’s here to reign. Will the Prodigy be washed away by the storm this Monday?
Alexa Bliss returns backstage.
And Chelsea Green finds her. Flanked by her Secret Her-vice, The Hot Mess asks, “Hey, little fu-fu, how’s your boo-boo?” Alexa asks back, “How’s yours?” Piper tells Chelsea not to get upset, Alexa is just jealous. Chelsea says this serves Alexa right. Chelsea should be Queen of the Ring, and she’d be building her parliament if not for Alexa! Oh, if she has that big of an issue, then try facing her in the ring. Chelsea says she will! But then Charlotte Flair walks in and says if anyone should’ve still been in this tournament, it’s her. But had Chelsea’s “replacement” tapped out sooner, maybe she would.
So here’s the deal: Charlotte will have a match made and tap Chelsea out instead. N-Not if Chelsea makes it a bank holiday! ROYAL DUTIES! NICHOLAS! Chelsea hurries away with the Secret Her-vice following, and Alexa tells Charlotte that she doesn’t need Charlotte’s help. Oh, that’s cute. Because Charlotte wasn’t helping Alexa. Charlotte leaves now, leaving Alexa to chew on that. Will The Queen chew up the Hot Mess and spit her out now that she has nothing better to do?
Aleister Black VS Kit Wilson!
The Dark Father is also directionless now that he is out of the King of the Ring tournament, but he never lets that bother him. Will he make himself the direction all roads lead when things #FadeToBlack? Or will Kit prove he can be Pretty Deadly all on his own?
Wait, who is attacking Kit? It’s R-TRUTH! But why’s Ron Killings going after Kit?! He POSTS Kit, drags him back out, and puts him in an STF!! The fans fire up and Kit taps, but it won’t matter when this isn’t a match! Killings lets Kit out of the hold and demands a mic. A mic is given, and Killings says, “Get John Cena out here now. I’m driving! On my terms! Cena, get out here!” The fans fire up and then Killings puts Kit back in the STF! Aleister is rather confused, but producers hurry out here to stop Truth. Truth lets Kit go, Jamie Noble asks Truth wait for the main event. Truth seethes, but he accepts the terms.
Killings leaves, walking right past Aleister. Will there be no denying The Truth when he finally gets his hands on the Last Real Champion?
Jamie Noble talks with Truth backstage.
Jamie says Truth has to calm down. Truth says he wants John Cena NOW! He’s driving! Yes, okay, but just wait. Truth promises that when he sees Cena, he is killing him tonight! Aleister steps in and asks Truth why he is getting involved in Aleister’s match. Truth says it wasn’t personal, it had nothing to do with Aleister. These two stare down, and then Damian Priest steps in. The Archer of Infamy has Aleister stand down. Truth is going through a lot, let Priest talk to him. Oh, of course. Aleister says, “Ron.” “Black.” Aleister leaves, Priest tells Truth that there’s no need for any of that. Priest gets Truth is frustrated, but he can’t just go beat up people for no reason.
Priest used to do that, and Truth was the guy there to make him smile. Truth made the world smile! All that anger and negativity, focus that on the match tonight. Focus that on John Cena. Go out there and handle business with Cena, then Priest and Truth can go downtown to celebrate. How’s that sound? Truth says sounds good, DP. They shake hands, and Priest heads out. Truth is still seething, but will he make sure it all explodes on Cena?
Cody Rhodes is here!
Grand Rapids sings along as The American Nightmare makes his way out, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, he high-fives fans in the front row, then looks closely at the King of the Ring’s crown. Cody goes to the ring and grabs the mic. He hears the fans cheer him on, but then Jey Uso is here! The fans fire up as Main Event Jey makes his way down through the crowd! A young fan joins in bouncing along, but so does all of Grand Rapids! Jey continues down the stands, finds another young fan, and they bounce along again. Jey then reaches ringside, high-fives the front row, and he joins Cody in the ring as we get the next wave of YEET!
Grand Rapids might want to YEET all night, but Jey hugs it out with Cody before he gets his own mic. The music dies down, the fans chant, “One More Time! One More Time!” and Cody says sure, one more is fine. Jey says okay, and yes, the fans get to YEET again! Jey says hey, Cody doesn’t even have to say nothing. They been in the trenches! “YEET!” Still in the trenches! “YEET!” From fighting The Bloodline… “YEET!” To winning tag titles… “YEET!” To finishing their stories at WrestleMania! “YEET!” They’ve both been to the mountaintop. “YEET!” But Cody, on Monday, there is only room for one of them.
The fans are intrigued, and Cody nods. Jey says there’s only one that can go. Cody VS Jey, Jey VS Cody, and Jey knows Cody will bring it. Jey has to get his, Uce. He has to, just like Cody has to get his. But that said, Uce, it ain’t personal. This all business. But that all said, too, Uce, on Monday, after they go to war, please believe that it will be four letters, one word, uh uh… YEET! Cody smiles and the fans cheer. They shake hands again, and wait! Here comes Sami Zayn! The fans cheer as the Great Liberator makes his way to the ring. Sami grabs a mic to say, “This is nice, isn’t it? I get to share the ring with two great friends.”
The fans applaud, and Sami says he is in the ring with two of the very best that this business has to offer! The fans cheer that, too! Sami says he’d be lying if he denied there was a part of him that sees the three of them in this ring, and notices how only one of them has never been world champion. Jey, Sami wants him to know, man to man, this year, Sami missed Mania. Sami had no reason to be in Las Vegas, but he got his ass on a plane to Vegas for one reason: To congratulate Jey the moment he won the World Heavyweight Championship! Sami loves Jey, and he is proud of him. And Cody, for years, everyone watched as Cody finished his story.
And when Cody did, he did the unthinkable and pinned Roman Reigns in the middle of this ring, Sami was the first one out here to congratulate Cody. Sami is so proud that Cody finished his story. So he hopes both men understand that now, it is time for Sami to finish HIS story! The fans cheer, but then here comes Randy Orton! The Viper looks at the crown, then goes to the ring. The fans sing along with Voices and Orton grabs himself a mic. “So Cody, same deal as last week but I’m gonna say it again. There is no line I will not cross, even if it means going through you, so that I can get to John Cena at SummerSlam, beat him, and get my FIFTEENTH world championship!”
The fans cheer, and Orton tells Jey, “Man, I respect the… Hell outta you, dude. Our families go way, way, way back. Nothing but love, dude. But if you’re standing across the ring from me at SummerSlam, it’s not gonna be four letters, one word. It’s gonna be three letters, one move.” The fans say it, “R K O!” And Orton says he not only speaks for himself but for everyone here in this arena when he says, and from the bottom of his heart, one day and one day soon, Sami Zayn will be world champion. But not at SummerSlam. Because tonight, Sami is on the receiving end of the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment: R K O.
Orton drops the mic, and it is time to put those words into action. Will it be the Legend Killer or the Underdog from the Underground that heads for Saudi Arabia?
King of the Ring Semifinals: Randy Orton VS Sami Zayn!
SmackDown returns, the bell rings, and these two circle. They tie up, Sami wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, then wristlocks. Orton endures, fights up, and the fans duel. Orton wrenches Sami in return to then headlock. Sami endures, powers up to wrench again, and he grinds the arm. Sami wrenches and CHOPS, and Orton goes to the corner. Sami CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” but the ref counts. Orton pushes past Sami, bails out of the ring, and he is pretty red already. Sami builds speed but he fakes Orton out with the Arabian Press! The fans fire up and Orton has to admit that was good.
Orton goes up the steps and steps back into the ring. The fans rally, Orton and Sami tie up, and Orton puts Sami in the corner. Orton lets off slowly, but he pokes Sami in the eyes! The fans boo but Orton UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! But Sami pokes Orton in the eyes! The ref caught that one and reprimands Sami. Sami TOSSES Orton out, goes to the apron, but Orton YANKS Sami down! Sami hits off the apron, and Orton reels him in, DESK BACK SUPLEX! Sami writhes and Orton rolls into the ring, just to refresh the count. Fans want that “One More Time!” and Orton agrees! DESK BACK SUPLEXÂ again!
Sami writhes more and whatever monitor wasn’t busted, they’re busted now! Orton leaves Sami behind for a moment while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Orton goes out to fetch Sami, but Sami fights off a third back suplex! Orton kicks low, brings Sami over, but Sami blocks the smack off the steel steps! Orton sputters, Sami stalks him, and Sami decides to give him some payback! But Orton ROCKS Sami first! Orton SMACKS Sami off the desk, puts him in the ring, and covers, TWO! Sami stays in this but Orton looms over him. Sami rises, Orton puts him in a corner, and Orton fires body shots. Orton climbs up and rains down fists! Orton gets to eight before Sami fires back! Sami has Orton in another corner, climbs up, and Sami rains down a fast TEN!
Sami huffs ‘n’ puffs and CHOPS! Orton is stinging but Sami CHOPS him again! Sami wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, and whips! Orton reverses, Sami hits buckles hard, and Sami falls in a heap. Orton dusts himself off and looms over Sami again. Orton stomps Sami’s hand! Sami writhes and clutches his finger. Orton stomps Sami’s foot, ten the other foot! And then the other hand! Sami sits up, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Orton CLUBS away on Sami’s chest! Orton DECKS Sami, the fans cheer, and Orton brings Sami up. Orton whips, Sami goes up and over, and Sami LARIATS Orton down! The fans fire up again as Sami rises!
Sami goes to the corner, Orton runs up, but Sami ELBOWS him! Sami goes up, AX HANDLES, and the fans fire up more! Orton takes a swing, but Sami slips around! Orton fights the Blue Thunder, then LARIATS! And LARIATS! Orton dodges Sami to SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up while Sami goes to the apron. Orton drags Sami in through the ropes, and DRAPING DDTS! The fans fire up as Orton hears those voices! Orton watches Sami rise, but then Sami bails out! The fans are torn but Sami is smart to avoid what was coming. Orton goes out to fetch Sami, SMACKS him off the desk, and then back suplexes, only for Sami to lands out!
Sami CLUBS Orton, and hits a DESK BACK SUPLEX on Orton! Sami puts Orton in the ring, goes to a corner, and the fans fire up as Orton rises. Orton runs in, Sami dodges, and Orton POSTS himself! Sami runs corner to corner, HELLUVA- SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Sami survives and Orton seethes. “This is Awesome!” as Sami goes back to a corner. Orton runs back in and he LARIATS! Orton runs but Sami follows! But Orton dodges the Helluva Kick! Sami gets stuck on the to rope, frees himself, and hobbles into an RK- NO! BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Orton survives and the fans fire up again!
“This is Awesome!” as Sami drags Orton to the drop zone. Sami goes up the corner, Orton stands and he gets under the leap! R K- NO, Sami SLAMS Orton down! And then HELLUVA- RKO!!! Orton crawls to the cover, Orton wins!!
Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)
Sami fought his heart out, but the Viper still strikes! Orton is going back to back in KOTR finals, but will he win the crown this time?
Nia Jax is here!
Grand Rapids boos as The Irresistible Force goes to the ring. She grabs the mic dot say, “You know what’s crazy? Tiffany Stratton approached me to be under my wing, because she knew exactly what I could do for her. And look, she’s thriving! And what kind of thanks did I get for it? She betrayed me. She has MY title!” But wait, here comes Tiffy! Grand Rapids cheers as the WWE Women’s Champion has the mic to tell Nia, “You’re like that toxic ex I just can’t get away from. News flash: get over it! You make excuse after excuse, but when are you just gonna admit that maybe I’m just better than you?”
The fans cheer and Tiff heads to the ring. Nia says yeah, okay, if Tiff is so much better, then give Nia a rematch without kicking a chair into her face. Tiff says if Nia’s so desperate for a match, it is her lucky day! She made it official for next week: Tiff VS Nia! And Tiff will have more fun adding more scars to that “five head” of Nia’s. Because it won’t just be a regular match. It will be Last Woman Standing! Nia takes a swing but Tiff dodge! Tiff fires off, kicks low, and runs up, but into a POP-UP HEADBUTT! And then Nia drops a leg, brother! Nia holds up the belt and soaks up the heat. Nia thinks about leaving, but decides to add on! ANOTHER leg drop, brother!
The fans boo but Nia says that’s not enough! Nia tells Wade & Joe that she’s taking the title! But wait! NAOMI is here, with a ref! Is she doing it!? Is she doing it?! But Nia YANKS Naomi out! Naomi tells her back off! Nia doesn’t, Naomi shoves her, but Nia still grabs at her! Tiff DROPKICKS Naomi onto Nia! Tiff avoids a cash-in because Nia was in the way, but is she setting herself up for failure with that extreme title match?
Charlotte Flair VS Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice!
The Queen was denied her crown, but she’s not even angry at Alexa Bliss, the one who took that opportunity from her. She instead looks to humble the Hot Mess that claims she would be queen if her demands were met. Who vents their frustrations and comes away with the win?
SmackDown returns and Charlotte makes her entrance. The bell rings and the fans actually cheer on Chelsea. Alba distracts Charlotte and Chelsea sucker punches her! The ref reprimands but Chelsea SMACKS Charlotte off the mat again and again! Chelsea salutes, but Charlotte CHOPS! Chelsea KNEES low, whips, but Charlotte goes up and out at the corner. Charlotte BOOTS Chelsea away, avoids Alba and KICKS her! Chelsea runs up, Charlotte RAMS her, and then Charlotte climbs up. CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Chelsea scrambles away and Charlotte runs up, but into an ELBOW! Charlotte GAMANGIRIS!
Charlotte snapmares, Chelsea distracts the ref, and Alba grabs Charlotte by the hair! Alba HOTSHOTS Charlotte and Chelsea hits a BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Chelsea is furious but Charlotte stays in this, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Chelsea hops onto Charlotte for a SLEEPER! The fans rally, but Charlotte hits a BACKPACK SENTON! Charlotte is free, Chelsea runs back up, but Charlotte gives her a BACKBREAKER and BUCKLE SHOT! Chelsea falls back, Charlotte huffs ‘n’ puffs and runs up to fire hands! The fans fire up as Charlotte CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Charlotte CHOPS again, then clinches for an EXPLODER! And a kip up! The fans fire up and Charlotte salutes to poke fun at Chelsea. Charlotte runs, dodges, and handsprings to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Chelsea survives but Charlotte stays on her by going for a leg.
Alba gets on the apron, so Charlotte BOOTS her down! The fans cheer, but Charlotte turns around into a ROUGH RYDER! Cover, TWO!! Charlotte survives and Chelsea is furious! Chelsea takes off her face protector and drags Charlotte up. Chelsea has the arms, turns Charlotte, but Charlotte shoves her away! Charlotte dodges and SPEARS! Cover, TWO!! Chelsea survives but Charlotte has the leg! FIGURE- CRADLE!! TWO!! Charlotte has the leg again, FIGURE FOUR! And the bridge for the FIGURE EIGHT!! Chelsea TAPS, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
But then Piper Niven SENTONS onto Charlotte!! Alba storms in, she and Piper mug Charlotte, but here comes Alexa! She RAMS into Piper, she ROCKS Alba, then she catches Chelsea! Charlotte LARIATS Alba out while Alexa hits a TWISTED SISTER ABIGAIL! And then Charlotte BOOTS Piper down! Charlotte and Alexa look at each other, and despite what either one thinks, maybe they both need the other after all. Alexa offers the handshake, but Charlotte walks right past Alexa. Alexa lets that slide, but will Charlotte come around soon enough?
Solo Sikoa talks with JC Mateo.
Why is JC taping up? Uh, duh, he’ll take out Jacob. No, Solo is going out there alone to talk with Jacob. Solo was the only one that Jacob would listen to. Jacob needs Solo. Solo will smooth things over. JC accepts that, but Solo does say that JC should stay ready. Solo is covering his bases, but will he need the Imperial Unit to put down the Samoan Werewolf? Or will it all be alright between them all?
Solo Sikoa heads to the ring.
SmackDown returns as the former Tribal Chief makes his way out, and Grand Rapids boos. Solo grabs the mic, takes a moment, and says, “Alright, Jacob. I’m out here in the middle of the ring, all alone, with open arms, willing to talk to you face to face. I feel terrible about what happened. So if you’re back there, come on out so we can clear the air.” Jacob Fatu makes his entrance and Grand Rapids cheers! Fatu holds up the United States Championship before he steps into the ring, and he has a mic of his own. The fans cheer on “FATU! FATU!” and Solo says he didn’t come out here to fight him, okay? He’s not here for that.
Solo wants to make it clear to Fatu that he loves him, always has loved him, no matter what. One thing Solo learned from being Tribal Chief is how to love family and how to take care of them. That’s all he’s trying to do. Families fight all the time. They fight, they argue, they forgive, and then they move forward. So they should move forward together, Jacob. Move forward as one. The fans boo that, but Solo says nobody saw the potential in Jacob except Solo. Nobody wanted Jacob here in the WWE, except Solo. That is why Solo brought Fatu here and gave him the chance to change his life and put food on his family’s table.
And why did Solo do that? Because Solo loves Jacob. He does. And to be honest, Solo doesn’t have anybody else. Fatu isn’t sure about that, but Solo says all he has is Fatu. And he’s all Solo needs. So come back to the family, and even if Jacob doesn’t say those four words, Solo will. Solo will say it for him, to him, loud enough so everybody can hear it! Solo tells Jacob, “I love you, Jacob.” The fans boo, they don’t trust this. Fatu paces as he thinks on that. “So you love me, huh?” Solo nods yes. So this is what it comes down to, huh? Solo loves Fatu? The way Fatu sees things, Solo has been using Fatu! Solo has been using Fatu to gain power, to fight his battles, and to stay Tribal Chief.
Hell, Solo brought Fatu in so Fatu could bring Solo fame! Solo brought Fatu in because he thought Fatu would bring him gold! Is that all this is about? Fame? Gold? Power? SOLO, LOOK AT HIM! Solo looks up from the floor while the fans cheer Fatu on. Fatu tells Solo that ever since he won the US Championship, Solo is the one that’s been acting different. And maybe Fatu isn’t the problem. Fatu just figured it out! The problem… is this. The problem is the US Championship. Fatu sets it down between him and Solo, and he says if this is what he thinks it is, then just fight him for it! Fight Fatu for the title! The fans fire up for that!
And Solo, Fatu will only warn you one time: If you ever think about coming this way, you know what Fatu is about! You know what’s poppin’ with Fatu, blood! And you know Jacob Fatu is all gas, no brakes with it! YADADADA- SOLO TAKES A SWING! Fatu blocks the spike and he HEADBUTTS! JC Mateo rushes out here! Fatu HEADBUTTS him, too! But Solo CHOP BLOCKS the legs! The fans boo but JC & Solo mug Fatu! But then here comes JIMMY USO! The fans fire up as #BigJim slides in, dodges Solo, and SUPERKICKS JC! And then he SUPERKICKS Solo! But JC LARIATS Jimmy down! JC HAMMERS Jimmy and Solo has him put Jimmy in the corner.
The fans boo but Solo tells Jimmy that he should’ve chosen Solo’s side, not Jacob’s! But speaking of, Fatu is up! The fans fire up as Fatu BODY CHECKS JC! Then he SUPERKICKS Solo! Solo is in a corner, Fatu fires off on him, HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT! SUPERKICK for JC! HIP ATTACK for Solo! The fans are fired up for the Samoan Werewolf, and he locks eyes with Jimmy. Jimmy came to Fatu’s rescue, Fatu just saved him, so Fatu goes up, up, only for Solo to bail out! No Best Moonsaults here in Grand Rapids, but will Fatu cut Solo down soon enough?
Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker VS LA Knight!
The Wise Man warned, or rather threatened, the Mega Star that he should just cut and run, but that’s not how he does things. Knight is ready to fight, but will he survive a battle with Auszilla? Or is a Tsunami about wipe out LA?
Wait, Knight doesn’t enter from the stage! He enters from the crowd! And he POSTS Bron! The fans fire up as Knight evens things out! He TOSSES Bronson out, throws his vest at him, and Bronson snarls. Bronson has Bron stand down, and says, “Tonight, I kill him.” Bronson steps into the ring, the bell sounds, and Knight fires off! The fans fire up as Knight fires hands, but Bronson puts him in the corner. Knight ELBOWS back, Knight fires more hands, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips but Bronson blocks! Bronson whips Knight to a corner, runs up, but Knight dodges! Bronson POSTS himself, and Knight stomps a mudhole in!
The fans rally, the ref counts, and Knight goes corner to corner, but into a fireman’s carry! Knight slips down to sunset flip, but Bronson stays up! Bronson jumps but Knight avoids the hip drop! Then Knight basement BOOTS! The fans fire up and Knight storms up on Bronson. Bronson TOSSES Knight to the apron, but Knight slingshots back in! Bronson catches Knight to a fireman’s carry! Knight flails free and he RAMS Bronson into a corner! But Bronson holds ropes to deny the Jump Neckbreaker! Bronson runs but Knight avoids the senton! The fans fire up as Knight goes up, up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! That’s a Steiner move!
The fans fire up and spell it out, “L! A! KNIGHT!” but Bronson bails out! Knight runs to WRECK Bronson with a dropkick! Knight goes back up, springboards, CROSSBODY to the ramp! The fans fire up with Knight and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Bronson has Knight up top. The fans rally as Knight fights back with body shots! Knight ROCKS Bronson, ROCKS him again, and ROCKS him again! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Bronson finally falls and Knight adjusts position. “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” BOX JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Bronson survives and Knight is rather stunned while Heyman is relieved. Knight aims, kicks, but Bronson denies the BFT! HEADBUTT, then a fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Knight survives the “Jagged Edge” DVD but Bronson brings him right up. Bronson reels Knight in and says thumbs down.
Bronson lifts Knight up, but Knight flips the bomb into a DDT! The fans fire up but Bron barks at the apron! Knight DECKS the dog, tells Heyman to get the same, but Bronson runs up! Knight DUMPS Bronson out, builds speed, but BRON SPEARS!!
Winner: LA Knight, by disqualification
The fans boo but Bron handed Knight the win with that one. Bronson stands Knight up so Bron can build speed and SUPER SPEAR!! Grand Rapids is torn but plenty of fans bark. And now Bronson goes up!? TSUNAMI!! Bronson goes up again, the refs hurry out here, but TSUNAMI AGAIN!! The fans want another, so Bron scares the refs off to let Bronson go back up! THIRD TSUNAMI!!! Have Rollins’ rooks just broken Knight into pieces? Is this a message to everyone that no one can stop the vision?
Jacob Fatu speaks.
“Yeah, c’mon on widdit! I just spoke to the man, and you know the man makes everything possible here on SmackDown! So next week, next week on Saturday, me ‘n’ you, Solo! Night of Champions, mano a mano, I’m about to dog walk yo’ ass for the US Championship! Solo, you better get in where you fit in. Cuz if you don’t, then baby, it’s ’bout to be all gas, no breaks with it. Yadadadada mean?” The Samoan Werewolf will get to sink his teeth into Solo, but will he stay golden through it all?
John Cena VS Ron Killings!
The Undisputed WWE Champion was the exact opposite of grateful for R-Truth saving him from Randy Orton at Backlash, and he doubled down when Ron tried to show him the truth at Saturday Night’s Main Event. So, if Cena doesn’t want the Truth, he’ll get someone who knows about ruthless aggression! Will Ron Killings bring an early end to the retirement tour? Or will Cena continue to ruin wrestling for everyone else?
SmackDown returns as Cena makes his entrance. The fans sing “JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” despite him wearing the Detroit Pistons colors. Cena makes Mark Nash give the “proper” introduction: “He is the Greatest of All Time, the Never Seen Seventeen, gracing Grand Rapids with his presence one final time… He is the Last Real Champion, JOHN CENA~!” The fans boo, the bell rings, and Truth stares at Cena while Cena smirks hearing the “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Truth TACKLES Cena! He fires off hands but Cena bails out! So Truth goes out to DECK Cena! “What’s up!?” “WHAT’S UP!” Truth has Cena at the desk and SMACKS him off it!
Truth ROCKS Cena again, and shakes his hand out from hitting so hard. Truth SMACKS Cena off the apron, storms in after him, and whips him to a corner. Cena hits buckles hard and falls to the mat! The fans continue to duel while Truth keeps his eyes on Cena. Truth storms up on Cena while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Truth stands Cena up, whips corner to corner again, and Cena hits buckles hard! Cena sputters, Truth looms over him, and Truth ROCKS Cena! Cena ROCKS Truth! They go back and forth with haymakers, and then Truth dodges to SHOULDER TACKLE! Truth still uses Cena’s own moves against him, and that includes the SPIN-OUT BOMB! Truth raises his hand and Grand Rapids joins in! “You Can’t See Me!” But then Cena bails out so Truth can’t hit him! Truth is annoyed, the fans give thumbs down, but here comes Truth. Cena ELBOWS him down! Cena drags Truth up, POSTS him, and he brings Truth back into the ring.
Cena HEADBUTTS Truth, CHOKES him on the ropes, but stops as the ref counts. Cena stomps away on Truth, then runs to KICK Truth in the back! Cena talks trash, then he runs to SHOULDER TACKLE! Cena takes his time, knowing it is what the fans want. Truth rises up, Cena runs to SHOULDER TACKLE again! Cena watches Truth rise again, gets around him, SPIN-OUT BOMB! And Cena raises his hand, reveling in the cheers and jeers. “You Can’t See Me!” SmackDown returns to single picture for the FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Then Cena fireman’s carries, but Truth slips free! THESZ PRESS! And fast hands!
The fans fire up and Truth has Cena in a corner. Truth runs to STINGER SPLASH! Truth hitting all sorts of other iconic moves! Cena tumbles out and grabs the belt! Cena doesn’t care about this match anymore, he doesn’t need to take this! Truth says hold up! Truth runs Cena down and fires hands on the ramp! The fans fire up but Cena CLOBBERS Truth with the belt!!
Winner: Ron Killings, by disqualification
Cena wants to get another shot, but wait! PUNK IS HERE! Cena runs away into the ring, and he catches Punk as Punk slides in! The fans boo Cena but he huffs ‘n’ puffs. Cena drags Punk up, but Punk fires hands in return! Punk DECKS Cena, grabs the belt, and he holds it up! The fans cheer, and Punk aims, but Cena LOW BLOWS! Cena has a sinister smile as he grabs the belt. BELT SHOT for Punk!! The fans boo even more, but Cena decides to up the ante! Cena brings out a table! The fans cheer, everyone loves tables! Cena puts the table in the ring, then watches Punk sputter around. Cena sets the table up while the fans rally behind Punk.
Punk stands but Cena has the belt again! BELT SHOT!! Cena drags Punk up, fireman’s carries, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENTÂ through the table!! Cena made Punk snap into a Slim Jim, and then he grabs a mic. Cena laughs at Punk, and then sits up on the corner. “Punk… As you lay there in your most uncomfortable…” Cena pretends the mic cut out, taps it, and then says, “Somebody’s afraid of what I’m gonna say.” Cena grins and the fans boo as Cena flips the iconic “Pipebomb” moment on it’s head. “As you lay there in your most uncomfortable, I hope you can listen. I hope you can digest.
“Because before I leave here in six months with that WWE Championship, I gotta get a whole lotta stuff off my chest. First thing’s first, I don’t hate you. I don’t even dislike you. I like you. I like you more than anyone you ever shared a locker room with, that’s for sure. I hate this idea of you. This idea that you’re the Best int he World. You’re not. I’M the Greatest of All Time.” Grand Rapids is a bit torn on that statement, but Cena says Punk is better than Cena at one thing: You’re the best BS artist in the world. Oh no, kiddos~! John Cena just dropped a curse word! That means the show is off the rails! Hey, Stu, shoot this. Hi~! “I’m breaking the forth wall! HAHA!”
Cena then says the truth is, Punk… Cena is jealous of you. Cena is jealous that Punk has conned the fans into believing the myth that Punk is the Best in the World. Oh how they chant for Punk! Which they literally do right now. Hell, the fans even sing for Punk now. But they don’t believe a damn word you say. Because Punk changes his values as much as Cena changes his shirts! Punk is just a loud mouthed opportunist who steps on the necks of those who actually work hard if it gets him ahead. Oh, hey, look, another cameraman! “Hi, Claudio Castagnoli! Hey, Nic Nemeth! Hey, Matt Cardona! How’re you guys doing?”
The fans can’t believe Cena is going this far but Cena is loving it! “He’s heating up! He’s on fire! And there’s nobody back there that’s gonna cut my mic to save your ass, cuz I’m your only friend! Remember who gave you the stage for your pipebomb, pal! And what’ve you done with it since then, huh? You just regurgitated the same five microphone moves of doom. You’re promo potato salad, pal. Hey, you’re no longer the Voice of the Voiceless, you’re a friggin’ millionaire despite yourself. You’re not a punk, you’re a capitalist! And you’re not against TKO, dude, you are Mr. TKO. Cuz they knocked your balls technically off your body.
“Your tweets are strong, but your actions are weak. And in Saudi Arabia, you’re gonna face some loud, loud music when I finally prove to the world that each and every day, day in, day out, no days off for 25 YEARS, I have been the Greatest of All Time!” The fans cheer that a bit more now, to Cena’s surprise. “See, they know. And they know that you were the Best in the World… for seven minutes, 14 years ago. And if after Night of Champions, you’re still delusional enough to believe that you’re the Best in the World, well… I guess it’s a small world after all. You’re welcome, Grand Rapids.” The fans cheer, and Cena lets the world hear it.
Cena tells Punk to bring his A Game to Night of Champions. If Grand Rapids is any indication, the mood is starting to change. Refs finally appear to check on Punk, Cena says no, that’s fine. Punk needs to rest up for his big title match. Get a good shot of this: Best in the World VS Greatest of All Time, for THE most coveted prize in sports entertainment, THE WWE Undisputed Championship! And Cena knows the fans will sing and chant, but he also knows even the idiots are smart enough to see the truth: The Champ is Here. And USA Network, keep the extra two and half minutes. He doesn’t need a bomb to blow the “mother fudging” building.
Oh, and thanks, Punk, for letting Cena rip off your best promo just to make you look even more foolish. Cena finally drops the mic and he raises the belt up again. If the proverbial tables have turned this drastically, is there no saving WWE from losing its north star championship?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown with an awesome ending. All those years ago, when CM Punk dropped THE OG “Pipebomb” promo, no one could’ve ever in a million years guessed that here tonight, we would’ve gotten the John Cena remix. Not only was that promo of the year, but Cena blew up go-home math. I can’t see Cena losing the title to Punk now. He can lose the match since Cena loves getting disqualified, and there’s the possibility of Rollins trying a cash-in, but Cena is leaving Saudi Arabia as champion to then go to SummerSlam. It also works because Cody Rhodes still feels like the favorite for King of the Ring.
A lot of that has to do with how Sami lost to Orton tonight. Great promo from the four semifinalists, especially since it was Jey, Sami and Orton kinda keeping Cody from talking since there isn’t more Cody needs to say. Win or lose, no explanations needed at this point. Sami VS Orton was an awesome match, but I could just feel an RKO countering the Helluva Kick as the way to go and that’s what they did. Now, as awesome as it would be for Jey to beat Cody, and then for Jey to beat Orton to go for the World Heavyweight Championship again, there are a lot of moving parts right now that it would just be the easiest for Cody to win the crown and have his rematch with Cena.
And while talking the WHC, Gunther VS Goldberg IS confirmed for the title, but has also been confirmed as Goldberg’s last match. This is a huge indicator that despite Rollins teasing a cash-in on the Undisputed title, he will likely be thwarted and then falls back to the title he feels is rightfully his. That is to say, Rollins cashes in on the winner of Gunther VS Goldberg, which I half expected even before all this talk of Goldberg’s last match. Rollins can take this title from Gunther and Goldberg, and then we can throw Jey and even LA Knight into the mix as things are getting heated between Knight and the henchmen.
Great promo from Knight with Heyman, great match with Knight VS Bronson, and a really powerful beating Knight takes from Bron & Bronson. If nothing else, Knight costs Rollins his cash-in. Truth going after Kit Wilson was an interesting move. Also a shame Elton Prince is hurt, Pretty Deadly gets going and then something happens to slow them down. But Kit was going to lose to Aleister so this really messes Aleister up more than anything. Priest keeping the peace between Aleister and Truth was good stuff. Priest and Truth being allies on SmackDown can be some real fun stuff, and I feel like they’re already set up for a feud with Aleister.
Very good stuff with Fatu, Solo and this US Championship story. Fatu VS Solo was the natural move, and I like that Jimmy Uso ends up an ally for Fatu. The title match is set, I wonder if we get a tag match first. In fact, next week is title night in Riyadh with Tiffany Stratton giving Nia the Last Woman Standing match, and basically setting the stage for Naomi to cash in. She almost did tonight but Nia was again able to stop her, so I would think Naomi waits until the very end of the Last Woman Standing match to take full advantage. Then, if Jade wins Queen of the Ring, we get Jade VS Naomi at SummerSlam.
Good promo from Jade, B-Fab & Michin watching Asuka VS Alexa. Asuka winning made the most sense, Alexa clearly has story with Charlotte and Asuka is just that good. Jade VS Roxie will be a good match but Roxie’s story in Judgment Day might keep her from winning. But then the fallback there is Roxie might actually sub in for the tag titles like I was thinking. Charlotte VS Chelsea was very good, and of course the Secret Her-vice does what they can to help. The beatdown they put on Charlotte and then Alexa making the save, that’s going to be one of those “can they coexist?” tag matches for sure.
Honestly, a little surprised we didn’t get any tag team promos tonight, unless I completely missed something. I believe title night is going to have Profits VS Gacy & Lumis for the tag titles, too, so that’s going to be something wild. And while DIY is scared of the Wyatts, I feel like they’re going to interfere because they don’t want the Wyatts to take the titles. But at the same time, the Wyatts need something substantial this time around, so maybe they win the titles at SummerSlam.
My Score: 9/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 6.19.25
Are we going to start trending upwards with Slammiversary to build toward?
Last week’s episode was lacking in ring work but had decent story moments and segments. Starting the build to Slammiversary we can either launch nicely or things can always get worse. Jason Hotch and KC Navarro are the real shining stars of the last few months, so lets hope once they get over this Leon Slater idiot ship, they can push X Division wrestlers with actual talent for pro wrestling and not just flippy charisma vacuums.
Oh and let’s not forget, it is the episode they celebrate the 23rd anniversary of TNA! TWENTY – THREE!! Somewhere PCO hates this.
.@Kelly_WP is back in TNA Wrestling and has a message for TNA Knockouts World Champion @mashaslamovich!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/cF0F1ZKKuL pic.twitter.com/tnm4TIuPUz
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 20, 2025
Ratings:
- Sami Callihan vs Eric Young w/Losers: EY wins via Piledriver – ** 3/4
- Lei Ying Lee & Masha Slamovich vs The Elegance Clique w/M & Personal Concierge: Elegantos win via Rarefied Air – ***
- Eddie Edwards & JDC w/Alisha & Brian Myers vs Matt Cardona & Home Town Man: HTM wins via Cradle – *
- Champion’s Challenge: The Rascalz, Joe Hendry, Leon Slater & Elijah vs The Kaiba Boys, Moose, Steve Maclin & Trick Williams: Elijah wins via Highwayman’s Farewell – ***
Results:
Sami Callihan vs Eric Young w/Losers
Sami knocks them all off the apron before the bell rings, he levels the loser children, finds a chair, attacks EY but EY counters and this is the excuse to use weapons since the bell didn’t ring yet. EY tries to break Sami’s hand on the steps with the chair, but Sami moves, throws EY back in the ring, bell rings and EY hits a Belly to Belly suplex for two. They slug it out, Sami goes for Headbutts, then Sami wants to run the ropes but a loser trips him, distracts long enough for EY to knock him out of the ring and loser children swarm as loser children do. EY does the classic, throw back out for losers to attack while EY grabs and distracts the ref. Sami is selling a few lame attacks from the losers like he got shot. It’s an excessive sell, so it’s honestly a dumb transitional moment.
EY levels Sami, Lariat into Scoop Slam, looks for the Macho Elbow but Sami hits the ropes to crotch EY. Sami Superplex time, but EY bites the face to make Sami drop, EY jumps at him but eats a straight right hand. Cactus Driver, but no, EY tries his Piledriver…they both gouge eyes at the same time, Sami catches an EY charge into a Flatliner as they’re both down…for…reasons? The selling in this match seems…poorly timed and kinda stupid. Hard Irish Whip, EY Flair Flips the corner, levels Sami, Macho Elbow for 2.9! EY threatens to hit the ref, but then goes to mad dog commentary. EY then wants to attack fans…he’s more unhinged than World Elite EY. Sami gives him the old Dick Twist into a Stunner but only for two! Losers try to distract, first one gets taken out, second one uses a chair, EY hits the Piledriver on Sami, EY wins.
I feel like this is gonna continue for a few weeks since it wasn’t a clean win.Â
Mustafa Ali’s group comes out, and I refuse to say the name because it’s dumb and they’re already fraying at the seams. Ali wants an apology session, Tasha and Hotch apologize to him but Skyler bites back and refuses, even shoved Ali. So Ali challenges him to a “Call to Arms” match. What in the hell is a Call to Arms match?Â
Lei Ying Lee & Masha Slamovich vs The Elegance Clique w/M & Personal Concierge
ASH does her borderline racist fake karate before Lei stares her down and tags in Heather. Heather avoids Lei, Lei throws a few Tornado Kicks to make a point and Heather tags out. Heather being 4’8″ helps her here. Concierge says “There’s no Karate in wrestling”. ASH, Lei and Masha are in the ring, ASH is trying to decide who she wants to face, but the Concierge google translated it and hands it to ASH, before the face team rocks ASH. Masha lifts up Lei and Lei does the Liu Kang Bicycle Kick, steering more into her Mortal Kombat aesthetic. Senton off the apron from Lei and Masha dives into the pile, the comedy heels are getting leveled. We go to commercial and come back with Lei getting Double Teamed but she spins it into a weird Neckbreaker..but can’t tag out just yet. Lei blocks Heather, Enzuigiri, simultaneous tag, Masha is Yakuza kicks for all and the 2 for 1 Lariat/DDT special. Near fall, but Masha goes for murder, but Heather breaks it, Rocket Launcher/Code Breaker from Elegance but Lei breaks up the pin. ASH tries to intimidate Lei with her fake Karate before throwing her out of the ring. Heather hits Lei with a handful of Glitter and then bounces her face off the post. Masha tries to stop ASH, Kelly’s music distracts Masha, Rarefied Air gives ASH the win.
Santino comes out and GOD DAMMIT no one wants to see Tommy Dreamer fight Mance Warner…that’s a useless thing. Pivot away…no one wants this. Oh no, now we have to listen to Steph talk too. Okay it seems to be a pivot, thankfully. Steph and Mance talk shit, Dreamer says something about Something is gonna happen…and Jake Something comes out. So…I guess we’re gonna build him up for 2 months and then job him out for 6 before he fucks off to his home galaxy or whatever?Â
.@indi_hartwell has a run in with Tessa Blanchard!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/cF0F1ZLikj pic.twitter.com/I6UCCk2fAG
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 20, 2025
Really wish Indi just opened with the Billy Butcher classic of, “Oi Cunt!” – but this wasn’t bad.Â
Eddie Edwards & JDC w/Alisha & Brian Myers vs Matt Cardona & Home Town Man
I hate… Cardona so much more now. Heel reasons for Cardona…go away heat for Deaner.
JDC wants the Home Town Man to start…and Deaner does his stupid Flip Flop and Fly, Cardona tags in, JDC is eating some offense, Cardona wants the Reboot, JDC powders, Cardona Dives but then Lish and the general numbers catch up to Cardona. Eddie is legal, and now they isolate Cardona with some decent tandem work and isolation. This turns into kind of a schmoz, lots of silly spots, near falls and then Home Town doofus gets the cradle pinfall on Eddie.
Whenever Deaner is involved I can’t be asked to care. The System beats Cardona and Deaner down, but Eddie did eat a pin. Which is embarrassing not even for work reasons, like it’s just sad.
Champion’s Challenge: The Rascalz, Joe Hendry, Leon Slater & Elijah vs The Kaiba Boys, Moose, Steve Maclin & Trick Williams
Elijah and Nic start things off, slow push off, arm wring, top wristlock, simple chain wrestling start. Nic breaks the chain and hits a Dropkick, Elijah runs the ropes and hits a Diving Lariat and starts the Rope Walk. Nic seems far to awake and alert for that move then, I hate how people pull that off too early. Wentz gets tagged in, Nic tags in Maclin who wasn’t looking for a tag, but him and Wentz have a nice clash, Trey tags in, they try to double him, but they pause and look at each other. Maclin asks for a tag, no one tags him so he Chops Ryan to tag him in and throws him in.
The little nod to Maclin and Rascalz history and the fact the faces realize Maclin isn’t a piece of shit. A little MCMG homage tandem attacks on Ryan, Wentz punctuates with the Handspring Knee Lift, Ryan tags out to Trick. Trick and Wentz go back and forth, Rascalz have Trick eating offense, Moose tries to slow things down, both Trick and Moose powder, Rascalz Double Golden Triangle Moonsaults. Trey gets tripped by Nic, Moose hits Lights Out, but there’s no referee so it’s a little chaotic.
Out of the commercial things are controlled kinda and we see a simultaneous tag to Moose and Leon. Leon comes out hot, level Moose with a Leg Lariat, attacks Nic Nemeth, attacks Ryan, and then Moose hits Leon with the Stun Gun. Moose looks to tag in Maclin but Maclin jumps off the apron. Trick takes the tag, keeps control, Trick forcibly tags in Maclin but Ryan tags himself in and pulls Leon to the Champions’ corner, Nic tags in and isolates Leon, with the Kaibas quick tagging and keeping Leon down.
Moose tags in, tries to Suplex Leon about four times but Leon stops it then counters the Suplex. Moose tries to cut him off, but the Champions distract the ref so the ref can’t see Leon tag out. Nic and Moose doubling up and Leon is the bump guy of this last portion of the match. Big Uranage from Moose…Moose looks for Lights Out but Small Package almost ruined things, Body Scissors Cradle, GAME CHANGER! Moose looks to hit a Jacknife Powerbomb but Leon turns it into a DDT. Maclin and Ryan start fighting, Nic Superkicks Maclin, Hendry and Nic tag in, Hendry is a house of fire. Sack of Shits for everyone! Nic, Ryan, there’s a pause when Hendry is face to face with Trick and Trick gets Uppercuts first then Sack of Shit! Standing Ovation on Nic, but Ryan blocks, Kaibas try a tandem attack but Hendry Lariats them both. Elijah tags in and is the maestro of the crowd and chopping Ryan to some fun. Ryan goes for a Polish Hammer but eats the Knee Lift. Signature spam time…
Ryan tries to use the International title but Maclin grabs the title away from Ryan, clocks Nic, Standing Ovation into the Highwayman’s Farewell. Champions lose!
Overall Score: 4/10
Well this was a rough one boys and girls. Sami and EY was just an overbooked shitshow, Lei Ying Lee is unfortunately in a spot where it’s obvious TNA has no clue how to use her, the Elegantos are the New Beautiful People, and I’m not mad at that. But you need to space out your goofball crap. You can’t have Elegance Clique, Home Town Moron and Santino in 3 consecutive segments. And if anyone goes “it was 3 out of 4” that’s doesn’t lessen my point, the beauty of Pro Wrestling being a variety show is…FOR VARIETY! When the lead match feels stupid because of bad pacing, poor selling and overbooking with two losers, it feels like a useless match with idiots, then comedy, followed by more comedy…you see how that’s literally NOT VARIETY.
Figure it out seriously. This was a disappointing episode. If you’re a casual viewer than it’s just chalk for TNA doing cringe and borderline goof crap since they’ve always steered a little more into the carny than other companies. But this show was…where’s Jisoo and Jenny? I feel like I need that gif:
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