Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (8/14/20)
Who is facing Bayley at SummerSlam?
All three brands converge on SmackDown!
Bayley’s actions are coming back to haunt her, as now superstars from Raw, NXT AND SmackDown have a chance to become #1 contender to her title!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Big E VS John Morrison; No Contest, rescheduled to later tonight.
- SmackDown Women’s Championship Contender’s Triple Brand Battle Royal: Asuka wins and will challenge Bayley for the title at SummerSlam
- Sheamus VS Chad Gable; Sheamus wins.
- Gran Metalik w/ Lince Dorado VS Shinsuke Nakamura w/ Cesaro; Metalik wins.
- Big E VS John Morrison; Big E wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Retribution has come for WWE!
Technical difficulties and strange happenings were just the beginning. Raw and SmackDown have both been overrun by a handful of anarchists who shout, “This is our house now!” They’ve done damage and security is on the look out, but is this just the tip of the iceberg?
Big E VS John Morrison!
Awwww~ people at home! Big E may be on his own but he is not new to this singles game! He is a former NXT Champion! A former Intercontinental Champion! Y’all must of forgotten, but he’ll remind us all! Will Big E get another big win as he takes on the Guru of Greatness?
The bell rings but the lights flicker. A member of the Retribution is on the apron and now in the ring! And then the rest appear! And even more! This is more than just the handful from before, but Big E and Morrison go right at them! This is a 6v2 assault, though, with more causing a ruckus on the outside! The crowd boos as Big E takes a SPEAR and Morrison is mugged! The Retribution leaves, having ruined the show opener. Miz arrives, conspicuous by his absence from earlier, and he checks on Morrison. How will SmackDown handle this after the break?
SmackDown returns to see superstars talking backstage.
Big E clutches his knee while Lucha House Party, Drew Gulak, Chad Gable, Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro join him, The Miz and John Morrison in trying to figure out what was going on. Miz says he was on the phone with Maryse about something, and apologizes for not being out there to help. Morrison gets it. But Miz says Big E is the one who riled Retribution up with a tweet. Baron Corbin comes by and says SmackDown is under attack! SmackDown needs direction and leadership, and the Wolf King is the man for the job. He can lead them to safety, since some of them aren’t built for this. Big E tells Corbin to shut his mouth. This is their house, and the Foot Clan from TMNT ain’t gonna run up and put their feet on SmackDown’s couch!
Big E may be beaten and bruised, disrespected, but he is not defeated! Big E swears to continue the match with Morrison and win! Now is not the time to hide but to stand and fight! The others rally behind him but Sheamus walks in mocking Big E. Sheamus has goosebumps~! But he’s never heard such an inspirational cry for help. No Kofi, no Woods, no trombones or pancakes. Just Big E all alone and vulnerable. That’s why Retribution attacked in the first place! They can smell fear. Sheamus has been knocking lumps out of Gable, so Retribution wouldn’t dare show themselves during his match. Sheamus isn’t afraid of them, but if they have any sense, they’d be afraid of him. If Sheamus had any sense, he’d see he’s not alone. Big E leaves, and LHP, Gulak and even Gable go with him. Who will be the one Retribution fears by the end of the night?
The Golden Role Models are in the ring!
Bayley and Sasha Banks have all their belts and say, “Ding dong, is this thing on?” That group that calls themselves Retribution apparently want to hear what these two have to say, so the crowd should follow suit! The show is getting going with the Triple Brand Battle Royal! Everyone knows better than to interrupt these two. Sasha Banks will have to face Asuka at SummerSlam, and now we know they’ll have to defend the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships at Payback! It’s fine, but that’s then. Tonight isn’t about those matches, but about Bayley! Stephanie McMahon tried raining on their parade, which is getting gold. But not even the McMahons can hold these two down!
So when it comes to the “lucky idiot” that will face Bayley at SummerSlam, Bayley is very excited. But after taking every job in the WWE and done it better than the others, especially commentary a la Corey Graves and Michael Cole! Now they add one more to the list: RING ANNOUNCING~! Get out, Greg Hamilton! Out! Move! Bye! Bayley starts by saying the following contest is a Triple Brand Battle Royal, where the only way to eliminate an opponent is to throw them over the top rope and both feet hit the floor! Both! Uno, dos! The winner goes on to SummerSlam to compete for the SmackDown Women’s Championship against yours truly, BAYLEY! First from Raw, the IIconics! A cute duo of best friends that are still second to Bayley and Sasha.
Next, a good but embarrassing one. The Role Models went back to NXT and shamed these girls. It’s Tegan Nox and Shotzi Blackheart! Green is definitely not Shotzi’s color. But the Role Models’ cover is GOLD! And now from SmackDown, Lacey Evans, another woman Bayley beat. How’s little Summer? From Raw… No, no, this has to be wrong. ASUKA?! She’s already going to face Sasha, and now she brawls with both Role Models! Sasha and Bayley bail out, and here comes Naomi, Nikki Cross, Bianca Belair, Tamina, Dana Brooke, Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan and Shayna Baszler! Will the Empress of Tomorrow get a double header for SummerSlam? Or will someone else step up to challenge Bayley?
SmackDown Women’s Championship Contender’s Triple Brand Battle Royal!
SmackDown returns and this match begins! Lacey goes after Naomi, the IIconics are after Ruby, Shotzi brawls with Tamina. Liv saves Ruby from the IIconics while Asuka stomps Dana. Dana turns things around while the Riott Squad both end up on the apron. Peyton rocks Liv but Ruby saves LIv from Billie’s BOOT! Billie ELIMINATES Ruby! The Role Models mock the first woman gone while Liv drags both IIconics up! Tegan helps to ELIMINATE Billie! And Shotzi ELIMINATES Peyton! But the IIconics trip up and ELIMINATE Liv! The Role Models are shocked as the Squad and IIconics brawl!
Back in the ring, Bianca scoops Shotzi while Dana throws Nikki out. Nikki went through the second rope and Dana boots her down so Nikki is still in this. Nikki catches Dana’s baseball slide into the apron skirt! Nikki fires off on Dana over and over, then shouts at the Role Models. Nikki gets back in but Asuka kicks her first. Tegan and Shotzi try to eliminate Bianca but she holds on for dear life. Naomi and Lacey still fight while Tamina brawls with Shayna. Bianca fights Shotzi and Tegan off while Naomi pulls Lacey’s hair as payback for the last few weeks. Nikki fires up and goes after Tamina but Tamina stays up. Nikki fires off forearms but Tamina shoves her away.
Nikki throat chops, runs and crossbodies, but Tamina catches her! Tamina puts Nikki on the apron but Nikki fights Tamina back. Nikki gets in but the SUPERKICK ELIMINATES Nikki! Tamina then runs over Tegan and Shotzi! But now Bianca steps up to Tamina and the crowd fires up! Bianca and Tamina start pushing, and Bianca fires off forearms! Tamina body shots back then fireman’s carries, but Bianca slips out to SPEAR! Bianca brings Tamina up for the chicken wing throw! Bianca ELIMINATES Tamina!! The Role Models are in shock! Naomi dodges Lacey to back elbow her! Jawbreaker! Naomi whips but Lacey reverses, but Naomi gets up only to be sent out. Naomi shoulders back in, ROUNDHOUSES Shayna away, but the WOMAN’S RIGHT ELIMINATES Naomi!
Lacey talks trash to Naomi and throws her a handkerchief, but Shotzi dumps Lacey to the apron and shoulders her down! Shotzi ELIMINATES Lacey! But Shayna grabs Shotzi in a Kirafuda Klutch! Shayna drags Shotzi up, has her fade out, but Lacey trips and ELIMINATES Shotzi! Bianca rams into Tegan over and over, then scoops, only for Tegan to slip out. Tegan body shots but Bianca blocks the whip. Bianca whips and catches the uppercut for the chicken wings. Tegan victory rolls free and sends Bianca into ropes! Tegan baits Bianca in and dumps her out, Tegan ELIMINATES Bianca! We already have our final three, in Tegan, Shayna and Asuka!
Tegan rallies on the two former NXT Women’s Champions, uppercut for Asuka in the corner! Uppercut for Shayna! CANNONBALL into Asuka! CANNONBALL into Shayna! Tegan has Asuka up for a GOURD BUSTER! Tegan and Shayna lock up, Shayna gut wrenches Tegan to the ropes! Tegan wobbles, Dana Brooke trips and ELIMINATES Tegan?! Wait a minute, Dana wasn’t eliminated at all! She is now part of the REAL final three! Dana says she was playing smart and says she can win. Dana gets in, dodges Shayna to dropkick her down! Dana handspring back elbows into the KIRAFUDA! Shayna throws Dana up and over, but Dana hotshots her! Asuka hip attacks and ELIMINATES Dana!
The crowd is thunderous as Asuka and Shayna go 1v1! They circle, evade the sliding lunges, and tie up. Shayna throws knees, whips Asuka to a corner, but Asuka goes up only to get an enziguri! Asuka tumbles but stays on the apron! Asuka BACK HANDS Shayna, but Bayley tries to trip Bayley! Asuka kicks her away, Sasha come sin, but Asuka SLIDING KICKS both Role Models! Shayna KNEES Asuka off the apron, but Asuka lands on the Role Models!! Asuka’s feet aren’t touching the floor, she’s still in this! Asuka gets back on the apron Shayna fires forearms but Asuka gives them back! Shayna has Asuka in the Kirafuda, but Asuka drags her up and over!! Shayna hits the floor, Asuka wins!!
Winner: Asuka (NEW #1 Contender to the SmackDown Women’s Championship)
Incredible! The Empress is going to challenge each champion in turn! Will neither Bayley or Sasha be ready for #DoubleChampionAsuka?
SmackDown returns to the Golden Role Models backstage.
This is an outrage! This is not fair! They didn’t know Asuka was going to be on the final list! Well, Asuka won against Bayley on Raw but they can beat her at SummerSlam. Yeah, the title wasn’t on the line, so Bayley didn’t have something important to fight for. Wait, what? Before Bayley can explain, Asuka attacks!! Asuka kicks away on both of them! Security hurries to break this up but Asuka makes it clear that she’s coming for both singles belts! Is either best friend going to survive SummerSlam?
Mandy Rose speaks.
“You know what, Sonya?” Part of what you said was true. But does Sonya think she’s the only person to say Mandy’s just a pretty face/ She’s heard it her whole life! She’s a Barbie, she’s so fake, just a model with everything handed to her. That hurts hearing all that. What Sonya said about her being a bikini world champion, that’s true. But does having three jobs to put herself through college while winning that title sound like everything was handed to her? And what about getting to the WWE? Sonya of all people saw how hard Mandy worked to get here.
But turns out, Mandy should thank Sonya for reminding her she’s more than a pretty face. Sonya thought trying to make her look ugly would destroy Mandy? How about this? SummerSlam, Hair VS Hair! If Sonya wants to sit on her high horse about not caring about her looks, then time to put your money where your mouth is. Because one way or another, Mandy promises Sonya it will get ugly.
Sheamus heads to gorilla.
The Celtic Warrior assures security backstage that they’re not needed. The Retribution is too afraid of him to interfere. But will the anarchists prove him wrong?
Nikki Cross finds Alexa Bliss backstage.
She gives her bestie a big hug, and apologizes for pushing her down and leaving her to The Fiend. It’s fine, really. But with what happened- It’s okay, really. Alexa, c’mon. The Fiend and Braun are here, something could happen. No, Alexa needs to be here to get answers for herself. Will the Monster no longer among men be willing to talk to someone he says he no longer cares about?
Sheamus VS Chad Gable!
The Fella and Shorty G have revived their rivalry over issues regarding Matt Riddle and Baron Corbin. Sheamus gave Gable Brogue after Brogue, will he just top it off with more of the same? Or does Gable’s new aggression mean things will be different this time?
The bell rings and Gable fires off on Sheamus with forearms! Gable gets a waistlock but Sheamus elbows him hard in the corner. The ref counts, Sheamus lets up at 4 but he stomps Gable and throws him out. Gable stays on the apron so Sheamus drags him up for the Bodhrain! Sheamus gives Gable all 10 beats before the ref counts 4, and then Gable flops to the floor. Sheamus goes out, drags Gable back up and in, then brings Gable up for European Uppercuts! Sheamus whips, Gable ducks and dodges to dropkick the legs out! Gable has the leg for a snap toehold! And another! Gable body scissors into a rear mount and clubbing crossface forearms! Gable looms over Sheamus now then runs, into a double ax handle!
Sheamus seethes while the crowd rallies up. Sheamus drags Gable up for the IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! And then a knee drop! And another! Sheamus gives those crossface forearms back, but Gable CHOPS and CHOPS! Sheamus knees low, scoops but Gable fights free to rolling kick! Gable goes out, climbs up, and leaps to missile dropkick Sheamus down! Cover, TWO! Gable grows frustrated and Sheamus fireman’s carries. Gable sunset flips, has the leg for the ANKLE LOCK! Sheamus reaches, rolls and pushes free, but Gable jackknife covers! TWO, and Sheamus fireman’s carry to WHITE NOISE! The Air Raid drives Gable down but Sheamus wants him to get back up. Gable stands, for the BROGUE!! Cover, Sheamus wins!
Winner: Sheamus, by pinfall
The Celtic Warrior conquers Shorty G! And he was right, Retribution didn’t interfere. Is that from fear? Or is something else going on here?
AJ Styles talks with a member of staff backstage.
The Phenomenal One seems very adamant about something and the very nervous tech is showing him the work. Apparently the “Phenomenal Intercontinental Statistics System” is debuting tonight! Will Styles be happy with his PISS?
AJ Styles heads to the ring!
He and the technical advisor from just before are here and Styles gets a mic for this presentation. There is a lot going on in the WWE but who really cares about those hooligans? There are more pressing matters! Like who will face the Phenomenal AJ Styles for the Intercontinental Championship! Not that it really matters. But it still does because Daniel Bryan insists the Intercontinental Champion should be a fighting champion. Has Styles not been that? Coach Gulak lost to Styles. Matt Riddle lost to Styles. Gran Metalik lost to Styles! Styles just wants to enjoy being a champion, sitting at home while gaming on his Twitch channel, and enjoy all this.
But so many people, just like his followers, are a bunch of nerds throwing out stats! Like Styles needs to hear all that! Statistically, Styles should face this guy who hasn’t won a lot but beat tough opponents! But then it dawned on Styles. When Styles watches baseball, there’s batting averages. Football, it’s 40 yard times. Stats. So then Styles realized, as a handsome stud of a nerd himself, cares about stats. The crowd latches on by chanting, “Nerd! Nerd!” Styles tells them to shut up. But his point is, if we’re going by stats, Styles will have a team. The Phenomenal Intercontinental Statistics System! The PISS! Well, okay, the name is a work in progress. Now the crowd chants, “Piss! Piss!”
Styles says the point is, we’re not handing out title matches. Everyone will earn matches on merit and merit alone. So let’s see who is the top superstar according to PISS. It is… AJ Styles! Of course! He is the champion! But number two as according to PISS, as well as three, four and five. It’s… NOBODY! Joseph Park’s numbers have calculated that no one has the right to challenge Styles! No one!! “But here’s the truth: If you work hard, real hard, really really really hard, then one day you can make it on this board” and challenge- Here comes Jeff Hardy! The Charismatic Enigma heads to the ring and the crowd cheers.
Hardy tells Styles that while he has a ton of respect for what Styles has done, which is all truly phenomenal, that tournament he won was tainted. Sheamus set Hardy up and robbed Hardy of his opportunity. Hardy doesn’t dwell on the past, but it could’ve been these two in the finals. But it wasn’t, we move on. The Intercontinental Championship is the first title Hardy won on his own. Hardy stood on his own two feet then, as he does now after conquering his demons. So Hardy knows his self worth and accomplishments. And as a member of the WWE Universe, Styles VS Hardy just sounds “mega cool!” The crowd chants, “mega cool!” So man to man, Hardy challenges Styles to give him a match for that newly designed title.
Styles says that stats aside, they’ve known each other a long time, Hardy has always been good to Styles and Styles admires what Hardy has done. Styles gets it. There are a lot of people who want to see this. Hardy was part of “the best tag team in WWE history, there’s no doubt about that.” Hardy does deserve to be on the board. So if Hardy is asking if Styles wants to face Hardy in this ring for the Intercontinental Championship, Styles says HELL NO! What does Hardy think this is? He hasn’t earned his spot on the board! And yes, Styles knows what Hardy’s been through. “But this ain’t no pity party.” Hardy fires off on Styles! And Park! Styles staggers into a TWIST OF FATE! Hardy takes the pen and writes his name in BIG letters on the board! Will Hardy whoop the PISS out of Styles to prove he’s a worthy contender?
Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura talk backstage.
They’re the greatest SmackDown Tag Team Champions yet, and Lucha House Party can’t do a thing about it. Nakamura is going to turn Gran Metalik into… How do you say “little” in Japanese? Chibi. Yes, he’ll be Chibi Metalik after this. But wait! LHP is stealing the belts! Nakamura and Cesaro give chase, will they make Lince Dorado and GRAN Metalik pay for this prank?
Styles vents backstage.
“Jeff Hardy punched me in the face!” Kayla Braxton comes by to ask if Styles is reconsidering the challenge. Hardy assaulted Styles! Hardy doesn’t respect Styles, the Intercontinental Championship or analytics! Hardy wants Styles, he’ll get Styles. And Styles will show Hardy what happens when you mess with him. “You get erased!” Styles tries to rub the ink off the board, but it isn’t coming off. This is permanent marker?! Styles leads Park and the PISS board away in a huff. Will Styles have no choice but to acknowledge Hardy’s challenge?
Gran Metalik w/ Lince Dorado VS Shinsuke Nakamura w/ Cesaro!
Lucha House Party just wanted to have fun but the King of Strong Style and Swiss Cyborg had to be bullies about the party. Now LHP is getting back at them by taking those titles literally. Will Nakamura get even with them in the ring?
The bell rings and Nakamura calls for a test of strength, only to kick Metalik in the leg! Nakamura fires off forearms and then puts Metalik in the corner for more. The ref counts but Nakamura backs off, to give Metalik Bad Vibrations! Nakamura taunts Lince before he snampares Metalik and drops a knee! Cover, TWO! Nakamura looms over Metalik, drags him up by the mask, and then whips him to ropes. Metalik ducks and mule kicks back to snapmare and chinlock in return. Nakamura fights up, fights back and whips Metalik away. Metalik handsprings, Nakamura dodges but Metalik ducks to huricanrana!
Nakamura bails out and Metalik builds speed but he dives into a kick! Nakamura covers, TWO! Nakamura kicks Metalik while he’s down then drags him back up. Nakamura whips Metalik corner to corner, Metalik boots but is blocked. Nakamura puts Metalik on the apron, Metalik shoulders back then springboards in! Crossbody and cover, TWO! Metalik boots Nakamura away then SLING DOGS! The crowd fires up as Metalik brings Nakamura up and whips. Nakamura reverses, Metalik springboards for the back elbow! Cover, TWO! Metalik keeps on Nakamura with a fireman’s carry, but Nakamura slips out to sleeper hold! Then INVERTED EXPLODER, but Metalik lands o his feet!
Metalik mule kicks, goes to ropes, but Cesaro distracts on the apron! Metalik springboards into the DYNAMIC DROPKICK! Cover, TWO!! Nakamura drags Metalik back up, gives him another INVERTED EXPLODER! Shinsuke aims, Metalik rises, “YAO~!” But wait, is that KALISTO!? The Lucha Dragon returns to join his amigos! Cesaro rushes him but Kalisto dodges and Lince SUPERKICKS Cesaro first! Lince gives Kalisto the alley-oop, Cesaro catches him, but Lince spins Kalisto through to tornado DDT Cesaro on the ramp! Nakamura is distracted by this, Metalik enziguris! Metlaik walks the ropes, SPRINGBOARD ELBOW DROP! Cover, Metalik wins!
Winner: Gran Metalik, by pinfall
The Lucha House Party is at 100% power! Will they be stronger than ever and finally have tag gold?
Backstage interview with Matt Riddle.
The Bro has been the target of Baron Corbin just for being the new guy, yet he still has a positive mood. How is he so positive with this “King’s Ransom” on his head? Well, bro, no one likes a bounty on their head. It’s pretty hard. Riddle is laid back so he doesn’t like having his head on a swivel. But it’s also cool, because he’s here to bro down and throw down. Riddle wants to compete. Corbin acts like a king, but he’s more like a royal pain. Riddle has called Corbin out, dared him to have a match, and even got involved in Corbin’s match with Sheamus last week. Honestly, what is Riddle supposed to do to get that match?
Gable comes by and explains himself. He got too caught up in that King’s Ransom stuff. But Gable does have a family, and money like that goes a long way. Riddle understands that, too, right? But that doesn’t justify Gable trying to injure someone else. It’s not him. It’s sickening and embarrassing. Gable is here, man to man and face to face, to apologize. Gable offers a bro fist bump, and Riddle takes it. It’s all good, bro. But hey, if Gable ever wants to go against the Bro, Riddle is always down. Riddle does have a question, though. But Corbin attacks before he can ask! “So much for keeping your head on a swivel, huh?” This is Corbin’s kingdom. And thanks Gable. Corbin always knew he’d amount to something.
Gable apologized and got taken advantage, while Corbin won’t apologize for anything. Will Riddle make Corbin sorry he ever started this?
Alexa Bliss sits down for a special interview.
How does she feel after everything the last few weeks? She’s been better, that’s for sure. Can she tell us about her history with Braun Strowman? When you first meet Braun, he can be intimidating. But she got to know the man behind the monster. Team Little Big were a hit during the original Mixed Match Challenge, getting along both professionally and personally. Braun is a good man, very funny and witty, and even protective, compassionate and honest. They can have fun with each other, and that’s how they became best friends.
Then was there a point where she thought it could be more than a friendship? As in, romantically? Well… Maybe? Braun cared about her, she cared about him. Is that why The Fiend targeted her? Because of those feelings? That is something Alexa doesn’t know. You’d have to ask The Fiend. Being that close to The Fiend, what was it like? “It’s scary. Terrifying.” And yet, compelling. Once you’ve interacted with The Fiend, you can almost feel him. She can say for the first time in her life, she understands what they mean by “Moths to a flame.”
Braun made some very strong comments about her. He told The Fiend that playing on emotions won’t work, and that Alexa doesn’t matter to him anymore. Braun only cares about destroying The Fiend, because now he is solely The Monster. How does she feel hearing that? Alexa can’t bring herself to say, so SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown makes it official!
After Hardy confronted AJ Styles and things turned into a fight, the Charismatic Enigma WILL challenge the Phenomenal One for the Intercontinental Championship! Will Styles have to ditch PISS when he loses the title?
Sonya Deville responds.
“I gotta say, Mandy. I’m a little surprised by your challenge.” Who knew all it would take was a haircut to get some aggression out of her? And Sonya thought about it. Sonya thinks Mandy will look great bald. Sorry, no jokes, she’ll be serious. Sonya wants to remind Mandy of something else. Mandy may think she got over her insecurities, and she may be so sick about hearing the same things over and over, but did she ever think that those people said all that because it’s true? Sonya will make sure Mandy realizes that as she destroyed Mandy once and for all. Challenge accepted! “See you soon, Baldy.” SummerSlam will see one woman win, and the other be cut up and humiliated!
Big E VS John Morrison!
The Miz is on commentary this time as we try this again. We skip the entrances and the good vibes as Big E and Morrison look to have it out. Will Retribution reappear to ruin this match again?
The bell rings, the two circle and tie up. Big E pushes Morrison to a corner but Morrison turns it around. Morrison kicks at Big E’s bad leg but Big E stays up. They tie up again, Big E headlocks and grinds Morrison to the rhythm of “New! Day Rocks!” Morrison powers out, Big E runs him over, and Big E smiles as Morrison gets to a corner. Morrison keeps his cool as he approaches Big E. Big E avoids one low kick but not the tricky second one, or the hard third kick! Morrison rolls Big E to a cover, TWO! Big E sits up, holding the bad knee again. Morrison starts up, “Hey! Hey hey! Ho ho~!” Things speed up now as Big E manages to hurdle Morrison then back elbow him away!
Morrison shows off his parkour meets capoeria style and it takes Big E off balance. Morrison waistlocks, but Big E powers him off! Big E runs into the corner but Morrison slips out and roundhouses back! Morrison springboards but Big E pushes him over! Morrison tumbles down but gets back up, and Miz is relieved. Morrison forearms back, things speed up again and Big E lariats Morrison down! Big E drags Morrison out to the apron, clubs him in the chest, then climbs up for the SPLASH! Morrison might as well be a pancake and Miz is worried. Big E refreshes the count, stalks Morrison around the way, but Morrison hurries away.
Miz gets out of his seat to coach Morrison but Big E pushes him aside. Miz tugs on the headset and the cable tangles on Big E’s leg. Big E glares at Miz but Morrison chop blocks the bad leg! Miz plays innocent while the crowd boos. Morrison drags Big E up and into the ring and kicks away in the corner. Morrison throws haymakers, wraps the bad leg around the ropes then drops a knee on the knee! Big E writhes and the ref reprimands but Morrison covers, TWO! Morrison keeps on Big E with a chinlock, but wait is that Otis? Otis confronts Miz on behalf of Big E but Miz has to say back that Otis doesn’t deserve to be Mr. Money in the Bank! The briefcase literally fell into Otis’ hands!
Big E fights up out of the chinlock and throws body shots on Morrison. The lights start to flicker!! Is this Retribution!? Everyone is on guard and looking around as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and the SmackDown locker room has hurried to ringside to be even more security. Morrison has Big E’s bad leg in a toehold and he cranks as hard as he can on it. Big E endures and fights back as the crowd rallies, but Morrison shifts to facelock. The lights flicker again but still no Retribution. Big E powers up and out of the hold, but Retribution suddenly pours out from backstage! They’re chasing Kayla! And wrecking interview sets! And throwing referees around! And beating up Performance Center trainees! And even locking someone in the bathroom!? Retribution throws chairs around, hits things with crowbars and bats, and spray the WWE logo with a slash through it like before! But no one at ringside realizes this!
Big E has Morrison but Morrison PELES back! Big E wobbles, Morrison springboards to FLYING CHUCK! Cover, TWO! A referee manages to get word about Retribution to the others! They hurry backstage to intervene! Big E and Morrison are alone and Big E kicks Morrison away. Morrison runs at Big E, Big E scoops but Morrison slips out to push Big E into buckles. Morrison runs in, Big E scoops him for the Urenag-E, but Morrison uses his feet to kick the ropes and get free! Morrison dropkicks the legs out! Meanwhile, the SmackDown superstars are moments too late to stop Retribution as they’ve already fled the backstage area! Where did they go now? They free the guy in the bathroom, at least.
Back in the ring, Morrison ROCKS Big E up top. Morrison climbs, Big E resists and throws body shots. Big E shoves Morrison down hard, hops down and gives Morrison that Urenage-E! Cover, TWO!! Michael Cole asks what Miz is going to do about Retribution, but he counters with, “What was I supposed to do?” Big E scoops, Morrison slips out again and kicks away on the bad leg! Morrison sweeps the legs then runs, but Big E ducks the Shining Wizard! Big E rolls Morrison up, TWO, to the STRETCH MUFFLER! Morrison taps, Big E wins!!
Winner: Big E, by submission
Big E looks unstoppable and Miz is upset. But then SHEAMUS attacks Big E! The BROGUE takes him out, but wait. BRAUN is here!! Braun has shaved his head but still has his beard as he roars and storms out to the ring. Will Big E even realize who hit him? Will The Fiend show himself to The Monster?
SmackDown returns to Braun in the ring.
He stares right into the camera as he has a mic. “They say ‘You’ll never see it coming’ at SummerSlam. Well, Fiend, you know exactly what you’re gonna get when it comes to me! I told you that when I came outta that swamp, that I was gonna be the most evil son of a bi*ch that you or anyone on this earth had ever laid eyes on!” He tells The Fiend to face his fears so that Braun can rip him limb from limb, EVISCERATE him, and then as The Fiend is about to take his last breath, he will look up at Braun as he consumes his entrails!! But it isn’t The Fiend that appears, but Alexa! Alexa goes right to the ring and has a mic of her own as she looks at Braun.
“Braun. At the risk of making you angrier, I think I owe it to us and our friendship to have a conversation.” A conversation about what? About him! This is not the Braun she knows! Especially after how he said he doesn’t “give a damn” about her! She 100% does NOT believe that! They’ve been friends for years! Like hell they were! She used him as a pawn! She wanted to make him something he’s not! But he told the truth when he said he doesn’t care about her! She thought of him as some kind of clown she could lead around by his beard and make him sing songs in the car! Alexa doesn’t understand this. What is going on here? Braun will spell it out for her. “Everyone that comes in contact with The Fiend changes, INCLUDING YOU!” Now get out of the ring, because he wants The Fiend!
Fine. Alexa will go, but says he needs to be careful what he wishes for. If she can’t talk sense into Braun, she’ll slap some sense into him! And damn it, LOOK AT HER when she talks to you! Braun turns very slowly to look down at her. And she SLAPS him! He smiles as she keeps slapping him. Alexa shouts at him, “This isn’t you! Wake up!” But then Braun scoops and lifts Alexa way overhead! But the lights start turning off, and not because of Retribution. Braun shouts, “Where are you, Fiend?!” He keeps Alexa up, but then TOSSES her as the lights go out!! The lights come back on, and they’re red as The Fiend stands in the ring.
Alexa hit the mat and she sits up from the pain, but where is Braun? Braun laughs as he used The Fiend’s trick against him. Braun is now the one laughing into the night. Fiend laughs back. Has SmackDown gone completely mad?
My Thoughts:
This was a WILD episode of SmackDown, though I’m not sure if it was all good. When it comes to the obvious thread of the night with The Retribution showing up, they seem a lot bolder on SmackDown than on Raw. And there were way more this week than before, so I can’t be sure if it’s still just a faction or some kind of invasion. The only show Retribution hasn’t hit is NXT, so maybe this is some weird way of NXT invading without taking the blame for it. Another theory is how they only did things during Big E’s matches against Morrison. They ruined the first and hurt Big E’s knee, then ran roughshod backstage during the second. Is there a mastermind behind Retribution that has a thing against Big E? Against Miz and Morrison? Is WWE smart enough to bring the SmackDown Hacker back into things? Yeah, probably not at all. But having a mastermind should be the big twist to this.
I will say that Retribution has spurred on great developments in the SmackDown midcard. Corbin trying to become the leader while Big E stands up to him is great. Sheamus beating Gable but then going after Big E anyway is great. Corbin using Gable to get after Riddle is great. All of these guys can compete in whatever match or series of matches WWE wants for them and I would love to see it. Maybe make it a huge contender’s match to the Intercontinental Championship since Styles is about everyone earning things. I definitely laughed more than I should have at Styles creating “PISS,” but I properly marked out for seeing Joseph “Abyss” Park make an on-air debut for SmackDown. I hope something develops there on the side. Styles VS Hardy next week will be amazing, and that means SummerSlam is open for an even greater match.
Mandy and Sonya may not have had the Extreme Rules PPV match I had hoped for but their promos tonight and the set-up of a HAIR VS HAIR match at SummerSlam, this is going to get really good. Mandy already had her hair cut during the attack segment a couple weeks ago, maybe Mandy wins and “ruins” Sonya’s hair. I liked a lot of what happened with the SmackDown Tag Team Championship story. LHP gets the win thanks to a great surprise return from Kalisto. Kalisto looks JACKED, and I hope he gets some kind of singles title attempt while Lince and Metalik get the tag title shot. Of course, I don’t see Cesaro and Nakamura losing so soon. Those guys definitely deserve a lengthy reign given the great work they’ve done in and out of the ring.
The Women’s Battle Royal was a lot of fun, but what a twist with Asuka getting in on it. Now, this kinda fits under something I was feeling. If Kairi Sane wasn’t leaving WWE, she could’ve easily been in this Triple Brand Battle Royal, won it the same way Asuka won it, and then the Kabuki Warriors could be taking the belts from the Golden Role Models at SummerSlam. Heck, the fact we just learned that Payback will have the Women’s Tag Team titles on the line, Kabuki Warriors could’ve challenged for those, too. But now Asuka could end up a double champion in one night, and that’d be awesome. Everyone loves double champions, everyone loves Asuka, everyone will love Double Champion Asuka.
The story of Braun, Bray and Bliss has taken some interesting twists of its own. Alexa played her part great tonight, from being aloof from Nikki to not knowing how to handle the questions in that interview. Then her confronting Braun was strong stuff, too. I’m pretty sure they upped the audio on that first slap but still. And I do like that they used the lights to censor Alexa being tossed, much as what happened on Raw with Randy Orton punting Ric Flair, but a part of me was hoping The Fiend would “catch” her. I suppose The Fiend can’t start caring for someone, he needs to be the soulless part of Bray. In which case, I have to applaud WWE for giving us a Heel VS Heel title match at SummerSlam. Are we going to get Otis cashing in that MITB contract as the one Face in the mix? Is that another reason for Payback the week after? So many questions!
My Score: 8.5/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)Â
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports PodcastÂ
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
AEW hits a Grand Slam in Mexico!
AEW visits CMLL in their home of Arena Mexico for an incredible crossover event! 10 Man Tag, 12 Man Tag, and a title match!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- 10 Man Tag: The Death Riders & The Young Bucks VS Swerve Strickland, Will Ospreay & The Opps; win.
- 12 Man Tag: Hechicero, FTR & The Don Callis Family VS Adam Cole, Brody King, Daniel Garcia, Bandido, Templario & Atlantis Jr; win.
- 4 Million Pesos Fatal 4 Way: Ricochet VS Mascara Dorada VS Holo.grm VS Lio Rush; wins $210,240 USD.
- MJF w/ The Hurt Syndicate VS Mistico; wins.
- Kazuchika Okada VS Mark Briscoe; wins.
- CMLL Women’s World Championship: Zeuxis VS Mercedes Mone; wins and
PLAY BY PLAY
[Due to scheduling conflicts, coverage will be on delay]
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)Â
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports PodcastÂ
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
NXT isn’t just First Class, it’s Glamorous!
While Trick Williams teams with TNA’s First Class, Mariah May officially becomes Blake Monroe as she signs her NXT contract!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- NXT Women’s Championship Evolution Eliminator: Thea Hail VS Jaida Parker; Jaida wins and advances.
- NXT Women’s Championship Evolution Eliminator: Kelani Jordan VS Lash Legend; Lash wins and advances.
- Six Man Tag: Trick Williams
& First ClassAJ Francis & Wes Lee w/ High Ryze VS Elijah, Josh Briggs & Yoshiki Inamura; Elijah, Briggs & Inamura win. - NXT Women’s Championship Evolution Eliminator: ZARIA w/ Sol Ruca VS Izzi Dame w/ The Culling; Izzi wins and advances.
- NXT Women’s Championship Evolution Eliminator: Jordynne Grace VS Lola Vice; Grace wins and advances.
PLAY BY PLAY
NXT Women’s Championship Evolution Eliminator: Thea Hail VS Jaida Parker!
The first big match of the night is here! Chase U’s valedictorian was just trying to be a friend to Tatum Paxley, among others, and Miss Parker had to go and rain on that parade. But will Thea make it hail on Jaida’s? Or will Jaida prove being a “grown-ass woman” doesn’t compare to being the baddest b*tch in NXT?
Well hold on now, because Thea attacks during Jaida’s entrance! The fans go wild as Thea SMACKS Jaida off the apron! Jaida kicks back, CHOPS, then THROWS Thea into barriers! Jaida says this is HER ring, but Thea fires body shots! Jaida CLUBS Thea, puts her in the ring, and then storms in. The bell rings, Thea dodges and hits a THESZ PRESS! Thea rains down fists, Jaida shoves her into ropes, and then Jaida HIP ATTACKS against the ropes! Jaida rains down fists now as Thea is on the ropes, but the ref backs Jaida off. Jaida grabs Thea’s arms and pulls them against the ropes! The ref counts, Jaida steps off, and the fans duel.
Jaida runs up but Thea TOSSES her out! Thea DIVES and Jaida is sent into the desk! Thea RAMS Jaida into the apron, RAMS her again, then puts her back in the ring. Thea climbs up, up, and CROSSBODIES! The fans fire up with Thea and she clinches for an EXPLODER! Cover, TWO! Thea drags Jaida up and fires forearms! Thea whips, Jaida reverses, and Jaida scoops to SIDEWALK SLAM! Cover, TWO! Jaida stays on Thea, digs her knee into Thea’s back, and she bends Thea! The fans rally, Thea fights up, but Jaida wrangles Thea! The fans rally and duel as Thea fights up again. Thea arm-drags Jaida, but Jaida holds onto the headlock!
Jaida leans on Thea, thrashes her around, but Thea still endures. The fans duel more but Jaida throws forearms into Thea’s back! Jaida clamps on again, but Thea fights up, fires body shots, and then arm-drags! Jaida still holds on! Thea stands, but Jaida SWINGS Thea in the facelock! Cover, TWO! Thea toughs it out but Jaida clamps on with a chinlock! Thea endures but Jaida leans on her. The fans rally, Thea fights up again, and Thea RAMS Jaida into buckles! Thea RAMS Jaida again, is free of the hold, but Jaida throat chops! Jaida snap suplexes! Then she dragon sleepers for the INVERTED SUPLEX! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally as Jaida brings Thea up. Jaida suplexes but Thea wrenches free and WRINGS Jaida out! SLIDING LARIAT! Thea snarls, Jaida bails out, but Thea pursues. Jaida runs back in, but she’s sent into steel steps! The fans fire up while Jaida is down, and NXT goes picture in picture.
Jaida writhes and clutches her elbow. Thea storms over, drags her up, and puts Jaida in the ring. Thea climbs, aims, and DIVING BODYÂ FLOPS as Jaida moves! Thea flounders but Jaida brings her up. Jaida bumps Thea off buckles, fires off hands, then RAMS into Thea! Jaida bumps Thea off buckles, runs and hits a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Jaida drags Thea up, fires knees, then clamps on a COBRA TWIST! Thea endures and fights around, to switch the twist onto Jaida! Jaida powers up and out, sends Thea to a corner, but Thea ELBOWS her back! Thea bumps Jaida off buckles, then whips, only for Jaida to roll and trip Thea!
Jaida SMASHES Thea’s knee, then drops an ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Jaida drags Thea up and into the Cobra Twist! But Thea snapmares free! Jaida runs up, but into a cradle! TWO, and Jaida runs up again! Thea rolls Jaida, TWO! Thea fires body shots and forearms, then a HEADBUTT! Thea runs to LARIAT! Jaida goes to a corner, Thea runs in, but Jaida dodges! Jaida puts Thea in the ropes, CHOPS her, then runs side to side for the TEARDROP! Jaida high steps it as NXT returns to single picture. Jaida waits on Thea, runs up again, but Thea rolls Hip-notic into the KIMURA!! The fans rally as Jaida endures!
Thea has the body scissors and she cranks on the arm! Jaida crawls her way over, drags Thea along, but Thea turns her from the ropes! KIMURA!! Jaida still endures and fights to her feet! The fans fire up as Jada RAMS Thea into buckles! Jaida is free, but Thea leaps back on! KIMURA!! Jaida RAMS Thea again, Thea leaps right back on! The fans fire up, JAIDA TAPS, but out of view!! Thea tries to explain to the ref, but a HIP-NOTIC gets her!!
Winner: Jaida Parker, by pinfall (advances to the #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way)
Miss Parker may not have attended Chase U, but she used a high IQ level move there. Will Jaida not only get out the mud, but will she finally get some gold?
Josh Briggs, Yoshiki Inamura & Elijah talk backstage.
The Bullhead Brawler says he can’t wait to get his hands on Trick & First Class tonight. Briggs didn’t think it could get any more annoying than Trick, but literally no one can stand AJ & KC! Inamura says exactly! Those three are in for an ass kicking! Briggs says bingo, and Elijah says he likes how that sounds. But First Class is the worst. They are making TNA look bad teaming with Trick while Trick disrespects TNA’s title. It is sickening! Elijah’s gonna tune his guitar up, he’ll se them later. The Drifter heads on, and in step Hank ‘n’ Tank! They ask if Briggs & Inamura are ready to rock it, and Briggs says you know it.
Tank says on the other side of this match, Briggs & Inamura have themselves a tag title match waiting. Briggs & Inamura like the sound of that. Hank says any time, any where. And then in steps Oba Femi. The tag champs welcome The Ruler, and Tank commends Oba on that match last week with Jasper Troy. Hank says that was a straight up hoss fight. Oba thanks them for that and admits, Jasper Troy is the most powerful contender he has been in the ring with. But Oba is still The Ruler, and that is not going to change any time soon. But then Oba turns around, and there’s Trick Williams.
Trick grins at Oba, and Oba says, “Champ.” Trick says, “Champ.” Oba says his money is on Briggs, Inamura & Elijah. Trick says Oba’s gonna be one broke ruler then. Why y’all got all that leather on? Briggs tells Trick to shut up. Briggs tells Inamura it is time to lock in. They head out, Hank ‘n’ Tank look to each other and agree, that was weird. But will Briggs & Inamura be victorious when they #WalkWithElijah? Or will the #TrickNA Champion look to go after Oba’s throne again?
Blake Monroe prepares for tonight.
She smiles as she walks through her wardrobe and sprays on perfume. The narrator says, “When The Glamour signs on the dotted line, it’s not just a signature, it’s an event. And she needs a dress as stunning as her contract.” Blake finds what she’s looking for and says, “Perfect!” A little black dress indeed, and now The Glamour is going to seal the deal with more than just a firm handshake. She officially signs with NXT tonight. Will nothing stop Blake Monroe from stealing the spotlight?
NXT Women’s Championship Evolution Eliminator: Kelani Jordan VS Lash Legend!
Another qualifier, another bit of beef between opponents. The Standout can’t stand the Bougie Bully always standing in her way, and in some cases literally pushing her aside. But Lash isn’t the first to dislike Lani’s new ‘tude. Will Lash add to her legend by taking a step closer to Evolution? Or will even Lash see that no one does it like Lani?
The bell rings and there’s some trash talk before Lash SHOVES Lani! Kelani is mad and she fires forearms! Lash KNEES low, scoops Kelani, then SLAMS her! Lash DRIBBLES Lani off the mat, then SLAMS her! Lash runs but Kelani avoids the splash! Kelani BOOTS, BOOTS, and SUPERKICKS! The fans rally, Kelani runs and ROLLING THUNDER! Not the cleanest but Kelani still lands on Lash. Kelani hurries to headlock to keep Lash in the ring. Lash powers up and lifts, but Kelani holds onto the headlock! Lash powers up but Kelani holds on! Lash powers up and back suplexes, but Kelani lands out to shove her!
Kelani runs and RANAS Lash! Then she DROPKICKS Lash outta the ring! The fans fire up as Kelani goes up, out, and ASAI MOONSAULTS! Down goes Lash and the fans fire up with Kelani! Kelani talks trash on Lash while NXT goes to break.
NXT returns and Lash has Lani up in a stalling suplex, only for Lani to make it a cradle! TWO and Kelani gets away to a corner. Lash storms up, goes for a leg, but Kelani CLUBS away on Lash! The fans duel as Lash puts Kelani up top. Kelani kicks and BOOTS Lash down! Kelani RAMS Lash, then slingshots up and over to sunset flip! Lash flails and stays up! Lash YANKS Kelani just to THROW her down! And then the PUMP KICK! Cover, TWO! Lash is frustrated but the fans rally up. Lash drags Kelani up, reels her in, and hoists her up for a Canadian Rack! Lash makes it am Argentine Backbreaker rack but Kelani endures being thrashed around!
Kelani pries at Lash’s grip, then slips down to jump up, CODE BREAKER! Both women are down and the fans fire back up! Kelani and Lash stir while the fans cheer “NXT! NXT!” Lash and Lani go to opposite ends, then Lani rallies with forearms and a DROPKCIK! Kelani then dodges Lash to cartwheel BACK ELBOW! The fans fire up and Kelani kips up! Kelani runs up, cravats, and SLICED BREAD! Kelani goes up, up, and FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!? Lash survives that splash and the fans fire up! Kelani has the legs, kicks at Lash, but Lash rolls! Kelani cartwheels through, but Lash ROCKS her with a right!
Kelani goes to the ropes, Lash runs up, and Lash blocks the boot. But Kelani goes up to STOMP Lash down! Then she goes up, but Lash CLUBS her down! Lash climbs up and picks Kelani up, SUPER BACK- CROSSBODY!! Cover, TWO!! Kelani almost had Lash and she’s growing frustrated. Kelani hurries to the corner again, climbs back up, and 450 SPLASHÂ onto knees! Lash racks Kelani for the LASH EXTENSION! Cover, Lash wins!
Winner: Lash Legend, by pinfall (advances to the #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way)
Two down, two to go! Jaida and Lash are riding high, who else will join them in that furious Fatal 4 Way?
Tony D’Angelo paces backstage.
The Don is anxious, and he hears Luca Crusifino talking on the phone as he walks up. “As Consigliere, I approve this.” Luca hangs up as Tony spots him, and Tony asks where Luca’s been! Luca tries to explain, he’s been here all night. Tony says he’s already heard enough. He’ll see Luca in the ring. In the ring? What’s that supposed to mean? Tony storms off without explaining, is he going to get to the bottom of everything?
NXT returns and…
Tony D is already in the ring, mic in hand. He says, “See, as The Don, you have to be aware at all times. You gotta keep your head on a swivel. You gotta be aware of enemies coming at you from every angle. You have to be aware of… being stabbed in the back. Now a few months ago, Stacks stabbed me in the back. Rizzo went into hiding, and Luca got clipped. Or so I thought. See, listen, I dunno what the Hell is going on right now. Up is down, down is up, whatever. All I want from Luca is his trust and his loyalty, and I’m not getting it. So Luca, you’re gonna get your ass out here, and we’re gonna talk man to man.” The fans cheer that!
Luca makes his entrance and he has a mic to say whoa, whoa, T, is this really how they’re gonna do this? Tony says yes it is! Listen to him! If you’re gonna lie, you’re gonna lie to him and all these people out here. Luca says he’s not lying. Tony says okay, then what happened with Luca and Stacks in the desert? Luca says he already told Tony that. They got outta the SUV, two guys tied Luca up and put him in the trunk of a car for who knows how long, only to let him out in the middle of the desert. Tony asks what Stacks said to him. Luca claims Stacks said that it was his “lucky day.” Stacks then took Luca’s phone and leaves him, no human in sight.
Tony says okay, let’s say Tony believes that. But Luca made it to Battleground, and just stared at Tony like an idiot. Can Tony trust Luca? Luca says damn right he can! The fans aren’t so sure, but Tony asks why Luca didn’t hit Stacks! Why didn’t he help Tony? What was he doing? Luca admits, he should have. But he didn’t know what to do. They lost at Stand & Deliver, Tony was mad, Luca didn’t know if he was gonna make it out of the desert alive. Luca is a consigliere, he is to advise people on what moves to make and what not to make. This is the first time since joining the family that Luca was on his own.
Tony accepts that, and Luca brings up how Rizzo is usually his soundboard, but no one’s seen her in just as long. Tony says yeah, okay, enough. They say that the eyes never lie. So Tony needs Luca to look him in the eye and tell him: “Are you with Stacks?” Luca promises Tony that he- WAIT, Stacks is here! The Underboss has a crew with him as he says Tony’s still out here, seeking the truth. Tony is pathetic without Stacks! Tony has the truth, he just doesn’t wanna accept it. Luca IS Tony’s consigliere, yet Tony won’t believe him. Luca, in all the years they’ve known each other, has Stacks ever NOT believed in him? Unlike Tony here in the last month.
Has Stacks every questioned Luca and his loyalty? Luca, there is a reason Stacks saved you from the desert in Vegas. Tony asks what that is supposed to mean, and Luca says no, Stacks left him out there! Stacks says Luca was never gonna be good enough to be Tony’s Consigliere. Luca, you know what to do next. The goons step into the ring, Tony thinks Luca is a snake, but then Luca ROCKS the goons! The fans fire up, but it is 4v2! Luca still clears the ring of the goons, then he grabs Stacks! But Stacks dodges and the HAYMAKER hits Tony!! The fans are stunned and Tony is upset, but Stacks grins. Has Luca sealed his fate?
Trick Williams warms up backstage.
Trick lifts weights and his belt. AJ Francis then walks in chanting “First Class Trick! First Class Trick!” Trick likes it, and asks if they’re ready for tonight. AJ says one thing, though. KC Navarro got hurt training for this match, so he isn’t cleared for the Six Man Tag. KC apologizes and Trick asks how they gonna wait until right before the match that KC can’t go!? KC puts this on AJ but AJ says he’s never led Trick astray. First Class doesn’t present problems, they present solutions. Then where are they? Well, KC can’t go tonight, but they found someone who can. In steps Wes Lee. And Wes says while he and Trick have history, nobody here knows TNA like Wes does.
All that aside, it is good to see that title on a real superstar. AJ & KC say that’s true. Trick says yeah, they’ve been through a lot. The whole “head of the locker room” and the smack in the face. Trick owns up, “My bad.” Trick was tripping, no excuses. But hey, Trick’s down with High Ryze. So tonight, they’re all First Class Trickin’ on the Wes Side! They all shake hands and AJ says that smells like… MONEY, MONEY, MONEY~! Wes says he’s gonna get ready, and Trick still tells KC to be better about this stuff. Don’t do this to him! KC apologizes, but will things still go off smoothly? Or will this last minute change help Elijah, Briggs & Inamura?
Class is in session at Chase U.
Mr. Chase welcomes everyone to class and officially introduces Kale Dixon & Uriah Connors. Uriah says they’re finally on time and ready to go! But per the montage, hard to say that’s true. They do their best to keep up with the lecture, and Kale blows his eraser shavings at the kiss-up from last time. Chase says it is summertime, and while other schools get to relax, Chase U has a strict curriculum. Kale has a question but Chase says hold on. Chase wants everyone to know that here, they lead by example. And while his methods may not be traditional, he takes great pride in- Kale has a question. How often do they-
Chase stops Kale again and says Kale needs to be ready to bleed black ‘n’ red. Chase U is their priority! Be ready to hear things you don’t wanna hear, and to thrive under pressure. Kale still has a question… Chase tells Kale that this is a #TeachableMoment. Chase U doesn’t adjust to you, you adjust to Chase U! Because if you wanna make it in this world, you gotta do more than learn. You gotta get EFFIN’ TOUGH! Kale closes up his book and leaves, Uriah following. Uriah says shame on Mr. Chase. Chase asks WTF! Is it Kale that needs to change? Or does Mr. Chase need to change if he wants to reach these kids?
Ethan Page & The Vanity Project watch the Ricky Saints throat smash footage.
Ricky Smokes says Ethan messed Ricky Saints up! Jackson Drake says Ethan cooked the Absolute. Ethan says to be honest, boys, this might be his best work yet. Brad Baylor says hundos, bro! But wait, Ricky Saints steps into the room. The Absolute says he will be medically cleared for next week. And he wants it to be known, he’s coming after Ethan. Ethan & Vanity Project laugh that off. Has Ricky not learned his lesson yet? Well, if he wants to get to Ethan, he has to go through Evolve’s hottest faction, the group taking over Wednesday nights and Tubi, The Vanity Project.
Ashante THEE Adonis says hey to everybody, and he agrees. Why is Ricky always so angry? Maybe he needs to chill out? Because adonisly, Ashante thought he and Ricky had something in common. But since Ricky can’t talk the talk no more, what’s he doing? Look around at the numbers game. The odds are not in Ricky’s favor. Um, Ethan & Vanity Project left… But see you real soon. Ashante sticks his foot in his mouth, but will he end up with Ricky’s boot up his ass?
Je’Von Evans, Tavion Heights & Wren Sinclair talk backstage.
Tavion is still upset that Charlie Dempsey refuses to listen. Didn’t Wren say she’d talk with him? Wren says difficult conversations can be challenging with him. It requires nuance. Je’Von asks what the hell is “nuance.” Did she talk to him or not? Wren says she did not… Je’Von and Tavion are disappointed, but then Jasper Troy passes by. The Young OG says hey to the Season 1 LFG Champion, and commends him on doing his thing 1v1 against Oba Femi. Now, he may have taken the L, but his time’s coming. Not before Je’Von, though! Just trust- Troy says stay out of his way. Troy heads out and Je’Von says okay, just saying.
Je’Von goes back to Tavion & Wren, and Charlie has appeared! And he’s annoyed seeing Je’Von back. Je’Von says hey, “C-Money,” understand that T here doesn’t wanna be in NQCC anymore. Well, seeing as how Je’Von is hanging around so much, how about this? Je’Von and Tavion have a match. If Tavion wins, he’s out of NQCC. Really? Yeah, why not. Je’Von says that’s rough. Je’Von’s not gonna lose, so Tavion’s stuck with Dempsey a little longer. Tavion says oh no, not if he can help it. They shake on it, and Je’Von tells Charlie he needs a hug. Wren offers and slowly pulls him in. Tavion, get in on this. He does not.
But will Tavion get out of NQCC by beating his new pal? Or will the Young OG prove he’s moving on up by leaving Tavion behind?
Six Man Tag: Trick Williams, AJ Francis & Wes Lee w/ High Ryze VS Elijah, Josh Briggs & Yoshiki Inamura!
The guitar strums, and, “Hello, I am Elijah. First Class Trick~, more like Last Place Trash. Wes Lee can’t even get outta the kiddy weight class. So I brought Inamura & Briggs to walk this path, when we kick Trick’s, AJ’s and Wes Lee’s ass! And I have got one question for everybody here tonight… Who wants to walk with Elijah?!” The fans cheer that! Elijah knows two men who will! Briggs & Inamura make their entrance, will these three righteous men be victorious? Or will the prideful trio be unstoppable? We find out, after the break.
NXT returns and First Class makes their entrance first. Wes Lee & High Ryze are next, leaving the TNA World Champion for last. The trios sort out, Inamura starts against Wes, and they circler. Wes slips around Inamura to KICK, KICK, and headlock. Inamura powers up and out but Wes dropkicks the legs out! Wes then dropkicks the leg again! Wes runs but Inamura CLOBBERS him! Inamura drags Wes up, CHOPS him, then tags Briggs. Briggs & Inamura double whip to FLAPJACK! Then DROPKICK CHOP COMBO! Cover, TWO! Briggs brings Wes up, scoops him, but Wes slips free, hot tag to AJ Francis!
Wes dodges Briggs, slides out, and Francis runs in and CLOBBERS Briggs! The fans are torn but Francis runs in at the corner, only for Briggs to BOOT him! Francis hurries away, Trick tags in, and Trick runs up, but into a scoop and SIDEWALK SLAM, to the SPLASH! The fans fire up, Briggs tags Elijah, and they mug Trick. Elijah wrenches and wristlocks but Trick rolls, handsprings, and wrenches back. Trick has a top wristlock but Elijah uses the ropes to flip through! Elijah wrenches and headlocks. Trick powers up and out, Elijah reverses the whip but Trick spins that around. Trick hurdles but Elijah LEAPING LARIATS!
The fans fire up and Elijah brings Trick up. Elijah knuckle locks, goes up top, and he goes Old School so Trick will #WalkWithElijah! FLYING KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO! Trick toughs it out but Elijah brings him up. Elijah whips, Trick reverses, and Trick LEG LARIATS! The fans fire up while Elijah bails out. Briggs & Inamura check on Elijah while Trick soaks up cheers and jeers. Elijah trips Trick, drags him out, and THROWS him into barriers! The fans fire up, but Wes FLIES! Briggs & Inamura catch him! But wait, Francis wants to try! But then he stops and laughs at the fans who thought he would. But then Briggs & Inamura BOOT DOUBLE CHOP COMBO!!
Elijah goes up!? And he MACHO ELBOWS onto Francis! The fans fire up as Elijah, Briggs & Inamura fire up! The First Class Tricks regroup outside, and NXT goes picture in picture.
The ref has things calm down, but Trick is looking to leave? Elijah tags Briggs, and Briggs catches up to Trick on the ramp! Briggs brings Trick around, puts him in the ring, and then storms up. Briggs ROCKS Trick, DECKS Trick, then puts Trick on ropes to stomp him down. Trick wants mercy but Briggs YANKS him up to whip and ELBOW down! Cover, TWO! Trick stays in this but he’s far away from his team. Briggs tags Inamura and Inamura CHOPS! Inamura wrenches and grinds the arm but Trick fights up. Trick wrenches and arm-drags Inamura for a wristlock. Inamura fights up but Trick tags in Wes.
Wes goes up but Inamura avoids the flying stomp to the arm! Inamura DOUBLE CHOPS Wes inside-out! Inamura sets up in a three point stance, and he fires off the SUMO PALM STRIKES! Inamura puts Wes in the corner to JAB and CHOP on repeat! The ref counts, Inamura stops at 4 to hoist Wes up top. Inamura climbs, Tyriek gets on the apron, Elijah goes after him, but that lets Tyson go after Inamura! Tyson anchors Inamura on the corner and Wes slips free to YANK Inamura down! Wes then ENZIGIRIS, ENZIGIRIS again, and goes up, up, and FLYING DOUBLE STOMPS! Inamura falls, Wes covers, TWO!
Inamura toughs it out but Wes brings him over. Wes whips Inamura to the First Class corner, but Inamura dodges in return! Inamura runs back in, but Wes dodges! Wes UPPERCUTS Inamura, tags Francis, and then Francis sends Wes back in for a back body block! Feed to Francis’ BOOT, then Francis pops Wes up for a SPLASH! Francis adds a SENTON and he covers, TWO! Inamura survives and NXT returns to single picture. Francis clamps onto Inamura’s arm but Inamura fires body shots! Inamura CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Inamura fires a flurry of forearms, then he ROCKS Francis! Inamura runs, RAMS Francis, but Francis returns to TFL SPEAR! Cover, TWO!!
Inamura survives but Francis soaks up heat. Then he runs side to side to KNEE Inamura so hard, Francis flips up and out of the ring, and lands on his feet! Tag to Wes and Wes slingshots to PLANCHA! Cover, TWO! Inamura stays in this but Wes looms over him. Wes taunts Briggs and Elijah, then he ROCKS Inamura! And ROCKS him again! Inamura goes to a corner and snarls as he stands up. Wes runs up, Inamura dodges, but Wes BOOTS! ROUNDHOUSES! ENZIGIRIS! But then Inamura scoops for the SPIN-OUT SLAM! The fans fire up while both men are down! They crawl for their corners, hot tags to Trick and Briggs!
The fans fire up as Briggs BOOTS Trick! And then runs, dodges, and CROSSBODIES! Just enough of a hit on Trick and Elijah tags in! Elijah rallies on Trick now and he bumps Trick off buckles! Elijah CHOPS and ROCKS Trick on repeat! The fans fire up, the ref counts, and Elijah stomps a mudhole in! The ref backs Elijah off but he is still fired up! Elijah suplexes Trick for ANARCHY! Cover, Wes & Francis break it! Briggs & Inamura storm in, it is a brawl! The ref reprimands, but Francis DECKS Inamura and Wes HEEL KICKS Briggs! Elijah CHOPS Trick, Wes runs upon Briggs but Briggs TOSSES him out!
Trick ROCKS Elijah, SPIN KICKS Briggs, Elijah TOSSES Francis! JUMP KNEE for Francis! Trick catches Elijah, nelsons him, and Wes goes up. Briggs gets Elijah outta there, Wes’ WHISPER IN THE WIND hits Trick! The fans are thunderous as Wes doesn’t realize what happened, and Elijah TOSSES Wes onto Ty & Ty! Inamura tags in and climbs up while Briggs PLANCHAS onto Francis! GREAT RUSH SPLASH!! Cover, Inamura’s team wins!!
Winners: Josh Briggs, Yoshiki Inamura & Elijah, by pinfall
A huge win for the big men, and Inamura pins THE TNA World Champion! Will Inamura look to be more than just an NXT Tag Team Champion in the near future?
#ZaRuca walks ‘n’ talks backstage.
Sol says last week was so much fun, and Zaria says now they can do it in a match. Their views are a bit up and down, no thanks to Lash and Wren. Sol says they can just retry later, after Zaria wins her match. Word challenge, go! Three, two, one, WINNER~! See? Sol has Zaria’s back. But speaking of, Tatum Paxley creep up from out of a road case?! Tatum wants to talk with Sol & Zaria but they head out already. Tatum is still lonely, but will she find a way to connect? Will the Agent of Change be a real gamechanger on the road to Evolution?
Ava Raine meets with Stevie Turner and Robert Stone.
The NXT General Manager tells the Evolve “Prime Minister” that she is very proud of her. Stevie thanks Ava, and Stone agrees that Evolve has been great lately. But he does have to ask… Do they hear that? Stevie says nice one, Rob. No, he means it. There’s something going on. Ava checks the hallway, and Tony is angry with Luca. Luca explains that the punch was an accident! Oh, well, guess we’ll see. Tony says hey, Ava, glad you’re here. She saw the punch to the mouth, right? Luca says it was meant for Stacks! Then maybe Ava can make a match of Luca VS Stacks. Luca says he doesn’t wanna fight stacks. Yeah, because he’s working with Stacks, right!?
Luca says Tony needs to trust him, but Tony says Luca needs to prove it to him! Ava says okay, enough. Tony is fed up with all that happened, but Ava can’t give Luca a match with Stacks anyways. And why’s that? Is Ava working with Stacks, too? No! She’s the GM, she isn’t working with anyone. Stacks has a match, against Noam Dar for the Heritage Cup. Wait, why does Stacks get a Cup match? Because the last person he beat was a former Heritage Cup Champion in Tony D. And because his consigliere signed off on it. His what?! Luca says it wasn’t him! Tony doesn’t trust that, given the phone call we heard earlier. But if Luca isn’t Stacks’ man, then who is?
NXT Women’s Championship Evolution Eliminator: ZARIA w/ Sol Ruca VS Izzi Dame w/ The Culling!
Evolution is all about change, so naturally the Agent of Change should want to be part of it! Will she be one step closer to matching Sol Ruca as a champion? Or will The Culling’s femme fatale prove Zaria is too weak to survive?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Izzi rolls Zaria, ONE, but Izzi BOOTS Zaria down! Zaria is up but Sol coaches her. Izzi runs up, Zaria dodges and fires off hands! Zaria ROCKS Izzi, Izzi ROCKS Zaria, repeat! The fans fire up as the big shots go back and forth! Zaria then BOOTS Izzi down! Izzi flounders to a corner, Zaria runs up to SPLASH! Zaria suplexes Izzi away, covers, TWO! Zaria bumps Izzi off buckles again and again, then fireman’s carries! Izzi slips free, shoves and BACKDROPS, but Zaria sunset flips! TWO, and Izzi KNEES low! Izzi RAMS Zaria to the corner, RAMS her again and again, then digs her shoulder in.
The ref counts, Izzi lets off, and Zaria grabs Izzi for a HEADBUTT! Zaria goes up, up, and the fans rally behind Zaria as she has Izzi in a HANGING SLEEPER! Zaria drops Izzi, the fans fire up, and Zaria aims to FLYING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! The fans rally while Izzi crawls away, and NXT goes picture in picture.
Izzi drags herself up with the ropes, but Zaria is right on her! Zaria puts Izzi through the ropes, pulls her back, and then lets go at 4 to hit a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Izzi stays in this, but Zaria stays on her by tying up the legs. Zaria bends Izzi, not quite a Bow ‘n’ Arrow, but Izzi endures. Zaria CLUBS Izzi, clamps on a chinlock, but Izzi fights up to throw body shots. Zaria holds on and thrashes Izzi, but Izzi powers up to pry at the hold. Izzi opens the chinlock but Zaria fireman’s carries! Izzi slips to a sunset flip, but Zaria sits on the cover! TWO and Izzi has the cover, TWO! Zaria high stacks, TWO!
Izzi and Zaria stand, Izzi kicks low! But Zaria cradles! TWO, and Izzi cradles! TWO, and Izzi clamps onto Zaria’s neck! Zaria breaks free, BACK ELBOWS Izzi, then runs, but into a LARIAT! Izzi huffs ‘n’ puffs and puts Zaria on ropes to throw ELBOW after ELBOW! Izzi brings Zaria around, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Izzi is frustrated but she drags Zaria up. Izzi turns Zaria for a NECKBREAKER, covers again, TWO! Zaria is tougher than that and Izzi grows further frustrated. Izzi clamps on a chinbar and armlock, but Zaria fights up. Zaria pries the hold open but Izzi scoops for a BACKBREAKER!
Izzi snarls while Zaria writhes. Izzi bumps Zaria off buckles, fireman’s carries and hits SNAKE EYES! Izzi talks trash on Zaria, kicks her around, then stands her up. Zaria ROCKS Izzi with a right hand! NXT returns to single picture as Zaria ROCKS Izzi again and again! Zaria waistlocks, Izzi runs to ropes, but Zaria holds on! Izzi fights, Zaria yanks her back, but Izzi resists the suplex! Izzi runs to a corner to HOTSHOT Zaria off the top rope! Izzi goes up, up, and FLYING CODE BREAKERS! Zaria stagger sup, Izzi RAMS her in the corner! Izzi fires forearm after forearm then adds some CHOPS! Izzi runs and BOOTS Zaria down!
The fans rally, Izzi scoops and SLAMS Zaria, then covers, TWO! Sol coaches Zaria, Shawn Spears & Niko Vance coach Izzi, and Izzi choke grips Zaria! VOLLEYBALL SPIKE CHOKE SLAM! High stack cover, TWO!! Zaria survives “the kill” and Izzi is losing her mind! Izzi runs in, but Zaria DUMPS her out! The fans fire up, Izzi hurries up, but Zaria ROCKS her first! Zaria HIP TOSSES Izzi and the fans fire up! Zaria LARIATS! And LARIATS! And then BOOTS! Zaria roars, scoops, and SLAMS! The fans fire up as Zaria waistlocks for a GERMAN SUPLEX! Zaria fires up more and the fans are with her!
Izzi rises, but Tatum spooks Sol with a surprise hug! Zaria is distracted, and Izzi hits a SKY HIGH!! Cover, IZZI WINS!!
Winner: Izzi Dame, by pinfall (advances to the #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way)
Tatum says oops, and Sol asks what is going on. But Izzi takes advantage of the confusion, #ItIzWhatItIz. But will she cull the weak from the Fatal 4 Way to head for Evolution?
Briggs & Inamura regroup backstage.
Briggs is fired up! First win since joining back together, and Inamura pinned Trick Williams! Inamura has proven he deserves a TNA World Championship match! And both of them know Santino Marella was watching that one. Inamura nods, and he says Briggs is still his friend. If Briggs wishes, they can do the tag team title match first. Is Inamura sure? Yes, Inamura says they should aspire to something more! Imagine one of them as TNA World Champion, and the other as THE NXT Champion! Briggs says that IS bigger. So, hell yeah! Let’s do that! Briggs is onboard for a Two Man Power Trip, will this be their time to shine?
NXT Women’s Championship Evolution Eliminator: Jordynne Grace VS Lola Vice!
Three spots filled, one remains, and they might’ve saved the best for last. These two have had their chances at the title and have fallen short, but you never say never! Will the Juggernaut bulldoze through Vice City? Or will Jordynne learn that Lola’s a knockout in her own right?
The bell rings and the two circle. They feel things out. Grace goes for a leg, but Lola holds her off. They switch on the mat, go around, and Lola escapes the facelock. The fans applaud the opening exchange and the two go again. They feel things out, clinch, and Lola waistlocks. Grace headlocks, Lola powers out but Grace whips. Lola ducks ‘n’ dodges then tilt-o-whirls to RANA! The fans fire up and Lola brings Grace up, only for Grace to TOSS her out! Grace goes up, out, but Lola slides back in! Grace RAMS Lola, Lola ducks a haymaker and has the SLEEPER! Grace HOTSHOTS free, then slingshots back in, only for Lola to SPIN KICK!
Lola fires LIGHTNING KICKS! Lola puts Grace in the corner, and reminds us, “I’M A LATINA~!” HIP ATTACK! Grace sputters, Lola welcomes her to Vice City, and NXT goes to break.
NXT returns and Lola has Grace in a GUILLOTINE FACELOCK! Grace powers up and lifts Lola, but Lola swings that into a DDT! Lola top mounts, Grace pushes free and goes to a corner. Lola runs up, Grace BOOTS her away, but Lola comes back. Grace goes up and over, runs corner to corner and goes up and over again! Grace fireman’s carries Lola for a ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! SLIDING D! Cover, TWO!! Lola survives that double impact but Grace stays focused. The fans rally up, Grace drags Lola to her feet, and the fans rally. Grace scoops to POWERSLAM Lola into the drop zone! Grace then goes up, VADER BOMBÂ into a TRIANGLE HOLD!
Lola holds on tight and the fans rally! Grace endures, reaches out, but she’s fading! Grace gets a second wind and high stacks Lola. Grace deadlifts Lola to POWERBOMB! Grace is free but both women are down! The fans fire up for “NXT! NXT!” Grace rises up, she brings Lola up and fires forearms. Grace pump handles but Lola fights off the lift! Grace THROWS Lola to the corner, hoists her up top, and CHOPS! The fans fire up while Lola sputters. Grace climbs, brings Lola up, but Lola fires body shots. Lola powers out to have the double wristlock! Grace endures, fires body shots, but Lola hits a SUPER ARMBAR DDT!!
Lola rises to SPINNING ROUNDHOUSE!! Cover, TWO?!?! Grace survives and Lola cannot believe it! The fans can’t believe it, either! Lola demands Grace get up! Grace sits up, Lola aims, HEEL- NO, Grace blocks and makes it a FISHERMAN BUSTER! Then a BEAST MODE DRIVER!! Cover, Grace wins!!
Winner: Jordynne Grace, by pinfall (advances to the #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way)
Lola put Grace under pressure, but she couldn’t break her! Jordynne is now joining Jaida, Lash and Izzi in the Fatal 4 Way, who defies the odds to face Jacy Jayne at Evolution?
#ZaRuca and Tatum are backstage.
Zaria is upset with Tatum doing that because it cost her! Tatum knows, she didn’t mean for it to happen, she’s sorry! Sol says she knows, but Zaria says it doesn’t matter now that Zaria isn’t in the Fatal 4 Way. Izzi walks over and says Tatum should remember what she told her: Zaria & Sol aren’t Tatum’s real friends. If they cared about Tatum, they’d include her in their little TikTok games. Izzi knows she would. Izzi leaves and Tatum follows! Zaria stops Sol from following, Tatum isn’t their concern. And then Blake Monroe struts by on her way to gorilla. The contract signing is coming, will it go off without a hitch?
Noam Dar speaks.
“The Heritage Cup has brought a different style of wrestling to NXT, and to America, crossing two brands. Eight of the best in-ring competitors have had the honor of carrying her. And it gives me great pride that my name has been on this trophy more than anyone else. For almost 800 days, Noam Dar has been the gold standard for the Heritage Cup. And Supernova 11 plans on keeping it that way.” He is ready for his fourth reign to be his best, but will it be his shortest if Stacks can help it?
BREAKING NEWS for next week!
Just as Inamura told Briggs, BRIGGS will have the TNA World Championship match against Trick, even though Inamura pinned the champ! Will this favor from his friend help Briggs finally win the big one?
Ava Raine is in the ring.
The fans cheer the NXT General Manager, and she says, “NXT has the best women’s division in all of professional wrestling. And tonight, I continue to add to that as the hottest free agent in sports entertainment joins an already stacked women’s roster, and officially signs her NXT contract. Ladies and gentlemen, please help me welcome to the ring, The Glamour, Blake Monroe!” The fans cheer as Miss Monroe makes her first entrance ever here on NXT. She blows kisses to the crowd and steps into the ring. She picks up the mic to say, “The moment you’ve gushed, gasped, and glammed for is finally here.”
The fans cheer, and Monroe says this IS the best women’s division in the world. She’s been dreaming of hopping into bed with that kind of talent. And it is no secret, but the WWE has always been her dream. And now that she’s here, this women’s division is all hers! The fans cheer that, too! Because the Glamour raises the bar, turns heads, and redefines what it means to be a star! So, ladies, surely you’re listening. The spotlight is now firmly on The Glamour, Blake Monroe. The fans cheer again, and Monroe takes out her own pen. She signs on the dotted line, only for The Fatal Influence to storm out here.
The fans boo but Jacy Jayne waves hi to Ava & Monroe. Jacy says, “Ava, darling, quick question for you. Why’re you out here kissing the newbie’s ass like this?” The fans boo more but Jacy says the last time she checked, Fatal Influence has been running this division all year. And did they ever get some kind of celebration? Did they? Fallon says nope, not once. And sure as hell not for Fallon’s NXT Women’s North American Championship. Jazmyn says of course not! And now, she won’t lie to Monroe, it is impossible to keep their eyes off her. This is so cute! But if Monroe thinks she came here to take what Fatal Influence has built, then she’s delusional.
Monroe says, “Oh… Oh, dear. The rumors are true: Fatal Influence are as insecure as they are b*tches.” The fans cheer that! Fallon frowns and Jacy says alright, alright, reality check. This division doesn’t need Monroe. She’s just another new flavor of the month. Jacy has seen girls like Monroe walk in here time and time again, and- Monroe stops her and asks if she’s ever tried this one: SLAP!! The fans fire up as Fallon and Monroe brawl! Monroe throws a flurry, but then the ROLLING ENCORE hits her! The fans boo and Fallon drags Monroe up. She and Jacy DOUBLE POWERBOMB Monroe down through the table!
Ava is upset and so are the fans. But will even The Glamour end up under The Influence? Or will Jacy, Fallon & Jazmyn come to regret bullying the “newbie?”
My Thoughts:
A great NXT with a lot of action and still plenty of good story. Mariah May, now Blake Monroe, got quite a bit of hype for her contract signing, and I figured Fatal Influence would “crash the party.” They get themselves a lot of heat beating down the new girl that comes in with a lot of love, but like… Does this undercut the whole point of an Evolution Eliminator? Or will Jacy and Monroe have a title match for NXT Great American Bash since it is 24 hours ahead of Evolution? Then the winner of that meets the winner of the Fatal 4 Way, all sorts of possibilities there.
The four “eliminator” matches were all great, and I do appreciate that they just cut to giving us the grudge matches at this point in the little mini-tournament rather than leaving them for the Fatal 4. Jaida really had a clever way around losing, I don’t know if I’ve ever really seen something like that. Lash VS Lani was really good, and that was a great win for Lash. Meta Four broke up so the individual parts could have success on their own, so Lash needs to actually get some wins. Similarly, Izzi winning over Zaria helps in her personal build. I was a little surprised by her win, but it also works that Tatum Paxley is getting in on this story. Presumably, Izzi isn’t winning the Fatal 4, so Izzi & Tatum VS #ZaRuca will be a good tag match in the aftermath.
Grace VS Vice was a great main event match, and the best match of the four, and as I figured, Grace won. That is a hard-hitting group of four, and as it stands, Jacy being champ would mean Grace wins as a Face and probably just dominates Jacy and the Fatal Influence before winning the title. Granted, there were rumors Grace was going to be called up given her loss at Battleground, but c’mon, Jordynne should have a run with the top title to parallel Giulia and Stephanie Vaquer. And while nothing is set for NXT around SummerSlam weekend, that would make more sense as a place for Grace to show up with her call-up.
We still got good stuff with all the other stories, too. Tony’s paranoia is getting the better of him, and Stacks is continuing to use that as his greatest weapon against Tony. I wouldn’t be surprised if Tony has a match with Luca and that drives Luca to join Stacks’ side. At the same side, how wild would it be if Rizzo, in her hiding, is Stacks’ consigliere and right hand in this D’Angelo Family coup? Good promo from Dar to remind us of the Heritage Cup’s history. I really hope they bring back the British Rounds aspect to really test Stacks, and I would hope for Dar’s sake that he retains the Cup.
Very good stuff with Ricky Saints calling out Ethan while he hangs out with Vanity Project, and obviously Ricky’s return match is against Ashante after Ashante acted like he was part of the team. Ricky will win, but I’m sure Vanity Project will have matches with him before Ricky gets at Ethan. Very good promo from Je’Von with NQCC as well as Troy. Je’Von’s just trying to be a friend to people but naturally, Troy isn’t looking for friends. Je’Von VS Tavion with those NQCC stakes is an interesting move but it is clever how Je’Von wants to help Tavion but not at his own expense. Dempsey might even do his best to factor into the finish to make sure Tavion loses and is stuck in NQCC.
And very good stuff with the NXTNA crossover. Very good promo from the Faces to tease Briggs & Inamura going on that Two Man Power Trip, wanting tag titles and singles titles at the same time. And very good promo from the Heels, but I can’t be sure if KC Navarro was legit unable to wrestle or they just wanted to bring Wes in for some fun. Either way, I appreciate Wes and Trick apologizing to each other to give us why they are now working together as Heels. Most of the time, Heels work together again just because they’re both Heels and that’s it.
The Six Man Tag still went the Faces’ way, and that was rather interesting for Inamura to give Briggs the title match with Trick. Of course, Inamura is clearly planning to go for Oba and the NXT Championship then, so he’s handing the secondary title to Briggs. I can see Briggs & Inamura becoming tag champs over Hank ‘n’ Tank, but I don’t know about taking the top singles titles. Trick VS Briggs will be great, Oba VS Inamura could be some awesome stuff, but there has to be something where Trick and Oba fight one last time as the top champions of both sides.
My Score: 8.9/10
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