Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (8/21/20)
Friday Night THUNDERDOME!
SmackDown heads for SummerSlam inside the Thunderdome!
Before WWE’s Biggest Party of the Summer, SmackDown enters the THUNDERDOME! And with BOTH the WWE Intercontinental and SmackDown Tag Team Championships on the line!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Big E VS Sheamus; Big E wins.
- SmackDown Tag Team Championships: Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura VS Lucha House Party; Cesaro & Nakamura win and retain the SmackDown Tag Team Championships.
- Beat the Clock Challenge: Naomi VS Sasha Banks w/ Bayley; wins in 3 minutes, 39 seconds.
- Beat the Clock Challenge: Naomi VS Bayley w/ Sasha Banks; Naomi wins and Bayley VS Asuka goes first at SummerSlam.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship: AJ Styles VS Jeff Hardy; Hardy wins and becomes the new WWE Intercontinental Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
Vince McMahon returns to SmackDown!
The Chairman welcomes us to the show and to ThunderDome! Are you among the faces in the virtual crowd? “No one brings the thunder like the WWE!” But wait! Lights are going down! This isn’t Retribution. This is THE FIEND!! Bray Wyatt’s darkest side is heading to the ring! The Fiend laughs as he steps in to join Vince. Vince and Fiend stand under the red lights as the crowd is thunderous. Fiend won’t let Vince exit, either. But wait! Here comes BRAUN!! The Monster walks down the ramp and has The Fiend’s attention. Braun joins Fiend in the ring, and Vince has since exited. Braun puts the belt down as he stares The Fiend right in the eyes. “I told you.”
The lights flicker but stay on. Retribution is here! They’ve flanked the ring in an instant! But these troublemakers may have just made the biggest mistake of their lives. Fiend and Braun, Fiend waves bye, and the lights go down. When they come up, Fiend is gone! Braun feels a bit betrayed, and now he’s all alone 15v! They go after Braun with hammering fists, clubbing him down to his knees! They have Braun on the mat! Here comes the SmackDown roster, Big E leading the charge! They still get swarmed, so another wave comes in, led by Baron Corbin! Now things are a bit more even! Retribution is purged from the ring one by one, they scatter and retreat! The Miz is last to get out here, though perhaps no one else noticed.
Braun gets up from the cowardly gang attack, and he CLOBBERS Drew Gulak! And then he tosses Jey Uso out of the ring! The Monster said he’s the most evil SOB in the world, and now he’s the angriest! Will he get back at The Fiend for leaving him high and dry? Or will the Retribution be the ones to feel that wrath?
SmackDown returns but things are still tense.
Retribution may have fled but a good number of WWE superstars are still here to keep an eye on things. Big E and Sheamus are both in the ring and they start shoving each other! This of course has to do with last week, Sheamus hitting Big E with a Brogue over supposedly riling Retribution up. But with them both here, their match will happen now! Will Big E give Sheamus as good as he got?
Big E VS Sheamus!
The bell rings and they tie up fast! Big E and Sheamus go to a corner, Sheamus has control but lets up at the ref’s count. They tie up again and go around more, Big E gets Sheamus in the corner now. The ref counts, Big E gets away from Sheamus’ grip to tie up again. Sheamus headlocks, Big E powers out to headlock in return. Big E grinds to the rhythm, “New! Day Rocks!” Sheamus powers out and they ram shoulders, but neither falls. Sheamus knees low, clubs Big E down, then mocks him for being all alone. Sheamus runs but Big E clotheslines him out! Big E goes out to RAM Sheamus into the steel steps with a shoulder! The virtual fans in the “front row” get a closer look as Big E throws Sheamus back in.
Big E has Sheamus on the apron and clubs away on him! The ref counts, Big E gets back in at 5 of 10, but then aims from the apron for the SPLASH! Sheamus goes in, clutching his chest. Big E stalks Sheamus to a corner, Baron Corbin says something to Heavy Machinery, but Sheamus hotshots Big E! And then again! Big E staggers, Sheamus climbs up top and leaps for a flying clothesline! Sheamus clutches his ribs instead of covering, and Sheamus stands on Big E at the ropes! The ref counts, Sheamus stops at 4 but drags Big E up. Sheamus gives Big E some beats of the Bodhrain! And talking trash at the same time! Sheamus stops to let Big E flop down as the ref reprimands.
Sheamus drags Big E up to a headlock but Big E throws body shots. Big E runs but into Sheamus’ IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! The lights flicker again and that’s never a good sign. Is Retribution coming back for more? We’ll see after SmackDown returns from break!
SmackDown returns and Sheamus has Big E in a headlock. Big E fights up as the other superstars rally. Big E elbows free and OVERHEAD SUPLEXES Sheamus! And again! And then dodges for the side belly2belly! Big E has Sheamus where he wants him as he swivels those hips! Big E runs and hits the BIG SPLASH! Big E claps and watches Sheamus stand. Scoop but Sheamus slips out to boot! Sheamus runs but into a pop-up! Sheamus slips off to KNEE Big E down! Cover, TWO!! Sheamus grows frustrated and he drags Big E up to punch him down. And again! Sheamus punches but Big E counter punches! Big E hits back but Sheamus kicks low to fireman’s carry! Big E slips out, baits Sheamus in for the Urenage-E! Cover, TWO!!
The virtual crowd rallies while Corbin barks more orders. Sheamus is on the apron, Big E runs but into another KNEE! Sheamus drags Big E back up for more beats of the Bodhrain! Big E blocks and drags Sheamus up and over! Sheamus holds the ropes to avoid the slam, and then he dodges to POST Big E! Scoop for WHITE NOISE! Sheamus doesn’t cover, and Corbin sucker punches Matt Riddle! The Wolf King can’t let his grudge go even for one night, and he tells Chad Gable to do his part. Sheamus aims at Big E, but Riddle brawls back with Corbin! The other superstars try to stop that and this distracts Sheamus. Big E rolls Sheamus up, BIG E WINS!
Winner: Big E, by pinfall
What a sudden turn around! Heavy Machinery celebrates with Big E while Corbin is angry with Riddle and Gable and Sheamus is just upset. Will the Celtic Warrior want a rematch with Big E or another fight with Corbin?
SmackDown finds Jeff Hardy in the Trainer’s Room!?
The Charismatic Enigma is supposed to challenge AJ Styles for the Intercontinental Championship tonight, but his knee is hurt! Someone got him from behind and went after his leg. Hardy doesn’t want to cancel the main event, he just wants a brace or ice to help his leg. Will Hardy be able to make it to that match with the Phenomenal One tonight?
Lucha House Party heads for gorilla.
The returning Kalisto pumps up Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado with a pep talk, but they get blindsided by Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura! The Swiss Cyborg and King of Strong Style ask what’s the matter. Their match is up next, will the King of the Ropes and the Golden Lynx be able to get back at the champs by taking their belts?
SmackDown Tag Team Championships: Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura VS Lucha House Party!
As we just saw before the break, the Artist Collective felt the need to hit LHP first, still upset over the little prank they pulled last week. But will it the champions be even more upset after Dorado and Metalik score another upset victory?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and it’s time to get #LuchaLit!
The teams sort out and we begin with Metalik and Nakamura to continue where they left off. Metalik side steps Nakamura to huricanrana, but then he runs into a kitchen sink knee! Nakamura KICKS then CLUBS Metalik before bumping him off Cesaro’s boot. Tag to Cesaro, he runs to basement running elbow! Cover, TWO, but Cesaro wraps on a chinlock. Cesaro whips, Metalik tilt-o-whirls a couple times to headscissor Cesaro away! Cesaro flounders up to whip Metalik away from Dorado, but Metalik walks the ropes to springboard! The huricanrana is blocked to a SIT OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!
Cesaro is frustrated as he has to drag Metalik back up. The Miz and John Morrison are talking backstage as they watch this match. Morrison asks if Miz thinks Lucha House Party will “libre” those titles from Cesaro and Shinsuke. By the way, “libre” means “liberate” or “free” in Spanish. Miz knew that. Miz wants Morrison to take this more seriously. This is a high stakes match, and what they should talk about is the “daredevil luchas” making a “luncha” out of Shinsuke and the Swiss Cheese. Don’t say “luncha” too loud or Otis will wanna eatcha. But yes, seriously, Shinsuke Nakamura is silent but deadly. That’s why he is the Fartist Known as Shinsuke Nakamura! Good one! High five! “Miz ‘n’ Morrison! Hey hey! Ho ho!”
Meanwhile, in the match, Cesaro fireman’s carries Metalik, tags Nakamura, then drops Metalik onto the top rope. Nakamura hits the Top Shelf Knee! Cover, TWO! Nakamura cravats Metalik and grinds Metalik down to a snapmare. Cover, TWO! Tag to Cesaro and he scoop slams to then drop a leg on Metalik! Cover, TWO! Cesaro keeps on Metalik and tags Nakamura back in. They double whip Metalik, to double BOOT him down! Nakamura sucker punches Dorado and then tags Cesaro back in. They mug Metalik, Cesaro suplexes to hang Metalik out to dry! The ref reprimands but Cesaro hops up. Metalik CHOPS first, then climbs up the ropes. Cesaro hits back with European Uppercuts but Metalik hits back with haymakers!
Metalik brings Cesaro up, for a SUPER STEINER! Kalisto rallies Metalik with all he’s got! Cesaro and Metalik tag in Nakamura and Dorado! Dorado boots Nakamura, leaps and crossbodies! Dorado bounces off, dropkicks Cesaro, then dodges Nakamura to fire off fast hands! ENZIGURI! Dorado whips corner to corner, Nakamura reverses but Dorado goes up and over and handsprings away. Dorado ducks a kick to SUPERKICK! Dorado moonsaults off the bottom rope! Then the second rope MOONSAULT! And then the top rope, for another MOONSAULT! Cover, but Cesaro breaks it! Cesaro drags Dorado right up to a powerbomb but Dorado counters with a huricanrana! Metalik FLIES for a double-edged FLYING Rana!
Nakamura gives Dorado an INVERTED EXPLODER! Nakamura goes out to stomp away on Metalik for good measure before aiming at Dorado. “YAO~!” But Dorado counters the Kinshasa to a roll up, TWO! GOLDEN REWIND!! Nakamura staggers, Cesaro tags in, Cesaro slingshot sunset flips to SWING Dorado! But Dorado sits up to sunset flip through, ONE!! Dorado runs, into a pop-up but Dorado huricanranas through it! But Cesaro manages to sunset flip through that, covers, Cesaro and Nakamura win!!
Winners: Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura, by pinfall (still SmackDown Tag Team Champions)
That was fast and furious by the end of it, and in the end, Cesaro and Nakamura still come away with the championships! Kalisto is even more frustrated than Dorado as he asks, “Que es eso? Is that it?!” Dorado pushes Kalisto but Metalik hurries in to keep the peace. Dorado shoves Kalisto and dares him to get up, and Kalisto is definitely fired up. Metalik tries desperately to keep his friends from fighting any harder, but is the party almost over for Lucha House Party?
The trainer continues to work on Jeff Hardy’s leg.
Hardy still has time before the main event, but is it even possible to get his leg feeling alright?
The SmackDown crew spotted something during the Retribution melee.
Hardy wasn’t attacked by a member of the anarchist thugs, it was AJ STYLES!! Styles took the opportunity to stomp Hardy on the back of his leg as insurance for tonight! The Phenomenal One admires his handiwork but now Kayla Braxton comes by to ask about that. The footage clearly shows- Shows what? That Styles was showing some urgency going after Retribution. If Hardy was showing that same urgency, “he wouldn’t have been in the way.” But now it seems that “unfortunately,” Hardy can’t compete. That’s a shame, really. But it reminds Styles of Hardy’s career. Everyone Hardy has gone, he’s wasted his opportunities. Hardy said he was standing on his own two feet, but clearly not now. The Jeff Hardy Story in a Nutshell, by AJ Styles.
Styles heads out but bumps into two fellow champions in the Golden Role Models! The belts are all looking good. But almost as good as his. But they’ll still belt clink him. Sasha and Bayley are still feeling great with everything SummerSlam has in store, and they’re headed to gorilla.
Backstage interview with Mandy Rose.
Kayla just wants to know how she’s doing. Mandy isn’t sure. It’s been such a rough week, to say the least. SummerSlam is Sunday, and Mandy isn’t sure what’s going through Sonya Deville’s mind, just only how Mandy feels. And despite all the ugliness she’s seen, Mandy needs to believe there is still good in the world, because that is the world she wants to live in. So Mandy wants to speak directly to Sonya now.
“Sonya. We’ve been through a lot. And I don’t know if you know this, but so much of the good and beautiful, we’ve been through it together when we were best friends.” Today, Mandy chooses to believe that the Sonya she knows, the one she was inseparable with for the past five YEARS, is still in there. So while Mandy doesn’t know how Sonya is feeling right now, with this “vicious” Hair VS Hair match coming up, but the way Mandy feels is that they just put this all behind them and get back to where they were. Mandy chooses to see the good in Sonya. Will Sonya choose to do the same?
The Golden Role Models head to the ring!
Bayley and Sasha show off all their belts, and even have pyro for their entrance! Corey Graves is in the ring already as Bayley and Sasha grab mics for themselves. Graves welcomes #BayleyDosStraps and #TwoBeltzBanks to the show, and blatantly asks if they’re splitting up. Uh, no! Well alright then. Now, two days from SummerSlam, where Bayley and Sasha each defend their SmackDown and Raw Women’s Championships in separate matches against the same opponent, Asuka. Asuka could leave SummerSlam a dual champion in her own right, but Bayley says that won’t happen. That’s because there are only two women in all of WWE capable of being dual champions, and you’re looking at them!
So does that imply Asuka is incapable when she’s defeated each of them in the past? It took them both to stop Asuka the last time. Hold up, Corey Graves! “If that even is your real name.” Did you not hear them on Raw? They’re good enough and will destroy Asuka. Don’t stir the pot! He’s not, he’s just trying to understand the logic behind their moves. Logic? They’re the most logical duo in this company! Everything they do is for a reason. That’s why ding-dong, hello! They have ALL the belts! Graves did watch Raw, and points out Bayley phrased going first as the “heavy lifting.” Doesn’t that seem illogical? Asuka has Bayley’s number having beaten Bayley twice, and she also wants revenge for Kairi Sane.
Bayley says that what she said was a suggestion. Sasha is just as capable of beating Asuka first, if she wants to. Just a suggestion? Sasha is asking if Bayley is volunteering her again. Is there a disagreement here? No! No disagreement! They’re on the same page, there’s no one can beat them both in one night! Not even Asuka! There is not one woman in the WWE locker room that can touch them! But Naomi heads to the ring now! “Hello, ding-dongs~!” Naomi thinks she can help them handle this situation. How about Naomi faces both of them tonight! Sasha laughs at the idea that Naomi wants to face them both. But challenge accepted! Cool, so who wants it first?
Wait, what? What part of Naomi’s death wish settles SummerSlam’s issues? Graves says it could be a Beat the Clock Challenge. Just a suggestion. Naomi likes that idea, too. But again, which one of them wants to go first? Sasha and Bayley talk it over, but Naomi dropkicks them both! The Glow wants the Golden Role Models to step up, but who steps up first?
Beat the Clock Challenge: Naomi VS Sasha Banks w/ Bayley!
SmackDown returns and it’s The Boss who wants to #FeelTheGlow first! Will Sasha win fast to prove she doesn’t need Bayley to soften anyone up for her?
The bell rings and they circle. Sasha trips Naomi, rains down right hands then covers, ONE! Sasha drags Naomi up and talks trash but Naomi pushes her back. Naomi headlocks, uses the ropes to springboard sunset flip and matchbook cover, TWO! Sasha comes back but Naomi full nelsons for the Bubba Bomb! Body scissor cover, TWO! Another, TWO! Naomi rolls and rolls and rolls Sasha to another cover, TWO! Naomi lets Sasha go to SLAP her! Bayley protests and says not to disrespect her best friend. Naomi dodges Sasha and slides, to then handstand and huricanrana Sasha out hard! We’re past a minute as Sasha staggers up for Naomi’s PLANCHA!
Naomi glares at Bayley and Bayley says she isn’t doing anything. Naomi brings Sasha up, puts her in, then kicks at Bayley from the apron. Sasha grabs Naomi’s hair to drag her through the ropes! Sasha clubs away then kicks Naomi in the face! Sasha slingshots in for the STOCK DROP! Cover, TWO!! Sasha tries again, TWO! The timer hits two minutes while Sasha grows panicked. Sasha wraps Naomi up in a chinlock and grinds Naomi down. Naomi fights up, throws body shots but Sasha pushes her away. Naomi comes back with a running jawbreaker! Sasha is in the corner, Naomi runs in but Sasha puts her on the apron. Naomi ROUNDHOUSES back!
Sasha staggers, Naomi climbs and leaps, crossbody! But Sasha rolls through to take the cover! TWO and Naomi drags Sasha up for a suplex! Naomi hangs Sasha out to dry and kicks her back! Then springboards to ENZIGURI! Down goes Sasha and Naomi covers, TWO! We’re past 3 minutes now but that’s just fine to Bayley it seems. Naomi drags Sasha to a corner, climbs up but Sasha rolls Naomi, TWO! Sasha dodges and waistlocks but Naomi counters the O’Conner roll to a wheelbarrow lift! Sasha slips out to get the arm for a takedown, BANK STATEMENT! Naomi endures, Sasha cranks back, but Naomi taps!
Winner: Sasha Banks, by submission, at 3:39
Bayley gets in and KNEES Naomi down! She wants her match now, to even Sasha’s surprise. The ref checks on Naomi as Bayley grows further impatient. The crowd boos but Naomi says she’s okay to go. The bell rings and Bayley fires off!
Beat the Clock Challenge: Naomi VS Bayley w/ Sasha Banks!
Bayley stomps away then hammers away with fists! She clubs Naomi down, covers, TWO! Bayley rains down more fast hands then drags Naomi up. Snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Naomi clutches her back but Bayley stomps her down. Bayley kicks Naomi to a corner as we drop under 3 minutes. Bayley whips Naomi corner to corner hard, then brings Naomi up for a snapmare. Cover, TWO! Bayley runs to sliding lariat! Cover, TWO!! Bayley grows frustrated as she glares at the clock. Bayley pushes Naomi to ropes but Naomi fights back with body shots! Naomi brings Bayley to a corner for a bulldog!
Naomi kicks Bayley then runs corner to corner, only for Bayley to CLOBBER Naomi! Cover, TWO! Sasha clutches her title, and as we drop under 2 minutes, it’s hard to tell if she’s happy or upset right now. Bayley gets up, runs and goes to knee but Naomi deflects! REAR VIEW!! Naomi WINS!!
Winner: Naomi, by pinfall, 1:44 to spare
The Glow just beat the SmackDown Women’s Champion! Of course, that only matters if Bayley stays champion! Because now she MUST go first against Asuka at SummerSlam! Will Bayley’s “heavy lifting” cost her her title but insure Sasha keeps hers? And Sasha even sneaks in a smirk as she “comforts” Bayley. At least, until Asuka appears! Asuka laughs at the Golden Role Models and lets them know The Empress is here! Oh, Sasha, Bayley, what happened? At SummerSlam, Asuka will be the Empress of EVERY TITLE!! Because no one is ready for Asuka!! Sasha runs at Asuka but gets a ROUNDHOUSE for it! And then Asuka goes to SLIDING WIZARD Bayley!
Bayley gets to ropes but Asuka stomps her out of the ring! Bayley scrambles around, manages to grab the SmackDown Women’s Championship and her WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship belt, but totally abandons Sasha and her stuff! Will the Empress not only win both belts but break up the best friends once and for all?
Jeff Hardy has his leg brace.
He tests the leg and seems to do alright. But it’s really more about pain tolerance. Hardy says Styles is going to lose to a one-legged man in an ass kicking contest, and that one legged man will become Intercontinental Champion once again!
Backstage interview with Sonya Deville.
Kayla asks if Sonya has her response to Mandy’s message. Sonya does, but she won’t bother saying it here. What she has to say, she’ll say in front of the entire world. But Dana Brooke comes by to say that she feels awful about what happened to Sonya this week. If there’s anything Sonya needs- Sonya says it’s nothing she can’t handle. And then she SLAPS Dana?! Sonya says Dana was the disrespectful one!? Sonya heads off to gorilla, what will her response to Mandy be?
SmackDown returns as Sonya Deville heads to the ring.
She cuts the music short so she can speak. She heard what Mandy said, and she gets it. Mandy is second guessing her own challenge, which correct Sonya if she’s wrong, is exactly what Sonya knew she’d do. But what Sonya doesn’t get is, “What do you want, Mandy?” What is it that Mandy wants? Mandy is going to face Sonya one way or another! It WILL be them at SummerSlam!
But since clearly, Mandy is bothered by how Sonya cut her hair, and clearly everyone here knows Sonya doesn’t “give a damn” if she’s bald or not, why don’t they just up the ante?! They should raise the stakes! It will be Sonya and Mandy, NO DISQUALIFICATIONS, and LOSER LEAVES WWE!! Because what Sonya realized, hair or no hair, she’s just sick of looking at Mandy’s face. So wipe the tears “and bring your A-Game, bi*ch!” Sonya is not letting go of her fire, but will she be forced to let go of her WWE contract?
SmackDown presents The Firefly Fun House!
A video package recaps the developments between him, Braun and Alexa Bliss. The Fiend threatened the well-being of Alexa to provoke Braun, but Braun claims she doesn’t matter to him anymore. Alexa claims that is not the Braun she knows, because they’ve been friends for years. Bruan claims that’s not true. She treated him as a bearded clown. Everyone that comes in contact with The Fiend changes, and that includes her. Alexa tried literally slapping some sense into him, but he picked her up and THREW her! Is The Monster really no longer charmed by The Goddess?
Nikki Cross speaks.
“Me and Alexa have been friends for quite awhile now.” And when they spoke last Tuesday, she just seemed a little… Off. Nikki isn’t sure what it is, but Alexa is definitely different. She talks like Alexa, acts like Alexa, but the Alexa Nikki knows is warm, caring and funny. But the Alexa Nikki sees now is not that, and it scares Nikki. Because Nikki just has this feeling that “something terrible is about to happen.” Did Braun have it right when he said The Fiend changed Alexa?
WWE Intercontinental Championship: AJ Styles VS Jeff Hardy!
The Phenomenal One took a phenomenal cheap shot on his challenger earlier tonight in an attempt to avoid this dream match. But Hardy isn’t out of the running yet, and Daniel Bryan points out that Styles is only willing to face the best when they’re at their worst. So hopefully tonight inside the ThunderDome, Hardy gives us all a champion we deserve. Will that hope come true? We find out after SmackDown returns from break.
SmackDown returns as Hardy makes his entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this showdown of icons begins!
Hardy hobbles as he and Styles circle. They approach, Styles gets the leg but Hardy clubs and elbows him to ropes! The ref backs Hardy off but Hardy comes back to kick and whip Styles to ropes. He back drops Styles high and hard! Hardy brings Styles up to club him more but Styles powers Hardy into a corner. Styles runs but into boots! Hardy goes up but Styles clips the leg! Hardy tumbles down hard but Styles stomps the leg! Styles rips the pants leg open to show the knee brace! Styles stomps right on the brace, even as Hardy goes to a corner. Styles won’t let up as he drags Hardy up and whips. Hardy can’t even run to the other side! Hardy tumbles down and Styles laughs.
Styles says Hardy should’ve known better than to get in the ring. Styles stomps the leg and then stands on it! The ref counts as Hardy is in the corner, so Styles lets off. Hardy hits back but falls over again. Styles stomps the bad leg again but Hardy throws body shots. Styles rocks him with a right, then brings Hardy around, only for Hardy to jawbreaker! Styles leans on the ropes while Hardy gets away. Styles runs but is put on the apron, and takes a spill! Hardy swings but Styles blocks the dropkick to SLAM the bad leg on the apron edge! Hardy is down and in pain as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again as Styles goes after Hardy’s leg with a modified leg lock. Styles leans on the knee but Hardy turns around to kick him back! Hardy hobbles up, kicks with the good leg, but Styles blocks it. Hardy pivots to still mule kick Styles down! Styles walks into an atomic drop, then Hardy drops the leg splitting leg drop! And basement dropkick! Hardy splashes down, covers, TWO! Hardy keeps going as he reels Styles in. Hardy gets Styles up for a GOURD BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Both men are down, exhausted, but fans rally up. Hardy gets to ropes, waits for Styles to stand, then kicks low. No Twist of Fate, though as Styles slips out to PELE! Both men are down again and the ref starts a standing count.
Styles stirs first but Hardy follows. The standing count reaches 5 as Hardy hobbles and Styles staggers. Styles goes after Hardy but Hardy elbows him away! Hardy goes up but his bad leg gives out, no Whisper in the Wind! Hardy hits the mat hard, but somehow he’s okay to continue. Styles aims from the apron, springboards, but into a BIG body shot! Hardy saves himself and both men go to opposite corners. Hardy runs but Styles avoids the swinging dropkick. Styles gets the leg, rolls Hardy to the CALF CRUSHER!! Hardy endures, crawls, and gets the ropebreak! Styles lets go fast and stalks behind Hardy.
Styles grabs the leg, Hardy fights back with clubbing forearms and gets free, but Styles kicks the leg out! Styles reels Hardy in, lifts but Hardy kicks his legs. The knee brace smacks Styles in the face!! Hardy adds on with the TWIST OF FATE! Hardy hurries to the corner! He climbs up slowly but reaches the top rope, for the SWANTON BOMB!! Cover, Hardy wins!!
Winner: Jeff Hardy, by pinfall (NEW WWE Intercontinental Champion)
Styles’ attack on Hardy earlier comes back to haunt him! The knee brace gives Hardy the edge, and Kayla is in the ring to congratulate the new champion. After everything Hardy has been through, what does it mean for him to be champion once again? “If you’d told me a year ago that I’d be Intercontinental Champion again, I would think you were crazy.” Back then, he was in a dark place, and couldn’t find a way out. But life is always a challenge, and he stands here with a bad knee but with a lot of hope that things will get better. He couldn’t do this without the WWE Universe! He thanks us as the music plays him off, will Hardy be able to properly thank us by continuing to rise back up?
SmackDown checks in on the Firefly Fun House.
Huskis the Pig Boy wears a “Get These Hooves” shirt while Ramblin’ Rabbit cosplays as Alexa Bliss. A new episode premieres, after the break!
AJ Styles is FURIOUS!
He complains to Joseph Park about what happened. Kayla comes by to ask that maybe he was overconfident tonight. OVERCONFIDENT!? This is on Park and his PISS saying that Styles was mathematically guaranteed to beat Hardy tonight! Styles did until Hardy cheated with that knee brace! Look at the mark on Styles’ face! It’s actually not that big… This is the only reason Hardy is champion! “This is bullcrap!” Styles continues to berate Park over the numbers, but will Styles have no choice but to earn his way to a rematch?
Talking Smack returns!!
Available on even the FREE version of the WWE Network as of tomorrow morning, the hit post-show returns as hosted by Kayla and The Miz, with word from Big E, the Golden Role Models and the NEW Intercontinental Champion! Sign up now and be there for the historic “rebirth!”
SmackDown presents a new episode of Firefly Fun House!
The Wall of Braun is still standing as Bray says, “YOWIE WOWIE! What a night! I mean, WWE ThunderDome, am I right?” But y’know, come closer so he can tell you a secret. “I love you.” Aww~! Yay~! But don’t be fooled, Fireflies. Love can actually be a terrible thing. It’s just a way to trick someone into an emotional, physical or even financial burden. Love can bring an angel crashing down with broken wings. Too much love turns even a field of sunflowers into a “grotesque wasteland.” Hold on, Bray’s getting a call. He puts on the Hurt glove to answer the voices in his head. Someone wants him to something right now.
Okay, take Braun and Alexa for example! Let’s revisit our modern Shakespearean tragedy! Firefly Theater Presents: Braun & Alexa. As played by Huskis and Ramblin’ Rabbit. Dramatic music plays as Ramblin’ Lexi “demands answers” from Huskis Strowman. His answer is that she never cared about him, and now he has become the most evil Son of a Pig on the planet. That’s not the real him, dude! There’s something special between them, she can feel it! Really? Really! Aww~! But just as the two are about to go in for the big kiss scene, Bray shouts “CUT!” What the freakin’ hecc was this?! That’s not how it happened! Oh, sorry. Huskis is just a method actor and Ramblin’ got lost in the moment. Oh? Look at Bray. “Get lost.”
After the puppets disappear, Bray continues. Love leads to pain and suffering. The best you can do is be like “him.” “A being that is built on rage and fueled by anger.” And “he” cannot wait to get his hands on Braun. In fact… Bray smells something in the air. “What took you so long?” Braun attacks!! Braun drags Bray up to CLUB him down! And then again and again and again!! “I’m not finished with you!!” Braun drags Bray off stage, but where to?!
SmackDown returns and tries to keep up with the chaos!
Braun and Bray are apparently brawling somewhere in the Amway Center, and cameras finally find them! Bray hits back and rams Braun into a door! Braun clubs Bray back then ROCKS him with an uppercut! Braun knees low, clubs Bray again, then brings him up. “You think you can get in my head and manipulate me?! You’re wrong, Bray!” Braun has Bray by the throat near a loading dock, and CHOKE SLAMS HIM!! The referees shout for Braun to stop here and he storms off. Security find Bray and an ambulance has arrived already.
Bray isn’t moving as the medics get a stretcher for him. They finally get the stretcher over to Bray and carefully load Bray onto it. They strap Bray in and get him up into the ambulance. The doors close and the ambulance hurries out. Adam Pearce breathes a sigh of relief, but then the ambulance stops? Why?! It backs up!? What’s going on with this ambulance!? It stops, the lights inside turn red!! Everyone gathered sees the doors open, THE FIEND is there!! Bray transformed and “it’s him.” The Fiend laughs at his own pain. Will he be laughing at Braun’s pain this Sunday?
My Thoughts:
Another crazy episode for a go-home. First of all, the ThunderDome looks amazing but sounds kinda awkward. The piped in crowd noise is more obvious than when the WWE was in the Performance Center, but I suppose it beats not hearing the viewers on the LED screens, whatever it is they might’ve been saying. But again, my experience with awful 205 Live crowds in the past has helped me to tune most of that out. Except during that interview by Corey Graves with the Golden Role Models. That segment felt awkward, and tried to point out Bayley’s passive aggressive comment from Raw in a clumsy attempt to get the duo’s dysfunction up again.
The Beat the Clock Challenge of Sasha, Bayley and Naomi was good, but literally fast. Even with Bayley’s help, why did Sasha win so quickly? Naomi is a former champion, can’t she put up a fight that’s more than 5 minutes? Though I do like that Bayley lost hers to further drive the point home that she might be in the worst position against Asuka. Asuka shows up to get the better of the Role Models, and this part might’ve done the best to drive the dysfunction back up. Depending on how WWE writes it, they might actually make it win or lose at SummerSlam, Payback is where the two turn on each other because they lose the Women’s Tag Team Championships. Asuka becoming Raw Women’s Champion can have her and Shayna Baszler feud on the way to Survivor Series, Sasha and Bayley feud over the SmackDown title.
Vince and Retribution got their parts out of the way quickly. The Fiend stepping on Vince’s intro was a good touch, and Braun confronting Fiend was an obvious move. Retribution beating Braun down seemed a bit lame to me, he should’ve smashed at least five of them first. But I suppose it was a way to tie the other stories together, such as Styles getting that cheap shot on Hardy’s leg. I still like that Miz is always showing up late to these Retribution things. Is he the mastermind? Or is he just afraid of them? Starting to hope for the former, even though it wasn’t like him leading The Miztourage was that amazing of a story arc.
Big E and Sheamus have their match right from there made a lot of sense, and I do have to give some credit to Corbin being responsible for Sheamus’ loss. I still say we need a huge match of the top midcarders: Big E, Sheamus, Corbin, Riddle, and hell, throw Chad Gable in there so he can settle his part of the story with Riddle, Corbin and the King’s Ransom. We got great title matches tonight, but it just felt right for Cesaro and Nakamura to retain. LHP looks like it’s starting to crack, which makes a lot of sense to someone following them even on 205 Live. They’ve all been working so hard for years, Kalisto has been the only champion, but him getting upset with Dorado seems unfair. I can’t be sure how a break-up would go, either. Who would be Heel? Would it even work out for them?
I do appreciate that WWE lightly touched on the real life horror Mandy and Sonya went through, and I found it interesting that Sonya basically doubles down on how she’s been. Mandy did what I was hoping and asked they try to be friends again, Sonya wants a Loser Leaves match, but I can’t see either of them leaving the WWE. Now, a No Disqualifications match technically has count-outs. Will WWE use a double count-out draw to prevent either superstar from having to leave? Nikki Cross had a great promo to add her perspective to things, and I really wonder if the overall Braun-Bray-Bliss story reaches a point where Nikki will need to get involved in the ring.
Firefly Fun House was again hilarious in its own special way, and I like that Braun is the second person to infiltrate that strange other dimension just like Rollins did. The brawl was alright, and the editing of the choke slam was good. Definitely similar to how NXT just did Rhea Ripley powerbombing Mercedes Martinez to the outside. I really liked that Braun brought back “I’m not finished with you!” a la his days feuding with Roman Reigns. I was hoping he’d use it again when he went after the ambulance to also hearken back to those days. But instead, we get Bray transforming into The Fiend inside the ambulance so that… The Fiend can close the show, it seems. We all figured Bray “transformed” into The Fiend, but this drives it home for those just not paying attention. Not really sure what it does for the math, I still feel like SummerSlam’s Universal Championship match could go either way.
My Score: 8.3/10
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)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
The round robin’s second half begins!
A Block takes center stage to start Best of the Super Juniors’ sixth round! But who will break away and stand alone in the spotlight?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Nick Wayne & Daiki Nagai VS Taiji Ishimori & Gedo; Nick & Daiki win.
- 8 Man Tag: El Desperado, MAO, Shoma Kato & Masatora Yasuda VS YOH, Ryusuke Taguchi, Tiger Mask & Katsuya Murashima; Yoh, Taguchi, Tiger Mask & Murashima win.
- Titan & Yota Tsuji VS Robbie Eagles & Hartley Jackson; Titan & Tsuji win.
- Six Man Tag: Kevin Knight, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Toru Yano VS House of Torture; House of Torture wins, by disqualification.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Ninja Mack VS Hiromu Takahashi; Hiromu wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Kanemaru wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: KUSHIDA VS Clark Connors; Connors wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Francesco Akira VS Dragon Dia; Akira wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Master Wato VS Robbie X; Wato wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current A Block standings!
KUSHIDA: 3-2, 6 points
Dragon Dia: 3-2, 6 points
Robbie X: 3-2, 6 points
Kosei Fujita: 3-2, 6 points
Master Wato: 3-2, 6 points
Francesco Akira: 2-3, 4 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 2-3, 4 points
Clark Connors: 2-3, 4 points
Ninja Mack: 2-3, 4 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 2-3, 4 points
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Ninja Mack VS Hiromu Takahashi!
The American Ninja and the Ticking Timebomb are both in the 2-3 half of this block, so they’re both one step away from the bottom! But who will it be that breaks even at 3-3?
The bell rings, Mack offers a handshake, and the fans rally. Hiromu accepts, the fans cheer more, and the two circle. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but Mack pushes Hiromu back step by step. Hiromu digs his heels in so it is a deadlock once more. They break, the fans cheer, and Hiromu headlocks. Mack powers up and out but Hiromu runs him over! The fans cheer and things keep moving. Hiromu RANAS, but Mack handsprings and flips through! But then Hiromu snatches him into TRIANGLE D! Mack scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Hiromu lets off slowly. The two reset and Hiromu CHOPS Mack!
Hiromu whips Mack to ropes, but Mack grabs ropes to stop. Hiromu runs up, Mack dumps him out, kicks him low, and CLUBS away on Hiromu’s back. The fans fire up for “NINJA! NINJA!” Mack handsprings, NINJA- NO, Hiromu elbows Mack in the back! Hiromu hurries in and stands Mack up. Hiromu CHOPS Mack, has him in the corner, then CHOPS again! Mack CHOPS but Hiromu CHOPS, and then Hiromu whips corner to corner. Hiromu runs up, LARIATS, then snapmares to basement DROPKICK! Cover, ONE!!
Mack is tougher than that and the fans cheer. But Hiromu clamps on with a CAMEL CLUTCH! Mack endures, the fans rally, and Mack gets an arm free. Mack crawls but Hiromu pulls him back in! The fans rally harder as Mack still endures, and he gets free of the grip! ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Hiromu backs away. Mack crawls but Hiromu is right on him. Hiromu CHOPS, but Mack CHOPS back! Hiromu CHOPS back, Mack CHOPS again! Hiromu CHOPS, whips, but Mack reverses! Hiromu RANAS again, but Mack flips through again! Hiromu runs up to TRIANGLE D again!! Mack scrambles for the ROPEBREAK again!
The fans cheer and Hiromu is dead set on a technical win here. Hiromu eggs on Mack and Mack rises. Hiromu brings Mack around by his mask, but Mack fires body shots! Mack whips, Hiromu blocks, but Mack tries again. Hiromu fires forearms in return, then whips, but Mack reverses to TOSS Hiromu out! NINJA SPE- NO, Hiromu slides in and goes to the other side! But Mack just reverses course to NINJA SPECIAL!! The fans fire up as Mack once again pulls off something never before seen! Mack catches his breath and the fans cheer on “NINJA! NINJA!” Mack puts Hiromu in, Hiromu wants him to hold on, but Mack grabs the legs! BOSTON CRAB!
Hiromu scrambles as Mack holds on, ROPEBREAK! Mack lets go, but then he drags Hiromu back! Hiromu fights and THROWS Mack, but Mack cartwheels through to hold on! BOSTON CRAB! Hiromu endures again and reaches out! Hiromu powers up, crawls forward, and manages the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Mack lets go this time. Mack stalks Hiromu, waistlocks, and GERMAN- NO, Hiromu fights with elbows. Mack UPPERCUTS, ducks the superkick, then HADOUKEN! Mack runs, Hiromu ELBOWS him, but Mack follows to ELBOW! Mack runs again, but Hiromu stops the whip to SUPERKICK! Mack SUPERKICKS!
Hiromu returns but Mack SUPERKICKS! Mack fakes the run, SUPERKICKS again, then he reels Hiromu in, NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Hiromu survives. Mack drags Hiromu up in the waistlock again, and he GERMAN SUPLEXES! Mack holds on but Hiromu switches to GERMAN SUPLEX! Hiromu holds on and drags Mack up, but Mack fights the lift to slip under! Mack waistlocks and GERMAN SUPLEXES again! Hiromu switches again to again GERMAN, but Mack lands out! Mack waistlocks, NIN-GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives and the fans fire up!
A standing count starts while both men are down. The fans rally as Mack and Hiromu stir at 4 of 10. They crawl to each other at 6, and stand at 8! Mack pushes Hiromu down to CHOP, and then he goes to the corner. But Hiromu anchors Mack’s leg! Mack kicks Hiromu away, then goes up! The fans cheer, but Hiromu CLUBS Mack! Hiromu climbs, CLUBS Mack more, then lifts him into a fireman’s carry! But Mack fights to SUNSET FLIP RUNNING POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives and the fans fire up! Mack kips up, fires up, and he hurries back for the corner! The fans rally as Mack focuses, and jumps right up! NINJA BOMB into TRIANGLE D!!!
Mack is caught, he flails but can’t get anywhere! Mack TAPS, Hiromu wins!
Winner: Hiromu Takahashi, by submission (gains 2 points; Mack earns 0)
The Timebomb shows he isn’t just explosive, he can be strategic and surgical! Will this new dimension to his style help Hiromu once again be the Best of the Super Juniors? Can Mack still make it to the top even though he’s at the bottom?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru!
The Japanese Young Punk has stumbled a bit, but he is still near the front of the pack. Will the Heel Master change all that with the same old tricks up his sleeve? Or will we see even now, that The Mighty Don’t Kneel?
Fujita climbs onto the corner as part of his introduction, and Kanemaru attacks! The fans boo as he shoves Fujita to the apron. The bell rings, Kanemaru runs up but Fujita RAMS him! And GAMANGIRIS! Fujita springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans fire up and Fujita waistlocks! Fujita deadlifts and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO! The fans cheer while Kanemaru bails out. Fujita finally takes his shirt off, and he lets the ring count climb. Kanemaru sits up at 6 of 20, rises up at 10, but is still down at 15! Kanemaru rolls in at 18, but then rolls right back out. Kanemaru takes a walk around the outside and the count starts again.
Fujita slides out, but Kanemaru kicks low! Kanemaru suckered Fujita in, but Fujita still CHOPS! Fujita stalks Kanemaru, but then Kanemaru blocks a chop to SLAM the hand into the POST! Fujita clutches that hand, but Kanemaru wrenches the arm and WRINGS it into the floor! Kanemaru then hammerlocks Fujita’s bad arm for a scoop and SLAM to the floor! Kanemaru leaves Fujita behind while the ref checks him. The count starts again while Fujita clutches that arm. Fujita is still down at 10 of 20, uses the commentary desk to help stand at 14, and he hobbles in at 15! The fans cheer but Kanemaru is right back on the arm.
Kanemaru YANKS the arm again and again, then clamps on with an armlock. Kanemaru wrenches, cording holds, but Fujita scoops and SLAMS, only for Kanemaru to drag him down! The fans rally while Fujita endures the grind! Fujita fights up but Kanemaru YANKS the arm! Fujita ROCKS Kanemaru again and again! Fujita runs, but Kanemaru wrangles him right back down! Kanemaru wrenches the arm to an ELBOW BREAKER, then WRINGS the arm out again! The fans rally for Fujita but Kanemaru drops a knee on the arm! And another, and another! Kanemaru has the top wristlock but Fujita endures!
Fujita fights around, reaches out, and kicks his way to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer but Kanemaru holds on. The ref counts and Kanemaru lets go at 4. Kanemaru stomps Fujita, then stalks him to the ropes. Kanemaru brings Fujita up, but Fujita fires forearms! The fans rally but Kanemaru KICKS the bad arm! And KICKS it again! Kanemaru hammerlocks and scoops for another SLAM! The fans rally but Kanemaru covers, TWO! Fujita toughs it out and the fans applaud. Kanemaru drags Fujita up, CLUBS him on the bad shoulder, then taunts Fujita while kicking him. Fujita fires forearms, but Kanemaru CLAWS the eyes!
The ref reprimands but Kanemaru reels Fujita in. Fujita fights the suplex, Kanemaru still tries, but it is Fujita who lifts! The bad arm won’t let him follow through and Kanemaru kicks! Kanemaru whips but Fujita reverses to LEG LARIAT! Both men are down and the fans rally up! Fujita goes to a corner, Kanemaru to the other. Fujita runs up and CHOPS! Fujita whips corner to corner, runs in, but Kanemaru puts him on the apron. Fujita ROCKS Kanemaru, then springboards, but Kanemaru uses the ref as a shield! Fujita stops from dropkicking the ref, then pushes the ref aside. Kanemaru tilt-o-whirls, and DDTS!
The fans fire up while both men are down! Kanemaru crawls to a corner and watches Fujita rise. Kanemaru runs up, but Fujita drop toeholds! DEATHLOCK, and Fujita wants arms! Kanemaru crawls, reaches out, but Fujita grabs that arm! And the other! Fujita pulls Kanemaru back into the SURFBOARD! Kanemaru endures, Fujita reaches further up, NEMOS SPECIAL!! But Kanemaru bends Fujita’s fingers back to break the facelock! The ref reprimands but both men let the other go! The fans rally as Fujita rises up, and he goes back for Kanemaru to waistlock! Deadlift, but Kanemaru fights free! Kanemaru kicks, runs, but into the waistlock!
Fujita pops Kanemaru around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Kanemaru survives, Fujita roars, and the fans fire up! Fujita drags Kanemaru up and brings him around for a suplex. ABANDON- NO, Kanemaru cradles! TWO, and Kanemaru victory rolls Fujita! TWO, and Fujita HEEL KICKS Kanemaru down! The fans fire up again as Fujita brings Kanemaru up, but here comes Sanada! Cold Blooded has his guitar but the ref stops him! That lets SHO sneak in and LOW BLOW Fujita!! The fans boo, and Yujiro Takahashi even shows up! PIMP CANE ATTACK!! Down goes Fujita and now Sanada leaves the ref alone.
The fans tell the House to go home, but Kanemaru suplexes! TOUCH OUT BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, Kanemaru wins!
Winner: Yoshinobu Kanemaru, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Fujita earns 0)
Same old tricks indeed! The House of Torture helps the Heel Master steal this one away, will the deck just keep being stacked? Can Fujita rise back up and still make the finals?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: KUSHIDA VS Clark Connors!
The Time Splitter had a rough start but he’s turned it around to be one of the frontrunners in this race. Meanwhile, War Dog Racing has dropped back, but he isn’t done yet! Could Connors be the lucky dog that makes up his lost lap? Or will Kushida hit that 88 miles per hour Back to the Future?
The bell rings and the fans rally up. The two circle, feel things out, and Connors backs up to the corner. Kushida backs off, the two reset, and they circle again. They tie up, and Kushida manages to power Connors to a corner. The ref counts, Kushida lets off slowly, and then backs away. The fans cheer the sportsmanship while the two reset. They tie up again and Kushida trips Connors to have the legs! Kushida SLAPS and CLUBS Connors into giving up the arms, for the SEATED SURFBOARD! Connors endures, so Kushida stands and turns him over into the motorcycle stretch! Connors fights to the ROPEBREAK!
The fans cheer and Kushida lets go. The two reset, and then Connors KNEES low! Connors CLUBS away on Kushida, then has him on the ropes. Connors KICKS the ropes to jam Kushida up, then Connors CLAWS at the eyes! The ref reprimands, Connors stops, and Kushida writhes. Connors drags Kushida up to CHOP, then he whips. Kushida reverses, hip tosses, and handsprings to basement DROPKICK! The fans cheer, and Kushida scoops to SLAM! Connors writhes, his back still hurting from facing Hiromu. Kushida runs corner to corner, slides and trips Connors, then YANKS him into the post! Now Connors’ wild rhino will be hurting!
The ref reprimands as Kushida pulls on Connors’ legs. Kushida lets go, then stalks Connors on the outside. Kushida CLUBS Connors’ back, then brings him to a corner. Connors and Kushida tug-o-war, and Connors YANKS Kushida into the POST! Connors huffs ‘n’ puffs and drags Kushida up. Connors snap suplexes Kushida to the floor! Rather double-edged for Connors and his bad back, but he just powers through. The ring count starts, Kushida crawls away, but Connors looks under the ring. Connors brings out Wheel-san! But Connors is wary of his little friend after what happened last time. The count is 10 of 20 but Connors refreshes it.
Connors runs up on Kushida, but Kushida FLATLINERS him onto a chair! Kushida goes for Wheel-san! The fans rally as Kuhida picks it up, but both ref and Connors tell him not to do it! Connors runs away as Kushida CHUCKS Wheel-san! Then Connors comes back to JEEP FLIPPER! Kushida hits the apron and the fans fire up! Connors looks to Wheel-san and decides he can trust the tire again. Connors brings Wheel-san around and JAMS Kushida up! And then he goes wild hitting the Young Lions with Wheel-san! Connors shouts, “WHEEL-SAN!” and the fans fire up. Connors then uses a Young Lion as a brake so he can stand Wheel-san up.
Connors drags Kushida over and pushes him down onto Wheel-san for a backbreaker rack! The fans cheer but the ref reprimands, and Connors lets go of Kushida. The ring count starts and Connors drags Kushida up at 5 to put in at 6. The fans applaud while Kushida crawls. Connors storms up, CLUBS Kushida on the back, and then has him against the ropes. Connors CLUBS Kushida again, but Kushida fires body shots. Kushida KNEES low, runs, but Connors SNAP POWERSLAMS! The fans cheer while Connors has a wild look in his eyes. Connors goes to the corner, the fans bark, and Connors runs in. Kushida sunset flips the spear! TWO!!
Kushida stands, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but then Connors ducks ‘n ‘dodges! DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Kushida and Connors rise, and Kushida KICKS away on Connors’ back! Kushida whips, Connors reverses, but Kushida handsprings to BACK ELBOW! Kushida hurries back up, runs in at the corner, and he SHOTEIS! Connors sputters but Kushida puts him up top. Kushida climbs and SUPER STEINERS! But Connors sunset flips through! TWO!! Kushida escapes, hurries to get a leg, ANKLE LOCK! Connors breaks free, goes to the corner, but Kushida returns, only for Connors to BOOT him!
Connors runs, Kushida drops down, HIP TOSS into the ARMBAR! Connors clasps hands, Kushida pries the grip free, and he has the ARMBAR!! Connors flails, fights around, but Kushida reels him into a TRIANGLE HOLD! The fans fire up as Connors endures and fights around! Kushida throws elbows and Connors fades! The ref checks, and Connors gets his second wind! Kushida squeezes as tight as he can, but Connors deadlifts, only for the bad back to give up! Kushida has the ARMBAR, then the DISARMER!! Connors reaches back, ROPEBREAK with a foot! Kushida lets go in frustration while the fans cheer.
Connors sputters against the ropes but Kushida goes to the apron. Kushida climbs, leaps, and KNEES Connors’ arm! Connors hobbles, Kushida runs up, but Connors avoids the Hoverboard! Connors fires body shots, but Kushida KICKS! And KICKS! And then somersaults, into a SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!! Kushida survives and the fans fire up, but Connors puts one out! NO CHASER!! Cover, Connors wins!!
Winner: Clark Connors, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kushida earns 0)
War Dog Racing comes through in the clutch! Will Connors still manage to make A Block 100 Proof? Can Kushida still reach the finish line after taking this hit?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Francesco Akira w/ Great-O-Khan VS Dragon Dia!
The Crown of Fire isn’t feeling so hot after losing to Master Wato, but neither is the Infinite Carat Diamond after being hit with a Hoverboard. Who reignites and shines bright here in round six?
The bell rings and Akira SHOTGUNS Dia down! The fans fire up as Akira stomps a mudhole into Dia, then stands him up. Akira CHOPS, fires up, and the fans are with him! Akira whips corner to corner, runs up, but Dia BOOTS him away! Dia runs, slides, and tilt-o-whirl RANAS! Then DROPKICKS! The fans fire up, Akira bails out, and Dia PLANCHAS! Dia stomps away on Akira now and the fans cheer! Dia CLUBS Akira, but Akira ROCKS Dia! Dia CHOPS Akira, but Akira CHOPS back! Dia felt that one! Akira eggs Dia on and the CHOPS keep going! Red Shoes reprimands but the CHOPS just keep going!
Dia whips Akira at the ring, but Akira Tiger Feint Kicks in return! Akira has fans clear out and he brings Dia up. The fans rally for “A! KI-RA!” as he BOWLS Dia into chairs! STRIKE! Akira drags Dia up from the chairs, brings him back to ringside, and pushes him into the ring. Cover, but Red Shoes is not one for shenanigans. Akira is annoyed but he clamps onto Dia with a chinlock. Dia endures, even as Akira wraps his arm up and grabs the other. Akira makes Dia into a RECLINER! Dia endures and the fans rally! Akira sits up but Dia has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Akira lets off. Khan coaches Akira and he drags Dia up.
Akira eggs Dia on, and Dia chops! Akira eggs Dia on, and now Dia CHOPS! And CHOPS! Akira CHOPS back! Akira then scoops, SLAMS, and covers, TWO! Akira STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! The fans rally and Akira stays cool as Dia crawls. Akira kicks Dia, eggs him on, kicks him more, and Dia rises. Dia CHOPS, Akira fires up with that, and he tells Dia to bring it! Dia CHOPS, and CHOPS, but Akira CHOPS Dia down! The fans cheer while Akira paces. Akira stands Dia up, whips him to a corner, then runs in, only for Dia to BOOT and RANA! The fans rally while both men are down! Dia growls as he rises while Akira goes to a corner.
Dia storms up, CHOPS Akira, and CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Dia whips corner to corner, runs in, but Akira puts him on the apron. Dia trips Akira up, then slingshots for the TORNILLO SENTON! The fans rally up and Dia dials it up, but Akira ducks the 619! But Dia SOBATS, LEG SWEEPS, and STANDING MOONSAULT FLOPS as Akira moves! Akira STANDING MOONSAULT FLOPS, and then Dia LIONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up with Dia and he goes to the corner. Dia climbs and watches Akira rise. Akira ROCKS Dia first! Akira climbs up, clinches, but Dia fires shots! They fight for control, and Dia CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS!
Akira hops down, Dia BOOTS him away, then D D- NO, Akira dodges the 4D! Dia mule kicks, runs, and REPTILI- NO, Akira catches Dia! Dia fights through Speedfire to ENZI- NO, Akira ducks, runs, but into the ENZIGIRI! Akira rebounds to LARIAT! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Red Shoes checks and both men stir. Khan coaches Akira and the fans join in, “A! KI-RA!” Akira drags Dia over, facelocks, and SPEED- NO, Dia fights the spin attack by hooking a leg! Akira KNEES him low, KNEES again, but then Dia sidesteps to roll-up! TWO, and into the ghost pin! TWO, and LA MAGISTROL stuffed! TWO!!
Dia SOBATS Akira in the face! Akira sputters, Dia roars, and the fans fire up! Dia climbs the corner again, takes aim, and D D D D- SUPERKICK!! Akira stops the 4D again, and he crawls away to a corner. The fans rally again, and Akira takes aim. Akira runs corner to corner to LARIAT! Then he brings Dia around, SPEED- NO, Dia slips free, REPTILI- NO, Akira slips free, SPEEDFIRE!! Cover, TWO!! Dia survives and Akira is in disbelief! Akira falls back to the corner, the fans rally up again, and Akira runs in! NOVA- NO, Dia PELES first! And then he runs up, slips around, CRUCIFIX DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!!
Dia roars, runs, REPTILIAN, but Akira pops him off! Akira wants the Ground Tarantula! Akira drags Dia down into the twisted hold, and DIA TAPS! AKIRA WINS!!
Winner: Francesco Akira, by submission (gains 2 points; Dia earns 0)
The Infinite Carat Diamond could not withstand the pressure, and the Crown of Fire even tells Nick Wayne on English commentary to watch himself. Will Akira conquer the whole A Block for the United Empire? Can Dia still shine in the light?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Master Wato VS Robbie X!
The Way of the Grandmaster and Mr. X are both on the rise, but now they’re in each other’s way. Will Wato remind us why he was the 2023 Best of the Super Juniors? Or will there be no avoiding the X Express?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. Robbie gets the fans to bark for the War Dogs, but there are plenty of “WATO! WATO!” chants. Wato and Robbie approach, back away, then feel things out. They tie up collar ‘n’ elbow, go back and forth, then Wato puts Robbie on the ropes. Red Shoes calls the break but Robbie turns things around first. Robbie then pushes Wato and taunts him as “Master D*ckhead.” The two reset, tie up again, and they’re in a deadlock. Wato headlocks, Robbie pulls hair then powers out, but Wato RUNS him over! Robbie kips up smooth, and then CHOPS! And ROCKS, and CHOPS!
Robbie fires more forearms, then winds up, but Wato ducks the haymaker to SOBAT! Wato runs, Robbie drops down and hurdles, but Wato RANAS! Robbie flounders to a corner and the fans fire up. Wato runs in, Robbie dodges, but then Wato BOOTS Robbie! Wato BULLDOGS Robbie and the fans fire up again! Robbie checks his nose but Wato rolls him into the VENDEVAL! Robbie scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Red Shoes calls the break, Wato lets go, but then Wato stomps Robbie! Wato brings Robbie up, CHOPS him to the corner, but Robbie eggs him on. Wato CHOPS, Robbie fires a forearm, repeat! Wato CHOPS then stomps Robbie down!
Wato whips Robbie corner to corner, runs in again, but Robbie puts him on the apron. Wato blocks a shot to ROCK Robbie, then he springboards, only for Robbie to trip him up! Robbie has Wato dangling on the ropes, and he KICKS Wato to the floor! The fans rally and Robbie goes out after Wato. Robbie tells fans to clear out, and he brings Wato up. Robbie whips and BOWLS Wato into chairs! STRIKE! The fans applaud and Robbie goes to fetch Wato. Robbie drags Wato up, and he tells more fans to move! Robbie brings Wato up, Wato fights back, but Robbie still runs and whips Wato into more chairs! STRIKE!
The fans cheer, Red Shoes reprimands, but Robbie fetches Wato again. Robbie fishhooks Wato, then drags him up. The ring count starts but Robbie SMACKS Wato! Robbie refreshes the count, then he SMACKS Wato off the apron! And now he wants the fans to again clear out? Robbie uses the aisle to run and DRIVEBY DROPKICK Wato! Wato falls and the fans applaud Robbie as he stands on the apron. The ring count starts again but Robbie drags Wato up at 7 of 20. Robbie puts Wato in at 10, the fans applaud as Robbie then stalling slingshot SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Wato survives the #SilverBullet and the fans rally up again.
Robbie winds the jack in the box to flip off fans, but Wato fires body shots. Robbie grabs Wato’s arm, steps over, and he BITES the fingers! Red Shoes reprimands, Robbie stops at 4, and Wato clutches his hand. Robbie argues with Red Shoes, then he stands on Wato’s fingers! Red Shoes reprimands, but Robbie STOMPS Wato’s hands! The fans are torn but Red Shoes reprimands more. Robbie covers, TWO! Wato stays in this, but Robbie KICKS him in the back. Robbie kicks Wato around, CHOPS him again, and Wato falls! Robbie talks trash that Wato is nothing! Robbie runs, but Wato scoops and BACKBREAKERS! The fans fire up while both men are down!
Wato clutches his hand, Robbie writhes, and the fans rally up. Robbie goes to the corner, runs up, but Wato DECKS him! And ELBOWS him! Wato whips to CALF KICK! The fans cheer and Robbie bails out, so Wato builds speed! Wato FLIES, and down goes Robbie! The fans fire up and Wato roars! Wato goes back to Robbie, stands him up and puts him in the ring. Wato aims, springboards, and FLYING UPPERCUTS! Cover, TWO! The fans rally as Wato brings Robbie up and wrenches. Wato hooks Robbie up but Robbie fights Recientemente! Robbie fireman’s carry, but Wato sunset flips it, into VENDEVAL!!
Robbie endures, even as Wato thrashes around! Robbie rocks the boat, fights his way around, and he refuses to give up! ROPEBREAK!! Wato lets go while the fans applaud. Robbie clutches his arm, but Wato fires up again! The fans cheer and Wato brings Robbie around. Wato whips but Robbie blocks by grabbing ropes! Wato ROCKS Robbie, whips, but Robbie reverses to SOBAT! Wato drops back to a corner, Robbie runs in, but Wato BOOTS! Robbie turns around to LARIAT! Robbie puts Wato’s leg in the ropes to KICK it, then he SPIN KICKS Wato! Robbie snapmares and STANDING SHOOTING STARS! Cover, TWO! Wato survives and the fans fire up!
Robbie huffs ‘n’ puffs and shakes out his arms. Robbie hobbles his way over, drags Wato back up, and reels him in. Wato fights the lift, Robbie stomps him down! Robbie stomps Wato again, then drags Wato up. Wato still fights the lift, wrenches out, but Robbie dodges to handspring! But Wato catches Robbie! Robbie ELBOWS free, ROCKS Wato, but runs into a BOOT! Wato avoids the Pele, to then tilt-o-whirl and clinch, RECIENTEMENTE!! Cover, TWO!! Robbie survives and the fans fire up while both men are down! Robbie rolls away to the apron but Wato joins him. Wato drags Robbie up, but Robbie fires a forearm!
Wato fires a forearm back, but Robbie fires another! They brawl on the edge, and they are both running on fumes! The forearms keep going, the fans rally up, and Wato gets the edge! Robbie flips Wato off, but Wato KICKS him in the chest! Robbie flops into the ring, but then slingshots to APRON CUTTER!! Both men flop down, but Wato falls to the floor while Robbie rolls into the ring! The fans rally and the count starts. But then Robbie goes up, up, and ESCALARA! Down goes Wato and the fans fire up! Robbie hobbles back up, rolls into the ring, and he wants the ring count! Red Shoes starts the count while Wato writhes.
Wato is still down at 5 of 20, then at 10. Robbie wants it to go faster, but Wato stirs at 12. Wato slowly rises, but we hit 15! Wato stands at 17! Wato springs in at 19! Robbie springboards to COAST2COAST!! And then a lift for the SITOUT POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!!! Wato survives and Robbie can’t believe it! The fans fire up but Robbie drags Wato around. Wato is in the drop zone and Robbie goes up! The fans rally as Robbie vows to end this! X EXPRESS onto knees!! Wato saves himself, and he fires back up! The fans rally and Wato brings Robbie in, TSUT- NO, Robbie victory rolls, only for Wato to roll it back! TWO!!
Both men hurry back up, exhausted as they are, and Wato spins, but into Robbie’s SUPERKICK! Robbie handsprings, but into the roll-up! TWO!! Robbie is up, he ducks a roundhouse to PELE! Wato stays up, but Robbie adds his SPIN KICK!! Handspring, but Wato waistlocks! TSUTENKAKU!! Bridging cover, TWO!?!? Robbie survives and the fans are thunderous! Wato roars, he vows to end this! Wato drags Robbie up and the fans are behind him! Wrench and clinch, RECIENTEMENTE SECOND!!! Cover, WATO WINS!!
Winner: Master Wato, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Robbie earns 0)
Robbie put Wato to the test, and in the end, Wato solved for X! With Robbie and Connors both at 3-3, will the War Dogs fail to take the block?
As for Wato, he now leads the block! After he has the belt and the mic, he says, “Hold on a moment. Wato a second. Stay until the end here.” Wato wants to make sure Robbie and the fans don’t just exit. Wato thanks them for staying, and he thanks the fans for coming today. Wato says, “I’d like to make this declaration now.” Oh? “I couldn’t go back to back last year, but after one year off, I’ll win this year.” The fans applaud that! Wato says that along with the tag titles, there is one other thing he needs. The fans have an idea what that is, but Wato says, “The IWGP Junior Heavyweight title that El Desperado has. I will win this tournament and use that as my chance and come for you.”
The fans applaud Wato wanting after his old rival and teammate, and Wato says with the singles title wrapped around his waist, he will return here, sell out this place, and sell out every building on his way to the Tokyo Dome. He wants to see the best sights possible! The fans applaud, and Wato says, “It is us, the Junior Heavyweights, that will make NJPW the best it’s ever been, and I will be the man at the center.” And while it has been awhile, he will close with his signature. In English, “I will be the Grandmaster!” The fans applaud, are we about to see Wato prove he is truly the Best of the Super Juniors?
Here are the NEW A Block standings!
Master Wato: 4-2, 8 points
Robbie X: 3-3, 6 points
Francesco Akira: 3-3, 6 points
Dragon Dia: 3-3, 6 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 3-3, 6 points
Kosei Fujita: 3-3, 6 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 3-3, 6 points
Clark Connors: 3-3, 6 points
KUSHIDA: 3-3, 6 points
Ninja Mack: 2-4, 4 points
My Thoughts:
A great night for NJPW, and I am very grateful they’re downsizing round 6 so that it is only one block. Ten matches on one card was a lot to get done. Hiromu winning by submission was a bit surprising, but I appreciate it. I once said for Kazuchika Okada adding Money Clip to his moveset, that can help with career longevity. No need to do the high impact moves all the time, the holds are ironically less wear ‘n’ tear on the body. And in the end, the block is looking pretty wild. Mack is the only 2-4, Wato is 4-2, and everyone else is 3-3 so there are still a lot of possibilities for semifinalists. Great win for Wato over Robbie, and it would be something if the 2023 and 2024 BOSJ winners met to see who becomes the 2025 winner.
My Score: 8.9/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Joe Hendry, live in concert!
With NXT Battleground this Sunday, Joe Hendry and Trick Williams warm up for the match by flexing their musical muscles! But who will the fans love more?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- NXT North American Championship #1 Contender’s Triple Threat: Je’Von Evans VS Sean Legacy VS Ashante THEE Adonis; Legacy wins and will challenge for the title.
- Josh Briggs VS Shawn Spears w/ The Culling; Spears wins.
- OTM VS Kale Dixon & Uriah Connors w/ Andre Chase; OTM wins.
- Lola Vice VS Fallon Henley w/ Jacy Jayne; Lola wins.
- NXT Women’s North American Championship Eliminator: Kelani Jordan VS ZARIA w/ Sol Ruca; Kelani wins and will challenge Sol Ruca for the title at Battleground.
PLAY BY PLAY
Ricky Saints arrives.
The North American Champion goes right from backstage to gorilla and then on stage! The fans cheer as The Absolute goes to ringside, because he is going to join commentary for the match he had a hand in making.
NXT North American Championship #1 Contender’s Triple Threat: Je’Von Evans VS Sean Legacy VS Ashante THEE Adonis!
The Young OG respects #SuperSean, and was willing to accept the challenge from the Evolve star. However, the Pickup Artist feels NXT stars shouldn’t have to even acknowledge WWE ID, and got into it with Je’Von. Ricky wanted to see how it’d go down, Ava Raine clearly agreed, but who makes the biggest splash this close to Battleground?
Adonis takes off his coat, either chinchilla or mink if you ask Booker T, and he throws it at Je’Von! The bell rings and Adonis fires hands on Sean! The fans boo but Je’Von storms up, only for Adonis to throw hands on him! Adonis stomps away in the corner, then whips Je’Von. Je’Von reverses, Sean TOSSES Adonis out, and then he TOSSES Je’Von! Je’Von lands safe, slingshots in and springboards for a BOUNCY~ roll-up! Cover, TWO! Sean is up, he rolls Je’Von, TWO! Je’Von waistlocks, Adonis is back, but Sean BACKDROPS him away! Je’Von O’Conner Rolls Sean, TWO, and Je’Von goes up! Je’Von flies but into a backslide, ONE!
Sean headlocks, Je’Von powers out, then things speed up. Adonis is back but Je’Von SMACKS him off the apron! The fans fire up, Sean dodges and dropkicks the legs! Then he DOUBLE STOMPS! Then he DROPKICKS! Je’Von bails out, the fans fire up with “LE-GA-CY!” and he runs, only for Adonis to LARIAT! Adonis rains down fists, the fans boo but Adonis throws knees and more shots. Adonis then DECKS Je’Von off the apron! Adonis goes up, up, and SUPER TORNILLOS onto Je’Von! Adonis runs in, ducks ‘n’ dodges then tilt-o-whirls to RANA! Then he AIR DROPS! Je’Von is back, BOUNCY~ RANA! Then a DROPKICK for Sean!
The fans fire up as Je’Von builds speed, but Adonis gets in! Je’Von ROCKS Adonis, then runs and slides! Je’Von trips Adonis, goes to the apron and he BOOTS him! Sean runs up, Je’Von jumps over and comes back, to DIVE! Direct hit on Adonis and Sean and the fans are thunderous! Even Ricky’s jaw drops seeing that one! Je’Von hops onto the barrier and dances while NXT goes picture in picture.
Je’Von goes back to fetch Adonis, and he CHOPS him! Adonis goes into the ring, Je’Von goes back for Sean. Je’Von CHOPS Sean, then goes into the ring for Adonis. Adonis FLAPJACKS Je’Von onto the ropes! Je’Von sputters but Adonis rains down fists! Sean rolls in while Adonis stomps and KICKS Je’Von. Sean ROCKS and CHOPS Adonis, then CHOPS again! Adonis dodges a shot but then Sean dodges back to CHOP! Je’Von returns to fire hands on Sean! Je’Von whips, Sean reverses, then Sean runs up to CHOP! Adonis stands, he BOOTS Sean! Adonis whips corner to corner hard and Sean falls! Adonis DECKS Je’Von!
Adonis THROWS Je’Von around, then soaks up heat. Cover, TWO! Je’Von is tougher than that, but Adonis BOOTS Sean to keep him away. Adonis soaks up more heat, then he runs up on Je’Von in the corner. Adonis RAMS Je’Von, then runs corner to corner to RAM Sean! Adonis runs and RAMS Je’Von! Then he runs up, only for Sean to ELBOW him! Sean ROCKS Adonis, fires more shots, then whips. Adonis reverses, kicks, and DDTS! Adonis stands tall while NXT returns to single picture. The fans boo but Adonis brings Je’Von around. Adonis gives Je’Von a SPINEBUSTER ONTO Sean! The fans boo as Adonis double covers, TWO!
The fans rally, but Adonis tunes up the band! Adonis waits for Sean to rise, LONG KISS- NO, Sean stops the kick and Je’Von BOOTS Adonis! SUPERMAN PUNCH for Sean! Adonis ROCKS Je’Von! Sean BOOTS Adonis! Sean blocks Je’Von’s kick and SWINGS it into Adonis! Je’Von SPIN KICKS Sean out! Je’Von runs, but into Adonis’ LARIAT! But Sean springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK! All three men are down and the fans are fired up for “LEGACY! LEGACY!” Sean rises, runs up, but Je’Von TOSSES him out! Je’Von builds speed but Sean returns, SPANISH FLY!! Cover, Adonis breaks it!! The fans boo but Sean TOSSES Adonis!
Sean builds speed and FLIES! Down goes Adonis, and Sean hurries back to the apron! The fans rally behind “LEGACY! LEGACY!” as he climbs. But Je’Von springs up to get him! SUPER DUPER STEINER!! Je’Von hurries to rebound, BOUNCY~ KICK! But Adonis TOSSES Je’Von! Adonis covers Sean, JE’VON BREAKS IT!! The fans are thunderous as the Young OG saves it! “This is Awesome!” but Adonis is distraught! Adonis thinks on what to do, but then he glares at Je’Von. They stand, and they throw hands! Haymaker for haymaker, then Je’Von gets the edge! But Adonis ROCKS Je’Von! Adonis talks trash on Je’Von, but Je’Von SUPERMAN PUNCHES!
Adonis wobbles, but he slips around Je’Von, DDT! Adonis kips up, and SUPERKICKS! Cover, Sean 450 SPLASHES it apart!! The fans are thunderous again and Ricky is loving it! The fans hope these three “FIGHT FOREVER!” but this is just the opener! Sean goes to a corner, Je’Von sputters to another, and Adonis takes a third. Sean lines up a shot, but Je’Von intercepts with a CUTTER!! Adonis whips, Je’Von rebounds, BOUNCY~ GERMAN SUPLEX!! Then Je’Von PLANCHAS Sean! Je’Von hurries back up the corner, and he aims at Adonis! FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH!! Cover, SEAN BREAKS IT!!! But then ETHAN PAGE ATTACKS RICKY!!
The fans fire up as the All Ego maniac fights with the Absolute! Security rushes in, but Je’Von FLIES out onto the pile!! Adonis is up top! FROG SPLASH FLOPS as Sean moves! Torture rack and SHAMBLES!! Cover, Sean wins!!
Winner: Sean Legacy, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT North American Championship)
Ethan and Ricky don’t care about the match, they keep brawling ringside! Sean got his win, but will he get a golden opportunity?
Management watches this backstage.
Stevie Turner tells Ava Raine & Robert Stone, “This is a huge win for both Sean Legacy and Evolve.” Ava congratulates Stevie and her guy. But what Ethan and Ricky are doing, she cannot let keep happen. Please, take security and get those two out of here. Stone says they are on it! Stone & Stevie hurry away, can they stop the absolute chaos going on? Ava then turns around and says, “Speaking of congratulations…” She welcomes Jasper Troy & Tyra Mae Steele on being the first ever LFG Champions. As they talked about, these two will make their in-ring debuts over the next few weeks.
But for now, she wants them to sign their contracts. Tyra Mae hands hers over and says she is so excited! Jasper also has his, and promises to make an impact here on NXT, starting tonight. Well, alright. Will all of NXT be saying LFG when these two hit the ring?
Jordynne Grace speaks.
The Juggernaut is putting in the work at the gym as she says, “In 2024, the top three free agents were Giulia, Stephanie Vaquer, and Jordynne Grace. We all signed to NXT with one goal in mind, and that’s to be at the top of the best women’s division in professional wrestling. Now that Stephanie and I have both beaten Giulia, we’re competing for that top spot in NXT. I’ve been watching Stephanie for a long time, and our paths aren’t too far off from each other. We’re actually very, very similar. We both sacrificed everything to get to the WWE. Everybody always talks about how Stephanie has competed in Japan and Mexico. But y’know what? So have I.
“Stephanie and I both dominated our own territories. At Stand & Deliver, Stephanie got a piece of it. She escaped with the NXT Women’s Championship once, but at Battleground, there is no escape. I think I’m the best, Stephanie thinks she’s the best. And on Sunday in Tampa, we’ll find out who is right.” The Juggernaut is ready to go Beast Mode, will there be no denying her that gold?
Lola Vice talks with Stephanie Vaquer.
The Mayor of Vice City tells Stephanie that this Sunday will be a battle. Lola would put her money on Vaquer, though. Vaquer thanks her for that, and they’ll catch up after Vaquer’s interview. They fist bump and head their different directions, but then Fatal Influence walks in, sarcastically clapping. Jacy says Lola can suck up to the champ all she wants, but she still won’t get a title shot. It’ll be the Influence that takes the title off Stephanie. Lola sarcastically says, “Yeah, right. Because after last week, y’all definitely showed why they’re a threat to the champ.” Fallon says hey, she didn’t get pinned. Lola says they pretend to be a team, but they just get in each other’s way. It’s embarrassing.
Jacy says Lola can think whatever she wants. Just like how Fallon thinks she’s the leader. Well, Fallon was Women’s North American Champion. Yeah, well, then here’s a great idea! Fallon should handle Lola and prove why Lola is behind them in line. Fallon says yeah, sure. Jacy heads out, and Lola says see you out there. The Toxic Cowgirl may have just her foot in her mouth, but will she end the night with Lola’s fist in her face?
Trick Williams has the mic.
“Hey, yo, Joe Hendry! Y’know the difference between me and you? When I walk in the room, people break they necks so they can see me. You break your neck so people can see you. And I’ma call you what your momma calls you: Average Joe! Drop my music!” The beat drops and Trick starts it up! Hendry comes out lookin’ like a Teletubby with a blonde wig on! Wanna talk about Trick? Let’s talk about it! He ain’t never backin’ down to an Average Joe! Belly pokin’ out, he prolly can’t touch his toes! Keep poppin’ off, Trick bust you right in the nose! He ain’t never backin’ down to an Average Joe!
He ain’t never backin’ down to an Average Joe! Look, dawg, you’re on different levels. Trick doesn’t need believers to feel better! He moves better, his shoes better, if you knew better, you’d do better! Trick really turning up the speed, cuz he ain’t never backin’ down to an Average Joe! Hendry showing up, Trick ain’t sayin’ that. Trick will take the gold and send him back to TNA. Hendry’s got a dad bod like he drinkin’ all day. Trick will turn around, burn it down, put ya in an ash tray! Hendry’s got fans cuz he looks just like ’em! Hendry’s got style cuz he keep bitin’! Try to out diss Trick, just keep writin’! Trick hit ya quick just like lightnin’!
Average Joe, Trick’s tired o’ being humble. Should’ve never took his spot in The Rumble! Got a match with Randy Orton but ya fumbled! Trick put you on the spot, whoop ya ass like some gumbo! Trick ain’t never backin’ down to an Average Joe! Trick ain’t never backin’ down to an Average Joe! Trick ain’t never backin’ down to an Average Joe! You an Average Joe! You an Average Joe! You an Average Joe until you make that stomach go! You an Average Joe! You an Average Joe! Boy, he gonna take your gold! BEW BEW BEWWW~! Let’s talk about it.
But Hendry is backstage, having watched that. He says okay then. The gloves are off. Hendry tunes up for his concert, what will he have in retaliation?
Backstage interview with Josh Briggs.
Kelly Kincaid with the Bullhead Brawler and says they are moments away from his match, and it is the first time in some time that he’s going it alone. Briggs says yes, he wishes Inamura was still in NXT, but he is not. Briggs hopes Yoshiki is watching this right now, and hopes he knows that things aren’t as fun without him. Tonight, this one is for his friend. But the music hits as Shawn Spears makes his entrance. Will The Chair Man bring out the painful truth that Briggs can’t do anything on his own? Or will Briggs survive The Culling?
Josh Briggs VS Shawn Spears w/ The Culling!
The entrances are down picture in picture, and then the bell rings. Spears and Briggs circle, feel things out, and the two tie up. Briggs powers Spears to a corner, lets off as the ref counts, but then Spears pie faces him! The ref reprimands while Briggs seethes. Briggs runs up, Spears dodges and then CHOPS! And CHOPS! Spears climbs up and he rains down fists! Briggs shoves Spears away at 3, but Spears is right back on him for more! Briggs shoves free again, and clamps onto Spears’ neck! Briggs THROWS Spears to the corner, ELBOWS him, then fires body shots! Briggs DECKS Spears, then eggs him on.
Spears flounders around but Briggs is on him at the ropes. Briggs whips, Spears reverses, but Briggs CLUBS him down! Briggs drags Spears up, shoves and ROCKS him! Spears goes to a corner, Briggs stalks him, and Briggs reels him in. Spears wrenches out to kick low! Spears HEADBUTTS Briggs, NXT returns to single picture, and Spears CHOPS! And CHOPS! Spears whips, Briggs reverses, then runs in. Spears goes up and over, leaps, but into Briggs’ arms! Spears fires elbows, runs, then ducks ‘n’ dodges, only for Briggs to LEAPING LARIAT! The fans fire up with Briggs and he scoops, but Spears slips free.
Spears KNEES low, clinches, but Briggs is big. Spears fires knees, then clinches, but Briggs scoops and SLAMS Spears! Briggs pulls off his elbow pad and powers up! The fans fire up and Briggs runs, but Spears bails out! The fans boo but Briggs goes out after Spears. Briggs CHOPS Spears against the apron! Briggs SMACKS Spears off the apron, the fans rally, and Briggs SMACKS him off the apron again! Briggs brings Spears around, scoops, but Spears flails free! Spears POSTS Briggs, then pushes him into the ring. Spears slides in, pushes Briggs down and throws fists! Then a KNEE! Spears brings Briggs up, turns him, and hits the NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE!!
Briggs is tougher than that, but Spears stomps Briggs’ hand! Spears says this could’ve been different, and then he throws hands. Spears winds up, but Briggs blocks the superkick! B riggs snarls, and he CLOBBERS Spears! Briggs DECKS Spears, whips Spears, then scoops and SIDEWALK SLAMS to then SPLASH DOWN! The fans fire up and Briggs clamps onto Spears’ neck! CHOKE- NO, Spears arm-drags free! Spears runs in and LARIATS Briggs up and out! Briggs rises up, hurries to the apron, but Spears SUPERKICKS him back down! The fans rally as Spears goes to the apron, and he leaps, but into Briggs’ arms!
Briggs hoists Spears up, SNAKE EYES off the desk! Briggs puts Spears in the ring, but Niko Vance runs up! Briggs slips around him to RAM him into steel steps! Jensen distracts the ref and Izzi BOOTS Briggs! Spears reels Briggs into a cradle, Spears wins!!
Winner: Shawn Spears, by pinfall
The fans boo and Briggs is pissed! Briggs attacks Spears, but Jensen & Vance attack Briggs! They mug Briggs, but Spears has them sit Briggs up. But wait! Here come Hank ‘n’ Tank! The big belly bandits promised to have Briggs’ back and here we are! It is 3v3 and The Culling gets TOSSED! Tank DECKS Spears, and the fans fire up as the NXT Tag Team Champions stand with Briggs! Will The Culling learn that bullies get what’s coming to them?
Kelani Jordan prepares backstage.
The Standout spots #ZaRuca walking in, and she tells Sol that FYI, when she beats Zaria tonight, she gets her title match on Sunday, right? Sol says yes, Kelani, she remembers the deal they made. Okay, just checking. Kelani wouldn’t be surprised if Sol goes back on her word. Say what? Zaria says Sol is the most genuine person in the WWE today. Sol is never going back on her word. It’s just that Kelani won’t be going to Battleground. Zaria beat Kelani two weeks ago, and she’ll do it again tonight. Sol says, “Damn straight!” Kelani says, “See you at Battleground.” Kelani leaves and Sol says Kelani is getting annoying… But Zaria says she’s got this.
Will the Agent of Change ironically make sure the same thing happens as before? Or will Kelani earn herself a golden ticket to Tampa?
The NEW Chase U meets up backstage.
Mr. Chase is a little worried with Kale Dixon & Uriah Connors running late, but he makes sure they have the game plan memorized. Their first tag team match is up next, but will they make it out the mud?
Tatum Paxley sits alone.
Thea Hail storms in, medical eyepatch on, and she asks what the hecc! Why was Tatum blaming her for everything? Thea knows Tatum is going through some stuff, but she’ll bounce back. She always has. Tatum says Thea doesn’t understand the toll that it takes to lose everyone you’ve been close to. Uh, agree to disagree there. Because if anyone else understands what it’s like to lose friends, it is Thea. But then a HIP-NOTIC takes Thea out! Miss Parker tells Thea to worry more about herself next time. And she tells Tatum that for real, she does feel bad for her. She does…? HELL NAH! What’s wrong with you? Stupid.
Jaida leaves and Tatum feels even sadder now. Will Miss Parker kick ass and take names until she’s the one on top?
OTM VS Kale Dixon & Uriah Connors w/ Andre Chase!
NXT returns as Bronco Nima & Lucien Price make their entrance. The teams sort out and Nima starts with Uriah. They tie up, and Nima SLAMS Uriah down! Uriah stumbles away and Kale tags in. Chase coaches Kale, he and Nima tie up, but Nima THROWS Kale down, too! The fans rally for OTM and Nima tags Price. Price and Kale tie up, Kale headlocks but Price powers out and CLOBBERS Kale! Uriah tags in, Price gives him a headlock and THROW, then he SLAPS! Price runs up, Uriah dodges and Kale checks on him, but Price DOUBLE LARIATS them down! The fans fire up while Kale & Uriah fall to the floor!
Mr. Chase is very worried as Price storms out to fetch Uriah into the ring. Price then pushes Kale into the ring, and he storms up. Kale wants mercy, Price shoves him away, but Uriah DROPKICKS! Uriah rains down fists, tags Kale, and now Kale rains down fists! Kale CHOPS Price on the back! Then basement DDTS! Cover, ONE!! Price is tougher than that but Kale tags Uriah. Kale KICKS Price down, then Uriah slingshot SENTONS! Cover, ONE!! Price is much tougher than that, but Uriah CHOPS! Price just gets mad but Uriah facelocks. Price BACKDROPS Uriah away! Nima tags in and he DECKS Uriah! And ELBOWS him!
Price CLOBBERS Uriah again, then he swings on Kale! Kale dodges, and Uriah mule kicks Nima’s leg out! Uriah clinches, but Nima fights the leg sweep! Nima glares at Uriah, grabs Uriah’s arms, but the ref keeps Price from storming in. That only lets Kale slip in and SUPERKICK Nima into the RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Chase is happily surprised and Uriah says spell it out! C! Nima stops the stomps already! Nima LARIATS Uriah down! Nima drags Uriah up, tags Price, and Price RAMS Uriah into Kale! Feed to Nima, GOURD SPINEBUSTER COMBO!! Cover, OTM wins!
Winners: OTM, by pinfall
Chase is beside himself, but the thunder and the rain just stormed right through his new students. Will nothing stop Nima & Price from rising to the top of the mountain?
Myles Borne is here!
The fans cheer as No Quarter Catch Crew’s #BabyOrton, the #1 contender to THE NXT Championship, goes to the ring. And at the same time, here comes THE NXT Champion, Oba Femi! The Ruler and his next challenger are here to have one final face-to-face before facing off for that title at Battleground. Oba grabs the mic and says he sees Myles came alone today. He isn’t sure if that makes Myles stupid or brave. Perhaps both. But Oba is confident in saying that is why Myles has made it this far. Not a lot of people thought Myles would make it this far, Oba among them. But look at him now! Myles is the #1 contender to the title!
The fans cheer, and Oba continues to say that it is his understanding that this match is not just a fight for the title. This is also a fight for everybody who Myles wants to uplift and inspire. Those with limitations and struggles just like Myles. Oba finds that admirable, but also very, very misleading. “Life is cruel, Myles. Good things don’t always happen to good people, and I know deep in my heart, you are a good person. But however… This is not a Disney movie. You don’t get the happy ending. You don’t get the dream come true. You don’t get to run off into the sunset with my title! No no no no no.
“Because your dream was two weeks ago when you won the battle royal. Your dream was last week when you beat Ethan Page. But make no mistake, this Sunday, when you step into the ring with me and that bell rings, your dream will DIE! Because you will realize very quickly that you are standing in the ring with the Ruler, the destroyer, the bringer of war, and I will be merciless, relentless, and unforgiving! Because you want me to treat you like you are everybody else. You want me to treat you like you are just like them, right? So be it. Join the line, join the list of victims. Your fate will end in destruction at the hands of Oba Femi.”
The fans are torn, but Myles says that while he might be out here by himself, he is not alone. Tavion, Wren, Charlie, they’ve been helping him night and day, preparing him for this. And they’re not the only ones who have his back. Myles has an entire community! Every kid who feels different. Every parent who worries that their child isn’t going to fit in. Yeah, Oba, you’re right, this is more than just about winning the title. It is about making a statement. So go ahead, write him off as just another victim. Underestimate him. Like he said before, this won’t be the first. Doctors, nurses, they all underestimated him.
Every opponent Myles ever faced as an amateur underestimated him. Hell, he’s pretty sure some coaches at Myles’ NXT tryout underestimated him. But Myles has proved them all wrong. The fans cheer that! And at Battleground, that will be the toughest match of Myles’ career. But Myles has been surviving ever since he was born. Oba is right, this isn’t a Disney movie. But every ruler falls. Myles might be hard of hearing, but when he shocks the world at Battleground, we will all hear the 1-2-3 loud ‘n’ clear. The fans cheer, and Myles takes his leave. Will the roar of the crowd be deafening when Myles proves he was born to be a champion?
Wait, is that Jasper Troy!? He slips in from the crowd side, and he CLOBBERS Oba!! Then SCRAPBUSTER!! Myles rushes back in, Troy bails out, and that was Troy making his impact. Myles offers Oba a hand, but Oba refuses it. Oba stands on his own, but then Myles picks up the title belt. Myles looks at it, looks at Oba, and hands the belt over. Myles shows Oba respect, but will Oba still show Myles no mercy on the Battleground?
Ava Raine reprimands Ricky and Ethan.
Ava is upset that these two just can’t seem to control themselves for one night! Ricky says it is the back and forth between him and Ethan, and they need to settle it now! Ethan says fine, he’ll break Ricky’s jaw! Ava says sit down before they’re escorted out of the building! Ethan sits, and Ricky tells Ethan that if it isn’t tonight, he will destroy Ethan at some point! Ethan stands back up and asks if Ricky wants a match that much! If so, Ethan isn’t giving it to him, because he is having too much fun making Ricky’s life hell! Ricky says there it is! Ethan is too afraid to get in the ring with Ricky again!
So Ricky will cut to the chase. The title will be on the line! Those beady little eyes got so big, didn’t they? Ethan says he likes the fact that he can keep whooping Ricky and walk out with the title! Where do they sign up, Ava? Ricky knew it! Big ego, small mind! Ava shouts at them that they don’t make the matches, SHE does. But see, Sean Legacy has a claim to this title after tonight’s match. But seeing how these two have been pissing her off, she’ll make an exception. These two can have a match next Tuesday, and because AVA said so, the title IS on the line. Now get out of her face! The Absolute and All Ego are on a collision course, who will walk away with the gold?
Tony D’Angelo speaks.
The Don sits alone at the dinner table. “The worst thing about betrayal is it never comes from your enemies. It comes from your family. Stacks, you mother…” Tony calms down, and says he tried, okay? Tried to understand why Stacks did this to him, did this to Luca and Rizzo, but Tony can’t, because Tony is not a coward. Tony though the and Stacks were built the same. Tony was certain they were cut from the same cloth. They grew up as kids together, tough as nails, loyal to a fault. Or so Tony thought. Tony brought Stacks into NXT. They ran the D’Angelo Family, they rose to power, Tony as The Don and Stacks as The Underboss.
But it seems that wasn’t good enough for Stacks. Stacks wanted all the glory, to be the shot caller, for everyone to pay tribute to him. Tony gets that. But here’s the thing, Stacks. YOU don’t get it. Stacks only saw what Tony allowed him to see. Being The Don comes with a lot of pressure. You feel the full weight of the family on your shoulders. Stacks only worried about himself, that is easy, and that is why he’ll never sit in the big chair. Stacks has guts, but no brains. Stacks is hotheaded, made his bed, and at Battleground, he lays in it. On Sunday, there is no more betrayal, no more bail out. Just Tony breaking Stacks.
The Steel Cage will try to contain this one, but will not even that stop Tony from doing anything and everything he wants to his former friend?
Lola Vice VS Fallon Henley w/ Jacy Jayne!
The MMA Mamacita was just being an amiga to La Primera, but the Fatal Influence just had to open their mouths. Will Lola’s fists knock some sense into Fallon? Or will the Toxic Cowgirl wrangle Lola and establish herself in the title hunt?
NXT returns as the Fatal Influence makes their way to the ring. The bell rings and the two tie up. They go around, go along the ropes, then Lola arm-drags Fallon, but the collar ‘n’ elbow stays locked in. Fallon fights up to put Lola into the corner and RAM her again and again! The ref counts, Fallon lets go, then she ROCKS Lola! But then Lola BOOTS Fallon, wrenches and KICKS! And KICKS! Fallon blocks the kick to trip Lola, but she soaks up heat too soon, Lola trips her! Lola has the leglock but Jacy “coaches” Fallon. Jacy wants to see Fallon show us why she’s the leader of Fatal Influence. Fallon turns over and she stomps Lola!
Fallon is free, but Lola trips her u p again! Lola has a toehold but Fallon clamps on with a chinlock! Fallon shrieks as she thrashes Lola, but Lola slips out and has the arms! Fallon endures the hammerlock and chicken wing! Fallon fights around, the fans rally, and Jacy “coaches” Fallon more. Lola stays hooked on but Fallon breaks free and throat chops! The fans are torn as Fallon CLUBS Lola, drags her up, and headlocks. Lola fights around but Fallon hits a takeover. Fallon grinds the hold but Lola fights up and pries free to headlock in return. Fallon powers up and out but Lola RUNS her over! Lola shimmies and shakes, then runs, but Fallon stays low.
Fallon hurries, but Lola blocks the hip toss! Fallon blocks back, rolls, but Lola makes it an ARMBAR! Fallon rolls and rolls and has the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Lola lets go, and Jacy genuinely coaches Fallon this time. Lola storms up but Fallon kicks from below! Fallon DECKS Lola, then whips. Lola ducks ‘n’ dodges then tilt-o-whirls to RANA! The fans fire up as Lola SPIN KICKS Fallon out of the ring! The fans fire up and Lola drags Fallon up from the apron. Fallon HOTSHOTS Lola, has her in the ropes and BOOTS her down! The fans are torn again, but Fallon swings from the corner to BOOT Lola down!
The fans are torn, Fallon says they know they love her, but NXT goes to break.
NXT returns again and Fallon cravats Lola to throw KNEE after KNEE! But then Lola swings around to backslide! ONE, Lola ducks a kick to roll Fallon up, TWO! Fallon stands, but into a couple of kicks! Lola whips, KICKS, and then whips again. Fallon reverses, KNEES low, then brings Lola around to whip and ROCK with a forearm! Lola sputters against the ropes, but she shoves Fallon away. Fallon slips around, sits Lola down, then runs and SLIDING FOREARMS! Cover, TWO! Lola stays in this and Fallon grows frustrated. Lola UP KICKS, the fans rally, but Fallon mule kicks! Fallon reels Lola in but Lola cradles Fallon, but Fallon shoves free!
Fallon and Lola stand, DOUBLE LARIATS take them both down! The fans fire back up and Jacy coaches Fallon. Lola checks her teeth and the fans rally up. Lola rises, Fallon follows, and Fallon fires a forearm! Lola fires another! Fallon ROCKS Lola, but Lola ROCKS Fallon! The forearms go back and forth, then Fallon grabs Lola to ROCK, CHOP, and- NO, Lola blocks that shot to fire forearms! Then a SPIN KICK! Fallon sputters but stands into another SPIN KICK! And another SPIN KICK! Lola fires the LIGHTNING KICKS! Lola has the fans all fired up, because “I’M A LATINA~!” HIP ATTACK! Lola pushes Fallon out and AX KICKS! Cover, TWO!!
Fallon stays in this but Lola snarls. Lola stalks Fallon, Fallon ELBOWS her away, then she dodges Lola’s boot! Fallon THROWS Lola, runs up, but into a KICK! SOBAT! Lola runs, Fallon follows, and Fallon hits the YEEHAW FACEBUSTER! Fallon runs, goes up, up, and BLOCKBUSTERS! Cover, TWO! Lola stays in this and Fallon is stunned. The fans rally up as Fallon drags Lola up. Fallon whips Lola to a corner, runs up, but Lola dodges! Lola fires knees, then a FLYING ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Fallon clasps hands and Jacy gets on the apron! Jacy shouts at Lola, that’s enough of a distraction for Fallon to stack Lola! TWO!
Lola and Fallon stand, Lola BODY BLOWS! Fallon goes down, Lola glares at Jacy, and Jacy talks more trash. But Fallon waistlocks, only for Lola to switch and SHOVE Fallon into Jacy! URAKEN!! Cover, Lola wins!!
Winner: Lola Vice, by pinfall
Lola says buenas noches to the Influence, and Jacy realizes on some level, she messed that up. But she and Fallon still argue about it all the same, is this group about to fall apart without Jazmyn Nyx around?
Sit-down interview with Stephanie Vaquer.
Kelly Kincaid is with La Primera and notes that this Sunday at Battleground, Vaquer battles Grace for the NXT Women’s Championship. What has prepared Vaquer for Battleground, and being a champion in general? Vaquer says being La Primera doesn’t come without sacrifice. She had her first tryout in Chile, in 2018. She was not ready then. She used that as motivation. She went to Japan, she want to Mexico, she had owned her craft. She owned lucha libre. But along the way, she had to sleep on kitchen floors, she had to clean people’s shoes. She was hungry, cold, and she truly shed blood, sweat and tears. She doesn’t look back and think it was a sad time, but as all necessary to get here.
Kelly says since arriving, it is clear her goal has been to be the best woman in the best division in the world. Does she feel she’s accomplished that? Being in NXT has been a dream come true for Stephanie. She remembers seeing Rey Mysterio wrestle in person for the first time, and she knew that she was born to be in the WWE. With each defense, she grows more. All those late nights in Japan and the early mornings in Mexico, it was all worth it. Then to her opponent at Battleground, Jordynne Grace. What kind of challenge does she present? Vaquer’s toughest yet.
Jordynne was at the top of TNA, and now she wants to be at the top of NXT. For Vaquer to be the best luchadora, she went through Hell. She made that Hell her home. Jordynne conquered champions, but La Primera conquered continents. At Battleground, she will show Jordynne that when you get close to Hell, you will burn. The Dark Angel is ready, but will she still fall to Grace?
Dark State speaks.
Saquon Shugars says, “Hey, we popped out and put the fear of Dark State in this whole locker room, bruh. But it all started with one man. One man that walked that thin line between intensity and being all out reckless. I’m talking about somebody that crawled through hellfire, just so his brothers don’t get burnt. The leader of many! My mother, this man sure is dangerous. I’m talking about Dion Lennox.” Dion says, “Staring a lion in the face, knowing your next move is your last because he can tear you apart a thousand different ways! And I ain’t just talking physically. I’m saying mentally, too. So what do you do? Stand there like a statue, and PRAY you survive!
“That’s what it is like to go toe-to-toe, face-to-face, with Cutler James.” Cutler says, “This beast of a man sees right through you. Sees your delusions, your weaknesses, your lies. Because he is on a permanent seek ‘n’ destroy mission. Go ahead, give him your best shot. He’ll walk right through it. Put him through a wall, and he’ll get right back up even more pissed off, even more dangerous. Tell ’em, Big Os.” Osiris Griffin says, “And then there’s our wild card. Y’know, the one with the cunning smile. His story’s nothing but perseverance. When you come from nothing, you’ve got nothing to lose! Some people call him lucky, but he’s earned everything by himself.
“Now with three brothers with him, unbeatable ain’t the word. Undeniable more like it. But when he opens his mouth, the people open their ears.” Saquon Shugars says who’s next? Y’all will find out real fast that when Dark State strikes, ain’t nobody safe. These four have put everyone on notice, will it not be long before they run things around here?
NXT Women’s North American Championship Eliminator: Kelani Jordan VS ZARIA w/ Sol Ruca!
Speaking of titles and Battleground, The Standout wants to go from the first-ever to the first-ever two time champion. She lost to the Agent of Change before, will nothing change from the last time? Or will we see that no one does it like Lani?
NXT returns and Zaria makes her entrance, Sol by her side. The bell rings and the two run up. Zaria slips around and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Kelani tumbles, but Zaria is on her with another GERMAN SUPLEX! Zaria runs and RAMS Kelani into the corner again and again! The fans rally, Zaria stalks Kelani to another corner, and then Zaria TOSSES Kelani! Kelani flounders and Zaria runs up, but Kelani dodges! Zaria POSTS herself, and then she falls out of the ring! Kelani aims to slingshot, TORNILLO PLANCHA! Down goes Zaria, but Kelani gets her up to RAM her into steel steps! Kelani talks smack on Sol then puts Zaria in the ring.
Kelani goes up, leaps, and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Kelani runs up, springboards and RANAS! Kelani keeps going, SPLASH, but Zaria rolls through! Zaria pops Kelani up to the fireman’s carry, but Kelani slips around into a SLEEPER! Zaria endures and RAMS Kelani into buckles! Kelani holds on tight, but Zaria RAMS her in again! Kelani lets go, Zaria runs up, but Kelani puts her on the apron! Kelani then HOTSHOTS Zaria, goes up the corner, only for Zaria to avoid the guillotine leg drop! Kelani blocks a shot to ROCK Zaria, but then Zaria ROCKS Kelani back! Kelani BOOTS Zaria down, and she huffs ‘n’ puffs to the apron.
Kelani leaps, but Zaria stops the rana! Zaria SWINGS Kelani into barriers! The fans fire up and even Sol is impressed with that, and NXT goes to break.
NXT returns again and Zaria drags Kelani to her feet. Zaria scoops but Kelani slips free and waistlocks. O’Conner Roll, TWO! Kelani goes to the apron, Zaria runs up but Kelani RAMS her! Kelani slingshots to sunset flip, but Zaria stays up! Zaria YANKS Kelani up, but Kelani dropkicks the legs! BASEMENT DDT! Both women are down and the fans rally up. Kelani and Zaria rise, and Zaria fires a forearm! Kelani fires back! The fans duel as the forearms keep going! Sol fires forearms, Zaria ROCKS her with just one! Kelani still fires more shots, but Zaria fires back! They fire fast ‘n’ furious! Zaria shoves, runs up, but Kelani dodges!
Kelani comes back, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then she CLOBBERS Zaria! And CLOBBERS her again! Cartwheel BACK ELBOW! The fans fire up and Kelani kips up! Kelani storms up, TORNADO- NO, Zaria stops the DDT, but Kelani dodges the boot! DROPKICK! Zaria is back up, but Kelani runs in and TORNADO DDTS!! Cover, TWO!! Zaria survives and Sol is relieved, but Kelani just huffs ‘n’ puffs up to the top rope. 450- NO, Zaria avoids the splash! Kelani rolls through, comes back, but and leaps over Zaria’s spear! Sunset flip, TWO!! Kelani kicks but Zaria blocks to short arm LARIAT! Zaria drags Kelani up, reels her in, Canadian Rack!
Kelani slips free, dragon sleepers, but Zaria powers up to lift Kelani! BACKPACK CANNONBALL!! Even Sol feels the pain! The fans lose their mind from that one, and Zaria fireman’s carries. Kelani flails and slips to the apron! Zaria runs up, Kelani DUMPS her out! Zaria BOOTS Kelani! Zaria drags Kelani up, TOSSES her back in, but Kelani handsprings through! Kelani SUPERKICKS, Zaria falls, and Sol catches her! Sol checks on Zaria, but Kelani DROPKICKS Sol into Zaria! Down go the best friends, and Kelani puts Zaria in the ring! Kelani talks trash on Sol, goes back to the ring, but Sol gest on the apron!
Zaria runs up, btu Kelani dodges, the SPEAR hits Sol!! Kelani rolls Zaria up with a deep stack, AND WINS!!
Winner: Kelani Jordan, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT Women’s North American Championship)
The Standout used Zaria & Sol against each other, and now she has her match for Battleground! Will Kelani once again reign after this Sunday? Or will she just get her soul snatched?
Joe Hendry is in the ring!
The TNA World Champion finished tuning up backstage, and now he is ready for his concert. The fans wave their hands from side to side with his theme song. “Say his name and he appears, it is time for another Joe Hendry concert! Right here on NXT!” The fans cheer that! Hendry says now, he knows this isn’t the first musical performance here tonight. If we want to call Trick’s part that. But they’ll be nice, that was Trick’s first time. Though, while on that subject, let’s dedicate this first song to Hendry’s opponent at Battleground, Trick Williams! Hendry strums the guitar and begins.
Fans clap along already and Hendry sings, “Joe Hendry is in concert. And you’re gonna hear the sounds… Of ‘I Believe in Joe Hendry’ at the end of Battleground. And now, Trick was the champion of the whole of NXT. It’s a shame he couldn’t hold the title for longer than a couple of weeks. You used to work so hard, the people were with you for years. But now, Trick, you are the world champion… of producing tears.” Hendry’s obtained some footage from the good old days, of when Trick was a crappy sidekick to Carmelo Hayes! Hendry grins and we take a moment to watch said footage.
It’s Melo & Trick on Halloween Havoc! They were entering the haunted house, Melo got snatched and Trick turned around to see “Joe Hendry” instead of Dexter Lumis. Trick screamed like a child and ran away like one, too! Hendry goes back to the guitar to say, “And you said Whoop Dat Trick, Whoop Dat Trick. Everybody else said, ‘Melo’s B*tch!’ You said Whoop Dat Trick, Whoop Dat Trick. Everybody else said, ‘Melo’s B*tch!'” The fans sing along, “Whoop Dat Trick, Whoop Dat Trick. Everybody else said, ‘Melo’s B*tch!'” But wait! Here comes dat Trick! No more singing, and he says Hendry is out his mind pulling up old footage! Nobody lives in the past!
The fans taunt Trick as “MELO’S B*TCH!” Trick gets in the ring with Hendry and he says they can chant what they want, but he heard someone say “Average Joe.” The fans duel, and then Trick DECKS Hendry! The fans boo, but then Trick’s SPIN KICK knocks Hendry back down! Trick clears out the chair and the music stands, then runs up, but Hendry gives the Trick Shot a SMASH HIT!! So that’s what the spare guitar was for. And then a choke grip for the STANDING OVATION CHOKE SLAM!! Hendry grabs the mic to finish acapella: “And at the end of the day~, Joe Hendry is the champion of T N A~!”
The fans cheer as Hendry stands tall. History will be made as the TNA World Championship makes its debut on a WWE PLE, but will Hendry’s musical prophecy come true? Or will even more history be made when Trick wins that title at Battleground?
My Thoughts:
A very good NXT, especially as the go-home to Battleground, but there are certainly some interesting moves going on. NXT was playing around with the North American Championship stuff a bit. I was very certain they were advertising the men’s Triple Threat as a #1 contender’s match, but that wasn’t officially announced. However, Ava says Sean Legacy had his claim to a title shot, even with her making Ricky VS Ethan for the title next week. So it always was a #1 contender’s match? They just couldn’t say it because of this sudden decision for Ethan and Ricky? And even then, Ricky VS Ethan isn’t on Battleground, but The Culling is?
Good match from Spears VS Briggs, and of course The Culling cheats to win it. Then the beatdown brings out Hank ‘n’ Tank and that sets up the Six Man Tag I figured they’d give us. However, I don’t see that as a Battleground worthy match, unless it is also for the story moment where Briggs gives in and joins The Culling. Well, even that doesn’t feel big enough for Battleground, that should be an NXT main event at most. Ricky VS Ethan 2 on Battleground might actually get some last minute tickets or Peacock streams, so certainly a missed opportunity to me.
Good stuff with OTM and the new class of Chase U, but of course OTM was going to win. And in connection, good segment from Tatum, Thea and Jaida. I’m a little surprised Jaida turns up the attitude here, but I suppose she’s meant to be the Heel in this situation. Thea trying to reach out to Tatum is a good move, as there is that link of their teammates and friends being released over the last few months. Thea and Tatum can help each other stay afloat as a new team, let’s just hope the people making these budget decisions see their value. And very good stuff with Lola and Fatal Influence. Lola gets a strong win while Fallon and Jacy are moments away from breaking the team up.
Great promos from both Jordynne and Vaquer, and I appreciate that they were able to use footage and images from NJPW and CMLL for Vaquer when she was triple champion. I still don’t think the math changes, I’m expecting Vaquer to win, and then Vaquer and Lola can battle for the title at Worlds Collide so that everyone can see two Latinas represent on a big stage. At the same time, it would be great for Grace to win just so she won’t have lost two different title matches. Likewise, Kelani of course won against Zaria, she’s getting her title match with Sol and that will be awesome. No idea who wins but that’ll be a show stealer.
Good promo from all the members of Dark State, in that they delivered it all well. It was still a little cheesy that all four guys were putting over other members of the group. Great promo from Oba and Myles, and then quite the bold move for Jasper Troy to go right after Oba on night one. It did give Myles a great opportunity to be a very pure Face where he doesn’t even retaliate against Oba’s rejection. Oba is likely winning, and he and Jasper might immediately jump into a feud for the summer after that. Very good promo from Tony D to have one last message to Stacks, but this still feels like Luca returns and sides with Stacks so that Tony is out of The Family.
And of course, great stuff from Trick and Hendry with their musical promos. Trick of course “ruined” Hendry’s concert, but I did love how they put Hendry’s face on Lumis in that video. Hendry standing tall is surprising, through. That would indicate Trick wins the title, which would be wild. And should Trick become TNA World Champion, that feels like a move to hook NXT fans into watching TNA for at least the duration of his reign. Not sure how well that’ll work, but we’ll just have to wait and see.
My Score: 8.7/10
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)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
4 Corners Podcast: Bettor Late Than Never?
Dave, Patrick, and Tunney break down the NHL and NBA Playoffs and a pretty stunning decision from the MLB Commissioner's...
4 Corners Podcast: Never Over Until Its Over
Dave and Patrick break down the latest developments, scores, and stories from the NBA and NHL Playoffs.
4 Corners Podcast: Playoffpalooza
Dave and Tunney discuss all the awesome action that has been going on in the NHL and NBA Playoffs!
4 Corners Podcast: Is It Drafty In Here?
Patrick and Dave discuss the NFL Draft, Shedeur Sanders, and the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs!
4 Corners Podcast: Rory McIlroy, NBA Playoffs & NIL
Join Patrick and Dave every Tuesday as they cover the four corners of the professional sporting world!
Bandwagon Nerds #289: The Rest of Us
The Nerds discuss trailers for Ironheart and Superman, talk about the greatness that was Andor Season 2, break down casting...
Bandwagon Nerds #288: Disney In The Desert
Disney makes a controversial decision about where it is building its 7th theme park. Plus, loads of trailers, Thunderbolts* news,...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (5/9/25)
June will be electric!
Bandwagon Nerds #287: Filling A Void
The Nerds review Thunderbolts*, check out the latest trailers, and celebrate Star Wars Day as only they can!
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu Results & Report! (5/1/25)
Let's live it up!
Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/20/25)
Round 6, A Block!
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (5/20/25)
A musical battle before Battleground!
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (5/19/25)
Greenville is Raw!
Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/18/25)
Round 5, all together!
Classic POD is WAR: Nobody’s Wearing Pants (07/22/21)
Andrew Balaz, Rey Cash and PC Tunney invite you to come along on a trip inside the minds of Los...
Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/17/25)
Round 4, all together!
Mitchell’s AEW Collision Results & Report! (5/17/25)
Who's looking to get hurt?
Mindless Wrestling Podcast: Hi Tech Backlash
Join DJ, Rob and Jason every week as they give their "Mindless" takes on Pro Wrestling and much, much more!
Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/15/25)
Round 3, all together!
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (5/16/25)
Who's ready to climb the ladder?
