Coverage
Mitchell’s NXT TakeOver 31 Results & Report! (10/4/20)
Will we see everything change in NXT?

Will the Johnny Gargano Way take over?
Mr. & Mrs. Wrestling could end up Mr. & Mrs. CHAMPION! Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae both go for titles in NXT’s 31st TakeOver!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- NXT North American Championship: Damian Priest VS Johnny Gargano; Priest wins and retains the NXT North American Championship.
- Kushida VS The Velveteen Dream; Kushida wins.
- NXT Cruiserweight Championship: Santos Escobar VS Isaiah “Swerve” Scott; Escobar wins and retains the NXT Cruiserweight Championship.
- NXT Women’s Championship: Io Shirai VS Candice LeRae; Shirai wins and retains the NXT Women’s Championship.
- NXT Championship: Finn Balor VS Kyle O’Reilly; Balor wins and retains the NXT Championship.
PLAY BY PLAY
It’s the TakeOver Preshow!
Join Scott Stanford and Sam Roberts in discussing, analyzing and predicting all the action on this surprisingly historic TakeOver!
TakeOver 31 will be in the Capitol Wrestling Center!
Yes, a brand new arena to usher in what will be a brand new era of NXT! Steel ramp, steel fencing and just a sampling of the ThunderDome screens for fans to watch and be seen! Every match, all the blood, sweat, tears and titles will christen this new venue’s maiden voyage!
McKenzie Mitchell has BREAKING NEWS!
From what she saw, Damian Priest was NOT happy with how NXT ended last Wednesday, and he went to William Regal with a special request. The request was granted, and now the North American Championship match will kick off the night! On the flipside, the Garganos are very happy with themselves, and feel #TheJohnnyGarganoWay will get its way in both the North American and Women’s Championship matches. Will they still be in a good mood after tonight?
NXT takes a look at the NXT Women’s Championship match.
Candice LeRae has us rewind back to April. A #1 contender’s ladder match. What did Io Shirai do as Candice almost had it won? Shirai clawed Candice’s eyes and shoved her down. But Shirai did her a favor. That moment opened Candice’s eyes to all the mistakes. For so long, she was the big sister to every woman in NXT. And she never got a thank you. Just attacked again and again and again. She could only count on Johnny Gargano. They only need each other. And now it’s time to do things their way. The Gargano Way. Candice has confidence in herself. She realized she doesn’t need friends. She has everything she needs, and will have everything to gain.
But Shirai is no stranger to Candice. Now, this is a new Candice. But this is a Candice that takes shortcuts. Candice says Shirai did the same thing to her. So thanks, Shirai, for showing Candice how to do things. Candice will thank Shirai by taking the NXT Women’s Championship. Shirai says she’s already beaten the best, and while Candice is good, the Gargano Way is not enough. Will the Evil Genius be ready for the Poison Pixie’s plans to take over?
NXT shares Rhea Ripley joining Triple H on Facebook Live.
The Aussie Nightmare points out that she still owes Shirai for In Your House. Shirai got the best of her and is the champion, but Rhea wants it back. If Shirai wins, Rhea will be waiting for her. HHH says that Candice might win, and she’ll know the same. HHH looks across the board and asks, “Three years from now, five years from now, what is the layout at the top?” Rhea is his #1 pick. Rhea appreciates that, and hopes to prove herself worthy of that. So if it’s Shirai, Rhea wants Shirai. If it’s Candice, then Candice will have the shortest reign in NXT history. Rhea wants the champion. Who will she get after the TakeOver?
It all started with The Capitol Wrestling Corporation.
Vincent J. McMahon and Phil Zacko founded it in none other than Washington, D.C. in 1977. It brought wrestling to the world from the capital of America. “You’re looking at some of the most remarkable athletes in the world today. Professional wrestlers are a rare breed of athlete, possessing gargantuan proportions, enormous strengths, unique coordinate and agility, a high threshold of physical tolerance, pulverizing power, and the ability to withstand the rigors of one of the most taxing sports known to man, professional wrestling.” – Vincent K. McMahon, 1977. CWC lives again, in NXT!
NXT North American Championship: Damian Priest VS Johnny Gargano!
The Archer of Infamy didn’t appreciate Mrs. Wrestling help her husband by trying to break his “arrow” last Wednesday! He’ll make sure Johnny TakeOver pays for it by being denied his second reign as North American Champion! But will Priest be able to #LiveForever now that the Wednesday Knight is doing things his way?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this incredible opener begins!
Gargano rushes Priest but Priest sees him coming, so Gargano backs down. Gargano dodges priest to fire off hands, and he avoids every kick! Gargano bails out but gets back in as Priest chases after. Priest still chases but Gargano stomps and clubs and punches him to a corner! The ref counts, Gargano lets up to whip, but Priest reverses. Gargano goes up and over and dodges again. Gargano ducks one kick, but not the SPINNING HEEL KICK! The live crowd is fired up as Priest ROCKS Gargano with that right! Gargano flounders, Priest KICKS him in the side then drags him back up. Priest puts Gargano in to throw more haymakers. The ref counts, Priest lets up and whips Gargano corner to corner hard! Gargano staggers into a scoop and tilt-o-whirl, but Gargano lands on his feet!
Gargano wants the arm, Priest powers out, but Gargano escapes the dragon sleeper to CHOP! Priest shrugs it off to BOOT Gargano down! Priest whips Gargano to ropes and leaping back elbows! Cover, TWO! Priest keeps on Gargano with a knuckle lock and keylock. Priest drags Gargano up, twists the wrist and goes up the ropes. Gargano trips Priest up before he could go Old School but Priest lands on his feet. Priest ROCKS Gargano, steps up but Gargano kicks his legs! Gargano swings and slips under but Priest holds on to block the bomb! Priest reaches down for Gargano, but Gargano YANKS him for a twisting fall! Gargano grins as he sits on the apron looking down on Priest. Priest growls as he gets up but Gargano builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit and Priest goes into the fencing!
Gargano also RAMS Priest into the steel steps! Priest is down in a heap and Gargano moves the steps around. Perhaps Gargano wants Priest to relive In Your House in some way, because he brings Priest over. Priest ROCKS Gargano back but both men wobble into the ring. Gargano kicks Priest through the ropes, clubs away and hooks him up to throw forearms! Gargano runs, and dropkicks Priest right in the chest! Priest is stuck, Gargano goes up and CANNONBALLS onto Priest! Cover, TWO! Gargano grows frustrated but he omoplatas an arm to get a leg, modified Half Boston Crab! Priest endures, Gargano pulls on the leg, but Priest powers up and out of the hold! Gargano bails out, comes back but Priest throws body shots! Gargano kicks the leg, Priest throws Gargano into a corner!
Priest runs but into a boot, Gargano hops up but his tornado is denied. Gargano goes after a leg but Priest uses that to STOMP Gargano down! Priest backs off to get his bad leg moving, and he fires himself up. Priest glares at Gargano as he swats away the forearms and elbows! Priest kicks and kicks then BELL CLAPS, to the LIFTING COMPLETE SHOT! The crowd is fired up and the fans on screen clap and give thumbs up. Gargano is in a corner, Priest runs to hit a BIG leaping elbow! And then another! Priest has the crowd fire up as he runs to hit a third! BROKEN ARROW! Cover, TWO! Gargano survives but he’s a Triple Crown for a reason! Priest gets up, the crowd rallies up and Priest vows to end it. Priest lifts but Gargano slips under.
Gargano elbows back then dodges Priest to roll him up, SCHOOL BO- NO! No kick! Priest DECKS Gargano! Priest hauls Gargano, Full Nelson SLAM! A unique forward slam as opposed to a side, and that helps Priest haul Gargano back up into the crucifix! RAZOR- NO! SUNSET BOMB!! Cover, TWO!?! Priest survives and Gargano can’t believe it, but the crowd is loving this! Gargano goes after a leg with a splash! A little double-edged but Gargano is willing to do anything to win. Gargano sits Priest up to throw haymakers, then runs, into a RIGHT! Gargano rebounds, DISCUS LARIAT! Priest throws more forearms, Gargano returns them. Gargano enziguris, runs, but into a ROUNDHOUSE! Priest runs, springboards, fakes Gargano out to DECK him with a flying forearm!
Priest fires up, takes aim and spins, but Gargano ducks the kick to POST Priest! Gargano clotheslines Priest out of the ring, builds speed again, and DIVES, into Priest’s hands! Priest lifts but Gargano hops onto the apron! SUPERKICK! But Priest spins and SWEEPS Gargano’s legs! Gargano crashes down, Priest catches his breath and the ring count begins. The live crowd is fired up again as Priest drags Gargano up. Priest lifts, Gargano is in the crucifix for an APRON RAZOR’S EDGE! Gargano rolls into the ring, Priest covers, TWO!?!? The superhuman heart is still there, even if there’s no soul! Gargano drags himself to the far corner and Priest is in the other. Priest runs corner to corner but Gargano chop blocks him! Gargano runs, into a LARIAT!
Priest grits his teeth again and roars! But Gargano kicks away at him from below! Gargano gets up, has the arm but Priest resists the takedown. Priest rolls, Gargano BUZZSAWS! Gargano runs, tilt-o-whirls, but Priest spins Gargano through to the dragon sleeper! Gargano escapes the Reckoning to STANDING SLICED BREAD! BLINDSIDE FOREARM! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives, because how else can he #LiveForever? The crowd rallies for “NXT! NXT!” as Gargano goes to a corner. Gargano is frustrated but he powers up and mocks Priest’s bow ‘n’ arrow. Gargano runs in, Priest blocks the superkick! Priest lifts, Gargano wheelbarrows to a victory roll, TWO!! Priest escapes but Gargano doesn’t slow down! Gargano goes to the apron, aims as Priest hurries over, shoulders in and slingshots up, into a choke grip!
Gargano enziguris free, slingshots again, but Priest blocks One Finial Beat into an Alabama, and SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, TWO?!?! Gargano still lives?! The crowd hopes they “Fight Forever!” at this rate! Priest goes to a corner, climbs up top, but Gargano rolls as far away as he can. Priest hops down as Gargano bails out, but Priest still runs! Priest FLIES over the corner, but onto security staff! Gargano used them as shields! The ref calls for medics, Gargano LOW BLOWS Priest!! Gargano puts Priest in, SUPERKICKS, covers, TWO!?!? Priest survives and Gargano is in shock! Gargano just gets angry now and he runs again, into a tilt-o-whirl takedown! Gargano gets the arm up and over, GargaNO Escape! Priest reaches for ropes, Gargano drags him away, STF GargaNo Escape modification!!
Priest endures, reaches, powers up and gest his leg free! Priest uses all his strength to get the ropebreak! Gargano lets go at 4 and Priest looks out as it is! Gargano drops knees on the bad arm over and over! Gargano smirks as Priest writhes towards the ropes. Because Priest is on the side of the ring where the steps are! Gargano definitely wants Priest to revisit In Your House as he throws haymakers. Priest teeters on the edge, Gargano gets space and runs back in, but Priest ROCKS him back! Priest brings Gargano up, suplexes but Gargano fights free! Gargano hits and runs and hits a big forearm! Priest wobbles, Gargano tries again but runs into a ROUNDHOUSE!
Priest climbs up and leaps, into a SUPERKICK! Gargano SUPERKICKS again! Gargano is on the apron as Priest flounders up, ONE FINAL- NO! Priest puts Gargano in the ropes, for a DRAPING RECKONING!! Cover, Priest wins!!
Winner: Damian Priest, by pinfall (still NXT North American Champion)
Now THAT is how you live in infamy! Will Priest continue to reign forever as North American Champion?
Kushida VS The Velveteen Dream!
The Timesplitter and the Experience. Two shining stars with bright futures in NXT, but only one can shine in the spotlight tonight! Dream has tried to overshadow Kushida but he has only unleashed Kushida’s aggression! Who takes over the spotlight to shine brightest?
Dream tries to be Doc to Kushida’s Marty, but that’s not gonna fly with the Super Junior! Kushida attacks before the bell! And CLOBBERS Dream with his jacket! The crowd is fired up for Kushida as he whips Dream but Dream reverses. Kushida KICKS Dream down, throws his jacket at him again, and Dream bails out to throw a fit. And a chair, too! Dream puts the chair in the ring, Kushida gets it first and swings on Dream! Dream bails out, is furious all over again and shakes out his left arm. The bell rings to get this all on record and Dream gets in the ring. Kushida gets around him, gets a leg but Dream drags Kushida down. Kushida facelocks, hooks an arm and rains down elbows! Kushida floats all over Dream to get another opening for hammering fists.
Dream resists the armbar and gets a waistlock but Kushida cranks the arm! Dream gets the ropebreak, Kushida lets go at 3, but he avoids the back elbow to ROCK Dream with that right! Dream rushes Kushida, Kushida ducks under and then mocks Dream back with the slither! Dream is furious and he gives chase as Kushida slides out of the ring. The chase goes around the ring, Kushida stops and mule kicks Dream hard! Kushida gets in the ring, builds speed and handspring kicks Dream off the apron! Dream flounders, Kushida drags him in and wrenches the arm as the fans fire up. Kushida hits a bulldog on the bad arm! Dream clutches that arm but Kushida threatens to break it! Dream backs off to a corner and begs for mercy, but he dodges Kushida to get a leg.
Kushida enziguris back, then atomic drops Dream for a whip and drop toehold! Dream resists the takedown but Kushida just gets the bad arm! Kushida rolls to get the hammerlock, traps that arm with a leg, and then uses his body to capture Dream’s other arm! Double omoplata SNAP! Dream writhes, flails but BOOTS Kushida right down! Dream drags Kushida up, throws him out of the ring, then climbs up top. Dream leaps to ax handle Kushida down! Dream poses for just a moment before wincing with pain. Dream drags Kushida back up to throw into boards! Dream returns to the ring just to refresh the count, and he drags Kushida up again. “Get up, Marty!”
Dream puts Kushida in the ring, clubs him on the back with double ax handles, then brings him back up for a European Uppercut! Cover, ONE! Dream is annoyed with Kushida but he stalks Kushida to a corner. Kushida gets up to throws forearms, Dream EuroUppers! Dream sits Kushida up, runs in and hits a BRONCO BUSTER! “Boo me now!” The crowd is fired up while Dream soaks up all the heat. Dream drags Kushida up, puts him back in a corner, but Kushida boots back! Dream blocks it but Kushida throws haymakers! They brawl, Kushida whips, Dream reverses, and Dream catches the handspring into a sleeper hold! Dream leans on Kushida and Kushida fades! The ref checks but Kushida stays awake, only for Dream to squeeze tighter.
Fans rally up for Kushida as he fights up to his feet. Kushida backs Dream to a corner, Dream stays in the ropes but lets go at 4. Kushida ROCKS Dream with that elbow! Dream throws haymakers, Kushida gives back forearms! Kushida rocks Dream, Drema shoves him but Kushida TACKLES Dream! Kushida rains down fists, then hip tosses and handsprings to basement dropkick! Dream flounders, Kushida gives him DANIELSON- NO! Dream rolls Kushida, Kushida rolls through, FAST BALL SPECIAL! Kushida gets both arms as Dream is on his stomach, for INVERTED DANIELSON STOMPS! Kushida flips Dream over to stomp him properly! The ref counts, Kushida lets up fast and Dream flounders to a corner. Kushida fires up, runs in but Dream puts him on the apron.
Kushida gets Dream’s arm, Dream flails but Kushida POSTS him! Fans are thunderous as Kushida gets on the apron. Dream apologizes but the fans want “One More Time!” So Kushida POSTS Dream again! And then BOOTS the steel steps into the arm!! Dream screams in agony as he flounders about. Kushida gets in but Dream SUPERKICKS him down! Dream manages to make it to his corner, climbs up top, and leaps, into an ARMBAR!! Kushida holds on tight as Dream flails and rolls, and Dream gets a ropebreak with a leg! Kushida holds on, Dream throws haymakers, but the ref separates them. Dream thumbs Kushida in the eyes! Then throws haymakers and POWERBOMBS! High stack, TWO, into the ARMBAR! Dream clubs away on Kushida until he’s free!
Dream throws off the gloves, slaps the bad arm to get it working, and he fireman’s carries, DREAM VALLEY DRIVER! Dream heads up top again, his bad arm slows him down a bit, but he leaps for the PURPLE RAIN MAKER! But his left arm bothers him so bad that he can’t cover right away! TWO!! Kushida survives and Dream is shocked! Dream argues with the ref but Kushida grabs the bad arm. Dream glares at Kushida, drags him up and reels him in for a LARIAT! “Dream Over. Call your mama and tell her about it!” Dream climbs up back up again, takes time to pose, but Kushida is up and after him! Kushida throws forearms, gets the arm, FLYING HOVERBOARD ARMBAR!!
Dream endures, reaches, flails, and gets the ropebreak, but Kushida rolls him away! Kushida cranks on the arm, Dream stands up and fireman’s carries, but Kushida fights to keep the arm! DREAM VALLEY, but the HOVERBOARD is still on! Dream TAPS, Kushida wins!!
Winner: Kushida, by submission
Dream feels the true agony of defeat! Kushida’s new edge shines in the spotlight, but is his future going to be golden? Wait, Kushida keeps going after Dream! Winning wasn’t enough, he wants Dream to feel regret! Kushida puts the bad arm in an armbar, Dream taps but it won’t stop the pain! Kushida bends fingers until more referees rush out to pry him off Dream! Kushida paces, but goes right after him again! OMOPLATA! Dream taps and taps but Kushida holds on until the ref’s pry him off again! Will Dream wish he could travel back in time to stop himself from ever angering Kushida?
NXT Universe beware, you’re in for a scare!
The wild child, Shotzi Blackheart will host a very special NXT on October 28th as NXT brings back HALLOWEEN HAVOC!! Trick or treat, get ready to be on the edge of your seat!
NXT Cruiserweight Championship: Santos Escobar VS Isaiah “Swerve” Scott!
El Hijo del Fantasma won the title at the end of the Cruiserweight Championship Round Robin finals, but there was one man who did defeat him along the way! Swerve got his shot but was screwed over by El Legado and a loaded lucha mask! But the house still stands and Swerve has a chance at redemption on top of the title! Will he be ready for anything and everything? Or does Escobar have a trick up his proverbial sleeve that no one could expect?
The introductions are made, the title is raised, and the Cruiserweight Division finally gets to TakeOver!
Escobar and Swerve circle as the crowd rallies up already. They approach, tie up, and Escobar gets the arm. Swerve hooks a leg to trip Escobar, cartwheels over but Escobar arm-drags Swerve away. Escobar runs but Swerve dodges, Escobar huricanranas but Swerve handsprings through! Swerve says HE is Cruiserweight wrestling, and that upsets Escobar. Escobar rushes Swerve, Swerve dodges and Eddy Gordo headscissors Escobar away! Escobar gets up and Swerve smirks. Swerve then trips Escobar, turns him over with leg hooks and goes to dead lift, but Escobar victory rolls through, TWO! Escobar sweeps the legs to cover, ONE! Swerve sweeps the legs to cover, ONE! The two stand off in fighting stances and the crowd loves it!
Swerve blocks Escobar’s punch, fakes him out to mule kick, and then runs, into a forearm! Escobar runs into a monkey flip! Escobar just barely gets his feet under him but Swerve handsprings and MOONSAULTS him down! The crowd is fired up as Swerve watches Escobar flounder. Escobar leans against the post, and pulls down the crossbar cover. Swerve gets in the ring to refresh the ring count, and he goes to the corner to CORKSCREW SENTON! Down goes Escobar and the crowd fires up again! Swerve puts Escobar in the ring but Escobar bails out the side. Swerve runs and FOSBURY FLOPS Escobar down! The fans are thunderous as Swerve is showing he can do it all! Swerve puts Escobar in, covers, TWO! Escobar bails out again but Swerve pursues.
Swerve drags Escobar up to go after the arm. Swerve wraps the arm around the very crossbar Escobar exposed! He’s showing Escobar what bending the rules gets you as he bends the arm! The ring count is at 7 but Swerve puts Escobar in at 8. Cover, TWO! Swerve grows annoyed with Escobar and he pulls Escobar around to go after the bad arm! Escobar endures as Swerve pulls it way back to drop down on it! Escobar puts a leg on the rope, Swerve stomps him anyway! Swerve brings Escobar up to Northern Light takeodnw into an ARMBAR! Short Arm Scissor, even, as Escobar resists. Escobar gets legs under the ropes, Swerve lets off but goes to the apron. Swerve drags Escobar up to hotshot the arm!
Fans rally as Swerve brings Escobar up again, but now Escobar hotshots Swerve! And KICKS him off the apron! Escobar runs and builds speed to DIVE! ARROW FROM HELL!! Swerve gets sent into the fencing, Escobar puts Swerve back in, covers, ONE?! Escobar is furious that Swerve kicks out so he KICKS Swerve in the face! Escobar waits for Swerve to stand and he LARIATS Swerve back down! Swerve gets to a corner, Escobar runs and DOUBLE KNEES! Escobar puts Swerve up top and SLAPS him! Escobar climbs up and SUPER STEINERS! Then somersault and elbow drop! Cover, TWO! Swerve still lives and the fans stay fired up! Escobar stomps away on Swerve at the ropes but the ref counts. Escobar stops at 4 because he still doesn’t want to be disqualified.
Escobar stands Swerve up and tells him, “Yo soy Lucha Libre!” Escobar SLAPS Swerve, kicks him, and says maybe if he spits in Swerve’s face will make him understand. Escobar reels back but Swerve puts a hand on Escobar’s mouth! No spit flies, but the fists do! Escobar clubs Swerve, reels him in, but Swerve frees himself to ROCK Escobar! And again! Swerve fires off heavy haymakers in the corner! The ref counts, Swerve stops at 4 to throw Escobar down, for a DISCUS! The crowd is thunderous as Escobar flounders up. Swerve runs in to uppercut! Swerve snapmares Escobar for the falling EuroUpper! Escobar bails out but Swerve BOOTS him from the apron! And then again! Escobar goes down in a heap, Swerve puts him in, slingshot to somersault, ROLLING THUNDER SHOT! Cover, TWO!!
Escobar survives but Swerve doesn’t lose focus. Swerve aims from the corner, hops up again and waits for Escobar to stand. Escobar is up but he climbs up to join Swerve! So Swerve slips under, only for Escobar to kick him away. Escobar turns around, Swerve dropkicks the legs out! DRAPING DDT! Cover, TWO!! Escobar survives again but Swerve grits his teeth. Swerve drags Escobar up with a half nelson but Escobar gets the ropes! The ref counts, El Legado returns! The ref stops Wilde from getting in, Escobar shoves Swerve and Mendoza trips him up! Gut wrench, SHOULDER BREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Swerve survives the screw job attempt! Escobar goes to the apron to follow Swerve, runs side to side, but into a pop-up that puts Escobar on the ropes!
Escobar is stuck on his fantasma, Swerve throws haymakers! Swerve then hops up, and STEINERS Escobar onto Legado!! They catch him, help him up, but here comes ASHANTE “THEE” ADONIS!! From what’s been happening on 205 Live, Adonis isn’t a fan of Legado del Fantasma, either, and he goes up to TORNILLO! Adonis wipes out Mendoza and Wilde! The crowd is thunderous as Escobar is in shock! Adonis and Swerve run off the henchmen before Swerve hurries into the ring. Escobar runs over, gets a back elbow, and Swerve goes up and in to somersault, into a CALF KICK! Fireman’s carry, PHANTOM DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!??! How?!!? Escobar doesn’t know how, but the crowd is electric!
Escobar is fuming as he stomps away on Swerve over and over! Escobar drags Swerve back up, suplexes, uno amigo! Then a roll over, dos amigos! Fans boo, they don’t think Escobar isn’t worthy of Eddie Guerrero but he still hits all three amigos! Escobar goes up top, FROG SPLASH FLOPS!! Swerve evades and denies Escobar his Latino Heat! Swerve gets the arm, POP CULTURE!! Escobar clutches his arm but Swerve gives him a HOUSE CALL!! But that’s not it, Swerve goes up for the 450 SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!?!?! Escobar survives all of that and Swerve is losing his mind! The crowd hopes they “Fight Forever!” because “This is Awesome!” But this will end somehow, and Swerve drags Escobar up.
Escobar flounders, throws Swerve out and hurries back up. Swerve hurries after him, half nelsons him, but Escobar holds ropes for dear life! Escobar pushes Swerve back, Swerve falls and hits the bare crossbar!! It comes into play after all!! Escobar drags Swerve in, brings him up, underhooks and lifts, BUTTERFLY FACEBUSTER ACROSS THE KNEE! Cover, Escobar wins!!
Winner: Santos Escobar, by pinfall (still NXT Cruiserweight Champion)
So much fight from Swerve, and he even had a new ally fight against the minions, but Escobar always has a back-up plan! Was this Swerve’s last chance at the championship? Will Escobar truly remake the Cruiserweight Division to reflect HIS image?
NXT Women’s Championship: Io Shirai VS Candice LeRae!
As said time and again, there was a time when these two were on friendly terms. But somewhere along the way, both of them found themselves on darker paths. The Wednesday Knight failed to grab some gold, will the Evil Genius make sure the Poison Pixie’s story also has a bad ending?
The introductions are made with extra special spotlight and a mic lowered from the ceiling! The title is raised and the fans are fired up already as this twisted tale of treachery and woe writes a new chapter!
Fans already cheer for “Women’s Wrestling” at the bell but Candice talks trash. She shoves, Shirai shoves back and Candice gets a headlock. Shirai powers out, follows through and redirects Candice. Candice drops down, Shirai handsprings, hip tosses and basement dropkicks! Candice bails out as Shirai kips up and dares her to come back. Candice takes her time to cool off, and then gets in. Candice waistlocks, Shirai switches but Candice bucks her off. Shirai comes back to crucifix swing but Candice blocks. Candice swings Shirai, Shirai arm-drags her to a corner. Shirai runs, Candice dodges and runs back in to monkey flip, but Shirai lands on her feet! Fans fire up as Shirai runs back in but Candice moves!
Shirai is denied her trip on the Shinkansen, and Candice tells the ref to give her a second to catch her breath. Candice gets on the apron, Shirai rams a shoulder then sunset flips! Candice holds on for dear life, knocks Shirai away and springboard crossbodies Shirai down! Candice brags like she just won the match, and she throws Shirai at the apron. Shirai tiger feints and kicks! Shirai springboards, ASAI MOONSAULT! Down goes Candice and Shirai is fired up! Shirai drags Candice up and in, Candice crawls but Shirai is after her with a cover, ONE! Shirai kicks Candice to a corner, stomps a mudhole into her but lets up at 3. Shirai digs both boots in, swings and double knees! Shirai drags Candice to a cover, TWO! Candice crawls away but Shirai is after her again.
Shirai brings Candice up to whip to a corner, Candice reverses and runs in, but Shirai slips out to the apron. Shirai swings but Candice blocks the kick! Candice pushes Shirai right-side-up to DRAPING BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO!! Shirai survives and Candice is frustrated. Candice drags Shirai around, puts on a chinlock and digs a knee into her back. Shirai endures the modified camel clutch as the fans rally up. Shirai gets to her feet, throws elbows and is free, but Candice clubs her back. Candice runs, tilt-o-whirl headscissors but Shirai lands on her feet again! Only for Candice to CLOBBER her! Cover, TWO! Shirai survives again and Candice is getting angrier. Candice kicks Shirai around, scrapes her face on the ropes, but lets up at the ref’s count. Fans boo but Candice just soaks it all up.
Candice snapmares and neck snaps to a jackknife cover, TWO! Candice keeps her cool this time and she clamps onto Shirai with a high keylock. Shirai endures, fans rally up, but Candice traps the other arm. Shirai reaches with a leg but fights up to her feet, only for Candice to throw her down by her hair! Cover, TWO! Candice gets frustrated again as she stomps Shirai to ropes. Candice scoops Shirai for a backbreaker! Cover, TWO! Candice drags Shirai back up, rams her into buckles and again, but lets off at the ref’s reprimand. Candice soaks up the heat, then runs in to uppercut at the corner! Shirai flounders against ropes and Candice talks smack, so Shirai SLAPS her! Candice clubs Shirai back, bumps her off buckles and brings her out of that corner to bump her off buckles in another corner.
Candice stomps a mudhole then backs off to soak up more heat. Candice mockingly asks Shirai if she’s okay, then brings her up to throw her by her hair! Shirai flounders to a corner, Candice brings her up to throw her back the other way! Candice clubs Shirai, suplexes to a BRAIN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Another cover, TWO!! Candice scowls as she sits Shirai up and knees her in the back! And again! Candice clamps on with a neck wrench but Shirai endures. The crowd rallies up, Shirai stands but Candice knees low. Candice shoves Shirai to a corner, runs in but only gets buckles! Shirai is still down, Candice uses her as a step, but Shirai moves and the senton flops! Shirai victory roll STOMPS Candice down! The fans fire up as Shirai and Candice stir.
The ref starts a standing count but Candice and Shirai are up at 4. Shirai runs Candice over with shoulders, and then again! FLAPJACK! Candice flounders to ropes, Shirai runs in to 619! Candice flounders more, Shirai springboards, missile dropkick! Cover, TWO! Shirai keeps her cool as Candice survives. Shirai drags Candice up to underhook, but no Tiger Driver as Candice pops out. Candice blocks the wheelbarrow to make it a facebuster! Step-up senton! LIONSAULT, into a BOOT! Shirai underhooks again, TIGER BACKBREAKER! Candice is down in the drop zone and Shirai walks all over her. Shirai is up top but Candice gets up to stop her! Candice brings Shirai off for a POWERBOMB, but Shirai is right back up to hit SHINKANSEN! Shirai Alabama lifts, Candice sunset flips, TWO!
SHOTEI! GERMAN SUPLEX! Candice flounder but dodges a 619 to SNAP GERMAN! Shirai flounders up, into a BACKSTABBER! LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Shirai barely survives and Candice is beside herself! The crowd is thunderous and Candice goes back to Shirai. Candice slaps and pushes Shirai around, but Shirai catches her for a CROSSFACE! Candice flails, reaches, endures but Shirai cranks back! Candice manages to roll Shirai, TWO! Candice gets the GargaNO ESCAPE! Shirai endures now, crawls around, reaches, but Candice cranks as far back as she can! Shirai powers her way forward but Candice digs her heels in to slow her down! Shirai still gest the ropebreak! Candice lets go and CLOBBERS the ref by accident!
Candice tries to take advantage, but she runs into an AIR RAID CRASH! Shirai heads to the corner and up top, for the MOONSAULT onto BOOTS! And Shirai crashes into the ref! The ref is sent out of the ring, Candice BOOTS Shirai! Candice gets the leg, Queen Angelito STOMP!! The Wicked Step Sister hits but the ref is OUT! Candice would’ve won twice over, but here comes… Johnny Referee?! Fast count, TWO!?!? Shirai won’t be screwed out of her title like this! Gargano throws a fit on Candice’s behalf but he gets an idea. Gargano hurries out to get the belt from the timekeeper. As far as Gargano is concerned, it’s Candice’s belt! But the actual ref gets back in and questions what Gargano’s even doing!
Gargano manages to slip the belt to Candice as he argues with the ref! Candice aims at Shirai, BELT SHOT!! Cover, TWO!?!? Gargano is losing his mind but so is Candice! The fans are thunderous as Candice climbs up top. Shirai SHOTEIS her first! Shirai climbs up to get Candice for a SUPER SPANISH FLY!! And then up, up and away for the OVER THE MOONSAULT! Cover, Shirai wins!!
Winner: Io Shirai, by pinfall (still NXT Women’s Champion)
The Johnny Gargano Way did NOT have its way tonight! Try as they might, Mr. & Mrs. Wrestling could not take over at TakeOver! But with Rhea Ripley waiting on the other side, will the Evil Genius reign for much longer?
But wait! Someone speaks to “Io-chan” via the screen wall! It’s TONI STORM! Good to see you, Shirai. Don’t mind her, she’s just congratulating Shirai on the victory. Oh and also, she wants us all to keep their head on a swivel. Because Toni is BACK in NXT! And it goes without saying she’ll turn the place upside-down and inside out. This always has and always will be #ToniTime. But when will the Lightning Down Under strike the Capitol Wrestling Center? And what does this mean for Rhea’s opportunity at the title?
NXT spots the mystery invader!
They ride in on their motorcycle, night vision helmet still active as they drive around to a side door. They go inside the Capitol Wrestling Center, but who are they? Who are they after? They’re ON STAGE! And it’s… EMBER MOON! The Shenom has returned to NXT and everyone is fired up! Shirai is excited, too, because this just adds on to the fun she and the Women’s Division are going to have! But again, what does this mean for Rhea’s opportunity? Will the Nightmare have to deal with champions of the past and present to be the champion of the future?
Backstage interview with Ashante “Thee” Adonis!
He got involved with Swerve and Legado, but why? He has a lot of respect for Swerve, and just trying to help a brother out. But he is sick and tired of Legado jumping guys, so he jumped them faster than Amazon delivers! But enough about them, this is all about him! You see Adonis’ swagger is 1000, and he is drippin’, drippin’, drippin’! Because this is his #RICHual! When the money speaks, no one checks the grammar! He’s gonna hit you with the hammer! 205 from the 215, you know what time it is! Showtime! Will Adonis show El Legado what happens when you try and hold people down?
NXT Championship: Finn Balor VS Kyle O’Reilly!
As the Prince said himself, “Life comes full circle in this business.” At one time, the longest reigning NXT Champion in history was also the inaugural WWE Universal Champion and a bright star on Raw and SmackDown. But he felt the need to go back to his roots in more ways than one. Now he is back on his throne as a TWO-TIME NXT Champion. But his challenger is the only THREE-TIME NXT Tag Team Champion, and that is Undisputed! Will Kyle usher in “the second wave” of the Golden Prophecy? Or is Balor too rrrreeeal for him?
The crowd chants “This is Awesome!” and we’re just at the special spotlight introductions! Then the belt is raised, and the moment of truth for both these long-standing veterans begins!
Kyle and Balor circle, feel things out and Kyle gets a testing kick in. Balor stays up as the fans are thunderous already. They tie up, Balor gets around to a waistlock but Kyle pries free to wrench to a hammerlock. Balor slips out quickly, waistlocks and slams Kyle down, but Kyle scrambles to turn Balor over. Kyle is after Balor with the mount, covers, but Balor headscissors before a count! Kyle pops out and the two stand off as fans cheer again. Balor and Kyle circle, tie up, and Balor headlocks. Kyle endures the grind, powers up but can’t power out as Balor holds tight. Kyle fights up to his feet as Balor grinds the headlock harder. Kyle stomps a foot and power out but Balor runs him over! Cover, ONE, Balor headlocks to a takedown!
Kyle tries to headscissor but Balor shrugs that off as he grinds the headlock. Kyle rolls to a cover, ONE, and then Kyle hits a back suplex! But Balor holds on! Balor grinds Kyle down but Kyle fights his way up. Fans rally as Kyle pries at the hold. Kyle still can’t power out but he stays on his feet. Kyle gets a leg and lifts but Balor anticipates the shin breaker to sunset flip! Kyle drops down on Balor for an ARMBAR! Balor gets up and around to get the ropebreak! Kyle lets go but kicks Balor and clubs the arm. Kyle yanks the arm, reels Balor in for a shoulder to shoulder collision, then he wrenches Balor down to his knees. Balor endures as Kyle grinds the shoulder. Fans rally as Balor gets up but Kyle wrenches. Balor rolls, tries to hook Kyle’s chin but Kyle wrangles Balor down.
Kyle cranks on the arm but Balor kips up! Kyle still gets a hammerlock, spins Balor around and sweeps the legs! Balor lands on the arm, Kyle is after it with another hammerlock and drops knees. Kyle drives elbows into the side, then throws a knee in. Kyle runs to knee Balor hard in the side! Kyle sits Balor up and is after the arm again but Balor clasps hands. Kyle still cranks on the hammerlock but Balor reaches back. Balor spins, trips Kyle and drops on him but Kyle slips right out to get the arm again. Fans continue to rally as Kyle leans on Balor. Balor moves around, gets another ropebreak, and Kyle lets go. Kyle brings Balor up, hammerlock takedown, but Balor knees him over and over to avoid a cover. Kyle cranks on the arm again, but Balor back drops!
Kyle sunset flips through but Balor rolls through that to basement dropkick! The legs still work! Balor shakes out the bad arm before he KICKS Kyle in the back! Cover, TWO! Balor has Kyle’s arm now and he stomps it! Balor has a standing armbar and pulls but Kyle endures. Fans rally again as Kyle endures. Balor mocks Kyle’s air guitar by using Kyle’s arm. Kyle tries to power up but Balor stomps him again! Balor hammerlocks and wrangles Kyle down, and even gives it some snap. Kyle moves around, Balor stands on him and drops knees on the hammerlock. Fans rally, Balor gives another snap, but Kyle endures. Kyle reaches back but Balor cranks the arm to avoid the headlock. Kyle keeps trying so Balor wrenches his arm more. Fans rally, Kyle stands and backs Balor but Balor sends him into buckles!
Balor elbows the arm and CHOPS Kyle in the chest! Balor wraps the arm on the rope to pull it! The ref counts, Balor lets go at 4 to CHOP Kyle again! Kyle leans on the ropes as he goes to another corner, but Balor CHOPS him there, too! Balor stomps Kyle, whips him corner to corner then runs in to CHOP again! Balor whips Kyle the other way for another CHOP! Kyle leans against ropes again but Balor won’t let him rest. Balor whips Kyle again, Kyle comes back with a BIG kitchen sink knee! Kyle and Balor both hobble, but Balor CHOPS again. Balo rruns, into a pop-up KICK! Kyle throws muay thai knees then a strike fest! Leg sweep and down goes Balor! Fans fire up as Kyle catches his breath. Balor gets to a corner, Kyle runs in for a forearm smash!
Kyle has the arm, ELBOW BREAKER! Balor throws forearms, Kyle throws knees, BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! Kyle holds on, another BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! And a third! Cover, TWO! Balor survives that underhook hat trick and the fans fire up. Kyle stalks Balor, brings him up and goes for a lift but Balor elbows free. Kyle KICKS the leg and Balor drops to a knee! Balor is on the ropes, Kyle fires off more stirkes! Kyle throws knees, elbows but Balor pushes him away. Balor throws a BIG forearm! Kyle throws another! Balor back kicks HARD and Kyle falls! The ref checks on Kyle but Balor won’t let up! Balor stomps away at the ropes but the ref backs him off. The ref checks Kyle but Balor KICKS Kyle while he’s down!
Balor shows no mercy but the ref counts! Balor stops at 4 and Kyle is still down. Fans rally up for Kyle but Balor drags him up to bump off buckles. Balor rams his shoulder in over and over, then whips corner to corner HARD! Kyle bounces off buckles chest first and he might only be in worse shape! Balor drags Kyle back up and CHOPS him against the ropes! Balor puts Kyle throw the ropes and CLUBS him on the back. Balor goes side to side to kick Kyle in the kidneys! Kyle is down in a heap but he refuses to let this end the match. Balor stomps Kyle as he crawls around then drops down for a chinlock. Not quite a camel clutch but it still stretches the abs! Kyle endures, Balor leaps to drop an elbow! Cover, TWO! Kyle grits his teeth as he gets to a corner and the fans rally up even harder.
Balor heads after Kyle, CHOPS him again, then whips him corner to corner. Kyle stops himself, tries to get under but Balor KICKS him in the side! Balor brings Kyle up for the cobra twist! Kyle pops right out to hip toss Balor down! Kyle gets up, Balor runs and CHOPS him again! Balor runs but into a KNEE from Kyle! Kyle fishermans, REGAL PLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Balor survives but the fans are still rallying for Kyle! Kyle grits his teeth, drags Balor up and wrenches, but Balor CLUBS him and dragon sleepers! ELBOW DROP DDT! Cover, TWO!! Kyle is still in this but Balor grits his teeth now. Balor watches Kyle rise, runs in, SLING BLADE! Kyle flounders as Balor aims from the corner again. Balor wants Kyle to rise, and Kyle does, but Kyle dropkicks Balor’s legs out first!
Balor hobbles up, Kyle kicks his leg from the mat! Balor hobbles up again, Kyle has the leg, but Balor uses that to get the COBRA TWIST! Kyle endures, blood in his mouth! Balor CLUBS Kyle, dragon sleepers, but Kyle slips around, SHIN BREAKER! HEEL HOOK! Balor manages to stay up on one foot but Kyle cranks harder. Balor turns things around, into a SHARPSHOOTER! Kyle endures as his body is stretched again! Balor sits DEEP, drags Kyle from ropes, but Kyle refuses to quit! Kyle grits his teeth and gets the ropebreak! Balor lets go but how much does Kyle even have left?! Balor hobbles up as the fans are thunderous! Kyle gets to a corner, Balor heads over and tells him, “I am Finn Balor!” Balor stomps Kyle as he says, “I do this every night!”
Kyle crawls, Balor follows to stomp him more. Balor KICKS Kyle in the side but Kyle still manages to move. Balor stomps him into the corner and keeps going but the ref backs him off. Fans rally up for Kyle as Kyle grits his teeth. Balor stomps but Kyle grabs the foot! Kyle stands up, and ROCKS Balor! Kyle throws more forearms, Balor kicks the gut! Kyle kicks back! AX ‘N’ SMASH! PELE! YOYO LARIAT!! Both men are down and the fans fire up! “This is Awesome!” but far from over! The fans build to a rally as Balor and Kyle slowly rise. Kyle KICKS Balor in the chest! Kyle wants Balor to get up, he does, and Balor blocks the kick! Balor SLAPS Kyle, half hatch, but Kyle suplexes! Balor fights out of that but Kyle has the GUILLOTINE FACELOCK!
Kyle squeezes tight, Balor fades fast! Kyle lets go to KNEE Balor in the stomach! Then BRAIN BUSTER!! Cover, TWO! Short Arm Scissor! Balor clasps hands as Kyle wants the armbar, and is even using Balor’s own leg as leverage against him! Balor’s grip pries apart and Kyle has the ARMBAR! Balor hurries up to stomp away on Kyle’s face! Balor is free, both men are down and the fans are still thunderous! Balor gets up, CLUBS Kyle on the back then CLUBS him again! Balor smothers Kyle into the dragon sleeper, drags him up, BLOODY SUNDAY! Cover, TWO!?! Kyle survives and the crowd is fired up all over again! Balor hobbles up with Kyle in the drop zone, and he climbs up top. Balor grits his teeth as he looks down at Kyle, but Kyle is up top and sweeps the legs!
Balor is stuck, Kyle has the legs for a DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Balor tumbles down but Kyle drags him up again, for another DRAGON SCREW in the ropes! Kyle hurries to a corner as Balor is stuck again! FLYING KNEE DROP! Balor is down now but Kyle heads up top!? ANOTHER FLYING KNEE! And the KNEEBAR!! Balor endures as Kyle has the Achilles Lock!! Balor hurries to pry the hold apart but Kyle just shifts to another angle! Balor endures, kicks at Kyle, but that leg gets caught! DOUBLE HEEL HOOK!! Fans are electric as Balor punches Kyle! Kyle just wrenches both ankles again! Balor turns over, crawls and reaches, ROPEBREAK! Kyle has no choice but to let go! The crowd chants for “NXT! NXT!” for another incredible main event!
Kyle throws off the wrist tape in frustration as he grits his teeth. Kyle KICKS Balor in the leg and Balor falls over! Kyle hobbles and Balor flounders up, but Balor drops down to avoid another kick! Balor suckers Kyle into a trip up and DOUBLE STOMP! Kyle clutches his stomach, but he still runs in to KNEE Balor in the corner! GERMAN SUPLEX! But Balor’s right up to DOUBLE STOMP again!! Both men are down and the crowd is still fired up! Balor hobbles over to a corner and he drags himself up the ropes. Balor leaps, COUP DE GRACE!!! Cover, Balor wins!!
Winner: Finn Balor, by pinfall (still NXT Champion)
You wouldn’t think he won from the blood in his mouth, but the Prince still sits on the throne atop NXT! If Balor survived even this much, what will it take for anyone to take the title from him? As for Kyle, he seems to have won something from Balor: his respect! Balor offers a hand, Kyle takes it, and the champion helps his challenger up. Will Kyle be back for another shot at the title?
Wait, what the hell?! Ridge Holland is at ringside, carrying an unconscious Adam Cole!! And he dumps Cole over the barriers! Roderick Strong and Bobby Fish hurry out to check on Cole and shout for medics to hurry! How did this happen?! Only Cole and Holland know, but Cole’s in no shape to tell his side of the story. Will the Undisputed Era make Holland answer for what he’s done?
My Thoughts:
For this being only a TakeOver with a number, not a subtitle, this TakeOver blew me out of the water! No titles changed but that’s never a reason to complain because all the matches were amazing! Priest VS Gargano opening the show was a great surprise in itself, and it was an incredible match to open with! A lot of new takes on moves, like Priest using his height advantage for more of a full nelson dunk than slam on Gargano, and it really did feel like it could go either way. Priest retains, so it was put on Candice to try and get something. Shirai VS Candice was itself incredible, and with all the screw job attempts, I almost thought that was going to do Shirai in. Shirai finds a way, but wow, the Women’s Division is top loaded again.
Everyone was fairly certain Ember Moon was the mystery return, but it seems almost anticlimactic after they also gave us Toni Storm’s little titantron message. Will Rhea have to compete for the shot she wants? Obviously that’s how things tend to go, but I feel like since she, Shotzi, Dakota and Raquel are all entangled, that story will again quite literally interfere with whatever contenders match Rhea is in. Ember VS Storm is great just saying it, and whether it’s Ember VS Shirai or Storm VS Shirai, those are both great. The latter being a rematch from the second May Young Classic makes it seem like it could wait for a real big stage, like WrestleMania 37 (wherever it ends up), for the second NXT Women’s Championship match to be part of that PPV.
Kushida VS Dream was good but it seemed rather one sided in the end. Given the outside issues that already shot down Dream’s chances of being NXT Champion in that Parking Lot Brawl with Cole, don’t expect Dream to win anything big any time soon. For that matter, Kushida going after him so brutally, he might be off TV entirely to let the heat die down. Kushida should go after a belt after this now, and while we’d hope it’s the North American Championship, it might be the Cruiserweight Championship since he is in the 205 Live intro video. Escobar VS Swerve was a great match, better than their round robin one, and what strong heat with copying Latino Heat. Tehuti/Adonis joining this is interesting, but I did say a month or so ago that he and Swerve would make a great duo, so maybe we see that starts now.
NXT bringing Halloween Havoc back this year is great (and probably just a way to stick it to AEW) and I love that Shotzi Blackheart will be the host. She used to host horror movie drive-in type events, she’ll certainly have a lot of fun with this and make it that much more fun, I can’t wait to see what happens. Balor VS O’Reilly, what an incredible match! They were both going really hard, but maybe too hard, because I’m fairly certain someone was spitting real blood, not just movie effect blood. Hopefully it isn’t so bad that we again have to see the title vacated. But what a twist for Holland to be there with a brutalized Cole. Was that story about him beating the hell out of four bullies foreshadowing for this? Is he going to take on the UE alone? Is this a red herring so we don’t suspect someone within the UE? I’ve said before that mystery and unpredictability is best for wrestling, and that’s where we are right now!
My Score: 9.6/10
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Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/27/25)
A Block, FINAL ROUND!

So close to the end, we can almost taste it!
Round nine has come, and it all comes down to this! Who takes A Block and goes to the Best of the Super Juniors’ finals?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Titan & Yota Tsuji VS Nick Wayne & Daiki Nagai; Titan & Tsuji win.
- MAO & Shoma Kato VS SHO & Yujiro Takahashi; Sho & Yujiro win.
- El Desperado & Toru Yano VS Robbie Eagles & Hartley Jackson; Desperado & Yano win.
- YOH & Tiger Mask VS Taiji Ishimori & Gedo; Yoh & Tiger Mask win.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Ninja Mack VS Dragon Dia; Mack wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: KUSHIDA VS Francesco Akira; Akira wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Master Wato VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Kanemaru wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Clark Connors; Fujita wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS Robbie X; Robbie wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current A Block standings!
Hiromu Takahashi: 5-3, 10 points
Master Wato: 5-3, 10 points
Clark Connors: 5-3, 10 points
Francesco Akira: 4-4, 8 points
Kosei Fujita: 4-4, 8 points
KUSHIDA: 4-4, 8 points
Dragon Dia: 4-4, 8 points
Robbie X: 3-5, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 3-5, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Ninja Mack: 3-5, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Ninja Mack VS Dragon Dia!
The American Ninja has no way forward to the finals, but he won’t stop fighting! Will he ruin Dia’s run at the top? Or will the Infinite Carat Diamond not crack under pressure?
The bell rings and the fans rally up for “NINJA! NINJA!” Mack offers a handshake, Dia takes it, and the fans applaud the sportsmanship. They tie up, Dia headlocks, but Mack powers up and out. Dia ducks ‘n’ dodges, then slides under to tilt-o-whirl and arm-drag, only for Mack to handspring through! The fans fire up and Dia sees what he’s dealing with. Dia and Mack reset while the fans rally for “NINJA! NINJA!” Dia and Mack tie up, Mack headlocks, but Dia powers up and out. Mack drops down on the dropdown to gator roll and backslide, TWO! Cradle, TWO! Dia jumps the sweep, Oklahoma Rolls, TWO!
Mack stands, Dia has him for a cradle, TWO! Dia sweeps to cover, ONE! Mack steps over, LA MAGISTROL! TWO and Dia has a press, TWO! Dia stands but Mack drags him down with a headlock takeover! Dia headscissors, Mack kips free and Dia hits the takeover! Mack headscissors, Dia kips free, and the fans cheer the standoff. Dia and Mack reset, circle and feel things out. They knuckle lock, go forehead to forehead, then Mack wrenches an arm to whip. Dia reverses and hurdles, but Mack turns it into an atomic drop! Mack runs and BOOTS Dia down! Dia bails out and the fans rally as Mack handsprings! NINJA SPECIAL! Direct hit, but Mack does clutch his foot.
The fans cheer, the ref checks Mack, and Mack manages to stand. Mack hobbles over, brings Dia up, and he puts Dia in the ring. Mack stomps Dia, then clamps on with a CROSSFACE! Dia endures, fights around, and the fans rally. Dia kicks his way over to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Mack lets go, and then Mack brings Dia up to snap suplex! Cover, TWO! And back to the CROSSFACE! Dia endures again and the fans rally! Dia fights as Mack pulls back on the hold! Dia kicks his way over again, but Mack rolls Dia away! CROSSFACE! Dia endures, the fans rally more, and Dia reaches back to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Mack lets go.
Mack stands Dia up to CHOP! Mack puts Dia in a corner, and he CHOPS again! Mack whips corner to corner, Dia reverses, and Dia runs up, only for Mack to BOOT him! Mack fires body shots, and palm strikes! Mack has Dia in the corner again, runs up, but Dia BOOTS and RANAS! Mack bails out, Dai PLANCHAS, and down goes Mack! The fans fire up while both men are down on the outside. Mack crawls away, a fan helps him up, but Dia is after him. Dia puts Mack in the ring, then baits Mack into the leg scissors trip! Dia slingshots in but Mack slides out, so Dia lands on his feet. Dia jumps right back out to ASAI MOONSAULT!
The fans fire up as Dia takes Mack down again! Dia rises, fires himself up, and he goes back for Mack. Dia drags Mack up, puts him in the corner, and then stands him up to CHOP! Mack is stinging, but Dia hoists him up top. Dia CHOPS again, climbs up top, and hits the ASTRO SCISSORS! Mack writhes, Dia covers, TWO! Mack survives and Dia is frustrated, but he fires back up! The fans rally as Dia goes up. D D D D- NO, Mack catches Dia and RAMS him into the corner! And RAMS him again! Mack puts Dia up, ROCKS him, then ROCKS him again! Dia still BOOTS in return! D D- NO, Mack is up top to second rope SPANISH FLY!
The fans fire up while both men are down! The ref starts a double count while Mack and Dia stir. We pass 5 of 10, then 7, but Mack and Dia stand. They back up into each other, and Mack rolls Dia up! TWO, and Dia rolls Mack up! TWO! Dia sunset flips, TWO, and Mack sits on the prawn hold! TWO and Mack rolls through the sunset to stack! TWO and Dia sunsets, TWO! Mack has the cradle, TWO and Dia has the ghost pin! TWO!! Mack escapes, Dia ENZIGIRIS, but Mack rebounds to SUPERKICK! The fans fire up as Mack crawls his way over. Mack goes for the corner and vows to end it! The fans rally as Mack climbs, but Dia stirs.
Mack fires up and NINJA BOMB FLOPS as Dia moves! Mack writhes, Dia runs and goes right up top! D D D- SHURIKEN KICK!!! Cover, MACK WINS!!!
Winner: Ninja Mack, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Dia earns 0)
An incredible antiair attack brings Dia down, and now neither man is going to the finals! Both men still show great promise, will it be better luck next time next year?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: KUSHIDA VS Francesco Akira!
Time is running out, and maybe it’s too late, but the Time Splitter and the Crown of Fire are going to fight until the last possible second! But win, lose, or draw, who will be watching and waiting for the final results?
The bell rings and the two tie right up. They break, tie up again, and then break. They tie up again, Kushida headlocks, and he grinds Akira down. Akira powers up and out, but Kushida RUNS him over! Things keep moving, Akira stays low then hurdles over. Akira runs but Kushida HIP TOSSES! Akira rolls while Kushida cartwheels, and Akira is up to duck ‘n’ dodge then RANA! Kushida tumbles out while the fans fire up! Akira builds speed, but Kushida ducks the sliding dropkick! Kushida kicks low, whips, but Akira Tiger Feint Kicks on the apron! The fans fire up with Akira and he drags Kushida up to CHOP!
The fans rally, Akira brings Kushida around the way, and he CHOPS again! Kushida kicks low, puts Akira through the corner to then YANK him into the POST! The fans rally while Akira falls, but Kushida stands on the bad arm! Kushida twists the other arm, then brings Akira up. Kushida puts Akira through the corner again to YANK him back into the POST! Akira falls and clutches his arm, but Kushida leaves him behind to go into the ring. The ring count starts but Akira is back up and in very quickly. Akira CHOPS but Kushida kicks low, then scoops to SLAM! The fans rally, Kushida looms over Akira, then he stomps the bad arm!
Kushida drags Akira up, snap suplexes, then looms over Akira again. Kushida stands Akira up to CHOP! Akira CHOPS back! Akira fires a forearm, but Kushida snapmares and steps over to drop a KNEE on the arm! Kushida clamps onto Akira’s arm for a mounted chicken wing but Akira endures. The fans rally, Akira fights up, but Kushida wrangles him back down. Akira fights up, fires forearms, and runs, only for Kushida to SHOTEI! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Akira stays in this, but Kushida brings him up to ELBOW him in the head. Kushida wrangles Akira again, and has the short arm scissors! Akira endures as Kushida puts on the pressure!
Akira fights around, but Kushida powers him down to keep on the arm scissors! Akira fights around, manages to stack Kushida, TWO! Kushida lets Akira go and the fans rally up. Kushida stalks Akira to the ropes, then wrenches the arm. Kushida grinds Akira’s hand against the ropes! The ref reprimands but Akira clutches his arm. Kushida runs to SHOTGUN the elbow! Akira flounders, Kushida goes up the corner, but Akira ROCKS Kushida! Kushida goes to the apron, Akira steps out to join him, but Kushida KICKS the bad arm! Akira fires forearms but Kushida has the wristlock. Akira wrenches Kushida to WRING Kushida into the apron!
The fans rally while Akira shakes out his arm. Akira runs and builds speed to FLY! Down goes Kushida and the fans fire up! Akira roars, the fans cheer, and Akira drags Kushida up and into the ring. Akira tells Fukuoka, “IKU ZO!” The fans rally with Akira and he climbs up the corner. Kushida hurries to HANDSPRING KICK Akira! Akira wobbles up top and Kushida climbs up after him! Akira fires forearms but Kushida has the HOVERBOARD! The ref reprimands, but Akira fires body shots! Akira HEADBUTTS Kushida and Kushida drops back. Akira CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Akira whips, Kushida reverses, but Akira wheelbarrows!
Akira victory rolls to STOMP 182! The fans cheer and Akira covers, TWO! STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Kushida toughs it out and Akira grows frustrated but the fans rally up. They cheer on “A! KI-RA!” and he brings Kushida up. Akira wrenches to ELBOW BREAKER, then goes again! ELBOW BREAKER! Akira wants another, but Kushida wrenches, so Akira rolls him up! TWO, Akira swings but Kushida ducks it! Kushida spins Akira to ROLLING ELBOW! Akira SUPERKICKS! Kushida winds up, but Akira LARIATS first! The fans fire up with Akira, but then Kushida cradles, deadlifts, and BACK TO THE FUTURE!! But Kushida can’t make the cover!
The fans rally while both men stir. Kushida rises and he goes for Akira. Akira grabs at Kushida, as well, and Kushida throws a forearm. Akira fires back! Kushida fires another, so Akira fires back! The fans rally while both men huff ‘n’ puff. Akira blocks the forearm to CLUB the arm! Akira fires a flurry, then eggs Kushida on! Kushida ROCKS Akira, then PENALTY KICKS the arm! Kushida runs, tilt-o-whirl, but Akira fights off the Hoverboard! Clinch and SPEEDFIRE!! Cover, TWO!! Kushida survives and the fans rally for Akira. Akira crawls to the corner, crowns up and NOVA- NO, Kushida ducks the fireball to SLIDE KICK!
Kushida SLIDE KICKS again, and again! Kushida whips, Akira reverses, but Kushida handsprings, into the reverse clinch! GROUND TARANTULA, but Kushida turns things over to a backslide! TWO!!! Akira escapes, but Kushida wrenches him and spins him for another backslide! Akira rolls through to SUPERKICK! Akira roars, the fans fire up with him, and NOVA- BODY SCISSOR TAKEDOWN! HOVERBOARD!! Akira is caught and Kushida cranks on that bad arm! Akira powers up to slip free of the body scissors! Akira shifts and finds the angle, GROUND TARANTULA!! Kushida endures, Akira PULLS on the arm, KUSHIDA TAPS! AKIRA WINS!!
Winner: Francesco Akira, by submission (gains 2 points; Kushida earns 0)
The Time Splitter could not put out the fire, and Akira still has life! But will this be enough for Akira to be a finalist? Or will he be extinguished by another’s victory?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Master Wato VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru!
The Way of the Grandmaster fell in the main event of last round, but he still has a chance to be in the finals! Will he stay alive just a little longer? Or will the Heel Master pour some whiskey on Wato’s dreams?
Well, to start, Kanemaru attacks during Wato’s entrance! The fans boo as Kanemaru kicks and CLUBS Wato! Kanemaru POSTS Wato, Wato falls over, and Kanemaru stomps him down! The ref reprimands but Kanemaru tells him to shut up. Kanemaru leaves Wato behind and wants the ring count. The ref has the bell ring first, and now a ring count can start. Wato rises at 3 of 20, is on the apron, but Kanemaru runs up. Wato RAMS Kanemaru, takes aim, but Kanemaru shoves the ref into Wato! Wato falls, as does the ref, and the fans boo as Kanemaru goes out after Wato! Kanemaru POSTS Wato again!
Kanemaru brings out chairs, puts on one Wato’s leg, then SLAMS the other chair on top of it! Not quite a Con-Chair-To but it gets the job done. Kanemaru SMASHES Wato’s knee on the floor, then goes back to the ring. The ref reprimands but Kanemaru lets Wato writhe. Wato clutches his knee while the ring count starts again. Wato crawls but he’s still down at 10 of 20. Wato reaches for the apron at 15, stands at 17, but manages to jump in at 19! Kanemaru YANKS the bad leg, stomps away on Wato, then stands him up. Kanemaru whips, but Wato can’t even run! The ref checks Wato but Kanemaru is right on those legs!
Kanemaru chuckles as he holds Wato open, but then he gives the ref one leg so Kanemaru can split the wishbone! Wato flounders, stands, and Kanemaru DROPKICKS the legs out! Kanemaru then grabs a leg to YANK it! Kanemaru stomps Wato more, taunts him, then drags him back up. Kanemaru has the leg for the SHIN BREAKER! And then he turns Wato over, HALF CRAB! Wato endures and the fans rally while Kanemaru sits deep! Kanemaru pulls on the leg, but Wato scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer but Kanemaru won’t let go! The ref counts, Kanemaru finally lets go at 4, and he drags Wato right back up.
Kanemaru whips, but Wato still can’t run that well! Wato tumbles to the apron, then slips to the floor. Kanemaru goes right after Wato to SMASH the knee on the floor! The fans rally for Wato while he writhes but Kanemaru leaves him behind. The ref checks with Wato but Wato won’t let this stop him. The ring counts as Kanemaru waits on Wato. Wato is still down at 10 of 20, just like last time. Wato slowly rises and stands at 16. Wato rolls in at 17 and the fans cheer, but Kanemaru grabs the legs for a FIGURE FOUR! Wato endures, the fans rally, but Kanemaru puts on the pressure! Wato flails, reaches out, and he drags Kanemaru along! ROPEBREAK!!
The fans cheer and Kanemaru makes the ref help him undo the hold. Wato grits his teeth and clutches his leg but the fans still rally behind him. Kanemaru stomps Wato, stomps the leg, then kicks him around. Wato stands to CHOP! And CHOP! Kanemaru KICKS the leg! Kanemaru whips Wato but Wato again falls! The leg is in bad shape but Wato refuses to give up. Wato stands, Kanemaru runs up, but Wato ELBOWS him! And BULLDOGS! The fans fire up as Wato powers through the pain! Wato crawls over to Kanemaru and fires up! The fans rally again and Wato wrenches Kanemaru. Kanemaru fights the Recientemente and goes after that leg!
Kanemaru runs, but Wato blocks the boot to spin and ZIGZAG! The fans fire up, Wato brings Kanemaru up, and Wato wrenches to RECIENTEMENTE! Cover, TWO!! Kanemaru survives but Wato just fires up again! The fans are with him as he waistlocks and TSUTEN- NO, Kanemaru grabs the ref! Kanemaru mule kicks the leg! Then he KICKS the other leg! Then he trips Wato to step through, FIGURE FOUR!! Wato endures, the fans rally as hard as they can, but Kanemaru puts on the pressure! Wato reaches out but he’s so far away! Wato pushes against the main leg, he grabs at the ref, but that won’t save him!
Wait, what is SHO doing here?! The Murder Machine is in B Block, but the House of Torture boys will always help each other cheat! The ref keeps Sho back, but Yujiro Takahashi is also here! Tokyo Pimp slides the whiskey bottle to Kanemaru! Kanemaru CLUBS away on Wato’s leg with that bottle!! The fans boo as Wato can only suffer! Kanemaru puts even more pressure on the hold, and WATO TAPS!! Kanemaru wins!!
Winner: Yoshinobu Kanemaru, by submission (gains 2 points; Wato earns 0)
Kanemaru’s game plan to go after the legs was working well enough, he didn’t need the House’s help! But perhaps Kanemaru wanted to stoop to these lows in order to win! And now Sho & Yujiro help stomp away on Wato! But here comes Yoh! Direct Drive saves his tag partner and runs off The House! He even gets a chair! Yoh wants them to man up, but that’s not happening. But now, with Hiromu Takahashi having beat Wato and issuing the tag title challenge, and now Kanemaru winning tonight… Could we really be seeing such an odd couple as Timebomb & Heel Master going for the tag titles?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Clark Connors!
One down, two to go. Wato is out of the running after Kanemaru cut him off at the knees, so to speak. Will the Japanese Young Punk fight his way into the finals? Or will 100 Proof bring down even the mighty?
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. They feel things out, but then Connors KNEES low! Connors CLUBS Fujita, headlocks, but Fujita powers up and out. Connors RUNS Fujita over, the fans are torn, but Connors barks. The fans bark with the War Dog and he runs. Fujita stays low, then bypasses Connors to DROPKICK! The fans cheer while Connors bails out, and Fujita runs. Connors moves aside but Fujita goes to the apron. PENALTY KICK! Fujita sets up, Connors avoids the Asai Moonsault, and Fujita staggers to his feet for the JEEP FLIPPER! Connors tells fans to move so they move! Connors BOWLS Fujita into the chairs! STRIKE!
Connors tells more fans to move, then he drags Fujita up from the chairs. Connors BOWLS Fujita again, not quite a strike but close. Connors picks up the spare by stomping Fujita down. Red Shoes reprimands and wants this in the ring. Connors drags Fujita up and over, but Fujita fires body shots. Connors CLUBS Fujita, then POSTS him! Fujita falls in a heap and the fans rally up. Connors says it is time. He brings out WHEEL-SAN! The fans are torn, Red Shoes reprimands, but Connors shoves him aside! Connors SLAMS Wheel-san onto Fujita’s back! Red Shoes reprimands but Connors brings Wheel-san to the apron.
Connors aims, and he SUPER SLAMS Wheel-san onto Fujita! Fujita writhes and the fans are torn, but Connors throws up the Too Sweet. Robbie Eagles is here via commentary so he checks on his teammate and friend. Fujita is still in this so Connors lets the ring count start. The fans rally and Fujita is still down at 10 of 20. Fujita crawls at 12, rises at 14, but he flounders at 16! The fans rally harder, and Fujita springs in at 19.5! Connors hauls Fujita up to whip him hard into a corner! Fujita falls and Connors covers, TWO! Connors drags Fujita up, whips him hard into another corner, and he lets Fujita fall again.
Fujita writhes, Connors paces, and he stomps Fujita’s back! Connors drags Fujita up, reels him in, and snap suplexes! Cover, TWO! Fujita stays in this but Connors stays on him with a knee to the back and a chinlock clamped on! Fujita endures, reaches out, but Connors drags him from the ropes! Connors digs his knee into Fujita’s back, and puts a lot of extra pressure on that chinlock. Fujita still fights his way forward to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Connors lets go in frustration. Connors drags Fujita back up to snap suplex again! The fans rally and Connors aims from a corner. BANG and Connors runs in, but Fujita drop toeholds!
Fujita ties the legs up fast and has the Deathlock! Fujita has the chinlock now, but Connors endures! Connors bends Fujita’s fingers, Red Shoes reprimands, and Connors lets go to scramble forward, ROPEBREAK! Fujita undoes the leglock and protests about the fingers, but Connors huffs ‘n’ puffs. Connors brings Fujita up, whips, but Fujita LEG LARIATS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Fujita and Connors go to ropes, the fans rally up, and Fujita runs in at the corner. Fujita CHOPS Connors, snapmares, then goes up and out! The fans rally and Fujita springboards, MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally as Connors stays in this, but Fujita shakes his head. Fujita has the legs, he turns Connors over, and he has the BOSTON CRAB! Fujita sits down deep on Connors’ bad back! Connors powers up, reaches out, but Fujita drags him back to have the HALF CRAB! Fujita puts all he has into pulling that leg back, but Connors still crawls forward! Connors fights to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Fujita lets go, and Connors clutches his back. Fujita drags Connors up and reels him in, but Connors fights the suplex! Fujita powers through, Connors wrenches, but Fujita CHOPS! Fujita runs, but Connors SNAP POWERSLAMS!
The fans cheer and rally up while both men are down! Connors rises, brings Fujita around, but Fujita fights off No Chaser! Fujita wrenches, waistlocks, but Connors fights the lift., Connors switches, lifts, but Fujita throws elbows! Fujita waistlocks, Connors fights the lift, and Connors reaches out! ROPEBREAK! Fujita KICKS the arms, O’Conner Roll and CHAOS- NO, Connors fights free, runs, but Fujita pops him up into the waistlock! Connors fights free again, and LARIATS! But Fujita is right up!? Connors runs in, Fujita dodges, pop up and GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Connors stays in this but Fujita roars!
The fans fire up and Fujita vows to end this. Fujita drags Connors up, fisherman and torture rack! But Connors fights free, and he ROCKS Fujita in the back! TROPHY KILLER!! Cover, TWO!! Fujita survives Connors’ old finisher, but Connors drops back and runs in, BLINDSIDE SPEAR!! Connors is targeting Fujita’s back as much as Fujita is Connors’! Connors reloads, runs in again, SPEAR to the front!! Cover, TWO?!?! Fujita survives and the fans fire up! Connors is shocked, but he roars and drags Fujita back up. NO CHASE- NO, Fujita fights free! But Connors blocks the kick, spins him, and TROPHY KILLER BACKBREAKER!!
Fujita writhes, the fans rally, and Connors aims again. Fujita rises, Connors runs up, but Fujita BOOTS him first! Connors comes back, SPEAR meets DOUBLE STOMPS!! Fujita then clamps on the Deathlock! He has the arms, NEMOS SPECIAL!!! Connors endures but Fujita bends him back!! Connors flails, but he TAPS! Fujita wins!!!
Winner: Kosei Fujita, by submission (gains 2 points; Connors earns 0)
The Mighty Don’t Kneel, they don’t give up, and perhaps, they are still in this race! Will the Japanese Young Punk fight until the very end? Or will was this the last win he’ll get in BOSJ 32?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS Robbie X!
It is apropos that the most decorated man, the FOUR-TIME BOSJ winner, is in the main event of the ninth and final round. If he wins, he moves on to potentially grabbing number five! But if he loses, it will be Kosei Fujita’s time to shine. Will Robbie take Hiromu to the X-treme? Or will the Ticking Timebomb still have time on the clock?
The bell rings and the fans rally for “HI-RO-MU! HI-RO-MU!” Robbie shrugs that off as he and Hiromu circle. They run up and DOUBLE LARIAT! They stay up, and Robbie ducks Hiromu’s elbow. Hiromu dodges in return and headlocks, only for Robbie to power up and out. Hiromu RUNS Robbie over, Robbie kips up, but Hiromu CHOPS him down! Robbie kips up again, kicks low, then runs, but Hiromu DROPKICKS the legs! Hiromu whips, Robbie reverses, but Hiromu still dropkicks the legs out! Robbie bails out, Hiromu fires the fans up, but then Hiromu waits as Robbie hobbles around. Hiromu goes out, Robbie slides in, then Robbie HANDSPRING KICKS!
The fans rally as Hiromu is on the floor, and Robbie PLANCHAS! Down goes Hiromu and the fans cheer. Robbie takes a fan’s Hiromu pillow, rubs it in Hiromu’s face, then SMACKS him with it! Robbie then tells fans to move as he fetches Hiromu. Fans rally for Hiromu but Robbie BOWLS Hiromu into chairs! The fans are torn as Robbie hits the strike, but Robbie also flips off the Hiromu fans. Robbie stomps Hiromu, then grabs a fan’s Hiromu towel to CHOKE Hiromu with it! Robbie throws it back at the fan, and in a way that towel is more valuable because it touched Hiromu. Robbie then drags Hiromu up to bring him to another section!
The fans hurry away, Robbie whips, but Hiromu reverses to BOWL Robbie into chairs! The fans fire up as Hiromu gets even with Robbie! Hiromu storms over to bring Robbie up, and CHOP! The fans cheer and Hiromu CHPOS Robbie again! They go through the crowd, and Robbie CLAWS Hiromu’s eyes! Robbie CHOPS Hiromu, laughs at him and the fans, then brings Hiromu back to ringside. Robbie ROCKS Hiromu, and then he takes chairs from the crowd! Robbie refreshes the count before he makes Hiromu take a swat. Robbie CHOPS Hiromu, sets the other chair up nearby, and he tells the fans he’s gonna end Hiromu!
Robbie runs, uses the chair to launch himself, CANNONBALL! Direct hit and Robbie says, “I’m a replacement, huh?” Robbie knows he filled Bushi’s spot when Bushi exited from NJPW, but he isn’t going to let that label him! Robbie puts Hiromu in the ring, then he stomps Hiromu. Robbie drops an elbow on Hiromu’s arm, then wrings it to stomp it! The fans rally while Hiromu writhes, but Robbie clamps on a chinlock. Hiromu endures the grind, fights up, but Robbie wrangles him to the mat. Hiromu kicks around and finds the ROPEBREAK! Red Shoes counts, Robbie lets go, but then Robbie KICKS Hiromu in the back.
Robbie eggs Hiromu on but Hiromu rises up. Robbie ROCKS Hiromu then eggs him on. Robbie CLAWS Hiromu’s back, but Hiromu CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS again! Robbie ROCKS Hiromu, runs, but Hiromu dropkicks the legs out! Robbie stands, hobbles, but makes it to Hiromu to fire forearms. Robbie whips, Hiromu reverses, then he blows past to RANA Robbie! Robbie staggers to a corner, Hiromu goes to the opposite end, then Hiromu runs in! LARIAT, snapmare, and basement DROPKICK! The fans fire up while Robbie bails out. Hiromu goes to the apron, lines up a shot, and SHOTGUN DROPKICKS!
The fans fire up as Hiromu rises, and he goes for Robbie. Hiromu puts Robbie in, covers, TWO! Robbie shakes his head, he’s tougher than that, but Hiromu stays close. Hiromu brings Robbie up, fireman’s carries, but Robbie fights it. Hiromu throws Robbie into the dragon sleeper, Robbie spins around, but Hiromu still suplexes. Robbie knees Hiromu, then Robbie suplexes to hang Hiromu out to dry! Robbie then goes to the corner, climbs up, and GUILLOTINE DOUBLE STOMPS! Robbie hobbles his way back to the cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Hiromu stays in this! Robbie hobbles around, shakes out the legs, and goes back for Hiromu.
Robbie drags Hiromu up, reels him in, but Hiromu fights the lift! Hiromu wrenches out but Robbie CHOPS first! Robbie runs in, LARIATS, then puts a leg in ropes! Robbie KICKS the rope, then he SPIN KICKS! STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO! Hiromu survives and the fans rally up again. Robbie vows to end this, but Hiromu anchors a leg! Robbie stomps Hiromu, stomps him some more, then goes up the corner. The fans rally for Hiromu, and Hiromu rises to CHOP! Hiromu CHOPS Robbie again, then climbs up. Hiromu fireman’s carries, SUPER TIMEBOMB 1.5!! Cover, TWO!!! Robbie survives and the fans fire up!
Hiromu is frustrated but he rises up using the ropes. The fans rally and Hiromu has Robbie again! Fireman’s carry, and CORNER DEATH VALLEY! The fans fire up with Hiromu and he fireman’s carries again! TIMEBOMB- NO, Robbie sunset flips and stacks! TWO!! Robbie runs up, Hiromu BOOTS him, and Hiromu goes up! Robbie PELES and Hiromu falls! Robbie roars, rises, and climbs, X EX- NO, Hiromu dodges! Robbie comes back, but into an OVERHEAD SUPLEX into the corner! The fans fire up while both men are down! Red Shoes checks both men, they’re both able to continue, and the fans rally back up.
Hiromu crawls away and the fans chant for him. Robbie stirs, Hiromu heads back for him, and Hiromu stands Robbie up. Hiromu fires a forearm, Robbie staggers away to ropes, but Robbie comes back. Robbie fires a forearm, but Hiromu fires another. Robbie fires a forearm, Hiromu fires a forearm, and Robbie fires another! Both men wobble, but they rise up, and Hiromu fires a flurry! Robbie drops to his knees, but he flips Hiromu off! Hiromu grins, and he bends that finger! Hiromu CHOPS Robbie, then reels him in for VICTORY- NO, Robbie slips free of the suplex, waistlocks, but Hiromu fights the suplex!
Hiromu switches but Robbie runs and handsprings, but into a GERMAN SUPLEX! But Robbie’s right back up!? Robbie roars, runs up, and he slips around to GERMAN SUPLEX! But Hiromu is right back up! DOUBLE LARIATS collide, both men drop to their knees, but they go forehead to forehead! They stand, Robbie ducks a kick to SUPERKICK! Hiromu SUPERKICKS anyway! Robbie says F U and hits a PELE! Robbie runs, handsprings, but into a BACKSTABBER! Robbie writhes, Hiromu runs, HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!! Cover, TWO!! Robbie survives and the fans fire up again! Hiromu feeds off the energy and he storms over to Robbie.
Hiromu drags Robbie up, fireman’s carries, and TIMEBOMB 1.5!! But that’s not all! Hiromu fireman’s carries again, but Robbie bends Hiromu’s fingers! And then he BITES them! Red Shoes reprimands, Hiromu takes a swing, but Robbie dodges! Handspring, LETHAL INJECTION X!! Robbie says F Hiromu! Another LETHAL INJECTION X!!! And now he goes up the corner! X EXPRESS!!! Cover, ROBBIE WINS!?!
Winner: Robbie X, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Connors earns 0)
So what if he was the underdog? So what if he’s last place? So what if he replaced Bushi in the block? Robbie X just beat the most decorated Super Junior alive today! And that means the winner of A Block is KOSEI FUJITA! Hiromu is furious, but Fujita walks back out here to have the spotlight! Fujita and Hiromu cross paths, and Hiromu pats Fujita on the shoulder as he exits. Fujita goes to the ring, and Robbie invites him in given Robbie won the main event. Robbie tells Fujita to get this in his little brain: Robbie beat Fujita, he beat Hiromu, so… If Fujita wins this whole thing and beats El Desperado, do what is right!
Robbie wants the first championship match with Fujita! The fans like that, and Fujita nods in agreement. Robbie leaves, will Mr. X have his chance at gold? As for Fujita, he grabs the mic to say, “Sorry to those of you who may have wanted to hear more from Robbie X. But if I’m in the position of naming challengers, then I will give him the first title shot.” The fans applaud, and Fujita continues on. “I won this A Block.” The fans applaud that, too, and Fujita says he’ll take “all the hope, hate and then I’ll win. That’s all!” The Japanese Young Punk keeps it short and sweet, but will the Ichiban Sweet Boy become the Best of the Super Juniors?
Here are the FINAL A Block standings!
Kosei Fujita: 5-4, 10 points [FINALIST]
Hiromu Takahashi: 5-4, 10 points [ELIMINATED]
Master Wato: 5-4, 10 points [ELIMINATED]
Francesco Akira: 5-4, 10 points [ELIMINATED]
Clark Connors: 5-4, 10 points [ELIMINATED]
KUSHIDA: 4-5, 8 points [ELIMINATED]
Ninja Mack: 4-5, 8 points [ELIMINATED]
Dragon Dia: 4-5, 8 points [ELIMINATED]
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 4-5, 8 points [ELIMINATED]
Robbie X: 4-5, 8 points [ELIMINATED]
My Thoughts:
An awesome start to the ninth round, and it is always fun to have these final playoff scenarios sort out. Mack VS Dia was great, even for not affecting anything, and I really do hope these two guys become the next big thing. I figured Kanemaru would screw Wato over with help from Sho & Yujiro, and this definitely feeds into the tag title story that involves Hiromu. Fujita overcoming Connors and Robbie X getting the upset on Hiromu was all awesome stuff, and I like the gentlemen’s agreement that Robbie will be the lineal contender should Fujita win the title. B Block is going to be awesome, I’m sure, and there are all sorts of great choices for Fujita’s opponent.
My Score: 9.1/10
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Will the revolution still be televised?
After weeks of going back and forth, Ricky Saints and Ethan Page once again fight over the NXT North American Championship to settle the score!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- NXT North American Championship: Ricky Saints VS Ethan Page; Ethan wins and becomes the new NXT North American Champion.
- Mike Santana VS Tavion Heights w/ No Quarter Catch Crew; Santana wins.
- Tatum Paxley VS Jaida Parker; Jaida wins.
- Jasper Troy VS Dante Chen; Troy wins.
- NXT Women’s Championship: Stephanie Vaquer VS Jacy Jayne w/ The Fatal Influence; Jacy wins and becomes the new NXT Women’s Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
NXT North American Championship: Ricky Saints VS Ethan Page!
As if the last few weeks weren’t enough, The Absolute and All Ego had a confrontation in Tampa during Battleground! Now it is their time to shine and set the tone, but who will finally put this one to bed?
The introductions are made, but the hands start flying! Security rushes in already but fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” The ref tells Mike Rome to say that no matter what, this match is starting right now! The bell rings, security clears out, and the hands fly again! Ethan headlocks, Ricky sends him into a corner, then Ricky hits a headlock takeover! Ethan kicks around, Ricky holds on, but Ethan pops free. Ricky hits another headlock takeover! Ethan fights up to hit a BIG back suplex! Ricky holds onto the headlock! The fans cheer on “Ricky! STROKES!” as Ethan keeps fighting.
Ethan headscissors, Ricky kips free, but now Ethan hits the takeover. Ricky endures as Ethan grinds the hold. The fans rally, Ricky powers Ethan to a corner, but Ethan turns it around. The ref counts, Ethan fires body shots, and the fans boo. Ethan stalks Ricky to another corner, then fires body shots. Ricky ELBOWS Ethan, BOOTS him, then blocks a kick to kick again. Ricky reels Ethan in but Ethan BACKDROPS free! Ricky staggers up, Ethan reels him in, Canadian Rack, but Ricky makes it to the apron! Ricky drags Ethan out of the ring, KICKS him from the apron, and then hops down to bring Ethan around.
Ethan blocks a whip to then whip Ricky into steel steps! The fans boo harder but Ethan scowls as he stands up. Ethan locks eyes on a chair and he picks it up. Security tells him no, and Ethan says alright. Other security keeps Ricky from rushing Ethan, and now Ava Raine is here! She gives special instructions, fans hope it is “NO D Q! NO D Q!” The ref tells security to “Let Them Fight!” The fans fire up as Ethan and Ricky are set loose! Ethan whips Ricky, Ricky slips through the corner, and he comes back to CLOBBER Ethan! Ricky stomps away on Ethan, the fans fire up, and NXT goes picture in picture.
Ricky snarls and looms over Ethan before dragging him up. Ricky SMACKS Ethan off the apron, off steel steps, then kicks him around. Ricky puts Ethan in the ring, stalks him, and runs to ELBOW DROP! Ethan sputters but Ricky is right on him. Ricky bumps Ethan off buckles, CHOPS him, and checks his ears for ringing after that one. Ethan flops down, Ricky poses, and then grins as he drags Ethan up. But Ethan YANKS Ricky into buckles! Ethan stands Ricky up to CHOP and ROCK, and then CLUB him on the back. Ethan CHOPS Ricky in a corner and Ricky staggers away. Ethan is on him in another corner, whips corner to corner
But Ricky comes back to CLOBBER Ethan! Cover, TWO! Ethan stays in this but Ricky stays on him. Ricky ROCKS Ethan and Ethan tumbles out of the ring. Ricky storms outside, stalks Ethan, and stands him up against barriers. Ricky fires body shots, then dumps him over barriers! The fans rally as Ricky goes up and brawls with Ethan! The ref has reinforcements and they tell these two to go back to the ring. Ethan and Ricky keep throwing hands, NXT returns to single picture, and fans boo as security drags these two back to ringside. Etahn and Ricky fight off security! Ricky SPEARS Ethan over the desk!!
The fans go nuts as Corey, Vic & Booker are almost collateral! Ricky and Ethan rise up, tangled in cords, and they still brawl! Security does what they can to usher these two back to the ring, and the ref says they gotta do this in the ring! Ricky and Ethan let off, but then Ethan CUTTERS Ricky onto a chair!! The chair explodes, and everyone is losing their minds! Ricky gasps and sputters, the fans boo, and Ethan leaves Ricky behind. Is Ricky even able to speak, let alone continue this match? The ref checks Ricky, Ricky shakes his head, but is that to say no, he’s not okay? Or that no, he won’t let Ethan win like this?
The fans rally as hard as they can for Ricky while he crawls and sputters. Ricky’s fighting spirit is strong, but Ethan has him for a Canadian Rack! EGO’S EDGE!! Cover, TWO!?!? Ricky survives and Ethan is pissed! Ethan rains down fists while the fans boo. The ref counts as Ethan pulls hair, and Ethan stops at 4. This isn’t No DQ, Ethan still has to follow the ref’s orders. Ethan drags Ricky up, grins, but Ricky RAMS him into a corner! Ricky fires body shots and haymakers! The ref counts, Ricky steps back, but Ethan throat chops! The fans boo as Ricky again coughs and sputters. Ethan storms up on Ricky, throws hands, then eggs Ricky on.
The fans rally for Ricky as he rises up. Ricky throws a forearm, but there’s not much behind it. Ethan hits back, Ricky fires another shot, and they start picking up speed! The fans cheer, but Ethan fires a flurry! Ricky blocks the next shot to ROCK Ethan! But Ethan SUPERKICKS back! RIPCORD and POWER- DDT!! Ricky turns the tables and both men are down! “This is Awesome!” as Ricky still has life! Ricky and Ethan slowly rise, Ethan runs up, but Ricky LARIATS! And LARIATS! Ricky dodges to OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Then he wrenches Ethan, dragon sleeper, REVERSE DDT! Cover, TWO!! Ethan survives but Ricky skips being frustrated to catch his breath.
The fans rally, Ricky runs, but Ethan dodges. Ricky dodges, but Ethan LARIATS Ricky inside-out!! Cover, TWO!! Ricky survives and Ethan seethes. Ethan lifts Ricky, Ricky fights free, and Ricky shoves to ROCK Ethan! Ricky reels Ethan in, he Canadian Racks, but Ethan slips free to the apron! Ethan and Ricky grab at each other, the ref counts, and Ethan HOTSHOTS Ricky! Ricky sputters, Ethan is on him, TWISTED GRIN!!! Cover, ETHAN WINS!
Winner: Ethan Page, by pinfall (NEW NXT North American Champion)
No one can believe it, but this Ego Maniac has gold again. Ethan joins the exclusive elite who have had both the NXT Championship & NXT North American Championship in their careers, but this win comes with strings attached. Ethan must defend this title at Worlds Collide on June 7th, who will it be that steps to Ethan in LA?
Backstage interview with The Fatal Influence.
Sarah Schreiber is with Fallon Henley, Jacy Jayne & the returning Jazmyn Nyx. The arguing at Battleground between Fallon and Jacy opened the way to opportunity as now Jacy is facing Stephanie Vaquer for the NXT Women’s Championship in tonight’s main event. Jacy says, “We said we would get it done, that we would get an NXT Women’s Championship match. We just didn’t say how we were gonna get it done. And clearly, all it took was me smacking the taste out of Stephanie’s mouth to get it.” Fallon says personally, it should’ve been her competing, because the last time Jacy stepped in the ring with Stephanie, she lost.
Jacy smiles and says that tonight, she brings gold back to the Fatal Influence since Fallon failed against who? Oh, right, Stephanie! But if Fallon wants to be in Jacy’s corner, fine. If not, also fine. Jacy heads out, Jazmyn is already back in the middle of the squabbling, but will NXT once again be under the Influence? Or will the Toxic Rockstar have a meltdown against La Primera?
Josh Briggs & Yoshiki Inamura are backstage.
The Bullhead Brawler goes over how it was just chair shot after chair shot at Battleground. But didn’t Inamura go back to Japan? He did, but then he came back to NXT for Briggs. Well, that’s such a great surprise. And he has Inamura’s vest! Inamura thanks Briggs, and says he couldn’t leave Briggs like that. There are still things to accomplish. Yes, like becoming NXT Tag Team Champions. Inamura agrees there, and more. Oh, got it! They take out The Culling and set their sights on the tag titles! Yes, and… even bigger! Briggs is intrigued, and says, “Hell yeah.” Could we see Briggs & Inamura start on a Two Man Power Trip?
Mike Santana VS Tavion Heights w/ No Quarter Catch Crew!
The Standard of TNA has fought hard for 16 years just for a moment like this. Will the Boricua Badass bring that Total Non-Stop Action and make an impact on NXT? Or will Tavion use The Standard to reach new heights in his own career?
The bell rings and the fans rally up for “BORICUA! BORICUA!” Santana and Tavion circle, tie up, and go around. Tavion waistlocks, SLAMS Santana, then holds on as Santana fights up. Tavion SLAMS Santana again, but Santana fights up. Santana switches, wrenches, but Tavion slips through to wrench and wristlock. Santana rolls, handsprings, and wrenches to headlock. Tavion powers up and powers Santana to ropes. Tavion then powers out, and the two RAM shoulders! The fans fire up as Tavion and Santana egg each other on. Santana runs, Tavion hurdles, but Santana shoves Tavion to hurdle. Tavion rolls over but Santana SHOTGUNS!
The fans fire up while Tavion goes to the corner. Santana runs up, is put on the apron, but Santana ROCKS Tavion! And RAMS him, and slingshots. Santana stumbles, but he still springboards to CROSSBODY! The fans fire up, Santana brings Tavion up, but Tavion SAYANAGIS! Santana stumbles up, Tavion runs in, but Santana DUMPS Tavion out! Santana builds speed and he FLIES! Direct hit and down goes Tavion! Santana stands and the fans are fired up while NXT goes picture in picture.
Santana revels in the cheers, and he brings Tavion up. Santana puts Tavion in the ring, goes to a corner, and he runs corner to corner to UPPERCUT! Tavion wrenches and hits an atomic FACEBUSTER! Then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Santana is annoyed but he stalks Tavion. Santana drags Tavion up, reels him in, but Tavion blocks the suplex. Tavion suplexes, and he holds Santana up, only for Santana to slip free! Santana waistlocks, Tavion switches, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Cover, TWO! Tavion keeps Santana down with a waistlock and makes it a rear bearhug! Tavion shifts to a cover, TWO! Tavion HAMMERS away on Santana, covers again, TWO!
Santana shows the grit that’s carried him through these 16 years, but Tavion is on him again. Santana snap suplexes first! That’s Uno Amigo and Santana hits another, Dos Amigos! Then THREE AMIGOS! Cover, TWO! Tavion is still in this but Santana stays cool. Santana stands Tavion up, they throw hands, but Santana RAMS low! Santana snapmares Tavion, basement DROPKICKS, then covers, TWO! Tavion stays in this, showing the toughness that made him an accomplished Olympian, but Santana brings him up. Tavion fires body shots, hoists Santana up, and RAMS him into the corner! And RAMS him again, and again!
Santana kicks back, then CHOPS! Tavion goes to a corner, Santana storms up to CHOP again! Santana stands Tavion back up, but Tavion dodges the chop! Tavion CHOPS Santana, then swings again. Santana dodges, he CHOPS, and then brings Tavion around. NXT returns to single picture as Santana whips, but Tavion stops himself! Tavion then changes direction to CLOBBER Santana! The fans rally up, Tavion fires forearms, then he whips and LARIATS at the ropes! Santana coughs, Tavion whips, and he LARIATS against ropes again! Wren & Charlie cheer Tavion on but Santana whips, drops down, and jumps, but Tavion grabs the legs!
Santana kicks free, Tavion comes back, roll into the fireman’s carry! The fans fire up for the- NO, Santana sunset flips it! TWO, Tavion is up, but Santana goes for a leg! Tavion GUT WRENCH PLEXES! Cover, TWO! Santana stays in this but Tavion stays on him with a chinlock. The fans rally up as Santana endures. Santana rises, throws body shots, but Tavion CLUBS Santana. Santana goes to a corner, BOOTS in return, but Tavion comes back. Santana ELBOWS Tavion, Tavion HEADBUTTS! Tavion whips, Santana reverses, and Santana CHOPS! The fans are loving that one! Santana whips, Tavion reverses, but Santana goes up and over!
Santana blocks a kick and ENZIGIRIS! Santana runs, slips around, and he shoves Tavion. Tavion goes up and over, but Santana reverse somersaults to CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Tavion survives that “Buck Fifty” and Santana is shocked, but “This is Awesome!” Santana brings Tavion up, fireman’s carries, but Tavion slips free and shoves again, OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Then a SLINGBLADE! Tavion fires up, waits on Santana, and he fireman’s carries. DEATH VALLEY BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Santana survives but Tavion nods. Tavion waits on Santana to rise up and the fans rally. Santana stands, Tavion runs, but Santana SUPERKICKS!
Santana whips, Tavion reverses, but Santana turns that back. Tavion bucks the O’Conner, Santana gets moving again, and Santana catches Tavion’s hurdle into a fireman’s carry! CHALK OUTLINE! Then Santana SPINS THE BLOCK!! Cover, Santana wins!
Winner: Mike Santana, by pinfall
Santana kept it 100 and he got the big win! The fans respect Santana, and Santana shows respect to Tavion. Dempsey isn’t so sure about this, but will he just have to get in the ring with Santana to learn what he’s all about?
The High Ryze speaks.
Wes Lee says, “Now y’all know I’ve been a part of something before. Brothers all connected, chasing the same dream, but… Is it possible for that connection to last if the dream’s changed? Not for long. See, the truth is, you can really only trust in yourself. That is, until something real comes along. Tyson Dupont, Tyriek Igwe, brute force and brilliant minds that mirror my conventions.” Tyson says they ain’t chasing greatness, they’re building it brick by brick. Tyriek says everyone wants to live the lifestyle, but the only way you get there is with loyalty. Not to a brand, but to a bond.
Wes says that is how you shatter the glass ceiling. Not by selling out but by buying in, and holding it down with the ones that stand with you. They didn’t fit the mold, so they made their own. And so long as they do that and stay true to the cause, there will only be one outcome: they rise. Will Wes and his new crew soon stand tall over NXT, Evolve, and ALL of the WWE?
Andre Chase speaks with Uriah Connors & Kale Dixon.
Mr. Chase tells his students to stop being overzealous. They’re demanding matches, jumping into action without a plan, and that’s how they got beat up by OTM. Kale says that sucked. Chase agrees. They need to when to seize the moment, but also when to fall back. They need to know when to take risks, but when- Uriah says, “So what you’re saying is that we need to take more risks.” Kale says they can definitely do that. No, that’s not- But Kale & Uriah spot Ava. They want to talk, she says she has a minute so get to it. Mr. Chase wants the boys to take risks and seize the moment, so they wanna do just that!
Ava says okay, she was just looking over the card for next week, and there is still a spot open. They can be in action against… Dark State. Uh oh. D-Dark State? But that’s four of them and two of Chase U… Well, no, it’ll be a Six Man Tag. Take those risks and have fun! Mr. Chase can’t believe what he just got dragged into… Kale says at least they all get to team up. Chase says they’re not a team! What will it take for Mr. Chase to reach these kids?
Luca Crusifino finds Tony D’Angelo backstage.
The Consigliere starts to ask about Battleground, but The Don tells him to sit down. Luca sits at the table, and Tony says we all thought Stacks clipped Luca in the desert. Then Luca shows up in Tampa like he was on vacation, and he just stares Tony down. Luca says he had no idea what to do. Tony doesn’t wanna hear excuses, but Luca says on his mother’s eyes, Stacks drove Luca further out into that desert and just left him there. Luca was just as shocked. Oh, just left him, huh? Then why didn’t he reach out? Well, Rizzo was in hiding, Stacks attacks Tony at the safehouse, and if Luca reached out, he might’ve put them all at risk.
Tony sighs, thinks on it, and says this still doesn’t smell right. Luca says Rizzo’s number was disconnected. After seeing everything going on, Luca had to come back. Tony says okay, so Luca comes back at Battleground, but he costs Tony the match? That was not Luca’s intent! Then what was? No, save it. Tony doesn’t know who to trust right now. Luca says he can be trusted. Is that true? Or is there more than meets the eye to this?
Trick Williams is here!
The fans fire up for the NEW TNA World Champion, and they chant “WHOOP DAT TRICK! WHOOP DAT TRICK!” Trick struts to the ring and grabs the mic to cut his music. “Reporting to you live, the sexiest and most entertaining superstar alive, Hollywood Trick has finally arrived!” Trick says he is making history this time! The fans chant “TRICK N A!” Trick says for the first time ever, and NXT superstar is holding the TNA gold! But add to that: TWO-TIME NXT Champion, ONE-TIME North American Champion, Iron Survivor Winner, let’s talk about it! Nah, forget that! Don’t you start clapping now!
If memory serves, a lot of the ones clapping were also waving their hands from side to side and playing singalong with #AverageJoe! If you were in that, he has one thing to say to you: “Don’t you feel stupid?” The fans are torn, but Trick grins as the “Average Joe!” chant starts. And speaking of average and stupid, why is everyone trying to figure out where’s the line between NXT and TNA? TNA and NXT? DAMMIT, don’t you cross Trick Williams cuz he IS the line! The fans chant “He’s The Line!” Trick says since NXT didn’t appreciate him like they should, he gonna go to TNA, wear this gold nice and proud. It look good, don’t it?
Check who else held this gold before: Kurt Angle; Drew McIntyre; Bully Ray Dudley; AJ Styles! But none of them compare to Trick Williams! Especially not Joe Hendry. So here’s how it goes: He is turning his back on the people cuz they turned their back on him. Yes, you did! You sang along! He remembers! Trick is gonna go to TNA, talk to management, all them who work for Trick now, and they gonna make some changes. Starting with the name! IT is now… TRICK’N A! But wait! Santana makes his way out here! The Standard says, “Big Trick Willy, huh?! The main man on the block, right?” Trick says let’s talk about it.
Santana says hey, he personally wanted to come out here and give him props for Sunday. Trick says he’ll say this. Santana just made his first mistake by interrupting his champion. Oh, first and foremost, let’s get this straight: Trick is NOT Santana’s champion. Second, Trick made a terrible first impression by coming out here as TNA’s champion and trying to tear down TNA. But guess what? TNA been killin’ the game! TNA been gainin’ momentum day after day! And the last thing that Santana is gonna do is sit back and as the man that carries the flag and watch someone else tear it down after what Santana and that TNA locker room have done to build it up!
The fans cheer, and Santana tells Trick, that ain’t happening. Trick tells Santana that obviously, he doesn’t get how things work. But that’s because Santana has never been THE TNA World Champion. So he’ll help Santana out. When you ARE the top champion of your brand, once you have carried that weight, only then can you call the shots! Santana says Trick makes him laugh. But guess what? People like Trick also piss Santana off. Let’s remind Trick, as he obviously needs a refresher… Santana is a loud ‘n’ proud Boricua from the Bronx, baby! The fans cheer that! Santana has seen guys like Trick come and go.
But let Santana be the one to tell Trick, he’s a pretender! Trick is a pretend fighter, a pretend rapper, what with those heels and tight pants. And after last Sunday at Battleground, Trick is a pretend champion! But Santana will tell Trick that Santana is the illest and realest! Trick ain’t ever dealt with someone like him! But to spit facts, Santana will be the man to take that TNA World Championship off Trick! Trick says let’s be real. Santana can keep popping off, but Trick will take off his pepper steppers and beat Santana’s ass! But wait, is that Santino Morella on the tron? He wants everyone to just take it easy, he sees it is getting heated.
And Santana will say this, “Tricky Williams,” congratulations on the victory. But as TNA Director of Authority, he wants Trick to know that he will be a fighting champion. Santino already spoke with Ava, and next week, Trick defends that title against Mike Santana! The fans are fired up already! Trick’s first defense is coming up fast, and Santana offers a handshake. Trick leaves him hanging, but then takes a swing! Santana blocks to throw haymakers! Then he THROWS Trick! The fans fire up as The Standard locks eyes on the belt. Trick says don’t do it, but Santana holds the belt up high! Will Trick’s first defense also be his last?
Ava talks with Stephanie Vaquer.
The NXT General Manager knows La Primera asked for this match tonight, but Ava has to address the rest of what happened at Battleground. At Worlds Collide, Vaquer will have a tag match against Dalys & Chika Tormenta. Ava knows that’s a lot on her plate, but Vaquer needs to find a tag partner. Vaquer thanks Ava for the news, and promises to find a partner. But first, she’ll defend her title. Wait, Lola Vice already volunteers! She’ll totally team with Vaquer. Ava says that’s perfect! Good luck out there. Lola says Vaquer doesn’t need luck to handle Jacy. Will Vaquer rock the Toxic Rockstar to then join Lola in LA?
Tatum Paxley VS Jaida Parker!
Loneliness can be soul crushing, and no one’s soul has been crushed more lately than Tatum’s. But will she use the pain she feels as motivation? Or will Miss Parker give her some physical pain to go along with the emotional?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Jaida powers Tatum to the corner, gets up in her face, but the ref counts. Jaida pushes Tatum, talks trash, but Tatum puts Jaida int he corner! Tatum CHOKES Jaida, Jaida shoves her back and RUNS her over. Things keep moving, Tatum hurdles, then rolls back to victory roll Jaida, TWO! Tatum dodges Jaida, underhooks, and BUTTERFLY SUPLEXES! Jaida flounders, Tatum snarls, and Tatum bumps Jaida off buckles! Tatum goes all three levels, but then Jada reverses. Tatum stops herself, but Jaida hits a BACKSTABBER! Tatum flounders away, Jaida runs up and RAMS into her!
The ref counts as Jaida digs her shoulders in. Jaida puts Tatum in the ropes, CHOPS her, then goes side to side for the TEAR DROP! Jaida high steps it while Tatum flounders, and then Jaida storms back up on Tatum. Jaida KICKS Tatum, ELBOW DROPS, then clamps on with the motorcycle stretch. Tatum endures, the fans rally, but Jaida stands on Tatum. Tatum fights up, turns around, but Jaida sits her back down! Jaida steps over to sit on Tatum! Tatum sputters, Jaida brings her up with a dragon sleeper, but Tatum slips free and O’Conner Rolls! TWO, and Jaida runs up. Tatum dodge sin the corner, rolls Jaida up, TWO!
Tatum jumps up to KNEE SMASH! Jaida staggers, Tatum rallies with forearm after forearm! ENZIGIRI! Jaida sputters, Tatum runs up again, CROSSBODY in the corner! Tatum snapmares Jaida, the fans rally, and Tatum runs to ROLLING AX KICK! Jaida staggers around, and Tatum SHOTGUNS her down! Jaida tumbles out, Tatum wants after her, but the ref holds Tatum back. Jaida sees the doll collection and tags the Gigi! She throws that one in, the ref reprimands and Tatum hurries after Gigi. Tatum cries, but the HIP-NOTIC hits!! Cover, Jaida wins!
Winner: Jaida Parker, by pinfall
That was cold blooded! Jaida uses Tatum’s emotions against her, but wait! THEA HAL is on Jaida! The fans cheer, Jaida gets free, but Thea wants the arm! Jaida scrambles away! Thea wants payback for the unwarranted hip attack last week, will she have her vengeance?
Jasper Troy speaks.
“Who is Jasper Troy? There was never doubt that I was going to win LFG. I’m gonna make an impact in NXT, and it starts tonight.” The LFG Season 1 Champion is ready, but who will “welcome” him to NXT?
Jasper Troy VS Dante Chen!
It would seem the Singapore Superhero is stepping up to this iron wall of a man! Will Troy look to destroy all in his way to the top?
The bell rings, the two tie up, and Troy puts Chen right in a corner. The ref counts, Troy brings Chen around to put on the ropes, but the ref counts again. Troy lets off slowly, but Chen whips. Troy blocks, reels Chen in, but Chen slips under to headlock. Troy powers up, Chen holds tight, so Tory lifts him to put on the apron! The ref counts, Chen lets go, but Troy grabs Chen by the neck! Troy runs Chen side to side but Chen avoids hitting the post! Chen bumps Troy off buckles, climbs up, and he leaps, only for Troy to get under. Chen comes back, Troy scoops him, but Chen slips free. Chen shoves Tory, runs up, but into a BACKDROP!
Troy huffs ‘n’ puffs and he runs up to ALRAIT Chen up and out! The fans fire up, Troy goes outside after Chena, and Troy fireman’s carries. SNAKE EYES off the apron! The fans rally, Troy puts Chen in, and Chen scrambles up. Troy clamps on with a chinlock and thrashes him around! Troy then fireman’s carries to HOTSHOT Chen off the ropes! Chen staggers, Troy SPLASHES him in the corner! Troy scoops for a RUNNING BACKBREAKER! Troy bends Chen back against his knee! But Chen fires knees! Troy shoves Chen down, but Chen UP KICKS! And UP KICKS again! Troy shakes that off, comes back, and he whips.
Chen ducks ‘n’ dodges, then BOOTS Troy! Troy snarls, Chen LARIATS, but Troy stays up. Chen fires a forearm, but Troy stays up. Chen fires hands, and an ENZIGIRI! The fans fire up, Chen runs, but Troy picks him up! Chen kicks off ropes to TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up as Chen BOOTS Troy down! Troy staggers, Chen aims, DOUBLE CHOP! Troy rebounds to BODY CHECK!! Troy roars, the fans fire up, BLACK HOLE SLAM!! Cover, Troy wins!
Winner: Jasper Troy, by pinfall
But wait! Here comes Oba Femi! The Ruler still owes the new guy from a few weeks ago! Oba is in the perch and he tells Troy that he was very impressed. But at least Oba has the decency to show Troy the respect he deserves, unlike Troy did with Oba. Oba says he could have easily come into that ring and jumped Troy from behind, then beat him down like a thief. But Oba would not do that. Troy better enjoy his five seconds of fame, because now that he has Oba’s attention, it is over! The NXT Champion puts Troy on notice, when and where will these titans battle it out?
No Quarter Catch Crew regroups backstage.
Myles says Tavion did great representing NXT against Santana. Tavion thanks Myles for that, then Dempsey and Wren walk in. Dempsey is glad that everyone is here. Tavion and Myles looked strong in their matches, the NQCC is proud. But… They also tried to prove themselves as singles wrestlers and failed. Therefore, the only course left is to refocus as a group. Myles asks, “What?” And no, that’s not cuz he’s hard of hearing. Myles isn’t just going to go backwards after a loss to Oba. Myles proved he belongs on the big stage. Wren says yeah, he did! Myles will not retreat to some shell.
Dempsey says Myles isn’t ready for the deep waters. Uh, Myles actually is, Charlie. No, that’s his youth and inexperience talking. Dempsey brought Myles into the NQCC, and if anyone decides- Myles brings up beating Dempsey. Would that prove he’s ready? Dempsey says that isn’t happening. Well then let’s do it! Just like the good ol’ days, right? Myles VS Dempsey, and if Myles wins, Dempsey lets Myles go. Dempsey says fine, but let’s make it a British Rounds match. Deal. The two shake on it, Myles leaves, and Wren asks Dempsey why he has to do this. But will Dempsey keep Myles under his thumb? Or will Myles use Dempsey’s favorite match against him?
Ethan Page is back in the ring…?
“Ladies and gentlemen, standing before you is arguably the greatest North American to hold the North American Championship, and I ain’t waiting to celebrate! We are celebrating TONIGHT!” The fans boo but wait! Je’Von Evans is here! “Dang, you turnin’ up and didn’t invite me, bro? We got history! I’m still waiting on you to pay for my jaw injury, but congratulations, bro. I can’t think of nobody more underserving to win the NXT North American Championship! Like, if we gonna be deadass, last week, when you poured off on me during the Triple Threat, that cost me. And I couldn’t live with that.
“So, earlier tonight, after you won, I was talking with Ava, and since we have this big showcase with WWE and AAA called Worlds Collide, you, champ, will be defending that precious NXT North American Championship at Worlds Collide against ME, the Young OG!” Ethan says no, no, no, hold on! Je’Von does not DESERVE a shot at Ethan! He deserves to put on a mask, even though he’s not a luchador! Right, right, Worlds Collide isn’t just WWE and NXT, Ethan’s got a lot of people gunning for him. But everybody in NXT knows dat boi BOUNCY~! But… Brother here has hops, too. Wait, LAREDO KID is here!
The fans cheer as AAA’s rising star comes in from the crowd, and he thanks Je’Von for the intro. Laredo Kid says, “Let me introduce myself. I am Laredo Kid, the most complete luchador you will ever see. I have won championships from TNA to AAA, and now… I come for the North American Championship match!” Ethan says hold on, hold on, is this a Triple Threat now? NO! Ethan says tonight is his celebration, and he won’t let these two ruin his night! Je’Von sarcastically says, “Oh~ no~! I forgot, I forgot, my bad. You still going against one more person” What?! REY FENIX?!?
The fans fire up as the Firebird says it is good to be here in NXT! The fans sure love the idea! And Fenix says this passion, this spirit, everyone has been telling Fenix about it! And Ethan may have just won that title, but unfortunately for him, on Saturday, June 7th, he’s gonna lose it! The fans cheer that! Fenix says at Worlds Collide, it will be a FATAL 4 WAY for that NXT North American Championship! And Fenix hopes Ethan will be ready, because on that night, Fenix brings the fire, and he will burn Ethan up! ANIMO!! This is going to be a hot match to kick off the Summer! Will All Ego even stand a chance?
Ava, Stevie Turner & Robert Stone talk backstage.
Suit Man Stone says this is wild! Ethan’s got his hands full for Worlds Collide! Can you believe it? Ava can, cuz she booked it. Stevie says hold on, hold on. Sean Legacy won that Triple Threat to be a contender. Why’s Ava throwing in these three other people? Okay, okay, hold on. Ava says the reason why it is a Fatal 4 Way at Worlds Collide is because Ava wanted talent from AAA, NXT and even main roster to get their opportunity. She did not forget Sean. Stone says Sean is still the first WWE ID talent to get a title match in NXT. Stevie accepts that. Ava says to her point, Sean Legacy will get his opportunity, 1v1, after Worlds Collide.
Stevie says that is absolutely perfect. And tomorrow night, let us not forget! WWE Evolve on Tubi makes history by crowning the FIRST-EVER WWE Evolve Women’s Champion! Kylie Rae VS Wendy Choo VS Kendal Grey VS Kali Armstrong! Ava will be watching, won’t she? Yes, Prime Minister. Stone will be on commentary, too. Who will be crowned as the first-ever WWE Evolve Women’s Champion? And who makes it out of LA just to run into #SuperSean?
Stephanie Vaquer heads for gorilla.
But waiting along the way are the many stars of the Women’s Division, including Karmen Petrovic, Kendal Grey, Carlee Bright, Nikkita Lyons, Kelani Jordan, and Lash Legend! They all want that title, but will the NXT Women’s Champion still be La Primera? Or will the Toxic Rockstar pull off the upset of the decade?
NXT Women’s Championship: Stephanie Vaquer VS Jacy Jayne w/ The Fatal Influence!
Battleground was hard fought for the champion given she was against the Juggernaut. But the constant bickering of these toxic elements sparked a confrontation, and that then made this match. Will Vaquer humble Jacy once and for all? Or is she falling into a trap?
Well speaking of traps, Jacy just jumps Vaquer the moment Vaquer is in the ring! Jacy stomps away, the fans boo, but Jacy says she’s the next champ! Vaquer stops a punch to SLAP Jacy! And SOBAT! The fans rally for “LA PRIMERA!” as she whips, but Jacy reverses. Vaquer ducks ‘n’ dodges to tilt-o-whirl, roll-up, and cover, TWO! Jacy is up, she kicks, but Vaquer blocks to SOBAT again! Vaquer whips again, then blows past Jacy to spin and arm-drag! Jacy comes back, Vaquer sweeps to cover, ONE! Jacy sweeps to cover, ONE! Both women stand, Vaquer fires forearms, then she snapmares. Vaquer wants it and the afns cheer!
Vaquer smiles and wraps on the headscissors! But Jacy pops out the back! The fans boo but Jacy KICKS Vaquer in the side! Jacy runs to SENTON! Cover, TWO! Jacy sits Vaquer up to KICK her! And KICK again! Cover, TWO! Vaquer stays in this, the fans rally but Jacy drags her up. The fans rally, Jacy whips Vaquer to a corner, then runs up and back body blocks! Jacy reels Vaquer in for a suplex! Cover, TWO! The fans rally behind Vaquer but Jacy smirks. Jacy whips Vaquer, runs in, but Vaquer BOOTS her down! Vaquer then dribbles Jacy’s face off buckles! Vaquer scrubs Jacy’s face, then goes corner to corner.
But wait, Chika Tormenta y Dalys are here tonight?! They get on the apron, Vaquer BLASTS them both down, and Lola Vice helps out! The fans fire up as Lola brawls with Dalys, but then Chika is after her, too! Refs and security rush back out here, they get those three out of here, but Jacy rolls Vaquer! TWO, SUPERKICK from Vaquer! Jacy is on the ropes, Vaquer 619s! The fans fire up, Vaquer springboards, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jacy survives that shot but the fans still rally behind Vaquer as NXT goes picture in picture.
Vaquer stalks Jacy, drags her up, and whips. Jacy sunset flips but Vaquer stays up! She scrapes her heels off Jacy’s face to then drops a leg, brother! Cover, TWO! Jacy survives but Vaquer is right on her. Jacy ROCKS Vaquer, but Vaquer ROCKS Jacy, and repeat! They go back and forth, Jacy whips, but Vaquer reverses. Vaque runs up, Jacy ELBOWS Vaquer, then NECKBREAKERS! Both women are down and Vaquer scrambles to the outside. Jacy pursues but aims from the apron. Jacy PENALTY KICKS Vaquer down! Jacy snarls as she brings Vaquer back up, and she puts Vaquer back in the ring.
Vaquer goes to a corner and Jacy stomps a mudhole into her! The ref counts, Jacy backs off to soak up heat, then Jacy runs back in, CANNONBALL! Jacy drags Vaquer to a cover, TWO! Vaquer shows the toughness that made her champion, but Jacy SMACKS her off the mat! Jacy clamps onto Vaquer to bend her back with a chinlock stretch. Vaquer endures, fights up, but Jacy THROWS her down! Jacy clamps back onto Vaquer with the chinlock, but Vaquer fights up again. Vaquer powers Jacy back, but Jacy sends her into buckles! NXT returns to single picture while the fans boo. Jacy runs in, but Vaquer catches her!
Vaquer wrenches and SMACKS Jacy off buckles, then sunset flips! Jayc rolls through, PENALTY KICK! The fans boo but Jacy rains down fists! The ref reprimands about pulling hair, but Jacy basement SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO! Jacy grows frustrated, Fallon says she would’ve won by now, but the fans continue to rally for Vaquer. Jacy drags Vaquer up, but Vaquer throws hands. Jacy KNEES low, fireman’s carries, but Vaquer slips free to shove. Jacy BOOTS Vaquer, then SLINGBLADE BACKBREAKERS! The fans boo, but Jacy lines up a shot. Vaquer staggers to her feet, but she scoops Jacy first! BACKBREAKER!
Jacy staggers into another scoop and BACKBREAKER! Things speed up, both women grab hair for a FACEBUSTER! The fans fire up while both women are down! The fans cheer on “NXT!” as Jacy and Vaquer rise. Vaquer HEADBUTTS, but Jacy SLAPS! Vaquer fires off HEABDUTT after HEADBUTT, then serves up SOLE FOOD! Jacy goes to a corner, Vaquer LARIATS and sits her down! Vaquer scrubs Jacy with her boot, then runs corner to corner, METEORA! The fans fire up and Vaquer pushes Jacy to a cover, TWO! Vaquer snarls, reels Jacy in, but Jacy powers out! Vaquer slips around, backslides, ONE, and Jacy KNEES Vaquer! Cover, TWO!
Vaquer survives and Jacy grows frustrated. Jazmyn coaches Jacy, Fallon doesn’t seem to care either way, but Jacy runs in, CANNONBALL only gets buckles as Vaquer moves! Jacy staggers up, Vaquer runs in, and Vaquer blocks boots. DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Jacy writhes and falls out of the ring. Vaquer goes to the apron, Jacy clings to the apron skirt, but Vaquer still brings her up. Jacy TRIPS Vaquer! Vaquer is on the floor, Jacy goes up, but Vaquer blocks the kick! Electric Chair SNAKE EYES! The fans are thunderous and Vaquer smiles! Vaquer sends Jacy into the steel steps! The fans fire up more as Vaquer pushes Jacy into the ring.
Vaquer stalks Jacy, underhooks, TIGER CODE BREAKER!! Vaquer isn’t done with Jacy, she wants to make Jacy pay! Vaquer underhooks, but Fallon distracts her from the apron! Vaquer snarls, but Jacy waistlocks! Vaquer switches and SHOVES Jacy into Fallon! Jazmyn is stunned, Vaquer SUPERKICKS Jacy, and Jacy falls out to the floor! Fallon and Jacy argue, Jazmyn says this isn’t the time for that! They’re supposed to be a team! But Jacy & Fallon SHOVE Jazmyn!? Vaquer SKY TWISTERS onto Fatal Influence!! Jazmyn storms off, she is done with her so-called friends! Vaquer puts Jacy back in and the fans fire up again!
Fallon says go ahead, Jacy, do this your way! Jacy runs up, Vaquer ducks the elbow and hit a BIG back suplex! Vaquer sits Jacy up and she wraps on the headscissors! The fans join Booker T in saying, “AH! AH! AH! AH! AH! AH! AH! AH! AH! AH! Yeeeeeeeah~!” The Devil’s Kisses stun Jacy and she goes to a corner. Vaquer runs in, DOUBLE- NO, Jacy puts her up top! Jacy swings, but into the HANGING ARMBAR!! But Jazmyn is back, and she gets on the apron to distract the ref! FALLON TIGER FEINTS VAQUER!!! The fans boo as Fallon shoves Vaquer in! Jacy hits the ENCORE!! Cover, JACY WINS?!?!
Winner: Jacy Jayne, by pinfall (NEW NXT Women’s Champion)
Literally everyone is stunned, but Jacy is finally THE NXT Women’s Champion! Granted, it took both of her friends to pull off this absolute sham of a win, but apparently that was the plan all along. NXT is now under the Influence, how toxic is the Women’s Division going to get?
My Thoughts:
A great episode for NXT, and what a wild way to follow up Battleground. Stephanie Vaquer VS Jacy Jayne for the title even being booked was a surprise in itself, and then what a bold move for them to take this title off Vaquer on TV and not at Battleground. I did appreciate that we saw a lot of the other women of NXT watching Vaquer walk to gorilla, it was a foreshadowing but in a way I did not expect. Granted, they also overbooked the main event with bringing out Dalys & Chika Tormenta and then Lola Vice, and they even gave us that Fatal Influence fallout fake-out to lower even Vaquer’s guard against Fallon attacking her. A very well protected loss for Vaquer, and I suppose this opens the door for Jordynne Grace to get one more try now that she’ll be able to bulldoze all of Fatal Influence at once.
Very good NXT debut match for Jasper Troy with Dante Chen. Poor Chen, he gets hurt, comes back, gets hurt, comes back, gets squashed. But Oba confronting Troy was great, too, can’t wait to see that match. Good match from Tatum VS Jaida but of course Jaida won to then cue Thea going after her. Jaida VS Thea will be great, and it’d be more fitting if they moved to a Triple Threat, not a tag match, because Tatum doesn’t even really like Thea, she’s jealous of Thea having friends out there. The winner of that can then move on towards a title match while the other two settle their own issues, a real win-win for NXT.
Good promo from Briggs & Inamura, and I like that Inamura was vague about the goals beyond tag titles and The Culling. They’re still gonna have that grudge match, but it’d be really fitting this story if Inamura wanted to try a singles title run first before worrying about tag titles. I still feel like Briggs is going to end up with The Culling because of Brooks Jensen. Very good promo from the new Chase U, and they of course step in it again. Dark State is going to eat up Kale & Uriah, and I wonder if that compels Mr. Chase to try harder with them. We could get a fun training montage that helps Kale & Uriah take things more seriously, but also bring up old memories of Duke & Riley.
Good promo from Tony and Luca to keep us wondering whose side Luca is on, and there has to be a rematch of Tony VS Stacks to help smoke out the truth. Very good promo from Wes & The High Ryze, I’m sure they’ll get going across NXT, TNA and even Evolve, maybe make moves towards titles on the other side of Worlds Collide as we head for Great American Bash, and hopefully win something to justify the trio.
The rest of tonight was all so greatly intertwined, a real textbook example that should be followed. Ricky VS Ethan opening turned out really well, especially using the concept of “There MUST be a winner!” That cutter to the chair was nuts, but that chair was clearly “gimmicked” to break like that. Ricky sold it perfectly, it really added drama, and because of that, Ethan of course won. Ethan talking later was a headscratcher until Je’Von showed up to start us on that Fatal 4 Way news. And NXT was even smart enough to give us Ava, Stevie & Stone talking out the logic of making Sean Legacy wait. That Fatal 4 Way is going to be insane, and then there’s also potential for Sean Legacy bringing the WWE Evolve Championship along for what would surely be another great match.
Great match from Santana VS Heights, and Santana naturally won. The NQCC had a good promo together, and I like Myles wanting his independence from Dictator Dempsey. It might be a bit easy for Myles to win the British Rounds match, but perhaps they can go to the time limit on round six and give us sudden death overtime to truly have Myles shows Dempsey he is ready. Great promo from Trick and Santana to give us Trick’s first title defense, but I wouldn’t expect Trick to be one ‘n’ done. Trick surely shows up on TNA this Thursday to help hype the match, shows up on more Impacts through the summer, then maybe loses this title on a TNA PPV or special episode as payback for how he won it on a WWE show.
My Score: 8.9/10
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