Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (11/4/20)
Halloween is over but the havoc continues!
NXT restarts the race towards title contention!
Io Shirai still reigns but The Johnny Gargano Way did grab the North American title! Who will be next to challenge the champions of NXT?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Ember Moon VS Dakota Kai w/ Raquel Gonzalez; Kai wins.
- Kushida VS Cameron Grimes; Kushida wins.
- Drake Maverick & Killian Dain VS Ever-Rise; No Contest.
- Shotzi Blackheart VS Toni Storm; Storm wins.
- Tommaso Ciampa VS Velveteen Dream; Ciampa wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Ember Moon VS Dakota Kai w/ Raquel Gonzalez!
The Moon is out and ready to rise again! But #CobraKai isn’t going to let the Shenom do it at her expense! The Evil Genius is still atop the NXT Women’s Division, but will the winner here move up to challenge her next?
The bell rings, Ember and Dakota circle and the fans rally already. Ember and Dakota tie up, go around, and Ember puts Dakota in a corner. Ember rams Dakota in then arm-drags her, but Dakota holds on to arm-drag back! Dakota dribbles Ember off the mat but Ember turns things around to clamp onto the arm. Dakota endures, fights up, trips Ember up and drops down for a headlock. Ember fights up, pries free and has the double wristlock. Dakota resists but Ember throws forearms. Ember brings Dakota up, Dakota turns around to get the arm and wrench back. Ember moves around but Dakota keeps her down. Ember fights up, Dakota arm-drags her back down but Ember headscissors!
Fans rally as Dakota moves around. Dakota hops up, headstands then jackknifes, ONE as Ember gets out. Ember wants the underhook and has the butterfly stretch! Raquel coaches Dakota up as Dakota fights to her feet. Dakota pries free, wrenches to a wristlock, and then a hammerlock. Dakota and Ember fight for control, Dakota gets Ember down to a knee but Ember keeps fighting. Ember gets up, around and wrenches to a wristlock. Dakota throws Ember down by her hair! Ember is right up to throw Dakota down by her hair! Fans fire up as the two start shoving. Dakota runs into a leg sweep! Ember runs to BOOT Dakota down, then drops a back senton!
Dakota scrambles away but Ember runs in. Dakota slips out, ducks the punch but Ember avoids the shoulder! Ember grabs Dakota and brings her through the corner! The ref counts but Ember keeps trying. Dakota resists and then YANKS Ember into the crossbars! Ember is stuck, Dakota grabs an arm and pulls! The ref counts, Ember lets go at 4 and Ember flops into the ring. Dakota stomps Ember, clubs her, then goes after the arm again. Ember endures and fans rally up. Dakota clubs the arm, Ember kicks her away, but Dakota is right back after Ember with a hammerlock. Dakota throws Ember into buckles, then STOMPS the arm! Dakota drags Ember up to snapmare and go after the arm again! Ember endures as Dakota pulls her into a short arm scissor!
Fans rally, Ember fights her way back up and works for a cover, only for Dakota to shift! Dakota has an inverted armbar, but Ember endures and powers up! Ember has a cover, TWO, DEAD LIFT BOMB! Raquel can’t believe Ember had that kind of power! Dakota hurries to her feet but Ember boots back! Ember ducks a kick to give a kick then more kicks, enziguri! Dakota wobbles, Ember fires up, but Ember runs into a forearm! Dakota runs but dodges Ember, only for Ember to springboard back kick! Dakota THRUST KICKS back, but runs into another sweep! Ember drags Dakota to the apron, spins her and ROCKS her with a forearm! Ember tells Dakota that was the receipt, here’s the interest! Ember BOOTS Dakota down! Fans fire up as Ember goes into the ring and Dakota crawls.
Ember shakes out the bad arm before she builds speed, and she DIVES! Direct hit and Dakota hits boards! Ember keeps moving, and she DIVES again, only to CRASH ‘N’ BURN! Both women are down as NXT goes to break!
NXT returns and Ember arm-drags free of an armlock to then reach up and headscissor Dakota to ropes! Fans fire up as Dakota flounders and runs, into a SPINE BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Ember grits her teeth as she drags Dakota by a leg. Dakota kicks back and hard, then stalks up behind Ember. Dakota runs, Ember dodges but Dakota wheelbarrows and victory roll facebusters! Cover, TWO! Dakota is shocked and frustrated as Ember survives! Fans rally up as both women slowly rise. Dakota fireman’s carries but Ember slips off, into a ROUNDHOUSE! Dakota brings Ember back up and whips her to a corner, but Ember comes back with a FLYING CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO! Fans are still rallying but Raquel is very worried.
Dakota crawls but Ember follows, even with a bad arm. Dakota throws a forearm from the mat but Ember returns it! Ember even eggs Dakota on, daring her to take a free shot. Dakota tries but it’s a trap! CROSSFACE! Dakota endures, pries at the hold, but Ember cranks back and grinds her forearms in harder. Dakota rolls to a cover, TWO and to a ghost pin! TWO and Dakota has the ghost pin, TWO! They keep trading ghost pins, TWO! FUJIWARA on the bad arm! Dakota has Ember now, cranks back hard, but Ember endures and reaches for ropes! Ember uses a leg for the ropebreak but Dakota just cranks back harder and harder! Dakota lets go at 4 but she’s still frustrated.
Dakota clubs Ember, then talks trash about Ember returning to NXT. Dakota stomps the arm, and then SLAPS Ember! Ember just gets mad! Ember glares at Dakota, shrieks with fury, and SLAPS away on Dakota! And throws forearms and knees, and a windmill of fists! Dakota gets to a corner, Ember is after her with a whip! Ember runs in to hit the back body block! And then TOSSES Dakota across the way! And then corner clothesline! Ember snapmares Dakota then climbs a corner. But Raquel distracts on the apron! Dakota BOOTS Ember down! Ember is stuck up top, Dakota drags Ember out, DRAPING G T K!! Cover, Dakota wins!!
Winner: Dakota Kai, by pinfall
Give another huge assist to #RickyDesperado! Big Mama Cool helped #CapKota keep pace in the title hunt. Dakota tells Ember that she’s not the same person she was when Ember was last in NXT. Will this Dakota earn herself another shot at Io Shirai?
Backstage interview with Cameron Grimes.
He’s very jumpy, though, and Mackenzie spooks him. She just wants to know how he’s doing since last week’s Haunted House of Terror match. Grimes says he’s doing fine. Whatever loss happened doesn’t really matter. IT wasn’t a pinfall or submission. There were zombies or something. Grimes keeps looking around, but he claims he’s over it. Last week was last week. Tonight is tonight. Grimes will Cave-In Kushida tonight. The ref comes up to tell Grimes it’s time, but Grimes freaks out because it was the same ref that was a zombie last week! Will Grimes work up the nerve to have a normal match this time?
Backstage interview with Shotzi Blackheart.
Firstly, Mackenzie gives her congratulations on hosting such a great Halloween Havoc last week. Tonight, she handpicked the returning Toni Storm as her opponent, and why is that? Shotzi says Halloween Havoc was a blast, and after volunteering as host, William Regal allowed her this special treat. Shotzi has always been a big fan of Toni’s as one of the best, as well as a Mae Young Classic winner and former NXT UK Women’s Champion. Tonight’s match is a huge test of Shotzi’s skills, so that’s exactly why she wants this match. Toni, “Welcome to the ball pit!” Will Shotzi #TCB, Take Care o’ Bidness against such an accomplished opponent?
Kushida VS Cameron Grimes!
The Time Splitter has moved past The Velveteen Dream and Tommaso Ciampa, who are still stuck in the past against each other. Grimes is also stuck on his horrifying past, but will it keep him from focusing on the Super Junior?
The bell rings and the two circle. Grimes stays back at the ropes, and seems to be on the lookout for anything creeping and crawling. He comes back, but Kushida dropping down to use his leg guard only freaks Grimes out, it’s like the zombies and their spider walking! Grimes stays at the ropes but Kushida backs off. They circle and tie up, Kushida gets a leg then the waistlock. Grimes counters with a judo throw then wristlock, but Kushida moves around to get around and roll him up. ONE, but Kushida is right on Grimes’ arm. Kushida throws elbows in while wanting the Hoverboard but Grimes again powers him over with a fireman’s carry takedown. Cover, ONE, but Grimes has a facelock.
Kushida pops out, facelocks back, and holds on as Grimes rolls. Kushida then floats all over Grimes and goes back to a facelock. He shoots the half to cover, ONE, but Kushida keeps Grimes down with the armlock. Kushida chinbars while he armlocks, but Grimes fights up. Grimes drop toeholds and floats to a fish hooking chinlock! He also goes after the ears and stomps Kushida down! Grimes throws European Uppercuts then whips corner to corner. Kushida reverses but Grimes goes up and over, then runs to speed things up. Kushida hip tosses to the ARMBAR! Grimes flails, resists, moves and gets a cover, ONE! Kushida has the arm again, Grimes clasps hands and rolls, but Kushida changes that to a Jim Breaks Special! Kushida makes Grimes’ arms bend back for a double omoplata and SNAP!
Kushida stalks Grimes, gets the arm and goes after it. Grimes grabs ropes but Kushida hits a BULLDOG on the arm! Kushida dropkicks Grimes down then covers, TWO! Kushida is right after the arm but Grimes gets a ropebreak. The ref counts, Kushida lets off but Grimes kicks him in the head! Kushida wobbles and Grimes kicks low. Kushida CHOPS back, but Grimes throws a forearm! Grimes wrenches and wrangles Kushida down to the mat. Kushida fights up, rolls, and wrangles Grimes with a chinbar. Grimes endures as Kushida keylocks the arm, stands on it then STOMPS it! Then arm-drags to get the arm for a high wristlock! Grimes endures, fans rally and Grimes moves around. Kushida just steps over for a mounted armlock.
Grimes fights up, Kushida wrenches but Grimes forearms him in the back! And then again! Grimes keeps after Kushida with big forearms, then waistlocks. Kushida counters the suplex to a victory roll, TWO! Kushida dodges, tilt-o-whirls, but into a LAWN DART HOT SHOT! Grimes hurries to cover, TWO! Grimes grows frustrated as NXT goes picture in picture.
Grimes stomps Kushida in a corner, brings him around and clubs him with elbows. Grimes stands on Kushida’s hand and grinds the fingers! Then he drops a knee on Kushida’s head and digs that in, too! The ref reprimands, Grimes stops but he still glances around just in case. Grimes brings Kushida up, Kushida fights back with elbows and clubs Grimes. Kushida fires off forearms but Grimes yanks him into buckles! Kushida gasps and sputters and Grimes cheers himself on. Grimes gets up, runs in but Kushida catches him for a BUCKLE SHOT! Kushida fires himself up as Grimes flounders around. Kushida throws haymakers, Grimes knees low and whips, but Kushida kicks back! Grimes LARIATS! Cover, TWO!
Grimes argues with the ref but the count is the count. Grimes looms over Kushida and wrenches the neck. Kushida endures, so Grimes fish hooks his face! The ref counts, Grimes lets off and then paces about. Grimes stomps Kushida, stomps him more, then puts him in a corner. Grimes throws EuroUppers, Kushida staggers to the other corner, so Grimes is on him with KICKS! Kushida staggers to another corner, Grimes RAMS into him with his shoulder! And again! And then another KICK! Kushida staggers and Grimes kicks the legs out! Grimes stands on Kushida’s head and gloats but lets off at the ref’s count.
Grimes whips Kushida corner to corner hard and Kushida bounces off buckles! Grimes double guns to show off his power, then he stalks Kushida to the corner. Grimes stomps as NXT returns to single picture but the fans rally for Kushida. The ref counts, Grimes lets off but Kushida boots back! Both men throw forearms back and forth but Kushida KICKS and KICKS and whips. Grimes reverses but Kushida handsprings to back elbow! Kushida fires up, runs in but misses in the corner. Grimes walks into an enziguri! Atomic drop and whip, hip toss and cartwheel basement dropkick! Kushida baits Grimes in then gets Grimes with a PELE! Grimes wobbles, but dodges the Penalty Kick to whip. Kushida reverses to put Grimes on the apron and he handspring kicks Grimes down!
Fans are fired up as Kushida goes up top! Kushida sees Grimes get in so he just adjusts and leaps, crossbody! Cover, TWO! Kushida has the wrists, he stomps but Grimes avoids it to roll him up! Grimes holds the pants, TWO!! Kushida walks into the SUPERFOREARM! Kushida FAST BALL, but Grimes uses that to backslide! Kushida slips off into a DEAD LIFT SIT-OUT BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Kushida survives and Grimes is exhausted! Fans are thunderous for “NXT! NXT!” Both men slowly rise and Kushida gets to a corner. Grimes hoists Kushida up top, CHOPS him, then climbs up to join him. Grimes goes to the very top, but Kushida hits back with body shots! Kushida crotches Grimes and FAST BALLS!
Kushida sits Grimes back up, has the arm for a HOVERBOARD DRIVER!?! Grimes clutches that arm while Kushida fires up! PENALTY KICK to the arm! Then a waistlock, but Grimes standing switches! Grimes RAMS Kushida into a corner and the ref! O’Conner roll, but no one to count! Kushida kicks out all the same, and he sends Grimes into the ref! The ref tumbles out of the ring, Kushida gets up and Grimes sees what happened! Kushida gets the arm, tornado takedown to the HOVERBOARD! Grimes is tapping but the ref can’t call it down on the outside! Kushida lets go when he realizes what happened, and he shouts to the ref.
Grimes crawls to the opposite side, then runs at Kushida. Kushida dodges him, but then Grimes dodges Kushida, COLLISION COURSE! Grimes covers but again, no ref to count! Another ref comes out, but it’s the “zombie” ref! Grimes is too scared to stay put, and he gets CAUGHT to the HOVERBOARD! Grimes taps, Kushida wins!!
Winner: Kushida, by submission
The Haunted House of Terror still haunts Grimes, and that helps Kushida stay alive! Will the Time Splitter be the one heading for championship gold next?
Toni Storm speaks.
“I respect Shotzi Blackheart. Unlimited passion, unlimited energy. Heck, who doesn’t love Shotzi Blackheart?” Toni is flattered to be chosen, but Halloween is over and Shotzi chose the wrong woman. This is a new Toni Storm. More aggressive, more tenacious, and even more Toni. Toni will use Shotzi as a springboard to the top of the NXT Women’s Division. Will the Lightning From Down Under strike tonight?
Io Shirai speaks.
“Everyone wants to know what’s next for Io Shirai. To show this is MY NXT, there is still one challenge I must face: Rhea Ripley.” After all, it was a Triple Threat at In Your House, so they need to settle this 1v1. “Rhea, I’m not afraid of nightmares.” But will even the Evil Genius wipeout against the Riptide?
Drake Maverick & Killian Dain VS Ever-Rise!
The last time these two teams, which Rockstar Spud and Big Damo are finally becoming, it ended in a disqualification. But that actually made Dain like Maverick, so they’re going to take on Matt Marthel and Chase Parker again to see if they can’t win clean. Will Maverick finally win over Dain while also finally winning a match?
Marthel talks a lot of trash as the two teams stare down, but already Maverick and Dain agree on hitting first! The bell rings to get this brawl on record! Dain throws Marthel out and moves Maverick aside to get after Parker. Dain ROCKS Parker with EuroUppers then whips him to the corner. Dain tags Maverick in rather strongly, then whips Parker to ropes. Maverick is used as a weapon to trip Parker up! Dain then drops a back senton, then scoops Maverick for human weapon, senton slam! Cover, TWO! Marthel talks trash again but Maverick swings haymakers! Marthel backs off but Parker rams Maverick in! Marthel tags in and Ever-Rise mugs Maverick!
Marthel bumps Maverick off buckles, throws forearms then looms over him. Tag to Parker as fans rally, and Ever-Rise combine for the running KNEE backbreaker! Cover, TWO! Parker throws haymakers on Maverick then clamps a claw onto the shoulder. Maverick endures, fights up but Parker wrangles him back down. Maverick continues to endure, Marthel cheers as Parker throws in elbows. Parker clamps down even harder, but Maverick fights up. Parker elbows him again, bumps him off buckles, then throws big body shots! Maverick gasps for air but Parker throws haymakers. Maverick counter punches! Parker wobbles but runs into a boot! Maverick reaches, Marthel shouts but Parker is dumped out! Maverick goes outside and leaps to club Parker down!
Cameras look outside and Pat McAfee’s crew rolls up! “Well, well, well. The show has arrived!” Maverick puts Parker in but Parker clobbers him! McAfee takes the camera to frame his team the right way, and Danny Burch says McAfee’s a natural. Marthel tags in, Maverick fights Ever-Rise off! He throws Parker out but Marthel rams his shoulder in over and over! Marthel throws haymakers, brings Maverick around and hits a backbreaker! Cover, TWO! Pete Dunne leads the way as he, the NXT Tag Team Champions, and McAfee head inside. Parker tags in, Ever-Rise mugs Maverick, but here come McAfee’s boys! They’re attacking Parker and Maverick!
No Contest
Dain gets in but he gets mugged 3v1! McAfee is still rolling as Maverick and Dain try to fight 3v2! Fans boo as Maverick and Dain get beat down! Dain tries to fight back against the champs but Oney and Burch club away on him. Dunne gives Maverick some Danielson Stomps! Oney drags Dain up for him and Burch to keep hitting and Dunne adds on! McAfee is getting it all from his camera, too. Dunne BOOTS Maverick down! The three then coordinate and get Dain up, LONDON TOWER! McAfee tells his boys to smile for the camera! “Smile if you’re the greatest four man group in wrestling! Say cheese~!” Dunne doesn’t smile but that’s just how he is. Will these four continue to do what they want, when they want and to who they want in NXT?
NXT returns and McAfee’s crew is still in the ring!
Fans boo as McAfee has the mic. “You are looking at the greatest four men to ever come together in the history of the wrestling business! We run NXT now, and there’s no question about it!” The thing about them that makes them different is that they’re “not a bunch of scumbags.” Not Danny, not Oney, not Pete, and definitely not McAfee! “We are men of class! We are professional.” So as the new kings of NXT, it is only right they pay tribute to the previous group that used to run NXT, the Undisputed Era. “Tonight, we will hang their banner in the rafters to commemorate an incredible run in NXT that we ended.” And let’s take a trip down memory lane as they do so.
In 2017, this group of Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly and “mustached stooge” Bobby Fish came along, and they took over NXT like no one had done before! They and their “stupid hand signal” won a bunch of stuff, they were “over” with all the “stupid, stupid, stupid fans,” everyone loved them. So much success there, they needed a new member. What did they do, Pete Dunne? What did the UE do to him specifically? “Roderick Strong taught me a very valuable lesson: You’ve got to trust the right people in this business.” McAfee is “the right people,” btw. Dunne decided to return the favor and he taught Kyle the exact same favor Roddy did. See those biceps, dude? Dunne is back, ripped and shredded, and with a vendetta to settle!
So again, Roderick betrayed Dunne and joined the UE, and then those four “raised the level of everything in NXT.” They won all the titles, had success after success. “Pigs get fed, hogs get slaughtered.” They got greedy, wanting more and more and more, “and NXT changed their entire business philosophy to make the Undisputed Era look like they’re the greatest thing ever, leaving everybody else by the wayside.” All the incredible talent backstage did not matter anymore because the UE got a push like the world has never seen before. Right, Oney? Yeah! “What about us?” What about Oney and Danny? A combined 30 years in this business! People looked down on them! Told them they weren’t good enough! People told them they’d never be on the same level as the Undisputed Era! But now look at them.
McAfee says the UE will never reach the level of Danny and Oney ever again! The UE was allowed to do whatever they wanted, like bullying people and taking advantage of them, as well as manipulating the “simpletons” think they were unstoppable. All it took was one run-in with McAfee. NXT TakeOver: XXX, Cole beat McAfee, but in scumbag fashion, he showed McAfee no respect. None! So obviously, TakeOver: 31, Ridge Holland literally dumped Adam Cole’s lifeless body, but sadly breaks his leg, so McAfee signs Oney and Danny, knowing that they hated the UE, too. Then Dunne was the ace in the hole, who has hated the UE for years because Strong was a scumbag to him! This group coming together was the easiest thing McAfee has done in his entire life.
“Now it’s time for our reign to begin. Now it’s time to honor the past while recognizing that the future is much, much better.” They will now raise the UE banner into the rafters, “and never ever hear from those four little dirt bags ever again.” The “thingy” lowers, and then McAfee realizes, their group is a “democracy.” They should all have a say in whether or not they go through with this. McAfee did, but talking about the UE and all the “despicable things they have done,” he’s not sure. But they’re a team, so they should vote. If you’re in favor of raising the banner, say “Aye.” No one says anything. So then, if they’d rather throw the banner into the trash, say “Aye.” AYE! Trash can it is! The UE’s name will never be something that is glorified! This banner, like Vic Joseph’s FACE, will end up where it belongs: the trash!
McAfee puts the banner in the can, “as a sign of something that should’ve never existed. Something that’s more dumb than anything else in the history of wrestling, and something that we will never, ever, ever hear from again, after we laid waste to all of them.” Congrats to the UE on being official DEAD! “Pete Dunne, light their asses on fire, sir!” Dunne squirts a LOT of lighter fluid on the banner, then throws a lighter in! BOOM! Danny and McAfee warms their hands from that fire. McAfee tells the fans, “You’re welcome,” and says the fans on the screens of the “tron thingy” are the worst. These four are the greatest, everyone else sucks! Cheers. McAfee’s crew heads out, will “the kings of NXT” continue to do what they want week after week?
But wait! Dain is back for revenge! He goes after McAfee but Dunne, Oney and Danny go after him! They mug him 3v1 against the SUV, then put him between the door. Dunne BOOTS it closed on Dain!! McAfee is stunned. He likes it, though, they can talk about this later. McAfee tells the “big hairy bastard” that he shouldn’t have even tried. McAfee has a quick reminder: “We’re the greatest. You suck.” Bye! They drive off into the night, and Dain’s bleeding from the mouth! Will even the Belfast Beast suffer under this new era?
NXT hears from Johnny Gargano.
“There’s a lot of nasty rumors being spread about me.” Some people were saying Gargano hates wheels? No! Everyone knows Gargano loves wheels! He spins a wheel in the Game of Life! All the spins are coming up Johnny. “As a matter of fact, the only thing I love more than wheels, is making history.” First Triple Crown Champion in NXT history! First TWO-TIME North American Champion! Lover of wheels, maker of history, that’s Johnny Gargano, ladies and gentlemen. Gargano gets a call, and it’s… GHOST FACE?! “I’m in your house.” Oh! Well, wait, duh, you’re right next to him! Your turn, dude. You’re just delaying the inevitable. Easy for Gargano to say, “everything’s coming up Johnny.” Yeah, finally!
But it hasn’t always been that way. The minute Gargano won the title, everyone thought, “Oh, it’s gonna be another short Johnny Gargano title reign. He’s probably gonna lose it his first defense, just like he always does!” NO! That is the one blemish on his legacy, but next week, he kills that curse! Gargano defends his title against a worthy opponent. No c’mon, spin the wheel. Ghost Face takes their turn, and wow, not good. Gargano laughs and says they suck. Gargano spins and gets a big result! The winner is: Johnny! “Just like it always is, Johnny wins! Wheels love Johnny and Johnny wins!” What kind of victory dance is that? Good game, Ghost Face! But who is that behind the mask? And who does Gargano feel is worthy of a match?
Shotzi Blackheart VS Toni Storm!
NXT’s Tank Girl chose the MYC winner and former NXT UK Women’s Champion for this match to test herself as much as to test “the new Toni Storm.” Will Shotzi pass that test with flying colors? Or will she fail to last against #ToniTime?
Shotzi doesn’t ride in on her tank? And she blames Toni for it?! Shotzi shoves Toni but the ref keeps the peace. Toni and Shotzi are fired up and the ref rings the bell! Toni dodges, ducks a kick and waistlocks but Shotzi swings an elbow! Toni ducks that, atomic drops and CHOPS! Toni runs and BOOTS Shotzi down! Shotzi gets to a corner but she slips to the outside as Toni turns in! Shotzi ROUNDHOUSES Toni back, then springboards, but FALLS! Toni gets her right up to throw a EuroUpper! Toni drags Shotzi up, whips her but Shotzi slides under and enziguris back! Toni staggers, Shotzi trips her up and gets the legs! “Welcome to the ball pit!” Leg splitter leg drop! Shotzi drags Toni up, whips but Toni reverses. Shotzi boots back, climbs up and headscissors Toni into buckles!
Shotzi runs in for the CANNONBALL but only gets buckles! Toni comes back to hip attack! Toni drags Shotzi to a cover, TWO! Toni keeps her cool as she drags Shotzi up to CHOP her to a corner! Toni throws EuroUppers then brings her up for a snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Toni looms over Shotzi, brings her up and throws big forearms but Shotzi throws them back! Shotzi runs and tilt-o-whirls into a small package! TWO, Toni BOOTS Shotzi down again! Shotzi gets to ropes but Toni brings her up. Toni throws more EuroUppers, Shotzi staggers about but Toni stomps her in the corner. Toni snapmares, covers, TWO! Toni keeps on Shotzi with a neck wrench, fans rally as Shotzi endures, but Toni shifts side to side.
Toni shifts to a chinlock, Shotzi fights up but Toni wrangles her down. Cover, TWO, and Shotzi gets to a corner. Toni cravats and cranks to a snapmare. Toni keeps on the head and neck with more wrenching, then she brings Shotzi around to a facelock. Shotzi fights up, Toni throws her down to a cover, TWO! Toni keeps on Shotzi with that facelock and fans rally. Shotzi fights up, fans are thunderous as she fights back. Toni clubs her down, and half hatch suplexes! Cover, TWO! Shotzi is still in this as NXT goes to break!
NXT returns and Shotzi fights up. Toni hits back and whips Shotzi to a corner, but Shotzi goes up and over. Shotzi rolls and comes to shotgun dropkick Toni into the corner! Shotzi runs in to corner splash then shoves Toni for the SLING DOG! Shotzi KNEES Toni, then QUESTION MARK KICKS! Toni wobbles and flounders, Shotzi runs to BALL PIT CANNONBALL on the ropes! Cover, TWO! Shotzi drags Toni back up, but Toni resists the suplex. Toni elbows away and Shotzi backs off. Shotzi comes back but the enziguri misses, Toni reels Shotzi in for a GERMAN SUPLEX! Toni holds on but Shotzi elbows back! Shotzi cravats and goes up, but no Sliced Bread, just another GERMAN! Bridging cover, TWO!! Shotzi narrowly escapes and fans fire up!
Toni drags Shotzi up, reels her in and underhooks, but Shotzi resists! Shotzi wrenches the arm, reels Toni in, SAIDO! Cover, TWO!! Toni survives and Shotzi is seeing why Toni is as accomplished as she is! Shotzi gets up, runs, but Toni HEADBUTTS! Cover, TWO!! Shotzi survives again and Toni can’t believe it! Fans are thunderous as Toni goes up to the top rope! Shotzi hits her first and Toni is on the apron. Toni shoulders in and forearms, but Shotzi hits back! They brawl with the ropes between them, and Shotzi CHOPS! And SLAPS! And throws big forearms! And a ROUNDHOUSE! Toni wobbles, Shotzi goes up and brings Toni around, APRON TORNADO DDT!! Both women crash down and fans are losing their minds! The ref starts a ring count but neither woman stirs until 5!
Shotzi gets up first at 6, drags herself up with the apron skirt, and in at 8! Toni is given a reprieve, and Candice LeRae talks on the titantron!? She says she knows what happened to Shotzi’s tank! They left it in the middle of the road! Who would do such a thing? But Candice will “watch” the tank for her. You can trust Candice. Toni sneaks up on Shotzi with a body scissors take down! EURO CLUTCH! TONI WINS!
Winner: Toni Storm, by pinfall
Candice’s “help” just helped Toni! Candice says that’s too bad. But the tank is still here. Though, how much longer can Candice keep watch? She keeps hearing cars and someone might come this way. Oh no! There’s one coming! Candice asks they stop, and it’s a huge Hummer, too. Candice goes to the driver, and then hops in? Who was driving it before, then? “These are the things that happen when you put your nose in other people’s business.” Candice is running Shotzi’s tank over with the Hummer!! Shotzi is freaking out as the tank is scraped along underneath!! And it was GHOST FACE who brought the Hummer here!
This is what Shotzi gets for keeping the NXT Women’s Championship from Candice! “We’re even!” Toni tries to comfort Shotzi, but that’s not going to fix her tank. Will Shotzi avenge her tank and crush the Poison Pixie in return?
NXT Media catches up with El Legado del Fantasma.
Santos Escobar, Joaquin Wilde and Raul Mendoza arrive, and the reporter tells them that a lot of people feel it’s rather telling that they had to cheat to defeat Jake Atlas. “A lot of people? What are you talking about?” Escobar pinned Atlas fair and square. Who cares about other people? But then Atlas pulls up fast, and he has a tire iron! He swings and hits Mendoza, keeps Wilde back, but gets back into his car before things get out of hand. Escobar smirks, because he knows he has gotten under Atlas’ skin. But will Atlas still find a way to get even with the Leader of Leaders?
NXT presents another Thatch As Thatch Can.
The Professor of Pain, Timothy Thatcher, has a new student this week as he welcomes to another live session. This is Akeem. And today’s lesson is reversals. Last time, Thatcher and Anthony Greene showed us that “anyone can get lucky and catch a hold.” But you have to be prepared at all times when you step inside the four ropes. So to start, the front guillotine. The cutting bone of the forearm on the windpipe. He puts Akeem in, cranks tight and Akeem already taps. In pro-wrestling, a windpipe crush is illegal. At least, that was always the impression Thatcher had. You go after the carotid artery. But apparently if someone, Greene, wants to play tough guy, you just grab whatever you can.
So now, the reversal of that hold. Thatcher allows Akeem to put him in the facelock. The key is to block the cutting bone with a hand, move to the side and spin around. The opponent will surely try to wrangle you down to the ground, but as you do you keep moving to the side, turning your head. Now, he can crank how hard he wants and there’s no pressure on you. But Thatcher shows that you can apply pressure with your forearm into the opponent’s face and crossface him. Then you pop out, get the arm, to a top wristlock! Akeem taps already, but Thatcher of course holds on. “Now, we have to know the difference between him tapping because because you’ve crushed his soul, or because he’s just trying to lull me into a false sense of security.” Thatcher goes DEEPER and Akeem definitely tapes because of the pain!
Akeem gets upset as Thatcher finally lets go. Top wristlocks go after both shoulder and elbow. Thatcher asks if Akeem is fine. He is. They can get someone else. No, he’s okay. Does he want water? Get him some water! Well alright, he’ll be fine. This time, Akeem will try to escape. Thatcher puts on the guillotine, Akeem uses his hand as instructed, and they move around. Thatcher will go down, Akeem rolls to his side. Very good. They keep moving around. Use the forearm for the crossface. There. But you see, what Akeem doesn’t know is that you can push him forward, get a leg, and have the ankle lock! Specifically, an Achilles lock! Akeem taps, and Thatcher says you always have to be prepared for anything! Akeem keeps tapping and Thatcher finally lets go.
Anthony Greene is back! Or, Austin Gray now! Either way, he’s throwing clubbing forearms on Thatcher! Thatcher hits back, but Gray DECKS him! He dares Thatcher to come back, and then he SUPERKICKS him out to the barriers! Thatcher tumbles up and over and glares back at Gray! Gray’s no longer green, but will he and Thatcher be black ‘n’ blue after it’s said and done?
Backstage interview with Xia Li.
She has been receiving letters delivered by Boa, but what are those about? Xia explains they are letters from her family, so it is very personal. But what matters is that Xia needs to turn things around. Is there anything she can share about what’s in the letters? No, it’s not anyone’s business. But then why- William Regal comes by, and he has another letter! Xia reads this one, and she looks even more worried than she did before. She needs a match next week, against Raquel Gonzalez. Is she sure about that? Yes. She dishonored her, so she has to. Well if that’s what she wishes, then Regal will arrange it. What is it that has Xia so anxious to fight the big fight?
Rhea Ripley speaks.
“Io Shirai wants to challenge me? Perfect.” That is what she’s wanted since June! “2020 has been complete trash. Everybody has been getting in my way, and I’ve had to prove to them exactly who I am.” Shirai says she isn’t afraid of nightmares, but everyone’s scared of something. And it’s a fact Shirai is terrified of losing her title. That’s exactly what will happen. Rhea will end 2020 the same way she did 2019: the NEW NXT Women’s Champion. Will history repeat itself for the better in NXT?
NXT has BIG matches for next week!
Not only will Gargano and his mysterious “worthy opponent” have a match over the NXT North American Championship, but Breezango is looking for payback! Will Tyler Breeze and Fandango avenge both the Undisputed Era and themselves as they have a rematch with Oney and Danny for the NXT Tag Team Championships?
Tommaso Ciampa VS Velveteen Dream!
The Psycho Killer has pointed out The Experience inevitably gets in his own way and only makes things worse for himself. Will this 1v1 grudge match be exactly what Ciampa means now that he has Dream all to himself?
Dream tries to ambush Ciampa but he’s ready for it and ducks the arm cast attack! The bell rings, Ciampa and Dream circle and feel out the grapple. Ciampa gets a headlock and holds on as Dream tries to power out. Ciampa grinds Dream down, fans rally as Ciampa is after the bad arm. Dream gets up, Ciampa throws him down and has the bad arm! Ciampa claws at the cast as he twists the arm but Dream gets a ropebreak. The ref counts, Dream gets away before Ciampa can stomp the arm! Dream throws a tantrum but he slams his bad arm on the desk! Ciampa goes after Dream while he winces, and wrenches, only for Dream to throw body shots. Dream shoves Ciampa into boards then gets back into the ring.
Dream argues with the ref about the cast being a target but Dream goes back out. Ciampa kicks Dream and puts him on the barriers! Dream is stuck but Ciampa KNEES him down! Fans fire up while Dream flounders about. Ciampa, bloody eye and all, puts Dream in the ring. Dream bails back out but Ciampa smirks as he follows. Dream is on the desk, Ciampa pats him on the back and CHOPS him! Ciampa hoists Dream up to GOURD BUSTER him onto the desk! Fans are thunderous, Ciampa lines up another shot, but Dream covers up! Ciampa stops short, grabs the bad arm, and slams it on the desk! And again! And again! Dream writhes and flops off the desk but Ciampa puts him in. Ciampa pats himself on the back and smiles as fans are thunderous.
Ciampa stalks Dream but Dream throws his hat at him! Dream then attacks with kicks and chops and forearms! Dream rams his shoulder in over and over, lets off at the ref’s count, but stalks Ciampa on the ropes. Dream whips corner to corner but Ciampa reverses and sends Dream flying out! Dream ends up hitting boards and he tumbles around. Dream doesn’t want any more and he goes up the ramp! “I’m coming home, mama!” But Ciampa grabs him at the ramp! Ciampa puts Dream back in, Dream flounders up but into a GERMAN SUPLEX! Ciampa keeps moving and he BASEMENT KNEES Dream down! Ciampa reels Dream in, underhooks, but Dream slips out and punches, only for Ciampa to grab the bad arm! Ciampa wrangles Dream down and STOMPS the arm!!
Ciampa stalks Dream as Dream begs the ref to stop this. Ciampa drags Dream up, Dream shoves him away and climbs up. Ciampa clubs Dream, gets the bad arm and pulls to YANK Dream into the buckles! Dream flops down, Ciampa SLAMS the bad arm on the mat! Then stomps away on Dream in the corner! The ref counts, Ciampa lets off and Dream flounders out. Ciampa goes out to stomp away on Dream against steel steps as NXT goes picture in picture!
Ciampa stomps and stomps but lets off. The fans are fired up as Ciampa THROWS Dream into boards! Ciampa grins as Dream clutches his arm. Ciampa drags Dream up, puts him in the ring and goes after the arm. Dream flounders and flails to get away but he runs into a haymaker! Dream is in a daze, Ciampa has the arm again and he drops a knee on it! Ciampa drags Dream by his arm and drops knees on it again! Ciampa drags Dream around, ROCKS him to a corner, then CHOPS him! Ciampa climbs up and rains down rights in the corner! He lets off to mock Dream’s swiveling, then tops it off with the tenth!
Ciampa watches Dream flop down and waves to him. Dream begs for mercy but Ciampa toys with him. Ciampa kicks and kicks and that upsets Dream. Ciampa CHOPS Dream, whips him corner to corner but Dream slides, only to turn around and see Ciampa ready to punch him! Dream scrambles around and begs for mercy, but he instead tries to throw Ciampa into buckles! Ciampa stops himself short, elbows Dream back, but Dream BOOTS him! Both men stagger as NXT returns to single picture. Fans are fired up as Dream climbs. Ciampa CHOPS him, CHOPS him, and climbs up to join him. Dream resists and fights back and Ciampa hops down. But Ciampa gets the bad arm! Ciampa wrenches but the ref counts. Dream rakes Ciampa’s eyes!
Ciampa staggers away while the ref reprimands. Dream ROCKS Ciampa with haymakers and jabs, then whips Ciampa to ropes. Ciampa reverses but Dream gets around to SPINE BUSTER! Fans boo but Dream poses. Dream gets mad when he realizes they’re booing, so he rains down furious fists on Ciampa! Dream lets up to smooth his hair back and encourages the fans to make noise. Dream drags Ciampa up, his cast in the crossface and then camel clutch! Dream focuses on the bad eye! Ciampa fights up, throws body shots and then haymakers. Dream kicks back then whips! Ciampa comes back but swings into an atomic drop! But he still rebounds to LARIAT! Fans fire up as Ciampa rallies with more clotheslines! And more clotheslines! And a LARIAT!
Fans are thunderous as Dream gets to a corner. Ciampa runs in for a big corner clothesline! Ciampa hoists Dream back up top, climbs up to join him again, and brings him all the way up for a SUPERPLEX! Cover, TWO!! Dream survives and Ciampa can’t believe it! But fans are still thunderous as Ciampa gets up and WRINGS the bad arm out! Dream flounders up and Ciampa reels him in, but Dream back drops and sits down! TWO, and Ciampa staggers into a fireman’s carry! But Ciampa gets ropes so Dream throws him away. Dream BOOTS then throws Ciampa out of the ring! Dream builds speed but runs into a forearm! Dream forearms back then PLANCHAS! Direct hit and Ciampa is down!
Dream drags Ciampa up, puts him in, and reels Ciampa in. Ciampa fights back, but Dream still suplexes Ciampa and himself out! A rough landing but fans are fired up! A ring count starts and climbs as both men stir. Dream and Ciampa sit up at 5, get in at 7, but Ciampa drags Dream back out. Dream SUPERKICKS then puts Ciampa back in! Dream gets a chair?! He throws that in to distract the ref, because he wants to use the cast! Dream leaps, but into Ciampa’s JUMPING KNEE! Ciampa gets Dream with a roll into the ropes, WILLOW’S BELL!! Then the underhooks, to FAIRY TALE ENDING!! Cover, Ciampa wins!!
Winner: Tommaso Ciampa, by pinfall
It’s Dream Over, but not in the way Dream wanted! Will Ciampa use this to make his way back to “Goldie,” aka THE NXT Championship?
My Thoughts:
Wow, this was a great NXT, and it wasn’t even with one central focus point. All four matches (that went to actual finishes) were simply highlighting the depth of the roster and the stories behind them. Getting right to Ember VS Dakota was great, it was a great match, and it was a great surprise for Ember to lose. Ember may be back but she isn’t going to steamroll opponents, and certainly not one who has been in NXT as long as Dakota has. Ember will benefit from taking her time and giving us those little dream matches she listed the other week, on a similar path to Finn Balor. Speaking of which, a little surprised we didn’t get anything on Finn, but perhaps they’re trying to let things run their course. Hopefully Finn will be 100% very soon so that he can still be NXT Champion.
Shirai and Rhea had great promo vignettes and it’s great to see we’re finally getting that match for the NXT Women’s title. That is a match that could go either way, though I’m leaning ever so slightly in Shirai’s favor. Rhea has had her accolades for NXT already, and as much as I think she and Shotzi can tear it up as a team, or as great as a Rhea VS Toni rematch could be, I feel like Rhea might end up being moved to Raw or SmackDown. Leaning towards Raw in that case, because Rhea VS Asuka could be great, and Charlotte VS Rhea in a rematch of their own would be fantastic. Of course, the same can be said for Shirai, I just feel there’s more for Shirai to still do. Maybe be part of Worlds Collide: NXT VS NXT UK II, so that we can get either Shotzi VS Kay Lee Ray or Shotzi VS Jinny, something like that.
Toni VS Shotzi was a great match, even with Candice distracting via titantron. The major thing was, RIP Shotzi’s tank! Of course, I would think that’s a stunt tank, but still. Shotzi is definitely going to go after Candice, and there’s a chance “Ghost Face” Indi Hartwell gets involved, perhaps prompting Toni Storm to step in where Tegan Nox probably would be if not for injury. Speaking of Ghost Face, I wonder if the one playing Life with Gargano was just Candice playing the part. After all, the voice was changed and that Ghost Face seemed a little on the small side. I’m still betting the big, bad Ghost Face that helped Gargano was Austin Theory. Gargano was hilarious during that segment, especially that victory dance. I wonder if he’ll do that dance when he beats the “worthy” opponent who will probably be a jobber.
Atlas trying to jump El Legado was a decent segment. That rematch is coming, too, but it’s getting pretty old pretty quickly for El Legado to help Escobar win. Thatch As Thatch Can was another good segment, and I’m glad that Anthony Greene, now Austin Gray (Grey?) is taking the fight to him. One thing NXT is borrowing from 205 Live is that the seemingly jobber guy is getting to actually do stuff, i.e. Curt Stallion taking on Tony Nese and Ariya Daivari week after week. Grimes VS Kushida was a great match, lots of great character from Grimes in regards to the Haunted House match. I have a feeling Grimes will be suffering from the trauma until he has a rematch with Lumis, assuming he finds a way to win that. Speaking of which, Lumis and Kushida are shoe-ins for actual worthy NAC contenders, but maybe that comes after Gargano “breaks the curse.”
The tag match of Maverick, Dain and Ever-Rise was a good segue into McAfee and the “kings of NXT” (apparently that IS going to be their group name) razzing on UE for a long, long time. McAfee can definitely talk and he can definitely be obnoxious, and he did all of that excellently tonight. I knew last week Dunne’s motivations were purely from the moment when Strong betrayed him in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. Despite winning WarGames against UE after, Dunne still holds a grudge, and with McAfee revisiting that history just so everyone understands, that can only mean WarGames is where this ends. Dain getting “crushed” in the car door was a nice touch to add to Dunne’s new edge as a Heel. Ciampa VS Dream was borderline TakeOver levels, and that made for a great main event. I really do think that, should Finn be cleared, he and Ciampa can start a program to end 2020 and to start 2021.
My Score: 9.1/10
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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.
The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.
Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!
Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!
Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!
The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.
As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.
Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.
Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.
Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?
Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.
My Score: 8.9/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
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TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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