Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (12/16/20)
Who heads for New Year’s Evil?
Who will challenge THE NXT Champion?
Before going home for the holidays, NXT has some business to sort out! Kyle O’Reilly and Pete Dunne fight for the right to challenge Finn Balor for his title!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Johnny Gargano & Austin Theory VS KUSHIDA & Leon Ruff; Gargano & Theory win.
- Tommaso Ciampa VS Tyler Rust; Ciampa wins.
- NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Pete Dunne VS Kyle O’Reilly; O’Reilly wins and will challenge Finn Balor for the title at New Year’s Evil.
- Shotzi Blackheart VS Indi Hartwell w/ The Way; Shotzi wins, by disqualification.
- Karrion Kross w/ Scarlett Bordeaux VS Desmond Troy; Kross wins.
- Toni Storm VS Rhea Ripley; Storm wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Johnny Gargano & Austin Theory w/ Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell VS KUSHIDA & Leon Ruff!
#TheJohnnyGarganoWay is growing, from having the North American Championship to having a new member in #TheRealSuperstar! But things might not go The Way’s way now that the Time Splitter is Ruff’s tag partner! Will Kushida help NXT’s top underdog get one over on #TheWayAllDay?
The teams sort out, Kushida insists on starting and he wants Gargano! Gargano steps up, circles with Kushida, but then no look tags to Theory. Theory avoids Kushida’s drop toeholds, drops down for a headlock but Kushida facelocks back. Kushida rolls with Theory then floats all over him, and gives him spanks! Kushida still wants Gargano but he dodges Theory to fire off hands! Theory knees, whips but Kushida reverses to atomic drop and knee lift! Kushida wrenches an arm, tags Ruff in, and Ruff kicks Theory’s arm! Ruff wrenches but Theory kicks low and snap suplexes! Ruff writhes, Theory drags him up and DECKS him with a left!
Theory has Ruff in a corner, whips him corner to corner and runs in but Ruff slips out! Ruff throws a forearm back, then springboards, goes all around Theory in the corner and dropkicks! But Ruff stares Gargano down too long and turns around into an ELBOW from Theory! Tag to Gargano and Gargano drops ax handles and rains down fists! Gargano tells Ruff this is HIS world, then he swipes at Kushida! Kushida stays clear but stares Gargano down. Ruff comes back to RANA! And then he arm-drags Gargano around! Roll up, kip up and calf kick! Cover, TWO! Ruff keeps on Gargano with clubbing forearms and a CHOP in the corner!
Ruff stands on Gargano at the ropes to show his rough side, but he lets off as the ref counts. Gargano throws hands but Ruff boots him down! Gargano goes to the corner, hits Ruff back then taunts Kushida. Gargano suplexes Ruff for the gourd buster! Ruff sputters as Gargano looms over him. Gargano drags Ruff up, bumps him off buckles and tags in Theory. Theory CHOPS Ruff, and taunts Kushida with that hand. Theory whips Ruff out to whip him back in hard, then he tags Gargano back in. Theory feeds Ruff to Gargano’s boots! Gargano drags Ruff up and tags Theory back in, and The Way double suplexes, but Kushida makes the save! Double dropkicks sends the Way out!
Ruff whips Kushida and he handspring kicks Theory down! Ruff builds speed to go up, up, but he slips off a rope and has a hard landing! He barely clips Gargano and the ref hurries out to check on him! Theory drags Ruff up and bumps him off the apron! Theory puts Ruff in, Ruff gets up to SATELLITE DDT! Cover, TWO! Ruff is okay to continue but Theory fireman’s carries. Ruff slips out and shoves Theory but Gargano tags in! Ruff hits Gargano then tilt-o-whirl headscissors Theory away! Ruff sees Gargano on the apron, but Theory slingshot somersault SHOTGUNS Ruff into Gargano’s slingshot SPEAR! Fans boo but The Way is feeling great as NXT goes to break.
NXT returns as Theory has Ruff down in a chinbar and armlock. Ruff endures, fights up, throws body shots, but Theory shoves him to ropes. Ruff rebounds to LARIAT! Theory flounders and tags in Gargano! Gargano drags Ruff away but Ruff enziguris! Hot tag to Kushida! Kushida springboard ax handles Gargano down then tackles him for ground ‘n’ pound! Theory gets in but Kushida KICKS away! Kushida whips, Theory reverses but Kushida handspring back elbows Theory away! Gargano whips Kushida but he reverses to hip toss, cartwheel and basement dropkick! Fans fire up with Kushida as he drags Gargano by his arms. Theory saves Gargano from the stomps but Kushida gets Theory’s arm for a BULLDOG!
Kushida runs at the corner but Gargano goes up and over to roll him. Kushida ducks the kick to Penalty KICK Gargano’s arm! Gargano rises, Kushida goes after the arm but Gargano spins through to ROCK Kushida with a right! Kushida still winds up but the enziguri intercepts the fast ball! Ruff tags in, springboards and missile dropkicks Gargano down! Ruff and Kushida run at the corner to ENZIGURI SANDWICH Gargano! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ruff doesn’t lose focus. Ruff drags Gargano up, hops on but Gargano slips out to CLOBBER him!
Tag to Theory and Theory looms over Ruff. Theory reels Ruff in, lifts, but Ruff throws hands to get to a corner! Theory slips out to CLUB Ruff on the back! Theory then torture racks Ruff, spins him, TOWER HACKER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Ruff survives and Theory smirks as he shakes his head. Theory drags Ruff back over, tags Gargano back in, and The Way brings Ruff up. Gargano DECKS Kushida but Ruff fights against The Way! That’s 2v1 and they double whip Ruff to ropes. Ruff tries his rebound but he runs into DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Cover, Kushida breaks it! Fans fire up as Theory goes after Kushida, but Kushida slips around to FAST BALL Theory down!
Gargano SUPERKICKS Kushida! Theory drags Kushida out to RAM Him into barriers! Ruff drags Gargano down to roll him up, Gargano slips out, but Ruff dodges the superkick to give a SUPERKICK! Gargano staggers to his corner, Theory tags in before Ruff runs in! Ruff dodges Gargano, hops up and DECKS Theory, to then LEAP for the TWISTING CUTTER! Ruff hops on, CRUCIFIX DRIVER! But Theory SUPERKICKS Ruff, reels him in, “This is the Way!” TWISTING COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, The Way wins!
Winners: Johnny Gargano & Austin Theory, by pinfall
Theory’s losing streak from before he “quit” no longer matters now that Theory is with Gargano! Will The Way have their way in NXT?
Dexter Lumis is watching.
He seems to be “inspired” by the match we just saw. What art piece will he create tonight?
NXT hears from Toni Storm.
The Lightning From Down Under says Rhea Ripley VS Toni Storm is nothing new. “Tonight, we renew our rivalry.” Toni makes it clear that she is why Rhea is in the States in the first place. Toni ran “that so-called nightmare” out of the UK when she won the NXT UK Women’s Championship off her! Toni knows Rhea better than anyone in NXT. Toni lets us in on a secret: Rhea uses fear and intimidation to get a leg up. But Rhea knows when she’s in the ring with Toni, “it just doesn’t work like that.”
Last time they were in the ring together, it was Worlds Collide. Rhea won, but she won’t be in the ring with that Toni Storm. That Toni respected Rhea. The new Toni does not care about approval or acceptance. She just care about #ToniTime. And tonight, Toni ends the rivalry on her terms.
Backstage interview with Shotzi Blackheart.
Though her team lost at WarGames, she gets a match with Indi Hartwell tonight. “First of all, McKenzie, I just want to say I am damn proud of my team at WarGames. We gave Team Candice a beating that they barely survived. But now, Candice wants to claim she’s a general? Calling herself ‘Ms. WarGames,’ walking around with a trophy that her husband stole- I mean, ‘imported,’ from a Little League banquet.” WarGames may be over, but Shotzi’s war with Candice is far from done. Shotzi broke Candice’s arm, and now she’ll break he bestie! Shotzi howls to the moon, will she make Indi howl in pain?
Tommaso Ciampa VS Tyler Rust!
The Psycho Killer dealt with the Professor of Pain, but now he wants to teach the student the same lesson! Will Timothy Thatcher’s prized pupil be pummeled to a pulp?
Ciampa sets a chair up on the ramp and puts a Thatch As Thatch Can shirt on it, as if to invited Thatcher to watch up close and personal again. The bell rings and Ciampa hopes Thatcher is at least watching. Fans chant, “Ciampa’s Gonna Kill You!” Ciampa and Rust tie up, Ciampa powers Rust to a corner, but the ref counts. Ciampa pie faces as he backs off but Rust keeps his cool. Rust and Ciampa circle, tie up, and Rust gets the arm for a wrench and wristlock. Rust slips through to wrangle Ciampa down but Ciampa headscissors back. Ciampa squeezes tight, Rust moves around, and Rust pops out to then get Ciampa for a headlock. Ciampa slips out to a facelock and has Rust again.
Fans rally as Rust fights up. Rust wrenches free, leans on the arm and shifts to a cording hold. Ciampa trips Rust up with a leg then gets the headlock back! Fans cheer as Ciampa traps an arm and keeps Rust down. But now Thatcher appears to accept the invitation. Ciampa knew it was a matter of time. Rust gets up and he powers Ciampa to a corner by pulling on an ear. Rust throws a forearm but Ciampa CHOPS back! Ciampa bumps Rust off buckles, CHOPS him down, then drags him up to whip and CLOBBER with an elbow! Ciampa throws Rust out to Thatcher, but Thatcher keeps his distance. Ciampa goes out and DECKS Rust.
Ciampa asks Thatcher what’s up but then Rust shoves Ciampa into Thatcher! Thatcher shows the ref he hasn’t done anything to Ciampa, but then Ciampa moves and Rust’s BOOT hits Thatcher! Rust freaks out and Ciampa puts him in the ring! Ciampa sees Thatcher getting up and the ref hurries to keep Thatcher back. The ref calls for back-up to keep Thatcher away, and Ciampa goes back to the ring. Rust ROCKS Ciampa with a right, goes out to the apron and WRINGS Ciampa’s arm out into the apron! Thatcher ended up a distraction after all, and Ciampa is down as NXT goes to break!
NXT returns as Rust reels Ciampa in for a modified cobra twist. Russ pulls on the arm, fish hooks Ciampa’s face, but lets off as the ref sees. Ciampa powers up and lifts Rust up, for a SAMOAN DROP! Both men are down but fans fire up as the two stir. Ciampa is up first but Rust KICKS the arm! Ciampa CHOPS, Rust wrenches the arm and uppercuts the shoulder! Ciampa throws an elbow then rallies with clotheslines! Ciampa only builds up speed as he clotheslines again and again, then LEAPING LARIATS! Fans fire up with Ciampa as he runs at Rust for a big corner clothesline! Ciampa hoists Rust up for an AIR RAID CRASH! Cover, TWO!!
Ciampa shakes his bad arm out and he brings Rust up for a CHOP! And another CHOP! Rust grits his teeth as Ciampa brings him up, and Rust avoids the suplex to mule kick and SCISSOR KICK! Cover, TWO! To the ARMBAR! Ciampa clasps hands, rolls to a cover, TWO! Rust runs but the kick is blocked, only for Rust to turn Ciampa’s counter punch into a takedown! ARMBAR! Ciampa again clasps hands, sits up and moves around, and then stomp Rust off his arm! Ciampa stalks up behind Rust and KNEES him down! Rust is in a daze but the fans fire up as Ciampa keeps on him. Ciampa reels Rust in, underhooks the arms, but Rust breaks free from the bad arm to BOOT Ciampa!
Rust cravats Ciampa for a FLIPPING CRAVAT SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Ciampa survives whatever Rust calls that and Rust can’t believe it! Rust grabs the bad arm, and pulls back for a Fujiwara! Ciampa reaches with the free arm but Rust grabs that and hooks it with a leg!! Ciampa endures Rust’s take on the Jim Breaks Armbar, reaches out and gets a ropebreak with a foot! Rust holds on until 4 and lets go in frustration. Ciampa clutches both arms and he glares at Rust. Rust KICKS the arm, then KICKS again! Ciampa blocks the next kick, puts the leg on the ropes and uppercuts the thigh! Then he elbows the knee! And CHOPS Rust while he’s stuck in the ropes!
Ciampa fires off until the ref backs him off, but Ciampa BOOTS Rust down, then runs to KNEE Rust through the ropes! He drags Rust back in through them, WILLOW’S BELL!! Cover, Ciampa wins!
Winner: Tommaso Ciampa, by pinfall
Rust was almost on par with “Professor” Thatcher, but that still means he wasn’t enough to stop Ciampa! Ciampa gives a nod of respect as he leaves, but Thatcher comes back wanting more! The refs barely hold him back and Ciampa waves bye. Will Thatcher get a second try at the Psycho Killer?
The Grizzled Young Veterans speak.
“If there is one thing that is important in this job, it is momentum. And no other team had more momentum heading into 2020 than the Grizzled Young Veterans.” Just look at who they’ve beaten! The Time Splitters, Kushida and Alex Shelley! The Undisputed Era’s reDRagon! And they were so close to winning the Dusty Rhodes Classic! A lot has changed these last eight months. New tag teams have emerged, a lot of new faces are on the scene. “But the more things change, the more they stay the same.” The GYV are still the very best tag team of this generation! The very best tag team you will find anywhere in the world! They are still soon to be recognized as NXT’s number one! Who will be added to the list of top tier tag teams Zack Gibson and James Drake put away?
NXT shares footage from the commercial break.
After the match with Ciampa, Malcolm Bivens came out to talk to Tyler Rust. Bivens told Rust, “You’re a star!” He told Rust to pick himself up, and Rust got up. They gave a fist bump, and Rust is officially with Bivens Enterprises!
Dexter Lumis works on his art.
Lumis is drawing the NXT New Year’s Evil logo, but what special changes will he make to it?
NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Pete Dunne VS Kyle O’Reilly!
The Bruiserweight has the NXT Tag Team Champions, Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch, with him while the Undisputed Era back up the man that pushed The Prince to his limits! This will be a completely uninterrupted broadcast, who comes out of this as Finn Balor’s New Year’s Evil challenger?
Lorcan and Burch talk trash with Adam Cole and Roderick Strong, but Killian Dain and Drake Maverick come out to go after the tag team champions! Big Damo and Rockstar Spud throw hands, Oney throws Maverick away but the UE help out! The tag champs are 3v2, but then TYLER BREEZE wrecks the group with a dropkick, so that FANDANGO can FLY up and out and wipe them all out! Dunne and Kyle don’t even care, they’re staring each other down! The bell rings as referees get the four tag teams away from ringside, and both Dunne and Kyle fire off furious fists!
Fans are fired up already as Kyle bobs ‘n’ weaves then throws kicks. Dunne tackles Kyle, goes for knuckle locks but Kyle wants a double wristlock! Kyle gets around Dunne to have the top and then hooks up legs to roll Dunne to a waistlock. Dunne slips out, wrenches the arm, hammerlocks, but Kyle slips through to waistlock. Dunne hooks a leg, drop toeholds and locks the legs up for part of a Queen Angelito. Kyle endures the deathlock and fans rally for “UNDISPUTED!” but Dunne adds a half straitjacket to this! Dunne puts Kyle to a cover, ONE and Kyle dumps Dunne down. Dunne wants an arm, Kyle has the legs, and Kyle mounts. Dunne slaps and chops at Kyle but Kyle gives those back, for an ARMBAR!
Dunne rolls, gets free, but kicks into a dragon screw, only to roll through and omoplata Kyle! Dunne wants both arms but Kyle resists. Kyle rolls to omoplata, shifts to a headlock, but Dunne powers up to power out. Dunne drops, hurdles and drops again to CLOBBER Kyle with a clothesline! The fans are fired up for “NXT! NXT!” as Kyle bails out. Dunne goes up and out and moonsaults but Kyle moves! Kyle leaps but Dunne dodges to BOOT! A ring count starts as Dunne suplexes, but Kyle slips out to hop on for a sleeper! Dunne pries at Kyle’s fingers to free himself! The count is 5 and the forearms fly again! The count is 9, they get in at 9.9!! And then the forearms fly again!
Dunne fires off from all sides but Kyle clinches to knee and KICK! Kyle KICKS Dunne’s leg out, but Dunne gets to the apron. Kyle runs to PENALTY KICK Dunne off the apron as NXT goes picture in picture!
Kyle watches Dunne writhe and then goes out to fetch him. Kyle throws a forearm, then brings Dunne around to throw into boards! Dunne grabs Kyle’s arm to hammerlock and ram THAT into the boards! Dunne puts Kyle in at 8, and BOOTS Kyle down! Dunne stands on one hand and grabs the other to torture the fingers! Kyle endures but Dunne bends the other arm, and then pulls all the way back on the other. Dunne STOMPS Kyle’s shoulder, but Kyle comes back to tackle Dunne! Kyle throws elbows and knees in, floats around then throws in more elbows and knees! Kyle runs to sliding knee Dunne in the ribs!
Kyle sits Dunne up, ties his legs together and traps an arm to have a modified cobra twist! Dunne hits Kyle as best he can in that position but it isn’t enough! Kyle makes it a cover, TOW! Dunne ties Kyle’s legs up now, chinbars and pulls in him into the Bow ‘n’ Arrow stretch! Kyle endures, Dunne lets him down and drops knees on the legs! Dunne pulls Kyle back into the Bow ‘n’ Arrow! Kyle continues to endure, Dunne even pulls on an arm to add to the stretch, but again Dunne lets Kyle down to drag him to ropes. Dunne wraps an arm around ropes and pulls! The ref reprimands and counts, Dunne lets go at 4 to STOMP Kyle down!
Dunne steps in but Kyle gets his leg in the ropes! Dunne ROCKS Kyle but Kyle forearms back! Kyle throws more forearms, drags Dunne up but Dunne resists the suplex! NXT returns to single picture as Dunne tries to suplex Kyle out! Kyle fights that off to suplex Dunne in but Dunne waistlocks. Kyle switches, Dunne switches, they go around and around, Dunne shoves Kyle to REBOUND GERMAN SUPLEX! Dunne drags Kyle up, pump handles, BITTER- NO! GUILLOTINE! Kyle has Dunne in the facelock but his arms can’t hold on! So Kyle KNEES Dunne down instead! Fans are thunderous as Kyle drags Dunne up, but Dunne X-PLEXES first!
Dunne’s own arms keep him from making a cover, and he’s got blood from his mouth. Dunne just grits his teeth as he digs a knee into Kyle’s hand. And then he STOMPS the entire arm at once! Dunne stands on Kyle’s head, pulls on the arm and even digs knuckles into Kyle’s head! Fans rally as Kyle endures being bent, Dunne STOMPS Kyle’s ribs! Dunne stalks Kyle and basement dropkicks him down! Kyle kicks from the mat but Dunne pulls hair and KICKS Kyle in the back! Dunne drags Kyle up with a facelock, turns Kyle and hits a neckbreaker! Dunne sits Kyle up for a cobra clutch and a grapevine on one leg!
Kyle endures as fans rally. Kyle throws body shots with the free arm but Dunne gives him kicks in the head. Kyle gets up to throw body shots, Dunne JABS and back hands over and over! Dunne whips, Kyle reverses but Dunne goes up and over. Kyle gets under, dodges the kick to KITCHEN SINK KNEE! Fans fire up for Kyle as he staggers back to Dunne. Dunne ROCKS Kyle with a right! Dunne runs, into a pop-up KICK! Kyle fires off muay thai knees and more strikes! Sweep the legs! Dunne goes to a corner and Kyle grits his teeth. Kyle runs in and forearm smashes! Wrench to an elbow breaker! Dunne forearms back, Kyle knees low, BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! Kyle holds on, ANOTHER BUTTERFLY! And then, a butterfly TOSS! Cover, TWO!! Dunne survives and fans say “This is Awesome!”
Kyle drags Dunne up, reels him in, hooks a leg, but Dunne blocks the suplex! Dunne elbows Kyle over and over, but Kyle KICKS a leg! Kyle whips Dunne corner to corner, Dunne goes up and over but Kyle kicks a leg out! Dunne is stuck on the top rope, Kyle positions him and climbs up behind him, but Dunne bends the fingers! Kyle has the sleeper and sits Dunne down with it! Kyle clubs Dunne, waistlocks again, SUPER GERMAN! But Dunne lands on his feet?! Kyle is in a Tree of Woe and Dunne BUZZSAWS him! Then Dunne grabs the arms for DANIELSON WOE STOMPS! The ref counts, Dunne stops at 4 and then DROPKICKS Kyle out of the Tree! Both men are down as NXT goes picture in picture again!
Dunne and Kyle stir and the ref makes sure Kyle is still okay to continue. Dunne hobbles over, drags Kyle up and sets him on a buckle, to STOMP him! Dunne goes to the apron to STOMP from that side! And stomp and stomp and stomp! The ref counts, Dunne stops at 4, and he goes back into the ring. Kyle crawls but Dunne puts him against ropes to ROCK with a right! And then another! The ref counts for the ropebreak but Kyle eggs Dunne on with a look, so Dunne ROCKS Kyle again! Dunne twists and clubs Kyle’s ear! The ref reprimands again but Kyle still has a defiant look. Kyle shoots at Dunne but Dunne counters with a facelock!
Dunne drags Kyle up, and HALF HATCH SUPLEXES Kyle into buckles! Kyle tumbles down and crawls to the apron, but Dunne climbs up the corner. Kyle gets a leg for a DRAGON SCREW through the ropes! Dunne ends up on the apron on the other side of the corner, and both men slowly climb the corner. Kyle throws hands but Dunne gives them back. They brawl as NXT returns to single picture. Kyle has Dunne’s arms through the ropes and he YANKS Dunne into the buckle. But Dunne does the same and YANKS Kyle back! They go back and forth, a tug of war into the buckle faster and faster and faster! Both men wobble and flop back in through the ropes!
Fans hope these two “Fight Forever!” at this point as Dunne grabs Kyle’s foot. Kyle gets free but runs into a KNEE! Dunne drags Kyle up, SIT-OUT BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Kyle survives but Dunne has his arm! Dunne gives Danielson Stomps before the ARMBAR!! Kyle’s other arm is caught underneath him! But Kyle rolls, and his legs get the ropebreak! Dunne lets go but he keeps his focus on Kyle. Dunne drags Kyle up and in, Gotch lifts, but Kyle fights off the driver to a back drop, and ARMBAR! Dunne clasps hands but Kyle shifts to get the other arm! Dunne rolls and has an ANKLE LOCK! Kyle rolls to get an ANKLE LOCK!
Dunne gets up, hops on and has a Hoverboard Kimura! Kyle grabs his own trunks to block the wristlock! Kyle throws body shots, clinches Dunne and has an ARM TRIANGLE! Dunne lets go of the body scissors to grab the arms, and he reels Kyle in for a HEADBUTT! Kyle is down but Dunne isn’t done with him! Powerbomb, but Kyle slips out and BRAIN BUSTERS! The fans are thunderous as both men are down! Kyle sits up first but Dunne slowly follows. Fans still want them to “FIGHT FOREVER!” and Kyle knees Dunne low! AX AND SMASH!! Dunne ends up in a corner, Kyle runs in and he SHINING WIZARDS! Dunne’s mouth piece is on the mat, Kyle reels him in for the FISHERMAN BACK SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!!
Both men are down again and fans continue to fire up! Dunne finds his mouth piece but Kyle stomps his hand! And Penalty Kicks but Dunne ducks! Dunne kicks but Kyle catches it! Dunne SLAPS Kyle, but Kyle just drops down for the HEEL HOOK! Dunne fights up to get the TRIANGLE HOLD! Kyle stays up, Dunne tips him over and goes after the hand! Kyle resists the finger snap, but he’s just back in the Triangle! Kyle fights up to make it a cover, ONE and Kyle uses a body scissor to pry free! Dunne grabs at a hand, Kyle throws big forearms with the other! Kyle lines it up and PENALTY KICKS! Dunne springs up to STOMP the hands and BUZZSAW! Kyle yoyos but into an ENZIGURI! Kyle rebounds again, but Dunne gets the arm! SNAP go the fingers!
Dunne goes to the apron and he KICKS Kyle in the ropes! Kyle ends up on the apron with Dunne, Dunne pump handles but Kyle shifts out of the Bitter End into a DDT OFF the apron! Kyle gets up, puts Dunne in as fans lose their minds, and he climbs up top! GUILLOTINE KNEE DROP!! Cover, Kyle wins!!
Winner: Kyle O’Reilly, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT Championship)
A brutal instant classic, and now New Year’s Evil will be a TakeOver: 31 rematch! Will the new year bring with it a new champion?
Backstage interview with Rhea Ripley.
What are her thoughts on the tense confrontation she and Raquel Gonzalez had as last week’s NXT ended? “Raquel backed down, period.” At WarGames, Raquel had back-up. But Rhea has known Raquel for a lot longer than most people realize, and Raquel is “a whole different animal when she’s all by herself.”
Well speaking of someone she’s known a long time, that brings McKenzie to Toni Storm tonight. “Yeah, Toni and I have a lot of history together.” And while Toni says she’s not the same Toni back then, this isn’t the same Rhea from back then, either. To be honest, Rhea doesn’t care if she’s stepping into the ring with the new Toni or the old Toni. “She’s still the piece of trash that I knew back then.” Rhea vows to be the one to finish this once and for all. What happens when these two forces of nature meet 1v1 once again?
The brutal training continues.
Xia Li is in tears as she begs Shifu to let her stop, but he tells her to do it again! “She” is watching as Xia kicks and hits something. But what is it? As for Boa, he wants his training to stop, too. Shifu refuses, and Boa keeps getting hit with something. “Please… no more!” But Shifu says to just do it “AGAIN!” Xia shouts, and she’s been hitting BOA! She is forced to show no mercy to Boa, no matter how much they both want to stop. But what will “she” do once the training is finally over?
Shotzi Blackheart VS Indi Hartwell w/ The Way!
We heard from the wild child about what she wants to do to the #Impressive addition to The Way! But with Candice LeRae, Johnny Gargano and Austin Theory nearby, will Shotzi be able to #TCB and get the win?
The bell rings and Shotzi ties up with Indi. Indi waistlocks then clubs Shotzi but they tie up again and Shotzi throws Indi. They tie up again, go around, and Shotzi waistlocks but Indi switches for a slam! Indi keeps on Shotzi with another waistlock and slam! Indi floats to a facelock, waistlocks again but Shotzi throws elbows. Indi holds on so Shotzi runs at ropes to hotshot her off! Shotzi rams shoulders, Indi stays up but Shotzi dropkicks her down! Shotzi slams one of Indi’s arms on the mat then stomps a foot! Shotzi grabs the arm to drop a knee on it! Indi only just got over a neck injury and now Shotzi turns her around to get both arms! Indi gets a ropebreak with a leg and Shotzi lets go at 4.
Indi gets up in a huff and shoves Shotzi! Shotzi wrenches Indi and hammerlocks, then ducks the elbow to ROUNDHOUSE! Indi wobbles into the enziguri! Indi goes to a corner, Shotzi runs in to CANNONBALL, but Indi blocks just enough with her boots! Indi gets up and stomps away on Shotzi! Indi drags her to a cover, ONE! Shotzi flounders but Indi looms over her. Indo throws haymakers, whips Shotzi to ropes and elbows her down! Cover, TWO! Indi keeps on Shotzi and drags her up to throw her through roughs for a clubbing forearm! Indi full nelsons, lifts and TOSSES Shotzi down! Cover, TWO!
The Way coaches Indi as she drags Shotzi up. Shotzi throws body shots, Indi knees low and fireman’s carries. Shotzi slips out, BOOTS back, then hops up to go over. Shotzi comes back to splash in the corner, and she pushes Indi to another corner for forearms! Shotzi bumps Indi off buckles again, and Indi is down, for Shotzi to CANNONBALL! Direct hit this time! Indi flops out to the apron, Shotzi runs again, and she WRECKS Indi with a dropkick! Shotzi goes out to fetch Indi back into the ring but Candice is creeping around! The ref warns Candice, Shotzi is distracted, Indi has the trophy! The ref turns around just in time to see the TROPHY SHOT! DISQUALIFICATION!
Winner: Shotzi Blackheart, by disqualification
Now the trophy is broken for nothing! But Indi jams Shotzi with it again! And then stomps her down! Gargano and Theory see if the trophy can be fixed while Indi and Candice stomp Shotzi more. They bring Shotzi up for WICKED STEP SISTER! Theory uses the trophy to mock Shotzi, but will Shotzi find a way to turn the tide of this war with The Way?
NXT, prepare for a COLOSSAL return!
Bronson Reed is ready to make a comeback! Will he bulldoze his way back towards the top?
Karrion Kross w/ Scarlett Bordeaux VS ???
Tick-tock, time’s up! The apocalypse was merely put on pause, and now Kross is back! Will there be nothing NXT can do but to #FallAndPray?
The bell rings and Desmond Troy ties up with Kross. Troy tries to get a leg but Kross floats to rain down furious forearms! Kross drags Troy up and throws him into a corner to clothesline! And then he whips corner to corner to clothesline and uppercut, and clothesline again! Kross has Troy for an EXPLODER! Troy flounders into a ROUNDHOUSE! Kross hits the DOOMSDAY SAIDO! And then the KROSSJACKET! Troy taps, Kross wins!
Winner: Karrion Kross, by submission
He was surprisingly merciful at the end by letting Troy go, but Kross wishes not to waste time. Will Kross quickly be back to the top of NXT as champion again? “Priest! Time’s up! January 6th, New Year’s Evil, tuck your chin because your ass is mine!” Kross has called out the Archer of Infamy! Will Priest no longer #LiveForever after facing the one man apocalypse?
Backstage interview with Isaiah “Swerve” Scott.
After losing to Jake Atlas last week, he refused to shake Atlas’ hand. Why did he blow Atlas off? Swerve asks back, “Why is everyone making a big deal about this?” This is getting blown out of proportion. Swerve lost, he was frustrated, he gets frustrated when he loses, especially to someone like Atlas. Swerve cools off and compliments Atlas as “a hell of an athlete,” and he deserves to be here in NXT. But Swerve has been here longer, and has been working harder, so he let the loss get to him. To show his respect to Atlas, Swerve talked with William Regal and a rematch has been made for next week. And this time, Swerve promises a different result.
But then Ever-Rise walks in and asks McKenzie if she saw what happened to them last week. That Triple Threat Tag was more like a 2v1 situation! But where they’re from, that’s a handicap match, an unfair situation! So what did they do? They went to “corporate” and requested to have that match stricken from the record like it never happened! Ever-Rise is STILL on a winning streak! How do you like that, Goldberg?! Ever-Rise is coming for you! But McKenzie is pretty sure their request won’t be granted, as it was a fair match and a fair loss. Is she trying to say something? Well, does Ever-Rise want a rematch with Grizzled Young Veterans? Rematch?! Does McKenzie have a problem with them?! Does she want to take a swing?! Why is Matt Marthel yelling…?
Chase Parker calms things down and says this isn’t about matches or taking swings. They just want to be heard by management. Thank you. But also, EVER-RISE RULES!!!
Dexter Lumis is almost done with his artwork.
Wait, he has added something to the logo for New Year’s Evil after all. It reads… “Host,” with an arrow pointing to a doodle of HIMSELF! Lumis is going to host New Year’s Evil!? He barely talks, how can he host something?!
NXT hears from Finn Balor.
“NXT TakeOver 31. Kyle, you answered all the questions. You proved you weren’t an underdog. You proved you belong in the main event, you proved you belonged in the ring with Finn Balor. You broke my friggin’ jaw!” And yet, Kyle still lost. So what’s next, Kyle? New Year’s Evil, 1/6/21, this isn’t just Finn VS Kyle 2. It’s Finn Balor VS Kyle O’Reilly, THE END. Will the next chapter be the last chapter for these two?
BREAKING NEWS for next week!
With it being the holidays, Johnny and Candice want us to celebrate with them! It’ll be “A Very Gargano Christmas” on NXT! Will this go down as a timeless Christmas classic?
Toni Storm VS Rhea Ripley!
These two went back and forth, defining the first year of NXT UK. Now they clash again in the States in what could just be one of many more matches to come! But will it be the Riptide or the Lightning From Down Under that strikes?
The bell rings and the two stare down and circle slowly. They tie up, Rhea powers Toni to ropes but Toni turns things around. Toni lets off clean but she taunts Rhea. Rhea shrugs that off to circle with Toni again. Fans rally and duel as the two tie up again. Rhea powers Toni to a corner but Toni turns it around again, only for Rhea to turn it right back! Rhea lets off clean but with a sharp pat on the shoulder. Toni and Rhea circle again and there are more Rhea fans than Toni fans right now. They tie up, Toni waistlocks then headlocks and grinds Rhea down. Rhea tries to power out but Toni holds tight. Rhea fights up and throws body shots to then power out and ram shoulders. Toni is surprised Rhea stays up, and then Rhea runs Toni over!
Rhea runs but Toni trips her! Toni Oklahoma Rolls, ONE and Rhea had a cover, ONE! Toni ghost pins, ONE, Rhea ghost pins, ONE! Toni kicks low, whips Rhea to a corner, but Rhea goes up and over and keeps moving. Toni drops, side steps but Rhea rolls and gets a leg to roll Toni. Toni stays up, sits on Rhea, ONE as Rhea sunsets! ONE as Toni sits back up, ONE and the two stand. Rhea kicks low now and fans cheer! Rhea reels Toni in, suplexes, but Toni resists to cradle, TWO! Toni CHOPS Rhea but Rhea CHOPS back! Toni CHOPS, Rhea swings a haymaker! Toni CLAWS Rhea’s back but Rhea CHOPS! Rhea fakes Toni out to DOUBLE CHOP her on the back!
Toni is stinging and Rhea is grinning as she drags Toni by her legs. Toni kicks Rhea away, but runs into a wrench and clothesline! And another! Rhea ripcords to HOOK KICK Toni down! Toni gets to ropes, Rhea Electric Chair lifts her, but Toni wiggles free to shove Rhea out. Rhea gets on the apron, Toni runs in but gets caught! Rhea drags Toni out but Toni POSTS her and BOOTS her! Toni stands tall as NXT goes to break!
NXT returns and Toni grinds Rhea down in a chinlock. Rhea endures, fights up, throws body shots, but Toni throws her by her hair! Toni drops an elbow but Rhea moves! Toni hurries after Rhea to whip but Rhea reverses, Toni dodges one kick, then the next, but the SUPERKICK hits! Toni wobbles, Rhea cravats and knees her over and over! Rhea snapmares and runs to basement dropkick hard! Fans fire up with Rhea and she drags Toni up for an atomic SLAM! Cover, TWO! Rhea grows frustrated, checks her mouth but no blood. Rhea drags Toni up, pump handles but Toni fights out. Rhea AX KICKS Toni down, then stomps her!
Toni gets up, Rhea runs in but the boot misses! Toni HEADBUTTS! Both women are down but fans fire up again! The standing count climbs to 5 but Toni sits up. Rhea follows, and they both slowly stand at 7. Toni throws a forearm, Rhea throws it back! They brawl back and forth with big hands and clubbing forearms! Rhea gets the edge, runs, but Toni follows to ROCK Rhea t ropes! Toni runs but Rhea returns the forearm! Rhea runs, Toni follows but Rhea dodges to dropkick her down! Cover, TWO! Rhea grows frustrated but fans rally up. Rhea stomps Toni and gets the legs, for PRISM TRAP!
Toni endures the hanging cloverleaf, crawls for ropes, but then rolls to send Rhea into the ropes! Toni runs to SLIDING LARIAT! Toni drags Rhea up, GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Rhea survives and Toni can’t believe it! Fans hope these two “Fight Forever!” like they did for Kyle and Dunne! Toni scowls as she drags Rhea up and tosses her to a corner! Then she tosses Rhea the other way! Toni runs in but Rhea avoids the hip attack! Rhea Electric Chair lifts to SLAM Toni on buckles! Cover, TWO!! Toni survives and Rhea is again frustrated! Rhea drags Toni around to drop a leg! And then another! And then a third! Cover, TWO!
Rhea grits her teeth as she drags Toni back up. Pump handle and lift, but Toni flails! And who is this?! Raquel Gonzalez helps Toni stay on the apron!? But Rhea runs and BOOTS Toni onto Raquel! Raquel tumbles over barriers and Rhea drags Toni up and into the ring. Toni distracts the ref and Raquel yanks Rhea down! To LAWN DART her into buckles! HIP ATTACK from Toni!! Toni underhooks and hits STORM ZERO!! Cover, Toni wins!!
Winner: Toni Storm, by pinfall
Big Mami Cool laughs as she just screwed Rhea over! Will Rhea make sure Raquel regrets this for a long time to come? As for Toni, a win is a win, will she be heading for a new #ShinyShiny?
My Thoughts:
A very good NXT with quite a bit set up for New Year’s Evil. For one, Lumis is surprisingly going to be the host. I didn’t think there’d be a host for that but I guess Halloween Havoc was just the first case of a special occasion being given an extra special something. Maybe Lumis speaks for the first time on television? That in itself will be a big moment. Kross puts away Desmond Troy quickly because obviously he was going to. And another obvious choice was that Kross and Priest are going to have a match for New Year’s Evil. That will be a very good match, and I’m fairly confident that Kross will win that.
I’m surprised Dunne VS O’Reilly wasn’t the main event, but there are a lot of reasons why it wasn’t. For one, it gave that match time to breathe, and it was all completely worth it. A bit surprised Kyle won rather than Dunne, but a rematch from TakeOver 31 is a great move. Finn getting to respond tonight rather than waiting a week was also pretty good, but could’ve still been done. And the brawling of many tag teams was a great way to get rid of ringside help so that it’d just be Dunne and Kyle 1v1.
Breezango makes a great return, and it looks like we might end up with a tag team title Fatal 4 Way. Cole and Strong are the one combination that hasn’t really worked together in the UE, and with Bobby Fish recovering from his torn tricep, this would be a great time to give that a try. But I have a feeling Lorcan & Burch find a way to hold onto the titles, as UE and Breezango have already had reigns, and I don’t think Dain & Maverick are quite there yet. I suppose Grizzled Young Veterans haven’t been back long enough to be considered for such a match, but that’s alright, I’m enjoying what’s going on between them and Ever-Rise.
I actually like that “The Johnny Gargano Way” is simplifying the name to “The Way.” This way, it isn’t just about Johnny, it’s about him and Candice. They lead The Way together as equals. Gargano and Theory had a very good tag match with Ruff and Kushida, though I was really scared there for Ruff after his fall from the top rope to the floor. Gargano and Theory win to help build Theory back up, and I like his new finisher, even though it’s hard to describe. Shotzi continuing after Candice is a good move, as WarGames wasn’t as conclusive for them as it probably could’ve have been. Of course, Candice broke her arm so it couldn’t really have ended with the two of them. Shotzi had a good match with Indi but clearly Indi still needs a few reps. The disqualification was a good way of ending that match and propelling the feud forward.
The presentation of the brutal training Xia and Boa are undergoing was done expertly. Keeping half of each part a mystery was great for the reveal of how it has escalated. I’m thinking that something is going to happen on New Year’s Evil with Xia, Boa and “her” (pretty sure it’s still Karen Q) decimating someone or a group of someones to establish themselves as a faction. Even more so if Io Shirai is defending her title, Xia and “her” can both go after Shirai to issue a challenge for whatever TakeOver special is happening next. Rhea VS Toni was a really good match, but I should’ve figured Raquel would get involved. Rhea VS Raquel in a rematch is going to be great stuff while Toni moves on to perhaps feud with Ember Moon or even go after Io Shirai to revisit their Mae Young Classic match as a match for the NXT Women’s Championship.
My Score: 9.1/10
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Time to burn it down!
Ahead of entering the Royal Rumble, Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre go one more round in a rematch from WrestleMania 40!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods VS Rey Mysterio; Rey wins.
- Bayley VS Nia Jax; Nia wins.
- PENTA VS Pete Dunne; Penta wins.
- Damage CTRL VS Pure Fusion Collective; DMG CTRL wins.
- Seth Rollins VS Drew McIntyre; Rollins wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Nia Jax ambushes Rhea Ripley!
The Irresistible Force is here on Raw to face Bayley, but she’s getting her payback on Mami for last week! She dribbles Rhea into the steel chain link fencing again and again, even as security and Adam Pearce rush in! They get Nia to stop, but Rhea is pissed! Will Nia regret riling up Rhea Bloody Ripley?
Jey Uso is here!
Dallas fires up and bounces along as it’s time to YEET! Michael Cole does his best to keep up with the beat as Main Event Jey makes his way down the bleachers. Wade Barrett is subbing in for Pat McAfee (the NCAA College Football Championship is also tonight), and Wade says Maggle looks like a “drunk grandpa” doing the YEET. Jey makes it to ringside, he high fives Maggle, then goes to the ring. But the YEET doesn’t slow down, it just keeps going! Jey grabs a mic and tells Dallas, “Main Event Jey Uso is now in your citaaaaaa~!” The fans cheer and join in with a “YEET!” Jey says this weekend, “YEET!” Saturday Night’s Main Event, “YEET!” Jey takes home the big one!
But then before Jey can continue, GUNTHER makes his way out here! Der Ring General, World Heavyweight Championship around his waist, makes his way right to the ring. Gunther grabs himself a mic while the fans boo. Jey paces but Gunther tells him, “Lemme guess, the next thing you were about to say is you were going to win the World Heavyweight title.” Jey confirms, he is gonna beat Gunther, then hang the title up in his room. Gunther says Jey really is “a funny little man.” But let’s not act like we both know it won’t happen. Last week, Jey was right here in front of Gunther, and he said every morning, he looks in the mirror and bets on himself.
The thing is, Gunther believes Jey. Gunther was looking forward to Saturday to square off with Main Event Jey Uso. Until today, when he saw Jey walking in here acting like that conversation last week never happened. Not after seeing Jey act like a complete DORK! Like he’s the company mascot for the fans! At this point, Gunther doesn’t even care. He could jsut as well get challenged by Jimmy Uso. Jey tells Gunther to not say something about his brother. Gunther says it doesn’t matter what Jey says, he never follows up with his actions! The fans are the only ones naive enough to believe everything Jey says. Gunther does not.
Bet on yourself? Until when? Until Roman Reigns whistles for him? Until Sami Zayn needs him? Until Jimmy needs him? Even Cody needed Jey and Jey showed up! All that makes Jey is a useful idiot, and Jey doesn’t even see it! Jey, your words and your actions do not align. Gunther’s always do! So on Saturday, when the bell rings, Gunther exposes Jey for the flash in the pan that has NO business being even this close to the World Heavyweight Championship. The fans boo but Gunther tells Jey to go. The fans “YEET! YEET! YEET!” but Jey says Gunther’s right again. Everything Gunther just said is true again.
Jey is the mascot of the WWE. And the fans here are his team. The fans are his squad. They ride with him! “YEET!” Slide with him! “YEET!” And they will be with him when he beats Gunther for the world championship! “YEET!” Jey reminds us he respects Gunther. But Gunther will respect Jey, too. Because only one of them in this ring main-evented a WrestleMania, and it ain’t Gunther. But then Gunther DECKS Jey! Gunther stomps Jey, the fans boo, but then Gunther DECKS Jey again! Gunther stands Jey up, but Jey TACKLES Gunther! Jey rains down fists and teh fans fire up! Gunther gets up, but Jey fires more hands!
Jey has Gunther’s shirt over his head for a hockey scrum! Gunther gets free, but Jey SUPERKICKS him down! The fans all “YEET!” while Der Ring General retreats! Jey has the belt and he dares Gunther to come get it! Jey drops it at the ropes, Gunther storms up to the apron, but Gunther stays back. Gunther leaves Dallas with the belt tonight, but will Jey leave San Antonio with it this Saturday?
The New Day walks the halls.
And then they spot someone. “Finally, somebody who understands!” JBL is here! They all shake hands, and JBL loves seeing them. Kofi Kingston says JBL is not just a champion and a Hall of Famer, but he’ll be on commentary tonight for The New Day’s match with that “hypocrite of a locker room leader,” Rey Mysterio. JBL should let New Day know they are the victims of a disgusting smear campaign! Kofi even sweetens the deal with a whole $2. Kofi says JBL understands being in a tag team but having to cut the deadweight to get ahead. And when he did, what happened? He had the greatest success of his career!
Not as great as The New Day, but please, be an acolyte for ya bois! JBL says yes, he does “get it.” Big E, all the muscles and charisma and personality, everywhere they go, the fans love Big E. Everyone chants for New Day, for Big E. You get rid of him, the fans have to pay attention to Kofi & Woods! Wow, okay. Backhanded compliments? Be that way. The New Day heads out, JBL asks if he can keep the two bucks. Will Kofi & Woods finally see who’s really in the wrong? Or will they continue to have a bad day here on Raw?
Backstage interview with Bayley.
Cathy Kelley is with the “busiest superstar” in WWE right now, as Bayley was on Raw, NXT and SmackDown all last week. And she has an announcement to make, so for those who ahven’t heard, could she share? Yes, cat is out of the bag, Bayley is back on Raw officially via the Transfer Window! She started here after her NXT call-up, so it just feels right. But also, she is declaring for the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble! And if you remember, she won the 2024 Rumble, so going back to back sounds really good. She could choose Tiffany Stratton, she could choose Rhea Ripley, or- Nia Jax interrupts.
Nia says Bayley can have Rhea, Nia gets Tiffy. Also, Nia is going to win the Women’s Rumble, not Bayley. Oh, yeah, Bayley did see what Nia did to Rhea earlier. If Nia wants to try that, Bayley dares her. Nia says she’ll see Bayley out there. Nia leaves, but will the Irresistible Force rough Bayley up the same way she did Rhea? Or will Bayley continue to be the Role Model, even after changing brands?
Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods VS Rey Mysterio!
Raw returns and JBL is out there with Wade and Maggle already. The New Day makes their entrance, and they hate their song! They have it turn off, they get the tron to stop, and Woods says they already told the idiots in production that they’re no longer using that stuff! It’s ya bois, the NEW~ DAY~, and Dallas is starting to piss Kofi off! They have been doing this for too long and too well to be disrespected like this. They are walking Hall of Famers, unlike this FRAUD, JBL! JBL, give him that money back! Kofi snatches it out of JBL’s lapel pocket. Woods says Rey’s getting the brakes beat off him by the one and only Kofi Kingston~! BECAUSE NEW! DAY- “SUCKS!”
The fans chant “NEW! DAY SUCKS!” and the bell rings. Kofi and Rey circle, feel things out, and Kofi waistlocks to then headlock, waistlock, and he shoves Rey to a corner. The fans boo but Kofi soaks up that heat. JBL says this is the only time he’ll cheer a “deadbeat dad” like Rey. Rey and Kofi tie up, Rey waistlocks but Kofi switches to SLAM Rey down! Kofi slaps Rey around, and the fans boo as Kofi & Woods soak up the heat. Kofi taunts Rey, Rey and Kofi reset, and they tie up. Rey wrenches, hammerlocks, but Kofi wrenches out. Kofi wristlocks, Rey rolls and kips up, then Rey wrenches to headlock.
Kofi powers up and out, drops down then CLOBBERS Rey! The fans boo but Kofi keeps moving. Rey drops down, blows past Kofi, then tilt-o-whirls to RANA! Kofi staggers up, Rey dropkicks the legs out! Kofi is on ropes, Rey dials it up, but Kofi ducks the 619! Rey then PLANCHAS, but Kofi moves! Rey is on the apron, Kofi YANKS him down! The fans tell Kofi off but he drags Rey up and into the ring. Kofi then fires UPPERCUTS on Kofi, CHOKES him in the corner, then stomps a mudhole in! The ref counts, Kofi steps off, and then Kofi whips corner to corner. Rey reverses, runs up, but Kofi SWING KICKS! Rey GAMANGIRIS in return!
Rey RAMS Kofi, slingshots and SUNSET- NO, Kofi holds on, and he CLUBS Rey down! The fans boo but Kofi brings Rey in! Woods says watch this, “Hall of Famer!” Kofi lifts Rey, Rey pops free, but Kofi stomps away on him! Kofi glares at JBL, then he drags Rey up. The fans boo but Kofi SMACKS Rey off the apron. Kofi then reels Rey in, but Rey RANAS Kofi into the steel steps! The fans fire up as Rey rises, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Kofi has Rey down with an armlock. Rey fights to his feet, the fans fire up, and the forearms go back and forth! Kofi ROCKS Rey, Rey ROCKS Kofi, but then Kofi kicks low! Kofi whips, Rey ducks ‘n’ dodges, then Rey leaps to FLYING FOREARM! Both men are down and the fans fire up again. Woods coaches Kofi while Rey goes to the apron. Rey then goes to the corner, but Kofi hurries over that way. Kofi fires body shots, then he climbs up after Rey. Kofi brings Rey up but Rey fires body shots in return! Rey BENDS Kofi’s fingers, then he HEADBUTTS Kofi! Kofi staggers up, Rey hits the SEATED SENTON!
Rey gets moving, but Kofi ducks the springboard crossbody! Kofi sunset flip, but Rey rolls through, basement DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Kofi goes to a corner, Rey CLUBS him, and the fans rally. The ref gets between them, but Kofi pokes Rey in the eyes! Kofi leaps, CROSSBODY SPLASH to the back! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Rey as he stays in this. The fans chant “NEW! DAY SUCKS!” Woods argues with a fan, Kofi aims, TROUBLE IN- NO, Rey dodges, then comes back to RANA! Kofi is on ropes, Rey dials it up! But Woods trips Rey! The ref saw that clear as day! Woods argues with the ref, but the ref EJECTS Woods!
The fans fire up while Woods throws a fit! Rey DECKS Woods! But Kofi CLOBBERS Rey! The fans boo, but Kofi hauls Rey up! Rey victory rolls Kofi onto ropes! Rey redials, 619!! And then the springboard, but onto knees! Kofi covers, TWO!! Rey survives, the fans fire up, but Kofi seethes. Kofi hauls Rey up, clinches, S O- NO! Rey makes the SOS a cover, REY WINS!
Winner: Rey Mysterio, by pinfall
But Woods CLBOBERS Rey from behind! The New Day mugs Rey, the fans boo more, but here comes the LWO! Joaquin Wilde & Cruz Del Toro run The New Day off! The fans boo, Cruz & Wilde check Rey, but then the New Day sneak back in! They drag Wilde out to POST him! Cruz hurries but now New Day retreats for real! Insult to injury here, but will Kofi & Woods continue to be blinded by their own arrogance?
Backstage interview with Team American Made.
Cathy Kelley waits as Chad Gable is arguing with his own people, then says okay, sorry, he was inspiring the team. But yeah, he’s the talk of the whole freakin’ wrestling world the past week, but he is man enough to admit he has a problem. And it all started with losing to Penta last week! It was Dragon Lee before that, and Rey Mysterio before that. Gable asks, “What’re we gonna do her?” But he’s figured it out! He found a man who knows a thing or two about lucha libre, and that man is intelligent with a mustache to match. That man is Dominik Mysterio! While Dom helps Gable with his lucha problem, the team has their marching order.
Ivy Nile says there’s a Women’s Intercontinental Championship with her name all over it. Brutus says those tag titles should’ve already had their names on them, HAHA~! Julius mocks how War Raiders cry about “One more injury~ and we’re done forever~!” Like that’s something to be proud of? No more asking, they’re just taking! They’ll take those tag titles from a team near the end of their career and put them on a team that’s entering their prime. Gable says this team that bleeds red, white ‘n’ blue will have waists wrapped in gold, and it will be glorious. Team American Made heads out, but can Dirty Dom really help Gable clean up his act?
Sami Zayn is here!
Dallas sings his song, and the Underdog from the Underground goes right to the ring. He grabs a mic and thanks Dallas for that, that never gets old. But he wont’ beat around the bush, he’ll just get right to business. Sami spoke with Adam Pearce, and Sami is now officially entered into the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble match! The fans like the sound of that! Sami says Rollins told him he’s already helped a lot of others, so time to help himself. Well, Sami thought about that, and thought about what he wants. When he thought about that, it opened a whole bunch of thoughts. Sami pictured what 14-year-old Sami wanted.
Sami thought about what the millions around the world who dream of becoming pro-wrestlers, and the thousands who actually live the dream and get to do it. And then the even smaller group lucky enough to call themselves WWE Superstars. And then the smallest group of all, the hardest to crack into at all, is the upper echelon, the top tier, and that is where Sami is now! The fans cheer, and Sami firmly believes he is as good as everyone else in that group. That group is all in the Royal Rumble, and the only difference between Sami and the others, aka Roman, McIntyre, Rollins, and so on, is that they all have a world title to their name… and Sami doesn’t.
Sami has said it before, he’ll say it again, he’s had a great life, a great career. He doesn’t need the world title to complete him. The fans have supported Sami throughout the years, and believe it or not, that support means more to him than any world title could ever mean! So no, Sami does not need that world title, but DAMMIT, he WANTS it!! The fans love that! Sami says 14-year-old Sami wants that title, and he’s still with Sami! That kid sets foot in this ring every time Sami does. So Sami doesn’t need it, he wants it, so he will TAKE IT! WAIT, Kevin Owens is here!? The fans boo and Sami is certainly stunned seeing SmackDown’s Prizefighter back on Raw.
Kevin, who is still carrying the “Winged Eagle” title, while wearing a Bret Hart merchandise jacket, makes his way to the ring. Kevin grabs the mic, and while fans boo, he looks to Sami. Sami says he knew it was a matter of time before Kevin showed up. How does Kevin wanna do this? Kevin asks what Sami means. Sami knows Kevin. We all saw what Kevin did to Cody over teaming with Roman, so how’s this going down? Aw, is that why Sami thinks Kevin is here? No, Kevin admits, he was upset at first. But he realizes now that Sami teaming with Roman isn’t the same as Cody teaming with Roman.
Sami and Roman had a lot of history, the same as Sami and Kevin. And Roman did terrible things to Sami that Sami overlooked, just as Kevin did to Sami that Sami has overlooked. Or rather, Sami forgave Kevin for those things. Same as him forgiving Roman! Because that is who Sami is: Sami is a good person. And Rollins is right, Sami does a lot for others, especially his friends. And well, Sami is still Kevin’s best friend. A brother even! Kevin is here to tell his brother that he whole heartedly believes Sami can and will win the Royal Rumble. Kevin knows that the Sami he’s known for 20 YEARS will win the Royal Rumble!
And why? Because Sami deserves it! Sami deserves to go to WrestleMania and fight for the WWE Championship, and Kevin knows Sami will do it! Then Kevin and Sami can accomplish one more thing together. Think of everything they’ve done and seen each other do in this business. They main-evented WrestleMania to become tag team champions. But there’s one more thing they haven’t done: main event WrestleMania for THE WWE Championship. And when Sami wins the Rumble, they can do that, so long as Kevin walks away THE WWE Champion. But Kevin knows both of those things are going to happen.
Kevin knows Sami will win the Rumble because Kevin has his back. He does. And Kevin knows he’ll be THE WWE Champion because just like Sami had Roman’s back, he’s got Kevin’s back. Right? Kevin just knows it. Sami is his best friend, his brother, and if Kevin needs him, Sami will be there. Kevin drops his mic and heads out, but Sami is rather confused. Is Kevin suggesting Sami do what it sounds like? What will Sami do on this Road to WrestleMania?
Backstage interview with Sheamus.
Cathy is with The Fella and brings up his Intercontinental Championship match he has this Saturday against Bron Breakker. Why is this title so important to him? Sheamus says many would look at his career, and say he has the perfect backwards WWE career. He was only six months into his career, and he beat one of the biggest names this business has ever seen in John Cena to become WWE Champion. Ironically, the Intercontinental Champioship is what drew Sheamus to the WWE. That title has become an obsession for the past five years, but guess what? The stars are aligned! Saturday Night’s Main Event, Sheamus will bust Bron aside and fulfill destiny!
Sheamus will win the last championship he has yet to win! And for everyone who is watching, Let’s Go, Irish! A quick shoutout to Notre Dame, but then Sheamus spots Bron Breakker. Bron tells Sheamus that this title is Bron’s. This is as close as Sheamus will ever get to winning it. Because on Saturday, Bron beats him and BREAKS him like an old man! So just do us all a favor and retire. Sheamus shoves Bron, but Bron laughs it off and takes his leave. Will the Celtic Warrior finally have his WWE Bingo in another banger? Or will this title still belong to Bron Breakker?
Bayley VS Nia Jax!
The Role Model and the Irresistible Force were just on SmackDown but they’re bringing their beef over to Raw! Will Bayley make her official transfer back a successful one? Or will Nia be rolling towards the Royal Rumble?
Well, well, well, Roxanne Perez seems to be stalking Bayley. She was in the crowd for SmackDown last Friday, and now she’s here in the crowd tonight. The bell rings, Nia runs up, but Bayley dodges! Nia hits buckles, Bayley fires hands, then runs to ELBOW her! Bayley climbs up to rain down fists! The fans count, Bayley ges to 6 before Nia brings her off the corner! Bayley still fights, but Nia stops the rana! Nia brings Bayley up to a fireman’s carry, but Bayley kicks off ropes! TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Nia sits up but Bayley fires hands! Bayley runs, but into a POP-UP HEADBUTT! Bayley sputters, Nia covers, ONE!!
Bayley scrambles away but Nia stalks her. Nia puts Bayley on the ropes, CHOKES her, but the ref counts. Nia lets off at 4, she soaks up some heat, then she HEADBUTTS Bayley again. Bayley goes to a corner, Nia digs her boot in, but the ref counts. Nia stops at 4, the fans boo some more, and Bayley crawls. Nia drags Bayley up, pushes her down, then runs, only for Bayley to avoid the elbow drop! Bayley fires forearms, then whips. Nia takes a swing but Bayley gets around to hit a back suplex! Cover, TWO! Nia is tougher than that but she’s also dazed. Bayley rises, runs in, but Nia URENAGES Bayley down! Now Nia climbs the corner!
The fans fire up as Bayley SHOVES Nia to the apron! Bayley BOOTS Nia to the floor, then builds speed! Bayley DIVES, down goes Nia! The fans fire up and Bayley gets in Roxie’s face! Roxie takes a swing, but Bayley blocks! Bayley DECKS Roxie! The fans go wild, security stops Roxie from getting at Bayley! Bayley mocks the little idiot, then goes back for Nia while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Nia drags Bayley up. Nia drops a LEG on the arm! Cover, TWO!! Bayley survives and Nia grows frustrated. Nia taunts Bayley, the fans boo Nia, and Bayley sits up. Nia drags Bayley by her hair, then runs, but Bayley avoids the leg drop! Bayley hurries to ELBOW Nia in the back! And then SLIDING LARIAT! Bayley keeps moving, and drops an ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Nia survives the onslaught but the fans rally for Bayley. Both women slowly rise up, and Bayley runs up to KNEE Nia out to the apron! Bayley then drags Nia in through the ropes, but Nia HOTSHOTS the bad arm!
Bayley writhes, Nia taunts the fans, then Nia goes back to the apron. Nia stands on Bayley’s bad arm! But Bayley avoids another leg drop! Nia clutches her lower back while she and Bayley both rise up again. Bayley runs in to SUNSET FLIP BUCKLE BOMB! Nia flops to the floor and the fans fire up! Bayley leaves Nia behind for the count to handle this. Nia is still down at 5 of 10, and at 7! Nia springs up and in at 8! But Bayley goes up, up, and she hits a BANZAI DROP! Cover, TWO! Bayley didn’t quite A-Nia-Late Nia, but she goes up to ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Nia survives again but if only barely!
The fans rally as Bayley brings Nia up. Nia shoves Bayley away, then scoops her, SHOULDER BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Bayley stays in this and the fans rally up again. Bayley goes to a corner, Nia runs in, and Nia SPLASHES Bayley! Bayley flounders against the ropes, then Nia runs in. Bayley TOSSES Nia to the apron, but Nia ROCKS Bayley! Nia drags Bayley up, and POSTS her! Bayley dangles in the ropes, and Nia snarls. Nia runs to HIP ATTACK Bayley against the post! Bayley flounders back in, the fans boo, and Nia climbs up! But Bayley is up to YANK Nia down! The fans fire up as Bayley runs, and she KNEES Nia down! Cover, TWO!!
Nia survives yet again but the fans continue to rally behind Bayley. Bayley goes up a corner, but now Nia is up! Nia ROCKS Bayley, then climbs up after her. Nia fireman’s carries, but Bayley squirms around! SUPER SUNSET FLIP BOMB!! Cover, TWO?!?! Nia survives that wild fall but Bayley goes right back up! MACHO ELBOW!! Cover, TWO!!! Nia survives again and Bayley is beside herself! Nia and Bayley rise, and the fans fire up again. Bayley reels Nia in, but the bad arm won’t let her clinch! Nia fireman’s carries, but Bayley fights free! Bayley runs, CHOP BLOCKS a leg, then hurries to run again. Nia POP-UP SAMOAN DROPS!!
Nia hurries to SENTON! Then she drags Bayley to a drop zone! Nia goes up, to A-NIA-LATE Bayley! Cover, Nia wins!!
Winner: Nia Jax, by pinfall
A powerful battle between two former champions, but the Irresistible Force crushes Bayley on her return to Raw! But wait! RHEA RIPLEY makes her way out here! Mami wants revenge, and Nia says bring it! They brawl in the ring, the fans fire up, and Rhea HEADBUTTS Nia! Rhea RAMS Nia into the corner again and again, but here comes security! The fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” but the two are separated! But then Nia breaks free to SPLASH Rhea and whoever else was in the way! Nia CLUBS away on Rhea, producers and refs rush out here to stop this, but Rhea is up! She LEAPS at Nia for more!
The fans are thunderous as Rhea shoves everyone out of the way to ROUNDHOUSE Nia! Nia falls out of the ring, but rhea isn’t done! Rhea goes to the apron, but Nia trips her up! Nia DRIBBLES Rhea off the announce desk! Nia now clears the desk, and Adam Pearce is shouting that this is enough! Nia puts Rhea on the desk, but security swarms her! Wait, Rhea is back up! CANNONBALL!! Rhea takes Nia and the security guards out! The fans fire up but producers have to drag Rhea away from Nia! Dallas cheers on “MAMI! MAMI!” and she grabs a mic. Rhea gets on the desk to shout, “YOU! ME! SATURDAY NIGHT’S MAIN EVENT!!”
The fans are all fired up, because now things are going to get wild in San Antonio! But will the Queen of the Ring A-Nia-Late Rhea? Or will Nia get eradicated?
Judgment Day meets with American Made.
The others aren’t so sure about this, but Chad Gable says Dom said he could help with Gable’s luchador problem. Does he have some info? C’mon! Help him out! Okay, okay. Dom has someone who can help Gable. Dom hands him a piece of paper, and Gable asks, “This is the guy?” Dom says it sure is. Gable tells Judgment Day and “JD McDouche” that he’s off to master the dark arts of lucha libre. The others ask Dom what this is all about. Dom says it’s a long story but he and Gable go way back. Okay, fine, but how does this help Judgment Day? Next week is the tag title rematch but Finn is still out of action from last week’s Street Fight!
Liv Morgan says listening to Finn hasn’t really helped them win, has it? C’mon, Liv, this is serious. They’re gonna have to forfeit! Dom says maybe he could sub in. Finn shouldn’t care so long as they get the titles back, right? JD says yeah, that’s a good point. They’ll get this. Liv says yeah, Finn should be fine. And Dom is quite the mastermind now, huh? Liv just hopes this plan goes better than the one he had for her match with Rhea. Hey, didn’t she say she was over that? Yes, she did. Can Dom not take a joke? Okay, okay. Dom does have a plan for Liv, though. And even though she’s not mad, he’ll make it up to her, okay? Oh, he will. Now, let’s go.
Liv & Dom head out, Raquel tells Carlito to stop staring. Will Judgment Day (not) keep it together?
Lyra Valkyria speaks.
“Last week, I walked into Raw ready to become a history maker. And that meant spreading my wings and shedding any dead feathers that made me doubt the heights I knew I was capable of reaching. I took fear, I took doubt, and I used them to become something more. And now that I have this, it’s about what comes next. And what comes next is building a legacy as a valiant, fighting Women’s Intercontinental Champion.” The Morrigan is ready for more, just how high will she soar?
WWE celebrates Martin Luther King Jr.
He had a dream, and that dream lives on in us. May we keep that dream alive so that it may come true every day.
Seth Rollins warms up backstage.
Sami checks with him and knows the match with McIntyre is coming up. But Sami just wants Rollins to know that as a friend, he appreciated the talk they had last week. Rollins knows, and he heard Sami out there. Rollins respects Sami’s choice. It’s about time we got that Sami back. And Sami is almost rooting for that Sami. But push comes to shove int he Rumble, Rollins will throw Sami right over the top rope. Sami says, “Not if I throw you out first.” Sami again wishes Rollins luck, then heads out. Rollins finishes his preparations, but Karrion Kross is watching from afar! Could Mr. Doomsday have his next target in mind?
PENTA VS Pete Dunne!
#CeroMiedo made its debut in the WWE just last week, and it was a massive hit! But now he’s up against a man who feels disrespected left, right, front and back! Will the Bruiserweight take out all his frustrations on the new kid in class? Or will Penta continue to blow the roof off the arenas?
The bell rings and the fans already chant, “CERO! MIEDO!” Penta tells Dunne to listen, but Dunne grabs the hand! Penta KICKS Dunne, but Dunne CHOPS! Penta CHOPS, Dunne CHOPS, then the forearms start flying! Dunne headlocks, Penta fires body shots, and Penta powers out. Penta hurdles then mule kicks Dunne, and Dunne sputters away. Penta swaggers, but Dunne CLOBBERS him! The fans boo but Dunne grabs an arm. Dunne hammerlocks that arm, pulls on the other, and he bends the fingers back! Dunne STOMPS Penta’s arm! The fans tell Dunne off while Penta writhes, but Dunne drags Penta up again.
Dunne wrenches and whips, but Penta reverses. Then Penta runs up to GAMANGIRI! Penta whips again, Dunne reverses and he GAMANGIRIS! Penta sputters, Dunne brings him up, and Dunne whips. Penta reverses. Dunne goes up and flips and SUPERKICK from Penta! Penta hits Dunne outta the sky and Dunne bails out of the ring! The fans fire up and Penta says, “CERO! MIEDO!” Penta runs and DIVES into a forearm! Dunne gives back that anti-air, then he reels Penta in. APRON X-PLEX! Penta writhes again while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns, Dunne runs up to SLIDING FOREARM Penta down! The fans boo while Penta sputters, but Dunne runs up to SLIDINGN FOREARM again! Dunne paces, the fans chant, “Butch Sucks!” but Dunne just runs up on Penta. Penta dodges, mule kicks, and he runs to SLING-DOG! Dunne flounders to a corner, Penta runs and headstands on the corner! SWINGING DROPKICK! Dunne sputters more but Penta fireman’s carries. The fans fire up for the SWINGINGN DEATH VALLEY! Cover, TWO! Penta is frustrated, but the fans rally up again. Penta and Dunne rise up, and Penta goes after Dunne. Dunne ENZIGIRIS first!
Dunne STMOPS the hands, then he BUZZSAWS! Penta goes to a corner, Dunne runs up, but Penta SUPERKICKS! Penta runs up, DESTROYER!! Dunne tumbles out of the ring! The fans fire up with Penta and he builds speed again! Penta FLIES and down goes Dunne! The fans are thunderous while both men are out at the ramp! Penta and Dunne stir, the ring count climbs, and Dunne is in at 5 of 10. Penta rises at 6, and he slaps some sense into himself. Penta is back in at 7, DES- NO, Dunne stops the second shot and tucks Penta in! CRUNCHY DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! Penta survives and the fans fire up!
Penta shakes out the bad arm, but he and Dunne sit up. They go forehead to forehead, then forearm for forearm! Dunne CHOPS, but Penta CHOPS! The fans cheer Penta on and he tells Dunne to listen! “CERO! MIEDO!” But Dunne bends the fingers, SNAPS them, then wraps Penta into a TRIANGLE HOLD! Penta endures, fights up, and he deadlifts Dunne, for a POWER BREAKER!! Dunne writhes, Penta grabs Dunne’s arm and traps it! Penta CLUBS Dunne, then grabs the other arm, SACRIFICE!! Dunne writhes in even more pain, but Penta brings him around. Pump handle, PENTA DRIVER!! Cover, Penta wins!
Winner: Penta, by pinfall
The luchador proved he could do power on top of punishing submissions, and he is 2-0 here on Raw! Will the Penta Era take over the WWE?
Logan Paul speaks.
“Man, it must suck to be a Logan Paul hater. For years, all of you have wanted me to fail. But you know why it’s never happened, and it never will? Because when I do something, I become the best at it. I became the King of the Internet. I was the only man in history to beat Floyd Mayweather. So what makes you think the WWE will be any different? Look around, dummies. This is my life now. And I will eat, sleep and breathe wrestling until I become the greatest superstar to step into that ring. You can quote me on that. You’re looking at the GOAT, ladies and gentlemen.” The Maverick makes his return next week in Atlanta, will he receive a “warm welcome?”
CM Punk is here!
The Voice of the Voiceless, the Second City Saint, the Best in the World, takes a page out of Jey Uso’s playbook by entering through the concourse and then the bleachers! Dallas fires up as he joins Jackie Redmond in the perch for an interview. Jackie says the fans love chanting Punk’s name, and thanks him for coming out here for this in-arena interview. Punk says before any questions, he has a question for us: “Is it great to be alive on a Monday night in Dallas, Texas or what?!” The fans cheer that, and Jackie says of course it is.
But to the question: There are only so many ways to get to the main event of WrestleMania, something Punk wants to do for the first time in his career. The Royal Rumble is certainly one way, but that is a match he’s never won. And it is shaping to become one of the most stacked fields ever. Punk, Roman, John Cena, Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, Sami Zayn, and more. So, the question is, what makes this Rumble different for Punk? Punk says, “History.” And he is a maker of history! Just three weeks ago, he main-evented the first Raw live on Netflix, and he beat Rollins, a man favored to win this year’s Rumble.
This business is a fickle one, constantly asking, “What have you down for me lately?” Punk says he makes history! And he’ll do it in two weeks when he walks in, throws 29 other superstars over the top rope. The stakes are much too high, the lights are much too bright, and the pressure is on! And that is when Punk feels alive and when he thrives. No one can beat Punk when he’s at his best and with the people behind him. Jackie brought up Cena, but Punk can’t see Cena throwing him out. Roman Reigns? Roman needed Punk’s help to settle family business at WarGames. And in the Rumble, there are no friends!
Punk has put McIntyre in the dirt, and don’t ask him about Sami. You put HOGAN in the rumble, Punk will throw his old ass out and kill Hulkamania once and for all! February 1st, 60 THOUSAND strong, on the Peacock, live and in living color, Indianapolis, Indiana, Punk will settle scores and cash in debts. He’ll even call in a favor or two if he needs to. On that night, 29 other men are going night-night, and ONE MAN gets his hand raised. One name, three syllables: C, M, PUNK! “CM” might stand for “Confident Man” right about now, but will Punk be unstoppable on this road not just to WrestleMania, but also the road to his dream?
Damage CTRL VS Pure Fusion Collective!
This rivalry went back and forth all over 2024, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down just because it is a New Year. Will Dakota Kai & Iyo Sky finally kick PFC to the curb for what they did to Kairi Sane? Or will Sonya Deville, Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark put them on the shelf right beside the Pirate Princess?
The teams sort out, the bell rings, and Kai starts against Shayna. Shayna opens with a KICK to the leg, but Kai walks that off. Shayna KCIKS again, Kai gets mad, and the two go again. Kai blocks one kick but not the second KCIK! Shayna runs up, fakes Kai out, then trips her up! Shayna scuffs Kai, then soaks up the heat. Shayna runs back in, but Kai goes up and over to roll her up! TWO, and Kai slips past Shayna to DROPKICK her down! The fans fire up for Kai, but Shayna stops the arm-drag! Shayna whips, Kai stops herself and BOOTS Shayna away. Kai runs up, Zoey tags in before the flying mare!
Things speed up, Shayna drops down and Zoey springboards to MISSILE DORPKICK Kai down! Sonya wants everyone to take notes! Zoey clamps onto Kai with a chinlock and she grinds Kai down. The fans rally, Kai fights up, and Kai fires body shots. Zoey CLUBS Kai, CLUBS her again and again, then soaks up heat. Zoey puts Kai in the corner, tags Shayna back in, and then Zoey whips Shayna in for a KNEE! Shayna scoops Kai, BACKBREAKER and LARIAT! Shayna covers, TWO! Kai stays in this, but Sonya says her team’s got this. Kai crawls, but Shayna clamps onto the leg for a toehold.
Kai endures, kicks at Shayna with her free leg, but Shayna still bends the trapped leg! The fans rally, Kai kicks and kicks, but Shayna drops an ELBOW on the leg! Shayna tells Dallas to shut it, then she drags Kai around to bend the leg in another direction! Kai endures, reaches out for Iyo, but Shayna pulls the leg. Kai kicks at Shayna again, then BOOTS her away! Kai and Shayna crawl, hot tag to Zoey! Zoey brings Kai up but Kai ENZIGIRIS! Shayna runs back in, but Kai TOSSES her out! Hot tag to Iyo! The Genius of the Sky fires SHOTEI after SHOTEI on Zoey! Iyo ROCKS Shayna, then runs! PFC avoids the handsprings, but Iyo blocks a kick!
Iyo sends the foot at Zoey, but she ducks! Iyo SHOTEIS Zoey again! Then she dodges Shayna to GERMAN SUPLEX her away! The fans fire up as Iyo whips Zoey. Zoey reverses but Iyo uses that to DIVE onto Shayna! Iyo hurries up, blocks a shot, then ROUDNHOUSES Zoey! The fans fire up as Iyo climbs, and Iyo MISSILE DROPKICKS Zoey! Iyo handsprings up and the fans are thunderous! Iyo aims from the corner, runs in and SHINKANSEN! Iyo drags Zoey to a cover, TWO! Zoey survives but Iyo goes up. Sonya storms up, but Kai YANKS Sonya down! The fans fire up as Iyo climbs, but Shayna LARIATS Kai!
Zoey YANKS Iyo down, SUPERKICKS her, and then reels her in! ATAXIA!! Cover, TWO!! Zoey is furious, but she tags in Shayna. PFC gets Iyo up, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY, then a SLIDING KNEE! Cover, Kai breaks it! The fans fire up but Zoey TOSSES Kai! Zoey then PLANCHAS, but Kai dodges! Kai goes up to the apron to PENALTY KICK Zoey! Shayna BOOTS Kai, then dodges Iyo! KIRAFUDA KLUTCH!! Iyo flails, but she runs to the ropes! HOTSHOT and Shayna falls back! Iyo hurries up top, the fans fire up, OVER THE MOONSAULT! Cover, DMG CTRL wins!
Winners: Damage CTRL, by pinfall
PFC tried to use the numbers, but Iyo & Kai just used their skills! Will DMG CTRL still take control of Raw? Or will Sonya, Shayna & Zoey figure out a winning formula?
Seth Rollins VS Drew McIntyre!
With the Royal Rumble just down the road, it is this WrestleMania 40 rematch that could determine how WrestleMania 41 looks. The Visionary and the Scottish Terminator look to run it back, but who will be in pole position for Indianapolis?
Raw returns and McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings, the fans fire up, and the two stare down. The fans sing Rollins’ song, and Rollins says he’s got two good knees now. No Bloodline, no CM Punk, just them! The two circle, tie up, and McIntyre pushes Rollins to the corner. The ref counts but McIntyre talks smack as he lets off. Rollins shoves McIntyre, McIntyre shoves Rollins! They stare down again, Rollins talks a bit more smack, and McIntyre grins. McIntyre CHOPS, and Rollins likes that! Rollins CHOPS, McIntyre CHOPS, repeat! The fans “WOO~” but then McIntyre headlocks. Rollins powers up and out, but McIntyre runs him over!
McIntyre looms over Rollins, then brings him up. But Rollins CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! McIntyre headlocks, Rollins powers up and out, drops down, hurdles over, then redirects McIntyre to SHOULDER TACKLE! McIntyre rebounds to SHOULDER TACKLE Rollins! The fans fire up again while Rollins goes to ropes. McIntyre stomps Rollins, ROCKS him, then stalks him to ropes. McIntyre CHOPS Rollins against the ropes, then whips. Rollins ducks ‘n’ dodges, to then SLINGBLADE! Rollins keeps moving, and he LARAITS McIntyre up and out! The fans fire up as Rollins builds speed, to WRECK McIntyre with a dropkick!
McIntyre is at the desk. Rollins builds sped, and Rollins DIVES! McIntyre hits desk, but Rollins keeps going! Rollins DIVES again, but McIntyre stops that to TOSS Rollins up and over the desk! Rollins is down between the armchairs and McIntyre snarls, but Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and both men slowly rise in the ring. McIntyre looms over Rollins, saying Rollins is still too damn selfish. But Rollins fires hands! McIntyre hits back, they go back and forth! McIntyre kicks low, whips Rollins toa corner, but Rollins BOOTS him away! McIntyre returns, and he pushes through the boot to ELBOW Rollins! McIntyre has Rollins in the Inverted Alabama Lift, ALABAMA- VICTORY ROLL! TWO!! Rollins goes back to the corner, and he BOOTS McIntyre again! The fans fire up while both men are down! Rollins feeds off that energy and rises up. Rollins ROCKS McIntyre, then counter punches him!
Rollins CHOPS and ROCKS McIntyre again and again, then CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! The fans fire up, the ref counts as they’re on ropes, but Rollins roars! Rollins whips, McIntyre reveres, Rollins leaps, but into McIntyre’s arms! McIntyre pops Rollins up, but Rollins slips out of the suplex to then POST McIntyre! McIntyre staggers back, so Rollins POSTS him again! McIntyre sputters, Rollins brings him around and POSTS him a third time! McIntyre is stuck in the corner now, but Rollins SLAMS the arm against the post! Rollins aims as McIntyre staggers away. Springboard, FLYING KNEE! McIntyre says up, Rollins hits a RUNNING KNEE! Cover, TWO!
Rollins takes a breath as the fans rally up. McIntyre is down so Rollins goes to the apron. Springboard SWANTON! Cover, TWO! McIntyre survives but Rollins snarls. Rollins stalks McIntyre, grabs the arm, and he goes to wrangle McIntyre. McIntyre rolls free, fireman’s carries, but Rollins fights free! Rollins goes to a corner again, puts McIntyre on the apron, but McIntyre ROCKS Rollins! McIntyre climbs, but Rollins springs up to join him! SUPER DUPER PLEX! Roll through, but MCINTYRE hits the FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!! The fans fire up as both men are down! “This is Awesome!” as McIntyre kips up!
McIntyre still wobbles a bit, but he makes his way to a corner. McIntyre tells Rollins to get up. Rollins rises, McIntyre runs in, but Rollins ducks the Claymore! Now Rollins aims, and he runs up, but McIntyre hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Rollins survives, but McIntyre brings him in! Deadlift and- RANA! Rollins then SUPERKICKS McIntyre, runs, tilt-o-whirls, and FALCON ARROWS! The fans fire up as Rollins manages a cover, TWO!! The pin wasn’t much but neither was that kick-out, both men are running on fumes. The fans sing Rollins’ song, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!”
Rollins runs, CURB- NO, McIntyre avoids the stomp! Underhooks and FUTURE- NO, Rollins fights the DDT to underhook! PED- NO, McIntyre wrenches out to short arm LARIAT! McIntyre rolls away to go to the apron, then he drags himself up the corner. McIntyre reaches the top, Rollins stands, FLYING- NO, Rollins blocks the lariat to try and wrangle McIntyre. McIntyre scoops Rollins, Rollins slips free, and Rollins still wants the arm! McIntyre fights the takedown again so Rollins CLUBS away on the arm! Rollins brings McIntyre down, into a CROSSFACE!! McIntyre endures, reaches out, but Rollins pulls him back!
McIntyre fights, claws his way over, and he manages the ROPEBREAK! Rollins holds until the ref counts 4, and now Rollins tells McIntyre to get up and fight. “You question me? You question my integrity!?” Rollins gets in McIntyre’s face, the ref backs him off, but now McIntyre CLAWS Rollins’ face! Rollins staggers, McIntyre reels him in, underhook and FUTURE SHOCK!! Cover, TWO?!? Rollins survives and now McIntyre is pissed. McIntyre rises, and he tells Rollins that his words and actions don’t line up. Short arm LARIAT! McIntyre drags Rollins up again, short arm LARIAT! The fans rally and McIntyre shakes his head.
McIntyre tells Rollins to get up, and Rollins sputters as he slowly sits up. McIntyre reels Rollins in for a short arm- NO, Rollins slips up and around, and a jackknife bridge! ROLLINS WINS!!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall
Rollins snatches this one away, and McIntyre CLOBBERS Rollins for it! The fans boo but McIntyre scares the ref off. But Rollins fires hands in return! McIntyre CLAYMORES outta nowhere!! McIntyre is still seething, and he drags Rollins over to the corner. McIntyre pulls Rollins’ hair to put him up against the post! The fans boo, the ref says don’t, but SAMI ZAYN to the rescue! Sami fires hands, then he POSTS McIntyre! Sami makes sure Rollins is alright, and then Sami goes back for Drew. But he gets a GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTT for it! McIntyre stands Sami up to THROW him into barriers!
McIntyre snarls as he looks to Rollins again. McIntyre gets in the ring, and he tells Rollins they should be on the same team, but Rollins is just so selfish! But here comes Sami! McIntyre moves, HELLUVA KICK to Rollins!! The fans can’t believe it and neither can Sami! Sami apologizes to Rollins, but McIntyre grins, this all worked out for the better! Will McIntyre use everyone else against each other to ensure he is the one going to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
Another great episode coming in at just two hours and 35 minutes or so. I don’t mind things “ending early” compared to the usual three hour run, but I am curious as to how they’re only using two-and-a-half hours. I suppose they have their plan and just go with it. That way, if things go long, they have breathing room for it. But they really could’ve added like one more thing to this and it would’ve been fine, I think. That said, good go-home stuff for Saturday Night’s Main Event, such as a good promo from Jey and Gunther. Though, they didn’t really add more to what last week had, other than that brawl. Jey stood tall, go-home math would suggest he loses.
Sheamus and Bron had a good promo to put the final touches on their build, but as I said last week, this is a rather interesting one. Sheamus really should win that Intercontinental Championship already, but I don’t know if Saturday Night’s Main Event is a “big enough stage” for such a moment. Great stuff with Bayley, Nia and Rhea tonight, especially that match. It seems the Transfer Window is finally putting some actual transfers in, what with Wyatt Sick6 on SmackDown and now Bayley on Raw. Rhea VS Nia on Saturday Night’s Main Event is going to be an awesome title match, but it feels like Rhea will retain to solidify her as champion past the Royal Rumble.
And speaking of the Rumble, Bayley is certainly a top choice to win. For one, it’d be historic for Bayley to not just win back-to-back, but to also be the first woman to have won two Rumbles at all. Very good promo from Punk to hype himself up for the Rumble, and he did mention a favor… Though, it’d be rather Heel of Punk to use a favor from Heyman to basically rig the Rumble or give him protection during it, but it’d also be great continuity as The Shield was to shield Punk. Sami of course declared for the Rumble, but Kevin showing up was a great surprise. And Kevin clearly implies that if Sami helps Kevin cheat the ladder match, Kevin will help Sami cheat the Rumble. Or rather, if Kevin does help Sami win the Rumble, Sami better help Kevin win the ladder match.
Sami also had a good promo with Rollins backstage, with the real fun part being Kross watching from the background. Kross needs a new feud with the Wyatts going to SmackDown, and moving on to names like Rollins and Sami would be some big stuff for him and The Final Testament. Rollins VS McIntyre was a great main event, and classic move having the quick pin win this so that McIntyre is still strong even in defeat. Sami making the save was also a nice touch, as was the Helluva Kick accidentally hitting Rollins. The Rumble has a lot of feuds crossing over, and Kross can add onto what happened here, we’ll get some really good chaos in that match.
Great promo between New Day and JBL to where even JBL, notorious as one of the meanest, most obnoxious Heels of his time, is on Big E’s side. And we finally got New Day back in the ring, but it’s a little disappointing that it wasn’t a tag match. Dragon Lee hasn’t gotten to do much, and he’s doing even less now. It was still a great match from Kofi VS Rey, with Rey getting his own quick pin win. New Day beating Rey up of course brought out the LWO, and I’m sure we’ll get New Day VS Cruz & Wilde next. We can only hope for Dragon Lee’s sake that he gets to be part of the blowoff for this feud. Actually, better yet would be him in the Intercontinental Championship scene.
Penta might also make a great choice for the Intercontinental Championship scene. Penta had another awesome match, as Pete Dunne is always a great opponent. Maybe Penta gets in on the Rumble so he can check that off his bucket list. He doesn’t need to win, he can just have a great showing, and rivalries can spark from those interactions. Lyra had a very good promo but I was hoping for a little more after her winning the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. DMG CTRL VS PFC was a great tag match, and a great win for DMG CTRL. Dakota and Iyo could each make a case for a match with Lyra, but clearly Ivy will be up first. She would make a solid first defense for Lyra, and then Lyra can have rematches from the tournament with Kai and Iyo.
At the same time, PFC might already be thinking about changing up the team with Zoey taking the loss. Good stuff with Judgment Day. Dom and Liv plotting and scheming while being passive aggressive is a fun phase for them. They’re probably plotting on how Liv can win the Women’s Rumble, but it’ll likely backfire and that’ll push the Liv x Dom break-up. Also, you can bet Finn won’t like Dom taking his spot against the War Raiders, especially if they win. That said, I don’t see them winning, Erik & Ivar should definitely be able to handle Dom & JD. It certainly feels more likely the Creeds can take the tag titles than Judgment Day.
I do wonder who Dom recommended to Gable, though. It’d be cool if WWE brought in some other lucha legends, as WWE seems to be expanding their partnerships. WWE is working more closely with TNA now, and I believe TNA still has a working relationship with AAA, especially after AEW moved over to working with CMLL because of the relationship with NJPW. Also a super crossover like NXTNAAA would be a lot of fun to see for WrestleMania weekend.
My Score: 8.8/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
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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
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA Genesis Results & Match Ratings: 1.19.25
Does TNA Believe in Joe Hendry more than Mokuba Nemeth believes in his big brother?
Hot off the heels of the TNA and WWE working relationship announcement, the Kickoff show already has the first sprinkle of NXT talent with Ashante “Thee” Adonis coming out after Ariana Grace tries to take all of the credit for the partnership. Jake something runs over Ashante, but it’s a good quick nod on free YouTube. Oh it also looks like the ring announcer is McKenzie Mitchel again. I did like her first run in TNA in what was that… like 2016-2018 or 19? She’s got personality, she’s cute and a solid announcer, so nice to see her back.
I’m not gonna run down any predictions on who I think will win, because honestly, I just feel like Hendry needs to win today or it’s been an entire waste of momentum. So lets get to the main show!
Ratings:
- X Division Championship: Moose (c) vs Ace Austin: Moose retains via Lights Out – *** 1/4
- The System vs Maniac Marines: Marines win via K.I.A. – ***
- Knockouts Tag Titles: Elegance Clique (Heather & Ash) w/Personal Concierge vs Spitfire (Dani Luna & Jody Threat) (c): Spitfire retain via Pressure Drop – **
- Jordynne Grace vs Tessa Blanchard: Tessa wins via Magnum – ****
- I Quit Match: Josh Alexander vs Mike Santana: Santana wins! – ***
- TNA Tag Team Championships: The Hardyz (c) vs The Rascalz: Hardyz retain via Swanton Bomb – *** 1/2
- Raven’s Clockwork Orange House of Fun Match: TNA Knockouts World Championship: Masha Slamovich (c) vs Rosemary: Masha wins via Avalanche Requiem – ** 3/4
- TNA World Championship: Nic Nemeth (c) vs Joe Hendry: Hendry wins via Standing Ovation – *** 3/4 – TITLE CHANGE!!!!!!!
Results:
X Division Championship: Moose (c) vs Ace Austin
As soon as the bell rings, Ace jumps on him, forces him into the corner and stomps on him. Moose tries to fight out but Ace stays relentless. Ace has a counter for everything Moose is trying to counter in the early goings. Even when Moose catches him during the apron Handstand Dodge, Ace still has a counter for his counter. It’s not until a rake to the eyes from Moose that finally gives him a moment to start dictating the pace. A huge Irish Whip on the outside through the barricade is what Ace feels…twice. Ace tries to fight back from Moose continuing the momentum, Ace eats a Pump Kick, but blocks Moose’s attempt at a Suplex and counters with his own Vertical Suplex on Moose! JDC gets in the proximity of Ace so Ace kicks him, which delays his springboard, so Moose catches him and bounces him off the apron like a super ball.
Moose lets the count go, Ace barely gets in at 9, Moose throws him corner to corner, is slowing things down and being very deliberate. Ace starts powering through the pain, catches a Pump Kick, dodges a Spear into the corner and puts together a few strikes, Double Stomp, Triangle Kick, wants The Fold but Moose puts the brakes on there. Ace tries to spring off the ropes but Moose grabs him and hits Go To Hell for two! Fighting Spirit spot, Ace starts winning the trade, a Headbutt from Moose stops Ace, Moose flips him over the ropes to the apron, tries a few more things, Ace looks for a Springboard, Moose catches him but Ace slips it for a Frankensteiner. Moose powders to the opposite apron and Ace hits his Inside Out Headscissors sending Moose crashing to the floor. Alisha and JDC try to help up Moose, and while the referee is distracted JDC posts Ace. Moose goes for the Around the World Lights Out, but Ace moves and Moose kills JDC! Ace hits The Fold on the floor!
Eddie Edwards and Brian Myers run down the ramp, Ace sees them so he hits the Fosbury Flop to take them out. Ace is rolling, he goes for the Triangle Kick but Moose counters with Lights Out! 1-2- KICK OUT? Moose sets up for another Lights Out, Ace sidesteps it for the Cradle, kickout, Uranage, Cradle counter, Art of Finesse from Ace but Lights Out to the Spine from Moose! Moose sets up another and lands the Lights Out to retain!
Post Match the System looks to beat down on Ace, but Maniac Marines music hits and they go after Myers and Edwards. Guess the match is now!
The System vs Maniac Marines
Steve and Eric beat the hell out of the System members while the referee tries to set the match, it still hasn’t started but we get stereo 10 count punches in the corner, big fists causing Myers and Edwards to powder. This is essentially a Tornado Tag right now because the match hasn’t even started. Okay it eventually starts and Maclin hits the Backbreaker on Edwards and Busaiku Knee on Myers. He looks for a SCUD but Lish grabs the foot which is just enough! Maclin tries to charge anyway but gets caught in the Blue Thunder Bomb and now the match slows down and Eddie is in control.
Maclin absorbs some Chops from Eddie in the corner, no sells a little and fires, Eddie tags out Myers tries to slow things down with a Russian Leg Sweep but Maclin continues to try and rally. Eddie’s back in, shortarm Gowan Lariat into a cocky cover for two. Eddie tries to keep moving but Maclin hits the Vertical Suplex. Maclin is too slow to tag out so Eddie tags out and Myers cuts off Maclin. After a few more quick tags from System members, Maclin finally lands a Lariat to get the simultaneous tag and EY comes in hot. EY does the Flair corner flip, knocks Eddie off the apron, Myers eats a Macho Elbow but only two. Eddie knocks Maclin off the apron, Tandem Tiger Driver for two, EY fights back to level Eddie, Tree of Woe Myers Caught in Crosshairs but Lish gets in the ring! Eddie grabs Eric and distracts the ref, Lish clocks Maclin with either knuckles or a full hand of rings, Spear from Myers is only a two!
System Overload attempt, it’s thwarted by EY, Myers gets crotched in like a Reverse Tree of Woe, so Maclin hits the Caught in the Crosshairs on the back, EY with a Plancha to the outside to take Edwards out and K.I.A. from Maclin means Maniac Marines win!
Knockouts Tag Titles: Elegance Clique (Heather & Ash) w/Personal Concierge vs Spitfire (Dani Luna & Jody Threat) (c)
Elegance duo comes out dressed like Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. They do a Go Eagles chant right before the bell rings to a chorus of Boos.
Even though Elegance Clique throws their pompoms and try a cheap shot, Spitfire just plow through them, literally. Quick tags, some assisted moves, Ash gets away from Spitfire, tags in Heather and shoves her forward trying to take them off guard, but they turn around…grab Heather and a long Tandem Stalling Suplex with a Deep Squat for two. Concierge distracts the referee, looks for a low Dive onto Heather but Ash just kicks Dani in the face, and the referee sees nothing. Heather rolls her back in, Kawada Kicks, Forearm Shiver, trip into a Dropkick to the face! Ash hangs Dani off the apron and Heather hits the Double Stomp from the apron to the floor.
Ash starts choking Dani on the ropes, distracts the referee and Heather paintbrushes Dani with pompoms as Ash goes for a series of pinfall attempts. Quick tags, Dani is in their corner, Cartwheel Back Handspring Elbow from Ash into a Seated Dropkick from Heather. Dani has been getting smacked around for the last 4 or 5 minutes. Ash leans on Dani for a while, but Dani gets a head of steam, comes off the ropes and Shotgun Dropkick gives her space. Jody gets a hot tag, she Sack of Shits them both, Vader Hammers in the corner into a Michinoku Driver, which Ash breaks up with a Meteora. Heather and Ash have a nice tandem move for a two count. Jody tries to fight back, but Elegance stops it, blind tag from Dani, Senton takes out both Elegance Clique members and Dani stalks her prey. Snap Suplex two times on Ash, but Heather stops the third and Jody just tosses Heather out of the ring in a rough way. Jody tries her Double Knees German Suplex spot but Ash moves. Dani with the Shinsuke Nakamura Inside Out German, Pressure Drop and Spitfire retains.
Boo…
Jordynne Grace vs Tessa Blanchard
Grace charges Tessa immediately, and the ref needs to pull her off, but Tessa gets thrown around the ring literally, the crowd is chanting “Fuck You Tessa”, Tessa powders, eats a Dive and then a Jackhammer on the outside! Grace puts Tessa on her shoulders up to the ring, but Tessa finally fights off and flips off the crowd, revels in it for a second, tries the Frankensteiner, but Grace holds on, smashes Tessa into the guardrail twice, looks for the Reverse Bomb on the apron, but Tessa gets out, stomps on Jordynne a few times, hooks Jordynne’s face with the crook of her leg and drives Jordynne’s face into the apron. Unique looking and decent.
Tessa has the correct intensity, pushes into two quick pinfall attempts and starts getting deliberate. Drags Jordynne’s face across the rope, throats Grace, kicks her in the face and Slingshot Elbow is another near fall. Tessa with the Front Facelock, Grace tries to fight out but Tessa holds on and drops her with a Scorpion Death Drop for another near fall. Jordynne fights Tessa off with a few elbows, looks for a Superplex, but Tessa fights off, wants the Avalanche Sunset Bomb, but Jordynne stops it, Tessa kicks Grace’s feet, looks for a Rope Hung Death Drop but Jordynne fights it off and smashes Tessa’s face into the turnbuckles but Tessa hits the Rope Hung Backstabber for two. Tessa looks for Magnum, but Jordynne cuts her off, they fight at the top, Avalanche Sack of Shit! They both sell the exhaustion of the match so far.
They trade blows, two Scoop Slams from Jordynne, Lawn Dart into the Top Turnbuckle! Package Powerbomb for two! Dragon Suplex attempt from Grace, Tessa breaks it, Headlock Takeover, quick counter wrestling, Tiger Destroyer from Tessa! Only for a two count, but still nice. Buzzsaw attempt is shrugged off, Tessa comes off the ropes and eats the Spinebuster from Jordynne for two quick pinfall attempts. Tessa with the Body Scissors and pulls herself up and fights back, Jordynne slaps her around, looks for the Suplex but Tessa slips it and Neckbreaker Counter for a two count! The brawl to the apron, Grace eats a forearm and Tessa hits the Tornillo on Jordynne! They posture on the steps, Tessa wants a move but Jordynne counters her and Spicolli Driver from the stairs to the floor from Jordynne!
More back and forth in the corner, just positioning and counters, it’s like watching chess. Jordynne grabs Tessa for an Avalanche Air Raid Crash, but Tessa fights it and turns it into an Avalanche Crucifix Bomb! After trying a grounded submission Tessa locks in the Octopus, tries to wrench the fingers but Jordynne counters, Rope Assisted German Suplex into a Capture Suplex for 2! Kudome Valentine attempt from Grace but Tessa gets out, Backfist from Jordynne, Tessa bounces off and Cutter gives her a two count! Tessa calls for Magnum, Jordynne dodges it, Tessa rolls through, tries boots but Grace grabs Tessa and hits the around the world Reverse Alabama Slam! Tessa keeps trying to remove Buckle Pads but they’re on good, Tessa reverses out of the Kinikku Buster, hits the Buzzsaw into the partially exposed buckle but Grace grabs the rope. Tessa removes another pad, Bulldog into exposed buckle, Magnum, and Tessa is still sexy.
The turnbuckle pads being on too well made the finish a little flat, but it was a damn good match. There’s also a joke in the match with Tessa coming out wearing Red and Gold (Yellow), so the racism allegations are never going away if she keeps making it easy.
I Quit Match: Josh Alexander vs Mike Santana
There’s intensity but its all just technical tactics to take each other to the ground and grab a limb. But since we just came off of a pretty good match, things can’t start too hot. Every time Santana throws Josh to the outside, Josh scurries back to the ring, he’s playing scared. There’s a “He’s a bitch” chant that pops up. Santana cuts off Josh’s charge with a few well placed boots which sends Josh outside, Tope con Hilo levels the bald man. Santana throws Josh into a guardrail, Yakuza Kicks back to back rock Josh a bit. Fans call for tables and Santana slides one out to a huge pop. Santana sets it up, plays to the crowd, tries a Powerbomb onto the table but Josh slips it and Overhead Belly to Belly sends Santana crashing. A fan can be heard saying “That look like it hurt” to which Santana replies ” It did asshole”. Now Josh is dissecting Santana’s legs to soften him up for the Ankle Lock. Josh goes for the corner spot with the Figure Four around the post after bouncing the knee off the post a few times.
Josh tries to continue but Santana slides out and counters Josh and bounces his face off the post. Josh walks it off a bit as Santana stalks him and then a quick Chop Block has Santana writhing in pain. Josh decides to be a heel and do the Three Amigos instead of the Kurt Angle Germans. Disrespectful bald jerk. Santana gets throated, dropped to the apron on his ass, Low Crossbody but Santana flattens out and Josh goes flying! Santana tries a Dive, but Josh catches him and just drops him spine first on the apron. After a small resilient flurry of slaps from Santana Josh goes for the Germans. Santana brushes off on the third, goes for the Rolling Buck Fifty, gets caught in the Torture Rack, Santana fights off Josh’s shoulders, kicks him into the corner, Senton into the seated Josh. Perches him up top, points at the table, tries something but Josh fights him off, Moonsault from Josh misses and a Death Valley Driver gives both a moment to breathe.
Santana Spin the-BLOCK-ED! Josh sweeps the leg, Ankle Lock and Santana refuses to quit twice but slips the boot ala Eddie Guerrero. Josh pauses a moment, Santana charges and Josh dumps him over the top rope through the table! Santana says he doesn’t quit, Josh looks surprised, so he goes looking for more plywood. He also grabs the bottom set of stairs and throws them into the ring. Scoop Slams Santana into the broken table and continues looking for weapons, like a chair and zip ties. Santana crawls into the ring, Josh steps on the worked on leg and smashes it repeatedly with the chair. Josh goes into Full Mount, rains down strikes, exposes the elbow for Elbow Strikes and tries to soften him up for the zip ties. C4 Spike but Santana raises up like the Undertaker and fires into beating the piss out of Josh. Frankensteiner on Josh into the Frog Splash, Spin the Block! Josh doesn’t quit. Santana grabs the zip ties that Josh introduced, ties the hands behind Josh’s back, Spin the Block 2! Josh doesn’t quit. Santana sets up the steps as a ramp, table in front of Josh in the corner and Cannonballs through the table into Josh! Josh still doesn’t quit off the Jackass stunt. Santana finds a sock filled with quarters and starts beating Josh like it’s a slapjack. Josh still doesn’t quit. Santana tells Josh to bite the curb and is about to Curb Stomp him into the steps and Josh gets scared and quits.
TNA Tag Team Championships: The Hardyz (c) vs The Rascalz
Fraxiom comes out to watch the match, so this nicely sets up a potential early angle between NXT and TNA for the crossover.
Trey and Matt start, but it’s a slow Headlock basic counters and feint spots. Jeff and Wentz want to play, so this is very Japanese in giving each member a free chance to interact before any cutoffs or tandems. The crowd likes both men, so this is interesting but more Stalemate spots. Jeff manages a Polish Hammer to tag in Matt and go for a quick tandem move and keep Wentz in the Hardy Corner bouncing his face off buckles in Delete fashion. Tag from Jeff for another tandem Rocket Launcher into the bottom rope and Leg Drop from Jeff. Wentz counters the Twist with a Jumping Knee so he manages a tag to Trey and then a few quick striking double team spots. Quick tag to Wentz, Matt comes in to break it up, drops Matt and Wishbone. Quick Tag, MCMG ACS Rush homage. Wentz Dives onto Matt on the outside, Matt catches him into the Side Effect on the floor! Jeff gets the best of Trey after he’s a little distracted. Manhattan Drop from Jeff, into a tag to Matt and then some double team strikes for a near fall. Delete Head Smashes again on Trey.
Vertical Suplex from Matt for another 2. Matt tags out and Hardys look for more Tandem attacks, Plot Twist but Wentz recovers and makes the break! Trey flips out of Jeff’s arms, tags in Wentz, and Wentz cleans house on both Hardys. Corner to corner, tags back in Trey they hit the Saki Kashima assisted Dropkick on each Hardy and then they dump the Hardys at the feet of Fraxiom. FIVE HOLE DIVE FROM RASCALZ! Misses the Hardys and hits Fraxiom! This builds heat for The Rascalz and Fraxiom as Hardys attack the Rascalz while distracted. Poetry in Motion off the stairs from Jeff!
Facebuster from Jeff for two! Wentz hits a Busaiku Knee on Jeff to stop him from hitting Trey, Side Effect drops Wentz, Enzuigiri from Trey drops Matt and all four are down to catch their breath a bit. Original Poetry in Motion on Trey! Twist of Fate from Matt but countered and Matt is thrown into Jeff who’s selling a knee. Superkick into Feed Em to the Lions! Wentz Dives on Matt but Trey can’t quite make a clean pinfall. Jeff eats a Cheeky Nandos and Top Rope Tiger Feint, Twist of Fates for everyone and Jeff re-NO Trey kicks out! Another Twist but eats a Superkick from Wentz, tries the UFO Cutter on Matt but Matt just throws him to the outside. A Twist of Fate from each Hardy Boy, Swanton Bomb and the Hardyz retain!
Thursday’s Live Show will have Fraxiom vs The Rascalz for the NXT Titles!
Raven’s Clockwork Orange House of Fun Match: TNA Knockouts World Championship: Masha Slamovich (c) vs Rosemary
Do Rosemary’s shorts have Pokemon Gym Badges on em? Masha goes for the Staple Gun, it almost gets countered immediately, but she gets the first few clicks of the Staple gun, it actually doesn’t backfire, but she lets Rosemary powder and starts grabbing a few weapons. Masha finally decides to attack Rosemary with a cane, but Rosemary turns things around with the green mist. Slamovich gets some of the mist out of her eyes, chases her into the ring and eats a Drop Toehold into a Chair. Rosemary sets up the table, panders to the crowd and Masha launches herself over the top with a Crossbody, into Rosemary and then through the table! Masha finds her old chain she used to make Killer Kelly submissive and starts choking and dragging Rosemary around the ring and then Sabus the chair at Rosemary for emphasis.
Masha tries to hit the front flip Senton onto a seated Rosemary, but Rosemary moves and Masha hits the chair weird. Rosemary beats her with a chair a few times, looks under the ring, gets giddy and finds Janice! Rosemary swings Janice, breaks it, and then uses the two pieces to block the cane Masha had and then pressed the nail portion into Masha’s back! Rosemary is talking to Janice and goes to the back to find tacks that she spills out on the stage. Rosemary wants a Chokeslam into tacks, Masha counters, misses a Lariat and then eats the Spear into the tacks! Barbed Wire board is set up in the ring, Spicolli…nope! Russian Death Device into the Barbed Wire! Masha goes to the top, Footstomp into the barbed wire but only for 2 again! Masha goes to the outside and grabs a ladder.
A trash can lid gets thrown at Rosemary for good measure, Masha ascends the ladder and then Rosemary pushes the ladder and Masha goes crashing through one of two tables set up on the outside. Rough spot, rough looking, but Masha manages to move enough to break the pinfall since its falls count anywhere. Rosemary now goes full Kevin Steen and makes some chair art for a spot, drags Masha into the ring, sets he on the chairs and goes to the top. Masha sits up as Rosemary climbs, counters the momentum and Avalanche Requiem through the chairs! Masha retains.
Cora Jade’s music hits and sets up nicely after Masha was on NXT.
The Countdown Panel starts off with their main event picks they hinted towards and it’s necessary because they have to clean up the ring. Mark Henry picks Joe Hendry, and he better be correct. Ryan Nemeth interrupts with the “my brootthhheerrr” stuff, and Santino calls him “Fuck Face Guy”. It’s all good stuff, and I’m still a big fan of the Mokuba gimmick, but now they ban Ryan Nemeth.
TNA World Championship: Nic Nemeth (c) vs Joe Hendry
Simple chain wrestling start until Nic has a few words and then snaps off a Dropkick, does his show off Dolph stuff so Hendry runs him over with a Shoulder Block and then a Knee Lift. Hendry tries his Stalling Suplex but Nic slips it into a Rear Naked Choke! Hendry spins Nic around, walks around with the Stalling Suplex before finally dropping Nic. Ryan Nemeth shows up with a ticket, so he’s sitting in the crowd now. Joe gets distracted just enough for Nic to jump up and hit a delayed DDT. After Nic tries to stretch Joe a little, Hendry goes into locomotion Cradles but Nic drops Joe to take a breather. Nic does his single Shot to the Heart Elbow and he’s really embracing the old Dolph Ziggler show off ego. Ziggler looks for a Rude Awakening after more arrogant moments, but Joe tries to fight it off, so Nic just snaps off a Jumping Neckbreaker.
Joe manages to hit a Cutter off the ropes to try and get some energy from the crowd. Strike exchange happens here, Uppercuts from Joe and Fists from Nic. Joe blocks one fist, throws a few of his own together and a Lariat levels Nic. Sack of Shit into the Kip Up! Counters galore from both men before Nic gets caught in the Pop-Up Powerbomb! Attitude Adjustment for just a near fall. You see moments of Nic trying to cheat or find an angle but he hasn’t done anything overtly heelish yet. Joe is rocking him with chops, perches Nic on the top, looks for the Superplex but Nic fights back, Hendry gets pushed off, Crossbody but Hendry rolls through, holds on and gets his Powerbomb countered into a FAMEasser for two! Nic crawls to a corner, looks to climb for something big, Hendry cuts him off, Avalanche Sack of Shit! Kaz walks out with the trophy as both men sell, but JBL comes out of the crowd and Clothesline from Hell on Kaz. JBL punches Ryan in the face as he comes out to say something. Then Tuxedo JBL leaves after doing his job. Standing Ovation from HENDRY! 1-2-NO! Nic kicks out!
The crowd chants “One More Time” and it fires up Hendry, he does the heel turn and goes full Queen Stomp, tries again, but Nic slips it. Superkick into Danger Zone and it’s….HENDRY KICKS OUT! Nic is tuning up the band, Hendry catches Nic, Sack of Shit, Kip Up, big fire, Standing Ovation! JOE HENDRY WINS!
Overall Score: 7/10
Even if the match quality wasn’t bonkers, mostly all the matches did what they needed to do, were fairly good and a good number of NXT talent showed up to make the Live iMPACT! and TNA really feel like something special right now. I’m an unabashed Tessa fan, so I’m giddy she won and Hendry finally getting the title is the latest they could’ve really dragged this out to, but at least it stops him from becoming Tetsuya Nai-Joe.
I’m not gonna be a hypocrite from previous complaints I made with too many champions being babyfaces, because that’s still bad and proves the next few title defenses could prove volatile. However, I of course just enjoy most of the current champions. So while it doesn’t erase the fact it’s bad, it makes it more palatable for me personally. Now if only PCO destroyed the Knockouts Tags instead of a different irrelevant belt.
Also let’s be very clear, anyone that believes the PCO stunt was a legit shoot doesn’t know wrestling. Everything is a work until it isn’t and then it still could be turned into a work. Don’t be gullible and just anticipate something to be worked out of it one way or the other.
Still though, good show with a lot of hype for the Live iMPACT, so Thursday should be fun! See you there!
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!