Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (12/21/20)
Is The Fiend nothing but ash?
What is in store for Raw with what’s left in 2020?
After TLC, Drew McIntyre is STILL WWE World Champion, we have NEW Raw and Women’s Tag Team Champions, but what about The Fiend?! Has the Viper vanquished him once and for all?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler VS Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke; Nia & Shayna win.
- WWE 24/7 Championship Very Important Photobombing: R-Truth retains the title.
- Angel Garza VS Drew Gulak; Garza wins.
- Ricochet VS T-Bar w/ Retribution; T-Bar wins.
- The Hurt Business VS Jeff Hardy & Matt Riddle; The Hurt Business wins.
- Jaxson Ryker w/ Elias VS Gran Metalik w/ Lince Dorado; Ryker wins.
- Charlotte Flair & Asuka VS Peyton Royce & Lacey Evans; Charlotte & Asuka win.
- Six Man Tag Street Fight: Drew McIntyre, Sheamus & Keith Lee VS The Miz, John Morrison & AJ Styles w/ Jordon Omogbehin; McIntyre, Sheamus & Lee win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Charlotte Flair returns to Raw!
The Queen and the Empress reign together as the NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions! It was quite the return for Charlotte, having been out six months recovering from injuries. Charlotte has a mic to say, “Well, would you look at this? I am in the ThunderDome. And what would the ThunderDome be without the Queen?” Charlotte’s first night, she walks out champion, because that is who she is to the core. Nothing has changed. When a friend asked for help, and there’s something in it for Charlotte, she gladly obliged. “The heartbeat of this division,” Charlotte’s friend and tag partner is ASUKA!
The other half of the new tag team champions makes her entrance as #AsukaTwoBelts! Asuka and Charlotte hug and Asuka is excited to be a double champion! “The Empress of Tomorrow is the DOUBLE~ CHAMPION~ of Today!” She is both Raw Women’s and Women’s Tag Team Champion! It’s a great feeling to be partners with a friend! Nia and Shayna were NOT ready for Asuka, nor were they ready for Charlotte! WOO~! Charlotte wants Asuka to wait a moment. What about the Raw Women’s Championship? But before the discussion can be had, Shayna and Nia storm out!
The former tag team champions join Charlotte and Asuka in the ring, grab some mics, and get in on the conversation. “Charlotte, Charlotte, Charlotte. It’s so good to see you.” Guess it took all six months to heal that arm, but it didn’t fix that robotic voice. So does this soft voice work for you instead, Nia? “I kicked your ass last night~!” Shayna says that’s not robotic, at least. But before they get too comfortable with the tag titles, Nia has a holiday story for them. Santa isn’t the only one with a Naughty or Nice list. Nia and Shayna have a list, too. The only thing is, the naughty don’t get coal. They get “seasons beatings.” Just ask Lana, Kairi Sane, and-
“Mandy~…!” Mandy Rose and Dana Brooke are here! But the Sexy Muscle Friends aren’t in a good mood. Something looks different about each other, but they’re not sure what it is. Oh, Nia and Shayna look different! Shayna looks like Rudolph with a nose job, and Nia just needs the antlers. Oh wait, what’s different is… They’re not tag team champions anymore! So then, move over, these two are coming through! Charlotte likes this attitude. And while this match was already going to happen, the champs say it should happen NOW! A ref arrives, Asuka and Charlotte join commentary, and it is happening! Will the former champions lose twice in 24 hours?
Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler VS Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke!
Raw returns and this match begins with Shayna and Mandy. They tie up, Shayna facelocks and brings Mandy down but Mandy rolls to get free and get an arm. Shayna pushes Mandy over, gets the arm in return, and floats around to push Mandy around. Shayna toys with Mandy, but lets her up to tie up again. Mandy waistlocks, slams Shayna down, then brings her up to slam her again! Shayna gets up, pries free to switch, but Mandy uses a leg to trip Shayna up. Shayna kicks Mandy, Mandy cartwheels to evade then she kicks Shayna down! Cover, ONE!
Mandy puts Shayna in a corner, rams her shoulder in, then tags in Dana. The Sexy Muscle Friends double suplex Shayna hard! Shayna scrambles, tags in Nia and Nia stares Dana down. Dana dodges Nia, throws forearms but Nia headbutts her down! Dana flounders to a corner, dodges Nia but not enough as she gets clipped! Nia drags Dana up, headbutts Dana again, and Asuka is growing worried. Nia digs her boot into Dana, but lets off as the ref counts. Dana gets up but Nia chokes her, then TOSSES her! Nia runs in to corner splash! Dana flops down, Nia talks smack to Mandy, then Nia whips Dana corner to corner, but Dana dodges clean this time!
Dana come back with a handspring back elbow! Dana keeps moving, but Nia blocks the handspring, only to get an around the world headscissors! Tag to Mandy, they chop block and KENE FROM A ROSE Nia out! Shayna hurries over but Dana wrecks her with a dropkick! The Sexy Muscle Friends stand tall, then LEAP onto the former champs with double crossbodies! Asuka is fired up for Dana and Mandy, and Charlotte is fired up that Asuka is fired up. Charlotte sees Dana and Mandy flexing on Nia and Shayna, and they put Nia in. Mandy follows but Nia knocks her down! Nia stalks back out, drags Mandy up, and throws her into barriers! Nia looms over Mandy as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Nia has Mandy in a bearhug. Mandy fights out, kicks and throws forearm after forearm! Mandy kicks again, runs but Nia blocks the knee to CLOBBER Mandy! Nia looms over Mandy, drags her up and tags Shayna in. They mug Mandy, Shayna clubs Mandy down, and Shayna steps on Mandy’s foot to keep her anchored. Shayna SMASHES the knee into the mat! Then she has a standing heel hook on Mandy, leaning on the leg deep. Mandy fights back but Shayna DDT’s the leg! Shayna drags Mandy away, tags Nia back in, and Nia stomps the leg! Nia puts Mandy on the ropes to choke her but lets off as the ref counts.
Nia puts Mandy’s leg on the rope and STOMPS it! Mandy crawls but Nia stays in her way. Nia pie faces Mandy, kicks her around, then drags her back up. Mandy breaks free to fire off body shots! Nia shoves Mandy to the corner but Mandy boots her away! Mandy ROCKS Nia, but Nia CLOBBERS Mandy again! Nia drags Mandy away, and drops the leg, only to miss! Mandy hurries, reaches, but Nia has a leg. Mandy kicks Nia away, Shayna tags in and she DECKS Dana! Mandy hits Shayna back, dodges her and LARIATS! Mandy rallies and Asuka fires up on commentary! Mandy gets a snap suplex! Shayna goes to a corner, but she dodges Mandy, only for Mandy to elbow back!
Mandy bumps Shayna off buckles, throws forearms, then snapmares Shayna to run. Dana tags in before the KNEE FROM A ROSE! Dana handspring SPLASHES! Cover, TWO! They almost had the Queen of Spades! Dana drags Shayna up, ducks a kick to give an enziguri! Dana hurries up top, leaps, SWANTON! Cover, but Nia shoves Mandy and drags Dana off the cover! Mandy comes back with a FLYING KNEE! Dana handsprings and elbows Nia into the post! The Sexy Muscle Friends regroup but Shayna KICKS Mandy down! Dana ghost pins Shayna, TWO! Shayna gets Mandy for the swinging BACKBREAKER!
Shayna drags Dana by her arm, wrenches it, locks it in, and- Dana dodges the stomp to roll Shayna into buckles! High stack, TWO!! KIRAFUDA KLUTCH!! Dana taps, Shayna and Nia win!
Winners: Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax, by submission
So close and yet so far from victory, Dana and Mandy couldn’t put away the former champions! Shayna eggs Charlotte on but Mandy dropkicks her down! Then the Sexy Muscle Friends both DUMP Nia out! Mandy and Dana lost the match but the race is still on! Will the wrestling royals have to watch their backs against even friends?
The Hurt Business arrive backstage.
And they immediately spot someone wearing a New Day shirt. It was an early Christmas present… Well, maybe he didn’t get the memo. Wardrobe change! They literally RIP the New Day shirt off this guy, and force him to wear a Hurt Business shirt. Now that looks good! Merry Christmas!
Raw returns with the VIP Lounge!
MVP, the WWE United States Champion, Bobby Lashley, and the NEW Raw Tag Team Champions head to the ring for this “Champions Edition” of their talk show. “If ever there was a time for a champagne celebration, it is tonight!” And what better place to celebrate than the most exclusive club in all of the WWE? So allow MVP to indulge himself as he says, “Once again the Hurt Business is in the ring, so that can only mean one thing. Big things poppin’, little things stoppin’. So relax and enjoy the view, because the VIP Lounge is for champions … people who are better than you.”
Shelton Benjamin starts by saying they showed the world why they are better than ANY tag team on Raw! Cedric Alexander continues to say ESPECIALLY the New Day! The titles now have the prestige they deserve because they are in the Hurt Business. The come-up is over, because this is PRIME Alexander! Forget about pancakes, unicorns and all that. The Hurt Business has champagne and custom made suits! Right, Mr. CEO? Lashley says they are the most dominant force in the WWE. Get used to this view. Alexander and Benjamin have proven themselves as dominant, and Lashley promises not a man on this earth can beat him for the US Championship.
So to commemorate the occasion, MVP has a photographer to capture these moments for posterity. They gather together, hold up the belts, and the pictures are taken. Looking good, right? Wait, R-Truth is photobombing them! But he is a champion so… Wait, here come the “contenders!” Erik, Titus O’Neil, Akira Tozawa, and the Lucha House Party, chase Truth around the ring then back up the ramp, through the Christmas trees and presents, and then backstage! Lince Dorado snatches a present! And before the Hurt Business can respond, Jeff Hardy and Matt Riddle are here! And they have mics!
MVP says they were NOT invited! Wait the 24/7 Championship chase is still going in the background. Riddle congratulates the bros on the big win. And he’s digging the celebration. But they’ve got a couple of things wrong. You don’t need to waste money at the clubs. They just need to chill with the homies, throw a disk around, get a little toasted, and listen to Joe Rogan or watch Dave Chapelle to escape “the day to day, existential grind that live is.” Y’know what Riddle means? Hold on he has more. There’s no reason to spread negative vibes, because in the end, we’re all the same: self-aware, carbon matter that is on a rock hurling through space. So just chill-
No, they’re NOT the same. Riddle doesn’t even know what he’s talking about but no one cares about his hair-brain concepts. Why are they here? Hardy translates: there are more important things in life than status and money. So Hardy and Riddle would rather die with pride than live with greed. But facing MVP and Lashley means having something more than money can buy: faith. Will the Hardy Bros get a big win at the expense of the Hurt Business?
Angel Garza VS Drew Gulak!
Raw returns as Sarah interviews the Lethal Lothario backstage. Garza knows he faces Gulak for the first time ever, but these are the holidays! What better way to celebrate than to give the women of the world the #GiftOfGarza? Speaking of gifts, a rose for Sarah. Yes, Garza is up against Gulak, but he will be thinking of Sarah. Maybe they can have an interview under the mistletoe? From one former Cruiserweight Champion to another, will Gulak give Garza the gift of a lesson in grappling?
The bell rings, Gulak rushes Garza and they tie up. Gulak puts Garza in a corner, the ref counts and Gulak backs off. Garza takes off the pants, and throws them at Gulak! Garza then sucker punches Gulak, puts on a facelock but Gulak hits back! Gulak scoops to a backbreaker! Gulak throws hands, Garza turns things around and CHOPS! Gulak boots, Garza blocks and has the legs in the ropes to ROCK Garza with a right! Then KNEES Gulak in the side! Cover, ONE!! Garza keeps on Gulak, drags him around and digs his forearms in. Garza drags Gulak up to get the arm and pulls back. Gulak elbows Garza’s leg, gets around and puts on a cobra twist!
Garza endures, chokes Gulak and shoves Gulak down! Garza brings Gulak back up, whips him to ropes and hip tosses him down! Cover, TWO! Garza is after Gulak again, but Gulak throws elbows and haymakers! Gulak throws body shots, whips corner to corner but Garza BOOTS back! Garza waistlocks, Gulak switches but Garza bucks him off to SUPERKICK! Then the underhooks, the lift, and WING CLIPPER! Cover, Garza wins!
Winner: Angel Garza, by pinfall
It seems Garza is both a lover and a fighter! Will Garza continue to fight until he gets what he really loves in a championship?
AJ Styles and Jordan “Omos” Omogbehin walk backstage.
Neither is in a good mood after how TLC went down. Charly Caruso asks their reaction to The Miz’s cash-in. “Hot. Livid! Past my boiling point!” Miz screwed Styles out of his championship win! So obviously, still emotional. But if that’s the case, why is Styles being on Miz TV. Styles wants to hear what Miz has to say for himself. And for his sake, it better be good! Will Styles and Omos look to cancel Miz TV after the break?
Raw returns with Miz TV!
The Guru of Greatness and Hollywood A-Lister are back with the Most Must-See WWE Talk Show, but clearly they’re not in the best mood. “In life, you’re not often presented with an opportunity to become WWE Champion. Last night, I had the chance to etch my name in the history books as a two-time WWE Champion.” But Miz failed. Not only did he fail himself, but he failed his family. He’s sorry. But that’s not the only apology to be issued tonight. They welcome their guest, AJ Styles! The Phenomenal One, and Omos, join Miz and Morrison in the ring, and Styles keeps Omos from going after Morrison.
Miz explains that he invited Styles to, well, explain his actions. Miz isn’t usually so impulsive, but Styles would’ve done the same in that position. Styles doesn’t want to hear it! Doesn’t Miz realize he is the biggest idiot on earth?! Miz is selfish, and incompetent! Miz cost Styles the WWE Championship, in a Ladder Match, by cashing in the MITB briefcase! You don’t think Miz knows that?! The contract was everything! Ten YEARS ago, Miz cashed in a MITB contract, won the title and main-evented Mania! He wanted the same to happen this year! For 15 YEARS, Miz has dedicated himself to being the poster child of the WWE! And nobody respects him! Nobody cares!
But if Miz cashed in at the right time, and became champion, just maybe someone would respect him! Styles, the fans, everyone! And then he’d take Raw to new heights! But Miz can’t do anything about that now. He can only make it right. So from the bottom of Miz’s heart, soul and with every ounce of dignity he has, he apologizes. But they were both robbed last night. So, it’s the holidays, right? A time for giving and forgiving. So Miz will give Styles an early gift. Miz presents Styles with an opportunity to be part of The Marine 7. Wait, why is he so small on that poster?! Where is Morrison!?
Omos speaks up! Don’t defend Morrison! Morrison was the one who gave the ref the briefcase! Well, because Styles was down, it looked like he was losing, so- But Styles says Morrison also hit Omos with a chair! Omos was gonna make himself a Peanut Butter & Morrison sandwich! Oh big talk having the big man behind you! Styles says is gonna give Morrison a “thunder cookie!” Morison has a five course meal ready for you! Omos moves aside, Miz calms Styles and Morrison down. Because Omos is RIGHT! Morrison cashed Miz’s contract in, Miz is the ONLY one who can cash it in! That’s a LOOPHOLE! Miz demands his contract be revived!
But Drew McIntyre interrupts them here. “Lads, we’ve got ourselves a Six Man Holiday Street Fight later tonight. And if anyone takes you guys out, it’s not each other. It’s gonna be Drew McIntyre.” And speaking of taking these guys out, after he defended his title at TLC, he had a bit of a celebration. Styles will remember that match for a long time because of that mark on his left cheek. McIntyre, Sheamus and Keith Lee each had some pints, had some laughs, and remembered that hilarious “Nightmare Before TLC.” Then Jack Daniels, Jim Bean and Mr. Jameson joined the fun, and McIntyre got the creative juices flowing for a sequel! He had no time for a booklet, but he has it all on a napkin. This will be called, “The Nightmare After TLC.”
‘Twas the night after TLC, and Miz had no Money in the Bank, and Styles was left title-less, with Drew McIntyre to thank! Sheamus appears from the other side of the ring! Both AJ and Miz whined, screaming, “This isn’t fair!” This truly was a Phenomenal Nightmare. Keith joins in! McIntyre tries to remember the big finish. What was it? Don’t ask Sheamus. Everything after 3 AM was a blur. Keith says they can improvise the finish in the Street Fight! But with all this talking, they’re not dressed up for nothing. Let’s just throw down right now! And so the brawl is on! Sheamus has Miz, McIntyre has Morrison and Keith has Styles!
McIntyre TOSSES Morrison overhead and out of the ring! Sheamus knees Miz, McIntyre CLOBBERS Miz then tosses the director chairs! Keith keeps Styles down, but then Styles dropkicks Keith into Styles! McIntyre keeps the peace to explain, and Omos helps Styles get away. There is still dysfunction dating back to Survivor Series, can the WWE Champion keep his friends on friendly terms for tonight?
Keith Lee and Sheamus argue backstage.
Keith didn’t trust Sheamus before, he doesn’t trust him now! McIntyre barges in to stop this. Otherwise, he’ll knock them both on their asses! McIntyre says Keith hitting Sheamus was an accident! Now cool down before the Six Man! Sheamus storms off, and McIntyre tells Keith that Sheamus is like a brother to him. He can be a bit of a prick sometimes, but Sheamus is loyal, too. The three of them could do so much damage if they were united. Let McIntyre worry about Sheamus. Just focus on Styles and the others. Keith accepts that and also heads out. Is this going to work out for the Scottish Warrior, Celtic Warrior and Limitless One?
Ricochet VS T-Bar w/ Retribution!
The One and Only continues to fight against Mustafa Ali’s horde of havoc wreaking henchmen! Will the towering T-Bar break Ricochet down into joining the movement?
Raw returns as Ricochet makes his entrance. The bell rings and Ricochet dropkicks T-Bar! Then fires off hands! T-Bar shoves Ricochet but Ricochet dropkicks a leg out! And then BOOTS T-Bar! Ricochet springboards but into T-Bar’s arms! For a standing knee to the side! And another! And another! And then T-Bar TOSSES Ricochet aside! Retribution is fired up to see that, and Ali tells T-Bar he needs to force Ricochet to see the light. T-Bar fires off clubbing forearms, then runs to CLOBBER him! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet survives but Ali is still confident in T-Bar. T-Bar sits Ricochet up to dig a knee in and clamp on a chinlock!
Ricochet endures, fights up, but T-Bar CLUBS him! T-Bar whips Ricochet, Ricochet holds ropes then dumps T-Bar out! Ricochet builds speed but Slapjack is there, so Ricochet dropkicks him down! Mace rushes in but Ricochet dodges and QUEBRADAS! Ricochet stares Ali down but T-Bar BOOTS Ali down! T-Bar puts Ricochet in but Ali says Ricochet needs to learn. “Stop feeling with your heart! Think with your mind, you fool!” Ricochet hits Ali with fists! T-Bar drags Ricochet in, torture racks, FEAST YOUR EYES!! Cover, T-Bar wins!
Winner: T-Bar, by pinfall
Ricochet put up another fight but Retribution still wins! T-Bar tells Ricochet himself, “When are you gonna learn? Retribution is not your enemy! We are your ally! You will either join us, or we will end your existence!” Will Ricochet finally fall in line with Ali, T-Bar and the mission?
Raw shares The New Day’s post-match reactions.
Even after losing the titles, Xavier Woods says this has happened before. This is what the New Day does. They’ve been at the top of the mountain before and will be there again. Kofi adds that they have to take hats off to the Hurt Business. Kofi cracked teeth, was spitting out pieces in that match. But it’s okay. A man is not measured by high he climbs, but by how high he bounces back from falling down. That is just what they do! Will New Day bounce back better than ever before?
The Hurt Business VS Jeff Hardy & Matt Riddle!
MVP and Bobby Lashley are ready for the Charismatic Enigma and the Original Bro! Will Jeff and a different Matt succeed as this different kind of Hardy Bros? Or will the Hurt Business bankrupt them after the break?
Raw returns and the Hardy Bros make their entrance! The flip-flops fly and teams sort out, and Hardy ambushes MVP and Lashley! MVP gets out, Lashley shoves Hardy down, but Hardy is right after him again! Tag to Riddle, the Hardy Bros mug Lashley and Riddle hops on for a sleeper! Lashley throws Riddle off hard then CLOBBERS him! Lashley looms over Riddle, bumps him off buckles, and tags in MVP. MVP throws body shots on Riddle, stomps him down, but lets off at the ref’s count. MVP keeps Riddle in the corner, RAMS him with a shoulder, then clubs him down! Tag to Lashley, and they mug Riddle in return with stomps!
Lashley looms over Riddle while Alexander talks smack. Lashley hits a neckbreaker, covers, TWO! Riddle hurries for his corner but Lashley drags him away by his hair! Lashley rakes Riddle’s face but stops as the ref counts. Riddle gets up to fire off KICKS! Lashley blocks, but Riddle boots free! Hot tag to Hardy! Hardy fires off forearms and whips, but Lashley reverses. Hardy hits back with forearms, and an atomic drop! Trip up, leg splitting leg drop! Basement dropkick! Splash, cover, TWO! Lashley has power but Riddle tags in. Hardy Bros whip Lashley corner to corner, Riddle sets up, BROETRY IN MOTION!
Lashley falls out of the ring but MVP runs in! Hardy atomic drops MVP to trip, but Hardy helps Riddle with a STANDING FLOATING BRO! MVP bails out, the Hurt Business regroups, but they get wrecked by a dropkick, and Riddle PENALTY KICKS MVP! The Hardy Bros are fired up as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and Hardy fires off on Lashley. Hardy whips, Lashley reverses but Hardy elbows back! Hardy goes up but Lashley SHOVES him down! Hardy crashes ‘n’ burns to the steel steps, then the floor! Benjamin and Alexander mock Hardy’s pain as Riddle checks on him. Hardy manages to get up but the ring count is 5 of 10! And then 7! Hardy hobbles in at 9, but Lashley is looming right over him. Hardy tries to get to Riddle but Lashley drags him up, wrenches an arm and hits a vicious elbow breaker! Tag to MVP, MVP stomps Hardy then digs an elbow into the shoulder. Hardy endures, MVP shoots to a cover, but Hardy is under ropes. MVP moves Hardy to try again, TWO!
MVP drags Hardy up but Hardy throws hands! MVP throat chops and SMASHES Hardy off his knee! The Hurt Business cheers as MVP runs, BALLIN~! Elbow drop! Cover, TWO! MVP rains down furious rights, then drags Hardy up to whip him to a corner. MVP runs in but Hardy dodges the boot! Hardy goes up and hits WHISPER IN THE WIND! Both men are down and the fans are fire dup on their ThunderDome screens! Hot tag to Riddle! Riddle rallies with a strike fest, then spins MVP for a PELE! Riddle kips up, runs in and forearms MVP, then goes side to side to forearm again! Alexander distract son the apron but not enough, MVP gets a BROSPLODER! To BROTON!
Riddle is fired up and drags MVP into a Fisherman BUSTER! Cover, Lashley breaks it! Lashley helps MVP get to the corner then tags in. Lashley runs at Riddle, and gets him for a COMPLETE SHOT! The Hurt Business is fired up as Lashley reels Riddle in for a suplex, but Riddle fights out! Riddle gets to his corner, Hardy tags in and ROCKS Lashley! FINAL FLASH from Riddle, Hardy sets up for SUPER BROETRY IN MOTION! Riddle wipes out Alexander and Benjamin as Hardy goes up! But MVP is there, only for Hardy to kick him away! SWANTON FLOPS! Lashley aims from a corner, Hardy gets up, but Hardy knees the spear away! TWIST- To the HURT LOCK!! Lashley thrashes Hardy around, Hardy taps, the Hurt Business wins!
Winners: The Hurt Business, by submission
The Hardy Bros were so close, but the Rocky Mountain Machine is just too powerful! But Hardy and Riddle aren’t deterred, will they go back to the drawing board and have a solution?
Styles argues with Miz and Morrison backstage.
The apology sucked! Well Styles’ attitude sucks! It seems these three aren’t doing very well, either. Will the Phenomenal One, the Awesome A-Lister and the Guru of Greatness be able to recover in time for the Street Fight?
Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias.
The Drifter has Jaxson Ryker in the ring as security as he plays his guitar. Ryker is a man that understands the universal truth. And after the year Elias has had, from winning at WrestleMania, getting hit by a car but coming back to release his album and getting #1 on the charts, to then survive electrocution, this has been a whirlwind. He thanks his fans who put his album on the top of the list. And those who didn’t just haven’t heard it yet. Elias’ music changes lives! Ryker was reborn by the Universal Truth. Tonight, we test just how powerful Elias’ music can be. Before Ryker sends a message to-
No time to waste! Gran Metalik storms out to the ring for this revenge match over how roughly Ryker treated him, over simply chasing R-Truth! Will Ryker wreck Metalik to send a message to all of the roster?
Jaxson Ryker w/ Elias VS Gran Metalik w/ Lince Dorado!
The bell rings, Ryker grabs at Metalik but Metalik kicks and CHOPS! Ryker whips and sends Metalik flying with a shoulder, all while Elias climbs up the corner? Elias plays while Ryker drops ax handle after ax handle on Metalik! Elias is Ryker’s bard as Ryker whips Metalik, but Metalik POSTS Ryker! Metalik goes after Elias on the top rope, for a SUPER STEINER! Elias tumbles out, Lince has the guitar and plays a tune of his own! But Ryker CLOBBERS Metalik! Ryker choke grips and Choke BOMBS! Cover, Ryker wins!
Winner: Jaxson Ryker, by pinfall
Elias says that is the power of HIS music! Ryker made Metalik understand through pain, but will anyone else come to #WalkWithElias?
Randy Orton is here!
The Viper, the Apex Predator, the Legend Killer… The Fiend Killer? There is no more remorse on Orton’s face, but there is a sick satisfaction. Yes, an Inferno Match is about lighting a part of your opponent on fire, but Orton didn’t end at winning. With Bray Wyatt unconscious on the mat, Orton soaked him with gasoline and set him ablaze! He even looks at the spot in the ring where Bray’s body burned before striking his signature pose on the corner. Orton gets a mic to say, “My entire life, I have been called many, many different things. Sick and twisted, deranged and demented.” Orton proved he is each and everyone one of those things when he burned The Fiend alive!
A normal man would have regrets if they set another man on fire, but The Fiend is no normal man, and neither is Orton. “Last night, I enjoyed every single second as I stood by and watched The Fiend… burn!” Orton again goes to the spot in the ring where it happened. He finds the exact spot where it happened. If Orton closes his eyes, he can still see it, and still smell it. “The stench of burning flesh has a tendency to linger.” Orton didn’t sleep last night, because the voices in his head, which he grew accustomed to, were just gone. The voices don’t exist. The only sound Orton hears in his head is the Fiend gasping for his last breath as the fire grew hotter and the flames grew higher.
Orton smiles into the camera as he says, “The Fiend is gone. The Fiend is no more! And I am the evil son of a bitch that took him out!” Then why are the lights shutting down!? Orton hurries out of the ring but it’s too late. A spotlight shines on the ring, and Alexa Bliss is there! She has a new set for A Moment of Bliss that’s even more demented than before! “Expecting someone else?” He built this for her. Call it, “Alexa’s Playground.” C’mon in, Orton. Wondering where “he” is? He could be at a tanning salon. Looked a little pale. Or maybe he is at the beach. It’s good weather in Florida. Hopefully he doesn’t get a sunburn! Or maybe Fiend is at his favorite restaurant, having his favorite food: barbecue!
Alexa laughs at her own jokes, but admits Orton is right. It was right here, where you can still see and smell what happened to The Fiend’s flesh. He’s not here right now, but it’s almost as if he became one with the mat. “Under the ground, under reach layer of the earth. He’s home.” But if he ever leaves home, he’ll come back to Alexa’s playground. And it’ll be like nothing Orton’s ever seen before. Alexa stares at Orton with her spooky eyes, and the lights turn off again. And when they come back this time, the playground is gone! Did Orton only make The Fiend stronger by burning his body?!
Charlotte Flair & Asuka VS Peyton Royce & Lacey Evans!
The brand new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions have a title defense set for Christmas SmackDown, so they need something to help them bridge the gap from TLC to Friday night! Will the Queen and Empress be ready for this dysfunctional duo?
Raw returns as Asuka returns to the ring, with pyro! Lacey does last minute stretching as Sarah interviews her and Peyton about facing the new champions. Are they up to the challenge? What kind of question is that? “Pey-Pey” and Lacey asked for this match! They’re not sitting around for handouts. No one is as relentless as Peyton. Ready to get hands on the nasties and take out the trash? Yes, ma’am! High five? No, ma’am. And for the record, Peyton got them this match. But either way, the Sassy Southern Belle and Venus Flytrap head to the ring, ready to upstage the new champions!
The teams sort out, Asuka starts with Peyton, and the two tie up. Asuka headlocks, Peyton powers out but Asuka runs her over! Asuka rolls Peyton, Peyton ducks the kick and waistlocks. Asuka switches, Peyton switches, and Lacey tags in. O’Conner roll but Asuka pops out to get her lock! Lacey drags Asuka off Peyton, Charlotte protests but Asuka throws Lacey out. Lacey blocks the punch to sweep the legs, then slingshots in! Asuka moves to mule kick back! Peyton tags back in, Shayna and Nia are watching backstage as Asuka hip attacks Lacey off the apron! But Asuka turns around into Peyton’s HEEL KICK! Cover, TWO! Peyton grows frustrated but Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Lacey hits Asuka with a swinging bronco buster in the corner! Lacey then hops up, salutes, but Peyton tags in to steal the cover! TWO! Peyton clubs Asuka over and over, goes to the apron to hop up the corner, but Lacey tags in! It’s only fair! Lacey sweeps Asuka’s legs, then slingshots for the elbow! Cover, TWO! Peyton tags back in and the dysfunction is only growing stronger. Asuka is crawling away while they’re arguing! Peyton intercepts with a forearm, then slaps Asuka around. Asuka swipes back! Asuka blocks a kick to get around for a GERMAN SUPLEX! Hot tag to Charlotte!
The Grand Slam Queen rallies on Peyton, back suplexes Lacey high and hard, then kips up! Charlotte CHOPS away on Pey-Pey! Peyton is reeling but Charlotte CHOPS her more! Charlotte whips, Peyton reverses but Charlotte holds ropes to stop herself,. Charlotte hits Peyton with a backbreaker and a BOOT! Charlotte gets the legs, steps through, but Lacey runs in! Charlotte kicks her first, scoops her and hits an EXPLODER! Nia and Shayna are upset as Charlotte swaggers, but Peyton kicks the leg! Peyton rolls Charlotte to a HALF CRAB! Lacey trips Asuka up, rams her down, then slingshots, but Asuka slide sin to sliding KICK Peyton down! Asuka then slides to trip Lacey up, and ROUNDHOUSES her down!
Charlotte flounders up but glares at Peyton. Charlotte trips Peyton, gets the legs, but Peyton twists to victory roll! TWO, Charlotte trips Peyton again! Charlotte lets out a “WOO~!” and puts on the Figure Four! Figure EIGHT! Peyton endures but taps, the champs win!
Winners: Charlotte Flair & Asuka, by submission
The Queen and Empress stand tall together with their belts! But there is still a lot more for them to prove as a team! Will they make it through Christmas day with the gold to then reign in the new year?
WWE and Raw acknowledge Titus O’Neil’s work in the community.
Titus himself rewarded a 27-year member of Sligh Middle Magnet School in Tampa Bay, Florida. He gave Virginia Lowell a very merry Christmas with a brand new car! She was so touched, because she’d never had a moment like this in her life. But her dedication and love for the school needs to be acknowledged and is an example to be followed. Titus also gave away five cars to families in need, and his own dedication and love for the community is something to be acknowledged and followed.
The Miz makes calls to his lawyer.
Again, the loophole of how the MITB contract holder having to be the one to give the briefcase is grounds enough! Talk to WWE management, or the USA Network, and get this set right! Miz is sick of being mistreated! Styles tells Miz to hang up, but when Miz doesn’t, he hangs up for him. They have a match! Morrison and Miz have to shrug that off quickly, because their match is NOW!
Six Man Tag Street Fight: Drew McIntyre, Sheamus & Keith Lee VS The Miz, John Morrison & AJ Styles w/ Jordon Omogbehin!
Neither trio teaming tonight has had the smoothest time together. But it is the holidays, and they all have common enemies on the other side. Will the the King of Claymores, the Fella and the Limitless One make their opponents #BaskInTheirGlory? Or will the Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century *stare off into distance* and Phenomenal One be able to turn things around before the year is over?
Raw returns as Keith Lee makes his entrance. So far, Sheamus and Keith are able to stand together. Then Miz and Morrison make their entrance, followed by Styles and Omos. The bell rings and Morrison steps up to start with Sheamus, they tie up and go around, and Sheamus has a facelock. Morrison gets around to club away on the arm then he whips, Sheamus kicks back, clubs Morrison and ROCKS him with a right! Morrison throws hands back, trips Sheamus up and drags him over to tag in Miz! Miz stomps Sheamus and throws hands at the ropes. Miz chokes on Sheamus, then Morrison KICKS Sheamus! Styles tags in, he and Miz mug Sheamus, but Sheamus hits back!
Sheamus throws hands on Styles in a corner, reels him in and CLOBBERS him! Sheamus drags Styles up, Styles throws hands, then he puts Sheamus in a corner. Morrison tags in but they all mug Sheamus! Morrison stomps Sheamus, Miz gets his shot and Morrison mule kicks! Morrison cravats, but Sheamus resists the snapmare and throws hands! Sheamus CLOBBERS Morrison and drags Morrison over to tag in McIntyre. McIntyre and Sheamus split the wishbone! McIntyre drags Morrison up to bump off buckles, then CHOPS him! Morrison flounders but McIntyre drags him around to stomp the arms.
McIntyre drags Morrison up but Morrison slips out of the scoop to dropkick the bad leg! Morrison fires off KICKS, brings McIntyre out of the corner and KICKS the leg, to a DRAGON SCREW! McIntyre clutches his leg, Morrison drags McIntyre up but gets a GLASGOW KISS! McIntyre hobbles to his corner, brings Morrison with him and CLUBS Morrison down! Tag to Keith, McIntyre gets the bad leg moving as he and Keith double suplex Morrison and hold him up! Then they TOSS Morrison across the way! Morrison crashes down and Keith glares at Miz and Styles. Keith dares one of them to tag in as he drags Morrison away.
Keith clamps onto Morrison’s arm, drags him up to knuckle lock, and then brings Morrison over to tag in Sheamus. The mutual friends of McIntyre whip Morrison and run him over with double shoulders! Then they double elbow Miz as he runs in! And double hip toss Styles! McIntyre’s team holds the ropes and Sheamus gives Keith a pat on the shoulder. Keith gives it back. Sheamus gives another, but Keith gives a GRIZZLY MAGNUM!? McIntyre gets in before this gets too aggressive! This is what McIntyre was talking about, them destroying anyone as a unified unit! But will they stay unified after the break?
Raw returns once again and Sheamus has Styles’ arm! Styles endures as Sheamus keeps twisting! Sheamus drags Styles up, Styles throws haymakers, then runs, but into an elbow! Sheamus drags Miz into the ring and Morrison joins in! McIntyre goes after Morrison and throws him out! The Celtic Connection have a duet of BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! Keith meanwhile comes around and has them feed him BOTH Miz and Morrison, for a DOUBLE RAM into the apron! Keith throws Morrison into presents! And then he throws Miz into a pile of presents on the other end! Styles is put in the ring for Sheamus to grind down with a chinlock!
Styles endures, Sheamus gives him clubbing forearms then drops knees over and over! Sheamus digs his knee in but Styles tries to pull on the beard. Sheamus drops another knee, then throws big haymakers. Styles hits back, someone throws in a present box! The box is moved aside as Sheamus whips Styles, but Styles dodges and Sheamus POSTS himself! Hot tag to Miz and Miz stomps away on Sheamus! Morrison jumps in again but McIntyre goes after them! Keith also gets in, Sheamus and McIntyre CHOP Miz and Morrison out of the ring! Sheamus drags Morrison back up, fireman’s carries, and hits a rolling senton! Sheamus goes up top, but has to DECK Morrison first!
Styles creeps over, Sheamus glares at him, but then Morrison returns! Morrison shoves Sheamus down through a table of cookies! Keith and McIntyre check on Sheamus while Morrison and team creep over. Morrison drags Sheamus away to stomp him down! Morrison puts Sheamus in, stomps and covers, TWO! Miz tags in, he and Morrison drag Sheamus up for a double GUT BUSTER! Miz knocks Sheamus down, claws at his face, and digs in with no disqualifications stopping him! Sheamus hurries for his corner but Miz keeps him away with a facelock and clubbing forearms! Miz hits a BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO!!
Miz seethes as he drags Sheamus up and around. Styles tags in, they stomp away on Sheamus at the ropes, and Styles kicks Sheamus down! Styles drags Sheamus up but Sheamus fires off hands! Styles headbutts then enziguris! Styles dropkicks Keith just because! But Sheamus hits WHITE NOISE outta nowhere! Both men are down and McIntyre reaches out! Sheamus crawls, Styles does, too, hot tags to Miz and McIntyre! McIntyre rallies with big shoulders, then a whip, and an OVERHEAD SUPLEX! Morrison gets in but gets an OVERHEAD SUPLEX for his trouble! Miz gets another OVERHEAD SUPLEX!
McIntyre manages a kip up, he elbows through Morrison’s boot to INVERTED ALABAMA SLAM him onto Miz! McIntyre brings Miz up, Miz slips out of Future Shock to kick the bad leg! Miz runs, into a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, Styles breaks it! Styles turns around into Keith’s POUNCE! Morrison gets up, FLYING CHUCK to Keith! Sheamus sees Morrison, IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Miz BOOTS Sheamus out but McIntyre clotheslines Miz out! Styles uses a candy cane kendo stick to SMACK away on McIntyre’s bad leg! McIntyre hobbles out, Styles runs over, McIntyre TOSSES him into a Christmas tree!
Styles flounders and McIntyre brings him over, to POWERBOMB him through a table of eggnog!! Yuck! Morrison has a kendo stick but so does Sheamus! Sheamus SMACKS away on Morrison first! Morrison hits back, McIntyre gets in as Keith gives him Miz! Sheamus chases Morrison off, McIntyre aims but Sheamus tags in!? Sheamus wants to finish this, but then Keith tags in! Are they falling apart again? Morrison distracts Keith, Keith shoves Morrison into Omos’ arms! Morrison thinks he’s saved, but Omos POWERSLAMS Morrison through a table! That’s for the chair shot at TLC! Meanwhile, Keith pops Miz up for a SPIRTI BOMB!! Cover, Keith and the Celtic Connection win!
Winners: Drew McIntyre, Sheamus & Keith Lee, by pinfall
Then Sheamus BROGUES Keith! McIntyre can’t believe Sheamus! “I vouched for you! Why!? Why?!?” McIntyre told Keith he could trust Sheamus but clearly not! Is there still no love lost between these former Team Raw members?
My Thoughts:
A pretty good Raw to follow TLC, but it could’ve been better. For one, there were too many recap packages and it sure felt like too many commercial breaks throughout the night, that alone might be a problem with ratings. Obviously more the recaps than the commercials, but it has been awhile since USA Network has given Raw a picture in picture break. Another horribly glaring flaw was how the Six Man Tag main event went. If it is a Street Fight, meaning no disqualifications and no count outs, IT BECOMES A TORNADO TAG BY DEFAULT!! The six of them should’ve all been brawling, it should’ve been chaotic, and it should’ve wrecked everything at ringside. But no, it was some awful hybrid of a NORMAL Six Man Tag and a Street Fight. The table spots and kendo sticks came off more like, “Oh, yeah, we forgot those were allowed.”
The only good development was Sheamus giving Keith a Brogue over their dysfunction finally hitting a boiling point. And a bad development from the entire story of the world title is that Miz thinks he can get his MITB briefcase back because of a loophole. It really hurts the amazing passion Miz gave us in that promo about not being respected. And a promo like that always works with Miz because we all know it was a legitimate thing when he got started! With Miz being booked the way he has, it also adds to that a bit, where WWE isn’t giving him and/or Morrison respect by making them respectable threats to the world title, but him using a loophole to get his briefcase and his title shot back is not The Miz I want getting the shot. The Miz captured within the worked shoot promo is what I want! Miz needs to have aggression so that we’ll want to see him fight McIntyre for the title.
We had pretty good stuff for the Women’s Division, and obviously focused on the Women’s Tag Division. Charlotte and Asuka have good promos against Shayna and Nia, but the Sexy Muscle Friends were fed just the dumbest reindeer jokes on Nia and Shayna, all because it’s the holidays. Those lines didn’t need to be in the promos, just stick to the joke about the belts being gone. But they at least get to look good in a match with Shayna and Nia, even if they lose. Shayna and Nia keep an eye on Charlotte and Asuka during their match with Peyton and Lacey. I suppose it’s good progress for Peyton and Lacey to and least try to be united, and it was fine that it didn’t work out. Charlotte and Asuka win, obviously, because for one, they’re Charlotte and Asuka.
Then the new champs have a title match on Friday already, and though the team isn’t announced, the challengers have to be the Riott Squad. That is the only women’s tag team on SmackDown that is winning at all. I hope this is a sign Charlotte and Asuka get to follow in the footsteps of Bayley and Sasha, going back to NXT to face some NXT teams like Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell of The Way, and maybe even get involved in a TakeOver event. Raw has the ratings problem, but I would think strengthening the Women’s Tag Division on all shows would help Raw just as much.
The Hurt Business had a pretty good night. They bullied a New Day fan within the crew because duh, the New Day is the one tag team even plausible as a contender to the Raw Tag Team Championships. Yes, Hardy and Riddle did well as a team, but they still lost to MVP and Lashley. There is still some sorting out to do on who challenges for the US Championship next, but maybe Hardy gives Riddle the go ahead on it. Riddle had a hard time with his overly complicated “chill” promo, so I think WWE needs to let Riddle be the Bro and not try to write him as what they think The Bro should be.
Garza squashes Gulak because he desperately needs momentum after splitting off from Zelina Vega and then just treading water with trying to go all in with the Lothario bit. Ricochet loses to a Retribution member again, but perhaps because he isn’t joining. I’m still wondering if someone joins his fight, since Dana was apparently a one-time partner. Maybe Titus O’Neil can move over from the 24/7 Championship scene to help Ricochet. Titus has been a great role model for his charity, maybe he can be a role model in the ring standing against Ali trying to force everyone to see things his way. Ricochet and Titus would make a great combination, really. And speaking of the 24/7 Championship, Truth getting in on the VIP Lounge was a great way of sprinkling all that in.
I think the best stuff tonight was Orton and Alexa in relation to The Fiend. Orton might’ve been trying a little too hard to be menacing supervillain, but he is still doing really well. Alexa having a playground set is a great evolution of her own part in this story. I don’t know if Nikki Cross returns to feud with Alexa more, but I almost want a “Firefly Playground” match now. And what Alexa said about The Fiend only getting stronger now, Bray Wyatt might be the secret to Raw fixing their ratings and fulfilling that apparent request by USA Network for more “adult” content, in terms of being spooky scary horror movie stuff. Either way, I hope the endgame is the Firefly Fun House sequel with Orton to bring up his past and throw it in his face.
In fact, with John Cena being disappeared because “You Can’t See Me,” I think Orton should get “burned” in return since A) he loves burning Bray’s stuff, and B) Orton’s original theme was “Burn In My Light.” Gotta bring things full circle to make it worth it.
My Score: 8.2/10
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Giulia finally steps into the NXT ring!
The long wait is over, and now, NXT finally welcomes Giulia! But will Chelsea Green make a hot mess of it all? Or will Giulia show everyone why she’s a star?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- NXT Tag Team Championships: Nathan Frazer & Axiom VS The Street Profits; The Profits win by disqualification, Frazer & Axiom retain.
- Giulia VS Chelsea Green; Giulia wins.
- NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Charlie Dempsey w/ No Quarter Catch Crew VS Je’Von Evans w/ Cedric Alexander; Dempsey wins and retains the title.
- Oba Femi VS Hammerstone; Oba wins.
- Ridge Holland VS Duke Hudson w/ Chase U; Ridge wins.
- TNA Knockouts Championship Open Challenge: Jordynne Grace VS Sol Ruca; Jordynne wins, by disqualification, and retains the title.
- NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Last Man Standing Match: Trick Williams VS Pete Dunne; Trick wins and will challenge Ethan Page for the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
The first THIRTY MINUTES are commercial free!
BREAKING NEWS!
Due to unfortunate circumstances, The Rascalz are NOT cleared to compete here tonight! But stepping up to face Nathan Frazer & Axiom for the NXT Tag Team Championships are former Triple Crown Champions, The Street Profits! Will Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins bring these belts with them to this Friday’s season premiere of SmackDown on USA Network? Or will #Fraxiom #NeverSlowDown?
NXT Tag Team Championships: Nathan Frazer & Axiom VS The Street Profits!
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who wants the smoke!
The teams sort out, the fans chant “Welcome Back! Welcome Back!” and Axiom starts with Ford. Ford and Axiom circle as the fans sing “We~ Want the Smoke!” Ford and Axiom tie up, and Ford headlocks to grind Axiom. Axiom fights up and powers out, but Ford runs him over! The fans cheer, Ford lounges in a corner, then comes back as Axiom stands. They circle, Ford gets around to waistlock and SLAM! And then SLAM again! And then SLAM again! Axiom fights around, Ford headlocks, but Axiom powers out. Ford leaps over, Axiom ducks under, Axiom arm-drags but Ford counters right into a headlock!
The fans rally, Axiom fights up, but Ford wrenches to wristlock. Axiom rolls, handsprings and DROPKICKS! Ford tags Dawkins, Dawkins CLOBBERS Axiom! Frazer tags in but Dawkins runs him over, too! The fans fire up, Dawkins runs, but Frazer ducks, hurdles, only for Dawkins to handspring! Dawkins bypasses, but Frazer ducks ‘n’ dodges and DROPKICKS! Dawkins tumbles out of the ring, Frazer looks, and he builds speed, only for Dawkins to ROCK him! Dawkins gets moving, he hurdles and FLYING ELBOWS! The fans are thunderous already as Frazer staggers to a corner. Dawkins runs up, but into a BUCKLE SHOT!
Tag to Axiom, #Fraxiom hits the speed combo! Cover, TWO! Axiom keeps his eyes on Dawkins, then waistlocks to keep him down. Dawkins fights up, pries the hold, but Axiom shoves and LARIATS! Tag to Frazer, whip and GAMANGIRI! HALF ‘N’ HALF! DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Frazer covers, TWO! Ford was right there, too. Tag to Axiom, and Axiom clamps on with a SLEEPER! Dawkins endures, the fans rally, and Dawkins arm-drags free! Axiom runs up but into a clinch! EXPLODER! Axiom flounders, Dawkins crawls, hot tags to Frazer and Ford! Ford blows past Frazer to DECK Axiom! Then Ford rallies with lariats!
Frazer dodges, but then Ford follows, and LARIATS again! The fans are thunderous as Ford mule kicks, front kicks, but Frazer ducks the enzigiri! Ford runs up but into a BOOT! Frazer goes out, springboards back in, but Ford catches him! BOOKEND! The fans fire up again and Ford flexes! Ford runs to People’s STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Frazer survives but Ford drags him up. Frazer JAWBREAKERS back, tag to Axiom and Dawkins! Ford DROPKICKS Frazer out, but he avoids Axiom! Dawkins POUNCES Axiom into the GERMAN SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Axiom survives and the fans fire up!
Dawkins drags Axiom up, tags Ford, and Profits whip Axiom to POP-UP- RANA! Frazer MISSILE DROPKICKS Dawkins! Axiom SUPERKICKS Ford! Axiom goes up, tags Frazer, and FROG SPLASH! Frazer springboards to 450! Cover, TWO!! Ford survives and the fans are thunderous again! Tag back to Axiom and he climbs up. MISSILE DROPKICK HIGH-LOW! Dawkins POUNCES Frazer onto the cover! The fans are thunderous again while all four men are down! Frazer and Dawkins flop out while the fans cheer on “NXT! NXT!” for putting this together. Ford tags Dawkins, Dawkins drags Axiom around.
Dawkins points to the corner, the fans fire up as he climbs up! But Axiom gets up to GAMANGIRI! Tag to Frazer, and Axiom goes to the very top! SUPER SPANISH FLY! But Ford shoves Axiom to ropes and that trips Frazer up! DROPKICK for Axiom! Dawkins gets Frazer in the Electric Chair! Ford goes up, tags, and DOOMSDAY BLOCKBUSTER!! Cover, BUT TAMA TANGA DRAGS FORD OUT!? Tama sends Ford into steel steps!!
Winners: The Street Profits, by disqualification; Frazer & Axiom retain the titles
Dawkins is furious, but then JACOB FATU CLOBBERS HIM! Tonga Loa CLOBBERS Axiom! Tama gator rolls Frazer up for a BRAINBUSTER! The fans boo but The Bloodline drags Dawkins into the ring! The Guerrillas hit Dawkins with the TONGAN TWIST!! Fatu hits a SWANTON BOMB!! The fans are losing their minds, but it seems The Bloodline is not letting any team on any brand think they can get one up on them! Will this be finalized when Solo Sikoa goes after Cody Rhodes and the Undisputed WWE Championship this Friday?
NXT Anonymous is watching.
Tony D’Angelo tells a certain someone that they have a reputation and is not afraid to get their hands dirty. Oba Femi is a wrecking machine, he disrespected Adriana, so Tony wants this guy to take Oba out. Tony pays the man handsomely, but will this mercenary be able to manhandle The Ruler?
Giulia speaks.
It was Stand & Deliver when she told the world, “The top organization in the world. The excitement can be felt from here! The excitement from the fans is flooring! I am SO excited!” And we saw her finally make NXT her home at No Mercy. She told Roxanne Perez she’d see her in Chicago for NXT’s CW debut, but she sees her first bit of action as an NXT star here tonight! Will she show all the doubters and the haters that she’s more than ready for this? Or will her opponent make a hot mess of it all?
Giulia VS Chelsea Green!
The bell rings and while Chelsea gets in Giulia’s face, the fans are thunderous for Giulia already. Chelsea SLAPS Giulia! Giulia just grins. Then she HEADBUTTS Chelsea down! Giulia drags Chelsea up, bumps her off buckles, then wrenches her hair to TOSS her across the way! The fans fire up and Giulia runs corner to corner to ELBOW! Giulia shoves Chelsea, goes up, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! The fans fire up and Giulia covers, TWO! Giulia drags Chelsea up, suplexes, but Chelsea fights free! Chelsea swings, Giulia dodges, but Chelsea elbows her! Chelsea ripcords, ROCKS, and KNEE SMASHES Giulia!
Chelsea whips, Giulia reverses, but Chelsea ducks ‘n’ dodges to BOOT! Chelsea runs, but Giulia ROCKS her! Giulia runs, slips around and has the IRON OCTOPUS! Chelsea endures the #SpiderWeb as Giulia thrashes her around! Chelsea stomps her way to ropes, but Giulia sunset flips it! TWO, and Chelsea scrambles away to ropes. The fans boo but Chelsea says she wasn’t ready! Giulia storms up, avoids the shoulder and KICKS Chelsea! Giulia sets Chelsea up to ROCK her! But then Chelsea HOTSHOTS Giulia! Chelsea bumps Giulia off buckles, then goes up to have a HANGING SLEEPER! The erf counts, Chelsea lest go at 4, but then stands Giulia back up.
But Giulia Electric Chair Lifts Chelsea! Chelsea slips free, to GERMAN SUPLEX! Chelsea hauls Giulia up, for a FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Giulia survives and Chelsea is furious! She covers again, TWO! Chelsea is already losing her cool, but she clamps onto Giulia with a leg lock full nelson! Giulia endures, pushes to a cover, TWO! Chelsea still has the legs, but Giulia tries again. TWO, and Chelsea CLUBS away on Giulia. Giulia turns around to rain down shots on Chelsea! They scrap on the mat, and Giulia gets the edge! The fans fire up, Chelsea kicks and scrambles, but Giulia runs up to SHOTGUN BOOT!
The fans fire up as Giulia then SAIDOS! Chelsea flounders around, Giulia paces. The fans fire up as Giulia basement DROPKICKS! Chelsea flounders to the apron, Giulia goes out and wrenches the hair. Then she has Chelsea for a DRAPING NECKBREAKER to the floor! Giulia looks into the camera, perhaps hoping Roxie is watching. The ring count climbs, Giulia drags Chelsea up and into the ring, but Chelsea scrambles out the far side. The fans boo and Giulia is annoyed. Giulia goes out, but Chelsea sends her into the desk! Giulia falls back, Chelsea drags her up, to THROW her onto the desk!
The fans boo but Chelsea drags Giulia around, and THROWS her over the desk! The ref reprimands, but Chelsea goes after Giulia. Chelsea drags Giulia up and into the ring. Chelsea climbs a corner, goes to the top, and she MISSILE FLOPS as Giulia moves! KNEE! Giulia vows to end it here! She drags Chelsea up, reels her in, scoop and NORTHERN LIGHTS BOMB! Cover, Giulia wins!
Winner: Giulia, by pinfall
The madness takes care of the mess, and she has a clear path to Chicago! Will NXT’s new era be emphasized with a new NXT Women’s Champion?
Backstage interview with Trick Williams.
Blake Howard says tonight is Trick’s shot to get back at the NXT Championship, but he has to make it through a Last Man Standing Match with Pete Dunne. Trick says he won’t lie, he has never had a match like this before. He knows Last Man Standing takes grit and determination, but he’s never done this before. Don’t get it twisted, that won’t stop him. CW, October 1st, Chicago, Ethan Page, Trick wants all that, and not even Dunne can stop him. The whole world needs to know, Dunne is without a doubt, a class one butch! Trick respects his game, how he breaks fingers, he’s a bad man, one of the best Trick’s ever seen. But tonight, Trick will be THE Last Man Standing.
Jordynne Grace speaks.
“For the past 15 years, this TNA Knockouts Championship has represented the best women’s wrestling outside of WWE. Legends and future Hall of Famers have held this, and now I carry it and its legacy proudly. So why an Open Challenge as part of WWE Week on USA? Well, the NXT Women’s Division is stacked from top to bottom, and the more formidable the opponents that I defeat, the more prestigious that this title becomes. So NXT, bring your best. Because I always bring mine.” That match is later tonight, who will step to the Juggernaut?
Lexis King gets spruced up.
His… “unique” beard is trimmed and faded, and he gets a notification. It seems his “loyal and creative IntelLexuals” put together a compilation of his greatest hits. That is to say, all the times he has cracked someone with his kingly cane in order to win a match. And that includes last week, the cheating of feet on ropes to get Oro. Lexis says, “Tough luck, Oro. Who’s your daddy now? That’s right, me! And everyone loves The King.” And speaking of, let’s talk the most talked about beard in WWE. But as Lexis turns to face the mirror, ORO JUMPS IN! The brawl is on, Lexis goes running, but will he have to answer to Oro some time?
The NXT Women’s Division is buzzing.
They all want that shot at Jordynne Grace, and Kelani checks in. Is Lola ready? Oh, yeah! Kelani says if she wasn’t champion, she’d be first in line, too. But she’s just as excited for Lola to try. But then The Fatal Influence steps in. Fallon Henley says yeah, Kelani is champ, for now. Jacy Jayne says it is so cute to see everyone warm up. Who’s gonna step to the plate against The Juggernaut? Lola says with all the complaining they do, this could’ve been their chance. Who better to face Jordynne Grace than the self-proclaimed leaders of the locker room? C’mon, tell us, who is stepping up for the group? Yeah, well, Lola doesn’t tell them what to do.
Lola knew it. If Fatal Influence did, they’d be making a fatal mistake. Jacy knew she never liked Lola. Lola steps up but everyone else stops her! Fatal Influence bails out, more bark than bite. But who will reach out for the golden opportunity and take it with both hands?
NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Charlie Dempsey w/ No Quarter Catch Crew VS Je’Von Evans w/ Cedric Alexander!
Wren Sinclair got ahead of herself, again, but it’s on the leader of the crew to see them through. Will Dempsey prove he is still the face of British Rounds? Or will the Young OG get real bouncy~?
NXT returns as the NQCC makes their entrance. The introductions are made, the cup is displayed, and we see
The bell rings on round one, and the two circle. They feel things out, tie up, and Dempsey hits a hip toss! The fans rally, the two go again, and Dempsey wrenches to get under and THROW Je’Von. Dempsey has the armlock, but Evans kips up. Dempsey wrenches, wristlocks, but Evans rolls, kips up, handsprings, and wrenches to WRING Dempsey! The fans fire up as Dempsey and Evans reset. They circle, tie up, and Evans goes for an arm now. Evans wrenches, wristlocks, but Dempsey bridges, rolls, and then arm-drags. But Evans holds on to wristlock! Dempsey fights up, fireman’s carries, but Evans still has the wristlock.
Dempsey fights up, wrenches, and then MONKEY FLIPS! Evans still holds on! Cedric coaches Evans while Dempsey stands, rolls, kips up and breaks free! Dempsey smapmares, chinlocks, but Evans wrenches out to another wristlock! The fans fire up but Dempsey fights up. Dempsey puts Evans in a corner, then ROCKS him! Dempsey WRINGS Evans, then MONKEY FLIPS again! Dempsey wrenches, UPPERCUTS, and wrenches again. Bridging arm-drag, knuckle lock cover, TWO as Evans gets an arm up! We’re under 30 seconds as the arm goes back down, TWO! Dempsey tries again, Evans bridges!
Dempsey goes to jump on Evans, but Evans turns that to a MONKEY FLIP! But Dempsey holds on, to MONKEY FLIP back! Time is running low, FLYING RANA! And that’s the round!
Dempsey: 0; Evans: 0
The fans cheer that great opening round, and both sides refresh. They go again, and Evans runs up! Dempsey sends him into buckles! Roll up, high stack, TWO and Evans stands. Dempsey waistlocks, Evans bucks the O’Conner to FLYING SUNSET FLIP! TWO!! Dempsey escapes, clinches then whips. Evan stops the hip toss but so does Dempsey. Evans body shots, gets a leg up, but Dempsey flips him! Evans lands out, ducks ‘n’ dodges, sunset flips again, but Dempsey stays up! Dempsey drags Evans up and the two fight for control! Dempsey goes to a corner to HOTSHOT Evans with the buckle! Then Dempsey full nelsons, DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, Dempsey scores!
Dempsey: 1; Evans: 0
Just a minute into the second and Dempsey has the crucial first point! Cedric helps Evans recover, and NXT goes picture in picture.
Evans refreshes with a drink of water, but he might need an icepack for his neck. Wren keeps fussing with Dempsey’s hair, that’s not what matters… But she still fires him up like she has Myles and Tavion, and the round begins with Dempsey running up on Evans! UPPERCUT! Evans staggers, Dempsey UPPERCUTS and ROCKS Evans again and again! Dempsey then GUT WRENCH SUPLEXES! Cover, TWO! Evans stays in this but Dempsey clamps on a cravat. Evans endures, but then Dempsey CRAVAT PLEXES! Dempsey cranks on the hold, drags Evans up and CRAVAT PLEXES again! Cover, TWO!
Dempsey keeps on Evans with the cravat, but Evans endures. Dempsey makes it a cover again, TWO! Evans fights up but Dempsey wrangles him back down to a cover. TWO, and Evans rises to arm-drag free! Evans swings, but Dempsey gets around. Dempsey lifts but Evans hits a flying mare! Dempsey stands, ducks an enzigiri, and covers, TWO! Dempsey looms over Evans, grabs the legs, and ties them up. Dempsey bridges back, MUTA LOCK! Evans endures, pries at the hold, but Dempsey thrashes him around! Dempsey lets go to then sit Evans up, cravat stretch! Evans endures as we’re under a minute in the third!
NXT returns to single picture as Evans pries free, flips up and over and cradles, TWO! Dempsey KNEES low! Dempsey HALF- NO, Evans fights the Half Hatch and LARIATS! And ELBOWS! Evans whips, Dempsey reverses, then he blocks a boot, but not the THRUST KICK! Evans goes up and up to SKY TWISTER! Cover, Evans ties it up!
Dempsey: 1; Evans: 1
NQCC hurries to get Dempsey to the corner and get him water. The fourth begins, Evans runs up to SMASH! Evans CHOPS and Dempsey sputters! Evans RAMS into Dempsey again and again, then lets off to whip. Evans kitchen sink knees Dempsey down, then DROPKICKS him out of the ring! Wren coaches Dempsey, and the fans fire up as Evans builds speed. But Dempsey UPPERCUTS first! And then HOTSHOTS Evans with ropes! Dempsey storms in, KICKS Evans in the side, and covers, TWO! Evans stays in this, Dempsey clamps on and drags him up. Dempsey turns Evans for a NECKBREAKER!
Dempsey drags Evans up, turns him again, another NECKBREAKER! Evans writhes, but Dempsey covers, TWO! Evans shouts in frustration but Dempsey HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS away! Evans sputters, Dempsey facelocks! GUILLOTINE! Evans endures, the fans rally, and we’re under a minute again! Evans fights up, but Dempsey adds body scissors! Evans stays standing, he powers up, and he suplexes free! The fans are thunderous while both men are down! Under 30 seconds but Evans is fired up! Dempsey UPPERCUTS, but Evans just eggs him on! The UPPERCUTS go back and forth, Evans gets the edge!
Ten seconds, Dempsey throat chops! HALF HATCH BRIDGE! TWO!! GUILLOTINE! Time’s up on the round!
Dempsey: 1; Evans: 1
Dempsey won’t let go! Cedric gets in to stop him, but Myles gets in to go after Cedric! The ref stops both men, and the teams settle down. Both men are up, the fifth round begins! Dempsey runs up, Evans leaps over to sunset flip, TWO! Evans ROCKS Dempsey, but Dempsey CHOPS back! Evans CHOPS back! Dempsey swings, Evans dodges, springboard, into an UPPERCUT! Full nelson, but Evan slips under! Victory roll, TWO!! Dempsey escapes, swings, but Evans dodges, rebounds, DREAMCAST KICK! Evans goes up and springboards, FLYING LARIAT! The fans fire up and Evans crawls to a cover, ROPEBREAK from Myles!
The ref catches Myles red handed! And then Cedric FLIES onto Myles! Cedric takes care of bringing Myles away from ringside, and Evans goes for Dempsey. Dempsey swings around, GERMAN SUPLEX, but Evans lands out! Evans TOSSES Dempsey to the floor! Evans builds speed and FLIES over the corner!! Direct hit and the fans are going nuts! Evans drags Dempsey up and in with a minute to go. But Wren is distracting the ref, TAVION HEIGHTS RUNS IN! Tavion BELLY2BELLY SUPLEXES Evans!! Tavion shoves Evans in, Dempsey covers, Dempsey wins!
Winner: Charlie Dempsey, by pinfall (still NXT Heritage Cup Champion)
We knew Tavion was returning from Japan, but to think he’d show up now! NQCC keeps the cup, will their numbers game always win?
Rosemary speaks.
“Once upon a time… The Hive cried out and demanded to know why their Demon Assassin and the Sleepy Psycho had united under the shadows. There are, of course, several reasons. One to be revealed tonight. Another to be saved until next week. And one serves as a warning to Lyra & Tatum. You’ve made your bed. But did you happen to take a look at what’s hiding beneath it? You never know what’s creeping behind that door. Perhaps it’s not just the glimmering moonlight lurking outside your bedroom window while your eyes are shut. A lot can go wrong when you wake up on the wrong side of the bed.
“But what’s scarier than all that? Not having anyone to play with.” Rosemary & Wendy Choo are tearing the toys apart, will they do the same to their opponents?
Backstage interview with Ethan Page.
Sarah Schreiber starts her introduction, but All Ego cuts her off by saying, “Welcome back to N-X-ME. Now, before Sarah here asks me about tonight’s Last Man Standing Match, I personally would like to ask everyone at home to take a good, hard look at the NXT Champion. The same man that should be thanked for the era that we are all currently living in, and will continue to live in after October 1st when we make our debut on the CW Network in Chicago. And the man to thank for the Era of Ego? It’s me, All Ego, Ethan Page.”
Sarah finally does ask who Ethan thinks wins tonight’s main event, Dunne or Trick. Ethan says everyone else in this locker room is definitely afraid of Dunne, but not Ethan. Ethan already “figured out” The Bruiserweight. Then he thinks it’ll be Trick? No, Trick is still chasing ghosts. Trick was lucky to capture lightning in a bottle, he had his Whoop Dat Era, but if you think Trick can do that twice, then you must be joking. Sarah isn’t confused. Who does he choose? Oh, uh, himself! He gets to watch both men demolish each other in a Last Man Standing Match, and all Ethan has to do on October 1st is pick up the scraps. You’re welcome.
Big things are happening for Chicago!
After a quick Twitter exchange between Shawn Michaels and the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships, HBK has decided that Jade Cargill & Bianca Belair can be part of the CW premiere! Will the StrongEST Duo make this the B E S T debut ever?
Oba Femi VS ???
Just as we all saw thanks to NXT Anonymous, The Ruler knows The Don has paid a mysterious mercenary to get even for The Family. Will this man be worth every penny he was paid? Or will this man, like everyone so far, fail to even bring Oba down?
Oba watches the stage, and it’s… HAMMERSTONE! Another star of TNA is here to make an impact, and it is time to see big meaty men slap meat! Even Oba is a bit stunned by this! The bell rings, the fans fire up, and the two men tie up. They are in a deadlock, but Oba finds a point of leverage to put Hammerstone on ropes. The ref counts, Oba backs off, and Hammerstone pushes Oba. So Oba ROCKS Hammerstone! Oba headlocks but Hammerstone fires body shots. Hammerstone powers up and out, ducks the lariat, but Oba stops the hip toss to KNEE low! Oba scoops, aims, but Hammerstone slips out to send Oba into buckles!
Oba staggers, Hammerstone hits the HIP TOSS! Hammerstone headlocks, the D’Angelos watch closely as Oba powers Hammerstone to a corner. Hammerstone BOOTS Oba, then climbs up! MISSILE DROPKICK! And a big one! Hammerstone LARIATS Oba up and out of the ring! Hammerstone goes to the apron, but Oba SWATS him! Oba snarls, storms into the ring, and he BLINDSLIDE LARIATS Hammerstone! Oba stomps Hammerstone, drops elbow after elbow on him, then scoops! FALL AWAY SLAM! Hammerstone flounders, Oba lets his hair down, and he runs up to UPPERCUT! Hammerstone flops and the fans fire up!
Oba sits Hammerstone up to clamp on the chinlock. Hammerstone endures, the fans rally up, but Oba wrangles him. The fans continue to rally, Hammerstone continues to fight, and Hammerstone fireman’s carries! But Oba elbows free! And he fireman’s carries, to TOSS Hammerstone down! Cover, TWO! Hammerstone is tougher than that, but Oba runs to STOMP- NO! Hammerstone blocks! Hammerstone avoids the elbow, then choke grips! But Oba grabs Hammerstone! They both roar, and Oba HEADBUTTS! Oba whips Hammerstone to a corner, runs in, but Hammerstone dodges and Oba POSTS himself!
Oba falls back, Hammerstone winds up and fires forearms and CHOPS! Hammerstone whips, Oba reverses but Hammerstone ducks ‘n’ dodges! LEAPING LARIAT! OVERHEAD SUPLEX! The fans fire up for another OVERHEAD SUPLEX! Hammerstone rises, he choke grips, and he CHOKE SLAMS!! Cover, TWO!! Oba survives and the fans fire up! Hammerstone drags Oba up, reels him in, but Oba TOSSES him away! Hammerstone staggers up, takes a swing, but gets the SHOTPUT! Oba fires up, to POP-UP POWERBOMB!! Cover, Oba wins!
Winner: Oba Femi, by pinfall
Hammerstone pushed Oba, but the investment didn’t pay off. The Don storms off from the back room, what must he do if he wants to bring down The Ruler?
Hank ‘n’ Tank talk with Stone & Stevie.
The big boys don’t care how, they want to get their hands on The Good Brothers. They’re on the tracks, the train is comin’ through, and it sounds a little like HONK- Stevie has them stop there. Stone says he will talk with Ava about this. HONK HONK! They bearhug Stone and head off towards Ava’s office, when and where will Walker & Ledger get to fight Gallows & Anderson? Then Duke Hudson steps in, and he tells Ridge Holland, “You are nothing more to me than lowlife scum! Your words against our university, your actions against Andre Chase, inexcusable! Now before i get my revenge on you, I need to speak to one man, and that man is Andre Chase.
“Chase, I know you lay there uncomfortably in your hospital bed, but I need you to sit up. I need your eyes glued to the TV! Because I am about to give Ridge Holland one hell of an Andre Chase University sized ass-whooping!” Duke is fired up, Thea & Riley are also fired up, but will they all burn themselves out trying to bring down Yorkshire Grit?
The NXT Women’s Division continues to get hyped.
Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson say, “Jordynne Who? Let’s get it.” Wren walks in and says right to Kelani, “Knockouts title or your title, which one should I go for first?” Has Kelani ever thought about doing her own Open Challenge? Kelani admits, it is a good idea. But she’s not holding one tonight, so maybe Wren should focus on the girl who is. The rest head out, Kelani wishes Lola luck, and now Jaida Parker walks in, armed with a bat. Anyone seen Fatal Influence? That was earlier, sorry. But hey, Lola’s got beef with them, as does Miss Parker. Well, Parker isn’t looking for help, she’s just looking for them.
Lola tells “baby girl” Jaida, after last week, it looked like she needed help. Jaida says she’ll deal with Lola later. Kelani does see that someone needs to humble Fatal Influence, and a combo like Lola and Jaida would definitely do it. Yeah, but you heard Jaida, right? Yeah. Kelani & Lola leave Jaida be for now, but will Fallon, Jacy & Jazmyn soon find themselves surrounded by enemies?
Ridge Holland VS Duke Hudson w/ Chase U!
We heard Ridge’s selfish reasoning last time, and we heard the Chase U MVP call him out, so now it is time to back up those words with action! Will Ridge’s true colors wash away the red ‘n’ black? Or will Duke avenge Mr. Chase and the entire school in one go?
The bell rings and the hands fly! The fans fire up, but Ridge gets the edge! Ridge UPPERCUTS Duke in the corner, ROCKS him, then stomps away! Ridge CLUBS Duke, the ref reprimands, but Ridge whips Duke to a corner. Duke comes back to BOOT! The fans fire up while Ridge bails out. Duke pursues, and he SMACKS Ridge off the apron! And then off the desk! The fans fire up more, because now Duke clears the desk! But Ridge CLUBS Duke first! Ridge ROCKS Duke, whips him, but Duke reverses! Ridge hits steel steps and hobbles into the ring! Duke pursues again, but Ridge swings. Duke counter punches, RAMS into Ridge, and then slingshots to GERMAN SUPLEX!
The fans fire up as Ridge tumbles out. Duke storms out, drags Ridge up, and puts him in. But then Ridge bails out the side! Duke pursues, bringing the trophy with him! Thea says no, do this the right way. Duke hands the trophy over, but Ridge RAMS Duke into Riley! Riley hobbles away from the crash, and Ridge RAMS Duke into the apron! Ridge shows no mercy as Riley is helped away. Ridge storms in, runs up, LARIAT! Duke sputters, but Ridge drops big elbow after big elbow! Ridge rains down fists, then stalks Duke. The fans boo, but Ridge OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY SUPLEXES! Ridge stalks Duke and stomps him in a corner.
The ref counts, Ridge scoops Duke, and SLAMS him! Ridge eggs Duke on, drags him up, and KNEES him down! Ridge reels Duke in, hoists him up, but Duke fights the lift! Ridge CLUBS Duke, gets Duke up, but Duke slips out the back! Duke ELBOWS Ridge, then dodges him to roll up! TWO, but Duke stands Ridge up. Duke avoids the lariat, kicks low, and he reels Ridge in! But Ridge fights the lift! Duke SWATS the lariat, ELBOWS Ridge, then swings, into a HEADBUTT! Ridge runs to BODY CHECK Duke! Then he suplexes, to a POWERSLAM! The fans boo, but Ridge hauls Duke back up, REDEEMER DDT!! Cover, Ridge wins!
Winner: Ridge Holland, by pinfall
But the win isn’t enough! He beats down Duke, even as Thea shouts for him to stop! Ridge TOSSES Duke out, Thea hurries to Duke’s side, but Ridge storms out after him! Ridge whips Duke into barriers, and the barriers break! The fans lose their minds, Ridge picks up that piece of barrier, and he SLAMS it on Duke’s back!! Thea begs Ridge to show mercy but he does not hear her. Ridge hauls Duke up, brings him in, REDEEMER on the barrier!! The ref calls for help, more refs show up, and Thea shouts at Ridge to go away! Ridge leaves the MVP down and out, has he completely demolished Chase U?
Jordynne Grace crosses paths with Giulia backstage.
The top Knockout nods some respect to the best of Stardom, and then continues on. The Open Challenge is here, who reaches the ring first to face the Juggernaut?
Pete Dunne speaks.
“Trick, this all started when It old you to figure it out. But look at my face! This is the face of a man who’s been figuring it out his whole life. Last night, I took on three geezers, flew all night long, walked up here, ready for a scrap. And you can hide behind your diss tracks and you can hide behind those people out there that you think have your back. But when I walk outta here, head held high, while they pull you outta here on a stretcher, you can lay there, and you can just think to yourself, that no matter how hard you tried, you just couldn’t figure it out. And then watch me, I go on to Chicago, I beat Ethan Page, and I become NXT Champion.
“Cuz I’m not just the Last Man Standing tonight! I’m the Bruiserweight, and I’m NXT’s Last Man Standing!” Dunne shrugs, but will he
MORE news for NXT’s CW debut!
The Most Must-See WWE Talk Show makes its NXT debut as The Miz will be in Chicago! Who will be his special guest? What will happen when The Miz makes NXT awesome?
Wes Lee shows up?
He gets on commentary just to call out Zachary Wentz. They both know why Trey Miguel couldn’t compete tonight, and Wes is why. It started with MSK, it will end with MSK! Chicago, NXT CW, Wes ends this with a Street Fight! Will Chicago see the Cardiac Kid crush Zach once and for all?
TNA Knockouts Championship Open Challenge: Jordynne Grace VS ???
The Juggernaut has returned to NXT and time has come! She wants to fight one of the best, but who makes it out here first? SOL RUCA! The fans fire up, but will Sol be able to ride this wave? Or will Jordynne prove she’s the big kahuna around here?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is a real Knockout!
The bell rings the two circle. The fans rally up, the two tie up, and Jordynne headlocks for a takeover. Sol headscissors, Jordynne kips free but Sol BOOTS the lariat! Sol also ducks the backhand to then trip Jordynne, then handspring! Jordynne avoids the superkick and the fans cheer. The two reset, circle, and tie up. Sol headlocks, but Jordynne powers up to fire body shots. Jordynne back suplexes, Sol lands out then hurdles. Jordynne follows and CLOBBERS Sol! Sol stands but into the GUT WRENCH PLEX! Sol goes to a corner, Jordynne kips up and runs in to ELBOW! Jordynne whips Sol back in, then SPINEBUSTERS! Cover, TWO!
Sol stays in this but Jordynne stays cool. Jordynne fires forearms, then pump handles. Sol fights, moves around, and sends Jordynne to a corner. Sol runs up, but the monkey flip is stopped. Jordynne puts Sol up, SHOVES her, but Sol body scissors to FLING Jordynne out! Sol goes up and up and ASAI MOONSAULTS! Direct hit and down goes Jordynne! The fans fire up and Sol puts Jordynne in. Sol aims, springboards, and SPLASHES down! Cover, TWO! Jordynne stays in this, Sol stays cool, and NXT goes picture in picture.
Sol drags Jordynne up, whips, and then runs in to SPLASH at the corner! Sol snapmares and ghost pins, TWO! Jordynne stands, runs up, but Sol gets around. Jordynne bucks the O’Conner but Sol kips up, and she CLOBBERS Jordynne from behind! Sol stands Jordynne up, tries to fireman’s carry, but Jordynne’s too sturdy for that. Jordynne CLUBS Sol down, goes to a corner, but Sol runs up. Jordynne ELBOWS Sol, then PIGGYBACK THESZ PRESS! Jordynne rains down fast hands, and fires up as she rises. Jordynne drags Sol to a cover, TWO! Sol stays in this but Jordynne stays close. Jordynne pump handles, but Sol fights the lift!
Jordynne KNEES Sol low, KNEES her again, and again! Then she THROWS Sol to a corner. Jordynne then CHOPS Sol! Sol sputters, pushes Jordynne, but Jordynne fires forearms! The ref counts, Jordynne lets off, and she puts Sol in another corner. To CHOP! Jordynne brings Sol around, Sol elbows her, but Jordynne kicks low. Jordynne reels Sol in, suplexes, and holds Sol up! Jordynne waits until TEN before she GOURD BUSTES! Cover, TWO! Jordynne stalks Sol, kicks her, then drags her around to have a leg. Sol kicks Jordynne away, goes to ropes, and NXT returns to single picture. Jordynne RAMS Sol int the corner!
The fans duel as Jordynne puts Sol up top, and SLAPS her! Jordynne tucks Sol in, for a MUSCLE- NO, Sol slips free! Sol runs up, Jordynne dodges, Sol goes up, but Jordynne TRIPOS her! Jordynne hooks Sol up in an Inverse Gory Especial! Sol slips free again, fires hands, and she ROCKS Jordynne! Sol runs, springboard and CROSSBODY! Then she springboards to CROSSBODY again! The fans fire up with Sol and she runs in at the corner! But Jordynne puts Sol on the apron! Sol ROUNDHOUSES, climbs up, and CROSSBODIES gain, but Jordynne rolls through! The fans are thunderous as Jordynne swinging- DDT!! Cover, TWO!!
Sol can’t believe how close she was with that quick turnaround. Sol storms up in the corner, but Jordynne blocks the whip. Jordynne ROCKS Sol, runs up, and WRECKER ELBOWS! Then a scoop, and a POWERSLAM! Then she goes up and up, VADER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Sol survives #GraceUnderPressure and the fans fire up. Jordynne pump handles, but Sol cradle counters! TWO!! SUPERKICK! Sol runs up on Jordynne, goes up and up the ropes, but Jordynne trips her up! URAKEN! And then Jordynne tucks Sol in, MUSCLE BUSTER!! Cover, but the lights go out!! Who is behind this!? When the lights come up, it’s ROSEMARY!
Jordynne tells Rosemary to get outta here, but Wendy Choo is here, too! NIGHT-NIGHT CLUTCH!! The ref calls the bell!
Winner: Jordynne Grace, by disqualification; retains the title
The creepy combo just ruined the match! The fans boo as Rosemary runs the ref off, and Wendy puts Jordynne to bed! Will these two not be satisfied until they ruin everyone’s fun?
Lyra Valkyria & Tatum Paxley talk backstage.
Tatum has her dolls and dollhouse out, and she jabbers on about adding to her collection. She’s so happy Lyra is here, too! She shows off her cast: Roxanne Perez, the champion; Becky Lynch, Lyra’s fav; and… Shayna Baszler. Tatum is upset with Shayna over what she did to Lyra last week on Raw, but it’s okay given last night. Lyra says yeah, these are all very cute… coping mechanisms… But what they need to do is focus on the real-life Rosemary & Wendy, because they’re out of control. Yeah, they are not friends. Look what they just did to Jordynne Grace! Tatum thought Wendy was a friend, but then she was just using Tatum! Can you believe that?
Tatum yanks the head off her new one, and she’s spiraling. Lyra says it is all fine, so long as they are together. They will show those weirdos that there is nothing stopping Lyra & Tatum when they’re on the same page. Tatum says of course! #Tyra4Ever! And they will show Rosemary & Wendy what happens when you don’t play nice. Now, can they get the head back on the new doll? Lyra tries, but this is more about getting heads on straight. Which wacky combo will win out when “Tyra” collides with the assassin and the psycho?
Ava Raine meets with Giulia and Funaki!
The Japanese legend is here to help interpret between the two, and Ava says congrats on her debut victory, it was very impressive. Giulia says in English, “Thank you, Ava.” Ava knows there was a lot of hype, and now Giulia is here, it has not disappointed. Ava is ready to see how Giulia helps this Women’s Division grow stronger. But then in steps Roxanne Perez. She’s sarcastic as she says she’s surprised there’s no red carpet, given the new star has been handed everything she wants. Right to the NXT Women’s Championship for the CW debut!
Look, Giulia, Roxie doesn’t care what you’ve done in Japan. She doesn’t care what Giulia wants, what Ava wants, or what HBK wants. Giulia is NOT coming in here and just taking over Roxie’s NXT. Funaki translates but she got this. Giulia tells Roxie that she does understand. Roxie is scared! And she should be! Roxie says she’s not scared, but Ava says save it for Chicago. The Prodigy pouts, but will she have something to really be upset about when she succumbs to the Beautiful Madness?
Brooks Jensen is backstage.
And he confronts Dion Lennox. What was that about “gaslighting?” Dion says he just simply meant Shawn Spears is manipulating what Jensen thinks and knows so- The Chair Man steps in. He didn’t realize these two were friends. They’re not. Dion just wants Jensen to keep what he said in mind. Dion leaves, Spears asks what that meant, and Jensen says Dion thinks Spear is gaslighting Jensen. Wow… Another guy around here trying to tell Jensen what to think instead of letting him make his own decisions. Spears asked last week, and he asks again, what does Jensen believe? Because that is all that matters.
Jensen hesitates, so Spears says he understands. He really does. The difference between him and the others is that Spears lets Jensen decide for himself. Dion is just acting like the kind of friend that Briggs and Fallon were. Jensen frowns, Spears heads out, and now we look over at Eddy Thorpe, Karmen Petrovic, and a few other ladies, walking and talking together. Ashante THEE Adonis sees this and cannot believe it. DJ Plutonic is a hypocrite, acting like he ain’t interested in the ladies. He played Ashante! Man, no one played anyone. Eddy told him the truth, Ashante just has a one track mind.
Ashante says pause, rewind. Save it, Eddy, he sees right through you. Ashante leaves, the ladies shrug that off. Will he realize that doing things honestly is better than doing things Adonisly?
NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Last Man Standing Match: Trick Williams VS Pete Dunne!
No more talk, it is time to #FigureItOut! Will Trick add on to that shiner Dunne got last night on Raw? Or will The Bruiserweight redeem himself by ruining Trick’s road back to the title?
The introductions are made, the stakes are raised, and we see who heads for the Windy City!
The bell rings and the fans fire up as they star down. The hands start flying and the fans fire up more! Dunne shoves, Trick dodges him, then BODY SHOTS! UPPERCUTS! Run and LARIAT! The fans are thunderous as Trick fires back up, and he runs up on Dunne. Dunne DUMPS Trick out, then PLANCHAS! Down goes Trick but he stands up quick. Dunne hurries after Trick and ROCKS him! Trick leans against Barriers, but Dunne whips him hard into steel steps! Trick falls, the count starts, but Trick is up at 2. Dunne CHOPS him, but Trick CHOPS back! And CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! The fans fire up with Trick as he drags Dunne up.
Trick pushes Dunne onto the apron, brings him up, but Dunne fights! Truck tries again, Dunne still fights, and now he BACKDROPS Trick on the apron! Trick falls, the count is on both men, but NXT goes picture in picture.
Dunne stands at 4 of 10, Trick follows at 5, but Dunne POSTS him! Trick falls over, Dunne grabs a chair, and he brings Trick over. Dunne SMACKS Trick off the seat, then he confiscates the timekeeper’s table! Dunne brings Trick over, underhooks, but Trick pries free! Trick trips Dunne, then CATAPULTS him into the POST! Dunne checks his face, but Trick SMACKS him off the apron! Trick follows Dunne around the way, CHOPS him, then stalks him more. Dunne snatches a fan sign! Trick snatches that to SMACK Dunne with it! Then he CHOPS Dunne down! The fans fire up more as Trick THROWS Dunne into barriers!
The standing count starts, but Trick prepares something. He pulls the steel steps apart! Trick storms over but Dunne mule kicks! Trick drops the steps and falls back! Dunne takes the steps for his own, and he SMACKS Trick off them! And again! And again! And again! And again! Dunne fishhooks Trick’s face, twists his head around, then CLUBS him against the steps! Dunne drags Trick up, puts him in, and then paces. Trick slowly sits up, but Dunne stomps hi s hands! And BOOTS him down! Dunne paces, and then BUZZSAWS! NXT returns to single picture, Dunne kicks low, but Trick blocks! Trick rises up and he UPPERCUTS!
Dunne wobbles, into the LEG LARIAT! And LEG LAIRAT! Trick FLAPJACKS Dunne then kips up! The fans fire up with Trick, and he cartwheels to lift Dunne up, BOOKEND! Trick says count his ass! The count begins, and Dunne sputters at 3. Dunne rolls at 4 and gets out so he stands by default. Trick storms over but Dunne pulls Trick’s hair! Dunne ROCKS Trick, then goes to get a chair! Dunne brings the chair in to JAM Trick up! Dunne puts Trick’s hands on the chair, to FULL METAL STOMP! Trick shouts in pain, and Dunne BUZZ- NO, Trick ducks the kick! Trick JAMS Dunne with the chair! And then NECKBREAKER on the chair!
The fans count along, Dunne sits up at 4 and crawls at 6. But Trick is right on Dunne, to INVERTED- NO, Dunne slips free to GERMAN SUPLEX! Trick avoids the chair, but then Dunne CLOBBERS him! Trick swipes at Dunne but Dunne stomps away! Dunne grabs the chair, wedges it in the corner, then he drags Trick up. Dunne RAMS Trick into the chair! Trick falls, the count starts, but Dunne goes out to fetch the chair. Dunne puts the chair back in, but Trick bails out to stand at 7. But Dunne SMACKS Trick off the steel steps, then BOOTS him down! The count starts again, but now Dunne is pulling up floor mats!
Trick stands at 8 but Dunne is right on him! Dunne underhooks, but Trick fights the lift! Trick trips Dunne, has the legs, but Dunne sit sup to fire hands! Dunne reels Trick in! DDT on bare concrete!! Trick sputters and the count begins! Dunne stands at 6, Trick stirs at 7 and rises at 9!! Dunne CHOPS Trick! Trick flounders into the ring, but Dunne slithers after him. Trick rises, Dunne runs up, BOOT! Trick drops to his knees, then to the mat. But Dunne won’t wait, he stomps away on Trick! Dunne lets Trick flounder as the count starts again. Trick stirs at 7, drags himself up with ropes, and stands at 9.5!!
Dunne runs up, into a POP-UP UPPERCUT! Trick won’t wait for the count, he runs up, but Dunne sends him into buckles! Pump handle, BITTER END!! Dunne steps back, the count is climbing! Trick sputters, is still down at 7, but he pushes himself up at 8! And stands up at 9.9!! But now Dunne has a chair! Trick avoids the shot, avoids another, and then ROLLING BOOTS the chair into Dunne’s face!! The fans fire up as the count climbs! Dunne is dazed and down at 6! 7! 8! Dunne springs to life! TRICK SHOT!! Dunne is down again and the count restarts! Dunne’s down at 5! At 7! 8! 9, but Dunne springs to life again!!
Trick is furious, but he storms out to clear the desk! The fans are thunderous, as these two crashed through that last week to set this up! But then Dunne grabs Trick, to POWERBOMB him through the desk hood!! The fans lose their minds, the count begins again, and Trick flounders at 6! Trick drags himself up with the barriers, and he’s up at 9! Dunne whips Trick into barriers! And then he drags Trick up onto them! Trick falls into the front row! Fans have to move as Dunne drags Trick through the crowd and to the perch!! The fans are going nuts as Dunne CLOBBERS Trick with the stanchion! And again!
Dunne reels Trick in, but Trick fights the suplex! Trick pries free to ROCK Dunne! Dunne holds onto Trick but Trick fires more shots! Dunne hits back! Trick swings, but Dunne gets him! SUPER RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP off the perch and down through the tables!!! The fans really lose their minds this time! The ref checks both men, and the count begins! Ethan Page shows up!? He shouts at Trick to stay down and for Dunne to get up! But Trick stands at 7! Ethan runs up, but Trick BACKDROPS him through the desk!! That’s what Ethan gets! Trick is standing, Dunne is not, TRICK WINS!!
Winner: Trick Williams (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT Championship)
The fans are thunderous, Trick IS the Last Man Standing! Trick did #FigureItOut, and now he just has to humble All Ego. Will the winds of change blow in the Windy City when NXT goes to the CW?
Ava, Stone & Stevie finish watching the match.
All agreed, it was an incredible main event. Ava also finishes up a phone call. It’s all set for next week, so just let her know if they need anything. Ava says bye, and Stevie asks who that was. It was CM Punk. He’s coming to NXT next week! Whoa, what about Chicago? Well he’ll still do that, of course, but he has something big planned for Chicago, so he wants to announce it next week. Wow, okay! The Best in the World is coming to Orlando, what will his big news be?
My Thoughts:
An awesome NXT here as not just part of WWE Week but also as the countdown to moving to CW. Great NXT Tag Team Championship match to open, and a shame The Rascalz could not compete. While Wes Lee logically takes credit in kayfabe, it was surely an undisclosed injury concern for Trey. But Wes VS Zach in a Chicago Street Fight will be awesome stuff for that CW debut, and I’m thinking Wes wins that to tie the series up, forcing a tiebreaker for a bigger event down the line. And then to the tag title match, it was awesome, but I did not think The Bloodline would show up to “ruin” it. I suppose with Profits jumping in, it was fitting that Bloodline would want to beat them down just because they can, and that adds fire to SmackDown.
Very good first match in NXT for Giulia, Chelsea was the right choice because for one, she’s great in the ring, and also because most fans love seeing her lose. Also good encounter between Giulia and Jordynne, and then good bit with Ava, Roxanne, and the returning Funaki! I knew Giulia was going to respond in English, she’s been working on that ever since she started working with NJPW and specifically NJPW Strong, the American branch. Giulia has got to be winning on the CW debut, it’s the convergence of everything: Giulia is legit great; NXT needs to shake things up with the channel change; and Roxie has done so much already, time to move on to RawDown.
Great stuff with the NXT Women’s Division in preparing for the Open Challenge. Fatal Influence talking down about non-WWE wrestlers is even more foolish than them disliking NIL talent and stuff, but that’s what makes them good Heels. Jaida wanting to take that bat to them was also a good detail, and while Jaida doesn’t want anyone’s help, I’m pretty sure the next 3v1 beatdown convinces her otherwise. Jaida, Lola, possibly Kelani as Fatal Influence seems to be pestering her most of all, that is a good three woman team for a Six Woman Tag that then gives us a Women’s North American Championship match at some point.
Great Knockouts title match from Jordynne and Sol. Sol was a great choice because for one, she wasn’t anywhere in the promos so she was a real surprise. Sol is also really solid, so she gave Jordynne just the match she needed. But then I was rather surprised Rosemary & Wendy Choo attacked during that match. I suppose that’s a way to keep Sol protected, she wasn’t gonna win the title anyway, and it also adds to the TNA side because I’m sure Rosemary will come after the title herself. Good promo video from Rosemary & Wendy and good response promo from Lyra & Tatum. Their tag match will be a lot of fun, but I would think Lyra & Tatum win.
Great Heritage Cup Championship match, especially with Je’Von Evans not having done Heritage Cup Round matches before. But there was a tiny Easter Egg that gave away, at least to me, that Tavion was going to be a deciding factor. Tavion was part of the NQCC graphic last week, but was then missing in the graphic for tonight. Therefore, they wanted us to not think Tavion was gonna be here, and then “surprise,” he was! NQCC probably has more matches with Je’Von & Cedric and maybe we circle back to the Cup, but it’s Cedric who challenge Dempsey. As great as Evans is already at just 20, it’d be even greater if Cedric got something more after waiting so long.
Great bit with NXT Anonymous giving the heads-up on the mystery man and Tony D, and then just a great match from Oba and Hammerstone. Oba of course wins to continue showing his dominance, and the ball is now in Tony’s court. Not sure what he’ll resort to, but depending on what he does, it could turn him back into Heel Don. Fans do still like Tony so I don’t know if they’d do that, but at the same time, the fans really like Oba. But Heel Tony would be a way to shake things up as NXT moves into a new phase.
We got good promo segues this week, with Hank ‘n’ Tank getting their match with The Good Brothers turning into Duke calling out Ridge before their match. That was a great match, and I figured Ridge would win, but they did a good job of Ridge basically wiping out all the Chase U men in one go here. Riley hobbled away “hurt” and Ridge puts Duke down with the piece of barrier, this is gonna come down to Mr. Chase making a heroic return and overcoming Ridge. In much the same way the feud of McIntyre and Punk has been about two people with very different views of each other, this could be a very powerful, character driven feud for Chase U and Ridge that ultimately leads someone to the next level, aka a singles championship opportunity.
Jensen, Dion and Spears had a good promo where Spears is basically doing just what Dion said, and it is sadly working. And then good segue to Ashante being all upset from misunderstanding how Eddy lives his life. They’ll of course have it out in the ring now, but I can’t be sure Ashante’s endgame. Will he end up finding a woman in NXT who digs his style and he can stop flirting with every female he sees? And good promo from Lexis, though his beard style continues to baffle me. Oro going after him was great, though, they are definitely moving into part two where they’ll have a much more competitive and aggressive match. Oro will surely win, forcing the tiebreaker, and that will have a stipulation. But hopefully they change the formula this time where Oro wins, not Lexis.
And of course, great stuff going into the Last Man Standing Match. Ethan had a good promo, but clearly after the match, we saw he did care about who he was facing, and he just didn’t want it being Trick. Good promos from Trick and Dunne, as well, and then an awesome match from them. It didn’t go quite as wild as the fans were expecting, it was really just the chair and the steps being used, but that’s because they saved it all for that fall off the perch. Great win for Trick, and Ethan VS Trick is definitely the way to go for the CW debut. That match probably could go either way, I could see them wanting Trick to be the Face of NXT on CW, and he’s a Face cuz he’s the good guy, but I could also see this being Ethan winning to send Trick to RawDown.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Will the Best of the Super Juniors become the Face of NEVER?
Hiromu Takahashi has done so much as a Junior Heavyweight, but now he takes on The Face of Fury, Henare, for the NEVER Openweight Championship!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – Yuji Nagata & Ryusuke Taguchi w/ Red Kiba VS Fighter Y & Fighter N w/ Fighters D & F; Nagata & Taguchi win.
- Shoma Kato VS Jakob Austin Young; Jakob wins.
- Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita VS Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Katsuya Murashima; ZSJ & Fujita win.
- Shota Umino & Jado VS Ren Narita & SHO; Ren & Sho win.
- Tomohiro Ishii & Tomoaki Honma VS Gabe Kidd & Jake Lee; Gabe & Jake win.
- 8 Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg & Tiger Mask VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
- DOUKI & Taka Michinoku VS Taiji Ishimori & Gedo; Douki & Taka win.
- 8 Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS The United Empire; The United Empire wins.
- NEVER Openweight Championship: HENARE VS Hiromu Takahashi; Henare wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Kickoff – Yuji Nagata & Ryusuke Taguchi w/ Red Kiba VS Fighter Y & Fighter N w/ Fighters D & F!
Go Go Power Ran- Wait, no, it’s not quite that. But Blue Justice and the green clad Funky Weapon will battle the forces of evil, supported by the red ranger! Will they score a W or an L against Y & N?
The teams sort out and after a photo op, Nagata starts against- Oh no! D, F, Y & N all go after the heroes! Red Kiba jumps away but it is a mugging of 4v2! The bell rings to get this on record, and D kicks Taguchi out of the ring. The ref reprimands as N fires forearms on Nagata in the corner. N stomps a mudhole, Y keeps after Taguchi on the outside! N whips corner to corner, forearms mashes, then fires up! The fans rally surprisingly rally for “SENTOIN! SENTOIN!” That is to say, they’re cheering on Fighter N! N runs in, Nagata BOOTS him! Nagata DECKS N, drags him up, and snapmares to KICK him in the back!
The fans rally as Nagata tags in Taguchi. Taguchi storms up on N to CLUB him again and again! N CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Taguchi HIP ATTACKS! The fans cheer, and Taguchi poses. He powers up, poses some more, then SLIDING HIPS! The fans cheer, and Taguchi fires more HIPS into N! Taguchi eggs N on, HIP ATTACKS, then covers, TWO! The fans rally, Taguchi drags N up to kick low. Taguchi runs, but F trips him up! F drags Taguchi out and sends him into railing! Y goes after Nagata, the ref reprimands all the Fighters, but F grabs a bottle of water to SPLASH Taguchi in the face! N & Y finally leave Nagata alone and fans rally.
Wait, now F put a bucket on Taguchi’s head and SMACKS him with the mop! Red Kiba tells F to back off, but F calls in D! Red Kiba isn’t afraid, and he steps forward. D & F trip over themselves while Red Kiba checks Taguchi. Taguchi gets to his feet, and he fires forearms on F! F hits back, and whips Taguchi into railing! The fans boo but F puts Taguchi in the ring. N stomps Taguchi, fires up, then stomps him more. But Taguchi CHOPS back! And fires a flurry of forearms! The fans cheer, Taguchi CLUBS N, then stomps him. Taguchi runs, comes back, and CLOBBERS N! Taguchi stomps N, but F gets on the apron!
The ref stops F from getting in, but Taguchi runs up to DROPKICK F down! The fans cheer and Taguchi runs to HIP ATTACK N! Hot tag to Nagata! The fans fire up as Nagata KICKS! And KICKS! And KICKS! N falls and the fans cheer! Nagata drags N up, ROCKS him, then whips him corner to corner, Nagata runs in to BOOT N! Nagata brings N around to clinch, but N fights it! Y runs in to CLUB Nagata! N & Y mug Nagata, but Nagata DECKS Y, and BOOTS N! Nagata brings N up but N fires a forearm! But Nagata snatches N to a FUJIWARA! Then he steps over, MOUNTED ARMBAR! Taguchi wants in?
The fans fire up and Nagata reaches out to tag Taguchi! Taguchi climbs, N stands, Taguchi leaps, then just lands to DECK N! The fans cheer, but N CHOPS! And CHOPS! N DECKS Taguchi, stomps him, then tags Y! Y storms up to kick Taguchi and fire forearms. Y runs, and he CLBOBERS Taguchi! The fans cheer, Y fires up, and Y goes back for Taguchi. Y CLUBS Taguchi, whips, and DROPKICKS! The fans fire up, Y crawls around before he covers, TWO! Taguchi stays in this but Y stays fired up. Y grabs the legs, but Taguchi kicks Y away! Taguchi and Y rise up, and Taguchi blocks a kick to DRAGON SCREW! And OH MY GAH ANKLE!
Y flails, N run sin, but Nagata intercepts! Nagata fights N down to the JUST FACELOCK! Y taps, the heroes win!
Winners: Yuji Nagata & Ryusuke Taguchi, by submission
D & F are upset, their plans to take over NJPW have been foiled! Red Kiba applauds and steps in to celebrate with Blue & Green! Wait, Red Kiba and F get mics. Red Kiba tells the losers to get out of here, because Earth and NJPW are under his protection! But F, who sounds like a certain Rogue Luchador, tells them that this is far from over! They will come back for more! And D says you will see them again in Tokyo Dome City Theater from September 11th through to September 16th. Red Kiba says yes, everyone may watch the battle of good and evil, and know that good will always win. F says in that case, hopefully everyone also gets a chance to take photos with the heroes.
The fans rally for Red Kiba and his super friends, but F says hold on! He hurries around the back, and brings out the special promotional panel! Everyone holds it up together, be ready for Go Go Loser Rangers!
8 Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS The United Empire!
Tetsuya Naito & Bushi lost out to TMDK last night, but that was only a sample of what could be. This will be a sample of what’s to come, as Naito & Bushi are now joined by Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji against Great-O-Khan, Jeff Cobb, Callum Newman & Francesco Akira! Will the Uncontrollable Charisma be tranquilo ahead of the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship match? Or will LIJ be conquered by The Empire?
The fans rally for “O-KHAN! O-KHAN!” but then the “NA-I-TO!” counters it. The teams sort out, and though Yota stares down with Cobb, he joins the rest in the LIJ fist bump. The fans applaud, but then LIJ attacks! The bell rings, LIJ TOSSES out Khan, Callum & Akira, so Yota does start against Cobb after all. Naito stands over Khan and mocks him with an arms-behind-his-back pose. Yota whips Cobb to ropes, Cobb reverses, Yota RAN- NO! Cobb stops the rana and he brings Yota up. Yota fires hands, slips free, then dodges. Yota comes back to tilt-o-whirl and arm-drag! Cobb tumbles, the fans fire up, and Yota runs up.
Cobb dodges, drops down, then DROPKICKS! Cobb mocks the tranquilo! The fans cheer, and Cobb says “Choto matte!” Cobb steps on Yota, then pretends he didn’t see Yota there. Cobb drags Yota up, bumps him off buckles, and tags Akira. Akira throws hands, then brings Yota out. Yota takes a swing, Akira dodges and CHOPS! Akira whips but Yota blocks! Yota reverses, Akira ducks ‘n’ dodges and RANAS! Yota staggers up, Akira DROPKICKS him down! The fans fire up, “A! KIRA! A! KIRA!” Akira runs in to LARIAT! Akira keeps moving, but Yota scoops to a BACKBREAKER! Then Naito BLASTS Khan off the apron!
The rest of LIJ goes after the rest of The Empire, and the fans rally up. Naito pulls Khan along by his ponytail! Other Empire members are sent into railing, and then Naito whips Khan into railing! Yota keeps Akira down with a chinlock, then he scoops to SLAM! Yota runs to SPLASH DOWN! Cover, TWO! Tag to Bushi and he stomps Akira. Bushi whips Akira to ropes, dropkicks the legs out, then covers, TWO! The fans rally, Bushi stomps Akira, then tags Naito. The fans rally up more as Naito brings Akira up. Akira fires forearms, but Naito just SPITS at him! Naito fires forearms, then he turns Akira, holds him, and NECKBREAKER!
Naito poses, then he mocks Khan with his arms behind his back again. The fans applaud but Khan is annoyed. Khan storms in, but Naito drop toeholds! Yota basement dropkicks! Khan tumbles out, Naito tags Takagi in. The fans rally as Takagi drags Akira up. Takagi suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! Takagi steps on Akira, kicks him around, but Akira fires forearms! Takagi ROCKS Akira right back! The fans rally as Akira fires more forearms! Takagi DECKS Akira in return! Akira fires up and comes back for more! Akira fires a flurry, but Takagi eggs him on! Akira SOBATS, but Takagi ELBOWS! JABS! Akira ENZIGIRIS!
Akira runs, but Takagi LARIATS at ropes! Takagi runs, but Akira victory rolls, STOMP 182! The fans are thunderous as both men are down! And we’ve only hit five minutes! Tag to Callum and he BLASTS Bushi! The fans fire up as Callum runs in, but Takagi tosses him up high! Callum lands safe on the apron, RAMS into Takagi, then gets moving. Callum ducks ‘n’ dodges, then BOOTS! Takagi rebounds to RUN Callum over! Callum kips up to ENZIGIRI! The fans fire up but Yota kicks Callum. But Callum trips Yota to DOUBLE STOMP! Callum kips up again and the fans fire up. Callum runs corner to corner to UPPERCUT Takagi!
Callum rolls and comes back, ROUNDHOUSE! Snapmare and PENALTY KICK! Then STANDING MOONSAULT, onto knees! Takagi saves himself, but Callum is back up! Only for Takagi to ELBOW! JAB! YUKON feint and DDT! Callum handsprings through!? And he springboards to OS- NO, Takagi stops the cutter, shoves Callum to ropes, but Callum Spider-Man rebounds to HEEL KICK! Takagi comes back to PUMPING BOMBER! The fans are thunderous again while both men are down! Callum crawls, as does Takagi, hot tags to Naito and Khan! Naito ducks Khan’s boot to CLUB away on him again and again!
Naito whips, arm-drags, then ELBOWS Khan down, to then basement dropkick! The fans rally, Naito brings Khan up and whips to a corner. Naito ELBOWS Khan, pushes him, then goes up. Naito reels Khan in by the ponytail, for ESPERANZA! Khan tumbles and the fans rally as Naito aims again. Khan rises, Naito runs up, but Khan BOOTS him! The fans fire up while both men are down! Khan drags Naito up as fans rally, and Khan fires Mongolian Chops! And Mongolian Chops! And Mongolian Chops again! Naito falls, but Khan clamps on the IRON CLAW! Khan drags Naito up, but Naito fights free and throws heavy elbows!
Khan shoots around, trips Naito, and puts on the KNEEBAR! Naito fights up, fights free, but Khan goes for the legs again. Naito blocks, ENZIGIRIS, and he brings Khan in, TORNADO- NO! Khan stops the DDT to OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! The fans fire up again while both men are down! Naito and Khan crawl, hot tag to Bushi! Bushi runs to BLAST Akira and- Well, no, Cobb stays up. So Bushi dropkicks the legs out! Cobb falls, Bushi goes up, then leaps, MISSILE DROPKICK! Khan tumbles and fans fire up for the Bushirooni! LIJ steps in, Takagi & Bushi double whip Khan corner to corner. Bushi runs in to ELBOW!
Takagi runs in to LARIAT! Feed to the GENE TRIGGER, then BACKSTABBER! Cover, Callum breaks it! Yota TOSSES Callum, we hit ten minutes and Bushi drags Khan up. But Akira SUPERKICKS first! Yota RUNS AKira over! Yota kicks Cobb, whips, but Cobb reverses to scoop, ATHLETIC PLEX! Takagi storms up but Cobb ELBOWS! JABS! And YUKON- NO, Takagi dodges to then PUMPING BOMBER! The fans are thunderous again! Callum returns, Takagi kicks and whips but Callum reverses to run in and DROPKICK! Callum spins, but Bushi ducks the kick to ENZIGIRI! Khan is back but Bushi enzigiris then REWIND HEELS!
Khan stands to IRON RIGHT!! The ref reprimands but the Monster Rage is boiling! HITSUJIGOROSHI, into FLATLINER! And then IRON CLAW, for the ELIMINATOR!! Akira keeps Naito stuck outside, Khan covers, The Empire wins!
Winners: The United Empire, by pinfall
The Black Mask took the fall for his team, and that means The Dominator stands tall! But will the KOPW Champion be the one headed for the King Of Pro-Wrestling in Ryogoku? Or will Naito keep things tranquilo on this Road to Destruction?
In fact, Naito is so tranquilo that he joins commentary! And it makes sense, he’s about to watch the fifth man of LIJ step up to the plate!
NEVER Openweight Championship: HENARE VS Hiromu Takahashi!
We just saw the Empire conquer the ungovernable, and now The Face of Fury looks to finish it! But will he make the Ticking Timebomb self-destruct? Or is this the moment that the Best of the Super Juniors starts to move up the mountain?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who NEVER gives in!
The bell rings and the two run in! They RAM shoulders, and then RAM again! And RAM again! Hiromu keeps staggering back while Henare stays solid! Hiromu just grins, and he CHOPS! Then he ducks a shot to CHOP and CHOP! Henare takes swings but Hiromu bobs ‘n’ weaves. Hiromu CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOPS again! Hiromu whips, Henare reverses, and they RAM shoulders again! Hiromu drops to a knee, but he dodges Henare to RAM him! Henare actually staggers back! Hiromu follows, FLYING SHOULDER, but he bounces off Henare! The fans rally while Hiromu bails out and Henare roars!
Henare paces while waiting on Hiromu. Hiromu shakes it off and goes around the way. The fans rally, but then Henare storms up to the ropes. Hiromu backs off, and Red Shoes has Henare back off. Henare gets annoyed now, but then he slides out! Hiromu sends him into railing! The front row has to watch out, because Hiromu sends Henare into more railing! The fans rally and duel as Hiromu storms up. Hiromu whips, but Henare reverses, and now Hiromu hits railing! But Hiromu roars! Hiromu runs up, but gets run over! The fans fire up, and Henare looms over Hiromu. Red Shoes wants this in the ring, but Henare RAMS Hiromu into more railing!
Henare drags Hiromu up, to whip into more railing! Hiromu tumbles through the gate and flops onto the floor. Red Shoes insists they get this in the ring, and Henare drags Hiromu back up. Henare CHOPS Hiromu! Henare takes a fighting stance while he watches Hiromu sputter. The ring count starts, Henare storms up on Hiromu, and he drags Hiromu back with a headlock. Henare puts Hiromu in the ring, but then gets annoyed as the fans rally for “HI-RO-MU! HI-RO-MU!” Henare storms in and he drags Hiromu up, but Hiromu CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS again! Henare CHOPS Hiromu down, and the fans fire up!
Hiromu clutches his stinging chest, but Henare sits him up, to KICK in the back! Hiromu goes to a corner, Henare storms over, and the fans rally again. Henare nods, and he stands Hiromu up to fire forearm after forearm! Red Shoes reprimands but Henare lets off. Henare then drags Hiromu up, but Hiromu fires forearms in return! Henare eggs Hiromu on, so Hiromu fires forearm after forearm! The fans fire up, and then Henare LARIATS! Henare fireman’s carries, WASTELAND SLAM and SENTON! Hiromu clutches his ribs, Henare pushes him to a cover, TWO! Henare frowns but the fans rally as Hiromu stays in this.
Henare drags Hiromu back up, fireman’s carries, but Hiromu fights free! Henare kicks low, whips, but Hiromu reverses! Hiromu then goes around and he RANAS! Henare tumbles away and the fans fire up! Henare goes to ropes, shakes out the stars, and Hiromu goes to the other side. Hiromu drags himself up, Henare runs in. Hiromu BOOTS Henare, then has a HANGING HEADSCISSORS! Red Shoes counts, Hiromu lets off, and then he drags Henare out! Hiromu shoves Henare away, goes up to the apron, and then FLYING SHOTGUN DROPKICKS! The fans fire up while both men are down on the floor!
Hiromu rises and roars and the fans fire up with him! Hiromu then drops back to his knees, still needing to catch his breath. Henare sits up, Hiromu goes over to him, and he brings Henare into the ring. The fans applaud, and Hiromu hurries to bring Henare up. Hiromu suplexes, but Henare fights it! Henare suplexes, but Hiromu fights it! They fight for control and Henare suplexes Hiromu up and over! But Hiromu lands out! Hiromu catches Henare’s haymaker to reel him in, but Henare suplexes again! Henare knees free, gets around, backslide, roll through! Hiromu suplexes for a FALCON ARROW! The fans are fired up and Hiromu covers, TWO!
The fans rally as Hiromu grits his teeth and clutches his back. Henare stirs, goes for a corner, and Hiromu rises. Hiromu runs corner to corner, and LARIATS! Hiromu then snapmares and runs, into a POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! The fans fire up again while both men are down! Henare growls as he rises, and the fans rally behind “HE-NA-RE!” now! Hiromu sputters and Henare storms over. Henare drags Hiromu up, around, and clamps on a half nelson! Hiromu fights as Henare goes for the full nelson, so Henare CLUBS him down! Henare CLUBS Hiromu more, growls, and we pass 10 minutes.
Henare drags Hiromu up, whips, but Hiromu stops himself! Hiromu runs up, RAN- NO! Henare stops the rana to bring Hiromu up, for a POWER- NO, Hiromu DDTS out of it! The fans fire up and Hiromu dodges Henare to wheelbarrow and COMPLETE SHOT! Both men are down again and the fans fire up! Henare sputters, stirs, and the fans rally harder as he and Hiromu spot each other. They egg each other on as they crawl to center. The fans rally more, and both men stand. They go forehead to forehead, then Hiromu CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Henare KICKS! Hiromu sputters as he backs up to the ropes!
The fans fire up more while Henare checks his chest. No blood yet, but he and Hiromu step back up. Hiromu CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Henare snarls and powers up to KICK! Both men step back to ropes, but Hiromu has a wry smile. Hiromu comes back and the fans rally for him, as he CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS! Henare KICKS! Both men pace around, neither willing to stop! Hiromu CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS, and Henare KICKS! CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! KICK! CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! KICK! AND KICK! Hiromu staggers back to ropes and Henare roars! Hiromu runs up to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Henare drops to a knee!!
Hiromu nudges Henare to egg him on, so Henare KICKS! And KICKS! Hiromu rebounds off ropes, into a KICK! And then rebounds again, into another KICK! Hiromu drops to a knee and a fist! We can see Henare’s name on the tape, and the fans are thunderous for “HI-RO-MU!” Hiromu CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! But Henare KICKS again! Hiromu wobbles, mouth open, and then he drops to his knees! Henare backs up, winds up, and KICKS! But Hiromu rises!?! Henare KICKS him back down!! Cover, TWO!! RUGBY KICK!! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives, the fans are thunderous, and we pass 15 minutes!
Henare sits and watches Hiromu. Hiromu is still in this, so Henare vows to end this! Henare drags Hiromu up, fisherman and STREETS- NO, Hiromu slips free, ducks an elbow, and fires off palm strikes! And a COUNTER STRIKE! Hiromu wobbles but he roars, runs, and HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER! Henare stays up!! Hiromu goes to a corner, but he ducks the Native Knee! RUNNING POWERBOMB!! High stack, TWO!! Henare survives and the fans fire up again! Hiromu drags Henare up, but Henare BODY BLOWS! But Hiromu ducks the heel kick to HEADBUTT, and SUPERKICK! Hiromu runs, but Henare LARIATS him down!
The fans fire up again while Henare wobbles. Henare drops to a knee while catching his breath, but then he storms over to cover, ONE?!? Henare is stunned that Hiromu is still in this! Hiromu runs up, but Henare LARIATS him back down! Hiromu rises, staggers and stumbles, but he stays on his feet as he goes along ropes. Hiromu runs up, into a LARIAT! But Hiromu roars and rises again! The fans are thunderous, and Hiromu swats a lariat! And another! And he SUPERKICKS! Hiromu runs, but he dodges the headbutt! Henare rebounds, into a SNAP BELLY2BELLY!! A rough landing for Henare but he still rises up!
Hiromu aims, runs, and HIROMU-CHAN- HENARE LARIAT!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Henare is furious but the fans are thunderous! Henare drags Hiromu up, clamps on the half nelson, but Hiromu fights the full! Henare almost has it! ULTIMA NELSON!! Hiromu is caught, he reaches out, but he drops to his knees! Red Shoes checks, the fans rally up, and Hiromu gets a second wind! Hiromu fights, but Henare drags him back! Henare puts on all the pressure he can, and Red Shoes checks again! Hiromu fades, sits down, but he gets a third wind! Henare is shocked to see Hiromu rising up again! The fans rally as hard as they can as we hit 20 minutes!
Hiromu fights but Henare spins him! URENAGE!! Cover, TWO?!?!? The fans are thunderous and Henare is stunned! Henare drags Hiromu up, STREETS OF- CRUCIFIX DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!!! Henare survives that quick turnaround but Hiromu rises up again! Hiromu runs, but into a BERSERKER BOMB!! Henare can’t make the cover, but he pounds the mat as he rises again. The fans rally, and Hiromu is in a corner, NATIVE KNEE! Henare roars, but Hiromu wrenches!? HIROMU-CHAN ROLL!! TWO!!!! Hiromu pleads with Red Shoes, but Henare still got out in time! Hiromu turns around, into the RAMPAGE!!! Cover, TWO!?!?!
The fans are electric as Hiromu continues to defy expectations! Henare grows frustrated, but he still has one move that can end this. Henare points to the skies and roars! Henare drags Hiromu up, fisherman and STREETS- DESTROYER?!?! Hiromu hurries to cover, TWO!!!! Henare survives but Hiromu pounds the mat! Korakuen Hall is erupting as Hiromu dares Henare to get up! Hiromu powers up and runs, HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!!! Hiromu won’t end here, he drags Henare up to fireman’s carry! TIMEBOMB!!! Cover, TWO!?!?!? Hiromu can’t believe it but Henare’s survived his best shot!
Hiromu again pleads with Red Shoes, but no, Henare did get out before three. Hiromu hobbles up, but now he grins and says here goes! Hiromu drags Henare up, dragon sleepers, but Henare spins it around! Hiromu fights free, HEADBUTTS, and SUPERKICKS! Henare wobbles, but then he HEADBUTTS back!! Henare roars, fisherman, but he blocks Hiromu’s cradle! STREETS OF RAGE!!!! Cover, Henare wins!!
Winner: Henare, by pinfall (still NEVER Openweight Champion)
Hiromu proved why he’s the Best of the Super Juniors, and proved that he’s so much more than that, but he still couldn’t conquer this new summit! Naito leaves commentary to be by his friend’s side, and Henare shows Hiromu respect for this battle. Takagi also returns to ringside to check on Hiromu. Will Hiromu be able to rise up so this next level one day? Or was this his limit?
Wait, Henare is eyeing Takagi. Henare won this title back in June to kick off New Japan Soul, but perhaps that wasn’t enough. Takagi goes to the mic and tells Henare, “That was a hell of a fight!” The fans cheer that! Takagi then says, “After watching that, I can’t help myself. Henare! I am your next challenger!” The fans like that idea! Takagi says how about September 29th, in Kobe? Fans like the idea even more now! Henare takes the mic to tell “Takagi Senshi <Warrior>,” if he wants Kobe, then he’s got it! LET’S GO! The fans fire up as the challenge has been accepted, Destruction in Kobe is going to see an epic rematch!
Takagi leaves, will he take the NEVER title in an effort to make a match with Naito #WinnerTakesAll? As for Henare, he closes with a Maori Haka to show he is ready for another battle! Will the Face of Fury NEVER given in and NEVER be stopped?
My Thoughts:
Another great night for Road to Destruction, and great continuation for all the stories from last night. Now, it is kinda silly that I covered the kickoff show match, but it was pretty fun seeing a crossover of NJPW and this apparent Super Sentai stage play. And it was pretty fun knowing that was Desperado as “Fighter F,” given his distinct voice. But as I said even yesterday, I knew Douki & Taka would even the score with Taiji & Gedo to keep us guessing. The IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship match is Wednesday, so Douki and Taiji are mostly even, it’s anyone’s guess as to who wins that.
Obviously LIJ and United Empire would have their matches back to back. Great 8 Man Tag with a win for The Empire, giving Khan momentum going towards Kobe. As I also said last time, I bet we get Khan and someone going against Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita next so that they can test the waters of Khan VS ZSJ, the other possible world title match. And then a truly incredible match from Hiromu and Henare, especially with Hiromu fighting up a weight class. But in the end, Henare wins to keep his reign going, and great stuff in him and Takagi setting up the title match for Kobe.
The LIJ’s own story of wanting to do a Winner Takes All scenario with Naito might be the thing that holds them back, though. As great as it would be for any of these guys to be a double champion, I don’t see it happening. If Naito is to retain against Khan AND ZSJ through October, I don’t see Takagi coming at him with the NEVER title. But if Takagi wins the NEVER title, I feel like there’s half a chance ZSJ actually makes more history by taking the world title in his non-traditional Right to Challenge cash-in. NJPW is doing a good job shaking things up to keep things fresh, but making a double champion would be a rehash of how we got to the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship in the first place.
My Score: 8.9/10
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