Coverage
Mitchell’s NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver Results & Report! (4/7/21)
NXT takes over television!
NXT sets sail with treasure in mind!
For the first time ever, NXT TakeOver is TWO NIGHTS! Women’s title, tag titles, UK title and so much more, who will Stand & Deliver?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Preshow – Toni Storm VS Zoey Stark; Stark wins.
- KUSHIDA VS Pete Dunne; Dunne wins.
- NXT North American Championship #1 Contender Gauntlet Eliminator; Bronson Reed wins and will face Johnny Gargano for the title tomorrow night.
- NXT UK Championship: WALTER VS Tommaso Ciampa; Walter wins and retains the title.
- Vacated NXT Tag Team Championships Triple Threat Tag: MSK VS Grizzled Young Veterans VS El Legado del Fantasma; MSK wins and become the new NXT Tag Team Champions.
- NXT Women’s Championship: Io Shirai VS Raquel Gonzalez w/ Dakota Kai; Gonzalez wins and becomes the new NXT Women’s Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
It’s the TakeOver Preshow!
Join Sam Roberts and ESPN’s Jimmy Smith in discussing, analyzing and predicting all the action in just the first night of this massive Stand & Deliver double shot!
Samoa Joe interviews Tommaso Ciampa.
A former NXT Champion sits with another, and Joe says Ciampa has drawn the “unenviable” task of taking on NXT UK Champion, Walter. Ciampa’s thoughts? Well a big man with a 700-something day reign. This is the most excited, anxious and anticipated Ciampa has had since New Orleans with Johnny Gargano. Joe says these are not often words associated with Walter. Dread, perhaps, because they know that they’ll be changed physically and mentally. What is Ciampa’s secret to not feeling that? It’s because Ciampa’s been through it already.
Ciampa’s changed not just in wrestling but in life. His neck surgery, ACL surgery, shoulder surgery, becoming a father, all changed him. Ciampa is in the best shape he has ever been physically, mentally, emotionally, even spiritually. Going into this match, Ciampa already knows it will be physical, and he likes that. So he isn’t sure, this is a weird feeling. There are certain moments that are special, and that’s tonight. Joe knows Ciampa is known for being ruthless and taking no prisoners. But facing a man like Walter, what Ciampa has already been through leading up tot his moment, is there any lack of confidence?
Ciampa feels like at 35 years old, post neck surgery and as a father, he has so much to prove. Not only is Ciampa what he was in 2018, but that he’s even better, more dangerous and more focused. If Walter doesn’t think so, he’ll be in the night of his life. Physically, Walter can’t hang. This will be Ciampa’s first shot at this UK Championship, but what more does he want to do in his career before he retires? Well the UK title, from Tyler Bate to Pete Dunne to Walter’s, it has become one of the most prestigious titles already. Ciampa’s next goal IS that title. He’s held “Goldie,” time to hold “M’lady.”
Joe wishes Ciampa the bets of luck and is sure he can handle this. Ciampa appreciates that, and both men appreciates getting to spend this time. Will Ciampa be the first man to have held both prime NXT Championship AND the NXT UK Championship in their career?
Samoa Joe now interviews Walter.
Joe welcomes the UK Champion here, and notes that Walter is THE longest reigning champion in the modern era. What does that distinction mean to Walter? Writing it down on paper it’s nice, but it really means Walter has to catch up on the six months of quarantine where nothing was allowed to happen. Then it’ll feel legitimate. Wanting that time back, does that fit into his “edict of domination” he has on the UK brand? Walter wants to always put on the best performances possible. Not just for the fans but for the sport itself.
A few years ago, Ciampa was on the top of the mountain but had to give it up because of the injury. Some have said Ciampa’s changed, others have said it was a setback, but what are Walter’s thoughts? Ciampa from two years ago is very similar to Walter today. How they think and how they feel about wrestling, how it came first, was the same. But not anymore. Ciampa has changed his priorities. He succeeded, took out of this sport what he needed, and now he’s letting the focus shift. So then this challenge from Ciampa will define Walter’s legacy?
No, it is never just one match that solidifies what you do. Every step counts. Ciampa is just the next biggest challenge. Walter wants the biggest challengers possible, and Ciampa is still that. Coming here for WrestleMania Week as UK Champion, having the privilege to defend this title in front of American fans, he loves it. But priority is NXT UK. He is a European wrestler, he wants to make that brand the most exciting.
Let’s just say Walter doesn’t win tonight. Does he stay in the US to pursue the title and get it back? Or does he return to UK and Europe and continue doing what he’s doing? At some point, everyone has to make the next step. Walter doesn’t know when that is yet. Joe wishes Walter luck, and we’ll see if the Ring General still rules after TakeOver.
Backstage interview with LA Knight.
With the advantage of entering the Gauntlet Eliminator last, he has the best chance of winning and moving on to tomorrow night. Knight wants to “talk to ya,” and says that if you remember just last TakeOver, this guy rode in and asked, “Whose game is it?” Well one TakeOver later, he’s the man walking into the eliminator! Last week, 11 other guys got dumped, and tonight, five guys get dropped! You ask him if he’s feeling confident going into the match last, and yeah he does!
After tonight, in 24 hours, he’ll take on ol’ Johnny Wrestling, the legend of TakeOver. Well legends fall and new ones fill their shoes. And if there’s any guy who can fill those shoes and then some, it’s LA Knight as the NEW NXT North American Champion! DAMN does that sound good to say! REAL good, when it comes to L A Knight. So each and every one of you out there, keep your eyes on him. That’s not an insult, that’s just a fact of life! Back to the goofs on the panel!
Toni Storm VS Zoey Stark!
The Lightning From Down Under is going rather M. Bison with her gear, but perhaps because this is delicious! She gets to kick off TakeOver’s two nights of action in the ring! But will it be #ToniTime when the Rising Star(k) weathers the Storm?
The bell rings, fans rally for Stark already and that annoys Toni. Toni and Stark circle, tie up, and Stark powers Storm back but Storm turns it around. They go around the ropes, corners, and then break. Fans are rallying and dueling, but the two go again. Stark waistlocks, trips Storm and gets a headlock. Storm endures the grind, fights up, but Stark throws her with the takeover. Storm pulls hair, headscissors, and pushes up to put on pressure. Stark kips free, headlocks again, and holds on as Storm tries to power out. Storm pries free, pulls hair again and gets another headlock. Stark powers out but Storm pulls hair to get the headlock again!
Storm grinds Stark down, but Stark pries free and grinds the arm. Storm grits her teeth, fights up, reaches back to headlock, but Stark powers out. Storm runs Stark over, things speed up and Storm rolls but Stark waistlocks. Storm elbows free, runs but Stark blocks a boot to spin and ROCK her! Stark goes ide to side to uppercut! Stark runs and comes back but Storm puts her on the apron. Stark ROCKS back, springboards and missile dropkicks! Storm ends up in a corner, dodges Stark’s shining wizard and throws her down HARD! Storm stomps and kicks and rains down rights but lets off as the ref reprimands. Cover, ONE!! Storm is annoyed but she clamps on with a neck wrench.
Stark endures, fans rally again, but Storm grinds forearms into Stark’s face. Stark powers to a cover, TWO! Storm shifts to a chinlock now, but Stark fights her way up. Stark elbows but Storm throws her by her hair! Cover, TWO! Storm is frustrated, but she storms after Stark in the corner. Storm stomps Stark then drags her up to reel her in, snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Storm is frustrated, she stomps Stark then gets the leg for a HALF CRAB! Stark endures, crawls, reaches, turns and kicks Storm away! Storm BOOTS Stark back down, then drags her up, but Stark RAMS Storm into a corner! Stark throws forearms but Storm gives them back!
Storm bumps Stark off buckles, then stomps her down. The ref counts, Storm lets off, and Storm brings Stark up to throw a EuroUpper! Stark wobbles, Storm throws another EuroUpper. Stark forearms and CHOPS in return, then CHOPS again! Stark stomps Storm in a corner now, but Storm tackles her to rain down fists! Storm drags Stark up, scoops her and SLAMS her! Storm then steps over Stark and goes to a corner. Storm climbs, but Stark GAMANGIRIS first! Stark throws hands, climbs up and brings Storm up for a SUPERPLEX! Both women are down but the fans fire up for “NXT! NXT!”
Stark gets up slowly as the ring count climbs, and she drags Storm up. Storm throws forearms but Stark gives them back, and we have a brawl! Stark gets the edge, fires off and ducks a corner to mule kick, front kick and kick a leg out! Stark runs, but Storm dodges the ax kick! Storm waistlocks, Stark blocks the lift and elbows free! Stark half nelsons, HALF ‘N’ HALF! Stark kips up, fires up, and SLIDING KICKS! Cover, TWO!! Storm survives but Stark tries again, TWO! Stark is frustrated as Storm is still in this! Stark drags Storm up, fireman’s carries, but Storm slips off! Storm waistlocks, Stark resists but Storm Electric Chair lifts, for the SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Stark still lives and Storm is shocked!
Storm drags Stark up to double underhook, but Stark resists the lift! Stark wrenches out and SUPERKICKS! Storm wobbles, Stark pushes her over for a cover, TWO! Stark is beside herself, but she isn’t out of ideas yet. Stark drags Storm up, clubs her again and again and even throws a knee. But Storm gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Storm hits ANOTHER GERMAN! And then the underhooks, for STORM- No! Stark fights that off, and inside cradles! STARK WINS!!
Winner: Zoey Stark, by pinfall
That’s the biggest win in Stark’s young career for sure! She just pinned a former NXT UK Women’s Champion!! Is this just the beginning of a championship caliber career for Stark?
Backstage interview with MSK.
Nash Carter & Wes Lee have the biggest match in their own young careers, fighting to become new NXT Tag Team Champions. They are ready! This is what they were supposed to get after winning the Dusty Cup. They ran the gauntlet, got the trophy, now they’re after the gold. But GYV want to do them dirty and take Wes out, but what did the medical staff say? He is cleared~! Nash says this is the part where they’d say things about GYV and Legado, but it’s not about that! IT’s about MSK’s star shining the brightest! And it’ll shine even brighter with the titles! MSK all night and all day! But will Carter & Lee make the NXT Tag Division must-see?
Samoa Joe interviews Raquel Gonzalez.
The challenger to the NXT Women’s Championship is excited to be here, and Joe is excited to have her here. It’s hard to find anyone who has had a better year than her. While 2020 was crazy for the entire world, Raquel was excited to still be part of the action and progress and show the world who she is. And now she wants to make a statement in 2021. Well turning to her opponent, Io Shirai has been tremendously successful as champion, taking on all challengers and handled them with ease. But for the first time in a long time, there is a challenger who can threaten that reign. How does Raquel feel?
She feels great. She is honored for the greatest female wrestler to choose her as a challenger. If that isn’t validation, then we don’t know what is. She can hang with the best and isn’t just a sidekick. The fact that the champion singled her out, does that worry Raquel at all? Knowing Io and her mindset and style as the crazy wrestler who leaves nothing behind, just a little. But Raquel is confident in her abilities to handle whatever Io dishes out. And now, Raquel joins some elite company in main-eventing the evening. How does that feel? It means so much, especially after her journey to get to this point. The different matches she’s had this last year, such as Rhea Ripley at New Year’s Evil, and now Raquel is a main-eventer for one of the most unique events NXT has ever had.
Shirai is considered the best with a 300+ day reign, and there is talent from all over the world. But this is a mountain no one has been able to climb. Raquel is confident that when she beats Shirai, Raquel will smile and be full of pride and everything that has been building up to this moment. A lot of emotions, words, and just the best place in her life and her career. Will Big Mami Cool be on top of the world when she reaches the top of the mountain in NXT?
Now Samoa Joe interviews Io Shirai.
NXT Women’s Champion and Evil Genius took the title over 300 days ago when she defeated Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley, arguably two of NXT’s best ever. Many consider the NXT Women’s Division to be THE BEST division in the world today. How does it feel to be the champion of that division? Before coming to the US, Shirai was the top champion in Japan for over three years. She’s been the best of the best in Japan, and so she wanted to become the best in the world. That is why she came to the WWE. She is still planning to reach the top of this company.
Then touching on her challenger tonight, Raquel, and the year Raquel has had and what she’s done to get here, the question begs to be asked: Why did Shirai choose her rather than waiting? Well Shirai’s beaten Rhea, Charlotte and even Sasha Banks, all the best of each brand. The reason she chose Raquel for TakeOver is that she is a big up-and-comping star. Shirai personally looks up to Rey Mysterio Jr, and has been watching him since a young age. He was the smaller person beating the giants, so she thought she should follow in his footsteps and defeat someone literally bigger than her.
Well what does it mean to main event TakeOver, Night One? It is a lot of pressure, yes, but she isn’t just representing Women’s Wrestling, but also the NXT Women’s Title. The division has come a long way, so she isn’t just responsible for that, but for making this the best division, as well. Joe wishes her good luck in her defense, but will the Genius of the Sky still be flying high after facing Ricky Desperado?
Nita Strauss plays the Star Spangled Banner on guitar.
KUSHIDA VS Pete Dunne!
Two of the very best technical wrestlers in the world today battle to prove who is truly THE best! Will it be the Super Junior, who set the pace for Junior Heavyweight Strong Style in Japan? Or will it be the Bruiserweight who dominated alongside British Strong Style?
The bell rings and Dunne leaps to get a Triangle Hold! Kushida slips out, rolls Dunne to get an ARMBAR! Dunne slips out, gets free and fans are fired up! The two reset, Kushida tries to use his legs but Dunne stays clear. Fans duel as the two feel out knuckle locks. Dunne rolls, gets a drop toehold but Kushida fights to stay up. Kushida shifts and gets a heel hook but so does Dunne. Kushida rolls to tie up Dunne’s legs and grabs the arms for the Queen Angelito! Dunne resists so Kushida steps over, wrenches the arm and hammerlocks . Dunne wrenches Kushida’s arm back and stretches it before putting it in the hammerlock.
Kushida spins, rolls, and wrenches to a wristlock, but Dunne rolls, handsprings, wrenches, and whips. Kushida handsprings but Dunne trips him up and has the arms! Dunne drags Kushida out in that way, to then APRON X-PLEX! Kushida flounders into the ring but Dunne is after him as he hammerlocks one arm and pulls the other against the ropes! The ref reprimands but Dunne SNAPS the arm against ropes! Kushida checks his elbow, but he kicks back! Dunne stands on a foot, gets the other and twists that around to then tie up the legs. Dunne gets the arm for a half straitjacket before he just STOMPS Kushida down! Fans boo as Dunne looms over Kushida.
Dunne CHOPS Kushida, boots him, but Kushida CHOPS back! IT is a CHOP fight as they go back and forth, until Kushida KICKs the arm! Dunne BOOTS again, but runs into a hip toss! Kushida cartwheels, Dunne wants the arm but Kushida basement dropkicks first! Dunne goes to the ramp, Kushida climbs up top and leaps, but Dunne dodges! Dunne KICKS a leg, brings Kushida around to whip, but Kushida handsprings with the ropes to back elbow Dunne down! Kushida goes up the ramp for some space, and gets going to PENALTY KICK Dunne into the ring!! Fans are thunderous already as Kushida circles around Dunne. Dunne catches the Fast Ball to a HOVERBOARD?!
Dunne is stealing Kushida’s move, but Kushida turns it to his Hoverboard! Dunne clasps hands behind his back, wrenches out and ROCKS Kushida, but Kushida PELES! Kushida whips, Dunne reverses, but Kushida handsprings again, into a wrench! Elbow breaker, finger SNAP! Pump handle, but Kushida slips out to hit BACK TO THE FUTURE! Cover, TWO!! Dunne survives the cradle driver as NXT goes picture in picture!
Kushida stands on Dunne’s bad arm, gets the other, and pulls them back for INVERTED DANIELSON STOMPS! Kushida shows he can be just a gritty as the Bruiserweight, but Dunne rolls, kips up and HEADBUTTS Kushida! Now Dunne has the arms for FORWARD DANIELSON STOMPS! Dunne lets off and catches his breath while Kushida stirs. Dunne wrenches Kushida’s arm, locks it on the mat, and STOMPS it! Then DECKS Kushida! Cover, TWO! Kushida survives but Dunne keeps his focus as NXT returns to single picture. Dunne runs but Kushida ducks the enziguri to PENALTY KICK the arm! Suplex to ARMBAR!
Dunne rolls, and STMOPS the arm again!! Dunne reels Kushida in, Tiger Driver to ARMBAR! Kushida rolls, Dunne dodges and ROCKS him again! Kushida ROCKS back, but Dunne ENZIGURIS! Kushida FAST BALLS!! Both men are down and fans are thunderous again! Kushida gets up, gets Dunne’s arms and now the two give Junkyard Dog headbutts! Kushida and Dunne get up, Dunne breaks free to ROCK Kushida but Kushida KICKS the bad arm! Kushida runs around to world to SHOTGUN DROPKICK the arm! Dunne scrambles away but Kushida is after him again. Kushida whips corner to corner, Dunne goes up but gets tripped up by the handspring heel kick!
Kushida hurries up top and fans fire up with him! Kushida drags Dunne up by his hair, gets him to the top rope, and has the HOVERBOARD, for a KIMURA SUPLEX! Kushida CRANKS the Hoverboard!! Dunne endures as fans rally up, and Dunne moves around to get a ropebreak! Kushida steps over to hammerlock TWIST the arm! And then it’s a JIM BREAKS SPECIAL!! Dunne endures and uses his foot to get the ropebreak! Kushida lets go in frustration, but he goes right to the top rope again. Kushida leaps to KNEE the arm! Dunne writhes, Kushida leaps and has the arm again! Dunne reaches for ropes but Kushida gets the HOVERBOARD on the other side!
Dunne makes it a cover, TWO, and Dunne gets the ropebreak thanks to it! Kushida holds on, but he lets go at 4 with a bit of a tweak. Kushida aims, but Dunne blocks the fast ball! Dunne twists the wrist and bends fingers to SNAP them! Kushida is in pain but Dunne STOMPS the hands! Kushida ducks the Buzzsaw to FAST BALL! But Dunne DOUBLE STOMPS the hands again! BUZZSAW! Pump handle, BITTER END!! Cover, Dunne wins!!
Winner: Pete Dunne, by pinfall
Dunne just shrugs, but then smirks ash he has proven he is what he said he is. Will having the title of best technical wrestler today bring Dunne to a championship title in the near future?
NXT North American Championship #1 Contender Gauntlet Eliminator!
William Regal’s unique take on endurance matches returns to determine a challenger for Johnny Freakin’ Wrestling! But we already know the order thanks to last week’s battle royal, and we’re going to start with Leon Ruff and Isaiah “Swerve” Scott! Can these two settle their grudge before the three minutes are up and this match gets colossal?
NXT returns with Ruff hitting a dropkick on Swerve! And that wasn’t even part of the match! These two just keep fighting without the bell, but now the bell rings and this match truly begins! Ruff dumps Swerve out, then fakes Swerve out to stomp the hands! Ruff runs to DIVE, but Swerve catches him to put him on the barriers! Swerve then runs to dropkick Ruff down to the ground! Swerve composes himself, drags Ruff around by his facial hair, then has the commentary move as he fireman’s carries Ruff. Ruff fights off the fireman’s carry and jumps to the desk, using to to launch for the RUFF CUT! Ruff puts Swerve in the ring, covers, TWO!
Ruff drags Swerve up, throws a forearm, then whips. Swerve reverses, Ruff rebounds but gets caught for a ROPE GUILLOTINE! Swerve seethes while Ruff is down and the ref checks on him. Ruff is okay to continue, so Swerve drags him up and over to a corner. Swerve climbs, reels Ruff in by his ears, and gets him up the ropes! Ruff fights back with body shots but Swerve CLUBS him back. Swerve lifts but Ruff SUPER STEINERS the powerbomb away! Fans are fired up as Ruff grits his teeth and both men are down! The countdown arrives, and time is up! Here comes Bronson Reed! Ruff climbs up to LEAP, but into Reed’s arms!
Reed TOSSES Ruff, Swerve avoids him, and fires off on Reed! Reed blocks the whip with size and strength, then whips Swerve to CLOBBER him! Fans cheer for “Big Boi Season!” as he SPLASHES Swerve in a corner! Reed brings Swerve up with a suplex, holds him, but Ruff climbs and leaps in to tip the suplex over with a crossbody! Swerve takes all the damage,. but Ruff throws forearms on Reed! Reed doesn’t flinch, Ruff ducks and dodges and fakes Reed out, but he can’t slide under before Reed SITS on him! Fans want that “One More Time!” so Reed obliges and SITS on Ruff again! Reed then drags Ruff back up to back suplex, but Ruff lands on his feet!
Ruff waistlocks but he can’t lift Reed at all. Swerve waistlocks Ruff, Reed switches to get Swerve, but Ruff desperately grabs ropes! He can’t hold on, Reed hits a DOUBLE STACKED GERMAN SUPLEX!! Ruff and Swerve go floundering around but Reed gets Swerve in a corner. Reed stomps Swerve, the countdown returns, and Reed welcomes the fourth entrant, CAMERON GRIMES! Mr. GameStonks DogeCoin Carolina Caveman is still very confident despite everything we all just saw. Swerve BLINDSIDES Reed with a dropkick, Grimes hits a MOONSAULT and Reed is down! Swerve adds a basement dropkick and Reed flops out of the ring!
Grimes is fired up, and he has a wad of cash! He gives that to Swerve for the teamwork they pulled off, and look to continue against Ruff! Grimes uses his vest to choke Ruff, then Swerve stands on Ruff’s head! Swerve stomps Ruff down, Grimes drags Ruff up and around to CLUB him on the back! Swerve ROCKS Ruff, Grimes EuroUppers Ruff off his feet! Swerve forearms Ruff again, then Grimes whips him in, but Ruff BOOTS Swerve away! Ruff dodges Grimes, ROCKS him with a right then goes around and around the corner, then under Grimes, but into Swerve’s fireman’s carry and CORNER DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Grimes throws money down on Ruff but Reed is back!
Reed ROCKS Grimes, Swerve boots and Grimes sweeps the legs! Swerve goes out to BOOT Reed from the apron! Swerve and Grimes go back to Ruff, and Grimes ROCKS Ruff with a right. Ruff fights back, runs, but into a LARIAT from Grimes! Swerve whips Ruff to LARIAT him, too! But the three minutes are up, here comes Dexter Lumis! Ruff sends Grimes into Swerve, and the Tortured Artist stares into the souls of everyone still in this match. Grimes hits Ruff with a CAVE-IN, Swerve covers Ruff himself, and Ruff is ELIMINATED! Lumis has Reed on the ramp for a DDT! Swerve runs at Lumis but gets an uppercut!
Lumis slithers in and scares Grimes out of the ring. Swerve runs in again but Lumis blocks the kick to spin Swerve, and rebound back suplex! Grimes returns but into a rebound back suplex of his own! Swerve staggers but Lumis DECKS him with haymaker after haymaker! Lumis runs in to corner clothesline then BULLDOG! And then a LARIAT! Fans rally for Lumis but Reed gets in the ring! Reed roars and the brawl is own! They go haymaker for haymaker, Reed gets the edge and whips, only for Lumis to reverse and uppercut! Lumis tries to fireman’s carry but can’t! Reed scoops, Lumis slips out and ROCKS him!
Lumis fireman’s carries but not for long! Lumis throws Reed at Grimes but Grimes dumps Reed out! Lumis then goes after Grimes and clotheslines Grimes and himself out hard! They have a nasty tumble, but it’s the final countdown~! And that of course means L A KNIGHT is here! Knight is even has a mic as he heads to the ring! He talks trash as he enters, saying “LA Knight’s TakeOver is now official!” Yeah, he’ll even help Reed to the back with a stomp! And speaking of guys taking off, doesn’t Grimes want to take off to the moon? Knight will help him with a punt into deep space! Lumis wants to paint pictures, but he should just paint a picture of getting dumped on his head!
And as for Swerve- Reed shuts Knight up by TOSSING him into the ring! Knight wants Reed to take it easy as NXT goes picture in picture!
Reed storms over but Knight throws him into ropes! Knight gets up and KNEES Reed from the apron! Reed wobbles, Knight slingshots but into a fireman’s carry, and SAMOAN DROP! Reed sees Grimes up top, Grimes leaps in, into a BIG elbow! Grimes flounders, Reed whips him hard into a corner and Grimes tumbles to the ramp! Reed sees Swerve and BOOTS him! Reed whips Swerve corner to corner hard, and Swerve crumples to the mat. Reed whips Knight to ropes, Knight knees back but Reed CLOBBERS him with a full body press! Reed drags Knight back up, headbutts him, then elbows him to a corner.
Reed whips Knight corner to corner hard and Knight bounces off buckles! NXT returns to single picture as Reed doe sit again. Knight dodges and NECKBREAKERS! Knight finally takes off his vest, but Grimes is there! Knight dodges to scoop POWERSLAM! Swerve is up top but Knight LEAPS up there to get him for a SUPERPLEX! Knight has the fans fired up but Lumis slithers in! Knight says he’ll do this again. But Grimes runs in! Lumis sends Grimes into Knight, then URENAGES to the SILENCE! Grimes is in the hold, but Knight jackknife covers Lumis! Lumis is ELIMINATED!! Fans boo as Knight gets another sneaky win over Lumis, and Knight rubs it in!
But then Swerve KNEES Knight! Grimes scoops for a SWINGING SLAM! Reed drops the SENTON! Cover, Knight is ELIMINATED!! And that’s not an insult, that’s just a fact of life, dummy! Knight wants the ref to reconsider, but Lumis gets Knight in the SILENCE!! Finally, Knight stops talking as he passes out! Night-night, Knight. Grimes, Swerve and Reed are the final three and Swerve CHPOS Reed! Reed CHOPS back, but Grimes SUPER FOREARMS! Grimes and Swerve throw forearms, Reed gets in on that and he CHOPS Grimes! Grimes SUPER FORERMS Reed, CHOPS Swerve, but Swerve CHOPS Grimes! Reed CHOPS Swerve, Grimes SUPER FOREARMS!
Swerve ROCKS Grimes, elbows Reed, ducks and Grimes ROUNDHOUSES Reed! Swerve throws Grimes, gator rolls, but Grimes suplexes and Reed caches Swerve! Grimes SUPERKICKS Reed, but Swerve hits the COPMLETE SSHOT on Grimes! Reed falls on both men!! All three men are down and fans are thunderous! Swerve kicks Reed from the mat, and Grimes wants the partnership to start up again. They go after Reed together with forearms and knees, but Reed just eggs them on! Swerve throws a haymaker, Grimes KICKS, but Reed is up to fire off CHOP after CHOP! Reed runs, but into BOOT AND SUPERKICK! He keeps going and CLOBERS them!
Reed keeps running, but into Grimes’ COLLISION COURSE! But a HOUSE CALL gets Grimes! Swerve half nelson but Grimes switches to O’Conner! Swerve turns that to his own, with tights, and Grimes is ELIMINATED! Now Swerve has an elimination and the money! But he still has to get through Reed! Reed and Swerve circle, fans are thunderous, and they feel out the grapple. Swerve fires off body shots but Reed shoves Swerve. Swerve gets up but Reed CLOBBERS him! Reed climbs up top, Swerve gets up to run and RYDER KICK Reed first! Swerve climbs up and brings Reed out for an APRON POWERSLAM!!! The ref checks on Reed but somehow he’s okay!
Swerve looms over Reed as fans still lose their minds. Swerve gets Reed into the ring, then climbs up top for the 450 SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!?!? Reed lives and Swerve can’t believe it! Swerve pushes Reed around, dares him to get up, but then hits a HOUSE CALL! Swerve likes that Reed gets up again, and hits another HOUSE CALL! Swerve drags Reed up, tells him he isn’t taking this from Swerve, but Swerve choke grips! Swerve KICKS and HOUSE CALLS AGAIN!! Cover, TWO?!?! Reed might truly be a kaiju because he’s not human! But Swerve hammerlocks one arm, gets the other and pulls back as far as he can!
Reed throws Swerve away but Swerve SLAPS him! Reed SLAPS back, then POWERBOMBS! Reed brings Swerve right back up for a CRUNCHY!! Reed goes up top and fans are thunderous again, for the TSUNAMI SPLASH!!! Cover, Reed wins!!
Winner: Bronson Reed, by pinfall (advances to TakeOver: Stand & Deliver, Night Two)
The Colossal conquers the Gauntlet Eliminator! But will he be ready to crush Johnny Gargano and take the gold from him once and for all? Speaking of, Johnny Gargano walks out on stage to look Reed in the eye as he holds up the title. Will Gargano find a way to survive the Tsunami coming for him?
NXT UK Championship: WALTER VS Tommaso Ciampa!
The Ring General has reigned over NXT UK for 770+ days! But having this title for over two years isn’t satisfactory, he must defeat the best competition possible. The Blackheart may not be what he once was, but he’s as good as he ever was! Is that going to be good enough to take this title from Walter?
The introductions are made, the UK Championship is raised, and the biggest test in both men’s careers begins now!
Walter and Ciampa circle as fans rally and duel. Walter eggs Ciampa on and they tie up. They’re in a deadlock but just for a moment before Walter puts Ciampa in a corner. Walter lets off, Ciampa avoids the chop, and fans fire up and duel again. Ciampa gets an arm, wrenches, wristlocks, then hammerlocks. Ciampa spins Walter to a facelock but Walter puts him in another corner. Ciampa and Walter let off but Ciampa headlocks. Walter powers out to run Ciampa over! Ciampa avoids the stomps and chops and kicks back! Fans fire up as they go again, and Ciampa facelocks but Walter put shim in a corner. Walter lets off just to pie face Ciampa, but Ciampa SLAPS Walter!
Ciampa fires off hands then stomps on Walter and fans are fired up! Ciampa shouts, “You wanted the best?! You wanted the Blakcheart!?” Ciampa slaps Walter then runs side to side, into a CHOP! Walter drags Ciampa back up, scoops him and puts him on the top rope to CHOP him again! Walter then climbs up to STAND on Ciampa! Ciampa falls to the apron then the floor! The ref reprimands but Walter paces around. Ciampa slowly gets up, Walter goes out and stalks up to him, but Ciampa elbows Walter! Ciampa forearms, Walter EuroUppers! Walter has Ciampa on the announce desk, talks trash, but Ciampa avoid the CHOP! The desk hood breaks!!
Ciampa BOOTS Walter, ROCKS him and CHOPS him, then CHOPS again! But Walter APRON BACK SUPLEXES Ciampa! Ciampa goes into the ring, Walter gets up but Ciampa KICKS the arm! Ciampa drags Walter through ropes, but Walter powers through to RAM Ciampa into a corner! Walter throws forearm after forearm on Ciampa, lets off as the ref counts, and then comes back, but Ciampa blocks the chop! Ciampa throws forearms, CHOPS, and repeat! Ciampa fireman’s carries but Walter is too big! Walter gets Ciampa’s head and turns him, but Ciampa pulls the fingers! Ciampa KICKS the arm, Kowata Kick style!
Ciampa waistlocks Walter, but he can’t get Walter up. Walter buckles Ciampa off then BOOTS him down! Walter clutches his arm, grimaces at Ciampa, and stomps him down! Fans rally and duel, Walter gets Ciampa’s legs and turns him for the HALF CRAB! Ciampa endures, Walter sits deep, then shifts to an STF! The bad arm makes that difficult, Ciampa fights up and out, but Walter BOOTS him again! Ciampa goes to ropes, Walter stalks over and looms over him. Walter stands on Ciampa’s head but the ref counts. Ciampa flounders out of the ring, Walter waits on him, and Walter grabs him for a DEADLIFT SUPLEX! Ciampa flounders again but Walter kicks him around.
Walter eggs Ciampa on, kicks him more, but Ciampa smirks. Ciampa CHOPS, Walter KNEES him down! Walter sits Ciampa up to DECK him with a forearm! Walter toys with Ciampa as fans duel, but Ciampa gets up. Walter reels Ciampa in but Ciampa dodges to clothesline! Walter wobbles, Ciampa clotheslines again! And again! And again! Walter is still up but Ciampa runs to LARAIT! Walter is still up, Ciampa goes again and leaps for a BIG LARIAT! NXT goes picture in picture as Ciampa fires off on Walter at the ropes! Ciampa keeps trying but Walter is still up, so Ciampa BLINDSIDES Walter then runs again! And again! And again! Ciampa just keeps going!
Ciampa is still giving clothesline after clothesline, pinballing Walter around but not knocking him over! Just how long can both men keep going?! Ciampa has Walter literally on the ropes as the clotheslines just keep coming! Ciampa goes but Walter CHPOS him down! Ciampa is right back up!? And he CLOBBERS Walter!! Ciampa fireman’s carries and get Walter up for an AIR RAID CRASH!! Cover, TWO!!! Walter survives and the fans are electric as NXT returns to single picture! “This is Awesome!” but far from over as Ciampa finally catches his breath. Ciampa drags Walter up, reels him in, and underhooks the arms, but Walter resists.
Ciampa throws knees, tries again, but Walter back drops Ciampa up and over to a BRIDGE! Cover, TWO! Ciampa still has the arms! Ciampa underhooks, lifts, FAIRY TALE ENDING!! Cover, TWO!?!? Walter survives and no one can believe it! Ciampa goes to ropes but so does Walter. Fans duel as Ciampa KNEES Walter! Ciampa runs again but Walter gets him for a SLEEPER! Ciampa resists, pries the hold and bends fingers! Walter does his best with one arm, using his own head for leverage! Ciampa gets the ropebreak but Walter GERMAN SUPLEXES and LARIATS!! Cover, TWO!! Ciampa lives and Walter can’t believe it! Walter drags Ciampa up, reels him in, but Walter is dead weight.
Walter still gets Ciampa up, but Ciampa wrenches and BITES Walter’s hand! Walter KCIKS Ciampa in the back, then ROCKS him with a forearm! Walter tries again but Ciampa gets the arm! FUJIWARA with finger bending! Walter scrambles, Ciampa keeps hold, but Walter gets the ropebreak with a foot! The ref counts, Ciampa CRANKS but lets off at 4! Ciampa stomps and kicks Walter at the ropes, lets off at 4 to then hammer away with fury! The ref counts again, Ciampa lets off again, and Walter goes to the apron. Ciampa drags Walter through ropes but Walter hotshots him away! Walter climbs back up, stands Ciampa up, and CLUBS him a la Sheamus’ Bodhrain!
The ref counts, Walter stops but Ciampa CLUBS Walter’s hand over and over! Walter HEADBUTTS Ciampa down! Fans duel as hard as ever as Walter climbs. Ciampa CHOPS him first! Ciampa climbs up, but Walter gut wrenches! Ciampa resists, gets Walter up and hits a SUPER AIR RAID CRASH!! Cover, TWO!?!?! Walter survives again and Ciampa can’t believe it! Fans hope they “Fight Forever!” now as the two slowly sit up. Ciampa stands first, and he CHOPS Walter! And CHOPS! Walter wobbles, Ciampa runs to CHOP! Walter seethes, so Ciampa CHOPS again! Ciampa CHOPS but Walter powers through it!? And CHOPS again! Ciampa CHOPS, Walter CHOPS, it’s a CHOP fight!
Ciampa gets the edge with the CHOP, but Walter catches one to SLAM Ciampa down! Ciampa bridges, Walter sits on him, TWO as Ciampa bridges again! Walter STOMPS Ciampa in the chest, and uses his feet to CRANK the neck!! Walter gets Ciampa up for a WALTER BOMB!! Walter flips Ciampa around to get him back up, for another WALTER BOMB!! High stack cover, TOW!?!?! The Blackheart proves he’s not human and the fans are thunderous again! Ciampa gets up, Walter is there and reel shim in for a SLEEPER SUPLEX!! Ciampa staggers up into a CHOP! Cover, Walter wins!!
Winner: WALTER, by pinfall (still NXT UK Champion)
The Blackheart is back, but even that wasn’t enough to finally topple the Austrian Anomaly! But Walter only wins so that he can be challenged again at tomorrow’s NXT UK Prelude! He bested Ciampa in the Capitol Wrestling Center, but will Walter still have enough to survive Rampage Brown in the BT Sports Studio?
Franky’s Pomeranian is on the loose again.
And this time, the pup knows exactly where to find her. She’s in the Performance Center’s ring! Franky Monet will finally show her face this Tuesday as NXT makes the move!
Vacated NXT Tag Team Championships Triple Threat Tag: MSK VS Grizzled Young Veterans VS El Legado del Fantasma!
While it is unfortunate for Danny Burch to go down with an injury while he and Oney Lorcan were still champions, this is now a huge opportunity for these three teams! Carter & Lee already won the Dusty Cup, will they get to add the titles to their stellar resumé? Will Zack Gibson & James Drake become the first team to have held both NXT UK and prime NXT Tag Team Championships? Or will Raul Mendoza & Joaquin Wilde join Santos Escobar in being champions among champions?
The introductions are made, the belts are on display, and one way or another, NEW champions will be crowned as one team will stand & deliver!
This style of Triple Threat allows for each team to have a man in, so Wilde, Gibson and Lee step up. Fans are fired up already as Lee rushes Gibson but Wilde waistlocks him. Wilde shoves Lee into Gibson, then body shots Lee hard! Wilde talks trash, drags Lee up and throw shim, then kicks him. Tag to Mendoza, they mug Lee and CHOP him! Legado double whip, double elbow and throw Lee to ropes! Gibson runs but into a DOUBLE SPINEBUSTER, and Legado splits the wishbone! Legado DOUBLE FLAPJACKS Lee then double basement dropkicks! Fans duel as Mendoza covers but Gibson breaks it! Gibson back suplexes Mendoza down, then goes after Lee’s arm!
Lee fights, Gibson lifts Lee with one arm, then drops him down. Lee forearms and boots but is put on the apron! Carter tags in, Lee ENZIGURIS, then holds Gibson in for Carter’s BRONCO BUSTER! But Mendoza runs in to CLOBBER Carter, and he drags Gibson up. Gibson ROCKS Mendoza, DECKS Wilde, then tags in Drake. GYV whip, dropkick and basement dropkick Mendoza, then MAYHEM IN MOTION on Wilde! GYV are fired up, but Carter gets in, dodges and crossbodies Gibson! Drake CLOBBERS Carter, keeps him from Lee and covers, TWO! Drake sneers as he drags Carter up for big haymakers.
Carter ends up in the GYV corner, Drake talks trash and throws heavy hands! The ref reprimands and counts as Drake stomps away but he lets off. Carter throws a body shot, then another, but Drake elbows him down! Drake stomps Carter, drags him around and covers, TWO! Drake grows frustrated, clamps onto Carter with a chinlock and grinds him down. Carter endures, fights up, but Drake DECKS him! Drake paces around, taunts Drake, then BOOTS Wilde off the apron! Drake drags Carter up, scoops him and SLAMS him! Cover, TWO! Drake calls to Gibson, Lee coaches Carter, but Drake DECKS Carter again!
Drake pulls Carter’s hair, fish hooks his face, but lets off as the ref reprimands. Drake suplexes but Carter slips out ot tag in Lee! MSK fires off with kicks on Drake, then enziguris to DOUBLE STOMP! Carter goes out, tags in and Lee sets up, it’s MSK IN MOTION and Carter takes out both Grizzled Young Veterans! But Mendoza BLASTS Lee! Wilde and Mendoza coordinate, and TORNILLO TOPE COMBO!! Legado take down everyone and their fans are all fired up! Wilde puts Carter in, tags Mendoza, and then hoists Carter into the Tree of Woe. They stomp away on Carter, then go to adjacent corners. Legado gives Carter BACK2BACK COAST2COAST! Cover, but Gibson breaks it!
Gibson wants Legado to take it easy, it’s all fair in a Triple Threat. Legado stomp him down instead! Legado whip Gibson out of the ring! The ref sorts things out as NXT goes picture in picture.
Mendoza has Carter, snap suplexes then covers, TWO! Mendoza drags Carter up again, Carter throws body shots, then runs, but into a dropkick! Mendoza tags Wilde, Legado coordinates and hip toss SPLASHES down! Cover, TWO! Wilde rains down furious fists on Carter, drags him back up, and snapmares him for a KNEE to the back! Wilde runs to BASEMENT CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Wilde snarls, taunts Carter, and drags him up while taunting Lee. Wilde bumps Carter on buckles, tags Mendoza, and Mendoza fires off hands on Carter! Mendoza brings Carter around to whip him into the corner as NXT goes single picture! Clothesline and tag, then Wilde repeats the process!
Mendoza runs, clothesline and tag, then Wilde runs to clothesline and tag! The Legado loop continues, fans are fire dup, and then Legado double suplex! Mendoza LIONSAULTS! Cover, TWO!! Carter survives all that and Drake rolls Mendoza up! TWO!! Mendoza knees low, throws Drake away, then goes after Carter. Drake clobbers Mendoza, gets Carter, but Carter elbows free! Hot tag to Lee, he SUPER FOREARMS Drake! Uppercut for Mendoza, boot for Wilde, kicks for everyone else! Lee gives Drake body shots and a kick then snapmare, basement dropkick! Then he DIVES to take out Gibson, a nd gets in to FLY onto Legado!
Lee goes up and in and handsprings to PELE Drake down! Tag to Carter, MSK coordinates for the PUSHING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Drake survives but Carter hauls him up. Drake fights free, Lee tags in, but Gibson CLOBBERS him! Drake fights Carter off, Gibson has lee up, but Carter KNEES Drake down! Lee fights free to RANA Gibson down! Wilde ROCKS Carter, feeds him to Mendoza’s ANARCHY! Lee runs in, dodges Legado and QUEBRADAS to DOUBLE REVERSE DDT! Drake runs into Lee’s EXPLODER! Lee climbs but Gibson THROAT CHOPS him down! Gibson gets Lee’s hand stuck through a buckle pad?! Drake says GRIT YOUR TEETH, and hits the bad arm!!
Gibson tags in, he drags Lee in, HAMMERLOCK TAKEDOWN! And then SHANKLY GATES!! Lee endures, Drake keeps Carter away with a sleeper! Carter is fading, but he blocks Lee’s hand from tapping out!! Lee sees Carter going out, Gibson TWISTS the arm more! Mendoza SHOTGUNS Gibson! ROUNDHOUSE for Drake! Fireman’s carry and Wilde uses him as a boost to SPLASH Gibson! Mendoza SAMOAN DROPS Drake, and Legado picks the bones of Lee! LEGADO GAMANGIRI LEG SWEEP!! Cover, TWO?!!?? How did Lee live through that?! Legado is furious, but the stomp Carter and Drake down! Wilde has Drake on the ramp, Mendoza chases Carter to the desk.
Gibson trips Wilde up and Drake DECKS him! Mendoza clubs Carter while GYV gives Wilde the GRIZZLED DOOMSDAY DEVICE!! Carter gets Mendoza in a torture rack, Lee gets up, DOUBLE STOMP BURNING HAMMER for Mendoza!! But now it comes down to MSK and GYV, as they’ve both always wanted! Gibson tells MSK to ignore the fans, and it is just a BRAWL!! Gibson dumps Lee out, CLOBBERS Carter, and Drake hurries to get him up! But Carter slips out, uppercuts Gibson and springboards to DOUBLE CUTTER!! Lee hurries back up as Gibson flounders about! Carter tags Lee, MSK coordinates, MUST SEE HART ATTACK! Cover, MSK WINS!!
Winners: MSK, by pinfall (NEW NXT Tag Team Champions)
The boyhood dreams have come true!! More grizzled than the Young Veterans, and a legacy growing faster than Legado del Fantasma’s, and they’re just getting started! And to make it official, William Regal hands them the belts himself! Will it truly be Lee & Carter, MSK All Night and All Day?
NXT Women’s Championship: Io Shirai VS Raquel Gonzalez w/ Dakota Kai!
The Evil Genius was In Your House when she dethroned the Queen of Flair and braved the Nightmare, but that was a Triple Threat. She must face Big Mami Cool 1v1 to prove she is still the best of the best in the best division anywhere, PERIOD. Will she have a plan for the woman who has quite literally thrown her around all of the Capitol Wrestling Center?
The introductions are made, the title is raised, and women’s wrestling reigns supreme as we see who reigns over women’s wrestling!
Shirai rushes Raquel but gets put in a corner! Raquel RAMS into Shirai over and over, then lets off as the ref counts, just to carry Shirai and toss her! Shirai lands on her feet but Raquel BOOTS her down! Raquel gets Shirai up but Shirai throws hands, Raquel puts Shirai in a corner to stomp away on her, then CLUB her! Raquel grits her teeth, whips Shirai but Shirai RANA- No! Raquel blocks to bring Shirai up! And again! But Shirai heel kicks Shirai then whips, only for Raquel to block. Raquel reverses, runs but hits buckles before Shirai swing kicks her away! Shirai shoulders into Raquel, goes up top and leaps, for a FLYING RANA!
Raquel ends up in another corner, Shirai runs in and CROSSBODIES! Shirai CHOPS Raquel, and CHOPS, and fires up to CHOP! Shirai digs her boots into Raquel, then hits a swinging- NO! Raquel blocks the knees to then carry Shirai! Shirai sunset flips and sends Raquel out of the ring! Shirai builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit and Raquel hits barriers! Fans fire up as Shirai gets to the ring. But as the ref is busy with Raquel, Dakota goes after Shirai! The ref sees that and EJECTS Dakota!! Captain Kota is furious but now Raquel is up and drags Shirai back. Shirai kicks but the misses, only to mule kick! Shirai then springboards to ASAI MOONSAULT! Both women hit barriers and fans fire up!
Shirai lets off, but Raquel yanks her from the apron to LAWN DART her into the post! Raquel drags Shirai up and into the ring, covers, TWO! Raquel scowls, looms over Shirai and drags her up, to then gut wrench to a Canadian rack! DOMINATOR with a little extra! Cover, TWO!! Shirai survives and Raquel seethes. Raquel drags Shirai up, Shirai hits back, but Raquel shoves her. Shirai drop toeholds and dials it up like Rey! But Raquel elbows Shirai away, reels her in, and gets her up to ALLEY OOP her onto ropes! Cover, TWO!! Shirai survives and Raquel is losing her cool. Raquel stalks Shirai to the apron, drags her back in and drops an elbow! And another! And another! Cover, TWO!
Raquel drags Shirai up, suplexes, but Shirai fights! Shirai tries a cradle but Raquel powers through to suplex! Shirai slips out and CHOPS! And CHOPS! Raquel blocks to DECK Shirai in return! Raquel drags Shirai back up, gut wrenches again, and gets Shirai into a modified Gory Especial! Shirai endures as Raquel pulls on the arms! Shirai fights but Raquel flips her back throughs. Shirai bobs ‘n’ waves, and SPIKE-RANAS to then STOMP 182! Raquel goes to ropes, Shirai dials it up but still no 619! Shirai arm-drags Raquel back to ropes, 619!! Shirai springboards and missile dropkicks Raquel down!
Shirai fires up, runs and hops on, for a CODE RED!! Cover, TWO!! Both women are down but fans fire up and duel. Shirai goes up a corner, reaches the top, but Raquel gets her with the one arm! But Shirai shifts to roll her, to a CROSSFACE!! Raquel flails, reaches, but Shirai pulls her back! Raquel keeps moving, kicking with her legs and clawing with one hand! ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Shirai lets go, and Raquel goes to the apron. Shirai runs to the corner, goes up and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS Raquel to the ramp! Fans are thunderous again as Shirai gets back to the ring. Shirai won’t settle for the count-out, either, she wants Raquel to get up! Shirai runs in with the SHINKANSEN!!
Raquel is down on the stage and the ref checks on her. Raquel is somehow okay to continue after that bullet train meteora, but where did Shirai go? She’s on top of the SKULL! Shirai LEAPS and CROSSBODIES Raquel down on the stage!! It worked at In Your House, why not here? Fans are thunderous again while both women are still down! Shirai drags Raquel by her hair, clubbing her as they go back to the ring. They get in the ring, Shirai climbs the corner, and OVER THE MOONSAULTS!! Cover, TWO!?!? Raquel survives Shirai’s best move?! “This is Awesome!” and is shockingly still going as far as Shirai is concerned!
A ring count begins but Shirai pursues, only for Raquel to BOOT her down! Raquel drags Shirai up to hit a DESPERADO BOMB to the floor! But Raquel has to win this in the ring! Fans are dueling as hard as ever, Raquel puts Shirai in the ring and stalks her. Shirai sits up and Raquel tells her, “Just stay down, huh!” Raquel drags Shirai up, Shirai SHOTEIS! But Raquel LARIATS Shirai inside-out! Raquel still staggers from that palm strike but she gets Shirai back up. DESPERADO BOMB!! Cover, Raquel wins!!!
Winner: Raquel Gonzalez, by pinfall (NEW NXT Women’s Champion)
Shirai wanted to be like Rey Mysterio, but not even the King of Lucha defeated every giant in his path! And that is what happened here tonight! Raquel Gonzalez is now on top of the mountain as THE champion of THE division in the world of wrestling today! Will Shirai come back for more? Or is tonight the beginning of a new era in NXT?
My Thoughts:
What an awesome TakeOver, and what a way to end the Wednesday Night Wars as NXT is moving to Tuesdays! There are things I could be very critical about, because it’s about how WWE has to give Peacock special treatment compared to the USA Network broadcast. Ranting about Peacock is for another article that I won’t write because one day, Peacock could be as good as the WWE Network, so all the gripes will go away on that day. But because this is still a TakeOver, even the kickoff show match is good. Stark getting a surprise win on Storm is great stuff, and I feel like this could start a really good story going into the NXTuesday era.
I really like the interviews we got with Samoa Joe and the big names from tonight. I wonder if Joe will do more of these tomorrow night with Escobar, Devlin, Balor and Kross. One with Balor would be really good because of their rivalry for the NXT Championship. Kushida VS Dunne was a great choice for opener, proved both guys are definitely top technical wrestlers, and Dunne winning was probably the right choice since he spoke up first about being the best technical wrestlers. The Gauntlet Eliminator was badass, but here is one of those cases where Peacock version got the better because you don’t miss Swerve and Ruff brawling before the first bell.
Reed winning was the perfect surprise because I thought Lumis was coming back around to Gargano. It seems Lumis and Knight are starting up a feud, and it is rather fitting. Knight talks enough for both of them, and Lumis’ finishing hold being named “Silence” is the perfect counter to Knight’s personality. Reed has been wanting after Gargano since last year’s North American Championship series, so him getting his chance on perhaps the biggest TakeOver ever is great. I don’t know if Reed wins, but this is the best place for that.
The UK Championship being the middle of the card was interesting, but at the same time, with NXT UK Prelude tomorrow, it was a bit obvious Walter would win. But Walter and Ciampa gave us something akin to Walter VS Bate, and definitely on par with every other UK Championship match since this title was created. The NXT Tag Team Championship Triple Threat was also awesome stuff, especially since it was a true Triple Threat, not one of those “only two at a time” ones. MSK made natural choices given how things were meant to go before Burch’s legit injury coinciding with Lee’s kayfabe one. They’re going to be a big part of the NXTuesday era, he has to be.
And speaking of, Raquel Gonzalez winning the women’s title tonight was an epic surprise. It was an awesome match, maybe could’ve been bigger if Dakota didn’t interfere just to get ejected, but it was quick and early so it’s fine. I’ve been saying before that Shirai losing must mean she’s moving on (hopefully to SmackDown), letting Raquel carry the baton and take on some fresh competition while Sarray builds herself up from debut to eventual title opportunity. This is going to be great stuff from already the greatest women’s division without a doubt, and definitely one of the best divisions bar none.
My Score: 9.7/10
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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.
The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.
Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!
Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!
Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!
The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.
As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.
Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.
Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.
Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?
Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
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Oblong Ball Foot Show: One For The Road
The Philadelphia Eagles are Super Bowl Champions! Tune in as we recap an excellent NFL season and touch on a...
Oblong Ball Foot Show: Super Bowl LIX Preview
The culmination of a season long journey is upon us. Andrew, Rey and Tunney break it all down for you...
The Front and Center Sports Podcast – NFL Conference Championships and Jimmy Butler
The Chairshot presents a new episode of The Front and Center Sports Podcast, with an NFL Conference Championship preview, and...
Oblong Ball Foot Show: NFL Conference Championships
It's Championship Sunday and the gents have you covered as we breakdown both AFC and NFC title games!
Oblong Ball Foot Show: NFL Divisional Playoffs
Rey, Andrew and Tunney catch you up on the NFL coaching carousel and breakdown the Divisional round matchups.
Bandwagon Nerds #276: Do You Style Your Moustache?
The Nerds continue their review of Season 3 of Invincible, review Captain America: Brave New World, and check out trailers...
Bandwagon Nerds #275: Master of Porpoise
The Nerds begin their review of Season 3 of Invincible and look at the latest trailers for Final Destination, Jurassic...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (2/5/25)
There’s a lot going on this time around!
Bandwagon Nerds #274: Rey Cash Caught Sleeping On The Job
Tune in for another episode of BANDWAGON NERDS for your weekly fix in the world of Comics & Pop Culture!
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu Results & Report! (1/31/25)
The Bracket of Courage!
Mindless Wrestling Podcast: Weekend Wrasslin’ Wrap-up!
DJ, Rob and Jason break down NXT Vengeance Day and AEW GrandSlam Australia. Plus, Rob's SmackDown adventure and some beer...
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (2/21/25)
The Final Boss is back!
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (2/20/25)
Anillo de Honor!
DWI Podcast #464: NXT Vengeance Day & SNL 50
NBA All-Star weekend, SNL 50th anniversary and plenty of Rasslin' talk this week on the DWI podcast.
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (2/19/25)
Phoenix is Dynamite!
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (2/18/25)
NXT is Absolute!
Mitchell’s ROH Global Wars Australia Results & Report! (2/17/25)
G'day, mates!
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (2/17/25)
Visionary VS Prince!
#TheOddity 028: One Monkey = Total Chaos
Join Dave Wortz and PC Tunney for your weekly newsletter on the ridiculous and dumb of actual headlines from around...
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Coverage7 days agoMitchell’s WWE Vengeance Day Results & Report! (2/15/25)
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AEW Coverage7 days agoMitchell’s AEW Grand Slam: Australia Results & Report! (2/15/25)
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Coverage4 days ago
Mitchell’s ROH Global Wars Australia Results & Report! (2/17/25)
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Coverage5 days ago
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (2/17/25)