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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London calling to the champion crowns!
SmackDown brings gold to London as LA Knight defends his WWE US Championship and The Street Profits defend their tag team titles! Will the landscape change this close to WrestleMania?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly; The Profits win and retain the titles.
- Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice w/ Chelsea Green; The Secret Her-vice wins.
- WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman; Braun wins, by disqualification, and Knight retains the title.
- Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab; Charlotte wins.
- Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.
- Jimmy Uso VS The Miz; Jimmy wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes is here!
We follow The American Nightmare as walks to gorilla, then through the curtain, and London sings along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, says hello to fans along the ramp, and then we get the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro. Cody goes to the ring, grabs a mic, then kneels down to kiss the WWE logo on the mat. The fans continue to sing along all the way to the end, “I AM MY KINGDOM!” The fans then cheer, and Cody holds up the belt to fire them up even more! The fans now sing for “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and he soaks it in. The fans cheer again as Cody smiles, and he finally says, “So, London~! Whaddya wanna talk about?”
The fans chant “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cody hears that dueling, and he smiles again. The song of “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” returns, then they cheer. Cody says, “At WrestleMania 41, I will be facing John Cena…” The fans boo, but Cody says, “I will be facing John Cena as he goes to break the record and win 17. But that is WrestleMania 41. In just a few nights, I will be standing face to face with John Cena in this very same city, in this very same arena.” The fans cheer that, but then here comes Randy Orton! Now the fans sing along with Voices as The Viper heads to the ring. Orton also high-fives fans before he joins Cody.
Orton grabs a mic, paces while the fans keep singing on their own, and then the fans cheer. Orton says he’s not really the sentimental type, but for Cody and for London, screw it. The fans chant “R K O! R K O!” and Orton tells Cody, “Look at you. Look at who you are now, the man you are now. Look at where he came from.” The fans cheer and sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and Orton says he remembers a Cody in his early 20s, just breaking into the business. Cody was busting his ass harder than anyone else. He wasn’t exactly happy, and in fact, he was frustrated. But Cody was man enough, smart enough, to know he needed to grow, and that he couldn’t grow in the WWE.
Cody wasn’t exactly treated fairly in the WWE, so Cody left the WWE! That took some big ass balls to do what he did! Cody changed the business singlehandedly, and everyone in the back knows it. And Orton appreciates Cody for it. But then Cody came back, as they all knew one day he would. And the industry has been changed forever since the day Cody came back to the WWE. Cody is a bit teary eyed as Orton says Cody’s still the same guy, he just did what he set out to do, and he grew. Orton teases he would sing along with the fans, but the fans might leave. The fans again sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!”
Orton asks if they remember when Cody Rhodes faced Seth Rollins in Hell in a Cell. The fans cheer because they do. Orton says that was impressive, and even impossible, as he started with a partially torn pec and then ended with a fully torn pec! His body changed all kinds of shades of purple that Orton’s never seen on a human body. The pain he must have been in. Cody persevered not just for himself. Maybe not even at all for Cody. It was not even for his family legacy; it was for each and every single fan out there! Then Cody went on to WrestleMania, beat Roman Reigns and finished the story!
But there’s always another story, isn’t there? And Cody’s right in the middle of one. Cody is in charge of his legacy, and it is a privilege for Orton to watch Cody take control of it. Ticket sales have been up, there’s more intrigue around the world, and listen to the people! It is 99.9% all because of Cody! The fans cheer that, and of course they sing. Orton says what he’s trying to say is a long-winded version of he respects Cody, loves him, and is very, very proud of him. The fans cheer that! Orton then says, “But… But now it is time for WrestleMania.” They both look to the sign, and Orton says he can guarantee Cody that Orton will kick Kevin Owens so hard in the head…!
Orton can just feel it already! He forgets how many days are left, but he can’t wait to remove Kevin’s head from his shoulders. And Orton knows Cody will enter champion, exit champion, but not before he beats the holy hell outta Cena all up and down the Vegas strip! But after all the smoke clears and the dust settles, just like Orton wants Number 17, there will come a time when Orton will want Number 15. But Orton won’t kick Cody in the balls like a coward. Orton will look Cody in the eye because he respects Cody, is proud of Cody, and sees him as an equal. Orton will look Cody in the eye and tell him that he’s coming for the title.
The fans cheer but wait! Drew McIntyre is here! The fans cheer the Scottish Terminator as he steps out on stage, mic in hand, and has a wry smile on his face as he looks at the ring. Drew waves as the fans now sing, “OH~ Drew McIntyre~!” Drew says, “Isn’t this wonderful? A couple of nepo babies having a love fest in the middle of the ring> It makes me absolutely sick. What’d you just say, Randy? if Cody gets through Cena at WrestleMania, you’re coming for that title? What exactly have you done since that big comeback to justify that title match? Aside be Randy Orton. The only big moment I can remember is you being on the shelf for months and months and months.
“People like to make jokes about it, but more people talk about my five-minute-45-second title reign than your entire comeback so far! So get to the back of the line, sunshine! As for you, Cody, you should’ve listened to me. But you shunned me. You attacked me. Everybody should’ve listened to me about John Cena, but they didn’t. And the next night, he kicked you right in the twig ‘n’ berries, proving me right as usual. And the main event of WrestleMania should be Cody Rhodes VS The UK’s only ever world champion, Drew McIntyre!” Fans do like that idea. But sadly, it’s not, because of that guyliner wearing Temu Undertaker, Damian Priest!
Drew wants to talk about what is happening. And what’s gonna happen! Drew steps up to the ring while fans sing for him again. Drew says it will not be Randy that takes the title from Cody, should he get through Cena; it’ll be McIntyre. The fans cheer, but Orton says they were trying to have a moment. Can Drew just cut the crap already? Drew says okay, sure. He’ll tell the truth, because that’s all he ever does. The truth is, Kevin might have a point! If those Voices are talking to Orton again, then they know Drew very, very well. And he’s thinking, “My God, Randy looks great! Absolutely jacked! On the outside.”
On the inside, that back is hanging by a thread. And if Orton provokes McIntyre, McIntyre will break him. And as for Cody- Cody kicks Drew and UPPERCUTS him! The fans fire up, and Orton R- NO, Drew gets away! The fans boo, but the battlelines are drawn! Even if Cody makes it out of the frying pan that is Las Vegas, it’ll be into the fire that is these contenders waiting in line! Will the American Nightmare be ready for whoever comes for the crown?
WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly!
Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins are finally golden again, but it’s time to put the titles on the line already! And while they’re ready for the grind, they’re up against the hometown heroes! Will the Profits still be up in the O2? Or will Kit Wilson & Elton Prince say #YESBOY to a new reign of their own?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really wants the smoke!
The teams sort out and Kit starts with Dawkins. They tie up, Dawkins headlocks, but Kit powers up and out. Dawkins runs Kit over, the fans fire up, and Dawkins fires hands on Kit in the corner! The fans rally for Pretty Deadly, Dawkins whips Kit to a corner, but Elton takes that bump! Kit CLOBBERS Dawkins, then tags Elton! Atomic drop into DROPKICK! Ford runs up, but into a DOUBLE HIP TOSS! Dawkins whips, Elton reverses, and then Elton hurdles so Kit can DDT! The fans fire up with Pretty Deadly while the Profits bail out. Pretty Deadly has control while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Elton is right on Dawkins as he gets in, and UPPERCUTS him to the corner. Elton clinches Dawkins for another UPPERCUT! Tag to Kit, and Elton RAMS into Dawkins so Kit can UPPERCUT! Dawkins flops over, Kit drags him up to wrench the arm. Kit whips, Dawkins reverses, but Kit grabs ropes. Kit ELBOWS Dawkins, DECKS Ford, but Dawkins CLOBBERS Kit! The ref reprimands but Dawkins RAMS Kit into the corner again and again! The ref counts, Dawkins fires fast hands, then he tags in Ford. Ford says, “SUCK IT!” then he KICKS Kit! Ford scuffs Kit, then drags him to a cover, TWO!
Ford keeps Kit down with a facelock, but Kit endures the grind. Kit fights up, fires body shots, but Ford whips him away. Kit sunset flips! Ford rolls through, and PENALTY KICKS! Ford mocks Elton with the Scott Hall fingers, and the ref has to keep Elton back. Ford drags Kit up, tags Dawkins, and the Profits mug Kit. Dawkins CLUBS Kit down, then stalks him. Dawkins stays between Kit and Elton, then whips Kit into the Profits’ corner. CYCLONE- NO, Kit dodges! Ford tags in, he keeps Kit from Elton now, but Kit slips out of the suplex! Kit fakes high to go low, hot tag to Elton! Elton rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT!
Elton kicks and whips Ford to a corner, then UPPERCUTS! Elton whips the other way, UPPERCUTS again, and then does it again! Elton adds to the hattrick with a lift, Ford says a quick prayer before the SUPLEX! Ford flounders, gets to his feet, but Elton dodges to springboard and FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Ford stays in this, but Elton stays on him. SmackDown returns to single picture and fans rally for Pretty Deadly as Elton gives Ford a back suplex. Ford lands out, waistlocks, but Elton switches and shoves Ford. Ford CLOBBERS Elton in return! Ford is also dazed but he covers, ONE!
Kit reaches out, Elton and Ford both crawl, hot tags to Kit and Dawkins! The fans fire up as Dawkins wrenches Kit, underhooks and SILENCER! Dawkins Electric Chair Lifts Kit, Ford climbs, but Kit slips free! Kit shoves Dawkins into Ford! Ford falls to the floor, but Dawkins ENZIGIRIS Kit! Elton tags in, and Kit LARIATS Dawkins! Pretty Deadly combine for DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Dawkins survives and the Profits are a bit unsure of what to do next. Dawkins crawls to a corner, Elton runs up, but Dawkins dodges! Elton hits buckles and Dawkins TOSSES Kit, then Dawkins hits a SKY HIGH on Elton!
Dawkins hurries to tag Ford and Ford climbs up! But Kit pushes Elton out of the way! Kit takes FROM THE HEAVESN, and Elton ghost pins Ford! TWO!! Ford escapes, and he ROCKS Elton! Elton UPPERCUTS Ford! Dawkins sneaks a tag, Ford SUPERKICKS! POUNCE SAIDO COMBO!! Cover, KIT BREAKS IT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! The teams go to opposite ends, then they all stand up in the corners. They all roar, all run in, and Kit SPEARS Ford while Elton FLYING UPPERCUTS Dawkins!! London is thunderous, and Kit hurries to tag in! Pretty Deadly gets Dawkins up, for SPILT MILK!! Cover, FORD BREAKS IT!
The fans are shocked, as is Elton, but Ford saves this for his team! “This is Awesome!” as Ford runs up and Elton TOSSES him out! Now DRY MARTI- NO! Dawkins doesn’t accept the second serving, and he DUMPS Kit out! Kit skins the cat while Dawkins DECKS Elton! Dawkins catches Kit to an Electric Chair! Ford rises, DOOMSDAY BLOCKBUSTER!! Cover, Profits win!
Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall (still WWE Tag Team Champions)
Pretty Deadly put up a heroic fight, but the hometown heroes could not capture the gold. Dawkins & Ford hold onto the gold, will this be the strongest the Profits have ever been?
Kayden & Katana talk with Zelina Vega.
Carter & Chance know La Muneca got screwed over by The Green Administration. Chelsea thinks she’s untouchable, but someone’s gonna stop them eventually. Well, speaking of, Alba Fyre leads the way in as she & Piper Niven “scope the perimeter.” There’s one small threat. They frisk the “miniscule” threat, but nothing they haven’t dealt with before. Chelsea struts in and says, “The Eagle has landed~!” Zelina says she is so glad the “Bootleg Men in Black” have crashed the party. Now, yeah, they all know she’s small. But clearly this small “threat” is a big threat to Chelsea’s title reign. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have taken all three of them to beat her.
KC Squared agree with that. How about tonight, we see what happens when the odds are even? Chelsea says that’s fine, because Agents P & A are ready. The Secret Her-vice has been given their next mission, but will they be able to crash the party? Or will the party crash them?
Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice!
SmackDown returns and The Green Administration makes their entrance. The teams sort out, Alba starts against Katana, and the two tie up. Alba KNEES low, CLUBS Katana down, then fireman’s carries. Katana fights free, tags Kayden, and they KICK, double whip, and then trip Alba up for the basement DROPKICK! Katana adds a slingshot SENTON, Kayden covers, TWO! Kayden tags Katana, they double whip Alba to a corner, then Kayden runs in. Alba DUMPS Kayden out, ROCKS Katana, and she tags Piper! Katana arm-drags Alba out, then goes out to run up. Kayden gives her a boost, Katana CROSSBODIES Alba down!
The fans fire up, but Piper goes up and out?! CANNONBALL and down goes KC Squared! Piper salutes Chelsea and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Kayden rallies on Alba while the fans rally up. Kayden fires up, runs in and whips, but Alba reverses. Kayden wheelbarrows, victory rolls, then SUPERKICKS! Kayden fires up again but the fans are torn. Kayden runs in at Alba to BOOT WASH her against the ropes! Chelsea protests, Kayden kicks at her, then Kayden springboards for a LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Alba survives, Kayden whips, but Alba KICKS back! Tag to Piper, but Kayden jackknife bridges Alba! The ref explains bout the tag, Piper runs up, but Kayden moves! The SENTON hits Alba! Piper panics, Kayden tags Katana!
Katana goes up onto Kayden’s shoulders, VICTORY ROLL LAUNCHER, but Piper catches Katana! Katana fires hands, BOOTS, and then hurries to go up again. Kayden ROCKS Piper, and fireman’s carries?! SAMOAN DROP! Kayden then gives Katana the boost, for the KEG STAND SPLASH!! Cover, ALBA BREAKS IT! Kayden runs up on Alba to BOOT her out! Katana gives Kayden the boost now, SUPER CROSSBODY onto Alba! Kayden hurries to tag back in, and she brings Piper up. Piper swings, Kayden dodges and SUPERKICKS! Katana goes up, Piper staggers over that way, but Chelsea distracts the ref!
The fans are torn as Alba grabs Katana. Katana kicks Alba down, chases Chelsea off, but Piper sends Kayden into her! Piper scoops to PIPER DRIVER!! Cover, Secret Her-vice wins!
Winner: The Secret Her-vice, by pinfall
The Women’s US Champion helps her team, and now they all mug Kayden & Katana! But here comes Zelina! Vega runs down the ramp, CLOBBERS Alba, and then she gets in the ring! Zelina tilt-o-whirl DDTS Piper! And she KNEES Alba off the apron! But Chelsea CLOBBERS Zelina! Chelsea fires up, the UK is oddly with her, and she chicken wings Zeina. But Zelina fights free to fire forearms and body shots! And a BACK ELBOW! Zelina reels Chelsea in, CODE- SUPERKICK from Alba! SENTON from Piper! The Green Administration is just too much for Zelina to fight against alone! But can she, Kayden & Katana find a way to turn things around?
WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman!
Did the Mega Star just get this title back from Shinsuke Nakamura? YEAH! Did he help the Monster of All Monsters fight off Solo Sikoa’s rouge bloodline? YEAH! And now, does he have to defend this title against the monster he just helped? YEAH!! But will Knight still reign this close to WrestleMania? Or will Braun #GetTheseHands back on a championship?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s time for Knight’s biggest challenge, YEAH!
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. The two tie up, and Braun SHOVES Knight away. Knight comes back, Braun SHOVES him down again! Knight gets up, gets around, and he headlocks. Braun powers up to back suplex, but Knight lands out! Knight tries but Braun’s too big to suplex! Braun ELBOWS Knight, storms up on him, but Knight fires haymakers! Knight whips, Braun reverses, but Knight KICKS back! Knight runs, but Braun HIP TOSSES! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this, but Braun brings him up. Braun puts Knight in a corner, CHOPS, then runs, for a SPLASH! Knight sputters along ropes, Braun keeps moving, but Knight DUMPS him out!
The fans fire up as Knight then WRECKS Braun with a dropkick! Knight keeps moving, and he WRECKS Braun again! The fans fire up with Knight, but then Braun BOOTS Knight down! The fans are torn but Braun stands tall as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Braun puts Knight back in the ring. The fans cheer as Knight KICKS Braun! Knight tries again, but Braun’s still too big to back suplex! Braun CLUBS Knight, then runs in at the corner. Knight BOOTS Braun, goes up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Knight and Braun rise back up, and Knight dodges a shot to JAB! Then he dodges to JAB! JAB! JAB! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” But Braun KNEES low! Braun scoops, Knight slips free, and Knight RAMS Braun into buckles! Then the BACK SUPLEX! The fans fire up and Knight rises again! Knight spells it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!
Braun has plenty left in the tank but the fans rally for Knight. Knight stands Braun up to kick low, but Braun THROWS Knight away! Knight rises, and Braun LARIATS Knight up and out! The fans fire up as Braun rips the shirt! Braun gets on the track, and he runs in, STROWMAN EXPRESS MEETS JACOB FATU!! The Samoan Werewolf strikes Braun down!
Winner: Braun Strowman, by disqualification; LA Knight retains the title
The fans boo as Jacob now goes after Knight! He just ruined what was becoming a great match, but Jacob fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT on Braun! SAMOAN DROP onto the desk!! The desk doesn’t budge, but Braun might’ve been broken in half! The UK fires up for Fatu as he puts Braun in the ring! Jacob fires more HEADBUTTS, then HEADBUTTS away on Braun in the corner! The fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE, FATU~, FATU~!” Jacob runs corner to corner, but Knight kicks him first! Knight fires haymakers, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Jacob denies the BFT to POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! And then HIP ATTACK for Braun anyway!
Jacob keeps going, HIP ATTACK for Braun again! Jacob throws off his jacket, glares at Braun, and he runs in for a third HIP ATTACK! Braun flounders into the drop zone, so Jacob goes up, up, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! Direct hit on Braun, but the fans want that “ONE MORE TIME!” Jacob obliges, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! The Samoan Werewolf just tore up #OneBigSOB and LA Knight, will there be no stopping him from taking the United States Championship?
Backstage interview with Jimmy Uso.
Jackie Redmond is with #BigJim, and she says that while she knew WWE was going global this month, she did not know they’d get the slap heard ’round the world! Jimmy says he’d do it again, and he’ll slap Gunther as many times as he needs! Jimmy knows Jey is up in his own head, doubt is creeping on him. But just because Jey’s 0-3 against Gunther doesn’t mean Gunther’s unbeatable! The Ring General CAN be got! Jimmy’s going to Raw this Monday, he will bust Gunther’s ass, Jey will go to Mania and bust Gunther’s ass to become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. And then they leave Las Vegas just like this: YEET!
Jimmy heads out, but then The Miz & Carmelo Hayes walk by. Miz is mocking Jimmy’s words, and he asks excuse me. Miz says it’s just funny that suddenly, Jimmy is a tough guy, even though for most of his career, he’s been “The Other Uso.” Doesn’t Jimmy get it? Jimmy and Jey are career sidekicks while Gunther is a main character. Gunther is the lead, neither Jimmy nor Jey can beat him. And here’s another thing: The Usos are just blips on the trailer that was Roman Reigns’ Bloodline. Melo says Jimmy & Jey are stuck outside the club, they can’t even get in.
Miz says as a former WWE Champion, a former WrestleMania main eventer, Jimmy will never know what it is to carry this industry. And after this year’s WrestleMania, neither will Jey. Oh, and by the way, if Jimmy ever slapped Miz like that, Jimmy would still be on the ground. Jimmy feints the slap and Miz freaks out. Jimmy says it may be him and Gunther on Monday, but he’ll holler at Aldis real quick so it can be Jimmy VS Miz here tonight. Yeah, YEET! Jimmy heads out, Melo says he thought Miz was gonna do something about the slap. Will Miz have to do something about running his mouth before he gets his teeth kicked in?
Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga find Jacob Fatu backstage.
Solo asks Jacob what the Hell he was doing out there. Jacob goes out there alone without saying a thing to them? Jacob says he ain’t gotta say nothing to nobody! Matter fact, didn’t Solo not tap in with him last week? Tama says, “But Jacob,” only for Jacob to say, “But nothing, Tama!” Solo wants Jacob to lower his tone, but Jacob says okay. Let him be very clear with them. When it comes to Braun Strowman, Jacob WILL be the last man standing. Y’all better get in where you fit in, cuz that US title? Oh, Jacob’s bringing it home to the family. And he will do it with them, or without them! Yadada mean? Fatu heads out, is the Samoan Werewolf no longer following Solo?
Naomi speaks.
“I mean… How did we even get here? I don’t know. One thing that I do know is that I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. So Bianca, what makes you think that my attack on Jade was anything different from me doing the right thing? When I sit here and I think about all that I’ve sacrificed, all that I’ve given, and that’s what really breaks my heart. Because through all of that, I’m made to be the bad one in this situation. I just don’t understand, how does Jade come in outta nowhere and take my place with you? I want you to ask yourself this, Bianca. Who inspired you? Hmm?
“Who’s inspired women over the last decade? Who’s always had your back from day one of you being here? Me. Not Jade. Hmm. But you know what? What I’ve learned through all of this: You teach people how to treat you. And I’m done with being treated as a third wheel. I’m done being pushed to the side, I’m done with being too nice, I’m done with being undervalued, underutilized, underappreciated! So moving forward, hmm… Moving forward, here’s my message to you, Jade. If you continue to be in my way, I strongly advise you to proceed with caution.” The Glow shows her dark side, but will the storm be moved?
Nick Aldis meets with Jade Cargill.
Speaking of, the SmackDown General Manager understands things have been rather difficult for her as of late. Jade says she’s been trying to get her hands on Naomi for the past few weeks, now where is she? No one has seen her all day, so as far as anyone knows, Naomi’s not here. Well, when Jade catches Naomi, it’s on sight. Jade leaves, B-Fab & Michin are there. They let her know that what Naomi did to her was straight trash, totally uncalled for behavior. And after Jade gets her hands on Naomi, she’ll handle that business. Jade agrees. Mia says they’ve all got business to handle. Jade’s got Naomi, and Mia’s gonna get Charlotte for messing with her girl, B.
B-Fab says Naomi’s got what’s coming to her: no sympathy, no regrets. Jade, just do what you gotta do. Oh, she will. Jade also wishes Mia luck tonight. Mia & B-Fab head out, will the Head Baddie in Charge make the Queen bow down in London?
The darkness approaches.
“You are as I was. As I am, you will be.” The shadows are starting to take shape, but is SmackDown about to fade to black?
Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab!
The Queen looks down on everyone, so it’s no surprise that everyone else wants to take her down. Charlotte may have checked off B-Fab, but will the HBIC be a much different story? Or will Charlotte only sharpen her edge before facing Tiffany Stratton at WrestleMania?
WAIT! NAOMI ATTACKS B-FAB & MICHIN! Naomi drags Mia up for a FACEBUSTER! Naomi rains down fists, the ref reprimands and the fans boo, but Naomi tells the ref to back off. Naomi then BOOTS B-Fab off the apron! Naomi goes out after B-Fab to THRWO her into barriers! Naomi SLAPS B-Fab, tells her to stay down, but B-Fab gets up. Naomi fires hands, then she SMACKS B-Fab off the desk! Naomi rains down fists, but here comes Jade! Jade hurries down the ramp, she runs around the way, but Naomi runs away! Jade makes sure B-Fab is okay, but refs have to help her to the back. And what of Mia? Will she even be able to compete?
Charlotte makes her entrance, not really caring about what Naomi just did to Mia. But that means she also crosses paths with Jade. The fans like the look of this stare down, but Jade and Charlotte both let the other slide. Charlotte gets her pyro, and it seems she’ll still get her match. Will Mia be little more than an appetizer now?
The bell rings, and Charlotte BOOTS Mia down! Cover, TWO! Mia stays in this and the fans rally up. Charlotte just struts around while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Charlotte has Mia down with a chinlock, but the fans rally up. Mia fights up, fires body shots, and she then blocks a shot to ROCK Charlotte! Mia ROCKS Charlotte again and again, then reels her in for a TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up as Mia hurries to cover, TWO! Mia drags Charlotte up, wrenches, but Charlotte says no to Da Feet! BIG back suplex! Mia stagger sup, Charlotte whips her, but Mia reverses! Charlotte goes up and out, BOOTS her away, then slingshots in and rolls Mia! Mia rolls through and BUZZSAWS! Mia runs corner to corner, but Charlotte avoids the cannonball!
Charlotte YAKUZA KICKS Mia down, then fires herself up! The fans “WOO~!” as Charlotte has Mia in the drop zone,. Charlotte steps on her, goes up the corner, but Mia gets underneath her! SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Charlotte survives and Mia is shocked! Mia nods as the fans rally back up, and she brings Charlotte up. But Charlotte ROCKS Mia! Mia SOBATS, PELES, and then runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Charlotte stays in this, Mia grows frustrated, but the fans continue to rally. Mia uses that energy to stay focused, and she stalks Charlotte to waistlock. But Charlotte ELBOWS her away!
Charlotte CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOSP! Charlotte winds up, and she CHOPS again! Mia sputters, but then she dodges the boot! Charlotte is caught, and Mia hits a SAIDO! Charlotte flounders to a corner, the fans rally behind Mia, and Mia runs up, CANNONBALL! Mia hurries to wrench and EAT- NO, Charlotte shoves Mia away! Charlotte gets under, back suplexes, but Mia lands out! EAT DA FEET!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Charlotte’s long legs help her survive by a literal foot! Mia is beside herself while Charlotte bails out. Mia storms after Charlotte, runs up, but Charlotte dodges! Mia’s kick hits steel steps!
Mia hobbles away, goes to the apron, but Charlotte CHOP BLOCKS the bad leg out! Charlotte grabs Mia’s leg, drops a KNEE on the knee, but fans chant, “We Want Tiffy!” Charlotte just steps through, FIGURE FOUR, into FIGURE EIGHT!! Mia taps, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
Charlotte got more of a fight out of Mia than expected, but she still won. Will The Queen be more than ready to reign again after WrestleMania?
Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.
Jackie Redmond is with the WWE Women’s Champion and says Charlotte certainly looks confident. Let’s be real, Charlotte came at Tiff pretty hard. It got a lot of people talking. Tiff says yes, people talk. And Charlotte sure loves to hear herself talk. Ten years into the business and Charlotte is still so insecure that she can’t let a “rookie” get a word out. But last week, Tiff did learn something: She learned that walking into WrestleMania, she isn’t the one with something to lose. Truth is, if Tiff loses, then she lost to the great Charlotte Flair, as just a 25-year-old rookie with one year into SmackDown.
But if Charlotte loses… Well, then she lost to an “undeserving, delusional, unoriginal, backflip doing, blonde-hair-having, little girl.” Did she get it all? And Tiff can’t wait to hear the look on Charlotte’s face when they hear the words, “And STILL!” Then maybe Charlotte will finally shut up for the sake of literally everyone! They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, and Tiff will make damn sure what stays is Charlotte’s massive ego. Tiff is walking into and out of Mania as the WWE Women’s Champion. Tootles! Tiff heads out, will it still be #TiffyTime after WrestleMania?
Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre!
The Viper told Cody how proud he was, but also how he wants the next shot after John Cena. The Scottish Terminator took offense to that, and basically said he is taking that shot instead. Will this match be an unofficial #1 contender’s match between these two former world champions?
SmackDown returns and McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans sing, “OH~, Drew McIntyre~!” and chant “R K O! R K O!” Drew and Orton circle, tie up, and they go around in a deadlock. Drew powers Orton to a corner, but Orton headlocks back. Drew powers up and out, then he runs Orton over! Orton hurries to ropes and Drew mockingly asks, “How’s the back feel, Randy?” Orton stands, he and Drew reset, and the fans duel some more. Drew calls for a knuckle lock, Orton accepts, but then Drew kicks low! Drew bumps Orton off buckles, then climbs up, but he panders for too long and Orton YANKS him down!
The fans fire up as Orton climbs now! Orton rains down fists, and the fans count to nine. Orton hops down, brings Drew around, and POSTS him for ten! Drew tumbles out of the ring, Orton goes out after him, and they’re by the desk! But Drew kicks Orton first and SMACKS him off the desk! Drew clears the desk, and he brings Orton up for the DESK- NO, Orton fights free! Orton turns things around, DESK BACK SUPLEX for Drew! The fans fire up while Orton leaves Drew behind, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew writhes on the floor, but Orton goes out to fetch him! Orton brings Drew around, UPPERCUTS him, then says one more time! DESK BACK SUPLEX! Drew writhes as that desk stays standing! Orton grins, refreshes the ring count, and then he storms up on Drew. Drew pokes Orton in the eye! Drew POSTS Orton now, then brings him around to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP into barriers! Orton slumps down, and Drew also grits his teeth from that double-edged attack, but Drew fires up as he stands tall. Drew drags Orton up, puts him in the ring, then stalks Orton. Drew looms over Orton, and HIP DROPS him!
Orton sputters, Drew says one more time, and he winds up for the HIP DROP! Drew paces around Orton, says maybe one more time, and he pretends he can’t hear the fans. Drew winds up again, but Orton flips over! Hip drop meets kneecaps! And then Orton pokes Drew in the eyes! The ref reprimands but Orton rises up. Drew sputters and flounders, Orton ROCKS him with a right! Drew ROCKS Orton back! Drew storms up, Orton kicks low, but Drew fires another haymaker! The haymakers go back and forth, Orton gets the edge, but Drew GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS! Cover, TWO! Drew clamps onto Orton with an armlock!
SmackDown returns to single picture and the fans rally up. Orton fights up, pries at the chinbar, and then throws right hands! Drew CHOPS Orton in return! The fans “WOO~” and Drew winds up. Drew ROCKS Orton again, eggs him on, then CHOPS again! Drew shoves Orton to a corner, CHOPS again, then dares Orton to fight! Drew whips corner to corner, but Orton comes back to LARIAT! And LARIAT! Drew swings, Orton dodges, SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up as Orton stalks Drew to the apron. Drew HOTSHOTS Orton first! Drew then runs in, but Orton puts him through the ropes!
The fans fire up as Orton has Drew for the DRAPING DDT! The fans fire up for Orton, and Orton hears those voices! Drew rises, but then Orton spots KEVIN OWENS! The Prizefighter is on the ramp, Orton glares at him, but then he turns around into a CLAYMORE!! Cover, DREW WINS!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
Kevin’s mere presence costs Orton, and now Drew has a huge win propelling him down the Road to WrestleMania! As for Orton, Kevin drags him out of the ring, SMACKS him off the desk, and then climbs up to join him! The fans boo but Kevin and his hot pink sneakers have Orton in position, but Orton slips free and TRIPS Kevin up! Kevin hits the desk then the floor! Orton staggers around, the fans rally behind him, and Orton stalks Kevin to the corner of the barriers. Orton lines up the shot! Orton runs in, but Kevin jumps over barriers! Security is there to stop Orton from pursuing, so Kevin runs away into the night!
The fans boo, but The Viper was that close! Will Orton be able to strike Kevin down and completely take him out?
Fire, thunder, smoke…
The force of nature is drawing ever closer. And he’s ready to fly! REY FENIX arrives next Friday Night SmackDown!
Jimmy Uso VS The Miz!
#BigJim gave Gunther a piece of his mind and a mark on his cheek, but it seems not everyone got the message. Will the Hollywood A-lister soon star in the Uso Penitentiary? Or will he prove Jimmy is NOT ready for a world champion level opponent?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Jimmy powers Miz to a corner, Miz turns things around, and the ref counts. Miz takes a swing, Jimmy ducks it to CHOP! And CHOP! Miz shoves Jimmy back, then runs up, but Jimmy TACKLES Miz! Jimmy rains down fists, Miz shoves him away to go to ropes, but Jimmy storms back up. Miz ELBOWS Jimmy away, then runs back up, only for Jimmy to LARIAT him down! The fans fire up while Jimmy storms up on Miz. Jimmy CHOPS Miz, has him in a corner, then whips corner to corner. Miz reverses, Jimmy goes up and over, then UPPERCUTS! Miz staggers back to ropes, but Jimmy is right on him.
Jimmy whips, Miz reverses and kitchen sink knees! Then basement BOOTS! The fans fire up, Miz scowls, and Miz KNEES Jimmy in the back again and again. Miz stalks Jimmy to the ropes now, and he CHOKES Jimmy! The ref counts, Miz runs, and Miz STRADDLE ATTACKS! The fans boo, but Miz runs again. Jimmy ducks the boot, then dodges a lariat! Jimmy runs up to LARIAT Miz up and out! The fans fire up and Jimmy builds speed, but Miz runs away! Jimmy smirks as he goes out the side, and UPPERCUTS Miz over the barriers! Jimmy makes sure Gunther knows he’s coming to get him, but SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and both men are down. Miz and Jimmy crawl, and Jimmy pounds the mat. The fans rally, Jimmy rises and runs up to LARIAT! And LARIAT! And mule kick! Jimmy then UPPERCUTS Miz, dodges a lariat, then SAMOAN DROPS! The fans fire up, Jimmy goes to the corner, “UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs in, but Miz puts him on the apron! Jimmy UPPERCUTS again! Jimmy climbs, leaps, but Miz gets under! Miz then waistlocks, ripcords, and MOVIE MAKER! Fans boo that blatant parody, but Miz full nelsons! Jimmy drops, victory rolls, TWO! Miz has the cover, TWO! Miz hurries to BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally up as Jimmy survives! Miz stalks Jimmy, the fans rally up more, and Miz fires a KICK! And then another KICK! The fans say “YES! YES! YES!” to the It Kicks, but then Miz winds up. Jimmy ducks the buzzsaw, Miz blocks the superkick, but the DRAGON WHIP connects! Miz rebounds to B-MOVIE KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! The parodies don’t get it done, but Miz still has his original work to fall back on. The fans rally for “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Miz runs in, A-LIST LARIAT! Miz shoves Jimmy down, then springboards, but into a SUPERKICK! Jimmy hurries up top, for the USO SPLASH!! Cover, Jimmy wins!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Miz may be a movie star, but Big Jim’s the one winning this main event! Jimmy then borrows Joe Tessitore’s headset to call out Gunther! He’s coming after dat ass on Monday! Gunther won’t be the ring general, he will be “Private Gunther,” and he will salute Big Jim! Uh, uh, YEET! Will Jimmy be the one making examples out of the World Heavyweight Champion? Or will everything come crashing down when Gunther gets his turn?
Drew McIntyre returns backstage.
And he says hey to Lewis Capaldi, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, and also a big fan of Drew’s. They’re ready to have a good night in the pub, but Jackie Redmond walks over to congratulate him on the win tonight. She was hoping to get some thoughts on that victory and what happened with Orton and Kevin. Drew says it’s alright, this is what happens. He doesn’t care about anybody else’s business, but no one gets away with screwing him over. And when no one meddles in his business, he wins! Drew called out Priest, where is he? Priest doesn’t have the balls! So time to get mad in the pubs, everyone’s invited!
Drew turns the corner, but PRIEST IS THERE! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the door, then throws him into road cases! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the trunk of a car, and then again! Or since it’s London, “the boot.” The driver complains, but Priest BODY SLAMS that guy through a table! Drew comes back to KNEE Priest low, SMACK him off the trunk, and then off the side! They go to the hood, or bonnet for UK. Drew drags Priest up, but Priest CLAWS Drew’s eyes! Priest then sends Drew SOUTH OF HEAVEN through the windshield! Priest tells security that he’s done for now. Any more jokes, Drew? Didn’t think so! RIP, jackass!
Priest leaves, the producers hurry to help Drew, and Drew’s got glass in his eye! Will that glass help Drew see why he shouldn’t piss off the Punisher?
CM Punk heads to gorilla.
He has a security detail with him, and he passes by Drew writhing in pain. Punk chuckles, then continues on. Will his contract signing with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins be just as brutal? We find out, after the break.
Nick Aldis is in the ring.
The SmackDown General Manager welcomes us back, and says it is his honor and privilege to be here in the O2 in London. Now, we all know why he and this table is here, and why additional security is here tonight. Tonight, we are here to sign a contract for a Triple Threat. Perhaps the biggest Triple Threat in the history of WrestleMania: Seth Rollins VS CM Punk VS Roman Reigns! The fans cheer all those names, and here comes the OTC! London puts the ones up, and Paul Heyman accompanies THE Tribal Chief out on stage. Roman raises his finger to the sky for the pyro, then security follows him to the ring.
SmackDown goes picture in picture as Roman’s entrance continues, and he raises his finger to the sky for the second round of pyro. Roman steps into the ring, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Heyman hands him a mic. The fans sing, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!” Roman nods, the fans cheer, and now they chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman tells London, “ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” The fans cheer again, and again chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman smiles, but he sees the chairs are not to his liking. Heyman makes sure to put one at the head of the table. Heyman also dusts the chair off while Roman enjoys the singing of, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!”
Roman takes a seat and says that was beautiful. The way they sing to their Tribal Chief, it’s just beautiful. The singing continues, and Heyman even joins in! Roman smiles, and he says that is what he’s talking about. That’s the OTC for you, baby! The biggest star on the planet! The OTC came here for two reasons. One: to be acknowledged; check! And two: to sign this contract. Roman does just that, and he says he’s checked both boxes. That means- “BURN IT DOWN!” Seth Rollins interrupts! The fans now sing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Rollins struts out in his red wine paisley suit and conducts the O2 Choir all the way into the ring.
The fans cheer while Roman frowns, but Rollins takes the seat to Roman’s left. Rollins offers Heyman a chance to sing to this song, but Heyman frowns. Rollins chuckles, and he says the fans do have beautiful singing voices. He doesn’t know why Roman is in such a hurry to leave, though! This is their building! There’s a lot of history here! 12 years ago, they landed on the roof of this place in a helicopter! They came down those stairs over there, “ready to burn down the old guard!” They put the Undertaker down through the desk, and they were going to remake this company in their image!
Now don’t get him wrong, Rollins knows a lot has happened since then. They fought against each other, with each other, a little bit of love and a whole lot of hate. But Rollins dare says, as the fans continue to sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~,” that Rollins and Roman accomplished their mission. The fans start to chant for CM Punk, but Rollins tunes them out. Roman says, “We? We? You keep saying we. Our mission? We died a long time ago. It’s only been ME. You been here, but I done all the work! I’ve made this place what it is today! I took us to the level that we are here today! I made this place better than we found it!
“I’m the one that made us desirable to Netflix! I’m the one that took us into billion-dollar deals! Tell me, what have you done?” Rollins shouts, “I’ll tell you what I’ve done! YOU, YOU, YOU, it’s that mindset that keeps me having to screw you! You understand that? And your biggest mistake is not understanding the danger that’s right in front of us! The danger that’s right in front of you! You let the biggest snake in the world, CM Punk, into the garden! And you could’ve cut his head off at WarGames! But instead, you shook his hand. You could’ve let me finish him inside the cage at The Garden, but you didn’t. And now, I am left to do what I always do: Clean up your mess, again.”
Rollins drops his mic, picks up the pen, and signs his part. And now, here comes CM PUNK! The fans fire up and sing along with Cult of Personality, then join in on saying, “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME~!” Punk goes to the ring, but as he grabs a mic, he goes up a corner, just like he did last Friday. “I have come here to chew bubblegum and sign a contract. And I’m all outta bubblegum.” The fans cheer the Rowdy Roddy Piper reference, and Punk hops down to take his seat on Roman’s right. Punk looks over said contract, but Roman asks if Punk needs a highlighter or something. What’s he doing? Just go to page four, clause five.
Punk does as Roman says, but Roman says Punk needs to hurry, this is precious TV time. Punk reads the segment, Roman tells Heyman to just smarten Punk up. Heyman tells Punk he knows what Punk is looking for. It is in there. They’re closing the show at WrestleMania. The fans go wild hearing that! Heyman tells Punk that he gets to live his dream of dreams. CM Punk will be a WrestleMania main eventer! The fans cheer and while Roman smiles, Rollins is furious. Roman says, “One man’s dream is another man’s favor! CHECK!” Wait, this was the favor? Rollins says no! This is not something to laugh at, and Punk does not get to tear up!
Punk is NOT deserving! He does NOT deserve this! The fans boo but Rollins continues to throw a fit! Main eventing WrestleMania is SACRED, the most important thing in the world to Rollins! More than anything! Except the fact that Punk NEVER gets to main event! This is all Roman’s fault! This is all Heyman’s fault! Rollins THROWS his mic down, paces angrily, but Punk picks up the mic. The fans cheer Punk on again, and Punk stands to thank London, to thank Chicago, to thank Louisville, Kentucky, and to thank ALL the fans. As corny as it sounds, he thanks the WWE Universe who stood by him and chanted his name for TEN LONG YEARS!
Roman says hold on, hold on. Punk shouldn’t be thanking the fans! He should be thanking the Tribal Chief! It is because of Roman that Punk gets this honor! So please, take this moment, close the show with that acknowledgement! Do this the right way. The credits are already rolling as Punk kneels before Roman!? Punk smiles, and he thanks “My Tribal Chief, the holder of the ula fala, the Head of the Table, the… Big Dog? Thank you for allowing a kid from Chicago to be graced by your presence. Thank you, My Tribal Chief, for allowing me to stand in your ring. And thank you so much. Thank you, Roman Reigns, so very much.
“But because of you, I will see you in the main event of WrestleMania.” And again, Rollins is agonizing over this. Punk finishes putting his signature on the contract, and London tells him, “You Deserve It!” Punk thanks Roman again, and then says, “But that’s not the favor that I’m owed.” WHAT?! Roman looks at Heyman and Heyman can’t look him in the eye! If getting this Triple Threat made into the main event isn’t the gift of the Wise Man, then what is?!
My Thoughts:
A good SmackDown, but they pulled off quite the paradox. They made it feel like they were struggling to fill three hours, yet they also filled the show to the point where that contract signing segment was almost bleeding over the three hour mark. Ironically, part of the problem was just how excited the London crowd was for this. The superstars still wanted to enjoy the chants and songs, but that’s time SmackDown doesn’t have to spare. It made the opening promo from Cody, Orton and Drew take longer, and it kinda did the same to the contract signing at the end. Even so, we still got a very good promo, and good stuff to set up Orton VS McIntyre.
Orton VS McIntyre was a great match, but of course Kevin costs Orton. McIntyre gets his win, Kevin and Orton have a bit of a brawl, but of course Kevin ends up on the losing end and runs off. McIntyre’s trash talk also comes back to bite him as Priest gets the better of him in their brawl. Here’s hoping Drew didn’t actually get glass in his eye, but that being the thing in kayfabe can be some good stuff. I can imagine McIntyre with an eyepatch, and he takes it off at the opportune time to get the better of Priest in their match. Also what a fitting choice for Punk to be passing by Drew suffering because of real glass.
Very good title matches tonight, but of course the status quo was kept. Pretty Deadly gets to look great here in London, but the Profits only just got the belts, they’re not going to be transitional champions like that. And Knight VS Braun was really good stuff, but honestly, Jacob Fatu going after them both should’ve been a given. Jacob also had a great promo with Solo & Tama to start adding to that divide between Jacob and Solo. I would hope Solo doesn’t screw Jacob out of the US Championship, but it feels like he will as Solo won’t stand for Jacob defying his authority, even though Solo’s been trying to make Jacob the champion all along.
Very good stuff from Jimmy Uso tonight, from his promo with #MeloDon’tMiz and then a great match with Miz. Their match ended up the de facto main event match, so that’s also great for both guys. Great win for Jimmy, but that’s likely because Jimmy is losing big time to Gunther on Monday. And it might just be me, but it feels like only now is the Jey VS Gunther build really moving, largely in part because Jimmy got involved. Jimmy’s promo after his match is something along the lines of what Jey should be saying. But I suppose as brothers, Jimmy is the one who knows Jey best and knows what Jey needs to be motivated again. And seeing Jimmy get beat up by Gunther will definitely motivate Jey…
Good final vignettes for Rey Fenix and Aleister Black. I’m a little surprised they confirmed Rey Fenix is showing up next week, and that they confirmed who Rey Fenix even is. I believe commentary confirmed Rey Fenix is Penta’s real brother, even namedropped “Lucha Brothers,” but all that is still surprising considering Fenix is going to start on SmackDown. Aleister’s vignette (at least I am fairly confident it’s his) was giving us glimpses of his silhouette, but I think there was usage of AI in the snake imagery. It was fine they did it for El Grande Americano because that is all trolling, but they really should try and do things the old fashioned way of photoshop and stock imagery.
Very good stuff in the Women’s Division tonight, though the WWE Women’s Championship portion was the weaker. Naomi’s got a great Heel persona going, her promo was great, and her going after B-Fab & Michin over them supporting Jade was a great detail. Jade runs Naomi off, helps B-Fab, but there was no helping Michin in being fed to Charlotte. Tiffany had a decent promo, and it does fit how Charlotte kept her from speaking so she finally gets things out here. It didn’t really add that much, though, but they already gave us a great brawl so not sure what more they can give.
KC Squared VS The Secret Her-vice was a very good match, but of course Chelsea made sure her team won. A Six Woman Tag of Zelina & KC Squared VS The Green Administration is certainly coming, to help give us Zelina VS Chelsea for the Women’s US Championship.
My Score: 8.7/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 3.27.2025
Bad news out of the TNA management side, but this is a taped episode from El Paso! So we won’t see any of the fallout just yet!
Now we all heard the news about the TNA change in hierarchy, and I…have no positive outlook on that. Delirious sucked at booking and creative in the dying days of ROH before it got bought as a B show. Dreamer having even more control is concerning because his ideas the last two years haven’t been much better.
Gail leaving makes more sense to me. Be it firing or a “you can’t quit, you’re fired” kind of situation, the Knockouts division is the worst it’s been in a long time and Gail was close with Scott D’Amore. So I don’t think Gail parting ways is as big of a problem since TNA has slowly been bleeding out with the Scott faithful.
Granted, I think the next few shows were already taped before the firing so things shouldn’t be completely unwatchable for at least a week or two. So let’s see where we’re going.
.@WeAreRosemary sends @XiaBrookside a CHILLING message!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/srciTTbel0
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Ratings:
- Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge: Ash wins via Rarefied Air – ** 1/4
- Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr: Chavo wins via Gory Bomb into Frog Splash – *** 1/4
- Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich: Masha wins via Russian Death Device – ***
- Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin: Eric wins via Piledriver – ** 1/2
- Seto & Mokuba – I mean – Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater: Nic wins via Danger Zone – *** 1/4
Results:
Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge
Ash and Gigi start off, Gigi with a little Rascalz after her first takedown. So both her and Wentz are making it obvious something’s going on between them, and I’m not mad at it. Good for my man Wentz.
Tatum and Gigi get some quick tandem offense in, Ash does manage to scurry off to a tag and Heather gets bent into a Pretzel. Some kind of Inverted Tarantula from Tatum, Gigi tags in, Bronco Buster on Heather followed by Kawada Kicks. Heather sells against the ropes, Gigi goes for a Hesitation Dropkick, but Concierge pulls her away so Gigi crashes and burns. Ref is distracted, Ash gets in some cheap shots and then the Elegant duo starts working over Gigi. A few quick tags, but once Heather comes in, Gigi fights out of the corner, gets the hot tag to Tatum. Tatum stacks up both Elegance members, Corner Stacked Crossbody, Butterfly Suplex and an Elbow Drop with some some flare. Tatum goes to the top rope, Heather pulls Gigi off the apron, Concierge shoves Tatum off the turnbuckle and Ash hits Rarefied Air for the win.
Post match the Elegance Clique wants to make their wish with the cake, they light the candles and Tatum and Gigi recover enough to do what we all expected last week, the cake in the face spot. Some…suggestive licking from both of our Hot Topic Hotties, so…no complaints here.
.@Ashamae_Sebera, @Heathereckless and @IamGeorgeIceman are having a meltdown!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/FnKwPqm2ff
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr
Chavo and Kaz start since he’s King Petty, a quick rope run turns into a Headscissor from Chavo. Kaz recovers, they lock up, Kaz hits the Knee Lift during the lock up to tag out to KC. KC pulls off some athletic dodges, gloats a bit so Chavo waits, measures and nails a gorgeous Dropkick. Laredo comes in on fire, quick high spots that send KC bouncing around like HBK against Hulk. KC powders after sells the Satellite Takedown, AJ checks on him and we go to commercial.
Back from commercial, Octagon is lighting up KC’s chest with overhand chops, he perches, Sunset Headscissor Flip from corner to corner, KC tries to Back Drop him but Octagon does a headstand, kicks KC away and lays him out with a high spot. AJ gets on the apron to stop Octagon from running the ropes, the referee has a stroke or something because he stops paying attention and AJ pulls Octagon out of the ring and chucks him. KC with the Tope con Hilo and tag (tag ropes haven’t mattered since the 80s we all know this). So AJ is getting taunted by the crowd in Spanish, but he’s manhandling Octagon since it looks like a Child fighting their parent. AJ knocks off Chavo and Laredo, Laredo pops up and tries to get involved but he’s caught on the shoulders, Octagon goes for the Crossbody but gets caught and AJ pulls off “World’s Strongest Wasteland” but Chavo breaks up the pinfall. AJ throws Octagon into the corner, Tennessee Whiskey, and tag out to KC. KC hits a few moves, but starts to lose the momentum until he connects with a Super Kick. Simultaneous rope run into the Dueling Crossbodies, so we get the timely tag outs from both sides. Kaz and Laredo come in, Laredo lands like two moves before Kaz hits a Sole Butt, Lariat and eats his lunch. KC and Kaz try to double team Laredo but he fights out and the crowd is chanting for Chavo.
Chavo tags in, and he’s rocking KC, Saito Suplex, Low Bridge to AJ, Reverse the Whip so Chavo goes to the corner and perches, KC feeds, Chavo Backflips to safety, rolls through and lays out KC. Chavo is feeling himself, 3 Amigos start on KC but only 2, Kaz comes in and Chavo switches to Kaz for the Amigos, only 2 again before AJ breaks it up. AJ goes for the disrespect, but Chavo counters and hits the 3 Amigos on the biggest Culero. Aztec Warriors dive to stop AJ and Kaz, KC tries a Dirty Victory Roll but Chavo kicks out. GORY BOMB into FROG SPLASH!
Chavo looked fantastic and he’s the one in the best shape in the ring. I wouldn’t be mad at more Chavito.
Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich
I expect very little from this match.
Collar and Elbow, gator rolling for the first 30 seconds or so, then Jacy goes to some Hair Pull takedowns and does a little taunt before Masha pops back up and hits a Lariat into a Dive. Jacy sells it like she’s really hurt, even the ref tries to hold Masha back a little before Masha gets annoyed and just grabs her, Masha throws her in, looks for a Dive and Jacy sees it and powders. Masha tries to go back to the well for the Dive again but Jacy hits the Uppercut and then an Apron Run PK to drop Masha. Forearms rain down into a Foot Choke as Jacy continues to arrogantly play to the crowd. Another Foot Choke into a Cannonball, and near fall.
Masha gets space with a Sole Butt, tries to snap off Requiem but Jacy fights off, fights through a Sunset Flip another effective PK keeps Masha on her ass. Jacy looks for a kinda half-assed Camel Clutch as Masha is fighting up, but Jacy runs her into the corner, gets distracted mouthing off to the crowd, so Masha recovers, 5 Hole Up Kick sends Jacy into the corner, Yakuza Kick into Capo Kick for two. Requiem attempt again, but Jacy pushes off, a little back and forth, Masha tries a Backslide but Jacy gets away and hits a V-Trigger but only a 2 count. Jacy looks for the Discus Punch but Masha ducks it, they strike back and forth, but some dodges from both leave the exchange more even. Jacy with the Front Kick to the face sends Masha to the outside. Jacy wants another PK, but Masha blocks, Electric Chair Apron Snake Eyes. Masha throws her in, a PK into a near all. Requiem attempt 3, and thwarted from Jacy with a Superkick into a Neckbreaker. Senton misses from Jacy, Buzzsaw Kick, into Spinning Back Kick and Russian Death Device for the win.
Better than I expected, and Tessa attacks as soon as the bell rings. Xia Brookside and Lei Ying Li make the save after Tessa grabs the belt.
Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin
Ace and Eric tie up, World of Sport start but as soon as Ace starts to get away EY punches him in the face. Eric looks at the camera and says “This is what trust looks like”, turns his back on Ace, when Ace looks to attack, the loser duo cut him off. EY takes advantage of the weird situation, but Ace with some Up and Over quick spots, into an Inside Cradle and La Magistral. EY kicks out of the quick flash attempts, but eats a Dropkick, and Ace goes all Speed Kils on him with fast strikes and then a face buster for another near fall. Strike spot very early in the match, Ace gets the best of it, goes for a Tear Drop Suplex but EY sits on it to block, Headlocks to keep him close and then a snap Lariat into beatdown bully tactics. EY takes the referee’s attention and one of the nerds punch Ace in the face.
Eric tries to lean on Ace, but Ace fires, a few strikes, Click Click Boom, the Miz Seated Lariats in the corner, Mochizuki Triangle Kick connects! Only a 2 count, but Ace seems to be in control. Ace puts EY on the ropes, a few strikes to keep him rocked, wants a Superplex, but EY blocks, bites the face and Macho Elbow gets a very close two count. EY tries the Piledriver but Ace turns it into a Jacknife Cradle,Spinning Heel Kick, calls for The Fold, but the losers hop on the apron to distract, Ace attacks them. Ace tries to time out the Triangle Kick again, but Eric dodges, throws Ace head first through the buckles. As Ace stumbles out of the corner, Piledriver, and it’s over.
Oh look it’s the “we’ll hear from Joe Hendry” segment. Again, I’ve loved this gimmick since Day 1, even didn’t hate his What Culture Pro stuff, but there is such a thing as milking a cow too much.
Elijah interrupts the whole “Who’s next” speech. When Elijah comes out he says he’s not the challenger and he believes in Joe. The crowd wants Elijah to turn on Hendry. Elijah pauses for a moment, and starts proving his friendship with stating his favorite color and a little “You Got a Friend in Me”. The crowd is into singing along and waving their cameras like Lighters to a 30 year old song. THANKFULLY Kaz breaks up the hug fest. Now he gets the “Culero” chant.
Kaz pulls out a Bass…what the hell is this Jam Session. Kaz has to warm up so he plays “La Cucaracha” on the bass. Kaz…is a national treasure. Hendry kicks Kaz out of the ring after his Heelish and playfully racially charged song choices. Kaz tries to sow dissension, but Joe and Elijah pinball Kaz between them. Kaz slips a power move and tries to shove Elijah into Joe but Elijah puts the brakes on, a small tense moment. But then Joe and Elijah play “Nah Nah Nah Nah, Hey Hey, Goodbye”…and that goes right into a commercial. Oddly…perfect.
Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater
Nic shoots the half immediately for a flash pinfall but Leon kicks out at one. Nic continues to keep things grounded with his amateur wrestling skills, and then does a little Dolph Ziggler show off. So Nic isn’t really taking this seriously, and Leon starts getting the best of things with an Arm Wringer, into drag, Shoulder Tackle and rope run as Nic tries to Leap Frog and Leon puts on the brakes and just shoves Nic on his ass. Nic gets annoyed, a few strikes, grinds his face along the ropes, but Leon keeps stringing some offense together, Back Handspring Elbow into his Corner con Hilo.
Ahh the classic formula of the commercial gives the heel the advantage, Twisting Suplex from Leon stops Nic’s offense momentum, right hand, Leon lifts Nic up for something, Nic slips it, kicks him in the gut, looks for the FameAsser, but Leon catches him into a Blue Thunder Bomb variation. Slater wants the Swanton 450, but Nic powders. Leon tries to adjust into a Dive, but Nic cuts him off, counter for counter and a FameAsser out of the counters for a two count. Nic starts the big brother tactics, bootwashes and arrogance, Slater fires, punches into a Yakuza Kick. Leon wants another Lethal Injection variant, but Nic catches him into a Rear Naked Choke. Slater tries to turn it into a pin so Nic breaks it. Leon wants a Leg Lariat but misses and gets unceremoniously dropped by Nic. Nic puts Leon up on the buckles, Superplex possibly but Slater counters, tries to collect himself for a move, but Nic falls into the ropes to crotch Leon, and finally hits the Superplex.
Twist of Slate from Leon, Swanton 450 but knees get up. Locomotion Cradles from both but they kick out, Ryan picks the ankle to trip up Leon just a touch and then Danger Zone ends the match.
Ryan starts the post match beatdown, but the Hardy’s music hits and they come down to the ring for the save. Matt challenges the Nemeths for Rebellion because they’re not medically cleared yet.
Overall Score: 6.5/10
Decent story motion, no match was offensive, and there was actually some solid match action for television standards. I don’t have a ton to complain about aside from the Knockouts Division is in a weird spot, and giving Hendry a lot of just talking and hollow payoff segments feels stupid. If we need to hear from him every week, give him a talk segment like Highlight Reel or something. Yes I know First Class just got The Penthouse, but if Hendry is going to talk more than wrestle, give him a talk segment for us to sink our teeth into.
There was the announcement that Xia, Lei Ying and Masha will face Tessa, Jacy and a mystery partner. So you gotta wonder if there’s going to be another NXT mercenary, a surprise return or if it’ll just be Rosemary since she’s got her issues with Xia. Also I just realized that Unbreakable is going to be on a Thursday, seemingly after iMPACT? I’m gonna have to see how they do it, because if there’s an Impact episode and 2-3 hour PLE…I do not want to be awake until 1am. People need to work, and I will be Unwakeable if things go that long.
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Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
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