Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (8/10/21)
Will NXT plunge back into chaos?
William Regal presides over the Cole-O’Reilly face to face!
Before the 36th TakeOver event in NXT history, before everything comes to blows, William Regal will TRY to keep the peace between the volatile and violent Adam Cole and Kyle O’Reilly!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Dakota Kai VS Sarray; Kai wins.
- LA Knight w/ Cameron Grimes VS Andre Chase; Knight wins.
- Gigi Dolin w/ Jacy Jayne VS Amari Miller; Dolin wins.
- NXT Breakout Tournament Semifinal: Odyssey Jones VS Trey Baxter; wins and advances to the finals.
- Boa w/ Tian Sha VS Drake Maverick; Boa wins.
- Ilja Dragunov VS Pete Dunne; Dunne wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Ember Moon is NOT medically cleared!
She wanted her revenge on Dakota Kai, but the medics couldn’t allow her to compete. So taking her place against Kai is…
Dakota Kai VS Sarray!
But before the match, #CapKota calls out Raquel Gonzalez! “I hope you’re watching, Mami. Because I’m about to defeat the undefeated Sarray and prove that I am no one’s sidekick. Cuz you’re looking at the next NXT Women’s Champion!” Will Cobra Kai sink her fangs into her substitute opponent? Or will she burned by the Warrior of the Sun all the same?
The bell rings and the two circle. Sarray offers a handshake but Dakota slaps it away! Fans boo but Dakota doesn’t care as she and Sarray circle. They tie up, Dakota gets an arm and wrenches to a wristlock, Sarray fights the hold, wrenches back, then wristlocks. Dakota slips through to wrench and wristlock back, but Sarray rolls, kips up and wrenches! Dakota moves around but Sarray wrangles her to the mat. Sarray hammerlocks, Dakota fights up and throws Sarray down! Dakota slaps Sarray around but that only angers Sarray! Dakota whips Sarray to a corner, Sarray goes up and over and elbows! Sarray stomps Dakota and fans fire up!
Dakota turns things around to throw forearms in return! Dakota whips Sarray to ropes, Sarray reverses and springboards to arm-drag! Sarray kips up, fires up, and kicks Dakota! Sarray reels Dakota in to scoop, carry around, and SLAM her down! Sarray gets the legs, ties them up and drops down as fans fire up again! Sarray bridges back for a MUTA LOCK! Dakota endures, and pulls Sarray’s hair! Dakota drags Sarray down and out of the hold to AX KICK her on the back! Sarray gets to ropes but Dakota gets her up. Dakota bumps Sarray off buckles, digs her boot into the throat, but stops as the ref counts 4. Dakota drags Sarray to a cover, TWO!
Dakota is annoyed but she wants the fans to respect her, their future champion! Dakota clubs Sarray, drags her up but Sarray throws body shots. Dakota CLUBS Sarray down, uses one foot for a cover, ONE! Sarray kicks back but Dakota hammers her at the ropes. Dakota bends Sarray back against the ropes but the ref counts. Dakota lets off, fans chant, “YOU SUCK! WOOP WOOP!” but Dakota drags Sarray up to snapmare and KICK her! Cover, TWO! Dakota snap suplexes Sarray to a cover, but Sarray goes Matrix, only for Dakota to throw her by hair! Cover, another Matrix bridge and Sarray elbows Dakota away. Sarray runs, rolling takedown, ONE! TO THE MUTA LOCK!!
Dakota reaches as Sarray focuses on the legs! Dakota grits her teeth, claws her way around, and gets the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Sarray lets go at 3 and stomps Dakota down! Sarray kicks Dakota to a corner, then stands on Dakota at the ropes! Sarray uses ropes to go up and DOUBLE STOMP! Cover, TWO! Dakota crawls away, Sarray is after her and gets Dakota up, FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Sarray keeps the fire going while NXT goes picture in picture!
Sarray goes to a corner and climbs up top. Dakota stands, Sarray jumps and missile dropkicks her down! Cover, TWO! Sarray stays fired up as Dakota flounders around. Sarray rallies the fans then dares Dakota to stand. Dakota is in the corner, Sarray runs in and Dakota drop toeholds her into buckles! Dakota stomps away on Sarray then drags her up. Dakota whips Sarray to ropes, Sarray holds those ropes, but Dakota slides and trips Sarray to spin and BOOT her! Dakota then gets in to cover, TWO! Dakota grows frustrated and she takes it out on Sarray’s back. Dakota bends Sarray then SLAMS her head down, and repeat! Cover, TWO as Sarray bridges!
Dakota clubs Sarray to ropes, then drags her up. Dakota chokes Sarray on the ropes! The ref counts, Dakota stops at 4, and she clubs Sarray down again. Sarray gets to a corner, Dakota stands on her in return for earlier, but still lets off at 4. Sarray gets up and throws body shots and kicks, but Dakota ROCKS Sarray with a forearm! Dakota snapmares, covers, TWO! Dakota wraps on a chinlock and squeezes tight. Sarray endures as Dakota makes it a straitjacket stretch and thrashes her about. Sarray fights up, then JAWBREAKERs free! And dropkicks Dakota down! Both women are down and fans fire up!
NXT returns to single picture as Sarray throws forearm after forearm! Dakota stays up but Sarray gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Sarray aims from a corner, runs in, wheelbarrow takedown to a cover, TWO! DUBLE STOMPS! Fans fire up more as Sarray paces. Sarray gets Dakota up, waistlocks again, but Dakota resists the lift! Dakota throws elbows, gets free and runs, but Sarray dodges to shove and waistlock, GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Dakota escapes but Sarray is firing up! Sarray gets Dakota up, half nelson but Dakota blocks the rest. Dakota elbows Sarray then whips her to a corner. Dakota goes side to side, BOOT WASH! Dakota drags Sarray to a cover, TWO!!
Fans rally harder for “NXT! NXT!” but Dakota drags Sarray up. She taunts Sarray but Sarray throws forearms. Dakota forearms back so Sarray hits again. The forearms fly faster and faster, turn into haymakers, and fans fire up as Sarray ROCKS Dakota! Dakota wobbles but SCORPION KICKS! Sarray flounders against ropes, Dakota runs but into a DROPKICK! Speaking of, Dakota is on the ropes and Sarray fires up! Sarray runs, SUNLIGHT DROPKICK!! But she’s not done with one, she goes again! Dakota gets out of the way to AX KICK Sarray down!! Both women are down, fans are thunderous, and Raquel Gonzalez has arrived outside!!
Fans are fired up as Sarray rolls Dakota, TWO! Dakota stands but into a wheelbarrow and victory roll! Dakota shoves Sarray away but Sarray rebounds to jackknife! TWO, and both women fire up! Sarray HEEL KICKS Dakota, then HEEL KICKS her again! But Dakota follows Sarray Around the World to BOOT her down!! Cover, Dakota wins!!!
Winner: Dakota Kai, by pinfall
In the blink of an eye, Sarray loses her first NXT match, and it IS to Dakota Kai! But she isn’t done with the Warrior of the Sun! Dakota runs but HERE’S RAQUEL! Dakota runs the other way now! Raquel can’t catch her so she gets a mic to call her out! “DAKOTA KAI! You will never beat Raquel Gonzalez, and you will never have this! If you wanted a chance, all you had to do was ask. Well, chiquita, at NXT TakeOver, you’ll get your opportunity. But at TakeOver, I am going to tear. You. APART!” Former friends turned bitter enemies, will Team Kick’s captain be CRUSHED by Big Mami Cool?
Indi Hartwell prepares for her date!
And both Johnny and Candice can’t stand it. Candice says, “We have done everything for these kids. We bought this house so they could each have their own bedrooms.” But Johnny says they can’t have Indi running away like Austin Theory did. He’s out there, half-naked in the wilderness somewhere, they can’t have this happen. Indi loves Dexter, they’re dating now, Johnny and Candice have to make this work. Ding dong. Dexter’s arrived. Gargano gets the door and the two stare down. Johnny “invites” Lumis in, and Lumis enters.
Indi finishes up her make-up and Candice says everything looks great. But, and Candice doesn’t want to ask, but does she have any- Indi tells Candice to stop worrying. As a former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion, she’s so strong she doesn’t need protection! That’s not… Sigh.
Meanwhile, Johnny and Lumis are staring down more in the living room, and Johnny asks what Lumis’ intentions are with #IndiWrestling. Not talking, huh? Well then Johnny will Lumis what’s happening tonight: Lumis will take Indi to a nice restaurant, show her a great time, and then bring her up by 10 PM. “And no funny business, okay?!” Indi walks into the room and sees the bouquet of darkened roses Lumis brought. They’re of course for her and she asks what they’re doing. Oh, wait, is it a surprise? Indi loves surprises! She takes him by the hand and they leave. Johnny and Candice reluctantly say, “Have a great time!” but then grumble behind the door.
Johnny tells Candice not to worry, he already has Indi’s phone GPS-tracked! They hurry off to their car so they can follow #InDex! But is there no way they can stop this romance now that it’s rolling?
Hit Row speaks.
An angry Ashante Thee Adonis says, “This all started when Legado started talking real spicy!” B-Fab says they tried to let this go, but then Legado went and jumped Top Dolla and Swerve! Dolla says it’s cuz Legado knows damn well, if they puled up face to face, their teeth would become chiclets. The second Escobar put his hands inside Swerve’s mouth to snatch his grill, he not only disrespected Swerve, he disrespected Hit Row and their culture. Swerve has the luchador mask Escobar used to cheat him once! Here’s Swerve “respecting” Escobar’s culture now. He puts it in the fire! Will this pale in comparison to the fireworks that pop off when Swerve and Escobar meet in a match?
Ilja Dragunov is here!
Just 12 days ahead of TakeOver 36 and his rematch for the NXT UK Championship, the Moscow Madman is here in the CWC to speak! “I’m not a man of big words. Simply because where I come from, and on the path I have been going, words didn’t mean anything. But pain has meant something. The struggle has meant something. The sheer, blind belief in fighting spirit has meant something!” So his strength is not in his mouth, but in his fists! So with his fists and everything else that he is, he will make the “unthinkable” happen.
Dragunov vows that on August 22nd, TakeOver 36, “you will witness chaos! You will witness rage! History will be made, and an unbeatable kingdom WILL fall!” Dragunov will do that by ending Walter’s reign and becoming the NEW NXT UK Champion! However, a former NXT UK Champion arrives! Pete Dunne slowly makes his way into the ring and gets himself a mic in the process. “Beofre you get ahead of yourself, you owe me a big ‘thank you.’ Because without me traveling the world with the UK Championship, putting NXT UK on the map, and carrying the entire continent of Europe on my back,” Dragunov doesn’t get his match, doesn’t get to TakeOver, and damn sure doesn’t get to stand in front of the Baddest Man in NXT.
For that matter, Dragunov should count himself lucky. If Dunne had stayed in the UK, he would’ve put Dragunov in his place a long time ago. Dragunov tells Dunne that speaking of big words, Dunne has a lot of them. Dragunov is not here because of Dunne or anyone else. He is here because he did nothing else than giving everything he has and carried his so-often destroyed body straight to the top! Dragunov will make the impossible possible when he beats Walter, not something Dunne can change, nor something he ever did! But that’s in two weeks. How about Dunne shows Dragunov that his words are as strong as his will? Dragunov wants to fight tonight!
Dunne says Dragunov must be as mental as he looks. After tonight, Dragunov won’t even make it to TakeOver! In other words, Dragunov’s challenge has been accepted! Will the Bruiserweight break Dragunov’s spirit or just his body?
Backstage interview with LA Knight and Cameron Grimes.
McKenzie brings up Knight ditching Grimes last week, and Knight says she can’t be serious. “Let me talk to ya. First, put some respect on his name. He is The Butler, okay? And if anybody left anybody hanging, he left me hanging.” Grimes lost, Knight kept saving him, over and over. The people were going nuts for “L A KNIGHT!” It was a madhouse! Knight gave Grimes a chance to make up for the golf course, but then he failed because Grimes is a failure! But Ted DeBiase- Don’t worry about him, Ted’s filling Grimes’ head with delusions. Just like every millennial when they were told, “You’re special~!” NO NO! Ain’t nothing special about The Butler Grimes. Grimes was always meant to be a butler.
But Grimes will find out how to win, because there is only one Million Dollar Megastar, one man who runs this! Whose game is it? Whose game is it, Grimes? It’s L A Knight’s game… That’s right, dummy! Now put the title on his shoulder. Grimes does as told, and he follows Knight out of the locker room. How much more can Grimes put up with?
LA Knight w/ Cameron Grimes VS Andre Chase!
NXT returns and Knight’s opponent is the former (and self-proclaimed) Number One Seed in the Breakout Tournament. Will Knight be teaching everyone a lesson in winning tonight?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Chase gets around to waistlock but Knight throws an elbow. Knight headlocks, Chase powers out but Knight runs him over. Things speed up and Chase hip tosses Knight down! Chase arm-drags Knight, only for Knight to yank him into ropes! Knight kicks and hits the BFT! Knight covers, Knight wins!
Winner: LA Knight, by pinfall
Knight did make quick work of Chase thanks to #BluntForceTrauma, but now he wants Grimes to attend to him. Grimes wipes Knight’s sweat off his brow, but now Knight wants Grimes to shine his shoes! Grimes crouches down, but here comes Ted DeBiase! Grimes is ashamed and Knight is shocked as the Million Dollar Man walks out. DeBiase blows right past Knight to get a mic. “This has gone too far. Cameron, I know you’re a man of your word. But… But I have a lot more for you. You could be doing a lot of other things.” Knight insists Grimes is destined to be a butler, but everyone tells him to shut up.
DeBiase says the one thing Grimes shouldn’t ever be is a butler. He believes in Grimes, and the people believe in Grimes! The fans chant “TO THE MOON!” and Grimes nods. Knight asks DeBiase what he wants, then insists he should go to the back, then says DeBiase better have something important to say or get punched in the mouth again! Fans boo and DeBiase glares at Knight. Grimes keeps the peace, and DeBiase tells Knight, “You need to shut your mouth.” And Grimes, you can be whatever you want to be. Just follow your heart. Be what you want to be, Grimes. And you want to be a champion, right? DeBiase thinks that if Knight puts the title up one more time-
Knight interrupts with “NO NO NO!” He’s won twice, there’s no third! Feed Grimes all the false hope you want, here’s the reality. Grimes can’t win, it’s scientifically proven. But at TakeOver 36, Knight has a deal. Grimes is Knight’s butler. But at TakeOver, they can have another match, but third time ain’t always a charm! And if Grimes somehow wins by the grace of God, then Grimes can have the title! But the bottom-line is, WHEN Knight wins for a third time, Grimes won’t be Knight’s butler, DEBIASE will be! Grimes doesn’t want DeBiase to accept this but DeBiase says he’s a gambling man. His money’s on Grimes, and he’s got a LOT of money! Challenge accepted!
The highest of stakes for the Million Dollar Man, but what else for the most lavish prize possible? Can Grimes win his freedom while securing DeBiase’s? Or will Knight be gloating all the way to the bank?
Gigi Dolin arranges flowers.
Or rather, starts cutting the flowers off their stems… “We are people that are just surviving. You come home every night, driving yourself insane like I do, because you’re never satisfied. Io Shirai, Ember Moon, Raquel Gonzalez, Dakota Kai, unlike you, this isn’t just our job, this isn’t a 9-to-5, this is everything to us. And it’s not just about surviving. It’s about taking notice and running through every top woman in this business. And I’m not doing it alone.” If Gigi isn’t alone, who else is fighting to do more than survive?
Gigi Dolin w/ Jacy Jayne VS Amari Miller!
Aha! So it’s Jacy who Gigi was referring to. They were both seen talking with Mandy Rose backstage, is this somehow related to that conversation?
The bell rings and Gigi circles with Amari. They tie up, Gigi gets an arm then throws Amari by her hair. Amari scrambles away and Gigi grins. They tie up, Amari gets around, waistlocks, hammerlocks, but Gig switches, spins and wrenches Amari to a hammerlock and snapmare! Gigi then pie faces Amari and laughs. Jacy cheers Gigi on as she and Amari go again. Amari waistlocks, Gigi elbows out hard, then Gigi runs, but into a forearm! Amari back elbows, whips and reels Gigi in for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE! Amari scrambles after but GIgi gets away. Gigi is on the apron, she throws Amari down then YANKS the arm against the apron!
Gigi gets in, drags her by a leg, but Amari holds ropes. Gigi stomps Amari’s hand, gets her up but Amari throws shots. Gigi ROCKS Amari back, whips her to ropes and ROCKS her again! Gigi whips Amari again to ROCK her again, then back around for a wrench and cobra twist! SPINNING COBRA TWIST POWERSLAM?! Cover, Gigi wins!
Winner: Gigi Dolin, by pinfall
Gigi said she’s not like the rest, and that was definitely not like anything anyone has ever seen! Will Gigi have any more surprises for the NXT Women’s Division?
NXT catches up with #InDex on their date.
They’re at Fresco Cucina Italiana and are ready to order. Indi says they will have the calamari, the mussels, the stuffed mushrooms, the chicken fingers and a large salad. After all, Lumis doesn’t (can’t?) talk. But Indi just loves chicken fingers! She’s so glad they ordered those, that’s like a classic thing, right? “All Heart to Poison Pixie. Do you have eyes on Index?” Wait, who? Did Lumis hear that? “I repeat, do you have eyes on Index? Over.” Indi looks around, but Lumis doesn’t seem to notice. Or is it he doesn’t mind? Indi storms over to a propped-up menu and snatches it away. It’s Candice! “Hey…! Wow, of all the rest-”
Johnny asks Candice on their walkie-talkies if she sees Index. Indi tells Johnny to lave her and Lumis alone, they’re on a date. Candice? No, it’s Indi! Over and OUT. Candice says they’re made, abort the plan! Indi goes back to Lumis, they hold hands, and does even Lumis smile? Is this the beginning of a true American love story?
William Regal, and extra security, stands by in the ring.
“In 12 days, at TakeOver 36, it will be Adam Cole VS Kyle O’Reilly III, the Undisputed Finale!” He now asks both men to join him in the ring. First out is Adam Cole, saying he IS the black ‘n’ gold brand, “always have been, always will.” Cole of course gets in his “BOOM!” and “ADAM COLE, BAYBAY!” before Kyle makes his entrance. Regal continues to speak, laying down the rules of the match: It will be two out of three falls, and each man chooses a stipulation for a fall apiece; if there needs to be a third fall, Regal chooses that stipulation. Regal lets Kyle go first. Kyle says the only reason he isn’t ripping Cole’s head off is because he has respect for Mr. Regal.
But Kyle has been thinking of some crazy stipulations and all the tools he could use to abuse Cole. But that loss at Great American Bash doesn’t sit well with Kyle. So for Kyle’s stipulation, it will be a straight-up singles match with pinfall or submission. Cole almost laughs at Kyle but Kyle says Cole is such a narcissist, losing that standard match will shatter Cole’s ego worse than a chair ever could. Cole says Kyle is so predictable. Of course Kyle goes with this, Kyle is delusional! Kyle continues to live in a world where he sees himself as the better competitor, when for 13 YEARS, Cole has proven time and again that he is better than Kyle at this job in every way!
And speaking of The Bash, Cole won 1v1, fair and square. But Kyle is continuing on the “win” at Stand & Deliver. Kyle knows the one, it was where Cole had him beat but the ref was down. And it was the one that doesn’t even count on their records because it was unsanctioned! Then a few weeks ago, Kyle decides to SMASH Cole’s head into steel steps, making it crystal clear what Kyle really wants. And unfortunately for Kyle, Cole wants that, too! The second fall needs to be a Street Fight! And Cole tells everyone not to even worry about Regal’s stipulation, because it ain’t going to the third! Cole will win in a 2-0 sweep, and will win the Cole VS O’Reilly saga!
Kyle asks Cole if he even understands why Kyle did that. It’s because Cole taught Kyle that. As far as Kyle’s concerned, Cole was asking for it by sharpening the blade and handing it to Kyle. Kyle knows what being human garbage has done for Cole. Kyle may be naïve to think he can be a nice, upstanding citizen while still achieving his goals, “but ain’t that just a kick in the nuts?” Kyle has his priorities straightened. He is literally willing to do anything to put Cole down for good. Kyle doesn’t care. And now that he doesn’t care, he’s the most dangerous man Cole’s ever faced.
Wow, does Kyle hear himself? How much of a MORON can he be? Of course Cole taught Kyle! He’s taught Kyle for 13 YEARS, and for 13 YEARS, Kyle has tried to follow in Cole’s footsteps! For 13 YEARS, Kyle has tried to live up to Cole’s standard, and for 13 YEARS, Kyle has ridden Cole’s coattails. Because whether Kyle wants to admit it or not, but Cole has said it over and over, “You will NEVER be Adam Cole!” Cole is the GREATEST NXT superstar of all time! No one can touch him! No one ever has, no one ever will! Kyle is just a footnote in Cole’s career! So how about Cole teaches Kyle something else, right here and now?
Cole tells Kyle that his biggest problem is that he doesn’t have a killer instinct. Kyle is soft. #CoolKyle is pathetic. Oh he’s taking his jacket off now? Big tough guy wants to hit him? He won’t because Kyle is nothing, and means nothing to Cole! They shove then brawl and security rushes in! Regal knew this would happen, so he’s already naming the third fall here! It will be… IN A STEEL CAGE!! The three stages of Hell have been set, but will either of these two survive them?!
Tommaso Ciampa & Timothy Thatcher speak.
Old Man Ciampa says that Pete Dunne and Oney Lorcan want us to fear them as the baddest men in all of NXT. But a couple weeks ago, they could’ve proven just that against him and #ToothlessTimmy. But instead, they needed help. They needed a third man. Enter Ridge Holland: young, big, blue chipper. The industry chooses people like Ridge Holland, and Pete Dunne chose Ridge Holland, too. Ciampa gets that, he does. But here is what Ridge is not: He is NOT Thatcher, he is NOT Ciampa. These are two men who have traveled the world perfecting their craft, sacrificing, passionate, because THEY chose this industry, and continue to choose it.
Hell, let’s get real! Thatcher & Ciampa DEFINE everything that is GOOD, that is JUST, that is PURE about this industry! But Ridge wants to enter this world and make a name for himself? Hell, let’s party! Ridge Holland VS Tommaso- Thatcher puts a hand on Ciampa’s shoulder and says, “Please, sir, with all due respect, Ridge Holland VS Timothy Thatcher.” Alright. Class is in session! What painful lesson will the Northern Grit learn from Professor Thatcher?
Imperium speaks.
“We are here to protect the purity of our sport! By any means necessary-” Wait, MSK interrupt! Payback from last time as they even pretend to be Imperium. “What is wrong with our division?” “Interrupting opponents to have a message said.” “Rude!” “Childish!” They can’t hold in their laughter any longer, and throw off the “ImperiuMSK” jackets. That’s more like it! But Imperium, all that stuff you’re spewing about MSK’s reign being meaningless is crazy! Don’t they understand that MSK is the IV drip in this division, bringing it to life?
So if they want to be next in line for a title opportunity, if they want this work, if they want to risk it, if they want this two-piece side o’ the biscuit…!! Just let them know. They’re fighting champions. MSK All Night and All Day. With the challenge thrown out, will Barthel and Aichner choose to respond with action?
NXT Breakout Tournament Semifinal: Odyssey Jones VS Trey Baxter!
It’s been quite the journey, but there’s just one more step before the finals! Will Odyssey’s epic continue? Or will #AllHeart be enough to see him through to the other side?
The bell rings and the two circle. They approach, Baxter gets around but Jones breaks the waistlock to throw Baxter down. Baxter grins as he sits up and Jones likes the fighting spirit. They circle but as fast as Baxter is, Jones is big and has him cornered. Back suplex but Baxter lands on his feet! Baxter tries a schoolboy but Jones stays up! Baxter shifts but the sunset flip doesn’t work any better. Jones brings Baxter up with both hands, throws him but Baxter rolls! Fans fire up as both guys enjoy this. Baxter says toro toro, but Jones says that’s child’s play! Jones eggs Baxter on so Baxter runs and forearms! Jones stays up, Baxter fires off and throws fast hands!
Baxter goes to run but Jones reels him in and back suplex TOSSES him! Fans fire up with that showing of strength, and Jones storms in at the corner. Baxter slips out and ROUNDHOUSES Jones back, then springboards, but into Jones’ hands! Jones TOSSES Baxter across the ring and fires up! Fans rally for “OD-Y-SSEY!” as he gets Baxter up. Jones gut wrenches with one arm, but Baxter sips out to a sleeper hold! Jones stays up, throws Baxter off hard, then drags Baxter up. Baxter ENZIGURIS, but Jones stays up! Baxter ENZIGURIS again and is free. Jones storms in, gets caught in the ropes, tiger feint to the leg!
Jones staggers, Baxter springboards in and dropkicks a leg out! BASEMENT DDT! HEEL KICK BUZZSAW! Cover, TWO!! Baxter keeps moving while Jones is still down, leaps but Jones dodges! Jones SPLASHES Baxter in a corner, then swinging URENAGES! Cover, Jones wins!
Winner: Odyssey Jones, by pinfall (advances to the Breakout Tournament finals)
Baxter’s heart was all in, but his body just wasn’t big or strong enough! Jones’ odyssey continues, will he be THE Breakout superstar?
Samantha Irvin interviews Jones at ringside, congratulating him on officially making it to the 2021 Breakout Tournament. How does he feel? “Well first thing’s first, WHAT UP, NXT UNIVERSE?!” And they have no idea how excited he is to be going to the finals and finally have his breakout moment. “Look, Mama! I made it!” After waiting a whole year in the back, will Jones finally be a star?
Tian Sha speaks.
Boa says, “Disobedience will NOT be tolerated.” Mei Ying blows her dragonbreath! Who will be next to burn at the hands of Tian Sha?
NXT returns, outside Mr. Regal’s office.
McKenzie Mitchell says Mr. Regal has big news towards next week’s episode, and then Kushida walks out through Regal’s door. Malcolm Bivens is telling Regal that he will not regret this decision. Bivens also seems to be scouting as he looks at the two towering security guards. He hands them his Diamond Mine cards, and tells McKenzie that now Regal has news for her. Bivens leaves, Regal walks out, and he thanks McKenzie for being here. He just finished signing the papers, and next week will be huge.
First, MSK VS Imperium for the NXT Tag Team Championships! Second, after Bivens’ “convincing” argument and Kushida saying he wants a challenger, it will be Kushida VS Roderick Strong for the NXT Cruiserweight Champion! That IS big news! Will much of NXT’s golden landscape change this close to TakeOver?
NXT shares Mandy Rose’s tweet.
“Congratulations Gigi Dolin on your victory! It sure seems like the advice is already paying off.” There’s even a winking emoji, and an @ to get Jacy Jayne in on the tweet. What is the Golden Goddess working on in the background of the black ‘n’ gold?
Boa w/ Tian Sha VS Drake Maverick!
Xia Li may have failed to dethrone Raquel Gonzalez, but there are more titles for Tian Sha to take in NXT. Will Boa begin his own journey to the top of the men’s division? Or can Rockstar Spud halt his progress before it begins?
The bell rings, Maverick rushes in but into kicks! Boa BOOTS Maverick down then dares him to come back. Maverick dodges his boot, kicks the other leg, then keeps kicking! Boa THROAT CHOPS! Maverick sputters and scrambles away but Boa runs in. Maverick BOOTS Boa, CHOP BLOCKS him, then runs. Boa STRAIGHT PALM STRIKES Maverick in the chest! Boa snarls and stalks Maverick. Fans rally for Maverick but Boa stomps Maverick’s hand! Boa wrenches Maverick, knuckle locks and wrenches! Boa has Maverick on his knees and he KICKS Maverick down! Boa wrenches, knuckle locks, KICKS him more, and is toying with Maverick.
Boa wrenches, lifts Maverick with one arm, then SLAMS him down! Boa stands on the arm, digs his heel in, but Maverick pushes him away. Boa drags Maverick up, lifts him again, but Maverick hops onto his shoulders! Maverick spins and RANAS Boa to a corner! Maverick runs to dropkick Boa’s legs out, then keeps going! Fake out and redirect to another dropkick! Boa bails out, Maverick goes to a corner and climbs up, to SUPER SENTON!! Direct hit and both men are down! Fans fire up as both men writhe! Boa drags himself into the ring while Maverick shakes out his arms. Maverick drags Boa back out at 5 of 10 and SLAMS the leg on the apron!
Boa clutches his leg and the ref checks him. Maverick turns around, and GETS SMOKE IN THE EYES! Mei Ying appeared ringside and now blinds Maverick with her dragonbreath! Maverick flounders into the ring, into a ROUNDHOUSE!! Boa covers, Boa wins!
Winner: Boa, by pinfall
Boa redeems himself for past failures, with help from Tian Sha’s fearsome leader. Will he now be the face of their conquest?
NXT checks back in with #InDex.
Indi says Lumis is too funny! Indi feels like she could talk to Lumis all night! How was the food? She’s stuffed, but always has room for dessert. Oh, he’s got a little something. She gets it with her napkin. Here’s a cake for the two lovebirds~! Wait, that voice…? And then the waiter asks her, in a very NOT Italian accent, “You such a beautiful young lady! Why’a you date crazy man?” Johnny! Y-You mean Jonbo! Yes, he is Jonbo the wa- STOP! No, he show you- She snatches the toupee and the mustache. Well, fine! But Lumis better be paying for dinner! And y’know what? No cake for you! This is Johnny’s cake now! Indi says that’s their cake, they really did order one!
The two tug-o-war over the cake, and of course it goes FLYING into Lumi’s face! Lumis glares at Johnny through frosting and Johnny says, “See you at home!” Johnny runs away and Indi says she always has room for dessert. She wipes a piece off his face and eats it up. Then she leans in, as does Lumis, and Indi covers up the camera so we don’t see the kiss!
NXT looks closer at the coming war: Kross VS Joe.
The NXT Champion says, “Good evening. I have had a lot to say for a very, very long time. There are certain people who would’ve never stepped into a ring with me if they knew what my true intentions were. Everything needed to fall into the right place, at the right time. And that time and place… is now.” Kross wont’ deny that he enjoys hurting people. But someone needed to cause this suffering and chaos. And that someone was him. Regal started to doubt himself because of Kross, until SAMOA JOE returned to NXT! Joe speaks now, “Many people asked me, ‘After the injury, why’re you coming back?'”
To Joe, he isn’t returning. “‘Coming back’ is reserved for people who think they’re gone.” For Joe, it was about rebuilding. Kross says Joe is acting like Superman, here to save the day. Joe got to be enforcer, slapping around those who have big mouths. And none bigger than Kross while he’s been NXT Champion. Kross doesn’t bye that “crap.” Does anyone know the real Samoa Joe? He’s really just like Kross. Joe likes to hurt people, and nothing is wrong with that. #UnlessProvoked happened pretty quick. Comparing Kross and Joe is like saying a housefire is a hurricane. Both are dangerous, but one is just that much more.
Kross says, “Sure. But I resent the fact that he’s here pretending like he wants to change things. Samoa Joe just wants to control things.” Kross knew what Joe was all about from the first time they locked eyes: “He’s just another opportunist.” Joe is getting what he wanted, though: a second chance. Joe says it’s not even about the title. “I’m there to f*** him up.” Kross VS Joe, TakeOver 36. They each vow to put the other down, “by any means necessary.” When Joe goes out, so will the past of NXT. Because in the end, everyone pays the toll. Tick-tock. Neither man is going to back down, but they will meet face to face in next week’s go-home episode!
Ilja Dragunov VS Pete Dunne!
The Moscow Madman isn’t just ready for this, he was born for this! Will #UNBESIEGBAR show that even the Bruiserweight DOES NOT know violence like he knows violence? Or will Dunne break Dragunov like he does fingers: in a snap?
The bell rings and the CWC are thunderous already as these two tie up! They go around, Dunne uses a chinbar to wrangle Dragunov, then he cranks the arm. Dragunov rolls, gets up, but Dunne wrangles him again. Dunne has a grounded cording hold, Dragunov rolls through and gets up to roll, fireman’s carry takeover, then cover. ONE, Dragunov has an arm and wrenches it on the mat. The two fight up, Dunne hooks a leg to resists the snapmare, then he bends fingers! Dragunov endures, Dunne shifts to a toehold and then shoot the half. ONE, and the two stand off. Fans keep rallying as the two circle again.
Dunne and Dragunov approach, Dragunov gets a leg and trips Dunne. Dragunov digs his knee into an arm, then traps the other. Dunne headbutts from below, pulls on both ears and then drop toeholds. Dunne ties up the legs, stands on them, then drops back to pull on the deathlock! Dunne gives toying jabs then shifts to a headlock. Dragunov fights up, throws Dunne with a takeover, then shifts to grind the headlock. Fans cheer, Dunne gives quick hammer fists, but then fights up to power out. Things speed up, Dunne leaps and KNEES Dragunov down! Then he KICKS Dragunov in the back! And then another! Dragunov gets mad but Dunne SLAPS him down!
Dunne kicks Dragunov, drags him up, wrenches the arm but Dragunov breaks free. Dune ducks one but not the LEFT LARIAT! Dragunov waistlocks and drags Dunne up, GERMAN SUPLEX! Dunne lands on his feet and Dragunov actually likes that! Dunne rushes in, Dragunov goes Matrix! Then he PELES Dunne to a corner! Dragunov runs in to KNEE Dunne at the corner, then HALF HATCH SUPLEXES! Dragunov goes up the corner, leaps, and KNEE DROPS Dunne in the chest! Cover, TWO! Dunne is still in this but Dragunov knows he’s tough. Dragunov goes up the corner, Dunne rushes up top to get him, and has a wristlock!
Dragunov throws body shots, then CHOPS! Dunne falls back, Dragunov leaps, but into a BIG forearm!! Dragunov flounders out of the ring as NXT goes picture in picture.
Dunne smirks and shrugs while a ring count starts. Dunne goes out to fetch Dragunov, drag him up and around the way, and wrenches the hand and arm to hammerlock against the steps! Dunne STOMPS the arm, then jumps to DOUBLE STOMP Dragunov’s chest! Dunne leaves Dragunov behind with the count getting higher, but Dragunov gets in at 9! Dunne stomps, Dragunov kicks, so Dunne steps through to a modified deathlock! Dunne adds a bit of a toehold into it, but Dragunov endures and even shouts at Dunne. Dragunov pries at Dunne’s grip but Dunne jumps up to STOMP him down! Dunne goes after an arm again, standing on the hand.
Dunne drops knees right on the shoulder! And then bends the arm back, trapping it in his legs, then digs a knee into the shoulder. Dunne stands up to drop more knees! Dunne reaches over Dragunov to get his other arm, and he digs his elbow into Dragunov’s ribs! He even pulls Dragunov’s nose and ear before standing up to STOMP the other arm! Dragunov writhes but he can’t clutch either arm! Dunne sits Dragunov up and punches him right in the forehead! Dunne gets Dragunov up, wrenches an arm and grinds Dragunov down towards the mat. NXT returns to single picture as fans rally up. Dunne digs in knuckles wherever he can, but Dragunov manages a scorpion kick!
Dunne is more annoyed than hurt, so he TWISTS the arm, and kicks Dragunov down! Dunne gives Dragunov more toying kicks but Dragunov starts to grin. Dragunov eggs Dunne on, Dunne gives more kicks but Dragunov stands up. Dunne boots, Dragunov LARIATS! Dunne stays up to ROCK Dragunov, “THIS IS AWESOME!” as Dragunov LARIATS again! Dunne ROCKS Dragunov, Dragunov LARIATS Dunne, repeat! Dragunov gets the edge and CLOBBERS Dunne! Dragunov swings a big hammer fist but Dunne blocks it! Dunne has the arm between his feet and TWEAKS it! But Dragunov rebounds and LARIATS Dunne again! Dragunov keeps moving, ANOTHER LARIAT!
Dragunov is still going, but Dunne BOOTS him! Dunne shoves Dragunov to ropes, CONSTANTINE SPECIAL! Dragunov came back with the 619 clothesline and fans are thunderous for “NXT! NXT!” as these two rise. Dragunov gets Dunne’s arm, wrenches and knuckle locks to then CHOP and CHOP and CHOP Dunne down! Pump handle, but Dunne gets the arm and wrenches to a double wristlock! Dragunov fights through that to cobra twist and rains down elbow after elbow! Then the Gotch lift EXPLODER! Cover, TWO!! Fans chant for “NXT! NXT!” as Dunne and Dragunov stand again. Dragunov storms over but into a BOOT! Dunne runs in but Dragunov goes Matrix!
But Dunne KICKS an arm out! Dragunov is down, Dunne gets his fingers and bends! But Dragunov slips through and CHOPS Dunne off his feet! BACK SENTON! Waistlock, but Dunne slips through to FUJIWARA! But Dragunov rolls and stands, hooks a leg for a takedown and a rain of elbows! Dunne pulls Dragunov’s hair! And gives Dragunov knees right to the forehead! Dunne shifts over to the FUJIWARA! But Dragunov resists so Dunne floats to the other arm, FUJIWARA! Dragunov rolls, but into a TRIANGLE! He makes it a cover, ONE! Again, ONE! Dragunov shimmies out to drop an elbow, but Dunne knees him in the face at the same time!
Dunne again gets Dragunov into the TRIANGLE HOLD! And it’s on tight! Dragunov doesn’t stop, he DEAD LIFT POWERBOMBS Dunne! High stack cover, TWO!! FOREARM DROP!! Cover, TWO!?! Dunne survives that desperate shot and the fans are electric in the CWC! Both men are down but the fans hope they “FIGHT FOREVER!” because “THIS IS AWESOME!” Dragunov waistlocks, Gotch lifts, but Dunne pulls fingers again! Dragunov slips through to BACK HAND! But with the bad hand! Dunne stops both hands then BUZZSAWS! Whip, Constantine- No! The arm can’t hold Dragunov up! BUZZSAW and FOREARM!
Dunne drags Dragunov up, pump handles, but Dragunov slips through! Gotch lift, but Dunne victory rolls to an ARMBAR! Dragunov bridges to relieve pressure, but Dunne has the arm stuck! Dragunov rolls back?! Waistlock, Gotch lift, SUPLEX!! Bridging cover, TWO!?!? More like 2.7, but that’s still not 3! Dragunov goes to a corner, climbs up top, SUPER SENTON!! It just clips Dunne but Dragunov isn’t stopping here, anyway! Dragunov aims from the corner, “UN! BE! SIEG!” Walter?! The NXT UK Champion finally makes his presence known, just as Dragunov has this in his grasp. Dragunov kicks Dunne out of the ring and dares the Ring General to do this now!
But Dunne gets Dragunov in the pump handle! Dragunov fights the lift, switches and shoves Dunne into ropes, to then JUMP KICK him down! Dragunov resets, TORPEDO MO- FOREARM!! Pump handle, BITTER END!! Cover, Dunne wins!!
Winner: Pete Dunne, by pinfall
That was definitely a bitter end to this match, as the Ring General threw Dragunov off his game. Walter gets in the ring, stares down with Dunne a moment, but then Dunne shrugs and leaves. Walter drags Dragunov back up and SLAPS him down! And then wraps on the SLEEPER! But Dragunov still has life as he arm-drags Walter away! Walter rushes to his feet, and into TORPEDO MOSCOW!! Walter underestimated Dragunov’s fighting spirit here tonight, will he do the same at TakeOver? Will there finally be a NEW NXT UK Champion?
My Thoughts:
Another great episode for NXT, and though TakeOver isn’t for two weeks, this episode felt like the go-home. For one, we got a lot of big matches set up for next week. The NXT Tag Team and NXT Cruiserweight Championships are on the line since TakeOver is bringing in the NXT UK Championship and now the Million Dollar Championship. MSK had a good payback promo on Imperium, and of course Kushida will defend against Strong. It was a clever detail that Bivens gave his card to those really big security guards. On one level, Diamond Mine should have always been recruiting, even after their members were revealed. On another, they need new members because Nick Da Prick Khan decided to throw Tyler Rust away despite him being in the Diamond Mine story.
Knight had a good promo and a fast match, DeBiase returns again and of course helps motivate Grimes into going after the Million Dollar Championship one more time. This has to be the time Grimes wins, and the next phase of NXT can have Grimes as the fun-loving, money-spending, title-defending Million Dollar Caveman headed TO~ THE~ MOON~! Hit Row has a short but strong promo segment. Swerve VS Escobar for the North American title just needs to be declared already since we know that’s happening, and then they can go all out to finally settle this score that goes back to their days fighting over the Cruiserweight title.
We got a great pseudo-Prime-Target for Kross VS Joe, and Kross’ line about NXT’s past being done hits differently when you factor in all the talk and concerns about NXT. I will worry about NXT only when/if those things come to pass. All that aside, Kross VS Joe, Sleeper VS Sleeper is still more exciting than Lashley VS Goldberg, Spear VS Spear. Kross may not be a great in-ring guy, but at least both guys are in their prime, and neither guy is resorting to intimidating a teenager. Jones VS Baxter was a really good match for how quick it went. I already sensed the Breakout Tournament becoming The Big Hoss Tournament, so Jones winning makes sense. Hayes VS Hudson could still go either way, giving us a great tournament finals either way.
It was good to see Boa get himself a win, but I hope this isn’t NXT dumping Xia Li. Yes, her heel kick legitimately knocked people out, but the first time it happened, they should’ve realized how strong her heel kick was. Then they should’ve said, “Let’s book matches where that kick never comes into play again.” At the same time, Xia Li is still recovering from rib injuries suffered during her match with Raquel Gonzalez, but Boa’s promo made me think she was out of Tian Sha completely.
Everything with #InDex and The Way was well done and very funny. I’m still betting on Mixed Tag: InDex VS The Way, and THAT is the make-or-break for both the romcom and The Way as we know it. Johnny acknowledging that Theory’s missing is also a good sign, maybe Theory comes back home after the InDex saga wraps. Ciampa and Thatcher have a good promo, and I do like that Thatcher wants to take on Ridge Holland first. Gigi Dolin had a good promo, but the transition messed up the beginning so I don’t think I got those first few words right. But Jacy Jayne at ringside for Gigi’s match, and Mandy’s tweet right after, confirms another trio is forming.
Dakota VS Sarray was a great match, just as Dakota VS Ember would have been. I almost thought Raquel was going to interfere with the match but her getting there just after Dakota wins was still a good call. Raquel has a strong promo in response, and because Dakota is so devious on top of being skilled, I really feel that match could go either way.
Cole VS Kyle III is apparently following in the footsteps of Cole VS Gargano in that is Two Outta Three Falls, or rather an unofficial Three Stages of Hell. Tonight’s Cole-O’Reilly face-off was good, but it was definitely more because of Cole than Kyle. There was one flaw, though: Cole says Kyle has no killer instinct, but this is after the Unsanctioned match and that chain-wrapped knee drop, and after Kyle gave him the brainbuster to the steps. Cole even brought that up himself, so it just seems like a weaker part of his argument.
But at the same time, Kyle choosing a singles match is a weak move from both him and the booking team. Kyle could have at least spiced it up by saying it’d be a Submission Match. And personally, I was hoping Regal would up things a bit more than a Steel Cage match. Yes, NXT Cage matches are far better than RawDown Cage matches, but there’s still that cliché of “Now they can’t escape each other!” when it’s not needed. Cole and Kyle want to settle this, it’d be weird of NXT to write it as “And now Cole turns chicken.” Last Man Standing or I Quit would’ve better escalated things on a proper scale with Cole saying “Street Fight.” Standard match becomes Street Fight, dropping the disqualifications and ring counts, then LMS/I Quit drops pinfalls and submissions and it comes down to sheer will of character.
My Score: 9/10
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DING DONG, Hello, Tiffany!
Tiffanny Stratton just won the WWE Women’s Championship but she’s already defending it against Bayley! Will the Role Model be back on top?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Bianca Belair & Naomi VS Nia Jax & Candice LeRae; Bianca & Naomi win.
- Jimmy Uso VS Carmelo Hayes; Jimmy wins, by disqualification.
- Motor City Machine Guns VS Los Garza w/ Legado Del Fantasma; MCMG wins.
- Piper Niven w/ Chelsea Green VS B-Fab w/ Mia Yim; Piper wins.
- Rey Mysterio VS Kevin Owens; Kevin wins.
- WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton VS Bayley; Tiff wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Rey Mysterio is here!
San Diego fires up for the hometown hero as he makes his entrance! The King of Lucha high-fives fans along the ramp, and hugs his wife and daughter, before stepping in the ring. Rey grabs himself a mic, the fans chant “619! 619!” and he smiles. Rey tells San Diego, “Bien venidos, welcome to Friday Night SmackDown! This is the home of the 6! 1! 9!” The fans cheer, and Rey says no cap, it feels great to be back home in front of his people, his Raza, his city, and his familia. Rey requested to be here tonight because he couldn’t think of a better place to reminisce as he gets ready to do the impossible once again.
Rey officially declares for the 2025 Royal Rumble! The arena is shaking hearing that! Rey wants to look back: 2006, he entered the Rumble at #2, outlasted 28 other superstars, and became the Royal Rumble winner! And it didn’t end there. he went on to main event WrestleMania, and he became the WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION! Now, Rey won’t lie, he will be realistic. The competition is heavy this year: Drew McIntyre, who fans boo. CM Punk, who fans cheer; Seth Rollins, who fans are torn on; Roman Reigns, who fans cheer; John Cena, who fans also cheer. It will be tough, but let’s remember back to when he won.
It was 2006, and Rey did it for a friend we all know very well. The fans chant for “EDDIE! EDDIE!” But wait! Kevin Owens makes his way out here! The Prizefighter, still holding onto the winged eagle title belt, showing off his new shirt: The Canadian Dream, Son of a Security System Technician. Kevin has a mic, too, and while fans boo, he tells Rey, “Lemme start off by saying I’m very sorry for coming out here and interrupting you. I mean it, okay? But I had to come out here. Because I heard you just now talking about how you were gonna win the Royal Rumble.
“And Rey, I mean this from the bottom of my heart. It’s never been a secret. There’s a lot of people in this industry that I respect quite a bit, but very few I respect as much as I respect you. In fact, I’ll even go so far as saying there’s nobody in this industry that I respect as much as I respect you.” The fans do cheer that, and Kevin says he has had an incredible career, he’s accomplished things he’s dreamed of since he was a kid. He has main evented WrestleMania with Steve Austin. He won the tag team titles with his then best friend, Sami Zayn. He won countless other tiles, and now he gets to stand here with THIS title!
The fans boo but Kevin says this is the title that as a kid, he saw all his idols win. This is the title he dreamed of winning, and now he stands here as the TRUE, RIGHTFUL WWE Champion! The fans boo again but Kevin says there is one thing left for him to accomplish so that he can truly feel his career is complete. And that is to step into the ring and have a 1v1 match with the legendary Rey Mysterio. The fans like that idea, and Kevin says face to face, man to man, he hopes Rey wins the Rumble! Kevin will root for Rey with everything he has! Rey can and will beat “all those other idiots.”
But just promise Kevin one thing. After Rey wins the Rumble, promise that Kevin is the champion he picks for WrestleMania so that Kevin can have his dream match. Rey takes a moment, and he tells Kevin that we all know Rey loves competition. But… Kevin’s not the champion. The fans cheer that! Rey means that with all due respect, but Cody Rhodes is the champion. But, but, here’s this. If Rey wins the Rumble, and if Kevin wins the title, then yes, Rey will gladly face him for the title. Kevin takes a moment, and repeats, “I’m not the champion? I AM THE CHAMPION! This is my title! I earned it! I deserve it!”
The fans boo but Kevin says Cody has Rey brainwashed, too! Does Rey have bleached blonde hair under that mask? Is it seeping into his brain? Rey wants Kevin to calm down. What’s going on? Drew McIntyre, now Kevin, he’s acting so delusional! It’s reminding him of Dominik. Oh…! Kevin swings on Rey! Rey dodges to fire hands in return! They brawl, Kevin shoves Rey but Rey dropkicks the legs! Kevin is on the ropes, but he bails out before the 619! The fans boo but Kevin is the one offended. Will Kevin be able to let this go so he can focus on Cody?
Bianca Belair meets up with Naomi backstage.
Bianca asks if Naomi finished with Nick Aldis. She did. Any updates? No! No lead on Jade’s attacker. Nothing? Wow. But that’s okay, they’ll keep pushing forward. They will handle Nia & Candice, but Bianca just wants to make sure they’re good after the mishap last week. It wasn’t on Bianca, that was Candice. Naomi knows that. Plus, they have to focus. It may not be Tiffany, but they can at least get some lick back on Candice & Nia. And they still have their gold! Bianca says that’s true. Ready to go? Naomi says maybe Bianca should wrap her up. That way, last week won’t happen again. Bianca agrees, and she hurries to wrap the braid into a bun.
Now they’re good. The StrongEST Glow heads out, will they be able to get past the Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie? Or will they soon be owing some golden tickets to the Queen of the Ring and her new sidekick?
Nick Aldis talks with Rey Mysterio.
After what we saw with Kevin, and since they are in San Diego, we have to have Rey on the card. Rey VS KO happens 1v1! Rey thanks Aldis and promises to handle business. And then Cody Rhodes walks in! The American Nightmare tells Rey he saw what happened while he was going through his physical. Cody says he would’ve been out there to help, but Rey says it’s nota big deal. It is handled, Rey VS Kevin is happening. Cody just needs to heal up. Rey can handle his problems, and will leave something for Cody at the Royal Rumble. Rey fist bumps and heads out. Aldis tells Cody that Rey has a point, Cody needs to be careful.
That said, what’d the doctors have to say? Cody says he has a clean bill of health, fully cleared, and Aldis can read the report himself. Aldis says he trusts Cody, he just doesn’t know if that’s good news. There is a lot of time between now and the Rumble, and even more so to WrestleMania. But with that in mind, Aldis has an addendum to the ladder match. Cody needs to sign it, as does Kevin, because they cannot have what happened at Saturday Night’s Main Event happen ever again. Cody asks if Kevin’s signed it yet. Kevin was Aldis’ next stop. Then Cody will sign it once Kevin has. Cody heads out, will Aldis be able to get what he wants out of this?
Bianca Belair & Naomi VS Nia Jax & Candice LeRae!
SmackDown returns as Bianca & Naomi make their entrances. The teams sort out and Nia steps to Bianca, only to CLOBBER Naomi! Candice joins in to mug Bianca, but the fans boo. The ref reprimands, Candice backs off, and Nia soaks up the heat. Naomi throws Bianca down, talks more trash, then HEADBUTTS Bianca down. Nia drags Bianca up, tags Candice, but Bianca fights back. Nia CLUBS Bianca, Candice wrenches, but Bianca runs Candice over! And runs her over again! Bianca suplexes, holds Candice up, then SLAMS her down! The fans fire up as Bianca kips up, and she runs up to RAM Candice!
Bianca then climbs to rain down fists! The fans count along, Bianca goes all the way to TEN! Nia storms in, but Bianca flips up and over! Nia runs into Candice, then turns around into Bianca’s DROPKICK! Bianca runs up but Candice BOOTS her! Candice goes up, but Bianca ROCKS her! Bianca military presses Candice, and she THRWOS her out onto Nia! Nia & Candice fall, the fans fire up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Bianca flexes, then waits on Nia & Candice. Bianca’s braid has unrolled so Bianca swings it to rally the fans. Bianca then goes out to fetch Candice, shoves her into the ring, but Nia anchors Bianca’s feet! Candice DROPKICKS Candice down! Cover, TWO! Candice CLUBS away on Bianca, then scuffs her. Candice stalks Bianca to a corner, KNEES her down, then steps on her to DOUBLE STOMP! Tag to Nia, and Nia stalks Bianca. Nia makes Bianca smile with fishhooks, then HIP DROPS her down! Nia swings the braid around to mock Bianca, and even intimidate the ref. Bianca gets her braid free to SMACK away on Nia!
Bianca LASHES Nia more, backing her down, then she runs. Bianca SHOTGUNS Nia, Nia rebounds, but Bianca avoids the elbow drop! Cover, ONE!! Nia CLOBBERS Bianca at the ropes! Nia argues with the ref, taunts Naomi, then soaks up the heat. Tag to Candice and Candice kicks Bianca around. Candice SMACKS Bianca off the apron, pushes her in, then CLOBBERS her! Cover, TWO! Candice CLOBBERS Bianca again, then digs her knee in for a half Bow ‘n’ Arrow stretch! Bianca endures, fights around, reaches back, and she pulls Candice’s hair! Bianca and Candice fire forearms, but Candice DECKS Bianca! Cover, TWO!
Candice is frustrated but she KNEES Bianca in the side. Candice stomps Bianca more, KNEES her down, then has her on the ropes. The ref counts but Candice bends Bianca back! Candice lets go at 4, SmackDown returns to single picture,. and Candice brings Bianca up. Bianca rolls Candice up, TWO! Candice ENZIGIRIS Bianca down! Candice hurries to a corner and goes up, to then CROSSBODY! But Bianca rolls through! The fans fire up as Bianca lifts, but Candice slips free! Candice pulls the braid! Bianca uses that to reel Candice in for an ELBOW! But Candice grabs the braid to throw Bianca down! Both women are down and the fans fire up!
Bianca and Candice crawl, Candice goes to Bianca! STEP-UP- NO! Bianca avoids the senton! But Nia YANKS Naomi down from the outside! The fans boo but Nia sends Naomi into barriers! Candice stands Bianca up, but Bianca rolls her again! TWO, and Candice SUPERKICKS Bianca down! Candice hurries to the corner, tag to Nia. Nia storms up on Bianca, mockingly reaching out to Naomi, and then CLUBS Bianca! Nia whips, LARIATS, and SAMOAN DROPS! Bianca sputters and goes to the corner, but Nia runs up! Bianca BOOTS Nia first! Bianca ELBOWS Candice, dodges Nia, then RAMS into her! Candice grabs the braid!
Bianca whips Candice into the POST! Bianca climbs, but Nia ROCKS her! Nia climbs up after Bianca, fireman’s carries, but Bianca CLUBS away! Bianca is safe, she shoves Nia away, then CROSSBODIES! Both women are down and the fans fire up! Naomi returns! Bianca crawls, hot tag to Naomi! The fans fire up as Naomi ROUNDHOUSES Nia away, then slingshots for the FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Nia still has a lot left in the tank but Naomi HAMMERS away on her! Nia shoves Naomi away, runs up, but Naomi dodges! Nia POSTS herself, falls back, and Naomi goes up! SPLIT-LEG MOONSAULT! Cover, Candice breaks it!
Naomi ENZIGIRIS Candice for it! Tag to Bianca and the tag champs go after Nia. Nia fights back, SAMOAN DROP for Naomi! The fans boo but Nia looms over Bianca. Nia runs, Candice sneaks a tag, and Bianca dodges! Bianca SPEARS Nia! Bianca runs, handsprings, but Candice DROPKICKS her down! STEP-UP SENTON! Nia rises, she adds a SENTON of her own! Candice covers, TWO!! Bianca survives and the fans fire up! Candice can’t believe it, but San Diego declares, “This is Awesome!” Candice storms around, snarls, then runs up at Bianca. Bianca ALLEY-OOPS her onto buckles! Then SPINEBUSTERS her down!
Bianca runs, handsprings, and MOONSAULTS! But Nia runs up! Bianca dodges, LEG DROP hits Candice!! Nia panics, runs up on Bianca, but Bianca tosses her out! LARIAT and down goes Bianca! Naomi tags for the BUBBA BOMB! Gedo clutch, Naomi & Bianca win!
Winners: Bianca Belair & Naomi, by pinfall
The tag champs find a way to survive, but now they’ll have to meet NXT’s Meta Four on January 28th! NXT goes on the road to Atlanta, Georgia, will Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson be bringing the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships home as souvenirs? Or will they only feel the StrongEST Glow?
Pregame interview with Bayley.
Byron Saxton walked through an empty Pechanga Arena with The Role Model before the show, and noted how last week, Bayley won the Fatal 4 Way #1 Contender’s match. Now, we’re in San Diego, with a sold out crowd as Bayley challenges Tiffany Stratton for the title. What does this match mean to her? Well, sold out here in her home state, that is what dreams are made of. We all dream about being in the main event and fighting for a championship. This is a huge night for her. Thinking on her career, this time last year, she won the 2024 Royal Rumble and earned a guaranteed championship opportunity.
Bayley would challenge former friend, Iyo Sky, someone she respects so much in this business. That felt like the peak of Bayley’s career, where she was going to do something different and change the world. To be honest, she isn’t sure she fulfilled her potential during that reign. Yes, she defended the title, took it all over the world, but she always felt she was just winning by the skin of her teeth. She’s a perfectionist, she loves wrestling so much. And so, that reign was certainly cut short when Tiffany helped Nia take that title from Bayley. Tonight is a big night for her.
Then how does tonight feel different from past opportunities in regaining the title? Well, we’ve seen what Tiffany has done this past year, and she just showed she’s willing to turn on her friends to get to the “Tiffy Top,” as she puts it. Part of Bayley respects her, but the other part wants to beat Tiffy that much more. Tonight, it’s personal. Byron wishes Bayley luck and they shake hands. Will this be a big first defense for Tiffy? Or will it be a big comeback for the former Grand Slam Champion?
Mia Yim talks with B-Fab backstage.
Michin just knows she would’ve had Chelsea Green if not for Piper Niven. They always gotta use numbers! B-Fab knows how they do. That US Championship should’ve been Mia’s! B-Fab tells Mia to keep her head up, because she’ll get another shot to take down sleazy- Piper Niven walks in being all Secret Service. Piper says the room is clear, no threats to the champion. Chelsea walks in, thanks “Spicy Service,” and says B-Fab and “Mimi” should stand up and properly congratulate her as the only woman to successfully defend this title. B-Fab says Chelsea please. We all know that if it wasn’t for Piper the Mall Cop, Chelsea would not be champion.
Piper steps up and tells B-Fab that if she takes another step closer, it’ll be her last. If that’s how Piper wants to play it, then how about this? B-Fab will talk with Aldis, then she and Piper can handle their problem tonight. Then after Piper, Chelsea better watch her back. Mia says that is a threat. Mia follows B-Fab, Chelsea tells Piper to neutralize B-Fab. Piper agrees. But just how will this shake out when Piper’s the one in action?
Jimmy Uso heads to gorilla.
“San Diego! The goal tonight is to make sure Carmelo stays missing. Hey, ya boi got something to prove! Hey, I’m proud of The Yeet Man. My brother got his own title match coming up, and it’s time to go get mine. But it starts tonight with Carmelo. Hey yo, Uce, between me and you, Big Jim is Him!” Jimmy heads out to the ring, will he prove he’s just as worthy of golden opportunities?
Jimmy Uso VS Carmelo Hayes!
SmackDown returns as Melo makes his entrance. Melo has a mic to tell Big Jim that he wants to get this straight. Roman’s in the Rumble, Jey’s got a world title match, and what’s Jimmy got? It just seems like Jimmy is living in the shadow of his brother who is living in the shadow of Roman Reigns. But for some reason, Jimmy’s taking shots at H1M? Then here’s a serious question: How can Jimmy take shots when he’s sitting on the bench? Do Melo a favor: Lace up those shoes real tight, Unc, because you’re about to see that Melo Don’t Miss. But then Jimmy TOSSES Melo into the ring! Jimmy borrows those sunglasses, then he fires haymakers!
The fans fire up as Jimmy pops, locks ‘n’ ROCKS Melo! Jimmy whips, but Melo avoids the superkick! Melo bails out, the fans boo, and Jimmy grins. Jimmy hurries after Melo but Melo HOTSHOTS Jimmy down! Melo storms in to CLOBBER Jimmy, and he stomps away at the ropes! The ref counts, teh fans boo, but Melo lets off at 4. Melo soaks up the heat, then he CHOPS Jimmy against ropes. Melo stalks Jimmy, CHOPS Jimmy in a corner, then brings him around for haymakers. Melo whips, Jimmy reverses, QUICK DRAW! Melo is in a corner, and the fans join Jimmy in chanting, “UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Melo dodges the hip attack!
Melo comes back, but Jimmy puts him on the apron. Jimmy UPPERCUTS Melo, Melo sputters, and Jimmy goes out to join him. Jimmy suplexes Melo onto the apron! Melo writhes, Jimmy refreshes the count, and then Jimmy builds speed! Jimmy DIVES, and Melo is sent into the desk! The fans fire up for Jimmy while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Melo KICKS and CLUBS and stomps away on Jimmy in a corner! The ref counts, Melo lets off, and the fans boo. Melo drags Jimmy up, CLUBS him on the back, then hoists him to the top rope. The fans rally for Jimmy but Melo climbs up. Melo soaks up the heat, brings Jimmy up, but Jimmy fights the suplex! The fans fire up as Jimmy fires elbows! Melo hits back with shoulders! Jimmy and Melo go back and forth, then Jimmy fires elbow after elbow! Melo falls back, Jimmy WHISPERS IN THE WIND, but Melo dodges! Then FADE AWAY DDT! Cover, TWO! Jimmy survives and Melo grows frustrated.
The fans rally up while Melo gets his confidence back. Melo adjusts the kneepads, but he hears the fans rally for Jimmy. Melo brings Jimmy up, but Jimmy suplexes! Melo fights that to suplex, but Jimmy fights! Melo wrenches, dodges, and DOUBLE LARIATS hit hard! A double cover, TWO!! Both men are still in this, but they rise slowly. The fans rally behind Jimmy, he UPPERCUTS Melo! Melo blocks a kick but not the DRAGON WHIP! Jimmy then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Jimmy UPPERCUTS Melo, Melo tilt-o-whirls, LA MYSTICA! Cover, TWO! Jimmy survives and the fans rally up again!
Melo thinks on what he has to do, but the fans rally up more as Jimmy rises. Melo storms up, CHOPS Jimmy, then whips. Jimmy reverses to POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO!! Melo survives and Jimmy is beside himself! The fans rally up for Jimmy as he climbs up, USO- FIRST 48! Cover, TWO!! Jimmy survives and Melo can’t believe it! “This is Awesome!” as Melo hurries to a corner and climbs. Melo wants Jimmy to stand, and he takes aim, for- NO, Jimmy avoids the three pointer! SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO?!? Melo survives again and shocks Jimmy! Melo flounders away, checking his jaw.
Jimmy goes corner to corner, HIP ATTACK! Then SAMOAN- NO, Melo manages the crucifix takedown! TWO! SUPERKICK from Melo! Melo runs, Jimmy SPEARS!! Jimmy hurries to a corner, but JACOB FATU has appeared! Jimmy tells Jacob not to even try, but it’s TAMA TONGA who shoves Jimmy off the corner! The fans boo as Tama & Jacob attack!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by disqualification
The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Jacob hits a HIP ATTACK on Jimmy! Jacob then drags Jimmy up, and feeds him to Tama’s VENOM DDT! Jacob adds more stomps, and Melo says thanks for the assist. But then Jacob CLOBBERS Melo! Tama puts Jimmy back in a corner, Jaco hits another HIP ATTACK! And here comes Solo Sikoa! He may not be THE Tribal Chief, but clearly Solo still has authority over the rogues. We hear from the would-be Head of the Table, after the break.
SmackDown returns and…
San Diego is booing hard as Solo has the mic. Solo decides not to speak, which the fans cheer. Solo then goes out of the ring, takes off his fancy red jacket, and slings it over his shoulder. Solo leaves, and even his followers seem confused. Is Solo giving up after losing everything? Or is this just more arrogance? Jacob grabs the mic and says, “So this is what it comes to, huh? This is it? I’m tired of the disrespect! I’m tired of the hate! Oh no! You know that I’m tired of the envy! But check this out: envy me all you want, because even on a bad day, y’all still can’t touch me! I don’t give a damn if you cheer us, I don’t give a damn if you boo us.
“But one thing I will not let you do is try to act like I ain’t ever got mine! What, y’all thought I was crazy? Y’all thought I was off the hinges? HUH? Y’all thought I was losing it? The crazy thing about this situation… is that I’m just getting started!” The Samoan Werewolf is all fire dup, but here comes LA KNIGHT! The fans fire up, Jacob & Tama wait, but Knight comes in from the crowd! Knight CLOBBERS Jacob, CLOBBERS Tama, then he stomps away on Jacob! Tama runs up, but Knight tackles him! Knight throws down hands, Jacob is up, but Knight fires hands on him! Tama traps Knight’s legs, and Jacob CLOBBERS Knight!
The fans boo as Tama & Jacob beat Knight down, but BRAUN is here! The fans fire up as the Monster of All Monsters returns! Tama PLANCHAS, but Braun catches him, and TOSSES him! Then Braun stares down Jacob. The fans are going nuts seeing this, and Braun rips his shirt off! But then Tama has Jacob retreat! The Mega Star stands alongside #OneBigSOB, will they get their payback on Tama & Jacob soon enough?
Los Garza gets ready backstage.
Santos Escobar tells Angel y Berto that last week, they exposed Pretty Deadly for the pretty little liars they are. And everything they said, Angel & Berto made them choke on every word. That is what Santos expects. Lopez reminds them that just one win doesn’t make them champions yet. Agreed. Tonight, Motor City Machine Guns, men with reputations and who were former champions, Los Garza will take their momentum away. Why? Because remember: There was no red carpet rolled out for them, and no one is just handing them respect. So if they want respect, they have to take it! Take it from their hands, from their throats, from their pride!
Legado puts all hands in, and say “Familia!” La Madrina accompanies Los Garza, will they take that title opportunity for their own? Or will MCMG be on fire as they go back after DIY?
Motor City Machine Guns VS Los Garza w/ Legado Del Fantasma!
SmackDown returns and Los Garza makes their entrance. The teams sort out and Shelley starts against Angel. They tie up, Shelley headlocks, and holds on as Angel powers up. Shelley grinds the headlock, Angel powers up and out, then he reels Shelley in. Shelley ducks the elbow, Angel drops down then hurdles over, then Angel rolls off Shelley’s back. Shelley trips, covers, ONE! Angelo knocks Shelley down, covers, ONE! Angel kneels and offers a handshake! Shelley is wary, but he accepts. Only for Angel to SLAP him! Angel CHOPS Shelley against ropes, then headlocks. Tag to Berto, Angelo holds Shelley out on the ropes, LEAP FROG ATTACK!
Angel KNEES Shelley down, Berto SOMERSAULT MOONSAULTS! Cover, ONE! Angel shouts for respect, the fans are torn, but Berto CLUBS Shelley. Shelley CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Shelley tags Sabin, whips Berto, and MCMG DOUBLE BACKDROP! Angel runs up, but into double kicks! Atomic drop, dropkick, DREAM SEQUENCE! MCMG snapmare Berto, Sabin covers, ONE! Sabin clamps on a chinlock and he grinds Berto down. Berto endures, fights up, and he powers up. Angel tags in but Sabin ducks ‘n’ dodges. Sabin tilt-o-whirls, but Berto keeps it going so Angel can KNEE Sabin down!
Berto drags Sabin to the apron, and Angel TAKES OFF THE PANTS! He SMACKS Shelley, then runs to KNEE ENZIGIRI COMBO on Sabin! Los Garza is in control while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Sabin fights out of a cobra twist! But Angel blocks his kick, spins him around, Gory Especial! Tag to Berto, SLINGSHOT NECKBREAKER GORY BOMB COMBO! Cover, TWO!! Sabin survives but Berto seethes. Berto goes to the far corner, runs up, but Sabin dodges! Sabin elbows Berto, Berto traps Sabin, and Angel runs in. Sabin slips away, Angel RAMS into Berto! The fans rally up, Angel grabs legs, but Sabin ENZIGIRIS free! Sabin crawls, the fans rally up, and Sabin hot tags Shelley! Shelley fires hands on Berto, then whips, but Berto reverses. Shelley CLOBBERS Berto!
Shelley BLASTS Angel for good measure! BOOT to Berto, then a tilt-o-whirl RANA! Berto ends up in a corner, Shelley runs in, but he blocks a boot! Sabin tags in, Shelley hands the foot off, DRAGON SCREW! Berto is stuck in ropes, Shelley DRAPING DRAGON SCREWS the other leg! Sabin hops up, MCMG coordinate, DROPKICK to one leg, KNEE DROP on the other! Berto falls, Sabin covers, TWO! Berto survives but Sabin brings him up. Sabin has one of the legs, tag to Shelley, and they hand off the leg to ENZIGIRI and trip! Shelley steps through for a FIGURE FOUR! The fans “WOO~!” while Berto endures!
Sabin intercepts Angel, trips him up, and he has a FIGURE FOUR! The fans fire up as Los Garza endure the same hold! Lopez panics, but Berto crawls, ROPEBREAK! MCMG lets go at 4, and Angel crawls away. Shelley stomps away on Berto’s legs, then steps through again. Lopez distracts, Berto BOOTS free! Roll up, deadlift and SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Shelley survives but Berto tags Angel in. Los Garza brings Shelley up, Sabin runs in, but Berto LARIATS Sabin down! Angel fires knees into Shelley, Berto hoists Sabin up to add him on! Berto runs, FLYING CHUCK into the POWERBOMB POWERSLAM COMBO! Cover, TWO?!?
Los Garza can’t believe it, but this is why MCMG are a highly decorated tag team! “This is Awesome!” as Angel stalks Shelley to ropes. Angel KICKS Shelley in the chest! Tag to Berto, they double military press! But Sabin saves Shelley, then runs up. Angel catches Sabin to a full nelson but he BOOTS Berto away. Sabin then arm-drags free, kicks Angel, and he kicks off Berto to TORNADO DDT Angel! Los Garza bail out, Shelley opens the way! Sabin DIVES and he takes Los Garza down! Sabin sends Berto in, Shelley runs up, LARIAT in the corner! Tag to Sabin, but wait! Pretty Deadly is here, and they’re distracting the ref!
Sabin has Berto while Shelley climbs! Elton keeps the ref’s attention so that Kit can DECK Shelley! Berto rolls Sabin up and Kit shouts to the ref! Elton is arguing with the ref too much now! Berto gives up on the pin, tells the ref to pay attention to the match, and Sabin BLASTS Kit! Shelley tags in, Berto runs up, but into the BOOT ENZIGIRI COMBO! And reset, SKULL ‘N’ BONES!! Cover, MCMG wins!
Winners: Motor City Machine Guns, by pinfall
Pretty Deadly tried to screw Shelley & Sabin out of this one, but they were too dramatic about it! Will nothing stop MCMG from taking those tag titles off of Gargano & Ciampa?
Aldis finds Kevin backstage.
Kevin says, “Can’t you see I’m taping my wrists, Nick?” Aldis does, but this shouldn’t take long. He needs to show Kevin the addendum to the title match contract. Kevin doesn’t like the sound of that. And wait, Cody didn’t sign it. Well, Cody isn’t going to sign it until Kevin signs it. Then guess what? Kevin’s not signing it until Cody signs it. And Kevin doesn’t even trust Aldis anyway, he needs to read this addendum first. And he isn’t doing that until after his match so stop trying to distract him! Kevin storms off, and Aldis says that went well. Will Aldis be able to find a way around this stalemate between champion and challenger?
Piper Niven w/ Chelsea Green VS B-Fab w/ Mia Yim!
The Hot Mess is having her “Spicy Secret Service” fight her battles for her again, and that means a fight with one Briana Brandy. Will B-Fab be fab when she drops Piper like she drops the beat? Or will B be mad when P takes the W?
SmackDown returns as “B-Fabulous” makes her way to the ring. The bell rings and the two circle. Chelsea talks smack, B-Fab gives it back, but then B-Fab dodges Piper! HEEL KICK in the corner! B-Fab talks smack on Piper, whips, but Piper blocks! B-Fab still tries, but Piper wrenches. B-Fab wrenches and DANGEROUS HOOK KICKS! B-Fab turns Piper, then spins her for a FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Piper goes to a corner, B-Fab runs up, but Piper picks her up! URENAGE! Chelsea wants to make sure everyone saw that, then Piper runs. B-Fab avoids the senton! Chelsea panics, B-Fab runs up, and she floats around to a DDT! Cover, TWO!
B-Fab waits on Piper as Piper flounders to ropes. B-Fab then runs up, and she BOOTS Piper out of the ring! Chelsea is freaking out again, but Piper gets back up. B-Fab BOOTS Piper off the apron! B-Fab goes out after Piper, puts her in the ring, but then she steps to Chelsea. Chelsea backs away, talks more smack anyway, so B-Fab LARIATS Chelsea! The fans fire up, B-Fab slides in, but Piper SENTONS! Piper shoves B-Fab to ropes, pops her up, and then pops her into the PIPER DRIVER! Cover, Piper wins!
Winner: Piper Niven, by pinfall
Even after talking it out with Mia, the number game still gets the better of B-Fab. But then Chelsea beats down B-Fab just because she can! SO here comes Mia! The fans fire up as Chelsea runs! Mia dodges Piper to SMACK her with the kendo stick! Mia swings again, Piper blocks, and she SLAPS Mia! Piper takes aim, but Mia YAKUZA KICKS her first! Mia grabs the kendo stick, and she warns both Piper & Chelsea that payback is still coming. Mia helps B-Fab to her feet, will they be united against the #RedWhite&Green?
WWE mourns the loss of Bob Uecker.
Mr. Baseball also had his love of the WWE, being part of memorable moments in those early days, such as calling Hogan VS Andre at WrestleMania 3.
Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.
Byron says we saw Tiff make history two weeks ago, but she stops him there. She didn’t make history, she made “Tiffstory.” Uh, sure… She made Tiffstory when she cashed in on Nia Jax and became the WWE Women’s Champion. But now it gets real as she defends that title against Bayley, who is extremely driven to win. What’re Tiff’s comments? Tiff heard that, and Bayley is right, she had a ton of big moments. Bayley’s had a career of big moments, really. But guess what? So has Tiff. Tiff’s been on SmackDown for less than a year, became the youngest Miss Money in the Bank, and now is the WWE Women’s Champion.
And unlike Bayley, Tiff doesn’t need to recreate moments, because Tiff IS the Moment. Sorry, Bayley, but you’ll just have to sit back and watch your little dream die, because right now… It’s Tiffy Time. Tootles. Tiff heads out, confident as ever, but will that confidence all fall apart going up against a woman that paved the way?
Rey Mysterio VS Kevin Owens!
The King of Lucha just wanted to enjoy his homecoming, and The Prizefighter had to interrupt it. Rey tried to explain that officially, Kevin isn’t the champion, and Kevin blew up on him! So now, in an ironic twist, Kevin is getting his dream match with Rey here in Rey’s hometown! Will Kevin make his dream of defeating Rey Mysterio come true? Or will the 619 make it all a nightmare?
The bell rings and obviously the fans rally behind Rey. Kevin is annoyed by that but Rey says he asked for this. They tie up, Kevin powers Rey to a corner, but the ref counts. Kevin lets off slowly, and then says, “This is MY show!” The fans boo more but Kevin and Rey reset. They tie up, Kevin waistlocks and SLAMS Rey down. Kevin flips Rey over, but Rey arm-drags Kevin! Kevin gets upset and the fans boo him more. Kevin and Rey go again, and the chants of “619! 619!” are loud as ever. The two tie up, Kevin kicks low! Kevin CLUBS Rey, wrenches an arm to the wristlock, but Rey uses ropes to flip through! Rey KCIKS a leg, then fires forearms!
Kevin headlocks, Rey powers up and out, then he drops down. Kevin CLOBBERS Rey! Rey tumbles out to the floor and the fans boo more, but Kevin just waits on Rey. The ref starts the ring count, and Rey stands at 3 of 10. Rey takes his time to return, and he’s back in at 6. The fans tell Kevin off in Espanol, and Kevin wants to know what that means. Rey says Kevin knows what it means. The two reset, feel things out, and knuckle lock. Rey avoids the leg hook to then lift Kevin, jump up, and sunset flip! ONE, but Rey dodges a lariat to waistlock. Kevin switches, Rey fires elbows, and then Rey runs. Rey ducks ‘n’ doges, tilt-o-whirls and RANAS!
The fans fire up as Kevin tumbles! Rey ROCKS Kevin at the ropes, whips him, but Kevin reverses. Rey tilt-o-whirls again, but Kevin blocks to SLAM Rey down! And then SENTON! The fans boo but Kevin huffs ‘n’ puffs. Kevin drags Rey up, whips Rey to a corner hard, and Rey staggers back. Rey falls over, the fans tell Kevin off more, but Kevin stays cool. Kevin whips Rey hard to another corner, runs up, but into a BOT! Rey ELBOWS Kevin, goes up, jumps back, and is on Kevin’s shoulders Electric Chair style. Rey throws down hands, then he RAN- NO, Kevin stops Rey from throwing him over! Kevin KNEES Rey down!
The fans boo but Kevin storms out after Rey. Kevin stands Rey up, and he ROCKS Rey in front of the fans! Kevin fires more forearms, the fans rally for Rey, but Kevin puts Rey on the apron. Rey fires forearms and a KICK in return! The fans rally for Rey as he gets up to FLYING RANA! Kevin hits barriers and the fans fire up! Rey gets in the ring, throws off his shirt, and the fans fire up as Rey builds speed! Rey SLIDES and SPLASHES! Both men are down from that hard impact, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Kevin has Rey down with a chinlock. Rey fights up and the fans rally, but Kevin throws Rey down by his mask! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Kevin mocks the 619 chant, and says “SUCK IT!” Kevin stalks Rey to the corner, brings him around, and whips him corner to corner. Rey hits buckles and staggers back, into a back suplex! Rey lands out, dodges Kevin, and Kevin POSTS himself! The fans fire up as Rey goes to the apron. Kevin staggers around, Rey goes up the corner, and Rey FLYING SEATED SENTONS! The fans fire up as Rey keeps moving, and he wheelbarrows to BULLDOG! Cover, TWO!
Kevin stays in this but Rey stays cool. Rey runs, tilt-o-whirls and RANAS Kevin onto ropes! The fans fire up as Rey dials it up! But Kevin SUPERKICKS! Kevin whips Rey to POP-UP, but Rey slips free! Tilt-o-whirl DDT! Cover, TWO!! Kevin survives and both men are down, catching their breath. Kevin goes to a corner, Rey fires shots, then Rey hoists Kevin up! Rey climbs, but Kevin fires body shots! Kevin HEADBUTTS Rey down! Kevin adjusts, and he gives some Latino Heat before he FROG SPLASHES!! Cover, TWO!! Rey knows that move too well, even if Kevin’s a bit bulkier than Eddie ever was.
The fans cheer for “EDDIE! EDDIE!” while Kevin stalks Rey. Kevin stands Rey up against ropes, then he fires forearm after forearm! The ref counts, the fans boo, but Kevin brings Rey to the corner. Kevin puts Rey up top, climbs up to join him, but Rey fights the suplex! Rey fires body shots, then climbs up and over, SUPER SUNSET BOMB! Kevin stagger sup, into a CODE RED!! Cover, TWO!! Rey can’t believe his shoutout to Amazing Red didn’t get it done, but the fans know “This is Awesome!” Rey stalks Kevin, whips him, but Kevin reverses. Rey springboards but Kevin gets under the crossbody! STUNNER!! Cover, TWO?!?
The fans fire up as Rey survives and Kevin is the one stunned! Kevin drags Rey to the drop zone, and he goes up the corner. Kevin aims to SWANTON but onto knees! Rey also knows that move! Rey hurries to dial it up, 619!! Kevin flounders away, and Rey climbs a corner! Kevin stagger sup, bumps the ref, and the ref hits the ropes! That trips Rey, and Kevin whips Rey for the POP-UP POWERBOMB!! Cover, Kevin wins!!
Winner: Kevin Owens, by pinfall
To think Kevin steals one away from the living legend! “The Canadian Dream” then decides to show some respect, and he helps Rey to his feet. Kevin shakes Rey’s hand, but then kicks him low! And tucks Rey in! But here comes Cody!! The fans fire up as Cody and Kevin brawl! Cody gets the better of Kevin, stomps away on him, but refs and producers rush out here! San Diego wants to “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” but Kevin bails out of the ring, winged eagle title in hand. Cody slips free to go around thew ay, and Cody TACKLES Kevin against the desk! The fans fire up as they brawl behind the desk and almost knock Wade & Joe over!
Kevin slips away again as producers pull Cody back! Security rushes out here to also stop this! Cody stands in the ring, Kevin stands on top of a road case. February 1st is still on the horizon, will Cody and Kevin be able to wait these next two weeks?
SmackDown returns and…
Cody and Aldis are in Aldis’ office. Aldis says he tried very, very hard to be patient with Cody and Kevin, but enough is enough. They are out of control! And they won’t even follow simple instructions, like signing a contract! So Aldis has no choice. Next week, Saturday Night’s Main Event, Cody and Kevin must relinquish their respective championship belts so that they can be suspended above the ring at the Royal Rumble. Then they will sign the amended contract in the middle of that ring. And since Kevin doesn’t trust Aldis, and Aldis doesn’t know what Cody’s thinking anymore, Aldis made a call.
Someone else is going to moderate the contract signing. And how perfect for San Antonio than to get their favorite son. Yes, Cody, it’ll be the Showstopper, the Headliner, the Main Event, the Heartbreak Kid, SHAWN MICHAELS! HBK is going to be on Saturday Night’s Main Event, but will he be able to maintain order between American Nightmare and Canadian Dream?
BREAKING NEWS for Saturday Night’s Main Event!
As if San Diego didn’t explode seeing it earlier, San Antonio might erupt as we see Braun Strowman VS Jacob Fatu! Will the Monster of All Monsters be able to slay the Samoan Werewolf? Or will Jacob tear down #OneBigSOB?
Pretty Deadly regroups backstage.
Kit & Elton are confronted by DIY, and Tommaso Ciampa asks what the Hell was that out there! They practically handed the win to MCMG! Elton says admittedly, that didn’t go as planned. But Kit wants Ciampa to see the bright side. Who’s beaten MCMG? DIY! Ciampa says, “Do they think we’re scared of them? We’re not scared of anyone! This isn’t even about them!” Ciampa tells Pretty Deadly to look in the mirror. Just a couple long-haired Englishmen happy to be here, right? Ciampa hates people like that. They are a joke, and everyone is laughing at them! If Pretty Deadly wants a shot at the tag titles, “become nightmares.”
Gargano says that’s tough love. Ciampa is just saying that stuff because DIY believes in Pretty Deadly. But they do need to get their acts together. Pretty Deadly has to make life easier for DIY so DIY can make live better for Pretty Deadly. Chin up, see you next week. Gargano heads out, but Apollo Crews walks in. He pats Pretty Deadly on the shoulders, they shrug him off, but he says he was trying to tell them before. They keep letting DIY string them along, and look where it’s gotten them: Nowhere! Pretty Deadly don’t wanna hear it, Apollo wishes best of luck to them, but then Gargano comes back to attack Apollo!
Johnny Wrestling HAMMERS away on Crews, and says to keep DIY’s name out of his mouth! Gargano throws Apollo down again, then storms off. Will Apollo have to watch what he says?
A Queen is on her way back.
The FOURTEEN-TIME Women’s Champion is almost ready. Will the WWE be ready for a renewed Charlotte Flair?
WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton VS Bayley!
We heard from both sides of this match, and oh look! Roxanne Perez is in the crowd. Bayley’s made a full lap through the WWE this week, from Raw to NXT to SmackDown. Will Bayley make this a homerun? Or will the clock keep ticking on #TiffyTime?
SmackDown returns and Tiffany makes her entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s time to have some gold in the Golden State!
The bell rings, Tiff and Bayley circle, then they tie up. They go around, Bayley puts Tiff in a corner, and she lets off cleanly. The fans rally and duel, the two tie up again, and Tiff puts Bayley in the corner. The ref counts, Tiff lets off at 4, and she ties up with Bayley. Tiff hits a headlock and takeover, but Bayley headscissors. Tiff kips free, headlocks, but Bayley powers out. Bayley waistlocks, Tiff switches, but Bayley bucks the O’Conner. Tiff trips Bayley, covers, ONE! Bayley trips Tiff and covers, ONE! The two back off and the fans cheer. Bayley and Tiff tie up, Bayley snapmares, and runs to ELBOW Tiff in the back!
Bayley keeps moving, but Tiff CLOBBERS her! Tiff says it’s her time, but Bayley avoids the handspring! Tiff sticks the landing, then swaggers. Tiff even goes Matrix to dodge! But then Bayley clinches! Tiff fights the suplex, throws Bayley to a corner, then runs up, Bayley ELBOWS Tiff, goes up, leaps, and arm-drags! Bayley keeps moving, SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, ONE!! Tiff gets free, and she SLAPS Bayley! Bayley gets mad, and she LARIATS up and out! Bayley dares Tiff to slap her now! The fans rally behind Bayley while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Tiff has Bayley in a chinlock. Bayley fights up, the fans duel again, and Bayley JAWBREAKERS free! Tiff runs up but Bayley TOSSES her through ropes! HOTSHOT! Tiff flops back, Bayley goes to the apron, and Bayley runs to DAREDEVIL DROPKICK! Tiff staggers away, Bayley pursues, and she DAREDEVIL- NO, Tiff ducks the dropkick! Tiff kicks Bayley, pushes her through the corner, then YANKS her into the post! The fans are torn but Tiff whips Bayley hard into barriers! Tiff mocks the Bayley fans, puts Bayley in the ring, then covers, TWO! Bayley toughs it out, just as a Grand Slam Champion would.
Tiff stalks Bayley, then runs up to DOUBLE STOMP the bad arm! Cover, TWO! Tiff is annoyed, she stomps Bayley and isolates the arm. Tiff YANKS the arm back! Bayley writhes, but Tiff grabs the arm to WRING it out! Tiff covers, TWO! Tiff brings Bayley up, whips, but Bayley reverses. Bayley runs up, but Tiff puts her on the apron! Tiff ROCKS Bayley, then runs up, but Bayley jumps the sweep! But then Tiff blocks the kick! Tiff throws Bayley down! The fans rally up, Tiff grabs the leg to THROW Bayley down again! Cover, TWO! Tiff is annoyed, but she watches Bayley bail out. Tiff taunts Bayley to get back in.
The fans rally, Tiff kicks Bayley to the floor, and then Tiff again dares Bayley to get in. The ref has Tiff back off, so Tiff goes out the side. Tiff runs in around the way, but Bayley CLOBBERS her first! The ring count is climbing, Bayley eggs Tiff on. Tiff staggers up, into a FLAPJACK onto the apron! Bayley pushes Tiff in to cover, TWO! Bayley stays focused, and she drags Tiff up. Tiff ROCKS Bayley! Bayley ROCKS Tiff! Tiff kicks, Bayley blocks and KNEES back! Tiff rebounds to LARIAT! Bayley’s on the ropes, but she avoids Tiff’s hip attack! Bayley BOOTS Tiff to the outside! Bayley builds speed and DIVES, into a forearm!
Tiff puts the apron skirt over Bayley, and says, “You think you deserve a title?!” Tiff leaves Bayley dangling, and then HIP ATTACKS her against the apron! Bayley flops to the floor, Tiff leaves her behind, and the ring count climbs! The count is 5 of 10, Bayley staggers up to the apron, but Tiff HIP ATTACKS her back down! Tiff then aims to PLANCHA! But Bayley catches Tiff! BAYLEY2BELLY to the floor! The fans fire up and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
The ref checks both women, and they’re both conscious, so the match continues. Bayley drags herself up with the apron skirt, but the count is reaching 5 of 10. Tiff also stands, and both women roll in at 8! Tiff and Bayley slowly catch their breath as a standing count now begins. Bayley drags herself up with the ropes, and she heads for Tiff. Tiff rises, and she swings! Bayley blocks to counter punch! And counter punch again! And again! Tiff runs up, but Bayley LARIATS! And LARIATS! And then slips under to SAIDO!
Bayley fires up and she brings Tiff around to put through ropes! Bayley runs side to side for a KNEE LIFT! Cover, TWO! Tiff survives and Bayley snarls. Bayley drags Tiff up, whips her to a corner, then runs up to ROCK her with a forearm! Bayley puts Tiff sideways in the ropes, then goes up, STOCK DROP! Shoutout to The Boss! Or is it CEO? Cover, TWO! Bayley stays cool, and she brings Tiff back up. Bayley whips Tiff but Tiff reverses. Bayley goes up but Tiff catches her! ROLLING SENTON! Then TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Bayley survives, but Tiff puts her in the drop zone! Tiff goes up, but Bayley ROCKS her first!
Bayley climbs up as SmackDown returns to single picture. Bayley reels Tiff in, brings her up, and SUPERPLEXES! Both women are down but the fans fire up again! Bayley crawls to a cover, TWO! Tiff stays in this, the fans rally up more, and Bayley climbs a corner. Tiff hurries to ROCK Bayley! Tiff HOTSHOTS Bayley’s bad arm! Bayley falls from the apron, tumbles into the desk, but Tiff hurries to fetch her. Tiff goes up the corner again, for a TIFFY SWANTON! Then she reels Bayley in, for a TIFFY BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Bayley survives but Tiff clamps on a FUJIWARA ARMBAR! The fans rally and duel as Bayley endures!
Bayley reaches out, rolls Tiff around to a cover, TWO!! Tiff lets go in time, and she wants the arm again! But Bayley THROWS Tiff out! Tiff staggers, but she grabs Bayley’s legs! Tiff drags Bayley out, CLUBS her, and then runs up! Cartwheel into the- NO, Bayley fights the lift! “This is Awesome!” as Bayley GOURD BUSTERS Tiff onto the desk! The fans fire up as Bayley then suplexes Tiff to the floor! It was almost a brainbuster! But now Roxie has to talk smack to Bayley. Bayley says watch and learn, kid! Bayley drags Tiff into the ring, goes up a corner, and MACHO ELBOWS! Cover, TWO!! Tiff survives, but ends up in a CROSSFACE!!
Bayley wants to make a statement, but Tiff SLAMS the bad arm off the mat! But Bayley gets up! BAYLEY- NO, Tiff arm-drags free, then SPINEBUSTERS! High stack, TWO!! Bayley survives and Tiff is growing frustrated. San Diego continues to rally but Tiff drags Bayley to a drop zone. Tiff stomps Bayley, then brings her up for a fireman’s carry. But Bayley fights free! Bayley clinches, BAYLEY2BELLY!! Cover, TWO!!! Tiff survives and Bayley is beside herself! Bayley drags Tiff up, reels her in, btu Tiff wrenches to ARM CODE BREAKER! Tiff hurries to the corner! PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Bayley trips Tiff up! And then she runs, SUNSET FLIP BUCKLE BOMB!
Bayley drags Tiff from the corner to cover, TWO!! Tiff stays in this but Bayley wants more! Fireman’s carry, SWINGING SIDE SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Tiff survives Bayley bringing out some classics, and then Tiff sends her into buckles! Tiff KICKS Bayley in the face, then backslides! TWO, and the arms stay hooked up! Bayley stands up, spins Tiff around, hooks her up, REOSE- NO, Tiff cartwheels through! ALABAMA SLAM! Tiff goes up! PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, TIFF WINS!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Champion)
Bayley gave Tiffy Time an all-time first defense, and Tiff found a way to win! No cheating, no shortcuts, just Tiffy! Will no one stop her from making even more #Tiffstory?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown that made the best of the three hours. For one, it was only natural Rey Mysterio would be here for San Diego SmackDown, and it was good stuff to have him be part of the Cody VS Kevin story this week. Good promos all around, and then an awesome match between Kevin and Rey. Kevin continues to be a genius in the details, from his “Canadian Dream” shirt to then wearing a Rey Mysterio Hall of Fame shirt for the match, and with how he made the rope trip look like a mistake so that the ref can’t reprimand him. Great win for Kevin, great brawl with Cody, and HBK returning to main roster for the contract signing is going to be awesome.
Good promo from Bianca and Naomi before, and Naomi was maybe the smallest bit of passive aggressive towards Bianca over the braid. The tag match with Nia & Candice was great, and that was a great win for Naomi & Bianca. The way this is going, Jade Cargill is going to show herself again for that NXT episode in Atlanta to say it was Naomi, which then costs Bianca & Naomi the titles, making Lash & Jakara the new champs and finally getting those titles back in NXT. Then Bianca and Jade can feud with Naomi in trying to figure out #WhyNaomiWhy, and we can have “The Big 3” even end up in a Triple Threat.
Good promo from Jimmy VS Melo, very good match, mostly on Melo, but of course Tama & Jacob had to “ruin” things. But in a great twist, Solo Sikoa just silently quits on things, so Jacob takes it upon himself to take command. Surely once Tonga Loa is back, and then should they finally bring Hikuleo in, Jacob’s Bloodline can go wild, which compels Solo to make amends with at least his brothers, Jimmy & Jey. LA Knight & Braun Strowman getting in on things is great, too, and we’re going to get an awesome match between Braun and Jacob.
Very good promo from B-Fab & Mia with Chelsea & Piper, and very good match from B-Fab VS Piper, but of course Chelsea helps Piper win that. Mia coming for the save made sense, and that’s definitely a tag match in the making. Great match from MCMG VS Los Garza, but I should’ve figured Pretty Deadly would get involved. The twist was that it didn’t affect anything, MCMG still won. DIY being disappointed in Pretty Deadly, but then Gargano attacking Apollo, that’s some good stuff going forward. DIY VS MCMG is certainly the planned title match, but maybe Apollo finds a new teammate with Baron Corbin not in WWE.
Charlotte being on her way back is great, that vignette was really well done. This is good timing given the Royal Rumble is coming, but also because the title scenes could use some freshening up. Tiff and Bayley each had great promos tonight, and they had an awesome main event match. Roxie being in the crowd was a good detail, but she didn’t really cost Bayley, outside of maybe Bayley starting to split her focus at the end. But naturally, Tiffy won because she’s only just getting her reign going. Tiff could face just about anyone for WrestleMania, but I would think the next challenger is Nia Jax. Tiff needs to prove she can beat Nia straight up, and that’ll be an awesome match.
My Score: 8.9/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
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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Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 1.16.25
The Go Home for Genesis this Sunday! Let’s see what happens!
So Genesis is Sunday, followed by next week’s Live Episode of iMPACT! Let’s see exactly how we get to Genesis and not to bury the lead, the fact the WWE/TNA partnership was extended for a few years is very big news for TNA. More visibility for a nostalgic brand and the younger NXT wrestlers get more opportunities with potential sprinkles of a big name here or there (yes I only really mean AJ Styles, but that’s what we all want to see one more time).
Let’s get to the show and see if it’s a Go Home worth anything.
After her shocking appearance on @WWENXT, @mashaslamovich steps into the confessional with @WeAreRosemary…
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/Dw7ITswj28 pic.twitter.com/YSTXfJZw6X
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 17, 2025
Ratings:
- Trent Seven vs Leon Slater: Slater wins via Swanton 450 – *
- Fir$t Cla$$ vs Maniac Marines (Eric Young & Steve Maclin): EY wins via Macho Elbow – ** 3/4
- Laredo Kid vs Jake Something: Jakes wins via Avalanche Something Bomb – **
- The Hardys vs Ohio Versus Frankenstein (Sami Callihan & PCO): Hardys win via Crouton Bomb – ***
Results:
Trent Seven vs Leon Slater
British on British violence! I just appreciate that Trent’s theme is a down tuned remix of Seven Nation Army.
A little back and forth until Slater hits a Reverse Gamengiri, Trent tries to climb back to the apron after the powder, eats a Shotgun Kick. Trent dodges the dive, and Suplexes Leon down the steps at Center Stage. I feel like Slater over sold the spot, but I suppose using your surroundings is always interesting. Leon slides in at 9.5, Trent gets a little cocky and Leon hits two Flash Cradles for near falls, as Trent is reeling from the quick pinfall attempts he eats another Shotgun Kick for a near fall. Trent sells to the corner, eats a Jumping Bootwash, Leon perches Trent, goes for possibly a Spanish Fly but Trent turns it into an Avalanche Flowsion for two!
Bop and Bang, 7 Star Lariat, Piledriver with flourish and…still a two. Birminghammer attempt but Slater flips out of it, Crucifix pinfall for two, Uppercut by Trent and Birminghammer is hit! But Slater…kicks…out? He sells a Suplex where he slides down steps like death, but eats huge signature and finishing moves and kicks out. The psychology in this match is non-existent. Trent does the Finger Break, Leon sells away, hits another Shotgun Kick and Trent powders. X Plex gets reversed into a DDT from Slater. Trent powders off the Ramp, Leon goes to the entrance way runs and jumps off the ramp, then hits the Swanton 450.
Completely stupid match with spots that make no sense. All sizzle no steak, so dumb my IQ dropped 5 points.
The Elegance Clique have a “Pre-Launch Championship Celebration”. Tom Hannifan hates it, the crowd hates it, and the Personal Concierge uncovers a cardboard cut out with a Knockouts Title around their waists…and they are size accurate. Heather is like a My Size Barbie. Ash gives a very cringey speech where she thanks everyone except Heather, the Concierge passes the mic to Heather, Spitfire interrupts of course, and at least Dani cuts the promo to start so it’s tolerable. Yeah this is painfully bad cringe, as much as I didn’t mind the Ash gimmick to start with, this is lame. The only thing saving the segment is the crowd is hot for the the Elegance Clique getting their stuff ruined. So it was lame, but the crowd was into it and Ash sold the destruction of cardboard cut outs like Spitfire just murdered her puppy.
.@PCOisNotHuman and @TheSamiCallihan take on The Hardys! If they win, they’ll secure their spot in the TNA World Tag Team Title match at #TNAGenesis!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/Dw7ITswQRG pic.twitter.com/fO9P2F5d9d
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 17, 2025
Well the first 40 minutes of this show are making me wish for a stroke instead of watching this. So hopefully it picks up somewhere.
Fir$t Cla$$ vs Maniac Marines (Eric Young & Steve Maclin)
KC flips out of two of EY’s Back Body Drops and does his “First Class” taunt, so EY just slaps him upside the head and tags in Maclin to start beating on Navarro. I do really like KC’s work. He’s like WWE Lio Rush, but likable and talented. Maclin is beating the hell out of KC though, Lariats him out, goes for the SCUD, but AJ low bridges so Maclin crashes to the outside, KC hits the Tope con Hilo with blind tag so AJ is now legal and they start working over Maclin in the corner. Tennessee Whiskey, and there does seem to be a few First Class fans in the crowd.
Navarro is back in for the 305, quick tags though to keep Maclin eating offense. Splash into Big Boot into Assisted Splash while AJ leans on Maclin literally. KC starts picking on kids in the crowd near Judd Normand, he shoves the actor, the actor shoves him back and AJ comes over to mad dog the actor. Maclin takes advantage of the distraction and drops AJ on the way back in with an Olympic Slam, tags in EY and EY comes out hot. KC tags in, EY levels KC and they start messing around in the corner, AJ tries to break it up but eats a Busaiku Knee from Maclin and then a SCUD. EY manages to throw KC off the turnbuckle and then hit the Macho Elbow for the win.
After the match Eddie, Lish and Brian Myers stand at the entrance way to send a message but not cause any real chaos.
Josh Alexander and his two bitch boys come out to cut a promo on Santana or something. I am about as interested in this as I am in Norwegian Dog Sledding. Josh trying to say Santana is too hurt to go at Genesis when we all know this was filmed the same time like a month ago. You really can’t do doofus attempts a story when you’re promoting the first live episode in nearly a decade or something for next week. At least the match should be good because this build is lame, the jabronis are useless, “Bald Ass Head” is the big insult…sheeeesh.
Laredo Kid vs Jake Something
Well…someone has to win this match, so there’s that.
Nothing special start until Jake comes off the ropes and runs over Laredo sending him flying over the ropes onto the ramp. Jake panders to the crowd, Laredo tries to get something going but Jake steps on his foot to stop any Lucha things, and mollywops him. Jake runs him corner to corner until Laredo moves, strings a few moves together, tries to fly and then gets knocked out of the sky with a Forearm. Only a two count for Jake, but Laredo is definitely doing his best impression of a pinata so far in the match. Laredo gets a desperation Satellite DDT, misses his big attempt, but Jake misses the Spear in the corner, La Magistral gets a 2, a few bad spots from Laredo where it looks like he missed a Satellite Facebuster and sloppy Essex or Canadian Destroyer. Laredo goes to the top, Jake bear paw slap, goes up top and Avalanche Something Bomb for the win.
The Hardys vs Ohio Versus Frankenstein (Sami Callihan & PCO)
Before the Hardys intro, the 23 thing flashes a few times again. So at least they didn’t forget that.
Sami starts with Jeff and gets in a few early shots and goads Jeff with Hardys taunts, then all four get in, throw hands and we go to commercial. We come back from commercial to Matt Delete Turnbuckling Sami, and then Poetry In Motion the classic way! A few quick tags, but Sami eventually knocks down Matt, tags in PCO, Matt’s moves aren’t very effective, Jeff throws himself in too and they get their asses beat by PCO. PCO tags in Sami, Sami slaps around Matt, drags his face across the ropes, tags PCO back in and uses PCO as a battering ram into Matt’s chest. PCO keeps Matt in their corner, tags back in Sami, some simple tandem work and a short 2 count for Sami. Sami calls PCO back in and they’re formulating a tag move, they try the Double Back Drop, but Matt turns it into a Double DDT instead.
Jeff tries to fight them both off, Sami grabs Jeff, PCO goes for the Lariat, malfunction at the junction, Whisper in the Wind mostly hits PCO so Jeff Splashes Sami. Twist of Hate, Twist of Fate, Swanton Bomb from Jeff and the Hardy Boys win!
Before the obligatory contract signing on the Go Home before a PPV, Jordynne walks over to the announce table with the contract for her match with Tessa. Says she’ll leave it with them so she can’t miss it, but hey, “if she doesn’t show up at Genesis it wouldn’t be the first time”. That’s funny.
Joe starts the promo saying he has to win, but its on him to take the title from Nic. There’s an intensity, so it’s not all cornball jokes and shenanigans. That’s kinda nice to start with. Nic takes the babyface angle of “you’re not wrong but I don’t think you’re ready yet kid”. Then he plays the JBL clip from Bound for Glory. Nic tries to use the video to clear his name because Ryan got attacked too. Joe is about to poke a hole in the defense but then Hollywood Abyss Mokuba shows up. “MY BROTHER SETO” Ryan interferes, Nic tries to stop the stupidity but Ryan plows through is about to eat a Standing Ovation but Nic Superkicks Joe to save Mokuba. Nic does stand there as the crowd chants “kick your brother”, but Nic doesn’t pull the trigger but you can tell he’s contemplating.
OH! Sexy Tessy shows up, signs the contract but Jordynne was waiting for her and leaves Tessa laying with a Grace Driver and solid intensity. Okay most of the show was kinda mid but the ending was pretty solid.
Overall Score: 6.25/10
As I said at the very end, most of this show was mid…or mediocre for the older crowd. Indie Spotfest Dumbassery to kick off the show, a few segments that made me question if I was tasting pennies, a decent match with First Class, the stalled push never relevant squad match between Jake and Laredo, and at least the main event match was fun.
The video packages always feel lackluster because the only people really watching TNA currently are hardcore fans. I never really see too many people pull the whole “whoa first TNA episode in 11 years and I decided on the random Go Home instead of the first live episode since 2015”. See, this is why logic matters in booking. WWE gets to have the mentality of “it could be someone’s first time watching it” every week because they the biggest show in town. The name alone will garner random views or transient lapsed fans if they get a whiff of something. However when it comes down to TNA, people are only surprised its still alive.
Even with many questionable hours it wasn’t terrible. It did fine…plus like I just said, there’s opportunity for more random eyes thanks to the WWE merger AND a live episode next week. So the Go Home format won’t change, but hopefully the exposure gives us more congruent storylines.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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