Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (12/21/21)
Tuesday Night STREET FIGHT!
Big Mami Cool has a score to settle!
This has been a long time coming! Dakota Kai betrayed Raquel Gonzalez and cost her the NXT Women’s Championship, but will she survive Raquel’s wrath?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Street Fight: Raquel Gonzalez VS Dakota Kai; Gonzalez wins.
- The Creed Brothers w/ Diamond Mine VS Grizzled Young Veterans; The Creed Brothers win, by disqualification.
- Trick Williams w/ Carmelo Hayes VS Dexter Lumis; Lumis wins.
- Von Wagner VS Edris Enofe; Enofe wins.
- Elektra Lopez w/ Legado Del Fantasma VS Io Shirai; Shirai wins.
- Pete Dunne VS Tony D’Angelo; Dunne wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Tommaso Ciampa is in the ring to start NXT!
THE NXT Champion holds up Goldie and he has the mic already. Fans chant his name, and Ciampa says, “Listen guys, I got a little bit to get off my chest today. As everybody knows, as the NXT Champion, you are the hunted. Everybody has their eyes on you and that title you hold above your head.” But as NXT Champion, Ciampa’s different from all the others before him. Ciampa does the hunting. And last week, Bron Breakker was the hunted. Bron is probably gonna come out and interrupt, but Ciampa says he doesn’t need to. Ciampa invites Bron to the ring! Ciampa wants to say something to his face. And so, Bron Breakker heads to the ring!
Fans bark as Bron goes to the ring and Ciampa has him skip getting the mic. Ciampa already knows what Bron’s thinking, anyway. Ciampa knows what Bron wants to say: at WarGames, Bron made a statement! Hell, Bron speared Ciampa through a table in the corner, shattered it to pieces, and pressed Ciampa and spiked him to the mat and won! Bron doesn’t just want another shot at the title, he earned another shot! And he didn’t just earn it on any show, it will be on a big stage! Ciampa is thinking New Year’s Evil, Ciampa VS Bron II for the NXT title! Ciampa agrees with all of that. Bron deserves this. Just hopefully, he doesn’t drown like he did the first time.
Ciampa wants Bron to remember that in two weeks, New Year’s Evil, Bron gets his second opportunity. Some don’t even get one, and Bron gets two! Isn’t he special? Bron earned it, that’s why, and we all know it. But remember something. Remember what Ciampa said about jumping into the deep end. At Halloween Havoc, Ciampa exposed Bron’s inexperience both in the ring and in life. There is no replacement for experience and time. Bron has all the tools, we all know that! HE’s super intense, strength for days, but the thing is, Bron is not ready to be champion in Ciampa’s NXT.
We’re talking about THE NXT Championship. Held by guys like Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens, Shinsuke Nakamura and Finn Balor. Guys like Tommaso Ciampa. Guys who spent a decade before ever getting to the WWE, then another ten IN the WWE perfecting their craft! But Bron’s had what? matches? Well Bron’s doing great, no disrespect! Just, not quite enough to be ready for the title, the bright lights, the weight of the world on your shoulders. It’s all too much too soon. Remember Halloween Havoc, one mistake, and it all slipped away. Surely it won’t happen again. Surely Bron won’t make another mistake.
In Bron’s “fantasy world,” nothing is better than New Year’s Evil, Bron leaving as the NEW champion! And if he does, he’ll take it home to the family and they’ll be so proud, put it on the mantle, barking and clapping for “Lil’ Bronny” who did it all by himself. Bron’s a champion~! And then reality hits. Ciampa SLAPS Bron! That reality is staring Bron in the face! It’s the greatest NXT champion of all time! Bron choke grips Ciampa and trophy lifts him!! And then lets him down easy. Bron picks up the belt, grinning the whole time. Bron hands the belt back to Ciampa, and says blood is in the water! The shark is gonna eat Ciampa alive! “See you in two weeks, CHAMP!”
Bron leaves Ciampa sitting and clutching Goldie. Is the Big Booty Nephew going to get the better of Daddy Ciampa to start 2022?
Grayson Waller posts to Instagram.
“No disrespect to AJ Styles, when I was a kid, I loved AJ Styles. Everyone, ‘Yeah yeah, AJ Styles!’ See, people love AJ Styles. But I feel like he’s kinda like that other guy I’ve read of, he’s just hanging on a little bit too long. It’s 2021, AJ. Like, you have money. Get a haircut, lad!” Waller says $20 sorts Styles all out. Tinder would left swipe all over on him. Think about this? The Phenomenal Grayson Waller. At least he doesn’t have a mom haircut! No offense to Waller’s mom, that’s on Styles. But speaking of, Styles is heading into NXT as we speak! Will Styles show the 21st Century Success Story what it takes to be phenomenal?
Raquel Gonzalez enters the arena.
And Dakota rushes Raquel with a road case!! Raquel dodges it, Dakota KICKS her, then RAMS her into spare ladders! Dakota fires off forearms, Raquel staggers away, and Dakota grabs a pipe! Dakota aims and swings, but Raquel blocks to shove Dakota down! Dakota rushes back in, but her huricanrana is blocked and Raquel SWINGS Dakota into spare girders! Raquel stalks Dakota, SMACKS her with a pipe of her own, then they continue further back. Raquel gets Dakota up and LAWN DARTS her into fencing! Raquel goes again but Dakota slips off to shove Raquel into that fencing! Dakota BOOTS Raquel, and BOOTS her again!
Raquel is down and Dakota leans against the fencing. Dakota finds a chair, but Raquel lifts the girder! Raquel RAMS Dakota down with it!! Raquel drags Dakota up, scoops her again, and then SNAKE EYES Dakota off a road case! Raquel stalks Dakota more, even as Dakota pushes things over to block Raquel’s path! Raquel gets through but Dakota starts throwing things! Raquel still keeps coming and BOOTS Dakota down! Raquel clears off a big road case, but Dakota avoids being smashed between it and another! Dakota SMACKS Raquel with a trash can, and then SMACKS her with it again! Dakota laughs as she SUPERKICKS Raquel down!
Dakota hobbles away, Raquel sputters, and referees rush in. They tell Dakota to stop until the match starts, but Dakota tells them to shut up and leave her alone. Dakota sets up a table, but Raquel runs her down with a dolly! Raquel rains down hands, then runs the dolly into the garage door! Dakota hits the steel then flops off the dolly! Raaquel looks for more weapons but Dakota gets up and RAMS her into a scissor lift! Dakota runs away, Raquel hobbles and flounders after her. The refs keep trying to guide this to ringside but they’re outside in the parking lot! Raquel RAMS Dakota into the garage door again! NXT stays with this as it goes picture in picture!
Dakota smacks Raquel off the side of the building! Dakota flees but Raquel is in hot pursuit! Raquel RAMS Dakota into someone’s SUV! Dakota flounders away but Raquel pursues. Dakota gets shoved into the cameraman! Dakota kicks Raquel back, but Raquel shoves her into security railing. Raquel runs in, only to whiff and hit the railing herself! Dakota hobbles away again but Raquel gets back up. Raquel chases after but Dakota kicks her and brings her into the building. Dakota smacks Raquel off another case, then throws forearms. Dakota throws Raquel into a ladder! Dakota stomps Raquel down, but Raquel gets up.
Dakota CLUBS her and throws hands, but Raquel hits back! They’re behind the fan seating! Raquel smacks Dakota off stairs, then throws her into a wall! The wall cracks and Dakota falls over! Raquel drags Dakota along but Dakota hits back. They brawl their way into the ringside area! Fans are definitely surprised to see where they came from. Raquel brings out a ladder from under the ring! Dakota blocks the apron bump to bump Raquel instead. Dakota CLUBS Raquel, fires off more forearms, but Raquel RAMS Dakota into the apron! And again! Raquel RAMS Dakota a third time, throws body shots, then RAMS Dakota in a fourth time!
Dakota falls, clutching her side, but Raquel ain’t done! Raquel stands her up, but Dakota ducks and Raquel hits the post! Dakota forearms and CHOPS on repeat, but Raquel POSTS Dakota! NXT returns to single picture, the match is official!
Street Fight: Raquel Gonzalez VS Dakota Kai!
Raquel SMACKS Dakota with the hood of the announce desk! Raquel puts chairs in the ring, brings out kendo sticks, and throws some at Dakota! Raquel brings out trash cans, then pulls the steel steps apart! Raquel runs but Dakota avoids getting rammed down! Dakota BOOTS Raquel down, SMACKS her off the steps, then CLUBS her on the bakc. Dakota brings Raquel around to RAM into Plexiglas! Fans are going nuts as Dakota takes a seat on the steps to catch her breath. Dakota CLUBS Raquel, and again. Raquel throws body shots, CLUBS her down again, then RAMS her into the apron! Raquel shoves Dakota, then pops her up to the apron! Dakota SUPERKICKS back!
Dakota kicks but Raquel reels her into an Electric Chair! Dakota grabs the corner desperately, and she STOMPS Raquel into the steps! Raquel is dazed on the ground and Dakota is laughing again. Dakota looks under the ring and brings out a TABLE! Fans really fire up now, and Dakota talks to herself to keep going. Dakota gets the table up and into the ring, but Raquel is there to SHOVE the table back into Dakota! Raquel gets in the ring, gets one of the chairs and sits it up. Dakota gets in, she runs into a FLAPJACKÂ onto the chair! The ref checks Dakota, she’s somehow okay to continue, and Raquel sets up that table in a corner.
Dakota comes in but Raquel pops her up! Dakota RANAS Raquel out of the ring! Dakota mule kicks Raquel down, and then brings a trash can over. Dakota puts Raquel in the can, then goes to the apron. Dakota leaps to DOUBLE STOMP the trash can!! Dakota drags Raquel out of the crushed can as fans go wild for “NXT! NXT!” Dakota drags Raquel up, “This is Awesome!” as Raquel powers out! But Dakota catches Raquel for a dragon sleeper! Raquel powers out to POWERBOMB Dakota on the steel steps!! Fans are thunderous as they lose their minds over that one! Raquel drags Dakota up, fans want that “ONE MORE TIME!” Dakota SLAPS Raquel!
Raquel is furious, and she brings Dakota over to CHOKE her against the desk! “I trusted you!!” Raquel puts Dakota in the ring, Dakota KICKS back from the mat! Dakota gets a trash can but Raquel BOOTS her down! Raquel drags Dakota up, gets her up, CHINGONA BOMB onto the trash can!! Cover, Raquel wins!
Winner: Raquel Gonzalez, by pinfall
Ricky Desperado decimates #CapKota, and finally buries her! Raquel shouts, “I am sick and tired of waiting!” Raquel wants her title rematch with Mandy Rose RIGHT NOW! And she isn’t leaving until she gets it! Will Toxic Attraction’s leader accept this challenge?
Tony D’Angelo speaks.
“It’s been said that being honest is a dangerous thing. Tony D must be the most dangerous man in NXT, because I was honest with yous from the beginning. And I backed up everything I said I would do. I smacked around everybody that’s stepped to me. This guy, that guy, it doesn’t matter. I fear nobody. Especially you, Pete Dunne.” Tony walked in, found “The baddest man in NXT,” earned his way into WarGames, and then bounced Dunne around the cage. Dunne’s the baddest man? How bad was he when Tony took his mouthpiece away? What’d Dunne do? Nothing. Dunne wants to snap Tony’s fingers? Two can play at that game. But will Tony D end up facing a Bitter End?
NXT returns and Raquel’s still waiting.
Raquel dares “Mamacita” Mandy to show up. But instead of Mandy, it’s Cora Jade who walks out! Cora congratulates Raquel on her great win tonight. Cora knows Raquel called out Mandy. And as much as Raquel wants her title back, and as much as she deserves the rematch, as much as she wants it, Cora wants Mandy and Toxic Attraction to pay for trying to rip her arm out of its socket and end her career. The only way to kill Toxic Attraction is cut the head off the snake and take the title off her. And yeah, Mandy doesn’t want to face Cora with the title on the line.
Raquel says Cora’s got guts, we all saw her jump off the cage and do the Swanton through the table. They went to war and came out on the other side together. But the title is every woman for herself. Raquel hasn’t been the same since Halloween Havoc and Mandy stole that title. Raquel took care of one big problem tonight, and there’s only one thing left to do. So it doesn’t matter if it’s enemy or friend, Raquel will go through anyone to get that title back! Cora says, “Not if I get there first.” Mandy says, “Ladies, ladies. Shh. The champ is talking. And enough with this whining.”
Raquel, you were NXT Women’s Champion for quite some time before Mandy got here. And Cora, honey, don’t even try to hang that trashy jacket on that fluke victory. Mandy says this isn’t just about the title. They’re envious of her for what she’s done for the division and the brand. But since she’s in the holiday spirit, at New Year’s Evil, it will be a Triple Threat match for her NXT Women’s Championship! In just two weeks, Mandy kills “two ugly birds with one stone.” And don’t worry, she’ll make it official. And because Mandy’s full of surprises, they not only get this title match, but they get a nice ass kicking! Gigi Dolin & Jacy Jayne attack from behind with those kendo sticks!
Raquel fights off Jacy but Gigi kicks Cora out. Toxic Attraction mug Raquel, then they double whip her through the table! Fans boo but Toxic Attraction soaks it all in. Will Raquel and Cora look to break the sidekicks before going for the head of the snake?
Joe Gacy & Harland speak with commentary.
Gacy tells, “Mr. Joseph, Mr. Barrett, thank you for this time. It has been put upon Harland’s heart to publicly apologize for his actions last week. Harland is a very sensitive man, and he is far too shaken up to speak on this. But you can see the look of regret written all over his face.” Can you…? They apologize, but given what Harland has been through, THE Brian Kendrick has to understand that he triggered Harland, and brought him emotionally back to a point where people didn’t love him as Gacy does. They don’t condone violence, but Mr. Kendrick put his hands on Harland and used offensive language.
Kendrick called Harland a freak, while they were only doing what they were told in leaving the arena. One could argue that Mr. Kendrick only has himself to blame. Gacy isn’t here to make that argument, but hopefully everyone will learn and grow from this unfortunate event. Gacy thanks us for our time. Will there be any more crocodile tears from Gacy as Harland continues in NXT?
James Drake watches workout videos.
He asks Zack Gibson if he’s seen what the Creed brothers have posted to Instagram. Gibson doesn’t care what those dweebs do, they have their match now. But look at they’re throwing 315 pounds like it’s nothing! And then the back flips! Gibson says if there’s one ting he hates, it is a cocky, arrogant team like the Creeds. Uh, yeah. So what does Gibson have planned? The Creeds are great athletes, but GYV isn’t going to win with muscle. They’re going to win with brains. Nice! Gibson will talk details on the way to gorilla. Will the Grizzled Young Veterans SSSSOOOOON be recognized as the team that cracked the code on Julius & Brutus Creed?
Persia Pirotta finds Indi Hartwell backstage.
Persia just found out their match for tonight got postponed. Why? But then Waller walks in. Indi says he’s the worst! He’s a DOUCHE! Indi won’t forgive her for what he did to Johnny! Hey, now, calm down! That hurts Waller’s feelings. Surely they don’t mean that. They’re all Aussies, they should have each other’s back. Persia tells Waller to be less worried about them, and more concerned with how AJ Styles is coming to NXT. That’s what he gets for running his mouth! Like he’s scared. Indi, move on. Waller kicked “Papa” out of NXT. But watch as the Grayson Waller Effect is the way of the future. Persia keeps Indi from mauling Waller, but will someone teach Waller a lesson?
The Creed Brothers w/ Diamond Mine VS Grizzled Young Veterans!
The teams are already in the ring, and Julius and Brutus are already fired up. Will they get back on a winning track after how Gibson & Drake cost them their undefeated streak?
The teams sort out, Gibson starts with Julius. They tie up, Julius trips Gibson, waistlocks, but Gibson gets to ropes. Julius avoids the back hand, they tie up again, and Gibson headlocks then hooks a leg. Julius fights the takedown, Gibson whips him to ropes, then things speed up as Gibson hurdles. Julius turns hip toss into fireman’s carry takedown! Tag to Brutus, Julius arm-drags Gibson and then gut wrench SLAMS Brutus on top of him! Bivens likes what he sees as Brutus drags Liverpool’s Number One up. Tag to Julius, feed to the fireman’s carry takeover, then feed back to Brutus’. Gibson hits ropes, Julius grabs the leg, but Gibson kicks him away!
Gibson get sup, Julius waistlocks but Gibson gets to a corner. Julius whips him corner to corner, Drake gets there to cushion Gibson from the buckles, and Gibson CLOBBERS Julius! Gibson ROCKS Julius, tags Drake, and holds Julius out for Drake’s FLYING AX HANDLES! Cover, TWO! Drake drags Julius up, wrenches the arm and whips him into buckles. Drake runs in to back elbow and tag Gibson. Gibson clotheslines, then feeds Julius to Drake’s calf kick! Cover, TWO! Gibson drags Julius up, Julius blocks the snap suplex but Gibson throws body shots. Julius snap suplexes Gibson! Gibson anchors a leg, Drake tags in and stays between the Creeds!
Drake ROCKS Julius with forearms but Julius hits back! Drake headlocks, Julius powers out and Brutus tags in. Feed to Brutus’ waistlock SLAM, then Brutus KNEES Drake. Julius KNEES Drake, Brutus pushes Drake around. Brutus dead lifts Drake for a gut wrench POWERBOMB! Cover, Gibson breaks it! Brutus chases after Gibson, Drake pushes Brutus and tags Gibson! Gibson KICKS Brutus, Drake CLOBBERS Brutus from behind! Gibson sets Brutus up, Drake PLANCHAS for the BACKBREAKER ELBOW DROP! But then Jacket Time appear and set up their own commentary!? Fans are loving this, but what will Kushida & Ikemen Jiro have to say while NXT goes to break?
NXT returns and it seems Jacket Time count as Japanese commentary now. Gibson has Brutus down in a cobra clutch but Brutus fights up. Drake tags in, Gibson ripcords Brutus and Drake DECKS him! Drake wraps on a chinlock and he grinds Brutus down to the mat. Drake talks trash, Brutus endures, but now Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen show up. The good ol’ boys say hey, but Drake is upset. Brutus fights up, Drake shifts to a facelock. Brutus powers up and gets closer to his corner, Jiro and Kushida seem to laugh about something, and Brutus is ever closer! Brutus THROWS Drake away and tags in Julius! Julius rallies on GYV! CHOP BLOCK for Drake!
Julius BLASTS Gibson off the apron and dropkicks Drake down! Tag back to Brutus, they fire up and get Drake for the gut wrench handoff and POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!! Drake survives but Brutus drags him right back up. Drake fires forearms, Gibson sneaks a tag. Again Jacket Time is amused as Gibson drags Brutus out! Brutus DECKS Gibson, Drake DIVES onto Brutus! Gibson hopes Jacket Time saw that! But then Julius rushes over! Brutus gets Gibson up, Jacket Time don’t want them ruining the desk! They all argue, GYV shove Creed Brothers into Jacket Time, and it’s a BRAWL!
Winners: Creed Brothers, by disqualification
Briggs & Brooks want in on the brawl, too! It’s a four team frenzy!! Fans are going nuts for “NXT! NXT!” as the referees manage to break this all up!
Backstage interview with Carmelo Hayes & Trick Williams.
We’re moments away from Trick’s first singles match and it’s against Dexter Lumis, is there any concern or fears? Melo says Trick is fearless. He’s taken down dudes three times his size in the streets. You must have Trick mistaken for dudes like Roderick Strong, “THE” champion of NXT. Talk about someone who’s scared. Trick says he’s no punk you put in the trunk! He’s Tricky B. Williams, and the B stands for, “Baby, if you don’t know, you better ask somebody!” And here’s another thing. Lumis walks around with eyes wide and thumbs up like it’s all good. If Lumis puts that thumb up, he’s gonna be walking with that thumb up his ass!
But then Lumis appears on the television screen behind them! Trick sees it and freaks out! Melo also gets spooked, but he tells Trick not to worry about it. This is just mind games! But does that mean Lumis has already won before the match has even started?
Io Shirai & Zoey Stark are both in the NXT Medical Facility.
Stark says her knee is feeling great, and she thanks Shirai for joining her in rehab. Well, Shirai was here for her weekly massage, so it just worked out. Legado Del Fantasma walk over and say the ladies are gonna have to wait. Uh, no, Stark sat down first, they’ll have to wait. But top athletes take top priority! Shirai shouts at Legado in Japanese, they shout back in Spanish. Elektra Lopez walks in to stop the arguing. Everyone knows Shirai is crazy. Just look at her, ranting and raving. But Lopez isn’t afraid of her. Shirai says in Japanese, “You will be.” Stark says Shirai was totally sticking up for her. Shirai actually likes her~! No she doesn’t. Will Shirai at least be honest when she takes the fight to Elektra?
Trick Williams w/ Carmelo Hayes VS Dexter Lumis!
NXT returns to the ring and both men are already there. Will Tricky B. put up or shut up?
The bell rings, Trick paces and fans chant, “Whoop That Trick!” Trick tries to step to Lumis, but Lumis doesn’t flinch. Lumis then steps and Trick falls over! Melo coaches Trick up and Trick throws a boot! Lumis blocks, brings Trick forward and then shoves him down! Trick scrambles again and Melo calms him back down. But then Lumis slithers over and scares Trick out of the ring! Lumis slithers after him, they go around the corner, and Trick gets back in. Lumis gets in, ducks and dodges and THESZ PRESSES for fast hands! Lumis then runs to drop ax handles! Luims clamps on with a neck wrench, Trick endures, Lumis has his fingers in Trick’s face!
Melo hears someone chirping at him and looks to the perch to see Diamond Mine! Roderick Strong, Malcolm Bivens and even Ivy Nile are taunting the North American Champion. Trick fihts up, throws elbows, but Lumis ROCKS him with an uppercut! Lumis whips Trick but Trick hurdles over and dropkicks Lumis down! Trick stomps and CLUBS Lumis, the ref counts as they’re in the ropes, but Trick dribbles Lumis! Trick throws Lumis out, Melo talks trash to Lumis and Roddy. Wait, where’d Roddy go? Bivens and Niles play innocent, Trick runs but Lumis traps him in the apron skirt to SUPERKICK! Melo dares Lumis to make a move, Lumis gives a thumbs up!
Strong snatches the North American title off Melo and starts throwing hands with him! They end up brawling past the fans and into the back. Lumis ROCKS Trick with an uppercut, gets in, but Trick kicks the rope to jam Lumis! Trick rains down fists, drags Lumis up and scoops for a SLAM! Cover, TWO! Trick drags Lumis up, throws more body shots, then scoops again for another SLAM! Cover, TWO! Trick wraps on a chinlock and he grinds Lumis down. Fans rally as Lumis endures. Lumis fights up, throws body shots but Trick throws him down! Cover, ONE! Trick clamps on another chinlock, and squeezes tight! Lumis still fights up, and then arm-drags free!
Trick staggers up and Lumis DECKS him! And again! And again! Trick goes to a corner, Lumis runs in and clotheslines, then BULLDOGS! Lumis reels Trick in for a BIG back suplex! And a kip up to the leg drop! Trick flounders, Lumis adjusts the gloves and he fires off hands in the corner! Lumis stomps, the ref counts and Lumis lets off. But then Trick slips off his shoe! Lumis ducks that to hit the SIDE EFFECT! Into the SILENCE!! Trick is passing out, Lumis wins!
Winner: Dexter Lumis, by submission
Lumis pats Trick on the head, having tucked him in for the night. But then WALLER attacks Lumis with a chair!! “I told you! I’m taking out the best in NXT, one by one!” Waller checks off another member of The Way, but here comes AJ STYLES! Waller takes a seat and waits for him, is he just waiting to get a phenomenal whooping?
Pete Dunne speaks.
“No one else in NXT 2.0 is like me. I just turned 28 years old, and I have 15 years experience. Former NXT Tag Team Champion, Dusty Classic winner, a record-breaking UK title run. And I’m far from done. These NXT 2.0 guys, they’re young, they’re hungry, but I’m the same age, and I’m more hungry. I’m not gonna let one of these geezers stand in my way. Tony D’Angelo, you might think you got one up on me at WarGames, but look what I did to ya last week. And that’s just the beginning. Deep down, you know what I’m the baddest man around here. And tonight, I make sure you never forget it.”
NXT returns and Waller has a mic.
“That’s it?” Styles pulls in and doesn’t walk out? Waller can’t stand when WWE Superstars get inducted in the Hall of Fame, they thank the locker room, they thank their mom, their dad, their cat, their dog, and for some dumb reason, they thank “the pathetic WWE Universe.” Like they matter! Do you know what Waller will do when he gets inducted? He’ll say “You’re welcome! I told you so!” the moment Waller showed up on NXT, he told us and then proven that he is THE NXT Superstar! When Waller’s music hits, the crowd- Styles’ music hits and the fans go wild! Styles goes to the ring, gets a mic for himself, and fans chant his name.
Waller says, “Ladies and gentlemen, the Phenomenal A~ J~ Styles~! You’re welcome. That’s the Grayson Waller Effect.” He brought Styles to NXT! Yeah, shut up already. Fans chant, “SHUT THE HELL UP!” at Waller but he says it’ll take more than that. So Styles tells him to shut the hell up. But this is THE Grayson Waller? The one everyone’s talking about, the biggest JACKASS in NXT! Styles saw that video, the talking trash. Feel good, Waller? Fell popular now? Oh he’s real popular. HE went from, “That kid has potential,” to THE superstar! So much, he got the attention of this hall of famer. But why is Styles here? Because he wants to be the veteran that helps the new guy?
NO! Waller says Styles’ meal ticket just left him! Styles needs a new tag partner to keep him relevant, right? Waller appreciates the offer, but he’s more of a singles guy. What’s funny is, Waller talks about relevant but he calls Styles out just to get that rub. And Styles’ seen Waller’s matches. His gloves, one elbow pad, looks pretty familiar. Is it Waller or Styles in the ring? Listen, Waller. Styles will give it to you, you have potential and you’re cocky. Styles appreciates that. But a future Raw superstar? Bron Breakker, sure. Tony D, even. Melo, yeah! But Waller…? The jury’s still out on that one. Waller’s problem is that he’d rather look good and lose, then look bad and win.
Waller says he always looks good. Didn’t you see WarGames? He jumped off the cage, took out LA Knight, and carried his team to the victory! Oh, yeah, wins and losses. But didn’t he say he doesn’t care about that? It’s about swipes ‘n’ likes, right? Waller did say that. But Waller’s confused why Styles has this attitude when his insurance policy isn’t here anymore, and he’s in Waller’s ring. If you don’t know what he does to guys like Styles, but Waller could end him. Then do it! Waller’s had three weeks and he thinks he’s a superstar? Try being phenomenal for over 20 years! Styles dares Waller to do what he says! Waller takes off the shirt and accessories, but then bails.
Fans boo and Waller says, “Hey. I’m gonna let Omos get you first. I’ve got next.” Waller thinks he’ll be able to handle Styles after what Omos does on Monday. Will even a less than 100% Styles be more than the 21st Century Success Story can handle at his best?
Diamond Mine speaks.
Bivens is pretty sure Melo didn’t like the “gift” they gave him. That is what happens when you disrespect them! Diamond Mine is about respect and money! HELL YEAH! They want the big paydays and the big money matches. So at New Year’s Evil, Mr. North American Champion talkin’ all that trash, you go 1v1 with THE champion, Roderick Strong, TITLE VS TITLE! What’s Melo say? Strong says Melo has two weeks to find his balls. Merry Christmas you ho, ho, ho!
Shaman Bro Riddle leads MSK on their journey.
He tells Wes Lee & Nash Carter that a scooter is like a tag partner. A good one is dependable, durable and both wheels must face the same direction or they’ll just fall off. And in the end, a scooter is like a journey to the destination. Mind blowing! Lee won’t lie, all those clues leading them to him, Lee wasn’t sure it was gonna pan out. But Carter was there for Lee, and it was a beautiful journey. Carter says he’s gonna cry. But yeah, the scooter is like a partner. If one wheel is shaky, depend on the other one to get you where you’re going. But Riddle says MSK is teaching him so much in return. He can’t wait to share all this with Randy.
But speaking of Randy, let’s spread some holiday cheer. Check out the bag, stallion. The theme song plays, and they bring out the newest RKBRO merch! Christmas came early, bros! The only thing left to do is call out Imperium next week! And Riddle’s coming with them, bros! REALLY!? Dude, he wouldn’t miss it for the world. Now let’s ride! The stallions ride through the streets for the #BestDayEver! Nothing can go wrong now! OH SHIIIII- They get hit by a van?! MSK wakes up!?? They had the same dream!? No more supplies, guys. Dump- Wait. RKBRO hat? It wasn’t a dream?! And Riddle finds them! Ready to call out Imperium? YEP! Then let’s ride! It’s a Christmas miracle!
But uh, safety first. Look both ways before crossing the street. Okay now let’s go! HIYAH! Will MSK get their shot at Imperium in time for New Year’s Evil?
Von Wagner VS Edris Enofe!
After viciously kicking Kyle O’Reilly out of NXT, Von Wagner wants to rip and tear and crush all those in his way! Will the Excellence of Execution simply be the next on Wagner’s warpath?
The bell rings and Enofe dropkicks Von again and again! Von staggers up, Enofe jumps but into Von’s arms! Von SLAMS Enofe down, but then Robert Stone appears on the ramp. Is he scouting again? Enofe cradles Von, TWO!! Stone looks disappointed. Von CLOBBERS Enofe, then looms over him. Von drags Enofe up to rain down fists over and over! Enofe checks his jaw, Von gets him up to throw knees! Von reels Enofe in, gets him up but Enofe sunset flips! ENOFE WINS!!
Winner: Edris Enofe, by pinfall
Stone is very disappointed, clearly meaning he wanted Von to win. But then Von CLOBBERS Enofe at ringside! Von puts Enofe in, he looks at Stone, and then gets in the ring. Von reels Enofe in, OLYMPIC SLAM! Von is seething as he looms over Enofe, and then he drags Enofe around. Von gets Enofe up for a short arm LARIAT! Fans boo but Von talks trash to Enofe. Von then gets out of the ring and storms past Stone. Stone smirks, perhaps liking what he saw there. Will the Robert Stone Brand rebuild with the vicious and violent Von as its foundation?
Backstage interview with Imperium.
McKenzie is sure Marcel Barthel & Fabian Aichner saw what MSK & Riddle were saying. Barthel, in impeccable German, says, “Why are we talking about MSK? We ripped their hearts out and shattered it into a thousand pieces, and now they’re trying to pick up the pieces, trying to figure out why things happened they way they were destined to in the first place.” Aichner adds in Italian, “Riddle can try to guide MSK to enlightenment, but if you remember, we are the ones that drove them out of town when we became champions the first time, okay?” Um, sorry, she doesn’t know those languages. But does MSK pose a threat to them?
A threat? Barthel says, in English now, that while MSK may have found a shaman, Imperium as a general. Does that mean WALTER is coming to NXT 2.0?!
Elektra Lopez walks and talks backstage.
“Tonight is the biggest match of my career. But am I nervous? Not in the least. I’m about to go destroy the legend, Io Shirai.” But Xyon Quinn is lurking in the back! Will the Gentleman Fighter make sure Legado keeps this fair and square?
Elektra Lopez w/ Legado Del Fantasma VS Io Shirai!
NXT returns and Lopez is already in the ring. Shirai makes her entrance and fans fire up for the Evil Genius of the Sky! The bell rings and the two tie up. Lopez throws a knee then scoops and SLAMS Shirai down. Shirai gets up but Lopez runs in at the corner to back elbow! Shirai staggers, Lopez runs in but only gets buckles! Shirai ROCKS Lopez, trips her up and stomps her down! Shirai then steps on Lopez to swing and- Lopez BOOTS her away! Lopez CLOBBERS Shirai, then she pushes SHirai to ropes. Lopez chokes SHirai against ropes, lets off as the ref counts, and she grabs Shirai’s hair to thrash her around! The ref reprimands and counts and Lopez stops at 4.
Lopez drags Shirai up but Shirai throws a forearm! Lopez gives it back, so Shirai fires off more forearms! Shirai runs, Lopez pops her up for a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Lopez wraps on a chinlock and grinds Shirai down. Fans rally and Shirai fights up, but Lopez squeezes tighter! Shirai fights up again to snapmare free! Shirai runs Lopez over, then runs again to dropkick her down! Fans fire up and Shirai hits a 619! Lopez falls, Shirai goes up the corner! Missile dropkick! Fans fire up as Lopez goes to a corner. Shirai runs in, SHINKANSEN! Cover, TWO! Shirai keeps cool and she steps on Lopez to go to the corner. Shirai goes up and up but Legado distracts!
Lopez YANKS Shirai down and Shirai hits buckles on the way! But here comes Quinn! Legado rushes over but Mendoza gets ROCKED and TOSSED! Wilde gets popped up for a FLAPJACK! Quinn then brings out some mistletoe?! Quinn is a lover and a fighter, so he’s offering Lopez an early Christmas kiss. Lopez walks over, but then SANTOS ESCOBAR yanks Quinn down! Only for Quinn to send him into steel steps! Shirai hits a SHOTEI on Lopez! Then Shirai goes up top to hit OVER THE MOONSAULT! Cover, Shirai wins!
Winner: Io Shirai, by pinfall
Lopez sits up and looks at Quinn, and then at Escobar. Which is stronger: Lopez’s loyalty to Legado? Or the feelings in her heart?
Carmelo Hayes speaks.
“Hey, Roderick Strong, you want to smoke with Melo? Well I got so much smoke that you gon’ choke, because I am the A Champion. And in 2021, when I shot, I didn’t miss. And going into 2022, we gon’ keep it the exact same way.” New Year’s Evil will be Roddy’s Christmas present because Melo will give him that match! But Melo will be the one walking out with two titles! They’ve talked the talk, but will Melo be the one walking the walk?
THE Brian Kendrick speaks!
“Hey, Joe, I wanted to thank you for that attempt at an apology for Harland throwing me down the stares the other week. And it seems to me that you think I owe Harland an apology.” Kendrick is going to do something about that. Kendrick resigned as a coach, and then signed a waiver with NXT. So Harland, if you want that apology, get it in the ring next week! THE Brian Kendrick is back as a wrestler, will he remind everyone why he is the Man with the Plan?
It’s official!
Wade Barrett will preside over a championship UNIFICATION contract signing next week for Strong VS Melo! Who becomes the first dual Cruiserweight and North American Champion in NXT?
Pete Dunne VS Tony D’Angelo!
The Bruiserweight has been wrestling for over half his life, while The Wise Guy only just got to NXT. Will Dunne show Tony D why you don’t run your mouth to the baddest man in NXT? Or will Tony say Dunne can fuhgedaboutit?
NXT returns and Dunne makes his entrance. The bell rings and Dunne circles with Tony. They tie up, Tony wrenches to a wristlock and then slaps Dunne around. But Dunne wrenches, hammerlocks, and wrangles Tony to the mat. Tony avoids the stomp and then wants Dunne to relax. They tie up, Tony wrenches to a wristlock again, but Dunne rolls, handsprings and wrenches through again. Tony gets the ropebreak, the ref counts, Dunne lets off. Tony sucker punches Dunne down! Tony taunts “Petey Poppins” then gets a headlock. Dunne powers out, things speed up and Dunne swings, into the CROTCH LIFT SUPLEX! Fans fire up for Tony while Dunne writhes.
Tony taunts Dunne more, kicks at him, then drags Dunne up. Dunne KICKS the leg, CHOPS Tony to ropes then KICKS again! Dunne CHOPS and then jumps on for the GIULLOTINE! But Tony powers out to BACK DROP Dunne away! Tony stomps Dunne, talks trash, but Dunne CHOPS back! And CHOPS and CHOPS and wrenches the arm! Tony fights the Kimura to waistlock and HIGH ANGLE GERMAN! Fans rally and duel, Tony brushes himself off. Tony stalks Dunne to ropes, waistlocks again, GERMAN , but Dunne lands on his feet! Tony is too busy gloating, Dunne BUZZSAWS him to the apron! Then GAMANGIRIS him off!
Dunne goes to the apron to drop KNEES on the arm! Tony clutches his elbow and Dunne just glares as NXT goes picture in picture.
Tony leans against the announce desk, but Dunne grabs him by his ponytail! Tony ends up peeling the cover off the announce desk, but Dunne STOMPS Tony’s hand on the apron! Dunne gets in the ring to refresh the count, and he shrugs. Dunne gets Tony up and wrenches the arm to bend the fingers into the ELBOW BREAKER! And then another one! Dunne wrangles Tony down, hammerlocks that arm, and then grabs the other. Dunne digs his forearm into Tony’s ear and even pulls on it! The ref reprimands, Dunne lets off to torture the fingers! Dunne then clamps onto the arm and pushes it way back. Dunne then STOMPS the hammerlock’d arm!
Dunne paces around Tony like a shark with blood in the water. Dunne gets Tony up to wrench the arm, whip, but Tony reverses and CLOBBERS him with an elbow! Tony throws knees into Dunne’s ribs, but Dunne kicks Tony down! Dunne DOUBLE STMOPS Tony at the ropes! Dunne isolates the arm again and pulls on the other! Tony endures, NXT returns to single picture, and fans rally up as Dunne tortures Tony again. Dunne digs elbows into the ribs, then lets off to drop knees on the bad arm again! Tony writhes, Dunne kicks him around. Dunne kicks Tony all around, wrenches the arm again and then pulls the ponytail. The ref reprimands, Dunne kicks away on Tony’s face!
Dunne drags Tony around, stands him up, and CHOPS him! Tony is getting mad now and he’s taking the CHOPS! Dunne ducks the haymaker but Tony TACKLES Dunne! Fans fire up and Tony runs in at Dunne to clothesline in the corner! NORTHERN LIGHTS! Roll through, but Dunne stops that there and has the hand! Tony tries to get away but Dunne has the TRIANGLE HOLD! Dunne squeezes tight, gives short range headbutts and even some hammering hands. Tony fights up, deadlifts, and hits a T-BONE SUPLEX! Cover, TWO!! Dunne isn’t done yet, this is why he was such a dominant NXT UK Champion!
Fans rally and duel, Tony drags Dunne up to throw body shots over and over! Tony reels Dunne in for more shots, then brings Dunne around to HALF HATCH Dunne into buckles! Tony fires up now, then he runs in, but Dunne dodges! Tony hits buckles, Dunne GAMANGIRIS Tony! Tony snapmares Dunne to drop knees on the elbow then run and DECK Tony with a forearm! RUNNING GAMANGIRI! Cover, TWO! Dunne keeps moving, PENALTY KICK! And DANIELSON STOMPS! Dunne tops it off with one big JUMP STOMP! Fans are thunderous as both men are down! Tony crawls to ropes, Dunne stalks up behind him. Dunne snarls as he wants Tony to stand.
“This is Awesome!” as Tony throws a forearm. Dunne gives it back, and they brawl on their knees! Tony hits, Dunne hits back, repeat! Dunne grabs Tony by the face and SLAPS him! Then STOMPS the hands, and BUZZSAWS! Dunne gets Tony up and yet Tony suplexes for a FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!! That was as close as it could’ve been! Fans duel as hard as they can as Tony crawls to a corner. Tony goes to the apron, but he’s up to something over there. Dunne gets to ropes, Tony has the CROWBAR from WarGames!! But Dunne dodges that and drags Tony down! FUJIWARA ARMBAR!! Tony endures, Dunne pushes as far back as he can, then BENDS the fingers!!
But Tony fish hooks Dunne’s mouth! Tony wants the mouthpiece! He throws that away, and RAMS Dunne’s mouth into buckles! Tony gets Dunne up, but Dunne fights the fisherman to BEND fingers! SNAP!! Pump handle, and BITTER END!!! Cover, DUNNE WINS!
Winner: Pete Dunne, by pinfall
And that’s how you get it done in NXT! The Bruiserweight just shrugs, because he proved himself right all along. But Tony tries to get after Dunne! Dunne DECKS him, kicks him out of the ring, but gets thrown into the announce desk! Tony isn’t done, BADA BOOM with the fisherman screw! “I’m Tony D!” Fans boo as Tony gets the crowbar! Tony takes the crowbar and puts it in Dunne’s mouth!! And he RAMS Dunne into the desk! “This is what happens when you try to get one on Tony D!” Tony uses the crowbar to SMASH Dunne’s fingers!! Dunne writhes as he clutches his busted hand, has Tony D just broken through to a new level in NXT 2.0?
My Thoughts:
A great episode of NXT that set up a lot for New Year’s Evil, and it made 2.0 feel a bit more like 1.0 again. Ciampa had an intense opening promo and Bron was pretty effective letting Ciampa talk for him and rile him up before sparing him a body slam. This could end up Bron’s moment to literally start the new year as the new champion, or something happens that still costs him the gold. Raquel VS Dakota starting as a backstage brawl was a great move, and I like that she was so fired up, she wanted to wrestle again in a title match right after. Cora was a bit awkward in her promo, I feel like she didn’t hit the right cadences with her lines. But Mandy of course set them both up for an attack from Gigi & Jacy. Pretty sure we’re getting Raquel & Cora VS Gigi & Jacy as the tune-up to the Triple Threat.
I like the little bit of kayfabe of Persia & Indi have a match cancelled/postponed. They should’ve chalked it up to Dakota and Raquel brawling and taking up time, that would’ve been a great little bit. But I also like that there is a lot left to Waller and The Way. Indi was furious, and then after Lumis’ match, Waller goes after him. Styles is showing up in NXT, too, to give Waller an established RawDown guy to showcase against, but I’m sure the real blow-off will be Lumis avenging himself and Gargano against Waller. I also like that Strong and Melo brawled on the side of that to set up a match. I’m just very disappointed it’s going to be a unification, where the Cruiserweight title is surely going to cease to exist, regardless of who wins.
I liked the bit in the medical area establishing how that works for the superstars in kayfabe. Shirai is definitely what in Japan (and by extension, the anime-manga community) is known as “tsundere” for Zoey Stark right now. Lopez VS Shirai was good in multitasking: it gets Shirai going again in singles competition, and Quinn advances story with Legado. And I just knew THE Brian Kendrick was returning to action to take on Harland and/or Gacy. That’ll be a good match, but I’m curious when Gacy’s group will add another member. For that matter, when is Stone gonna get his third stable going? Von Wagner will definitely benefit from having a manager talking for him the same way Bivens talks for the Creeds.
We are getting quite a lot in the tag division and I really like that. Jacket Time having their own commentary table was great, the tag match turning into a brawl was fine because this is surely going to be the four teams fighting in a contender’s match. Though we might end up with an 8 Man first, Briggs, Brooks & Jacket Time VS Creed Bros & GYV. Y’know, like we were supposed to get that one time with the tag champs included but then it just became a tag title match. The MSK vignette this week was pretty good, and I like that Imperium teased Walter showing up. A Six Man of Imperium VS Riddle & MSK is already awesome, seeing Walter and Riddle meet in the ring will be reason enough to watch.
And of course, that main event. That was definitely Tony’s longest and best match in NXT, and Dunne winning was the right move. Of course, that also set it up so Tony could be the sore loser and brutalize Dunne’s hand. This is far from over for those two guys, and I would love if they had a rematch on New Year’s Evil that was like No Disqualification or something. That could act as an unofficial contender’s match to whatever singles title, but probably the unified midcard title(s).
My Score: 8.5/10
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)Â
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 PodcastÂ
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!
Time to burn it down!
Ahead of entering the Royal Rumble, Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre go one more round in a rematch from WrestleMania 40!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods VS Rey Mysterio; Rey wins.
- Bayley VS Nia Jax; Nia wins.
- PENTA VS Pete Dunne; Penta wins.
- Damage CTRL VS Pure Fusion Collective; DMG CTRL wins.
- Seth Rollins VS Drew McIntyre; Rollins wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Nia Jax ambushes Rhea Ripley!
The Irresistible Force is here on Raw to face Bayley, but she’s getting her payback on Mami for last week! She dribbles Rhea into the steel chain link fencing again and again, even as security and Adam Pearce rush in! They get Nia to stop, but Rhea is pissed! Will Nia regret riling up Rhea Bloody Ripley?
Jey Uso is here!
Dallas fires up and bounces along as it’s time to YEET! Michael Cole does his best to keep up with the beat as Main Event Jey makes his way down the bleachers. Wade Barrett is subbing in for Pat McAfee (the NCAA College Football Championship is also tonight), and Wade says Maggle looks like a “drunk grandpa” doing the YEET. Jey makes it to ringside, he high fives Maggle, then goes to the ring. But the YEET doesn’t slow down, it just keeps going! Jey grabs a mic and tells Dallas, “Main Event Jey Uso is now in your citaaaaaa~!” The fans cheer and join in with a “YEET!” Jey says this weekend, “YEET!” Saturday Night’s Main Event, “YEET!” Jey takes home the big one!
But then before Jey can continue, GUNTHER makes his way out here! Der Ring General, World Heavyweight Championship around his waist, makes his way right to the ring. Gunther grabs himself a mic while the fans boo. Jey paces but Gunther tells him, “Lemme guess, the next thing you were about to say is you were going to win the World Heavyweight title.” Jey confirms, he is gonna beat Gunther, then hang the title up in his room. Gunther says Jey really is “a funny little man.” But let’s not act like we both know it won’t happen. Last week, Jey was right here in front of Gunther, and he said every morning, he looks in the mirror and bets on himself.
The thing is, Gunther believes Jey. Gunther was looking forward to Saturday to square off with Main Event Jey Uso. Until today, when he saw Jey walking in here acting like that conversation last week never happened. Not after seeing Jey act like a complete DORK! Like he’s the company mascot for the fans! At this point, Gunther doesn’t even care. He could jsut as well get challenged by Jimmy Uso. Jey tells Gunther to not say something about his brother. Gunther says it doesn’t matter what Jey says, he never follows up with his actions! The fans are the only ones naive enough to believe everything Jey says. Gunther does not.
Bet on yourself? Until when? Until Roman Reigns whistles for him? Until Sami Zayn needs him? Until Jimmy needs him? Even Cody needed Jey and Jey showed up! All that makes Jey is a useful idiot, and Jey doesn’t even see it! Jey, your words and your actions do not align. Gunther’s always do! So on Saturday, when the bell rings, Gunther exposes Jey for the flash in the pan that has NO business being even this close to the World Heavyweight Championship. The fans boo but Gunther tells Jey to go. The fans “YEET! YEET! YEET!” but Jey says Gunther’s right again. Everything Gunther just said is true again.
Jey is the mascot of the WWE. And the fans here are his team. The fans are his squad. They ride with him! “YEET!” Slide with him! “YEET!” And they will be with him when he beats Gunther for the world championship! “YEET!” Jey reminds us he respects Gunther. But Gunther will respect Jey, too. Because only one of them in this ring main-evented a WrestleMania, and it ain’t Gunther. But then Gunther DECKS Jey! Gunther stomps Jey, the fans boo, but then Gunther DECKS Jey again! Gunther stands Jey up, but Jey TACKLES Gunther! Jey rains down fists and teh fans fire up! Gunther gets up, but Jey fires more hands!
Jey has Gunther’s shirt over his head for a hockey scrum! Gunther gets free, but Jey SUPERKICKS him down! The fans all “YEET!” while Der Ring General retreats! Jey has the belt and he dares Gunther to come get it! Jey drops it at the ropes, Gunther storms up to the apron, but Gunther stays back. Gunther leaves Dallas with the belt tonight, but will Jey leave San Antonio with it this Saturday?
The New Day walks the halls.
And then they spot someone. “Finally, somebody who understands!” JBL is here! They all shake hands, and JBL loves seeing them. Kofi Kingston says JBL is not just a champion and a Hall of Famer, but he’ll be on commentary tonight for The New Day’s match with that “hypocrite of a locker room leader,” Rey Mysterio. JBL should let New Day know they are the victims of a disgusting smear campaign! Kofi even sweetens the deal with a whole $2. Kofi says JBL understands being in a tag team but having to cut the deadweight to get ahead. And when he did, what happened? He had the greatest success of his career!
Not as great as The New Day, but please, be an acolyte for ya bois! JBL says yes, he does “get it.” Big E, all the muscles and charisma and personality, everywhere they go, the fans love Big E. Everyone chants for New Day, for Big E. You get rid of him, the fans have to pay attention to Kofi & Woods! Wow, okay. Backhanded compliments? Be that way. The New Day heads out, JBL asks if he can keep the two bucks. Will Kofi & Woods finally see who’s really in the wrong? Or will they continue to have a bad day here on Raw?
Backstage interview with Bayley.
Cathy Kelley is with the “busiest superstar” in WWE right now, as Bayley was on Raw, NXTÂ and SmackDown all last week. And she has an announcement to make, so for those who ahven’t heard, could she share? Yes, cat is out of the bag, Bayley is back on Raw officially via the Transfer Window! She started here after her NXT call-up, so it just feels right. But also, she is declaring for the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble! And if you remember, she won the 2024 Rumble, so going back to back sounds really good. She could choose Tiffany Stratton, she could choose Rhea Ripley, or- Nia Jax interrupts.
Nia says Bayley can have Rhea, Nia gets Tiffy. Also, Nia is going to win the Women’s Rumble, not Bayley. Oh, yeah, Bayley did see what Nia did to Rhea earlier. If Nia wants to try that, Bayley dares her. Nia says she’ll see Bayley out there. Nia leaves, but will the Irresistible Force rough Bayley up the same way she did Rhea? Or will Bayley continue to be the Role Model, even after changing brands?
Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods VS Rey Mysterio!
Raw returns and JBL is out there with Wade and Maggle already. The New Day makes their entrance, and they hate their song! They have it turn off, they get the tron to stop, and Woods says they already told the idiots in production that they’re no longer using that stuff! It’s ya bois, the NEW~ DAY~, and Dallas is starting to piss Kofi off! They have been doing this for too long and too well to be disrespected like this. They are walking Hall of Famers, unlike this FRAUD, JBL! JBL, give him that money back! Kofi snatches it out of JBL’s lapel pocket. Woods says Rey’s getting the brakes beat off him by the one and only Kofi Kingston~! BECAUSE NEW! DAY- “SUCKS!”
The fans chant “NEW! DAY SUCKS!” and the bell rings. Kofi and Rey circle, feel things out, and Kofi waistlocks to then headlock, waistlock, and he shoves Rey to a corner. The fans boo but Kofi soaks up that heat. JBL says this is the only time he’ll cheer a “deadbeat dad” like Rey. Rey and Kofi tie up, Rey waistlocks but Kofi switches to SLAM Rey down! Kofi slaps Rey around, and the fans boo as Kofi & Woods soak up the heat. Kofi taunts Rey, Rey and Kofi reset, and they tie up. Rey wrenches, hammerlocks, but Kofi wrenches out. Kofi wristlocks, Rey rolls and kips up, then Rey wrenches to headlock.
Kofi powers up and out, drops down then CLOBBERS Rey! The fans boo but Kofi keeps moving. Rey drops down, blows past Kofi, then tilt-o-whirls to RANA! Kofi staggers up, Rey dropkicks the legs out! Kofi is on ropes, Rey dials it up, but Kofi ducks the 619! Rey then PLANCHAS, but Kofi moves! Rey is on the apron, Kofi YANKS him down! The fans tell Kofi off but he drags Rey up and into the ring. Kofi then fires UPPERCUTS on Kofi, CHOKES him in the corner, then stomps a mudhole in! The ref counts, Kofi steps off, and then Kofi whips corner to corner. Rey reverses, runs up, but Kofi SWING KICKS! Rey GAMANGIRIS in return!
Rey RAMS Kofi, slingshots and SUNSET- NO, Kofi holds on, and he CLUBS Rey down! The fans boo but Kofi brings Rey in! Woods says watch this, “Hall of Famer!” Kofi lifts Rey, Rey pops free, but Kofi stomps away on him! Kofi glares at JBL, then he drags Rey up. The fans boo but Kofi SMACKS Rey off the apron. Kofi then reels Rey in, but Rey RANAS Kofi into the steel steps! The fans fire up as Rey rises, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Kofi has Rey down with an armlock. Rey fights to his feet, the fans fire up, and the forearms go back and forth! Kofi ROCKS Rey, Rey ROCKS Kofi, but then Kofi kicks low! Kofi whips, Rey ducks ‘n’ dodges, then Rey leaps to FLYING FOREARM! Both men are down and the fans fire up again. Woods coaches Kofi while Rey goes to the apron. Rey then goes to the corner, but Kofi hurries over that way. Kofi fires body shots, then he climbs up after Rey. Kofi brings Rey up but Rey fires body shots in return! Rey BENDS Kofi’s fingers, then he HEADBUTTS Kofi! Kofi staggers up, Rey hits the SEATED SENTON!
Rey gets moving, but Kofi ducks the springboard crossbody! Kofi sunset flip, but Rey rolls through, basement DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Kofi goes to a corner, Rey CLUBS him, and the fans rally. The ref gets between them, but Kofi pokes Rey in the eyes! Kofi leaps, CROSSBODY SPLASH to the back! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Rey as he stays in this. The fans chant “NEW! DAY SUCKS!” Woods argues with a fan, Kofi aims, TROUBLE IN- NO, Rey dodges, then comes back to RANA! Kofi is on ropes, Rey dials it up! But Woods trips Rey! The ref saw that clear as day! Woods argues with the ref, but the ref EJECTS Woods!
The fans fire up while Woods throws a fit! Rey DECKS Woods! But Kofi CLOBBERS Rey! The fans boo, but Kofi hauls Rey up! Rey victory rolls Kofi onto ropes! Rey redials, 619!! And then the springboard, but onto knees! Kofi covers, TWO!! Rey survives, the fans fire up, but Kofi seethes. Kofi hauls Rey up, clinches, S O- NO! Rey makes the SOS a cover, REY WINS!
Winner: Rey Mysterio, by pinfall
But Woods CLBOBERS Rey from behind! The New Day mugs Rey, the fans boo more, but here comes the LWO! Joaquin Wilde & Cruz Del Toro run The New Day off! The fans boo, Cruz & Wilde check Rey, but then the New Day sneak back in! They drag Wilde out to POST him! Cruz hurries but now New Day retreats for real! Insult to injury here, but will Kofi & Woods continue to be blinded by their own arrogance?
Backstage interview with Team American Made.
Cathy Kelley waits as Chad Gable is arguing with his own people, then says okay, sorry, he was inspiring the team. But yeah, he’s the talk of the whole freakin’ wrestling world the past week, but he is man enough to admit he has a problem. And it all started with losing to Penta last week! It was Dragon Lee before that, and Rey Mysterio before that. Gable asks, “What’re we gonna do her?” But he’s figured it out! He found a man who knows a thing or two about lucha libre, and that man is intelligent with a mustache to match. That man is Dominik Mysterio! While Dom helps Gable with his lucha problem, the team has their marching order.
Ivy Nile says there’s a Women’s Intercontinental Championship with her name all over it. Brutus says those tag titles should’ve already had their names on them, HAHA~! Julius mocks how War Raiders cry about “One more injury~ and we’re done forever~!” Like that’s something to be proud of? No more asking, they’re just taking! They’ll take those tag titles from a team near the end of their career and put them on a team that’s entering their prime. Gable says this team that bleeds red, white ‘n’ blue will have waists wrapped in gold, and it will be glorious. Team American Made heads out, but can Dirty Dom really help Gable clean up his act?
Sami Zayn is here!
Dallas sings his song, and the Underdog from the Underground goes right to the ring. He grabs a mic and thanks Dallas for that, that never gets old. But he wont’ beat around the bush, he’ll just get right to business. Sami spoke with Adam Pearce, and Sami is now officially entered into the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble match! The fans like the sound of that! Sami says Rollins told him he’s already helped a lot of others, so time to help himself. Well, Sami thought about that, and thought about what he wants. When he thought about that, it opened a whole bunch of thoughts. Sami pictured what 14-year-old Sami wanted.
Sami thought about what the millions around the world who dream of becoming pro-wrestlers, and the thousands who actually live the dream and get to do it. And then the even smaller group lucky enough to call themselves WWE Superstars. And then the smallest group of all, the hardest to crack into at all, is the upper echelon, the top tier, and that is where Sami is now! The fans cheer, and Sami firmly believes he is as good as everyone else in that group. That group is all in the Royal Rumble, and the only difference between Sami and the others, aka Roman, McIntyre, Rollins, and so on, is that they all have a world title to their name… and Sami doesn’t.
Sami has said it before, he’ll say it again, he’s had a great life, a great career. He doesn’t need the world title to complete him. The fans have supported Sami throughout the years, and believe it or not, that support means more to him than any world title could ever mean! So no, Sami does not need that world title, but DAMMIT, he WANTS it!! The fans love that! Sami says 14-year-old Sami wants that title, and he’s still with Sami! That kid sets foot in this ring every time Sami does. So Sami doesn’t need it, he wants it, so he will TAKE IT! WAIT, Kevin Owens is here!? The fans boo and Sami is certainly stunned seeing SmackDown’s Prizefighter back on Raw.
Kevin, who is still carrying the “Winged Eagle” title, while wearing a Bret Hart merchandise jacket, makes his way to the ring. Kevin grabs the mic, and while fans boo, he looks to Sami. Sami says he knew it was a matter of time before Kevin showed up. How does Kevin wanna do this? Kevin asks what Sami means. Sami knows Kevin. We all saw what Kevin did to Cody over teaming with Roman, so how’s this going down? Aw, is that why Sami thinks Kevin is here? No, Kevin admits, he was upset at first. But he realizes now that Sami teaming with Roman isn’t the same as Cody teaming with Roman.
Sami and Roman had a lot of history, the same as Sami and Kevin. And Roman did terrible things to Sami that Sami overlooked, just as Kevin did to Sami that Sami has overlooked. Or rather, Sami forgave Kevin for those things. Same as him forgiving Roman! Because that is who Sami is: Sami is a good person. And Rollins is right, Sami does a lot for others, especially his friends. And well, Sami is still Kevin’s best friend. A brother even! Kevin is here to tell his brother that he whole heartedly believes Sami can and will win the Royal Rumble. Kevin knows that the Sami he’s known for 20 YEARS will win the Royal Rumble!
And why? Because Sami deserves it! Sami deserves to go to WrestleMania and fight for the WWE Championship, and Kevin knows Sami will do it! Then Kevin and Sami can accomplish one more thing together. Think of everything they’ve done and seen each other do in this business. They main-evented WrestleMania to become tag team champions. But there’s one more thing they haven’t done: main event WrestleMania for THE WWE Championship. And when Sami wins the Rumble, they can do that, so long as Kevin walks away THE WWE Champion. But Kevin knows both of those things are going to happen.
Kevin knows Sami will win the Rumble because Kevin has his back. He does. And Kevin knows he’ll be THE WWE Champion because just like Sami had Roman’s back, he’s got Kevin’s back. Right? Kevin just knows it. Sami is his best friend, his brother, and if Kevin needs him, Sami will be there. Kevin drops his mic and heads out, but Sami is rather confused. Is Kevin suggesting Sami do what it sounds like? What will Sami do on this Road to WrestleMania?
Backstage interview with Sheamus.
Cathy is with The Fella and brings up his Intercontinental Championship match he has this Saturday against Bron Breakker. Why is this title so important to him? Sheamus says many would look at his career, and say he has the perfect backwards WWE career. He was only six months into his career, and he beat one of the biggest names this business has ever seen in John Cena to become WWE Champion. Ironically, the Intercontinental Champioship is what drew Sheamus to the WWE. That title has become an obsession for the past five years, but guess what? The stars are aligned! Saturday Night’s Main Event, Sheamus will bust Bron aside and fulfill destiny!
Sheamus will win the last championship he has yet to win! And for everyone who is watching, Let’s Go, Irish! A quick shoutout to Notre Dame, but then Sheamus spots Bron Breakker. Bron tells Sheamus that this title is Bron’s. This is as close as Sheamus will ever get to winning it. Because on Saturday, Bron beats him and BREAKS him like an old man! So just do us all a favor and retire. Sheamus shoves Bron, but Bron laughs it off and takes his leave. Will the Celtic Warrior finally have his WWE Bingo in another banger? Or will this title still belong to Bron Breakker?
Bayley VS Nia Jax!
The Role Model and the Irresistible Force were just on SmackDown but they’re bringing their beef over to Raw! Will Bayley make her official transfer back a successful one? Or will Nia be rolling towards the Royal Rumble?
Well, well, well, Roxanne Perez seems to be stalking Bayley. She was in the crowd for SmackDown last Friday, and now she’s here in the crowd tonight. The bell rings, Nia runs up, but Bayley dodges! Nia hits buckles, Bayley fires hands, then runs to ELBOW her! Bayley climbs up to rain down fists! The fans count, Bayley ges to 6 before Nia brings her off the corner! Bayley still fights, but Nia stops the rana! Nia brings Bayley up to a fireman’s carry, but Bayley kicks off ropes! TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Nia sits up but Bayley fires hands! Bayley runs, but into a POP-UP HEADBUTT! Bayley sputters, Nia covers, ONE!!
Bayley scrambles away but Nia stalks her. Nia puts Bayley on the ropes, CHOKES her, but the ref counts. Nia lets off at 4, she soaks up some heat, then she HEADBUTTS Bayley again. Bayley goes to a corner, Nia digs her boot in, but the ref counts. Nia stops at 4, the fans boo some more, and Bayley crawls. Nia drags Bayley up, pushes her down, then runs, only for Bayley to avoid the elbow drop! Bayley fires forearms, then whips. Nia takes a swing but Bayley gets around to hit a back suplex! Cover, TWO! Nia is tougher than that but she’s also dazed. Bayley rises, runs in, but Nia URENAGES Bayley down! Now Nia climbs the corner!
The fans fire up as Bayley SHOVES Nia to the apron! Bayley BOOTS Nia to the floor, then builds speed! Bayley DIVES, down goes Nia! The fans fire up and Bayley gets in Roxie’s face! Roxie takes a swing, but Bayley blocks! Bayley DECKS Roxie! The fans go wild, security stops Roxie from getting at Bayley! Bayley mocks the little idiot, then goes back for Nia while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Nia drags Bayley up. Nia drops a LEG on the arm! Cover, TWO!! Bayley survives and Nia grows frustrated. Nia taunts Bayley, the fans boo Nia, and Bayley sits up. Nia drags Bayley by her hair, then runs, but Bayley avoids the leg drop! Bayley hurries to ELBOW Nia in the back! And then SLIDING LARIAT! Bayley keeps moving, and drops an ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Nia survives the onslaught but the fans rally for Bayley. Both women slowly rise up, and Bayley runs up to KNEE Nia out to the apron! Bayley then drags Nia in through the ropes, but Nia HOTSHOTS the bad arm!
Bayley writhes, Nia taunts the fans, then Nia goes back to the apron. Nia stands on Bayley’s bad arm! But Bayley avoids another leg drop! Nia clutches her lower back while she and Bayley both rise up again. Bayley runs in to SUNSET FLIP BUCKLE BOMB! Nia flops to the floor and the fans fire up! Bayley leaves Nia behind for the count to handle this. Nia is still down at 5 of 10, and at 7! Nia springs up and in at 8! But Bayley goes up, up, and she hits a BANZAI DROP! Cover, TWO! Bayley didn’t quite A-Nia-Late Nia, but she goes up to ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Nia survives again but if only barely!
The fans rally as Bayley brings Nia up. Nia shoves Bayley away, then scoops her, SHOULDER BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Bayley stays in this and the fans rally up again. Bayley goes to a corner, Nia runs in, and Nia SPLASHES Bayley! Bayley flounders against the ropes, then Nia runs in. Bayley TOSSES Nia to the apron, but Nia ROCKS Bayley! Nia drags Bayley up, and POSTS her! Bayley dangles in the ropes, and Nia snarls. Nia runs to HIP ATTACK Bayley against the post! Bayley flounders back in, the fans boo, and Nia climbs up! But Bayley is up to YANK Nia down! The fans fire up as Bayley runs, and she KNEES Nia down! Cover, TWO!!
Nia survives yet again but the fans continue to rally behind Bayley. Bayley goes up a corner, but now Nia is up! Nia ROCKS Bayley, then climbs up after her. Nia fireman’s carries, but Bayley squirms around! SUPER SUNSET FLIP BOMB!! Cover, TWO?!?! Nia survives that wild fall but Bayley goes right back up! MACHO ELBOW!! Cover, TWO!!! Nia survives again and Bayley is beside herself! Nia and Bayley rise, and the fans fire up again. Bayley reels Nia in, but the bad arm won’t let her clinch! Nia fireman’s carries, but Bayley fights free! Bayley runs, CHOP BLOCKS a leg, then hurries to run again. Nia POP-UP SAMOAN DROPS!!
Nia hurries to SENTON! Then she drags Bayley to a drop zone! Nia goes up, to A-NIA-LATE Bayley! Cover, Nia wins!!
Winner: Nia Jax, by pinfall
A powerful battle between two former champions, but the Irresistible Force crushes Bayley on her return to Raw! But wait! RHEA RIPLEY makes her way out here! Mami wants revenge, and Nia says bring it! They brawl in the ring, the fans fire up, and Rhea HEADBUTTS Nia! Rhea RAMS Nia into the corner again and again, but here comes security! The fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” but the two are separated! But then Nia breaks free to SPLASH Rhea and whoever else was in the way! Nia CLUBS away on Rhea, producers and refs rush out here to stop this, but Rhea is up! She LEAPS at Nia for more!
The fans are thunderous as Rhea shoves everyone out of the way to ROUNDHOUSE Nia! Nia falls out of the ring, but rhea isn’t done! Rhea goes to the apron, but Nia trips her up! Nia DRIBBLES Rhea off the announce desk! Nia now clears the desk, and Adam Pearce is shouting that this is enough! Nia puts Rhea on the desk, but security swarms her! Wait, Rhea is back up! CANNONBALL!! Rhea takes Nia and the security guards out! The fans fire up but producers have to drag Rhea away from Nia! Dallas cheers on “MAMI! MAMI!” and she grabs a mic. Rhea gets on the desk to shout, “YOU! ME! SATURDAY NIGHT’S MAIN EVENT!!”
The fans are all fired up, because now things are going to get wild in San Antonio! But will the Queen of the Ring A-Nia-Late Rhea? Or will Nia get eradicated?
Judgment Day meets with American Made.
The others aren’t so sure about this, but Chad Gable says Dom said he could help with Gable’s luchador problem. Does he have some info? C’mon! Help him out! Okay, okay. Dom has someone who can help Gable. Dom hands him a piece of paper, and Gable asks, “This is the guy?” Dom says it sure is. Gable tells Judgment Day and “JD McDouche” that he’s off to master the dark arts of lucha libre. The others ask Dom what this is all about. Dom says it’s a long story but he and Gable go way back. Okay, fine, but how does this help Judgment Day? Next week is the tag title rematch but Finn is still out of action from last week’s Street Fight!
Liv Morgan says listening to Finn hasn’t really helped them win, has it? C’mon, Liv, this is serious. They’re gonna have to forfeit! Dom says maybe he could sub in. Finn shouldn’t care so long as they get the titles back, right? JD says yeah, that’s a good point. They’ll get this. Liv says yeah, Finn should be fine. And Dom is quite the mastermind now, huh? Liv just hopes this plan goes better than the one he had for her match with Rhea. Hey, didn’t she say she was over that? Yes, she did. Can Dom not take a joke? Okay, okay. Dom does have a plan for Liv, though. And even though she’s not mad, he’ll make it up to her, okay? Oh, he will. Now, let’s go.
Liv & Dom head out, Raquel tells Carlito to stop staring. Will Judgment Day (not) keep it together?
Lyra Valkyria speaks.
“Last week, I walked into Raw ready to become a history maker. And that meant spreading my wings and shedding any dead feathers that made me doubt the heights I knew I was capable of reaching. I took fear, I took doubt, and I used them to become something more. And now that I have this, it’s about what comes next. And what comes next is building a legacy as a valiant, fighting Women’s Intercontinental Champion.” The Morrigan is ready for more, just how high will she soar?
WWE celebrates Martin Luther King Jr.
He had a dream, and that dream lives on in us. May we keep that dream alive so that it may come true every day.
Seth Rollins warms up backstage.
Sami checks with him and knows the match with McIntyre is coming up. But Sami just wants Rollins to know that as a friend, he appreciated the talk they had last week. Rollins knows, and he heard Sami out there. Rollins respects Sami’s choice. It’s about time we got that Sami back. And Sami is almost rooting for that Sami. But push comes to shove int he Rumble, Rollins will throw Sami right over the top rope. Sami says, “Not if I throw you out first.” Sami again wishes Rollins luck, then heads out. Rollins finishes his preparations, but Karrion Kross is watching from afar! Could Mr. Doomsday have his next target in mind?
PENTA VS Pete Dunne!
#CeroMiedo made its debut in the WWE just last week, and it was a massive hit! But now he’s up against a man who feels disrespected left, right, front and back! Will the Bruiserweight take out all his frustrations on the new kid in class? Or will Penta continue to blow the roof off the arenas?
The bell rings and the fans already chant, “CERO! MIEDO!” Penta tells Dunne to listen, but Dunne grabs the hand! Penta KICKS Dunne, but Dunne CHOPS! Penta CHOPS, Dunne CHOPS, then the forearms start flying! Dunne headlocks, Penta fires body shots, and Penta powers out. Penta hurdles then mule kicks Dunne, and Dunne sputters away. Penta swaggers, but Dunne CLOBBERS him! The fans boo but Dunne grabs an arm. Dunne hammerlocks that arm, pulls on the other, and he bends the fingers back! Dunne STOMPS Penta’s arm! The fans tell Dunne off while Penta writhes, but Dunne drags Penta up again.
Dunne wrenches and whips, but Penta reverses. Then Penta runs up to GAMANGIRI! Penta whips again, Dunne reverses and he GAMANGIRIS! Penta sputters, Dunne brings him up, and Dunne whips. Penta reverses. Dunne goes up and flips and SUPERKICK from Penta! Penta hits Dunne outta the sky and Dunne bails out of the ring! The fans fire up and Penta says, “CERO! MIEDO!” Penta runs and DIVES into a forearm! Dunne gives back that anti-air, then he reels Penta in. APRON X-PLEX! Penta writhes again while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns, Dunne runs up to SLIDING FOREARM Penta down! The fans boo while Penta sputters, but Dunne runs up to SLIDINGN FOREARM again! Dunne paces, the fans chant, “Butch Sucks!” but Dunne just runs up on Penta. Penta dodges, mule kicks, and he runs to SLING-DOG! Dunne flounders to a corner, Penta runs and headstands on the corner! SWINGING DROPKICK! Dunne sputters more but Penta fireman’s carries. The fans fire up for the SWINGINGN DEATH VALLEY! Cover, TWO! Penta is frustrated, but the fans rally up again. Penta and Dunne rise up, and Penta goes after Dunne. Dunne ENZIGIRIS first!
Dunne STMOPS the hands, then he BUZZSAWS! Penta goes to a corner, Dunne runs up, but Penta SUPERKICKS! Penta runs up, DESTROYER!! Dunne tumbles out of the ring! The fans fire up with Penta and he builds speed again! Penta FLIES and down goes Dunne! The fans are thunderous while both men are out at the ramp! Penta and Dunne stir, the ring count climbs, and Dunne is in at 5 of 10. Penta rises at 6, and he slaps some sense into himself. Penta is back in at 7, DES- NO, Dunne stops the second shot and tucks Penta in! CRUNCHY DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! Penta survives and the fans fire up!
Penta shakes out the bad arm, but he and Dunne sit up. They go forehead to forehead, then forearm for forearm! Dunne CHOPS, but Penta CHOPS! The fans cheer Penta on and he tells Dunne to listen! “CERO! MIEDO!” But Dunne bends the fingers, SNAPS them, then wraps Penta into a TRIANGLE HOLD! Penta endures, fights up, and he deadlifts Dunne, for a POWER BREAKER!! Dunne writhes, Penta grabs Dunne’s arm and traps it! Penta CLUBS Dunne, then grabs the other arm, SACRIFICE!! Dunne writhes in even more pain, but Penta brings him around. Pump handle, PENTA DRIVER!! Cover, Penta wins!
Winner: Penta, by pinfall
The luchador proved he could do power on top of punishing submissions, and he is 2-0 here on Raw! Will the Penta Era take over the WWE?
Logan Paul speaks.
“Man, it must suck to be a Logan Paul hater. For years, all of you have wanted me to fail. But you know why it’s never happened, and it never will? Because when I do something, I become the best at it. I became the King of the Internet. I was the only man in history to beat Floyd Mayweather. So what makes you think the WWE will be any different? Look around, dummies. This is my life now. And I will eat, sleep and breathe wrestling until I become the greatest superstar to step into that ring. You can quote me on that. You’re looking at the GOAT, ladies and gentlemen.” The Maverick makes his return next week in Atlanta, will he receive a “warm welcome?”
CM Punk is here!
The Voice of the Voiceless, the Second City Saint, the Best in the World, takes a page out of Jey Uso’s playbook by entering through the concourse and then the bleachers! Dallas fires up as he joins Jackie Redmond in the perch for an interview. Jackie says the fans love chanting Punk’s name, and thanks him for coming out here for this in-arena interview. Punk says before any questions, he has a question for us: “Is it great to be alive on a Monday night in Dallas, Texas or what?!” The fans cheer that, and Jackie says of course it is.
But to the question: There are only so many ways to get to the main event of WrestleMania, something Punk wants to do for the first time in his career. The Royal Rumble is certainly one way, but that is a match he’s never won. And it is shaping to become one of the most stacked fields ever. Punk, Roman, John Cena, Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, Sami Zayn, and more. So, the question is, what makes this Rumble different for Punk? Punk says, “History.” And he is a maker of history! Just three weeks ago, he main-evented the first Raw live on Netflix, and he beat Rollins, a man favored to win this year’s Rumble.
This business is a fickle one, constantly asking, “What have you down for me lately?” Punk says he makes history! And he’ll do it in two weeks when he walks in, throws 29 other superstars over the top rope. The stakes are much too high, the lights are much too bright, and the pressure is on! And that is when Punk feels alive and when he thrives. No one can beat Punk when he’s at his best and with the people behind him. Jackie brought up Cena, but Punk can’t see Cena throwing him out. Roman Reigns? Roman needed Punk’s help to settle family business at WarGames. And in the Rumble, there are no friends!
Punk has put McIntyre in the dirt, and don’t ask him about Sami. You put HOGAN in the rumble, Punk will throw his old ass out and kill Hulkamania once and for all! February 1st, 60 THOUSAND strong, on the Peacock, live and in living color, Indianapolis, Indiana, Punk will settle scores and cash in debts. He’ll even call in a favor or two if he needs to. On that night, 29 other men are going night-night, and ONE MAN gets his hand raised. One name, three syllables: C, M, PUNK! “CM” might stand for “Confident Man” right about now, but will Punk be unstoppable on this road not just to WrestleMania, but also the road to his dream?
Damage CTRL VS Pure Fusion Collective!
This rivalry went back and forth all over 2024, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down just because it is a New Year. Will Dakota Kai & Iyo Sky finally kick PFC to the curb for what they did to Kairi Sane? Or will Sonya Deville, Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark put them on the shelf right beside the Pirate Princess?
The teams sort out, the bell rings, and Kai starts against Shayna. Shayna opens with a KICK to the leg, but Kai walks that off. Shayna KCIKS again, Kai gets mad, and the two go again. Kai blocks one kick but not the second KCIK! Shayna runs up, fakes Kai out, then trips her up! Shayna scuffs Kai, then soaks up the heat. Shayna runs back in, but Kai goes up and over to roll her up! TWO, and Kai slips past Shayna to DROPKICK her down! The fans fire up for Kai, but Shayna stops the arm-drag! Shayna whips, Kai stops herself and BOOTS Shayna away. Kai runs up, Zoey tags in before the flying mare!
Things speed up, Shayna drops down and Zoey springboards to MISSILE DORPKICK Kai down! Sonya wants everyone to take notes! Zoey clamps onto Kai with a chinlock and she grinds Kai down. The fans rally, Kai fights up, and Kai fires body shots. Zoey CLUBS Kai, CLUBS her again and again, then soaks up heat. Zoey puts Kai in the corner, tags Shayna back in, and then Zoey whips Shayna in for a KNEE! Shayna scoops Kai, BACKBREAKER and LARIAT! Shayna covers, TWO! Kai stays in this, but Sonya says her team’s got this. Kai crawls, but Shayna clamps onto the leg for a toehold.
Kai endures, kicks at Shayna with her free leg, but Shayna still bends the trapped leg! The fans rally, Kai kicks and kicks, but Shayna drops an ELBOW on the leg! Shayna tells Dallas to shut it, then she drags Kai around to bend the leg in another direction! Kai endures, reaches out for Iyo, but Shayna pulls the leg. Kai kicks at Shayna again, then BOOTS her away! Kai and Shayna crawl, hot tag to Zoey! Zoey brings Kai up but Kai ENZIGIRIS! Shayna runs back in, but Kai TOSSES her out! Hot tag to Iyo! The Genius of the Sky fires SHOTEI after SHOTEI on Zoey! Iyo ROCKS Shayna, then runs! PFC avoids the handsprings, but Iyo blocks a kick!
Iyo sends the foot at Zoey, but she ducks! Iyo SHOTEIS Zoey again! Then she dodges Shayna to GERMAN SUPLEX her away! The fans fire up as Iyo whips Zoey. Zoey reverses but Iyo uses that to DIVE onto Shayna! Iyo hurries up, blocks a shot, then ROUDNHOUSES Zoey! The fans fire up as Iyo climbs, and Iyo MISSILE DROPKICKS Zoey! Iyo handsprings up and the fans are thunderous! Iyo aims from the corner, runs in and SHINKANSEN! Iyo drags Zoey to a cover, TWO! Zoey survives but Iyo goes up. Sonya storms up, but Kai YANKS Sonya down! The fans fire up as Iyo climbs, but Shayna LARIATS Kai!
Zoey YANKS Iyo down, SUPERKICKS her, and then reels her in! ATAXIA!! Cover, TWO!! Zoey is furious, but she tags in Shayna. PFC gets Iyo up, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY, then a SLIDING KNEE! Cover, Kai breaks it! The fans fire up but Zoey TOSSES Kai! Zoey then PLANCHAS, but Kai dodges! Kai goes up to the apron to PENALTY KICK Zoey! Shayna BOOTS Kai, then dodges Iyo! KIRAFUDA KLUTCH!! Iyo flails, but she runs to the ropes! HOTSHOT and Shayna falls back! Iyo hurries up top, the fans fire up, OVER THE MOONSAULT! Cover, DMG CTRL wins!
Winners: Damage CTRL, by pinfall
PFC tried to use the numbers, but Iyo & Kai just used their skills! Will DMG CTRL still take control of Raw? Or will Sonya, Shayna & Zoey figure out a winning formula?
Seth Rollins VS Drew McIntyre!
With the Royal Rumble just down the road, it is this WrestleMania 40 rematch that could determine how WrestleMania 41 looks. The Visionary and the Scottish Terminator look to run it back, but who will be in pole position for Indianapolis?
Raw returns and McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings, the fans fire up, and the two stare down. The fans sing Rollins’ song, and Rollins says he’s got two good knees now. No Bloodline, no CM Punk, just them! The two circle, tie up, and McIntyre pushes Rollins to the corner. The ref counts but McIntyre talks smack as he lets off. Rollins shoves McIntyre, McIntyre shoves Rollins! They stare down again, Rollins talks a bit more smack, and McIntyre grins. McIntyre CHOPS, and Rollins likes that! Rollins CHOPS, McIntyre CHOPS, repeat! The fans “WOO~” but then McIntyre headlocks. Rollins powers up and out, but McIntyre runs him over!
McIntyre looms over Rollins, then brings him up. But Rollins CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! McIntyre headlocks, Rollins powers up and out, drops down, hurdles over, then redirects McIntyre to SHOULDER TACKLE! McIntyre rebounds to SHOULDER TACKLE Rollins! The fans fire up again while Rollins goes to ropes. McIntyre stomps Rollins, ROCKS him, then stalks him to ropes. McIntyre CHOPS Rollins against the ropes, then whips. Rollins ducks ‘n’ dodges, to then SLINGBLADE! Rollins keeps moving, and he LARAITS McIntyre up and out! The fans fire up as Rollins builds speed, to WRECK McIntyre with a dropkick!
McIntyre is at the desk. Rollins builds sped, and Rollins DIVES! McIntyre hits desk, but Rollins keeps going! Rollins DIVES again, but McIntyre stops that to TOSS Rollins up and over the desk! Rollins is down between the armchairs and McIntyre snarls, but Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and both men slowly rise in the ring. McIntyre looms over Rollins, saying Rollins is still too damn selfish. But Rollins fires hands! McIntyre hits back, they go back and forth! McIntyre kicks low, whips Rollins toa corner, but Rollins BOOTS him away! McIntyre returns, and he pushes through the boot to ELBOW Rollins! McIntyre has Rollins in the Inverted Alabama Lift, ALABAMA- VICTORY ROLL! TWO!! Rollins goes back to the corner, and he BOOTS McIntyre again! The fans fire up while both men are down! Rollins feeds off that energy and rises up. Rollins ROCKS McIntyre, then counter punches him!
Rollins CHOPS and ROCKS McIntyre again and again, then CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! The fans fire up, the ref counts as they’re on ropes, but Rollins roars! Rollins whips, McIntyre reveres, Rollins leaps, but into McIntyre’s arms! McIntyre pops Rollins up, but Rollins slips out of the suplex to then POST McIntyre! McIntyre staggers back, so Rollins POSTS him again! McIntyre sputters, Rollins brings him around and POSTS him a third time! McIntyre is stuck in the corner now, but Rollins SLAMS the arm against the post! Rollins aims as McIntyre staggers away. Springboard, FLYING KNEE! McIntyre says up, Rollins hits a RUNNING KNEE! Cover, TWO!
Rollins takes a breath as the fans rally up. McIntyre is down so Rollins goes to the apron. Springboard SWANTON! Cover, TWO! McIntyre survives but Rollins snarls. Rollins stalks McIntyre, grabs the arm, and he goes to wrangle McIntyre. McIntyre rolls free, fireman’s carries, but Rollins fights free! Rollins goes to a corner again, puts McIntyre on the apron, but McIntyre ROCKS Rollins! McIntyre climbs, but Rollins springs up to join him! SUPER DUPER PLEX! Roll through, but MCINTYRE hits the FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!! The fans fire up as both men are down! “This is Awesome!” as McIntyre kips up!
McIntyre still wobbles a bit, but he makes his way to a corner. McIntyre tells Rollins to get up. Rollins rises, McIntyre runs in, but Rollins ducks the Claymore! Now Rollins aims, and he runs up, but McIntyre hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Rollins survives, but McIntyre brings him in! Deadlift and- RANA! Rollins then SUPERKICKS McIntyre, runs, tilt-o-whirls, and FALCON ARROWS! The fans fire up as Rollins manages a cover, TWO!! The pin wasn’t much but neither was that kick-out, both men are running on fumes. The fans sing Rollins’ song, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!”
Rollins runs, CURB- NO, McIntyre avoids the stomp! Underhooks and FUTURE- NO, Rollins fights the DDT to underhook! PED- NO, McIntyre wrenches out to short arm LARIAT! McIntyre rolls away to go to the apron, then he drags himself up the corner. McIntyre reaches the top, Rollins stands, FLYING- NO, Rollins blocks the lariat to try and wrangle McIntyre. McIntyre scoops Rollins, Rollins slips free, and Rollins still wants the arm! McIntyre fights the takedown again so Rollins CLUBS away on the arm! Rollins brings McIntyre down, into a CROSSFACE!! McIntyre endures, reaches out, but Rollins pulls him back!
McIntyre fights, claws his way over, and he manages the ROPEBREAK! Rollins holds until the ref counts 4, and now Rollins tells McIntyre to get up and fight. “You question me? You question my integrity!?” Rollins gets in McIntyre’s face, the ref backs him off, but now McIntyre CLAWS Rollins’ face! Rollins staggers, McIntyre reels him in, underhook and FUTURE SHOCK!! Cover, TWO?!? Rollins survives and now McIntyre is pissed. McIntyre rises, and he tells Rollins that his words and actions don’t line up. Short arm LARIAT! McIntyre drags Rollins up again, short arm LARIAT! The fans rally and McIntyre shakes his head.
McIntyre tells Rollins to get up, and Rollins sputters as he slowly sits up. McIntyre reels Rollins in for a short arm- NO, Rollins slips up and around, and a jackknife bridge! ROLLINS WINS!!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall
Rollins snatches this one away, and McIntyre CLOBBERS Rollins for it! The fans boo but McIntyre scares the ref off. But Rollins fires hands in return! McIntyre CLAYMORES outta nowhere!! McIntyre is still seething, and he drags Rollins over to the corner. McIntyre pulls Rollins’ hair to put him up against the post! The fans boo, the ref says don’t, but SAMI ZAYN to the rescue! Sami fires hands, then he POSTS McIntyre! Sami makes sure Rollins is alright, and then Sami goes back for Drew. But he gets a GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTT for it! McIntyre stands Sami up to THROW him into barriers!
McIntyre snarls as he looks to Rollins again. McIntyre gets in the ring, and he tells Rollins they should be on the same team, but Rollins is just so selfish! But here comes Sami! McIntyre moves, HELLUVA KICK to Rollins!! The fans can’t believe it and neither can Sami! Sami apologizes to Rollins, but McIntyre grins, this all worked out for the better! Will McIntyre use everyone else against each other to ensure he is the one going to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
Another great episode coming in at just two hours and 35 minutes or so. I don’t mind things “ending early” compared to the usual three hour run, but I am curious as to how they’re only using two-and-a-half hours. I suppose they have their plan and just go with it. That way, if things go long, they have breathing room for it. But they really could’ve added like one more thing to this and it would’ve been fine, I think. That said, good go-home stuff for Saturday Night’s Main Event, such as a good promo from Jey and Gunther. Though, they didn’t really add more to what last week had, other than that brawl. Jey stood tall, go-home math would suggest he loses.
Sheamus and Bron had a good promo to put the final touches on their build, but as I said last week, this is a rather interesting one. Sheamus really should win that Intercontinental Championship already, but I don’t know if Saturday Night’s Main Event is a “big enough stage” for such a moment. Great stuff with Bayley, Nia and Rhea tonight, especially that match. It seems the Transfer Window is finally putting some actual transfers in, what with Wyatt Sick6 on SmackDown and now Bayley on Raw. Rhea VS Nia on Saturday Night’s Main Event is going to be an awesome title match, but it feels like Rhea will retain to solidify her as champion past the Royal Rumble.
And speaking of the Rumble, Bayley is certainly a top choice to win. For one, it’d be historic for Bayley to not just win back-to-back, but to also be the first woman to have won two Rumbles at all. Very good promo from Punk to hype himself up for the Rumble, and he did mention a favor… Though, it’d be rather Heel of Punk to use a favor from Heyman to basically rig the Rumble or give him protection during it, but it’d also be great continuity as The Shield was to shield Punk. Sami of course declared for the Rumble, but Kevin showing up was a great surprise. And Kevin clearly implies that if Sami helps Kevin cheat the ladder match, Kevin will help Sami cheat the Rumble. Or rather, if Kevin does help Sami win the Rumble, Sami better help Kevin win the ladder match.
Sami also had a good promo with Rollins backstage, with the real fun part being Kross watching from the background. Kross needs a new feud with the Wyatts going to SmackDown, and moving on to names like Rollins and Sami would be some big stuff for him and The Final Testament. Rollins VS McIntyre was a great main event, and classic move having the quick pin win this so that McIntyre is still strong even in defeat. Sami making the save was also a nice touch, as was the Helluva Kick accidentally hitting Rollins. The Rumble has a lot of feuds crossing over, and Kross can add onto what happened here, we’ll get some really good chaos in that match.
Great promo between New Day and JBL to where even JBL, notorious as one of the meanest, most obnoxious Heels of his time, is on Big E’s side. And we finally got New Day back in the ring, but it’s a little disappointing that it wasn’t a tag match. Dragon Lee hasn’t gotten to do much, and he’s doing even less now. It was still a great match from Kofi VS Rey, with Rey getting his own quick pin win. New Day beating Rey up of course brought out the LWO, and I’m sure we’ll get New Day VS Cruz & Wilde next. We can only hope for Dragon Lee’s sake that he gets to be part of the blowoff for this feud. Actually, better yet would be him in the Intercontinental Championship scene.
Penta might also make a great choice for the Intercontinental Championship scene. Penta had another awesome match, as Pete Dunne is always a great opponent. Maybe Penta gets in on the Rumble so he can check that off his bucket list. He doesn’t need to win, he can just have a great showing, and rivalries can spark from those interactions. Lyra had a very good promo but I was hoping for a little more after her winning the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. DMG CTRL VS PFC was a great tag match, and a great win for DMG CTRL. Dakota and Iyo could each make a case for a match with Lyra, but clearly Ivy will be up first. She would make a solid first defense for Lyra, and then Lyra can have rematches from the tournament with Kai and Iyo.
At the same time, PFC might already be thinking about changing up the team with Zoey taking the loss. Good stuff with Judgment Day. Dom and Liv plotting and scheming while being passive aggressive is a fun phase for them. They’re probably plotting on how Liv can win the Women’s Rumble, but it’ll likely backfire and that’ll push the Liv x Dom break-up. Also, you can bet Finn won’t like Dom taking his spot against the War Raiders, especially if they win. That said, I don’t see them winning, Erik & Ivar should definitely be able to handle Dom & JD. It certainly feels more likely the Creeds can take the tag titles than Judgment Day.
I do wonder who Dom recommended to Gable, though. It’d be cool if WWE brought in some other lucha legends, as WWE seems to be expanding their partnerships. WWE is working more closely with TNA now, and I believe TNA still has a working relationship with AAA, especially after AEW moved over to working with CMLL because of the relationship with NJPW. Also a super crossover like NXTNAAA would be a lot of fun to see for WrestleMania weekend.
My Score: 8.8/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)Â
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 PodcastÂ
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!
Coverage
Andrew’s TNA Genesis Results & Match Ratings: 1.19.25
Does TNA Believe in Joe Hendry more than Mokuba Nemeth believes in his big brother?
Hot off the heels of the TNA and WWE working relationship announcement, the Kickoff show already has the first sprinkle of NXT talent with Ashante “Thee” Adonis coming out after Ariana Grace tries to take all of the credit for the partnership. Jake something runs over Ashante, but it’s a good quick nod on free YouTube. Oh it also looks like the ring announcer is McKenzie Mitchel again. I did like her first run in TNA in what was that… like 2016-2018 or 19? She’s got personality, she’s cute and a solid announcer, so nice to see her back.
I’m not gonna run down any predictions on who I think will win, because honestly, I just feel like Hendry needs to win today or it’s been an entire waste of momentum. So lets get to the main show!
Ratings:
- X Division Championship: Moose (c) vs Ace Austin: Moose retains via Lights Out – *** 1/4
- The System vs Maniac Marines: Marines win via K.I.A. – ***
- Knockouts Tag Titles: Elegance Clique (Heather & Ash) w/Personal Concierge vs Spitfire (Dani Luna & Jody Threat) (c): Spitfire retain via Pressure Drop – **
- Jordynne Grace vs Tessa Blanchard: Tessa wins via Magnum – ****
- I Quit Match: Josh Alexander vs Mike Santana: Santana wins! – ***
- TNA Tag Team Championships: The Hardyz (c) vs The Rascalz: Hardyz retain via Swanton Bomb – *** 1/2
- Raven’s Clockwork Orange House of Fun Match: TNA Knockouts World Championship: Masha Slamovich (c) vs Rosemary: Masha wins via Avalanche Requiem – ** 3/4
- TNA World Championship: Nic Nemeth (c) vs Joe Hendry: Hendry wins via Standing Ovation – *** 3/4 – TITLE CHANGE!!!!!!!
Results:
X Division Championship: Moose (c) vs Ace Austin
As soon as the bell rings, Ace jumps on him, forces him into the corner and stomps on him. Moose tries to fight out but Ace stays relentless. Ace has a counter for everything Moose is trying to counter in the early goings. Even when Moose catches him during the apron Handstand Dodge, Ace still has a counter for his counter. It’s not until a rake to the eyes from Moose that finally gives him a moment to start dictating the pace. A huge Irish Whip on the outside through the barricade is what Ace feels…twice. Ace tries to fight back from Moose continuing the momentum, Ace eats a Pump Kick, but blocks Moose’s attempt at a Suplex and counters with his own Vertical Suplex on Moose! JDC gets in the proximity of Ace so Ace kicks him, which delays his springboard, so Moose catches him and bounces him off the apron like a super ball.
Moose lets the count go, Ace barely gets in at 9, Moose throws him corner to corner, is slowing things down and being very deliberate. Ace starts powering through the pain, catches a Pump Kick, dodges a Spear into the corner and puts together a few strikes, Double Stomp, Triangle Kick, wants The Fold but Moose puts the brakes on there. Ace tries to spring off the ropes but Moose grabs him and hits Go To Hell for two! Fighting Spirit spot, Ace starts winning the trade, a Headbutt from Moose stops Ace, Moose flips him over the ropes to the apron, tries a few more things, Ace looks for a Springboard, Moose catches him but Ace slips it for a Frankensteiner. Moose powders to the opposite apron and Ace hits his Inside Out Headscissors sending Moose crashing to the floor. Alisha and JDC try to help up Moose, and while the referee is distracted JDC posts Ace. Moose goes for the Around the World Lights Out, but Ace moves and Moose kills JDC! Ace hits The Fold on the floor!
Eddie Edwards and Brian Myers run down the ramp, Ace sees them so he hits the Fosbury Flop to take them out. Ace is rolling, he goes for the Triangle Kick but Moose counters with Lights Out! 1-2- KICK OUT? Moose sets up for another Lights Out, Ace sidesteps it for the Cradle, kickout, Uranage, Cradle counter, Art of Finesse from Ace but Lights Out to the Spine from Moose! Moose sets up another and lands the Lights Out to retain!
Post Match the System looks to beat down on Ace, but Maniac Marines music hits and they go after Myers and Edwards. Guess the match is now!Â
The System vs Maniac Marines
Steve and Eric beat the hell out of the System members while the referee tries to set the match, it still hasn’t started but we get stereo 10 count punches in the corner, big fists causing Myers and Edwards to powder. This is essentially a Tornado Tag right now because the match hasn’t even started. Okay it eventually starts and Maclin hits the Backbreaker on Edwards and Busaiku Knee on Myers. He looks for a SCUD but Lish grabs the foot which is just enough! Maclin tries to charge anyway but gets caught in the Blue Thunder Bomb and now the match slows down and Eddie is in control.
Maclin absorbs some Chops from Eddie in the corner, no sells a little and fires, Eddie tags out Myers tries to slow things down with a Russian Leg Sweep but Maclin continues to try and rally. Eddie’s back in, shortarm Gowan Lariat into a cocky cover for two. Eddie tries to keep moving but Maclin hits the Vertical Suplex. Maclin is too slow to tag out so Eddie tags out and Myers cuts off Maclin. After a few more quick tags from System members, Maclin finally lands a Lariat to get the simultaneous tag and EY comes in hot. EY does the Flair corner flip, knocks Eddie off the apron, Myers eats a Macho Elbow but only two. Eddie knocks Maclin off the apron, Tandem Tiger Driver for two, EY fights back to level Eddie, Tree of Woe Myers Caught in Crosshairs but Lish gets in the ring! Eddie grabs Eric and distracts the ref, Lish clocks Maclin with either knuckles or a full hand of rings, Spear from Myers is only a two!
System Overload attempt, it’s thwarted by EY, Myers gets crotched in like a Reverse Tree of Woe, so Maclin hits the Caught in the Crosshairs on the back, EY with a Plancha to the outside to take Edwards out and K.I.A. from Maclin means Maniac Marines win!
Knockouts Tag Titles: Elegance Clique (Heather & Ash) w/Personal Concierge vs Spitfire (Dani Luna & Jody Threat) (c)
Elegance duo comes out dressed like Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. They do a Go Eagles chant right before the bell rings to a chorus of Boos.
Even though Elegance Clique throws their pompoms and try a cheap shot, Spitfire just plow through them, literally. Quick tags, some assisted moves, Ash gets away from Spitfire, tags in Heather and shoves her forward trying to take them off guard, but they turn around…grab Heather and a long Tandem Stalling Suplex with a Deep Squat for two. Concierge distracts the referee, looks for a low Dive onto Heather but Ash just kicks Dani in the face, and the referee sees nothing. Heather rolls her back in, Kawada Kicks, Forearm Shiver, trip into a Dropkick to the face! Ash hangs Dani off the apron and Heather hits the Double Stomp from the apron to the floor.
Ash starts choking Dani on the ropes, distracts the referee and Heather paintbrushes Dani with pompoms as Ash goes for a series of pinfall attempts. Quick tags, Dani is in their corner, Cartwheel Back Handspring Elbow from Ash into a Seated Dropkick from Heather. Dani has been getting smacked around for the last 4 or 5 minutes. Ash leans on Dani for a while, but Dani gets a head of steam, comes off the ropes and Shotgun Dropkick gives her space. Jody gets a hot tag, she Sack of Shits them both, Vader Hammers in the corner into a Michinoku Driver, which Ash breaks up with a Meteora. Heather and Ash have a nice tandem move for a two count. Jody tries to fight back, but Elegance stops it, blind tag from Dani, Senton takes out both Elegance Clique members and Dani stalks her prey. Snap Suplex two times on Ash, but Heather stops the third and Jody just tosses Heather out of the ring in a rough way. Jody tries her Double Knees German Suplex spot but Ash moves. Dani with the Shinsuke Nakamura Inside Out German, Pressure Drop and Spitfire retains.
Boo…
Jordynne Grace vs Tessa Blanchard
Grace charges Tessa immediately, and the ref needs to pull her off, but Tessa gets thrown around the ring literally, the crowd is chanting “Fuck You Tessa”, Tessa powders, eats a Dive and then a Jackhammer on the outside! Grace puts Tessa on her shoulders up to the ring, but Tessa finally fights off and flips off the crowd, revels in it for a second, tries the Frankensteiner, but Grace holds on, smashes Tessa into the guardrail twice, looks for the Reverse Bomb on the apron, but Tessa gets out, stomps on Jordynne a few times, hooks Jordynne’s face with the crook of her leg and drives Jordynne’s face into the apron. Unique looking and decent.
Tessa has the correct intensity, pushes into two quick pinfall attempts and starts getting deliberate. Drags Jordynne’s face across the rope, throats Grace, kicks her in the face and Slingshot Elbow is another near fall. Tessa with the Front Facelock, Grace tries to fight out but Tessa holds on and drops her with a Scorpion Death Drop for another near fall. Jordynne fights Tessa off with a few elbows, looks for a Superplex, but Tessa fights off, wants the Avalanche Sunset Bomb, but Jordynne stops it, Tessa kicks Grace’s feet, looks for a Rope Hung Death Drop but Jordynne fights it off and smashes Tessa’s face into the turnbuckles but Tessa hits the Rope Hung Backstabber for two. Tessa looks for Magnum, but Jordynne cuts her off, they fight at the top, Avalanche Sack of Shit! They both sell the exhaustion of the match so far.
They trade blows, two Scoop Slams from Jordynne, Lawn Dart into the Top Turnbuckle! Package Powerbomb for two! Dragon Suplex attempt from Grace, Tessa breaks it, Headlock Takeover, quick counter wrestling, Tiger Destroyer from Tessa! Only for a two count, but still nice. Buzzsaw attempt is shrugged off, Tessa comes off the ropes and eats the Spinebuster from Jordynne for two quick pinfall attempts. Tessa with the Body Scissors and pulls herself up and fights back, Jordynne slaps her around, looks for the Suplex but Tessa slips it and Neckbreaker Counter for a two count! The brawl to the apron, Grace eats a forearm and Tessa hits the Tornillo on Jordynne! They posture on the steps, Tessa wants a move but Jordynne counters her and Spicolli Driver from the stairs to the floor from Jordynne!
More back and forth in the corner, just positioning and counters, it’s like watching chess. Jordynne grabs Tessa for an Avalanche Air Raid Crash, but Tessa fights it and turns it into an Avalanche Crucifix Bomb! After trying a grounded submission Tessa locks in the Octopus, tries to wrench the fingers but Jordynne counters, Rope Assisted German Suplex into a Capture Suplex for 2! Kudome Valentine attempt from Grace but Tessa gets out, Backfist from Jordynne, Tessa bounces off and Cutter gives her a two count! Tessa calls for Magnum, Jordynne dodges it, Tessa rolls through, tries boots but Grace grabs Tessa and hits the around the world Reverse Alabama Slam! Tessa keeps trying to remove Buckle Pads but they’re on good, Tessa reverses out of the Kinikku Buster, hits the Buzzsaw into the partially exposed buckle but Grace grabs the rope. Tessa removes another pad, Bulldog into exposed buckle, Magnum, and Tessa is still sexy.
The turnbuckle pads being on too well made the finish a little flat, but it was a damn good match. There’s also a joke in the match with Tessa coming out wearing Red and Gold (Yellow), so the racism allegations are never going away if she keeps making it easy.
I Quit Match: Josh Alexander vs Mike Santana
There’s intensity but its all just technical tactics to take each other to the ground and grab a limb. But since we just came off of a pretty good match, things can’t start too hot. Every time Santana throws Josh to the outside, Josh scurries back to the ring, he’s playing scared. There’s a “He’s a bitch” chant that pops up. Santana cuts off Josh’s charge with a few well placed boots which sends Josh outside, Tope con Hilo levels the bald man. Santana throws Josh into a guardrail, Yakuza Kicks back to back rock Josh a bit. Fans call for tables and Santana slides one out to a huge pop. Santana sets it up, plays to the crowd, tries a Powerbomb onto the table but Josh slips it and Overhead Belly to Belly sends Santana crashing. A fan can be heard saying “That look like it hurt” to which Santana replies ” It did asshole”. Now Josh is dissecting Santana’s legs to soften him up for the Ankle Lock. Josh goes for the corner spot with the Figure Four around the post after bouncing the knee off the post a few times.
Josh tries to continue but Santana slides out and counters Josh and bounces his face off the post. Josh walks it off a bit as Santana stalks him and then a quick Chop Block has Santana writhing in pain. Josh decides to be a heel and do the Three Amigos instead of the Kurt Angle Germans. Disrespectful bald jerk. Santana gets throated, dropped to the apron on his ass, Low Crossbody but Santana flattens out and Josh goes flying! Santana tries a Dive, but Josh catches him and just drops him spine first on the apron. After a small resilient flurry of slaps from Santana Josh goes for the Germans. Santana brushes off on the third, goes for the Rolling Buck Fifty, gets caught in the Torture Rack, Santana fights off Josh’s shoulders, kicks him into the corner, Senton into the seated Josh. Perches him up top, points at the table, tries something but Josh fights him off, Moonsault from Josh misses and a Death Valley Driver gives both a moment to breathe.
Santana Spin the-BLOCK-ED! Josh sweeps the leg, Ankle Lock and Santana refuses to quit twice but slips the boot ala Eddie Guerrero. Josh pauses a moment, Santana charges and Josh dumps him over the top rope through the table! Santana says he doesn’t quit, Josh looks surprised, so he goes looking for more plywood. He also grabs the bottom set of stairs and throws them into the ring. Scoop Slams Santana into the broken table and continues looking for weapons, like a chair and zip ties. Santana crawls into the ring, Josh steps on the worked on leg and smashes it repeatedly with the chair. Josh goes into Full Mount, rains down strikes, exposes the elbow for Elbow Strikes and tries to soften him up for the zip ties. C4 Spike but Santana raises up like the Undertaker and fires into beating the piss out of Josh. Frankensteiner on Josh into the Frog Splash, Spin the Block! Josh doesn’t quit. Santana grabs the zip ties that Josh introduced, ties the hands behind Josh’s back, Spin the Block 2! Josh doesn’t quit. Santana sets up the steps as a ramp, table in front of Josh in the corner and Cannonballs through the table into Josh! Josh still doesn’t quit off the Jackass stunt. Santana finds a sock filled with quarters and starts beating Josh like it’s a slapjack. Josh still doesn’t quit. Santana tells Josh to bite the curb and is about to Curb Stomp him into the steps and Josh gets scared and quits.
TNA Tag Team Championships: The Hardyz (c) vs The Rascalz
Fraxiom comes out to watch the match, so this nicely sets up a potential early angle between NXT and TNA for the crossover.Â
Trey and Matt start, but it’s a slow Headlock basic counters and feint spots. Jeff and Wentz want to play, so this is very Japanese in giving each member a free chance to interact before any cutoffs or tandems. The crowd likes both men, so this is interesting but more Stalemate spots. Jeff manages a Polish Hammer to tag in Matt and go for a quick tandem move and keep Wentz in the Hardy Corner bouncing his face off buckles in Delete fashion. Tag from Jeff for another tandem Rocket Launcher into the bottom rope and Leg Drop from Jeff. Wentz counters the Twist with a Jumping Knee so he manages a tag to Trey and then a few quick striking double team spots. Quick tag to Wentz, Matt comes in to break it up, drops Matt and Wishbone. Quick Tag, MCMG ACS Rush homage. Wentz Dives onto Matt on the outside, Matt catches him into the Side Effect on the floor! Jeff gets the best of Trey after he’s a little distracted. Manhattan Drop from Jeff, into a tag to Matt and then some double team strikes for a near fall. Delete Head Smashes again on Trey.
Vertical Suplex from Matt for another 2. Matt tags out and Hardys look for more Tandem attacks, Plot Twist but Wentz recovers and makes the break! Trey flips out of Jeff’s arms, tags in Wentz, and Wentz cleans house on both Hardys. Corner to corner, tags back in Trey they hit the Saki Kashima assisted Dropkick on each Hardy and then they dump the Hardys at the feet of Fraxiom. FIVE HOLE DIVE FROM RASCALZ! Misses the Hardys and hits Fraxiom! This builds heat for The Rascalz and Fraxiom as Hardys attack the Rascalz while distracted. Poetry in Motion off the stairs from Jeff!
Facebuster from Jeff for two! Wentz hits a Busaiku Knee on Jeff to stop him from hitting Trey, Side Effect drops Wentz, Enzuigiri from Trey drops Matt and all four are down to catch their breath a bit. Original Poetry in Motion on Trey! Twist of Fate from Matt but countered and Matt is thrown into Jeff who’s selling a knee. Superkick into Feed Em to the Lions! Wentz Dives on Matt but Trey can’t quite make a clean pinfall. Jeff eats a Cheeky Nandos and Top Rope Tiger Feint, Twist of Fates for everyone and Jeff re-NO Trey kicks out! Another Twist but eats a Superkick from Wentz, tries the UFO Cutter on Matt but Matt just throws him to the outside. A Twist of Fate from each Hardy Boy, Swanton Bomb and the Hardyz retain!
Thursday’s Live Show will have Fraxiom vs The Rascalz for the NXT Titles!Â
Raven’s Clockwork Orange House of Fun Match: TNA Knockouts World Championship: Masha Slamovich (c) vs Rosemary
Do Rosemary’s shorts have Pokemon Gym Badges on em? Masha goes for the Staple Gun, it almost gets countered immediately, but she gets the first few clicks of the Staple gun, it actually doesn’t backfire, but she lets Rosemary powder and starts grabbing a few weapons. Masha finally decides to attack Rosemary with a cane, but Rosemary turns things around with the green mist. Slamovich gets some of the mist out of her eyes, chases her into the ring and eats a Drop Toehold into a Chair. Rosemary sets up the table, panders to the crowd and Masha launches herself over the top with a Crossbody, into Rosemary and then through the table! Masha finds her old chain she used to make Killer Kelly submissive and starts choking and dragging Rosemary around the ring and then Sabus the chair at Rosemary for emphasis.
Masha tries to hit the front flip Senton onto a seated Rosemary, but Rosemary moves and Masha hits the chair weird. Rosemary beats her with a chair a few times, looks under the ring, gets giddy and finds Janice! Rosemary swings Janice, breaks it, and then uses the two pieces to block the cane Masha had and then pressed the nail portion into Masha’s back! Rosemary is talking to Janice and goes to the back to find tacks that she spills out on the stage. Rosemary wants a Chokeslam into tacks, Masha counters, misses a Lariat and then eats the Spear into the tacks! Barbed Wire board is set up in the ring, Spicolli…nope! Russian Death Device into the Barbed Wire! Masha goes to the top, Footstomp into the barbed wire but only for 2 again! Masha goes to the outside and grabs a ladder.
A trash can lid gets thrown at Rosemary for good measure, Masha ascends the ladder and then Rosemary pushes the ladder and Masha goes crashing through one of two tables set up on the outside. Rough spot, rough looking, but Masha manages to move enough to break the pinfall since its falls count anywhere. Rosemary now goes full Kevin Steen and makes some chair art for a spot, drags Masha into the ring, sets he on the chairs and goes to the top. Masha sits up as Rosemary climbs, counters the momentum and Avalanche Requiem through the chairs! Masha retains.
Cora Jade’s music hits and sets up nicely after Masha was on NXT.Â
The Countdown Panel starts off with their main event picks they hinted towards and it’s necessary because they have to clean up the ring. Mark Henry picks Joe Hendry, and he better be correct. Ryan Nemeth interrupts with the “my brootthhheerrr” stuff, and Santino calls him “Fuck Face Guy”. It’s all good stuff, and I’m still a big fan of the Mokuba gimmick, but now they ban Ryan Nemeth.Â
TNA World Championship: Nic Nemeth (c) vs Joe Hendry
Simple chain wrestling start until Nic has a few words and then snaps off a Dropkick, does his show off Dolph stuff so Hendry runs him over with a Shoulder Block and then a Knee Lift. Hendry tries his Stalling Suplex but Nic slips it into a Rear Naked Choke! Hendry spins Nic around, walks around with the Stalling Suplex before finally dropping Nic. Ryan Nemeth shows up with a ticket, so he’s sitting in the crowd now. Joe gets distracted just enough for Nic to jump up and hit a delayed DDT. After Nic tries to stretch Joe a little, Hendry goes into locomotion Cradles but Nic drops Joe to take a breather. Nic does his single Shot to the Heart Elbow and he’s really embracing the old Dolph Ziggler show off ego. Ziggler looks for a Rude Awakening after more arrogant moments, but Joe tries to fight it off, so Nic just snaps off a Jumping Neckbreaker.
Joe manages to hit a Cutter off the ropes to try and get some energy from the crowd. Strike exchange happens here, Uppercuts from Joe and Fists from Nic. Joe blocks one fist, throws a few of his own together and a Lariat levels Nic. Sack of Shit into the Kip Up! Counters galore from both men before Nic gets caught in the Pop-Up Powerbomb! Attitude Adjustment for just a near fall. You see moments of Nic trying to cheat or find an angle but he hasn’t done anything overtly heelish yet. Joe is rocking him with chops, perches Nic on the top, looks for the Superplex but Nic fights back, Hendry gets pushed off, Crossbody but Hendry rolls through, holds on and gets his Powerbomb countered into a FAMEasser for two! Nic crawls to a corner, looks to climb for something big, Hendry cuts him off, Avalanche Sack of Shit! Kaz walks out with the trophy as both men sell, but JBL comes out of the crowd and Clothesline from Hell on Kaz. JBL punches Ryan in the face as he comes out to say something. Then Tuxedo JBL leaves after doing his job. Standing Ovation from HENDRY! 1-2-NO! Nic kicks out!
The crowd chants “One More Time” and it fires up Hendry, he does the heel turn and goes full Queen Stomp, tries again, but Nic slips it. Superkick into Danger Zone and it’s….HENDRY KICKS OUT! Nic is tuning up the band, Hendry catches Nic, Sack of Shit, Kip Up, big fire, Standing Ovation! JOE HENDRY WINS!
Overall Score: 7/10
Even if the match quality wasn’t bonkers, mostly all the matches did what they needed to do, were fairly good and a good number of NXT talent showed up to make the Live iMPACT! and TNA really feel like something special right now. I’m an unabashed Tessa fan, so I’m giddy she won and Hendry finally getting the title is the latest they could’ve really dragged this out to, but at least it stops him from becoming Tetsuya Nai-Joe.
I’m not gonna be a hypocrite from previous complaints I made with too many champions being babyfaces, because that’s still bad and proves the next few title defenses could prove volatile. However, I of course just enjoy most of the current champions. So while it doesn’t erase the fact it’s bad, it makes it more palatable for me personally. Now if only PCO destroyed the Knockouts Tags instead of a different irrelevant belt.
Also let’s be very clear, anyone that believes the PCO stunt was a legit shoot doesn’t know wrestling. Everything is a work until it isn’t and then it still could be turned into a work. Don’t be gullible and just anticipate something to be worked out of it one way or the other.
Still though, good show with a lot of hype for the Live iMPACT, so Thursday should be fun! See you there!
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)Â
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 PodcastÂ
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!
Oblong Ball Foot Show: NFL Divisional Playoffs
Rey, Andrew and Tunney catch you up on the NFL coaching carousel and breakdown the Divisional round matchups.
Hockey (and Sports) Talk- Age Is Just a Number [011425]
The guys discuss Alex Ovechkin making more history plus a recap of the CFP Semi-Finals and much more.
Oblong Ball Foot Show: NFL Wildcard Weekend
Dave Wortz joins the show this week as we breakdown the NFL's Wildcard Weekend!
Hockey (and Sports) Talk- Time 4 A Cool Change [010725]
The guys discuss the CFP Quarterfinals and how Alex Ovechkin breaking Wayne Gretzky's record this season now appears very likely.
Oblong Ball Foot Show: Who Is Your NFL MVP?
Join Rey Cash, Andrew Balaz and PC Tunney as they cover which way exactly the oblong ball bounces from week...
Bandwagon Nerds #272: Nerdosity
The Nerds discuss the MCU including Captain America, Daredevil, Avengers, and Vision Quest. Plus, the Switch 2 is official and...
Bandwagon Nerds #271: Jack Quaid aka Jack Paid
The Nerds review 2024 and reveal their choices for the best of the year in categories such as best series,...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (1/11/25)
Setting the Brackets!
Bandwagon Nerds #270: Deathgrass & Rainbows
The Nerds return to the Trailer Park, address some rumors about Half-Life 3 and the MCU, and discuss Jason Mamoa...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu Results & Report! (12/31/24)
History comes full circle!
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (1/20/25)
WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!
Andrew’s TNA Genesis Results & Match Ratings: 1.19.25
Does TNA Believe in Joe Hendry more than Mokuba Nemeth believes in his big brother?
Classic POD is WAR: Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice… Goldberg
The Chairshot, brings you THE podcast that will absolutely have you questioning everything you thought you knew about professional wrestling,...
Mitchell’s AEW Collision Results & Report! (1/18/25)
The carnage continues!
Mindless Wrestling Podcast: RAW, TNA & AEW
We've got a little bit of everything this week. With DJ out on assignment, Rob and Jason bring you ALL...
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (1/17/25)
Will Tiffy Time be cut short?
DWI Podcast #459: RIP Mr. Baseball Bob Uecker
DP and PC run down a plethora of topics from RAW and SmackDown as we head towards the Royal Rumble.
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 1.16.25
The Go Home for Genesis this Sunday! Let's see what happens!
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (1/16/25)
Stir it up!
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (1/15/25)
Let the carnage begin!
