Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (1/18/22)
The main event is sacred!
The Ring General has come to conquer NXT!
Though NXT UK had his Last Stand, Der Ring General’s journey in NXT prime has only just begun! Will Roderick Strong survive a Walter chop?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Grayson Waller VS Dexter Lumis; Waller wins.
- Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic 2022 Opening Round: Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen VS The Creed Brothers w/ Malcolm Bivens; The Creed Brothers win and advance to the semifinals.
- Dante Chen VS Guru Raaj; Chen wins, by disqualification.
- Kay Lee Ray VS Ivy Nile w/ Malcolm Bivens; Nile wins.
- Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic 2022 Opening Round: Legado del Fantasma VS Malik Blade & Edris Enofe; Malik & Edris win and advance to the semifinals.
- Yulisa Leon w/ Valentina Feroz VS Dakota Kai; Kai wins.
- Walter VS Roderick Strong w/ Malcolm Bivens; Walter wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
LA Knight pulls up.
He asks around for where Grayson Waller is. Does anyone remember when people used to like that guy? Neither does Knight. But if Chase U wants a teachable moment, just keep your eyes on Knight. Knight keeps asking around, and wants someone to hit his music! Knight goes right to the ring and fans are chanting his name as he gets the mic. Knight has them settle down, and says, “YEAH!” Fans echo the “YEAH!” and he says “Lemme talk to ya! Matter of fact, let me get right to business. Grayson Waller. Go ahead and bring your scrawny ass out here so I can finish what I started last week!”
Knight waits, but no Waller. Fans chant, “Grayson Sucks!” and Knight says this is what he expected. He has to turn his back to get Waller out here? We all know Waller won’t look Knight in the eyes. But the bottom line is, Waller needs to understand that week after week, there is a sound that Waller hears. It’s “Grayson Sucks!” But as much as that chaps Waller’s ass, Knight knows there’s a sound that haunts Waller. There’s a sound that brings a feeling into Waller he can’t understand, and that is when fans chant for L A KNIGHT! Halloween Havoc, Waller sabotages Knight’s car, but he couldn’t get the job done.
Waller does a halfway awesome move at WarGames, and he thinks that took out LA Knight. NOPE! And then Waller gets upset that a sweet little chickadee turns him down for Knight. But it wasn’t because of Knight, it was cuz she knew Waller couldn’t get the job done. But finally, here comes the 21st Century Success Story! Knight throws off his shirt to get ready, but Waller stays on stage with a big envelope in his hands. Waller says this is a restraining order that says Knight can’t touch Waller! So “lemme talk to ya.” Waller says there is nothing he’d love more than to get in the ring and fight Knight after Knight acted like a dog and attacked Waller for no reason at all!
But Waller’s lawyers advised him that for Waller’s safety and Knight’s, this is what has to happen. This is Knight’s fault! Here, have a look! Waller throws the envelope in the ring and is sure Knight will struggle with the big words. But the idea is that if Knight gets within 50 feet of Waller, he’ll be arrested! “You got served! YEAH~!” Waller measures out the distance but Knight says everyone is over hearing Waller talk. But this is impressive, even for Waller. But tell ya what. What do the fans think? They boo the restraining order! “Rip that sh*t!” Waller dares Knight to do that and then we’ll see what the lawyers say!
Knight says this is fine for Knight, but there’s no restraining order against… DEXTER LUMIS! Waller’s past is coming back to haunt him as Lumis slithers out from under the ring! Lumis creeps up on Waller, and gets him for the SILENCE! Waller slips free, but Knight says Waller has two choices: lift the restraining order to get dropped on his ass by Knight, or keep it and be put to sleep by Lumis! Waller has to pick his poison, what’s he going to choose?
Grayson Waller VS Dexter Lumis!
NXT returns and Waller went with the Tortured Artist rather than the Million Dollar Megastar! And this match is already underway, Lumis drops an ax handle on Waller! Waller flounders, Lumis follows him and bumps him off buckles. Waller staggers, Lumis bumps him off more buckles, and fans rally as he whips Waller to a corner. Lumis lines up the short, but he blocks the boot! Waller swings but Lumis avoids the hands. Waller wants Lumis to let him down easy, but Lumis CLOBBERS him instead! “Dexter’s gonna kill~ you~!” as Lumis throws more hands. But Waller JAWBREAKERS!
Waller wrenches an arm to hit an armbar DDT! Waller then hammerlocks and RAMS Lumis into a corner! Fans chant, “Grayson Sucks!” but Waller wraps an arm around ropes to pull! Waller clinches to throw knees, then he wrenches to CLUB the arm. Lumis kicks back from a corner but Waller ROCKS him with a right. Waller wraps the arm around ropes, then jumps up to CLUB the arm! Waller keeps on Lumis, fireman’s carry, but Lumis slips off to shove and pop-up UPPERCUT! Waller flounders, Lumis watches him, and them Lumis turns Waller for a NECKBREAKER! Lumis looms over Waller, drags him up, and turns him again, another NECKBREAKER!
Lumis still watches as Waller flounders. Fans want that “One More Time!” and Lumis turns Waller again for a third NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Lumis clamps onto Waller with a chinlock and squeezes tight! Waller fights up to JAWBREAKER again! Waller whips but Lumis reverses to put him on the apron. Waller HOTSHOTS the bad arm! Waller drags Lumis out, ROCKS him, then gets in the ring to build speed and slide, to LARIAT Lumis down! The fans chant, “You Still Suck!” as NXT goes picture in picture.
Waller taunts Lumis with the drop steps, then he drags Lumis up to SLAM the bad arm on the apron! Waller puts Lumis in, clamps onto the bad arm, and hammerlocks it to then roll and SNAP it! Lumis writhes but Waller drags him up. Waller has the arm for a double wristlock and he wrangles Lumis down for another hammerlock. Waller cranks the hold, Lumis endures, so Waller isolates and stomps the bad arm! GargaNO Escape! Waller is copying Gargano, but Lumis tolls it over, TWO!! Waller escapes and CLUBS Lumis down! Lumis shakes out the bad arm, but Waller drags Lumis back into an armlock.
Lumis continues to endure, but Waller throws him down by his hair. Waller goes to the corner, walks the ropes, but Lumis gets up to ROCKET LAUNCH Waller off them! Lumis shakes out the bad arm and fans rally up. Lumis drags Waller up but Waller kicks low! Waller wrenches the arm, for a takedown into the FUJIWARA! Lumis endures, Waller cranks way back on the arm, but then Waller lets off to do drop steps on the arm! Lumis endures knee after knee, but Waller clamps back on. Waller traps the good arm, then has the bad arm in a top wristlock. Lumis endures, NXT returns to single picture, and fans rally as Lums fights up!
Waller clamps on with a chinlock but Lumis RAMS him into a corner! Lumis ROCKS Waller with right hand after right hand! Lumis DECKS Waller, and again, and again! Waller flounders up into an UPPERCUT! Fans fire up as Lumis whips and back drops Waller! Waller flounders, Lumis waistlocks and deadlifts him, into a BIG back suplex! And a kip up to the LEG DROP! Fans fire up and Lumis is shaking with that energy! Lumis waits for Waller to stand, SIDE EFFECT, into the SILENCE! But Waller gets the ROPEBREAK! Waller escapes, Lumis goes out and has the clinch! Waller RAMS Lumis into the announce desk!
Waller gets in the ring, he talks with the ref, but then someone attacks Lumis! He POSTS Lumis, feeds him into the ring, and Waller somersaults for the STUNNER! Cover, Waller wins!
Winner: Grayson Waller, by pinfall
But give the assist to the mysterious man in the suit! Does Waller have a bodyguard to protect him from all the enemies he’s got in NXT?
NXT shares how we got to tonight’s main event.
Malcolm Bivens says the Creed Brothers won’t just run through the Dusty Cup, they’ll sprint. And once they win the cup, they’re going after the NXT Tag Team Champions. No one is worried about Imperium, they’re a bunch of bit-Walter storms in and asks Bivens what he was gonna say. He was gonna say they’re body guys! Who’re their personal trainer? Walter lifts Bivens up against the lockers! Roderick Strong storms in and tells Walter to put Bivens down. So Roddy is stepping up for this guy? Strong says everyone else is afraid of Walter, but he’s not. Well good for Roddy. But he will be afraid. Will Der Ring General put the fear of Imperium into the Diamond Mine?
The Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic is back!
Meet the eight teams who are in this year’s tournament! Grizzled Young Veterans, Zack Gibson & James Drake, SSSOOON to be recognized as your winners! The Creed Brothers, Julius & Brutus, who are all about wrestling tournaments. Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen, who will punch those best made plans right out! Jacket Time, KUSHIDA & Ikeman Jiro, who say it is only a matter of time before taking on Imperium. Andre Chase and his star student, Bodhi Hayward, who are ready to give out TEACHABLE MOMENTS! Legado Del Fantasma’s Joaquin Wilde & Raul Mendoza, who are ready to do this for legacy!
Malik Blade & Edris Enofe, who are ready to shock the work! And of course, last year’s winners, MSK! Wes Lee & Nash Carter are ready to run it back! The road to the titles runs through the Dusty Rhodes Classic! Our opening round match-ups are: Briggs & Brooks VS The Creed Brothers; GYV VS Chase U; Legado VS Malik & Edris; and MSK VS Jacket Time! Let the quarterfinals begin!
MSK talks backstage.
Wes Lee says Briggs & Brooks VS Creed Brothers is gonna be a banger, and Nash Carter says so will their match with Jacket Time! Those two are low key tough. But MSK is on a mission. Just like Shaman Bro Riddle said, no tag team is gonna stand in their way. But why say it all serious? But Legado walks in, saying, “Well if it isn’t last year’s Dusty Cup winners. Keyword: last year.” They won’t win again. But if by some miracle they get past Jacket Time, they’ll meet Legado in the semifinals. That is where their mission ends. Lee honestly didn’t understand a word of that. Then understand this! Legado is winning, not MSK.
Yo, focus on Edris & Malik first. Oh please. That’s light work. See you in the next round. MSK says Legado is just being cocky. But will Wilde & Mendoza back it all up later tonight?
Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic 2022 Opening Round: Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen VS The Creed Brothers w/ Malcolm Bivens!
A couple o’ good ol’ boys who love brawling in bars go against two blood brothers who are like a well-oiled machine! Will Briggs & Brooks break the Diamond Mine? Or will they be the ones cracking under pressure?
NXT returns and Briggs & Brooks make their entrance. The teams sort out, Brutus starts with Brooks, and he gets a leg right away! They end up on the ropes, the ref counts and Brutus lets off. Brooks comes back but Brutus gets him for a full takedown! Fans rally for Diamond Mine but Brooks gets the ropebreak. They go again, Brutus shoots in but Brooks KNEES him down! The mouthpiece comes out and Brooks kicks it away! Brutus gets mad but runs into a CHOP! Brooks throws crossface forearms, then headlocks. Brutus powers out, Brooks hops over to CLUB him! Brooks dropkicks Brutus to the corner and tags in Briggs.
The good ol’ boys double scoop SLAM Brutus, then Briggs drops an elbow! Briggs clamps on a double wristlock but Brutus fights up to power Briggs to the corner! Tag to Julius but Briggs throws big haymakers! Julius gets a waistlock but Briggs elbows him away and corner clotheslines! Tag to Brooks, they whip Julius to run him over with double shoulders! Fans jeer but Brooks and Briggs go out to double HAYMAKER Julius back in! Brooks gets in to clamp on a headlock but Julius endures. Fans rally up, powers his way over and Brutus tags in, Julius powers out, Brooks runs into an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly that sends him out!
The Creeds are all fired up, and so are the fans! Brutus puts Brooks in the ring, tags Julius back in, and they give Brooks knees to the ribs from all sides! Julius clamps on with a top wristlock and chinbar to grind Brooks down! Fans rally, Brooks fights up, but Julius gives him a SPINEBUSTER! Tag to Brutus, and Julius gut wrench SLAMS him onto Brooks! Brutus has a bit of blood in his mouth but he’s fired up more as he throws hands down on Brooks. Tag to Julius, Julius drags Brooks up but Brooks breaks free. Brooks throws hands but Julius RAMS him into the ropes! He wants another but Brooks dodges! Julius hits ropes and he sputters on the mat!
Both men crawl as fans fire up, hot tags to Briggs and Brutus! Briggs rallies with big hands, then runs to BOOT Brutus down! Julius runs into a SIDEWALK SLAM and SPLASH! Briggs fires up, fans are torn, but he back elbows Brutus and CLUBS him down! Briggs CLOBBERS Julius out of the ring! Brutus runs into a choke grip and CHOKE SLAM! Cover, Julius breaks it! Brooks throws Julius out! Julius RAMS Brooks into barriers! Brutus tags Julius in during the O’Conner Roll, Julius drags Brooks up! Half Hatch to the torture rack BOMB!! BASEMENT LARIAT! Cover, the Creeds win!
Winners: The Creed Brothers, by pinfall (advance to the next round)
Bivens and the fans are all fired up for this win! It was fast and furious, but will Julius & Brutus be able to blaze a trail to the cup?
NXT hears from Dante Chen.
“Four months ago, when NXT 2.0 first launched, I was one of many superstars getting an opportunity to prove themselves.” He is the first Singapore born wrestler when he made his debut in September. But we haven’t seen him since because of a leg injury. It was frustrating to see his peers compete and find success at events like Halloween Havoc, WarGames and New Year’s Evil. His father has told him to keep pushing, but two months ago, his father passed away. Dante’s dad was his biggest fan, but Dante is now dedicating his recovery to his father. As of today, Dante is back! The Singaporean Warrior is ready to fight!
Walter talks with Imperium.
He tells them, in German, “Men, I gotta say… when I was gone, you were the ones waving our flag here. As NXT Tag Team Champions, you did very well. Congratulations and thank you.” Marcel Barthel responds that, “You know Imperium means all for one and one for all. We’re going to keep putting on the absolute best performance of the night, 100%.” Aichner agrees, and says “We work harder than anybody else here. This year is going to do go down in history as the year that the era of Imperium began.” Walter agrees with that, and says, “Nobody will ever forget this day because today is the day we start our mission.
“We have dominated the UK. Now it’s time to make everyone in WWE understand what Imperium stands for, and it begins today with a win over Roderick Strong.” They are Imperium, and the mat is sacred!
Dante Chen VS Guru Raaj!
The wait is over, the warrior is back! Will he pick up where he left off and
The bell rings, the two shake hands to show there is respect, and they tie up. Dante headlocks, Raaj powers out and things speed up, Raaj dropkicks Dante down! Cover, TWO! Raaj clamps on with a chinlock, but Dante endures. Fans rally and Dante fights up to power out. Things speed up again, Raaj ducks and dodges but Dante throws him out! Then he PLANCHAS! Fans fire up, Dante drags Raaj up, but who is this attacking?! He BOOTS Dante down and RAMS Raaj into steps!
Winner: Dante Chen, by disqualification
That’s DUKE HUDSON! And he RAMS Dante into barriers! Dante sputters, Duke puts him in the ring, and then reels him in for a POWERBOMB! Then Duke rains down furious fists! Refs rush out to stop Duke but the damage is done! Fans boo as Duke storms off. “Duke Hudson’s back! So stay outta my way!!” Is Duke done with playing poker?
Joe Gacy walks and talks with Harland.
Tonight, they could’ve been a team moving on to the semifinals in the Dusty Cup. But Gacy isn’t blaming Harland. He could never be mad at Harland. Just disappointed that they won’t have their names on the cup. But times like these are about growth and development. Odyssey Jones hopes Gacy doesn’t believe those words. Or is he that full of crap? Gacy thanks “Mr. Jones” for his feedback, but how is he doing after his accident? Oh, just a training injury. Jones will be back in a few weeks. Then please, allow Gacy to get the door for him. Thanks…
Jones walks through, and Gacy says they can’t allow negativity to spread like wildfire. Their ability to face it is a true measure of progress. Harland glances the way Jones went. Will Gacy and Harland look to snuff out those who don’t agree with Gacy’s way?
Backstage interview with Bron Breakker.
McKenzie asks if it’s set in that he is the NEW NXT Champion. It has. This was his goal from when he first stepped through the door here, but he’s ready for all that comes with this title. Then what does he make of the interaction between Bron and Santos Escobar last week? Santos is a great performer, a former champoin, but just like everyone else, is coming for Bron. But here comes Elektra Lopez. She says Bron is one of the fastest rising stars in NXT history. Stop there, save it. He’s not interested. Escobar says this isn’ta bout her, cabron. But Escobar is a different story. Bron may be El Campeon, but he’s not ready to carry this brand.
And soon, NXT 2.0 will look a lot better with that title around Escobar’s waist. Bron wants Escobar to give him a reason to kick his ass right now. Escobar just smirks, and tells the young champion that he will soon learn things are done on Escobar’s time. Adios. But will Bron make sure Escobar has anything but a buenos noches?
Tony D’Angelo holds a memorial service for Pete Dunne.
But the Bruiserweight isn’t dead… Even so, Tony has the crowbar on top of the casket while there’s a picture of Dunne shrugging. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate the career of the Bruiserweight, Petey Poppins. Petey Poppins was a pig headed man, and uh, he didn’t listen to nobody. So he needed o be taguth a lesson by me, Tony D.” Tony tried and tried but Petey had to learn the hard way. Just like Cousin Tulio always said, when you take care of business, handle it by any means necessary. So for the sake of everyone here, this is a closed casket service. Tony doesn’t think anyone wants to see Pete’s face after that crowbar broke his thick skull.
Fans chant for the Bruiserweight but Tony wants them to listen. They can’t mourn forever, right? Tony’s on to bigger and better things. More important things! He just got done beatin’ one of the most decorated champions in NXT history, so it’s about time Tony D added some gold to his collection. Specifically, around his waist, if you know what he’s sayin’. So uh, Tony’s got his eyes on that what’s it called? The North American Championship! What ya think about that? But here comes Carmelo Hayes & Trick Williams! Trick has Tony turn around, they’re in the perch! Melo tells Tony that he’s happy and he’ll let him finish, but last week Trick ‘n’ Melo had the best memorial service of all time!
But in all seriousness, what’s that about this title? These guys are dressed for the occasion, weren’t they all boys? What? Oh they thought they were boys. Teammates, sure, but not boys. Tony has Jerry the Hack, Sammy the Shark, Benny the Groin, and even JT the Brick. But Melo, this is nothing personal. Just business. Trick tells Tony they know about the hack, the brick, Ben and Jerry, Moe, Larry and Curly, but it don’t matter any! They all look like Vic Joseph! Melo says this isn’t even the point. If you wanna talk business, the title is Melo’s business, so keep that out your mouth, or the next memorial service will be Tony’s! And Melo promises, it’ll be closed casket!
But wait! Here comes Cameron Grimes! “Tony, Tony, Tony. I hate to tell ya this, but uh, you’re gonna have to wait at the back of the line.” Fans chat “To The Moon!” as Grimes tells Melo that he walked up to him like a man, looked him dead in his eyes, and Trick was there. Grimes said he was coming for that title. But Grimes hasn’t heard back. Well, there was a call from the rental service about a scratch on the car. Th-that wasn’t a rental! Melo & Trick own that car! Grimes got jokes, huh? How about the goofies go 1v1 and maybe the winner gets a shot at The A Champion. Grimes says he ain’t got a problem with that. He’ll fight Tony, Trick AND Melo because he is a 220 pound rocket going TO THE-
Tony swings on Grimes, but Grimes dodges! Grimes grabs the portrait of Pete and SMASHES it on Tony’s head! Oh! Ey! Grimes bails out, but will Tony make him fogedaboutit?
Briggs & Brooks regroup backstage.
They both know it isn’t fun to win, but men are made through patience and overcoming obstacles. They just gotta keep on keepin’ on. But then Kacy & Kayden walk in to say they should stop worrying and go out for some drinks. Work hard tomorrow, but party hard tonight. Wendy Choo is on top of the lockers and she says, “Oooh~! He likes you!” Brooks gets embarrassed and tries to explain it, but Kayden tells him to hit the showers. Please don’t go… Less is more, brother. Dang. Brooks still tries to explain it away and Wendy just takes a sip of her drink. Will Brooks get his head in the game? Or will his lack of game leave him on the sidelines?
NXT hears from Valetina Feroz & Yulisa Leon.
In Spanish, Feroz says these two have been teaming for just two months, and they’re already having so much fun. Leon says you may not know a lot about them, so they’ll show you. Feroz is a black belt in judo and jiujitsu, and won gold in the2017 Abu Dhabi World Jiujitsu Championships. Leon is the first-ever Mexican born woman in WWE, who won weight lifting gold in the world games, and even could’ve gone to the Olympics. These two are badass women who fight hard and play hard. They’re from different countries with different backgrounds, but they have the same goal in NXT: the Women’s Tag Team Championships! So welcome to their jungle, baby!
Backstage interview with Feroz & Leon.
How excited are they to be in the Women’s Dusty Cup? SO excited! This is what they’ve been waiting for! But then Dakota Kai comes laughing in. This is so adorable. But uh… the voices in Dakota tells her to tell them some advice: nothing divides friendship more than success. What is her problem? She’ll be their problem! Oh nothing is happening with Leon backing Feroz up. Then let’s see about that later tonight! Leon is looking forward to it, lil’ nina. But what is Dakota thinking picking a fight without back-up?
Kay Lee Ray VS Ivy Nile w/ Malcolm Bivens!
The Scary Queen of Scots busted up the photoshoot set when she missed her chance to get at Mandy Rose. KLR may want after the gold, but can she break Diamond Mine’s top prospect?
The bell rings and they tie up. They go around, Nile powers KLR back but KLR turns it around. Nile powers KLR back but KLR arm-drags her away. The two reset and they both smirk. They tie up, KLR waistlocks but Nile elbows free. Nile waistlocks, rolls KLR then gets the arm for a top wristlock! Fans rally, KLR arm-drags free and CHOPS Nile! Then CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! KLR whips, then dropkicks Nile down! Cover, TWO! KLR stalks Nile to ropes, brings her up, but Nile blocks the suplex! Nile throws body shots, then back drops KLR away! KLR goes to a corner, Nile runs in to dropkick her down! And ENZIGURI! Cover, TWO!
Nile keeps focus and Bivens coaches her up. Nile stomps KLR, drags her up to snapmare and headscissor. KLR endures the squeeze, fights up, but Nile drags her back down! KLR keeps fighting, gets up to her feet, and she cartwheels free! KLR elbows Nile from the corner, then dodges to rally with lariats! KLR brings Nile in, suplexes, GOURD BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Nile checks her face, but KLR grabs at her. Nile trips KLR, rolls her, and hooks her for the LEG DDT! Cover, TWO!! KLR survives and Nile can’t believe it! Nile listens to Bivens’ coaching and she gets KLR in a fireman’s carry. But KLR fights free to SUPERKICK!
Nile flounders up, but KLR gets her for a Gory Especial! But here comes Mandy! KLR swings ont he champ, but Mandy gets away! KLR still gets Nile back up, K L NO! Sunset flip, NILE WINS!!
Winner: Ivy Nile, by pinfall
And then Mandy pounces on KLR! Nile leaves it at winning, but KLR tackles Mandy! KLR stomps Mandy, but here come Jacy & Gigi! Toxic Attraction save their leader, they snapmare and DOUBLE SUPERKICK KLR! Then they set her back up for Mandy, but Indi & Persia get in! They fight with Gigi & Jacy! SPINEBUSTER for Gigi, then Jacy gets a LARIAT! And another LARIAT! Persia scoops Jacy to SNAKE EYES, and then KLR SUPERKICKS her down! Fans cheer as KLR stands tall with Indi & Persia, but will these three be able to rip out Toxic Attraction by the roots?
Harland attacked Odyssey Jones!
Harland throws the bent crutch aside, and Gacy is there smiling. Have they just ended Odyssey’s journey back to action? Or is this only fanning the flames of that “negativity” they stand against?
Sarray speaks.
“2021 was my first year here, but everything didn’t go as planned.” She’s even shared on social media that she felt lost. So after returning home to Japan to recovery physically and mentally, Sarray found a necklace her grandmother gave her when she was little. Her grandma was her hero, strong and never gave up. Thanks to finding this necklace, Sarray feels like she can conquer the world. It reminds her who she is and where she is from. She is the Warrior of the Sun! She is returning to America and NXT with a new passion and energy! Will Sarray revitalize her rise here in NXT?
Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic 2022 Opening Round: Legado del Fantasma VS Malik Blade & Edris Enofe!
After La Madrina kicked Xyon Quinn to the curb, Santos Escobar’s stable feels stronger than ever! But will Wilde & Mendoza be able to stop the fired up new team that stands before them?
Wilde starts with Malik and they tie up. Wilde shoves Malik away and says Malik doesn’t deserve to be in his ring. Malik rushes in but into a wrench and wristlock. Wilde wrangles Malik, but he kips up to arm-drag free! And arm-drag Wilde down to an armlock! Wilde gets up but Malik whips him into the corner for a SPLASH! Tag to Enofe, he snapmares Wilde for Malik’s SLIDING LARIAT, then adds a STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Enofe drags Malik up but Malik whips him to a corner. Enofe tumbles up, out, and ROCKS him with a right. Enofe jumps in to SLING-DOG! Cover, TWO!
Enofe headlocks, Wilde powers him to ropes and Mendoza tags in. Enofe holds on but Wilde powers out and sends him into a GAMANGIRI! Mendoza and Wilde double whip to DOUBLE SPINEBUSTER! Then they split the wishbone and hit a basement dropkick sandwich! Cover, TWO! Mendoza puts Enofe in a corner to CHOP! Then he bumps Enofe off buckles, whips him corner to corner then runs in, only to miss and get buckles! Enofe reaches out but Mendoza stops him from tagging Malik! Mendoza suplexes, Enofe slips out and shoves, hot tag to Malik! Malik rallies with haymakers on Mendoza, then throws forearms! And a dropkick!
Fans fire up for the hometown hero as he HOOK KICKS, and runs, but Escobar trips him! Fans boo, the ref EJECTS him! Wilde tags in and Legado are furious! Escobar argues with the ref while Legado sets up, but as Mendoza runs, Enofe dumps him out! Wilde CLUBS Malik, but Bron TRIPS Escobar off the apron! Bron carries Escobar away, Malik O’Conner Rolls! MALIK & ENOFE WIN!!
Winners: Malik Blade & Edris Enofe, by pinfall (advance to the second round)
This might be a bracket buster! The Emperor of Lucha just cost his team, will Legado ever live this one down?
Malcolm Bivens speaks.
Tonight, Diamond Mine is two for two! Nile has proven she can beat any woman, and the Creeds are one step closer to the Dusty Cup! Later, Diamond Mine will be three for three because their leader will WIPE the mat with Walter! Walter put his hands on Bivens, but Walter thinks the mat is sacred. No it is not. It is a revenue generator to make it so they can move on up to that deluxe apartment in the sky! “Walter, you’re big, you’re strong, you won a bunch of matches in Europe or whatever. But tonight, the mat belongs to Roderick Strong and Diamond Mine.” Will the Savior of the Backbreaker show Der Ring General who is really in charge of the canvas?
Solo Sikoa speaks.
“Boa. I said I’d take on whoever shows up. But last week, you took it to the next level. Never been hit with a fireball before. Burnt half my face. If you wanna bring out your ancestral powers, then let’s go. You’re not the only one who can call on his past, whose bloodline came from warriors.” Solo shows the burn on his face, and says next week, it doesn’t matter where they go. The ring, the streets of the locker room, bring the war paint. They’re going to face off in a No Holds Barred Falls Count Anywhere match!!
Yulisa Leon w/ Valentina Feroz VS Dakota Kai!
The new team on the block is ready to show everyone that they’re worthy of opportunities, but the former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion stands in their way. Will #CobraKai poison the water before these two even start swimming?
The bell rings, Leon circles with Dakota, they tie up, and Leon powers Dakota to a corner. Dakota turns it around, but Leon pushes her away. Dakota just laughs it off, and she ties up with Leon again. Leon waistlocks, SLAMS Dakota down, then gator rolls with her. Leon throws Dakota around, sunset flips, TWO! Dakota flounders to a corner, Leon runs in but is sent into buckles! Dakota clubs Leon, then chokes her on the ropes! The ref counts, Dakota lets off, but then CLUBS Leon down. Dakota stomps and kicks Leon, covers, ONE! Dakota CLUBS Leon around, drags her back up, then bumps her off buckles.
Dakota digs her boot in, the ref counts and Dakota lets off at 2. Dakota CLUBS Leon, brings her around to snapmare, and then covers, ONE! Dakota talks to herself, or that voice in her head, and she gets mad. Dakota drags Leon up, whips Leon to a corner hard, and Leon falls. Dakota goes side to side, BOOT WASH! Cover, ONE! Leon is showing toughness but Dakota keeps on her. Leon ROCKS Dakota with forearm after forearm, but Dakota BOOTS her down! Leon bails out of the ring, Dakota goes out after her. Dakota taunts Feroz as she’s there, but Dakota swings on her! Feroz dodges, Leon ROCKS Dakota!
Leon puts Dakota in, Feroz fires up her tag partner, and Leon rallies with lariats! GUT WRENCH SUPLEX! Dakota staggers up into a scoop, and Leon shows the strength in the BRIDGING FALL AWAY SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Dakota escapes but fans are fired up! Leon runs into a SCORPION KICK! Dakota goes Around the World to BOOT! Cover, Dakota wins!
Winner: Dakota Kai, by pinfall
Captain Kota kicks her way back into a winning track, but then she attacks Feroz! She puts Feroz in the corner, Dakota runs Around the World, but Leon saves Feroz! Will Leon & Feroz
Backstage interview with Raquel Gonzalez.
What’s big for Raquel after losing at New Year’s Evil? Well, everyone surely expects her to make a big deal about Dakota helping Mandy in the first place, and Raquel could complain about not being the one who took the pin. But c’mon, look at her! She is Big Mami Cool! She doesn’t make excuses. And it should be no surprise that she is still coming after Mandy and the title. But Cora Jade scoots in to say so is she. But Cora wants to ask Raquel something real quick. Doesn’t Raquel wanna be a back to back Dusty Cup winner? They could walk in, win it all, and take the titles off Gigi & Jacy. No, it’s because of Cora that Raquel has no title.
Raquel likes Cora. But she needs to stay out of Raquel’s way. So thanks, but no thanks. Cora says she’ll convince Raquel. There’s still time before the Women’s Dusty Cup begins, can #GenerationJade get Ricky Desperado on her side? Or will she just get on Raquel’s nerves?
Malik & Enofe regroup backstage.
“What did we say? What, did, we, say?!” They said they were gonna shock the world, and here it is! Two down, two to go! Next is the semifinals! Bron Breakker comes over to congratulate them. But they don’t need to thank him, that win was all them. Good luck the rest of the way, go win the cup! Enofe & Malik are fired up, but who they want next? Doesn’t matter, they’ll be ready! They break it down, but will they continue to bust brackets against their next opponents?
Walter VS Roderick Strong w/ Malcolm Bivens!
Walter said farewell for now to NXT UK, and he’s about to say hello to NXT 2.0 in a big way! Will Der Ring General break the backbreaker? Or will Strong prove why he’s the leader of Diamond Mine?
NXT returns and Strong makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. The fans chant for “WAL~TER!” and the tow tie up., Walter headlocks and THROWS Strong away! Strong gets to a corner, Walter eggs him on. Strong comes back, circles with Walter again, and they tie up. Strong gets a leg, Walter drops to keep Strong down and bends at a leg. Strong gets free, has a leg guard, and gets up at the ropes. Walter is after Strong but Strong uses a forearm to grind Walter in the face. The ref counts, Walter lets off and the two go again. Walter corners Strong, gets an arm, wrenches and WRINGS Strong to a wristlock.
Strong endures, fights up, and fans rally as Walter wrenches again. Strong gets up, powers his way through and gets a headlock. Walter puts Strong on ropes, lets off, but Strong avoids the chop to CHOP! But Walter catches the hand! Strong gets away and uses a corner for defense. Fans rally, Walter eggs Strong on, and the two reset. They tie up, Strong gets the headlock again, but Walter powers up. Strong holds on, grinds the hold, but Walter throws body shots., Walter pushes Strong to a corner, Strong goes up but gets caught! Strong slips free and ROCKS Walter with boxing elbows and a CHOP! Walter CHOPS Strong off his feet!
Fans are thunderous as Walter stomps Strong! Walter stomps Strong to a corner, snapmares him down, and NECK TWISTS! Strong writhes and fans say “This is Awesome!” already! Walter stomps Strong, Strong gets back to a corner, and Strong throws body shots and forearms. Walter throws hands then BOOTS Strong down! Walter looms over Strong, drags him up, throws EuroUppers, then has Strong on the ropes. Bivens complains as Walter has Strong in the ropes, so Walter LCUBS Strong, and drags Bivens up! Strong CHOP BLOCKS a leg to save Bivens! Strong dropkicks Walter out of the ring! And then runs again, but Walter catches him! APRON BACK SUPLEX!
NXT goes picture in picture while Walter catches his breath. Walter drags Strong onto the apron to CHOP him! Walter goes into the ring, drags Strong back up and CLUBS him on the back. Strong staggers away, Walter has him in the corner to CLUB him in the chest! Walter then brings Strong around to scoop and SLAM, then wraps on a chinlock. Walter traps on arm, Strong resists Walter going for the other arm, so Walter just grinds the chinlock even harder. Strong endures, pries at the chinlock, but Walter thrashes him around! Walter lets off just to CLUB Strong on the back, and then he clamps the chinlock back on.
Strong endures again as Walter leans his weight on the hold. Bivens coaches Strong but Walter changes things to a motorcycle stretch! Strong endures the knee in his back, fights his way up, but Walter wrangles him back down. Walter stands on Strong’s shoulder blades to keep him down, but Strong keeps fightihng. NXT returns to single picture, Strong is up and he kicks low. Walter knees low in return, puts Strong in a corner, but Strong BOOTS, ENZIGURIS and hops up to missile dropkick! Walter ends up in the far corner, and fans fire up as Strong runs in to clothesline! Strong CHOPS, throws forearms, then CHOPS again!
Strong reels Walter in but Walter blocks the Olympic Slam! Walter gets a SLEEPER! Strong hits a JAWBREAKER! Walter comes back for the SLEEPER! Walter thrashes Strong around, Strong pries at the hold, and he bends the fingers! Strong drops, kangaroo kicks Walter away, then runs side to side for drive-by forearms! He ducks a chop to ROCK Walter again! Walter is on the apron, Strong keeps going, more drive-by forearms, but Walter CLOBBERS him! Fans fire up, Walter goes to a corner. Walter climbs, but Strong ROCKS him first! Strong climbs, brings Walter up, but Walter throws body shots and CHOPS Strong down!
Strong comes back to GAMANGIRI! “This is Awesome!” as Strong climbs up to get Walter up, SUPERPLEX!! Fans lose their minds but Strong has to crawl to a cover, TWO!! So close and yet so far! Both men rise, Strong CHOPS and forearms, but Walter forearms back. Strong throws more forearms, Walter swings but Strong ducks to kick! Strong CHOPS again, throws more forearms, then runs, hitting more forearms and shoulder tackles! Walter hurdles Strong?! But Strong SICK KICKS Walter! Cover, TWO!! Bivens is going nuts but fans hope they “Fight Forever!” But this has to end somehow, so Strong drags Walter by the legs.
Walter boots Strong away, Strong comes back but gets caught! Walter CHOPS Strong down like a slam dunk! Walter reels Strong in, but Strong slips out of the bomb to underhook! Strong can’t lift Walter, but Walter lifts Strong and RAMS him into buckles! And then TOSSES Strong away! Walter reels Strong back in, WALTER BOMB! Cover, Walter wins!
Winner: Walter, by pinfall
Diamond Mine only goes 2-1 tonight, because Der Ring General is not like anyone else Diamond Mine could face! Walter is not like anyone that anyone in NXT could face! And Walter gets the mic to say, “NEIN! The winner of this match is GUNTA!” Imperium attacks Strong! They mug Strong, but here come the Creeds! It’s a brawl of Diamond Mine and Walter! Fans are going nuts for NXT as worlds collide! Can Julius & Brutus help Strong turn the tide against Walter and his soldiers?
My Thoughts:
What a great episode! LA Knight blending a lot of things together in that first segment was great stuff, and I like that Waller is already having to watch out for people coming after him from all sides. However, he ends up taking the next step in his Heel power ranking by getting himself a big muscular henchman. Maybe we’re getting a tag match of Waller and his henchman VS Knight and Lumis. We got a good Dusty Cup vignette to hype up tonight’s matches, and we also got a good promo from MSK and Legado to set some other things up. Creed Brothers winning was a great surprise, and I do appreciate them using that loss for Briggs & Brooks to tie back into the romance story with KC Squared. Brooks actually got to show a little bit more character being flustered talking to Kayden.
I also like that the stories of Legado overlapped. Bron had a good promo with Escobar, and then him countering Escobar trying to cheat Malik & Enofe was a nice touch. Malik & Enofe getting to be bracket busters was great, I apologize for thinking they’d be an easy opening win for someone. Next week will have the other two opening round matches, and while I’m thinking Chase U is going to be the easy win for GYV, MSK VS Jacket Time could’ve been a semifinal match in itself. Leon & Feroz have been on 205 Live, as I remember covering one of their matches before I quit 205 Live, so it’s great to know they’re on NXT and in the Women’s Dusty Cup. Leon VS Dakota was good, and naturally Dakota wins, but is Dakota going to be in the cup? With who?
Good to hear from Sarray. And her promo has a point, she was doing so well in 1.0 but then 2.0 screwed that up. I got some serious magical girl vibes from the necklace and how Sarray had an almost Clark Kent pair of glasses. If 2.0 making her into a magical girl wrestler will get her back into the title chase, then I’m fine with that. Raquel of course wants after the title, but as I was sensing, Cora wants to make this a Dusty Cup story. KLR losing to Nile because of Mandy is great for Nile, and we’re getting a big Six Woman Tag of Toxic Attraction VS KLR, Indi & Persia, setting up some big title matches for what has to be the Valentine’s Day themed special.
It’s great to see Dante Chen back, and on behalf of The Chairshot, sorry to hear about his dad. But wow, didn’t think Duke Hudson would go after him (and Guru Raaj) outta nowhere like that. Thankfully, this means Duke is done with the poker player gimmick. Solo Sikoa calling out Boa is great, they’re going to have a killer match. And speaking of, Walter VS Strong was awesome stuff. Naturally, Walter wins, but what was bigger was the brawl of Imperium and Diamond Mine. When WWE uploaded the interaction of Walter, Bivens and Strong over the weekend, I was already hoping for a Six Man Tag, and it looks like we’re getting that. That is going to be an awesome match, and I would think Imperium wins to put the pressure on the Creed Brothers to win the Dusty Cup and try to get back at them.
My Score: 8.6/10
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Who will be waiting in the wings for the AEW World Champion?
In the wake of Blood & Guts, twenty men compete in the Royal Rampage battle royal! But who will stand tall at the end as the next #1 contender?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- 2024 Royal Rampage: Darby wins and will challenge for the AEW World Championship at AEW Grand Slam.
- Kris Statlander w/ Stokely Hathaway VS Leila Grey; Kris wins.
- Lance Archer VS Alejandro; Archer wins.
- Fatal 4 Way Tag: Private Party VS The Righteous VS The Outrunners VS Rush & Kyle Fletcher w/ Don Callis; Rush & Kyle win.
PLAY BY PLAY
The 2024 Royal Rampage!
While Bryan Danielson will challenge Swerve Strickland for the AEW World Championship at All In, that is for All In. This match will see TWENTY of the best battle it out for a shot at the AEW World Championship on September 25th! Who survives here in Texas to go to New York for AEW Grand Slam?
First out, it is Orange Cassidy! Freshly Squeezed has the Pixies asking “Where is my mind?” as he rolls into the ring, then rolls all the way to the second ring. Wait, he rolls back to the first, that’s the ring he’s assigned to. But also coming out first is The Swiss Superman, Claudio Castagnoli! Then is the original Royal Rampage winner, Brody King! Will he do it all again for the House of Black? And fourth, it’s Komander! The AAA World Cruiserweight Champion has a tall task ahead of him, will he look to go for even more gold this Autumn?
The bell rings, Cassidy and Brody are on left, Claudio and Komander are on right. The fans bark it up for Brody, then he runs in Cassidy dodges, Komander dodges Claudio, and Komander KICKS Claudio’s leg! Claudio doesn’t flinch, so Komander KICKS again! Claudio TOSSES Komander to a corner, Brody runs in at Cassidy in a corner, but Cassidy dodges the big haymaker! Cassidy wrenches the hand, wristlocks and goes up the corner, while we can hear Claudio’s CHOPS on Komander echo out. Cassidy goes to the top rope, and now Komander knuckle locks and CHOPS Claudio! Komander goes up and up, and now he tightrope walks alongside Cassidy!
The fans cheer, Cassidy and Komander give each other thumbs up, and then they FLYING ARM- NO! Claudio and Brody both block the arm-drags! Claudio short arm LARIATS Komander, Brody CHOPS Cassidy off his feet! The fans bark and Claudio gives a thumbs up to Brody, but Brody does not return the gesture. Claudio storms up on Komander, scoops, and the countdown is here! Brody puts Cassidy in a corner to CHOP, and Komander slips free of Claudio. Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges to tilt-o-whirl, DEJA VU RANA, and Claudio goes up and over! But Claudio holds onto ropes to stay safe on the apron!
Komander dropkicks Claudio’s legs, but Claudio holds on with his arms! Next out is… Tomohiro Ishii! The Stone Pitbull is here, but which ring was he assigned to? Komander runs to wheelbarrow Claudio, but Claudio puts him on the apron! Komander dangles, and Ishii storms into the left ring! Ishii stares down Brody and the two dogs start firing forearms! The fans fire up, Brody CHPOS, but Ishii CHOPS! Komander dodges Claudio to springboard and FLYING- NO, Claudio stops the rana! Claudio goes to the ropes but Komander tries to rana anyway! Claudio does his best to stay in the ring while Komander dangles outside again!
Ishii runs but Brody follows to ROCK him! Brody runs but Ishii dodges and LARIATS! Ishii runs, Cassidy sneaks up behind Brody, they TABLE TOP LARIAT Brody down! The fans fire up for The Conglomeration, and they go after Brody together. The countdown is back. Claudio stomps Komander in a corner, but here comes The Machine, Brian Cage! Cage slides into the right ring, dodges Claudio and manages a RANA! Claudio is on ropes, Cage dials it up, and 619! Claudio falls back, Cage storms in, but Komander springboards! Cage catches the suplex, brings Komander around, but Komander slips free!
Komander dodges Cage, springboards, but Cage catches him into a HALF NELSON SLAM! Brody fights against The Conglomeration and knocks them back. Claudio brawls with Cage, the countdown is back. Cage RAMS Claudio into a corner, and “Newsflash, slick! You’re all a bunch o’ crumbs!” Here comes The Butcher, and he’s in the left ring! He and Brody run Ishii over together! They shake hands and DOUBLE ELBOW DROP! The fans bark as the beefy behemoths are united for the moment. Cassidy runs in, tilt-o-whirls, but Butcher stops the DDT! He and Brody SANDWICH Cassidy! The fans fire up while Butcher drop steps around.
Claudio HEADBUTTS Cage, hoists him up, and now Butcher and Brody fire big forearms! “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” echoes out, Cage fights off Claudio and Komander even helps. Claudio DUMPS Komander but Komander stays on the apron. The countdown is back, and… Wait a minute, Daddy Magic is in this match? But he’s also on commentary! Well, Matt Menard surprises us by throwing off his jacket and taking off the headset so he can get into the right ring! The fans fire up as Menard fires off on Claudio! Menard climbs up, rains down fists, and he goes all the way to TEN! But Cage is there, so Menard ROCKS, JABS and JABS!
Menard ROCKS Cage again, hoists him up, but Cage is big. Menard RAMS Cage, Komander CLUBS Menard. Ishii CLUBS Butcher, the countdown is back, and now we get The Undisputed Kingdom’s Roderick Strong! Wait, shouldn’t he be in Texas for Death Before Dishonor? For that matter, shouldn’t a few others…? Well, whatever, the Savior of the Backbreaker CLOBBERS Cassidy and stomps Ishii, because he hates The Conglomeration! Roddy CHOPS away on Cassidy, he stomps Brody, CHOPS Butcher, then stomps Ishii. Roddy is just hitting everyone, then he suddenly wants to work with Butcher.
Claudio lifts Menard, Roddy & Butcher double whip Brody to a corner. Roddy runs in to SHINING WIZARD in the corner! Butcher runs in to LARIAT! Butcher then feeds Brody to Roddy’s SICK KICK! Cassidy RAMS Roddy and tries to lift him out! The countdown is back, Roddy fights Cassidy off, and here comes Kip Sabian! Superbad makes his way into the second ring, ROCKS Claudio then springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK Claudio down! The fans cheer as Kip then trips Menard, runs and CANNONBALLS Claudio! Kip then CANNONBALLS Menard! The fans fire up for Kip, but then Komander runs up!
Kip blocks a kick, KNEES Komander first, then suplexes for a GOURD BUSTER! And KNEE! Butcher stomps Brody, then he drags Cassidy up for Roddy. The countdown is done again, and now… “Oh, Nashville~!” Brandon Cutler says he wants to take this time to appreciate what he and The Young Bucks went through for Blood & Guts. He wants to make the EVPs proud when he brings home the world championship, because he is that guy! Cutler steps in, Ishii LARIATS him up and out to ELIMINATE him! Nice try, Cutler. Roddy CLUBS Ishii, hoists him up, but Ishii CLUBS him back. Kip brawls with Claudio, and Cutler cries his way to the back.
The countdown is done again, and now The Patriarchy’s Prodigy, Nick Wayne, is here. And he’s aimed right at Kip Sabian in the second ring! Nick goes to throw Kip but Kip elbows free! Kip whips, Nick ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! Kip stands up into an UPPERCUT! Nick kips up, the fans boo, but he just soaks it up with a smug grin. Menard whips Cage, Cage reverses to send Menard out! But Menard ducks one lariat, only for the second LARIAT to knock him down! Cage ELIMINATES Menard! Meanwhile, Roddy tries to drag Cassidy out but Ishii makes the save. Claudio dumps Cage out but Cage holds onto ropes.
Nick soaks up more heat but Komander tries to dump him out! The countdown is done, and here comes Kyle O’Reilly! More Conglomeration, but Roddy thinks Kyle is his friend. NOPE! Kyle TACKLES Roddy, rains down fists, then fires off KICK after KICK! Kyle whips to kitchen sink knee Roddy down! Kyle brawls with Butcher, the fans fire up and Kyle gets the edge! Kyle and Cassidy coordinate, FRESHLY SQUEEZED HIGH LOW! Menard rejoins commentary, acting like he wasn’t in the match at all. The countdown is back, and here comes Double J! Nashville fires up for THEIR Last Outlaw, and he gallops his way to the right ring!
Jarrett gets in to ROCK Claudio, ROCK Kip, DECK Claudio, and then he fires off on Cage, Nick, Komander, and repeat! Jarrett wrenches Cage to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! The fans fire up with Jarrett as Rampage goes picture in picture!
Kyle fights off Roddy and The Butcher, Cassidy helps out, and Jarrett tries to dump Claudio! Nick tries to help but Claudio is stronger than them both! Claudio thumbs Jarrett’s eyes! Then he UPPERCUTS Nick away! Kyle stomps Roddy, Nick ROCKS Kip, and Cassidy goes after Brody with a CHOP BLOCK! Jarrett fights off Cage and Claudio, but Nick fires off shots! Jarrett ROCKS Nick in return! The Conglomeration have Butcher against ropes to fire CHOPS, KICKS and “kicks.” But then Brody storms in, pushes Cassidy aside, and he CHOPS Butcher! CHOP, KICK, CHOP, and repeat! Cassidy rests while they do the work, then he ORANGE PUNCHES Butcher!
Rampage returns to single picture, and Brody TOSSES Butcher to ELIMINATE him! But then Kyle & The Conglomeration, and even Roddy, all lift Brody up! The countdown is back, and out comes The Undisputed Kingdom’s Matt Taven! Taven slides in and he CLOBBERS Kyle! Cassidy and Taven brawl, Taven scoops to BACKBREAKER, flip and DDT! Kyle KICKS Taven, Taven HEEL KICKS Kyle! Taven helps Roddy up, Nick gloats and goes up, but Komander 619s the legs out! Komander goes up but Nick SHOVES him down and ELIMINATES him! A real rough landing, too!
But then Claudio hauls Nick up! Nick fights, the countdown is back, and next out is… Jay Lethal! Jarrett’s teammate is here, and he hurries in to fire off on Nick Wayne! The fans rally, Nick kicks and whips but Lethal reverses to hip toss, handspring and basement dropkick! The fans cheer, Lethal goes to toss Nick, and Jarrett helps out. Team Triple J have had problems in the past but they’re united against Nick. Nick fights them off, though, only for Kip to DUMP Nick out and ELIMINATE him! That’s what he gets for insulting the late Father Sabian! The Patriarchy is watching backstage, they are disappointed.
Christian asks Killswitch-Luchasaurus why he’s not out there to help! Luchasaurus isn’t in the match, though! Christian & Mother Shayna leave, disappointed, but will they just have to focus on being AEW World Trios Champions? Meanwhile, Lethal trips Claudio, steps through, but Claudio kicks him away. So Lethal trips Kip, steps through, and “WOO~!” FIGURE FOUR! Submissions may not win, but Kip is vulnerable as Jarrett storms over to stomp him! But Cage and Claudio attack Lethal and Jarrett. The countdown is back again, and The Undisputed Kingdom’s Mike Bennett is here!
Bennett joins his team and he SPINEBUSTERS Kyle! Then he runs at Cassidy, but into a BOOT! Cassidy goes up, but Bennett UPPERCUTS! PROTON PACK! But Ishii is up and he storms up to Bennett. Bennett CHOPS, and CHOPS, but Ishii CHOPS back! They CHOP back and forth, but Ishii CHOPS harder! Roddy kicks Ishii, The Kingdom mugs Ishii, and fans boo. Kip CLUBS Jarrett, Jarrett is on the apron, but he slides under. The countdown is back again, and here comes The Beast Mortos! Mortos storms into the right ring, and he dodges Cage to CLOBBER him! And then he POP-UP SAMOAN DROPS Claudio!
Mortos roars, dodges Lethal and HEABUTTS him down! The fans fire up, Jarrett CLUBS Mortos! Jarrett fires hands, whips, but Mortos reverses, only for Jarrett to LARIAT! But then Kip jumps in! Lethal & Jarrett double kick him first! They whip, Kip reverses, but Lethal back suplexes! Kip lands out, Lethal sends Jarrett in, but Jarrett has to block a boot! Lethal runs up to LARIAT Kip up and out, Lethal ELIMINATES Kip! Cage UPPERCUTS, GAMANGIRIS and GERMAN SUPLEXES Mortos! The Kingdom beats down The Conglomeration, and here’s the penultimate entry… DARBY ALLIN!
The fans are thunderous as The Relentless One gets to step to Brody King! They were the final two in that original Royal Rampage, and Darby wants payback! Darby slips around, jumps on, but Brody CANNONBALLS into a corner! Darby flops out of the ring! Triple J rallies on Claudio with a combo, Kyle and Taven go back and forth. Brody slides out to pursue Darby and THROW him into railing! Brody drags Darby up to THROW him into more railing! Triple J DOUBLE STRADDLE ATTACK Mortos and Claudio! Then they double strut! The fans cheer, but here comes the FINAL COUNTDOWN~! And it’s Lio Rush!
The fans fire up as the Bad Child grins as he takes his time going to the ring. Brody and Darby are brawling in the stands!? Lio dodges Lethal, fires off fast hands, then rolls Lethal to kip up and SPINNING BUZZSAW! Claudio trips Lio, YANKS him up but Lio RANAS! Lio dodges Cage to jump and RAN- NO, Cage blocks that, right as Rampage goes picture in picture!
Cage aims but Lio pops free to DDT! Brody BOWLS Darby into chairs! Brody throws a trash can at him, too! The refs go out there to tell Brody to bring this back to ringside, so Brody drags Darby up. Darby CLAWS at Brody’s face! Mortos ROCKS Jarret in a corner! Darby COFFIN SPLASHES Brody against railing! Cassidy stomps Roddy, Mortos DECKS Jarrett, and Darby CHOKES Brody! Cassidy dangles on the outside, but he manages to slip in before Taven can get him. Claudio UPPERCUTS Cage, Cage ROCKS Claudio! Brody SHOVES Darby to the steel steps! Darby writhes, Cage fires off a strike fest on Claudio!
Cage tries to clothesline Claudio up and out but Claudio’s a little too tall for that. Brody hauls Darby up and hits SNAKE EYES off steel steps! Darby flounders around while Rampage goes to break.
Rampage returns and Lio Rush HANDSPRING KICKS Mortos off the apron to ELIMINATE him! Darby and Brody have returned outside the ring to continue brawling, and Darby lifts a chair! STEEL STEP CON-CHAIR-TO for Brody!! Roddy waistlocks Ishii but Ishii PELES! Lethal kicks Claudio, Ishii has Taven up top. Bennett makes the save! Bennett DUMPS and ELIMINATES Ishii! But then Cassidy DUMPS and ELIMINATES Bennett! Tavem MISSILE DROPKICKS Cassidy! Kyle CLOBBERS Taven! And he BOOTS Roddy! Roddy BOOTS back, ENZIGIRIS, then runs, but Cassidy takes the STRONG KNEE for Kyle!
Kyle ROLLING ELBOWS Roddy, but Taven gets up and DUMPS Cassidy out! Cassidy flops off the apron, Taven ELIMINATES him! Kyle DUMPS Taven out, but Taven lands safe on the apron! Kyle kicks, Taven ducks, but then Kyle SWEEPS the legs! Taven falls, Kyle ELIMINATES him! Roddy DUMPS Kyle and ELIMINATES him! Darby is back, he CLOBBERS Roddy! Darby fires off, digs his knee in, and the left ring is pretty empty. But Claudio scoops Lio. Lio slips out, ducks ‘n’ dodges, RUSH HOUR! Claudio just comes back, only for Lio to DUMP him out! Claudio lands safe but Lio HANDSPRING KICKS!
Claudio wobbles, Lio gets moving again, but Claudio catches him this time! Claudio drags Lio up but Lio fires forearms! They’re both on the apron! Brody has returned to the other ring, he goes right after Darby! The fans bark with Brody, but Roddy ELBOWS Brody first! Claudio and Lio brawl on the edge, and Claudio UPPERCUTS Lio! Roddy fires more elbows on Brody! Brody LARIATS Roddy in return! Claudio trips Lio, and SWINGS him to the floor! Claudio ELIMINATES Lio, and Brody TOSSES Roddy up and out to ELIMINATE him, too!! Brody and Darby are the last two in the left ring!
Lethal DUMPS Claudio, but Claudio holds on! Lethal is too busy gloating, but Claudio skins the cat! Claudio RANAS Lethal out to ELIMINATE him! That leaves Claudio, Cage and Jarrett in the second ring! Cage waistlocks, ripcords, but Claudio blocks the lariat, so Cage fireman’s carries! Darby DUMPS Brody out, but Brody lands on the apron! Brody catches Darby to a SLEEPER! A repeat of that original Royal Rampage! But Darby knows that, too, and he clings to the ropes! Darby CLAWS Brody’s face, gets free of the sleeper, and he CLUBS away on Brody! Darby CLAWS Brody’s back, then slips into the ring.
Darby runs to DIVE, and Brody falls! Darby ELIMINATES Brody, he’s secured a spot in the finals! Jarrett fires off on Cage, but Cage knees low and scoops! Jarrett slips free, drop toeholds and Cage is on ropes! Jarrett runs to STRADDLE ATTACK! Jarrett keeps moving, he LARIATS Cage! Jarrett then goes after Claudio in a corner! Jarrett rains down fists! The fans count along, all the way to TEN! But HANGMAN PAGE ATTACKS!? Hangman goes right after Jarrett with fists of fury and the fans boo! The Black Hat won’t let go of how Jarrett helped Swerve on Dynamite! Hangman storms around, Cage drags Jarrett up!
Cage TOSSES Jarrett to ELIMINATE him! The fans boo, because Hangman just goes after Jarrett all the more! Cage and Claudio still have to fight it out, but Rampage goes to break!
Rampage returns again and Claudio looms over Cage. Claudio drags Cage up from the apron, fires forearms, but Cage holds onto ropes! Claudio fires more forearms, but Cage hits back! The fans rally as they go back and forth, and then Claudio runs up, but Cage fireman’s carries! Claudio slips free, POSTS Cage, then POP-UP UPPERCUTS! Cage wobbles, Claudio brings him in! Gotch hold, APRON NEUTRALIZER!! Cage flops down, Claudio ELIMINATES him! And that means it’s just Claudio and Darby now! Darby crawls into the second ring, and he springs up to fire fast hands on Claudio! The fans fire up but Claudio CHUCKS Darby back into the first ring!
Darby tumbles so far he falls out of the ring! Claudio goes to the first ring, then slips under to fetch Darby. Claudio also brings the steel steps around, and then he brings Darby around by the legs. Claudio SWINGS Darby around and around, and then into the steps!! The fans lose their minds, Claudio drags Darby up despite him being deadweight, and then Claudio just shoves Darby into the ring. Claudio stalks Darby, drags him right up and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Darby flops but Claudio looms over him again. Fans rally as hard as they can, and Claudio drags Darby up again, for another GERMAN SUPLEX! But Darby lands out!?
Claudio runs up but Darby DUMPS him out to the apron! Darby BITES Claudio’s fingers! Claudio CHOKES Darby! Claudio drags Darby up and out to ROCK him with forearm after forearm! Darby staggers, Claudio BOOTS him again and again! Darby clings to the ropes, then flops under the corner. Claudio drags Darby up the other side, but Darby BITES the hands! Darby YANKS Claudio into the crossbar! Darby goes into the ring, and uses a GUILLOTINE to squeeze Claudio! Darby CLAWS Claudio’s back, then goes up the corner! GUILLOTINE COFFIN DROP! Claudio falls, Darby WINS!
Winner: Darby Allin, by pinfall (advances to AEW Grand Slam)
An incredible battle from start to finish, but it is Darby who stands tall in the end! He offers a handshake, but Claudio refuses it. That aside, will Darby be facing his old rival, Swerve, in New York? Or will the American Dragon return from All In finally AEW World Champion?
Willow Nightingale speaks.
“Kris Statlander, now, I knew you were a backstabber, but I didn’t realize you were quite so obsessed with me. So if you want a shot at me, or if you think you deserve the opportunity at this CMLL World Women’s Championship… Greenville, South Carolina. You got it.” The Babe with the Power accepts the challenge, but will she make the Galaxy’s Greatest Traitor regret it?
Kris Statlander w/ Stokely Hathaway VS Leila Grey!
Speaking of, it’s now #StaturdayNight Rampage here! Will Kris be more than ready for that Greenville grudge match with Willow? Or will she caught off guard by the Last Baddie Standing?
The bell rings, the two circle, and they tie up. Leila waistlocks, Kris elbows free, then discus, but Leila ducks! Leila ROCKS Kris with forearm after forearm, then kicks low and underhooks. Kris powers up and out but Leila sunset flips! Kris rolls through to BUZZSAW! Fireman’s carry, F5! Kris kips up, the fans fire up, and Kris drags Leila up to gut wrench, tuck in, and STATURDAY NIGHT FEVER!! Cover, Kris wins!
Winner: Kris Statlander, by pinfall
Yes, Kris definitely looks ready! Stokely raises her hand in victory, but will this be the scene on Dynamite in Greenville?
Lance Archer VS Alejandro
The Murderhawk Monster is… already carrying his semi-conscious opponent to the ring! Well, if #EverybodyDies, is he going to make this quick?
Archer dumps Alejandro on the mat, the bell rings, and Archer drags Alejandro up to whip and POP-UP SPINEBUSTER! Archer then drags Alejandro up by his hair, choke grips and CHOKE SLAMS! Alejandro sputters, Archer laughs, and the fans fire up! They want that “ONE MORE TIME!” so Archer CHOKE SLAMS Alejandro again! Archer drags Alejandro up again, hoists him up, and CHOPS! Reverse crucifix, BLACKOUT BOMB!! Cover, Archer wins!
Winner: Lance Archer, by pinfall
Thanks for coming, Alejandro, check’s in the mail. But will Archer remind everyone of just how dangerous he is until he’s on top of AEW?
Backstage interview with The Outcasts.
Renee Paquette is with Saraya & Harley, but Harley stops her before she starts. Saraya says let’s make it quick, she has a redeye to catch, and if AEW isn’t waiting for her, she isn’t waiting for them. Harley adds, “No waiting!” There is no pavement laid for her to All In! Harley adds, “No road!” Saraya will do this herself. She puts on her boots, gets in that ring, and shows us exactly why “The Unproblematic Icon” is needed at Wembley. Harley says there’s nothing to add now! The Outcasts head out, and as they say, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Will Saraya find her way to Wembley no matter what?
BREAKING NEWS for Collision and Battle of the Belts!
The three hour block of AEW action starts at 8 PM Eastern, and we see FTR return to in-ring action against the newly arrived MXM Collection! Will the #TopGuys show these handsome hunks what AEW is all about? Plus, Orange Cassidy takes on Johnny TV, and Hologram takes on The Beast Mortos! Then The Conglomeration combines again to take on The Premier Athletes in a Six Man Tag! Will Mark Briscoe, Tomohiro Ishii & Kyle O’Reilly be bringing the ROH gold with them as well?
And speaking of gold, Toni Storm steps back into the ring for an AEW Women’s World Championship Eliminator against Taya Valkyrie! Will the Leading Lady make an example out of “The Main Character?” And even before facing Kris Statlander, Willow Nightingale faces Deonna Purrazzo in a CMLL Women’s World Championship Eliminator! Will the Babe with the Power use the Virtuosa to power up? And after winning at Death Before Dishonor, it is now Dustin Rhodes & The Von Erichs taking on the full Undisputed Kingdom for the vacant ROH World Six Man titles! Will Roddy, Taven & Bennett be draped in gold? Or will The Natural lead Marshall & Ross to the Promised Land?
Fatal 4 Way Tag: Private Party VS The Righteous VS The Outrunners VS Rush & Kyle Fletcher w/ Don Callis!
While The Young Bucks have The Acclaimed to worry about, the tag title chase never ends! Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy, ol’ Dutch & Vincent, Truth Magnum & Turbo Floyd, and a new combination from The Don Callis Family are all fighting it out, who moves up the ranks to close out Rampage?
In this type of Fatal 4, only two teams are legal at once, so it is Vinnie and Truth starting. Vinnie kicks low, headlocks, but Truth powers his way around to a headlock. Vinnie powers out, Truth turns hip toss into hip toss, then he CHOPS! Truth wrenches Vinnie, tags Turbo, and the Outrunners hand Vinnie off in a wristlock. Vinnie kicks low, wrenches Turbo, and YANKS the arm. But Turbo rolls, handsprings, and the fans cheer as he pokes Vinnie in the eye! Tag to Turbo, Don Callis admits he likes The Outrunners. It is nostalgic seeing these two. The Outrunners double whip to DOUBLE ELBOW, then they flex.
The Outrunners shake hands, flex, and DOUBLE ELBOW DROP! They flex more, but Vinnie tags Dutch. Dutch runs in, The Outrunners dodge and double kick! They double whip but Dutch comes back to CLOBBER them! Dutch keeps moving and BLASTS Kyle & Rush! Vinnie then runs to SLIDING FLATLINER Turbo! Dutch adds a leg drop, brother! Vinnie then drags Truth up to feed him to Dutch! POEWRBOMB and DIVING HEADBUTT! Dutch then CLOBBERS Private Party just because! Zay gets back up, springboards, but into Dutch’s BOSS MAN SLAM! Vinnie pushes Zay out, The Righteous stand tall, but fans boo.
Dutch stomps Truth, drags him up, and bumps him off buckles. Dutch fires body shots over and over, then tags Vinnie. They RAM Truth into the corner again and again, then short arm LARIAT! Rush & Kyle wait patiently while Rampage goes picture in picture.
Vinnie snaps his fingers, Kyle mocks him, but Dutch drops an ELBOW on Truth! Dutch taunts Turbo by holding Truth out to him while in a chinlock. Dutch throws Truth down, bumps him off buckles, then tags Vinnie. The Righteous mug Truth, Vinnie snapmares, and then Vinnie drops an elbow! And another elbow! And another! Vinnie snaps his fingers more before the cover, TWO! Truth stays in this, Vinnie taunts Turbo, and Vinnie CLUBS Truth. Vinnie tags Dutch, The Righteous mug him more, then Dutch BLASTS Turbo! Dutch brings Truth up, Kyle goes to the Righteous’ corner, and he gets Dutch to tag him!
However, the ref says that does not count, Kyle must tag in from the Don Callis Family corner. Dutch then follows Kyle over, but Rush doesn’t want a tag. Dutch is annoyed, but he goes back to Truth. Dutch HEADBUTTS Truth, tags Vinnie, and Vinnie brings Truth around. Vinnie underhooks but Truth fights the lift. Vinnie trips Truth instead, but Truth BOOTS him away! Truth runs up, Vinnie gets under, and Vinnie back suplexes! Truth lands out, stumbles over, hot tag to Zay! Zay runs in to fire forearms on Vinnie! Zay then runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and pop-up DROPKICKS! Zay fires up, and he tags in Quen.
Private Party whips Vinnie, atomic drop and ENZIGIRI! Rush just storms in to waistlock Zay but Zay ducks and Quen ENZIGIRIS Rush! Zay runs, springboards, QUEBRADA! Kyle runs in but Private Party puts him outside! Rampage returns to single picture, Zay hits Kyle with a triangle jump STUNNER! Quen goes up, Zay spins Vinnie, and we get the DOUBLE STOMP NECKBREAKER! Quen then FLIES out onto Kyle! The fans fire up, Dutch runs up but Zay DUMPS him out! Zay runs up, blocks a kick and SPIN KICKS! Then triangle jump STUNNER! Turbo watches as Zay hits a DRAPING BACKSTABBER and Quen goes up!
Quen 450 SPLASHES Dutch, Dutch gets sandwiched with Zay’s knees! The fans fire up, Quen climbs, but Turbo HOTSHOTS him! Turbo then steps in, spins and flexes, but Kyle CLOBBERS him! Truth gets in, Kyle fires off on him, too! Kyle CHOPS Truth again and again! Tag to Rush, and the Don Callis CHOP and CHOP and CHOP again! Turbo runs up but Rush kicks him low! Rush CHOPS, Kyle CHOPS, then Rush CHOPS again! Rush & Kyle whip Truth, Kyle GAMANGIRIS! Rush SPLASHES! Truth sits down, for Rush to run corner to corner and feint the dropkick, to BOOT! Rush rolls back to tranquilo.
Rush tags Kyle, Rush DECKS Zay! Kyle GAMANGIRIS Truth again, then reels him in to PILEDRIVER! Cover, Don Callis Family wins!
Winners: Rush & Kyle Fletcher, by pinfall
Don Callis is proud of his guys, but they’re not done! Rush gets his signature green camera cable, but the other teams hurry away. Rush drags Turbo back into the ring, and he LASHES Turbo! Rush CHOKES Turbo, the fans boo, but Kyle throws down hands, too! Callis smiles as he men brutalize Turbo, and Rampage goes off the air. Will the Don Callis Family do anything and everything to anyone and everyone until they are the ones on top of AEW?
My Thoughts:
A very good Rampage, mostly. Kris of course won a squash match, and Archer of course won a squash match, but that main event was a letdown after the Royal Rampage. It barely got any time and yet it still dragged on because A) The Righteous use a cerebral, grinding pace, and B) this wasn’t just a full Fatal 4 where every team had someone in it. At least Rush & Fletcher won or else it would’ve been all for nothing. Honestly, why wasn’t at least Kyle in the Royal Rampage? Rush probably wasn’t so that he wouldn’t be hurt in losing, even though it’s a Royal Rumble style match. It could even have been used to make a feud, like Rush VS Claudio. Tell me Rush VS Claudio wouldn’t be awesome.
Claudio even made it to the final two in the Royal Rampage, he could’ve eliminated Rush instead of Brian Cage, planting the seed of that feud. And Darby Allin winning the whole thing, that makes a lot of sense when it comes to how Swerve is currently champion. The thing is, does this not foreshadow Swerve retaining at All In? Bryan Danielson is great, he does deserve something before stepping away as a full-time wrestler, but maybe it just isn’t in AEW’s plans that he becomes world champion with this set up. Also, what a surprise that Hangman screwed Jarrett. Is Hangman going to battle Jarrett in a No Disqualification type match before going after some other title?
And my biggest gripe with this Rampage, being that it is the Royal Rampage, is that it not only has ROH Death Before Dishonor happening at the same time, but that it has people on the Death Before Dishonor card on this episode. And then it gives spoilers for Dustin & Von Erichs VS Dark Order, so what’s the point of watching that match? I am but one man, and while I do my best to watch a lot of different promotions, I can’t watch them all at the same time. Tony Khan doesn’t seem to get that for many of his fans, because how else is ROH supposed to matter if he undercuts it?
My Score: 8.5/10
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Who will make it to the end?
While SummerSlam is on the horizon, SmackDown prepares NEW #1 contenders to the WWE Tag Team Championships, through a gauntlet match!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- LA Knight VS Santos Escobar; Knight wins.
- WWE Tag Team Championship #1 Contenders Gauntlet: The Bloodline wins and will challenge DIY for the titles.
- Bayley & Mia Yim VS Nia Jax & Tiffany Stratton; Nia & Tiff win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Nick Aldis is on the phone.
He has a lot going on, but he’ll call back. The Bloodline steps up, and Aldis says sorry, given their actions last week with Cody Rhodes & Kevin Owens that gave Tonga Loa an eye injury, Loa is not cleared to compete. So unfortunately, The Bloodline must forfeit their spot in the tag team gauntlet. Tama Tonga asks what Aldis just said, but Aldis says he heard just fine. Forfeit? They ain’t forfeiting nothing! Solo Sikoa has Tama stand down. And he appreciates Aldis’ concern, but The Bloodline is not forfeiting. Understood? Loa is part of The Bloodline, but so is Jacob Fatu! So instead, it will be Tama Tonga & Jacob Fatu in that match. If that’s okay with Aldis.
Aldis says it is, actually. They’re still in. Solo tells Fatu to bring those titles back home. Solo wants all the titles on SmackDown. The Samoan Werewolf steps up to replace The Silverback, will any of the other teams survive that match now?
LA Knight heads to gorilla.
And he tells the cameras, “LEMME TALK TO YA!” The Mega Star says we’re making a pitstop before SummerSlam. Santos Escobar couldn’t remember how many times he’s been dropped on his head by Knight, so Knight will be the professor, class is in session, and we’ll teach Santos some history. Then in Cleveland, Logan Paul isn’t learning math, he isn’t learning statistics or English. But he will be taught what it’s like to get his keister kicked in by the Mega Star! YEAH! And no matter what class, the curriculum is always the same, with everybody saying… L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!! Knight makes his way out, will he be rolling into SummerSlam? Or will Santos pass the test?
LA Knight VS Santos Escobar w/ Elektra Lopez!
The bell rings, Santos runs up but Knight dodges to JAB! JAB! JAB! Santos headlocks, Knight powers out but Santos runs him over. Things speed up, and Knight hip tosses! And then arm-drags! Knight has the armlock, the fans rally, but santos fights up. Santos pulls hair, the ref reprimands, but santos puts Knight in a corner. Santos whips, Knight reverses to WRING the arm and drop a leg on it! Knight wrenches and YANKS the arm again and again. “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, then ELBOWS Santos down! The fans fire up with Knight and he RAMS Santos into a corner. Knight climbs up to rain down fists!
Fans “YEAH!” all the way to seven times before Santos YANKS Knight down! Santos kicks and stomps Knight in the corner. The fans boo but Lopez mocks Knight’s “yapping.” Santos CHOPS LARIATS Knight! Santos CHOP LARIATS again, then reels him in for a snap suplex! Santos stands up, brings Knight up to SLAM him down, then he steps through for a SHARPSHOOTER! Knight scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Knight then stands to fire off haymakers! Knight whips, and he LARIATS Santos down! Knight brings Santos up but Santos drop toeholds him into ropes! Santos distracts the ref and Lopez SLAPS Knight!
Santos runs in to 619! A shot taken at Rey Mysterio, and Santos soaks up the heat while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Santos DOUBLE KNEES Knight in a corner! Cover, TWO! Santos is annoyed but he clamps on a cobra clutch. The fans rally as Knight endures. Knight fights up, throws body shots, then runs, to SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Knight whips, Santos reverses and scoops for a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Santos is annoyed again and he stalks Knight to a corner. Santos says this is not Knight’s game, it’s Santos’s! Santos rains down fists in the corner but lets off as the ref counts. Santos soaks up heat, but Knight ELBOWS him back! Knight whips Santos hard to a corner, then SHOVES him in!
Knight stomps a mudhole, “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight goes corner to corner to KNEE Santos down! Knight whips, Santos reverses but Knight ducks the lariat to kick and DDT! Cover, TWO! Santos stays in this, Lopez coaches him, but Knight is on him first. Knight lifts Santos to a torture rack, but Lopez slides in! The ref stops her, that distracts Knight, and he lets Santos down. Lopez backs off as Knight storms over, and Knight goes back for Santos. Santos ELBOWS Knight! Santos runs, but into a POP-UP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up while both men are down! Lopez again gets on the apron but the ref tells her to stop.
And here comes LOGAN PAUL! ONE LUCKY- NO, Knight dodges to LARIAT! Logan falls, but Santos SUPERKICKS! Santos brings Knight around, fireman’s carry, PHANTOM- NO, Knight slips free to B F T! Cover, Knight wins!
Winner: LA Knight, by pinfall
But then Logan CLOBBERS Knight after all! The fans boo as the Maverick stomps away on Knight! Logan drags Knight up, but Knight RAMS him into a corner! Knight stomps away on Logan now, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight runs corner to corner, but Santos KNEES Knight down! The Emperor helps the champ up, and they beat Knight down together! Then Santos drags Knight into the drop zone for Logan as he goes up top. Logan FROG SPLASHES Knight! The fans boo but Logan soaks it up. Logan leaves Knight down and out, but will Knight be the one leaving The Land with the gold?
Backstage interview with Naomi.
Byron Saxton asks her why she thinks Blair Davenport initially showed her respect, only to then attack her from behind. Naomi doesn’t know the issue with Blair is, because she hasn’t even done anything to the newbie! But Blair is playing mind games, which won’t work. Naomi has something for Blair, though. Not only will Naomi make Blair #FeelTheGlow, but she’ll respect it! And then in step Jade Cargill & Bianca Belair, and they say that’s right! Blair is a Lame, and she gets what is coming. Just like Alba & Isla will. Speaking of, Bianca & Jade are gonna call out the champs-for-now and handle business.
Naomi says go handle it, then. The StrongEST Duo heads out, will they be able to get that rematch with the wicked witches?
Backstage interview with Logan Paul.
Byron catches up with The Maverick and asks him what happened. Logan says that’s an appetizer for SummerSlam, the first course of a three course meal. Logan will whoop Knight, in his hometown, in front of his friends and family, everyone he knows and loves. Plus, he got off the phone with “Mr. Cleveland” himself, and there will be a surprise homecoming planned just for Logan. Then can we get an idea of what- Nope! Silly question. But tune in next week, it’ll be a great night.
Logan promises Knight that he won’t just be facing the US Champion at SummerSlam. Knight will be facing the pride of Cleveland, the ultimate underdog turned top dog, and Knight ain’t ready for that. YEAH! Logan is more confident than ever, but will that make things that much sweeter when LA beats Cleveland’s own in his hometown?
Jade Cargill & Bianca Belair head to the ring!
Just as promised, they’re here to call out the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. Bianca & Jade get the mics, and The EST says she loves the fans and would stay her all day, but she’ll cut to the chase. Alba & Isla have been ghosting Jade & Bianca ever since winning at Clash at the Castle. Alba & Isla said they’d be here tonight, right? Right. And they’d bring the titles, right? Right. So where they at? The StrongEST Duo looks around, and tell the champs to stop duckin’ ‘n’ dodging. Come to the ring with the belts, and get these hands. The music hits, but then Alba & Isla hit from behind! The Unholy Union beat down the former champs!
Alba digs her boots into Jade, then CLUBS her down. Isla drags Bianca up but Bianca fights free! Bianca spins Isla, torture racks, but Isla lands safe on the apron! Only for Bianca to DECK her! Jade then grabs Alba, and hoists her up to THROW her out onto Isla! And in heels! The fans fire up while Alba & Isla regroup and retreat. Will there be no running from the storm that is coming for them?
B-Fab talks with the Street Profits.
It’s time to do this. It’s their moment, their time. And in steps Terence Crawford! The boxing champ is here, and he shakes hands with everyone. B-Fab says The Profits may not be Crawford, but tonight, they will be whooping feet! And from Ford to Crawford, Black Airforce Energy, go do your thing on August 3rd. Crawford appreciates that. But for real, he’ll be watching them, too. Good luck out there. They hug it out, Dawkins is ready to turn up! Will the Profits be up and win their golden tickets to the titles? Or will taking on five other teams be a tall order even for them?
Tiffany Stratton looks at her Money in the Bank briefcase.
It is being held together by colorful tape after what Bayley did to it last week. Nia Jax walks over and says don’t worry, she’ll get Tiff a brand new briefcase that will be perfect for her. And Tiff could cash in on Bayley tonight, but Nia has that guaranteed match at SummerSlam, and Nia would hate Tiff dropping the title so soon. Tiff says she’d never do that to Nia. Besides, Tiff just wants to get revenge. Nia says she thought so. Tiff still pouts over her busted briefcase, but will she and The Queen of the Ring bust up Bayley and Michin in return?
WWE Tag Team Championship #1 Contenders Gauntlet!
Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa are still champions after facing A-Town Down Under a second time, so now it’s on to something new. Six teams are going to compete until only one team stands tall, who survives to go for the gold this summer?
The first team out? The newest combo of Baron Corbin & Apollo Crews, who are ready to #BurnTheShips and sink the competition! Their opponents? Legado del Fantasmo’s Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo! Will they look to add to the legacy and finally grab those tag titles?
Baron Corbin & Apollo Crews VS Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo!
The bell rings and Legado just attacks! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but the cousins stomp away on Corbin. Angel stays in to stand on Corbin, Berto RAMS Crews into steel steps! Angel then runs up, but Corbin dodges and SPLASHES! Corbin reels Angel in for a short arm LARIAT, then he reels him in for an ELBOW! Then a SIDE EFFECT! Cover, TWO! Corbin stands Angel up but Angel CHOPS! Tag to Berto, and Angel sidesteps so Berto can GAMANGIRI! Roll-up, SUPERKICK, and Corbin tumbles out! Berto DIVES and down goes Corbin! Legado stands tall while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Berto drags Corbin up, manages a fireman’s carry, but Corbin fights free with elbows. Corbin ducks a buzzsaw but not the ENZIGIRI! Berto runs corner to corner but Corbin TOSSES him into buckles! DIY are watching backstage, hot tags to Angel and Crews! Crews rallies on Legado, mule kicks and BOOTS Angel, then dodges Angel to LEAPING LARIAT! The fans fire up with Crews as he kips up! Angel takes a swing, Crews gets under to GERMAN SUPLEX! Crews holds on, and he GERMAN SUPLEXES again! And GERMAN SUPLEXES again! Angel flounders, fans fire up, and Crews goes corner to corner to SPLASH!
Crews pushes Angel out of the corner, goes up top, and FLYING- KNEE from Angel! Angel underhooks to TIGER BACKBREAKER! Cover, Corbin breaks it! Berto runs up to LARIAT Corbin up and out! But Corbin drags Berto out to RAM him into steel steps! Angel KNEES Crews, reels him in, WING- NO, Crews slips free! Corbin sneaks a tag, Crews BOOTS! END OF DAYS! Cover, Corbin & Crews ELIMINATE Legado! But no time to rest, here come the Street Profits!
Baron Corbin & Apollo Crews VS The Street Profits!
Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins take their time stepping up to the ring, and Ford starts against Crews. They circle, Crews kicks then whips. Ford goes up and over then handsprings away. Ford smiles, Crews smiles, and things speed up! Crews handsprings over Ford’s dropdown, then he hurdles! Crews drops then DROPKICKS Ford, and he brings Ford back up. Crews suplexes, holds Ford up, but Ford slips free to back suplex! High and hard for Crews, Dawkins tags to cover. TWO!! Crews is somehow still in this, but Dawkins brings him up. Dawkins whips, Crews goes up and over and keeps moving. Crews jumps the dropdown then whips.
Crews hurdles., Dawkins handsprings, and DOUBLE LARIATS take both men down! Hot tag to Corbin, hot tag to Ford! Ford fires hands on Corbin, but Corbin UPPERCUTS! Ford falls to the apron, but he RAMS back in! Ford slingshots, into a HAYMAKER! The golden gloves hit hard, and then Crews says let’s do it! Corbin runs, Crews TOSSES him out onto the Profits! The fans fire up as the Wolf flies, and SmackDown goes back to break!
SmackDown returns again and Corbin has Ford up top! Ford fights with body shots, then he HEADBUTTS Corbin down! Corbin hurries to his feet, and gets under Ford’s leap! Corbin BOOTS Ford, goes up, and he FLYING LARIATS! B-Fab panics but Corbin hauls Ford up for a POWERBOMB! Flip over, but then Ford ENZIGIRIS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Corbin and Ford crawl, hot tags to Dawkins and Crews! Dawkins rallies on Crews, but Crews avoids the splash! Crews comes back to SPLASH! Crews runs, but Dawkins ducks to ENZIGIRI! Crews comes back to ENZIGIRI!
The fans fire up with Cres, but Dawkins catches him for a FALL AWAY SLAM! Cover, Corbin breaks it! Ford runs up, Corbin DECKS him! Corbin runs in at the corner, but Ford dodges and Corbin POSTS himself! Dawkins runs at Crews but Crews DUMPS him out! Ford and Crews stare down, then they both build speed! They both FLY out onto the other’s partner! The fans are thunderous, Crews puts Dawkins in, and then Crews goes up top. “This is Awesome!” as Crews FROG SPLASHES but has to roll through! Dawkins DECKS Crews with a big right! Tag to Ford, and Dawkins brings Crews up.
Dawkins whips, pop-up, REVELATION! Cover, Profits ELIMINATE Corbin & Crews! Corbin & Crews put up a valiant effort, but the Profits move on to face… #YESBOY! Pretty Deadly!
The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly!
Kit Wilson & Elton Prince run up, run in, then Elton bails out! Kit rolls Dawkins, TWO! Kit hurries to cradle Dawkins, TWO! Kit tries a roll-up again, with tights! TWO, and Dawkins FLAPJACKS Kit down! Kit flounders, Dawkins tags Ford. The Profits double whip,. then CLOBBER Kit! DIY likes that, and then the Profits hit a BACK SUPLEX SPLASH! Elton runs in, but he gets a DOUBLE FLAPJACK onto Kit! Ford covers Kit, TWO! The fans rally, Ford CLUBS Kit, then brings him up. Kit RAMS Ford, swings, but into a back suplex! Elton tags in and Kit slips free. Ford kicks and suplexes, but Elton CHOP BLOCKS Ford!
But Elton miscalculates, Kit still takes a BRAINBUSTER! Elton stomps Ford around, drags him to a cover, TWO! Elton pushes Ford to the corner, Kit tags in, and they stomp away on Ford’s leg as Elton holds it down! The ref counts, Kit UPPERCUTS Ford, then he tags Elton. Now they stomp the leg while Kit holds it! The ref reprimands, Kit lets off and Elton ROCKS Kit with a right. Pretty Deadly say “YES BOY~!” They sing it, even, still pitching their musical. Tag to Kit, but Ford fights with body shots and elbows! Elton blocks a kick, hands it to Kit, and Elton KNEES Ford’s hamstring!
Ford grits his teeth, clutches his leg, but Kit cravats to CHOKE him against ropes. Kit lets go, Elton DECKS Ford, and Kit basement dropkicks! Kit drags Ford around for a HALF CRAB! Ford clamps onto the ROPEBREAK! So Kit DDTS the leg! The fans rally for Ford but Kit taunts Dawkins. Kit then sucker punches him! Kit goes back to Ford, the ref stops Dawkins, and Kit stomps away on Ford’s leg. Kit pulls on the foot, but Ford resists the turnover! Ford kicks at Kit again and again, but Kit still steps over! Ford fights and BOOTS free! Elton tags in, but hot tag to Dawkins! Dawkins rallies on Elton, then whips.
Elton reverses but Dawkins hurdles and UPPERCUTS! The fans fire up with Dawkins and he aims at a corner. Dawkins runs in to CYCLONE SPLASH! ENZIGIRI! Cover, TWO! Elton survives but the fans rally up. Dawkins whips Elton, Elton grabs ropes and BOOTS, then tag to Kit. Dawkins ROCKS Elton and whips, but Elton reverses. Hurdle and DDT! Kit covers, TWO! Dawkins survives, Pretty Deadly seethes, but Kit tags Elton. They run UPPERCUT after UPPERCUT, then Elton RAMS Dawkins so Kit can UPPERCUT again! Fireman’s carry, ASSISTED GUT BUSTER! Cover, Ford breaks it!
The fans are thunderous and Kit is furious! Kit whips but Ford reverses and TOSSES Kit out! Elton DUMPS Ford out! Dawkins ROCKS Elton! Ford tags, Dawkins lifts Elton, BLOCKBUSTER DOOMSDAY!! Cover, Profits ELIMINATE Pretty Deadly! But here comes The OC’s Gallows & Anderson! We hit the halfway point of this gauntlet, will the Profits survive? Or are things about to get Too Sweet? We find out, after the break!
The Street Profits VS The Good Brothers!
SmackDown returns as Karl Anderson JUMP KICKS Ford! Then Luke Gallows SPLASHES in the corner! Anderson snapmares, covers, TWO! Ford survives but Anderson stalks him to ropes. Anderson CHOKES and CLAWS Ford, but he lets off as the ref counts. Anderson snapmares Ford, clamps on a chinlock and he grinds Ford down. Ford endures, reaches out, and the fans rally. Ford fights up, throws body shots, and pries the hold open, but Anderson kicks low! Anderson CLOBBERS Ford, covers, TWO! Ford is still in this but Anderson drags him up. Anderson whips Ford to the corner hard, then tags Gallows.
The Good Brothers mug Ford, then Gallows runs to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Gallows stands Ford up to scoop and SLAM him! Tag to Anderson and Anderson covers, TWO! Anderson brings Ford up and around to scoop and SLAM! Cover, TWO! Anderson clamps on a neck wrench, and even pulls on Ford’s ear! The ref reprimands, Anderson lets go, and fans rally up. Tag to Gallows. the Good Brothers mug Ford more. Gallows then brings Ford around, snap suplexes, and covers, TWO! Gallows HAMMERS away with elbows, then clamps on a chinlock. Ford endures, the fans rally up, but Gallows leans all his weight on Ford.
Ford fights up to his feet, throws body shots, but Gallows CLUBS him down. Gallows scoops Ford, but Ford swings around to DDT! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Both men crawl, hot tag to Anderson! Anderson whips Ford to an open corner, runs in, but Ford TOSSES him out! Anderson slips apron and falls to the floor! Gallows runs up but Ford DUMPS him out! Hot tag to Dawkins! Dawkins builds speed and he FLIES onto The Good Brothers! Dawkins avoids hitting the desk and the fans are thunderous! Dawkins roars, puts Anderson in, and then runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!!
Anderson is frustrated but he tags Gallows. The Good Brothers haul Dawkins up for a fireman’s carry. Anderson runs but Ford trips him! Dawkins rolls Gallows up, PROFITS ELIMINATE GOOD BROTHERS!! The fans fire up and yet… That leaves The Bloodline for last. As if this team wasn’t dangerous enough, the Profits are practically running on fumes at this point! Can Ford & Dawkins survive? Or will they fall victim to the Samoan Werewolf and Good Bad Guy? We find out, after the break.
The Street Profits VS The Bloodline!
SmackDown returns again and Tama beats Dawkins down in a corner! The fans chant “SOLO SUCKS!” but Tama tags Fatu. They DOUBLE HEADBUTT Dawkins down, then Fatu drags him up. Fatu bumps Dawkins off buckles, runs in and SPLASHES! Tag to Tama, and he runs up, gets a boost from Fatu, BIG CANNONBALL! Dawkins goes down but the fans chant, “WE WANT ROMAN!” Solo soaks up that heat while Tama CHOKES Dawkins on ropes. The ref counts, Tama lets off, and Solo CHOKES Dawkins now! B-Fab protests but Solo gets away with that. The Bloodline raise their ones, then Tama tags Fatu.
The mugging continues, and Fatu HEADBUTTS Dawkins down. Solo says that’s right, take them out. Fatu CHOKES Dawkins then HEADBUTTS! The ref backs Fatu off but that lets Solo get a cheap shot in! Fatu BITES Dawkins’ fingers! Fatu then stomps him around, and he runs corner to corner, but Dawkins dodges! Fatu’s splash gets him stuck on the ropes! Solo is upset as Dawkins crawls for his corner! Fatu slumps back, the fans rally as hard as they can, hot tags to Tama and Ford! Ford LARIATS, LARIATS then dodges to SPINEBUSTER! Tama flounders, Ford SUPERKICKS Fatu! Ford drags Tama up but Tama slips around to back suplex!
Ford lands out! Ford kicks, KICKS and- NO, Tama ducks the enzigiri! Tama CLUBS and whips but Ford reverses! Ford runs up, but Tama puts him on the apron! Ford ROCKS Tama, climbs up and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Tama stays in this, and DIY is intrigued. Ford hurries up the corner again, but Tama ROCKS him! Tama goes up to get Ford, SUPERPLEX! Cover, Dawkins breaks it! Fatu runs in but Dawkins TOSSES him back out! Tama runs to slip and trip Dawkins up! The Bloodline mugs Dawkins, but Ford FLIES over the corner!! Down goes everyone! Ford rises and the fans are thunderous again!
Ford puts Tama in, climbs back up, and Solo is stressing out! FROM THE HEAVENS, but Tama moves! Fatu tags in, Ford hobbles up, into a LARIAT! Fatu DIVES onto Dawkins and takes him out! Fatu returns for Ford, but Ford dodges and runs, but into the POP-UP- DDT!! Ford takes Fatu… NO, Fatu is rising! POP-UP SAMOAN DROP!! Fatu then puts Ford in the drop zone, BEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Bloodline wins!
Winners: The Bloodline, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contenders to the WWE Tag Team Championships)
Replacing Loa wasn’t a detriment, it only made the team stronger! And now that they’re targeting the tag titles, will The Bloodline dominate under Solo Sikoa like they did under Roman Reigns?
Grayson Waller & Austin Theory interrupt!
They don’t care what Corey Graves & Wade Barrett are talking about, they’ve got stuff to say. Last week, they would’ve beat Cody Rhodes & Kevin Owens easy, if not for Terence Crawford! But they’re not just talking about it, they’ll do something about it! That little 120 pound Terence is walking around backstage, so y’know what? Terrence is gonna come out and apologize to the greatest team of the world! Oh, wait, is he scared? Nope, here comes Terence Crawford! The fans cheer as Omaha’s own undefeated and undisputed champion makes his way out. Waller says this is a big moment. The pound for pound top boxer in the world is in the ring with them!
And the thing is, Terrence, last week, you disrespected ATDU. Terrence handed Cody a chair, so it is only fair he apologize to them. The fans boo but Waller says they don’t understand. This is not just for helping Cody, but for thinking he belongs in the ring with A-Town Down Under. Terrence might be the best boxer, but this is pro-wrestling. And look at Waller when he’s talking! If Terrence takes one more step, Waller’s boy Theory will knock you out! Theory says he isn’t trying to- BLAM and Terrence knocks Theory out!! Waller bails out, what was that about apologizing? Waller helps Theory out of the ring, is Theory going to come to his senses about this “team?”
Cody Rhodes speaks.
The American Nightmare is part of the Japan live tour, doing what he promised in bringing the Undisputed WWE Championship all across the globe. But he takes a moment to reflect, and do something wrestlers shouldn’t do and look back. Cody looks back on his win at the Royal Rumble, nearly having his WrestleMania main event taken from him, only for the people to help him take it back. He reflects on the fight of his life against Roman Reigns to do what he said he’d do, and #FinishTheStory. He was surrounded by friends, family, fans, a conquering hero, and The Bloodline was no more. Or so he thought.
“But this new doppelganger version, a pack of wild cats with nothing to lose, running around and feasting on anyone who stands in their way… Chaos reigns without a true lion to lead the pack. And because of that chaos, now I sit here alone. My friends, my allies, my partners, Randy Orton and Kevin Owens, destroyed trying to fight by my side while I watched. I head to SummerSlam a man on an island. A man who has the deck stacked against me. A man who will have to fight with every ounce of pride and energy that I have. But I also head into SummerSlam the champion.
“And I know that i have to bring all of my fire and passion to this fight, because I owe it to the people to defend this championship and not let it slip back into the hands of The Bloodline. Solo Sikoa is a dangerous man. He stepped up, declared himself the new Tribal Chief. He has proven he is ready to take on that mantle of responsibility and do whatever it takes. I used to think Solo wan’t ready. But now, not so sure. I need to look into his eyes and see what kind of man he really is. Before we battle it out int he main event of SummerSLam, I challenge you to meet me in the ring next week, face to face, one on one.
“So I can look into your eyes and see if you are indeed ready. Because in this moment of solitude, I know that I am.” The American Nightmare is ready for another fight of his life, but will he be leaving The Land still on top of the mountain?
Backstage interview with Andrade.
Byron Saxton says last week, El Idolo had an incredible match with Carmelo Hayes, and he won. So what is next on the agenda? Well, Andrade is thinking United States Championship. But then Carmelo Hayes steps in and says, “Just because you beat me one time, you think this is over?” It isn’t over until Melo wins. Oh, no, Melo is done, because he missed. Oh, is that so? How about how the crowd didn’t miss Andrade the last two years he decided to leave. Put it in perspective: LeBron James, one of the greatest, even he has an off night. Happens to the best of us. Okay, but Melo isn’t LeBron. He’s more like… Bronny Jr.
Melo says yeah, he is like Bronny, because it’s his time now! So step aside! Andrade says if he wants one more match, then okay. Melo says that’s all it’s gonna take. Melo leaves, not shaking Andrade’s hand. But will Andrade make sure The Message gets through to H1M?
Bayley & Mia Yim VS Nia Jax & Tiffany Stratton!
The Role Model has the title, and that puts a target on her back. The Queen of the Ring is waiting for SummerSlam, and even then, Ms. Tiffy in the Bank can strike at any moment. Will the Head Baddie in Charge help Bayley get past the bullies? Or will nothing stop the Irresistible Force and #TiffyTime?
Oh no! Nia attacks Michin from behind! She and Tiff stomp Mia around, even as the ref reprimands. Nia HEADBUTTS Mia, Tiff says this is what she gets, and Nia whips Mia hard into steel steps! But here comes Bayley! Bayley has a kendo stick and she runs off Nia & Tiff! Bayley stays by Mia’s side, but can Mia even compete now? Nia & Tiff set the briefcase aside, and same goes for the kendo stick and title belt. Tiff steps in, Bayley still wants this fight even with Mia down and out. The bell rings, Bayley runs up to THESZ PRESS! Bayley rains down fists, Tiff powers out, but Bayley hits another THESZ PRESS!
Tiff gets up again< Bayley headlocks, but Tiff powers out. Bayley hits buckles, Tiff headlocks, but Bayley powers out. Tiff runs Bayley over, says it’s time, and runs. Tiff handsprings over Bayley’s drop down, shows off, then dodges Bayley! Bayley KCISK a leg out, then rains down fists! The fans cheer, Tiff slips free but Bayley runs to SLIDING ELBOW! And SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Bayley keeps her cool, Mia checks her arm, and Bayley CLUBS Tiff down. Bayley stomps Tiff, taunts Nia, then brings Tiff around. Tiff RAMS Bayley into buckles! Tiff stomps away, lets off as the ref counts, then struts around.
The fans are torn as Tiff stomps Bayley. Tiff whips Bayley to the corner, but Bayley uses that to CLOBBER Nia! Tiff ROCKS Bayley, pushes her down, then taunts Bayley. Tiff whips, Bayley slips out to the apron and ROCKS Tiff back! Bayley BOOTS Nia for good measure, then HOTSHOTS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Bayley clamps onto Tiff, and Mia is up! The fans rally, Bayley brings Tiff up and wrenches, but then Nia YANKS Mia down! Nia fireman’s carries to SAMOAN DROP to the floor! Tiff HIP ATTACKS Bayley, then TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO!! Bayley survives but she and Mia are in bad shape as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Tiff stomps around. She runs up to STINK FACE Bayley! Nia must’ve taught her that one. Tiff drags Bayley to a corner, TWO! Tiff drags Bayley up onto ropes, then CHOKES her! Tiff lets off as the ref counts and YANKS the rope. Bayley sputters, Tiff whips her to a corner hard, and Bayley falls to the mat. Tiff soaks up the cheers and jeers, then she drags Bayley up. Tag to Nia, they double whip Bayley hard into their corner, then Nia SPLASHES! Tiffany handspring back ELBOWS! Nia drags Bayley out, covers, TWO! Nia taunts Bayley, soaks up heat and mocks the fans’ tears.
Nia brings Bayley up but Bayley fires hands! Bayley leaps on to GUILLOTINE! But Nia RAMS her into a corner! Bayley flops down, and Nia stands on Bayley’s back! The ref counts, Nia steps off, and she soaks up more heat. Nia bumps Bayley off buckles, tags Tiff, and Tiff runs in, to SPLASH Bayley! Tiff brings Bayley out, CLUBS her, and clamps on a chinlock. Bayley endures, the fans rally up, and Mia clutches her back while down on the outside. Bayley fires body shots, Tiff shoves her to SPINEBUSTER! High stack, TWO! Tiff is annoyed but she drags Bayley over. Tag to Nia, and Tiff feeds Bayley to Nia’s scoop and SLAM!
Nia runs to drop an ELBOW! Cover, TWO! The fans rally but Nia sits Bayley up into a cobra clutch! Bayley endures, pulls Nia’s hair, and fights up to her feet. But Nia RAMS her into the corner! Tag to Tiff, and Nia RAMS Bayley again. Tiff stomps Bayley around, puts her in a corner to whip corner to corner, then she handsprings in! Bayley catches Tiff in a waistlock! GERMAN SUPLEX! The fans fire up while both women are down! Mia rises again and the fans rally! Bayley crawls, but so does Tiff. Hot tag to Nia, and she CLOBBERS Bayley! Nia whips Bayley to the corner, runs in, but Bayley dodges! Nia POSTS herself, Tiff tags in!
Tiff grabs Bayley’s legs but Bayley BOOTS her away! Hot tag to Michin! Mia rallies on Tiff, hits a NECKBREAKER, then a FLAPJACK! Mia kips up and roars! The fans fire up, Mia KICKS Nia while hitting the TORNADO DDT on Tiff! Cover, TWO! Tiff survives but Mia builds speed to DIVE onto Nia! Down goes Nia and the fans fire up again! Mia heads up a corner, and MISSILE- NO, Tiff avoids the dropkick! Tiff tags Nia, Nia runs in, but Mia dodges! Bayley sneaks a tag, Mia ENZIGIRIS! Bayley runs to KNEE Nia down! Bayley puts Nia in a drop zone, then climbs up! MACHO ELBOW!! Cover, TIFF BREAKS IT!
The fans fire up and Mia storms in! Mia & Bayley mug Tiff then TOSS her! Nia hoists Mia up! Bayley makes the save, but the ref gets Mia out of there. Tiff CLOBBERS Bayley with the briefcase! Nia CLOBBERS Mia, then sets Bayley in the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!! Cover, Nia & Tiff win!
Winners: Nia Jax & Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
The Queen and “Princess” of the Ring stand tall together, having crushed the WWE Women’s Champion! Will they do it all over again in Cleveland to crown a NEW WWE Women’s Champion? Or can Bayley find a way to survive SummerSlam?
The Bloodline speaks.
Solo Sikoa tells Cody Rhodes, “I will see you face next week. The same night that my colleagues will bring back the tag team titles to The Bloodline, the night before I bring back the Undisputed WWE title to The Bloodline, at your expense. In one weekend, The Bloodline will handle family business. And if Roman Reigns got a problem with that… You know where to find me. So he can end up like Randy Orton, Kevin Owens, and Cody Rhodes, and ACKNOWLEDGE ME.” Solo is again adorned with the red ula fala, and The Bloodline raises the ones. But will they be the ones ruling over SmackDown after SummerSlam? Or can Cody overcome the odds once again?
My Thoughts:
A very good SmackDown, but clearly prerecorded from last week, given a lot of SmackDown stars are part of the Japan house show tour right now. The main clue was that they’re still in Nebraska, with Terrence Crawford making another appearance. Now yes, they also gave Cody a promo where he confirms he’s in Japan, but WWE social media has been sharing video of Jade, Bianca and Bayley being overseas as well, so they definitely had to tape this before today. But even so, Terrence Crawford also had a good segment getting to humble A-Town Down Under, and this will be just another reason Theory leaves Waller.
Very good promo from Cody to call out Solo, and good response from Solo after. Solo keeps bringing up Roman, so you gotta think Roman is returning next Saturday to make sure Solo doesn’t win the title. Though, that’s because we’re definitely getting Bloodline winning the tag titles. I can’t be sure if Loa’s bad eye is legit or kayfabe, but I’m pretty sure Bloodline was winning the gauntlet either way. Awesome stuff in that match, though also scary stuff like Crews taking that back suplex. I appreciate them wanting to go a little harder for the moment but they gotta be careful. And great showing from The Profits especially, so who knows if they feud with Bloodline after next week.
Really good promo from Knight leading into his match with Santos, and great match from Knight and Santos. Great win from Knight, but of course Logan Paul shows up to go after him. Now, Logan standing tall tonight almost feels like the go-home on the title, but then they are still doing a segment next week. If Knight not only ruins the homecoming but ends up standing tall in a brawl, then unfortunately for Knight, Logan is going to retain the title. Andrade said he wants said title, too, before being interrupted by Melo. There’s a good chance Melo beats Andrade next week with some shady tactics, but it would bide some time if Logan’s gonna still be champ and needs another Face contender.
Good promo from Naomi to put Blair on notice, and good segue into Jade & Bianca calling out Alba & Isla. Alba & Isla doing the sneak attack sets up the tag title match quite nicely, but Jade & Bianca standing tall gives us the go-home math that Alba & Isla retain. For that matter, they have Great American Bash first, so they’re definitely retaining through NXT to then go to SmackDown and retain again. They’re being less spooky now, but I wouldn’t mind if Alba & Isla at least used something sneaky to win so that Jade & Bianca aren’t necessarily weakened by the loss.
Good promo from Tiff and Nia to again nod towards Tiff getting a custom briefcase, and them making that loose promise that Tiff won’t cash in on Bayley yet. Very good tag match tonight with Mia playing up being beat up for most of it. Even then, Bayley and Mia almost won if not for a briefcase shot, so that technically protects Bayley in the loss. Now, regardless of what might happen next week, I’m still sticking by Bayley “surviving” Nia, only for Tiff to try a cash-in. Tiff promised Nia that Nia would get her shot, but once that’s over, Tiff can go right for Bayley, and then who knows how that goes.
My Score: 8.8/10
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
The Front and Center Sports Podcast – F1, NFL Schedule, and College Football
The Chairshot presents episode 4 of The Front and Center Sports Podcast, discussing F1, an 18 game NFL Schedule, and...
The Front and Center Sports Podcast – NBA Free Agency, USMNT, and Athlete Podcasts
The Chairshot presents episode 2 of The Front and Center Sports Podcast, discussing NBA Free Agency, USMNT, and athlete podcasts!
Hockey Talk- Season Finale [070224]
Hockey Talk reaches its conclusion for the 2023-24 NHL Season and celebrates the Florida Panthers capturing their first ever Stanley...
The Front and Center Sports Podcast – Olympics, JJ Reddick, and the NBA Draft
The Chairshot presents episode 2 of The Front and Center Sports Podcast, discussing the Olympics, JJ Reddick, and the NBA...
Hockey Talk- Collapse & Expansion [062424]
Hockey Talk discusses Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals. Plus PC Tunney joins the show to discuss March Madness...
Bandwagon Nerds #245: Finales & The Future
The guys discuss the season finales for The Boys & The Acolyte, break down the final Deadpool 3 trailer, and...
Musical Chairs S4: E2- Randy Newman & The Doors [071624]
Musical Chairs returns for Episode 2 of Season 4. This week, the guys cover Randy Newman and The Doors!
Bandwagon Nerds #244: Brave New Worlds
The guys review Episode 7 of The Boys, Sason 4, check out some massive trailers for the MCU, and take...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (7/11/24)
Prepare to set sail!
Musical Chairs S4: E1- Suicidal Tendencies & The Beach Boys [070924]
Musical Chairs returns for Season 4. On the season premiere, the guys cover Suicidal Tendencies and The Beach Boys!
Mitchell’s AEW Rampage Results & Report! (7/26/24)
It's the ROYAL RAMPAGE!
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (7/26/24)
SmackDown throws down the gauntlet!
Mitchell’s ROH Death Before Dishonor Results & Report! (7/26/24)
YEEHAW!
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 7.25.2024
Slammiversary Fallout! Where do things go on the way to Victory Road?
Mitchell’s NJPW G1 Climax 34 Results & Report! (7/25/24)
B Block, Round 3!
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (7/25/24)
ROH is bigger in Texas!
#TheOddity 004: Conor McGregor presents… Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
Join Dave Wortz and PC Tunney for your weekly newsletter on the ridiculous and dumb of actual headlines from around...
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (7/24/24)
The violent tradition returns!
[RETRO] Babyface/Heel Podcast: Wrestling Twitter & The Wrestling Game Show #4!
Greg, Miranda, and Patrick bring you this RETRO Babyface Heel Podcast, where there's Two Sides To Every Storyline!
Mitchell’s NJPW G1 Climax 34 Results & Report! (7/23/24)
Round 3...?
