NXT isn’t just First Class, it’s Glamorous!

While Trick Williams teams with TNA’s First Class, Mariah May officially becomes Blake Monroe as she signs her NXT contract!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• NXT Women’s Championship Evolution Eliminator: Thea Hail VS Jaida Parker; Jaida wins and advances.
• NXT Women’s Championship Evolution Eliminator: Kelani Jordan VS Lash Legend; Lash wins and advances.
• Six Man Tag: Trick Williams & First Class AJ Francis & Wes Lee w/ High Ryze VS Elijah, Josh Briggs & Yoshiki Inamura; Elijah, Briggs & Inamura win.
• NXT Women’s Championship Evolution Eliminator: ZARIA w/ Sol Ruca VS Izzi Dame w/ The Culling; Izzi wins and advances.
• NXT Women’s Championship Evolution Eliminator: Jordynne Grace VS Lola Vice; Grace wins and advances.

PLAY BY PLAY

NXT Women’s Championship Evolution Eliminator: Thea Hail VS Jaida Parker!

The first big match of the night is here! Chase U’s valedictorian was just trying to be a friend to Tatum Paxley, among others, and Miss Parker had to go and rain on that parade. But will Thea make it hail on Jaida’s? Or will Jaida prove being a “grown-ass woman” doesn’t compare to being the baddest b*tch in NXT?

Well hold on now, because Thea attacks during Jaida’s entrance! The fans go wild as Thea SMACKS Jaida off the apron! Jaida kicks back, CHOPS, then THROWS Thea into barriers! Jaida says this is HER ring, but Thea fires body shots! Jaida CLUBS Thea, puts her in the ring, and then storms in. The bell rings, Thea dodges and hits a THESZ PRESS! Thea rains down fists, Jaida shoves her into ropes, and then Jaida HIP ATTACKS against the ropes! Jaida rains down fists now as Thea is on the ropes, but the ref backs Jaida off. Jaida grabs Thea’s arms and pulls them against the ropes! The ref counts, Jaida steps off, and the fans duel.

Jaida runs up but Thea TOSSES her out! Thea DIVES and Jaida is sent into the desk! Thea RAMS Jaida into the apron, RAMS her again, then puts her back in the ring. Thea climbs up, up, and CROSSBODIES! The fans fire up with Thea and she clinches for an EXPLODER! Cover, TWO! Thea drags Jaida up and fires forearms! Thea whips, Jaida reverses, and Jaida scoops to SIDEWALK SLAM! Cover, TWO! Jaida stays on Thea, digs her knee into Thea’s back, and she bends Thea! The fans rally, Thea fights up, but Jaida wrangles Thea! The fans rally and duel as Thea fights up again. Thea arm-drags Jaida, but Jaida holds onto the headlock!

Jaida leans on Thea, thrashes her around, but Thea still endures. The fans duel more but Jaida throws forearms into Thea’s back! Jaida clamps on again, but Thea fights up, fires body shots, and then arm-drags! Jaida still holds on! Thea stands, but Jaida SWINGS Thea in the facelock! Cover, TWO! Thea toughs it out but Jaida clamps on with a chinlock! Thea endures but Jaida leans on her. The fans rally, Thea fights up again, and Thea RAMS Jaida into buckles! Thea RAMS Jaida again, is free of the hold, but Jaida throat chops! Jaida snap suplexes! Then she dragon sleepers for the INVERTED SUPLEX! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally as Jaida brings Thea up. Jaida suplexes but Thea wrenches free and WRINGS Jaida out! SLIDING LARIAT! Thea snarls, Jaida bails out, but Thea pursues. Jaida runs back in, but she’s sent into steel steps! The fans fire up while Jaida is down, and NXT goes picture in picture.

Jaida writhes and clutches her elbow. Thea storms over, drags her up, and puts Jaida in the ring. Thea climbs, aims, and DIVING BODY FLOPS as Jaida moves! Thea flounders but Jaida brings her up. Jaida bumps Thea off buckles, fires off hands, then RAMS into Thea! Jaida bumps Thea off buckles, runs and hits a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Jaida drags Thea up, fires knees, then clamps on a COBRA TWIST! Thea endures and fights around, to switch the twist onto Jaida! Jaida powers up and out, sends Thea to a corner, but Thea ELBOWS her back! Thea bumps Jaida off buckles, then whips, only for Jaida to roll and trip Thea!

Jaida SMASHES Thea’s knee, then drops an ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Jaida drags Thea up and into the Cobra Twist! But Thea snapmares free! Jaida runs up, but into a cradle! TWO, and Jaida runs up again! Thea rolls Jaida, TWO! Thea fires body shots and forearms, then a HEADBUTT! Thea runs to LARIAT! Jaida goes to a corner, Thea runs in, but Jaida dodges! Jaida puts Thea in the ropes, CHOPS her, then runs side to side for the TEARDROP! Jaida high steps it as NXT returns to single picture. Jaida waits on Thea, runs up again, but Thea rolls Hip-notic into the KIMURA!! The fans rally as Jaida endures!

Thea has the body scissors and she cranks on the arm! Jaida crawls her way over, drags Thea along, but Thea turns her from the ropes! KIMURA!! Jaida still endures and fights to her feet! The fans fire up as Jada RAMS Thea into buckles! Jaida is free, but Thea leaps back on! KIMURA!! Jaida RAMS Thea again, Thea leaps right back on! The fans fire up, JAIDA TAPS, but out of view!! Thea tries to explain to the ref, but a HIP-NOTIC gets her!!

Winner: Jaida Parker, by pinfall (advances to the #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way)

Miss Parker may not have attended Chase U, but she used a high IQ level move there. Will Jaida not only get out the mud, but will she finally get some gold?

Josh Briggs, Yoshiki Inamura & Elijah talk backstage.

The Bullhead Brawler says he can’t wait to get his hands on Trick & First Class tonight. Briggs didn’t think it could get any more annoying than Trick, but literally no one can stand AJ & KC! Inamura says exactly! Those three are in for an ass kicking! Briggs says bingo, and Elijah says he likes how that sounds. But First Class is the worst. They are making TNA look bad teaming with Trick while Trick disrespects TNA’s title. It is sickening! Elijah’s gonna tune his guitar up, he’ll se them later. The Drifter heads on, and in step Hank ‘n’ Tank! They ask if Briggs & Inamura are ready to rock it, and Briggs says you know it.

Tank says on the other side of this match, Briggs & Inamura have themselves a tag title match waiting. Briggs & Inamura like the sound of that. Hank says any time, any where. And then in steps Oba Femi. The tag champs welcome The Ruler, and Tank commends Oba on that match last week with Jasper Troy. Hank says that was a straight up hoss fight. Oba thanks them for that and admits, Jasper Troy is the most powerful contender he has been in the ring with. But Oba is still The Ruler, and that is not going to change any time soon. But then Oba turns around, and there’s Trick Williams.

Trick grins at Oba, and Oba says, “Champ.” Trick says, “Champ.” Oba says his money is on Briggs, Inamura & Elijah. Trick says Oba’s gonna be one broke ruler then. Why y’all got all that leather on? Briggs tells Trick to shut up. Briggs tells Inamura it is time to lock in. They head out, Hank ‘n’ Tank look to each other and agree, that was weird. But will Briggs & Inamura be victorious when they #WalkWithElijah? Or will the #TrickNA Champion look to go after Oba’s throne again?

Blake Monroe prepares for tonight.

She smiles as she walks through her wardrobe and sprays on perfume. The narrator says, “When The Glamour signs on the dotted line, it’s not just a signature, it’s an event. And she needs a dress as stunning as her contract.” Blake finds what she’s looking for and says, “Perfect!” A little black dress indeed, and now The Glamour is going to seal the deal with more than just a firm handshake. She officially signs with NXT tonight. Will nothing stop Blake Monroe from stealing the spotlight?

NXT Women’s Championship Evolution Eliminator: Kelani Jordan VS Lash Legend!

Another qualifier, another bit of beef between opponents. The Standout can’t stand the Bougie Bully always standing in her way, and in some cases literally pushing her aside. But Lash isn’t the first to dislike Lani’s new ‘tude. Will Lash add to her legend by taking a step closer to Evolution? Or will even Lash see that no one does it like Lani?

The bell rings and there’s some trash talk before Lash SHOVES Lani! Kelani is mad and she fires forearms! Lash KNEES low, scoops Kelani, then SLAMS her! Lash DRIBBLES Lani off the mat, then SLAMS her! Lash runs but Kelani avoids the splash! Kelani BOOTS, BOOTS, and SUPERKICKS! The fans rally, Kelani runs and ROLLING THUNDER! Not the cleanest but Kelani still lands on Lash. Kelani hurries to headlock to keep Lash in the ring. Lash powers up and lifts, but Kelani holds onto the headlock! Lash powers up but Kelani holds on! Lash powers up and back suplexes, but Kelani lands out to shove her!

Kelani runs and RANAS Lash! Then she DROPKICKS Lash outta the ring! The fans fire up as Kelani goes up, out, and ASAI MOONSAULTS! Down goes Lash and the fans fire up with Kelani! Kelani talks trash on Lash while NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Lash has Lani up in a stalling suplex, only for Lani to make it a cradle! TWO and Kelani gets away to a corner. Lash storms up, goes for a leg, but Kelani CLUBS away on Lash! The fans duel as Lash puts Kelani up top. Kelani kicks and BOOTS Lash down! Kelani RAMS Lash, then slingshots up and over to sunset flip! Lash flails and stays up! Lash YANKS Kelani just to THROW her down! And then the PUMP KICK! Cover, TWO! Lash is frustrated but the fans rally up. Lash drags Kelani up, reels her in, and hoists her up for a Canadian Rack! Lash makes it am Argentine Backbreaker rack but Kelani endures being thrashed around!

Kelani pries at Lash’s grip, then slips down to jump up, CODE BREAKER! Both women are down and the fans fire back up! Kelani and Lash stir while the fans cheer “NXT! NXT!” Lash and Lani go to opposite ends, then Lani rallies with forearms and a DROPKCIK! Kelani then dodges Lash to cartwheel BACK ELBOW! The fans fire up and Kelani kips up! Kelani runs up, cravats, and SLICED BREAD! Kelani goes up, up, and FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!? Lash survives that splash and the fans fire up! Kelani has the legs, kicks at Lash, but Lash rolls! Kelani cartwheels through, but Lash ROCKS her with a right!

Kelani goes to the ropes, Lash runs up, and Lash blocks the boot. But Kelani goes up to STOMP Lash down! Then she goes up, but Lash CLUBS her down! Lash climbs up and picks Kelani up, SUPER BACK- CROSSBODY!! Cover, TWO!! Kelani almost had Lash and she’s growing frustrated. Kelani hurries to the corner again, climbs back up, and 450 SPLASH onto knees! Lash racks Kelani for the LASH EXTENSION! Cover, Lash wins!

Winner: Lash Legend, by pinfall (advances to the #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way)

Two down, two to go! Jaida and Lash are riding high, who else will join them in that furious Fatal 4 Way?

Tony D’Angelo paces backstage.

The Don is anxious, and he hears Luca Crusifino talking on the phone as he walks up. “As Consigliere, I approve this.” Luca hangs up as Tony spots him, and Tony asks where Luca’s been! Luca tries to explain, he’s been here all night. Tony says he’s already heard enough. He’ll see Luca in the ring. In the ring? What’s that supposed to mean? Tony storms off without explaining, is he going to get to the bottom of everything?

NXT returns and…

Tony D is already in the ring, mic in hand. He says, “See, as The Don, you have to be aware at all times. You gotta keep your head on a swivel. You gotta be aware of enemies coming at you from every angle. You have to be aware of… being stabbed in the back. Now a few months ago, Stacks stabbed me in the back. Rizzo went into hiding, and Luca got clipped. Or so I thought. See, listen, I dunno what the Hell is going on right now. Up is down, down is up, whatever. All I want from Luca is his trust and his loyalty, and I’m not getting it. So Luca, you’re gonna get your ass out here, and we’re gonna talk man to man.” The fans cheer that!

Luca makes his entrance and he has a mic to say whoa, whoa, T, is this really how they’re gonna do this? Tony says yes it is! Listen to him! If you’re gonna lie, you’re gonna lie to him and all these people out here. Luca says he’s not lying. Tony says okay, then what happened with Luca and Stacks in the desert? Luca says he already told Tony that. They got outta the SUV, two guys tied Luca up and put him in the trunk of a car for who knows how long, only to let him out in the middle of the desert. Tony asks what Stacks said to him. Luca claims Stacks said that it was his “lucky day.” Stacks then took Luca’s phone and leaves him, no human in sight.

Tony says okay, let’s say Tony believes that. But Luca made it to Battleground, and just stared at Tony like an idiot. Can Tony trust Luca? Luca says damn right he can! The fans aren’t so sure, but Tony asks why Luca didn’t hit Stacks! Why didn’t he help Tony? What was he doing? Luca admits, he should have. But he didn’t know what to do. They lost at Stand & Deliver, Tony was mad, Luca didn’t know if he was gonna make it out of the desert alive. Luca is a consigliere, he is to advise people on what moves to make and what not to make. This is the first time since joining the family that Luca was on his own.

Tony accepts that, and Luca brings up how Rizzo is usually his soundboard, but no one’s seen her in just as long. Tony says yeah, okay, enough. They say that the eyes never lie. So Tony needs Luca to look him in the eye and tell him: “Are you with Stacks?” Luca promises Tony that he- WAIT, Stacks is here! The Underboss has a crew with him as he says Tony’s still out here, seeking the truth. Tony is pathetic without Stacks! Tony has the truth, he just doesn’t wanna accept it. Luca IS Tony’s consigliere, yet Tony won’t believe him. Luca, in all the years they’ve known each other, has Stacks ever NOT believed in him? Unlike Tony here in the last month.

Has Stacks every questioned Luca and his loyalty? Luca, there is a reason Stacks saved you from the desert in Vegas. Tony asks what that is supposed to mean, and Luca says no, Stacks left him out there! Stacks says Luca was never gonna be good enough to be Tony’s Consigliere. Luca, you know what to do next. The goons step into the ring, Tony thinks Luca is a snake, but then Luca ROCKS the goons! The fans fire up, but it is 4v2! Luca still clears the ring of the goons, then he grabs Stacks! But Stacks dodges and the HAYMAKER hits Tony!! The fans are stunned and Tony is upset, but Stacks grins. Has Luca sealed his fate?

Trick Williams warms up backstage.

Trick lifts weights and his belt. AJ Francis then walks in chanting “First Class Trick! First Class Trick!” Trick likes it, and asks if they’re ready for tonight. AJ says one thing, though. KC Navarro got hurt training for this match, so he isn’t cleared for the Six Man Tag. KC apologizes and Trick asks how they gonna wait until right before the match that KC can’t go!? KC puts this on AJ but AJ says he’s never led Trick astray. First Class doesn’t present problems, they present solutions. Then where are they? Well, KC can’t go tonight, but they found someone who can. In steps Wes Lee. And Wes says while he and Trick have history, nobody here knows TNA like Wes does.

All that aside, it is good to see that title on a real superstar. AJ & KC say that’s true. Trick says yeah, they’ve been through a lot. The whole “head of the locker room” and the smack in the face. Trick owns up, “My bad.” Trick was tripping, no excuses. But hey, Trick’s down with High Ryze. So tonight, they’re all First Class Trickin’ on the Wes Side! They all shake hands and AJ says that smells like… MONEY, MONEY, MONEY~! Wes says he’s gonna get ready, and Trick still tells KC to be better about this stuff. Don’t do this to him! KC apologizes, but will things still go off smoothly? Or will this last minute change help Elijah, Briggs & Inamura?

Class is in session at Chase U.

Mr. Chase welcomes everyone to class and officially introduces Kale Dixon & Uriah Connors. Uriah says they’re finally on time and ready to go! But per the montage, hard to say that’s true. They do their best to keep up with the lecture, and Kale blows his eraser shavings at the kiss-up from last time. Chase says it is summertime, and while other schools get to relax, Chase U has a strict curriculum. Kale has a question but Chase says hold on. Chase wants everyone to know that here, they lead by example. And while his methods may not be traditional, he takes great pride in- Kale has a question. How often do they-

Chase stops Kale again and says Kale needs to be ready to bleed black ‘n’ red. Chase U is their priority! Be ready to hear things you don’t wanna hear, and to thrive under pressure. Kale still has a question… Chase tells Kale that this is a #TeachableMoment. Chase U doesn’t adjust to you, you adjust to Chase U! Because if you wanna make it in this world, you gotta do more than learn. You gotta get EFFIN’ TOUGH! Kale closes up his book and leaves, Uriah following. Uriah says shame on Mr. Chase. Chase asks WTF! Is it Kale that needs to change? Or does Mr. Chase need to change if he wants to reach these kids?

Ethan Page & The Vanity Project watch the Ricky Saints throat smash footage.

Ricky Smokes says Ethan messed Ricky Saints up! Jackson Drake says Ethan cooked the Absolute. Ethan says to be honest, boys, this might be his best work yet. Brad Baylor says hundos, bro! But wait, Ricky Saints steps into the room. The Absolute says he will be medically cleared for next week. And he wants it to be known, he’s coming after Ethan. Ethan & Vanity Project laugh that off. Has Ricky not learned his lesson yet? Well, if he wants to get to Ethan, he has to go through Evolve’s hottest faction, the group taking over Wednesday nights and Tubi, The Vanity Project.

Ashante THEE Adonis says hey to everybody, and he agrees. Why is Ricky always so angry? Maybe he needs to chill out? Because adonisly, Ashante thought he and Ricky had something in common. But since Ricky can’t talk the talk no more, what’s he doing? Look around at the numbers game. The odds are not in Ricky’s favor. Um, Ethan & Vanity Project left… But see you real soon. Ashante sticks his foot in his mouth, but will he end up with Ricky’s boot up his ass?

Je’Von Evans, Tavion Heights & Wren Sinclair talk backstage.

Tavion is still upset that Charlie Dempsey refuses to listen. Didn’t Wren say she’d talk with him? Wren says difficult conversations can be challenging with him. It requires nuance. Je’Von asks what the hell is “nuance.” Did she talk to him or not? Wren says she did not… Je’Von and Tavion are disappointed, but then Jasper Troy passes by. The Young OG says hey to the Season 1 LFG Champion, and commends him on doing his thing 1v1 against Oba Femi. Now, he may have taken the L, but his time’s coming. Not before Je’Von, though! Just trust- Troy says stay out of his way. Troy heads out and Je’Von says okay, just saying.

Je’Von goes back to Tavion & Wren, and Charlie has appeared! And he’s annoyed seeing Je’Von back. Je’Von says hey, “C-Money,” understand that T here doesn’t wanna be in NQCC anymore. Well, seeing as how Je’Von is hanging around so much, how about this? Je’Von and Tavion have a match. If Tavion wins, he’s out of NQCC. Really? Yeah, why not. Je’Von says that’s rough. Je’Von’s not gonna lose, so Tavion’s stuck with Dempsey a little longer. Tavion says oh no, not if he can help it. They shake on it, and Je’Von tells Charlie he needs a hug. Wren offers and slowly pulls him in. Tavion, get in on this. He does not.

But will Tavion get out of NQCC by beating his new pal? Or will the Young OG prove he’s moving on up by leaving Tavion behind?

Six Man Tag: Trick Williams, AJ Francis & Wes Lee w/ High Ryze VS Elijah, Josh Briggs & Yoshiki Inamura!

The guitar strums, and, “Hello, I am Elijah. First Class Trick~, more like Last Place Trash. Wes Lee can’t even get outta the kiddy weight class. So I brought Inamura & Briggs to walk this path, when we kick Trick’s, AJ’s and Wes Lee’s ass! And I have got one question for everybody here tonight… Who wants to walk with Elijah?!” The fans cheer that! Elijah knows two men who will! Briggs & Inamura make their entrance, will these three righteous men be victorious? Or will the prideful trio be unstoppable? We find out, after the break.

NXT returns and First Class makes their entrance first. Wes Lee & High Ryze are next, leaving the TNA World Champion for last. The trios sort out, Inamura starts against Wes, and they circler. Wes slips around Inamura to KICK, KICK, and headlock. Inamura powers up and out but Wes dropkicks the legs out! Wes then dropkicks the leg again! Wes runs but Inamura CLOBBERS him! Inamura drags Wes up, CHOPS him, then tags Briggs. Briggs & Inamura double whip to FLAPJACK! Then DROPKICK CHOP COMBO! Cover, TWO! Briggs brings Wes up, scoops him, but Wes slips free, hot tag to AJ Francis!

Wes dodges Briggs, slides out, and Francis runs in and CLOBBERS Briggs! The fans are torn but Francis runs in at the corner, only for Briggs to BOOT him! Francis hurries away, Trick tags in, and Trick runs up, but into a scoop and SIDEWALK SLAM, to the SPLASH! The fans fire up, Briggs tags Elijah, and they mug Trick. Elijah wrenches and wristlocks but Trick rolls, handsprings, and wrenches back. Trick has a top wristlock but Elijah uses the ropes to flip through! Elijah wrenches and headlocks. Trick powers up and out, Elijah reverses the whip but Trick spins that around. Trick hurdles but Elijah LEAPING LARIATS!

The fans fire up and Elijah brings Trick up. Elijah knuckle locks, goes up top, and he goes Old School so Trick will #WalkWithElijah! FLYING KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO! Trick toughs it out but Elijah brings him up. Elijah whips, Trick reverses, and Trick LEG LARIATS! The fans fire up while Elijah bails out. Briggs & Inamura check on Elijah while Trick soaks up cheers and jeers. Elijah trips Trick, drags him out, and THROWS him into barriers! The fans fire up, but Wes FLIES! Briggs & Inamura catch him! But wait, Francis wants to try! But then he stops and laughs at the fans who thought he would. But then Briggs & Inamura BOOT DOUBLE CHOP COMBO!!

Elijah goes up!? And he MACHO ELBOWS onto Francis! The fans fire up as Elijah, Briggs & Inamura fire up! The First Class Tricks regroup outside, and NXT goes picture in picture.

The ref has things calm down, but Trick is looking to leave? Elijah tags Briggs, and Briggs catches up to Trick on the ramp! Briggs brings Trick around, puts him in the ring, and then storms up. Briggs ROCKS Trick, DECKS Trick, then puts Trick on ropes to stomp him down. Trick wants mercy but Briggs YANKS him up to whip and ELBOW down! Cover, TWO! Trick stays in this but he’s far away from his team. Briggs tags Inamura and Inamura CHOPS! Inamura wrenches and grinds the arm but Trick fights up. Trick wrenches and arm-drags Inamura for a wristlock. Inamura fights up but Trick tags in Wes.

Wes goes up but Inamura avoids the flying stomp to the arm! Inamura DOUBLE CHOPS Wes inside-out! Inamura sets up in a three point stance, and he fires off the SUMO PALM STRIKES! Inamura puts Wes in the corner to JAB and CHOP on repeat! The ref counts, Inamura stops at 4 to hoist Wes up top. Inamura climbs, Tyriek gets on the apron, Elijah goes after him, but that lets Tyson go after Inamura! Tyson anchors Inamura on the corner and Wes slips free to YANK Inamura down! Wes then ENZIGIRIS, ENZIGIRIS again, and goes up, up, and FLYING DOUBLE STOMPS! Inamura falls, Wes covers, TWO!

Inamura toughs it out but Wes brings him over. Wes whips Inamura to the First Class corner, but Inamura dodges in return! Inamura runs back in, but Wes dodges! Wes UPPERCUTS Inamura, tags Francis, and then Francis sends Wes back in for a back body block! Feed to Francis’ BOOT, then Francis pops Wes up for a SPLASH! Francis adds a SENTON and he covers, TWO! Inamura survives and NXT returns to single picture. Francis clamps onto Inamura’s arm but Inamura fires body shots! Inamura CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Inamura fires a flurry of forearms, then he ROCKS Francis! Inamura runs, RAMS Francis, but Francis returns to TFL SPEAR! Cover, TWO!!

Inamura survives but Francis soaks up heat. Then he runs side to side to KNEE Inamura so hard, Francis flips up and out of the ring, and lands on his feet! Tag to Wes and Wes slingshots to PLANCHA! Cover, TWO! Inamura stays in this but Wes looms over him. Wes taunts Briggs and Elijah, then he ROCKS Inamura! And ROCKS him again! Inamura goes to a corner and snarls as he stands up. Wes runs up, Inamura dodges, but Wes BOOTS! ROUNDHOUSES! ENZIGIRIS! But then Inamura scoops for the SPIN-OUT SLAM! The fans fire up while both men are down! They crawl for their corners, hot tags to Trick and Briggs!

The fans fire up as Briggs BOOTS Trick! And then runs, dodges, and CROSSBODIES! Just enough of a hit on Trick and Elijah tags in! Elijah rallies on Trick now and he bumps Trick off buckles! Elijah CHOPS and ROCKS Trick on repeat! The fans fire up, the ref counts, and Elijah stomps a mudhole in! The ref backs Elijah off but he is still fired up! Elijah suplexes Trick for ANARCHY! Cover, Wes & Francis break it! Briggs & Inamura storm in, it is a brawl! The ref reprimands, but Francis DECKS Inamura and Wes HEEL KICKS Briggs! Elijah CHOPS Trick, Wes runs upon Briggs but Briggs TOSSES him out!

Trick ROCKS Elijah, SPIN KICKS Briggs, Elijah TOSSES Francis! JUMP KNEE for Francis! Trick catches Elijah, nelsons him, and Wes goes up. Briggs gets Elijah outta there, Wes’ WHISPER IN THE WIND hits Trick! The fans are thunderous as Wes doesn’t realize what happened, and Elijah TOSSES Wes onto Ty & Ty! Inamura tags in and climbs up while Briggs PLANCHAS onto Francis! GREAT RUSH SPLASH!! Cover, Inamura’s team wins!!

Winners: Josh Briggs, Yoshiki Inamura & Elijah, by pinfall

A huge win for the big men, and Inamura pins THE TNA World Champion! Will Inamura look to be more than just an NXT Tag Team Champion in the near future?

#ZaRuca walks ‘n’ talks backstage.

Sol says last week was so much fun, and Zaria says now they can do it in a match. Their views are a bit up and down, no thanks to Lash and Wren. Sol says they can just retry later, after Zaria wins her match. Word challenge, go! Three, two, one, WINNER~! See? Sol has Zaria’s back. But speaking of, Tatum Paxley creep up from out of a road case?! Tatum wants to talk with Sol & Zaria but they head out already. Tatum is still lonely, but will she find a way to connect? Will the Agent of Change be a real gamechanger on the road to Evolution?

Ava Raine meets with Stevie Turner and Robert Stone.

The NXT General Manager tells the Evolve “Prime Minister” that she is very proud of her. Stevie thanks Ava, and Stone agrees that Evolve has been great lately. But he does have to ask… Do they hear that? Stevie says nice one, Rob. No, he means it. There’s something going on. Ava checks the hallway, and Tony is angry with Luca. Luca explains that the punch was an accident! Oh, well, guess we’ll see. Tony says hey, Ava, glad you’re here. She saw the punch to the mouth, right? Luca says it was meant for Stacks! Then maybe Ava can make a match of Luca VS Stacks. Luca says he doesn’t wanna fight stacks. Yeah, because he’s working with Stacks, right!?

Luca says Tony needs to trust him, but Tony says Luca needs to prove it to him! Ava says okay, enough. Tony is fed up with all that happened, but Ava can’t give Luca a match with Stacks anyways. And why’s that? Is Ava working with Stacks, too? No! She’s the GM, she isn’t working with anyone. Stacks has a match, against Noam Dar for the Heritage Cup. Wait, why does Stacks get a Cup match? Because the last person he beat was a former Heritage Cup Champion in Tony D. And because his consigliere signed off on it. His what?! Luca says it wasn’t him! Tony doesn’t trust that, given the phone call we heard earlier. But if Luca isn’t Stacks’ man, then who is?

NXT Women’s Championship Evolution Eliminator: ZARIA w/ Sol Ruca VS Izzi Dame w/ The Culling!

Evolution is all about change, so naturally the Agent of Change should want to be part of it! Will she be one step closer to matching Sol Ruca as a champion? Or will The Culling’s femme fatale prove Zaria is too weak to survive?

The bell rings and the two tie up. Izzi rolls Zaria, ONE, but Izzi BOOTS Zaria down! Zaria is up but Sol coaches her. Izzi runs up, Zaria dodges and fires off hands! Zaria ROCKS Izzi, Izzi ROCKS Zaria, repeat! The fans fire up as the big shots go back and forth! Zaria then BOOTS Izzi down! Izzi flounders to a corner, Zaria runs up to SPLASH! Zaria suplexes Izzi away, covers, TWO! Zaria bumps Izzi off buckles again and again, then fireman’s carries! Izzi slips free, shoves and BACKDROPS, but Zaria sunset flips! TWO, and Izzi KNEES low! Izzi RAMS Zaria to the corner, RAMS her again and again, then digs her shoulder in.

The ref counts, Izzi lets off, and Zaria grabs Izzi for a HEADBUTT! Zaria goes up, up, and the fans rally behind Zaria as she has Izzi in a HANGING SLEEPER! Zaria drops Izzi, the fans fire up, and Zaria aims to FLYING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! The fans rally while Izzi crawls away, and NXT goes picture in picture.

Izzi drags herself up with the ropes, but Zaria is right on her! Zaria puts Izzi through the ropes, pulls her back, and then lets go at 4 to hit a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Izzi stays in this, but Zaria stays on her by tying up the legs. Zaria bends Izzi, not quite a Bow ‘n’ Arrow, but Izzi endures. Zaria CLUBS Izzi, clamps on a chinlock, but Izzi fights up to throw body shots. Zaria holds on and thrashes Izzi, but Izzi powers up to pry at the hold. Izzi opens the chinlock but Zaria fireman’s carries! Izzi slips to a sunset flip, but Zaria sits on the cover! TWO and Izzi has the cover, TWO! Zaria high stacks, TWO!

Izzi and Zaria stand, Izzi kicks low! But Zaria cradles! TWO, and Izzi cradles! TWO, and Izzi clamps onto Zaria’s neck! Zaria breaks free, BACK ELBOWS Izzi, then runs, but into a LARIAT! Izzi huffs ‘n’ puffs and puts Zaria on ropes to throw ELBOW after ELBOW! Izzi brings Zaria around, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Izzi is frustrated but she drags Zaria up. Izzi turns Zaria for a NECKBREAKER, covers again, TWO! Zaria is tougher than that and Izzi grows further frustrated. Izzi clamps on a chinbar and armlock, but Zaria fights up. Zaria pries the hold open but Izzi scoops for a BACKBREAKER!

Izzi snarls while Zaria writhes. Izzi bumps Zaria off buckles, fireman’s carries and hits SNAKE EYES! Izzi talks trash on Zaria, kicks her around, then stands her up. Zaria ROCKS Izzi with a right hand! NXT returns to single picture as Zaria ROCKS Izzi again and again! Zaria waistlocks, Izzi runs to ropes, but Zaria holds on! Izzi fights, Zaria yanks her back, but Izzi resists the suplex! Izzi runs to a corner to HOTSHOT Zaria off the top rope! Izzi goes up, up, and FLYING CODE BREAKERS! Zaria stagger sup, Izzi RAMS her in the corner! Izzi fires forearm after forearm then adds some CHOPS! Izzi runs and BOOTS Zaria down!

The fans rally, Izzi scoops and SLAMS Zaria, then covers, TWO! Sol coaches Zaria, Shawn Spears & Niko Vance coach Izzi, and Izzi choke grips Zaria! VOLLEYBALL SPIKE CHOKE SLAM! High stack cover, TWO!! Zaria survives “the kill” and Izzi is losing her mind! Izzi runs in, but Zaria DUMPS her out! The fans fire up, Izzi hurries up, but Zaria ROCKS her first! Zaria HIP TOSSES Izzi and the fans fire up! Zaria LARIATS! And LARIATS! And then BOOTS! Zaria roars, scoops, and SLAMS! The fans fire up as Zaria waistlocks for a GERMAN SUPLEX! Zaria fires up more and the fans are with her!

Izzi rises, but Tatum spooks Sol with a surprise hug! Zaria is distracted, and Izzi hits a SKY HIGH!! Cover, IZZI WINS!!

Winner: Izzi Dame, by pinfall (advances to the #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way)

Tatum says oops, and Sol asks what is going on. But Izzi takes advantage of the confusion, #ItIzWhatItIz. But will she cull the weak from the Fatal 4 Way to head for Evolution?

Briggs & Inamura regroup backstage.

Briggs is fired up! First win since joining back together, and Inamura pinned Trick Williams! Inamura has proven he deserves a TNA World Championship match! And both of them know Santino Marella was watching that one. Inamura nods, and he says Briggs is still his friend. If Briggs wishes, they can do the tag team title match first. Is Inamura sure? Yes, Inamura says they should aspire to something more! Imagine one of them as TNA World Champion, and the other as THE NXT Champion! Briggs says that IS bigger. So, hell yeah! Let’s do that! Briggs is onboard for a Two Man Power Trip, will this be their time to shine?

NXT Women’s Championship Evolution Eliminator: Jordynne Grace VS Lola Vice!

Three spots filled, one remains, and they might’ve saved the best for last. These two have had their chances at the title and have fallen short, but you never say never! Will the Juggernaut bulldoze through Vice City? Or will Jordynne learn that Lola’s a knockout in her own right?

The bell rings and the two circle. They feel things out. Grace goes for a leg, but Lola holds her off. They switch on the mat, go around, and Lola escapes the facelock. The fans applaud the opening exchange and the two go again. They feel things out, clinch, and Lola waistlocks. Grace headlocks, Lola powers out but Grace whips. Lola ducks ‘n’ dodges then tilt-o-whirls to RANA! The fans fire up and Lola brings Grace up, only for Grace to TOSS her out! Grace goes up, out, but Lola slides back in! Grace RAMS Lola, Lola ducks a haymaker and has the SLEEPER! Grace HOTSHOTS free, then slingshots back in, only for Lola to SPIN KICK!

Lola fires LIGHTNING KICKS! Lola puts Grace in the corner, and reminds us, “I’M A LATINA~!” HIP ATTACK! Grace sputters, Lola welcomes her to Vice City, and NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Lola has Grace in a GUILLOTINE FACELOCK! Grace powers up and lifts Lola, but Lola swings that into a DDT! Lola top mounts, Grace pushes free and goes to a corner. Lola runs up, Grace BOOTS her away, but Lola comes back. Grace goes up and over, runs corner to corner and goes up and over again! Grace fireman’s carries Lola for a ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! SLIDING D! Cover, TWO!! Lola survives that double impact but Grace stays focused. The fans rally up, Grace drags Lola to her feet, and the fans rally. Grace scoops to POWERSLAM Lola into the drop zone! Grace then goes up, VADER BOMB into a TRIANGLE HOLD!

Lola holds on tight and the fans rally! Grace endures, reaches out, but she’s fading! Grace gets a second wind and high stacks Lola. Grace deadlifts Lola to POWERBOMB! Grace is free but both women are down! The fans fire up for “NXT! NXT!” Grace rises up, she brings Lola up and fires forearms. Grace pump handles but Lola fights off the lift! Grace THROWS Lola to the corner, hoists her up top, and CHOPS! The fans fire up while Lola sputters. Grace climbs, brings Lola up, but Lola fires body shots. Lola powers out to have the double wristlock! Grace endures, fires body shots, but Lola hits a SUPER ARMBAR DDT!!

Lola rises to SPINNING ROUNDHOUSE!! Cover, TWO?!?! Grace survives and Lola cannot believe it! The fans can’t believe it, either! Lola demands Grace get up! Grace sits up, Lola aims, HEEL- NO, Grace blocks and makes it a FISHERMAN BUSTER! Then a BEAST MODE DRIVER!! Cover, Grace wins!!

Winner: Jordynne Grace, by pinfall (advances to the #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way)

Lola put Grace under pressure, but she couldn’t break her! Jordynne is now joining Jaida, Lash and Izzi in the Fatal 4 Way, who defies the odds to face Jacy Jayne at Evolution?

#ZaRuca and Tatum are backstage.

Zaria is upset with Tatum doing that because it cost her! Tatum knows, she didn’t mean for it to happen, she’s sorry! Sol says she knows, but Zaria says it doesn’t matter now that Zaria isn’t in the Fatal 4 Way. Izzi walks over and says Tatum should remember what she told her: Zaria & Sol aren’t Tatum’s real friends. If they cared about Tatum, they’d include her in their little TikTok games. Izzi knows she would. Izzi leaves and Tatum follows! Zaria stops Sol from following, Tatum isn’t their concern. And then Blake Monroe struts by on her way to gorilla. The contract signing is coming, will it go off without a hitch?

Noam Dar speaks.

“The Heritage Cup has brought a different style of wrestling to NXT, and to America, crossing two brands. Eight of the best in-ring competitors have had the honor of carrying her. And it gives me great pride that my name has been on this trophy more than anyone else. For almost 800 days, Noam Dar has been the gold standard for the Heritage Cup. And Supernova 11 plans on keeping it that way.” He is ready for his fourth reign to be his best, but will it be his shortest if Stacks can help it?

BREAKING NEWS for next week!

Just as Inamura told Briggs, BRIGGS will have the TNA World Championship match against Trick, even though Inamura pinned the champ! Will this favor from his friend help Briggs finally win the big one?

Ava Raine is in the ring.

The fans cheer the NXT General Manager, and she says, “NXT has the best women’s division in all of professional wrestling. And tonight, I continue to add to that as the hottest free agent in sports entertainment joins an already stacked women’s roster, and officially signs her NXT contract. Ladies and gentlemen, please help me welcome to the ring, The Glamour, Blake Monroe!” The fans cheer as Miss Monroe makes her first entrance ever here on NXT. She blows kisses to the crowd and steps into the ring. She picks up the mic to say, “The moment you’ve gushed, gasped, and glammed for is finally here.”

The fans cheer, and Monroe says this IS the best women’s division in the world. She’s been dreaming of hopping into bed with that kind of talent. And it is no secret, but the WWE has always been her dream. And now that she’s here, this women’s division is all hers! The fans cheer that, too! Because the Glamour raises the bar, turns heads, and redefines what it means to be a star! So, ladies, surely you’re listening. The spotlight is now firmly on The Glamour, Blake Monroe. The fans cheer again, and Monroe takes out her own pen. She signs on the dotted line, only for The Fatal Influence to storm out here.

The fans boo but Jacy Jayne waves hi to Ava & Monroe. Jacy says, “Ava, darling, quick question for you. Why’re you out here kissing the newbie’s ass like this?” The fans boo more but Jacy says the last time she checked, Fatal Influence has been running this division all year. And did they ever get some kind of celebration? Did they? Fallon says nope, not once. And sure as hell not for Fallon’s NXT Women’s North American Championship. Jazmyn says of course not! And now, she won’t lie to Monroe, it is impossible to keep their eyes off her. This is so cute! But if Monroe thinks she came here to take what Fatal Influence has built, then she’s delusional.

Monroe says, “Oh… Oh, dear. The rumors are true: Fatal Influence are as insecure as they are b*tches.” The fans cheer that! Fallon frowns and Jacy says alright, alright, reality check. This division doesn’t need Monroe. She’s just another new flavor of the month. Jacy has seen girls like Monroe walk in here time and time again, and- Monroe stops her and asks if she’s ever tried this one: SLAP!! The fans fire up as Fallon and Monroe brawl! Monroe throws a flurry, but then the ROLLING ENCORE hits her! The fans boo and Fallon drags Monroe up. She and Jacy DOUBLE POWERBOMB Monroe down through the table!

Ava is upset and so are the fans. But will even The Glamour end up under The Influence? Or will Jacy, Fallon & Jazmyn come to regret bullying the “newbie?”

My Thoughts:

A great NXT with a lot of action and still plenty of good story. Mariah May, now Blake Monroe, got quite a bit of hype for her contract signing, and I figured Fatal Influence would “crash the party.” They get themselves a lot of heat beating down the new girl that comes in with a lot of love, but like… Does this undercut the whole point of an Evolution Eliminator? Or will Jacy and Monroe have a title match for NXT Great American Bash since it is 24 hours ahead of Evolution? Then the winner of that meets the winner of the Fatal 4 Way, all sorts of possibilities there.

The four “eliminator” matches were all great, and I do appreciate that they just cut to giving us the grudge matches at this point in the little mini-tournament rather than leaving them for the Fatal 4. Jaida really had a clever way around losing, I don’t know if I’ve ever really seen something like that. Lash VS Lani was really good, and that was a great win for Lash. Meta Four broke up so the individual parts could have success on their own, so Lash needs to actually get some wins. Similarly, Izzi winning over Zaria helps in her personal build. I was a little surprised by her win, but it also works that Tatum Paxley is getting in on this story. Presumably, Izzi isn’t winning the Fatal 4, so Izzi & Tatum VS #ZaRuca will be a good tag match in the aftermath.

Grace VS Vice was a great main event match, and the best match of the four, and as I figured, Grace won. That is a hard-hitting group of four, and as it stands, Jacy being champ would mean Grace wins as a Face and probably just dominates Jacy and the Fatal Influence before winning the title. Granted, there were rumors Grace was going to be called up given her loss at Battleground, but c’mon, Jordynne should have a run with the top title to parallel Giulia and Stephanie Vaquer. And while nothing is set for NXT around SummerSlam weekend, that would make more sense as a place for Grace to show up with her call-up.

We still got good stuff with all the other stories, too. Tony’s paranoia is getting the better of him, and Stacks is continuing to use that as his greatest weapon against Tony. I wouldn’t be surprised if Tony has a match with Luca and that drives Luca to join Stacks’ side. At the same side, how wild would it be if Rizzo, in her hiding, is Stacks’ consigliere and right hand in this D’Angelo Family coup? Good promo from Dar to remind us of the Heritage Cup’s history. I really hope they bring back the British Rounds aspect to really test Stacks, and I would hope for Dar’s sake that he retains the Cup.

Very good stuff with Ricky Saints calling out Ethan while he hangs out with Vanity Project, and obviously Ricky’s return match is against Ashante after Ashante acted like he was part of the team. Ricky will win, but I’m sure Vanity Project will have matches with him before Ricky gets at Ethan. Very good promo from Je’Von with NQCC as well as Troy. Je’Von’s just trying to be a friend to people but naturally, Troy isn’t looking for friends. Je’Von VS Tavion with those NQCC stakes is an interesting move but it is clever how Je’Von wants to help Tavion but not at his own expense. Dempsey might even do his best to factor into the finish to make sure Tavion loses and is stuck in NQCC.

And very good stuff with the NXTNA crossover. Very good promo from the Faces to tease Briggs & Inamura going on that Two Man Power Trip, wanting tag titles and singles titles at the same time. And very good promo from the Heels, but I can’t be sure if KC Navarro was legit unable to wrestle or they just wanted to bring Wes in for some fun. Either way, I appreciate Wes and Trick apologizing to each other to give us why they are now working together as Heels. Most of the time, Heels work together again just because they’re both Heels and that’s it.

The Six Man Tag still went the Faces’ way, and that was rather interesting for Inamura to give Briggs the title match with Trick. Of course, Inamura is clearly planning to go for Oba and the NXT Championship then, so he’s handing the secondary title to Briggs. I can see Briggs & Inamura becoming tag champs over Hank ‘n’ Tank, but I don’t know about taking the top singles titles. Trick VS Briggs will be great, Oba VS Inamura could be some awesome stuff, but there has to be something where Trick and Oba fight one last time as the top champions of both sides.

My Score: 8.9/10

Will this become King of the YEET?

Though he lost the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, Jey Uso has a chance to be King of the Ring, if he can beat Sheamus, Rusev and Bronson Reed!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Queen of the Ring Tournament Fatal 4 Way: Stephanie Vaquer VS Raquel Rodriguez VS Ivy Nile VS Asuka;  Asuka wins and advances to the next round.
• AJ Styles VS JD McDonagh w/ Dominik Mysterio; Styles wins.
• Liv Morgan VS Kairi Sane; Kairi wins, by stoppage.
• King of the Ring Tournament Fatal 4 Way: Sheamus VS Rusev VS Bronson Reed VS Jey Uso; Jey wins and advances to the next round.

PLAY BY PLAY

Liv Morgan & Dominik Mysterio are here!

Green Bay is a bit torn as the Bonnie & Clyde of WWE go to the ring together, proudly wearing their belts. And Liv seems extra proud of herself after insulting and then knocking out Nikki Bella last week. Liv grabs the mic to say, “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Monday Night Morgan~! And please make some noise for the most gorgeous man in WWE. He is the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time, Dominik Mysterio~!” The fans make noise, but it isn’t all positive. Dom has the mic and thanks Liv, but tonight is not about him. Tonight is all about Liv! The fans boo again but Liv thanks Dom for that.

Liv says respect is the thing she is out here to talk about. Everyone needs reminding that this is LIV’s division! And when you talk about her division, you talk about HER! See, Nikki Bella had to learn that the hard way, and now she’s home all beat up, watching Liv on her TV, which is where she should be! Wanna know what was worse than that? The fact that Iyo Sky claimed Nikki paved the way for them all. What a joke. No one paved the way for Liv, and especially not Nikki! Liv paved her own way, and she became the history-making, record-breaking, FOUR-TIME WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion!

The fans boo a bit more but Liv asks the fans if they know what that makes her. What it makes her is the greatest WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion of ALL~ TIME! So she is not asking for respect anymore, she’s demanding it! Just like she is demanding for a rematch she never got over the Women’s World Championship. So Iyo, they can do this the easy way or the hard way. Well, here comes Iyo! The fans cheer the Genius as she holds up the Women’s World Championship and goes to the ring. Iyo grabs herself a mic while the fans cheer her on. Iyo tells Liv, “Do everyone a favor, and shut your mouth!”

The fans cheer and Liv is upset, but Iyo says all Liv does is whine and show disrespect. Iyo rants in Japanese a second and the fans appreciate that. But Iyo says Liv disrespected Nikki Bella, and she disrespected Iyo! If Liv wants to fight, then Iyo is right here! The fans cheer that and Liv says okay, okay. She does wanna fight her, but only for the title. But if Iyo is scared because Liv has beaten her more than any other woman in the WWE, then Iyo can just hand the title over, Liv doesn’t mind. Liv smiles and Iyo sneers. Iyo is not handing Liv anything. If Liv wants it, she has to earn it. Liv can’t just steal it like she stole Dirty Dom from Rhea!

Dom says hold on, hold on! The fans boo Dom but Dom says let’s just make this easy for Liv and give her what she wants! Like Dom does every single day! Liv tells Iyo to listen to Dom, he’s smart. Just shine the belt up and hand it over, thanks. Oh, Liv wants it? Yes, she wants it. Iyo says alright, she can have it. Catch! Liv catches the belt, and then she gets a DROPKICK! And a BUZZSAW! Dom is upset but then Iyo ROUNDHOUSES him! The fans fire up as Iyo holds up her title while Dom & Liv run away! Liv still has to face Kairi Sane later tonight in a rematch of their own, will the Pirate Princess just add insult to injury?

Queen of the Ring Tournament Fatal 4 Way: Stephanie Vaquer VS Raquel Rodriguez VS Ivy Nile VS Asuka!

The final Fatal 4 Way for the Queen of the Ring is here, with Alexa Bliss awaiting the winner! But will it be La Primera making big moves in her “rookie year” on Raw? Will Big Mami Cool make up for Liv falling short? Will this tournament soon be American Made? Or will the Empress of Tomorrow have a massive return?

Raw returns and Raquel gets ready backstage. Liv finds her and tells her to win, no matter what. Raquel says got it, then she makes her entrance. Ivy is already in the ring, so that leaves Asuka to make her entrance for the first time in just over a year! The fans fire up to see her back, from classic theme to the face paint. The bell rings, Raquel rushes Asuka and Ivy is after Vaquer! They brawl, and then Ivy and Raquel whip! Vaquer reverses, Asuka CLOBBERS Ivy, and then the two work together against towering Raquel! KICK after KICK, then DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! The fans fire up and chant, “Welcome Back! Welcome Back!”

Asuka and Vaquer tie up, Vaquer ducks a kick to shove, then follow. Vaquer dodges a lariat, sweeps to cover, ONE! Asuka sweeps to cover, ONE! The two standoff and the fans cheer. But Ivy CLOBBERS Vaquer! Raquel puts Asuka in a corner, but Ivy tries to roll Raquel up! Raquel YANKS Ivy up to PUSH her away! Asuka headscissors, but Raquel uses that to POWERBOMB Asuka onto Ivy & Vaquer! Ricky Desperado stands tall while the fans boo, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Vaquer ROCKS Ivy! Vaquer fires more hands, then runs, itl-ow-rhils and rolls Ivy up, TWO! Ivyh swings, but Vaquer spins her and snap suplexes her! But Raquel is up, only for Vaquer to serv eher SOLE FOOD! Asuka is back, Vaquer dodges to mule kick! Vaquer runs and METEORAS Raquel in a corner! Vaquer runs up, blocks Asuka’s boot, and DRAPING DRAGON SCREWS her! Asuka writhes but she goes to a corner. Ivy runs up, but into a BIG back suplex! Vaquer grins as she wraps on the headscissors! The fans fire up for the DEVIL’S KISSES! AH AH AH AH, but then Raquel KICKS Vaquer in the side!

Raquel drags Vaquer up, suplexes, but Vaquer slips free! Vaquer wrenches, snapmares, and now she puts Raquel in the headscissor! DEVIL’S KISSES, but Raquel Electric Chair Lifts! The fans fire up for that feat of strength, but Asuka runs in! Raquel BOOTS Asuka, but Vaquer RANAS Raquel to the apron! And she holds on, for DEVIL’S KISSES on the apron!! AH AH AH AH AH AH AH AH AH AH, YEEEEAH~! The fans fire up and Vaquer smiles. Raquel flounders around, Vaquer climbs and springboards, CROSSBODY! Asuka is in to clinch, chicken wing, but Vaquer fights the rest of the Asuka Lock!

The two fight for control, Vaquer pulls hair but can’t get a grip. Vaquer RAMS Asuka into a corner, Ivy RIDER KICKS Vaquer down! Ivy then fires off on Asuka! Ivy whips Asuka, Asuka KICKS back! Ivy staggers, Asuka runs up, but Ivy dodge! HIP ATTACK for Raquel! Ivy cradles Asuka, TWO! Ivy waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Asuka stays in this and Ivy is surprised! Ivy says she was that close, and talks trash on Asuka while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns once again and Vaquer has Asuka up top. Ivy joins in, Asuka blocks the suplex, but then Raquel joins in! Raquel Electric Chair Lifts both Vaquer and Ivy, and Asuka MISSILE DROPKICKS them all down! The fans fire up as Asuka rises! Asuka KICKS Vaquer, KICKS Ivy, and repeat! Asuka SUPERKICKS Vaquer, then spins to BUZZSAW Ivy! Raquel runs up, Asuka bobs ‘n’ weaves, fires off palm strike after palm strike, and then a SOBAT! And a front KICK! CODE BREAKER! Raquel staggers, Asuka fires up and the fans are with her! Asuka runs up and SOBATS! ROUNDHOUSE for Ivy! Asuka waistlocks, Ivy takes a swing, but gets a POP-UP KNEE for it!

Asuka covers, but Vaquer breaks it! The fans fire up as these two meet again. Vaquer and Asuka smile as they circle. Vaquer dodges a shot to fire of fa flurry! Vaquer whips, Asuka reverses, and Vaquer RAMS Asuka! Asuka fire sup, so the shots keep going! The fans fire up with Asuka, but Vaquer fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT! Vaquer runs, Asuka UPPERCUTS her at the ropes! Asuka grins, runs, but Vaquer KNEES her low! Vaquer whips just to reel Asuka in, snap suplex! Vaquer goes to a corner, takes aim, but Asuka runs up! Vaaquer goes up and over, DROPKICKS Asuka, then shakes out her own leg.

Vaquer underhooks, lifts, and TIGER BUSTER! Cover, Ivy drags Vaquer away! Ivy TOSSES Vaquer, scoops Asuka, SWINGING POWERSLAM! Cover, Vaquer breaks it up! Vaquer underhooks Ivy now, but Ivy wrenche sout. Vaquer JAWBREAKERS and ROUNDHOUSES! But Raquel BOOTS Vaquer! Raquel drags Vaquer up, “This is Awesome!” TEXANA BOMB!! Cover, RHEA DRAGS RAQUEL OUT! The fans go nuts for Mami as she waves hi. Rhea BOOTS Raquel, then hits a RIPTIDE to the floor!! Rhea then tosses Raquel back in for someone, anyone! Asuka runs up with the HIP ATTACK! Cover, Asuka wins!

Winner: Asuka, by pinfall (advances to the semifinals)

The #EmpressImpact certainly made an impact, but so did Rhea! Will Rhea and Raquel have to run back their own classic feud to put this to rest? Cathy Kelley interviews Asuka in the ring to congratulate her on this huge return win. How is Asuka feeling? Asuka smiles and the fans cheer, and Asuka says, “The fire didn’t die! It’s still alive! I will be the Queen of the Ring! No one is ready for Asuka!!” The fans cheer that! And will this big win help Asuka turn this into The Empress of the Ring? Or will Alexa Bliss “welcome” Asuka back by eliminating her from the tournament?

Judgment Day regroups in the clubhouse.

Roxanne Perez talks with Dom, Finn & JD about some things, Raquel ices from her match, and Liv says they need to go talk strategy for fighting Kairi. Raquel says she’s not really cleared for anything more tonight. Liv says oh, okay, she’ll go handle it herself then. Liv storms off, Dom wants to follow her, but JD has Dom hold on. Isn’t Dom supposed to help JD & Finn get the tag titles? Oh, yeah, but AJ Styles has been breathing down Dom’s neck. So JD can handle AJ for him, then they can get the tag titles. Finn agrees, he’ll be out there to have JD’s back. Actually… Finn was supposed to handle Styles last time, but he didn’t, so…

Dom suggests Finn stays back to hold down the fort. Finn frowns, but then he says Dom is right. He will stay in the back. But then Dom should go out there to watch JD’s back and make sure things go well. Dom agrees and heads out with the Irish Ace. Will JD handle the Phenomenal One so Dirty Dom doesn’t have to? Finn meanwhile talks with Raquel about that stuff with Liv. Don’t worry about her, things are going to work out. Raquel thanks Finn for that, and Finn tells Roxie that while Liv said she wants to handle things herself, but Finn has an idea. Finn and Roxie go off to talk, what is The Prince getting up to tonight?

Gunther is here!

Green Bay is rather conflicted seeing Der Ring General as World Heavyweight Champion again, but Gunther smiles as he makes his way to the ring. Gunther shows off the belt around his waist, and even eggs the fans on with their cheers and jeers. Gunther even gives the belt a kiss before holding it up, and off goes celebratory pyro! Gunther then grabs himself a mic, and while the fans boo, he says, “At WrestleMania…” The fans boo more and Gunther chuckles. “Look, guys, I’m man enough to admit that at WrestleMania, Jey Uso was the better man. He was the better man for one night! Because on every other single night, I am UNTOUCHABLE!”

The fans boo more, but Gunther just grins. Gunther continues by saying he has heard all the rumors and the chatter about what is next for him. The fans chant, “GOLD~BERG! GOLD~BERG!” Gunther says no, no, definitely NOT that guy! Gunther punked Goldberg out in front of his family, Goldberg learned his lesson! Gunther doesn’t care about rumors, he cares about reality. Seth Rollins has that Money in the Bank contract, and Gunther has what he wants! Gunther tells Rollins that he’ll say this directly to him. “A few weeks ago, you said to me when I win your World Heavyweight Championship back, I’m a target.

“Well, since I’m a target, I wanna make it very easy for you. I am right here! So don’t waste anymore time.” WAIT! GOLDBERG IS HERE?! Green Bay fires up as the living legend steps out on stage, gets his pyro, then storms down to the ring! Goldberg thanks the fans for that, and then he tells Gunther don’t be confused, it is all good. Tonight is Gunther’s night! Tonight, Goldberg is here to celebrate Gunther winning the World Heavyweight Championship. Goldberg’s been there before, he knows how Gunther must feel. So congratulations! But y’know what? Before Goldberg leaves, a few months ago, Gunther started something with Goldberg’s family in Atlanta!

And Goldberg is gonna make sure that he ENDS it, in Atlanta! So July 12th, Saturday Night’s Main Event, “You’re MINE! Because YOU’RE NEXT!” Gunther frowns but the fans all cheer on “GOLD~BERG!” Will Goldberg get himself one more win in his storied career? Or will Gunther make sure July 12th is Goldberg’s last match, period?

AJ Styles VS JD McDonagh w/ Dominik Mysterio!

The Phenomenal One has been chasing the WWE Intercontinental Championship for the last few months, and with no spot in the King of the Ring tournament left to him, he’s come back around to try again. But will he be able to trump the Irish Ace? Or will the Judgment Day use their usually dirty tricks to deny him again?

The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Styles puts JD in a corner, but JD pulls the hair to put Styles in the corner. The fans rally for Styles as JD lets off. Styles dodges a haymaker to hit a headlock takeover. Styles grinds JD down but JD fights up. JD powers up and out to then reel Styles in for a headlock. Styles powers up and out, but JD RUNS him over! Things keep moving, but Styles trips JD to then float to a headlock. JD rolls to a cover, ONE, and Styles holds on. JD powers up and out, Styles sunset flips, TWO! JD hurries to high stack, TWO! Styles pops JD into the sunset, TWO! Styles arm-drags!

The fans fire up, JD headscissors, but Styles flails. Styles moves around to headstand then jackknife, TWO as JD bridges up! JD powers through to spin Styles for a backslide! Styles rolls through but JD gets away before the Clash! The fans oddly sing for “Dirty, Dirty Dom~!” while JD and Styles tie up. JD kicks low, then stomps away in the corner! JD digs his boots in, the ref counts, and JD steps off. JD soaks up heat, then he stalks Styles to the ropes. JD CHOPS Styles, whips him corner to corner, but Styles catches JD to a COBRA TWIST! JD resists, Styles rolls JD and has the CALF CRUSHER! JD scrambles around, but Styles rolls him away!

Styles pulls on the leg, JD fights the other way, and Dom pushes the ropes forward! The ref reprimands but JD still makes the ROPEBREAK! Dom helps JD out of the ring, but Styles goes out there. Styles storms up on Dom, they go running around the outside! Dom tries to get to the crowd but Styles grabs that vest! JD FLIES in over the barriers to wipe Styles out! Dom applauds and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and JD has Styles in the chinlock. The fans rally, Styles fights up, and Styles fires body shots. JD THROWS Styles down by his hair! The fans boo but JD stands on Styles’ hair! The ref reprimands but JD pulls Styles’ arms to also pull hair! The fans rally for Styles, the ref counts, and JD stops at 4. Just to do it again! The ref counts again, JD stops, and Styles KICKS JD from below! Styles rises to fire off a Phenomenal Blitz, with the LARIAT! And SLIDING FOREARM! The fans fire up while JD goes to a corner. Styles runs and LARIATS, then fireman’s carries for an USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO!

JD stays in this and Styles frowns. The fans rally, Styles reels JD in, but JD wrenches out to HEADBUTT! JD suplexes, for a BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Styles survives and JD is furious! The fans rally up again as JD brings Styles up. JD puts Styles in a corner, ROCKS him, then hoists him to the top rope. Styles fires hands on JD, but JD CHOPS! JD climbs, Styles fires hands, and JD drops back. JD ROCKS Styles again, climbs back up, but Styles fires body shots! Styles HEADBUTTS and JD falls! Styles steadies himself on the top rope, adjusts, then aims, but Dom gets on the apron! Styles scares Dom off, but JD kicks Styles low!

JD hits a ripcord, but Styles turns that into a headlock takeover! Styles deadlifts JD into the STYLES CLASH!! Cover, Styles wins!

Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall

Dom runs up, Styles dodges! PELE! Dom staggers around, Styles runs up, but Dom puts him on the apron! Styles ROCKS Dom, but Finn rushes out here! Finn gets Dom outta there, but the belt was left behind! Styles picks the belt up and the fans cheer! Will Styles make this title phenomenal? Wait, Finn and Dom coordinate, and JD is up. Judgment Day flanks the ring, but Styles slips right past them all! Styles still has the belt in hand, but will he finally get his shot at it?

Sheamus prepares backstage.

The Fella spots The Alpha Academy walking over and asks Natalya, Maxxine & Tozawa what’s the crack. How’s Otis doing? Doing better, he’ll be back soon. But they know Sheamus has a match tonight, so how is he feeling? Natty says from one vet to another, he has to take care of Rusev. No problem there, Natty. Sheamus will bully the bully. Tozawa shouts, “Sheamus! Kick his ass!” The Celtic Warrior nods, will he get revenge for the Alpha Academy?

Bayley heads to gorilla.

The Role Model wants revenge of her own on Becky Lynch, but uh, what’s going on over here? New Day stands with Grayson Waller as Waller argues with Austin Theory. A-Town Down Under is falling apart, but will Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods be the reason it all ends?

Bayley goes to the ring!

Raw returns as The Role Model makes her entrance, and Green Bay cheers her on. Bayley grabs a mic and says, “Ding dong, Green Bay!” The fans cheer again, and Bayley says it feels so amazing to be back. She missed the fans so much! She smiles as the fans sing and chant for her, and she says we all know that classic quote: You don’t know what you have ’til it’s gone. But every time Bayley gets in this ring, she knows exactly what she has. She knows what it feels like to be here, and she doesn’t take any of it for granted. Every single time she gets an opportunity to be in front of the fans, she revels in it! This is what she was born to do!

The fans cheer, and Bayley says this is what is most important to her, what she puts her heart and soul into every single night. And two months ago, Bayley was stripped of an opportunity. She was robbed of a WrestleMania match! The fans boo, and Bayley says she was robbed of her tag title shot, a division she holds near and dear to her heart. But luckily for her, Bayley doesn’t come in here day in and day out, Raw, SmackDown, NXT, losing sleep and putting her body on the line, just for one night of the year! She doesn’t do it just for the big moments, the titles, or WrestleMania, but for nights like tonight and for people like the fans in Green Bay!

The fans cheer Bayley on more, and she says, “So Becky Lynch… If you think you taking me out for WrestleMania hurt me, if you think it broke me, I want you to know that you’re wrong. It healed me, Becky! It made me better, Becky! That it made me stronger!” The fans cheer again and Bayley paces. Bayley says, “Now, I may have said in the past, hell, right up to WrestleMania, how much it bothers me, how much you’ve been a chip on my shoulder, how you’ve always been just two steps ahead, you’ve always been just two rungs ahead of me and I could never make it there. Yeah, that at at me, Becky!

“But y’know what? I’m climbing that ladder, Becky, and I’m coming straight for you. I’m knocking you down, and I’m taking everything that you took for me! So you better get your ass out here right now!” The fans cheer that! And then here comes Becky! The fans are torn as The Man struts out in Chicago Bears merchandise, holding up her title belt. Becky joins Bayley in the ring and grabs her own mic while the fans boo. Green Bay chants, “Bears Still Suck! Bears Still Suck!” Becky says the Bears still beat Green Bay last time. And Becky has always been a chip on Bayley’s shoulder? No, Bayley, you and Becky are the same!

Becky and Bayley were “never meant to be at the top of this division,” yet here they are! The difference is, Bayley accepts being second fiddle, Becky does not! Y’know, kinda like the Packers. Bayley would rather have her group of friends than a legacy. Becky would rather have a legacy than a group of fake friends! Legacy!? Bayley did build a legacy! She’s a future Hall of Famer! Right, Michael Cole? That’s right! She built her legacy, and is so confident in it, she doesn’t mind helping the locker room. She doesn’t mind bringing people up that need help. Oh, okay, the people, right. Bayley fights for the people~!

Becky used to fight for the people, but the people stopped fighting for her, so that’s why Becky stopped fighting for them! So hey, here’s a secret: The people stopped fighting for Bayley, too. Where’s the proof? It was when Bayley got taken out of WrestleMania and Becky stepped in, and no one gave a DAMN about Bayley! No one cared that Bayley was no longer there, they all cheered for Becky! Bayley asks if Becky can hear herself. She sounds like an idiot! The fans can see it! Becky is so insecure! Becky is so worried about what everyone thinks! She took an entire YEAR off, and she worried about whether fans would cheer or boo, and that’s why Becky took Bayley out!

Becky didn’t know if the fans would care, so she had to make it a surprise! And 24 hours later, it still didn’t sit right. Becky probably couldn’t sleep that night, and then she went and took Lyra out, too, because Becky couldn’t hack it if the fans weren’t going to cheer. Becky says they did cheer for that, too. Bayley asks Becky if she forgot how it is to fight for everything. To fight for WrestleMania, for championships. Or maybe is Becky’s too far up her own ass that she doesn’t know what it is like anymore. Becky says no, she has forgotten what the struggle is like. But has Bayley forgotten what championship gold feels like?

The fans boo but Bayley says maybe she has. Remind her. C’mon, stop hiding and get over here! Becky says no, she’s not turning her back to Bayley. Becky snakes away saying Bayley’s the sneaky one. But if Bayley wants a match, they can have a match. But not here in Green Bay! And not even for the title! See you in Columbus, Ohio! Then Becky SLAPS Bayley! So Bayley DECKS Becky!! The fans fire up as The Man scurries away! Bayley smiles, will she get to do that all over again when she and Becky throw down?

Backstage interview with Jey Uso.

Cathy Kelley is now with Main Event Jey and says it was a bit of a setback last week, losing the world title to Gunther. But how important is it he moves forward with this King of the Ring match tonight? Jey says it is very important. He won his first world title from Gunther, he has Gunther’s respect. Then Gunther won it back, so Gunther got Jey’s respect. So as far as Jey sees it, that makes them 1-1. Gunther can look past Rollins, look past Goldberg, but they’ll run it back one day. If that means winning KOTR, then say less. Four letters, one word, uh uh… YEET! But then, will Jey also make that one word, “King?”

Nick Aldis is backstage.

The SmackDown General Manager is here, and he meets with AJ Styles. Aldis thanks Styles for handing over the Intercontinental Championship, and Aldis will make sure it is returned to Dom in a timely fashion. But good news! Styles has a chance to get this title permanently. It is now official for Night of Champions! Dom VS Styles for the Intercontinental Championship! Styles thanks Aldis for that and heads out. Then Bayley steps in and Aldis says he heard all that out there. So speaking of making it official, Becky VS Bayley will happen. But Aldis is putting a little twist on it. As he sees it, WrestleMania was when Becky took Bayley’s title match.

So now, Bayley is owed a title match in return. Next week, Raw in Columbus, it will be Becky VS Bayley for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship! Bayley thanks Aldis and says this is why she always liked him. But then Lyra Valkyria walks over. The Morrigan welcomes Bayley back, and congratulates her on the title match. Bayley says she’s just trying to do what’s best for her. She is sorry that she didn’t get back to Lyra on the texts or calls, it was a rough two months. But it wasn’t personal. Lyra gets it, this is what is best for Bayley. But Lyra just wants Bayley to know, if Bayley wins the title, then Lyra will do what’s best for Lyra and come after her for it.

Lyra heads out, and things have really escalated. Will the Role Model tear down The Man, only to battle someone else who was once a friend?

Liv Morgan VS Kairi Sane!

The greatest women’s tag team champion of all time has been having a hard time against the Pirate Princess. A loss because Roxie and Raquel argued, then Raquel takes a loss because Iyo got the better of Liv, and then the losses in the Queen of the Ring tournament, no wonder Liv lashed out against Nikki. But will Liv take her frustrations out on Kairi in this rematch? Or will Kairi only add to the misery with another defeat?

Raw returns and Liv is back in the ring. The bell rings, Liv runs up, but Kairi dodges! Kairi then blocks a kick, trips Liv, and floats to a headlock. Liv scrambles to the outside and clutches her arms. Is Liv still hurting from things last week? The ref has Kairi wait while the medics check Liv. Liv’s arm is definitely the concern, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns, and unfortunately, that rough landing from the takedown did in fact jam up Liv’s arm, she cannot continue. Kairi wins by stoppage, but will Liv’s misery only continue in and out of the ring?

Backstage interview with Sami Zayn.

Cathy Kelley is with the Honorary Uce and she congratulates him on advancing in the KOTR. Friday Night SmackDown will see Sami take on Randy Orton, how is he feeling? Sami isn’t sure. He feels he’s talked about the World Heavyweight Championship so much lately, and now somehow, the opportunity is here. Sami has had the chance a few times to challenge for that title, but something about this time feels different. Karrion Kross walks in and says, “Oh, this is so disturbing! It feels… different? There’s absolutely nothing different about this! Sami, you know you’re an insane person, right?

“You know what an insane person does? They do the exact same thing every day, expecting a different result. Lemme explain to you what’s going to happen. You’re going to go to Friday Night SmackDown, and you’re going to compete against one of the most diabolical people this business has ever seen, a guy who knows how to in, The Viper, Randy Orton. And then, you’re gonna lose! And he’s gonna go on to become a FIFTEEN-TIME World Champion, and you are gonna stay at zero.” Sami smiles and says, “You think I’m crazy? You know what I think you are? I think you’re a coward. I think you hide back here, and you talk, and you hide in the shadows, and you lurk, and you talk in riddles.

“Why? You don’t go out there, because maybe all the big talk when you go out there, maybe you can’t back it up?! Maybe you don’t have the courage to talk a big game, and maybe you fall on your face, and you don’t have the courage to go back out there, cuz trust me, I’ve talked a big game, I’ve gone out there, and I’ve lost, and I have the courage to pick myself back up and go out there again. Can you say the same? I didn’t think so. So I’m done listening to you talk, you understand me? Right now, my focus is the King of the Ring, that’s my priority. But I’m telling you now, the second that’s done, the second that’s done, I am going to Adam Pearce.

“And you and me, we’re gonna have this match once and for all.” Kross says, “It’s about time.” Mr. Doomsday leaves, has Sami just sealed his doom?

Jey Uso enters through the concourse.

The fans young and old are fired up as Jey asks them to play his music! Four letters, one word, UH UH… YEET! Jey heads down the bleachers, and fans show off the new foam YEET hands! Will Jey get his hands on that ticket to the next round? Or will someone else have that semifinal match with Cody Rhodes?

King of the Ring Tournament Fatal 4 Way: Sheamus VS Rusev VS Bronson Reed VS Jey Uso!

Raw returns and Rusev makes his entrance. Following that, The Celtic Warrior enters, leaving the Colossal Aussie for last. Paul Heyman accompanies Bronson, but why is Heyman holding Rollins’ MITB briefcase…? The bell rings and Bronson goes after Sheamus while Rusev goes after Jey! They end up in the corners, Rusev stomps a mudhole into Jey but Sheamus dodges Bronson. Sheamus CHOPS and ROCKS Bronson, but Bronson hits back! Bronson HEADBUTTS Sheamus, then SHOVES Sheamus up and out of the ring! Bronson goes to the apron but Sheamus CLUBS a leg out! Sheamus sends Bronson into barriers!

Rusev keeps beating Jey down, and Bronson sends Sheamus into steel steps! Then into barriers! Rusev drags Jey up to fire body shots on those wrapped-up ribs. Rusev shoves Jey, runs up, but Jey DUMPS Rusev out! Rusev is right up to ROCK Jey, but Bronson YANKS Rusev down! Bronson and Rusev brawl now, and Bronson HEADBUTTS! Bronson whips, Rusev reverses, and Bronson is sent into steps! Jey then DIVES out onto Rusev! The fans fire up and YEET with Jey, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Bronson is beating up on Jey now. Bronson fireman’s carries Jey but Jey slips free! Jey ROCKS Bronson, counter punches, “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Jey pops, locks, and puts some stank on the HAYMAKER! The fans fire up as Jey mule kicks, then UPPERCUTS! Bronson blocks the next kick, but Jey DRAGON WHIPS! Bronson tumbles out, Sheamus slides in, btu Jey SUPERKICKS Sheamus! Rusev is back, Jey SUPERKICKS him! Rusev wobbles, Jey SUPERKICKS again! Rusev is still up, Jey runs, but Rusev LARIATS! The fans fire up, Sheamus and Bronson brawl, and Bronson whips. Sheamus reverses to POST Bronson!

Sheamus runs up on Bronson, but Bronson DUMPS Sheamus into the crowd! The fans fire up with Sheamus at their feet, and Bronson gloats. But Sheamus rises up to get Bronson’s arms! Sheamus gives Bronson BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! The fans count along, Sheamus goes TEN! The fans fire up and Sheamus adds another TEN, so that’s TWENTY! The fans fire up with Sheamus, but Jey SUPERKICKS Sheamus at the barriers! But Bronson runs up, only to be sent into barriers! Jey lines up a shot, “UCE! OH!” Jey runs in, but Rusev is there to CLOBBER him first! Rusev roars, the fans are torn, but Rusev goes to the ring.

Sheamus is there, and the fans rally up as these former friends are 1v1. The fans cheer for “RUSEV DAY!” as the forearms fly! They fire hands, haymakers, body shots, and then Sheamus fires off with forearms! Sheamus whips, Rusev ducks ‘n’ dodges to WHEEL KICK! The fans fire up and Rusev watches Sheamus flounder. Rusev runs in at the corner, but Sheamus BOOTS him! Rusev just roars! Rusev runs back in, Sheamus scoops Rusev to POWERSLAM! The fans rally as both men rise up. They throw more haymakers, and the fans duel, “Let’s Go, Sheamus!” “RUSEV DAY!” Bronson CLOBBERS both men because he’s just that big!

Wait, Sheamus and Rusev get up, just to brawl with each other! So Bronson SPLASHES them both in the corner! Jey BOOTS Bronson from the corner! Jey CROSSBODIES, but Bronson catches him! WORLD’S STRONGEST SLAM!! Bronson roars, the fans boo, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns once again, and Rusev sputters from being thrown onto the announce desk! Sheamus leaves Rusev behind to go after Jey. The fans rally for m ore tables, but Sheamus and Jey fire haymakers! They go shot for shot, then it is fast ‘n’ furious! Sheamus blocks the kick, ducks the Dragon Whip, and fireman’s carries! Jey fights free to the apron, but now Sheamus has Jey on the ropes! Jey fires elbows to stop the Bodhrain, and he GAMANGIRIS! Jey hurries inside, but Sheamus gives him an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! But Bronson runs up to HEADBUTT Sheamus down! Bronson wobbles, but he brings Sheamus back up.

Bronson reels Sheamus in, says thumbs down, but Sheamus fights the lift! Sheamus fireman’s carries Bronson!? The fans go nuts for that alone! And then, WHITE NOISE!! Right on the Slim Jim logo! Cover, TWO!! Rusev hurries to stomp Sheamus, and he URENAGES Sheamus onto Bronson! Rusev snarls, the fans are torn, but they do agree, “This is Awesome!” Rusev sees Jey in a corner, runs up, but into a SUPERKICK! Bronson is back up, Jey SUPERKICKS him! And he SUPERKICKS Sheamus! Jey aims again, SUPER- NO, Rusev blocks to ROUNDHOUSE Jey! And then ACCOLADE!! Jey endures, the fans fire up, but Jey gets an arm free!

Rusev traps that arm again, pulls on Jey’s back, but Jey keeps fighting! Sheamus gives Rusev a KNEE CAPPER! Rusev flounders away, Bronson is up but he gets a KNEE CAPPER! MACHKA KICK for Sheamus! Sheamus BROGUES Rusev! Cover, SENTON from Bronson! Bronson hurries up a corner while Sheamus is in the drop zone! The fans are going nuts, TSUNAMI onto Sheamus!! Cover, JEY BREAKS IT!! The fans fire up and Heyman is stunned, but Jey keeps this one going! Bronson snarls, runs up, but Jey dodges! And SPEARS!! Jey topples Bronson, but he hurries to the top rope!

The fans are thunderous, but oh no, h ere comes Bron Breakker!! Bron SHOVES Jey off the corner, and he laughs at Jey! The fans bark, but wait! SAMI ZAYN is after Bron! Sami won’t let them screw Jey over! He POSTS Bron! Sami then lines up a shot, runs in, but Bron catches Sami first! And he military presses Sami to TOSS him onto and over the desk!!! But wait, PENTA FLIES ONTO BRON!! The fans are thunderous as #CeroMiedo gets payback on Bron! But Bronson gives Jey a DEATH VALLEY DRIVER!! Bronson hurries up top, takes aim, but then L A KNIGHT is here! And he SHOVES Bronson off the top, YEAH!!

The fans are going nuts as Jey hurries to SUPERKICK Bronson! And then SPEAR!! Jey hurries back up like he wanted, and he gives Bronson an USO SPLASH!! But Jey won’t stop there, he knows Bronson is tougher than that! So Jey hits another USO SPLASH!! Cover, JEY WINS!!

Winner: Jey Uso, by pinfall

The Mega Star smiles as he screws over the guys who screwed him over, and now Main Event Jey Uso is moving on! But wait! Seth Rollins storms out here now! He is furious that his plan has been foiled! Rollins throws off his Chicago Bears colored jacket and tie, rolls up his sleeves, and has Jey all to himself in that ring. Except CODY RHODES is here! The fans are thunderous as the American Nightmare makes sure Rollins can’t make a move! The fans sing along with Cody’s song while Cody stares down with Rollins. Green Bay is losing their minds as Rollins is about to explode with anger, but then that anger subsides…?

Rollins lets Cody and Jey have their moment, and Rollins’ team regroups on the ramp. The Wise Man says this is the right move, because now Cody and Jey are going to be opponents in the semifinals. Jey and Cody look to each other, knowing that in order to get back to the top, they must go through the other. They shake hands and the fans cheer. But will Cody and Jey be able to stay friends after battling it out next week in Columbus?

My Thoughts:

A great Raw with more great build for Night of Champions. Judgment Day ties stories together, with a very good promo from Liv & Dom with Iyo to hype up a possible title match. Unfortunately, Liv legitimately dislocated that shoulder in her match with Kairi. Hopefully for her sake and everything else going on, it isn’t serious and she can still be on TV. And even if not, there is a way to keep the story going in Judgment Day if they were to have Roxanne Perez step in and help defend the tag titles with Raquel in place of Liv. Maybe half the reason Judgment Day loses those titles is because Roxie and Raquel can’t get along while Iyo & Kairi can.

Great Fatal 4 Way for Queen of the Ring, and nice touch with Rhea going after Raquel. Asuka winning is a great way for her to return. Asuka VS Alexa will be really good but I can’t be sure who wins that when there’s also Jade and Roxie on the other side. But I feel like the Women’s Division has a more open title story than the Men’s, because the main thing is that Naomi is Miss Money in the Bank and can cash-in to “ruin” things for whoever is Queen of the Ring and the champion they’re challenging. Though with that, Jade Cargill is probably still the favorite, especially when she towers over Roxie and Alexa, and could overpower Asuka.

Good stuff with Styles VS JD and how he outsmarted the Judgment Day boys. Aldis being here to make matches was a bit of a surprise, but good on him to make a match for Night of Champions. Styles VS Dom could probably go either way, but it’d be a great moment if Finn screws Dom over in that match. Very good promo from Bayley and Becky, and I appreciate Lyra feeling just a touch disrespected with Bayley getting her title match first. Making the title match for next week is fine, Becky VS Bayley will definitely get ratings and be a great match, but I wonder if something involving Lyra is made for Night of Champions. I only count four matches with KOTR, QOTR, Cena VS Punk and now Styles VS Dom.

Gunther had a good promo, and while he said he doesn’t put stock in rumors, the rumors were true and Goldberg is back. That match not being for Night of Champions is a touch surprising, but I suppose having Goldberg as the hometown hero for Saturday Night’s Main Event works out better. Remember what happened the last time Goldberg had a high profile match in Saudi Arabia? And even without that, two weeks is not enough time for Goldberg to get ready, both in kayfabe and shoot. Pushing it to just under a month is better for Goldberg, and I would certainly hope Gunther retains. Remember the last time Goldberg just suddenly had a title match against a younger talent?

Great promo from Sami with Kross, but I feel like it foreshadows Sami not winning KOTR. Though how great would it be if Sami becomes KOTR, takes the title off Gunther like he did with the Intercontinental Championship, and then Sami and Kross feud over the world title. That aside, also good stuff with the promos going into tonight’s main event. And while I figured Jey would win, they did a great job with the overbooking to help it. Great stuff from Sheamus and Rusev as they’re starting a feud, and then of course LA Knight showed up to screw Bronson Reed. Bron Breakker going Knight and then Penta joining in, that was also great stuff, perhaps we get Penta & Knight VS Bron & Bronson as part of something.

Cody protecting Jey is good stuff, and Rollins standing down works so well. Rollins understands what we should all understand: Cody and Jey will battle, the winner of that is probably the favorite to be King of the Ring, but Rollins could make it to where they’re still challenging him. Cena VS Punk at Night of Champions is the first real tease of where Rollins can strike, because Rollins can’t resist screwing his most hated enemy in Punk and the guy who is retiring anyway in Cena. Then if that doesn’t work out and Rollins still has the briefcase, he could go after Gunther during his match with Goldberg at SNME. Or he just waits until SummerSlam when KOTR challenge whoever it is, and we get the next best “heist of the century.”

My Score: 8.8/10