Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (7/22/22)
Boston’s about to get Rowdy!
The Baddest Woman on the Planet is in Bean Town!
Before battling for the SmackDown Women’s Championship, Liv Morgan and Ronda Rousey will meet face-to-face! Will the champion be intimidated by her challenger this close to SummerSlam?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Shinsuke Nakamura VS Ludwig Kaiser w/ GUNTHER; Ludwig wins.
- Jinder Mahal & Shanky VS The Viking Raiders; The Viking Raiders win.
- Sonya Deville VS Raquel Rodriguez; Raquel wins.
- Aliyah VS Lacey Evans; No Contest.
- Six Man Tag: Mad Cap Moss & The Street Profits VS (Austin) Theory & The Usos; Moss & The Profits win, by disqualification.
PLAY BY PLAY
Stephanie McMahon is here!
She stands in the ring and Boston is fired up! “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Friday Night SmackDown! Earlier tonight, my father, Vince McMahon, retired from WWE.” Some fans boo but Stephanie says the WWE is the company he created, and he wanted to make sure that in his retirement, he thanked all of us, the WWE Universe. Fans chant, “Thank You, Vince!” Wait, you’re jumping the gun! The fans here, the fans at home, all the crew and the superstars, the tech team and even Pat McAfee and Michael Cole. “This is the WWE Universe, and we are eternally grateful for all of you!”
But since Vince thanked us, this is the time we take to thank him. Now let’s do it. “Thank You, Vince! Thank You, Vince!” And first out, it’s the Street Profits! And they’re in the crowd! Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins are getting ready to face The Usos at SummerSlam, but clearly they want to get the fans in on the party already! The Profits get to the ring and they are fired up, too! “Bean Town! Boston! It is us, your Street Profits, here live direct in effect on Friday Night SmackDown, here to let you know a little bit of information.” “Next Saturday, Nashville, SummerSlam! Just like the homie KD said in 2008 when he won the NBA Championships, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!”
Fans fire up and Dawkins says you’re looking at the NEW Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions! Because the Profits are up, and #WeWantTheSmoke! But wait, here comes (Austin) Theory! Theory says, “Hey, hey, hey, no one cares.” Fans boo at Theory but he says they all care about what HE’S doing at SummerSlam! Fans love him! And Theory will take back his United States Championship from Bobby Lashley, then he’ll cash-in and become the NEW Undisputed WWE Universal Champion! And for Theory, it doesn’t matter if it’s The Beast Brock Lesnar, or The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns! But wait, here come the USOS!
Jimmy asks Jey if they hear him! Some people don’t know how to keep the Tribal Chief’s name out their mouths! The Usos chase Theory into the ring and says if he keeps talking, he won’t make it to SummerSlam! But the Profits laugh and Theory asks what they think is funny. The only thing funny to Theory is that Ford and his wifey are walking out of SummerSlam with NO titles. HAHA! Well, listen here, Uce! You ain’t leaving Boston without getting these hands! Theory moves, Ford DECKS Jey! Dawkins goes after Jimmy, Theory stays out of the way! Theory picks his spot and goes after Dawkins! He and Jimmy stomp Dawkins, but here comes MAD CAP MOSS!
Moss slides in and POUNCES Theory! The Usos go after Moss, then Theory joins in! The Profits go after the Usos, it’s 3v3! Dawkins DECKS Jimmy, Ford SUPERKICKS Jey, and Moss feeds Theory to a KNEE KICK COMBO! Moss gives Dawkins some help, Ford holds the ropes, DAWKINS FLIES! The Profits AND Moss are up, will they get the smoke and burn down Theory and the Usos?
Shinsuke Nakamura VS Ludwig Kaiser w/ GUNTHER!
The King of Strong Style already beat the Impeccable German, and Der Ring General already chopped the crap out of Ludwig as punishment. Is Ludwig going to get a second helping of all that? Or will he win his redemption here in Boston?
SmackDown returns and Imperium makes their entrance. The bell rings and Ludwig goes right after Nakamura with haymakers and stomps! Ludwig umps Nakamura off buckles then digs his boots in! The ref counts, Ludwig lets off, but he throws hands and stomps again! Fans boo, Ludwig lets off as the ref counts again, and he snapmares Nakamura to BASEMENT UPPERCUT! Cover, ONE! Ludwig clamps onto Nakamura, throws down hands, then stomps him down! Gunther says good but keep on him. Ludwig chinlocks to stretch Nakamura back, he elbows Nakamura down, then brings him up and whip.
Nakamura reverses and GAMANGIRIS! Gunther is upset but fans fire up and Nakamura is after Ludwig in the corner with kick after KICK! Nakamura lets off at 4 to snapmare and drop a knee! Cover, ONE! Ludwig snarls but Nakamura bumps him off buckles. Nakamura gives Ludwig GOOD VIBRATIONS! The ref counts, Nakamura lets off and Gunther shouts at Ludwig to fight back. Ludwig blocks a boot and turns things around, “NEIN!” UPPERCUT to BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! Ludwig snarls and then runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Another cover, TWO! Ludwig drags Nakamura up to snap suplex! Cover, ONE!!
Gunther is frustrated and he tells Ludwig to put this away. Ludwig drags Nakamura up as fans rally, and Ludwig whips Nakamura to a corner. Nakamura dodges, ENZIGURIS, then puts Ludwig up top for the TOP SHELF KNEE! Ludwig tumbles to the floor and Gunther shouts, but Nakamura goes to the apron. Ludwig blocks the kick to trip Nakamura! Nakamura hits apron on the way down and Gunther says to hurry up! Ludwig RAMS Nakamura into steel steps! Der Ring General is satisfied now, but he wants more of this from Ludwig while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Ludwig has Nakamura down with another chinlock. Fans rally, Nakamura fights up and he throws elbows. Ludwig kick slow, reels Nakamura in and suplexes, but Nakamura knees free! Ludwig blocks one kick but not the ENZIGURI! Fans rally, Gunther is frustrated, and Nakamura gets up to block a punch and fire off a strike fest! AX KICK! SLIDING KICK! Ludwig goes to a corner, Nakamura runs in, but he blocks boots and puts Ludwig in the ropes! SLIDING GERMAN! Cover, TWO! Nakamura waistlocks and drags Ludwig up but Ludwig elbows free! Ludwig runs in, into a BOOT! Nakamura goes up, FLYING KNEE!
Ludwig rolls all the way out and Gunther asks what he’s even doing! Get up! Nakamura fetches Ludwig, but then Gunther stands in Nakamura’s way. Fans boo but Nakamura just says, “C’MON!” Gunther lets Nakamura back into the ring, and Ludwig cradles him! TWO, Ludwig ducks a kick but not the WHEEL KICK! Nakamura aims from a corner, but Gunther storms up to the apron! Fans obo as Gunther talks trash, Ludwig rushes in! Nakamura switches, O’Conner Roll, TWO! Into a cheap shot!! Ludwig gets Nakamura up, SIDEWINDER DDT!! Cover, Ludwig wins!
Winner: Ludwig Kaiser, by pinfall
Der Ring General refused to let his lieutenant lose again, and he tipped the scales in Imperium’s favor! But Gunther still tells Ludwig to put his arms aside?! Gunther’s still going to punish Ludwig for not getting the job done on his own!? Ludwig submits to Der Ring General’s will, and Gunther pats him on the shoulder. Gunther was just messing with him. CHOP!! Okay, well, Gunther was joking about it being a joke. Ludwig still didn’t get this done without Gunther, but will Gunther still have to face Nakamura himself?
Backstage interview with Liv Morgan and Ronda Rousey.
The SmackDown Women’s Champion and her challenger, the former champ, are here at the same time after seeing a quick highlight reel of how Liv cashed in her MITB contract to take this title. How will the rematch be different? Um, first, cute dress, Kayla, but Ronda wants to talk with Liv. Ronda says she respects Liv, because Liv seized the moment. She’s a great champion and breath of fresh air, even. But Ronda will win at SummerSlam, because she’s Ronda Rousey while Liv is just Liv. Ronda made her name there, and when Ronda wins, she expects Liv to shake her hand. Liv says she appreciates Ronda’s candor, she really does.
And Liv can’t stand here and tell Ronda she’s going to beat Ronda because she’s better. But Liv will stand here and look into Ronda’s soul and say she will win because she loves this more than Ronda. She wants this more than Ronda, and needs this more than Ronda. So when Liv beats Ronda again, Liv promises she will shake Ronda’s hand. Ronda says this is why everyone loves Liv. She has more passion than anyone here, except Ronda. Who will back up these words with action at SummerSlam?
Baron Corbin BOOTS Pat McAfee out of his chair!!
Or rather, boots him over in his chair, as both McAfee and chair go down together! Corbin then drags McAfee up, SMACKS him off the desk, then RAMS him into barriers! Michael Cole shouts at Corbin and Corbin backs off to say there’s more where that came from. But McAfee gets up and pursues “Bum Ass” Corbin! Corbin runs away, we go backstage, and McAfee dodges a chair shot! McAfee tackles Corbin, Corbin hits back, security and officials get in here to stop this! Adam Pearce has Corbin taken away while he keeps McAfee back, will this all explode in Nashville?
McAfee returns to ringside and fans are fired up!
McAfee gets a mic and he says, “Before I go back to commentary and sit next to GOAT Michael Cole, I have one thing to say to that BUM~ ASS~ COR~BIN~!” Fans echo that, and McAfee keeps it going. “At SummerSlam, you can’t come out from behind me! You wont’ be able to hide around the corner! You wont’ be able to utilize diaper rash as an excuse! Eight days from now, Nashville, Tennessee, you and me, one on one, man versus big, dumb, bald baby! And when this foot hits your ugly, Herby looking head, I’ll put your big ass down for good! See you in Nashville, BITCH!”
The New Day joins commentary.
Kofi Kingston pretends that unicorn is not Xavier Woods, but they also say they’re not worried about the Viking Raiders. But speaking of…
Jinder Mahal & Shanky VS The Viking Raiders!
The Modern Day Maharaja changed his theme to prevent the Skyscraping Shanky’s dance fever, but it doesn’t seem to really do anything. Will Erik & Ivar use their new attitudes to end the fun? Or will they be too distracted by The New Day to focus on their opponents?
The teams sort out, Jinder and Erik start and tie up. Erik turns Jinder around, CLUBS him, then shoves him to CLOBBER him! Erik tags Ivar, fans rally for Jinder but he gets mugged by hammer fists! Jinder goes to a corner, Ivar throws back elbow after back elbow! Ivar scoops Jinder but Jinder slips off and SUPERKICKS! Jinder runs in, into a SEATED SENTON! Jinder bails out and Ivar glares at the New Day. Ivar hopes they’re watching and he fetches Jinder. Jinder fires forearms but now it’s a brawl! Erik storms over, that distracts Jinder and Ivar ROCKS him! Ivar RAMS Jinder into the steel steps, then TOSSES him onto the New Day!
The ring count climbs, Ivar is in safe but Jinder is still down! The Viking Raiders win!
Winners: The Viking Raiders, by count-out
The New Day rush the ring but the Vikings get away! The games keep on going, but who will win in the end?
Adam Pearce talks on the phone.
He assures the other side that Baron Corbin was escorted from the building, there won’t be any problems. But Sonya Deville has a sarcastic slow clap going as she enters. “I gotta give it to you. Another successful Adam Pearce Production! What is it with you? Every show that you’re on just turns into a complete disaster.” Announcers walking away from the desk, Lacey Evans walking out of matches, and everyone knows that things would be different with Sonya. But question: does Adam still have that money from that fine where Sonya slapped him across the face? Because he can use that to hire someone to spruce up his resume.
Pearce tells Sonya to knock it off. While he “deeply appreciates” all this, she should worry about herself. Something he did plan is going to happen, and that will be Sonya having a match with Raquel Rodriguez. Best of luck. Sonya steps in it again, but will she have something up her sleeves again?
The Brawling Brutes are here!
Sheamus leads Ridge Holland and “Butch” Pete Dunne to the ring, and he promises to deal with Drew McIntyre and his Claymore sword in “Shillelaghs & Shenanigans.” The Fella has a talk show? We’ll find out, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Sheamus has a table with green set up. Sheamus has a mic to tell Boston that the place is full of green! But Ridge, Dunne, do you smell that? There’s a stench in here. Is it the Charles River? Or these fake Irish folks? Now hold the wagons, guys. Tonight, they will make history! This isn’t Fight Night, but the night that Sheamus was supposed to Brogue McIntyre’s head clean off to then go to Clash at the Castle! But then McIntyre decided to come out with that oversized sword and tried to take Sheamus’ head off! So Sheamus won’t fight until the sword is banned! Just look at these highlights!
Two weeks ago, Sheamus almost got cut by the sword and the ROPES took the hit for him! That bleeding lunatic wants to take Sheamus’ moneymaker away! Sheamus says Drew should be called “McMenace,” and his medieval weapon has no place here! So Sheamus will- Uh oh, here comes McIntyre! And yes, he has his sword! Sheamus tells McIntyre to hold on, and Ridge keeps Dunne back since McIntyre is still armed. Sheamus says that oversized sword has no place here! Ridge can get Butch outta here if McIntyre puts the sword down. Ridge does as told as McIntyre sheaths his sword. Now Sheamus and McIntyre can talk, right?
McIntyre asks, “What happened to you, Sheamus? When did you become such a bitch? Where’s the Sheamus that I’ve known for 20 years?” They signed with WWE together, worked their asses off, and they have a chance to main event the first UK event show in 30 YEARS! 70 THOUSAND people, for the title, and Sheamus keeps punking out? Look at the title situation! The champion has the titles held hostage, doing what he wants when he wants, and the other options aren’t much better. McIntyre says the WWE needs a REAL champion! Someone to restore prestige, someone who is a warrior, someone who is a workhorse! McIntyre knows Sheamus still has that in him!
They’re both dressed to fight, so why not have the #1 contender’s match here in Boston?! Boston likes the sound of that! Sheamus wants to make excuses but McIntyre wants the guts! The passion! Sheamus needs to grow some balls!! Sheamus won’t lie, what McIntyre said gave him goosebumps. They’ve been there, and fact for fact, man to man, superstar to superstar, Sheamus is better than McIntyre! So if McIntyre wants that fight, and if the fans want that fight, Sheamus will give him that fight! The jacket comes off, but then Sheamus says, “Just not tonight.” Fans boo as the Fella laughs, and Sheamus says he spoke to upper management.
Fans chant “You Suck!” at Sheamus but he says that he spoke to management, and they’re making that match for next week, the SmackDown before SummerSlam. And the sword is banned from ringside! It’s a special match: An Irish Donnybrook, aka a Street Fight and anything goes! No swords allowed, but Sheamus shows off his collection of shillelaghs! McIntyre and Sheamus are making history with this! And there will be other Irish shenanigans, too. So does McIntyre have the balls? Well, if that’s what it takes, McIntyre accepts! Well of course he would! Let’s make it official! Pearce show up to make it official!
Pearce walks out and he admits, this sounds incredible, and it sounds like they want it, so what the hell! Sheamus VS McIntyre, in the Donnybrook! It’s official! Sheamus shouts, “It is official!” And McIntyre CUTS the shillelagh in half! McIntyre says he may not have his sword, but Sheamus is still screwed! Will McIntyre beat Sheamus by beating him down with those wood clubs?
The Usos talk backstage.
At SummerSlam, the Profits will get this work. But tonight, they’ll get it, too! Moss will get it! And if Theory says another word about the Tribal Chief, he’ll get some tonight, too! But Paul Heyman has them calm down. This is a Six Man Tag, Usos & Theory VS Profits & Moss. The Profits are a handful, that’s realistically speaking. And The Profits would be the greatest tag team of this generation, if not for the Usos being the greatest of all time. Moss is a handful. And with Theory, that’s 3v3. Without him, that’s 3v2. Heyman doesn’t like those odds. The Usos are the Bloodline, but they can exploit what Theory brings to the table. Use him!
And then after winning, which they will do, then they can go off the air with Theory face down on the mat. And please, make sure that’ snot a prediction but a spoiler. The Usos like the way Heyman thinks, will this all go according to plan?
Sonya Deville VS Raquel Rodriguez!
After another case of sticking her foot in her mouth, Sonya finds herself once again up against Big Mami Cool. Will Raquel teach Sonya a thing about respect? Or will “Cruella” find a way to tip the scales in her favor?
SmackDown returns and Sonya makes her entrance. She is alone this time, so this will truly be 1v1. The bell rings and Sonya circles with Raquel. They tie up, Raquel puts Sonya in the corner and lets off, only for Sonya to turn it around and pull hair! The ref counts, Sonya lets off, and Raquel protests. Sonya SLAPS Raquel, but Raquel laughs that off. Sonya dodges Raquel, waistlocks, but Raquel’s too big and strong to lift! Raquel pries free, Sonya avoids the lariat, but then Raquel swats Sonya’s lariat down! Raquel waistlocks, throws Sonya around, but Sonya throws elbows! Sonya stomps a foot, gets to a corner, and she elbows Raquel back.
Sonya WRINGS Raquel into buckles, then bumps her off buckles again and again! The ref counts, Sonya keeps going but stops at 4. Sonya argues with the ref then throws Raquel by her hair. Sonya lines up a shot, and RUNNING KNEES Raquel down! Cover, TWO! Sonya is frustrated but she clamps onto Raquel with a chinlock. Raquel reaches out an arm, fans rally up and Raquel get sup. Raquel pries free of the hold to then turn Sonya around, and she blocks the punches to HEADBUTT! Sonya staggers up into a haymaker! Raquel whips Sonya into a corner, then scoops her on the rebound to FALL AWAY SLAM!
Fans fire up as Raquel runs corner to corner, goes up, TWISTING VADER! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Sonya survives by mere inches! Raquel is frustrated but she’s after the legs. Sonya kicks at her, gets up and GUILLOTINE! But Raquel powers up and THROWS Sonya away! Sonya staggers up, Raquel rushes over, but Sonya says her arm is hurt! Raquel runs in, Sonya dodges! Sonya drags Raquel in for a DDT! Cover, TWO! Sonya KICKS Raquel in the chest, but Raquel sits up. Sonya KICKS, but then Raquel scoops her! TEXANA BOMB!! High stack, Raquel wins!
Winner: Raquel Rodriguez, by pinfall
Ricky Desperado wrecks Sonya, will she use this to roll on towards the title? Will Sonya learn to pick her fights more carefully from now on?
Aliyah VS Lacey Evans!
First, they were supposed to be teammates, but the Model Soldier was dissatisfied with the fan response. Then, they were supposed to be opponents, and Lacey Evans told all the fans off for being jealous of her while hating themselves. Aliyah just thinks Lacey is lazy and cowardly for not putting in the work and facing her! Will #Aliyah316 be the real inspiration around here? Or will Lacey use her Woman’s Right to knock Aliyah out in the blink of an eye?
Lacey makes her entrance, still expecting fans to get up and cheer. They get up and boo while giving thumbs down, and she gets the mic. “Aww, that’s no way to treat an American hero now, c’mon.” She doesn’t expect these idiots here to know this, but Boston was founded by American heroes. By hard working, motivated and legitimately good people like Lacey. It’s no wonder Tom Brady left this pathetic waste of a dump city. But she’s accomplished more just today from waking up to going to work than everyone else has in an entire year. That’s a hard pill to swallow, huh? She sees these kids looking at their parents and asking, “What’d you accomplish?” NOTHING!
Lacey is so accomplished because she wakes up, she works and she wins! The fans should take note because no one could walk a mile in her shoes. “Because I’m better than every single one of you!” But Aliyah gets after Lacey! Lacey says she’ll get to Aliyah in a minute after all the Nasties give her respect. And then a WOMAN’S RIGHT! Another cheap shot lays out Aliyah! Lacey salutes, then leaves again! So much for putting in some work and winning! When will this role model turned entitled bully have to face the consequences?
Backstage interview with Jeff Jarrett.
The Hall of Famer is here, already dressed to be special guest referee! Kayla asks what Jeff thinks about being named the special guest referee at SummerSlam. Jeff says it is an honor to be part of that match. Ever since the announcement, the support has been overwhelming. Everyone wants a piece of Double J these days, but don’t get him started on the Profits and Usos. Those guys have offered everything under the sun, but Jeff turned them all down, and that is why he got the job. “This is the biggest tag team match in SummerSlam history.” The Profits VS Usos, all the titles on the line!
And after all the controversy that’s gone down between these teams, they needed someone who wouldn’t be intimidated or blinded by the bright lights. They needed a man who can get the job done, and call this right down the middle. And that man is none other than J E Double F, J A Double R, E Double T! Ain’t he great?
Maximum Male Models is backstage.
And standing with Maçè and Mansôör is Maxxine Dupri, Max Dupri’s sister. She is the Director of Talent at MMM, and says that while her brother has good taste, she says her tastes are… “delicious.” And you will see what she means next week when MMM debuts the beach wear collection. Summer is hot, but MMM beats the heat by continuing the titillate the juices of your guilty pleasures. Just what happens when SmackDown arrives in Atlanta ahead of SummerSlam?
Six Man Tag: Mad Cap Moss & The Street Profits VS (Austin) Theory & The Usos!
The brawl earlier tonight sparked this match, and now things are set to explode in the main event! Will Moss, Dawkins & Ford have the last laugh on the golden boys of WWE? Or will the Youngest Mr. MITB Ever and the Undisputed Tag Team Champions work together to get momentum towards SummerSlam?
SmackDown returns as Moss and the Profits make their entrance together. Then Theory makes his entrance last, kissing the MITB briefcase. The trios sort out and Dawkins starts against Jimmy. Jimmy says Jey should watch Theory, Theory doesn’t even know what the A in A-Town even means. But then Dawkins rolls Jimmy up! TWO, Dawkins rushes in but Jimmy waistlocks. Dawkins pries at the hold, rolls free, and dodges to then handspring and dropkick! Fans fire up, Dawkins covers, ONE! Dawkins clamps onto an armlock, Jimmy endures, and Jimmy fights up. Jimmy powers Dawkins to a corner and the ref counts the ropebreak.
Jimmy UPPERCUTS Dawkins, whips him corner to corner but Dawkins reverses. Dawkins runs in to CYCLONE SPLASH and ENSIGURI! Tag to Ford, the Profits whip and dropkick Jimmy down! Jey get sin, he gets DOUBLE DROPKICKS! Theory is upset that the Usos aren’t together, but Moss runs in to BLAST Theory down! Ford drums on Theory’s briefcase but Theory snatches it from him. Theory and the Usos are on the defensive was SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Moss headlocks Jey. Jey powers him back, Theory tags in, Jey powers out but Moss stops himself to elbow Jey. Theory cheap shots Moss, throws more haymakers, and he backs Moss down to the corner. Theory stomps away on Moss, the ref counts and Theory lets off at 4. Fans boo but Theory RAMS into Moss in the corner! Theory snapmares Moss, stomps him down, then covers, TWO! Theory clamps onto the arm and he also has a forearm in Moss’ face. Theory rains down elbows, fans rally up, and Moss fights up, but Theory wrangles him down. Theory grinds the armlock, throws down more elbows, and he tags Jimmy.
Jimmy and Theory mug Moss, Jimmy throws haymakers in the corner, but the ref counts. Jimmy lets off, Jey gets a shot in, and Theory CHOKES Moss on the ropes! They get away with that, Jey tags in, he and Jimmy SPLIT the wishbone! Moss writhes, Jey drags Moss up to UPPERCUT him! Moss staggers to a corner, but he dodges Jey’s splash! Hot tag to Dawkins! Dawkins ROCKS Jey, runs and hurdles to FLYING ELBOW! Fans fire up with Dawkins, he runs corner to corner to CYCLONE SPLASH! And ENZIGURI! Dawkins drags Jey up but Jey slips out of the Silencer to kick and UPPERCUT!
Ford tags in, he goes up top! Salute and HUGE CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Ford is frustrated but he brings Jey back up. Jey tries to back suplex but Ford lands on his feet to mule kick, front kick and ENZIGURI! Ford runs in, but Jey puts him on the apron! Ford GAMANGIRIS, then he DECKS Jimmy! Ford avoids Theory’s sweep to PENALTY KCIK! But Jey BLASTS Ford and Ford hits announce desk! Jey tags Jimmy, the Usos get Ford up! Jimmy TOSSES Ford into the timekeeper’s area! The Usos hold up the fingers, #WeTheOnes, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Jey has Ford in a facelock. Jey knees Ford down, then SUPERKICKS Dawkins! But Ford kicks and DDTs Jey down! Fans fire up while both men are down and they crawl for their corners. Hot tags to Jimmy and Moss! Moss rallies on Jimmy with big lariats, then he DECKS Theory! Moss dodges to then FLAPJACK Jimmy! Theory runs in, into Moss’ arms! FALL AWAY SLAM! Moss is fired up and Boston is fired up with him! Moss RAMS into Jimmy, but then has to dodge Jey! Moss clotheslines Jey out, blocks a superkick and POP-UP SLAMS him down! Cover, TWO!! Jimmy survives but Moss keeps his focus.
Moss waits on Jimmy to get up, then reels Jimmy in to turn him. Jimmy sips out and shoves to SUPERKICK Moss down! Cover, TWO!! Moss survives but fans are thunderous! Theory is back on the corner, he wants in, but then starts to think. Theory leaves Jimmy hanging! Theory says he has bigger fish to fry, but then Jey is there to SUPERKICK him down!! Jey puts Theory on the apron, Jimmy tags him in!! And then SUPERKICKS Theory down again!! Theory flops out of the ring, and the Usos are the ones who leave him high and dry. Only for Dawkins and Ford to go after them! Ford gets in the ring and FLIES out onto everyone!!
Fans lose their minds while Theory flounders away. Theory finds Moss, gets him in the ring, and Theory throws haymakers. Moss hits back, they brawl, Theory gets the edge! But Moss ducks the haymaker, only for Theory to ELBOW him! Theory hooks a leg, AOI SHOUDO!! Cover, TWO!!! Moss survives and Boston can’t believe it! Theory is seething, and he says A-Town Down! He drags Moss up, fireman’s carries, but Moss slips off and shoves! Moss ducks ‘n’ dodges to build that speed and he OPUNCES Theory! Theory flounders, Moss runs in and RAMS Theory in the corner! Moss runs again, Theory CLOBBERS him with the briefcase!!
Winners: Mad Cap Moss & the Street Profits, by disqualification
Theory CLUBS away on Moss with the briefcase, DECKS him with it, then SMACKS him with it again! And again! Fans chant “You Suck!” but Theory just keeps beating Moss down! BUT HERE COMES THE BEAST!!! Brock Lesnar sees Theory in the ring and has a big smile on his face. He didn’t walk away like we heard, he just wanted to make us think he did! Theory is furious, he doesn’t want Lesnar stealing his moment! But Lesnar is pacing around the ring, toying with his prey. Theory has that briefcase at the ready to swing on Lesnar like he just did to Moss, but Lesnar doesn’t care. Lesnar kicks low and hauls Theory up, F5!! And then he SMACKS Theory with the briefcase!!
Lesnar holds up the briefcase and Boston is thunderous! Lesnar then hauls Theory up, F5 on the briefcase!! Will Lesnar crush Roman Reigns, and whatever’s left of Theory, once and for all at SummerSlam?
My Thoughts:
First off, a wild day of pro-wrestling news. HHH is back behind the scenes as EVP of Talent Relations, Vince McMahon retires, as Stephanie made known, and Brock Lesnar supposedly walked away from SmackDown but we now know that wasn’t necessarily true. We got a great opening promo from the Profits, Theory and Usos, and a great brawl with them and Moss to give us tonight’s main event. That was a great Six Man Tag, and great story stuff with Theory and the Usos turning on each other. The DQ gives the Faces momentum while giving Theory some good Heel heat, and then Lesnar’s surprise appearance really shook things up, and Lesnar got to just demolish Theory for some great momentum of his own.
Jeff Jarrett had a decent promo to try and kayfabe his part in this Undisputed Tag Team Championship story, though I’m not sure it was all that smooth. He claimed there was bribery but it would’ve been more effective if we saw that, such as Heyman talking to him, or even Sami Zayn talking to him on The Bloodline’s behalf. I’m also surprised at who WWE chose for “Maxxine Dupri” in Sophia Cromwell. She was still in the new Robert Stone Brand as one of Von Wagner’s managers in NXT. Maybe they’re trying to have Von be his own man now, even after the run of him attacking people out of jealousy and a sense of Sophia being his girlfriend. But the part has been cast, we’ll just have to see how this plays out.
We got a really good rematch from Nakamura and Ludwig, and Gunther having a part to play was also good escalation in the story. I don’t really know if Gunther still chopping the hell out of Ludwig was warranted, it might make Ludwig want to ditch Gunther, but we’ll have to wait and see. They didn’t announce it tonight, but I would hope on the go-home that Nakamura VS Gunther for the Intercontinental Championship is made for SummerSlam. Then we got a good promo faceoff between Ronda and Liv, both of them delivering their lines without a hiccup. That’s going to be a good match just off Liv’s story of showing she can legitimately compete with Ronda, and as I said before, I hope Liv wins to keep from being a one month champion.
That boot outta nowhere from Corbin was wild, and that brawl he and McAfee had in the back was good stuff. McAfee’s promo calling Corbin out was great, too, their match is going to be a sleeper hit for SummerSlam. Pearce and Sonya continue their story, and Sonya takes a loss to Raquel. I still sense this getting to a point where Sonya can claim Pearce is abusing his authority. And Sonya was making some good points, Lacey keeps leaving matches. As I said before, I’m still gonna disapprove of how they set Lacey up to be a Heel, but I suppose Aliyah can get some good Face momentum taking her on. I just hope next time, Pearce himself forces Lacey to have the match, just to shut Sonya up.
The stuff with the New Day, Jinder, Shanky and Viking Raiders could’ve been better. And I don’t know why they’re stretching this out so that we aren’t getting a straight up New Day VS Viking Raiders match. Maybe that comes to a head on the go-home and we get a really good match to lead into SummerSlam. Seems that’s also the purpose of the shillelaghs only Street Fight known as the “Donnybrook.” Sheamus and McIntyre are finally having it out and in a match that is appropriate, in that there will be nothing holding them back. And though McIntyre stood tall here, I would think he defies the math and wins the match to be the #1 contender and go on to Clash at the Castle.
My Score: 8.4/10
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Time to deal with some absolute egos!
Joe Hendry made it through Vengeance Day still the NXT Champion, but now he teams with Myles Borne against Ricky Saints & Ethan Page!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Jasper Troy VS Eli Knight VS Sean Legacy; Eli and Legacy win.
- Charlie Dempsey & Tavion Heights VS Lexis King & Uriah Connors w/ Birthright; Lexis & Uriah win.
- Sol Ruca VS Lainey Reid w/ The Fatal Influence; Sol wins.
- Women’s Speed Tournament Finals: Thea Hail VS Wren Sinclair; Wren wins and will challenge Fallon Henley for the title.
- Joe Hendry & Myles Borne VS Ricky Saints & Ethan Page; Ricky & Ethan win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Tatum Paxley is here!
The fans cheer the NEW NXT Women’s North American Champion as she holds up the belt and heads to the ring. Tatum puts the belt around her waist and grabs a mic to say, “I am your NEW NXT Women’s North American Champion!” The fans cheer again, and even chant, “You Deserve It!” Tatum continues by saying they don’t know how much that means to her. For the longest time, she’s felt she’s been doing this whole thing wrong. She was begging to be noticed, to be accepted, forcing friendships, all to just still feel alone. She’d play with the dolls and wonder if it was all worth it. All the self doubt, the loss, the mental battle of thinking she should be “a little less Tatum.’
But at Vengeance Day, it became very clear: Tatum didn’t win the title because of The Culling, or because someone else carried her there, or even that she got lucky. She won this title because of the fans! The fans cheer that! Every time she felt alone, every single one of the fans encouraged her to keep going. Now she wears this title around her waist, and she feels something she has been searching for her entire life, and that is the confidence that she belongs! The pain, the hurting, it was all worth it! And she’ll tell us the truth: She won the NXT Women’s Championship for The Culling; but she won the Women’s North American Championship for the fans!
Now she realized something: Tatum has never been and never will be- Interrupted by Izzi Dame… Izzi “congratulates” Tatum on beating her for the title. That must’ve been the best day of her life! But before Tatum starts acting like she knows who she is now, let’s all remind everyone who Tatum used to be. Roll tape! The fans boo as Izzi throws Tatum’s past at her. All the way from from her tryout to joining the Diamond Mine, to losing the NXT Women’s Breakout Tournament, to turning on Diamond Mine, to Level Up, to her #TuesdayAddams transformation.
The fans cheer the video genuinely, but Izzi mockingly says, “Wow! Just wow!” It is truly inspiring how Tatum finally found herself! Izzi would be touch, if it weren’t so fake! Tatum, you haven’t changed at all! You haven’t found anything! You’re just doing what you always do, and that is trying to convince everyone that she’s not just the same weirdo outcast she was when she first showed up here. The fans boo but Izzi says Tatum can stand here and hold the title, soaking in all the fake love from the fake fans, but Izzi and Tatum know what this is: Another mask! Tatum thinks beating Izzi validates her?
The fans sing the Addams Family theme song while Izzi says all Tatum’s found is she is the chameleon of NXT! How is she not tired constantly changing? It’s almost impressive! Always pretending! But sooner or later, the unlovable girl she’s hiding from will show herself again. And when she does, everyone will see what Izzi already knows: Tatum Paxley, championship or not, will forever be the girl desperately trying to fit in. Hopefully Tatum’s enjoyed the past couple of days borrowing that belt, because Izzi wants it back NOW. Tatum turns around to see Niko & Spears! Then Izzi BOOTS Tatum down!
The fans boo as Izzi POWERBOMBS Tatum down! Izzi snatches the belt off Tatum, taking being a sore loser to a new level. Will Tatum just have to beat Izzi again to finally shut her up?
Ricky Saints talks with Ethan Page backstage.
The Absolute asks All Ego just what the hecc was that on Saturday! Ethan slid the belt all the way to Hendry?! Ethan says he knows! He knew the moment it left his hand! Saints says yeah, and he saw it as it slid right by him! Now neither men have titles! They’re naked! Ethan says that visual will haunt him now. Saints says the visual they need is them both as champs! Which is what makes them so great. They don’t dwell on the past. The last two days have sucked for Saints. Oh? Well, the last two WEEKS have sucked for Ethan! Saints apologizes, and he forgives Ethan for Saturday. But guess what? Tonight, after they beat those two cornballs, it’ll look like this.
If Ethan pins Myles, then guess what? He’s back in the North American Championship scene. If Saints pins Hendry, he’ll be main-eventing Stand & Deliver! That’s a sold out crowd chanting his name, oh yes indeed! Ethan says that’s right. Every dynasty has its slump, and this is a mere blemish on their impeccable records. Saints says barely a hiccup! After tonight, they’ll be back holding hands with Miss Title Contention! Ethan sees it, Saints loves it, and now they will both be TWO-TIME champions! Say it again, TWO-TIME CHAMPIONS! But will the Absolute Egos have their way? Or will they be made to believe in Borne & Hendry?
Jasper Troy VS Eli Knight VS Sean Legacy!
The MonStar LFG Season 1 Champion is not happy he lost his Speed Championship in a Triple Threat. But since he can’t just go right after the champion, he’ll take it out on the other guy in that title match, and then Super Sean just because he’s here! Will Troy destroy two high-fliers with one match? Or will there be another win snatched away from him?
NXT returns as the Disrespectfully Athletic makes his entrance, followed by Legacy. The bell rings and Troy ROCKS Legacy! Eli jumps on Troy but Troy throws him down. Legacy jumps on but Troy RAMS him into a corner! Eli comes back, but Troy THROWS him across the way! The fans are torn but Legacy runs up. Troy scoops Legacy, fireman’s carries, but Eli jumps in! Troy catches him!? And then he shrugs Legacy off so he can gorilla press Eli! Eli wiggles free, but Troy gets him again, CHOKE SLAM onto Legacy! The fans fire up while Troy puts Legacy in a corner and fires knees! Troy then goes to Eli in the other corner and BODY BLOWS!
Troy short arm LARIATS Eli, then stalks Legacy. Troy HEADBUTTS Legacy, then steps on him in the corner! The fans rally, Troy steps off, and Troy storms up on Eli. Troy BODY BLOWS Eli again, then whips corner to corner. Troy runs up, but into a BOOT! Eli hurries to fire hands on Troy, but Troy whisp him away. Troy CLOBBERS Eli, the fans fire up, and Troy stalks Eli. Troy scoops Eli, then aims at Legacy. Eli slips free, Legacy SUPERKICSK! Eli SUPERKICKS, then they DOUBLE SUPERKICK! Troy tumbles up and out of the ring! Legacy whips Eli but Eli reverses! Eli ROCKS Legacy in a corner, then ROCKS him again!
Legacy fires shots in return, and we can see Troy drag himself up with the apron skirt. But KEANU CARVER CLOBBERS TROY! The fans are torn as the One Man Demolition Crew CHOKE SLAMS Troy through the desk! The fans go nuts, and Keanu tells Booker T this is what he meant! Keep his name out your mouths! Don’t play with Keanu! Keanu just turned this Triple Threat into a 1v1, and NXT goes to break!
NXT returns again as refs check on Troy. Legacy has Eli in a chinlock but Eli fights up. Eli arm-drags free, runs up, and he blocks a boot to CALF KICK! Then Eli goes up, up, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Legacy tumbles out, Eli goes to a corner, and Eli springboards to SUPER CROSSBODY! The fans fire up with Eli and he hurries to get Legacy in the ring. Eli goes to the corner for the TIGER WALL MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up again as Legacy survives. Eli hurries up top, and he MOONSAULTS! Legacy moves, Eli lands out, and then Eli dodges to BOOT! Eli runs up, Legacy goes up and over!
Legacy runs up, Eli dodges, but Legacy BOOTS him from the corner! Legacy QUEBRADAS into the dragon sleeper, and the SAVING GRACE! Cover, TWO! Eli survives but the fans fire up again! Troy clutches his side but he’s standing back up! “This is Awesome!” as Legacy hurries to get Eli up int the torture rack! But Eli fights free! Eli ROCKS Legacy, Legacy ROCKS Eli, and repeat! The fans rally as they go back and forth, but then Legacy gets the edge! But Eli ENZIGIRIS! Legacy UPPERCUTS! Eli falls, Legacy WRECKS Troy with a dropkick just to be sure! Legacy turns around, Eli JUMP KNEES!
Eli runs, blocks a boot, but Legacy dodges! Eli dodges back, but runs into a SPANISH FLY! The fans fire up with Legacy, but Troy is back up!? The fans are going nuts as Legacy fires hands! Troy snarls and RAMS Legacy into a corner! Then he BODIES Eli! The fans are torn, but Troy pops Legacy up, and SPINEBUSTERS him down! Then he BACKDROPS Eli onto Legacy! Troy clutches his ribs but he’s still so strong! Troy then hoists Eli up, RAMS him into Legacy at the corner, and then fireman’s carries them both!? DOUBLE SAMOAN DROP! Troy roars, rises up, and he guzels Eli! MONSTAR CHOKE SLAM! Cover, BUT LEGACY BREAKS IT!
The fans are thunderous for “NXT! NXT!” Legacy stands, but Troy runs up! Legacy ducks ‘n’ dodges, only to run into the BIG BOSS- SHOTGUN from Eli! No slam for Troy, and Legacy runs up to SLICED BREAD! Legacy hurries to a corner, he springboards to 450 SPLASH! But then Eli adds his MOONSAULT! DOUBLE COVER, AND THREE!!
Winners: Sean Legacy & Eli Knight, by pinfall
Both Eli and Sean are surprised, but them both winning is better than them both losing! They shake hands on it and celebrate together! Will this momentum send both men towards titles? As for Troy, he surely has a score to settle with Keanu now. When and where will the MonStar get his shot at the Demolition Man?
Tatum Paxley is furious!
She demands to know where that snake, Izzi, slithered off to. She asks Shiloh Hill if he saw them. He says sorry, he hasn’t seen The Culling. Tatum says she has to find Izzi before she goes. Wait, before she goes? Oh, that part he can help with. Shiloh has his tire iron, and both he and Tatum laugh maniacally as they hurry to the parking lot! Will Izzi’s car be two tired for her to get out of here?
Birthright talks backstage.
Arianna Grace says she successfully defended her TNA Knockouts World Championship last week, so now it is the boys’ turn to impress. Stacks asks Lexis King if he’s good, and Lexis says he’s just disappointed it had to come to this. Charlie Dempsey is too stubborn for his own good. Did Uriah make the call? Nope, but his dad did. And “they” are on their way. Perfect. Birthright heads out, but who could they mean by “they?”
Charlie Dempsey & Tavion Heights VS Lexis King & Uriah Connors w/ Birthright!
Despite the offer from his friends in the second-generation-superstar club, The Son of the Gentlemanly Villain is still his own man. And he chose to team with his former No Quarter Catch Crew member to make sure Birthright understands that. Will Charlie & Tavion prove they can reach new heights their way? Or will the Drama King and Chase U dropout show them it’s in their blood?
The teams sort out, Charlie starts against Uriah, and the two tie up. Uriah headlocks, Charlie slips around but Uriah wrenches and wristlocks. Uriah shifts to a full nelson but Charlie breaks that to then wrench and full nelson in return. Uriah breaks free of that, snapmares, and covers, ONE! The fans applaud as the two tie up with knuckle locks. They’re shoulder to shoulder in a Test of Strength, and Uriah bends Charlie back. Charlie fights up, but Uriah wrenches. Charlie wrenches back then whips, but Uriah leaps over the dropdown. They tie up again, and Charlie puts on the pressure. Charlie hits a straight arm suplex, then clamps onto a CATTLE MUTILATION!
Charlie moves around, then goes to a FUJIWARA, but Uriah rolls through. Charlie gets Uriah’s legs, drags him back, then tags Tavion. Charlie puts Uriah in the BOW ‘N’ ARROW, then THROWS him to Tavion for the GUT WRENCH PLEX! The fans cheer while Uriah flounders away. Tavion runs up, Uriah dodges and tags Lexis. Lexis saves Uriah from the suplex, but then Tavion snatches Lexis for a scoop SLAM! Tavion runs, Charlie tags, and Tavion rolls into jackknife, turning it into a fireman’s carry. FLAPJACK and KNEE LIFT! Charlie covers, TWO! Lexis scrambles away to the apron but Charlie grabs after him.
Lexis HOTSHOTS Charlie, then CHOPS! Lexis whips, Charlie reverses, but Uriah tags in. Lexis waistlocks, Cahrlie BOOTS Uriah away, then he drop toeholds! Tavion tries to warn Charlie but Charlie is too busy hammering Lexis! Uriah CLOBBERS Charlie! The fans boo but Uriah stomps Charlie. Uriah drags Charlie over, CHOPS him, then tags Lexis back in. Lexis snapamres Charlie to then get the leg, and he tags Uriah. Uriah slingshot SENTONS but onto knees! Charlie UP KICKS Lexis, then BACKBREAKERS Uriah! The fans rally, hot tag to Tavion! Tavion SLINGBLADES Uriah, BLASTS Lexis, and CLOBBERS Uriah!
Tavion whips Uriah to OVERHEAD BELLy2BELLY! Tavion keeps going, RUNNING BELLY2BELLY! Cover, Lexis breaks it! Charlie storms in and he TOSSES Lexis out! But Uriah BOOTS Charlie out! Tavion SPEARS Uriah out of the ring! Uriah and Tavion are down hard, but Charlie and Lexis brawl! The ref checks, Tavion gets up, and he keeps after Uriah. NQCC puts Birthright int he ring, then hug it out. The fans fire up for the boys, but wait! Is that Fit Finlay & William Regal?! And Charlie GERMAN SUPLEXES Tavion?!? The fans are going nuts, but Charlie feeds Tavion into the ring! Uriah hits Tavion with a BARE BONE KNEE STRIKE!
Tag to Lexis, and he gets Tavion up for the CORONATION!! Cover, Birthright wins!!
Winners: Lexis King & Uriah Connors, by pinfall
It seems Charlie is still his father’s son. He steps into the ring and embraces his Birthright! Will nothing stop them from taking over?
The Culling walks the halls.
Izzi feels good about how that went. Niko is sure Tatum will now spiral out of control. But then The Chair Man hears the car alarm. Someone just put their car on blocks?! And a few other cars, too… Well, as we see Shiloh Hill walking back to the door, we know who did it. But Robert Stone asks what’s going on! Shiloh says he didn’t know which car was The Culling’s, but the car alarms are too loud. Stone says get inside! They get away from the honking, and Shiloh shouts that he didn’t know which car it was. Stone is trying to figure out what and why, but Shiloh leaves the tire iron with him. The Culling complains to Stone, but will they just have to take it up with the mechanics?
Tony D’Angelo is here!
The fans cheer as the man who was once The Don goes to the ring. Tony gets a mic and says, “When I returned to NXT, I told the WWE Universe I came back for two reasons. The first mission was DarkState. Vengeance Day was the culmination of that mission. On Saturday, me and Lennox went to war.” The fans applaud that. Tony says that while he despises Dion, Dion went out on his shield. Tony left DarkState the way they left him: Beaten, empty, and searching for answers. So now, we get to reason number two as to why Tony returned. And while he was away, he considered his future. This life goes by fast but he had time to reflect.
See, Tony looked at the man in the mirror, and had to be honest with himself. There was one thing that that man could not accomplish. There was one thing that that man could not achieve. And in that moment, Tony buried that version of himself six feet under, became the man that stands before you today, the man who proved he is the toughest SOB in NXT! The fans cheer that! The second reason Tony came back… is to win the NXT Championship. The fans cheer that! Tony knows Joe Hendry is a sensation, and he has no issues. If this was a year ago, Tony would have a sit down and break bread with Hendry. But that’s not him anymore.
“Joe, if I gotta break your face, that’s what I’m gonna do. And I’d love to say this is just business, but this is personal to me. Now Joe, this is your one warning. Prepare yourself for my actions, cuz I will not be denied. Tony D’Angelo will be the next N X T Champion!” The fans like the sound of that. But with Ricky Saints also wanting his shot, will Tony have more than just the champion to deal with?
Lola Vice talks with Sol Ruca backstage.
Miami Vice says hola, and Sol says hola. Sol says congrats on the win at Vengeance Day. Lola says gracias, it felt so good knocking out Kelani Jordan. Now, how is Sol? She’s… okay. Yeah, Lola gets that there is a lot on Sol’s plate. She’s got Lainey Reid tonight, then her best friend betrayed her. But Lola knows she’s looking at the next NXT Women’s Champion. Sol says damn straight. Next week in Houston, Sol takes the title from Jacy Jayne while getting her hands on Zaria at the same time. Lola says she’ll be watching. So when Sol takes the title, know it’ll be her and Lola at Stand & Deliver. Well, a lot has to happen first.
Lola still wishes Sol luck, and Sol heads to gorilla. Will Sol make it through the Southern Bell and her toxic back-up? Or will her wave of momentum come crashing down around her?
WrenQCC talks with Myles Borne.
Kendal Grey says she and Wren Sinclair were so pumped to see Myles win the North American Championship off Ethan Page. That was amazing! Glad to see he finally had his moment. Myles thanks them, and says not to be rude, but have either of them seen his tag partner? They gotta prepare for the match tonight. Wren says she knows where they can find him! Remember that one time? Oh, yes, Kendal remembers now. Watch. Joe Hendry! “Say his name and he appears!” The fridge? Wren opens it up, but no, that’s just a cake. But then Hendry steps in and asks what they’re looking at. Hendry, why weren’t you in the fridge? Been there, done that.
Myles asks Hendry where he’s been. They gotta game plan for Ethan & Ricky! Hendry apologizes, he had some business to attend to, but he’s here now. Time to game plan! Myles wishes Wren luck for her Speed match. Wren says she’s got the need! The need for speed! Kendal, are you ready? Wait, Kendal’s stuffing her face with cake! Kendal~! What? She’s got the night off. Cheat day~! Fine, let’s just get going. Kendal says good luck, guys! So, she’s not gonna share? Will Wren become a contender in three minutes or less? Will Myles & Hendry prove they were Borne to Believe?
Sol Ruca VS Lainey Reid w/ The Fatal Influence!
NXT returns as Sol makes her entrance, joining The Fatal Influence in the ring. The bell rings and the fans rally behind Sol as she circles with Lainey. They tie up, go around the ring, and against the ropes. Sol powers up but Lainey slips around to a waistlock. Sol switches, but Lainey switches back. Lainey pries the hold open to a wrench and wristlock. Sol cartwheels, then slips under to BACKDROP Lainey! Sol has the armlock, Lainey fights up, but Sol wrenches to wristlock. Sol wrangles Lainey but Lainey endures. The fans rally as Lainey headscissors, and she holds on tight as Sol tries to kip free. Sol moves around, and headstands to then pop free!
Sol drops on Lainey for a headlock, but Lainey fights up to her feet. Lainey powers up but can’t power out as Sol holds on tight. Lainey powers up again, pries the hold open, and she turns things around to headlock Sol. Lainey snapmares but Sol cartwheels through! The fans cheer while Lainey frowns. Lainey runs up, Sol trips her up, and Sol steps on Lainey to use her as a surfboard! Then Sol STOMPS Lainey’s leg! Lainey scrambles away while the fans cheer. Jacy & Fallon fan Lainey off, then Lainey runs up to kick Sol! Lainey kicks again but Sol blocks! Lainey hops around, rolls, and trips Sol in one go!
Lainey headlocks but Sol powers up and out. Lainey RUNS Sol over, then hits a headlock and takeover! Sol rolls to a cover, ONE! Lainey holds on but Sol headscissors. Sol squeezes tight but Lainey still kips free, then DROPKICKS! Sol goes to a corner, Lainey runs up, but Sol catches her! Sol spins with Lainey for the FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Lainey scrambles to a corner, Sol runs up, and Sol MONKEY FLIPS Lainey away! Lainey ends up in the far corner, and Sol runs up again. Lainey puts Sol up top, but Sol BOOTS her! Lainey SHOVES Sol, but Sol body scissors Lainey to throw her out of the ring! The fans cheer as Sol gets back up.
Sol runs to use the corner for the MOONSAULT! Down goes Lainey and Jacy is upset, but Sol just brings Lainey up and into the ring. Sol senses Jacy creep up and she stares the champ down. But then Fallon distracts the ref! This lets Jacy anchor Sol in the ropes! Sol kicks free, only for Lainey to DOUBLE STOMP! Lainey and Fatal Influence soak up the heat while NXT goes picture in picture.
Lainey storms up to stomp Sol, then HAMMERS away! Lainey stops just to JUMP LEG DROP! Then she brings Sol up to bump her off buckles. Lainey runs corner to corner and UPPERCUTS! Then she SHINING WIZARDS! Sol flounders along the ropes but Lainey keeps on her. Lainey CHOKES Sol, stops as the ref counts, then pushes her down. The ref reprimands but Lainey steps on Sol, and DOUBLE STOMPS again! Cover, TWO! Lainey argues the count but the count was fair. Lainey reels Sol in but Sol cradle counters, TWO! Both women stand, and Sol ROCKS Lainey first! Then mule kicks! Then SMACKS Lainey again!
Sol whips, but Lainey turns backdrop into NECKBREAKER! Lainey then clamps on with a chinlock and grinds Sol down. Sol endures, fights to her feet, then JAWBREAKERS free! Sol goes to a corner, Lainey runs in, but Sol ROCKS her! And susnet flips! TWO, and Lainey grabs ropes for good measure. Both women stand, Sol blocks a superkick, but not the second SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Jacy is frustrated that Sol survives, but Lainey CLUBS Sol down. Lainey turns Sol for a Gory Especial! Sol endures as Lainey bends her back! The ref checks on Sol but she just powers up! Lainey hits a GORY BOMB! Cover, TWO!
Lainey is frustrated as Sol survives, and she stands Sol up as NXT returns to single picture. Lainey whips Sol to a corner, runs up, but Sol goes up and over. Sol then SHOTGUNS Lainey down! Sol fires forearms on Lainey, has the arms, and kicks the legs out so she can SURFBOARD STOMP Lainey into buckles! Sol runs up, but Lainey dodges! Lainey runs up, but Sol puts her on the apron! Lainey bumps Sol off buckles, KICKS low, then buckle bumps for another KICK! Lainey then steps in, FLYING STUNNER! High stack, TWO! The fans rally as Sol survives. Lainey taunts the fans before she stands over Sol.
Lainey DOUBLE- NO, Sol Electric Chair Lifts Lainey right up! And then SLAMS her down! Both women are down and the fans fire up again! Zaria is seen watching this backstage, probably hoping Sol loses. Sol and Lainey rise up, and Lainey SMACKS Sol first! But Sol SMACKS Lainey back! Lainey ROLLING ELBOWS Sol, but Sol rebounds to ROCK Lainey! Then mule kick! CLUB! Bob ‘n’ weave, UPPERCUT! Sol whips and ELBOWS Lainey down! And LARIAT! Sol whips Lainey to the corner, then SNAP GERMANS! Lainey flounders, Sol goes up, and Sol MISSILE DROPKICKS! The fans fire up as Sol kips up!
Sol aims again, runs back up, KNEE STRIKE! High stack, TWO! Lainey flounders but Sol goes to the apron. Sol springboards, but has to roll through as Lainey moves! Sol goes back, but into the BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO! Sol survives, the fans fire up, but Fatal Influence is frustrated. Lainey drags Sol up, Gory Especials, but Sol sunset flips it! TWO, and Sol hits the X-FACTOR! Lainey flounders, Sol gets her up, fireman’s carry for the swing and AIR RAID CRASH! Cover, TWO!! Lainey survives and the fans can’t believe it! Fatal Influence is relieved, but Sol whips Lainey to the corner. Lainey holds ropes to stop the German Suplex!
Lainey ELBOWS Sol, then slips around, reverse victory roll, TWO! Lainey rebounds but into the EDDY GORDO KICK! Lainey wobbles, Sol runs, but Lainey scoops! Sol slips free and TOSSES Lainey out! Lainey ROCKS Sol from the apron, then steps in, but Sol SUPERKICKS! The fans cheer “Women’s Wrestling!” as Sol goes up, up, but Lainey YANKS her down! And then the ROLLING CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Lainey takes down her kneepads, for some SOUTHERN HOSPITAL- NO, Sol dodges, then SOUL SNATCHER!! Cover, Sol wins!
Winner: Sol Ruca, by pinfall
Fatal Influence is beside themselves! Lainey gave Sol a run for her money, but it was still Sol on top! The wave of momentum is growing, will it completely wipe out Jacy and Zaria? Or will Sol be denied both revenge and reign?
Robert Stone meets with Sean Legacy, Eli Knight, and Elio LeFleur.
The (Interim) NXT GM is still getting his hearing back, but the Sky Slicer says he’d love to defend his Speed Championship against both Legacy and Eli if he could. Stone says it has already been a long night, and he also enjoyed the double pin. And yes, while it’d be great for Legacy or Knight to challenge Elio, the rules state there has to be a Speed Tournament. Elio says that takes so long, which is kinda the opposite of what the Speed Division is about. Eli says yeah, him beating Troy should mean something. Legacy says they beat Troy. Stone admits, that is true. They can get the tournament going, but we’ll have to see how it goes.
And then Vanity Project walks in. Jackson Drake says enough of the Speed title. Jumping through hoops just to get a chance? What a pain in the ass! Brad Baylor wants to talk NXT Tag Team Championships. They’re already thinking Stand & Deliver, the biggest spotlight for Stone’s brightest new stars! Ricky Smokes says, “Y’know, guys who can actually go more than three minutes.” They already cleared out the division, but surely Stone can get creative. Drake says don’t even worry about it. Their guy, Stone, will cook up something great. Laters. Vanity Project leaves, and Legacy says let’s put a pin on the Speed title for a second, because he has an idea.
Stone will consider what Elio said about the Speed Division, but yes, he likes where Legacy is going. He thinks he has an idea. Will Legacy & Knight soon swipe right on a match with the tag team champions?
Backstage interview with Blake Monroe.
Blake Howard brings up The Glamour beating Jaida Parker in the Street Fight, a huge victory. What’s next for her? Blake says Jaida brought out a godawful side of her, and learned that when you mess with the Woman From Hell, you get burned. So as for what’s next, the biggest show of the year is coming up. This will be Monroe’s first Stand & Deliver, and she’ll make it all about her in St. Louie. Howard corrects her that it’s St. Louis. Monroe says she is the conversation, she is the controversy, so what will she do? Well- Tatum turns the corner and calls to Blake. They both respond and Tatum says right, both Blake.
But then, have either Blake or Blake seen The Culling? No, and no. Okay, bye. Tatum calls out to Izzi that she’s looking for her, and Monroe says Howard needs to do something about his name. Because that, like many other things, belongs to her. Blake Monroe leaves Blake Howard speechless, but did Tatum just make herself a target?
Women’s Speed Tournament Finals: Thea Hail VS Wren Sinclair w/ Kendal Grey!
The Grown-Ass Woman stole the spotlight from Blake Monroe while the Captain of WrenQCC managed to slay Nikkita Lyons. Now both of these young and hungry superstars is looking to go right at the Toxic Cowgirl, but that means getting through each other! Who makes themselves #1 contender in three minutes or less?
NXT returns as Thea makes her entrance. The bell rings, and Thea DROPKICKS Wren down! The fans rally and duel but Thea KICKS and STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, ONE, but Thea dodges a lariat to jump on the arm! KIMURA, but Wren powers out! Wren CHOPS Thea, fireman’s carries, and ROLLING SENTONS! Wren keeps moving, and she RUNS Thea over, then BULLDOGS! Cover, TWO! The fans rally as Wren goes for arms, but Thea fights around! Thea fights up, jumps and wheelbarrows, then arm-drags! Then mule kicks! Thea runs, and ROLLING NECKBREAKERS! Cover, ONE and Wren bails out!
We hit the two minute warning orange phase, and Thea builds speed! DIVE and down goes Wren! Thea shakes out her arm, then gets Wren int he ring. The fans rally up again as Thea climbs. Thea aims and CROSSBODY FLOPS as Wren moves! Wren hurries to then roll Thea up, TWO!! Thea escapes, and has the KIMURA!! Wren flails, reaches out, and rolls through! Wren gets the FINAL WRENCH!! Thea flails, fights, but she QUITS!! WREN WINS!
Winner: Wren Sinclair, by submission (NEW #1 Contender to the WWE Women’s Speed Championship)
With 62 seconds to spare, Wren seals the deal! The Texas girl gets to do it up big in Houston, but will she dethrone the Toxic Cowgirl? Or will even the Speed Division be stuck under the Influence?
Robert Stone meets with the NXT Tag Division.
Suit Man Stone thanks everyone for being here, and he knows that we are officially in Stand & Deliver Season. After talking with Vanity Project earlier, it got him thinking. This division is deep, this division is hungry, so Stone is going to put together a tag team tournament! The winners get their shot at Vanity Project at Stand & Deliver! Everyone except Swipe Right likes that! What do they look like to him? Oh, so they don’t want to be at Stand & Deliver? That’s not what they’re saying! Yeah, that’s what Stone thought. So now, to the teams in the tournament: the new team of Legacy & Knight; The Culling; Birthright; Hank ‘n’ Tank; OTM; DarkState.
Shugars says no, DarkState ain’t doing no tournament! They want their rematch and they want it now! But then OTM storms up on DarkState, and they start throwing hands! The other teams get in there to break this up, but clearly it’s about to pop off! Who survives the tournament to then have their shot in St. Louis?
Backstage interview with Fatal Influence.
Blake Howard is now with Jacy, Fallon, and Lainey, and brings up the title defenses next week in Houston. How are they handling these targets on their back this close to Stand & Deliver? Jacy says wow, she never thought she’d miss Sarah Schreiber, but here we are. And she doesn’t need Blake Howard reminding her that she has to deal with both Sol and Zaria next week. If she wants to walk into Stand & Deliver as champion, then she has to make the impossible happen. And he watches the product, right? Then he should know that this is perhaps the most unpredictable WrestleMania season ever!
How many new champions have been crowned lately? Penta, Cody Rhodes, Lash & Nia, AJ Lee! The odds are stacked against Jacy. Howard brings up Tatum beating Izzi, and Jacy can’t even. Fallon, you talk to him. Fallon is pretty sure he’ll bring up Wren Sinclair now, right? Everyone’s favorite little underdog, a leader of two people. Big deal. All Fallon has to do is win within five minutes. Oh, look, here they are! Wren steps in and says considering she beat Lyons and Thea in under three, she’ll have no problem beating Fallon in five. Kendal is also confident in that. And if we’re talking numbers, Fatal Influence is definitely losing one of their titles next week.
Oh, and Jacy, if you get past Sol and Zaria to make it to Stand & Deliver as she so desperately wants, just know Kendal will be the one she defends that title against. Lainey says enough. They don’t have time for this. Time to go. Fatal Influence leaves, WrenQCC is ready to bring the fight to them, but who will get to Stand & Deliver?
The Culling heads out.
Niko & Spears are ready to go for those tag titles, but then Tatum CLOBBERS Izzi! They start brawling, Izzi RAMS Tatum into the garage door, but The Culling and security separate these two! Stone sees this and shouts that this is enough! If they wanna get their hands on each other, fine! The rematch for the Women’s North American Championship is gonna happen in Houston! And in a STEEL CAGE!! Tatum loves that idea! Will she get to rip into Izzi without anyone getting in her way?
Backstage interview with Robert Stone.
Blake Howard catches up with Stone and says this is a huge night for NXT in Houston now. Stone says he’s even got stars from Raw & SmackDown texting him about it. Remember that this is Stone’s first road show for NXT, and he wants to make it special. Well, adding Tatum VS Izzi in a Steel Cage is huge, and Stone says yes, it has to end somehow with these two. Plus, the other two title matches, the NXT Women’s Championship Triple Threat, and the Women’s Speed Championship. Then there’s the tag tournament, and we’re starting in Houston! Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Birthright. The tournament culminates on March 31st as NXT returns to NYC, winners going on to Stand & Deliver.
And also, and he hasn’t said anything yet, but… OTM AND DarkState are now OUT of the tournament. Between Vengeance and what happened just now in his office, it cannot keep happening. Vanity Project walks back in and Brad appreciates having all this time off. Smokes says he’s even gotten some invites to parties in Houston, so- Stone says don’t party too hard. W-Why? Because in Houston, they will be in Six Man Tag action against LOS AMERICANOS! What?! Yeah, sorry, gotta go. Man, Stone used to be cool! Stone promises that the Houston fans are gonna love this, but he’ll let Vic Joseph break this next bit of news!
Vic Joseph indeed takes up the mic to say this is big. Next week, NXT is live in Houston, the hometown of Booker T. And Vic doesn’t wanna let the cat out of the bag, but this duo was only meant to be a duo for three months. A lot of people didn’t know that, and this is three YEARS! So it is Vic’s honor to say that next Tuesday, it will be BOOKER T APPRECIATION NIGHT! All hail King Bookah~! The fans cheer that! Booker asks, why did they wait to say this? But between celebrating Booker T’s career both in the ring and at the desk and all those title matches, will NXT in Houston be the biggest episode ever?
Joe Hendry & Myles Borne VS Ricky Saints & Ethan Page!
Even after their big victories the last couple of weeks, The NXT Champion and the North American Champion are teaming up against their common enemies! Will Hendry & Borne prove they aren’t champions out of dumb luck? Or will these Absolute Egos earn themselves golden tickets to championship rematches?
NXT returns as Myles makes his entrance, followed by Joe Hendry. The teams sort out and Hendry starts against Saints. They tie up, Saints headlocks for the takeover, but Hendry headscissors. Saints kips free, but turns around into a tie up, and then Hendry headlocks for the takeover. Saints headscissors, Hendry kips free, and TURNS! The fans cheer, but Saints hits low! Saints ROCKS and whips, but Hendry reverses, blows past, and CLOBBERS Saints! The fans cheer, but Ethan runs up! Hendry HIP TOSSES Ethan, then he HIP TOSSES Saints! Hendry drags Saints up, tags Myles in, and they coordinate, for the DROPKICK SUPLEX COMBO!
The fans cheer as Myles waits on Saints, then scoops, for the FALL AWY SIDE EFFECT! Cover, TWO! Saints survives Myles pulling out a new move, but Myles fireman’s carries. Saints fights free, waistlocks, but Myles switches. Saints RAMS Myles into a corner, then runs up, but into a BOOT! Myles ducks Ethan’s cheap shot, DECKS him for it, but Saints ROCKS Myles! Saints hits a BIG back suplex, then he tags Ethan. They stomp Myles, then Ethan rains down fists. Ethan drags Myles up to suplex, but Myles fights it! Myles fires body shots, then ANARCHY SUPLEXES! Cover, TWO! Myles keeps on Ethan, but Ethan RAMS him into the corner!
Ethan RAMS Myles again and again, then stops as the ref counts 4. Ethan drags Myles up, but Myles fires body shots! And he ELBOWS Saints! Myles ROCKS Ethan, ROCKS Saints, repeat! The fans fire up as Myles UPPERCUTS then runs, but into a BOOT! The fans boo Ethan but he tells Saints to go get the belts! Saints grabs a belt, slides it in, but way out of the ring! Ethan is incredulous, and Saints says he is so, so sorry. Ethan says this wasn’t that hard, he’s right here! Saints apologizes, and NXT goes picture in picture.
Saints tries to explain himself to commentary, but Myles snatches Ethan into a cradle! TWO, and Ethan drags Myles from Hendry! ELBOW DROP! Ethan tags Saints, they stomp Myles down at the ropes, but step off as the ref counts. Saints drags Myles up to put through the ropes, and then CHOKE! The ref counts, Saints stops at 4, then taunts Hendry. Saints UPPERCUTS Myles down, then brings him back up. Saints tags Ethan back in, they mug Myles, and Ethan stays between Myles and Hendry. Ethan brings Myles around to suplex, but Myles slips free to roll Ethan up! TWO, and Ethan anchors Myles’ leg!
Ethan drags Myles back, tags Saints in, and Saints ELBOW DROPS Myles on the back of his head! Cover, TWO! Saints drags Myles up to wrench, then he goes up the corner. Saints tightrope walks, and he gives Myles the Old School AX HANDLE! Myles sputters, Ethan smiles, and Saints strikes his pose. Saints storms up on Myles but Myles fires body shots. Myles whips, Saints reverses, and Saints SPINEBUSTERS! Then he gator rolls Myles to tag in Ethan. Ethan steps in and ELBOW DROPS on Myles’ chest! Ethan scoop SLAMS Myles, tags Saints, and Saints goes up the ropes to SPLASH! Cover, TWO!
Myles survives, but Saints keeps Myles down with a chinlock. Myles endures, fights up, and NXT returns to single picture. Myles fires body shots but Saints KNEES low. Saints puts Myles in the corner, CHOPS, then tags Ethan. Ethan kicks Myles down, then he and Saints double whip. Myles reverses to send Saints & Ethan into each other! Myles DECKS Saints, but Ethan whips Myles to the corner. Ethan runs up, but Myles dodges the splash! Myles crawls, reaches out, but Saints YANKS Hendry down! The fans boo but Saints THROWS Hendry into barriers! Ethan SPLASHES Myles in the corner!
The fans are riled up as Ethan whips Myles corner to corner and SPLASHES again! Tag to Saints, then Ethan puts Myles up top. Saints joins in, and they DOUBLE ICONOCLASM! Then they YANK Myles up, ASSISTED TORNADO DDT! Cover, Hendry CLOBBERS Ethan onto it! The fans fire up, but Ethan TOSSES Hendry! Hendry lands safe on the apron, ROCKS Ethan, then steps in, only for Ethan to give him a CONFIDENCE BREAKER! Saints then SHOTGUNS Hendry down! The fans boo but Absolute Egos are on the same page now. Saints puts Myles up top, but Myles fires hands! Myles and Saints trade shots, then Myles ROCKS Saints!
Ethan runs up, Myles ROCKS him! Saints SMACKS Myles! Saints then runs side to side, tags Ethan, and he goes right up to get Myles! SUPER DUPER PLEX for the Power! Ethan adds a DIVING BODY PRESS for the Glory! Cover, TWO!! Myles survives and shocks Ethan! Ethan stomps Myles but the fans rally, “WE BELIEVE!” Ethan RIPCORDS Myles up, but Myles fights the slam to a REVERSE DDT! Myles crawls, reaches out, and this time, hot tags to Hendry and Saints! The fans fire up as Hendry rallies on Ethan & Saints! Then he kicks Ethan, spins him, and NECKBREAKER! Then he scoops Saints for the FALL AWAY SLAM!
Hendry kips up, and he dodges Ethan to scoop him! Pop up to the fireman’s carry, and the ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT! Saints runs up, Hendry dodges, ANGLE SLAM! Hendry busts out all the hits! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Hendry as hard as they can, and he starts up the stomp stomp clap! But Ethan anchors Hendry! Hendry kicks free, he dodges Saints, but DOUBLE LARIATS take both men down! The fans rally up again, and now Saints wants Ethan to get a belt! Not this again! Ethan slides the belt to Saints properly this time, but the ref spots that! Saints swings, but the ref stops him! The fans fire up as Hendry then rolls Saints up, TWO!!
Saints runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and Ethan tags in before the SPEAR!! Saints hoists Hendry up, Ethan steps in, and only now does Saints realize Ethan tagged in! The fans rally as Myles is back! DROPKICK on Saints! Ethan just goes for Hendry, TWISTED GRIN on the gold!! Cover, ETHAN & SAINTS WIN!!
Winners: Ricky Saints & Ethan Page, by pinfall
Myles is furious, but Ethan rubs it in with his cocky grin. Saints says Ethan’s a genius! But using Saints’ logic earlier, if Ethan pinned THE NXT Champion, who’s really becoming the TWO-TIME NXT Champion?
My Thoughts:
A great NXT that basically acted as a go-home to the BIG Houston episode next week. Very good promo from Tatum given her title win, but naturally even she was annoyed with Izzi coming back for another match. Shiloh Hill doing more car shenanigans was great, and adding Tatum VS Izzi to next week is great stuff. I’m not usually one for Steel Cage matches, because you can just feel The Culling interfering on Izzi’s behalf and Shiloh countering. I would hope Tatum keeps the title, it’d be disappointing for her reign to only be 10 days. Very good promo from Blake Monroe with Blake Howard, clever way of pointing out the same names. And yeah, I would think Monroe wants that North American title back and will challenge Tatum at Stand & Deliver.
Great match from Sol VS Lainey, and I’m pleased Zaria let it play out. Great win for Sol, but still unclear if the Triple Threat will help Jacy win or give her a protected loss. Great Speed match from Wren VS Thea, and great win for Wren. I feel bad for Thea, especially since she is dealing with awful “fans” being, well, just awful to her on social media. Thea has been doing great work since day one, she deserves something good, and maybe she’ll finally reach the top of NXT after Stand & Deliver. As for Wren, great promo from her and Kendal with Myles and Hendry, and then a really good promo with Fatal Influence. And yeah, if any title changes, it might be Wren taking the Speed title from Fallon.
Awesome Triple Threat from Troy, Legacy, and Eli, even with Keanu Carver getting involved. Troy definitely looks like a monster coming back from that table spot and almost winning the match. Eli and Legacy both winning that match was really clever stuff, and a great excuse to make them a team for this “impromptu” tag tournament. Although, it just makes me wonder where the Dusty Cup went… And I like that we got six teams announced at first, only for OTM and DarkState to take themselves out because of their behavior. OTM VS DarkState can still happen as a grudge match, and the four teams will all have great matches on the road to what was going to be Roadblock.
Great development with Birthright. Fit Finlay & William Regal showing up and signaling Charlie Dempsey’s turn was a nice surprise. Now Birthright has the right number of people for a “golden prophecy.” Lexis King could make himself the top title guy, Stacks as the midcard guy, and then Charlie & Uriah as the tag team. Very good promo from Tony D, but duh, he was going to call his shot at the NXT Championship. Very good promo from Ethan & Ricky, especially with Ricky pointing out the usual rule of “pin a champ, get a title match.” Great tag team main event, especially with the blatantly bad pass from Ricky to Ethan. Ethan winning on Hendry was not only a surprise, but it was a great way to show Ethan wants THE title back.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Who the War Dragons survive round two?
The New Japan Cup is gaining speed, but only the best will gain any ground! Tonight is Shingo Takagi VS Don Fale, Yuya Uemura VS Drilla Moloney, whose time has come?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Aaron Wolf & Masatora Yasuda VS OSKAR & Yuto-Ice; Oskar & Yuto win.
- 10 Man Tag: Bishamon, Boltin Oleg, Toru Yano & Tatsuya Matsumoto VS The United Empire; The Empire wins.
- Hartley Jackson & Kosei Fujita VS Callum Newman & Zane Jay; Hartley & Fujita win.
- Six Man Tag: Hontai VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
- Yota Tsuji & Daiki Nagai VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa; ZSJ & Oiwa win.
- 2026 New Japan Cup Second Round: Shingo Takagi VS Don Fale; Takagi wins and advances.
- 2026 New Japan Cup Second Round: Yuya Uemura VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney; Yuya wins and advances.
PLAY BY PLAY
2026 New Japan Cup Second Round: Shingo Takagi VS Don Fale w/ Dick Togo!
The Rampaging Dragon is no stranger to the House of Torture, from feuding with them in Los Ingobernables de Japon and now the Unbound Company. And now, he faces the Rogue General who indeed had the House backing him just last round. Will Fale have another stacked deck here tonight? Or will it not matter when Takagi’s time has come?
No attack during the entrance or introductions, so there’s that. The bell rings and the fans rally up for “TA-KA-GI! TA-KA-GI!” Fale and Takagi step up, stare down, and Takagi shoves Fale. Fale shoves back, so Takagi fires forearms, and a CHOP! Fale DECKS Takagi! Takagi gets up and RAMS Fale! Fale stays put so Takagi runs and RAMS him again! And again! Takagi fires up, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and he RAMS Fale! Fale stumbles into the ref, then out of the ring! The fans cheer, but Yoshinobu Kanemaru rushes in! Takagi dodges the bottle shot, then blocks the next! Takagi kick slow, takes the whiskey, and takes a swig! But Fale BODY BLOWS the whiskey out of him!
The fans boo but Fale CLUBS Takagi down! Fale then drags Takagi up, just to TOSS him out! Fale distracts the ref so that Kanemaru can whip Takagi into railing! Takagi writhes and the fans boo, but Kanemaru gets away with that. Takagi staggers away into the crowd, and Fale wants the ring count. The count begins, but Takagi walks back to ringside at 8, rolling in at 9 of 20. But Fale CLUBS him down, then stands on Takagi! The ref counts, Fale steps off at 4, then he stalks Takagi. Takagi headbutts the buckles to fire up, then he ROCKS and KNEES and HEADBUTTS! The fans fire up as Takagi calls his shot!
Takagi goes to scoop, he gets Fale up, but falls under Fale’s weight! Fale covers, TWO! The fans rally for Takagi while he sputters. Fale stalks Takagi to the ropes, stomps him, then stands on him again! The ref counts again, so Fale steps off at 4. Fale argues with the ref, then drags Takagi up. Fale BODY BLOWS, and BODY BLOWS again! Takagi falls over, but Fale turns him over. Fale stands on Takagi’s back, using him as a surfboard! Then Fale covers, TWO! The fans rally behind Takagi has Takagi toughs it out. Fale brings Takagi up again, but Takagi KNEES low! And KNEES again! And again! Takagi goes for the scoop but Fale CLUBS him!
Fale scoops, but Takagi fights free! Takagi runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then RAMS Fale! Fale rebounds but into a kick! Takagi reels Fale in, but Fale BACKDROPS free! Takagi sunset flips, but Fale stays up! Fale HIP DROPS but flops as Takagi dodges! SLIDING PUMPING BOMBER! Both men are down but the fans fire up! Takagi rises up, and the fans join in with the “OI! OI! OI!” Takagi runs in and LARIATS Fale at the corner! The fans cheer and Takagi JABS, JABS, JABS! Takagi winds up to ROCK Fale! The fans cheer again, and Takagi goes up to ELEVATED DDT! Cover, TWO! Fale survives but the fans still rally for Takagi.
Takagi gets the fans fired up, then he looks to the cameras. “TOKI GA KITA!” The fans cheer and Takagi vows to lift Fale! Takagi reels Fale in, but Fale fights with body shots! Fale whips Takagi to a corner, runs up, and SPLASHES! Then he snapmares Takagi for the SPLASH DOWN! Cover, TWO! Takagi survives and the fans cheer! Fale frowns but he calls his own shot. Fale waits on Takagi to stand up, and he guzels! Then the GRE- NO! Takagi breaks free, ducks the hand, to JAB! HEADBUTT! And then facelock! Fale is still really big, but TAKAGI SUPLEXES HIM! The fans are thunderous as Takagi manages the impossible!
Takagi then runs, PUMPING BOMBER!! Cover, KANEMARU YANKS THE REF OUT! The fans boo but now Dick Togo slithers into the ring! Takagi shouts at Kanemaru, but turns around into the POCKET SAND! The fans boo again but Dick & Kanemaru mug Takagi! They choke him in the corner, then they set him up for Fale to SPLASH! Takagi falls, but Fale & Kanemaru set him up! DICK CHOP! The fans boo while Takagi writhes, but Dick puts the ref back in the ring. Fale runs to ELBOW DROP! But Gedo gets off commentary to argue with the ref! Fale’s cover goes uncounted! The fans cheer Gedo, but Fale storms over!
Gedo hides behind the ref while Kanemaru takes a swig. Dick stands Takagi up, but Takagi ducks the WHISKEY MIST! Kanemaru sprays Dick instead! JAB! YUKON LARIAT! Down goes Kanemaru, but now Takagi takes a swig! The fans cheer as Takagi gives Fale a DRAGON WHISKEY MIST! Takagi then BLINDSIDE PUMPING, and runs to PUMPING BOMBER TAKEDOWN!! Cover, TAKAGI WINS!
Winner: Shingo Takagi, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
The Blacksmith applauds as justice is served! Takagi tastes the bitter whiskey, but also sweet victory. He definitely prefers the latter, but will he continue the climb to the top?
2026 New Japan Cup Second Round: Yuya Uemura VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney!
The Heat Storm vowed last round that he would light that fire in NJPW as the shining sun leading the way, and winning the Cup would solidify that. But will Yuya still have the hot hand? Or will he be shot down by 44 Caliber?
The bell rings and the fans cheer as the two circle. Drilla and Yuya tie up, are in a deadlock, but Yuya wrenches to wristlock. Drilla spins to wrench in return, only for Yuya to roll and wrench right back. Drilla rolls, breaks the grip, then wrenches to wristlock. Yuya reaches out but Drilla keeps him from ropes. Yuya rolls, wrenches, hammerlocks, headlocks, spins to hammerlock, then he snapmares Drilla down for the armlock! The fans cheer the technical display. Drilla stands but Yuya wrenches again. Drilla rolls, rolls back, handsprings, then breaks free! The fans applaud that technical display, too.
Drilla and Yuya reset, and Drilla calls for the knuckle lock. Yuya obliges and they lock up. They feel out the other knuckle lock, then go shoulder to shoulder for a Test of Strength! The fans rally as Drilla powers up and bends Yuya back! Yuya bridges to stay up, but Drilla hops on! Yuya is still up, so Drilla jumps on! Again, Yuya stays up! Drilla tries again but Yuya uses that to get up and kick free! Yuya arm-drags, Drilla headscissors, but Yuya kips free. Drilla headlocks for the takeover, and he fights off the headscissors! The fans cheer while Drilla grinds Yuya down. Yuya keeps his arms up, but Drilla squeezes tighter.
Yuya fights to his feet and pries the hold open, only for Drilla to clamp it on tighter. Yuya fires body shots, powers up and out, then arm-drags! And arm-drags! Then he dodges a lariat, to arm-drag again! The fans cheer the exchange as Yuya again has the armlock. Drilla endures the top wristlock as he moves around, but Yuya puts on the pressure. Drilla rises, Yuya wrenches, but Drilla works on the escape. Yuya grinds the arm but Drilla goes to the ropes. Red Shoes calls the break, but Yuya whips Drilla. Drilla reverses, Yuya handsprings, but Drilla RUNS him over! The fans cheer as things keep moving, and Yuya arm-drags again!
Yuya has the armlock again, and the fans rally as Drilla fights it. Yuya fights off headscissors while putting pressure on the double wristlock. They stand, Drilal lifts Yuya, and Drilla puts him in the corner. Red Shoes calls the ropebreak, Drilla backs off, only to RAM Yuya low! Drilla then whips corner to corner, but Yuya goes up and over. Drilla fakes out the arm-drag! And he KICKS Yuya in the back! The fans cheer as Yuya gets right up. The two go face to face, then forearm for forearm! Yuya fires a forearm, KNEE, and CHOP, then runs, but Drilla hurdles! Drilla drops down, but Yuya avoids the dropkick! Drilla still CHOPS Yuya!
Drilla CHOPS Yuya to the corner, CHOPS him again, and the fans rally up. Drilla whips corner to corner but Yuya reverses. Drilla goes up and out, then he DUMPS Yuya to the floor! The fans fire up as Drilla builds speed, and he WRECKS Yuya with the dropkick! Yuya hits railing then slumps down while the fans cheer. Drilla drags Yuya up, brings him around, and whips him hard into railing! The fans rally while Yuya slumps back. Drilla brings Yuya around to put in the ring, and the fans rally behind him. Drilla storms in and brings Yuya up. Yuya breaks free to CHOP! Drilla slips around, ripcords, but Yuya blocks the chop!
Yuya swings, but into a clinch! IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! A shoutout to The Rebel with that one and the fans rally up. Drilla stalks Yuya, KICKS him in the back, then brings him up. Drilla shoves Yuya into a corner, RAMS him in the back, then RAMS him again! And again! Drilla reels Yuya into a BIG back suplex! The fans cheer while Yuya writhes. Drilla looms over Yuya, and drags him into a chinlock, digging his knee into Yuya’s back. Yuya endures, fights forward, and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer as Drilla lets Yuya go. Drilla looms over Yuya again, stands him up, but Yuya ROCKS him! Yuya fires another shot, but Drilla kicks low!
Drilla scoops Yuya for a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Drilla clamps right onto an arm, traps it, and then has Yuya’s legs! MODIFIED TEXAS CLOVERHOLD! The fans rally as Yuya endures! Yuya crawls with his one arm, reaches out, and he has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Drilla lets go. Drilla drags Yuya up, SLAPS him on the back, and eggs him on! Yuya stands, and he fires a forearm! And another forearm! And another! But Drilla CHOPS him back! Yuya sputters, Drilla whips, but Yuya reverses for the FLYING ARM-DRAG! Then a DROPKICK! The fans rally up again while both men are down!
Yuya and Drilla rise up, and Drilla goes to a corner. Yuya storms up and CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Drilla shoves Yuya back, but Yuya comes back to DOUBLE CHOP, DOUBLE CHOP, and DOUBLE CHOP! Yuya whips corner to corner, runs in, and CHOPS again! The fans cheer as Yuya fires up, and he reels Drilla in for the SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Drilla stays in this but Yuya stays focused. The fans rally again as Yuya waistlocks. Yuya goes to full nelson but Drilla breaks free and arm-drags! Then he RAMS Yuya in the corner! Fireman’s carry, tuck, and RUNNING AIR RAID CRASH! Cover, TWO!
The fans cheer as Yuya survives, but Drilla shakes it off. Drilla goes to the apron while the fans rally up, and Drilla climbs the corner. Drilla aims for a MACHO ELBOW FLOP! Yuya gets the arm for the ARMBAR! Drilla clasps hands to fight it off, but Yuya shifts to ARMBAR the other arm! Drilla keeps his hands clasped, so Yuya sits up and twists for the double wristlock! The fans rally as Drilla still endures, and he kicks his way around. But Yuya rolls to throw Drilla to center! Then Yuya cording holds, but Drilla fights the suplex! JAWBREAKER! ENZIGIRI! Both men are down again and the fans rally back up!
Drilla and Yuya stir while the fans duel. Drilla headbutts the buckles a la Takagi, then runs in, but into a RANA! And then DOUBLE WRISTLOCK! The fans rally again as Drilla fights the hold! Drilla rises up, then fireman’s carries! Yuya slips free, Drilla ELBOWS him, but Yuya blocks a superkick! Yuya swings, but Drilla ducks to then fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY BOMB! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Drilla clutches the elbow and shakes out the bad arm while the fans rally. Yuya rolls over while Drilla rises up. Drilla brings Yuya up to his feet, then puts him on the top rope. Drilla CHOPS Yuya before he climbs up to join him.
The fans rally as Drilla goes to the very top, but Yuya fires body shots! Yuya then HEADBUTTS Drilla down! Yuya fires up as he rises, to CROSSBODY FLOP! Drilla avoids the High Fly Attack to then GORE! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up as Yuya survives! Drilla huffs ‘n’ puffs as he rises up again, and he brings Yuya up, only for the bad arm to hurt. Drilla puts Yuya in the drop zone and goes up top. The fans rally again for the MACHO ELBOW! Direct hit this time, and Drilla is fired up! The fans are with him as he goes back to Yuya and vows to end it. Drilla drags Yuya up, but the bad arm limits his lifting!
The fans rally as Drilla still tries, but Yuya resists. Drilla KNEES Yuya, then brings him around to Canadian Rack! But Yuya fights free! And he backslides Drilla, TWO! Drilla swings, but into the full nelson! Drilla breaks free, but Yuya GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO! ARMBAR!! The fans fire up as Drilla is caught! Yuya breaks the grip to PULL on the arm! Drilla scrambles, fights to stack Yuya, ONE as Yuya keeps the arm up! TRIANGLE HOLD! Drilla endures again, but he seems to be fading! Red Shoes checks on Drilla, and he revives to fight around again! Drilla deadlifts Yuya for the fireman’s carry!
But then Drilla pops Yuya around to a shoulder rack, Canadian Rack, and DRILLA- NO! Yuya lands out to run and SUPERMAN CLUTCH!! TWO!! Drilla survives that shoutout to Colt Cabana, and he POP-UP POWERBOMBS! The fans fire up again while both men are down! Drilla fires up, the fans rally, and Drilla drags Yuya back up! Drilla hauls Yuya up, Canadian Racks, but Yuya slips free again! Cording hold! Cording hold! But Drilla fights the suplex! Drilla HEADBUTTS, but runs into an ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Yuya pulls on the arm but Drilla clasps his hands! The fans rally as the two struggle, and Drilla stacks Yuya! TWO!
Both men stand, and Drilla BOOTS! Yuya DOUBLE CHOPS! Yuya takes another swing, but Drilla ducks to ripcord and CHOP! But Yuya roars! Drilla SUPERKICKS! Yuya PELES! Then DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Drilla slumps over but that still saves him! Yuya roars and the fans are thunderous! Yuya goes up the corner, takes aim, and HIGH FLY- DROPKICK!! The anti-air hits and the fans fire up again! Drilla snarls, builds speed, and GORES!! But Drilla isn’t done there! He hauls Yuya back up, Canadian Rack, and DRILLA KILLA!! Cover, BUT YUYA ROLLS IT BACK! YUYA WINS!!!
Winner: Yuya Uemura, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
Yuya quite truly won by the seat of his pants, snatching victory from the jaws of this War Dragon! What will it take for Drilla to have that breakthrough to the next level?
As for Yuya, he’s very tired, but he still grabs the mic while resting on the mat. The fans cheer as Yuya manages to sit up. “To be honest, I thought today would be a no-go, but this is the soul of NJPW!” The fans cheer that! Yuya says the reason he was able to win today was because the fans supported him, and that gave him the energy! Thank you very much! The fans cheer again while Yuya stands back up, if just for a moment. Yuya asks if the fans love NJPW, and the fans cheer because they do. Yuya says if you like NJPW, come watch as the Spring’s hottest star, Yuya Uemura, becomes the strongest of all time!
The fans cheer again, and Yuya says he’ll speak for everyone’s hearts! Wait, did the mic go out? Oops. Yuya makes sure the mic is on as he repeats himself that he’ll speak for everyone’s hearts, and that he’ll continue to heat up this New Japan Cup! YOSHA! The fans cheer as Yuya falls back! Yuya gets another win, but will he keep it up all the way to the finals?
My Thoughts:
A great start to the second round, but I’m a little surprised we didn’t get more than two tournament matches. Takagi VS Fale was very good, even with the usual House of Torture overbooking. Gedo helping turn things around was great, too. Then awesome main event from Yuya VS Drilla. That sudden ending was a great move, they really made it seem like Drilla was going to win. But Yuya pulling it out was great, it builds his story of becoming the “sun,” aka the face of NJPW. He’s definitely proving himself worthy of being a top star in this generation, can’t wait to see how far he goes.
My Score: 8.9/10
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TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
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