Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (11/8/22)
Let’s run it back!
One more time, from the top!
Controversy mired the previous NXT Women’s Tag Team title match, so Nikkita Lyons & Zoey Stark get one more shot at Katana Chance & Kayden Carter! Will this rematch clear the air once and for all?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Cameron Grimes VS Joe Gacy w/ The Schism; Gacy wins.
- Sol Ruca VS Elektra Lopez; Lopez wins.
- Andre Chase w/ Chase U VS Charlie Dempsey; Dempsey wins.
- Hank Walker VS Channing Lorenzo w/ Tony D’Angelo; wins.
- Axiom VS JD McDonagh; JD wins.
- Five Minute Time Limit: Damon Kemp VS Brutus Creed w/ Diamond Mine; Kemp wins, by disqualification.
- NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships: Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS Zoey Stark & Nikkita Lyons; Carter & Chance win and retain the titles.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cameron Grimes VS Joe Gacy w/ The Schism!
The Carolina Caveman and Mr. Inclusion both want to get past this, but that can only happen with one final fight! Will Grimes leave Gacy behind to go #ToTheMoon? Or will he be the one buried beneath the roots of The Schism’s tree?
The bell rings and Grimes rushes in! Gacy dodges, clinches, but Grimes elbows free and KICKS Gacy around! Grimes whips Gacy to ropes but Gacy reverses. Griems hurdles, RANAS, and fans fire up! Gacy is in the corner and Grimes BOOTS him down! Grimes says Gacy let Ava Raine talk him into this. Grimes KICKS and KICKS and KICKS Gacy around! Grimes CLUBS Gacy, whips him corner to corner, but Gacy reverses to SPLASH! Gacy CLUBS Grimes, EuroUppers, then stomps Grimes down. Gacy drags Grimes up to CLUB him again! Gacy EuroUppers, snapmares and covers, TWO!
Gac stomps Grimes, whips, but Grimes CROSSBODIES! Grimes throws fast hands and then has Gacy on the ropes. Gacy boots Grimes away but Grimes elbows him! Grimes whpis, Gacy reverses, hip toss NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Gacy drags Grimes up to CLUB him and stomp him! Gacy digs his boots into Grimes’ face but the ref counts. Gacy lets off at 4, he stalks Grimes to the ropes, and he CLUBS Grimes down again. Fans rally with “Gacy Sucks!” but Gacy ROCKS Grimes. Grimes throws body shots, but Gacy ROCKS Grimes with a right! Gacy drags Grimes up to ROCK him again, and then whip to ropes.
Gacy fireman’s carries but Grimes slips off to O’Conner Roll! ONE, Gacy runs in but Grimes sidesteps to ROUNDHOUSE! Gacy falls out of the ring, Grimes goes to the apron and he PENALTY KICKS Gacy down! The Dyad and Ava go to Gacy’s side as NXT goes picture in picture.
Grimes stares Teh Schism down and dares someone to do something. Rip Fowler & Jagger Reed flank the ring, but Gacy slithers in while Grimes is distracted. Grimes still dodges to arm-drag! Grimes has the armlock and Gacy endures. Gacy fights up, throws body shots, but Grimes KICKS Gacy down! Gacy sputters at the ropes and Grimes digs his knee in! The ref counts, Grimes lets off, and the Schism coach Gacy up. Grimes whips corner to corner but Gacy reverses, Grimes hits buckles hard! Grimes falls to the mat and Gacy storms over. Gacy talks trash on Grimes, CLUBS him in the chest, then stomps him around.
Gacy pushes Grimes down, drops an elbow, then covers, TWO! Gacy seethes but he clamps onto Grimes with a chinlock. Grimes endures as Gacy thrashes him around. Gacy leans on the hold but Grimes fights up to throw body shots. Gacy HEADBUTTS Grimes! And SUPERKICKS! Gacy reels Grimes in for a BIG back suplex! Grimes writhes while Gacy and The Schism raise the peace sign. Cover, TWO! Gacy drags Grimes back up to whip him to ropes, and then Gacy CLOBBERS Grimes with an elbow! Cover, TWO! Gacy clamps back on with the chinlock and he thrashes Grimes around again.
Grimes endures, fights up, but Gacy throws him down! Gacy squeezes tight on the chinlock but Grimes still endures. Grimes fights his way back up and he JAWBREAKERS free! But Gacy kicks low to snapmare and chinlock again! NXT returns to single picture as fans boo Gacy. Gacy thrashes Grimes more, then leans on the hold to grind Grimes down. Grimes is on the mat, but fans rally up. Grimes fights up to his feet, he throws body shots, but Gacy ROCKS Grimes! Gacy whips, Grimes goes up and over, but Gacy hits the elbow BACKBREAKER! Gacy stomps away on Grimes, then CLUBS away on Grimes with forearms!
Gacy roars but fans boo, and then Gacy clamps on a CROSSFACE! Grimes endures and fans rally up again. The Schism tell Grimes he’s all alone, but Grimes has the fans! Grimes fights up, but Gacy knees low! Gacy whips and FLAPJACKS Grimes, to then DISCUS- COLLISION COURSE! Grimes snatches Gacy out of the air but both men are down as fans fire up. Fans rally with “TO THE MOON!” as Grimes gets to ropes. Rip talks trash on Grimes but Grimes stomps Rip’s hand! Gacy runs in, but into an elbow! Grimes then goes up and over in the corner, keep son moving and he rallies with big forearm shots!
Fans fire up as Grimes BOOTS Jagger off the corner! Gacy waistlocks, Grimes switches but Gacy elbows him away! Grimes ROUNDHOUSES, SUPERKICKS, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Fans fire up and Grimes goes up top! DIVING CROSSBODY! Rip is back, Grimes DECKS him! Jagger gets up, but Grimes sends Gacy into him! POISON-RANA!! Fans are thunderous as Grimes aims from a corner! “TO! THE! MOON~!” But Gacy bails out! Fans boo but Grimes builds speed to FLY! Direct hit on Gacy & The Dyad! Fans fire up for “NXT! NXT!” as Grimes puts Gacy in. Grimes climbs again, but Jagger distracts! Ava SHOVES Grimes down!
Gacy handsprings, into the UPSIDE-DOWN WORLD!! Cover, Gacy wins!!
Winner: Joe Gacy, by pinfall
Ava was the ace up the sleeve that helped The Schism take Grimes for all he had! Is this truly the end of the story between them? Or is there going to be another chapter?
Axiom finds Nathan Frazer backstage.
Frazer is exiting WWE Medical and the report is that he needs a few more weeks. Well, he did tear himself up pretty bad in that North American Championship Ladder Match. Yeah, when Frazer said he left it all in the ring, it’s more than a catchphrase. Axiom gets that. But Frazer will be back before we know it. Frazer sure hopes so. But JD McDonagh isn’t so sure about that. Maybe leave the medical timeline to the experts, because maybe Axiom’s one of the smarter guys around, but he knows nothing about that four letter word, “Pain.” And Frazer’s not going to admit how beat up he is! Just look at how he’s standing, and how tight those neck muscles are.
JD is pretty sure Frazer got a herniated disk, in his… C4, perhaps? Frazer doesn’t have to tell him, though. But the silver lining is that Axiom wouldn’t have done any better in the ladder match had he won the Best of 3 Series. Oh, so what JD means is, Axiom would’ve pulled a JD McDonagh. So close time and again, but always failing to walk away with the title. How about JD breaks Axiom up so he can spend some time with Frazer in medical? Well, let’s just see who spells out that four letter word. Oh, they will. The Undeniable Truth and the Necessary Evil face off later tonight, who will be the one to feel the pain of defeat?
Carmelo Hayes & Trick Williams return to the barbershop.
CutWiz plays host to another talk, and the streets are talking, too. Of course they are! They’re always talking about Trick ‘n’ Melo. What’re they saying now? That he didn’t win the North American title back and they wonder what his next move is? Trick knows Melo doesn’t listen to that noise. Trick says they aren’t wrong, but they ain’t right. Right? Because Melo sits here without the North American title, THE title that HE put on the map! That HE made famous! That he made more relevant than THE NXT Championship? Let’s talk about it! Look, let’s be real. Not one person has pinned him for that title, and that should still be his title!
And let’s not even talk about that six day trial champion, Solo Sikoa. Trick took a nap and missed the whole thing! That’s why when Melo went 1v1 with Grimes, he did what he said and won the belt back. But they should put respect on Wes Lee’s name for a minute. He did go through hell and back to get that title. He did aight. But what he didn’t do was beat Melo. And until then, you ain’t the A Champ, you’re a paper champ. Trick says Wes is a transitional chump! Wes went after the tag titles with Bron and what happened? Nothing! But Josh the barber says they should give it up to Wes, he has the whole NXT Universe behind him.
Trick throws down his hat. What the hell, Josh? Josh is just speaking facts, man. Well, alright, yes, Wes has the fans behind him. But what happens when it’s Wes VS Melo 1v1? Where are the fans then? Exactly! Wes is smooth, a good tag guy, but until you beat Melo 1-2-3 you are not “him.” Wes a crybaby! They took his head off with the locker! It’ll be a short reign. He was taken out after the fan vote for a reason. Now imagine when it’s all for the title. But how long is Melo going to wait? How about this, Mr. Barber? Two weeks, tops! And besides, the title looks better on the Trick Melo Gang anyway.
Melo says this is what we do: next week is the contract signing to make it official. Melo and Wes will be across the ring from each other, and they will handle it like Melo knows how to do, we already know the outcome. That’s all it is, and that’s all it’s ever gonna be. But will Melo return to being The A Champion when he goes up against the Must-See Kid?
The lights go out in the arena!
No, it isn’t the weather problems. It’s SCRYPTS! “My name is written on the walls. My voice sounds through the halls. And soon, I’ll be in NXT to watch the whole thing fall. Pain is truly among thee. Imagine what will happen, has happened, because it was always meant to be. Sincerely, SCRYPTS.” Just what will happen when SCRYPTS finally shows themselves in NXT?
Sol Ruca VS Elektra Lopez!
The Surfer Girl wiped out last time against Indi Hartwell, but she’s getting back up on the board. Will she ride a new wave of momentum? Or will La Madrina finally get what she wants now that she’s her own boss?
The bell rings, the two tie up, and they go around. Sol gets away but Lopez knees her low! Lopez throws Sol down, but Sol gets up to kick and throw Lopez by her hair! Lopez complains, Sol blocks her kick and then SLAPS and SLAPS! Sol whips, Lopez reverses and hip tosses, but Sol handsprings through to FACEBUSTER! Lopez bails out but Sol pursues, only for Lopez to CLOBBER her! Lopez puts Solo in the ring, covers, TWO! Lopez drops a knee right to Sol’s head! Cover, TWO! Lopez clamps onto Solo and CLUBS her down! Sol throws body shots but Lopez BOOTS her down! Lopez whips Sol into a corner, then reels her out for a short arm LARIAT!
Lopez jams a knee in, KICKS Sol down then drops an ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Lopez is frustrated but she chinlocks and thrashes Sol around. Fans rally, Sol endures and fights up, but Lopez hits a leg sweep! Lopez keeps on the chinlock but the fans continue to rally. Sol fights up again, shoots and rolls Lopez, TWO! Sol schoolgirls, ONE, but Sol LARIATS! And LARIATS! And DROPKICKS! Lopez staggers, Sol whips but Lopez reverses. Sol barrels through then runs Lopez over! Sol roars, handsprings and SPLASHES in the corner! Fans fire up as Sol goes up, but Lopez THROWS her off the top! And then DOUBLE HAND SLAM! Bridging cover, Lopez wins!
Winner: Elektra Lopez, by pinfall
That may not be an upset, but that was still an Elektric Shock from Lopez! La Madrina is back, but will she reach the top?
INDI ATTACKS! Indi and Lopez brawl at the ramp, referees rush out to stop this but that’s not so easy! Fans fire up, will Indi get some payback on Lopez in the near future?
Chase U prepares backstage.
Andre Chase is the one in the match tonight, but he’s reviewing term papers while Thea Hail is the one working up a sweat. Thea tells Mr. Chase that last week, Charlie Dempsey showed how much of a coward he was when he attacked from behind! If Mr. Chase doesn’t get him, Thea will! Let her at him! Duke Hudson says that when Chase sent him to the back last week, that… WAS A TEACHABLE MOMENT! Duke learned that they only win and lose between the ropes. So tonight, Duke wants to be ringside to support Chase, and only that, as Chase upholds the honor of the university “against that besmirching Charlie Dempsey!”
Chase gives Duke permission to let it all out! Duke is just saying, but when Dempsey attacked Chase last week, he attacked all of Chase U! He spat on the faces of anyone who has ever proudly worn this U on their chests! Thea says, “Tell him, Duke! TELL HIM!” Duke says Chase has beaten Charlie before, and he’ll do it again! Damn right! And it’ll be right now! DAMN RIGHT! Chase is gonna give that S O B a Chase U sized ass whooping! Duke, get the flag! Hands in! Chase U on three. One, two, three, CHASE U!! Let’s go get him!!
Jacy Jayne FaceTimes Mandy Rose.
Hey, girl~! Jacy just let the mall, and normally, that puts her in a good mood, but $4K later, and she’s still nervous about going to the NXT arena because of “Ms. Bonfire Jones,” Alba Fyre. Mandy says if Jacy is nervous, just don’t go. But Gigi Dolin has three cracked ribs from taking that Gory Bomb through the table last week! And Fyre did say… Yes, she’s a psycho. For all anyone knows, Fyre is standing outside the locker room. Probably. But she can wait all night for all Jacy cares. Mandy says Jacy can just hang with her at her place. Jacy says that’s a good idea, but then wait, sirens and lights? A mall cop…
What? What’s Jacy even doing? Who knows. Maybe this real-life Paul Blart wants an autograph. Or her number, heh. Ew, not even in this guy’s creepiest little dreams. But wait, it’s not a mall cop! IT’S ALBA FYRE!! She drags Jacy out of her car to beat her down! And then Fyre gets on the call! “Hi, Mandy~. I told you one by one, I was gonna take all of you out. Last week, I took out Gigi. This week, heh, I took out Jacy Jayne. And next week, I’m taking your title, and I’ll be the last woman standing. See you then.” Mandy hangs up, but how will she deal with this fierce ultimatum?
Andre Chase w/ Chase U VS Charlie Dempsey!
The Professor wasn’t expecting a blindside payback from the Son of the Gentleman Villain, as it wasn’t very gentlemanly. But will this be a #TeachableMoment that you don’t ambush Andre Chase? Or will Chase learn a little something about revenge being a dish served cold?
The bell rings, the two tie right up, and Dempsey wrenches and wristlocks. Chase returns the wrench and wristlock, but Dempsey breaks free to cravat and snapmare. Chase gest up but Dempsey runs him over. Things speed up, Chase hurdles and monkey flips Dempsey! Dempsey stagger sup, and Chase clotheslines Dempsey up and out! Duke keeps Thea from going right at Dempsey, but Chase goes out to kick and CHOP Dempsey! Chase bumps Dempsey off the apron, puts him in the ring, and brings him up to facelock. Dempsey pries at the hold but Chase clamps it back on. Chase rolls Dempsey but Dempsey stands up.
Dempsey NORTHERN LIGHTS! But Chase holds the facelock! Dempsey slips around to DOUBLE WRISTLOCK! Chase endures, the student section fires up, and Chase moves around! Dempsey gets the hold locked in but Chase cradles! TWO, and Chase JABS! JABS! And POLISH HAMMERS! Chase brings Dempsey up, atomic drops, and then whips, only for Dempsey to revere. Chase reverses back to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Fans fire up as Chase stomps and spells it out! C! H! A! S! E! U! “What does that spell?!” “CHASE U!!” But Dempsey fights the urenage! Chase slips around to full nelson but Dempsey breaks that to ankle pick, and ANKLE LOCK!!
Chase endures, crawls forward, and both Thea and Duke are there to cheer him on! Chase crawls but Dempsey creeps up to CLUB Chase down! Duke pushes the rope forward but Chase tells him no! The ref sees it, too, and he makes Duke stop! Duke is frustrated, but he has to do things Chase’s way. Thea swings the rally towel, but Dempsey puts Chase into a modified STF! Duke snatches the towel from Thea! He THROWS IN THE TOWEL!! The bell rings, Dempsey wins!!
Winner: Charlie Dempsey, by forfeit
Chase is let go, and he asks what just happened! Duke quit for Chase, and he apologizes. Dempsey gets the win because of it, but was he going to win it anyway? Did Duke teach everyone else that you gotta know when to hold ’em, and know when to fold ’em?
Backstage interview with Indi Hartwell.
McKenzie wants to talk about earlier, and Indi says, “Impressive, right?” What we saw was Indi figuring out just how this place really works. As in, NXT? YES. Elektra had that coming because Indi didn’t forget what Elektra did to her. Elektra made her return to NXT by going after Indi to prove a point. But NO ONE is going to prove a point on Indi. Sol Ruca? Sure, knock yourself out. But NOT on Indi! You have to take what you want, or else it won’t happen. Indi is locked in! People like to say they bet on themselves, so Indi’s putting it all on herself! Will #IndiWrestling not let Lopez do what she wants if it means pushing her aside?
Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen hang out at Fallon Henley’s bar.
They have a couple cold ones and talk football. But look who just walked in. Brooks’ eyes widen as he sees Kiana James and her assistant, Gia, walk up. Kiana says this property has promise, and Gia agrees. Briggs tells Jensen to get his eyes up! Briggs welcomes them and Fallon offers a drink. This isn’t about a drink, this is about business. As in, the proposal Kiana served them last week. Jensen says they can talk business right here, with him. Man, be smoother than that! He’s trying…! Fallon reminds them she said no. Well Kiana isn’t really taking no for an answer. Jensen says he’ll say yes, ma’am! Sigh…
Kiana says she sees potential in this place, and has offered far more than what it’s worth. What’s the hold up? Listen, Kiana. It’s a really nice offer, it really is, but she’s not interested. There are too many memories here, so Fallon ain’t selling. Jensen thinks Fallon should take the money but Briggs tells him that Fallon has principles. This isn’t about making a quick buck. So the most money any of them have ever seen in their entire lives is just a quick buck? Wait, how much is it? JENSEN! Fallon says she used to sit here cracking peanuts with her grandpa. Her uncle taught her how to play pool here, and she and her dad would play darts here every Thursday night.
The Henleys may not be rich by any means, but this bar has been in the family her entire life. And Kiana will build an apartment complex the family can live in the rest of their lives. She will make her best and final offer. Fallon says save it, it’s a no. Go build the apartment complex someone else. Fine, the Henleys can continue to live their miserable lives working month to month, land rich and money poor. Their loss. Then get out! Both of you! Hell yeah, hit the bricks! Briggs is Team Fallon, and so is Jensen, but will Kiana find a way to get her way?
Hank Walker VS Channing Lorenzo w/ Tony D’Angelo!
Security guard turned prospect turned NXT superstar is back in action, ready to keep this dream-come-true alive! But will he find the odds stacked against him? Or will he shock even The Don with this one?
The bell rings, fans rally for Hank, but Stacks throws hands! Hank ROCKS Stacks, stacks ROCKS Hank! Stacks fires off in the corner, digs his forearms in, but he lets off at 4. Stacks argues with the ref, but Hanks puts Stack sin the corner! Hanks throws hands, then he THROWS Stacks! Fans fire up and Hanks storms up to whip Stacks corner to corner. Stacks goes up and over then UPPERCUTS Hanks! Stacks headlocks, Hanks puts him in the ropes but Stacks holds on. Hank powers up and out and they RAM shoulders! Stacks staggers, Hank dusts himself off, then he shoves Stacks outta the ring!
Fans fire up but Tony is upset. The ring count climbs, Stacks hurries to the apron but Hank is there. But Stacks HOTSHOTS Hank away! Stacks then BOOTS Hank, storms up and CLUBS him. Stacks EuroUppers, then drop toeholds Hanks down! Stacks CHOP BLOCKS, then he hammers away with elbows! Stacks taunts Hank and the fans, but fans rally up. Stacks brings Hank up, throws a knee, and then another! Tony says Hank’s got nothing! Stacks KNEES Hank again, covers, TWO!! Hank is hanging tough but Stacks drags him up. Stacks slaps Hank around, but Hank blocks a kick! Hank shakes his head, and he LARIATS Stacks down!
Fans fire up as Hanks hits a THESZ PRESS! Hank rains down hands and he fires up! Fans rally as Hanks runs, into a BOOT! Stacks runs, into a POUNCE! Off comes Hank’s shirt! Fans fire up and Hanks runs in to SPLASH! Hank whips Stacks corner to corner to SPLASH again! Hank YANKS Stacks right up, for a SLAM! Hank snarls, he hoists Stacks up, but Stacks SLAPs him! Hank glares at Stacks, he pushes him in the corner, but Stacks thumbs the eye! Roll-up, TWO!! Hank escapes, Stacks runs to KNEE Hank down! Cover, Stack wins!
Winner: Channing Lorenzo, by pinfall
Tony says, “That’s what I’m talking about!” The Don is pleased with his right hand man for pulling it out, but will Stacks have to fight even harder if he’s struggling with Hank Walker?
Grayson Waller walks in backstage.
“Attention, all you beautiful Grayson Waller fans, and all you mindless, dense, half-wit simpleton NON Grayson Waller fans. Don’t even bother changing the channel, there’s nothing bigger than what I’ve got going on right now. Log onto Instagram, start sending your questions, cuz Bron Breakker, Von Wagner, and my show, the Grayson Waller Effect, next!” What will the 21st Century Success Story have in store for the NXT Champion and his next challenger? We’ll find out, after the break.
NXT presents an all new Grayson Waller Effect.
Waller is already in the ring and fans are already booing. “Welcome to the Grayson Waller Effect. Once again, all eyes on me, so let’s get that GWE TV camera right on me because I’m looking good, ladies and gentlemen.” Waller is live on IG, or maybe R-Truth is watching. How is he doing? At home recuperating after Waller whooped his ass? Maybe Lil’ Jimmy can get Truth a soda. Regardless, Waller is bringing us can’t miss TV! Next week, two titans fight for the top title, so let’s bring them out! First, the challenger, big bad Von Wagner! Vicious Von makes his way out, with Mr. Robert Stone by his side, and they go right to the ring.
And of course, the champion, bark it up for Bron Breakker! Fans do bark as Bron makes his way out, wearing a very Dog Faced Gremlin leather jacket. Bron joins everyone at the table, and Grayson welcomes them both. The chat’s going off so let’s get to it. Here’s a comment on screen. “Carmelo Hayes is stuck in the North American title division, but Von Wagner gets the NXT title match against Bron Breakker?” Waller has noticed more like this, and it seems the NXT fans don’t feel Von is deserving of this match. They think Melo does. Many think Waller does! Fans boo because that’s not true. But how does Von feel knowing the fans don’t think he deserves this match?
“Wow. Breaking news: more people don’t like Von Wagner. Hey, Waller, who said that stupid comment?” The username seems to be- Von just goes with “Joe Blow.” Joe must be in charge of NXT now. Stone, how about that? Stone says to be real. the fans never gave Von a chance. And why would they? They’re jealous of him! Von is a once in a generation kind of athlete! Von doesn’t expect fans to like him, but he isn’t here to be popular or a fan favorite. These fans can piss and moan all they want online, but Von is here for one thing and one thing only: the title. Von left Bron laying last week. And nothing’s gonna change next week.
Bron says Von shouldn’t get ahead of himself. He’s powerful and dangerous, sure, but- Stone stops Bron to say that Von is actually more powerful and more dangerous than anyone Bron’s ever faced. And to up that a bit, Stone even puts Bron on that list. Bron says he won’t disagree. Stats side by side, this looks like an even match-up. But how about Von tries that crap from last week here this week face to face, instead of from behind? Waller has them hold on. There’s a comment here that Waller wants Bron to see. “I’m ready to see ANYONE beat Bron Breakker!” Waller laughs and some fans do cheer, they can’t disagree.
And if not Von, then Waller can think of someone way more handsome that could take the title. But that’s a story for another time, “Mr. Intensity.” But under all that muscle, Waller knows Bron has a heart. How does that comment make him feel? Bron doesn’t dislike the fans, he understands where they’re coming from. NXT is about the future, about finding the next big thing. Last year, that was Bron. Bron was the up-and-comer. Now, he’s the champion and he has had the honor of learning from guys like Ciampa and Gargano, guys who said that if you want something in this business, you gotta go out and #DoItYourself! Fans do cheer that.
Bron says this title that Von wants so bad has a title that goes back a long way. Seth Rollins, Shinsuke Nakamura, Kevin Owens, all those guys were in the exact spot Bron is in now. Everyone in that locker room wants a shot. Hell, Von’s getting his next week. JD’s still breathing down Bron’s neck. Apollo Crews wants a shot. Oh, and Bron just said his name, so Apollo must be happy. But y’know what? The one thing that Von and all of them have in common is that no one is taking this title from Bron! Von says he will. Easier said than done. Von wants Bron to look at him when he’s talking. Stone adds Bron is a nervous champion, but Von tells even him to shut up!
Von says he IS dangerous! The first time Von stepped in the building, he got a title shot! It took Ciampa, Dunne AND LA Knight to stop him! Next week, it’s just Bron and Von, and Von’s gonna ragdoll Bron all over the ring! Bron may be second generation but so is Von! Von just didn’t exploit his to get his foot in the door, and he damn sure didn’t use it to get any stroke in this building. And Von won’t even need it next week to rip the title off Bron’s shoulder! Oh yeah? Then come try it right now! Grayson gets back to vlog this, and Bron stares down with Von. Stone says to leave it for next week. But then Bron SMACKS Stone off the table! Von and Bron stare down, but who will blink first (so to speak)?
Backstage interview with Wes Lee.
McKenzie says it has been a rollercoaster of emotions for him. From winning the North American Championship at Halloween Havoc to almost becoming a Double Champion last week, if not for Carmelo Hayes getting involved. Wes says he can’t lie, being a Champ Champ is historic stuff, but he’s not going to cry over that. Wes heard what Melo said in his barbershop, and he’s right. Wes didn’t pin Melo for the title, and Melo’s made this title THE title in the process. But Wes’s career was supposed to be done back in April, and he’s still here. The tag wrestler who was never supposed to hold gold is here as the North American Champion!
And in two weeks, Wes goes 1v1 with Melo, “the man who has been untouchable for over a year.” But somehow, someway, Wes will make Melo miss. They’ll sign the paperwork, make it official, and no matter what Melo brings to the table, he will not throw Wes off. Wes will roll like butter that you get once in a career, and not even Melo can stop him. You feel him? McKenzie says yes she does. Will Wes prove to Melo that in the end, Wes IS worthy to be champion?
Cora Jade speaks.
“Wendy Choo… Last week, you got involved in something that had absolutely nothing to do with you. Eavesdropping on other people’s business. Hell, you got all up in mine. And then you made the save for someone you probably don’t even know. Wendy, you don’t have a hero complex, you got a friend complex. And how do I know so much in intimate little detail? I don’t know you, I don’t wanna know you, but the fact is that you reek of desperation. Not desperate in the ring, we already know you can go. But desperate to be liked, to be accepted.
“You were the girl who sits alone at the lunch table, who sits by her phone ever Friday night, just hoping and praying that you would get a text to come hang out with one of the popular girls. But Wendy, you and I both know, that text never came. Wendy, you need to accept the fact that, no matter how hard you try, you will never be ‘in.’ As a matter of fact, you will always be on the outside looking in. So the next time you wanna make a friend at my expense, think twice about it.” Generation Jade puts the Queen of Comfy on notice, but will that only motivate Wendy to whoop Cora even more?
Apollo Crews speaks.
He tweeted out a video to show he was halfway across the world in Lagos, Nigeria, helping the WWE in their search for the next African superstars. There is a lot of talent here that could easily be the one. But when it comes to the search for the next NXT Champion, don’t look any further. Look deep into Apollo’s eyes, but don’t get lost, Bron! Because your next NXT Champion is right here. Will Apollo be right up after Von to take on Bron?
Axiom VS JD McDonagh!
Speaking of friends, the Undeniable Truth stood up for one of his friends, and is looking to take the fight to someone who doesn’t respect anyone anywhere. But will Axiom have the winning formula? Or will Axiom learn why no one bets against the Irish Ace?
The bell rings and JD circles with Axiom. They feel things out, tie up, and JD headlocks. Axiom powers out, JD runs him over! JD hits a headlock takeover but Axiom headscissors back! JD kips free but Axiom turns the tables with a headlock takeover of his own! JD headscissors, and he holds on tight as Axiom tries to kip free! Fans cheer the technical exchange, and Axiom moves around, Axiom headstands, turns JD over, and pops out to have the legs tied up. Axiom then grabs at the arms, and he shifts to a CATTLE MUTILATION! JD turns over but now it’s a motorcycle stretch. Fans rally, JD stands up and he flips through to then kangaroo kick!
JD whips, Axiom reverses and backslides, TWO! JD swings but misses, and Axiom O’Conner Rolls! TWO, Axiom returns but JD just avoids the enziguri! Axiom stares JD down and the two reset. JD calls for knuckle locks and Axiom obliges. But JD kicks low! Fans boo as JD knuckle locks and sweeps the legs. Cover, TWO as Axiom gets an arm up. JD puts it down, TWO as Axiom gets the other arm up. JD pushes that down, TWO as Axiom bridges! Fans applaud and Axiom stops JD’s jump to go up and over! But JD uses that to bring Axiom into the Gory Especial! JDÂ bends the arms back but Axiom endures!
JD bends Axiom’s back, but still Axiom endures! Fans rally, JD makes this a backslide, TWO as Axiom gets a shoulder up! JD forces the shoulder down, TWO as Axiom gets the other shoulder up! JD pushes Axiom back down, TWO as Axiom bridges his neck! Fans fire up and Axiom sits up with core strength to sunset flip! TWO! JD swings, Axiom dodges to springboard arm-drag! JD gets up but into a DROPKICK! JD flops out of the ring, hurries back up, but Axiom GAMANGIRIS him right back down! JD is furious, Axiom and the fans are fired up, and NXT goes to break!
NXT returns and JD has Axiom down with a single leg deathlock. Axiom endures and fans boo as JD keeps the pressure on by sitting back. Fans rally, JD lets off on Axiom, but then he stands on the bad leg. JD lifts the leg, but Axiom uses that to get up and PELE! JD wobbles and falls over and fans fire back up! Axiom hobbles, JD stands, and Axiom CHOPS! JD ROCKS! Axiom CHOPS, ROCKS, CHOPS, repeat! Axiom whips and DROPKICKS! Fans fire up while JD flounders out of the ring! Axiom shakes out the bad leg, and he builds speed to the corner to go up and up and TRIANGLE MOONSAULT! Direct hit at the ramp and fans are fired up!
Axiom clutches his bad leg but fans rally for “NXT! NXT!” The ring count starts while both men are down. JD crawls away, Axiom forces himself to get up, and Axiom hobbles for the ring. The count is 7, then 8! Axiom slides in at 9 while JD fumbles, but JD springs in at 9.9! Fans rally up as Axiom stands, and JD KICKS the leg out! JD snarls, Axiom stands up, and JD KICKS the leg out again! Axiom staggers up again, and JD CHOP BLOCKS the leg! Fans boo but JD stalks Axiom to a corner. JD runs in, but Axiom goes up and Arabian Presses into a SLEEPER!! But JD flails and gets the ROPEBREAK!
Axiom lets go in frustration but he has the fans rallying behind him. Axiom drags JD up, runs, but JD drop toeholds! Down goes Axiom, and JD grabs the leg! Axiom BOOTS JD from below! And again! And again! But JD grabs that leg for the BOSTON CRAB! Axiom endures, crawls, fans fans rally as he reaches out! Axiom gets the ROPEBREAK! JD lets go in frustration now, and he brings Axiom up. JD ROCKS Axiom with a forearm! Axiom comes back to ROCK JD! JD ROCKS Axiom again, but Axiom fires off forearms! JD hits back, Axiom gives four! And a HAYMAKER! JD wobbles, swings, but into a waistlock!
JD bucks the O’Conner Roll, but Axiom kips up! But the leg holds him back! JD HEADBUTTS Axiom down!! JD drags himself to a corner and he climbs up top! MOONSAULT into a TRIANGLE HOLD!! JD flails, Axiom throws hands! The fans rally but JD powers up to deadlift and POWER- RANA!! Cover, TWO!! JD survives but Axiom PENALTY KICKS! Cover, TWO!! JD is still in this and “This is Awesome!” Axiom fires up and he goes to a corner. Axiom aims at JD as he rises. Axiom rushes in, but the leg holds him back! JD kicks the bad leg, ripcord, SLEEPER!! Axiom has JD caught again!!
JD pries at the hold, at the body scissors, and he stands, but into an ARMBAR!! JD clasps hands, rolls around, slips around and has a leg! JD CLUBS Axiom, bends the leg against itself, and the ref stops JD! Axiom’s leg may have just snapped apart! This seems eerily familiar, but Axiom says don’t stop it here! The ref stops JD all the same, and the medics check Axiom. Fans rally for Axiom, and Axiom refuses to quit, but the leg is NOT good! The ref calls it!
Winner: JD McDonagh, by referee stoppage
The Irish Ace promised to break Axiom, and he may just have! From Ilja Dragunov last week to Axiom this week, is JD going to do more than the necessary evil to get his way? JD gets the mic to say, “You see that right there? You see what that is? That’s a severe strain, not a tear, because I’m a nice guy! You know when I’m not a nice guy? When that necessary evil has to come out? When someone steps in between me and the NXT title. You don’t believe me, ask Ilja Dragunov! He’s still in the hospital three weeks later. This is a message to the rest of the roster back there. Any man back there, I am begging you, please someone get on my level! Someone test me! I’m looking at you, Apollo.”
The Irish Ace has called out Crews, but will he not like what Apollo brings to that fight? Or will JD just add Apollo to the list of those he’s torn apart to clear a path to the top title?
BIG news for next week!
Shawn Michaels himself will issue a statement about the final NXT special of 2022, NXT Deadline! What will the Heartbreak Kid have to say about what’s coming?
Five Minute Time Limit: Damon Kemp VS Brutus Creed w/ Diamond Mine!
The Golden Gopher doesn’t care that Julius Creed beat him and put him in an ambulance, he says that was all luck. But he’s looking to put #BigBrute through five minutes of hell! Will Kemp finally prove he is better than Brutus? Or will #BRUTUSSMASH and put Kemp behind him?
Speaking of smash, Brutus goes after Kemp right at the ramp! Brutus CLUBS away on Kemp, RAMS him into barriers, and fans fire up as Brutus throws Kemp into the ring. The bell rings, the five minutes begin, and Kemp RAMS Brutus into the corner! And again! And again! But Brutus DOUBLE CLUBS Kemp down! Brutus ROCKS Kemp, stalks him to a corner, and Brutus fires off big haymakers from all sides! The ref counts, Brutus lets off at 4, and then he clinches to hit an EXPLODER! Kemp flounders away but Brutus runs in to BLAST him off the apron! Kemp hits the barriers and Ivy Nile is there to talk some trash!
Brutus goes out to drag Kemp up, RAM him into steel steps, and Kemp tumbles over! Kemp clutches his leg, Brutus climbs up to roar, and fans rally with “BRUTUS SMASH!” Brutus goes after Kemp, but Kemp gets in the ring. Brutus grabs at the legs but Kemp kicks him! Brutus doesn’t let go and he yanks Kemp right out! Brutus smacks Kemp off the desk! And again! Brutus puts Kemp in and stalks Kemp. Kemp kicks the legs out! Kemp CLUBS Brutus down, POSTS Brutus, and then goes out as we approach three minutes left. Kemp grabs a chair from the timekeeper’s, and we know what he’s done with a chair before!
The ref tells Kemp no, that’ll be a disqualification. But Brutus SWATS the chair away! And he CLOBBERS Kemp! And CLOBBERS! And he SMASHES! Then SENTONS! And SENTONS again! Fans fire up with Brutus, and he grabs the chair! The ref tells Brutus no, there’s still two minutes left. Brutus says to hell with it! CHAIR SHOT!!
Winner: Damon Kemp, by pinfall
Brutus SMACKS Kemp again! That’s far from the ten Kemp gave Brutus, but Brutus let him win the match. Brutus drags Kemp up and says he’s a better man than Kemp! Fans cheer, and Brutus steps on the chair. That makes Brutus think, and fans chant “ONE MORE TIME!” Brutus says sure, and he SMACKS Kemp again! That’s three enough for Big Brute, will he and Julius finally move on to get Diamond Mine back on track?
Oh, speaking of moving on, Veer & Sanga are watching from the perch! Is Indus Sher what’s next for the Creed Brothers?
Another message from the mysterious man.
“I’ve wiped the slate clean for a fresh start, and left the past where it should be left. Understand that power doesn’t come from a title or position, it comes from getting the entire world to cooperate and play by your rules. The ones who are forthcoming get a pass. But the ones who don’t will be brought to justice. MY form of justice.” Who will this man deem guilty and in need of judgment?
Roxanne Perez finds Indi Hartwell backstage.
Roxie asks if everything is okay, and Indi says yeah, she’s good. Well, it just seems that Indi’s a bit different lately. Roxie tells Indi that if something is going on, she can tell her. Oh, as soon as Indi starts focusing on herself, something’s different? Did Roxie not learn anything after everything that happened between her and Cora? But Indi’s not Cora. Yeah, but there’s no friends in this business! Their biggest downfall is thinking they can become champions while having soft spots and benefits-of-the-doubt for everyone else. It’ll never work that way. This conversation proves it. Indi snubs Roxie, will Roxie have to learn things the hard way?
NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships: Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS Zoey Stark & Nikkita Lyons!
Referee oversight created controversy a few weeks ago, but everyone will have to be on their toes this time around. Will KC Squared still come out on top? Or will the young and hungry team finally feast on gold?
NXT returns and the champs make their entrance. The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if things go the challengers’ way the second time around.
The teams sort out and Stark starts against Katana. They tie up, Stark gets the arm and wrenches. She wristlocks, tags Lyons, and Lyons KICKS the arm! Lyons wrenches the arm, straight arm levers Chance, then drops her! Lyons wrenches the arm again, tags Stark back in, and Stark AX HANDLES the arm! Stark wrenches, whips, but Chance springboards to go up and over! Chance drop toeholds, headlocks, but Stark fights up. Stark powers out, Chance ends up in a corner but dodges, then comes back. Stark throws Chance up but Carter is there to throw her back! MONKEY FLIP! But Stark handsprings through!
Stark grins, but Chance tilt-o-whirls and whirls and RANAS! Fans fire up, Chance tags Carter, and Carter trips Stark for Chance’s cartwheel SPALSH! Carter covers, TWO! Carter keeps on Stark with a headlock but Stark fights up. Stark powers out, Carter ducks but Stark drops, only for Carter to handspring over her. Carter comes back, into a DROPKICK! Stark wrenches Carter, tags Lyons, and Lyons KNEES Carter low! Lyons hip attacks Carter into Stark’s LARIAT! Lyons covers, TWO! Lyons clamps onto Carter but Carter breaks free. Both women fire off shots but block in return, Carter ducks the heel kick to block the roundhouse!
But Lyons rolls to throw Carter down! Lyons clamps onto an arm and grinds the shoulder. Carter endures, fights up, but Lyons wrenches more. The fans rally, Carter endures, but Lyons whips her to a corner! Then out to whip her back in! And then she scoops! Chance rushes in but Stark intercepts her! Stark scoops Chance, the challengers both SLAM the champs! But then the champs both KANGAROO KICK! Stark runs back in but Chance sends her out HARD! Lyons runs but KC Squared duck the double lariats! Chance sets up, Carter jumps off her, SHOTGUN IN MOTION! Lyons bails out, Carter goes out and dodges the sweep to SUPERKICK!
Carter leaps, but Lyons catches her! Chance WRECKS Lyons with a dropkick! Stark returns, Chance slingshots and RANAS! Fans fire up with KC Squared and they regroup in the ring as NXT goes picture in picture!
Chance & Carter talk strategy, then Chance tags in. She puts Lyons in, brings her over, and Carter hooks Lyons up in the ropes. Chance runs side to side to SHOTGUN Lyons in the chest! Tag to Carter and she snapmares Lyons for a cover, TWO! Carter keeps on Lyons with a facelock but Lyons fights up. Lyons pushes Carter away but Carter reels her in to bump off buckles! Tag to Chance, she RAMS into Lyons and traps her in the corner, Carter runs in to DROPKICK Lyons! Chance then snapmares to a cover, TWO! Chance smirks and drags Lyons up with a facelock. Lyons TOSSES Chance away, hot tag to Stark!
Stark drags Chance up and facelocks, but Chance fights the suplex. Stark keeps trying, but Chance gets a cradle! TWO!! Stark kicks Chance low, and she bumps Chance off buckles. Stark snapmares Chance and clamps on a chinlock. Chance endures as Stark leans on the hold. Chance fights up, throws body shots and whips Stark away, but Stark CLOBBERS Chance on the return! Stark keeps moving, things speed up, and Stark YANKS Chance out of the air! Cover, TWO! Stark keeps on Chance with a STRETCH MUFFLER! Chance endures, NXT returns to single picture, and fans rally up.
Chance pries at Stark’s hands, but Stark stands to have Chance hanging! But Chance sits up, sunset flips, TWO! Chance rushes in, into a scoop! Chance slips off, shoves Stark, then slides under! Hot tag to Carter! The spitfire rallies on Stark, DECKS Lyons, and fires off on Stark! Stark shoves her away but Carter returns to victory roll and SUPERKICK! Fans fire up,. Carter keeps moving, and she BOOT WASHES Stark at the ropes! Stark flops out, Chance gives Carter a hand to go up and up and CROSSBODY! Down goes Stark, but then Chance takes aim! PLANCHA and down goes Lyons!
Fans fire up for “NXT! NXT!” as Chance & Carter regroup. Carter stands up, she brings Stark up and in, and Carter hurries to tag Chance back in. Chance goes up, Carter brings Stark around, but Stark resists the turn. So instead, Carter lifts Stark and Chance leaps, FLAPJACK COMPLETE SHOT COMBO! Cover, TWO!! Stark survives that unique move but Chance drags Stark up. Fans rally, Chance runs, but Stark blocks the wheelbarrow into a BIG back suplex! Stark crawls over, hot tag to Lyons! Lyons DECKS Carter and drags Chance up! Lyons TOSSES Chance to a corner, runs in, but Chance dodges!
Lyons bounces off buckles, Chance goes up, CROSSBODY! But Lyons rolls through! Fans fire up and Lyons roars, swinging TOSS! Tag back to Stark and she hauls Chance up, HALF ‘N’ HALF! Stark roars now, and hits a ROLLING KICK! Cover, Lyons stops Carter, but TWO!! Chance survives on her own, and Carter ROCKS Lyons! Carter dodges Lyons’ return shot to DROPKICK! They’re both down outside while Stark goes up top! 450, but Stark has to bail out as Chance moves! Stark ends up in the other corner, Chance runs in, but Stark alley-oops her to the corner! Chance comes back, but Stark blocks DDT to suplex, STUN-DOG MILLIONAIRE from Chance!! Cover, Lyons breaks it!!
Fans fire up but Carter rushes in! Carter ROCKS Lyons but Lyons BOOTS Carter! Carter returns to DROPKICK Lyons! Fans fire up as all four women are down! Stark sits up while fans rally for “NXT! NXT!” Stark drags herself over to drag Chance up. Stark ROCKS Chance, but Chance ROCKS Stark! Stark rushes in but Chance moves, and Stark almost runs into Lyons! They cool off, Lyons says it’s alright, and then she moves Stark out of the way to take the DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Lyons saves Starks, Starks is shocked, but she DECKS Chance! And SUPERKICKS Carter! Stark kicks Chance, back suplexes, but Chance lands on her feet!
Chance tilt-o-whirl DDTs!! Tag to Carter and Chance climbs up! Carter turns Stark, HIGHLIGHT REEL!! Cover, KC Squared win!
Winners: Kayden Carter & Katana Chance, by pinfall (still NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions)
In the end, there was no controversy, and the titles stay with Kayden & Katana! But out of respect, Stark & Lyons hand the belts over to KC Squared. But then Stark CLOBBERS Lyons with one of those belts!! And then she swings on the champs! Kayden & Katana get away but fans boo as Starks shouts at Lyons, “You ruined everything!!” Stark runs to SLIDING KNEE Lyons down!! Fans boo as Stark snatches the belt back up, and then throws it at Carter. Fans sing, “Oh~ Zoey is angry~!” Stark says she sure is angry! She blames Lyons for the losses, but should she look in the mirror instead?
My Thoughts:
A really good episode for NXT, though perhaps with some spinning of wheels to stretch things until NXT Deadline in a month. Though that said, we’re getting two big title matches next week. The Grayson Waller Effect as a series hasn’t been the best, but that might not all be on Waller. Waller’s charismatic, he’s really going for it since this is meant to be his show, but there’s nothing to be done with Dumpster Champion Von Wagner, and the already kinda tired, “YEAH! GET A DOG!” Bron Breakker. But it was only a matter of time before Bron and Von faced off, so I guess it’s fine they’re getting this out of the way on free TV.
I sensed Fyre attacking Jacy in her car, just not that way. I thought Fyre was already in the car as Jacy was making the call, but pulling her over was a good idea, too. Though it was kinda funny that the FaceTime name changed to Alba Fyre’s just because she hijacked Jacy’s phone. But Fyre saying “last woman standing” is of course setting up a Last Woman Standing match, and sadly that is just another opening for Toxic Attraction to help Mandy win. But at the same time, Fyre kayfabe injured Gigi and she might’ve kayfabe concussed Jacy, so maybe this will be an actual fair 1v1 match. And hopefully it’s as creative as Bianca VS Bayley at Crown Jewel, or else it’ll really suck if Mandy just keeps retaining.
We got great stuff out of Melo, Trick and Wes to set up their North American Championship match, which will be an awesome match. But that also not happening at Deadline, no wonder HBK is going to tell us just what is up with that. I would think Wes wins out, he just got the belt and has plenty of names to face as we enter a new year. And given the Grayson Waller Effect did bring up the conversation of Melo needing to move up to the top title, I would hope Melo gets in on that with 2023, regardless of who has the belt. Apollo had a good promo, and of course he calls out Bron, because Bron’s retaining against Von.
JD and Axiom gave us a great match that wasn’t even the main event, and I actually really liked that they recreated the spot from NXT UK when Devlin damaged A-Kid’s leg with that deep Calf Crusher, because duh, Axiom is A-Kid. I don’t see them fully recreating that story from NXT UK where Axiom tricks JD into a rematch, but this could inflate JD’s ego into not thinking Axiom and/or Ilja will return sooner than expected. Of course JD calls out Apollo, they’re basically going to have a #1 contender’s match where the winner surely faces Bron at Deadline to see if Bron makes it out of 2022 still champion. And given Ilja will want revenge, I am thinking Ilja costs JD and Apollo moves on to face Bron.
Really good match from Grimes and Gacy, but if that’s how the feud ends, that was rather anti-climactic. Of course Ava and The Schism cost Grimes, that’s a very Judgment Day Rhea Ripley move. But there has to be something where Grimes comes back for more, because we need something much more definitive for Grimes and Gacy. Lopez of course beats Sol Ruca, and naturally, Indi goes after Lopez. Indi is becoming a bit of a Tweener, as she’s going after Heel Lopez but is snubbing Face Roxie. Lopez has to win the feud, though, and send Indi on her way to Raw. As for Roxie, she’s floating a bit without a story, and Cora has moved on to Wendy. Cora had a good promo, I have a feeling Wendy responds with actions rather than words.
Scrypts gets a bit more bold with his messaging as he “hacks” the arena for another of his ominous poems. But with Dijak giving us another message, Scrypts and Dijak are already overlapping in certain ways. Again, I hope Scrypts is really good in the ring to make up for this really cliché character build. Good match from Stacks and Hank Walker, and those knees Stacks was throwing got rather flush at parts. Hank didn’t get a bloody nose, surprisingly, but of course Stacks wins to continue as Tony D’s number one guy. Maybe Quincy Elliot helps Hank out at some point, and we build to a tag match of Quincy & Hank VS Stacks and a healed up Tony.
Great stuff out of Chase U, with Thea Hail just being a bundle of energy again. Duke said he’d play fair but he did try to help Chase to the ropes. And then Duke, perhaps compassionate but also perhaps to passive aggressively screw Chase over, throws in the towel. I like these layers in the Duke Chase U story, and I do wonder where this is going. Meanwhile, it seems Kiana is actively shifting attention away from her Chase U plans to go after Fallon’s family bar. Fallon VS Kiana for the right to the bar has to be coming at Deadline, and maybe Pretty Deadly end up tied into this so Briggs & Jensen can go after the tag titles again.
Kemp VS Brutus was good stuff, but I should’ve realized they weren’t even going to need five minutes. Brutus gets payback with the chair, and maybe for now, they think they’re past Kemp. But Indus Sher showing up when Kemp swerved Brutus on the match last time, and then showing up again after Kemp gets beat down, maybe Kemp joins Veer & Sanga against Diamond Mine, giving Roderick Strong a reason to heroically return for a big Six Man before a 2v2 of Creeds VS Indus Sher, winner moving on to go after Pretty Deadly. And speaking of tag titles, we got a great main event out of the women’s tag titles, and I’m a touch surprised Lyons & Stark lost.
However, in them losing, I wasn’t that shocked that Stark turned on Lyons. They’re going to feud now, that’ll help build both of them into top title contenders, with the winner being next up. If Fyre beats Rose, then Stark as the new Heel would make sense for a challenger. If Rose somehow retains, then Lyons as a strong Face would make sense.
My Score: 8.5/10
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SmackDown’s on the road to Riyadh!
John Cena dared CM Punk to challenge him at Night of Champions, and Miss Money in the Bank, Naomi, wants all champions to Proceed With Caution!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- King of the Ring Tournament Fatal 4 Way: Randy Orton VS LA Knight VS Aleister Black VS Carmelo Hayes; Orton wins and advances to the next round.
- Queen of the Ring Tournament Fatal 4 Way: Jade Cargill VS Nia Jax VS Piper Niven VS Mia Yim; Jade wins and advances to the next round.
- Motor City Machine Guns VS Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis w/ The Wyatt Sick6; Gacy & Lumis win.
- Queen of the Ring Tournament Fatal 4 Way: Charlotte Flair VS Alexa Bliss VS Candice LeRae VS
Chelsea GreenAlba Fyre; Alexa wins and advances to the next round. - King of the Ring Tournament Fatal 4 Way: Cody Rhodes VS Damian Priest VS Andrade VS Shinsuke Nakamura; Cody wins and advances to the next round.
PLAY BY PLAY
John Cena is here!
Lexington, Kentucky sings, “JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” as he makes his way out in the University of Kentucky white ‘n’ blue. Cena goes to the ring, and while the fans duel, “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cena signals to Mark Nash to give the proper introductions: Please welcome the Greatest of All Time, the Never Seen Seventeen, gracing Lexington with his presence one last time, he is the Last Real Champion, JOHN CENA! The fans boo as Cena holds up the belt. Cena then grabs a mic and says, “Wrestling’s Mount Rushmore… is John Cena, John Cena, John Cena, and John Cena.” The fans boo but Cena says, there have been great wrestlers and great talkers.
But no one in the past, and certainly no one in the present nor the future, is comparable to him. And the very reason Cena will always outmaneuver the fans is not because he never gives up. It is because he is smarter than us. “You Can’t See Me, but you all wanna be me.” And whether watching at home or being mesmerized in this very arena, Cena is always 1000 steps ahead because everyone is worried about here and now, when he had already “won” this title over a year ago. Cena announced his retirement early so that he could have an extra six months to scout his potential opponents.
Cena knew anyone could enter the Rumble, so he did. And he knew that if he lost in the Rumble, he could use his seniority to enter the Elimination Chamber. And he knew that in the Chamber, Rollins and Punk would melt down to give Cena an easy win. Plus, Cody Rhodes was so focused on The Final Boss, Cena just had to seize the moment, shock the world, and become unpredictable. Then all he did was use Cody’s obsession with everyone’s love to guarantee the WrestleMania win. Cena used the fanfare and love of the 25 year rivalry to get a match in Randy Orton’s hometown, all to lull Randy into a false sense of security.
Cena put R-Truth in the Saturday Night’s Main Event so that all the fans would care, and the fans took the bait! While the fans tried to save Truth, Cena made friends with Logan Paul, just to eliminate him as a threat, and all to size up his next opponent in CM Punk. The fans boo but Cena says he used Punk’s rebellious nature and sociopathic self-confidence to back him into a corner. The fans cheer for Punk, but Cena says if Punk wants to take the title, he has to admit that he is a hypocrite! And Cena doesn’t even have to worry about Mr. Money in the Bank, Rollins will never cash in on Cena while he holds this!
Cena knows Rollins wants Cena to leave with the Undisputed title, Rollins becomes your only champion! Cena is the greatest for a reason! The fans boo but Cena says while they’ve been busy using their pathetic brains to come up with fake stories like if Cena “sold his soul,” all Cena has to do is put the math in his favor. He wins before the matches even start! In 25 years, he crunched every number, solved every puzzle and cracked every code. And thank God Cena doesn’t need the fans’ appreciation, because they won’t realize how good he is until three years after he’s gone! This is the greatest moment of their lives, but to Cena, they are just a mathematical equation.
And the math says that there is no one ever worthy enough to earn the right to hold the Undisputed title ever again. But wait, here comes Cody Rhodes! Lexington sings along with Cody’s song, “WHOA~ OH~!” as the American Nightmare makes his way to the ring. Cody gets his pyro, high-fives fans in the front row, then steps up onto the corner for the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro. Cody throws his track jacket to the crowd as a free souvenir, then he grabs himself a mic. The fans cheer as Cody and Cena are face to face again, and then Cody gets the fans to fire up a bit more. Cody takes a moment, then asks Cena to go over what he just said.
Cena claims to be 1000 steps ahead because he’s so smart? No, no, he isn’t just smart! Cena’s a genius! It is unfortunate that everything Cena’s said has come true: Rollins and Punk melted down, Cody was distracted, and they all took their eyes off the prize. The homefield advantage was used against Randy, and the Mount Rushmore being all Cena, sure. But here we are, some sort of 25 year master plan, and there’s this variable that he didn’t account for, and it is simple. Cena laid out his whole story since his return, but why didn’t he include the simple fact that this past Saturday, he was looking up at the lights when Cody pinned him in the middle of this ring?!
The fans cheer, and Cody says he isn’t part of Cena’s plan, Cena is part of Cody’s. So “John Rushmore,” where does that leave the two of them? Well it isn’t just the two of them, because here comes Randy Orton! The fans fire up as The Viper goes right to the ring, gets right in Cena’s face, then pushes past him to grab himself a mic. Randy is back a month after Backlash, and he tells anyone and everyone that had a pulse and was watching Backlash knows Orton had Cena BEAT! Down and out, dead to rights, and about to remove Cena’s head from his shoulders! Until somebody out there decided to come and save John Cena.
Orton realizes now that he has to do whatever it takes. It doesn’t matter what or who it is he has to go through to get his fifteenth. Even being in the King of the Ring Tournament. Cody, Orton loves you like a brother, you know that… But if Orton has to put Cody’s ass down to get to Cena, he won’t hesitate to do it! But wait! Here comes LA Knight! Lexington fires up for The Mega Star as he already has a mic to say, “LEMME TALK TO YA!” “YEAH!” LA Knight says all week long, he’s heard the whole world saying #WeWantLAKnight! “YEAH!” Knight knows what they want, and he knows for damn sure what none of the other guys in the ring want, and that’s Knight walking down there.
So, why don’t we take a walk? Knight understands what this is as he defiantly walks down there. He is looking at the WEW Establishment! “YEAH!” Knight is the sore thumb sticking out here, and that’s how he likes it, YEAH! “YEAH!” But you gotta understand something. Cena, you have this great little master plan, BAH GAWD, it is genius. But Knight knows damn sure that the plans didn’t include Knight, YEAH! So let’s go ahead and throw the plan on it’s head. KOTR is around the corner, which means Knight has a shot at Cody, Orton, and Cena, all on the way to taking what is his! “YEAH!”
So unbreakable as Knight is walking in here, he’s gotta drop a viper, a nightmare, and if he has to drop “a genius balding b*tch John Cena,” he’ll do it to be WWE Champion, with everybody saying, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!!” Cena chuckles and steps out. The fans boo as Cena goes back up the ramp, but then R-TRUTH GETS HIM! Or, well, Ron Killings gets him! And he rains down furious fists on Cena right at the ramp! Security rushes out there, as do producers, and the fans boo. Cena kicks free as it takes everybody to hold Killings back! Will Cena even make it to Night of Champions with the walls closing in?
King of the Ring Tournament Fatal 4 Way: Randy Orton VS LA Knight VS Aleister Black VS Carmelo Hayes!
SmackDown returns as Melo joins Orton and Knight out here, followed by The Dark Father. The King of the Ring has a new format this year, which one of these four survives to head into the semifinals?
The bell rings and the four watch each other. Melo locks eyes with Knight, but then he goes after Aleister! They brawl with forearms and haymakers, then Melo throat chops! Melo whips, Aleister grabs ropes and BOOTS H1M back! Aleister TOSSES Melo, Knight and Orton tie up and they end up in a corner. Aleister whips but Melo reverses to send Aleister into barriers! Orton fires hands on Knight, then a KNEE! Knight turns thing around, only for Melo to roll him up! TWO, and Orton kicks Melo! Orton UPPERCUTS Melo, Aleister UPPERCUTS Melo, then Knight DECKS him! And LARIATS him up and out!
Aleister goes up, out, and TRIANGLE MOONSAULTS! Down goes Melo and Knight has Orton! Orton denies the BFT, but then Knight denies the RKO! Aleister runs up, Knight ducks the Black Mass! The fans fire up the huge standoff, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Melo has Knight in a corner. Melo rains down fists, but Knight stops him quick! Atomic drop and a LARIAT! Knight storms up on Melo to stomp him into a corner, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight then goes to Orton in the other corner and stomps away! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight goes back to Melo, but Melo SUPERKICKS! Aleister is back, Melo ducks ‘n’ dodges, LA MYSTICA! But then Knight runs up, only to be put on the apron. Knight slingshots but into a CUTTER! Melo has Knight in the ropes, FADE AWAY LEG DROP! DROPKICK for Orton, but Aleister ROCKS Melo!
Aleister whips, Melo springboards, FLYING LARIAT! Melo shoots his free throw, then FLIES to take out Aleister! The fans fire up and Melo goes back to the ring, but Knight WRECKS him with a dropkick! “YEAH!” Knight huffs ‘n’ puffs and drags Melo up to SMACK him off the desk! Knight dribbles Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Orton has Knight for a back suplex, but Knight lands out! Orton blocks Aleister’s boot, spins him around, DESK BACK SUPLEX! Knight then RAMS Orton into the apron! The fans rally, Knight fetches Melo, and Knight puts Melo in the ring. Knight storms up, “This is Awesome!” as Knight hoists Melo up top.
Knight climbs but Melo throws hands! Knight CHOPS, they brawl some more, and Knight fires a flurry! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight steadies himself, brings Melo up, but Melo fights the lift! Melo fires body shots then he shoves Knight down! But Orton runs up to ROCK Melo! Orton gets Melo up but Melo CLWWS the eyes! Aleister STEP-UP KICKS Melo! Melo wobbles, Aleister TOSSES Orton, but Orton drags Aleister out! Orton whips, Aleister reverses and he POSTS Orton! Knight springs up to get Melo! Melo shoves Knight away, aims, FROG SPLASH!! Cover, Aleister breaks it! The fans fire up as this one continues, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns once again and Aleister KNEES Melo, then ENZIGIRIS! Knight runs u;, Aleister goe sup and over, then he spins Knight to ELBOW him! Orton stumbles up but Aleister stops the RKO! Orton avoids Black Mass, Aleister grabs Knight but Knight rolls him up! ONE, and Aleister aims, but Knight dodges so the BOOT hits Orton! Knight has Aleister but Aleister denies BFT to KNEE Knight down! Melo headlocks but Aleister handsprings out of the bulldog! Aleister fires off a strike fest and a BOOT! Cover on Melo, TWO! Aleister grows frustrated but he has all three opponents down! The fans fire up as Aleister aims, runs up, but Orton LARIATS!
Orton LARIATS again, then dodges to SNAP POWERSLAM! But Knight runs up, he gets a SNAP POWERSLAM! Melo ROCKS Orton, runs, but into a SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up for Orton as he drags Melo up. Orton puts Melo in the ropes, but then Aleister runs up. Orton kicks Aleister, has him in the ropes, but then Knight adds on! JUMPING NECKBREAKER DOUBLE DRAPING DDT COMBO!! Cover on Orton, TWO!! Orton stays in this for everyone’s sake and Knight is a bit stunned. The fans rally up, “This is Awesome!” Knight watches Melo rise, kick and B- NO, Melo powers out! Knight swings on Orton but Orton ducks!
Orton aims, but Knight denies the RKO, and he sends Orton into Melo’s FIRST 48! Aleister BOOTS Melo! Knight has Aleister, B F T!! Cover, MELO BREAKS IT!! Melo denies Knight that game winner, and now they rise up. Melo vows to end this, but Knight wrenches and kicks, to then whip and POP-UP and POWERSLAM! Knight huffs ‘n’ puffs and goes to the corner. The fans rally as Knight climbs, “L! A! KNIGHT!” BUT BRONSON REED YANKS KNIGHT DOWN! The Colossal Aussie gets revenge for Monday, but speaking of! BRON BREAKKER SPEARS KNIGHT!! They cost Knight at MITB, he cost them in KOTR, so now they get him out of KOTR!
Melo grins and takes aim, NOTHING BUT RKO!! Cover, Orton wins!!
Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall (advances to the semifinals)
Just when Melo thought he was taking advantage of an opening, he left himself open to The Viper! Will Orton be meeting Cody Rhodes at the end of this tournament? Or will Sami Zayn make sure he isn’t just someone’s stepping stone?
Jacob Fatu walks ‘n’ talks backstage.
“Lexington, Kentucky. The United States Champion is here. Hell, the United States Champion is America’s Most Wanted, and I’m coming live and direct inside The Rupp Arena! YADADADADADADA mean?!” The Samoan Werewolf is all fired up, but what more will he say on how Saturday was the night he broke free from Solo Sikoa? We find out, after the break.
SmackDown returns and…
Fatu heads to the ring! Lexington cheers the Samoan Werewolf, and he grabs the mic to say, “Lexington, Kentucky! Let’s keep it 100! Just because you’re family don’t mean that you can go behind their back and try to snake ’em. Just because we both come from the same bloodline don’t mean that they can take all the credit for your hard work! So Solo says I wouldn’t be nothing if it wasn’t for him. Solo says Jacob Fatu would be nothing if it wasn’t for him!” The fans boo that, and Fatu says this is why he had to remind Solo at MITB what happens when you don’t get in where you fit in! The fans cheer that!
So now, it is Fatu against the world! Cuz Fatu is all gas, no brakes with it! YADADA MEAN~?! But wait, Solo Sikoa is on the tron, sarcastically applauding. Solo says that’s it, Jacob, tell ’em how you feel. Solo leans in close and asks Fatu if he’s done getting it all off his chest. At MITB, Fatu could’ve made the biggest mistake of his life. And Solo can forgive him for that. One year ago, when Solo visited Fatu in Sacramento, Fatu was doing nothing. NOTHING. No one wanted Fatu around until Solo brought him here to the WWE. Solo made Fatu into a WWE Superstar, put money in his pocket, put him in the position for success, and even made him a champion!
This is all because of SOLO, you stupid…! Solo holds back, and he says next week, Solo will be in the ring with open arms, willing to take Fatu back. But there is something Solo needs from Fatu. He needs those four words from him: I Love You, Solo. And just remember… Solo brought Fatu into the WWE, and he can take him out of it. Yadada mean? Solo leaves Fatu to think on this ultimatum, but is it already obvious what Fatu will say to Solo next week?
Nick Aldis meets with The Secret Her-vice.
“Special Slaygent” Piper informs the SmackDown General Manager that Chelsea Green needs to speak with him. But Chelsea isn’t here in the room…? She’s on the phone. And Chelsea apologizes, she had an impossible time finding a flight to get her to Lexington, so can they postpone her Fatal 4 Way until next week? Aldis says no, they’re not postponing anything for little ol’ Chelsea. But if her Secret Her-vice is here… Alba is ready for competition, right? So then Alba will take Chelsea’s place! Perfect! Chelsea says no, she will filibuster and- Oh, sorry, no, Aldis authorized it, he doesn’t care what Chelsea has to say, so Alba has to go get ready now.
Alba grumbles that she has to change from her security suit to her wrestling suit. Chelsea complains and complains, but then Zelina Vega steps in. Zelina takes the phone and hangs up on Chelsea so she can talk with Aldis. She wants Giulia now! Well, she’s not here tonight. Oh, that’s convenient. Aldis says he understands that Zelina wants after Giulia after last week. Zelina says first of all, she’s been snatched unawares much harder by much better. Second, don’t worry about the girl that does the sneak attacks, worry about the girl that gets up after every beating. One sneak attack isn’t gonna scare her, she is THE Women’s US Champion!
So next week, Zelina will confront Giulia, because she doesn’t need to pretend or hide. The smallest girl with the biggest mouth is gonna make Giulia look stupid! Zelina storms off, will the Beautiful Madness learn not to get on La Muneca’s bad side?
Queen of the Ring Tournament Fatal 4 Way: Jade Cargill VS Nia Jax VS Piper Niven VS Mia Yim!
A storm has come to Lexington, and she wants to make her way to Riyadh! Will the Irresistible Force, the Special Slaygent and even the Head Baddie in Charge be unable to slow her down? Or will someone else grab that spot in the semifinals?
SmackDown returns as Michin makes her entrance, joining Jade and Piper, leaving Nia for last. Nia says she won the crown last year, she’ll just do it again. The bell rings and Piper fires off on Mia while Nia RAMS Jade! The fans boo but Jade elbows Nia and bumps her off buckles! Jade RAMS into Nia but Piper has Mia on the outside. Piper whips Mia into barriers! And then puts her up against the post. Nia and Jade have moved their brawl outside while Piper runs up on Mia. Mia dodges so Piper POSTS herself! Nia whips, Jade reverse, Nia hits steel steps! The fans fire up as Jade and Mia meet in the ring.
Mia and Jade run up, Mia slips around to waistlock, but Jade switches to SLAM Mia down! Mia fights up while Jade holds on, but Jade whips. Jade hurdles, then scoops for a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Mia stays in this but Jade stays on her. Jade suplexes, holds Mia up, but Mia slips free! Mia goes to a corner, dodges Jade, but Jade keeps moving! Mia ducks ‘n’ dodges ‘n’ redirects to RANA! Mia runs and SHOTGUNS Jade down! The fans rally, Mia covers, TWO! Jade is tougher than that but Mia stomps her. Mia runs but Piper trips her up! Piper drags Mia out and scoops to SLAM her on the floor!
Nia drops an ELBOW on Jade! Piper SENTONS Mia! Nia soaks up the heat, drags Jade up, and Nia bumps Jade off buckles. Nia CHOPS Piper, then shakes her hand. Nia whips corner to corner, Jade bounces off buckles, and Nia signals for that crown. Jade fires forearms but Nia HEADBUTTS her down! Nia fireman’s carries and SAMOAN DROPS! Piper adds a SENTON! Piper and Nia stare down, but they decide to work together on Jade. Nia & Piper mug Jade in a corner, then whip corner to corner. Jade ELBOWS Piper away, dodges Nia, and Nia POSTS herself! Jade runs to PUMP KICK Piper outta the ring!
But Nia drags Jade out of the ring! The mugging continues, but Mia goes up and up to ASAI MOOONSAULT! Direct hit and all four are down! The fans fire up while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Jade SPLASHES Piper in one corner, then SPLASHES Nia in the other! And repeat! But then Nia follows, only for Jade to dodge! Nia SPLASHES Piper, then Jade ROCKS her! But Piper CLOBBERS Jade! Nia DRIBBLES Jade off the mat, the fans boo, and Nia salutes with Piper. They drag Jade up, whip her to a corner, then Nia runs to SPLASH! Piper adds a SPLASH of her own! Jade sits down, Nia HIP ATTACKS! Piper CANNONBALLS! Cover, but Nia won’t let Piper get it! Piper says okay, okay, she was just kidding around. But Nia shoves Piper! Piper shoves Nia! Mia RANAS Nia, then JAWBREAKERS Piper!
Mia has Piper for a TORNADO BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Piper stays in this but Mia drags her up. Jade CLUBS Mia, whips her, but Mia RAN- NO, Jade blocks it! SIT OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Mia survives, and Piper SPLASHES Jade! Piper drags Mia up, reels her in, but Mia slips out of the scoop! SLICED BREAD! Mia hurries to cover, but Nia breaks it! Nia SENTONS onto Mia! Cover, TWO! Mia toughs it out and Nia grows frustrated. Nia & Piper go after Jade on the outside but Jade fights them off! SUPERKICK for Piper! HAYMAKER for Nia! Piper HEADBUTTS Jade, Nia ROCKS Jade, and then they two TOSS Jade over the desk!
Wade Barrett gets wiped out by The Storm and Nia just flips them both off! But Mia WRECKS Nia with a dropkick! Piper is up, Mia dodges and tilt-o-whirls to DDT! Cover, Nia breaks it! Mia drags Nia up to fire hands, then she fires hands on Piper! The fans rally, Mia runs, but into double guzels! DOUBLE CHOKE SLAM!! Nia applauds, the fans boo, and Wade is apparently okay, but then Nia DECKS Piper! Nia dumps Piper out, drags Mia to a drop zone, then she goes up! The fans boo the A-NIA-LATOR!! Cover, PIPER BREAKS IT! Piper and Nia go outside, and Piper POSTS Nia! Piper then runs to SPEAR Nia through the barriers!!
The fans go nuts as Piper proves she’s the more destructive powerhouse! Piper then storms over to Mia, she goes up the corner, VADER BOMB! But Jade is up!! Chicken wings on Piper, JADED for Piper!!! Cover, JADE WINS!
Winner: Jade Cargill, by pinfall (advances to the semifinals)
Just as it looked like she was done for, Jade snatches this win away for her own! The Storm is in the semifinals, will she make quick work of The Prodigy, Roxanne Perez?
Naomi watches this backstage.
She’s not exactly pleased that Jade is advancing, but she’s also the one holding the Money in the Bank briefcase. Naomi heads for gorilla, what will she have to say about her huge victory? We find out, after the break.
SmackDown returns and…
Lexington fires up as Naomi heads to the ring! “Yes, I see some o’ y’all looking real surprised! Real shocked! Real stupid! I dunno why, because I told y’all I was done accepting scraps. I took what I deserve, and look at me now. Miss Money in the Bank! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!” The fans are torn, but Naomi says what’s really funny is the entire time, when she was trying to beat Nia Jax for the WWE Women’s Championship, y’know who was there with a briefcase to stop it? Y’know who distracted her? Who bashed her in the head?! It was Tiffany Stratton. “Too Nice Naomi” just let it happen. But the Naomi now aini’t lettin’ nothing sliding! She’s here for payback!
And when Naomi CLOCKS Tiffy Time in the head with this briefcase, it’ll feel so good when Naomi becomes the NEW WWE- Well, here comes Tiffany herself! The fans cheer as Tiff goes to the ring, and she grabs a mic to say, “You talk a big game, Naomi. So why don’t you just do it? Just cash in and take my title… right now.” The fans chant “DO IT! DO IT!” Tiffy says see, she’s still the same ol’ Naomi: all talk and no action. That is why Naomi never beat Nia. But please, prove us all wrong! The fans cheer, Naomi snarls, and she says, “Do I look stupid to you?! Do I look like Booboo the Fool? I ain’t gonna cash in on you now. I’ma cash in when you least expect it.”
Fans go, “What?” and Naomi shouts, “B*tch, you heard me!” Naoim says in the meantime, she will enjoy making Tiffy’s life HELL! Naomi says tick-tock, Tiffy, time is almost up! So Naomi strongly advises to #ProceedWithCaution. The fans are torn, but while Naomi holds up the briefcase, Tiffy holds up the belt. When and where will we see- WAIT! NIA is here! Nia and Tiff brawl, the fans fire up, and Nia shoves Tiff. Tiff DROPKICKS Nia’s legs, then DROPKICKS Nia in the face! Naomi runs up, Tiff DECKS her, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff! Nia may not be going to Riyadh, but she wants to get hers now! A-NIA-LATOR on Tiff!!
Naomi hurries back up, but Nia steps in the way! Nia tells Naomi to back off, so Naomi backs off. Will Nia get payback on the Wrestling Barbie before Naomi can? Or will Tiffy still have time on the clock?
Nick Aldis meets with the SmackDown Tag Division.
He thanks the Street Profits, Motor City Machine Guns, Fraxiom & DIY for coming to discuss the Wyatt situation. Johnny Gargano interrupts, saying this is a big decision. DIY feels this is a huge opportunity… for Fraxiom. Everyone else says they knew DIY would pull that. Fraxiom says they’re not afraid, but Tommaso Ciampa says if nothing else, the Street Profits should step up as the champions. Angelo Dawkins says bet, they’re already ready. Aldis suggests they all let him finish his explanation. Taking all this into account, MCMG are the veterans, so they will set the tone. They get the Wyatts tonight.
The others applaud and Dawkins says yes, set that tone. Will Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin be able to have an impact on the Wyatt Sick6? Or will the Motor City Machine Guns have no effect on what goes bump in the night?
Motor City Machine Guns VS Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis!
SmackDown returns as the lights go down and the fireflies come out. The chair and the lantern wait on stage as the Wyatts make their entrance. Uncle Howdy sits in the chair, Nikki Cross & Erik Rowan stay close, and Gacy & Lumis rush the ring! The fans cheer as the brawl is on! The bell rings, Gacy has Shelley while Lumis has Sabin! The ref reprimands, Gacy whips Shelley to a corner then CLOBBERS him! Lumis & Gacy whip Sabin, DOUBLE ELBOW, then Lumis drops an AX HANDLE! Gacy drops a SENTON! Cover, ONE!! Gacy drags Sabin up, bumps him off buckles, and tags in Lumis.
Lumis brings Sabin around but Sabin swings. Lumis duck sot hit a BIG back suplex! Lumis kips up and LEG DROPS! Cover, TWO! Sabin is tougher than that, but Lumis drags him up. Gacy tags in, they mug Sabin, and then Gacy whips. Scoop and BACKBREAKER! Gacy goes up the ropes to LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Gacy BLASTS Shelley off the apron and he tags Lumis in. They get Sabin up, UPPERCUT and then a kick down low. Lumis wrenches Sabin, tags Gacy back in, and the mugging continues. They double whip, but Sabin breaks the double lariat! Gacy runs up but Sabin DUMPS him out! And then he TOSSES Lumis!
Tag to Shelley and MCMG set up! The fans fire up as the Machine Guns DOUBLE DORPKICK! Then they DOUBLE PLANCHA! Down go Lumis & Gacy and the fans fire up! MCMG stare down with Rowan while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and both Shelley and Gacy are down. The fans rally, Shelley crawls, hot tag to Sabin! Sabin goes up to MSSILE DROPKICK! Gacy flounders, Lumis tags in, but Sabin dodges to CHOP, CHOP, and CHOP! Sabin whips, Lumis reverses but Sabin BULLDOGS! The fans fire up and Lumis staggers up. Sabin runs and GAMANGIRIS! Sabin drags Lumis to a cover, TWO! Howdy is antsy as Sabin tags Shelley. Shlley goes to the apron, Sabin follows, and MCMG DOUBLE SUPERKICK Lumis! Lumis sputters, MCMG drags him inside, and Shelley whips Lumis to the corner. LARIAT, then he tags Sabin!
Shelley clinches but Lumis ELBOWS free! Lumis trips Sabin up, then hurries to tag Gacy! Gacy runs in to handspring, and DOUBLE UPSIDE-DOWN!! Tag back to Lumis and they have Sabin! Whip and POP-UP POWERBOMB onto Sabin! The fans fire up as Lumis covers, TWO!! Sabin survives but Lumis snarls. Lumis watches Sabin stir, drags him up and wrenches to then whip him to the corner. But Sabin DROPKICKS Gacy! Lumis runs in, Sabin BOOTS him away, then Sabin runs up, DDT! Hot tag to Shelley! Lumis staggers up, Shelley whips, BIG atomic drop! Then the DREAM SEQUENCE!
The fans fire up with MCMG and Howdy doesn’t like that. Sabin tags back in, he drags Lumis up while Shelley climbs. Sabin turns Lumis but Gacy trips Shelley! Gacy HEADBUTTS Sabin, he and Lumis aim, HIGH LOW!! Cover off the superkick and leg sweep combo, but they ask Howdy for permission. “YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH~!” Lumis goes up, Gacy CLOBBERS Shelley, and Lumis hits a SUPER LEG DROP!! Cover, The Wyatts win!
Winners: Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis, by pinfall
The chaos is back and it is on top as Lumis & Gacy break the Machine Guns. Will they tear through the rest of the division until they’re the champions?
John Cena encounters Jimmy Uso backstage.
Cena and #BigJim stare down, and Cena asks if Jimmy has seen R-Truth. No, he hasn’t. Then has he seen Ron Killings? Listen, man… Jimmy ain’t seen either one of ’em. Cena says he knows Jimmy and Truth are close. So let Killings know that Cena’s going back to the ring, and he wants Killings to meet him there. Cena heads out, will Ron get the message? Will Cena get the Truth, the whole Truth, and nothing but the Truth?
SmackDown returns and…
“JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” as he goes right back to the ring, just as he promised. And he tells everyone to shut up! Cena paces and says, “There is a level of disrespect that I can tolerate. R-Truth, you just crossed the line!” The fans chant, “We Want Truth!” and Cena frowns. Cena says for once, he agrees. There is a time to talk and there is a time to fight, so Truth, get out here so they can fight! BUT WAIT! CM PUNK is here instead! Cena is stunned and maybe even a little scared to see Punk here on SmackDown. Punk goes right to the ring as the fans cheer, and he grabs himself a mic before sitting on the top rope.
The fans cheer Punk on even more and Punk asks, “Is it great to be alive on a Friday night in Lexington, Kentucky or what?” The fans cheer that! And Punk asks Cena if he said something about disrespect. Cena is tired of being disrespected? “John, these people are tired of being disrespected! But now, CM Punk has a microphone, and I think you can trust when I say that we have yet to begin the reach the levels of disrespect that we are capable of.” Punk says for old time’s sake, he’ll give Cena a chance, the benefit of a doubt. Maybe Punk’s empathy is too much, too Obi-Wan talking to Darth Vader, hoping to see Anakin still in there.
So Punk will give Cena a chance in front of this legendary wrestling town. “Stop what you’re doing, let these people celebrate who and what you are, let them put you on a pedestal on your way out. Let them celebrate the sacrifices you have made for them and this business. Give them a happy ending!” Punk steps back and Cena steps up. Cena asks, “Why? Why would I waste my time?” The fans boo, but Cena says the people don’t matter, this place doesn’t matter, basketball doesn’t matter, horse racing doesn’t matter! THIS Undisputed Championship is the only thing that matters! So Cena is to eat crow to the same idiots wearing his shirt but singing Punk’s song? Fat chance!
Punk says okay, okay, let the record show that Punk and Lexington gave Cena an out. But now, let’s do it Cena’s way. Let the disrespect being. Ironically that is the Punk way! When the static hits and Cult of Personality plays through sold-out arenas, everyone knows it is about to get real. And ladies and gentlemen, watching and working at USA Network, it’s about to get real. Here’s the truth Cena wants so badly. The saying goes, “You tell a strong man a lie to offend him.” That’s why it pisses Punk off when Cena calls him the hypocrite. Conversely, you tell a weak man the truth and that offends him.
Fans chant, “We Want Truth!” Punk says the truth here is… Cena can’t beat Punk. When Punk is at his best, Cena never could. And now Cena wants to ruin wrestling? Well, Punk is going to take it upon himself to save it. Bare with Punk, because as always, he has a lot to get off his chest. That other thing about sociopathic confidence? Punk takes that as a compliment. Because it is that confidence that brought Punk to the mountaintop time and time again. Especially when people like Cena say they wanna see it but claim Punk didn’t have it. But Punk is not as confident as Cena, because Punk would never dress like a toddler who looks like he struck out at T-Ball.
The fans laugh, Punk says he wants that stricken from the record, because y’know who that sounds like? That sounds like the PG John Cena. Which is ironic, because right now, y’know who Cena sounds like, saying he’s gonna ruin wrestling, take the strap and go home… That sounds like C M PUNK! And yes, that is ironic. Cena is stealing Punk’s best material. Punk won that title, he left with the title, and Cena is trying to follow in those footsteps. Punk did it! He said he would and he did, and Cena couldn’t stop him. Cena thinks challenging Punk at Night of Champions is going to stop him? “John Boy, just like old times, here’s CM Punk to make your title run interesting.”
Here comes CM Punk to make John Cena’s retirement tour interesting! Watchable! Get the rocket fuel to fuel that private jet! Punk would go to MARS to beat Cena’s ass! Punk will follow Cena to Hell to prove he is better than Cena! But here’s more truth, it isn’t all bad. Cena IS a GOAT, but so is Punk. Punk beat Cena in Chicago, he beat Cena in Boston, and he will beat Cena at Night of Champions. Cena is the “Goat” that Punk will spit-roast and sacrifice to the gods of wrestling! Legends who actually belong on the Mount Rushmore! Terry Funk, Harley Race, Bret Hart, Eddie Guerrero! The AUDACITY of Cena to put himself on that mountain once, let alone all four times. What a joke.
The fans cheer but Cena smirks. Punk says here’s more truth: You can’t see me? No, Punk sees through him, and always has, and that’s the truth. Punk leaves Cena with that, and then KILLINGS STRIKES AGAIN!! And he puts Cena in the STF!! Punk mockingly says, “I’m sorry~! But the Truth hurts!” Cena suffers his own signature submission but security rushes out here! The fans boo as they drag Killings off Cena and Cena scrambles away! Cena hops and hobbles on one good leg, are the bridges he burned going to take them down with him?
Backstage interview with Alexa Bliss.
Byron Saxton is with Lil’ Miss Bliss at gorilla, and notes that she took a tough loss at MITB. What is the mindset going into the future? Alexa says she’s won MITB, cashed in, made history, so she isn’t rattled. Tonight, she reminds everyone of who she is, and will be one step closer to becoming Queen of the Ring. But then in steps Charlotte Flair. And she says, “Sweetie, did you say, ‘Queen?’ There’s only room for one queen in this division. WOO~!” Charlotte makes her entrance first, but both she and Alexa will have to fight their way into the next round. Will it be either of them that moves forward? Or are they overlooking the Poison Pixie and the Firestarter?
Nick Aldis finds R-Truth/Ron Killings backstage.
Aldis asks Truth what the hell he’s doing, he can’t just keep jumping Cena like that! What’s Aldis supposed to do? Truth says he wants a match with Cena next week. Next week? Yeah. Done. Killings says he’s driving now! Will he run Cena right off the road?
Queen of the Ring Tournament Fatal 4 Way: Charlotte Flair VS Alexa Bliss VS Candice LeRae VS Alba Fyre!
SmackDown returns and Candice makes her entrance to join Charlotte, Alexa, and Alba. The bell rings and the fans rally up. The four watch each other, but Alexa and Charlotte stare down as they step up. Alba and Candice jump on them! Candice is after Alexa, Alba is after Charlotte, and they put the two in corners. Alba RAMS into Charlotte again and again while Candice stomps a mudhole into Alexa. Alba digs her boots in, Candice SPLASHES Alexa, and then Candice fires elbows. Charlotte CHOPS Alba, storms up to RAM Alexa into Candice, then Charlotte POSTS Alexa! Alexa tumbles out and the fans are torn for Charlotte.
Charlotte dusts herself off, then THROWS Candice into Alba! Charlotte drags Alba to a cover, ONE!! Cover on Candice, ONE!! Charlotte CHOPS Alba, CHOPS Candice, and repeat! The fans “WOO~” with every CHOP! But then Candice grabs a leg, Alba BOOTS Charlotte down, and they mug Charlotte! Alba smothers Charlotte using her tie! Alba CLUBS Charlotte down, then she and Candice mug her, returning the CHOPS! Alba kicks Charlotte, she and Candice have Charlotte on the ropes, and they CHOP again! They double whip Charlotte, but Charlotte grabs ropes. Charlotte KICKS Candice, ROCKS Alba, then LARIATS Candice!
Alexa is back and she CROSSBODIES onto Charlotte! Cover, ONE! Alexa clinches, but Candice & Alba mug Alexa! Charlotte gets away while Candice bumps Alexa off buckles. Alba stomps Alexa, Charlotte DECKS Candice, and she DECKS Alba! Cover on Alba, TWO! Charlotte scowls as she stands back up. The fans rally while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Charlotte storms up on Candice, reels her in, but Candice fights the suplex. Alba joins in, they DOUBLE SUPLEX Charlotte! Cover, but Alba stops Candice. A parallel to Piper and Nia, we know how that turned out… But Alba & Candice still mug Charlotte together for now. Charlotte JAWBREAKERS Alba, dodges Candice, but Candice tilt-o-whirls to RANA! And then ENZIGIRI! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is tougher than that and that annoys Candice. Alba BLASTS Alexa off the apron, Charlotte RAMS Candice into a corner, but Alba CLUBS Charlotte down. Candice climbs the corner while Alba stands Charlotte up, but Charlotte ELBOWS free!
Charlotte BOOTS Candice off the corner, but Alba rolls Charlotte to BOOT her down! Cover, WTO! Alba seethes and throws her suit jacket at Charlotte. Alba stomps a mudhole into Charlotte, then stands on her hair! Alba salutes while Candice SMACKS Alexa off the apron. Alba pulls Charlotte’s arms and Candice SMACKS Alexa off the desk! Alba & Candice work together to DOUBLE SUPLEX Charlotte, but Alba has Candice stay back. They drag Charlotte up again, but she ROCKS Alba and ROCKS Candice! Then repeat! Alba kicks low, Candice comes back, and they double whip Charlotte to a corner.
SmackDown returns to single picture as Charlotte goes up and out! She BOOTS Alba, RAMS Candice, then goes up the corner! The fans fire up but Candice SMACKS Charlotte first! And SMACKS her again! Alba climbs up to join them, but Alexa sneaks in underneath! TOWER OF DOOM! The fans fire up and Alexa crawls to cover Charlotte, TWO! Alexa is frustrated but the fans fire up. Alexa and Candice stand, Alexa RUNS her over! She even RUNS Alba over! Alexa SLAPS Candice, DECKS her, then blocks Alba’s kick to DRAGON SCREW! Charlotte runs up, Alexa clinches to S T O! And then INSULT2- NO, Candice makes it a CODE BREAKER SENTON!
Alba has Candice, wrenches and reels her in, GOURD BUSTER! But Alexa hits a BLOCKBUSTER! Candice hits NATURAL SELECTION!! Charlotte drags Alexa around, steps through, FIGURE FOUR! And the push-up into the FIGURE EIGHT! But Candice LIONSAULTS it all apart!! Alba SUPERKICKS Candice! Charlotte is up, Alba spins her around, Gory Especial, GORY BOMB! Cover, ALEXA BREAKS IT! The fans fire up and Alba drags Alexa up. Alexa mule kicks, DDTS, and then hurries for a corner! Lexington cheers on Alexa, TWISTED BLISS!! Cover, CHARLOTTE BREAKS IT! The fans boo but Charlotte TOSSES Alexa!
Alexa is on the apron, Charlotte BOOTS her down! But Candice rolls Charlotte! TWO!! Charlotte escapes, Candice ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Charlotte SPEARS her down! Cover, TWO!! Candice shows that toughness and Charlotte is frustrated. Charlotte has the legs, steps through, but Alba SUPERKICKS Charlotte! Alba roars, turns her, but Charlotte powers out of the Unpretty-Her! BOOT!! FIGURE FOUR!! Then FIGURE EIGHT!!! Alba endures, but Alexa catches Candice!! TWISTED SISTER ABIGAIL!! Cover, ALEXA WINS!!
Winner: Alexa Bliss, by pinfall (advances to the semifinals)
Charlotte lets go of Alba and is in disbelief! But Alexa smiles as she snatches this win right out from under Charlotte’s nose! Charlotte may call herself the queen, but will Alexa be the one to wear the crown?
Cody heads to gorilla.
And he crosses paths with Punk. Cody says they can’t run away from each other forever. Punk says he knows. But good luck tonight. After Night of Champions, we’ll see who’s chasing who. Cody moves on, but will he move on in the tournament? Or will the American Nightmare’s nightmare of losing that Undisputed Championship only get worse?
King of the Ring Tournament Fatal 4 Way: Cody Rhodes VS Damian Priest VS Andrade VS Shinsuke Nakamura!
SmackDown returns as the King of Strong Style makes his entrance, followed by El Idolo, leaving the Archer of Infamy for last. The bell rings and the fans rally. All four men are wary of each other, but Nakamura winds up, only to not say his signature “C’mon” to just bail out. But then Cody DIVES onto him! Priest swings on Andrade, Andrade dodges to WRECK Cody! Priest KICKS, KICKS, and ROLLING ELBOWS Andrade! Priest winds up, Andrade dodges, FLYING FOREARMS! Andrade kips up, the fans fire up, and Andrade rallies the fans with ‘SI! SI! SI!” But Cody stops Cien Knees to take an elbow!
Priest mule kicks Andrade, then suplexes for the BROKEN ARROW! Cover, TWO! Cody JABS, JABS, JABS, then flip, flop- BELL CLAP from Priest! But Cody rebounds to LARIAT Priest up and out! Priest drags Cody out, they brawl, and Cody SMACKS Priest off the apron! Nakamura FLYING KNEES Priest! Nakamura kicks Cody, ROCKS Priest, they all brawl outside, but Andrade goes up! ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Direct hit and everyone is down while the fans fire up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture!
All four men stir and Andrade is first up. Andrade puts Nakamura in the ring, covers, TWO! Andrade whips Nakamura to a corner, runs in, but Nakamura dodges! Andrade’s knee hits buckles and he tumbles out! Nakamura goes after Andrade to put him on the apron, and then runs to KNEE Andrade down! Priest and Cody brawl in the ring, and Priest ROCKS Cody to a corner. Priest whips, Cody reverses to kick and RHODES UPPERCUT! Cody whips, Priest reverses, and Priest runs up, only for Cody to go up and over. Priest feints running up so Cody’s snap powerslam gets nothing! Priest then KICKS Cody down!
Cody sputters but Priest is on him. Priest ROCKS Cody again, Nakamura stomps Andrade, then Nakamura KICKS Priest! Nakamura fires off fists and kicks in the corner, so Andrade rolls Cody! TWO, and Cody powers Andrade to a corner. Cody climbs up to rain down fists, only for Andrade to slip out at nine and YANK Cody down! Nakamura brings Priest around but Priest DECKS him! Priest stomps away on Nakamura, then he goes over to Andrade, Priest stands Andrade up to DECK him! Cody SMACKS Nakamura off the desk! Priest drags Andrade up while Nakamura SMACKS Cody off the desk! Priest ROCKS Andrade, then he has Cody in another corner.
Nakamura fires off on Andrade, Priest digs his boots into Cody, and then Nakamura bumps Andrade off buckles. Cody turns things around on Priest to CHOP, but that just pisses Priest off. Priest DECKS Cody! Cody sputters, Priest puts him in the corner, but Nakamura fires off strikes on Priest! Nakamura has Andrade on the top rope, and SmackDown returns to single picture as Nakamura runs in for a TOP SHELF KNEE! Andrade falls to the floor, but then Priest runs up! Nakamura dodges, runs back in, and he blocks boots to ROUNDHOUSE Priest! Nakamura puts Priest in the ropes to SLIDING GERMAN!
Nakamura hurries back in while fans fire up. Cody swings, misses, but then Cody ducks a roundhouse, only for the WHEEL KICK to hit! The fans fire up as Nakamura gives Cody some BAD VIBRATIONS! Nakamura goes corner to corner and the fans rally. Cody dodges, Nakamura hits buckles, and Cody grabs a leg! Cody trips Nakamura, steps through, FIGURE FOUR! Nakamura endures, fights the main leg, but Andrade is up top! FROG SPLASH onto Cody! Nakamura is free, but then Priest JUMP KICKS Andrade! Priest drags Cody up, ROCKS him, and then runs to ELBOW Andrade! ELBOW for Cody! SHOULDER TACKLE for Andrade!
The fans fire up for Priest and he goes to the outside, to leap off the steel steps and AX HANDLE Nakamura! Priest puts Nakamura back in the ring, drags him up at the ropes, and he knuckle locks so he can climb! The fans cheer as Priest goes Old School, only for Cody to jump up after him! But Priest then grabs Cody in a guzel! Nakamura trips them both up! Nakamura CLOBBERS Priest, Andrade rolls Nakamura, TWO! Andrade swings, but into an ARMBAR TAKEDOWN!! The fans fire up as Cody DIVING SPLASHES! Cody TOSSES Nakamura, covers Andrade, TWO! Cover again, TWO! Cody is frustrated but he goes outside.
The fans fire up as they sense what’s coming! Cody brings out a TABLE! Cody sets “Slim Jim” up at ringside, goes back to the ring for Andrade, and he lines up the shot. But Andrade hooks the ropes to block! Andrade suplexes but Cody blocks! They fight for control, but Priest CLUBS Andrade. Priest and Cody stare down, but they decide to work together! The fans fire up as they hoist Andrade up, but Nakamura makes the save! Only to INVERTED EXPLODER Andrade! DYNAMIC DROPKICK and Cody falls through the table! Cody snaps into a Slim Jim and the fans go nuts! Nakamura goes outside while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Nakamura fetches Priest, brings him over, but Priest blocks the desk smack to ROCK Nakamura! Priest SMACKS Nakamura off the desk now! And again! Priest brings Nakamura around to DECK him, but then Andrade CLUBS Priest! Andrade SMACKS Priest off the desk, then he and Nakamura actually work together to BOOT Priest onto the desk! But they’re not done as they TOSS Priest over the desk! Wade got outta there this time! Andrade then clears off the desk! Nakamura & Andrade bring Priest around to TOSS him over barriers! Then Nakamura CLOBBERS Andrade! Nakamura applauds his trickery before putting Andrade in the ring. Nakamura covers, TWO!
Nakamura is annoyed and he KICKS Andrade in the side. Andrade sputters but Nakamura paces. Andrade rises to CHOP! Nakamura dusts himself off to KICK Andrade down! Andrade stands but into KNEES and KICKS! Andrade blocks one, but not the ENZIGIRI! Andrade ends up in a corner, Nakamura whips corner to corner, but Andrade reverses. Andrade runs up, Nakamura puts him on the apron, but Andrade ROCKS him! Andrade climbs, but Nakamura ROCKS him! Nakamura climbs now but Andrade fires back! They brawl up top, and Andrade HEADBUTTS Nakamura down! Nakamura GAMANGIRIS in return!
SmackDown returns to single picture again as Nakamura climbs back up. Priest returns to CLUB Nakamura! He has Nakamura in the crucifix, but Nakamura fights free! Priest drags Nakamura down, Nakamura fires a strike fest! Priest clinches to FLATLINER! Andrade MOONSAULT DOUBLES! Cover, TWO!! Nakamura LARIATS! Andrade BOOTS! Nakamura PELES! These three are down, and Cody rises from the wreckage! The fans fire up for Cody as he drags himself into the ring. Cody runs up to LARIAT Andrade! And LARIAT Nakamura! Cody whips Priest, Priest reverses, but Cody goes up and over, and this time, SNAP POWERSLAM!
The fans fire up and Cody blocks Andrade’s kick to then run and BEAUTIFUL DISASTER! Cody catches Nakamura, Nakamura drops down to UP KICK! Snapmare and SLIDING KNEE! Cover, ANDRADE BREAKS IT!! Priest has Andrade, Andrade schoolboys him into buckles! The fans fire up, “SI! SI! SI!” Andrade runs corner to corner, CIEN KNEES for Nakamura! Then Andrade goes again, CIEN- NO, Priest has Andrade by the neck! Andrade breaks free to CHOP, but Priest ROCKS Andrade! Andrade comes back, SHADOW ELBOW! THE MESSAGE!! Cover, NAKAMURA AX KICKS IT APART! Nakamura drags Andrade up, but Andrade ROCKS him first!
Nakamura snarls and ROCKS Andrade back! The fans rally as the forearms go back and forth! Andrade CHOSP! Nakamura KICKS! Nakamura CLUBS Andrade, KNEES him low, but Cody is back! Cody dodges Nakamura, to DOUBLE CODY CUTTER!! Not the cleanest but it didn’t need to be! Priest kicks Cody low, reels him in, Canadian Rack, but Cody slips free! Cody goes up, up, and SUPER CODY CUTTERS!! Priest tumbles out of the ring and Cody roars! He catches Andrade, CROSS RHODES!! And then he drags Andrade up again, only for Nakamura to clamp on a SLEEPER!! Cody flails, claws at the grip, but Nakamura dragon sleepers!
Nakamura vows to end this, but Cody flips that around on him! CROSS RHODES!! Cover, CODY WINS!!
Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall (advances to the semifinals)
Lexington cheers and sings with Cody’s song as he comes out on top! We know Sami Zayn and Randy Orton are one semifinal match, but Raw will determine the other! Sheamus, Rusev, Bronson Reed, or MAIN EVENT JEY USO, who survives to then meet Cody in the next round?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown with a lot of action from doing all the SmackDown Fatal 4 Ways in the King & Queen of the Ring tournaments. And each Fatal 4 Way was great, because Fatal 4 Ways always lend themselves to fast, chaotic action. Great opening promo from Cena with Cody, Orton and Knight to help segue into the first match, but also great stuff with R-Truth going after Cena. Orton winning was a bit of a surprise, and makes for a very interesting match with Sami Zayn. I suppose Sami going hard against Orton and finding a sneakier way to win could go with how Karrion Kross has been working to bring that side out of Sami.
Jade winning her match made sense, as Piper is still just Chelsea’s sidekick and Mia isn’t quite at that QOTR top title level. It also puts her in line with Naomi’s story of being Miss MITB, because Naomi can mess Jade over in a title match just as much as she can Tiffany. Very good promo from Naomi with Tiffany to tease a cash in, but also set up Tiffy VS Nia one more time. Chelsea also had a hilarious video call promo, and good on Aldis to stand up to her by putting Alba in the match instead. Alexa winning was only a little surprising, as she’s on that return push. And it makes for a fresh match-up no matter who from Raw wins the final Fatal 4.
Awesome main event Fatal 4 but I figured Cody would win, as it makes for a unique match-up of Cody VS Jey. Jey being put in was a bit of a surprise, but perhaps the wrestlers we’re waiting to return (Roman Reigns, but maybe even Ilja Dragunov) just aren’t ready yet. And given Bronson & Bron screwed Knight over, Knight will surely show up on Raw again to keep that feud going. Sheamus and Rusev have their own story, so Jey is the default choice. I almost feel like they should’ve flipped the brackets so that it would give us Orton VS Cody and Sami VS Jey in the semifinals, but those combos probably serve for stronger finals matches.
Very good stuff with the tag division, but MCMG VS Gacy & Lumis could’ve been a bit better. Part of the problem that comes with the Wyatts being gone away so long is that there might be some ring rust. Lumis & Gacy were on point, but they needed time to coordinate some things first and that slowed the overall pace down. The Wyatts won, of course, and will likely deal with Fraxiom next, what with DIY volunteering Fraxiom and Profits ahead of them. Then, Cena and Punk had a great promo, with it mostly being Punk tearing into Cena. Surprisingly, no allusions to Punk’s incendiary comments from years ago, but that’s very Punk of Punk.
And Killings going after Cena again was great stuff. Cena VS Killings will be a great match next week, and Cena probably rubs it in that he’s using one of his precious final appearances was used to beat Truth again. Though, to build Killings up, I would think they find a way for him to win that “isn’t definitive,” like a count out victory or some kind of disqualification. I was hoping for an R-Truth celebration at Saturday Night’s Main Event akin to Lex Luger over Yokozuna, but maybe that happens next week.
My Score: 9/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 6.12.2025
DO SOMETHING WITH JASON HOTCH AND KC NAVARRO – that is all.
So Against All Odds…was barely passable and that’s only with Xanax. The Knockouts title match was awful, the 4 Man “Home Town Man” was stupid and the only good part was remixing the old Jerry Lynn & AJ Styles “Born in the USA” theme for Home Town Man. Maclin needs to stop having brawls, they’re boring, give him a bump guy. Kaibas and Rascalz was underwhelming. Santino vs Robert Stone was funny, Elias vs Trick was too chalk and lame. IInspiration (IIconics) returning was big news at least. Hendry losing to Kaz was also obvious since Kaz hasn’t won a match in forever.
The show dragged, and as much as I usually like Masha’s wrestling ability…her last 3 title matches have sucked and its not her opponents fault. Killer Kelly returning is sexy though…I mean, good. Yes, good. Saving the best for last, Mustafa Ali vs Jason Hotch was the best match of the show, and really damn good in general. Workrate was great, Tasha and Skyler being conflicted and popping for Hotch when he was doing well was great character work. Hotch looked amazing in the loss, if they don’t capitalize on it, that would be a huge screw up from TNA.
Not really sure what kind of shows we’ll be getting, and I’m not excited.
.@MATTHARDYBRAND and @JEFFHARDYBRAND have a message for FIR$T CLA$$ ahead of TONIGHT's MAIN EVENT!
WATCH on TNA+: https://t.co/F3YYaTmexl pic.twitter.com/mTnNBEFBcb
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 13, 2025
Ratings:
- The IInspiration vs Missa Kate & Brittani Brookes: IInspiration wins via Idolizer – ** 1/2
- Jason Hotch w/Jon Skyler vs Leon Slater: Leon wins via Swanton 450 – ** 3/4
- 8-4-1 Knockouts Match: Tessa Blanchard, Xia Brookside, Dani Luna & Rosemary vs Killer Kelly, Indi Hartwell, Jody Threat & Tasha Steelz: Indi wins via Hurts Don’t It – ** 3/4
- Indi Hartwell vs Killer Kelly vs Jody Threat vs Tasha Steelz: Kelly wins via Hurts Don’t It – ***
- Fir$t Cla$$ vs The Hardy Boyz: Hardyz win via DQ – ***
Results:
Santino opens the show informing Santana of a suspension, kicking Robert Stone out and recapping his victory party before introducing the IInspiration for their first match back.Â
The IInspiration vs Missa Kate & Brittani Brookes
A bit of talking and pandering from IInspiration, they’re dominating the jobbers and there’s not much to discuss here. They do the IIconics Pose and actually keep the control. Cassie pulls off some kind of Butterfly Facebuster which looks cool, Jess comes in and the Jobbers cheat a little to take over. Jess tags in Cassie and Scorpion Kick, decent comeback, corner Hip Attacks, Neckbreaker, Jumping Kick to the Head into Fisherman’s Suplex Hold for 2. Idolizer (Magic Killer variant) is hit and IInspiration win, and didn’t look bad. Cassie (Peyton) is still the better wrestler of the two, but neither looked bad.
Jason Hotch w/Jon Skyler vs Leon Slater
I don’t hide the fact I heavily dislike Slater. He has no personality, he’s all flips, no ability to talk…he’s boring. He’s ROH Will Ospreay or Flip Gordon, does flippy crap to pop morons but he’s a worthless character. Since he wants to become the Youngest X Division champion, and they’ve talked about for like the last 7 months…sadly it’s probably going to happen.Â
Chain wrestling start and Hotch already looks like the better wrestler. Hotch is on his SANADA in LIJ arch where he looked great losing to the leader, falls back in line but then he hits a Spinning Overhead Kick for a near fall, so I’m not allowed to finish my thought because Hotch is fun to watch. Leon is such a bad wrestler…he held the rope and looked back to take a forearm shiver, the nerd had to watch it to sell it. Man’s not talent.
Hotch has Leon in an Arm Iso Cravat, Leon tries to fire and then Hotch keeps him down. Leon counters a Slingshot Suplex into his own Final Cut to get space to breathe. Double sell, Leon leap frogs, then rope runs, Lariats and Lethal Injection from Leon for 2. Hotch is so fluid, dodges the corner attack, rope assisted side kick, Outside In Neckbreaker for a near fall! Hotch will probably lose, but he looks like the better wrestler by miles. Heavy Irish Whip counter from Leon, into Blue Thunder Bomb. Leon goes to the top, Hotch cuts off, Leon dodges, hits the Knife Edge Chop and they wrestle on the apron, Front Kick from Hotch sends Leon into the post, Double Stomp onto the apron, Hotch wants a finish but counter, Cradle trades and then Hotch gets caught by a Leg Lariat, Swanton 450, selling from Leon was spotty and bad during this whole match.
Fun moments but the wrong kid died…
.@MeanGiaMiller gets Tessa Blanchard's thoughts ahead of TONIGHT's 8-4-1 Match!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/F3YYaTmexl pic.twitter.com/kurcKH2vtH
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 13, 2025
8-4-1 Knockouts Match: Tessa Blanchard, Xia Brookside, Dani Luna & Rosemary vs Killer Kelly, Indi Hartwell, Jody Threat & Tasha Steelz
Dani and Jody start, so at least there’s a measure of story telling, but I still detest Jody. Sloppy counter wrestling start, Jody stops herself from punching Dani and tags in Tasha. Tasha pauses and jaws to her team and gets Back Body Dropped by Dani, Dani tags in Xia and Tasha pokes her eyes immediately and lights up Xia. Xia fights back, Rope Assisted Headscissors, Crossbody and near fall. Xia tags in Rosemary and Rosemary looks at her like death, then Rosemary goes after Xia, but a Codebreaker from Tasha gives space to tag in Kelly. Kelly kisses Rosemary and then they brawl in full mount. I’m not sure if I clicked the orange website or TNA…oh there’s a Lariat…it’s wrestling again.
Jody doofus tags in, the crowd wants Indi, no one wants Jody and Rosemary Upkick, Drop Toe Hold, Tessa tags in, works over Jody, Jody tries to go to the top, Victoria Crawford fka Alicia Fox trips her, Tessa gets the momentum back, a bunch of distraction and Tessa tags in Dani. Then Dani tags out to Rosemary. Whip, Rosemary misses the Spear, Tessa tags herself in and they’re keeping Indi out of the ring. Tessa crashes and burns as Jody dodges and fights back. Rosemary tags in, Indi gets the tag. Bunch combo, Spinebuster, Dani breaks the pin and now signature spam spot.
Indi is the last on to hit her moves, Hurts Don’t It takes out Rosemary after Tessa just walks out.
Indi Hartwell vs Jody Threat vs Killer Kelly vs Tasha Steelz
Commercial happened and we’re back and it’s Indi vs Jody. Jody takes her down with a Shoulder Tackle, Jody hits the Exploder, and Indi finally stalls some of the offense, Indi throws Jody into the ropes and Jody takes it bad. Jody Drop Toe Hold, looking for her Knees into German spot, but Kelly pulls her out, Tasha tries to pick the bones but Kelly comes in and attacks Indi. Tasha and Kelly have a heel agreement to gang up on Indi. Kelly goes for the pin, so hells are arguing, throw forearms, Kelly with the Double Overhooks, Headbutts, Angel’s Wings gets hit from Kelly but Tasha kicks out. Jody Crossbody takes out both heels.
Jody and Indi team up and 10 Count Lariats on the Heels, pop spot for the crowd since Indi is in the driver’s seat, Simultaneous Lariats each other and everybody down. Mickie James Bulldog from Tasha but Jody pushes her off, Indi tries the Cradle for two. Indi misses the Boot, eats a German. Tasha hits the Mickie Bulldog, but Jody kicks out. Indi grabs Tasha, Hurts-nope. Tasha wanted Blackout, Indi says no, Hurts Don’t It, but Kelly takes out Indi and steals the pinfall. Kelly wins.
.@TheEricYoung will see @TheSamiCallihan NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT!
WATCH on TNA+: https://t.co/F3YYaTmMmT pic.twitter.com/NtKjpYIIRa
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 13, 2025
Fir$t Cla$$ vs The Hardy Boyz
AJ charges before the bell, Hardyz dodge and Lariat AJ to the floor and work over KC with their usual Arm Bar Extreme Elbow, Delete Arm Breakers and Back Elbow Hardyz combo. AJ tries to get back in and the Hardyz attack, Poetry in Motion, AJ is back to the outside. Commercial break time, I wonder if the heels will be winning coming back…OH no, Jeff is still isolating KC. Pleasantly surprised I suppose.
Arm Wringer, simple offense, Jeff tags in Matt, Stalling Tandem Suplex and Matt covers, only 2. Matt with Short Arm Shoulder Tackles, close quarters forearms and the Rocket Launcher into the middle rope followed by a Leg Drop onto the apron, KC keeps kicking out but he’s getting dog walked. Stomps into Splash, KC needs to tag out, but Jeff stays on him, AJ finally pulls out Jeff, KC flies into Jeff and tags out. Finally AJ gives KC a break and bends Jeff back in a Bow and Arrow Stretch. Jeff tries the comeback, AJ pulls the hair to throw him down, stomps his face and AJ is manhandling Jeff as KC is sucking wind. Little Bro deserves a big break.
Tennessee Whiskey from AJ, connects and “Money, Money, Money”. AJ gets a little distracted trying to one up Matt, Jeff hits two Twists, and tags in Matt, so Delete Face Smashes and AJ is getting rocked. AJ reverses the Irish Whip, but Back Elbow from Matt into a Middle Rope Side Effect. Trick Williams comes out to attack the Hardyz. Hardyz win via DQ, but then Hendry and Elijah come out for the save. System is out…old school TNA donnybrook.
Overall Score: 5.5/10
The ring work was mediocre at best, but nothing miserable. Cassie and Jess look like they never missed a beat, take that for what you will if you loved or hated the IIconics. Trick solidifying his alliance with First Class makes for interesting cross promotion. If Fir$t Cla$$ ends up with the NXT Tags while Trick is the TNA Champ…that’s…a pretty neat visual I ain’t mad at. Yes I’m bias because KC is awesome, but AJ has done good work in TNA, so he deserves some flowers. Tessa keeping Victoria Crawford in the Robert Stone ejection is wonderful. I’ve always loved Alicia Fox and teaming her with Tessa is very interesting for the obvious reasons I don’t need to mention again, just search Twitter, you’ll understand.
Sami looks like a doofus getting sideswiped, Jay-SANADA Hotch is the best thing TNA has right now for home grown talent. Slater is still useless but oooo he can flip…I hate no personality flip-tards. Indi getting screwed sets things up nicely to not push her too quick to the top of the card, but she’s very over. The lack of Lei Ying Lee is annoying since I really don’t think the poor match was her fault. Also, putting her in a throwaway tag match against the Elegance girls next week? TNA really doesn’t know what to do with Lei, do they? She’s been mishandled the entire time since debut.
So even with my nitpicks, there were a lot of building blocks in the show. Hell Tessa insulting Gia is also probably something brewing…but I’m glad we didn’t lose Gia when we lost Ace. Gia is the best backstage interviewer since Lauren Brooke. So very middle of the road show, either things will get slightly better going to Slammiversary, or it’s the calm before the storm. We…shall see.
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