Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (12/20/22)
Tag Title Tuesday 2!
Who will have gold for the holidays?
The New Day defend their NXT Tag Team titles against Briggs & Jensen, and the NXT Women’s Tag Team titles are defended in a TRIPLE THREAT!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Axiom VS Carmelo Hayes w/ Trick Williams; Melo wins.
- Zoey Stark VS Nikkita Lyons; Stark wins.
- NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships Triple Threat: Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS Toxic Attraction VS Ivy Nile & Tatum Paxley; Kayden & Katana win and retain the titles.
- Indi Hartwell VS Elektra Lopez; Lopez wins.
- Alba Fyre VS Sol Ruca; No Contest.
- NXT Tag Team Championships: The New Day VS Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen w/ Fallon Henley; The New Day wins and retain the titles.
PLAY BY PLAY
Axiom VS Carmelo Hayes w/ Trick Williams!
The Undeniable Truth didn’t win the Iron Survivor Challenge, but he had one of the most exciting moments in it! It even caught The A Champion by surprise! But now, these two look to step up, wanting to be next in line after Grayson Waller. Who hits the mark and who misses like an air ball as the New Year approaches?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Melo waistlocks, he throws Axiom down, then pie faces him. Melo talks trash but Axiom trips Melo to a toehold! Melo rolls, Axiom cartwheels through, and he pie faces back! Melo scowls, rushes in, but Axiom facelocks! Axiom rolls Melo to a cover, ONE! Melo clinches, whips but Axiom reverses to snapmare! Things speed up, Axiom springboards to arm-drag, and Melo narrowly avoids the spin kick! Axiom says it was that close. Fans rally up, the two tie up, and Axiom headlocks. Melo powers up but Axiom hits a tornado takeover! Melo headscissors, Axiom kips free, but Melo holds onto the wrist!
Melo drags Axiom down to the headscissors, Axiom moves around and headstands. Axiom turns Melo over, bridges back and hooks up the legs! Fans cheer the exchange and Axiom gets a Bow ‘n’ Arrow! Melo pops out to cover, ONE, and Axiom ducks a kick to waistlock. Melo wheelbarrows, trips Axiom, but Axiom kicks him away! Melo kips up, Axiom trips him and covers, ONE! Axiom jumps the sweep, Melo ducks the kick, Melo sunset flips but Axiom rolls through to come back with a prawn hold! TWO, Axiom whips but Melo rolls. Things keep moving, Axiom arm-drags with a twist to have an armlock!
Fans cheer this great exchange, and then the fan rally up. Axiom bridges to twist the hammerlock! Melo endures, Trick coaches him up, and Melo stands. Axiom adds a chinlock, but Melo RAMS him into a corner! The ref calls the ropebreak, but Melo throws a back elbow. Axiom throws one back! Axiom goes up to FLYING ARM-DRAG and then DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Axiom waistlocks to rear bearhug and hold Melo down. Fans rally, Melo fights up, and Melo throws elbows. Axiom ducks, Melo bucks the O’Conner but he runs into a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Fans rally and duel as Axiom bearhugs again.
Melo fights up, throws a back elbow, and he talks trash. Melo runs, but Axiom goes the other way to DROPKICK the springboard down! Fans fire up for “NXT! NXT!” as NXT goes picture in picture.
Both men are down and the ref starts a standing count. Axiom flounders around at 4 of 10, he and Melo rise, and Axiom PENALTY KICKS! Melo sputters, but Axiom KICKS him again! Melo throws a body shot, but Axiom KICKS Melo back down! Axiom drags Melo up, to KICK again! And again! But Melo SWATS the leg! Melo runs, springboards, and FLYING LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Melo grows frustrated but he drags Axiom up to scoop and SLAM! Melo dribbles, he shoots, and he scores his free throw! But Axiom trips him up on the rebound! Melo stomps away on Axiom out of frustration! Melo covers again, TWO!
Melo clamps onto Axiom, he pulls on the mask! The ref reprimands but Melo shifts to have a cording hold. Axiom endures as Melo pulls on the arm. Axiom fights up, only for Melo to throw him down! Melo keeps on the arm, even digs a knee into Axiom’s side, but Axiom fights up gain. Axiom throws forearms, runs, and ducks a clothesline to crucifix takedown! TWO, and Melo CLOBBERS Axiom! Cover, TWO! Melo has the arm back in the cording hold! Axiom endures all over again, and he fights back up. Melo wrangles Axiom back down! NXT returns to single picture as fans rally and duel.
Melo pulls on the arm but Axiom fights up again. Axiom throws knees and gets free, but Melo ROCKS him with a right! Axiom ROCKS Melo back, but Melo SLAPS Axiom! Axiom CHOPS, Melo ROCKS! Axiom goes to ropes, Trick talks trash, but Axiom comes back to CHOP! Axiom fires palm strikes, he whips, and then DROPKICKS Melo down hard! Fans fire up with Axiom while Melo goes to a corner. Axiom runs corner to corner to GAMANGIRI! And then a FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Not quite perfect but fans argue the count. Axiom hurries to waistlock Melo again, but Melo resists the lift.
Melo runs to ropes, bucks Axiom again, and he BOOTS Axiom down from the kip-up! Melo runs to tilt-o-whirl FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! But into the CROSSFACE! Fans rally and duel as Axiom endures! Axiom rolls the hold to a cover, TWO! Melo lets go, springboards, but into a SLIDING GERMAN SUPLEX! Axiom goes up top fast and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! But Axiom has the arm for an ARMBAR!! Melo flails, moves around, but ends up in a TRIANGLE HOLD! Melo endures, fights up, he claws at Axiom’s mask! The ref reprimands, Melo lets go to deadlift Axiom for a POWERBOMB! But Axiom springs up to TRIANGLE HOLD!!
Melo endures all over again but Axiom pulls him in deep! Melo dribbles Axiom’s head off the mat! Axiom lets go and Melo grabs hold of an arm. Melo drags Axiom up by his arm and mask, and he BOOTS Axiom! And BOOTS him! And BOOTS again! Axiom eggs Melo on! Then he blocks the boot to CHOP!! Axiom knuckle locks, CHOPS, goes up and up, but Melo trips him up! Axiom just double knuckle locks to bring Melo up! Axiom then jumps up to the top, but Melo follows! Axiom SUPER DUPER STEINERS!! Fans are thunderous for “NXT! NXT!” while Trick freaks out! Melo distracts the ref, Trick throws Axiom down by his mask!
Melo hits a CODE BREAKER!! Melo goes up top and he takes aim, NOTHING BUT NET!! Cover, Melo wins!
Winner: Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
As always, it’s Trick with the assist, but Melo made his shot! Axiom know sit, too, so he ASAI MOONSAULTS onto Trick! Axiom says that’s what happens! Will the Undeniable Truth prove that Melo can’t make his shots without help?
Backstage interview with Grayson Waller.
McKenzie Mitchell says Waller requested this time, so what’s on his mind? “I still can’t believe Roxanne Perez is our new NXT Women’s Champion. I never thought she could do it. And honestly, McKenzie, it’s inspired me. If Roxanne didn’t have to wait until New Year’s Evil, then why should I wait for New Year’s Evil for my match with Bron?! I want my title match… TONIGHT!” Seriously? Dead serious! Roxie called her shot, so Waller’s calling his! But Bron’s not here, he’s on a media tour promoting Vengeance Day. Why? He’s not going to be champion come Vengeance Day, Waller will! Well, he’s in Carolina right now-
Waller doesn’t care where Bron is! The challenge is made! If Bron wants to show he’s a gutless champion, then so be it. But Bron has the USA Network, probably streaming on his phone right now. Waller tells Bron to meet him the ring tonight! “BITCH!!” Is the 21st Century Success Story just puffing up his chest because he knows the champ isn’t here? Or will Bron find a way to return home in time to break the Grayson Waller Effect?
Tony D’Angelo is on the phone with someone.
It isn’t Stacks, because he’s right next to The Don. Tony can’t believe “he said that.” But absolutely, yeah. Tootles. Who was that? Well, guess who has a North American Championship match next week? Wow, let’s go, Don! Is he the don or not? So Wes Lee agreed to that? It was his idea! What a great guy. But what do they now? Well, Stacks is gonna tell Dijak to stay out of their business. And when Tony beats Wes, Dijak can have the first crack. But until then, Dijak needs to stay out of his way. Stacks has to go tell him now? No, wait until tomorrow. YES right now!
Stacks heads out, but Waller has him and Tony hold on. Have they seen Bron Breakker? No. Stacks leaves, and Waller tells Tony to tell Bron that Waller’s looking for him. Can the Don do that for Waller? Yeah, sure. Waller heads out, and Tony shakes his head. Does even Tony D know some things just aren’t possible?
Zoey Stark VS Nikkita Lyons!
Once a role model and “big sister” to the new recruits, The Hunter is only looking out for herself now. She and the Lioness have a score to settle, but who will be the hunter and who will be the hunted?
But as Lyons makes her entrance, Stark rushes out after her! Lyons avoids the cheap shot to ROUNDHOUSE Stark down! Lyons says if that’s how she wants it, then she RAMS Stark into the apron! They get in the ring, fans fire up and the bell rings! Stark swings but into counter punches from Lyons! Lyons whips, then HEEL KICKS Stark down! Stark flounder sup, Lyons RAMS her into the corner! And again, and again! Lyons whips corner to corner, runs in and FOREARM SMASHES! Stark staggers away, Lyons is right after her with body shots! Stark shoves back but Lyons fires off more shots! The ref counts, Stark shoves Lyons away and bails out!
Fans boo but Lyons pursues. Stark gets back in the ring, but Lyons avoids the sliding dropkick! Lyons whips but Stark reverses to POST Lyons! Stark rains down fists, then she roars! The ring count is climbing, fans taunt Stark with “OH~ Zoey Is Angry~!” Stark RAMS Lyons into the apron, pushes her into the ring at 7 of 10, and then stalks her to ropes. Lyons gets up but Stark CHOKES her on the ropes! The ref counts, Stark lets off at 4 of 5, and Lyons sputters to a corner. Stark CHOPS Lyons! Lyons CHOPS back, but Stark CHOPS again! Lyons CHOPS, Stark CHOPS, then Stark kicks low. Stark snapmares and clamps on a chinlock.
Lyons endures, fans rally up, but Stark CLUBS Lyons across the chest and shoulders. Stark wraps on a tighter hold but fans rally up again. Lyons fights to her feet, but Stark wrangles her right back down! Fans continue to rally, Lyons continues to fight, but Starks throws her down by her hair! Stark pie faces Lyons around, saying she’s nothing! But Lyons avoids the spin kick to sweep the legs! Stark staggers back up, Lyons rallies with clotheslines! Lyons waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX! Lyons roars, runs in and PENALTY KICKS! And HIP ATTACKS! ROUNDHOUSE, then a cover, TWO! Lyons grows frustrated but she watches Stark stand up.
Fans rally as Lyons fireman’s carries. Stark fights free with elbows, goes to a corner, and Lyons runs in. Stark dodges to HEEL KICK!! Lyons staggers, Stark reels her in, but Lyons fights the full nelson. Lyons elbows Stark away, but Stark comes back with a DROPKICK! Lyons hits a ROBINSON SPECIAL! Cover, TWO! Stark says Lyons is ungrateful, and then she goes to a corner. Stark springboards, but Lyons avoids the ax handle to ROCK Stark with a right! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Stark survives and Lyons grows further frustrated. Fans rally, both women stand and Lyons waistlocks. But Stark elbows free!
Lyons blocks a superkick, shoves and scoops Stark, but Stark slips off! Lyons SUPERKICKS Stark, then runs to FOREARM SMASH in the corner! Lyons whips Stark out but Stark goes up and over. Stark waistlocks, Lyons switches to O’Conner Roll, TWO and Stark has the O’Conner Roll Bridge! With the ropes!! STARK WINS!!
Winner: Zoey Stark, by pinfall
Fans boo as The Hunter steals a win! Lyons is furious, will she be hunting down Stark for a rematch?
Backstage interview with Cora Jade.
McKenzie says she can only imagine what Cora is feeling right now. Cora was seconds away from being the Iron Survivor until Roxanne won. And then Roxanne won the NXT Women’s Championship. Her thoughts? Cora says she was there for all that. Roxie is the luckiest person alive. That should’ve been Cora’s moment! Roxie doesn’t deserve the title, Cora does! And a lot of people think they deserve things, but Cora- GETS ATTACKED BY WENDY CHOO!! Wendy is in candy cane stripes but she’s more like a bat outta hell as she and Cora brawl! Referees rush in to stop this, but we all know this animosity isn’t going away! When will we see these two finally settle the score?
Fallon Henley, Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen look at the family expenses.
Fallon has no idea how her parents will get through this one. The interest rate alone is a killer. What did the financial advisor say? Mr. Henley met with him and talked it out, but they can’t just make money magically appear. Jensen is sure something will come up. It has to! The Henleys have rode out some tough times, especially 2021, but they have to keep their fingers crossed. Briggs says 2023 is right around the corner, surely things will get better. Jensen says he and Briggs are gonna walk into the New Year as NEW NXT Tag Team Champions, so they’ll host events and watch parties for New Year’s Evil and Vengeance Day!
Briggs likes that! They can put their heads together and come up with something. But in walk Kiana James & Gina. Kiana tells Gina to take stock of everything, from the furniture to the wall fixtures. Anything that can get them money in liquidation. Gina’s on it. Jensen says hi, but Fallon asks what the hell they’re doing here. Briggs says they should’ve read the sign, y’all ain’t welcome here. Welcome? They should be rolling out a red carpet. A little birdie told them about the Henley financial woes. So she’s going to take care of them. Jensen…
Kiana did some digging, and her friends at the banks told her about the “dreadful financial mismanagement” by the Henleys. This bar owes THOUSANDS in commercial taxes! And they sure don’t have enough in the Escrow to cover it, so Kiana paid it all for them. The bank then placed a lien on the bar. So sorry, but Fallon’s childhood memories aren’t worth much. Kiana will soon buy this bar outright and do whatever she wants with it. Fallon calls Kiana a bitch. Kiana says she prefers “businesswoman.” Okay, then let’s talk business! Next week, Fallon VS Kiana, and when Fallon wins, her family gets the bar, debt free!
Is Fallon delusional? Why would Kiana agree to that? Because if Kiana wins, she can have the bar for “pennies on the dollar.” Deal? Deal. See you next week. Kiana & Gina leave, Jensen isn’t sure what to say. But can Fallon fight to keep her family’s bar? Or will this be a hostile takeover by the Professional Professional Wrestler?
NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships Triple Threat: Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS Toxic Attraction VS Ivy Nile & Tatum Paxley!
Speaking of settling scores, KC Squared has been dealing with Gigi Dolin & Jacy Jayne talking and stalking them when it comes to these titles, and then the Diamond Mine’s Pitbull and Prospect got in the mix! With the odds not in the champions’ favor, will Kayden & Katana be able to survive for the holidays? Or will we see NEW tag team champions just in time for Christmas?
NXT returns and the Diamond Mine make their entrance. Then the champions make their entrance. The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if the numbers spell disaster for KC Squared!
The teams sort out, and in this Triple Threat, only two teams are legal at a time. Kayden and Gigi start, forcing Tatum & Ivy to stand down. Gigi and Kayden circle, tie up, and Gigi wrenches to then CLUB Kayden. Gigi bumps Kayden off buckles, tags Jacy, and Gigi whips Jacy in for a back body block! Jacy helps Gigi hit the BRONCO BUSTER, then Jacy adds a CANNONBALL! Cover, TWO! Fans rally, Jacy says Kayden is nothing, but Kayden waistlocks! Jacy switches, Kayden goes to ropes but Ivy tags in as Kayden bucks Jacy away. Ivy runs in, spins Jacy and steps over to hook up an arm! Ivy drags Jacy down to a cover, TWO!
Fans rally for Ivy as she gator rolls with Jacy! Ivy brings Jacy up, whips her to the Diamond corner, then runs in to RIDER KICK! Tag to Tatum, she and Ivy double suplex! They double kip up, then Tatum gets an assist for the STANDING MARIPOSA! Cover, TWO! Tatum drags Jacy to the wrong corner and realizes it before she tags out. Tatum drags Jacy over to tag Ivy, and Ivy drags Jacy up. Ivy wrenches, KICKS and runs, but Jacy ROCKS Ivy! Jacy snarls, runs, but Kayden sneaks a tag! ROLLING ELBOW for Ivy, but then SUPERKICK for Jacy! Gigi runs in but so does Katana, and KC Squared DOUBLE DROPKICK Gigi!
Fans fire up as KC Squared BLAST Tatum off the apron and onto Jacy! All four challengers are gathered together, KC Squared both climb the same corner, for a SUPER DOUBLE CROSSBODY! Fans fire up as the champs stand tall and NXT goes to break.
NXT returns again and Ivy endures a Bow ‘n’ Arrow Stretch from Gigi! Fans rally, Ivy pops out to cover, TWO! Gigi and Ivy get up, Gigi grabs an arm to keep Ivy from Tatum! Gigi short arm LARIATS, then she DECKS Tatum! Ivy KICKS Gigi back, and tags Kayden! Kayden dodges Gigi, BLASTS Jacy, then DECKS Gigi! Gigi gets up into another haymaker! Kayden whips Gigi to a corner, but Tatum tags in! Kayden BOOTS Tatum down, then runs to DROP-SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Kayden grows frustrated but she keeps on Tatum. Fireman’s carry, but Tatum fights and handsprings free of the throw! Tatum DECKS Katana, goes up and over Kayden!
Kayden puts Tatum on the apron, ROCKS her, but Tatum ROCKS Kayden back! Tatum climbs up to get Kayden, but Katana climbs up to tag in! Katana CLUBS Tatum, then gets Tatum for a SUPER DUPER STEINER! Cover, Ivy breaks it! Gigi ROUNDHOUSES Ivy! Kayden SUPERKICKS Gigi! Jacy SUPERKICKS Kayden! Katana ENZIGURIS Jacy! Fans are thunderous as all six women are down all over ringside! “This is Awesome!” as teams regroup at their corners. Ivy tags in, drags Katana up, and she fireman’s carries. Katana fights free, Gigi tags in! Gigi runs Ivy down but Ivy grapples with her to get a cover, TWO!
Gigi CLUBS Ivy, drags her up, and tags Jacy in. Toxic Attraction wrench and ROUNCHOUSE, SUPERKICK, and then FALLING HEDBUTT to a SENTON! Cover, Kayden drags Jacy off! They argue, Jacy tells Kayden to “SUCK IT!” Jacy shrieks, runs in to UPPERCUT Ivy, then runs in to CANNONBALL, but she only gets buckles! Tatum tags in, Ivy gives her a hand, ICONOCLASM TORNILLO!! Cover, Gigi breaks it!! Gigi drags Tatum up, but Tatum throws Gigi into Kayden! Hot tag back to Ivy and she drags Jacy up! But Jacy spins through to hit a NECKBREAKER! Fans fire up as Jacy aims at Ivy. But Katana sneaks a tag!
Kayden YANKS Jacy out of the ring as Katana runs at Ivy! CODE BREAKER! Ivy is down, Kayden tags in! But Tatum SHOVES Katana off the top and onto Toxic Attraction!! Ivy spins things around on Kayden, DIAMOND DRAGON SLEEPER!! Kayden endures, pushes off ropes to get a cover, KC SQUARED WIN!!
Winners: Kayden Carter & Katana Chance, by pinfall (still NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions)
Snatching victory from the jaws of defeat, Kayden & Katana keep the party alive! That was a close one, but will KC Squared always find a way?
Oro Mensah speaks.
“The vibe. The beat. The nightlife. It’s like Orlando is my home away from home. I keep it fresh. I keep it fun. Because music and wrestling have the same frenetic energy. I may not have been here for a long time, but I am here for a good time.” Oro Mensah is on his way back, will he bring the funk and the noise to NXT?
Booker T has a sit-down interview with Roxanne Perez.
Booker starts with just, “Wow. We’re here.” He feels like Morpheus in the Matrix searching for The One, and here she is. Roxie was the one who said when she was a little kid that she’d be the one to make it here. She is now NXT Women’s Champion. Take us back tot hat night. “It was a mix of emotions. I think for the most part, overwhelmed. I honestly didn’t expect for it to happen, but I pulled it off.” Booker knows that she walked into his wrestling school at just 16 years old, and she said, “I want to be in the WWE one day. What can you do to help me get there?” They put in the work, put their foot on the gas, and here, just five years later, NXT Women’s Champion.
Booker says this was like a meteoric rise for her. Roxie wanted to be the youngest-ever champion, and she became an NXT Women’s Tag Champion, the inaugural Women’s Breakout Superstar, and the first-ever Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge winner. And now, she really is the youngest NXT Women’s Champion. All of that within nine months of signing. She did not expect all this to happen. Booker says Roxie made history. She could’ve waited, but why take the shot and want it that night?
Roxie remembered a conversation she had with Booker about her tryout. She remembered what he said: “You need to bet on yourself. You need to bank on yourself.” That is what she remembered when Mandy attacked. She didn’t wanna wait, she wanted to bank on herself, and that is what she did. And then it all worked out. Booker says preparation is the only luck anyone has, and that is what it is for Roxie. She’s been preparing for this since day one, and now she’s champion. Congratulations, Roxie.
Roxie says he’s been asking questions, but he knows from their days in Reality of Wrestling, she’s had plenty of questions. So her first question is, as champion to legend, does he have any advice? Booker has always been about two things: checks and championships. You’ll be nervous, you’ll have butterflies, but you gotta make those butterflies line up and fly straight. When you lose that feeling, that is when it’s time to get out. So Roxie just has to go out there, win, make history, and fight her way to becoming a Hall of Famer. Everyone back home is so proud of her, so she just has to represent. Roxie’s ready! But then, who is next for The Prodigy?
Apollo Crews is here!
Fans cheer the man who was almost NXT Champion at NXT Deadline. But that loss doesn’t seem to have slowed him down, he still has energy as he goes to the ring and gets the mic. “Before I get started, I just have one thing to say. I gotta congratulate the NEW NXT Women’s Champion, Roxanne Perez! I gotta say, that was very, very well deserved. Now, I thought that I’d be leaving Deadline as the NEW NXT Champions. As a matter of fact, I knew it. I knew it in my heart. Man, it was my night! The vision was clear! I had the opportunity to capture the title that I came back to this building for. The title that I came back to this energy for!
“I had the opportunity to capture the title that I cam back to this brand to win. Now we all saw what happened. It didn’t go down like that, and I understand completely that I have been knocked down a few pegs. But that is okay. Cuz I am NOT out of championship contention. Now at New Year’s Evil, Bron Breakker and Grayson Waller will battle it out, and just three weeks after that, NXT is back on the rooooad~! They’re back on the road for Vengeance Day, and that is the time that I see myself stepping-” But wait! Melo makes his way back out! Melo has them cut the music there.
“For a man who talks about visions so much, how can you see that title from the back of the line?” Make no mistake, if we’re talking about who’s next, Melo’s next. Apollo, you’re nice, you’ve got it all, but what you don’t got is what Melo has, and that’s next. They’ve never been 1v1, but Melo has no problem at all putting a future Hall of Famer among those jerseys in the rafters. Apollo expected more from Melo. But credit where credit is due, Melo has everything! He is one of one! Just look at him! Fans do chant for “MELO~! MELO~!” Apollo says Melo looks cool, he has the swagger, the drip! Bell to bell, Melo’s at the top of NXT’s depth chart!
But one thing Melo doesn’t have… Oh, what’s that? The title? Because as Melo looks at Apollo, neither does he! Apollo frowns and Melo talks more trash. Apollo tells Melo, “Let me tell you something, dog. The one thing that you don’t understand, is that no matter how good you think you are, there is always, ALWAYS, someone out there better than you. And I don’t have to stand out here and tell you I am. You name the time, the place, and I’ll show you I am.” The gauntlet has been thrown down, will Melo accept the challenge?
The New Day talks backstage.
Woods is telling Kofi something someone else told him. They told Woods that the number of people that are older than you will never increase. Whoa…! But then Pretty Deadly rushes in with Christmas gifts? Kofi says hi to the #1 contenders! That is, if Kofi & Woods beat Briggs & Jensen. And if Kit & Elton got them everything on their wish lists. Yes! Everything! Oh, really? So they got Kamala’s mask? And Bart Gunn’s Brawl for All trophy? And Santino Marella’s Cobra? Ahmed Johnson’s Legion of Doom shoulder pads? Stevie Ray’s slapjack? Then that means they also got Honky Tonk Man! Kofi took that off the list, you can’t just go get a person. Fair.
But surely, Pretty Deadly got everything else. Kit & Elton double check the list and say they didn’t get quite everything. Then they can’t have their rematch! But how were they supposed to get Nail’s prison jumpsuit? He’s still in prison! Oh, like they’ve never broken the law and been to prison. NO! Then they’re gonna have to! How badly do they want the belts? SO badly! But can’t they pledge allegiance to the flag this time? No, that was last week! And they know inflation is running rampant. Last week’s price is not today’s. The only thing that remains the same is ya bois, the NEW~ DAY~! As the W! W! E! N! X! T! World! Tag! Team! CHAMPIONS~!
And also, get that last one. Tyler Breeze’s selfie stick. Very important, it’s for a party. Okay, see you later. Elton says this isn’t giving them any time to shop for themselves! Kit reminds Elton that this is Christmas time. It sure doesn’t feel like it! Will Kit & Elton be able to pull off an admittedly selfish Christmas miracle?
Alba Fyre walks around backstage.
And then she spots Isla Dawn! Isla laughs, Fyre raises her bat, but she gets RED DUST blown into her face! Fyre staggers around into piping, an official rushes over to help her. They shout for medical, but knowing the Wicked Witch of NXT, was that dust just dust or something worse?
NXT shares footage from last week.
Odyssey Jones, Malik Blade & Edris Enofe were heading out after the show, and they spotted Simone Joh- er, Ava Raine! They invited her along “to get that one two step.” Ava said, “When are you three going to stop trying to fill the void in your lives? Better question, when are you gonna realize the feeling that you’re chasing is temporary?” What? Ava, it ain’t that deep. They just wanna have fun living their best lives. If she doesn’t wanna join, that’s fine. But just know that they don’t believe in all that Schism bull-
But then in walks The Schism! Joe Gacy says, “What’s not to believe, Edris?” What he sees is a family. Jagger Reed says all he sees is three individuals bonded by a false reality that they’ve convinced is fun. Ava tells them to have “fun” tonight. Oh, they will. The Schism leaves, Jones won’t let them ruin the mood.
NXT checks in on Alba Fyre in the medical room.
The dust is stinging Fyre’s eyes and the doc did an eye check. Waller walks by asking about Bron. Fyre tells him to leave! Why’s she mad at him for? Waller goes off still trolling for Bron, but what of Fyre’s eyes? Will she make sure Isla doesn’t see the revenge coming?
Indi Hartwell VS Elektra Lopez!
Another score is being settled here tonight as #IndiWrestling and La Madrina finally have it out in the ring! Will Indi continue to be impressive all on her own? Or will it be Lopez living the high life in NXT?
The bell rings and Indi RAMS Lopez to a corner! Indi RAMS Lopez more, fans fire up but Lopez shoves Indi away. Indi BOOTS Lopez right back down! Cover, ONE, and Lopez tackles Indi! Lopez rains down fists, Indi shoves her away, but Lopez kicks her low. Lopez whips Indi into the corner, but Indi goes up and over! Indi hip tosses Lopez, then covers, ONE! Indi drags Lopez up to whip but Lopez stops herself to KICK back! Lopez ROCKS Indi, KICKS her out of the ring, then goes out after her. The forearms fly, Lopez CLUBS Indi then POSTS her! Lopez talks trash, puts Indi back in, and then KNEES Indi in the back!
Lopez throws another knee, drops an elbow, covers, TWO! Lopez wraps on a chinlock but fans rally up. Indi fights up, but Lopez throws her down by her hair! Cover, TWO! Lopez clamps on a chinlock and she thrashes Indi around! Indi endures and fans rally up, but Lopez fishhooks Indi’s face! The ref reprimands, Lopez stops to KNEE Indi in the back! Lopez CLUBS Indi, CLUBS her again, and then clamps on a chinlock. Lopez smothers Indi but Indi fights up again. Fans rally, Indi rolls Lopez up! ONE, but Indi kicks, CLUBS and JABS! Indi CLOBBERS Lopez, then CLOBBERS her again!
Fans fire up as Lopez goes to the apron. Indi drags Lopez through ropes to UPPERCUT and BOOT! Cover, TWO! Indi is annoyed but she drags Lopez up to whip her to ropes. Lopez ducks ‘n’ dodges and DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Fans rally up as Lopez crawls to a corner. Indi stands, she storms up but Lopez BOOTS her away! Lopez goes up the corner, and brings out brass knuckles from inside the padding!? Indi drags Lopez off the top, but Lopez BRASS KNUCKLE PUNCHES Indi down! Cover, Lopez wins!!
Winner: Elektra Lopez, by pinfall
Lopez hides the evidence in her top, but she got away with one! Will La Madrina make her way to the top of NXT by any means necessary?
NXT again checks in on Fyre.
She tells the doc that she’s fine now. She just wants to be cleared. Well, if her vision is normal and there’s no more pain, then she’s cleared for her match tonight. Okay, thank you. Fyre heads back out, but will there be any side effects of her run-in with Isla?
Backstage interview with Wes Lee.
McKenzie asks him about making a title defense against Tony D’Angelo. Wes says that he refuses to be a reactionary champion. He is bringing the fight to every opponent every single time. He might get some bumps and bruises, but he got here by pushing the envelope, so why stop just because he’s champion? That’s fair. And Wes says after he beats The Don, he can move on. He has to take it one opponent at a time, and he’s starting with the man with the biggest mouth. If Tony wants the title as bad as he says, then he can try taking it from Wes next week. After Tony fails, Wes knows Dijak is waiting to deliver “hard justice.”
Wes says he’s ready to deliver his own cold hard facts. One: this title isn’t leaving Wes’s shoulder any time soon. Will the Must-See Kid stay the Must-See Champion of NXT? Or will Tony D tell him to FOGEDABOUTIT?
Alba Fyre VS Sol Ruca!
The Fire Keeper is fuming after what Isla Dawn has done to her, from that Last Woman Standing match against Mandy to Deadline, to the red dusting here tonight! Will she take out all of that anger on the #SolSurfer? Or will Ruca ride a wave that puts out the Fyre?
Speaking of Dawn, she attacks Fyre inside of her own smoke! The Wicked Witch stomps and ROCKS Fyre, CLUBS her, then ROCKS her again! Dawn grabs Fyre’s hand, puts it between steel steps and post, and then she grabs the baseball bat! Dawn grins as she SMACKS the steps with the bat! Fyre writhes as she clutches her smashed hand! Dawn mocks Fyre’s pain then laughs as she leaves, bat still in hand. Will nothing stop the Wicked Witch from cursing all of NXT?
Chase U holds a holiday party!
Andre Chase and all his students are together and exchanging gifts. The students line up to give Mr. Chase present after present. Thea Hail got Chase a brand new Chase U sweater. Cookies from Anna, and a fruitcake from Scott. Is he crazy?! Chase is ALLERGIC to fruitcake! Another student who brought fruitcake realizes they’re also in trouble… Chase asks if Scott wants him to break out in hives and have his throat close up! “Scott, you dumbass! I hope mother [censored] Santa Claus brings you a mother [censored] lump of coal! A FRUITCAKE?!” Scott leaves, dejected. And then the other students with fruitcake bail out.
Duke Hudson realizes the gift exchange was today, when he thought it was on Thursday. He looks at what Alex has. Duke tells Alex that the principal wants to talk to him. He means the Dean? YES! That! He gets them mixed up, going back and forth from Australia. But it’s something about Alex’s scholarship not rolling over to next semester or something. What?! Alex needs the scholarship! Duke says he’ll hold Alex’s gift and place in line. Alex thanks Duke, and Duke says it’s okay, everything always works out. At least, it works out for Duke. Duke goes up to Chase and says he wasn’t sure what to get the man who has everything.
Duke presents Alex’s present, and Chase is impressed: a “#1 Professor” plaque! Duke hasn’t even been here the whole semester, he didn’t have to do this. Oh, but he did! It’s from the heart. Well Chase appreciates that. He thanks Duke. Duke thanks Chase one hundred times more. Group hug! Merry Christmas from Chase U! But will Duke be the one getting that coal from Santa for being so naughty?
Backstage interview with Briggs, Jensen & Fallon.
McKenzie wants to talk about the confrontation with Kiana James, but she turns to Briggs & Jensen as they’re moments away from challenging The New Day for the NXT Tag Team Championships. Briggs says it’s one thing at a time with the bar. Tonight, they’re ready to rock! They never thought they’d be facing the New Day, let alone in a match for THE NXT Tag Team Championships! Tonight, they’re going balls to the wall! Jensen says New Day are first-ballot hall of famers, this is the biggest match of their lives.
Jensen may have a knot in his stomach right now, but he did say last week that 2023 is gonna be their year! And the best way to walk into it is as the NEW NXT Tag Team Champions! Fallon says, “Boys! Let’s go kick some-” Kiana walks in now? Now’s not the time, Kiana, this isn’t about the bar. Kiana says to save it. Their issue will be handled next week. She’s not here for Fallon. She’s here for Jensen. Jensen drops his hat out of shock as Kiana wishes him good luck! Jensen thanks Kiana for that. And then he nervously says to go to gorilla. Seriously? Fallon and Briggs can’t believe it, but they head out with him.
McKenzie looks at Kiana and she says, “What? I may be all business, but I’m still a woman.” Is there something brewing between Brooks and Miss James?
Drew Gulak is working with trainees.
The Philly Stretcher helps one guy find a way out of a headlock, to a waistlock and to his own headlock. The trainee shifts to a cravat, but then Gulak throws him down for an armlock. “See how easy that was?” Hank Walker then walks over and asks “Mr. Gulak” for a word. Sorry to interrupt, Mr. Gulak, but- No, no, don’t do that. Call him “Drew.” Oh, okay then, Drew. Hank saw Gulak scouting a few weeks ago, including his. Hank knows he isn’t Charlie Dempsey, and he knows he isn’t that good at this, but he isn’t afraid to work hard to get better. He just hopes Gulak has any advice for him. Hank knows he has a lot to prove, but he’s willing to bust his ass.
Gulak admires Hank’s zeal and eagerness. Tell you what? Next week, Gulak’s hosting a seminar, so he wants Hank to attend. Not participate, just observe. Okay then! Yes, sir! Hank will be there. Sorry to interrupt. Gulak says that’s okay, and he returns to the trainees. Will Hank learn a lot from the Catch Point Professor?
NXT Tag Team Championships: The New Day VS Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen w/ Fallon Henley!
Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods join a short but elite list of WWE Tag Team Triple Crown Winners, and they’re looking to make this reign their biggest one yet! But will they make it through the country boys to reign in the New Year? Or will Briggs & Jensen pull off a Christmas miracle just before Christmas?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see just who (who who who) rocks around the Christmas tree!
The teams sort out and Jensen starts against Kofi while fans sing, “HEY~ We Want Some New~ Day~!” Kofi and Jensen tie up, go around, and Jensen shoves Kofi down! Kofi likes that, and he ties up with Jensen again. They go around, Jensen puts Kofi in a corner but Kofi turns it around to CHOP! Jensen says okay, he swings, but Kofi bobs ‘n’ weaves to SLAP Jensen on the back! Kofi headlocks, Jensen powers out, but Kofi goes up and over in the corner. Kofi bunny hops to the beat, “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” Jensen rushes in, Kofi waistlocks him to headlock him. Jensen powers out and runs Kofi over!
Jensen CHOPS Kofi down, then does a two step. Things speed up, Kofi hurdles, hurdles and leaps, but into a waistlock! Kofi flails to resist the lift but he can’t get loose. Jensen shoves Kofi away, scoops and POWERSLAMS! Cover, ONE!! Kofi hurries away and he tags in Woods. Woods and Jensen tie up, fans sing “HAIL KING WOODS!” as Jensen puts Woods in a corner. Jensen storms up but Woods elbows him away! Woods goes up, leaps, but Jensen catches him! Jensen swings Woods around, but Woods slips off the scoop! Woods shoves Jensen to mule kick! Woods CHOPS Jensen, whips, but Jensen reverses!
Woods ducks, dodges ‘n’ slides under to ROLLING ELBOW! Jensen goes to the corner, Woods runs in to forearm smash! Kofi tags in, Kofi taunts Briggs and forearm smashes! Woods runs in to forearm smash! Kofi runs in to SHOTGUN Jensen down! Fans fire up as Kofi stomps away on Jensen! Tag to Woods, Kofi whips Woods in to basement dropkick! Woods drags Jensen out, covers, TWO! Fans rally and Woods smirks as he brings Jensen up. Woods whips, Jensen hurdles, Briggs tags before the FACEBUSTER! Kofi runs in but Briggs runs him over! Fans are torn as Briggs & Jensen whip The New Day.
The New Day wheelbarrow but Briggs & Jensen turn that into atomic drops! Briggs & Jensen shove the New Day onto ropes, then they both slide out to ROCK the New Day with haymakers! Fans fire up and Kiana is in the front row to cheer Jensen on as NXT goes picture in picture.
Briggs & Jensen get back in the ring, Briggs drags Woods up and ROCKS Woods with a haymaker! Tag to Jensen, Briggs feeds Woods to a bearhug! Jensen squeezes tight, then he RAMS Woods into the corner! Tag to Briggs, feed to another bearhug! Briggs squeezes tight, RAMS Woods in, and Jensen tags back in. Another feed to another bearhug! Woods endures as Jensen RAMS Woods in again! Tag to Briggs, but Woods sunset flips this time! Briggs breaks free, to NECK TWIST! Woods writhes, Briggs stays between him and Kofi. Briggs brings Woods up but Woods throws body shots! Woods ROCKS Briggs, mule kicks, and tags Kofi!
Woods KNEES Briggs, wrenches an arm, and Kofi goes up to AX HANDLE! Kofi keeps Briggs from Jensen to wrench the arm again. Tag to Woods, Woods climbs up and he AX HANDLES the arm! Woods whips Briggs, Briggs reverses but Woods goes up, only for Briggs to stop him from going over! Briggs reels Woods in for a BIG back suplex! Briggs covers, TWO! Briggs keeps Woods down, tags in Jensen, and Jensen drags Woods into a chinlock. Woods endures as Jensen grinds him down and NXT returns to single picture. Fans rally with “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” and Woods fights up! Woods reaches out, Jensen keep shim away, but Woods throws Jensen off!
Jensen gets a leg, Woods hops on one foot, but he ENZIGURIS Jensen away! Jensen staggers around in a daze, Woods crawls over, hot tag to Kofi! Kofi CLOBBERS Jensen, DECKS Briggs, then CHOPS and CHOPS and DROPKICSK Jensen! Jensen rebounds, he ducks Kofi’s leaping lariat and kicks low! Jensen whips Kofi but Kofi goes up and up to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Kofi fires up and fans cheer the “NEW~ DAY~” BOOM DROP! Fans fire up as Kofi claps it up in the corner. Jensen stands, Kofi spins, but into a waistlock! Back suplex, but Kofi lands on his feet! Kofi clinches Jensen, for an SOS! Cover, ROPEBREAK!!
Kofi can’t believe it but Kiana is impressed by Jensen’s wherewithal. Kofi brings Jensen up, reels him in again, S O- NO, Jensen gut wrenches free and POWER- NO, Kofi ranas! Briggs tags in and he rallies on the New Day with fists and a BOOT! Briggs CROSSBODIES Woods on the outside! Kofi FLIES, but Briggs catches him! Briggs RAMS Kofi into the apron, pops him up against the ropes and CLOBBERS him! Woods baseball slides, but Briggs catches him, too! And he pop-up CLOBBERS Woods, too!! Briggs shoves Kofi in the ring, he tags Jensen, and Kofi spins, but into a clinch! POP-UP ATOMIC DROP, to the BOOT!! High stack, TWO?!!?
Kofi survives and Jensen is beside himself! Jensen wipes blood from a busted lip and fans are thunderous for “NXT! NXT!” Jensen TOSSES Kofi to the corner, tags Briggs, and they put Kofi up top. Briggs & Jensen climb but Woods gets on the apron. Jensen CLOBBERS Woods, but Kofi slips out under Briggs to DECK Jensen! Briggs BOOTS Kofi down, then adjusts up top, to MOONSAULT!! Cover, TWO!?!? Fans are stunned and Fallon can’t believe it! Briggs hitting the moonsault was one thing, but Kofi surviving it is another! “This is Awesome!” as Briggs drags Kofi up again. Briggs Electric Chair Lifts, and Jensen is up top!
But Woods SHOVES Jensen off the top! Jensen hits the announce desk! Kofi POISON-RANAS Briggs!! And then, TROUBLE IN PARADISE!! Tag to Woods, Kofi FLIES to take out Jensen!! Woods is up top, LIMIT BREAKER!! Cover, New Day wins!!
Winners: The New Day, by pinfall (still NXT Tag Team Champions)
The country boys couldn’t survive taking on the living legends, but fans are saying it again, “That was Awesome!” Kofi & Woods show respect to Briggs & Jensen, and Briggs & Jensen show it back. The New Day rocks in NXT, but who will be next to step up?
Channing Lorenzo finds Dijak.
Stacks tells Dijak that this is how they dish out justice. Next week, Dijak stays out of The Don’s way and Stacks won’t have to end the return before it gets going. Deal? Oh, Stacks was just rehearsing that in front of Dijak’s room. Stacks says he has this, and he storms into Dijak’s room. Will Hard Justice hear out The Don’s right hand man?
Waller is still searching.
“Where you at, Bron?” Waller doesn’t know where Bron went, but Bron knows where to find Waller! Waller says he’s going to the ring, because he is the future NXT Champion! Waller continues on to gorilla, but will he get what he wants? Or just what he deserves?
The countdown to January 10th continues!
“New Year. New Me. No resolutions needed.” But just who IS this?
The Diamond Mine is heading out.
NXT Media walks up to note the “tough loss” for Ivy & Tatum. They sticking together as a team? What kind of question is that? Everyone goes through growing pains. Just look at Katana & Kayden. Ivy says that it was a tough loss, but she knows she and Tatum made progress. The reporter asks Julius & Brutus Creed if they’re proud of Ivy & Tatum. Hell yeah they are! Ivy & Tatum busted their asses in that ring. But then Indus Sher calls over to the Creeds. They heard a rumor that Julius is cleared to compete. Oh, now they wanna talk? Yes, he is cleared! Sanga & Veer can get it whenever!
Veer says Julius has shown his judgment can’t be trusted. They needs to show Indus Sher something. Then watch next week! Julius is going 1v1 with JD McDonagh, the guy who hurt him, and will prove it to them. Then Indus Sher will be out of excuses! They’ll make this happen. Diamond Mine leaves, Indus Sher is ready. But will Julius make it through the Irish Ace in one piece to settle things with Veer & Sanga on the other side?
Grayson Waller heads to the ring!
The winner of the Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge was “inspired” to call out Bron Breakker, but Bron wasn’t even scheduled to be here tonight. Waller still expects the NXT Champion to show himself tonight, and he gets a mic to shout, “Where you at, huh?! I ain’t waiting any longer! I’m calling my shot! I want the NXT Championship right here, right now! Let’s do this!” But oh wait, he forgot that Bron’s a coward! Waller has carried NXT on his back for the entirety of 2022, making moment after moment after moment! He’s the biggest star here! No one can touch him! He lives NXT 24/7, and there isn’t a man or woman on NXT or in the WWE that can do what he does!
Waller says he’s the biggest star, the greatest Iron Survivor, and soon to be the greatest NXT Champions of ALL TIME! “And people think that Bron likes the bark because he got that dog in him.” But Waller doesn’t think Bron is a dog at all! Bron’s just a- Wait, who is honking as they pull up to the arena? IT’S BRON!! Well good! This is what Waller wanted! Waller isn’t afraid of Bron! He’s not afraid of anyone! Let’s go! Waller sure is barking, but here comes Bron! Bron runs into the ring, he ducks the lariat to SPEAR Waller!! But wait, Bron goes down, too!? Waller sits up, and unzips his jacket, and he reveals A KEVLAR VEST WITH A STEEL PLATE IN IT!!
Fans boo as Waller gets the better of Bron! Waller gets the mic to say, “I outsmarted you tonight. I outsmarted you at Deadline. And at New Year’s Evil, I’m gonna outsmart you one more time when I become NXT CHAMPION! Because that, Bron Breakker, is the Grayson Waller Effect!” Waller holds up the title while Bron finally comes to. Will Waller take this title from Bron by any means necessary?
My Thoughts:
A very good NXT here to set up what’s coming at New Year’s Evil. Melo VS Axiom was a great opening match, but I should’ve known Trick would help Melo cheat. This kinda extends from last night’s complaint about Heels using assists to win all the time. But at least Axiom got to wipe Trick out at the end there. Melo then confronting Apollo later is a great set-up for a match between the two of them for New Year’s Evil, the winner going on to Vengeance Day to challenge the champion. And the winner there surely depends on who is champion at the end of New Year’s Evil.
I figured that Waller calling out Bron, even though Bron was supposedly in Carolina, was going to result in Bron showing up tonight. Now, Waller having a metal plate to defend against Bron’s Spear was a really good surprise, and a pretty smart move. But Waller again holds up the belt, so given that math, I do not see him winning at New Year’s Evil. As such, Apollo VS Bron happening again doesn’t seem likely, so Melo has to win at New Year’s Evil to finally challenge for the top title at Vengeance Day. Melo can be the first big win on the road, which is great for him and for NXT.
Tony D’Angelo getting a title match for the last NXT of 2022 is fitting. They could really close out the year with a great match and great story stuff. Good promo from Tony to set up Stacks, good promo from Wes to respond, and I like that Stacks wasn’t quite brave enough to tell Dijak off on camera. For all we know, he did tell Dijak all that and now he’s in a dumpster out behind the Performance Center. I would hope for the sake of the title match, Dijak lets it end properly, then he goes after the winner, who I presume will be Wes because his reign can’t end with just one title defense. Then Wes and Dijak can take their title match to New Year’s Evil for something even bigger.
Really good stuff out from Stark VS Lyons, and good cheating win from Stark. Pretty sure the feud isn’t over here, it’s just beginning, and these two can escalate things to something bigger for New Year’s Evil. Same can be said for Isla Dawn and Alba Fyre. The dust was apparently just to delay Fyre’s match so Dawn could strike again. Dawn going after Fyre’s arm like that, that definitely helps delay the rematch until New Year’s Evil. And then Cora’s promo, smug as it was, was cut off by Wendy and they brawled, so we know we’re getting that match. And then we got a good match from Indi and Lopez, but what a great cheat from Lopez. Their feud is far from over, too, so there will surely be a rematch on the way.
It seems that Odyssey, Malik & Edris are moving on from Von after all, and they’re on to The Schism. That at least has some continuity to it from when Grimes was feuding with The Schism and Malik & Edris were dragged into it for a short moment. We’re getting a Six Man Tag, but chances are, Ava will interfere on The Schism’s behalf because that always happens in these kinds of stories. Who knows, maybe Odyssey’s side adds a female superstar that’s been waiting for a story to this story.
The Chase U segment this week was really funny with Chase cussing out the student who brought fruitcake, and how Duke sniped Alex’s gift. I was wondering if they were going to show us Duke’s sneaky side again, and it seems it’s still alive and well. Good promo from Hank Walker and Drew Gulak, it feels like they’re already setting up a team-up where Hank and Drew take on Damon Kemp and Charlie Dempsey. Maybe Hank tries to make a transition from a brawler in jeans to a wrestler in tights, but I didn’t see this coming so I would like to see where this is going.
Great Women’s Tag Team Championship match, and I like how great Ivy & Tatum got to look, even in losing. Kayden & Katana basically survive with the titles, but now I have no idea where they go from here. Good promo from Diamond Mine as a whole later on, Ivy & Tatum are clearly going to keep trying so maybe they move into the same role we saw KC Squared in pretty much this entire year until now. They’ll scratch and claw, face whatever teams they have to, and then finally get to be challengers again by perhaps Stand & Deliver. As for the Creeds and Indus Sher, Julius setting himself up against JD McDonagh, I have a feeling that isn’t going to go well for him.
We also got some really good development in the story of Fallon and her bar and how Kiana wants it. At the same time, it seems Kiana has actual interest in Jensen, so that’s an interesting layer. Maybe Kiana ends up the one torn between a choice as Jensen begs Kiana to spare Fallon and her family. But she had a good part of the promo with Jensen, Briggs and Fallon before the main event, as did The New Day in their promo with Pretty Deadly. It’s hilarious how the New Day is creating hoops for them to jump through to get a title shot. And then great main event for the tag titles, probably the best showing from Briggs & Jensen since they won the NXT UK Tag titles. But I figured New Day would win, so now we’re going to get a great build to Pretty Deadly’s rematch.
My Score: 8.7/10
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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.
The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.
Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!
Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!
Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!
The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.
As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.
Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.
Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.
Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?
Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
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