Coverage
Mitchell’s NXT New Year’s Evil Results & Report! (1/10/23)
2023 is EVIL!
The countdown is over!
The year’s only just begun but NXT is raising the bar! Will Bron Breakker still be champion after facing Grayson Waller on New Year’s Evil?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- NXT North American Championship #1 Contender’s Match: DIJAK VS Tony D’Angelo w/ Channing Lorenzo; Dijak wins and will challenge Wes Lee for the title at Vengeance Day.
- The Creed Brothers VS Indus Sher; No Contest.
- NXT Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Gauntlet: Gallus wins and will challenge the New Day for the titles at Vengeance Day.
- NXT Championship: Bron Breakker VS Grayson Waller; Bron wins, by count-out, and retains the title.
- Hank Walker w/ Drew Gulak VS Charlie Dempsey; Dempsey wins.
- Julius Creed VS Jinder Mahal w/ Sanga; Jinder wins.
- NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Battle Royal: Gigi Dolin AND Jacy Jayne win and will challenge Roxanne Perez for the title at Vengeance Day.
PLAY BY PLAY
Chase U starts a new semester!
Andre Chase welcomes Thea Hail, Duke Hudson, and all the other students to the new term, “Where everybody gets a fresh start! Even you, Barbash. Now, your homework for tonight is watch New Year’s Evil. Because outside of the protective gates of Chase U, are the mean streets of NXT, run by Tony D’Angelo. But Dijak wants to knock him off those streets. But whose form of justice will be served? Whose form of justice will be served?” Chase spooks Jeffrey for not paying attention! Chase says we’ll find out. And we’ll see if Pretty Deadly is good enough to run the gauntlet and earn an NXT Tag Team Championship rematch with The New Day.
Now what does this say? Chase points to the board. It says “Respect.” A wise man once said respect is earned, not given. So either the Creed Brothers or Indus Sher earn respect in their match tonight. Marcus says he’s looking forward to Hank Walker VS Charlie Dempsey. Gasp! Chase will pretend he didn’t just say that. Because the one he should be looking forward to is the NXT Championship match, Bron Breakker VS Grayson Waller! Duke puts his money on Breakker, he hates Australians. Isn’t he Australian? Nah, mate, he’s American.
Thea is confused but Chase tells Marcus to GTFO! They don’t need that kind of stupidity around Thea ahead of her biggest match ever: a #1 contenders battle royal for the NXT Women’s Championship! Thea says she isn’t sure of her chances. There are going to be NINETEEN other women in that match and she is only 19, they’re all way more experienced and there will be arms and legs flying everywhere! She’s really nervous. Chase says that might be true, but none of them have Thea’s heart. She’s show all of Chase U that she has more heart than anyone else in NXT! Thea can send those 19 others flying out of the ring, because Chase U believes in her!
Thea fires up and she has the confidence! LET’S EFFIN’ GO!! The whole class is fired up, but will the top recruit be on top heading further into 2023?
DIJAK VS Tony D’Angelo w/ Channing Lorenzo!
Hard Justice clashes with street justice with a golden opportunity on the line! Wes Lee is willing to give the winner their shot at his North American Championship, but it’s more than just that! Who wins here to DEFINE justice in NXT?
Wes Lee is on commentary and is looking forward to 2023 as these tow face off. Tony throws his hat at Dijak and the hands start flying! Tony backs Dijak down and clotheslines him out of the ring! Tony goes out, fires off hands, and he eggs Dijak on. Dijak smacks Tony off the apron! And shoves him into the steps! Dijak runs in but Tony dodges, so Dijak BOOTS the steps apart! Tony fires off on Dijak with hockey scrum body shots. The ref’s ring count is 5 of 10, Tony slides in, but Dijak drags him back out! Dijak CLOBBERS Tony against the apron! Dijak drags Tony up to throw him back in, but Tony DECKS Dijak at the apron!
Tony stomps away on Dijak, CLUBS him, and headlocks! Fans rally, Tony talks trash and he headlock punches! Dijak slips out to a hammerlock, and a SLEEPER! Tony picks Dijak up to RAM him into buckles! Tony runs in but Dijak ELBOWS him away! Tony CLOBBERS Dijak in return! Cover, TWO! Tony frowns but he stalks Dijak to ropes. Tony stands Dijak up, ROCKS him with hands, and he talks trash, “You know who you’re messing with?!” Dijak kicks Tony to then FLAPJACK HOTSHOT, and LARIAT! Cover, ONE!! Tony hangs tough but Dijak rains down fists! Cover, TWO! Dijak drags Tony up and fireman’s carries, but Tony throws elbows!
Tony is free, he goes to ropes, and he BOOTS Dijak! Dijak ELBOWS Tony, but Tony dodges the next one! Tony runs to clothesline Dijak and himself out of the ring! Fans fire up and both men rise. Tony drags Dijak up, CLUBS him, and throws haymakers! Dijak knees low, then he whips Tony at barriers! Stacks gets in the way to take the hit! Then Tony runs in to TACKLE Dijak! Tony says, “That’s what you get!” Fans fire up for Tony as NXT goes picture in picture.
Tony checks on Stacks but he’s okay. Tony rolls into the ring, Dijak crawls around the way, and the count is past 5 of 10! Tony gets impatient, he goes out to go after Dijak. But Dijak RAMS Tony into the post, then RAMS him into the announce desk! Tony falls, Dijak storms over and he brings Stacks up! Dijak CLUBS away on Stacks, then choke grips, for an APRON CHOKE SLAM! Dijak may have just broken Stacks’ back! Dijak grabs the handcuffs from his jacket and brings it over to clamp onto Stacks. He cuffs Stacks to the corner, then starts punching away! But Tony makes the save and fires hands on Dijak!
Dijak gets in the ring, Tony grabs a leg and drags Dijak back out! Tony CLUBS Dijak, smack shim off the desk, then puts him in the ring! But Dijak gets Tony in the ropes! DRAPING SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Tony survives and Dijak is frustrated, but Wes looks very intrigued. Dijak drags Tony away from the ropes, sits him up and clamps on a cravat! Tony endures, Dijak keeps on the hold, but Tony fights up to his feet. Tony throws body shots but Dijak throws knees! Dijak grinds Tony back down and leans on the hold. Tony fights back up as fans rally back up, but Dijak shouts at him to give up!
New Year’s Evil returns to single picture and the fans continue to rally. Stacks does his best to coach Tony and Tony fights up to throw body shots. Dijak cranks the cravat and brings Tony down again, but Tony fights back up. Tony throws body shots, Wes loves the tenacity, and Tony starts rallying! BELLY2BELLY! Fans fire up with Tony and he runs in at Dijak to clothesline against ropes! Tony whips to SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Dijak stays in this but fans continue to support Tony. Tony fisherman’s but Dijak is a lot to lift! Dijak fights free with body shots, and then wrenches out to mule kick! Front kick! And- NO, Tony ducks the elbow!
But Dijak blocks a kick! Dijak choke grips, Tony breaks free, then blocks, but the SUPERKICK comes around! Choke grip, HIGH JUSTICE!! Cover, TWO!?! Tony survives and even Wes is shocked! Fans are thunderous for Tony as he and Dijak crawl to opposite corners. “This is Awesome!” and it’s just the first match! Stacks coaches Tony, “You can kick his ass!” Stacks gets in, saying he can finish this for the boss. But Tony tells Stacks he’s not the boss, he’s family! Tony shoves Stacks out of harm’s way, only to take the CYCLONE KICK! Cover, Dijak wins!
Winner: Dijak, by pinfall
Wes stands up on the desk to let Dijak know that their title match is going down. Will the Must-See Kid face #HardJustice just like Tony D? Will he be able to survive Hard Justice?
Backstage interview with Toxic Attraction.
McKenzie Mitchell is with Gigi Dolin & Jacy Jayne and asks about the 20 Woman Battle Royal and their chance to go to Vengeance Day. Jacy says, “Chance? There is no chance, McKenzie. It’s a certainty. And how fitting of a name, that come Saturday, February 4th, it will be Vengeance Day for Toxic Attraction., And Roxanne is gonna pay for what she did to us!” Gigi says, “Everyone deals with pain different. Jacy screams it out, I take it out. I will have 18 other women to take it out on. In this battle royal, you will witness two caged beasts finally become unshackled and let into the wild.”
Then to address the elephant in the room- Oh, how McKenzie still has a job? No! What happens if it comes down to the two of them? Gigi says it is very simple: You will hear “Your winners, Toxic Attraction.” Umm, singles title battle royals don’t work that way… Will Toxic Attraction be in for a heartbreaking night one way or another? Or will vengeance by theirs?
The Creed Brothers VS Indus Sher!
Both sides have been itching for this showdown for months now, but Veer & Sanga were being gentlemen by waiting until both Julius & Brutus Creed were 100%. They are finally fit to fight, but will they have what it takes to stop these hungry tigers?
Wait, Sanga is entering alone? He has a mic, and he says, “Gentlemen, I have something to say.” Brutus gets a mic to shout, “Sanga, we don’t give a DAMN about what you have to say! It’s time to FIGHT!” Julius keeps Brutus back as Sanga goes to the ring. Sanga wants them to calm down. Veer is not here, but Sanga will honor this match, even if it’s 2v1. Julius gets the mic now to say, “You say this is about respect, but Veer doesn’t have enough respect to show up. We’re not gonna fight you two on one. We’re not gonna do that, that’s not-” WAIT! JINDER MAHAL attacks the Creeds from behind!! Fans are freaking out as Sanga has the Modern Day Maharaja by his side!
Sanga stomps Brutus out of the ring while Jinder drags Julius up to POST him!! Sanga then knees Brutus and TOSSES him into the steel steps! Jinder goes out to join Sanga as fans chant “JINDER! JINDER!” They mug Brutus, then Sanga CHOKE SLAMS Brutus on the steel steps! Jinder goes back to Julius in the ring, Sanga right behind him. They get Julius up for a KALLAS!! Fans are still going nuts, and Sanga gets a mic again to hand it to Jinder. “Veer and Sanga fight for respect. But I don’t.” Jinder drops the mic, and now Indus Sher is stronger than ever! Will they dominate all of NXT now that they are a trio?
Pretty Deadly talk backstage.
Kit Wilson & Elton Prince are finishing up with curling their hair, and Kit says they’re one step closer to the gold. Elton dabs a spot on Kit’s cheek, and they have 15 minutes left on the curls. But tonight’s the night! The New Day then walk in and wonder what the heck is all this! What do they mean? Well, that Creeds VS Indus Sher match just got canceled. That means the tag gauntlet is next. NEXT?! OH NO! DE-ROLL! DE-ROLL! Pretty Deadly get the rollers out and hurry to gorilla! They’re clearly not ready, and Woods was sure they always had straight hair. Will Kit & Elton have any chance of surviving to Vengeance Day?
Jinder and Sanga head backstage.
They speak in Hindi but Valentina Feroz storms over. Jinder lets them speak, and Feroz asks Sanga what he’s doing. What is this? Is this the real Sanga? Sanga says yes, it is. It is about him and his brothers now. Sanga leaves, and Elektra Lopez walks over to say Sanga is right. Sanga’s all about himself now. Maybe Feroz should be all about herself now. Especially tonight in the battle royal, where it is every woman for herself. Think about it. Lopez leaves, will Feroz find a way to finally go it alone?
NXT Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Gauntlet!
Pretty Deadly wanted this challenge, and now they’re getting it! Three top teams in NXT are lined up to go against Kit & Elton, will one of them stop the rematch at Vengeance Day? Or will Pretty Deadly say #YesBoy to going on the road?
Before the match, Kit & Elton get the mics and Kit says, “There’s no time to talk, because it’s time to fight! But before that, we’ve got a quick little thing to say.” Elton says, “The New Day don’t think we deserve those tag team championships. So we picked three of the toughest teams in the whole of NXT, and we’re gonna run the gauntlet to prove it!” Kit says they are the best tag team here! And the time for messing about is over! And so, first out is… The Rockers?! What? That’s not HBK and Marty! It’s “Flyin’ Bryan Williams” and “Slammin’ Jammin’ Jimmy Jackson!” Pretty Deadly are fake scared as this match begins. Clearly, the messing around has just begun!
Pretty Deadly VS The Rockers 2023!
The teams sort out, Elton starts against Jimmy, and he CLOBBERS Jimmy from behind! Jimmy knocks down Bryan, Elton drags Jimmy over and tags in Kit! ASSISTED GUTBUSTER! Then Kit tags Elton back in, for SPILT MILK! Cover, Pretty Deadly ELIMINATE The Rockers! Fans boo as Pretty Deadly pretends to be tired out. But wait, the New Day comes out! Kofi and Woods say no, no, they knew this would happen. But fortunately, ya bois the NEW~ DAY~, are not gonna let Pretty Deadly slide that easily. NO BOY! Pretty Deadly must beat two actual top teams in NXT. And the New Day have those teams right here!
But Kofi, wait. Who (who who who) will those teams be? First up, EDRIS ENOFE & MALIK BLADE, BABYYY~! Fans like this a lot better! Will Edris & Malik prove they can get serious?
Pretty Deadly VS Malik Blade & Edris Enofe!
The bell rings, Pretty Deadly rushes in but Malik & Edris dodge to then fire off haymakers! Pretty Deadly kicks low, uppercut, but then Malik & Edris DECK Pretty Deadly! Fans fire up as Edris & Malik run, to BOOT and LEAPING LARIAT! Fans fire up as Pretty Deadly bails out. Malik & Edris then build speed, to DOUBLE TOPE CONJILO! Double direct hits at the ramp, and fans are fired up as NXT goes picture in picture!
Malik & Edris regroup in the ring, they wait on Pretty Deadly, but Elton & Kit flank the ring. Kit slides in but Malik arm-drags him down! Malik has the armlock, he grinds Kit’s elbow, then CLUBS Kit in the chest! Kit scrambles away, but Malik wrenches the arm and tags in Edris. Edris drops ax handles on the arm and Kit goes to a corner. Edris storms over, Kit kicks back but Edris fires off hands! Kit stomps a foot, bumps Edris off buckles, and runs, only to get buckles! Off comes the durag! Elton tags in, but Edris rallies on him! Tag to Malik, and they STUNNER COMPLETE SHOT COMBO! Cover, TWO!! Elton survives and Malik is snarling!
Malik drags Elton up, CLUBS him, but Elton wants mercy! Malik looks to the crowd, then he storms in, but Elton YANKS him into ropes! And then BLINDSIDE LARIATS! Tag to Kit, Pretty Deadly mugs Malik in the corner! The ref counts, Pretty Deadly lets off, and Kit brings Malik up. Malik throws hands but Kit ROCKS him back. Malik ROCKS Kit back! And again! Kit kicks low, brings him around, and UPPERCUTS! And again! And again! Malik falls and Kit talks trash. Kit kicks Malik around, stomps him to ropes, then drags him up to wrench. Tag to Elton, Pretty Deadly mugs Malik, then double CLUB to then stomp both hands!
Pretty Deadly taunt Malik with double Scott Hall fingers, and then Elton whips Malik to ropes. Elton CLOBBERS Malik, stomps him around, then drags him up. Malik throws body shots in return! Elton CLUBS Malik again, and again, but Malik throws more shots. Malik CHOPS Elton, ROCKS him with a right, but Elton knees low! Elton whips Malik to a corner, Malik stops himself, but heads collide as NXT returns to single picture! Fans rally as both men are down! Elton flops out of the ring while Malik crawls. Kit hurries to put Elton back in, and Elton crawls after Malik. Elton grabs a foot, drags Malik back, but Malik BOOTS Elton away!
Hot tags to Edris and Kit! Edris rallies on Kit, ducks ‘n’ dodges and hits a SPINEBUSTER! Fans fire up and Elton runs in, into a SPINEBUSTER! Edris fires up, aims from a corner, and he runs in to KNEE Kit down! Cover, TWO!! Kit survives but Edris keeps his focus. Edris shows off the abs and he fireman’s carries Kit. Kit slips off, waistlocks, tag to Elton! Edris ROCKS Elton but Kit JAWBREAKERS! Elton spins Edris around, ASSISTED GUTBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Edris survives and Elton is beside himself. Fans rally up but Elton calms himself down. Elton drags Edris up, ROCKS him, and hoists him up top.
Fans rally for Edris but Elton finishes positioning Edris. Elton throws hands, climbs up, but Edris throws body shots! Elton drops down, Malik sneaks a tag! Elton ROCKS Edris, goes up top, but Malik is on the other corner. Elton SUPERPLEXES Edris, but Malik FROG SPLASHES Elton!! Cover, TWO!?!? Elton survives and Malik can’t believe it! Fans argue the count on Malik’s behalf but he and Edris regroup. Malik tags Edris, runs to BLAST Kit, and then Edris fireman’s carries Elton. NECKBREAKER SAMOAN DROP! Cover, Kit breaks it! Kit hurries away but Malik TACKLES him out of the ring!
Edris and Elton stand, Elton suplexes but Edris turns it to a cradle! But Kit tips it! Elton has it, Pretty Deadly ELIMINATES Malik & Edris!! New Day returns to commend Pretty Deadly on that one. Heck of a match. However, this second tag team is both rough ‘n’ tough, and New Day know from experience. Give it up for Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen!! The Country Boys have faced New Day, they’ve faced Pretty Deadly, but wait! Someone’s attacked them backstage?! Who did this?! There are chairs all over the place, too! But wait! GALLUS IS HERE!!! Pretty Deadly are freaking out as Mark Coffey & Wolfgang take this one!
Pretty Deadly VS Gallus!
The bell rings and another brawl is on! Mark and Wolfgang have the edge, they TOSS Kit & Elton out, and then Wolfgang SMACKS Elton off the announce desk! Booker T can’t even but the fans are fired up for Gallus! Mark ROCKS Kit while Wolfgang pinballs Elton around! APRON BACK SUPLEX for Kit! Wolfgang ROCKS Elton, puts him in the ring, and Mark is there to HALF NELSON SLAM! “GALLUS BOYS ON TOP!” Fans fire up for Gallus but Elton UPPERCUTS back! Tag to Kit, he picks Mark up but Mark CLUBS Kit down! Mark CLOBBERS Elton, BOOTS Kit, and tags Wolfgang! Wolfgang scoops, ENZIGURI POWERSLAM! Cover, GALLUS WINS!
Winners: Gallus, by pinfall
So then, no more suspension, and now Gallus stands on top! It wasn’t really the deal, but will Markus & Wolfie be the ones meeting The New Day at Vengeance Day? New Day seems up for that!
Julius Creed & Ivy Nile storm out of medical.
Ivy stops Julius and says Brutus will be okay. Will Julius be good? NO, he’s not! He is sick and tired of getting jumped! Time to send a message! Julius doesn’t care if Jinder’s a former WWE Champion or that he’s back in NXT, Julius wants to knock Jinder’s teeth out! Ivy wants Julius to stop already! When are they gonna learn!? They gotta move on! Julius asks Ivy what’s not clicking with her! There’s no moving on from this! Ivy needs to get ready for the battle royal, and Julius has to go ask management for this match. The two storm off in different directions, but will anything go right for Diamond Mine?
Carmelo Hayes is at the diner.
Melo mocks Apollo’s journaling as he narrates. “When it comes to the NXT title, Apollo Crews thought he had sniper vision. But last week, he truly saw that I am the past, the present, and the future. I am beyond the reach of everyone. I am Him.” Trick Williams ends up in Melo’s head, saying, “Can’t nobody see past Trick Melo Gang. We chiseled out of marble, about to reach legend status, while taking your girl out for a steak dinner. All at the same time.” Trick, the hell are you doing wearing a lucha mask? He doesn’t know, he can barely see anything in this! What? Stop ruining Melo’s train of thought and take the mask off! You look ridiculous!
Trick takes it off, throws it aside, and sits back down. How does Axiom see anything in those? Melo doesn’t know and he doesn’t care. Speaking of blinded, Apollo isn’t seeing the NXT title any time soon. Apollo can write in a diary and look out the window, but that title doesn’t have “Apollo” written on it. It has “Carmelo” on it. Trick says Melo doesn’t need to write it down, he just needs to speak it into existence. That’s all it is, and that’s all it’s gonna be. They toast and drink their coffee. But will they be saying cheers to Melo becoming THE Champion in the near future?
The ball is dropping!
Sure, it’s the tenth of January, but as Booker T calls it, this is the after party! The lights go down, lasers and sparkles shine, and out walks… TIFFANY STRATTON!? Of course Daddy’s Little Rich Girl would hyper herself up this much. Tiffany gets the mic and there are fans chanting, “Welcome Back!” Tiffany asks, “How badly did you guys miss me? I know you all totally probably missed me so much, it’s not even funny.” Tiffany says every single woman in the locker room is sweating “like a disgusting pig” because NXT’s biggest star is back! And Tiffany can’t blame them. She’s a revelation. In her first nine months of being here, she picked up this business better than any woman ever has.
And in the past five months, she’s watched every single woman fail miserably at trying to replace her. No one has her shine, her skills, or her style. “And now 2023 can officially begin, because the Center of the Universe is back.” Tiffany smiles and blows kisses, but will she truly be THE star of NXT in 2023?
NXT Media catches up with Tiffany Stratton.
Tiffany’s about to leave but they want to ask her something. She says NO, then pie faces the camera away. So Tiffany isn’t participating in the battle royal. Will she just wait on the other side of Vengeance Day to go after the champion then?
NXT Championship: Bron Breakker VS Grayson Waller!
The Big Booty Nephew has been able to break through many obstacles, but the 21st Century Success Story has been able to get the better of him in the past. Will Bron be the one to break here tonight? Or will Bron be immune to the Grayson Waller Effect?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if there will be a new champion in the new year!
The bell rings and fans are actually dueling! Waller and Bron circle, tie up, and go around. Bron shoves Waller away, but Waller keeps cool. They circle, tie up again, and Bron powers Waller back. Waller slips away this time, and he talks trash. Waller SLAPS Bron and says this is HIS house. Bron chases Waller out of the ring! And around it, and then back into it! Bron avoids the elbow drop, then ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Waller! Bron drags Waller up to suplex! Bron marches around with Waller before the SLAM! Bron kips up and then STANDING MOONSAULTS! Waller sputters, scrambles to ropes, but Bron shows slap!
Waller runs away, Bron barks at him! Waller swings but Bron counter punches! Bron throws haymakers, runs in but Waller BOOTS him! Waller runs but into a scoop! But Waller makes that a tilt-o-whirl DDT! Fans are torn, Waller facelocks to grind Bron down. Bron endures, fights up, and he picks Waller up, but Waller shifts to a cravat! Waller throws shoulders and knees into Bron, then brings Bron in for a GUILLOTINE! Bron is caught in the body scissors but he powers up! Bron reaches, powers things into a SUPLEX, but Waller fights free to BACK suplex! Cover, TWO! Bron is still in this, but Waller shows off with push-ups.
Waller waits on Bron to sit up, and he JABS him! Bron shakes that off and Waller is stunned. Waller swings, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Waller flounders up, into another OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Bron didn’t even have to fall for that one! Bron whips Waller into buckles, and then scoops him for a SLAM! Fans bark it up and Bron drags Waller up. Bron throws hands, whips corner to corner, but Waller reverses and Bron hits buckles hard! Waller then RAMS Bron into the buckle, and it pops loose!! The fans are shocked and the ref checks Bron while NXT goes picture in picture.
Waller grins as the ring crew hurries to put the second rope back together. But then Waller uses the rope to CHOKE Bron! The ref reprimands, Waller lets off, and he paces as Bron sputters. Waller drags Bron up, suplexes, and clamps on a chinlock. Fans rally, Bron endures, and the second rope is almost back as Bron hits a JAWBREAKER! Waller tumbles out of the ring! Probably because there was no rope to stop him… Bron goes out after Waller, ROCKS him with a haymaker, and then RAMS him into barriers. Waller clutches his side but Bron hobbles a bit. Bron goes back for Waller but Waller dropkicks his leg out!
Bron crawls away while clutching his knee, but Waller smacks him off the apron! Waller gets in the ring but Bron drags himself in. Waller fires off knees and sends Bron back out. Waller goes to the apron, leaps, but into Bron’s clinch! Waller fights free with elbows, and then he brings Bron around, only for Bron to send Waller back into barriers! Both men are down, the rope is finally secured, and they both head for the ring. Waller slides in first, Bron follows, and Bron swings, but Waller spins him around into a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Waller is annoyed and he throws off the elbow pads.
Bron crawls, Waller stalks him, and Waller brings Bron up. Bron throws body shots, then haymakers! Waller runs in to knee low! Waller reels Bron in, DDT! Cover, TWO! Bron is hanging tough, it’s how he’s lasted 282 days as champion. Waller pushes Bron around, drops elbows on him, then kicks him around to drop more elbows. Waller talks trash, then he grabs a leg for a HALF CRAB! New Year’s Evil returns to single picture as Bron endures and fans duel again. Bron fights up, turns over, and he grabs an arm to drag Waller down! FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Waller flails to get the ROPEBREAK! Bron lets go and fans continue to duel.
Waller throws hands on Bron but Bron gives him a forearm! Waller ROCKS Bron in return, but Bron ROCKS Waller! Fans rally and duel as the shots go back and forth! Bron eggs Waller on so Waller fires off forearms! Bron fires off haymakers! Bron ducks the elbow but the BLINDSIDE LARIAT takes him down! Waller flexes, then drags Bron around. Waller barks, and he mocks Scott Steiner! He drags Bron into the STEINER RECLINER!! But Bron is just pissed! Bron stands right up with Waller on his back! Bron THROWS Waller away, then runs to rally with big shoulders! Bron ducks ‘n’ dodges, and catches Waller for the SPINEBUSTER!
Fans fire up, Bron goes to the corner and climbs up carefully. Waller stands, for the FLYING BULLDOG! The straps come down and Bron roars! Waller flounders, Bron aims from a corner, and Bron runs in, but Waller runs out of the ring! Bron storms over but Waller HOTSHOTS him! Waller somersaults, but Bron is ready! WAIT, KNEE!?! Waller suckered Bron in!! Cover, TWO!!! Bron survives Waller’s change-up and fans can’t believe it! Waller is fuming, and he goes to a corner. Waller tests the middle rope as he walks out onto it, but it breaks again!! Waller falls right to the floor!! The ref starts a ring count and fans boo as Waller is victim of karma!
Waller staggers up, he flops back down, he’s counted out! BRON WINS!
Winner: Bron Breakker, by count-out (still NXT Champion)
Bron realizes what happened and is just as disappointed as the fans! Bron still has the title, but will he give Waller a second chance?
Backstage interview with Roxanne Perez.
McKenzie is with the NXT Women’s Champion and brings up the battle royal to determine her first challenger. Is Roxie rooting for anyone in particular? Roxie says that’s a tough one. She’ll go with Cora jade. Wait, seriously? No~! Hah! Anyone BUT Cora would be good. But jokes aside, this opportunity is huge. This is to go to Vengeance Day, NXT’s first standalone premium event on the road in three whole YEARS. And the roster is deep, Roxie could see Indi winning, Zoey winning, Alba Fyre winning, or- Any concern about Toxic Attraction given they’ve sworn revenge? Well, yeah. They’re definitely threats. Gigi & Jacy dominated the Women’s Tag Division for two years!
But Roxie says it is 20 women and only one can win. She can’t wait to watch! Who will we see defy the odds to take on the Prodigy in Charlotte?
Apollo Crews watches Melo’s promo.
But Axiom walks in to ask how he is. Apollo’s good. Axiom thanks Apollo for the save, and Apollo says of course, he has Axiom’s back. But Apollo just has to say, Trick & Melo just run their mouths way too much. They’ve got another thing coming. They both know how Trick & Melo are, they will never let Apollo hear the end of it when it comes to losing that match. Apollo can’t let this be a one-and-done! He can’t let it end here! Axiom calms Apollo down, and says Apollo can’t let Trick & Melo get to him. Axiom gets it, too, he beat Trick last week and yet Trick is still the most annoying person on Earth!
But Axiom doesn’t have to tell Apollo how he feels, it’s written all over his face. Right… But Axiom is a numbers guy, and since there’s two of them, and two of Trick & Melo… Oh, okay, Axiom sees what Apollo is saying. So is he in? Oh, he’s in. Then they’ll go make some calls. Will this dynamic duo be just the thing to take down Trick Melo Gang?
Hank Walker w/ Drew Gulak VS Charlie Dempsey!
The Blue Collar Brawler has been learning from the Philly Stretcher, but he’s also been getting mixed messages on how to handle things in the ring. However Walker chooses to fight this fight, will he be able to even survive the Son of the Gentleman Villain? Or will Dempsey break Walker’s spirit along with his bones?
The bell rings and the two circle. They feel out the grapple, tie up and Hank powers Dempsey to ropes. The ref counts, Dempsey turns things around, and Dempsey lets off with a body shot! Dempsey whips Hank to a corner, run sin but Hank BOOTS hiM! Hank storms up to spin, scoop and SHOULDER BREAKER! Cover, ONE!! Dempsey hurries up and Gulak cheers Hank on. Dempsey kicks low, puts Hank in the ropes, and he CHOKES Hank! The ref counts, Hank pushes Dempsey away, but Dempsey HOTSHOTS Hank! The ref reprimands but Dempsey storms up to bring Hank around.,Hank picks Dempsey up to RAM him out of the ring!
Gulak is there to coach Hank and Hank stands Dempsey up for a haymaker! Hank puts Dempsey in the ring, hurries in, but Dempsey BOOTS Hank in the ropes! Hank stumbles to the apron, and Dempsey has a ROPE ASSIST CRAVAT! Dempsey lets go as the ref counts, and then Dempsey BOOTS Hank down! Hank drags himself up, crawls into the ring and Gulak coaches him, only for Dempsey to stomp Hank! Dempsey drags Hank up, Hank shoves Dempsey away, then Hank BOOTS Dempsey! Dempsey blocks the next boot to BRIDGING DRAGON SCREW! And HEEL HOOK! Hank throws haymakers but Dempsey SLAPS him down!
Dempsey clamps onto the arms and he has the DEEP BOW ‘N’ ARROW STRETCH! Hank endures, crawls forward, ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Dempsey lets go but he storms back up. Hank BOOTS Dempsey, hurires to his feet, but Dempsye kicks a leg out! Dempey UPPERCUTS Hank, chinlocks and CLUBS him, then drags Hank back up. Dempsey HOTSHOTS Hank again, then reels him in for a clinch. But Hank arm-drags free! ARMBAR!! Dempsey flails, claws at the legs, crawls his way over, but GUlakt ells Hank to drag him back! Hank does as told, and he pulls on the ARMBAR!! Dempsey endures, bridges, rolls, and escapes!
Dempsey CLUBS away on Hank, crossface forearms him, then has the leg again. Hank resists but Dempsey gets the BOW ‘N’ ARROW!! Hank endures, crawls, but Dempsey clamps his hands together!! Hank fights, but Dempsey rolls him!! HANDS CLASPED! Hank taps!! Dempsey wins!!
Winner: Charlie Dempsey, by submission
Hank couldn’t tough it out, Dempsey takes the win! Gulak is disappointed but he encourages his student that he’ll get better. With as close as Hank came this time, is there hope for him yet?
Sol Ruca finishes her workout.
The Sol Surfer does her handstand push-ups, and then Alba Fyre walks over. Fyre says she was just thinking. They never did have that 1v1 match. Sol is bummed about that, too. Fyre says she owes Sol that match. Now that Isla Dawn is out of the way- No, Fyre doesn’t owe Sol anything. Plus, the battle royal is tonight. Does Sol want the match or not!? Fyre is giving Sol an opportunity here. Okay, Sol will take Fyre up on the match. Fyre says good, but then realizes how aggressive she was being. She will see Sol later on. Sol says that’s fine by her. Fyre heads out, is she alright? Or was there more to what Dawn was saying about that inner darkness?
Tyler Bate is on his way back!
The NXT UK Triple Crown Winner may have lost the UK title to Bron Breakker, but he has refocused, rested, and reflected. The Big Strong Boy is ready for new challenges, and to settle some scores. Will Tyler Bate return to the top of the mountain in the new year?
NXT_Anonymous shares another video.
They’re now watching as Scrypts leaves a message for Oro Mensah! NXT Anonymous says that even when you don’t see them, they have eyes and ears everywhere. Oro responded on Twitter about people creeping around his stuff, but should all of NXT be concerned about this cyber spy?
Julius Creed VS Jinder Mahal w/ Sanga!
What was meant to be a tag team grudge match turned into a blindside from a returning Modern Day Maharaja! Will Julius defend the honor of the Diamond Mine? Or will Jinder not be hindered now that he’s back again?
But as Julius makes his entrance, he rushes right at Jinder! The bell rings as Julius hits a SPINEBUSTER! Julius gives Jinder ground ‘n’ pound but Jinder scrambles to ropes. The ref has Julius back off, and Jinder resets. Julius blocks a kick to RAM Jinder into the corner! Julius RAMS into Jinder more and more, fires off hands, but lets off as the ref counts. Jinder kicks low, ROCKS Julius, and he whips Julius, only for Julius to reverse! SPINEBUSTER! Julius rains down more fists, then brings Jinder up to POST him! Fans duel but Julius POSTS Jinder in the other corner! Jinder staggers, and Julius clotheslines him out of the ring!
Julius talks trash as NXT goes picture in picture. Julius then goes out to fetch Jinder but Jinder kicks low! Jinder bumps Julius off the apron, ROCKS him with a right hand, but Julius blocks the steel step bump! Julius bumps Jinder off the steps, then puts him in the ring. Julius slides in, but Jinder CLOBBERS him! Jinder stomps Juilus, digs his knee in, but lets off as the ref counts. Juilus sputters, Jinder puts him through ropes and bends him back! The ref counts, Jinder lets off, but then bends Julius back again! The ref reprimands, Jinder CLUBS Julius down, and Jinder kicks Julius to the ropes.
Jinder drags Julius up, reels him in, but Julius blocks the suplex! Julius suplexes Jinder up and over! Both men are down, Sanga looks a little worried, and Julius runs up to KICK Jinder in the side! Julius fires off hands, Jinder uses the ropes for defense, but Julius just grab a leg! Julius drags Jinder from the corner, trips and SLAMS him, then covers, TWO! Julius drops an elbow, then another. Jinder staggers up but Julius storms up on him in a corner. Julius whips Jinder corner to corner, runs in, but Jinder dodges! Jinder CLOBBERS Julius! Jinder drags Julius up, whips him to ropes, but Julius reverses to DROPKICK him down!
Jinder crawls to the apron but Julius crawls after him. Julius fires off haymakers, Jinder wobbles, and Julius bumps him off buckles. Julius drags Jinder up to the top rope, but Jinder fires body shots! Jinder shoves Julius away, but Julius returns to ROCK Jinder! Julius climbs up to the very top, New Year’s Evil returns to single picture as Jinder shoves Julius away. Julius rolls, stands back up, and springs right up top! SUPERPLEX!! Both men are down and fans fire up! Julius crawls to the cover, TWO!! Jinder is still in this, he crawls to a corner, but Julius runs in to RAM into Jinder! And again! And again!
The ref counts, Julius lets off, but Jinder throat chops! Jinder headlocks, Julius powers out, but Jinder holds ropes. Julius runs in, to get a FLAPJACK HOTSHOT! And then a BOOT! Jinder grins and covers, TWO! Jinder looms over Julius, clamps on a chinlock, and then he puts Julius on the ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Jinder lets off, and then Jinder drops springboard knees! And again, and again! Jinder digs his knee in, the ref counts, but Jinder lets off at 4. Jinder grins and fans rally up as he sits Julius up. Jinder throws crossface forearms, then big forearms to Julius’ face. Fans rally, Jinder stands Julius up but Julius counter punches!
Julius kicks, whips, but Jinder reverses. Julius KICKS back, runs, but into a JUMP KNEE! Cover, TWO! Julius is hanging tough but Jinder stomps him down. Jinder JAMS his knee into Julius, throws down an elbow, then clamps on a half nelson chinbar. Julius endures, fans rally up, and Julius fights up to his feet. Julius pries the chinbar away, then the half nelson, but Jinder knees low! Jinder CLUBS Julius, puts him in the corner, and runs in, but into a clinch! Julius hits an EXPLODER! Fans fire up as both men are down. Jinder and Julius crawl to opposite ends, slowly rise, and then storm in!
Julius throws a haymaker, dodges Jinder’s, and then CLOBBERS Jinder! Julius scoops for a POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Julius and Jinder rise again, Julius shoots in but Jinder holds off the fireman’s carry. Jinder rains down elbow after elbow, but Julius still fireman’s carries! ROLLING SPINEBUSTER! Julius fires up, throws off his elbow pad, and then goes up top! But Sanga distracts from the apron! The ref reprimands, Sanga steps down, but Jinder avoids the shooting star! Julius hobbles, into the CRESCENT KICK! And then, KALLAS!! Cover, Jinder wins!
Winner: Jinder Mahal, by pinfall
The Modern Day Maharaja is not only back, he’s back in rare form with this win! Will the brotherhood of Indus Sher be unstoppable now?
Kiana James checks in on Brooks Jensen.
Fallon Henley is also there to check on him and Briggs, and Kiana asks why Gallus would do this to them. Briggs says it’s because Gallus are SOBs! And the Pub Rules Match last September. Weren’t they suspended? Yeah! Well, that’s clearly over. Yeah. But now, the ladies have the battle royal. Fallon assures the boys, she and Kiana will handle this. Yeah. But it ain’t as fun when you can’t see the action coming right at you. The medic asks where Briggs wants the ice pack, but Briggs says he’s good. Just look at Brooks! He got beat up left, right and all over. Fallon is looking, but she doesn’t like what she’s seeing in Kiana fawning all over him.
Fallon heads out, Briggs wishes her luck. Jensen tells Kiana to go, too, and also wishes her luck. Will either Kiana or Fallon be the one to move on to Vengeance Day? Or will they have about as much luck tonight as Briggs & Jensen?
The Fourth Dimensional Superstar is on her way!
Time and space mean nothing to Stevie Turner! She was just getting going in NXT UK, and now she’s watching her own highlight reel? Stevie says she’s the best! And she is live as a streamer! She says hi to chat, and her channel is up and running. If you remember who she is from NXT UK, thanks in advance for the views. And if not, she’s “your resident data collector,” and she will be giving you the details on everything that is the life of Stevie Turner. She’s traveled across the ocean to bring the world… herself! And remember, she is always two levels above and two steps ahead. Her stream is offline, but when will she hit the ring again?
NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Battle Royal!
It’s actually easier to see who is NOT in this match tonight. Cora Jade, Indi Hartwell, Zoey Stark, Nikkita Lyons and pretty much every name you can think of is fighting for that golden ticket. Who will be the one to rise up and head for Vengeance Day?
NXT returns, the rest of the competitors have arrived, with Zoey Stark the last to arrive. The bell rings, and it’s chaos! Cora goes after Lyra Valkyria, but Lyra whips and TOSSES Cora right out!! Lyra ELIMINATES Cora!!! Roxie already gets her wish! Cora is freaking out, the fans are loving it, and Lyra goes after Ivy Nile! Tatum brawls with Kiana, Kiana blocks a kick and she flips Tatum out to the apron. Kiana shoulders into Tatum, POSTS her, and Tatum falls! Kiana ELIMINATES Tatum, and then mocks her with “Boo-hoo!” Sol goes after Valentina Feroz but Feroz is a slippery one. Fallon holds onto ropes with her legs to stay off the floor!
Despite their past, Kiana actually pulls Fallon in! They’re both a bit confused, but then go off to brawl with other superstars. Kiana is after Lyra, Fallon is after Wendy Choo. Amari Miller KICKS and CHOPS Lash Legend! That had some stank to it! Lash is upset, she choke grips Amari, and then SHOVES Amari out to ELIMINATE her! Lash says “Bye bye!” to Amari before going after Feroz. Toxic Attraction toss Sol but she handstands to avoid elimination! Fans fire up as Sol steps on one foot, then pushes herself back up to keep going! Toxic Attraction goes after whoever else they can find, and Sol gets to the apron!
Sol hooks her feet, sits up, and she skins the cat! Fans fire up for Sol pulling off a Kofi Kingston worthy move! Sol CLUBS Jacy, ROCKS her, Feroz and Lopez work together to stave off Ivy Nile. But then Thea rushes in to TOSS and ELIMINATE Feroz! For the U! Thea then goes after Ivy while Lyons CLUBS Fallon. Lash picks up Arianna Grace, but Grace fights free of the bomb! Indi shoves Grace aside, but Lash whips Indi. Indi holds ropes, ducks the boot, and dumps Lash to the apron! Lash ROCKS Indi, but Indi BOOTS Lash and ELIMINATES her! Kiana dodges Lyra, stomps her in a corner, but Lyra headscissors her out to ELIMINATE her!
Kiana staggers into Lash and Lash gets mad at her. Kiana says it wasn’t even her fault, but then Stark lifts Grace to TOSS her onto them both! Stark ELIMINATES Grace as she bowls Lash and Kiana over! Lyra rushes Stark, blocks a kick, and then RVD WHEEL KICKS her! Fans sing, “OH~ Zoey is Angry~!” as Lyra runs up to clothesline Stark against ropes! Stark doesn’t go up or out so Lyra KICKS her! Fyre is after Fallon, Lyra stomps Stark, and Lyons helps out! But wait, Cora is back?! Cora is pissed, she runs at Lyra, but Lyra dumps her right back out! Does that count as a second elimination? Cora is upset again either way!
The refs tell Cora to leave while she’s shouting at Lyra. NXT goes picture in picture as #GenerationJade throws her tantrum all the way to the back. Lyra stomps Stark, Lyons is after Jacy but Gigi has Sol by the ear. Ivy helps Lyra drag Stark out of the way but Stark RAMS Ivy into the corner. Fyre is still after Fallon, Indi and Thea grapple on one end, and Wendy’s in the mix there somewhere. Fallon ROCKS Fyre, blocks a superkick, but Fyre spins Fallon around to hang her out to dry! Fallon HOTSHOTS Fyre, but Fyre mule kicks Fallon off the apron! Fyre ELIMINATES Fallon! Sol CLUBS Gigi, Stark throws Lyra up and out!
Lyra holds onto the ropes and rests on the apron, but Stark and Ivy stomp her! They kick at her but she clings to the ropes. Thea fires up as she has Jacy down, and she stomps it out! C! H! A! S! E! U! What’s that spell? CHASE U!! But then Lopez TOSSE and ELIMINATES Thea! La Madrina taunts the college student while Sol gut wrenches Lyra. Lyra fights that off, trips Sol, and then stomps her down. Wendy gives Indi and Gigi some stomps, Lopez stomps Ivy, and Fyre is after Jacy. Lopez runs in at the corner but only gets buckles! Ivy has Jacy in the DIAMOND DRAGON, but Gigi DECKS her and ELIMINATES her!
New Year’s Evil returns to single picture as fans boo, but Indi picks Gigi up! Gigi headscissors and Jacy helps out, Toxic Attraction ELIMINATES Indi! Toxic Attraction laughs at Indi while Lopez brawls with Lyons. Fyre and Wendy both go after Stark while Sol CLUBS Lyra. Toxic Attraction work together on Fyre, dig their boots in, and Stark dumps Wendy out. Wendy stays on the apron, Sol dumps Lyra out there but Lyra HOTSHOTS her back. Lyons CLUBS Lopez, Wendy HOTSHOTS Stark, and Lyra gets back in safe. Lyons scoops Lopez but Lopez slips out to the apron. Lopez throws hands, but Lyons SOBATS Lopez down to ELIMINATE her!
Sol goes after Lyons now, Stark ROCKS Wendy! Stark SLAPS Wendy’s hands off the ropes, and Wendy lands on both feet! But on her body pillow! Wendy is safe, but Lopez YANKS the pillow out! Lopez ELIMINATES Wendy! Stark gives a thumbs up for the assist, but then turns around into hands from Lyons! Lyra is the odd one out as Gigi has Fyre and Jacy has Sol. Lyons swings a kick but Stark gets under! Stark clotheslines Lyons up and out and ELIMINATES her! Fans boo but the Hunter just took out her prey! But Sol is there to TOSS Stark out and ELIMINATE her!! Fans love it and now Stark really is angry!
Solo CLOBBERS Jacy, DROPKICKS Gigi, and fires up! Fyre kicks Sol low, whips her, but Sol reverses. Fyre ends up in the corner, Sol runs and handsprings in, but into a SUPERKICK! Lyra stomps Gigi while Fyre drags Sol up to TOSS and ELIMINATE her! And now we have our final four! Fyre, Lyra, Gigi & Jacy! But we know two of those are going to work together against the other two. Fans are torn between Toxic Attraction and not Toxic Attraction, and those are the battle lines drawn. Jacy brawls with Fyre and Gigi brawls with Lyra! Jacy knees low, whips Fyre up and out, but Fyre holds on! Jacy & Gigi mug Lyra but Fyre slides in safe.
Toxic Attraction double whip Lyra but Lyra DOUBLE SHOTGUNS them down! Lyra kips up, fires up, and fires off kick after kick on Jacy! AX KICK! Gigi runs in, Lyra dodges to ENZIGURI! Fyre storms in but Lyra gets around to headbutt low! Fyre goes to a corner, she dodges Lyra but Lyra headscissors! Lyra drags Fyre up and over! They’re both on the apron, Fyre tries to German Suplex! Lyra holds ropes, powers up, and she elbows Fyre away. They’re both still on the apron, Toxic Attraction rushes in! But Lyra and Fyre both shoulder those two away! Fyre slips in, elbows Gigi and BOOTS Jacy, but Lyra headscissors her up and out! Lyra ELIMINATES Fyre!!
But now Lyra is all alone with Toxic Attraction! And CORA returns again?!? Lyra avoids the sweep, but then Toxic Attraction BLAST Lyra off the apron! Gigi & Jacy ELIMINATE Lyra!! And Cora laughs right in Lyra’s face! Lyra scowls, and she fires off on Cora! They brawl, Cora knees low, refs reprimands, but Gigi & Jacy celebrate! They say they’re both winners, but that’s NOT how battle royals work!! Jacy & Gigi look to each other, and Jacy is going to give Gigi the win? Gigi says no, it should be Jacy, but Jacy goes to the ropes. Jacy then SUPERKICKS Gigi!! Jacy TOSSES Gigi, Gigi holds on, but Jacy runs in! Gigi begs Jacy but Jacy throws down fists!
Jacy kicks, Gigi punches back! Fans are on Team Gigi as she bumps Jacy off buckles! Gigi tosses Jacy up and over, but Jacy lands safe! They’re both on the apron, opposite sides of the corner, and Gigi climbs up. Jacy GAMANGIRIS! Gigi wobbles, Jacy climbs up, and she shrugs. Jacy wants to suplex!? Gigi fights that off, CLUBS Jacy, and they brawl up top! Fans rally as the forearms go back and forth! Gigi ROCKS Jacy, gets the edge, but Jacy sits back up. Jacy and Gigi have wild looks in their eyes, HEADBUTT AND FOREARM COLLIDE!! They both fall, and they both hit the floor!!! Each ref says they saw the other first, so who wins?!?!
Fans have no idea what to make of this, all the refs discuss this, and replay is brought in, too. After looking back at the tape, including a special ceiling cam, the refs come to a decision. Gigi and Jacy are both brought back into the ring, because it’s a DRAW!!
Winners: Gigi Dolin & Jacy Jayne (NEW #1 Contenders to the NXT Women’s Championship)
It’s just as they said! Gigi & Jacy both get to win and they both get to go to Vengeance Day! Roxie appears and she holds up the belt. Roxie’s up for a Triple Threat, but is she biting off more than she can chew for her very first defense?
HBK has a meeting with Bron Breakker and Grayson Waller.
Shawn Michaels says what happened tonight is not how anyone wants a title match to come to an end. He wants there to be a definitive winner between them. Bron says so does he. Waller says that’s finally something they can agree on. Waller had Bron beat tonight, the title was going to be his! Bron gets heated but HBK stops them from fighting here. They all settle down, and HBK says there will be a decisive winner. On Saturday, February 4th, Vengeance Day, the title will be defended… in a STEEL CAGE MATCH!
Waller and Bron are all fired up again! Waller’s ready to be locked in with the dog, and he vows to get that title! But will Waller have his vengeance? Or will this dog have his day as NXT returns to the road?
My Thoughts:
This was, and yet also wasn’t, a really good night for NXT. For one, the NXT Championship match not being the main event should’ve told us all that something wonky was going to happen. As such, it’s actually hilarious how the second rope broke loose before the moment it was meant to. You could tell that was the case looking at how Waller reacted. But at the same time, it breaking the first time did help make the second and intended time more believable. However, that was a rather garbage way to protect Bron and extend this to Vengeance Day.
That combined with Melo & Trick taking a detour to face Apollo & Axiom as a tag team, it’s a shame that we won’t get a new champion for NXT’s first major event back on the road, unless Waller wins the rematch. A cage match does allow you to win without pinning or submitting the opponent, Waller can win by basically running away. I will say, good promo from Apollo and Axiom to set up the tag match, and I really liked Melo copying Apollo’s diner promo. Trick was ridiculous, though, for saying he couldn’t see in that lucha mask when those had classic eye holes, which were honestly bigger eye holes than most.
Another thing that was a bit off was that they didn’t outright call Dijak VS Tony and the Tag Gauntlet match traditional contenders matches. I ended up putting that in myself, but it just feels like that’s what should happen. Dijak won, Wes promised the winner their shot, Wes VS Dijak is a given. Pretty Deadly was hilarious in their promo with New Day, and I should’ve known when Pretty Deadly said they found teams that there were going to be joke teams coming out. I do like that HBK gave himself a shoutout by naming that jobber team “The Rockers,” he kinda poked fun at himself with Pretty Deadly going over that team.
Malik & Edris had a great showing even though they lost, and Gallus making a return here was awesome. I would love New Day VS Gallus at Vengeance Day, that should really be the match we get. Also, I like that Gallus is just the first of more NXT UK returns. Tyler Bate coming back is great timing, I hope he gets in on the top title conversation come WrestleMania Weekend with Stand & Deliver. Stevie Turner coming back is great, her being converted into a Twitch streamer isn’t. I suppose she really didn’t have a gimmick in NXT UK other than claiming she’s four-dimensional, but seeing through time and space is Apollo’s thing so she had to have something.
NXT_Anonymous keeps us guessing, at least, as now it was a male voice watching a male superstar (it was Reggie) plant the Scrypts card in Oro’s bags. Oro VS Scrypts would be some great stuff as far as in-ring, who knows who wins that one. Walker VS Dempsey was good stuff, and Walker got to look great, but I figured Dempsey was going to win. Gulak let this one slide, but I bet another loss will upset Gulak, and eventually Gulak faces Hank to see if Hank can really hang or not. And win or lose, I bet Gulak still turns on Hank and sides with Dempsey. The Creeds VS Indus Sher not happening was a rather confusing move, but I do like that Jinder is back.
Jinder looked great, and even with Sanga helping him get that win, it just makes sense that Jinder would win as the more experienced pro-wrestler. And now, we’re surely getting Creeds VS Indus Sher at Vengeance Day to really up things like with Bron VS Waller. Tiffany Stratton being the countdown person was a bit of a Dan Matha, but whatever, she had to return at some point. I kinda wish they’d blended the reveal with the battle royal, but then a loss in the battle royal would hurt her return, I guess. Good promos from Fyre and Sol to set up a rematch and tease more of Fyre’s Heel turn, as well as from Fallon and Kiana checking in on the guys.
The battle royal was great stuff, especially Cora being eliminated so quickly. That was great mostly because of the shock factor, but I should’ve expected Cora to be petty and go after Lyra multiple times. Lyra can definitely get good momentum off a feud with Cora, as I’m sure Lyra wins out in the end. And mainly, that was a brilliant way to give us two winners of a battle royal. Even if they can’t mention Mandy Rose, this is a fitting way for Toxic Attraction to go after Roxie without it being the usual outside interference attempt. That said, Roxie can find a way to pit Gigi and Jacy against each other and win out, as I don’t see Jacy or Gigi just letting the other be champion.
My Score: 8.3/10
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London calling to the champion crowns!
SmackDown brings gold to London as LA Knight defends his WWE US Championship and The Street Profits defend their tag team titles! Will the landscape change this close to WrestleMania?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly; The Profits win and retain the titles.
- Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice w/ Chelsea Green; The Secret Her-vice wins.
- WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman; Braun wins, by disqualification, and Knight retains the title.
- Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab; Charlotte wins.
- Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.
- Jimmy Uso VS The Miz; Jimmy wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes is here!
We follow The American Nightmare as walks to gorilla, then through the curtain, and London sings along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, says hello to fans along the ramp, and then we get the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro. Cody goes to the ring, grabs a mic, then kneels down to kiss the WWE logo on the mat. The fans continue to sing along all the way to the end, “I AM MY KINGDOM!” The fans then cheer, and Cody holds up the belt to fire them up even more! The fans now sing for “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and he soaks it in. The fans cheer again as Cody smiles, and he finally says, “So, London~! Whaddya wanna talk about?”
The fans chant “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cody hears that dueling, and he smiles again. The song of “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” returns, then they cheer. Cody says, “At WrestleMania 41, I will be facing John Cena…” The fans boo, but Cody says, “I will be facing John Cena as he goes to break the record and win 17. But that is WrestleMania 41. In just a few nights, I will be standing face to face with John Cena in this very same city, in this very same arena.” The fans cheer that, but then here comes Randy Orton! Now the fans sing along with Voices as The Viper heads to the ring. Orton also high-fives fans before he joins Cody.
Orton grabs a mic, paces while the fans keep singing on their own, and then the fans cheer. Orton says he’s not really the sentimental type, but for Cody and for London, screw it. The fans chant “R K O! R K O!” and Orton tells Cody, “Look at you. Look at who you are now, the man you are now. Look at where he came from.” The fans cheer and sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and Orton says he remembers a Cody in his early 20s, just breaking into the business. Cody was busting his ass harder than anyone else. He wasn’t exactly happy, and in fact, he was frustrated. But Cody was man enough, smart enough, to know he needed to grow, and that he couldn’t grow in the WWE.
Cody wasn’t exactly treated fairly in the WWE, so Cody left the WWE! That took some big ass balls to do what he did! Cody changed the business singlehandedly, and everyone in the back knows it. And Orton appreciates Cody for it. But then Cody came back, as they all knew one day he would. And the industry has been changed forever since the day Cody came back to the WWE. Cody is a bit teary eyed as Orton says Cody’s still the same guy, he just did what he set out to do, and he grew. Orton teases he would sing along with the fans, but the fans might leave. The fans again sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!”
Orton asks if they remember when Cody Rhodes faced Seth Rollins in Hell in a Cell. The fans cheer because they do. Orton says that was impressive, and even impossible, as he started with a partially torn pec and then ended with a fully torn pec! His body changed all kinds of shades of purple that Orton’s never seen on a human body. The pain he must have been in. Cody persevered not just for himself. Maybe not even at all for Cody. It was not even for his family legacy; it was for each and every single fan out there! Then Cody went on to WrestleMania, beat Roman Reigns and finished the story!
But there’s always another story, isn’t there? And Cody’s right in the middle of one. Cody is in charge of his legacy, and it is a privilege for Orton to watch Cody take control of it. Ticket sales have been up, there’s more intrigue around the world, and listen to the people! It is 99.9% all because of Cody! The fans cheer that, and of course they sing. Orton says what he’s trying to say is a long-winded version of he respects Cody, loves him, and is very, very proud of him. The fans cheer that! Orton then says, “But… But now it is time for WrestleMania.” They both look to the sign, and Orton says he can guarantee Cody that Orton will kick Kevin Owens so hard in the head…!
Orton can just feel it already! He forgets how many days are left, but he can’t wait to remove Kevin’s head from his shoulders. And Orton knows Cody will enter champion, exit champion, but not before he beats the holy hell outta Cena all up and down the Vegas strip! But after all the smoke clears and the dust settles, just like Orton wants Number 17, there will come a time when Orton will want Number 15. But Orton won’t kick Cody in the balls like a coward. Orton will look Cody in the eye because he respects Cody, is proud of Cody, and sees him as an equal. Orton will look Cody in the eye and tell him that he’s coming for the title.
The fans cheer but wait! Drew McIntyre is here! The fans cheer the Scottish Terminator as he steps out on stage, mic in hand, and has a wry smile on his face as he looks at the ring. Drew waves as the fans now sing, “OH~ Drew McIntyre~!” Drew says, “Isn’t this wonderful? A couple of nepo babies having a love fest in the middle of the ring> It makes me absolutely sick. What’d you just say, Randy? if Cody gets through Cena at WrestleMania, you’re coming for that title? What exactly have you done since that big comeback to justify that title match? Aside be Randy Orton. The only big moment I can remember is you being on the shelf for months and months and months.
“People like to make jokes about it, but more people talk about my five-minute-45-second title reign than your entire comeback so far! So get to the back of the line, sunshine! As for you, Cody, you should’ve listened to me. But you shunned me. You attacked me. Everybody should’ve listened to me about John Cena, but they didn’t. And the next night, he kicked you right in the twig ‘n’ berries, proving me right as usual. And the main event of WrestleMania should be Cody Rhodes VS The UK’s only ever world champion, Drew McIntyre!” Fans do like that idea. But sadly, it’s not, because of that guyliner wearing Temu Undertaker, Damian Priest!
Drew wants to talk about what is happening. And what’s gonna happen! Drew steps up to the ring while fans sing for him again. Drew says it will not be Randy that takes the title from Cody, should he get through Cena; it’ll be McIntyre. The fans cheer, but Orton says they were trying to have a moment. Can Drew just cut the crap already? Drew says okay, sure. He’ll tell the truth, because that’s all he ever does. The truth is, Kevin might have a point! If those Voices are talking to Orton again, then they know Drew very, very well. And he’s thinking, “My God, Randy looks great! Absolutely jacked! On the outside.”
On the inside, that back is hanging by a thread. And if Orton provokes McIntyre, McIntyre will break him. And as for Cody- Cody kicks Drew and UPPERCUTS him! The fans fire up, and Orton R- NO, Drew gets away! The fans boo, but the battlelines are drawn! Even if Cody makes it out of the frying pan that is Las Vegas, it’ll be into the fire that is these contenders waiting in line! Will the American Nightmare be ready for whoever comes for the crown?
WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly!
Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins are finally golden again, but it’s time to put the titles on the line already! And while they’re ready for the grind, they’re up against the hometown heroes! Will the Profits still be up in the O2? Or will Kit Wilson & Elton Prince say #YESBOY to a new reign of their own?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really wants the smoke!
The teams sort out and Kit starts with Dawkins. They tie up, Dawkins headlocks, but Kit powers up and out. Dawkins runs Kit over, the fans fire up, and Dawkins fires hands on Kit in the corner! The fans rally for Pretty Deadly, Dawkins whips Kit to a corner, but Elton takes that bump! Kit CLOBBERS Dawkins, then tags Elton! Atomic drop into DROPKICK! Ford runs up, but into a DOUBLE HIP TOSS! Dawkins whips, Elton reverses, and then Elton hurdles so Kit can DDT! The fans fire up with Pretty Deadly while the Profits bail out. Pretty Deadly has control while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Elton is right on Dawkins as he gets in, and UPPERCUTS him to the corner. Elton clinches Dawkins for another UPPERCUT! Tag to Kit, and Elton RAMS into Dawkins so Kit can UPPERCUT! Dawkins flops over, Kit drags him up to wrench the arm. Kit whips, Dawkins reverses, but Kit grabs ropes. Kit ELBOWS Dawkins, DECKS Ford, but Dawkins CLOBBERS Kit! The ref reprimands but Dawkins RAMS Kit into the corner again and again! The ref counts, Dawkins fires fast hands, then he tags in Ford. Ford says, “SUCK IT!” then he KICKS Kit! Ford scuffs Kit, then drags him to a cover, TWO!
Ford keeps Kit down with a facelock, but Kit endures the grind. Kit fights up, fires body shots, but Ford whips him away. Kit sunset flips! Ford rolls through, and PENALTY KICKS! Ford mocks Elton with the Scott Hall fingers, and the ref has to keep Elton back. Ford drags Kit up, tags Dawkins, and the Profits mug Kit. Dawkins CLUBS Kit down, then stalks him. Dawkins stays between Kit and Elton, then whips Kit into the Profits’ corner. CYCLONE- NO, Kit dodges! Ford tags in, he keeps Kit from Elton now, but Kit slips out of the suplex! Kit fakes high to go low, hot tag to Elton! Elton rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT!
Elton kicks and whips Ford to a corner, then UPPERCUTS! Elton whips the other way, UPPERCUTS again, and then does it again! Elton adds to the hattrick with a lift, Ford says a quick prayer before the SUPLEX! Ford flounders, gets to his feet, but Elton dodges to springboard and FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Ford stays in this, but Elton stays on him. SmackDown returns to single picture and fans rally for Pretty Deadly as Elton gives Ford a back suplex. Ford lands out, waistlocks, but Elton switches and shoves Ford. Ford CLOBBERS Elton in return! Ford is also dazed but he covers, ONE!
Kit reaches out, Elton and Ford both crawl, hot tags to Kit and Dawkins! The fans fire up as Dawkins wrenches Kit, underhooks and SILENCER! Dawkins Electric Chair Lifts Kit, Ford climbs, but Kit slips free! Kit shoves Dawkins into Ford! Ford falls to the floor, but Dawkins ENZIGIRIS Kit! Elton tags in, and Kit LARIATS Dawkins! Pretty Deadly combine for DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Dawkins survives and the Profits are a bit unsure of what to do next. Dawkins crawls to a corner, Elton runs up, but Dawkins dodges! Elton hits buckles and Dawkins TOSSES Kit, then Dawkins hits a SKY HIGH on Elton!
Dawkins hurries to tag Ford and Ford climbs up! But Kit pushes Elton out of the way! Kit takes FROM THE HEAVESN, and Elton ghost pins Ford! TWO!! Ford escapes, and he ROCKS Elton! Elton UPPERCUTS Ford! Dawkins sneaks a tag, Ford SUPERKICKS! POUNCE SAIDO COMBO!! Cover, KIT BREAKS IT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! The teams go to opposite ends, then they all stand up in the corners. They all roar, all run in, and Kit SPEARS Ford while Elton FLYING UPPERCUTS Dawkins!! London is thunderous, and Kit hurries to tag in! Pretty Deadly gets Dawkins up, for SPILT MILK!! Cover, FORD BREAKS IT!
The fans are shocked, as is Elton, but Ford saves this for his team! “This is Awesome!” as Ford runs up and Elton TOSSES him out! Now DRY MARTI- NO! Dawkins doesn’t accept the second serving, and he DUMPS Kit out! Kit skins the cat while Dawkins DECKS Elton! Dawkins catches Kit to an Electric Chair! Ford rises, DOOMSDAY BLOCKBUSTER!! Cover, Profits win!
Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall (still WWE Tag Team Champions)
Pretty Deadly put up a heroic fight, but the hometown heroes could not capture the gold. Dawkins & Ford hold onto the gold, will this be the strongest the Profits have ever been?
Kayden & Katana talk with Zelina Vega.
Carter & Chance know La Muneca got screwed over by The Green Administration. Chelsea thinks she’s untouchable, but someone’s gonna stop them eventually. Well, speaking of, Alba Fyre leads the way in as she & Piper Niven “scope the perimeter.” There’s one small threat. They frisk the “miniscule” threat, but nothing they haven’t dealt with before. Chelsea struts in and says, “The Eagle has landed~!” Zelina says she is so glad the “Bootleg Men in Black” have crashed the party. Now, yeah, they all know she’s small. But clearly this small “threat” is a big threat to Chelsea’s title reign. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have taken all three of them to beat her.
KC Squared agree with that. How about tonight, we see what happens when the odds are even? Chelsea says that’s fine, because Agents P & A are ready. The Secret Her-vice has been given their next mission, but will they be able to crash the party? Or will the party crash them?
Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice!
SmackDown returns and The Green Administration makes their entrance. The teams sort out, Alba starts against Katana, and the two tie up. Alba KNEES low, CLUBS Katana down, then fireman’s carries. Katana fights free, tags Kayden, and they KICK, double whip, and then trip Alba up for the basement DROPKICK! Katana adds a slingshot SENTON, Kayden covers, TWO! Kayden tags Katana, they double whip Alba to a corner, then Kayden runs in. Alba DUMPS Kayden out, ROCKS Katana, and she tags Piper! Katana arm-drags Alba out, then goes out to run up. Kayden gives her a boost, Katana CROSSBODIES Alba down!
The fans fire up, but Piper goes up and out?! CANNONBALL and down goes KC Squared! Piper salutes Chelsea and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Kayden rallies on Alba while the fans rally up. Kayden fires up, runs in and whips, but Alba reverses. Kayden wheelbarrows, victory rolls, then SUPERKICKS! Kayden fires up again but the fans are torn. Kayden runs in at Alba to BOOT WASH her against the ropes! Chelsea protests, Kayden kicks at her, then Kayden springboards for a LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Alba survives, Kayden whips, but Alba KICKS back! Tag to Piper, but Kayden jackknife bridges Alba! The ref explains bout the tag, Piper runs up, but Kayden moves! The SENTON hits Alba! Piper panics, Kayden tags Katana!
Katana goes up onto Kayden’s shoulders, VICTORY ROLL LAUNCHER, but Piper catches Katana! Katana fires hands, BOOTS, and then hurries to go up again. Kayden ROCKS Piper, and fireman’s carries?! SAMOAN DROP! Kayden then gives Katana the boost, for the KEG STAND SPLASH!! Cover, ALBA BREAKS IT! Kayden runs up on Alba to BOOT her out! Katana gives Kayden the boost now, SUPER CROSSBODY onto Alba! Kayden hurries to tag back in, and she brings Piper up. Piper swings, Kayden dodges and SUPERKICKS! Katana goes up, Piper staggers over that way, but Chelsea distracts the ref!
The fans are torn as Alba grabs Katana. Katana kicks Alba down, chases Chelsea off, but Piper sends Kayden into her! Piper scoops to PIPER DRIVER!! Cover, Secret Her-vice wins!
Winner: The Secret Her-vice, by pinfall
The Women’s US Champion helps her team, and now they all mug Kayden & Katana! But here comes Zelina! Vega runs down the ramp, CLOBBERS Alba, and then she gets in the ring! Zelina tilt-o-whirl DDTS Piper! And she KNEES Alba off the apron! But Chelsea CLOBBERS Zelina! Chelsea fires up, the UK is oddly with her, and she chicken wings Zeina. But Zelina fights free to fire forearms and body shots! And a BACK ELBOW! Zelina reels Chelsea in, CODE- SUPERKICK from Alba! SENTON from Piper! The Green Administration is just too much for Zelina to fight against alone! But can she, Kayden & Katana find a way to turn things around?
WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman!
Did the Mega Star just get this title back from Shinsuke Nakamura? YEAH! Did he help the Monster of All Monsters fight off Solo Sikoa’s rouge bloodline? YEAH! And now, does he have to defend this title against the monster he just helped? YEAH!! But will Knight still reign this close to WrestleMania? Or will Braun #GetTheseHands back on a championship?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s time for Knight’s biggest challenge, YEAH!
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. The two tie up, and Braun SHOVES Knight away. Knight comes back, Braun SHOVES him down again! Knight gets up, gets around, and he headlocks. Braun powers up to back suplex, but Knight lands out! Knight tries but Braun’s too big to suplex! Braun ELBOWS Knight, storms up on him, but Knight fires haymakers! Knight whips, Braun reverses, but Knight KICKS back! Knight runs, but Braun HIP TOSSES! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this, but Braun brings him up. Braun puts Knight in a corner, CHOPS, then runs, for a SPLASH! Knight sputters along ropes, Braun keeps moving, but Knight DUMPS him out!
The fans fire up as Knight then WRECKS Braun with a dropkick! Knight keeps moving, and he WRECKS Braun again! The fans fire up with Knight, but then Braun BOOTS Knight down! The fans are torn but Braun stands tall as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Braun puts Knight back in the ring. The fans cheer as Knight KICKS Braun! Knight tries again, but Braun’s still too big to back suplex! Braun CLUBS Knight, then runs in at the corner. Knight BOOTS Braun, goes up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Knight and Braun rise back up, and Knight dodges a shot to JAB! Then he dodges to JAB! JAB! JAB! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” But Braun KNEES low! Braun scoops, Knight slips free, and Knight RAMS Braun into buckles! Then the BACK SUPLEX! The fans fire up and Knight rises again! Knight spells it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!
Braun has plenty left in the tank but the fans rally for Knight. Knight stands Braun up to kick low, but Braun THROWS Knight away! Knight rises, and Braun LARIATS Knight up and out! The fans fire up as Braun rips the shirt! Braun gets on the track, and he runs in, STROWMAN EXPRESS MEETS JACOB FATU!! The Samoan Werewolf strikes Braun down!
Winner: Braun Strowman, by disqualification; LA Knight retains the title
The fans boo as Jacob now goes after Knight! He just ruined what was becoming a great match, but Jacob fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT on Braun! SAMOAN DROP onto the desk!! The desk doesn’t budge, but Braun might’ve been broken in half! The UK fires up for Fatu as he puts Braun in the ring! Jacob fires more HEADBUTTS, then HEADBUTTS away on Braun in the corner! The fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE, FATU~, FATU~!” Jacob runs corner to corner, but Knight kicks him first! Knight fires haymakers, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Jacob denies the BFT to POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! And then HIP ATTACK for Braun anyway!
Jacob keeps going, HIP ATTACK for Braun again! Jacob throws off his jacket, glares at Braun, and he runs in for a third HIP ATTACK! Braun flounders into the drop zone, so Jacob goes up, up, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! Direct hit on Braun, but the fans want that “ONE MORE TIME!” Jacob obliges, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! The Samoan Werewolf just tore up #OneBigSOB and LA Knight, will there be no stopping him from taking the United States Championship?
Backstage interview with Jimmy Uso.
Jackie Redmond is with #BigJim, and she says that while she knew WWE was going global this month, she did not know they’d get the slap heard ’round the world! Jimmy says he’d do it again, and he’ll slap Gunther as many times as he needs! Jimmy knows Jey is up in his own head, doubt is creeping on him. But just because Jey’s 0-3 against Gunther doesn’t mean Gunther’s unbeatable! The Ring General CAN be got! Jimmy’s going to Raw this Monday, he will bust Gunther’s ass, Jey will go to Mania and bust Gunther’s ass to become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. And then they leave Las Vegas just like this: YEET!
Jimmy heads out, but then The Miz & Carmelo Hayes walk by. Miz is mocking Jimmy’s words, and he asks excuse me. Miz says it’s just funny that suddenly, Jimmy is a tough guy, even though for most of his career, he’s been “The Other Uso.” Doesn’t Jimmy get it? Jimmy and Jey are career sidekicks while Gunther is a main character. Gunther is the lead, neither Jimmy nor Jey can beat him. And here’s another thing: The Usos are just blips on the trailer that was Roman Reigns’ Bloodline. Melo says Jimmy & Jey are stuck outside the club, they can’t even get in.
Miz says as a former WWE Champion, a former WrestleMania main eventer, Jimmy will never know what it is to carry this industry. And after this year’s WrestleMania, neither will Jey. Oh, and by the way, if Jimmy ever slapped Miz like that, Jimmy would still be on the ground. Jimmy feints the slap and Miz freaks out. Jimmy says it may be him and Gunther on Monday, but he’ll holler at Aldis real quick so it can be Jimmy VS Miz here tonight. Yeah, YEET! Jimmy heads out, Melo says he thought Miz was gonna do something about the slap. Will Miz have to do something about running his mouth before he gets his teeth kicked in?
Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga find Jacob Fatu backstage.
Solo asks Jacob what the Hell he was doing out there. Jacob goes out there alone without saying a thing to them? Jacob says he ain’t gotta say nothing to nobody! Matter fact, didn’t Solo not tap in with him last week? Tama says, “But Jacob,” only for Jacob to say, “But nothing, Tama!” Solo wants Jacob to lower his tone, but Jacob says okay. Let him be very clear with them. When it comes to Braun Strowman, Jacob WILL be the last man standing. Y’all better get in where you fit in, cuz that US title? Oh, Jacob’s bringing it home to the family. And he will do it with them, or without them! Yadada mean? Fatu heads out, is the Samoan Werewolf no longer following Solo?
Naomi speaks.
“I mean… How did we even get here? I don’t know. One thing that I do know is that I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. So Bianca, what makes you think that my attack on Jade was anything different from me doing the right thing? When I sit here and I think about all that I’ve sacrificed, all that I’ve given, and that’s what really breaks my heart. Because through all of that, I’m made to be the bad one in this situation. I just don’t understand, how does Jade come in outta nowhere and take my place with you? I want you to ask yourself this, Bianca. Who inspired you? Hmm?
“Who’s inspired women over the last decade? Who’s always had your back from day one of you being here? Me. Not Jade. Hmm. But you know what? What I’ve learned through all of this: You teach people how to treat you. And I’m done with being treated as a third wheel. I’m done being pushed to the side, I’m done with being too nice, I’m done with being undervalued, underutilized, underappreciated! So moving forward, hmm… Moving forward, here’s my message to you, Jade. If you continue to be in my way, I strongly advise you to proceed with caution.” The Glow shows her dark side, but will the storm be moved?
Nick Aldis meets with Jade Cargill.
Speaking of, the SmackDown General Manager understands things have been rather difficult for her as of late. Jade says she’s been trying to get her hands on Naomi for the past few weeks, now where is she? No one has seen her all day, so as far as anyone knows, Naomi’s not here. Well, when Jade catches Naomi, it’s on sight. Jade leaves, B-Fab & Michin are there. They let her know that what Naomi did to her was straight trash, totally uncalled for behavior. And after Jade gets her hands on Naomi, she’ll handle that business. Jade agrees. Mia says they’ve all got business to handle. Jade’s got Naomi, and Mia’s gonna get Charlotte for messing with her girl, B.
B-Fab says Naomi’s got what’s coming to her: no sympathy, no regrets. Jade, just do what you gotta do. Oh, she will. Jade also wishes Mia luck tonight. Mia & B-Fab head out, will the Head Baddie in Charge make the Queen bow down in London?
The darkness approaches.
“You are as I was. As I am, you will be.” The shadows are starting to take shape, but is SmackDown about to fade to black?
Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab!
The Queen looks down on everyone, so it’s no surprise that everyone else wants to take her down. Charlotte may have checked off B-Fab, but will the HBIC be a much different story? Or will Charlotte only sharpen her edge before facing Tiffany Stratton at WrestleMania?
WAIT! NAOMI ATTACKS B-FAB & MICHIN! Naomi drags Mia up for a FACEBUSTER! Naomi rains down fists, the ref reprimands and the fans boo, but Naomi tells the ref to back off. Naomi then BOOTS B-Fab off the apron! Naomi goes out after B-Fab to THRWO her into barriers! Naomi SLAPS B-Fab, tells her to stay down, but B-Fab gets up. Naomi fires hands, then she SMACKS B-Fab off the desk! Naomi rains down fists, but here comes Jade! Jade hurries down the ramp, she runs around the way, but Naomi runs away! Jade makes sure B-Fab is okay, but refs have to help her to the back. And what of Mia? Will she even be able to compete?
Charlotte makes her entrance, not really caring about what Naomi just did to Mia. But that means she also crosses paths with Jade. The fans like the look of this stare down, but Jade and Charlotte both let the other slide. Charlotte gets her pyro, and it seems she’ll still get her match. Will Mia be little more than an appetizer now?
The bell rings, and Charlotte BOOTS Mia down! Cover, TWO! Mia stays in this and the fans rally up. Charlotte just struts around while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Charlotte has Mia down with a chinlock, but the fans rally up. Mia fights up, fires body shots, and she then blocks a shot to ROCK Charlotte! Mia ROCKS Charlotte again and again, then reels her in for a TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up as Mia hurries to cover, TWO! Mia drags Charlotte up, wrenches, but Charlotte says no to Da Feet! BIG back suplex! Mia stagger sup, Charlotte whips her, but Mia reverses! Charlotte goes up and out, BOOTS her away, then slingshots in and rolls Mia! Mia rolls through and BUZZSAWS! Mia runs corner to corner, but Charlotte avoids the cannonball!
Charlotte YAKUZA KICKS Mia down, then fires herself up! The fans “WOO~!” as Charlotte has Mia in the drop zone,. Charlotte steps on her, goes up the corner, but Mia gets underneath her! SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Charlotte survives and Mia is shocked! Mia nods as the fans rally back up, and she brings Charlotte up. But Charlotte ROCKS Mia! Mia SOBATS, PELES, and then runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Charlotte stays in this, Mia grows frustrated, but the fans continue to rally. Mia uses that energy to stay focused, and she stalks Charlotte to waistlock. But Charlotte ELBOWS her away!
Charlotte CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOSP! Charlotte winds up, and she CHOPS again! Mia sputters, but then she dodges the boot! Charlotte is caught, and Mia hits a SAIDO! Charlotte flounders to a corner, the fans rally behind Mia, and Mia runs up, CANNONBALL! Mia hurries to wrench and EAT- NO, Charlotte shoves Mia away! Charlotte gets under, back suplexes, but Mia lands out! EAT DA FEET!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Charlotte’s long legs help her survive by a literal foot! Mia is beside herself while Charlotte bails out. Mia storms after Charlotte, runs up, but Charlotte dodges! Mia’s kick hits steel steps!
Mia hobbles away, goes to the apron, but Charlotte CHOP BLOCKS the bad leg out! Charlotte grabs Mia’s leg, drops a KNEE on the knee, but fans chant, “We Want Tiffy!” Charlotte just steps through, FIGURE FOUR, into FIGURE EIGHT!! Mia taps, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
Charlotte got more of a fight out of Mia than expected, but she still won. Will The Queen be more than ready to reign again after WrestleMania?
Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.
Jackie Redmond is with the WWE Women’s Champion and says Charlotte certainly looks confident. Let’s be real, Charlotte came at Tiff pretty hard. It got a lot of people talking. Tiff says yes, people talk. And Charlotte sure loves to hear herself talk. Ten years into the business and Charlotte is still so insecure that she can’t let a “rookie” get a word out. But last week, Tiff did learn something: She learned that walking into WrestleMania, she isn’t the one with something to lose. Truth is, if Tiff loses, then she lost to the great Charlotte Flair, as just a 25-year-old rookie with one year into SmackDown.
But if Charlotte loses… Well, then she lost to an “undeserving, delusional, unoriginal, backflip doing, blonde-hair-having, little girl.” Did she get it all? And Tiff can’t wait to hear the look on Charlotte’s face when they hear the words, “And STILL!” Then maybe Charlotte will finally shut up for the sake of literally everyone! They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, and Tiff will make damn sure what stays is Charlotte’s massive ego. Tiff is walking into and out of Mania as the WWE Women’s Champion. Tootles! Tiff heads out, will it still be #TiffyTime after WrestleMania?
Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre!
The Viper told Cody how proud he was, but also how he wants the next shot after John Cena. The Scottish Terminator took offense to that, and basically said he is taking that shot instead. Will this match be an unofficial #1 contender’s match between these two former world champions?
SmackDown returns and McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans sing, “OH~, Drew McIntyre~!” and chant “R K O! R K O!” Drew and Orton circle, tie up, and they go around in a deadlock. Drew powers Orton to a corner, but Orton headlocks back. Drew powers up and out, then he runs Orton over! Orton hurries to ropes and Drew mockingly asks, “How’s the back feel, Randy?” Orton stands, he and Drew reset, and the fans duel some more. Drew calls for a knuckle lock, Orton accepts, but then Drew kicks low! Drew bumps Orton off buckles, then climbs up, but he panders for too long and Orton YANKS him down!
The fans fire up as Orton climbs now! Orton rains down fists, and the fans count to nine. Orton hops down, brings Drew around, and POSTS him for ten! Drew tumbles out of the ring, Orton goes out after him, and they’re by the desk! But Drew kicks Orton first and SMACKS him off the desk! Drew clears the desk, and he brings Orton up for the DESK- NO, Orton fights free! Orton turns things around, DESK BACK SUPLEX for Drew! The fans fire up while Orton leaves Drew behind, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew writhes on the floor, but Orton goes out to fetch him! Orton brings Drew around, UPPERCUTS him, then says one more time! DESK BACK SUPLEX! Drew writhes as that desk stays standing! Orton grins, refreshes the ring count, and then he storms up on Drew. Drew pokes Orton in the eye! Drew POSTS Orton now, then brings him around to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP into barriers! Orton slumps down, and Drew also grits his teeth from that double-edged attack, but Drew fires up as he stands tall. Drew drags Orton up, puts him in the ring, then stalks Orton. Drew looms over Orton, and HIP DROPS him!
Orton sputters, Drew says one more time, and he winds up for the HIP DROP! Drew paces around Orton, says maybe one more time, and he pretends he can’t hear the fans. Drew winds up again, but Orton flips over! Hip drop meets kneecaps! And then Orton pokes Drew in the eyes! The ref reprimands but Orton rises up. Drew sputters and flounders, Orton ROCKS him with a right! Drew ROCKS Orton back! Drew storms up, Orton kicks low, but Drew fires another haymaker! The haymakers go back and forth, Orton gets the edge, but Drew GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS! Cover, TWO! Drew clamps onto Orton with an armlock!
SmackDown returns to single picture and the fans rally up. Orton fights up, pries at the chinbar, and then throws right hands! Drew CHOPS Orton in return! The fans “WOO~” and Drew winds up. Drew ROCKS Orton again, eggs him on, then CHOPS again! Drew shoves Orton to a corner, CHOPS again, then dares Orton to fight! Drew whips corner to corner, but Orton comes back to LARIAT! And LARIAT! Drew swings, Orton dodges, SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up as Orton stalks Drew to the apron. Drew HOTSHOTS Orton first! Drew then runs in, but Orton puts him through the ropes!
The fans fire up as Orton has Drew for the DRAPING DDT! The fans fire up for Orton, and Orton hears those voices! Drew rises, but then Orton spots KEVIN OWENS! The Prizefighter is on the ramp, Orton glares at him, but then he turns around into a CLAYMORE!! Cover, DREW WINS!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
Kevin’s mere presence costs Orton, and now Drew has a huge win propelling him down the Road to WrestleMania! As for Orton, Kevin drags him out of the ring, SMACKS him off the desk, and then climbs up to join him! The fans boo but Kevin and his hot pink sneakers have Orton in position, but Orton slips free and TRIPS Kevin up! Kevin hits the desk then the floor! Orton staggers around, the fans rally behind him, and Orton stalks Kevin to the corner of the barriers. Orton lines up the shot! Orton runs in, but Kevin jumps over barriers! Security is there to stop Orton from pursuing, so Kevin runs away into the night!
The fans boo, but The Viper was that close! Will Orton be able to strike Kevin down and completely take him out?
Fire, thunder, smoke…
The force of nature is drawing ever closer. And he’s ready to fly! REY FENIX arrives next Friday Night SmackDown!
Jimmy Uso VS The Miz!
#BigJim gave Gunther a piece of his mind and a mark on his cheek, but it seems not everyone got the message. Will the Hollywood A-lister soon star in the Uso Penitentiary? Or will he prove Jimmy is NOT ready for a world champion level opponent?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Jimmy powers Miz to a corner, Miz turns things around, and the ref counts. Miz takes a swing, Jimmy ducks it to CHOP! And CHOP! Miz shoves Jimmy back, then runs up, but Jimmy TACKLES Miz! Jimmy rains down fists, Miz shoves him away to go to ropes, but Jimmy storms back up. Miz ELBOWS Jimmy away, then runs back up, only for Jimmy to LARIAT him down! The fans fire up while Jimmy storms up on Miz. Jimmy CHOPS Miz, has him in a corner, then whips corner to corner. Miz reverses, Jimmy goes up and over, then UPPERCUTS! Miz staggers back to ropes, but Jimmy is right on him.
Jimmy whips, Miz reverses and kitchen sink knees! Then basement BOOTS! The fans fire up, Miz scowls, and Miz KNEES Jimmy in the back again and again. Miz stalks Jimmy to the ropes now, and he CHOKES Jimmy! The ref counts, Miz runs, and Miz STRADDLE ATTACKS! The fans boo, but Miz runs again. Jimmy ducks the boot, then dodges a lariat! Jimmy runs up to LARIAT Miz up and out! The fans fire up and Jimmy builds speed, but Miz runs away! Jimmy smirks as he goes out the side, and UPPERCUTS Miz over the barriers! Jimmy makes sure Gunther knows he’s coming to get him, but SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and both men are down. Miz and Jimmy crawl, and Jimmy pounds the mat. The fans rally, Jimmy rises and runs up to LARIAT! And LARIAT! And mule kick! Jimmy then UPPERCUTS Miz, dodges a lariat, then SAMOAN DROPS! The fans fire up, Jimmy goes to the corner, “UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs in, but Miz puts him on the apron! Jimmy UPPERCUTS again! Jimmy climbs, leaps, but Miz gets under! Miz then waistlocks, ripcords, and MOVIE MAKER! Fans boo that blatant parody, but Miz full nelsons! Jimmy drops, victory rolls, TWO! Miz has the cover, TWO! Miz hurries to BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally up as Jimmy survives! Miz stalks Jimmy, the fans rally up more, and Miz fires a KICK! And then another KICK! The fans say “YES! YES! YES!” to the It Kicks, but then Miz winds up. Jimmy ducks the buzzsaw, Miz blocks the superkick, but the DRAGON WHIP connects! Miz rebounds to B-MOVIE KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! The parodies don’t get it done, but Miz still has his original work to fall back on. The fans rally for “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Miz runs in, A-LIST LARIAT! Miz shoves Jimmy down, then springboards, but into a SUPERKICK! Jimmy hurries up top, for the USO SPLASH!! Cover, Jimmy wins!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Miz may be a movie star, but Big Jim’s the one winning this main event! Jimmy then borrows Joe Tessitore’s headset to call out Gunther! He’s coming after dat ass on Monday! Gunther won’t be the ring general, he will be “Private Gunther,” and he will salute Big Jim! Uh, uh, YEET! Will Jimmy be the one making examples out of the World Heavyweight Champion? Or will everything come crashing down when Gunther gets his turn?
Drew McIntyre returns backstage.
And he says hey to Lewis Capaldi, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, and also a big fan of Drew’s. They’re ready to have a good night in the pub, but Jackie Redmond walks over to congratulate him on the win tonight. She was hoping to get some thoughts on that victory and what happened with Orton and Kevin. Drew says it’s alright, this is what happens. He doesn’t care about anybody else’s business, but no one gets away with screwing him over. And when no one meddles in his business, he wins! Drew called out Priest, where is he? Priest doesn’t have the balls! So time to get mad in the pubs, everyone’s invited!
Drew turns the corner, but PRIEST IS THERE! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the door, then throws him into road cases! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the trunk of a car, and then again! Or since it’s London, “the boot.” The driver complains, but Priest BODY SLAMS that guy through a table! Drew comes back to KNEE Priest low, SMACK him off the trunk, and then off the side! They go to the hood, or bonnet for UK. Drew drags Priest up, but Priest CLAWS Drew’s eyes! Priest then sends Drew SOUTH OF HEAVEN through the windshield! Priest tells security that he’s done for now. Any more jokes, Drew? Didn’t think so! RIP, jackass!
Priest leaves, the producers hurry to help Drew, and Drew’s got glass in his eye! Will that glass help Drew see why he shouldn’t piss off the Punisher?
CM Punk heads to gorilla.
He has a security detail with him, and he passes by Drew writhing in pain. Punk chuckles, then continues on. Will his contract signing with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins be just as brutal? We find out, after the break.
Nick Aldis is in the ring.
The SmackDown General Manager welcomes us back, and says it is his honor and privilege to be here in the O2 in London. Now, we all know why he and this table is here, and why additional security is here tonight. Tonight, we are here to sign a contract for a Triple Threat. Perhaps the biggest Triple Threat in the history of WrestleMania: Seth Rollins VS CM Punk VS Roman Reigns! The fans cheer all those names, and here comes the OTC! London puts the ones up, and Paul Heyman accompanies THE Tribal Chief out on stage. Roman raises his finger to the sky for the pyro, then security follows him to the ring.
SmackDown goes picture in picture as Roman’s entrance continues, and he raises his finger to the sky for the second round of pyro. Roman steps into the ring, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Heyman hands him a mic. The fans sing, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!” Roman nods, the fans cheer, and now they chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman tells London, “ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” The fans cheer again, and again chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman smiles, but he sees the chairs are not to his liking. Heyman makes sure to put one at the head of the table. Heyman also dusts the chair off while Roman enjoys the singing of, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!”
Roman takes a seat and says that was beautiful. The way they sing to their Tribal Chief, it’s just beautiful. The singing continues, and Heyman even joins in! Roman smiles, and he says that is what he’s talking about. That’s the OTC for you, baby! The biggest star on the planet! The OTC came here for two reasons. One: to be acknowledged; check! And two: to sign this contract. Roman does just that, and he says he’s checked both boxes. That means- “BURN IT DOWN!” Seth Rollins interrupts! The fans now sing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Rollins struts out in his red wine paisley suit and conducts the O2 Choir all the way into the ring.
The fans cheer while Roman frowns, but Rollins takes the seat to Roman’s left. Rollins offers Heyman a chance to sing to this song, but Heyman frowns. Rollins chuckles, and he says the fans do have beautiful singing voices. He doesn’t know why Roman is in such a hurry to leave, though! This is their building! There’s a lot of history here! 12 years ago, they landed on the roof of this place in a helicopter! They came down those stairs over there, “ready to burn down the old guard!” They put the Undertaker down through the desk, and they were going to remake this company in their image!
Now don’t get him wrong, Rollins knows a lot has happened since then. They fought against each other, with each other, a little bit of love and a whole lot of hate. But Rollins dare says, as the fans continue to sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~,” that Rollins and Roman accomplished their mission. The fans start to chant for CM Punk, but Rollins tunes them out. Roman says, “We? We? You keep saying we. Our mission? We died a long time ago. It’s only been ME. You been here, but I done all the work! I’ve made this place what it is today! I took us to the level that we are here today! I made this place better than we found it!
“I’m the one that made us desirable to Netflix! I’m the one that took us into billion-dollar deals! Tell me, what have you done?” Rollins shouts, “I’ll tell you what I’ve done! YOU, YOU, YOU, it’s that mindset that keeps me having to screw you! You understand that? And your biggest mistake is not understanding the danger that’s right in front of us! The danger that’s right in front of you! You let the biggest snake in the world, CM Punk, into the garden! And you could’ve cut his head off at WarGames! But instead, you shook his hand. You could’ve let me finish him inside the cage at The Garden, but you didn’t. And now, I am left to do what I always do: Clean up your mess, again.”
Rollins drops his mic, picks up the pen, and signs his part. And now, here comes CM PUNK! The fans fire up and sing along with Cult of Personality, then join in on saying, “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME~!” Punk goes to the ring, but as he grabs a mic, he goes up a corner, just like he did last Friday. “I have come here to chew bubblegum and sign a contract. And I’m all outta bubblegum.” The fans cheer the Rowdy Roddy Piper reference, and Punk hops down to take his seat on Roman’s right. Punk looks over said contract, but Roman asks if Punk needs a highlighter or something. What’s he doing? Just go to page four, clause five.
Punk does as Roman says, but Roman says Punk needs to hurry, this is precious TV time. Punk reads the segment, Roman tells Heyman to just smarten Punk up. Heyman tells Punk he knows what Punk is looking for. It is in there. They’re closing the show at WrestleMania. The fans go wild hearing that! Heyman tells Punk that he gets to live his dream of dreams. CM Punk will be a WrestleMania main eventer! The fans cheer and while Roman smiles, Rollins is furious. Roman says, “One man’s dream is another man’s favor! CHECK!” Wait, this was the favor? Rollins says no! This is not something to laugh at, and Punk does not get to tear up!
Punk is NOT deserving! He does NOT deserve this! The fans boo but Rollins continues to throw a fit! Main eventing WrestleMania is SACRED, the most important thing in the world to Rollins! More than anything! Except the fact that Punk NEVER gets to main event! This is all Roman’s fault! This is all Heyman’s fault! Rollins THROWS his mic down, paces angrily, but Punk picks up the mic. The fans cheer Punk on again, and Punk stands to thank London, to thank Chicago, to thank Louisville, Kentucky, and to thank ALL the fans. As corny as it sounds, he thanks the WWE Universe who stood by him and chanted his name for TEN LONG YEARS!
Roman says hold on, hold on. Punk shouldn’t be thanking the fans! He should be thanking the Tribal Chief! It is because of Roman that Punk gets this honor! So please, take this moment, close the show with that acknowledgement! Do this the right way. The credits are already rolling as Punk kneels before Roman!? Punk smiles, and he thanks “My Tribal Chief, the holder of the ula fala, the Head of the Table, the… Big Dog? Thank you for allowing a kid from Chicago to be graced by your presence. Thank you, My Tribal Chief, for allowing me to stand in your ring. And thank you so much. Thank you, Roman Reigns, so very much.
“But because of you, I will see you in the main event of WrestleMania.” And again, Rollins is agonizing over this. Punk finishes putting his signature on the contract, and London tells him, “You Deserve It!” Punk thanks Roman again, and then says, “But that’s not the favor that I’m owed.” WHAT?! Roman looks at Heyman and Heyman can’t look him in the eye! If getting this Triple Threat made into the main event isn’t the gift of the Wise Man, then what is?!
My Thoughts:
A good SmackDown, but they pulled off quite the paradox. They made it feel like they were struggling to fill three hours, yet they also filled the show to the point where that contract signing segment was almost bleeding over the three hour mark. Ironically, part of the problem was just how excited the London crowd was for this. The superstars still wanted to enjoy the chants and songs, but that’s time SmackDown doesn’t have to spare. It made the opening promo from Cody, Orton and Drew take longer, and it kinda did the same to the contract signing at the end. Even so, we still got a very good promo, and good stuff to set up Orton VS McIntyre.
Orton VS McIntyre was a great match, but of course Kevin costs Orton. McIntyre gets his win, Kevin and Orton have a bit of a brawl, but of course Kevin ends up on the losing end and runs off. McIntyre’s trash talk also comes back to bite him as Priest gets the better of him in their brawl. Here’s hoping Drew didn’t actually get glass in his eye, but that being the thing in kayfabe can be some good stuff. I can imagine McIntyre with an eyepatch, and he takes it off at the opportune time to get the better of Priest in their match. Also what a fitting choice for Punk to be passing by Drew suffering because of real glass.
Very good title matches tonight, but of course the status quo was kept. Pretty Deadly gets to look great here in London, but the Profits only just got the belts, they’re not going to be transitional champions like that. And Knight VS Braun was really good stuff, but honestly, Jacob Fatu going after them both should’ve been a given. Jacob also had a great promo with Solo & Tama to start adding to that divide between Jacob and Solo. I would hope Solo doesn’t screw Jacob out of the US Championship, but it feels like he will as Solo won’t stand for Jacob defying his authority, even though Solo’s been trying to make Jacob the champion all along.
Very good stuff from Jimmy Uso tonight, from his promo with #MeloDon’tMiz and then a great match with Miz. Their match ended up the de facto main event match, so that’s also great for both guys. Great win for Jimmy, but that’s likely because Jimmy is losing big time to Gunther on Monday. And it might just be me, but it feels like only now is the Jey VS Gunther build really moving, largely in part because Jimmy got involved. Jimmy’s promo after his match is something along the lines of what Jey should be saying. But I suppose as brothers, Jimmy is the one who knows Jey best and knows what Jey needs to be motivated again. And seeing Jimmy get beat up by Gunther will definitely motivate Jey…
Good final vignettes for Rey Fenix and Aleister Black. I’m a little surprised they confirmed Rey Fenix is showing up next week, and that they confirmed who Rey Fenix even is. I believe commentary confirmed Rey Fenix is Penta’s real brother, even namedropped “Lucha Brothers,” but all that is still surprising considering Fenix is going to start on SmackDown. Aleister’s vignette (at least I am fairly confident it’s his) was giving us glimpses of his silhouette, but I think there was usage of AI in the snake imagery. It was fine they did it for El Grande Americano because that is all trolling, but they really should try and do things the old fashioned way of photoshop and stock imagery.
Very good stuff in the Women’s Division tonight, though the WWE Women’s Championship portion was the weaker. Naomi’s got a great Heel persona going, her promo was great, and her going after B-Fab & Michin over them supporting Jade was a great detail. Jade runs Naomi off, helps B-Fab, but there was no helping Michin in being fed to Charlotte. Tiffany had a decent promo, and it does fit how Charlotte kept her from speaking so she finally gets things out here. It didn’t really add that much, though, but they already gave us a great brawl so not sure what more they can give.
KC Squared VS The Secret Her-vice was a very good match, but of course Chelsea made sure her team won. A Six Woman Tag of Zelina & KC Squared VS The Green Administration is certainly coming, to help give us Zelina VS Chelsea for the Women’s US Championship.
My Score: 8.7/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 3.27.2025
Bad news out of the TNA management side, but this is a taped episode from El Paso! So we won’t see any of the fallout just yet!
Now we all heard the news about the TNA change in hierarchy, and I…have no positive outlook on that. Delirious sucked at booking and creative in the dying days of ROH before it got bought as a B show. Dreamer having even more control is concerning because his ideas the last two years haven’t been much better.
Gail leaving makes more sense to me. Be it firing or a “you can’t quit, you’re fired” kind of situation, the Knockouts division is the worst it’s been in a long time and Gail was close with Scott D’Amore. So I don’t think Gail parting ways is as big of a problem since TNA has slowly been bleeding out with the Scott faithful.
Granted, I think the next few shows were already taped before the firing so things shouldn’t be completely unwatchable for at least a week or two. So let’s see where we’re going.
.@WeAreRosemary sends @XiaBrookside a CHILLING message!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/srciTTbel0
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Ratings:
- Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge: Ash wins via Rarefied Air – ** 1/4
- Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr: Chavo wins via Gory Bomb into Frog Splash – *** 1/4
- Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich: Masha wins via Russian Death Device – ***
- Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin: Eric wins via Piledriver – ** 1/2
- Seto & Mokuba – I mean – Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater: Nic wins via Danger Zone – *** 1/4
Results:
Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge
Ash and Gigi start off, Gigi with a little Rascalz after her first takedown. So both her and Wentz are making it obvious something’s going on between them, and I’m not mad at it. Good for my man Wentz.
Tatum and Gigi get some quick tandem offense in, Ash does manage to scurry off to a tag and Heather gets bent into a Pretzel. Some kind of Inverted Tarantula from Tatum, Gigi tags in, Bronco Buster on Heather followed by Kawada Kicks. Heather sells against the ropes, Gigi goes for a Hesitation Dropkick, but Concierge pulls her away so Gigi crashes and burns. Ref is distracted, Ash gets in some cheap shots and then the Elegant duo starts working over Gigi. A few quick tags, but once Heather comes in, Gigi fights out of the corner, gets the hot tag to Tatum. Tatum stacks up both Elegance members, Corner Stacked Crossbody, Butterfly Suplex and an Elbow Drop with some some flare. Tatum goes to the top rope, Heather pulls Gigi off the apron, Concierge shoves Tatum off the turnbuckle and Ash hits Rarefied Air for the win.
Post match the Elegance Clique wants to make their wish with the cake, they light the candles and Tatum and Gigi recover enough to do what we all expected last week, the cake in the face spot. Some…suggestive licking from both of our Hot Topic Hotties, so…no complaints here.
.@Ashamae_Sebera, @Heathereckless and @IamGeorgeIceman are having a meltdown!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/FnKwPqm2ff
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr
Chavo and Kaz start since he’s King Petty, a quick rope run turns into a Headscissor from Chavo. Kaz recovers, they lock up, Kaz hits the Knee Lift during the lock up to tag out to KC. KC pulls off some athletic dodges, gloats a bit so Chavo waits, measures and nails a gorgeous Dropkick. Laredo comes in on fire, quick high spots that send KC bouncing around like HBK against Hulk. KC powders after sells the Satellite Takedown, AJ checks on him and we go to commercial.
Back from commercial, Octagon is lighting up KC’s chest with overhand chops, he perches, Sunset Headscissor Flip from corner to corner, KC tries to Back Drop him but Octagon does a headstand, kicks KC away and lays him out with a high spot. AJ gets on the apron to stop Octagon from running the ropes, the referee has a stroke or something because he stops paying attention and AJ pulls Octagon out of the ring and chucks him. KC with the Tope con Hilo and tag (tag ropes haven’t mattered since the 80s we all know this). So AJ is getting taunted by the crowd in Spanish, but he’s manhandling Octagon since it looks like a Child fighting their parent. AJ knocks off Chavo and Laredo, Laredo pops up and tries to get involved but he’s caught on the shoulders, Octagon goes for the Crossbody but gets caught and AJ pulls off “World’s Strongest Wasteland” but Chavo breaks up the pinfall. AJ throws Octagon into the corner, Tennessee Whiskey, and tag out to KC. KC hits a few moves, but starts to lose the momentum until he connects with a Super Kick. Simultaneous rope run into the Dueling Crossbodies, so we get the timely tag outs from both sides. Kaz and Laredo come in, Laredo lands like two moves before Kaz hits a Sole Butt, Lariat and eats his lunch. KC and Kaz try to double team Laredo but he fights out and the crowd is chanting for Chavo.
Chavo tags in, and he’s rocking KC, Saito Suplex, Low Bridge to AJ, Reverse the Whip so Chavo goes to the corner and perches, KC feeds, Chavo Backflips to safety, rolls through and lays out KC. Chavo is feeling himself, 3 Amigos start on KC but only 2, Kaz comes in and Chavo switches to Kaz for the Amigos, only 2 again before AJ breaks it up. AJ goes for the disrespect, but Chavo counters and hits the 3 Amigos on the biggest Culero. Aztec Warriors dive to stop AJ and Kaz, KC tries a Dirty Victory Roll but Chavo kicks out. GORY BOMB into FROG SPLASH!
Chavo looked fantastic and he’s the one in the best shape in the ring. I wouldn’t be mad at more Chavito.
Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich
I expect very little from this match.
Collar and Elbow, gator rolling for the first 30 seconds or so, then Jacy goes to some Hair Pull takedowns and does a little taunt before Masha pops back up and hits a Lariat into a Dive. Jacy sells it like she’s really hurt, even the ref tries to hold Masha back a little before Masha gets annoyed and just grabs her, Masha throws her in, looks for a Dive and Jacy sees it and powders. Masha tries to go back to the well for the Dive again but Jacy hits the Uppercut and then an Apron Run PK to drop Masha. Forearms rain down into a Foot Choke as Jacy continues to arrogantly play to the crowd. Another Foot Choke into a Cannonball, and near fall.
Masha gets space with a Sole Butt, tries to snap off Requiem but Jacy fights off, fights through a Sunset Flip another effective PK keeps Masha on her ass. Jacy looks for a kinda half-assed Camel Clutch as Masha is fighting up, but Jacy runs her into the corner, gets distracted mouthing off to the crowd, so Masha recovers, 5 Hole Up Kick sends Jacy into the corner, Yakuza Kick into Capo Kick for two. Requiem attempt again, but Jacy pushes off, a little back and forth, Masha tries a Backslide but Jacy gets away and hits a V-Trigger but only a 2 count. Jacy looks for the Discus Punch but Masha ducks it, they strike back and forth, but some dodges from both leave the exchange more even. Jacy with the Front Kick to the face sends Masha to the outside. Jacy wants another PK, but Masha blocks, Electric Chair Apron Snake Eyes. Masha throws her in, a PK into a near all. Requiem attempt 3, and thwarted from Jacy with a Superkick into a Neckbreaker. Senton misses from Jacy, Buzzsaw Kick, into Spinning Back Kick and Russian Death Device for the win.
Better than I expected, and Tessa attacks as soon as the bell rings. Xia Brookside and Lei Ying Li make the save after Tessa grabs the belt.
Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin
Ace and Eric tie up, World of Sport start but as soon as Ace starts to get away EY punches him in the face. Eric looks at the camera and says “This is what trust looks like”, turns his back on Ace, when Ace looks to attack, the loser duo cut him off. EY takes advantage of the weird situation, but Ace with some Up and Over quick spots, into an Inside Cradle and La Magistral. EY kicks out of the quick flash attempts, but eats a Dropkick, and Ace goes all Speed Kils on him with fast strikes and then a face buster for another near fall. Strike spot very early in the match, Ace gets the best of it, goes for a Tear Drop Suplex but EY sits on it to block, Headlocks to keep him close and then a snap Lariat into beatdown bully tactics. EY takes the referee’s attention and one of the nerds punch Ace in the face.
Eric tries to lean on Ace, but Ace fires, a few strikes, Click Click Boom, the Miz Seated Lariats in the corner, Mochizuki Triangle Kick connects! Only a 2 count, but Ace seems to be in control. Ace puts EY on the ropes, a few strikes to keep him rocked, wants a Superplex, but EY blocks, bites the face and Macho Elbow gets a very close two count. EY tries the Piledriver but Ace turns it into a Jacknife Cradle,Spinning Heel Kick, calls for The Fold, but the losers hop on the apron to distract, Ace attacks them. Ace tries to time out the Triangle Kick again, but Eric dodges, throws Ace head first through the buckles. As Ace stumbles out of the corner, Piledriver, and it’s over.
Oh look it’s the “we’ll hear from Joe Hendry” segment. Again, I’ve loved this gimmick since Day 1, even didn’t hate his What Culture Pro stuff, but there is such a thing as milking a cow too much.
Elijah interrupts the whole “Who’s next” speech. When Elijah comes out he says he’s not the challenger and he believes in Joe. The crowd wants Elijah to turn on Hendry. Elijah pauses for a moment, and starts proving his friendship with stating his favorite color and a little “You Got a Friend in Me”. The crowd is into singing along and waving their cameras like Lighters to a 30 year old song. THANKFULLY Kaz breaks up the hug fest. Now he gets the “Culero” chant.
Kaz pulls out a Bass…what the hell is this Jam Session. Kaz has to warm up so he plays “La Cucaracha” on the bass. Kaz…is a national treasure. Hendry kicks Kaz out of the ring after his Heelish and playfully racially charged song choices. Kaz tries to sow dissension, but Joe and Elijah pinball Kaz between them. Kaz slips a power move and tries to shove Elijah into Joe but Elijah puts the brakes on, a small tense moment. But then Joe and Elijah play “Nah Nah Nah Nah, Hey Hey, Goodbye”…and that goes right into a commercial. Oddly…perfect.
Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater
Nic shoots the half immediately for a flash pinfall but Leon kicks out at one. Nic continues to keep things grounded with his amateur wrestling skills, and then does a little Dolph Ziggler show off. So Nic isn’t really taking this seriously, and Leon starts getting the best of things with an Arm Wringer, into drag, Shoulder Tackle and rope run as Nic tries to Leap Frog and Leon puts on the brakes and just shoves Nic on his ass. Nic gets annoyed, a few strikes, grinds his face along the ropes, but Leon keeps stringing some offense together, Back Handspring Elbow into his Corner con Hilo.
Ahh the classic formula of the commercial gives the heel the advantage, Twisting Suplex from Leon stops Nic’s offense momentum, right hand, Leon lifts Nic up for something, Nic slips it, kicks him in the gut, looks for the FameAsser, but Leon catches him into a Blue Thunder Bomb variation. Slater wants the Swanton 450, but Nic powders. Leon tries to adjust into a Dive, but Nic cuts him off, counter for counter and a FameAsser out of the counters for a two count. Nic starts the big brother tactics, bootwashes and arrogance, Slater fires, punches into a Yakuza Kick. Leon wants another Lethal Injection variant, but Nic catches him into a Rear Naked Choke. Slater tries to turn it into a pin so Nic breaks it. Leon wants a Leg Lariat but misses and gets unceremoniously dropped by Nic. Nic puts Leon up on the buckles, Superplex possibly but Slater counters, tries to collect himself for a move, but Nic falls into the ropes to crotch Leon, and finally hits the Superplex.
Twist of Slate from Leon, Swanton 450 but knees get up. Locomotion Cradles from both but they kick out, Ryan picks the ankle to trip up Leon just a touch and then Danger Zone ends the match.
Ryan starts the post match beatdown, but the Hardy’s music hits and they come down to the ring for the save. Matt challenges the Nemeths for Rebellion because they’re not medically cleared yet.
Overall Score: 6.5/10
Decent story motion, no match was offensive, and there was actually some solid match action for television standards. I don’t have a ton to complain about aside from the Knockouts Division is in a weird spot, and giving Hendry a lot of just talking and hollow payoff segments feels stupid. If we need to hear from him every week, give him a talk segment like Highlight Reel or something. Yes I know First Class just got The Penthouse, but if Hendry is going to talk more than wrestle, give him a talk segment for us to sink our teeth into.
There was the announcement that Xia, Lei Ying and Masha will face Tessa, Jacy and a mystery partner. So you gotta wonder if there’s going to be another NXT mercenary, a surprise return or if it’ll just be Rosemary since she’s got her issues with Xia. Also I just realized that Unbreakable is going to be on a Thursday, seemingly after iMPACT? I’m gonna have to see how they do it, because if there’s an Impact episode and 2-3 hour PLE…I do not want to be awake until 1am. People need to work, and I will be Unwakeable if things go that long.
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