Results
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (1/24/23)
It’s a Championship Summit!
The Prodigy goes face-to-face-to-face with her challengers!
Before battling in a Triple Threat over the NXT Women’s Championship, Roxanne Perez will meet with Gigi Dolin and Jacy Jayne for a Championship Summit! Will things stay civil? Or will tonight be Toxic?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Tiffany Stratton VS Indi Hartwell; Stratton wins.
- JD McDonagh VS Andre Chase w/ Chase U; McDonagh wins.
- Fallon Henley & Kiana James w/ Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen VS Ivy Nile & Tatum Paxley; Fallon & Kiana win.
- The Creed Brothers VS Drew Gulak & Hank Walker; The Creed Brothers win.
- Wendy Choo VS Elektra Lopez; Lopez wins.
- NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships: Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS Alba Fyre & ???; Carter & Chance win and retain the titles.
PLAY BY PLAY
Grayson Waller had an Instagram story.
The 21st Century Success Story wanted to have some fun on Monday with “Bland Breakker,” so he went to the Performance Center to talk trash and find the NXT Champion. NXT Anonymous was also watching as Waller called out Bron. Trainers and trainees told Waller to stand down but Waller kept barking. Then he started throwing water bottles! Bron stormed out after Waller, and more cams caught the brawl that broke down! Waller and Bron were separated for just a moment before getting at each other again! It took everyone in the PC to get these two to stop, will tonight be even more explosive?
Tiffany Stratton VS Indi Hartwell!
O M G, the Center of the Universe is back, couldn’t you just die? Well, maybe Tiffany will at least get her head on straight after #IndiWrestling gets through with her! Will the comeback be done before it even begins?
Indi BOOTS Tiffany off the apron! And then bumps her off the apron! Indi puts Tiffany in the ring, the bell rings, and Tiffany wants a timeout but Indi RAMS her into the corner! And again, and again! The ref counts, Indi lets off but then snapmares Tiffany. Tiffany stagger sup into another snapmare. And then into a DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Indi keeps on Tiffany but Tiffany apologizes. Tiffany offers a handshake, fans boo, but Indi grabs that hand to throw Tiffany down by it! Indi then stomps the hand and fans fire up! Tiffany shakes out her hand, and she YANKS Indi into buckles! Tiffany snarls, but runs into a roll-up! TWO!
Tiffany kicks low, runs in, but is sent right out! Indi drags Tiffany back up, but Tiffany HOTSHOTS the arm! Tiffany then throws Indi down by her hair, and knee-board sentons! Tiffany drags Indi to a cover, TWO! Tiffany is annoyed, she wrenches and hits an ELBOW BREAKER! Indi clutches her arm, Tiffany pie faces her around and talks trash. Fans rally for Indi and Indi fires forearms. Tiffany kicks low, HOTSHOTS Indi again, then runs to HIP ATTACK at the ropes! Cover, TWO! Tiffany is annoyed but she drags Indi up for a wrench. Fans rally for Indi as she endures the armlock. Tiffany shifts to a top wristlock to lean on the hold.
Indi fights up as fans rally. But Tiffany wrangles Indi back down! Indi continues to endure, and she fights up again. Tiffany whips Indi to a corner, runs and handsprings, to back elbow! Tiffany wrenches and WRINGS Indi’s arm out! Tiffany keeps moving, DOUBLE STOMP! Cover, TWO! Tiffany keeps on Indi with another top wristlock. Indi fights up, fans rally, but Tiffany wrangles her down again! Indi fights up, fans taunt Tiffany as a “Barbie Reject!” but Tiffany wrangles Indi again. Fans continue to rally for Indi and she fights up again, only for Tiffany to wrangle her down again. Tiffany leans on the hold but Indi endures.
Indi fights up again, and arm-drags free! Indi kicks, CLUBS, and DECKS Tiffany! Indi rallies on Tiffany with big clotheslines! Fans fire up as Indi gets around to SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Indi drags Tiffany back up, throws her through ropes, and then UPEPRCUTS! And BOOTS! Tiffany flops down, Indi drags her back up, and Indi whips Tiffany to a corner,. Tiffany goes up and over but Indi kicks a leg out! Indi then BOOTS Tiffany down! Indi aims from a corner but Tiffany clutches her knee. Fans boo, thinking Tiffany is faking. Indi steps forward but the ref has her stay back. The ref checks Tiffany’s leg, then calls in medics.
Medics hurry out but then Tiffany SUCKER PUNCHES Indi! Fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! Tiffany shrieks then goes up, up and BEST MOONSAULT EVER! Cover, Tiffany wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Sneaky but effective, and in wrestling, a win is a win. Will Tiffany use trickery on top of her ability to make herself the Center of NXT’s Universe?
Backstage interview with Jacy Jayne.
McKenzie Mitchell notes that last week, Jacy and her tag partner, Gigi Dolin, suffered a loss because Jacy kicked Gigi- Jacy stops McKenzie there. Jacy’s biggest problem isn’t McKenzie pointing out the obvious. It’s calling Gigi Jacy’s partner. You say that was a miscalculation, Jacy calls that an awakening. It was in that moment that Jacy realized she was carrying Gigi on her back in this team! And she is DONE! Check the receipts: Jacy is why Toxic Attraction held onto the Women’s Tag Titles for almost a year. Gigi anchored Jacy down for far too long, and Jacy refuses to let Gigi stop her from becoming the NEW NXT Women’s Champion at Vengeance Day.
Wow, okay. Then what can we expect from tonight’s Championship Summit? “Something you’ve never seen before.” Jacy smirks and heads out, just what could that mean?
The Diamond Mine ramps things up.
Ivy Nile tells Julius & Brutus Creed that in order to prepare them for the long-awaited tag match with Indus Sher, she’s brought in some new training partners. Drew Gulak has Hank Walker and a few of his trainees, and says he is excited to help them. “Iron sharpens iron,” so this will be a mutually beneficial training session for everyone. Hank takes notes as the Creeds grapple with Gulak’s guys, and Ivy coaches them through the drills. Good slam from Brutus, good armlock from Julius. Gulak tells Hank to never make these mistakes.
Training’s done, and Gulak tells “Mike” that when someone gets your leg, you get it free. And if you have someone’s leg, you drive it hard and finish him. Hank wants Gulak to take it easy, but Gulak says HE wants a turn. Who wants some? Julius steps up, so Gulak gives him the advantage. They go around, Julius keeps control, and he even throws Gulak down! Gulak gets mad and shoves Julius! Ivy steps in, Gulak says that was a cheap shot! Gulak isn’t finished with them! Hank gets Gulak to leave, but will the Creeds have more than Sanga & Veer to worry about?
Chase U is in the ring!
Fans are fired up as Professor Andre is at the podium in his best robe. Thea Hail is also in a red graduate robe and Chase says, “Esteemed members of the Chase U student section, distinguished guests, the entire WWE Universe watching at home, and of course, everyone here live in attendance, welcome to the Andre Chase University Awards Ceremony.” Chase says we have assembled here to recognize someone who has worked extremely hard. “This person has excelled in the classroom. Unfortunately, she didn’t have the same success in the ring. BUT! That all changed last week!
“This young lady showed courage and confidence. She looked fear right in the eye, and she didn’t blink. She said, ‘Fear! You don’t scare me, mother-‘” WHOA! Chase, calm down. Fans chant, “That’s not PG!” Chase apologizes, but he’s just so proud. So it his extreme honor and pleasure to present Thea an award for her first victory! Fans cheer and the certificate is handed over. Photo op! Duke gets in on it, too, of course. Thea takes the mic to thank Mr. Chase, and that she loves the fans and the Student Section. Everyone chants, “You Deserve It!” She thanks them for that, and says she loves them all so much!
But wait! JORDAN DEVLIN MCDONAGH is here?! The Irish Ace has the mic to say, “Is this what we’re doing now? Is this how far the standard has slipped? All of this, for ONE win? We’re doing participation awards in NXT now? And you’re cheering for it!?” JD tells Thea that “when you hang around with losers, everyone win means a lot.” Especially with Chase U’s win-loss record. Right, Duke? Fans boo but JD says not to worry about them. They’re just as delusional as Chase U. They stick their hands in the air, the fans chant along, they’re LOSERS! Thea fires up but Duke keeps her back!
Chase tells JD that it’s bad enough that he interrupts Thea’s speech, but they will not let JD drag the good name of Chase U through the mud. This university means the world to Chase, to Thea, and to the fans! But not Duke? Duke didn’t get mentioned. Does Duke love Chase U? JD has some more advice: he’s not some wet-behind-the-ears student. And control your little dog. But Chase can’t curse and yell at JD to get him to run away. JD will end this charade. Get this crap out of JD’s ring. JD is dressed to compete, while Chase is dressed as a moron.
Chase tells JD that “one of the first lessons that I teach to my students, is always be prepared. And if you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready.” So Chase is gonna give JD an Andre Chase University sized ass-whooping! Chase takes off the robe to reveal he’s dressed to compete, too! And then he DECKS JD! JD gets up, Chase fires off more hands, and he DECKS JD out of the ring! The Irish Ace and the Professor face off, will this be a #TeachableMoment?!
JD McDonagh VS Andre Chase w/ Chase U!
NXT returns and JD hits a BIG back suplex on Chase! Fans boo JD but he soaks up the heat. JD stalks Chase, pushes him to a cover, TWO! JD pushes Chase down again to another cover, TWO! JD throws knees into Chase’s back, then clamps on a chinlock. JD pushes up, it’s practically a Bully Choke. Fans rally as Chase endures, and Chase fights up to power out and get JD in a chinlock! But JD goes around, powers out, and has the chinlock back! But Chase hits a BIG back suplex! Fans fire up while both men are down! Thea and Duke coach up Chase, and he throws hands on JD! Chase JABS, JABS, blocks a kick, and POLISH HAMMERS!
Chase hits an atomic drop, and then he whips JD to ropes. JD reverses, Chad reverses back to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Fans fire up and spell it out with the stomps! C! H! A! S! E! U! What’s that spell? “CHASE U!” Chase clutches a bad arm and JD gets up. JD swings, but into a SIDE EFFECT! Cover, TWO! Chase keeps focus and he drags JD up. Chase brings JD around, reels him in, but JD trips him to a jackknife! TWO as Chase bridges up! Chase spins it around, backslides, TWO! Chase reels JD in but JD back drops free! Chase staggers up, JD storms up and waistlocks, but Chase waistlocks. JD bucks the O’Conner to LARIAT!
JD drags Chase back up, but Chase drops to victory roll! TWO!! JD escapes and Chase staggers back up. Chase throws hands, JD SOBATS! JD yanks Chase up but Chase KNEES JD! JD HEADBUTTS Chase down! Both men fall and fans fire up again! Duke and Thea coach Chase but JD has his arm. Ripcord, DESTROYER from Chase!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! JD survives by a literal foot and Thea is fuming! Chase hears the fans rallying and he hurries to a corner. Chase climbs up, but JD hits the ropes! Chase hits the corner then falls to the mat! Duke is frustrated and he leaves ringside!? JD ripcords for DEVLINSIDE!! Cover, JD wins!!
Winner: JD McDonagh, by pinfall
The Irish Ace wins, and he might’ve been right about Duke! Duke used to bleed red ‘n’ black, but has the blood run dry?
Kiana James and Gina talk backstage.
The Professional Professional Wrestler tells G to tell Comsman and Watts that the meeting could’ve just been an email. Those two have way too much time on their hands. G heads out just as Briggs, Jensen & Fallon walk in. Everything good? Yes, all good. And she’s all warmed up for the match? Yes, ready to go. But Kiana does have a suggestion: she wants to start the match. Oh, really? Well, Kiana doesn’t mind letting Fallon start. Either way, they’ll be a great team. The four head out, will they be in business as a faction?
Fallon Henley & Kiana James w/ Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen VS Ivy Nile & Tatum Paxley!
When it comes to the battle for the bar, that’s water under the bridge. And seeing as how Kiana and Jensen are smitten with each other, Fallon is willing to accept Kiana as a friend. Will they make a good team against the Diamond Mine’s Pitbull & Powerlifter?
The teams sort out and Kiana starts after all. But then Fallon tags in with a boop on the head. They both want to exit the same side, this is already off to a dysfunctional start. Kiana goes the other way and Fallon rushes in, but Ivy waistlocks to drag her down. Ivy floats all over Fallon, facelocks and rolls with her, then goes for an arm. Ivy steps over, drags Fallon down, and has a cover, TWO! Ivy clamps onto the arm, brings Fallon over and tags Tatum. Diamond Mine double wrench, then YANK Fallon down! Fallon staggers up, Tatum runs in but is put on the apron. Tatum ROCKS Fallon, steps up to BOOT, then springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO!
Tatum headlocks Fallon but Fallon slips out to headlock back. Tatum powers Fallon back< Kiana tags in as Fallon whips. Tatum ducks one but not the second LARIAT! And the CALF KICK adds on! Kiana and Fallon feel the chemistry now, and Kiana storms up. Tatum elbows Kian away but Kiana stomps and punches and RAMS Tatum! Kiana then handsprings to RAM into Tatum! The ref counts, Kiana lets off, and she brings Tatum around into an abdominal stretch! Tatum endures as Kiana puts on the pressure. Fans rally, Tatum pries free and hip tosses Kiana down! Kiana drags Tatum from Ivy but Tatum boots her away!
Kiana staggers up, Fallon tags in just as Tatum tags Ivy! Ivy KICKS, KICKS and ROUNDHOUSES Fallon, to then run and run Fallon over! Ivy rallies, hip tosses, and fires up! Fans fire up with Ivy and she runs Around the World to CALF KICK! Ivy keeps moving, but Fallon BOOTS back! Fallon scoops Ivy, but Ivy slips free, DIAMOND DRAGON! Kiana distracts the ref, Tatum protests, but the ref has to tell Tatum to back off. This allows Kiana to throw Ivy down! Fans boo and Tatum DECKS Kiana! The ref reprimands Tatum again, Ivy runs, and Kiana trips her up! Fallon runs in to SHINING WIZARD! Kiana anchors Tatum, Fallon covers, Fallon & Kiana win!
Winners: Fallon Henley & Kiana James, by pinfall
It wasn’t exactly on the straight and narrow, but a win is a win! Fallon has the fire while Kiana has the savvy, will this team be on their way to the Women’s Tag titles?
The New Day is jamming backstage.
Xavier Woods drums the belts as he and Kofi Kingston “sing” Burn in My Light. And then they talk about the evolution of Randy Orton. He cut his hair and looked like Mr. Bigglesworth with tattoos. Edris Enofe & Malik Blade walk in and say hey, and also thanks for that opportunity in the tag gauntlet. Woods says they’ve been killing it and have enjoyed seeing them wrestle. Edris says that if that’s good, then maybe they can get a tag title match at some point. But then The Schism walks in… Rip Fowler says the New Day are just the gentlemen they’ve been looking for. Woods says, “Four roots! One tree!” And he points tot he potted plant in the corner.
Rip says if they want to make jokes, keep going. But to why they’re here, the New Day already knows. But that is why next week, it will be the New Day Tag Team Invitational. Raw 30 was huge, so next week should be huge, too! And the winner of next week’s match gets to join The New Day, Gallus and Pretty Deadly at Vengeance Day for a FATAL 4 WAY! How ’bout that? Now, go on, get. The New Day’s got things to do. And by “things,” they “sing” Voices.
Bron Breakker arrives!
The NXT Champion has just arrived at NXT Arena, what will his response to Grayson Waller’s antics be?
Apollo Crews is at the barbershop!
That’s right! If Trick Melo Gang can copy them being at the diner, they’ll return the favor by visiting Cut Wiz. Apollo says this is a dope spot, he sees why Melo comes here. Josh the barber thanks Apollo for that, but says Melo won’t appreciate Apollo coming through here. Why not? Just saying… Oh, is it because Apollo got one on Melo after Melo got one on him? Well it isn’t one and done for Apollo VS Melo, or for that title. And then uh oh! Melo & Trick show up! Hey, what the hell is Apollo doing in Melo’s chair?! The chair was open. Melo is fed up. Everyone else is tense but Melo calms down and says he just wants to talk.
Apollo says he is starting to see it on Melo’s face. Melo is realizing that no matter what he does, he can’t get rid of Apollo. That Apollo is always gonna be on Melo’s radar. And Apollo understands Melo’s aspirations, passion and desire, because Apollo is the same. Two men, one spot. Melo says what he is realizing is that it must be tough for Apollo to look at him. Not really, but go on. Melo says it must be like looking at a younger, better, more athletic Apollo from five years ago. Listen, Apollo go the call-up early, and that’s great, but look where he is now. He’s back in NXT, and so close to getting what he wants. But he has the biggest and brightest in his way, and Melo is him.
So go ahead, have a vision. Tell Melo that the NXT title doesn’t look great around Melo’s waist. Apollo says that’s true. It does look good! But it looks better on Apollo! Gottee! Man, guys, c’mon! Sorry… But Melo says that means nothing. He beat Apollo already! Does Apollo think they’re going tit for tat? Cuz Melo will go TAT TAT TAT! That’s all it is, and that’s all it’s all it’s gonna be. Apollo says they’re 1-1, so they settle this once and for all at Vengeance Day, in BEST 2 OUTTA 3 FALLS! Whoa…! Yo, chill. Melo agrees to the terms. But Melo is telling Apollo right now, he gets #MoneyMelo. Apollo will be reminded that he is the past, and Melo is the present.
Apollo says the funny thing about the past is that it can always predict the future. See you in Charlotte. Apollo heads out, will Melo hit his shot twice? Or will he get blocked and dunked on?
The Creed Brothers VS Drew Gulak & Hank Walker!
That training session earlier got heated, but now things might explode in the ring! Will Julius & Brutus be razor sharp for facing Indus Sher? Or will the iron that gets sharpened belong to the Philly Stretcher and his student?
The teams sort out and Gulak starts against Julius. Gulak uses a drop step to test the waters, but Julius is ready. Julius tackles Gulak, waistlocks and SLAMS Gulak down! Fans applaud and Julius keeps the rear mount. Gulak moves around, Julius keeps control, and he hits that same trip takedown! Fans fire up but Gulak is frustrated. Gulak drop toeholds, headlocks, but Julius fights up. Gulak wrenches, grinds the arm, steps over and La Magistrols, TWO! Gulak keeps on the arm and talks some trash. Julius fights up but Hank tags in. Fans rally for Hank as he wrenches and RAMS Julius. Hank grinds the arm but Julius fights up.
Julius and Hank go around, Julius turns the armlock around, but Hank arm-drags free! And arm-drags again! Hank has a top wristlock but Julius fights up. Julius fireman’s carry takeovers, tags to Brutus, and feed to the fireman’s carry takeover! Brutus grinds the arm, and feeds Hank to Julius’ fireman’s carry takeover! Julius then tags back in, and the cycle begins anew! Hank fights up, whips Julius away, and he runs Julius over! Hank drags Julius up to tag in Gulak and Hank fireman’s carries. Hank spins and Gulak runs to sucker punch Brutus! Hank lets Julius down from the airplane spin so Gulak can CLOBBER him!
Gulak and Hank high-five and Hank is all fired up as NXT goes picture in picture. The Creeds regroup on the outside, and Julius stands back up. Gulak is waiting as Julius slides back in. Gulak facelocks to snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Gulak keeps on Julius, tags in Hank, and Hank wrenches the arm to RAM shoulders. Hank wrenches again to RAM the shoulder again. Hank grinds the shoulder, wrenches again, then RAMS a third time! Cover, TWO! Hank facelocks and drags Julius over to tag in Gulak. They mug Julius, but Julius tackles Gulak! Gulak counters with a triangle hold, but Julius deadlifts Gulak! Julius goes to the corner and tags in Brutus!
Julius bumps Gulak off buckles, Brutus headlocks but Gulak turns that around on him. Brutus powers up but can’t power out as Gulak holds on tight. But then Brutus powers up more and THROWS Gulak away! Gulak is stunned as he and Brutus stare down. They both run in and Brutus runs Gulak over! Brutus scoops Gulak to SLAM him! And then Brutus whips Gulak to a corner. Gulak tumbles up and out, ROCKS Brutus with a forearm, then climbs up for a FLYING CLOTHESLINE! Cover, TWO! Gulak clamps onto an arm to grind Brutus down. Brutus endures, fights up, but Gulak brings him over. Tag to Hank and they mug Brutus.
Hank whips Brutus into the corner, runs in and SPLASHES! Tag to Gulak, and they mug Brutus more. Gulak CLUBS Brutus down, then stomps him down! Gulak talks trash to Julius, then throws hands on Brutus. Gulak sits Brutus up to clamp on a chinlock. Brutus endures as Gulak leans on the hold. Brutus fights up, NXT returns to single picture, but Gulak DECKS Brutus! Gulak eggs Brutus on, DECKS him again, then DECKS him again! Fans rally for Brutus as Gulak hopes Hank is taking notes. But Brutus shoots around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Brutus snarls, and he SMASHES Gulak! Brutus rains down those hammering fists and fans chants, “BRUTUS SMASH!”
Gulak gets away, then DROPKICKS Brutus! And hits a DDT! Both men are down and fans rally up. Gulak and Brutus crawl, hot tags to Hank and Julius! Julius fires off haymakers on Hank, whips him, but Hank reverses. Hank blocks a kick, but the DRAGON WHIP comes in! Julius rallies with big forearms, Gulak runs in but into an EXPLODER! Hank gets up, he gets a POWERSLAM! Julius tags Brutus and then STANDING SHOOTING STARS! Brutus STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! The Creeds are frustrated that going airborne doesn’t do it. Fans rally as Brutus drags Hank back. Hank BOOTS Brutus away!
Hot tag to Gulak! Gulak BOOTS Brutus, then goes up a corner. But Brutus grabs Gulak and drags him off the corner with double underhooks! Fans fire up as Brutus carries Gulak over and Julius tags in. Julius runs, LEAP FROG FACEBUSTER COMBO! Cover, Hank breaks it! Fans rally for Hank while all four men are down! The Creeds regroup and Julius CLUBS Gulak. Gulak HEADBUTTS back! Julius forearms, Gulak throws a haymaker! They go back and forth, shot for shot, and Gulak headlocks! Tag to Hank, he and Gulak hand off Julius for another fireman’s carry! Gulak runs, but Brutus gets in to POUNCE Gulak!
Julius slips free, waistlocks but Hank bucks the O’Conner! Scoop and FACEBUSTRE, to a WHEELBARROW BOMB! ARMBAR!! Fans fire up as Hank has the arm but Julius clasps hands and rolls things to a cover! TWO, and Hank pulls harder on the arm! Julius kicks around, fights to another cover, TWO! Hank lets Julius go, but Julius comes back, into a KNEE! Julius staggers, Brutus tags in! Brutus whips Hank but Hank reverses to get a SLEEPER! Brutus slips free, shoves, runs the ropes, DOUBLE LARIATS take both men down! Fans are fired up for “NXT! NXT!” as both men crawl! But then Charlie Dempsey appears!
Gulak is distracted by the Son of the Gentleman Villain. Hank wants a tag but Gulak tells him to get on Brutus. Julius tags in, runs in, but into an elbow! Hank BOOTS Julius, and then he aims for a kick. Julius blocks that to clinch and OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Tag to Brutus, and Julius puts Hank in a corner. Julius whips Hank out for Brutus to BRUTUS BALL!! Cover, Julius intercepts Gulak, the Creeds win!
Winners: The Creed Brothers, by pinfall
Dempsey didn’t interfere directly, but the damage was done! Hank apologizes to Gulak and they head out, will Gulak actually follow his own teachings and keep focus next time?
As for the Diamond Mine, Ivy joins the Creeds as they get the mics. Julius tells Ivy that he can’t speak for Brutus, but he knows he can be a pain in the ass. He’s stubborn, hard-headed, takes everything personal, and always have a chip on his shoulder. Ivy is smiling, and Julius knows his coaches, friends and family are, too. They know it’s true, but that’s how Julius has to be to be the best version of himself. These last few months haven’t been the best. There have been trials and tribulations, some hard times, but Ivy still stuck by the Creeds, so he thanks her for setting them straight.
Brutus also thanks Ivy. She could’ve walked away, especially when they were jerks. But she didn’t, so thanks for that. And actually, she inspired them to be the old Creeds, the ones that won the NXT Tag Team Championships! Julius says that’s right. Fans chant for the Creeds and Julius says that they’re not just the best- Wait! Here comes Indus Sher! Veer, Sanga and Jinder walk down the ramp, but Jinder stops them at ringside. Jinder “congratulates” the Creeds for once again becoming the Creeds. But Jinder says his “brothers” are sick and tired of waiting around to earn respect. And now, with the Modern Day Maharaja by their side, they are TAKING respect!
Next week, we find out who the Creeds really are! Indus Sher is 100%, The Creed Brothers are 100%, so next week, Indus Sher VS Creeds goes down! Jinder dares them to accept the challenge! The Creeds look to Ivy, and IVY says, “You’re on!” The score will finally be settled, who will prove they are the best tag team in NXT?
Backstage interview with Gigi Dolin.
McKenzie notes Jacy’s comments earlier, and Gigi says she heard. Yeah, she’s surprised, but not shocked. Jacy’s “always the first with something to say, always the first to cast her stone. Jacy Jayne is a bad person, plain and simple.” But for the longest time, they were- Gigi stops McKenzie to say they are NOTHING alike. Do you understand? Gigi might be a little… dark… But what is she holding here? A rose… Yes. And what are these sharp things here? Thorns. Very good! And thorns can be very dangerous when you’re distracted by the petals. But they’re not hiding, either.
So Jacy can say whatever the hell she wants, Gigi has nothing to hide. And Gigi cannot wait to give Jacy a piece of her mind! Gigi storms off, will those thorns come back to bite Jacy?
Tony D’Angelo and Channing Lorenzo arrive at a restaurant.
The Don and new underboss, Stacks, have their private room all ready for them. This is the big time now. They sit down and Tony says the family couldn’t be happier about Stacks’ promotion. And sending the macaroons and cannolies, that was a nice touch. Of course. But look, the streets are talking. And Tony doesn’t have to tell Stacks that the first step is the most important act. Stacks knows that, and he wants to make a big impact, against the biggest guy he can find. Stacks thinks he can do that? He knows he can. So does Tony. The manager says everything is all set, and passes along the word that AJ is thankful for them helping him down at the track.
Stacks thanks the manager, the manager thanks Tony, and Tony is impressed. Stacks says he does what he can do. To the Don! Nah, to the Underboss. Salud. They toast and drink up, but just who will Stacks pick out to take down in his first move?
Wendy Choo VS Elektra Lopez!
Speaking of scores to settle, the Queen of Comfy Style owes La Madrina for that pillow pull that took her out of the battle royal! Will Wendy win her way back up the ladder? Or will Lopez prove what she’s capable of all on her own?
NXT returns and Lopez makes her entrance. It seems she invited Valentina Feroz to watch ringside, but where is she? The bell rings, Lopez and Wendy tie up, and Lopez puts Wendy against the ropes. The ref counts, Lopez lets off, and then dares Wendy to step up. They tie up again, and Lopez throws Wendy down! Lopez says this is a grown woman’s business, and Wendy doesn’t belong! But Wendy shoots around to waistlock! Lopez throws Wendy off but Wendy comes back. Lopez gut wrench suplexes Wendy away! Wendy flops out of the ring, and Feroz shows up now per the invitation. Lopez says watch and learn!
Lopez goes out, pie faces Wendy, then grabs the body pillow! Lopez swings, Wendy moves, and BOOKER T takes the full brunt of the pillow! Lopez ROCKS Wendy while fans boo, and Lopez pushes Wendy into the ring. Lopez drags Wendy up, scoops, but Wendy slips free to roll her up! TWO, and Lopez swings, but into a backslide! ONE, and Lopez kicks low. Lopez whips but Wendy dropkicks! Wendy arm-drags Lopez, then runs side to side to BOOT Lopez in the corner! Wendy pushes Lopez out, to then CORSSBODY! But Lopez catches Wendy for a SWINGING SIDE SLAM! Feroz seems a bit impressed as Lopez CHOKES and THRASHES Wendy on the ropes!
Lopez throws Wendy down, then runs to LARIAT! Lopez drops an elbow, covers, TWO! Lopez keeps on Wendy with a body scissors squeeze! Fans rally as Wendy endures and pries at the hold. Wendy pushes back to a cover, TWO! Lopez holds on, then pulls Wendy’s hair! The ref reprimands, Lopez lets go at 4, but she keeps on with the squeeze. Wendy still endures and fans still rally. Wendy pries the body scissors open, and elbows Lopez away! Lopez swings, but Wendy counter punches! And again! And then body shot, KICK, and LARIAT! Fans fire up as Wendy rallies with forearms! Wendy whips, Lopez reverses, and runs in, into an ELBOW!
Wendy goes up and SLEEPY CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up with Wendy, but Lopez brings out brass knuckles from a buckle pad! Wendy handsprings in as Feroz tells the ref! Lopez DECKS Wendy with the knuckles! Cover, Lopez wins!
Winner: Elektra Lopez, by pinfall
Feroz tried to do the right thing but it didn’t change the outcome! Lopez gets another win, will she show Feroz that that is the only thing that matters?
Briggs and Fallon talk backstage.
Is she happy? Yeah, she’s happy. She isn’t sure how they managed it, but they won. Yeah! They work great together! Jensen walks over to congratulate Fallon, and says Kiana is “happier than grits on gravy.” They were like Farooq & Bradshaw! The boys couldn’t be prouder. Fallon says that now that she and Kiana smoothed things over, what’s next for the boys? Jensen took care of it. Kiana & Fallon did so well, Jensen went to HBK with an idea, and HBK’s for it! Whoa, Jensen went to Shawn Michaels’ office? Yeah, he was nervous enough to piss a whole river, but hey! At Vengeance Day, Fallon & Kiana will fight for… the NXT WOMEN’S TAG TEAM TITLES!
Briggs is fired up! But Fallon is mad?! Jensen did this without asking her! This was supposed to be one and done! But they did amazing, and Fallon said that she’d do anything for Jensen, right? Yeah, but- But this is the biggest opportunity of your career! Fallon, just think about it. Fallon says she just got blindsided. She’s gonna need a minute. Fallon leaves, the boys are confused, but will Fallon see sense?
Grayson Waller arrives!
He’s still feeling good after the trouble he started yesterday, but now that he’s in the NXT Arena, will Bron come back to finish what Waller started?
Feroz and Lopez talk backstage.
Lopez tells Feroz that “it doesn’t matter how you win, as long as you win.” But Feroz says Lopez just plays dirty. And honestly, Feroz doesn’t think she can do that to Wendy. And why is that? Well, Feroz is Wendy’s friend- Okay, hold on, Valentina. “Dirty” gets the job done, and no one is gonna do the job for you. So you can keep your friends, while Lopez will keep on winning. Lopez heads out and Feroz isn’t sure what to do.
Backstage interview with Stevie Turner.
McKenzie thinks the Four Dimensional Superstar is skipping this time, but Stevie comes in via tron! Oh, McKenzie thought Stevie would be on set for this. Uh, she is. Her set. No, like here in person. Well, anyway, Stevie got her chat to do McKenzie’s job for her, and they have some great questions for her to answer. Superchat from NTD1987: “Hey, Stevie, when can we expect you in the ring?” Solid question, NTD! Next week will be Stevie’s NXT debut! That’s big news! Who will be her opponent? Stevie moves on to the next question, cuz the Superchats are coming in fast ‘n’ furious! PhillyKirsh asks, “Who are you most looking forward to facing?”
Great question, Kirsh! And of course, Stevie would love to face the champion, Roxanne Perez. But uh, Stevie has a feeling Roxie won’t have that title past Vengeance Day. See, McKenzie? This was a much better way to do an interview. And next week, the “humdrum world of NXT gets dragged kickin’ and screamin’ into the future by yours truly. Oh, I hear Grayson Waller’s music. McKenzie, see you next week.” Stevie signs off, will she be the one going viral in her NXT in-ring debut? And speaking of…
Grayson Waller heads to the ring!
The 21st Century Success Story is in a fuzzy pink jacket as he gest a mic. Waller says no time for games! “Where you at, Bron? Yesterday, I punked you out in front of the entire Performance Center! I had you shakin’, lad! No fear, no hesitation. I showed the world I’m tougher than you, and I’m tougher than everyone in this building!” So where’s Bron tonight? No stress, there’s no steel plate under this jacket. Just Waller’s NXT title as the uncrowned champ! So where is Bron? Does he need daddy to bark three times before he’s allowed to come to ringside? Bron is watching backstage, but he snarls, grabs his NXT Championship, and heads for gorilla!
Waller says the countdown is on! 11 days until Waller is the UNDISPUTED NXT Champion! People acting like Waller should be scared to get in a cage with Bron, but let’s flip that script. Bron should be afraid of getting in a cage with Waller! But here comes Bron! Superstars and security alike tell him not to, but too late! Waller says Bron needs to win this match. Because if he doesn’t, it’ll haunt him for the rest of his life! Every meal, every gym session, every time he brushes his teeth, Bron will remember Waller’s face. So Waller says it is time to get their phones out. He smells that do coming!
Waller says yesterday, he created a viral moment. Tonight, he creates one more! No one is stopping Waller, and it seems no one is able to stop Bron! The sirens sound, the lights flash, and here comes THE NXT Champion! He DECKS security and rushes to the ring! He TACKLES Waller! Superstars rush in to stop this, we get all kinds of angles from the NXT camera crew, and fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” Waller slips out the side, eggs Bron on, and Bron goes out after him! The brawl is on at the ramp! Bron’s shirt has been ripped away but he still wants after Waller! Bron and Waller shove people away, Bron runs in, but Waller sends the SPEAR through the barriers!
Fans lose their minds, and even Waller is surprised! Then Waller smirks. Medics check on Bron but Waller swaggers away as he holds up his title. Will Waller exceed going viral and go gold with Vengeance Day’s title match?
Gallus is at the bar.
They play some billiards, and Mark Coffey says it’s a shame there’s not a proper Glasgow pub to get a drink. Wolfgang agrees, it’s just not the same. But they’re here for a big score. The Gallus firm is going to keep their eyes on the prize: the tag title match at Vengeance Day. But they’re having a hard time getting by on the watered down beer. But on February 4th, Gallus will show three tag teams what everyone back home in Scotland, everyone in the UK, and everyone in Europe already knows: Gallus Boys On Top! They toast to that, but who will join them, the New Day and Pretty Deadly to make their Triple Threat into a Fatal 4 Way?
NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships: Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS Alba Fyre & ???
KC Squared kept the Fire Keeper from burning her own career down when she had a referee held down by a steel baseball bat. But then she lashed out at them and demanded this match, even though she has no tag partner! With the winners going to Vengeance Day, will Fyre burn down the reign to have some gold again? Or will Carter & Chance bring the party to Charlotte, North Carolina?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if Fyre can defy the odds she stacked against herself!
The team sorts out, and Carter starts against Fyre. They circle, but then SOL RUCA appears? She’s volunteering to be Fyre’s partner? Fyre says fine, she can do what she wants. Fyre and Carter tie up, go around, and Carter arm-drags Fyre away. Carter smirks as she and Fyre circle. Fyre kicks low, Gory Especials, but Carter slips free to sunset flip! Fyre drags her up to CLOBBER her! Fans rally for Fyre but Carter kicks her away. And then EDDY GORDO KICKS her down! Tag to Chance, they whip, trip and basement dropkick to a slingshot senton! Cover, TWO! Chance facelocks, brings Fyre around and Carter tags in. Carter rolls Fyre up, TWO!
Fyre kicks low, throws Carter down by her hair, then CLUBS away on her! Fyre is fuming and Sol isn’t sure what’s with her. Fyre drags Carter up, but Carter JAWBREAKERS! Sol tags in, reels Carter into a headlock, but Carter powers out. Sol runs Carter over, things speed up and Sol handstand walks over Carter! Carter runs in, Sol hurdles over but Carter leaps over Sol! Fans cheer but things keep moving. Carter headlocks Sol but Sol switches that onto Carter. Carter powers out, Sol handsprings through the hip toss to do the splits into a STUNNER! Carter flops out of the ring and fans fire up with Sol!
Fyre smirks, she is impressed by Sol. But then Fyre grimaces as Chance hurries over. Fyre kicks Chance and RAMS her into steel steps! Sol is still unsure what to make of Fyre’s aggression, but this does put them in control as NXT goes picture in picture.
Fyre smirks as she looms over Carter, but Sol goes out to put Carter in the ring. Sol drags Carter up, brings her over, and Fyre tags in. They mug Carter, then Fyre throws Carter right back out! Fyre goes out to stomp Carter, then whips her hard into the apron! And then smacks her off the announce desk! Fyre fires off forearms, then brings Carter around, only for Carter to RAM her into the apron! They both get in the ring, Fyre grabs Carter’s leg, but Carter kicks her away again. Sol tags in, she hurries to lift Carter, but Carter sunset flips! Sol stays up to stomp but Carter dodges to leg sweep! And EDDY GORDO KICK!
Carter and Sol both crawl, hot tag to Chance! Carter gives Chance the boost to SEATED SENTON Sol down! Cover, TWO! Chance stays between Sol and Fyre, brings Sol up, but sol TOSSES Chance away! Sol rushes in, Chance BOOTS her, then goes up to CROSSBODY! But Sol catches Chance to SLAM her! Cover, TWO! Sol clamps on with a rear bearhug but Chance endures the squeeze. Sol SLAMS Chance back down and leans on the hold. Chance endures, fights up, but Sol wrangles her back down. NXT returns to single picture as fans rally and duel. Chance fights up, throws elbows, but Sol back suplexes! Chance lands on her feet, but Sol trophy lifts her!
Chance slips free of that, slides under Sol and ENZIGURIS her down! Hot tags to Fyre and Carter! Carter dodges Fyre to DECK Sol, then she DECKS Fyre! Carter DECKS Sol away, whips Fyre into her, then runs in to SANDWICH them in the corner! Fyre falls, Carter runs in, DROP-SPLASH! Fans fire up with Carter and she waits on Fyre. Fyre rises, Carter runs in to BOOT WASH at the ropes! Tag to Chance, she goes up top as Carter puts Fyre in the ropes. DOUBLE STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Chance drags Fyre up but Fyre throws body shots. Fyre whips, Chance holds ropes and BOOTS! Carter sneaks the tag, then HEEL KICK TABLE TOP COMBO!
Carter drags Fyre into position, and then Chance rolls to go up onto Carter’s shoulders?! Then ELECTRIC CHAIR SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Fyre survives and KC Squared grows frustrated. Carter drags Fyre up, whips her but Fyre reverses to HOOK KICK! Fyre BLASTS Chance, spins Carter around and suplexes, GOURD BUSTER! Tag to Sol and she springboard SPLASHES! Cover, Chance breaks it! Fyre kicks Chance but Chance throws Fyre out! Fyre drags Chance out but Chance kicks her away! Chance slingshots to RANA Fyre into steel steps! Sol is distracted by that, and turns around into a wheelbarrow ROLLING FACEBUSTER!
Sol sits up, into a SUPERKICK! Sol staggers up, into another SUPERKICK! Tag to Chance, she goes up top as Carter turns Sol, HIGHLIGHT REEL!! Cover, KC Squared win!
Winners: Katana Chance & Kayden Carter, by pinfall (still NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions)
The longest reigning Women’s Tag Team Champions continue that historic reign! Longest reign in NXT, longest reign in ALL of the WWE Women’s Tag Division, and now they go to Vengeance Day! Will that reign continue past facing Fallon & Kiana? As for Fyre, she pushes past Sol. To stand beside Isla Dawn?! Is the Wicked Witch going to be Fyre’s new tag partner? But then speaking of Kiana & Fallon, they appear at the perch! They congratulate the champs, and Fallon said she thought about it. She and Kiana WILL see them at Vengeance Day! KC Squared raises the belts, they’re ready to party! But will February 4th be the night the music dies?
Wes Lee finds Dijak.
#HardJustice says he’s surprised. He didn’t think Wes had the balls to show up. Wes says he’s heard that before. But you gotta have a pair to hold the North American Championship. Dijak tells Wes not to get cute. This is the champ’s last chance to simply hand the title over. Wes says holding onto the title may be stupid, because handing it over could save him a lot of pain. Because clearly, Dijak isn’t back in NXT just to talk. But see, Wes has made stupid decisions his entire life. He was stupid enough to think that “a kid from Dayton, Ohio could break into this business, let alone travel the world doing it.”
Wes was stupid enough to risk everything just to get to the WWE! Stupid enough to battle tooth and nail against himself and some of the best NXT superstars just to become champion. Those “stupid decisions” made Wes the champion he is today. And Wes is “stupid enough” that when the people chant his name, Wes feels like he can overcome anything, and anyone. So no, Dijak, Wes is going to keep the title. Dijak doesn’t have to like it, but he damn sure will respect it. “Protect ya neck! I’ll see you in Charlotte.” Wes heads out, and Dijak says, “Unfortunately for you, Mr. Lee, I don’t deal in sob stories. I deal in justice!” Will the Must-See Kid face that “justice” and lose it all?
Backstage interview with Cora Jade.
McKenzie apologizes, but Cora wasn’t on set so she came to find her. Cora says of course, she is the star, not McKenzie. They do things on Cora’s time, not McKenzie’s. Yes, that seems to be a theme tonight. But McKenzie wants to ask about Cora’s issue with Lyra Valkyria and how it’s only getting bigger and bigger. Cora says Lyra is “going to be an integral part of the NXT Women’s Division. But Lyra needs to learn her place. And I’ll happily be the one to teach her that lesson. No matter how great that bird brain is, she’s not better than me, nor will she ever be better than me. Move.”
McKenzie steps aside so Cora can open her locker. But inside is a black feather! This is what Cora was talking about! Lyra’s the new girl, but she’s going and putting stuff in Cora’s locker! Vic Joseph then patches in to tell McKenzie that something’s going down outside! McKenzie interrupts Cora’s rant so that she can go outside. And it seems that, as the women’s roster moves aside, Nikkita Lyons is down, clutching her bad leg! Indi asks what happened, as does Lyra. Zoey Stark is spotted walking away, did The Hunter attack Lyons again? Why is the NXT parking lot such a dangerous place?!
Chase and Thea talk backstage.
Chase says Duke is selfish, while Thea says she just doesn’t understand. Duke walks in and Chase asks where the BLEEP he went. He walked out on the entire university tonight! Duke says he did not. Okay, yes, he walked out, but not- IS THERE A POINT TO THIS?! Duke says Mr. Chase is an inspiration! And even though that video was taken completely out of context, Duke knows Chase doesn’t trust Duke. So yes, Duke left ringside, but he went to HBK’s office. He demanded that Duke & Chase be part of the New Day Tag Team Invitational to get another shot at the Tag Team titles! Wait, what did HBK say?
Good question. He said… “Talk to the New Day.” So then what? So then… Duke went and talked to the New Day. And what did they say?! They said… they love Chase U’s architecture, and that the science department- DUKE! To the point! Duke shakes his head, and then says “WE’RE IN!” YES!! Thea hops on Duke and Chase shakes Duke’s hand! Duke still bleeds red ‘n’ black, but will he and Chase be going to Charlotte, North Carolina for the biggest opportunity in their careers?
Booker T is in the ring!
The table is set, and Jacy and Gigi are both already there, sitting at opposite ends. Booker asks everyone if they’re ready for this Championship Summit. The challengers are here, so Booker introduces the NXT Women’s Champion, Roxanne PERRRREZ~! Roxie makes her entrance, takes the seat in the middle of the table, and Booker sits down with her. No disrespect to the champ, but Booker starts with the challengers. Gigi first. Gigi is sure Jacy would love to start, though. Probably sitting on some “witty pun” she’s got. So go ahead, Jacy, go tell everyone how great she is! Jacy says everyone already knows that!
Jacy says the people have watched her carry Gigi through everything for a year-and-a-half! That kick last week was an accident, but now! Jacy wishes it wasn’t. Jacy admits that Gigi is good. But from the day they signed their contracts, Jacy had Gigi on her back and dragged her to success! The merchandise, the wins, if not for Jacy, Gigi would just be “another YouTube sensation, one hit wonder, living on the independent scene!” Roxie and Booker muffle their laughter while Gigi fires back! Jacy is just about Jacy! Gigi loves this external confidence Jacy has. When the cameras are on, Jacy can conquer the world! She’s a rock star with the resumé.
But what the world doesn’t know is that behind those curtains, Jacy is the most insecure person Gigi has ever met! And Gigi wasn’t gonna bring this up, but why not since we’re all shooting from the hip. Jacy gets so nervous before her matches, she has to puke up in a bucket! There’s one with her name on it right by the door. Jacy says, “MY insecurities?” Does Gigi have a funhouse mirror? Nothing Gigi says is true because Gigi is just a pathological liar! Oh? Then who is gonna hold Jacy’s hair back when she’s puking her guts out at Vengeance Day while Gigi is holding up the title? Booker says, “SHUCKY DUCKY QUACK QUACK~!”
Booker has the others calm down so Roxie can say what she thinks. Roxie says she’s enjoying the hell out of this. Jacy and Gigi have thrown insults at every single woman in the locker room. They made fun of everyone’s personalities, looks, and work, everything. Not to mention, they’ve made Roxie’s life a living hell. So it’s so good to see they’re making each other feel the way they have every single woman. “Karma is a toxic bitch!” Fans like that one! Roxie thought it was gonna be a handicap match but it looks like it’ll be a real Triple Threat. And while the odds are still against her, she will still walk in and walk out the champ.
But Gigi says that’s where Roxie is wrong. Roxie loves to walk around like she’s such a big deal. But she will make history at Vengeance Day, by being the shortest reigning NXT Women’s Champion of all time! “But the funny thing is, I don’t even have to beat you. I can pin YOU (Jacy)!” Jacy says the same thing back to Gigi! And if history says anything, that’s not that hard to do. Jacy would like to amend that saying of theirs, “It’s Toxic Attraction and then there’s everyone else.” Now it’s “There’s Jacy Jayne, then you two, and everybody else.” Gigi says of course Jacy holds onto Toxic Attraction! It’s the only thing that made Jacy relevant!!
And just like Jacy is the third wheel of that group, she’s the third wheel in this match! Gigi and Jacy get up, get in each other’s face, but Booker wants them to calm down. Roxie smiles as she holds up the belt, but then Toxic Attraction smiles. They grab Roxie and SMACK her off the desk! They mug Roxie 2v1! They stomp her down, then drag her back up for a DOUBLE SPINEBUSTER through the table!! It was a Toxic TRAP! Jacy & Gigi both hold up the title! Will NXT be toxic again, no matter who pins Roxie?
My Thoughts:
A great NXT here, and they’re really adding a lot to Vengeance Day! Great tie-in of the social media promo from Waller, Bron and pretty much everyone in NXT, and then great follow-up here tonight. That was a clearly gimmicked barrier, but that was still a great move to have Bron go busting through something like that. Waller is standing tall, and there’s still the go-home, I have a feeling they are still keeping the title on Bron. A shame because Waller is that great of a Heel, but maybe they just want Bron to have his first title win on the road since Stand & Deliver last year. Maybe the title change happens at this year’s Stand & Deliver so Bron can move on to RawDown after WrestleMania.
Great opening match from Indi and Tiffany, but of course Tiffany wins that with some cheating. Great stuff in the story of Fallon and Kiana, and great way of booking a Face and a Heel winning together. Jensen also getting them that tag title match for Vengeance Day was a rather sudden escalation of the story, I thought they’d drag this out towards Stand & Deliver. But we also got a good tag title match out of KC Squared, Fyre, and surprisingly Sol. But at the same time, Sol does make sense given her part in Fyre’s story. But since it wasn’t Isla Dawn as Fyre’s partner, it makes sense Fyre loses to then join Dawn. Maybe Fyre & Dawn will be the team to win the tag titles at Stand & Deliver to send KC Squared on to RawDown.
Great promo of New Day, Schism and Malik & Edris. That’s pretty big that they’re upping the ante on the Vengeance Day NXT Tag Team Championship match. And great stuff with Chase U, from the little bit of awards ceremony that JD interrupted to the match of JD VS Chase. Duke walking away to then come back with a spot in that tag title contender’s match is big, and the go-home could make or break Duke being Chase U 4 Life or not. For that matter, maybe Duke & Chase actually win, and then that make-or-break moment is a major part of the title match at Vengeance Day. At the same time, Schism being Grizzled Young Veterans, they’ve wanted those titles for so long, but so have Malik & Edris, they could all have a big moment at Vengeance Day.
Speaking of that match, decent promo from Gallus, but it feels like Mark’s accent has gotten heavier in his time away. I hope if nothing else, Joe Coffey shows up to try and help Gallus win. That’d be a big way for him to return, and maybe, just maybe, spurs on the return of Big E to at least being on screen and supporting ya bois. Good promo from Apollo, Melo and Trick in the barbershop, and wow, best 2 outta 3? That’s big, and that will go a long way to making Melo a clear contender to the title for Stand & Deliver. Really good stuff from Diamond Mine and all connected parties. Gulak’s story with Dempsey giving the Creeds a win was good, but so was Jinder & Indus Sher making the tag match we were meant to get before a thing now. Can’t wait for that next week, that’ll be good stuff.
Decent match from Lopez and Wendy, but of course Lopez cheats Wendy. But as I said last week, we’ll definitely get to the point where Feroz and Lopez become a team, much like Kiana and Fallon have. Good promo from Tony and Stacks, and I can’t be sure who Stacks is going to face when he already faced one of the biggest and baddest in Dijak. Maybe Von Wagner? Could Von Wagner’s next feud be with The D’Angelo Family? What even? Speaking of, good promo from Dijak and Wes to hype up their title match. I’m pretty sure Wes will win that, as great as Dijak is, and then Wes can face another big name at Stand & Deliver.
Good promo from Stevie Turner, and though her being a streamer is a weird choice, I appreciate having her basically video chat so she doesn’t have to leave her streaming studio. Stevie will definitely win her in-ring return, I just hope they don’t play her gimmick up in the match. Unless they do it with a chat box on the tron where “viewers” are commenting on what they see. Good promo from Cora to call out Lyra, and then a decent whodunnit in the parking lot with Lyons being attacked. The obvious culprit is Lyons but it could be anyone with a lot of random female superstars spotted in the area.
And really good stuff out of the NXT Women’s Championship story. Jacy and Gigi each had a good promo, and they made it sound like the duo was done, which is part of why I totally knew they’d pull that swerve on Roxie. They did throw some great insults and “secrets” out in the summit, and I do appreciate Roxie showing a bit more than her usual nice girl personality. But with Toxic Attraction standing tall and touching the belt, they are definitely still going to lose. Roxie will find a way to use them against each other, and then retain the title to head for Stand & Deliver.
My Score: 8.7/10
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Results
Andrew’s JCW Strangle-Mania Results & Match Ratings: 4.18.2026
Grab yourself a Faygo, paint your face and punch sister, JCW Strangle-Mania is invading your brain!
You’re not reading this wrong! Lunacy popped up on my YouTube a few weeks ago, and what can I say, this reminds me of public access ECW Hardcore TV. It’s a bit campy, edgy and is unapologetically Juggalo.
Cokane, J-Rod, Big Al, Facade, and Kerry Morton have definitely intrigued me. On top of the established names like RVD, Nic Nemeth, Mr. Anderson and even Vince Russo has been refreshing.
Plus for somewhat legit reasons, Vampiro is having his retirement match tonight against PCO and Big Vito. So while I don’t know what to expect…I’m anticipating fun with a side of Faygo.
Ratings:
- St Claire Monster Corporation (Kongo Kong, Mr Happy, Beastman) vs Rock N’ Roll Express & Juggalo George South: AARP Trio win via Smashing Fat Dudes Together – (-**) – Yes that’s Negative 2
- Kamikaze Chaos Match: Mickie Knuckles vs Kerry Morton: Kerry wins via…Weapons – * 1/2
- The Outbreak (Abel & Jackson) w/Barnabas the Bizarre vs Brothers of Funstruction (Yabo & Ruffo): Outbreak win via As Above, So Below – ** 1/2
- JCW American Title: Facade (c) vs Mecha Wolf vs Ninja Mack vs Disco Ray w/The Ring Rat vs Boogie Boarding Mikey Avalon: Facade retains via Triple Jump Moonsault – ** 1/2
- JCW Women’s Title Tag Match: Katie Forbes Guest Referee: Big Al (c) & Dani Mo vs J-Rod & Nyla Rose: J-Rod wins via Double Chokeslam – ** 1/4 – TITLE CHANGE!!!
- Good Brothers & KENTA vs RVD w/Bill Alfonso, Willie Mack & 2 Tuff Tony: RVD wins via 5 Star Frog Splash – (-*)
- JCW Lunacy World Championship: EC3 Special Guest Referee: Cokane (c) vs Nic Nemeth vs Caleb Konley vs Matt Riddle: Cokane retains via Cokeslam – ** 3/4
- Vampiro’s Retirement Match: Vampiro vs PCO vs Big Vito: Vampiro wins via Nail in the Coffin – ***
Results:
Violent J opens the show, as he is want to do since he’s come back into part ownership. The Duke of the Wicked keeps it short and sweet since everyone’s been waiting. Smart move.
We move to a backstage segment with Jasmine St. Claire bitching at Vince Russo. There’s a stipulation of, if her Monster Corporation doesn’t win, they disband. She sort of alludes to the match, but it’s not an awful segment.
St Claire Monster Corporation (Kongo Kong, Mr Happy, Beastman) vs Rock N’ Roll Express & Juggalo George South
The monsters attack the ancient trio combine for probably 180 years old. Mr. Happy gets pushed away, George South and Ricky try to control Kongo Kong, but…oh no the Arm Wringers are working. I wasn’t sure at first, but Kongo is in the geriatric corner and isolated with frequent tags…not so quickly. Mr Happy gets tagged in, accidentally Lariats Kongo cause he’s silly.
Beastman just brings himself in and things are breaking down in Lucha level lack of rules. The big boys Monster Mash in the middle because Big vs Old mean everyone is slow. This match is in such slow motion it might be in reverse and Happy gets thrown into his own team because he’s a comedy goof who things its a game. This is…was complete crap.
I guess the pile of shit match got out of the way early. In the famous words of Roan from Grandia II…”Yikes”.
Kamikaze Chaos Match: Mickie Knuckles vs Kerry Morton
Special guest referee Claude aka Brian Zane. Kerry comes out with two white girls dressed like Geisha because he’s a Japanese Legend now.
After an Incel flavored misogynistic promo, he jumps Mickie before the bell, but she turns it around. Gives him the old Kitchen Sink and dumps him outside. Mickie tries to Dive, but Kerry has a perfectly timed Trash Can to her dome. He’s now grabbing chairs, doors, more trash can pieces. He’s building the kitchen just for Mickie. Since he takes forever, when he gets in Mickie grabs his balls and then hits him with a Brainbuster as he sells amusingly. After a few trash can lid shots, Kerry goes to grab Mickie…but you know, it doesn’t work the same for women. She snaps his fingers with her Kegel Grip. He grabs more weapons, cuts Mickie open, but Mickie continues to aim for Kerry’s dick including she just bites his…well…you know. Kerry is about to get Ass Attacked over and over, then uses a Trash Can to keep his face receiving her can.
Kerry goes to grab something but Mickie shoves her thumb up Kerry’s ass. Then she has Claude smell it and help him build the next prop spot. Kerry hits her with a few things, puts her on the gimmick pile, but thinks better than jumping onto it. Claude however rebuilds it and Kerry tries to rub his crotch in her face…which is dumb. So she Headbutts his crotch, he falls through the gimmick pile. Claude gets to a two count and then sneezes.
Kerry hits Claude with a V Trigger accidentally. Saito Suplex, German and then a Northern Lights Suplex from Mickie, but Claude is dead, so no referee for the count. Kerry manages to turn things around, Suplexes Mickie through a door, beats her across the skull with the pieces but she fires, Donkey Kick to the back of her head, and he pins her with his crotch in her face. Claude is miraculously alive, and counts the three.
Not a good match, but kinda fun in how despicably shit it was.
The Outbreak (Abel & Jackson) w/Barnabas the Bizarre vs Brothers of Funstruction (Yabo & Ruffo) vs BackSeat Boyz (Tommy & JP Grayson)
Oh look, Ruffo found Yabo. Glad he’s not sleeping with the fishes yet.
The clowns bounce a balloon off the zombies…and the zombies fire and attack, so they start brawling. Jackson and Yabo start throwing hands, before Ruffo and Abel get involved again. The tornado aspect continues, there’s no control and Violent J walks out. Tells them to expect the unexpected.
BackSeat Boyz come down, T Gimmick the zombies, the clowns face off with them and BackSeats do a little dance, before the clowns make them pay with stereo Manhattan Drops and then a coconut crunch. Zombies are back up, slides under legs, stereo Slingblades, Corner Attacks of Splashes and Uppercuts, the Clowns flop out after the punishment. BackSeat is back in, but the zombies were winning until an Eye Rake, but then Tommy eats an Assited Flatliner. Outbreak wants As Above…but BackSeat stop it, hit the Street Sweeper! They want to T Gimmick Jackson, but Ruffo and Yabo Balloon the Boyz. Hulk Hand Uppercut rocks JP, Rubber Chicken Assisted Big Boot lays out Tommy.
Rubber Chicken Tickle doesn’t work on zombies so they dispose of Ruffo, hit Yabo with As Above, So Below and out favorite cocaine alcoholic zombies win the match!
The Outbreak had some cocaine on them and do celebratory cocaine! Barnabas is beside himself.
JCW American Title: Facade (c) vs Mecha Wolf vs Ninja Mack vs Disco Ray w/The Ring Rat vs Boogie Boarding Mikey Avalon
Well if you score based on looks, you’d think only Mecha, Mack or Facade should win this match.
Disco Ray starts his dance, trying to get the vibes rolling, everyone is playing along until he gets to Facade who just flips him off and shoves him. So everyone dogpiles Facade because he’s a dick, then we get a test of strength, but Ray is just vibing and dancing. Mecha clears the other three, but Ray’s hips don’t lie and he Splits under a lariat, hits one of his own, wiggles out cinque and drops Mack, Mikey Avalon eats a Flip, Flop and Fly with tambourines. Ray is having fun, but Facade returns to the match and ends Ray’s fun.
Ray tries to Irish Whip Facade, he does a Neck Bridge in the corner for about a minute. Ray gets Up and Overed, Avalon eats a kick after a Matrix, Mecha eats a Disaster Kick from Facade and then goes for an Escalara, but Ninja Mack cuts off Facade. Mack is taking too long to so his Cartwheel Corkscrew Splash and Avalon just gets involved. Avalon Sabu’s a Boogie Board at Facade and then a Scoop Slam with the board.
Avalon uses a Surfboard Stretch, with a Surfboard. Mecha Wolf clocks Avalon and spikes Ninja Mack. Frog Splash from Mecha, but Disco makes the save. Ray connects on a Neckbreaker, but Ninja Mack flies out of nowhere with an Uppercut, Facade with a Rope Walk Dropkick but Mecha hits a Busaiku Knee and everyone is down. Side Slam from Avalon, but Mecha Powders. Cannonballs for all from Avalon. Mecha Muta Mist to Avalon, Ninja Mack Superkick, Mack hits a Sasuke Special on Mecha! Ray tries some rope run, but Facade counters it into a cradle, Ray hits Panic at the Disco but Facade kicks out.
Ring Rat doesn’t want to give Ray the chair, she turns on Ray with a Low Blow. Facade has the chair, Facade Sabu’s the chair, sets it up, Triple Jump Moonsault for the Sabu reference, Facade retains. Not executed well, but neither were most of Sabu’s moves and then we see the Ring Rat walk up the ramp to Steven Flowe.
The Green Phantom comes out…oy vey. Oh and it’s literally just him walking around the crowd and then he leaves.
JCW Women’s Title Tag Match: Katie Forbes Guest Referee: Big Al (c) & Dani Mo vs J-Rod & Nyla Rose
Oh, this is where Nyla is now. I haven’t heard her name in so long I thought she died.
J-Rod and Al start, a few strikes exchanged, Saito Suplex from Big Al and then an Air Raid Crash, for a near fall. Al tags in Dani, a delayed splash and another near fall. Dani keeps J-Rod in the corner with some kicks, a Snapmare to send her out, and then a few more kicks and lariats. Big Al asks for a tag, Dani says no, but when Dani gets close enough Al tags herself in and it gives J-Rod time tag out to Nyla.
Nyla lands one corner Splash, Al moves from the second, but Nyla just grabs Al and tosses her across the ring. Dani tags herself in, flies at Nyla and gets caught and slammed down. Nyla walks Dani to the heel corner, tags out to J-Rod and corner Shoulder Thrusts, quick tags are leaving Dani isolated and eating punishment. The heels are working together better than the tumultuous babyfaces. GAHD Damn J-Rod is gorgeous. Sorry it’s 5:30 in the morning and I haven’t slept. I’m distracted and my filter is slipping.
Quick tags continue, Nyla is now in but Dani manages to fight back. Crescent Kick from Dani, Code Red and…only a two count! Dani wants the Moonmist Twist, Nyla stops it, drops Dani and tags out to the Gorgeous Gladiator. Dani eats Snake Eyes and then a Big Boot but only two again. Corner Hip Attacks, J-Rod walks Dani out of the corner with her draped over her shoulders, Samoan Drop. Big Al breaks up the pinfall, Katie admonishes Big Al so Nyla walks in Double Chokeslam while the referee isn’t looking. J-Rod pins Dani…1-2-3! Alice expected Dani to kick out and the fact she didn’t, Al is frustrated.
I’m a big fan of J-Rod, Alice and Dani, but some of the spots were awkward and that finish fell flatter than a pancake.
Good Brothers & KENTA vs RVD w/Bill Alfonso, Willie Mack & 2 Tuff Tony
RVD walking down about to ask KENTA to pick a hand. Between Tony and RVD…god damn these entrances are taking forever.
Karl and Tony are gonna start, but he holds up a finger to grab his bottle of…Kettle One…or whatever that is. He polishes the bottle off and then ties up finally! Tony shoots off the ropes, eats a Shoulder Tackle so Karl tags in Gallows because of a the size discrepancy. Tony takes another swig from his bottle, and I get the liquid courage gimmick, but Tony is old, slow and wrestles like shit. Can we just get him out to someone who can go?
Thank Christ, Tony tags in Willie and now we might see some wrestling. Willie wants to test power, they run into each other a few times and no one gives. Gallows tries to Lariat Willie, Willie ducks and hits Gallows with the Gamengiri. Gallows tags out, KENTA points at RVD, and we get Rob Van Dam versus KENTA.
KENTA acts like they’re about to tie up, ducks it and goes to his corner chuckling. Rob lands a punch, KENTA is bleeding, RVD wants Rolling Thunder but Karl drags him out. Now is a shitty brawl but KENTA looks a bit out of it. The vibe seems like Rob connected with KENTA and hard wayed him. Willie hits a Stunner, KENTA with the Busaiku, RVD with a kick, RVD hits the Van Daminator on Gallows. Tony hits the Meteorite on Gallows, RVD goes up, 5 Star Frog Splash, RVD wins!
This was a pile of shit. RVD breaks KENTA’s nose on the second real move of this slog, they do something stupid for a few minutes before someone just said go to the finish.
4 Way Elimination: JCW Lunacy World Championship: EC3 Special Guest Referee: Cokane (c) vs Nic Nemeth vs Caleb Konley vs Matt Riddle
Can this match be decent? Please? Like give me one. Nemeth comes out in Juggalo paint.
Caleb mouths off a little, everyone gangs up and chucks him out. Riddle starts throwing Knees, Cokane rolls through the turnbuckle, Rebound Big Boot, but a big Lariat miss and Riddle hits a few Gutwrench Suplexes, Senton, and works over Cokane. Caleb runs in, dispatches Riddle, tries to keep Cokane on the back foot but a Blue Thunder Bomb stops Caleb. Cokane pulls out straws and wants to use them like the MASADA Skewer spot, but Caleb fights him off. A little more jockying for position, Cokane tries his rope walk, but Caleb trips him up, Cokane crashes and Caleb kicks Cokane to the outside. Nemeth comes in hot, Splash, Rude Awakening, FameASSer for two!
Cokane wants a Cokeslam, Super Kick says no, Riddle hits a Cutter, wants a Tombstone, but no. Caleb hits a Low Blow on Nemeth, Burning Hammer, and Caleb eliminated Nic Nemeth first. Riddle hits an Exploder, Senton, PK, but Cokane comes in, Drop Step, Wrist Control, Rip Cord Knee, Fisherman Buster and Riddle is rolling. Floating Bro on both men and Riddle looks like the favorite at this point. Tombstone locomotion, Riddle hits a Gotch variation of the Brostone. Another Low Blow on Riddle from Caleb, another Burning Hammer, and Riddle is gone.
Caleb runs Cokane into the corners, Chop exchanges between the remaining two guys turns into punches. Backfist from Caleb, and then a Superkick, Caleb wants the Shotei, but hits EC3 accidentally. Cokeslam gets countered. Cokane gets thrown into the ropes, he’s wiley like a crackhead, eventually we get a Lethal Injection. Cokane goes for his cocaine, but Steven Flowe shows up again to play DARE officer and say no to drugs. LOW BLOW from Caleb! Burning Hammer number three! EC3 stops his count at two. EC…can’t count to three.
Ethan is putting his foot down with all the Low Blows. Cokane sits up, finds more cocaine, COKESLAM! 1-2-3! Tony Khan must’ve given Cokane the back up stash. Good call.
While Cokane retaining isn’t a bad idea…EC3 makes a cocaine angel in the middle of the ring afterwards, is funny. These matches have all been either garbage or depressing.
Vampiro’s Retirement Match: Vampiro vs PCO vs Big Vito
Vamp walks out with J and Shaggy, gives Dark Carnival WCW flashbacks. Vampiro cuts a promo at the beginning of the match about the first time he met ICP in WCW. Let’s assume it’s a real retirement, he deserves a moment to wax poetic before the match. He then goes around the horn with a comment about PCO and Vito as well. But again, it’s okay, its a retirement angle. Vamp’s little comedic way he cuts a promo while still being poignant and cool, helps land the show. Now lets hope the match isn’t garbage.
PCO and Vamp are throwing chops while Vito doesn’t mind not being hit. Vito tries to hit the ropes and Double Lariat, but they level Vito and keep slugging. PCO rocks Vamp, Splashes him in the corner and then Kicks Vito in the stomach and throw him out. Vamp bounces PCO’s face off the post, Vito goes after Vamp, they fight into the crowd and Vito rocks Vamp, Vamp hits a random dude in the crowd, and the guy seems like a good sport. PCO returns to the brawl going after both guys, but Vito turns things around on PCO and fights Vamp back to the ring.
Vamp is flipping people off, absorbing the hits just to talk shit to the crowd and his opponents. It’s obvious that Vampiro is enjoying himself. Vito calls Violent J into the ring since the Dark Carnival stuck around for support. Vito kicks J, starts throwing down Forearms and then Shane Mercer slides in, the Mercer-Nary. Shane wraps his fist in a chain, Vito holds J, J ducks, Shane levels Vito. J and Shaggy gang up on Shane to take him out, now PCO starts beating on Vito. Fist to the head, Leg Drop, and Vampiro is content watching for a little bit. Vamp breaks the next pinfall attempt, goes for his own but Vito kicks out and Vito goes for a Crossface. PCO’s foot comes down to break up the submission, then his stomps on Vampiro, Vito tries to sneak a cover but not yet.
French Canadian Frankenstein with a few Forearm Shots and a short Lariat to send Vito to the ground. PCO lays strikes into PCO, but Vito shoves PCO out of the way to kick Vampiro himself. Two more instances of Vito shoving PCO away, and PCO is allowing it, but after the third shove, PCO catches Vito in a Chokeslam. Spinning Back Kick by Vamp on PCO, Nail in the Coffin! The Driver looked bad, the finish was odd, but Vamp is nearly 60 and battling Alzheimer’s. I’m not mad. Vampiro wins his retirement match!
Overall Score: 4.5/10
Well Spring Break started late and went long, so Strangle-Mania started like 66 minutes late. So I sit here, past 7am Eastern…and it’s not for Wrestle Kingdom…weird times man. But yeah, wrestling content, this was garbage. Anything that had a chance to be cool was either marred with short cuts or cut short because of an errant punch. Now I will say, a card with the Rock N’ Roll Express, George South, KENTA, RVD, Nic Nemeth, Nyla Rose and professional Zombie wrestlers…was not on my BINGO card this year. So there’s aspects of this show that were fun, the commentary booth was unhinged, J-Rod winning the title is the correct decision. She’s gorgeous, great physique, solid wrestler and going to be on the new American Gladiators, so it’s free publicity baby. The Kerry Morton match was also completely inane, but wonderfully so. There is a soft spot in my heart for Self Aware Comedic Hardcore.
Vampiro’s retirement was nice, sentimental, and a feel good moment since Vito ate the pin.
Like I said, there was no real wrestling to be extrapolated from this show, but there was some entertainment. I’m not gonna rate the show highly because the matches were almost all bad or barely passable. But being a little delirious from being up for like 32 hours with no sleep…I didn’t fall asleep. So at least the show wasn’t boring.
Maybe I’ll start covering Lunacy on Fridays (I cover TNA that’s also on Thursday, so JCW will have to take the tape delay backseat). But yeah, Cokane retaining, Steven Flowe going full heel and stealing the Ring Rat with Caleb Konley getting screwed by EC3. There’s some interesting possibilities for the weekly show.
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The American Nightmare sends one last message!
Before fighting for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania, Cody Rhodes wants to say one last thing to Randy Orton & Pat McAfee!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- 8 Man Tag Street Fight: MFT VS The Wyatt Sick6; MFT wins.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: Damian Priest & R-Truth VS Kofi Kingston & Grayson Waller; Priest & Truth win and retain the titles.
- WWE Women’s United States Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Tiffany Stratton VS Jordynne Grace; Tiffany wins and will challenge for the title.
- Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss VS Bayley & Lyra Valkyria; No Contest.
- 2026 Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal: Royce Keys wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
A truck pulls into the garage.
And out step Randy Orton & Pat McAfee. The fans can be heard booing, and Orton says this is one hell of a truck. Pat says yeah, built tough like Orton. But then Nick Aldis finds them first, and has a contract. As discussed, here is their agreement. Aldis and Pat are gonna have a chat. Pat tells “Foreign Adam Pearce” that he is a guy who reads his own contracts, because he is a self-made billionaire, unlike all the bums in the crowd. Pat wants to read the whole thing before he signs, and it looks like there are a lot of pages here. Orton says sorry to interrupt, but he has something to say. Pat can handle this while Orton goes to the ring.
Pat is fired up as Orton heads to gorilla, and Pat says time to “ruin” the show by telling some truths! And on that note, please park the truck. Pat skims through, signs a part, and continues on while cameras cut to ringside. Orton makes his entrance, and the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas is already singing along with Voices as The Viper goes to the ring. Orton signals he’s going to be champion again before even stepping into the ring. The fans cheer as Orton hits his signature pose, then Orton grabs a mic. The fans cheer Orton on while he takes a moment. “I’ll be the first one to admit it. I don’t need Pat McAfee. The truth is, I want him.”
The fans boo, but Orton says McAfee is the only straight shooter in this company. Pat doesn’t tell Orton what he wants to hear, but what he needs to hear. And what Orton needed to hear is that all along, all Orton ever needed to do was just be himself. Who would’ve thought! So they were all set, Orton was listening, he knows what he needs to do, Orton wins Elimination Chamber, and it was to be Orton VS McIntyre for the title. Now, there’s no love lost for McIntyre, Orton knew he could be who he needed to be, easy, cake, take the title home to St. Louis, all done. But then… Cody Rhodes won the title back.
The fans are torn, but Orton again says Cody Rhodes won the title back. So now, he and Cody are friends. Orton wasn’t gonna listen to Pat, he wasn’t gonna do what he needed to do, be who he needed to be, he wasn’t going to hurt his friend. But then, Cody gave Orton permission to be himself! Who the HELL is Cody to give Orton permission on anything?! Orton wrote the book on being himself! He is The Viper, he listens to the voices, and that cocky SOB tried to give Orton permission. This is how a friendship works: there is give and take, in case you didn’t know. But with Cody, well, all it ever is was give, give, give while Cody takes, takes, takes.
Tomorrow night, they main event night one of WrestleMania 42. But Orton wants to take us back to WM40, Cody VS Roman Reigns & The Rock, Cody needed a friend to team with! Someone to have his back! And he calls Seth Rollins?! All Cody does is take, take, take! And now, Solo’s Bloodline was all over Cody. What’d Orton do as a FRIEND? Orton is there to have Cody’s back! What’d he get for it? Orton got put through the table, with a near-career-ending back injury! All Cody does is take, take, take! And the best one yet is Cody gifting a WWE Championship to Orton’s friend, Kevin Owens! And wouldn’t you know it? Kevin turns on Cody!
So what’d Orton do? He had Cody’s back. Orton tried talking sense into Kevin, and what happens? Orton gets dropped on his head with a piledriver! Career threatening move, that could’ve been it! All Cody did is TAKE, TAKE, TAKE! Pat McAfee has done more for Orton than Cody has in HALF A LIFETIME! Pat hurts Orton’s legacy? No, helping Cody has hurt Orton’s legacy more than anything else! WrestleMania 42, night one, Orton rights the wrongs, fixes his legacy, and takes number 15 home where it belongs! And he’ll do it with the three most dangerous letters in all of sports entertainment: R K O!
Orton drops the mic, having said his piece. Orton then returns backstage, Pat waiting in the truck. Pat says great work, Randy! Orton hops in, Pat says that is what a WWE Superstar looks like! And tomorrow night, everything changes for the better. Pat will put in a good word for Aldis with upper management. Later, marks! Pat drives off, neither he or Orton caring to wait on Cody’s response. If Cody just takes, takes, takes, will he take an L along with the RKO? Or will he keep the title on the Grandest Stage of Them All?
8 Man Tag Street Fight: MFT VS The Wyatt Sick6!
While Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga have disagreed on the Wyatt lantern, they both agree that this has to end between them and the Wyatts. But will it be a victorious moment to reunite and reinvigorate MFT? Or will Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis finally cut this “family tree” down?
SmackDown returns as the lights go down and the fireflies come out, because the Wyatts are making their entrance. The lantern is blown out, and then the Wyatts rush the ring! The bell rings as the brawl is on! Tonga Loa is considered the odd man out, but it doesn’t really matter in a Street Fight! Howdy keeps after Solo on the outside while Rowan and the others clear out Tama and Mateo. They mug Talla, BOOT him, but Talla stays up! Lumis RAMS Talla, fires hands, then Gacy joins in! They BOOT Talla again, then Rowan BOOTS Talla out! The fans fire up as Gacy & Lumis build speed, and they FLY out to take down the rest!
Rowan gets moving, but Loa trips Rowan up! Rowan BOOTS Loa away, then goes out to THROW him into barriers! The fans cheer as the Silverback is down, but then Talla LARIATS Rowan! Talla then pulls the steel steps apart! He RAMS Gacy down, then RAMS Lumis! And then it’s a STAIR DOWN for Rowan! The fans are torn as Talla truly stands tall, and SmackDown goes picture in picture. Talla steps on Rowan while the others beat up on Lumis and Gacy. Mateo CHOPS Lumis, then SMACKS him off the steps! Solo stomps Rowan, talks some trash to Vegas, then regroups with the others to mug Lumis.
Loa drags Gacy up, he and Mateo mug him, then stomp him down. Tama storms around, having handled Howdy, and he rains down fists on Lumis. Rowan is up and he CLOBBERS MFT! Talla whips, Rowan reverses, and Rowan POSTS Talla! Rowan storms into the ring, and he SPLASHES Tama in a corner! Then he LARIATS Mateo in the other! Rowan shoves Mateo so he can LEG LARIAT him down! Tama CLUBS Rowan, but Rowan shoves him back. Tama dodges, but runs into a BODY CHECK! Big Red is all fired up,, but Solo SMACKS him with a kendo stick! It was only a matter of time before someone went for the goodies.
MFT brawls with the Wyatts outside again, but Lumis & Gacy mug Mateo! Talla DECKS Gacy and UPPERCUTS Lumis! Solo has Howdy on the ropes, and Loa pulls Howdy’s arms to keep him trapped! Solo SMACKS Howdy on the back! And SMACKS him again! Loa lets go so Howdy can writhe in agony. SmackDown returns to single picture as Solo offers the kendo stick to Tama. Tama declines to throw hands and stomps on Howdy instead! Tama CHOKES Howdy, then he kicks Gacy. Tama whips, but Gacy enters the UPSIDE-DOWN! Then he dodges Mateo, Lumis helps out with the BACK SUPLEX NECKBRAEKER!
Lumis hits a back suplex on Solo, then kips up to LEG DROP! Gacy SUPERKICKS Talla off the apron! Gacy whips Lumis for a somersault and MONKEFY FLIP into a POWERBOMB! Now the cleanest but Gacy covers, only for Mateo to deadlift GERMAN SUPLEX! And an ATHLETIC PLEX on Lumis! Mateo hauls Lumis up again, shoves and clinches, OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Mateo talks trash, then he stomps Howdy down. The fans rally for the Wyatts but Mateo talks more trash. Howdy rises up to ROCK Mateo! Howdy CLUBS away, but Talla is back! Talla fireman’s carries for a SAMOAN DROP! Talla soaks up heat, then he fireman’s carries Lumis! SAMOAN DROP!
Mateo feeds Gacy to Talla for another SAMOAN DROP! But then Rowan drags Mateo out! Rowan runs up on Talla, but Talla fireman’s carries?! Rowan fights free, and he SHOTGUNS Talla out! The fans fire up as Rowan DIVES! Down goes Talla and the fans are thunderous, “YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH!” Rowan grabs a chair, tosses it into the ring, then he fetches more chairs, and even kendo sticks! The Wyatts all bring things out from under the ring, including trash cans! Rowan sets a can up while Gacy kicks and stops MFT where he finds them. Howdy & Rowan DOUBLE CAN SMASH Solo! Then Rowan pushes one onto Solo’s chest! FULL METAL SPLASH!
The fans fire up as the can is crushed! Solo flounders around while the Wyatts regroup, and SmackDown goes back to picture in picture.
Rowan helps Howdy stand, and Gacy throws hands on Tama. Gacy then whips Tama, but Tama reverses to send Gacy into steel steps! Howdy stomps Solo as he slides inside, and Rowan SMACKS Mateo with a kendo stick! Rowan SMACKS Mateo off the desk, but Tama SMACKS Howdy with a kendo stick! Tama helps Solo up while Loa & Mateo mug Rowan. Loa SMACKS Rowan with that beat up trash can! Tama CHOKES Howdy with a chair, and the fans cheer Nikki Cross as she dares Mateo to do something to her! Mateo lets her shout while he CHOKES Gacy. Solo THROWS Lumis into barriers! Tama SMACKS Rowan with the beat up trash can!
Nikki has a trash can and continues to egg Mateo on. Solo rolls into the ring and he sits a chair up. Solo drags Howdy up and over to SMACK him off said chair! Howdy is down in a heap, but Solo takes a seat. Solo taunts Howdy by tapping him with the kendo stick. Then Solo SAMCKS Howdy! Mateo has a kendo stick and he SMACKS Lumis down! Loa gets a kendo stick while Solo JAMS Howdy up with a chair! Solo struts corner to corner, then soaks up the heat before he runs in, HIP ATTACK! Howdy sputters while Solo fires up! Loa & Mateo keep mugging Rowan and Lumis. Solo eggs Howdy on, talks some trash, then rains down fists.
Solo struts around again as SmackDown returns to single picture. Solo runs corner to corner again, but Howdy dodges! Hips hit buckles, then Howdy SMACKS Solo with the chair! Tama is back to Howdy JAMS him up! And he JAMS Mateo up! Then he SMACKS Mateo down! The fans fire up as Howdy clinches, URENAGE on the chair! Solo writhes in agony while Howdy DECKS Loa! Loa bails out, Nikki goes up! SUPER CORSSBODY! Down goes Loa and the fans fire up! Howdy then clinches Solo, but Talla BOOTS him down! The giant then stands at the corner so Solo can climb up from the corner and onto Talla! SUPER FLYING SOLO!! Cover, GACY SMACKS SOLO!
The fans fire up as Gacy & Lumis fire off kendo sticks! They’re going yard, but Talla double guzels! DOUBLE CHOKE SLAMS!! But Rowan SMACKS Talla with a chair! Talla stays up!? Rowan is pissed, but Talla SWATS the chair! Then Talla LARIATS Rowan and himself up and out of the ring! Howdy clinches Mateo, but Tama grabs Howdy for the TONGAN TWIST! The fans are torn as Tama takes off the arm sleeve. But then SAMOAN SPIKE from Solo on Howdy! Cover, MFT wins!
Winners: MFT, by pinfall
Tama was ready to strike, but Solo snatches the glory from him! But a win is a win, right? Or are the cracks in the foundation only getting worse?
Damian Priest & R-Truth walk ‘n’ talk backstage.
#WepaUp is in Vegas, and Truth says they’re facing one of the most iconic teams in WWE history in The New Day! Priest says hold on, New Day is on Raw. Exactly! Easy lay-up! Asuka cursed them! Here we go again. It’s Danhausen! No, that was last week. It’s Asuka this time. Xavier Woods is sick. So sick, he’s turning Sammy Sosa white! And he speaks with a British accent. Priest tries not to laugh, and also not to lose his mind. Isn’t that Grayson Waller? No, Waller is Aussie, Truth knows his geography. Priest says yes, Waller IS Australian. But we’re talking about Xavier Woods. No, Truth is talking about Waller. No, Truth is talking about Woods! Is Priest okay? Maybe…
Truth says get it together, dawg, they have a title match tonight, here in Vegas! What?! Truth hurries off, is any of what he just said real? And whether it’s Waller, Woods, or Whalberg, will Truth & Priest still be the W, W, E, Tag, Team, Champions~?
The Miz & Maryse renew their vows in Vegas.
Kit Wilson presides as The Hollywood A-Lister tells his lovely wife that a lot of great things have happened in his life thanks to the WWE. But by far the greatest thing is that he met Maryse. He just wants to say- DANHAUSEN!? Maryse turns around to see the Very Nice, Very Evil and very uninvited guest and freaks out. Danhausen says hi, how is everyone? Maryse asks who Danhausen even is, and he says he’s the ring bearer, the best man, AND the maid/man of honor! NO, HE’S NOT! Danhausen is NOTHING! Kit, do something! You may not curse the bride! No, wait, what?! YOU! ARE! CURSED!!
Miz is furious and he goes to CHOKE Danhausen! But in the struggle, they knock into Maryse, and Maryse stumbles into the wedding cake! Danhausen wipes some frosting from Mayrse’s nose, and says ooh, good vanilla. Stay tuned to WWE socials for the rest of this not-so-happy day.
Royce Keys speaks.
“I’m one of the few people I know from East Palo Alto that is living their dream.” He gets a bit emotional and asks for a moment. Royce is back at his childhood home. In 2021, Royce’s mother, Nita Hobson, suffered a fatal overdose. She was only 61 years old, and never saw her son’s dream come true. Royce knew the one person who would watch as his mom. She was proud of him. He had to try, because he misses his mom. Royce’s sister, Evelyn Hobson, says that regardless of what was going on, their mom was definitely proud of her kids. Royce knows his grandparents are with him, his mom is with him, and all the memories are with him. Those things kept him going.
Mark Henry says emotions are not a crutch. When you tap into them, you become stronger. Royce is a good man. He is the perfect example of working hard and making your dreams come true. No one from EPA should be here. Royce knows his mom is proud of him.
A police car drives up to the building…?
Sirens wail as the patrol car pulls into the garage, and then right up to the stage! On stage, even! The officer opens the passenger door, and out steps… JACOB FATU! The Samoan Werewolf steps right up onto the roof of the car, mic in hand, wearing custom airbrushed jeans! The fans cheer Fatu on while says, “Drew McIntyre… What, you wanna tell the whole world that I’m still a criminal? Huh? You still doubling back, huh? We can talk about my life all you want, I’m not ashamed of it, I’m not afraid of it, and for sure check this out, I for sure don’t live that life no more.”
The fans cheer that, and Fatu asks what, Drew thought putting Fatu in cuffs in front of Fatu’s family was gonna embarrass him? C’mon, man! Drew really thought putting Fatu in cuffs was gonna be embarrassing. That didn’t bother Fatu at all! HELL NAH! Even the popo know Fatu ain’t that guy no more! But this is where Drew gets very twisted. Tomorrow night, UNSANCTIONED MATCH! That means no Nick Aldis, no police, no security, no management, no Army, no Navy, hell! The SWAT Team can’t stop Fatu while he beats Drew’s ass! And the best thing about it: there is no one to save Drew!
Fatu has the cameraman come in close to get a clear view. “Drew, you try to put me back in that jail cell… Drew, you try to put me back in that jail cell where I done changed my life, but the truth is, I already put that in my rearview. And the truth is, Drew, when I get done beating your ass tomorrow, that’s exactly where I’m putting you: in the back of my rearview! So tomorrow night at WrestleMania 42, you’re gonna see Jacob Fatu shake them dreads!” Fatu geeks out, the fans cheer, and Fatu tells Drew to get a calculator, do the math, cuz tomorrow night at WM42, Fatu gonna dog walk that b*tch ass! YADADA MEAN?! Fatu has issued his warning, will Drew heed it?
#Charlexa talks backstage.
Alexa Bliss says ever since teaming with Charlotte, she’s tried all sorts of new flavors of ice cream, ended up with way more Charlotte Flair merch than she ever imagined, along with having signed some, but… She also became a tag team with a new best friend. Charlotte says yeah, 2025 was epic, and 2026 has been even better. But what would be the cherry on top? Winning the tag titles back at WrestleMania. But before that, they gotta beat Bayley & Lyra tomorrow night. They’ll walk into Mania with momentum, then walk out with as champions. But no matter what, they will still be best friends.
Charlotte knows that. The real gold is the friendship they made along the way. Friendship above all else. But how great would it be to have the real gold, too? Bliss rolls her eyes but Charlotte says c’mon, two-time champions would be awesome! Bliss has to get that! But will The Queen & “Blisster” be ready for #BayLyra later tonight?
WWE Tag Team Championships: Damian Priest & R-Truth VS Kofi Kingston & Grayson Waller!
Despite getting names and faces mixed up, Truth was right, they ARE defending the titles tonight! But will it be #WepaUp in Vegas? Or will the “New G’Day” take these belts back to Raw with them?
SmackDown returns as Kofi & Waller make their entrance. The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if it’ll still be #WepaUp!
The teams sort out and Priest starts against Waller. Waller tests the waters with a kick, then a JAB! Priest snarls, but Waller dodges the haymaker to fire off forearms! Waller whips, Priest reverses, but Waller ducks ‘n’ dodges, then slips through a scoop. Waller waistlocks, Priest bucks the O’Conner Roll, then he BOOTS Waller down! The fans cheer as Priest TOSSES Waller to the corner! Priest fires haymakers, then UPPERCUTS! Waller is dazed while Priest tags Truth. Priest clinches, Truth runs, LIE DETECTOR LEG SWEEP COMBO! The fans cheer while Truth ROCKS Waller. Truth goes up the corner and he rains down fists!
The fans count along, and Truth gest five before Waller YANKS him down! Waller CLUBS Truth, pushes him to the corner, then tags Kofi. Waller whips Kofi for Kofi to whip Waller into Priest! Waller talks trash as Priest falls, but Truth dodges Kofi and ROCKS Waller! Truth ROCKS Kofi, UPPERCUTS Waller, then kicks Kofi low! Kofi claims it was a little too low. Truth runs, but Waller DUMPS Truth out! The fans boo as Waller gets away with that one, but Priest is there to guzel Waller! But Kofi WRECKS Priest with a dropkick! Kofi is all fired up while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Kofi swaggers, soaks up heat, and maybe even eggs the fans on, before he puts Truth in the ring. Kofi pushes Truth to a corner, stomps a mudhole in, then talks more trash. Kofi runs corner to corner and he DROPKICKS Truth down! Cover, TWO! Truth toughs it out but Kofi clamps onto him. Kofi fires body shots, then tags Waller. They mug Truth, then Waller CLUBS Truth on the neck. Waller snapmares and basement dropkicks! Waller soaks up heat, then he sucker punches Priest! The ref reprimands but Waller ELBOWS Truth down! Waller stomps Truth, CHOKES him, but the ref is too busy with an angry Priest to stop him!
Waller CHOKES Truth on the ropes, the ref sees that, and Waller backs off. Waller brings Truth up but Truth fires haymakers! But Waller dropkicks the legs out! Waller drags Truth over, tags Kofi, and Waller sets Truth up for Kofi to BOOT down! Kofi swaggers around, soaks up more heat, then drags Truth around. Kofi waistlocks but Truth fights towards his corner! Priest reaches out for Truth, but Kofi keeps them fingertips apart! Kofi kicks and whips, then he trips Truth up! Kofi soaks up more heat while Truth writhes. Waller takes Truth’s shoe to do a “shoey” with, before Kofi AX HANDLES Truth down! Cover, TWO!
Kofi tags Waller, they mug Truth again, and Waller suplexes, only for Truth to cradle counter, TWO! Waller ELBOWS Truth down! Waller talks trash, daring Truth to go tag Priest. Truth then drags Truth up, and ROLLING ELBOWS! SmackDown returns to single picture as Waller tags Kofi! FAMOUSER, then the BALLER ELBOW DROP! Kofi covers, TWO! Kofi runs to PENALTY KICK! The fans boo but Kofi swaggers around even more. Kofi runs to stomp Truth down! Waller tags himself in and Kofi asks what he’s doing. Waller goes up, Kofi fireman’s carries, but Truth slips fere! Truth shoves Kofi into Waller, and Waller HOTSHOTS off ropes!
Kofi hurries to anchor Truth, Truth BOOTS him into Waller! Hot tag to Priest! Priest fires BIG haymakers on Waller and Kofi! Then JUMP KICK after JUMP KICK! ELBOW on Kofi in one corner, ELBOW on Waller in the other! Kofi runs up, but into a clinch and FLATLINER! Priest then has Waller for a wrench and knuckle lock! Priest goes up and the fans cheer for an Old School CROSSBODY! Priest fires up and the fans are with him! Priest powers up the arm, runs the ropes, COMEBSCK- NO, Waller ducks that to wrench and- NO, Priest dodges to COMEBACKER! Cover, Kofi breaks it! Kofi calls to Waller, but Truth is starting up a “New! Day Sucks!” chant!?
Kofi is upset because Truth thinks he needs to tag him!? Kofi slaps Truth’s hand away, but Truth takes that as the tag! Truth runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and starts up the “Ron Cena” Shoulder Tackles! SPIN-OUT BOMB! And yes, Truth puts his hand up! Priest scoop SLAMS Waller down next to Kofi! Truth says Priest should join in, but Priest isn’t so sure. The fans say yes, join in! Priest shrugs and says, “You Can’t See Me!” Priest & Truth run for a DOUBLE FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Priest then pops Waller up so he and Truth can hit a 3D! Cover, Priest & Truth win!
Winners: Damian Priest & R-Truth, by pinfall (still WWE Tag Team Champions)
The dynamic, if not a bit delusional, duo does it again! Will it be #WepaUp then, now, and forever?
Jade Cargill is here!
The Storm has arrived in Las Vegas, and she has her Baddies back. Mia Yim & B-Fab have recovered from Rhea Ripley wrecking them, and the trio goes to the ring. Jade grabs a mic, but before she can say two words, Rhea makes HER way out here! Vegas cheers Mami as she steps out on stage, but without reinforcements this week. Rhea isn’t afraid, though, as she walks to the ring. Rhea grabs a mic before she goes to the apron, and she says, “Jade… I just wanted to come out here before you started talking and wasted everyone’s time. First of all, there’s nothing that I’d like more than to lay you out right now, especially after everything you have done.
“But I don’t wanna give you an excuse not to be able to walk into WrestleMania. And I know I’m not normally the most patient of people… I’m normally not.” The fans cheer Rhea on and she smiles. Rhea says Jade is lucky Rhea isn’t in there already, whooping her ass. The fans cheer but Jade mockingly smiles. Rhea says Jade hasn’t been able to give Rhea a chance to face her fair and square. Rhea thinks Jade is scared. And when it comes to WrestleMania, Rhea can’t wait to embarrass Jade! Fab says, “Embarrass her? Rhea, the only one that should be embarrassed is you! Uh-huh, yeah! Shut up! You’re the one that keeps coming for Jade, and failing!”
The fans boo but Rhea says she hasn’t even had the chance to go after Jade. See, ever since Rhea won Elimination Chamber, Jade’s done nothing but hiding. She hides behind her minions, behind social media, and anything she can to not be 1v1 with Rhea. So if there’s anything Jade wants to say, this is her last chance to say it alone. Jade has Mia & Fab stand down, and asks, “I’m scared? Aww, I’m scared~ of some cosplay goth kid with insecurities? Yeah, okay. I’m everything you wish you could be! A REAL b*tch! And yeah, you got your way around here, but that’s cuz of that weak ass locker room back there.”
The fans boo but Jade says she’s not hiding. She’s just trying to spare Rhea. And since Rhea didn’t learn the lesson, on Sunday, Jade will put belt to ass! And if Rhea keeps talking, Jade will make it quick. Rhea asks Jade if she really thinks Rhea wants to be like Jade. Oh, no no no, Rhea doesn’t wanna be anything like Jade. Rhea’s been fighting women like Jade her entire life, actually. And if you wanna bring up insecurities like they’re a bad thing, like they hold Rhea back, no, they make her the person she is today! They’re the reason Rhea is a multiple time champion in the WWE! The fans cheer that!
So if Jade wants to make it quick, then Rhea can make it quick! But she promises, it won’t be in Jade’s favor, “you narcissistic, selfish, fake ass b*tch!” The fans cheer Rhea on that one! The two stare down, but Jade holds up the belt. Jade storms off, her Baddies following behind. But will Mami still end up on top on the Grandest Stage of Them All?
MFT regroups backstage.
They’re all feeling food from the win, and Solo says that is what he’s been talking about! The Wyatts are finished, and that happened cuz MFT worked together as a team! Tama says yeah, right, a team. Yeah, a team! Anyways, this is just getting started. Solo wants Talla to win the Andre the Giant Battle Royal and bring that trophy home! MFT, time to get ready! Meanwhile, Solo will talk to Aldis and see about getting the tag team titles back! MFT is feeling good, but will they keep winning while they have the hot hand? Or are they about to bust and go broke?
WWE Women’s United States Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Tiffany Stratton VS Jordynne Grace!
Giulia continues to hold onto the gold with an iron grip, but now is the time to name her next challenger. Will the Wrestling Barbie get back on her winning ways during WrestleMania season? Or will the Juggernaut finally get a golden opportunity?
SmackDown returns, and Giulia & Kiana James have appeared ringside to watch this match with their own eyes. The bell rings and the two shake hands to show there is sportsmanship here. They tie up, Grace headlocks, but Tiff powers up only for Grace to whip her away. Tiff leapfrogs over the backdrop, but then Grace fireman’s carries Tiff, only for Tiff to sunset flip it! TWO, and Grace SLIDING- NO, Tiff catches Grace to a ghost pin! ONE, and Tiff ducks a shot! Grace ducks a kick, and the fans cheer the standoff. Grace and Tiff reset, circle, and they tie up. Tiff waistlocks but Grace ELBOWS free! Grace whips, drops, but Tiff handsprings over!
The fans cheer as Tiff says it’s still her time. Tiff ducks ‘n’ dodges, then counters the hip toss into a JAWBREAKER! Grace falls, Tiff covers, TWO! Grace goes to a corner, Tiff runs up, but Grace slips around to RAM Tiff into buckles again and again! Grace backslides then short arm LRIATS! And short arm LARIATS! But Tiff ducks the next one, only for Grace to ELBOW her again! Grace Electric Chair Lifts to HOTSHOT Tiff, then LARIAT her down! The fans are torn but Grace covers Tiff, TWO! Tiff toughs it out while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Grace drags Tiff up, slaps her on the back to copy the rallying applause, then she pump handles Tiff. Tiff fights the lift, Grace fires knees into her, then Grace short arm LARIATS! Tiff flounders but Grace hushes the crowd. Grace CHOPS Tiff on the back! And then LARIATS back and forth, front and back! Grace winds up, runs, but Tiff ELBOWS her down! Tiff shakes out the arm and nods as she paces around. Tiff drags Grace up, bumps her off buckles, then stomps a mudhole in! The ref counts, Tiff stops at 4, and Tiff drags Grace up to reel her in. Tiff snap suplexes, then rolls to a cover, TWO! Grace toughs it out after that hard landing.
Tiff stays on Grace, CHOKES her on the ropes, but stops as the ref counts. Tiff ROCKS Grace, CHOKES her again, then runs the ropes to HIP ATTACK! Grace falls, Tiff covers, TWO! Grace survives again but Tiff stays cool. Grace fires body shots, Tiff stomps Grace down. Grace eggs Tiff on so Tiff fires off shots! Grace shoves Tiff, Tiff kicks low! Tiff fires forearms, then whips to ELBOW Grace down! Cover, TWO! Grace stays in this but Tiff stays on her. Tiff whips Grace to a corner, Grace reverses, and Tiff rebounds into the WORLD’S STRONGEST SLAM! Grace goes up, up, and VADER BOMBS! Cover, TWO! Tiff survives but Grace stays focused.
Grace puts Tiff in a corner, fires forearm after forearm, then gets space to run up, into a BOOT! Tiff reels Grace in as SmackDown returns to single picture. The fans duel while Grace hoists Tiff up top! Grace UPPERCUTS Tiff, then climbs up to join her. Grace SUPERPLEXES then rolls through, to deadlift, but Tiff DDT COUNTERS! The fans fire up while both women are down again! Tiff and Grace slowly rise up, and the fans cheer as Tiff fires a forearm! Grace fires back, Tiff fires again, and Grace CHOPS! Tiff CHOPS, and the forearms fly again! Grace gets the edge, but Tiff BOOTS Grace, ducks a shot, then KNEES Grace down!
Tiff runs up, but Grace avoids the double stomps to roll Tiff up! TWO, but Grace reels Tiff in, only for Tiff to power up! Grace fights that lift, ducks a kick, but Tiff ELBOWS Grace again! Then TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Grace survives and Tiff grows frustrated, but the fans continue to rally. Grace crawls to ropes, Tiff runs up, but Grace BOOTS her! Grace skins the cat, then she catches Tiff in a trap! Grace body scissors in the ropes to HEADBUTT again and again and again! The fans fire up as Grace HEADBUTTS and Tiff staggers. Grace fireman’s carries, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Then a lift and tuck, PACKAGE POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!!
Tiff survives and Grace grows frustrated. The fans rally up again as Grace and Tiff rise. Grace drags Tiff up, and reels her into the Reverse Gory! But Tiff slips free, shoves Grace, then handsprings to STUNNER! Grace wobbles, Tiff fires up, and Tiff fireman’s carries! ROLLING SENTON! Then Tiff signals to Giulia that she’s getting the belt! PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the WWE Women’s United States Championship)
Tiff stares Giulia down again, but Giulia doesn’t sweat it. Will Tiff prove it’s her time again? Or will she succumb to the Beautiful Madness?
Trick Williams is here!
Las Vegas is all fired up for Hollywood Trick and his lemon pepper steppers! They chant “Whoop Dat Trick!” as he goes to the ring. Trick grabs the mic to say, “What?” “Whoop Dat Trick!” “Huh?!” “Whoop Dat Trick!” “Uh-huh!” “Whoop Dat Trick!” “I like it!” The fans cheer as Trick shouts out Booker T with that. Trick says, “Now hear me out. Usually, I come out here, it’s all smiles, games, and jokes. Not tonight. Tonight, I got something to get off my chest, so we gon’ talk about it. Sami Zayn, last week, you crossed the line. Roll the footage!” Trick cues it up, and what Trick means is when Lil Yachty tripped Sami up off the apron, and Sami responded with a HELLUVA KICK!
Trick says Sami hit Lil Yachty with that kick. Last week, Sami hit Trick’s friend with a Helluva Kick. Last week, Sami hurt Trick’s friend with that Helluva Kick! We don’t know when Yachty’s coming back. It might be tomorrow, it might be Sunday, but that means Sami did something worse than hurt Trick’s friend. He hurt Trick’s WrestleMania entrance with that Helluva Kick! so this is what we gonna do about it. We ain’t waiting ’til Sunday! Grown folk talking, we gonna take care of business tonight! Sami Zayn, Gingerbread Man, bring yo’ ass out here! The fans cheer, and Sami appears! Wait, no, that’s someone in a Gingy the Gingerbread Man costume…
Trick laughs as he clearly mocks Sami with this. Trick has them cut the music, and he introduces Vegas to Sami the Gingerbread Man. The fans chant “GINGERBREAD! GINGERBREAD!” Trick says he’s supposed to be mad, but here looking at him, Sami looks upset himself. What’s wrong, Gingerbread Man? No diehard Sami Zayn fans in San Jose? Maybe there are some here in Vegas. Doesn’t sound like it… So maybe, all the diehard Sami fans are on Dreary Lane. Nah, c’mon, listen to Trick. When life gives you lemons, you put on your lemon pepper steppers, and mind your business when grown folks talkin’!
This Sunday, it is all about Trick Williams! His first WrestleMania, his moment ot get the US Championship! And he’ll do whatever it takes to get the title! He’ll be whooping something! Vegas, tell ’em what we gon’ do. “Whoop Dat Trick!” Sami says yeah, that’s good, that’s great. The fans boo as the REAL Sami walks out on stage. Sami says this is real funny. He’s “glad” Trick’s having fun and taking his first Mania so seriously. He almost envies it! Sami wishes he was having this much fun, but he hasn’t been having a good time for a very long time. Sami is walking in as THE US Champion, and he’s still not having a good time!
But by the sounds of it, it sounds like the fans here have also not been having fun. The fans taunt Sami but Sami still doesn’t get what he did wrong! He doesn’t! But truth is, Sami doesn’t care. Sami is doing this, and does this every day, for the Ride or Die Sami Fans! The ones that have been with him since day one! Sami steps into the ring, and says make no mistake, there are still plenty of those fans watching at home and even here in Vegas! They will be in Sami’s corner for Mania and beyond. But here’s the thing, Trick… Fans tell Sami to shut up but Sami says no, they’ll get to that.
But ever since Trick got here like four months ago and interrupted Sami, everyone’s been talking about Trick… Okay, can the gingerbread guy not stand like that? No, stop, the hands on hips is worse. Go away, Sami doesn’t wanna see him. The fans boo but Sami says Trick was supposedly the future of the company. Sami was the first to agree. But what has Trick shown Sami since? Not a whole lot. Trick has a great entrance, a good catchphrase, and can even drop a good diss track, congrats. But y’know what Trick hasn’t shown Sami? Anything where it counts, and that’s in this ring when it matters most!
So now when Sami looks a Trick, Sami doesn’t see the future of the WWE anymore. Sami sees Trick now as “a little punk rookie.” The fans boo but Sami says this punk rookie is about to walk into his first Mania with one of the best to ever do it! And he’ll realize at Mania that he bit off more than he can chew, because instead of taking this seriously, he walked into the biggest match of his life without a plan! Trick says, “No plan, Sami? Look at me, I AM the plan! I been here for four months, and took you, the veteran, all off your game. Trying to find yourself. You’re coming your hair now! Your breath still smells like ten pounds of bounce dat ass.
“You done lost yourself! You’re crashing out. There ain’t a safe water bottle backstage cuz you don’t know how to find Sami Zayn no more. That’s right, you’re Sami Zayn, one of the most respected guys in the locker room. The guy with all the accolades, all the titles. Tag team, Intercontinental, you had it, you done it. But you threw that all away because this rookie got in the game. Who doesn’t have a plan, Sami? Look at me when I’m talking to you. Because the truth is… I’m the one that’s gonna get the job done. Let’s talk about it.” The fans chant “Whoop Dat Trick!” but Sami asks if Trick thinks that is in his head! Trick is in Sami’s head?
This is your big plan?! This is the plan that Trick cooked up in that big ol’ head of his? Trick, standing in the ring, two days before their match, with a guy in a gingerbread costume. The fans again chant for “GINGERBREAD!” and Trick says no, he’s standing in the ring with two gingerbread men. Sami throws hands! Trick fires back, the fans fire up, and Trick gets the edge! Trick DECKS Sami! Trick throws off the jacket, but Sami dodges the lariat to then LARIAT Trick up and out! Sami is all fired up and says when Trick is in this ring, he’s in Sami’s world! And then Sami looks at Gingy… Gingerbread Man wants a timeout, and Sami says yeah, it’s fine, you’re good.
HELLUVA KICK!! The foam head turns around as the guy falls over! Sami has a real laugh now, but then TRICK SHOT takes Sami down! Trick holds up the title, will it be his after WrestleMania? Or will Sami find a way to whoop that Trick?
We hear from all the teams in the Women’s Tag Team Championship Fatal 4 Way.
Brie Bella says, “WrestleMania: where legacies are defined. My sister and I built this division, and even with Nikki fighting through an injury, we’re showing up. Because when the Bella Twins step on that stage, the standard is set.” Charlotte Flair counters with, “Standard? It’s not about where you’ve been…” Alexa adds, “It’s about who owns the division now.” Lyra Valkyria tells them all that they better be ready to prove it. Bayley adds that no one gets handed something at Mania. Nia Jax says right, they don’t get handed anything. Lash Legend says they’ll get run over! Because that is exactly what the Irresistible Forces have done with every team that’s stepped in the ring with them.
Brie says the Bellas have heard all this before. Nikki’s rehabbing and fighting like hell. They’ve been doing this together their whole lives. Whenever something tries to take them out, they find a way back. Charlexa didn’t even like each other, and they still figured out how to become champions. That is what makes them dangerous. But BayLyra says this isn’t about what you’ve had, it’s about what you can do when it matters. Brie says Mania won’t be about reminding people of who the Bellas were, but who they still are. Charlexa says at Mania, they take back what’s theirs, together as friends.
BayLyra vows to bring their absolute best, and make everything they’ve been through the past year worth it! Nia & Lash say don’t worry, they’ll make sure everyone gets their “moment.” But this will be the last moment they ever have! Everyone is ready, but who will survive when the odds are in no one’s favor?
Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss VS Bayley & Lyra Valkyria!
We’ve heard them all talk, now is the last chance for momentum going into that title fight! Will The Queen & “Blisster” or The Role Model & Morrigan be red hot going into WrestleMania?
There’s tension between the teams already, and Lyra ROCKS Charlotte! The brawl is on! The fans fire up as Charlotte CLOBBERS Lyra while Bayley and Bliss trade hands! Bayley gest around to SAIDO Bliss, but Charlotte CHOPS Lyra! And CHOPS again! Lyra dodges the third to then WHEEL KICK Charlotte down! Bliss sends Bayley into buckles, but HERE COMES NIA! She CLOBBERS Lyra, and then Lash DECKS Bliss! So much for a match! Charlotte RAMS Nia into a corner, BOOTS her, but Lash BOOTS Charlotte! Lash pumped the brakes, but Bayley jumps on Nia for a SLEEPER! Nia RAMS Bayley into buckles!
Lash SPLASHES Bayley, but Lyra fires off Lash! Nia CLUBS Lyra, then Lash hauls her up. Lash DECKS Lyra with that legendary right! Lash then hauls Lyra back up, Nia climbs a corner, and Lash has the BEARHUG! Lash THRASHES Lyra, then sets her up for Nia’s SUPER LEG DROP! This may not have been a match, but the momentum is all on the side of the Irresistible Forces! Will it not matter if The Bellas add themselves to the equation when it comes to these two?
2026 Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal!
Once more, WWE honors the Eighth Wonder of the World with this battle royal, with superstars from Raw, SmackDown, and now even NXT and AAA, battling for their place in history! Royce Keys makes his entrance as SmackDown returns, but wait! “Say his name and he appears! I believe in Joe Hendry!” Yes, The Prestigious Joe Hendry is here and has Las Vegas waving their hands from side to side! Hendry tops off the field, and the bell rings! Angel takes off his pants and throws them at Kit Wilson! Kit says that’s TOXIC, and everyone is brawling! The fans fire up as the Grandes are after each other, and Kit PIE FACES Hendry!
Hendry just TURNS! Kit is started, and he trips over the prone body of Johnny Gargano! Kit tumbles up and out and to the floor, Hendry & Gargano ELIMINATE Kit! Los Garza brawl with Hendry, Shiloh Hill and LA Parka work together against Alpha Academy, and Nathan Frazer is already holding on for dear life! Axiom saves Frazer from MCMG, TOSSES Sabin out, but then Sabin fireman’s carries Frazer! Frazer fights free, ROCKS Sabin, and they brawl! Frazer SUPERKICKS Sabin, but Sabin BOOTS Frazer! Frazer dangles but he skins the cat to UP KICK Sabin! But then Gargano comes to life to BLAST Frazer! Frazer hits desk, then floor, Gargano ELIMINATES Frazer!
Sabin realizes Gargano is a friend, and they reach out for a high-five, but then Axiom runs up! Gargano dodges, the DROPKICK knocks Sabin down! Axiom ELIMINATES Sabin! Gargano fires off on Axiom, and El Grande Americano Original THROWS El Grande Americano Nuevo over! EGA Nuevo holds on, but Original goes after that mask! The fans are torn, but Talla DUMPS both Grandes out, DOUBLE ELIMINATION! The fans are torn but at least no one was unmasked. Talla stomps Fenix, Hendry kicks Wilde, and Shiloh fires up as he brawls with Ilja! The fans fire up as those two madmen trade shots! Ilja PELES, but Shiloh ROCKS Ilja! Ilja DUMPS Shiloh out!
Shiloh stays up but Ilja JUMP KICKS him down and ELIMINATES him! Los Garza mug LA Parka, but he fires back and dances. He TOSSES Berto, then dodges Angel! KNEE for Angel, Park runs up, but Angel y Berto stop the monkey flip to DUMP Parka and ELIMINATE him! The fans boo as Berto mocks the dance, but Fenix blows past Angel to DROPKICK Berto! Fenix ELIMINATES Berto while he TORNADO DDTS Angel! The fans cheer Fenix, and now Psycho Clown is up! He scoops Garza for a BACKBREAKER, then a pop-up UPPERCUT! Psycho Clown RIPS his own mask-face! Then he HEADBUTTS Angel!
Angel dodges a lariat, but Royce runs up! Angel dodges that, and Royce’s LARIAT sends Psycho Clown up and out! Royce ELIMINATES Psycho Clown! Angel wants Royce to hold on, but Royce hoists him up! Angel fights free, and Axiom fights off Gargano and Shelley! Shelley SUPERKICKS Axiom, then Gargano hits ONE FINAL BEAT! Axiom falls, Gargano ELIMINATES another one! Shelley helps his old friend up, but Fenix says ADIOS AMIGOS! PENALTY KICK hits Shelley! Shelley falls, Fenix ELIMINATES him! Fenix then sees Gargano holding on. Gargano RAMS low, then slingshots, but into a SUPERKICK!
The fans fire up as Crews and Nakamura brawl, Tozawa brawls with Ilja, and Crews BOOTS Nakamura! Nakamura DUMPS Crews out, then dodges a shot! Crews dodges one, but not the WHEEL KICK! Nakamura ELIMINATES Crews! Hendry FALL AWAY SLAMS Cardona, then kips up to TURN! Gargano CROSSBODIES, but Hendry catches Gargano! FALL AWAY SLAM! Kip up and… TURN! The fans cheer Hendry, but Aleister TOSSES Hendry and ELIMINATES him! The fans boo but the Dark Father is not a believer. Talla CLOBBERS Aleister, soaks up heat, then brawls with the LWO! He TOSSES Cruz, but Wilde fires off!
Wilde whips but Talla reverses to TOSS and ELIMINATE Wilde! Cruz GAMANGIRIS, but Talla SHOVES Cruz down to ELIMINATE him, too! Talla snarls, but now everyone turns their attention to him! Fenix, Angel, Gargano, Ilja, and Cardona all go after Talla, but he EXPLODES free! UPPERCUT for Gargano, for Angel, then a LARIAT for Cardona! Fenix fires off kick after kick, but Talla SWATS the roundhouse to TOSS Fenix! Fenix clings to the ropes, but Talla runs up! Fenix fires fast hands, then goes up, up, and leaps, into the guzel! CHOKE SLAM to the apron! Fenix falls to the floor, Talla ELIMINATES him!
The fans boo but Cardona and Angel ROCK and ENZIGIRI Talla! SUPERKICK! CHOP! SPIN CHOP! Nakamura adds a KINSHASA!! Talla is down, but Aleister TOSSES Nakamura to ELIMINATE him! The Dark Father continues to pick his spots, but did he perhaps take out the wrong threat? Ilja BOOTS Aleister, then runs up, only to be put on the apron! Ilja ROCKS Aleister, climbs back up, but Aleister STEP-UP KICKS! Ilja falls to the floor, Aleister ELIMINATES another one! But then Tozawa GERMAN SUPLEXES Aleister! The fans fire up for the Stamina Monster as he rips off that shirt! But then the BLACK MASS hits!
Aleister TOSSES Tozawa to ELIMINATE him! Otis takes note of that, and the Dozer is unleashed! he LARIATS Aleister, he LARIATS Cardona, then scoops Angel to SLAM him! The fans fire up for Otis as he sends Angel into Gargano, and SPLASHES them both! Otis TOSSES and ELIMINATES Angel, and Gargano is prone! Otis rips his shirt off, and he starts up the CATERPILLAR~! SPLASH! Otis TOSSES and ELIMINATES Gargano! Cardona BOOTS Otis, then runs up, ROUGH- POWERBOMB! Otis TOSSES and ELIMINATES Cardona! The fans fire up again as Dozer makes himself part of the final four along with Aleister, Nakamura and Royce!
Otis and Aleister brawl, Aleister fires off kicks, but Otis dodges with a roll! WERCKING HAYMAKER! Otis HEADBUTTS an ELBOW! BLACK MASS!! Otis flops over, Aleister huffs ‘n’ puffs, but Royce steps up! Royce shoves Aleister, but Aleister KNEES back! Royce LARIATS Aleister up and out to ELIMINATE him!! The fans are thunderous as now, it comes down to the three biggest men in the match! Royce stares down with Talla, but Otis bulldozes throogh them both! Otis RUNS Royce over, then SPALSHES Talla! And he SPLASHES Royce! Otis scoops for the WORLD’S STRONGEST SLAM!
The fans fire up but then Talla BOOTS Otis! The fans boo but Talla TOSSES Otis up and out to ELIMINATE him! Talla then prepares for Royce. Guzel! CHOKE- NO, Royce slips free, dodges a boot, and he SPINEBUSTERS! The fans fire up as Royce handles Town Bidness! The straps come down, Royce LARIATS Talla up and out, and WINS!!
Winner: Royce Keys (2026 Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal Champion)
His debut was in the Royal Rumble, but his biggest moment is the SmackDown before WrestleMania! Immortalized on the trophy forever, will 2026 become The Year of the Powerhouse?
Cody Rhodes is here!
The American Nightmare has finally arrived, and the fans sing along with Kingdom as the Undisputed WWE Champion makes his entrance, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, then he fires the fans up as he goes to the ring. The fans cheer and sing as Cody gets the mic, and Cody says, “So, Las Vegas, Nevada! WrestleMania 42, the SmackDown the night before, what do we wanna talk about?!” The fans cheer, and Cody says here is what we won’t talk about. We won’t talk about the last three WrestleManias and the apparent conspiracy theory that a certain somebody is needling Cody, is messing with him.
Whether it’s the inclusion of The Final Boss a few years ago, or Travis Scott last year, or even someone who Cody won’t name but should just go home. The fans chant, “Go Home Pat! Go Home Pat!” Cody smiles, and says tomorrow is simple: It is about two men in a single contest, fighting for the oldest and the richest prize in the game. It is Cody Rhodes VS his mentor in this business, the Legend Killer, the Apex Predator, Randy Orton! The fans cheer, and Cody says he doesn’t subscribe to that conspiracy theory. He feels this all just comes with the territory. It is Randy, he was out here talking about Cody just taking, like that’s all he does.
Cody says that’s an interesting choice of words for Randy, since Randy has never taken responsibility in his life. And Randy, the best he’s ever been, which he is, 2009 as we keep referencing. Cody was there, he saw what Orton did, burning everything in his path, went to Mania, wrestled for this title, and he lost. Unfortunately, as good as Randy has become, as good as Randy is, he is now associated with a world most wrestlers- WAIT! CM PUNK is here?! The fans fire up and Cody is surprised to see the World Heavyweight Champion here, and in a suit! Well, the Hall of Fame induction ceremony is after this so it makes sense.
Punk joins Cody in the ring and grabs a mic. The fans finish singing Cult of Personality, then they cheer as the two champions stand together. Cody says he just wants to ask, champ to champ and friend to friend, if they were to hug it out, will Punk go and kick Cody in the balls, too? Fans chant “YES! YES! YES!” Cody and Punk both chuckle, and Punk says there are a lot of people who deserve to get kicked in the balls, but Cody ain’t one of them. Punk is here to give Cody some advice, but to also stop Cody from mentioning someone’s name who doesn’t deserve to be named, who is a tourist in this business and does not deserve anyone’s time, energy, or anything else.
Is Cody wearing a bowtie? Well yes, they dress up for the Hall of Fame. Punk’s looking rather dapper, too, ol’ Chick Magnet. Yes, Punk knew Cody would draw attention to that. This is the first time Punk’s worn a suit on WWE TV since… Teddy Long’s wedding! Remember that? Yes, Jagged Edge was there. Anyway, they go back a long way, they’ve stood in this ring in front of these people multiple times before as friends, competitors, and talked about who is chasing who. Cody once said he was chasing Punk, and then after their respective hiatuses from WWE, Punk was chasing Cody.
Now, Punk wants to take this moment to relish the fact that they are live on a Friday night in Las Vegas, ten toes down, looking at each other as friends and champions, both headlining WrestleMania. They’re past Punk giving Cody advice, because Cody has done and said things Punk has yet to even accomplish. If Punk was ever a teacher to Cody, he isn’t now, but Punk still wants Cody to focus on Randy. They know how dangerous Randy is. Cody’s learned from some of the best: John Cena, Dusty Rhodes, and if Randy was ever Cody’s teacher, he sure ain’t one now. So in a way, maybe, we don’t know what happens tomorrow so Punk won’t make promises he can’t keep.
But Punk does know this: On Monday, win, lose or draw, Cody will be back, Punk will be back, and Cody helped build this up. Punk can only ask all the fans to please come along with them on this adventure! So champ to champ, friend to friend, brother to brother, Punk is proud of Cody. The fans cheer that! Punk and Cody shake hands, and Punk wishes Cody luck and tells him to have fun. Cody says hold on, Punk. It might subvert expectations with Punk always teaching Cody things, but Cody knows there’s something he wants to share with Punk. Cody knows who Punk is up against this Sunday. It is a guy they’ve literally created terms for, he is that good.
Punk is up against the most dominant WrestleMania main-eventer in the history of this, The OTC, Roman Reigns. But Punk, you’re not borne into this like Roman was or Cody was. Punk came into wrestling cuz he loved it. He trained with Harley Race, with Terry Funk, found his tribe. WWE came to Punk when they weren’t even looking at guys who looked like Punk. They wanted Punk so bad, they let him keep his name! And then Punk went away for ten YEARS, but he captured the fans’ attention so much, they chanted his name for ten years straight, and loudly! The fans chant “C M PUNK!” even now.
Cody tells Punk that he could’ve come back, waved his hat, done the greatest hits, but he didn’t. Punk came back better than ever! Maybe it’s like George Foreman or Tom Brady, but in the language of wrestling, this was an HBK! HBK came back after five years and a debilitating back injury, and here’s Punk, better than Punk has ever been! If there’s a conversation going on about a “Mr. WrestleMania,” from #MachoKing to HBK, then Punk’s about to make that conversation. The NEW Mr. WrestleMania is C M PUNK! The fans like the sound of that! Cody then tells Punk to hear something from him as one of the handful of people who have the right to say it.
Cody thanks Punk for everything he taught Cody, for sharing this moment with him and the fans tonight. And if it means anything, someone that Punk took a great deal of counsel with, that he made a promise to, Dusty would be extremely proud of Punk. Cody loves you, brother. They hug it out, and the fans cheer. Punk says hold on, cut the music, don’t credit us out! He isn’t crying tonight, he’ll cry on Sunday after he beats Roman’s ass! Cody says he loves Punk, Punk loves all the fans, and they’re here for them! These titles are as much the fans’ as they are Punk’s and Cody’s, so they’re gonna celebrate with the people!
The fans cheer as the champions of WWE stand with their people! But will they both still be the champions of the WWE? Or will this WrestleMania Weekend change everything?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown, but pretty much Go Home Syndrome. The recap and hype packages were good, maybe even great, but they didn’t really add much heat. Good promo from Pat and Orton to open, not that it added much. Cody and Punk had a very good promo to close the show, and I wonder if this is foreshadowing them both standing tall, or them both falling to Roman and Orton. Cody even addressed the “conspiracy” so I wonder if that turns out to be true (in kayfabe). It would be pretty wild if the next chapter is some new faction that parallels The Authority and Vince McMahon, aka the powers at be holding down our heroes.
Hilarious promo from Truth & Priest to set up their tag title match, and of course Priest & Truth win. Their defenses haven’t been against the strongest of teams, so it makes me think once a solid team is put up against them, this all falls apart. Not sure if it’ll be MFT, but it’d make sense after Solo was talking about getting things back on track. Very good 8 Man Tag Street Fight, but of course they leaned into the 5v4 nature since it was No DQ and Loa was of course going to get involved. Good win for MFT, very good showing for Talla in the battle royal, and I appreciated seeing Hendry here tonight. But c’mon, Royce Keys was hands down winning, and what a great honor for him. Now, we just have to wait and see who is US Champion (or maybe even Intercontinental?).
Good promo from Trick and Sami with the Shrek Gingerbread Man mascot. I almost thought that was going to be Sami in the costume, but Sami got to give a good promo as himself. It bordered on Heel, so maybe we’re getting a double turn through this. Trick standing tall doesn’t bode well for his chances in the match, though. Maybe Heel Sami cheats hard to get the win, and we can run it back at Backlash. Hilarious stuff with Danhausen, The Miz, Maryse, and Kit. I wonder if we get more during Mania, or we wait until SmackDown to build towards Backlash. I feel like Danhausen still needs a tag partner, I just don’t know who it’d be.
A little disappointing that the women’s tag match was another case of Irresistible Forces attacking, but with the Bellas on hold because of Nikki’s rehab, this is about all they could do for a build. Well, that or a Triple Threat of one member each, like Charlotte VS Bayley VS Nia. Very good match from Tiff VS Grace, and Tiff winning her shot at Giulia is good. They’ll have a very good US Championship match of their own, and I would think it’s set for Backlash. And a decent promo from Rhea and Jade, but this build has just been lacking something the whole time. They tried using Iyo to help this, but maybe if they were building Rhea VS Jade AND Iyo VS Asuka, it would’ve worked out better. No idea who wins at Mania, but the fans clearly want Rhea at this point.
My Score: 8.7/10
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