Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (1/31/23)
NXTag Team Tuesday!
Will tonight be a TEACHABLE MOMENT?
NXT is planning a Fatal 4 Way tag title match for Vengeance Day, and a Triple Threat will decide that fourth team! Who punches a golden ticket to Charlotte, North Carolina?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- The Creed Brothers VS Indus Sher w/ Jinder Mahal; Indus Sher wins.
- Zoey Stark VS Indi Hartwell; Stark wins.
- DIJAK VS Von Wagner w/ Robert Stone; Dijak wins.
- Tyler Bate VS Axiom; Bate wins.
- Stevie Turner VS Dani Palmer; Stevie wins.
- Charlie Dempsey VS Drew Gulak w/ Hank Walker; Gulak wins.
- Triple Threat Tag: The Dyad VS Malik Blade & Edris Enofe VS Chase U; Chase U wins and joins the Vengeance Day NXT Tag Team Championship match.
PLAY BY PLAY
The Creed Brothers VS Indus Sher w/ Jinder Mahal!
Julius & Brutus were denied a New Year’s Evil showdown with Sanga & Veer, but they get their moment just days before Vengeance Day! Will the Diamond Mine finally shine? Or will they be slain by the tigers hunting them down?
The teams sort out, Julius starts against Veer and they tie up. They go around as fans chant for the Creeds, and the two break. They go again, Julius waistlocks then shoves Veer. Veer nods, eggs Julius on, but then avoids Julius’ takedown. Julius waistlocks, Veer elbows free then runs, but Julius drops and Veer rolls. They keep moving, Julius ducks then jumps but Veer blocks the hip toss! Julius blocks a hip toss, and the hand start flying! Veer knees low, TOSSES Julius to the corner, then storms up. Julius slips away but gets clipped. Tag to Sanga, and tag to Brutus. Fans rally up as Brutus and Sanga circle.
The two tie up, Brutus waistlocks but Sanga THROWS him away! Sanga and Brutus go again, and Brutus tries to lift Sanga! Sanga CLUBS Brutus, whips him to a corner, then runs in. Brutus dodges, fires hands from all sides but Sanga shoves back. Brutus blocks a boot! Brutus has a leg but Veer tags in! Veer ROCKS Brutus, Sanga whips Brutus, and Sanga runs Brutus over! Veer drops a BIG elbow! Jinder applauds while fans are torn. Veer stalks Brutus, stomps him down, then stomps him again. Brutus gets up to RAM Veer into the corner! Tag to Julius, the Creeds mug Veer, and then Julius runs to forearm smash!
The Creeds DOUBLE HIP TOSS Veer! Fans fire up as Julius KNEES Veer in the side! Brutus KNEES Veer, then Julius gut wrench SLAMS Brutus on Veer! Cover, TWO! Jinder talks trash, Julius swipes at him, then goes back for Veer. Veer elbows Julius away, tags in Sanga, and they FLAPJACK HOTSHOT Julius down! Sanga throws knees, puts Julius in the ropes and bends him back! The ref counts, Sanga lets off, but Jinder hits a cheap shot! Ivy Nile protests but Sanga stands on Julius’ chest! Tag to Veer, Sanga has the legs and drapes Julius out, for Veer to LEAP FROG ATTACK! Fans are torn while Indus Sher stands over Julius.
Veer throws body shots on Julius at the ropes, then he reaches out for Sanga. Julius throws hands but Veer ROCKS and CLUBS Julius! Tag to Sanga but Julius tackles Veer! Sanga BOOTS Julius for that, then scoops him. Sanga gives Julius SNAKE EYES, and then waits on Julius before he stomps him back down! Tag to Veer, Sanga throws knees, CLUBS Julius down, but Julius TACKLES Sanga! Veer stomps Julius, stomps him more, and then has him at the ropes. Tag back to Sanga, Indus Sher mugs Julius, then double whip. They run Julius over with double shoulders! Sanga stalks Julius, and clamps on a SLEEPER!
Fans rally for Julius as he fights up. Julius stands but Sanga wrangles him back down! Julius fights up, but Sanga knees him in the back! Sanga puts Julius against ropes, kicks him and whips him to a corner. Sanga runs in to SPLASH! Sanga reels Julius in, for a SIDE EFFECT! Cover, TWO! Julius is hanging tough but Sanga throws off his armbands. Sanga drags Julius up but Julius powers Sanga back. Sanga CLUBS Julius in the corner, throws knees, then drags Julius over. But Julius shoves free! Sanga CLOBBERS Julius and smother shim into the mat! Sanga drags Julius back, tags Veer, and they hand off the leg.
Veer has a lock on the leg but Julius uses his other foot to pry at the hold! Julius hops up and ENZIGURIS! Hot tag to Brutus! Fans fire up as BRUTUS SMASH! And SMASH! And back body block for Sanga! BIG back suplex for Veer! Fans are thunderous as Brutus goes out to SMASH Sanga! Brutus drags Veer up to a GERMAN SUPLEX! Brutus roars, and he hammers away with fists! Sanga returns but Brutus DECKS him! Tag to Julius and Brutus STANDING MOONSAULTS! Julius STANDING SHOOTING STARS! Cover, TWO!! Sanga was almost there but Veer survives on his own. Fans rally, Brutus runs in and TACKLES Sanga out of the ring!
Julius drags Veer up, gut wrenches, and he double clutches to POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO!?! Veer survives and fans are thunderous again! Jinder panics but he coaches Veer up. Fans rally for “NXT!” as Julius hits the ROLLING SPINEBUSTER! The elbow pad comes off, but Jinder grabs Julius! Ivy storms over and fans rally for her! Veer ROCKS Julius, whips him, but Julius dodges! Only to BLAST Ivy off the apron by accident!! Julius can’t believe what happened, but he turns around into the MILLION DOLLAR LARIAT!! Tag to Sanga, choke grip and CHOKE SLAM! Cover, Indus Sher wins!!
Winner: Indus Sher, by pinfall
Jinder grins as he celebrates with his team, because a win is a win! Will Indus Sher look to take over the NXT Tag Division after Vengeance Day?
Axiom watches NXT UK episodes on Peacock.
Tyler Bate walks over to see it’s Tyler Bate VS A-Kid for the Heritage Cup. Bate was always a big fan of A-Kid’s. They had some excellent matches in NXT. Axiom agrees, A-Kid’s the best. What ever happened to him? Bate says Axiom reminds him of A-Kid. He isn’t sure what it is, he can’t put his finger on it. Axiom says he gets that a lot. But Bate, that Heritage Cup match was very unique, a real masterpiece. How about they create a masterpiece of their own tonight? Bate loves that idea! But then in walks Damon Kemp with sarcastic applause.
Kemp says he was walking around, and overhead them. Friendly competition makes him sick! “I respect your work a lot! I respect your work to infinity!” When Kemp was in NXT UK, he learned that all the Limeys are soft! And the European wrestling style is overrated! And if you ever see A-Kid personally, tell him that Kemp says he’s hot garbage! Well, if Axiom does see A-Kid around, he’ll tell him. Kemp walks off, but Bate says Kemp is a “right wazzock.” A what? A pendejo. Oh! Okay. Bate heads out, will Axiom get that friendly competition? Or will he first take care of Kemp’s attitude first?
Zoey Stark VS Indi Hartwell!
These two had an impressive showing in this year’s Women’s Royal Rumble match, though neither won their ticket to WrestleMania. But Indi also wants to get to the bottom of who attacked Nikkita Lyons in the parking lot. All signs point to The Hunter, will Indi get her to confess?
The bell rings and fans sing, “OH~ Zoey is angry~!” Zoey gets mad hearing that, and then ties up with Indi. They go around, Indi puts Zoey in a corner, and the ref counts. Indi lets off at 4, but Zoey shoves her back. Indi shoves back, then dodges to CHOP! And ROCK! Indi fires off and fans cheer her on. Indi whips, Zoey holds ropes, then Zoey bails out. Fans boo while Zoey throws a tantrum. Indi slips out after Zoey, they go around the way, and Indi avoids the elbow drop! Indi drags Zoey out to RAM Her into the apron, and again! Indi gets in the ring, drags Zoey up by her hair, and into the ropes for an UPPERCUT! And BOOT!
Zoey flops down, Indi drags her to a cover, TWO! Indi drags Zoey up for a short arm LARIAT! And then another! Fans rally but Zoey gets around and claws Indi’s eyes! Zoey snapmares Indi, runs and SLIDING LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Indi sits up, Zoey stomps her on the back. Zoey tells fans that THEY suck, and she clamps onto an armlock and chinbar. Indi endures, fans rally up, and Indi fights up. “OH~ Zoey is angry~!” Indi stands, arm-drags free, but Zoey comes back to CHOP! Indi CHOPS, Zoey CHOPS, repeat! Zoey kicks low, whips Indi hard into a corner, then whips her in again! Zoey soaks up heat and whips corner to corner.
Indi reverses, Zoey bounces off buckles and into a SIDEWALK SLAM! Cover, TWO! Indi gives a thumbs up and fans cheer. Indi puts Zoey in the ropes again, but Zoey avoids the uppercut to HOTSHOT! Indi falls, Zoey slingshots for the ARABIAN SENTON! Cover, TWO! Zoey snarls and she rains down fists on Indi! Indi gets up and flounders to a corner but Zoey snapmares her down. Zoey cravats for a neck wrench but Indi endures. Fans rally, Indi fights up, but Zoey wrangles her back down! Zoey cranks the cravat but Indi still endures. Fans rally up again, Indi fights up again, but Zoey shifts to a facelock. Indi still powers Zoey to a corner!
Zoey powers Indi back, but Indi RAMS Zoey into the corner! Zoey BOOTS Indi back! And then fires forearms! Indi hits back, they go shot for shot, but Indi kicks, JABS and DECKS Zoey! Zoey staggers up and Indi rallies with clotheslines! Indi dodges to SPINEBUSTER! Highs tack, TWO! Zoey is still in this but Indi keeps her cool. Zoey goes to a corner, Indi runs in but Zoey dodges! HEEL KICK! Zoey waistlocks, to GERMAN SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Indi is still in this but Zoey is frustrated. Zoey waistlocks and drags Indi up, but Indi arm-drags out of the half nelson. Indi scoops but Zoey slips out to fireman’s carry! But Indi flights free!
Indi shoves Zoey away, runs in but is put on the apron. Indi ROCKS Zoey first, then springboards, but Zoey trips her up! Indi crashes down, Zoey drags her back up! Z 360!! Cover, Zoey wins!
Winner: Zoey Stark, by pinfall
Whether innocent or guilty in the whodunnit, Zoey Stark is still the winner here! But then Zoey attacks Indi! Sol Ruca rushes out and chases Zoey off! The Hunter has a target on her own back, will karma catch up to her one way or another?
The Schism speaks.
Joe Gacy says, “A day of vengeance is on the horizon for The Schism.” Rip Fowley says, “We seek vengeance for something that has been owed to us for far too long.” Jagger Reed says, “The NXT Tag Team Championships have been kept from us since The Dyad’s inception.” Gacy says, “Tonight, Rip and Jagger change their destiny by altering others’ reality.” Ava Raine tells Edris Enofe & Malik Blade, “We know who you are. But everyone at Chase University, you worship a false idol. You are not a family. You are abusive, devious, and delusional. School spirit will not help you tonight, because Chase University will fail. There is no unit stronger than the Schism.”
They are four roots, one tree, but will they be the final team to enter the Fatal 4 Way?
Apollo Crews speaks.
“The city of Charlotte. Packed restaurants, tons of foot traffic, bars with lines out the door. Cars flying down I-85. I came out early to feel Charlotte’s energy, and I feel the city’s excitement all the way up here. NXT’s coming, and I’m coming. I need two falls, two pinfalls, two submissions, or one each. I’ve visualized this match a hundred times. Money Melo is gonna be fast, he’s gonna be flashy, but I am ready for Melo’s handprint. My best will always be better than his best. And if Trick Williams wants to get involved, well Trick’s gonna get handled. Melo wants to call me the past and him the future? At Vengeance Day, the past will dictate the future!”
Apollo has spoken, but will he speak his vision into existence? And just who did Apollo see having his back against Trick Melo Gang?
Wes Lee heads to the ring.
The North American Champion is here, ready for his fight with #HardJustice this Saturday! Wes gets the mic to say, “Yo~! We are T-minus four days from NXT back on the road, and we are swangin’ through Charlotte, North Cackalacky, for Vengeance Day.” And it’ll be a big day for Wes literally because he has his biggest test in Dijak. Dijak is back and claims to be serving justice, but ultimately he just wants what’s shining on Wes’s shoulder. Saturday will be tough, Wes will probably take an ass-whooping. But just like Wes did with Tony and Carmelo, the Cardiac Kid will rise as your North American Champion!
But wait! Here comes DIJAK! “Mr. Lee, I want you to soak this in. I want you to soak it all in. Enjoy these moments, because these are your final days as NXT North American Champion. That was a real impassioned speech you gave, really powerful and motivating. But the reality is, it’s not gonna make a damn bit of difference. You had EVERY opportunity to hand me that championship, but you were too stupid to take it, weren’t you? And now… On Saturday, you’re gonna be standing across the ring, staring down the biggest and baddest man in the ENTIRE NXT locker room! And when that happens, I’m gonna rip that championship from your cold hands.”
Wes says that is exactly what Dijak will have to do! You will have to pry this title from Wes’s cold, dead hands! But understand that it’s much easier said than done. Wes didn’t win by accident. Every minute of training, every risk Wes took in and out of the ring, and every trial and tribulation, Wes has FOUGHT! When Wes felt like he couldn’t anymore, the chaotic support from every single one of the fans showed him that he can reach levels he had only dreamt of! So Saturday, Dijak isn’t just fighting Wes. He is fighting everyone on the #WesSide. Fans cheer Wes on! But Dijak says Wes might be fighting for the fans, but they won’t be fighting for Wes!
Wait! Von Wagner is here? He and Robert Stone walk out and Stone “apologizes.” But maybe his ears aren’t working properly. Dijak said HE’S the biggest and baddest? Have they forgotten about Von? Von tells Dijak, “Take those stupid sunglasses off, we’re inside. and I’m right here. And the only injustice is me getting overlooked.” Dijak tells Von that his eyes are focused on championship gold. Dijak has no issue with Von whatsoever. Wes says he isn’t sure about that. Fans chant “WAGNER SUCKS!” Wes says Dijak claims to be the biggest and baddest, but Von claims HE is the biggest and baddest, so Dijak is basically calling Von a liar.
Dijak tells Wes to shut up, and he knows what he’s up top. What? Wes just sees an injustice that needs to be fixed! Wes hears Von and Stone loud and clear about being overlooked. Come Tuesday… We may need to have a new #1 contender to the North American title. So uh… If Von happens to beat Dijak tonight, then Von will no longer be overlooked. Von will be looked at as a contender. And Stone says that is why they’re here! Right, right. So let’s please, PLEASE solve this injustice. Or Dijak can just give Von his jacket now. Dijak throws hands on Von! Von hits back, and fans fire up as the brawl is on!
Von clotheslines Dijak up and out! Refs rush out to stop this, but fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” Will we see this brawl turn into a match? WE WILL! Wes gets out of the way, who wins this battle of behemoths?
DIJAK VS Von Wagner w/ Robert Stone!
The bell rings, the haymakers fly again, and Dijak kicks low! Dijak whips, Von reverses and KNEES Dijak down! Stone fires up, Von scoops Dijak to FALL AWAY SLAM! Fans fire up while NXT goes picture in picture!
Von drags Dijak up to reel him in. Von suplexes but DIjak blocks! Von CLUBS Dijak, tries again, but Dijak still blocks! Dijak throws body shots, then suplexes, TIME TO FLY! Von crashes, writhes, and goes to a corner. Dijak runs in to kick Von and stomp aw mudhole in! Dijak CLUBS Von, Von kicks back and puts Dijak in a corner for elbows! Von whips corner to corner, Dijak reverses hard and Von falls to the mat! Dijak storms up, drags Von up and turns him to a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Von is still in this but Dijak grits his teeth. Dijak clamps on a cravat and grinds Von with a neck wrench.
Von endures, fans rally up, and Von fights up. Von throws body shots, then haymakers! Von whips Dijak to a corner, then lifts Dijak for a POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Von is annoyed but he watches Dijak stand. Von CLUBS Dijak, HEADBUTTS him, then ROCKS him with a right. Von whips, Dijak ducks ‘n’ dodges, then holds ropes! Von runs in but is sent into ropes! Von sputters, Dijak stomps him down, and then rains down fists! Stone protests but Dijak lets off to have the neck wrench again. Von endures, fights up, and he throws body shots. NXT returns to single picture as Von throws hands, but Dijak throws elbows and knees!
Dijak SMASHES then DISCUS LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Wes is on commentary and says it was only right that we find out who is truly the biggest and baddest in NXT. Dijak choke grips but Von fights free! Dijak wrenches, mule kicks, then back elbows hard! Dijak reels Von in but Von suplexes Dijak into buckles!! Fans lose their minds while Dijak flops down. Dijak stands up, Von runs in, and Von clotheslines! Von whips corner to corner, but Dijak BOOTS back! Von still fireman’s carries, but Dijak slips off! Dijak shoves Von away and ROCKS him at the ropes! Dijak runs but Von KNEES him low! Von runs, to RAM Dijak!
Dijak rebounds to RAM Von, then he ELBOWS, ELBOWS and CLUBS Von! Then he SUPERKICKS! Dijak runs, into a BOOT! Cover, TWO!! Dijak survives and Stone can’t believe it! Fans rally for “NXT! NXT!” and Von waits on Dijak. Dijak slowly rises, Von choke grips, but Dijak flips through the lift! To choke grip and HIGH JUSTICE!! Cover, TWO?!! Von survives and the fans are thunderous! Von goes to a corner, Dijak storms up, “This is Awesome!” as Dijak throws elbows. Dijak hoists Von up top, CLUBS him in the chest, then climbs up after him. Dijak choke grips again, but Von elbows Dijak over and over and over!
Von CLUBS away on Dijak, roars, and hits a SUPER BUTTERFLY SLAM!! Cover, TWO!?!? Fans are thunderous, Stone is beside himself, and Wes is loving this! Von gets Dijak up, OLYMIPC- NO, Dijak slips out to have the HAMMERLOCK SLEEPER! Von flails, reaches out, Stone coaches him, but Dijak says this is gonna be Wes’s future! Von is fading out, then Dijak torture racks! FEAST YOUR EYES!! Cover, Dijak wins!
Winner: DIJAK, by pinfall
Hard Justice has proven to be THE biggest and baddest man in NXT! But will he prove he is championship material? Or will Wes Lee prove he is must-see?
Tony D’Angelo and Channing Lorenzo are watching backstage.
Stacks says he can’t stand that Dijak. He’ll probably win the title on Saturday now. But The Don says not to worry about Dijak. “Street justice has no expiration date.” But what was this big impact Stacks was gonna have? Stacks has to take care of a few things. The first or the second? Both. Wow, really? Yeah, he’s the Underboss! That’s what they do. So next week, Stacks gets it done. Tremendous. Now let’s take care of that other thing. They head out, just what is Stacks going to do to handle his business?
Nikkita Lyons tweets out her status.
“Surgery was a success. Thank you deeply to the WWE universe, my Lyon Pride, for all the love and support you show. I’ll be back stronger than I’ve ever been. #ReadyToPounce Also, a big thank you to the wonderful surgeons, doctors and nurses.” It may be another setback, but will Lyons use that to set up a huge comeback?
McKenzie Mitchell is backstage with more.
McKenzie Mitchell says there are many questions surrounding the attack on Lyons in the NXT parking lot, so she has prepared some footage so that we can get a better idea of what happened. Among those on scene at the time of the attack are Valentina Feroz walking away, Dani Palmer, Arianna Grace and Alexis Leddy walking together going inside, and an unidentified woman driving away. There is also Elektra Lopez walking and talking with newcomer Lola Vice, closest to Nikkita but going on their own path. Freeze here, and you see Tiffany Stratton just going through her bag, but maybe she’s hiding the evidence.
And of course, Zoey Stark is spotted walking away, and even Tatum Paxley and Lash Legend at the very end of the lot. Indi Hartwell and Lyra Valkyria come to Lyons’ aid, and we then spot Wendy Choo peeking out of a car window. Did Wendy witness anything? McKenzie says no one is taking credit for this attack, but she will keep us informed if anyone comes forward with information. Who is behind NXT’s newest whodunnit mystery, and why did they do it?
NXT looks closer at Bron Breakker VS Grayson Waller.
The Big Booty Nephew’s NXT record is already golden, but the 21st Century Success Story isn’t impressed. In fact, he’s sick and tired of it. Waller has been running this for the last eight months, and now he’s made the decision that he needs to be champion. New Year’s Evil was going well until a freak accident took Waller out. So at Vengeance Day, their rematch will be inside a STEEL CAGE! Waller says Bron is a wild dog, and Bron admits his temper has gotten the better of him. But no one has taken advantage of it like Waller. Waller is living rent free in Bron’s brain. Bron says his temper has led to both is biggest wins and most crushing losses.
Waller says Bron will beat himself this time. Bron thought he needed to control the anger, but then he realized, with the steel cage all around them, there’s no need to hold back. Bron will beat Waller within an inch of his life, and pin what’s left! But Waller says he can read Bron like a book. And Waller has read that book, so he’ll past this test. Waller will not just beat Bron but he’ll embarrass him! Bron promises to break Waller inside the steel, but Waller went viral the last time he was inside a cage. This is what Waller wanted, but it’ll be Bron’s Vengeance Day. Who survives the steel to bring home the gold?
Tyler Bate VS Axiom!
Even with Kemp being a right wanker, the Big Strong Boy and the Undeniable Truth are going to focus on friendly competition! Will Bate continue to get A-Kid vibes from Axiom? Or will Axiom be even better than that?
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, go around, and Bate powers Axiom to ropes. The ref counts, Bate lets off, and fans applaud the sportsmanship. They reset, tie up again, and Bate has a cording hold. Axiom whips Bate away, Bate goes up and under and then knuckle locks. Bate steps over, headlocks, waistlocks, trips and body scissors to a clutch, TWO! They tie up, Bate cravats and snapmares, but Axiom is right up. Axiom sidesteps but Bate blocks the arm-drag to hit an arm-drag! Bate has the armlock and fans applaud the exchange. Axiom fights up, facelocks, but Bate powers out to keep on the armlock.
Axiom endures, fans duel, and Axiom goes up and around to whip Bate! Bate reverses to hit the arm-drag again! Fans cheer as Bate keeps on the arm but Axiom fights up. Axiom facelocks, Bate fights that, but Axiom goes up and around again. Bate still has the arm, he turns another whip into another arm-drag, but Axiom fights up. Axiom uses the ref for an assist to flip through! But again Bate reverses a whip! And again! Axiom is frustrated as Bate keeps on the arm. Axiom fights up, goes up and headscissors! Bate throws Axiom away, Axiom avoids the elbow to springboard arm-drag, kip up and ENZIGURI! Cover, TWO!
Axiom keeps on Bate with a facelock, fans rally up, and Bate rolls. Axiom rolls with Bate, covers, TWO! The two stand off, Bate SOBATS! Axiom staggers away, Bate runs in, but Axiom arm-drags Bate and himself up and out of the ring! Fans fire up while NXT goes picture in picture.
Both men stir, and Bate stands up first. Bate follows Axiom, UPPERCUTS him, then puts him in the ring. Bate stalks Axiom, brings him up and headlocks, to bop him with a boot! Bate hits the headlock takeover, but Axiom headscissors in return. Axiom pushes up to put on pressure, but Bate moves around. Bate headstands, pops free and has Axiom’s legs tied up. Bate goes back to the headlock but Axiom goes back to the headscissor! Bate kips free, but Axiom holds onto an arm to drag Bate back down! Axiom headscissors again, but Bate moves around again. Bate headstands, pops free and basement dropkicks!
Bate drags Axiom up by an arm and wraps Axiom up in a straitjacket stretch. Axiom endures, arm-drags free, and runs in at the corner. Axiom blocks a boot but not the KNEE! Bate goes up to FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Bate keeps cool and he keeps his eyes on Axiom. Bate UPPERCUTS again and Axiom goes to rpoes. Bate whips Axiom to ropes, then catches him to a COBRA TWIST! Axiom endures the stretch, pops free and hip tosses Bate down! Axiom waistlocks, they go to ropes but Bate bucks the O’Conner, only to turn around into a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Axiom floats to get the arm, but Bate stacks him, TWO!
Axiom has Bate in a Triangle Hold, and NXT returns to single picture. Fans chant, “This is Wrestling!” as Bate deadlifts Axiom to a fireman’s carry! AIRPLANE SPIN! Fans fire up as Bate goes around and around and around, fifteen times! Bate slows down, staggers a bit, squats, and then powers up to spin MORE!! And then POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Axiom survives and Bate has to catch his breath but fans rally back up. Axiom and Bate rise, Bate spins a few more times before he throws a forearm! Axiom throws a forearm back! Bate fires forearm after forearm but Axiom hits back! Axiom kicks, Bate blocks but Axiom hops the sweep to ENZIGURI!
Bate falls over, Axiom keeps moving, PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Bate goes to a corner, Axiom runs in, he blocks the boot but gets another knee! Bate goes up and leaps, into an SLEEPER!! Axiom has the body scissors and fans rally up! Bate endures, fights the hold, turns over, but Axiom squeezes tighter! Bate stands, pries at the hold, opens it up, but Axiom waistlocks. Bate bucks the O’Conner again but Axiom kips up, into a RIGHT! But he SUPERKICKS right back! Axiom rolls Bate up but Bate sits on the cover, TWO!!! Axiom escapes and fans are thunderous! Both men slowly rise and fans rally up.
Axiom ROCKS Bate! Bate rebounds, but Axiom avoids the rolling kick! Bate avoids the Penalty Kick, Axiom slips through the roll-up. Bate blocks the Superkick to spin Axiom, Bop up and BANG in! Axiom wobbles, Bate runs and REBOUND LARIATS! Bate underhooks, but Axiom NORTHERN LIGHTS out! Bridging cover, TWO as Bate bridges up! Axiom pushes Bate back down, TWO as Bate gets back up! Underhooks, TYLER- RANA!!! Cover, TWO!!! Bate has the arms again! TYLER DRIVER 97!!! Cover, Bate wins!!!
Winner: Tyler Bate, by pinfall
A big strong win for the Big Strong Boy! “That was Awesome!” but will this earn Bate a title match on the other side of this Saturday? But Bate and the fans show Axiom respect. But then Kemp CLBOBBERS them both! And he hits Axiom with an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Kemp says he told them before, but then Bate chases Kemp off! Will Bate make sure Kemp learns European wrestling is anything but soft?
Isla Dawn speaks.
“In my land, Imbolc is the beginning of Spring. It is a time to exhale all that is behind us, and to mark new beginnings. Tonight, on the Eve of Imbolc, we purge the constraints of the past. We purify the negative energy surrounding us, and we transfigure the uninitiated into members of this house. There has always been a rage inside of you,” Alba Fyre. And she just needed a nudge to reveal it. “Shall we?” Fyre nods, and Isla says they are letting go of their unbridled passions, shed their egos, and relinquish their need for control. “These emotions no longer serve us.” Fyre repeats that, and throws water on the fire. With this, the initiation process has begun.
Isla and Fyre smile as they walk into the night. Will the darkness within Fyre grow stronger with the Wicked Witch’s influence?
Backstage interview with Carmelo Hayes & Trick Williams.
McKenzie is with Trick Melo Gang, and Trick is shaking. But he’s just joking. He’s “shaking like booty meat on a Friday night.” Not because he’s scared, but because it’s cold out. “But Trick Willy can’t lie. This whole Apollo thing, I mean, I don’t know. Should I even go to Vengeance Day? He looks, he sees in the future, that’s some Cleo stuff, man!” Melo has Trick calm down. Of course Trick’s going to Vengeance Day. Apollo can stay daydreaming, but they stay scheming. McKenzie notes the match is Best 2 out of 3, so how does Melo see this playing out? Melo says everyone knows him by now, so we know how Melo sees this playing.
“Apollo needs to realize that this ain’t Jackson, that this ain’t Jordan, that these shots I take don’t ever jam.” Melo is of a different caliber! Melo took Apollo from the sidelines to the headlines. Apollo could have a top combine vertical, and his fingertips still wouldn’t reach Melo’s level. Melo tells Apollo that you can be this or that, but until you beat Melo, you can never be HIM. That’s all it is, and that’s all it’s gonna be. But is Melo overlooking the wild cards in the equation?
Roxanne Perez and Toxic Attraction sit down for video interviews.
The NXT Women’s Champion is far, far away from Gigi Dolin & Jacy Jayne for this final interview before Vengeance Day. Vic Joseph notes Roxie is the youngest woman to ever compete in the Royal Rumble match. How did that feel for her? She was overwhelmed, and so grateful to hear her music hit in front of over 50 THSOUAND people, and make the run down the ramp she’s dreamed of for so long. It was so incredible! Jacy says, “Incredible? More like incredibly pathetic! RoXaNnE~, cOnGrAtUlAtIoNs~! YoU wErE iN tHe RoYaL rUmBlE~!” But you didn’t win! And you’re not going to WrestleMania, but to Vengeance Day, to lose your title.
Gigi says the reason Roxie lost the Rumble was cuz she got put through a table! That look on her face when she realized she got tricked was great. But it’ll all be over for Lil’ Miss Perfect real soon. Roxie says Gigi & Jacy act like they’re best friends, but Roxie knows there is a lot of truth behind what they said to each other last week. Gigi says the truth is that Roxie stands no chance at Vengeance Day. How is Roxie gonna beat them both? She has the same percent chance of winning the Triple Threat as she did winning the Rumble: ZERO! Roxie is good and all, but going against the two baddest women in NXT at the same time, she has NO chance.
Actually, Roxie says she has more of a chance- Jacy cuts her off to say that Roxie had a good run. Eight months in NXT is like a little jog. Good for her! But Roxie peaked at 21 years old. That sucks. But this Saturday, it’s all coming to an end. Roxie says it’s not. But Gigi says it is. At least Roxie can go home to Texas and tell everyone she had a “cup of coffee” in the big time. She just made one critical mistake: messing with Toxic Attraction. And look on the bright side! She can play the “What If” game! What if Roxie stayed in her lane and didn’t punch up? Roxie starts to speak but Jacy cuts her off again, telling her to shut up.
Jacy says “What if” Roxie was a good little girl and didn’t make any waves. Whether Roxie likes it or not, it’s 2v1. Gigi says Roxie’s ride is over, the 15 minutes of fame are over. Roxie storms out, and Toxic Attraction make fun of her for not being able to handle it. Vic says Toxic Attraction weren’t being fair, but Jacy says, “Who cares? After Saturday, she’ll be old news. You’re looking at the next NXT Women’s Champion right here.” Then which one will it be? Gigi says you’re looking at her! Gigi knows everyone, especially Booker, is a big fan of Roxie, and is just trying to find a crack between Toxic Attraction, but there isn’t one.
For almost two years, Toxic Attraction has controlled the NXT Women’s Division. But for the last six weeks, everyone’s been on a vacation from it. That changes on Saturday, as order will be restored when Jacy & Gigi take their rightful spot. This day has been a long time coming, Roxie is just the first one to push it to the edge. But at Vengeance Day, they course correct things back to Gigi- Er, they become NXT Women’s Champion. Jacy notices that “flub,” but before she can respond, ROXANNE POUNCES!! Roxie fires off with all the pent up anger on both of them! She TACKLES Jacy through the set!!
Fans fire up as security rushes in to stop Roxie from tearing into Toxic Attraction more! Will nothing, not even two opponents at once, stop The Prodigy from proving why she IS NXT Women’s Champion?
Stevie Turner VS Dani Palmer!
Updated, online and ready to play, the Fourth Dimensional Superstar is finally back in action! Will Stevie prove that she is always two steps ahead and two levels above? Or will Dani delete Stevie before she even gets started?
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Stevie has an armlock, then wrenches Dani to wrangle her to the mat. Dani fights up, rolls, backflips and wrenches, but Stevie gets away. They go again, Stevie waistlocks but Dani switches, only for Stevie to elbow free. Stevie headlocks, Dani brings her down to a knee and handstands to slip free! Stevie avoids Dani’s headlock to BOOT, BOOT and then scrape Dani on ropes! Fans boo, Stevie runs side to side to BOOT WASH! Stevie laughs like mad and she pushes Dani down. Stevie then brings Dani up, but Dani pushes her away. Stevie kicks low, CLUBS Dani, then turns her for a HANGING NECKBREAKER!
Dani staggers to ropes, Stevie snapmares her and clamps on a chinlock. Fans rally, Dani fights up, and arm-drags free! Stevie runs back but into an elbow! Dani dodges to LEAPING LARIAT! And again! Dani keeps moving but Stevie kicks low! But Dani JAWBREAKERS back! Dani runs to THESZ PRESS! Dani rains down wild hands, thrashes Stevie around, and then drags Stevie up. Dani runs, but Stevie reels her in by her tights! Stevie whips Dani away, and BOOTS her down! Stevie hauls Dani up, TWISTING DDT!! Stevie isn’t done there, she drags Dani up, for the SIDE EFFECT! Cover, Stevie wins!
Winner: Stevie Turner, by pinfall
Stevie just rerouted Dani’s connection and has her first win in NXT! Will Stevie soon be the number one trend in wrestling?
Kiana James is on the phone.
She promises to see “Zack” there, and says, “Love you, too.” Fallon Henley then walks over and asks who she was talking to. No one, don’t worry about it. Fallon knew it! She KNEW Kiana would break Jensen’s heart!! Fallon, calm down, it’s not what you think. You don’t even know why you’re upset right now! Oh? Then who is Zack?! But then in walk the NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions. Kayden Carter points out the #1 contenders, and how they’re not talking about their upcoming match. Katana Chance says that sounds like trouble. Kiana says sound travels fast around here. But the only sound the champs will hear on Saturday is, “And NEW…!”
Has Fallon been giving Kiana a lot to drink lately? They’ve been a team for like a week while KC Squared has been a team for over a year! Fallon says with all due respect, we all know, we all get it, Katana & Kayden are BFFs. But Saturday is the biggest match of Fallon’s life, so she is going all out. Kiana says they are going all out. Well, we’ll see about that. But either way, the titles are staying with KC Squared. Katana & Kayden head out, and Fallon gets Kiana’s attention. Stay focused for Saturday, but just know this conversation isn’t over. Fallon heads out, is she making a mountain out of a mole hill?
Charlie Dempsey VS Drew Gulak w/ Hank Walker!
The Son of the Gentleman Villain cost the Philly Stretcher and his blue collar protégé last week, so this is all about vengeance before Vengeance Day! Will Gulak lock Dempsey down? Or will the Philly Stretcher be the one getting stretched?
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, go around, and Gulak headlocks for a takeover. Dempsey fights up, hits a back suplex, but Gulak holds on! Gulak has control again but Dempsey headscissors. Gulak moves around, has the legs, but Dempsey keeps shoulders up in the stack. Dempsey pushes Gulak away, they stand, and Gulak facelocks. Dempsey wrenches out, wristlocks, but Gulak grinds forearms. Dempsey wrenches, Gulak gets away, and fans rally up as NXT goes picture in picture.
The two circle, knuckle lock, and go shoulder to shoulder for a test of strength. Dempsey powers Gulak down to his knees, but Gulak powers back up. They go shoulder to shoulder again and now Gulak powers Dempsey back. Dempsey bridges, but Gulak has the cover! TWO as Dempsey gets an arm up! Gulak puts that arm down, TWO as the other arm comes up! Gulak has both arms, TWO as Dempsey bridges back up! Gulak stands over Dempsey, brings him up, but Dempsey monkey flips! Dempsey rolls back to a cover, TWO as Gulak sunset flips! TWO, and Dempsey headlocks to keep Gulak down! Fans applaud as the technical exchange continues.
Gulak fights up to his feet, powers his way to a facelock, but Dempsey snap suplexes to a cover, TWO! Gulak has the facelock but Dempsey stands up again. Dempsey goes for a trip but Gulak uses that to get a cover, TWO! Dempsey fights up, Gulak facelocks, then scoops and SLAMS Dempsey into ropes! Dempsey clutches his legs but Gulak storms up. Dempsey throws body shots and uppercuts! Gulak DECKS Dempsey in return! Gulak hurries to a cover, TWO! Gulak grabs Dempsey’s legs and steps through, but Dempsey resists. Gulak still pushes through to get the deathlock, and then he gets the chinlock for a REGAL STRETCH!!
Dempsey endures, reaches out, but Gulak keeps the pressure on the hold! Dempsey still moves forward, NXT returns to single picture, and Dempsey pries the facelock away! Dempsey turns to trip Gulak into a HEEL HOOK! Gulak kicks away to get free! Dempsey UPPERCUTS, has the leg, DRAGON SCREW! Gulak clutches his knee and fans rally up again. Dempsey covers, TWO! Dempsey underhooks the arm, BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! Bridge, and then roll into the BUTTERFLY STRETCH! Gulak endures, fights up, but Dempsey shifts to have a FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Gulak endures, Dempsey turns it to a ghost pin, TWO!
ANOTHER BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Dempsey keeps on Gulak with a deadlift GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! “This is Wrestling!” as Dempsey brings Gulak up. Gulak wrenches the arm, CLUBS it, and then has the CROSSFACE CHICKEN WING! Dempsey pries free, arm-drags Gulak away, and storms up, to get the leg! Gulak slips out of the Dragon Screw, but Dempsey gets the leg again! DRAGON SCREW! And then Dempsey has the leg for a HEEL HOOK! Gulak kicks with his free leg, and he gets away! Both men rush in, Gulak blocks the forearm to LARIAT! Cover, TWO!
Gulak clutches his leg and Dempsey goes to ropes. Fans rally up, Gulak headlocks, but Dempsey hits a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Gulak is hanging tough and Hank coaches him up. Fans rally, Gulak and Dempsey slowly rise. Dempsehy runs in, into a SLAP!! Gulak just pissed Dempsey off! Dempsey BOOTS, but Gulak TACKLES Dempsey! Cover, TWO, but Dempsey has a SLEEPER! Gulak rolls out to get the arms! But Dempsey rolls, stands, but Gulak spins. Into Dempsey’s CROSSFACE CHICKEN WING! Gulak moves around, but Dempsey pushes on the bad leg! Dempsey drags Gulak down, body scissors are on!
Gulak fights, gets free of the body scissors, and Hank coaches Dempsey! Gulak runs to ropes and Dempsey is sent into Hank!! Gulak rolls Dempsey up, Gulak wins!
Winner: Drew Gulak, by pinfall
Hank is dazed, did he just get used as a pawn? Is Gulak using his own student to help him cut corners?
Von is fuming backstage.
He throws a chair at the wall, and Stone says it ain’t working. This is not working. Von throws a locker room bench, and shouts, “YA THINK?!” Stone asks a question: Why does Von have Stone managing him? Stone has been managing Von for over a year now, yet he knows nothing about Von! Who IS Von Wagner? He’s big, he growls, but so do a lot of other guys. If Von wants to get to the next level, then he has to show Stone who he is! He has to show us who he is INSIDE! Help Stone help Von! Stone storms off, will these words help unlock Von’s true potential?
Triple Threat Tag: The Dyad VS Malik Blade & Edris Enofe VS Chase U!
The New Day, Pretty Deadly and Gallus are waiting as there’s still room for one more for Vengeance Day! Will Rip Fowler & Jagger Reed plant the roots of The Schism in Charlotte? Will the underestimated underdogs finally unlock their potential? Or will Andre Chase & Duke Hudson share this #TeachableMoment with everyone? We find out, after the break!
NXT returns as Malik & Edris make their entrance, followed by Chase U’s entrance. In this kind of Triple Threat Tag, only two teams are legal at any given time, so Malik & Edris agree to let the other teams start. Duke and Rip circle as fans rally behind Chase U. Duke and Rip tie up, Rip knees low and whips Duke, but Duke blocks! Duke glares at Rip, reels him in and scoops to SLAM! Tag to Chase, Duke whips Rip and Chase drop toeholds for the “LET’S GO~!” ELBOW! Chase covers, TWO! Chase drags Rip up but Rip gets away to the third corner. Rip CHOPS Edris as part of the tag! Edris steps in and he circles with Chase.
Chase and Edris shake hands, then tie up. Edris wrenches, steps over, then arm-drags, but Chase blocks to step over and La Magistrol! ONE, but Edris wrangles Chase for a La Magi- NO, Chase blocks it to have a cover, TWO! Edris and Chase stand off, and Chase says that was a teachable moment! Fans cheer but Edris rushes in. They go around, Chase bucks the O’Conner, and things speed up! Edris jumps then DROPKICKS Chase down! Chase staggers up, Edris runs in and rolls off Chase’s back to tag Malik before the arm-drag! Malik hurries in, he and Edris double whip, to trip, BOOT and LARIAT! Malik covers, TWO!
Malik facelocks but Chase JAWBREAKERS free! Reed sneaks a tag before Chase whips. Malik reverses, Chase ducks ‘n’ dodges but Reed trips Chase up! Malik realizes what happened, the ref has him exit, and Reed keeps after Chase. Reed fires forearms and DECKS Chase! Chase bails out, Rip drags him up, and The Dyad coordinates, PLANCHA SHOULDER BREAKER! Chase clutches his arm while Rip pushes him around. Fans boo and Duke storms over but the ref has everyone stay back. Rip drags Chase up and puts him on the apron, to SLAM him on the edge! Chase sputters but Rip drags him around.
Fans rally, but Rip hits a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Rip clamps onto Chase with a cobra clutch but Chase endures. Fans rally for Chase U as Chase fights up. Rip ripcords to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Rip smothers Chase, has another cover, TWO! Rip and Reed are upset but the ref says his count is fair. Rip UPPERCUTS Chase in the back, then clamps on with another clutch. Fans rally, Chase fights up, but Rip ripcords to back elbow! Rip then suplexes, but Chase blocks it! Rip CLUBS Chase down, taunts Duke, but Chase fights up. Chase suplexes Rip! Fans fire up while both men are down! Reed tags in to run and DROPKICK Duke!
Reed turns around, into a BIG back drop! But no Duke means no tag! Thea Hail coaches Duke up but Rip tags back in. Rip goes after Chase but Chase throws him out! Malik & Edris call to Chase, they’re his only option! Chase runs over, but then The Dyad trips Malik & Edris up! Chase has no one, and turns around into a throat chop! Tag to Reed, the Dyad sets Chase up for a POWERBOMB BACKSTABBER!! Cover, TWO!?! Chase survives and everyone is shocked! Fans are thunderous for Chase U, but Rip says Chase is a hypocrite, a joke and a fool! Thea is furious on Chase’s behalf, and Reed runs in, but Chase goes up and over!
Hot tag to Duke! Duke rallies on The Dyad with big hands! Scoop for Rip, SIDEWALK SLAM! JAB after JAB for Reed! Rip rushes in, so he gets JAB after JAB! Flip, flop and U~! ELBOW! Then a SENTON! SPLASH for Reed, a whip corner to corner, and Reed tumbles up and out! Duke runs in to BOOT Reed down! Fans are thunderous as Duke fetches Reed back into the ring. Duke shoulders into Reed, slingshots and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Cover, TWO!! Reed survives but the student section fires up! Duke tunes up the band, but Malik tags in! Malik GAMANGIRIS Duke, springboards and CROSSBODIES Reed!
Malik goes back to ropes, to SLINGSHOT RANA Duke!! Malik is fired up and fans can’t help but fire up with him! Tag to Edris, Malik goes up a corner, FROG SPLASH onto Reed! Edris goes up, MACHO ELBOW!! Edris drags Reed up, fireman’s carries, and Malik runs! ROLLING NECKBREAKER! Cover, Rip AND Chase break it! Fans are electric as “NXT! NXT!” gives them this amazing main event! Thea is also all pumped up as all six men start brawling! Reed tumbles out but Chase and Duke throw Rip out to join him. Malik & Edris DOUBLE DROPKICK Chase U out! Then they build speed, to DOUBLE TOPE CONJILO!!
“This is Awesome!” as Edris puts Reed in! Edris goes back up top, but Reed hits ropes! Edris lands bad up top, and Reed ROCKS him! Reed climbs up after Edris, but Malik CLUBS Reed! Malik climbs up but then Rip YANKS him down! Rip RAMS Malik into steel steps! The Dyad has Edris together now, but Chase sneaks a tag! Chase joins in, and using his physics knowledge, hits a TOWER OF DOOM!! Fans are thunderous as Chase fires up! Spell it out! C! H! A! S! E! U! What’s that spell?! “CHASE U!!” But Ava Raine distracts Chase! Reed CLOBBERS Chase! But Thea YANKS Ava down! Reed is shocked!
Reed runs at Chase, GRIT YOUR- NO, Chase dodges! Hot tag to Duke, and Duke turns Reed! Gory Especial, and Chase adds on, ROLLING COMPLETE SHOT!! AKA the Frat Liner! Cover, Chase U wins!!!
Winners: Chase U, by pinfall (join the NXT Tag Team Championship Fatal 4 Way)
Thea is the most excited of all as the red ‘n’ black now get to compete for some gold! But then we see Gallus appear in the perch and Pretty Deadly appear on stage, with the New Day on the tron! Gimme a C! H! A! S! Well, we know the rest. Congrats to Chase U! This wins means they’re going to Vengeance Day! So then, New Day will see Chase U, and Gallus, and Pretty Deadly of course. Put it together for all these teams! But will this road game be a big win for Chase U? Will Pretty Deadly redo the #SidePlateCheck? Will Gallus Boys be on top? Or will ya bois the NEW~ DAY~, still be your W, W, E, N, X, T, Tag, Team, CHAMPIONS~?
My Thoughts:
Now this was a go-home episode! No need for filling/wasting time with recaps, just give us promos, action and other stuff to hype up what’s coming. Good promo from Apollo Crews, and good response from Trick & Melo. Apollo’s vision seems to foreshadow Oro Mensah being his back-up, as I’m pretty sure I saw his dreadlocks in that silhouette. At the same time, even if someone were to cancel out Trick, that doesn’t guarantee Apollo wins. Melo could win one fall cuz of Trick, Apollo could win one fall cuz Oro cancels out Trick, and then the third fall is truly 1v1. I’m leaning towards Melo since he makes sense as the next challenger to THE NXT Championship.
Speaking of, we got a pretty good promo vignette for Bron VS Waller in the steel cage. And from how they’re talking about it, this is going to be a No Escape Steel Cage match, where the door isn’t an option and climbing the walls won’t win it for you. I am all for that, and I think all Steel Cage matches should be like that to get rid of some of the more overused tropes of a Steel Cage match. Good interview promos from Roxie, Gigi & Jacy, and while part of me wanted Roxie to explode on Toxic Attraction verbally, her going after them directly was just as good. Roxie really should show she has grit, but I feel like her initiating the brawl is tantamount to her standing tall. I hope this doesn’t put the go-home math against her, she only just got that belt.
Stevie Turner’s first match back was pretty good, and I’m actually happy to see they came up with a completely kayfabed chat box for her entrance, as I imagined last week. Good promo from Isla & Fyre to establish that they’re a team now. I was sensing there’d be something building towards Valentine’s Day in a couple weeks, and I think this whole “Who is Zack and what is he to Kiana?” is gonna be the thing. Kiana is gonna reveal that’s like her brother and Fallon’s gonna feel dumb for getting protective of Jensen’s feelings. But with that, I don’t think they win the tag titles at Vengeance Day. That should probably be Isla & Fyre.
We also got a real good “NXT Investigates” promo from McKenzie to point out just how many suspects there really are in the Whodunnit of Lyons’ parking lot attack. Indi VS Stark was a good match to play off that, but I’m starting to wonder if Valentina Feroz did it. Feroz seems like the least likely, so that’d be quite the twist. Given her talk with Elektra Lopez about doing underhanded things, Feroz said she couldn’t do anything to Wendy Choo because Wendy’s a friend. But Feroz and Lyons have no connections, so Feroz could attack her from behind with no problems.
Good promo from Wes Lee, Dijak, Von and Stone to set up Dijak VS Von. That was a good match, but of course Dijak won to have momentum going into the North American title match. I still think Wes wins, but what was really interesting to come out of this was Stone getting fired up telling Von to bring out some personality. Is Von going to suddenly have a gimmick? I can’t even be sure what that’d be. Also, good promo from Tony D and Stacks. I thought Von was gonna be the big guy Stacks went after but then this happened, so maybe Stacks calls out Odyssey Jones or Quincy Elliot to give one of those guys some screen time. And also a win, because I feel like Stacks is gonna bite off more than he can chew.
We also got some great technical wrestling singles matches. Gulak VS Dempsey was not as good as Bate VS Axiom, but I like the detail that Hank takes the hit to tip things in Gulak’s favor. Hank might confront Gulak on that move, and we get closer to Heel Gulak. Then we got just a hilarious and very meta promo out of Bate and Axiom referencing A-Kid. Kemp sticking his nose in things is fine, he needs something to do and honestly should’ve had more time in NXT UK. Bate winning makes sense, he’s also back and needs some momentum. Kemp’s blindside attack definitely earns him a match with both of them in turn, probably winning against Axiom but losing to Bate.
Really good stuff out of the NXT Tag Division tonight, too. The opener of Creeds VS Indus Sher was good, though I feel like maybe they’re going for too real of a fight feel. Julius just came off like he forgot the match flow they discussed. But it was a clever move to have Indus Sher win because of the mishap with Ivy. This will add something more to the Diamond Mine story, and Indus Sher really should be climbing up the rankings. Especially with everything going on in the title story.
Great Triple Threat main event, and as great as all three teams are, it makes sense Chase U won. New Day is Face, Gallus and Pretty Deadly are Heel, so there needed to be another Face team. There’s intrigue in the Chase U story and it can play out in the Fatal 4. And Indus Sher being Heels, if New Day retains (or even if Chase U wins), that’d be a great program going to Stand & Deliver.
My Score: 8.8/10
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London calling to the champion crowns!
SmackDown brings gold to London as LA Knight defends his WWE US Championship and The Street Profits defend their tag team titles! Will the landscape change this close to WrestleMania?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly; The Profits win and retain the titles.
- Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice w/ Chelsea Green; The Secret Her-vice wins.
- WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman; Braun wins, by disqualification, and Knight retains the title.
- Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab; Charlotte wins.
- Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.
- Jimmy Uso VS The Miz; Jimmy wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes is here!
We follow The American Nightmare as walks to gorilla, then through the curtain, and London sings along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, says hello to fans along the ramp, and then we get the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro. Cody goes to the ring, grabs a mic, then kneels down to kiss the WWE logo on the mat. The fans continue to sing along all the way to the end, “I AM MY KINGDOM!” The fans then cheer, and Cody holds up the belt to fire them up even more! The fans now sing for “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and he soaks it in. The fans cheer again as Cody smiles, and he finally says, “So, London~! Whaddya wanna talk about?”
The fans chant “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cody hears that dueling, and he smiles again. The song of “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” returns, then they cheer. Cody says, “At WrestleMania 41, I will be facing John Cena…” The fans boo, but Cody says, “I will be facing John Cena as he goes to break the record and win 17. But that is WrestleMania 41. In just a few nights, I will be standing face to face with John Cena in this very same city, in this very same arena.” The fans cheer that, but then here comes Randy Orton! Now the fans sing along with Voices as The Viper heads to the ring. Orton also high-fives fans before he joins Cody.
Orton grabs a mic, paces while the fans keep singing on their own, and then the fans cheer. Orton says he’s not really the sentimental type, but for Cody and for London, screw it. The fans chant “R K O! R K O!” and Orton tells Cody, “Look at you. Look at who you are now, the man you are now. Look at where he came from.” The fans cheer and sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and Orton says he remembers a Cody in his early 20s, just breaking into the business. Cody was busting his ass harder than anyone else. He wasn’t exactly happy, and in fact, he was frustrated. But Cody was man enough, smart enough, to know he needed to grow, and that he couldn’t grow in the WWE.
Cody wasn’t exactly treated fairly in the WWE, so Cody left the WWE! That took some big ass balls to do what he did! Cody changed the business singlehandedly, and everyone in the back knows it. And Orton appreciates Cody for it. But then Cody came back, as they all knew one day he would. And the industry has been changed forever since the day Cody came back to the WWE. Cody is a bit teary eyed as Orton says Cody’s still the same guy, he just did what he set out to do, and he grew. Orton teases he would sing along with the fans, but the fans might leave. The fans again sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!”
Orton asks if they remember when Cody Rhodes faced Seth Rollins in Hell in a Cell. The fans cheer because they do. Orton says that was impressive, and even impossible, as he started with a partially torn pec and then ended with a fully torn pec! His body changed all kinds of shades of purple that Orton’s never seen on a human body. The pain he must have been in. Cody persevered not just for himself. Maybe not even at all for Cody. It was not even for his family legacy; it was for each and every single fan out there! Then Cody went on to WrestleMania, beat Roman Reigns and finished the story!
But there’s always another story, isn’t there? And Cody’s right in the middle of one. Cody is in charge of his legacy, and it is a privilege for Orton to watch Cody take control of it. Ticket sales have been up, there’s more intrigue around the world, and listen to the people! It is 99.9% all because of Cody! The fans cheer that, and of course they sing. Orton says what he’s trying to say is a long-winded version of he respects Cody, loves him, and is very, very proud of him. The fans cheer that! Orton then says, “But… But now it is time for WrestleMania.” They both look to the sign, and Orton says he can guarantee Cody that Orton will kick Kevin Owens so hard in the head…!
Orton can just feel it already! He forgets how many days are left, but he can’t wait to remove Kevin’s head from his shoulders. And Orton knows Cody will enter champion, exit champion, but not before he beats the holy hell outta Cena all up and down the Vegas strip! But after all the smoke clears and the dust settles, just like Orton wants Number 17, there will come a time when Orton will want Number 15. But Orton won’t kick Cody in the balls like a coward. Orton will look Cody in the eye because he respects Cody, is proud of Cody, and sees him as an equal. Orton will look Cody in the eye and tell him that he’s coming for the title.
The fans cheer but wait! Drew McIntyre is here! The fans cheer the Scottish Terminator as he steps out on stage, mic in hand, and has a wry smile on his face as he looks at the ring. Drew waves as the fans now sing, “OH~ Drew McIntyre~!” Drew says, “Isn’t this wonderful? A couple of nepo babies having a love fest in the middle of the ring> It makes me absolutely sick. What’d you just say, Randy? if Cody gets through Cena at WrestleMania, you’re coming for that title? What exactly have you done since that big comeback to justify that title match? Aside be Randy Orton. The only big moment I can remember is you being on the shelf for months and months and months.
“People like to make jokes about it, but more people talk about my five-minute-45-second title reign than your entire comeback so far! So get to the back of the line, sunshine! As for you, Cody, you should’ve listened to me. But you shunned me. You attacked me. Everybody should’ve listened to me about John Cena, but they didn’t. And the next night, he kicked you right in the twig ‘n’ berries, proving me right as usual. And the main event of WrestleMania should be Cody Rhodes VS The UK’s only ever world champion, Drew McIntyre!” Fans do like that idea. But sadly, it’s not, because of that guyliner wearing Temu Undertaker, Damian Priest!
Drew wants to talk about what is happening. And what’s gonna happen! Drew steps up to the ring while fans sing for him again. Drew says it will not be Randy that takes the title from Cody, should he get through Cena; it’ll be McIntyre. The fans cheer, but Orton says they were trying to have a moment. Can Drew just cut the crap already? Drew says okay, sure. He’ll tell the truth, because that’s all he ever does. The truth is, Kevin might have a point! If those Voices are talking to Orton again, then they know Drew very, very well. And he’s thinking, “My God, Randy looks great! Absolutely jacked! On the outside.”
On the inside, that back is hanging by a thread. And if Orton provokes McIntyre, McIntyre will break him. And as for Cody- Cody kicks Drew and UPPERCUTS him! The fans fire up, and Orton R- NO, Drew gets away! The fans boo, but the battlelines are drawn! Even if Cody makes it out of the frying pan that is Las Vegas, it’ll be into the fire that is these contenders waiting in line! Will the American Nightmare be ready for whoever comes for the crown?
WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly!
Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins are finally golden again, but it’s time to put the titles on the line already! And while they’re ready for the grind, they’re up against the hometown heroes! Will the Profits still be up in the O2? Or will Kit Wilson & Elton Prince say #YESBOY to a new reign of their own?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really wants the smoke!
The teams sort out and Kit starts with Dawkins. They tie up, Dawkins headlocks, but Kit powers up and out. Dawkins runs Kit over, the fans fire up, and Dawkins fires hands on Kit in the corner! The fans rally for Pretty Deadly, Dawkins whips Kit to a corner, but Elton takes that bump! Kit CLOBBERS Dawkins, then tags Elton! Atomic drop into DROPKICK! Ford runs up, but into a DOUBLE HIP TOSS! Dawkins whips, Elton reverses, and then Elton hurdles so Kit can DDT! The fans fire up with Pretty Deadly while the Profits bail out. Pretty Deadly has control while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Elton is right on Dawkins as he gets in, and UPPERCUTS him to the corner. Elton clinches Dawkins for another UPPERCUT! Tag to Kit, and Elton RAMS into Dawkins so Kit can UPPERCUT! Dawkins flops over, Kit drags him up to wrench the arm. Kit whips, Dawkins reverses, but Kit grabs ropes. Kit ELBOWS Dawkins, DECKS Ford, but Dawkins CLOBBERS Kit! The ref reprimands but Dawkins RAMS Kit into the corner again and again! The ref counts, Dawkins fires fast hands, then he tags in Ford. Ford says, “SUCK IT!” then he KICKS Kit! Ford scuffs Kit, then drags him to a cover, TWO!
Ford keeps Kit down with a facelock, but Kit endures the grind. Kit fights up, fires body shots, but Ford whips him away. Kit sunset flips! Ford rolls through, and PENALTY KICKS! Ford mocks Elton with the Scott Hall fingers, and the ref has to keep Elton back. Ford drags Kit up, tags Dawkins, and the Profits mug Kit. Dawkins CLUBS Kit down, then stalks him. Dawkins stays between Kit and Elton, then whips Kit into the Profits’ corner. CYCLONE- NO, Kit dodges! Ford tags in, he keeps Kit from Elton now, but Kit slips out of the suplex! Kit fakes high to go low, hot tag to Elton! Elton rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT!
Elton kicks and whips Ford to a corner, then UPPERCUTS! Elton whips the other way, UPPERCUTS again, and then does it again! Elton adds to the hattrick with a lift, Ford says a quick prayer before the SUPLEX! Ford flounders, gets to his feet, but Elton dodges to springboard and FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Ford stays in this, but Elton stays on him. SmackDown returns to single picture and fans rally for Pretty Deadly as Elton gives Ford a back suplex. Ford lands out, waistlocks, but Elton switches and shoves Ford. Ford CLOBBERS Elton in return! Ford is also dazed but he covers, ONE!
Kit reaches out, Elton and Ford both crawl, hot tags to Kit and Dawkins! The fans fire up as Dawkins wrenches Kit, underhooks and SILENCER! Dawkins Electric Chair Lifts Kit, Ford climbs, but Kit slips free! Kit shoves Dawkins into Ford! Ford falls to the floor, but Dawkins ENZIGIRIS Kit! Elton tags in, and Kit LARIATS Dawkins! Pretty Deadly combine for DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Dawkins survives and the Profits are a bit unsure of what to do next. Dawkins crawls to a corner, Elton runs up, but Dawkins dodges! Elton hits buckles and Dawkins TOSSES Kit, then Dawkins hits a SKY HIGH on Elton!
Dawkins hurries to tag Ford and Ford climbs up! But Kit pushes Elton out of the way! Kit takes FROM THE HEAVESN, and Elton ghost pins Ford! TWO!! Ford escapes, and he ROCKS Elton! Elton UPPERCUTS Ford! Dawkins sneaks a tag, Ford SUPERKICKS! POUNCE SAIDO COMBO!! Cover, KIT BREAKS IT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! The teams go to opposite ends, then they all stand up in the corners. They all roar, all run in, and Kit SPEARS Ford while Elton FLYING UPPERCUTS Dawkins!! London is thunderous, and Kit hurries to tag in! Pretty Deadly gets Dawkins up, for SPILT MILK!! Cover, FORD BREAKS IT!
The fans are shocked, as is Elton, but Ford saves this for his team! “This is Awesome!” as Ford runs up and Elton TOSSES him out! Now DRY MARTI- NO! Dawkins doesn’t accept the second serving, and he DUMPS Kit out! Kit skins the cat while Dawkins DECKS Elton! Dawkins catches Kit to an Electric Chair! Ford rises, DOOMSDAY BLOCKBUSTER!! Cover, Profits win!
Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall (still WWE Tag Team Champions)
Pretty Deadly put up a heroic fight, but the hometown heroes could not capture the gold. Dawkins & Ford hold onto the gold, will this be the strongest the Profits have ever been?
Kayden & Katana talk with Zelina Vega.
Carter & Chance know La Muneca got screwed over by The Green Administration. Chelsea thinks she’s untouchable, but someone’s gonna stop them eventually. Well, speaking of, Alba Fyre leads the way in as she & Piper Niven “scope the perimeter.” There’s one small threat. They frisk the “miniscule” threat, but nothing they haven’t dealt with before. Chelsea struts in and says, “The Eagle has landed~!” Zelina says she is so glad the “Bootleg Men in Black” have crashed the party. Now, yeah, they all know she’s small. But clearly this small “threat” is a big threat to Chelsea’s title reign. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have taken all three of them to beat her.
KC Squared agree with that. How about tonight, we see what happens when the odds are even? Chelsea says that’s fine, because Agents P & A are ready. The Secret Her-vice has been given their next mission, but will they be able to crash the party? Or will the party crash them?
Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice!
SmackDown returns and The Green Administration makes their entrance. The teams sort out, Alba starts against Katana, and the two tie up. Alba KNEES low, CLUBS Katana down, then fireman’s carries. Katana fights free, tags Kayden, and they KICK, double whip, and then trip Alba up for the basement DROPKICK! Katana adds a slingshot SENTON, Kayden covers, TWO! Kayden tags Katana, they double whip Alba to a corner, then Kayden runs in. Alba DUMPS Kayden out, ROCKS Katana, and she tags Piper! Katana arm-drags Alba out, then goes out to run up. Kayden gives her a boost, Katana CROSSBODIES Alba down!
The fans fire up, but Piper goes up and out?! CANNONBALL and down goes KC Squared! Piper salutes Chelsea and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Kayden rallies on Alba while the fans rally up. Kayden fires up, runs in and whips, but Alba reverses. Kayden wheelbarrows, victory rolls, then SUPERKICKS! Kayden fires up again but the fans are torn. Kayden runs in at Alba to BOOT WASH her against the ropes! Chelsea protests, Kayden kicks at her, then Kayden springboards for a LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Alba survives, Kayden whips, but Alba KICKS back! Tag to Piper, but Kayden jackknife bridges Alba! The ref explains bout the tag, Piper runs up, but Kayden moves! The SENTON hits Alba! Piper panics, Kayden tags Katana!
Katana goes up onto Kayden’s shoulders, VICTORY ROLL LAUNCHER, but Piper catches Katana! Katana fires hands, BOOTS, and then hurries to go up again. Kayden ROCKS Piper, and fireman’s carries?! SAMOAN DROP! Kayden then gives Katana the boost, for the KEG STAND SPLASH!! Cover, ALBA BREAKS IT! Kayden runs up on Alba to BOOT her out! Katana gives Kayden the boost now, SUPER CROSSBODY onto Alba! Kayden hurries to tag back in, and she brings Piper up. Piper swings, Kayden dodges and SUPERKICKS! Katana goes up, Piper staggers over that way, but Chelsea distracts the ref!
The fans are torn as Alba grabs Katana. Katana kicks Alba down, chases Chelsea off, but Piper sends Kayden into her! Piper scoops to PIPER DRIVER!! Cover, Secret Her-vice wins!
Winner: The Secret Her-vice, by pinfall
The Women’s US Champion helps her team, and now they all mug Kayden & Katana! But here comes Zelina! Vega runs down the ramp, CLOBBERS Alba, and then she gets in the ring! Zelina tilt-o-whirl DDTS Piper! And she KNEES Alba off the apron! But Chelsea CLOBBERS Zelina! Chelsea fires up, the UK is oddly with her, and she chicken wings Zeina. But Zelina fights free to fire forearms and body shots! And a BACK ELBOW! Zelina reels Chelsea in, CODE- SUPERKICK from Alba! SENTON from Piper! The Green Administration is just too much for Zelina to fight against alone! But can she, Kayden & Katana find a way to turn things around?
WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman!
Did the Mega Star just get this title back from Shinsuke Nakamura? YEAH! Did he help the Monster of All Monsters fight off Solo Sikoa’s rouge bloodline? YEAH! And now, does he have to defend this title against the monster he just helped? YEAH!! But will Knight still reign this close to WrestleMania? Or will Braun #GetTheseHands back on a championship?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s time for Knight’s biggest challenge, YEAH!
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. The two tie up, and Braun SHOVES Knight away. Knight comes back, Braun SHOVES him down again! Knight gets up, gets around, and he headlocks. Braun powers up to back suplex, but Knight lands out! Knight tries but Braun’s too big to suplex! Braun ELBOWS Knight, storms up on him, but Knight fires haymakers! Knight whips, Braun reverses, but Knight KICKS back! Knight runs, but Braun HIP TOSSES! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this, but Braun brings him up. Braun puts Knight in a corner, CHOPS, then runs, for a SPLASH! Knight sputters along ropes, Braun keeps moving, but Knight DUMPS him out!
The fans fire up as Knight then WRECKS Braun with a dropkick! Knight keeps moving, and he WRECKS Braun again! The fans fire up with Knight, but then Braun BOOTS Knight down! The fans are torn but Braun stands tall as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Braun puts Knight back in the ring. The fans cheer as Knight KICKS Braun! Knight tries again, but Braun’s still too big to back suplex! Braun CLUBS Knight, then runs in at the corner. Knight BOOTS Braun, goes up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Knight and Braun rise back up, and Knight dodges a shot to JAB! Then he dodges to JAB! JAB! JAB! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” But Braun KNEES low! Braun scoops, Knight slips free, and Knight RAMS Braun into buckles! Then the BACK SUPLEX! The fans fire up and Knight rises again! Knight spells it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!
Braun has plenty left in the tank but the fans rally for Knight. Knight stands Braun up to kick low, but Braun THROWS Knight away! Knight rises, and Braun LARIATS Knight up and out! The fans fire up as Braun rips the shirt! Braun gets on the track, and he runs in, STROWMAN EXPRESS MEETS JACOB FATU!! The Samoan Werewolf strikes Braun down!
Winner: Braun Strowman, by disqualification; LA Knight retains the title
The fans boo as Jacob now goes after Knight! He just ruined what was becoming a great match, but Jacob fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT on Braun! SAMOAN DROP onto the desk!! The desk doesn’t budge, but Braun might’ve been broken in half! The UK fires up for Fatu as he puts Braun in the ring! Jacob fires more HEADBUTTS, then HEADBUTTS away on Braun in the corner! The fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE, FATU~, FATU~!” Jacob runs corner to corner, but Knight kicks him first! Knight fires haymakers, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Jacob denies the BFT to POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! And then HIP ATTACK for Braun anyway!
Jacob keeps going, HIP ATTACK for Braun again! Jacob throws off his jacket, glares at Braun, and he runs in for a third HIP ATTACK! Braun flounders into the drop zone, so Jacob goes up, up, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! Direct hit on Braun, but the fans want that “ONE MORE TIME!” Jacob obliges, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! The Samoan Werewolf just tore up #OneBigSOB and LA Knight, will there be no stopping him from taking the United States Championship?
Backstage interview with Jimmy Uso.
Jackie Redmond is with #BigJim, and she says that while she knew WWE was going global this month, she did not know they’d get the slap heard ’round the world! Jimmy says he’d do it again, and he’ll slap Gunther as many times as he needs! Jimmy knows Jey is up in his own head, doubt is creeping on him. But just because Jey’s 0-3 against Gunther doesn’t mean Gunther’s unbeatable! The Ring General CAN be got! Jimmy’s going to Raw this Monday, he will bust Gunther’s ass, Jey will go to Mania and bust Gunther’s ass to become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. And then they leave Las Vegas just like this: YEET!
Jimmy heads out, but then The Miz & Carmelo Hayes walk by. Miz is mocking Jimmy’s words, and he asks excuse me. Miz says it’s just funny that suddenly, Jimmy is a tough guy, even though for most of his career, he’s been “The Other Uso.” Doesn’t Jimmy get it? Jimmy and Jey are career sidekicks while Gunther is a main character. Gunther is the lead, neither Jimmy nor Jey can beat him. And here’s another thing: The Usos are just blips on the trailer that was Roman Reigns’ Bloodline. Melo says Jimmy & Jey are stuck outside the club, they can’t even get in.
Miz says as a former WWE Champion, a former WrestleMania main eventer, Jimmy will never know what it is to carry this industry. And after this year’s WrestleMania, neither will Jey. Oh, and by the way, if Jimmy ever slapped Miz like that, Jimmy would still be on the ground. Jimmy feints the slap and Miz freaks out. Jimmy says it may be him and Gunther on Monday, but he’ll holler at Aldis real quick so it can be Jimmy VS Miz here tonight. Yeah, YEET! Jimmy heads out, Melo says he thought Miz was gonna do something about the slap. Will Miz have to do something about running his mouth before he gets his teeth kicked in?
Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga find Jacob Fatu backstage.
Solo asks Jacob what the Hell he was doing out there. Jacob goes out there alone without saying a thing to them? Jacob says he ain’t gotta say nothing to nobody! Matter fact, didn’t Solo not tap in with him last week? Tama says, “But Jacob,” only for Jacob to say, “But nothing, Tama!” Solo wants Jacob to lower his tone, but Jacob says okay. Let him be very clear with them. When it comes to Braun Strowman, Jacob WILL be the last man standing. Y’all better get in where you fit in, cuz that US title? Oh, Jacob’s bringing it home to the family. And he will do it with them, or without them! Yadada mean? Fatu heads out, is the Samoan Werewolf no longer following Solo?
Naomi speaks.
“I mean… How did we even get here? I don’t know. One thing that I do know is that I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. So Bianca, what makes you think that my attack on Jade was anything different from me doing the right thing? When I sit here and I think about all that I’ve sacrificed, all that I’ve given, and that’s what really breaks my heart. Because through all of that, I’m made to be the bad one in this situation. I just don’t understand, how does Jade come in outta nowhere and take my place with you? I want you to ask yourself this, Bianca. Who inspired you? Hmm?
“Who’s inspired women over the last decade? Who’s always had your back from day one of you being here? Me. Not Jade. Hmm. But you know what? What I’ve learned through all of this: You teach people how to treat you. And I’m done with being treated as a third wheel. I’m done being pushed to the side, I’m done with being too nice, I’m done with being undervalued, underutilized, underappreciated! So moving forward, hmm… Moving forward, here’s my message to you, Jade. If you continue to be in my way, I strongly advise you to proceed with caution.” The Glow shows her dark side, but will the storm be moved?
Nick Aldis meets with Jade Cargill.
Speaking of, the SmackDown General Manager understands things have been rather difficult for her as of late. Jade says she’s been trying to get her hands on Naomi for the past few weeks, now where is she? No one has seen her all day, so as far as anyone knows, Naomi’s not here. Well, when Jade catches Naomi, it’s on sight. Jade leaves, B-Fab & Michin are there. They let her know that what Naomi did to her was straight trash, totally uncalled for behavior. And after Jade gets her hands on Naomi, she’ll handle that business. Jade agrees. Mia says they’ve all got business to handle. Jade’s got Naomi, and Mia’s gonna get Charlotte for messing with her girl, B.
B-Fab says Naomi’s got what’s coming to her: no sympathy, no regrets. Jade, just do what you gotta do. Oh, she will. Jade also wishes Mia luck tonight. Mia & B-Fab head out, will the Head Baddie in Charge make the Queen bow down in London?
The darkness approaches.
“You are as I was. As I am, you will be.” The shadows are starting to take shape, but is SmackDown about to fade to black?
Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab!
The Queen looks down on everyone, so it’s no surprise that everyone else wants to take her down. Charlotte may have checked off B-Fab, but will the HBIC be a much different story? Or will Charlotte only sharpen her edge before facing Tiffany Stratton at WrestleMania?
WAIT! NAOMI ATTACKS B-FAB & MICHIN! Naomi drags Mia up for a FACEBUSTER! Naomi rains down fists, the ref reprimands and the fans boo, but Naomi tells the ref to back off. Naomi then BOOTS B-Fab off the apron! Naomi goes out after B-Fab to THRWO her into barriers! Naomi SLAPS B-Fab, tells her to stay down, but B-Fab gets up. Naomi fires hands, then she SMACKS B-Fab off the desk! Naomi rains down fists, but here comes Jade! Jade hurries down the ramp, she runs around the way, but Naomi runs away! Jade makes sure B-Fab is okay, but refs have to help her to the back. And what of Mia? Will she even be able to compete?
Charlotte makes her entrance, not really caring about what Naomi just did to Mia. But that means she also crosses paths with Jade. The fans like the look of this stare down, but Jade and Charlotte both let the other slide. Charlotte gets her pyro, and it seems she’ll still get her match. Will Mia be little more than an appetizer now?
The bell rings, and Charlotte BOOTS Mia down! Cover, TWO! Mia stays in this and the fans rally up. Charlotte just struts around while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Charlotte has Mia down with a chinlock, but the fans rally up. Mia fights up, fires body shots, and she then blocks a shot to ROCK Charlotte! Mia ROCKS Charlotte again and again, then reels her in for a TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up as Mia hurries to cover, TWO! Mia drags Charlotte up, wrenches, but Charlotte says no to Da Feet! BIG back suplex! Mia stagger sup, Charlotte whips her, but Mia reverses! Charlotte goes up and out, BOOTS her away, then slingshots in and rolls Mia! Mia rolls through and BUZZSAWS! Mia runs corner to corner, but Charlotte avoids the cannonball!
Charlotte YAKUZA KICKS Mia down, then fires herself up! The fans “WOO~!” as Charlotte has Mia in the drop zone,. Charlotte steps on her, goes up the corner, but Mia gets underneath her! SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Charlotte survives and Mia is shocked! Mia nods as the fans rally back up, and she brings Charlotte up. But Charlotte ROCKS Mia! Mia SOBATS, PELES, and then runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Charlotte stays in this, Mia grows frustrated, but the fans continue to rally. Mia uses that energy to stay focused, and she stalks Charlotte to waistlock. But Charlotte ELBOWS her away!
Charlotte CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOSP! Charlotte winds up, and she CHOPS again! Mia sputters, but then she dodges the boot! Charlotte is caught, and Mia hits a SAIDO! Charlotte flounders to a corner, the fans rally behind Mia, and Mia runs up, CANNONBALL! Mia hurries to wrench and EAT- NO, Charlotte shoves Mia away! Charlotte gets under, back suplexes, but Mia lands out! EAT DA FEET!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Charlotte’s long legs help her survive by a literal foot! Mia is beside herself while Charlotte bails out. Mia storms after Charlotte, runs up, but Charlotte dodges! Mia’s kick hits steel steps!
Mia hobbles away, goes to the apron, but Charlotte CHOP BLOCKS the bad leg out! Charlotte grabs Mia’s leg, drops a KNEE on the knee, but fans chant, “We Want Tiffy!” Charlotte just steps through, FIGURE FOUR, into FIGURE EIGHT!! Mia taps, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
Charlotte got more of a fight out of Mia than expected, but she still won. Will The Queen be more than ready to reign again after WrestleMania?
Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.
Jackie Redmond is with the WWE Women’s Champion and says Charlotte certainly looks confident. Let’s be real, Charlotte came at Tiff pretty hard. It got a lot of people talking. Tiff says yes, people talk. And Charlotte sure loves to hear herself talk. Ten years into the business and Charlotte is still so insecure that she can’t let a “rookie” get a word out. But last week, Tiff did learn something: She learned that walking into WrestleMania, she isn’t the one with something to lose. Truth is, if Tiff loses, then she lost to the great Charlotte Flair, as just a 25-year-old rookie with one year into SmackDown.
But if Charlotte loses… Well, then she lost to an “undeserving, delusional, unoriginal, backflip doing, blonde-hair-having, little girl.” Did she get it all? And Tiff can’t wait to hear the look on Charlotte’s face when they hear the words, “And STILL!” Then maybe Charlotte will finally shut up for the sake of literally everyone! They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, and Tiff will make damn sure what stays is Charlotte’s massive ego. Tiff is walking into and out of Mania as the WWE Women’s Champion. Tootles! Tiff heads out, will it still be #TiffyTime after WrestleMania?
Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre!
The Viper told Cody how proud he was, but also how he wants the next shot after John Cena. The Scottish Terminator took offense to that, and basically said he is taking that shot instead. Will this match be an unofficial #1 contender’s match between these two former world champions?
SmackDown returns and McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans sing, “OH~, Drew McIntyre~!” and chant “R K O! R K O!” Drew and Orton circle, tie up, and they go around in a deadlock. Drew powers Orton to a corner, but Orton headlocks back. Drew powers up and out, then he runs Orton over! Orton hurries to ropes and Drew mockingly asks, “How’s the back feel, Randy?” Orton stands, he and Drew reset, and the fans duel some more. Drew calls for a knuckle lock, Orton accepts, but then Drew kicks low! Drew bumps Orton off buckles, then climbs up, but he panders for too long and Orton YANKS him down!
The fans fire up as Orton climbs now! Orton rains down fists, and the fans count to nine. Orton hops down, brings Drew around, and POSTS him for ten! Drew tumbles out of the ring, Orton goes out after him, and they’re by the desk! But Drew kicks Orton first and SMACKS him off the desk! Drew clears the desk, and he brings Orton up for the DESK- NO, Orton fights free! Orton turns things around, DESK BACK SUPLEX for Drew! The fans fire up while Orton leaves Drew behind, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew writhes on the floor, but Orton goes out to fetch him! Orton brings Drew around, UPPERCUTS him, then says one more time! DESK BACK SUPLEX! Drew writhes as that desk stays standing! Orton grins, refreshes the ring count, and then he storms up on Drew. Drew pokes Orton in the eye! Drew POSTS Orton now, then brings him around to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP into barriers! Orton slumps down, and Drew also grits his teeth from that double-edged attack, but Drew fires up as he stands tall. Drew drags Orton up, puts him in the ring, then stalks Orton. Drew looms over Orton, and HIP DROPS him!
Orton sputters, Drew says one more time, and he winds up for the HIP DROP! Drew paces around Orton, says maybe one more time, and he pretends he can’t hear the fans. Drew winds up again, but Orton flips over! Hip drop meets kneecaps! And then Orton pokes Drew in the eyes! The ref reprimands but Orton rises up. Drew sputters and flounders, Orton ROCKS him with a right! Drew ROCKS Orton back! Drew storms up, Orton kicks low, but Drew fires another haymaker! The haymakers go back and forth, Orton gets the edge, but Drew GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS! Cover, TWO! Drew clamps onto Orton with an armlock!
SmackDown returns to single picture and the fans rally up. Orton fights up, pries at the chinbar, and then throws right hands! Drew CHOPS Orton in return! The fans “WOO~” and Drew winds up. Drew ROCKS Orton again, eggs him on, then CHOPS again! Drew shoves Orton to a corner, CHOPS again, then dares Orton to fight! Drew whips corner to corner, but Orton comes back to LARIAT! And LARIAT! Drew swings, Orton dodges, SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up as Orton stalks Drew to the apron. Drew HOTSHOTS Orton first! Drew then runs in, but Orton puts him through the ropes!
The fans fire up as Orton has Drew for the DRAPING DDT! The fans fire up for Orton, and Orton hears those voices! Drew rises, but then Orton spots KEVIN OWENS! The Prizefighter is on the ramp, Orton glares at him, but then he turns around into a CLAYMORE!! Cover, DREW WINS!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
Kevin’s mere presence costs Orton, and now Drew has a huge win propelling him down the Road to WrestleMania! As for Orton, Kevin drags him out of the ring, SMACKS him off the desk, and then climbs up to join him! The fans boo but Kevin and his hot pink sneakers have Orton in position, but Orton slips free and TRIPS Kevin up! Kevin hits the desk then the floor! Orton staggers around, the fans rally behind him, and Orton stalks Kevin to the corner of the barriers. Orton lines up the shot! Orton runs in, but Kevin jumps over barriers! Security is there to stop Orton from pursuing, so Kevin runs away into the night!
The fans boo, but The Viper was that close! Will Orton be able to strike Kevin down and completely take him out?
Fire, thunder, smoke…
The force of nature is drawing ever closer. And he’s ready to fly! REY FENIX arrives next Friday Night SmackDown!
Jimmy Uso VS The Miz!
#BigJim gave Gunther a piece of his mind and a mark on his cheek, but it seems not everyone got the message. Will the Hollywood A-lister soon star in the Uso Penitentiary? Or will he prove Jimmy is NOT ready for a world champion level opponent?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Jimmy powers Miz to a corner, Miz turns things around, and the ref counts. Miz takes a swing, Jimmy ducks it to CHOP! And CHOP! Miz shoves Jimmy back, then runs up, but Jimmy TACKLES Miz! Jimmy rains down fists, Miz shoves him away to go to ropes, but Jimmy storms back up. Miz ELBOWS Jimmy away, then runs back up, only for Jimmy to LARIAT him down! The fans fire up while Jimmy storms up on Miz. Jimmy CHOPS Miz, has him in a corner, then whips corner to corner. Miz reverses, Jimmy goes up and over, then UPPERCUTS! Miz staggers back to ropes, but Jimmy is right on him.
Jimmy whips, Miz reverses and kitchen sink knees! Then basement BOOTS! The fans fire up, Miz scowls, and Miz KNEES Jimmy in the back again and again. Miz stalks Jimmy to the ropes now, and he CHOKES Jimmy! The ref counts, Miz runs, and Miz STRADDLE ATTACKS! The fans boo, but Miz runs again. Jimmy ducks the boot, then dodges a lariat! Jimmy runs up to LARIAT Miz up and out! The fans fire up and Jimmy builds speed, but Miz runs away! Jimmy smirks as he goes out the side, and UPPERCUTS Miz over the barriers! Jimmy makes sure Gunther knows he’s coming to get him, but SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and both men are down. Miz and Jimmy crawl, and Jimmy pounds the mat. The fans rally, Jimmy rises and runs up to LARIAT! And LARIAT! And mule kick! Jimmy then UPPERCUTS Miz, dodges a lariat, then SAMOAN DROPS! The fans fire up, Jimmy goes to the corner, “UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs in, but Miz puts him on the apron! Jimmy UPPERCUTS again! Jimmy climbs, leaps, but Miz gets under! Miz then waistlocks, ripcords, and MOVIE MAKER! Fans boo that blatant parody, but Miz full nelsons! Jimmy drops, victory rolls, TWO! Miz has the cover, TWO! Miz hurries to BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally up as Jimmy survives! Miz stalks Jimmy, the fans rally up more, and Miz fires a KICK! And then another KICK! The fans say “YES! YES! YES!” to the It Kicks, but then Miz winds up. Jimmy ducks the buzzsaw, Miz blocks the superkick, but the DRAGON WHIP connects! Miz rebounds to B-MOVIE KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! The parodies don’t get it done, but Miz still has his original work to fall back on. The fans rally for “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Miz runs in, A-LIST LARIAT! Miz shoves Jimmy down, then springboards, but into a SUPERKICK! Jimmy hurries up top, for the USO SPLASH!! Cover, Jimmy wins!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Miz may be a movie star, but Big Jim’s the one winning this main event! Jimmy then borrows Joe Tessitore’s headset to call out Gunther! He’s coming after dat ass on Monday! Gunther won’t be the ring general, he will be “Private Gunther,” and he will salute Big Jim! Uh, uh, YEET! Will Jimmy be the one making examples out of the World Heavyweight Champion? Or will everything come crashing down when Gunther gets his turn?
Drew McIntyre returns backstage.
And he says hey to Lewis Capaldi, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, and also a big fan of Drew’s. They’re ready to have a good night in the pub, but Jackie Redmond walks over to congratulate him on the win tonight. She was hoping to get some thoughts on that victory and what happened with Orton and Kevin. Drew says it’s alright, this is what happens. He doesn’t care about anybody else’s business, but no one gets away with screwing him over. And when no one meddles in his business, he wins! Drew called out Priest, where is he? Priest doesn’t have the balls! So time to get mad in the pubs, everyone’s invited!
Drew turns the corner, but PRIEST IS THERE! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the door, then throws him into road cases! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the trunk of a car, and then again! Or since it’s London, “the boot.” The driver complains, but Priest BODY SLAMS that guy through a table! Drew comes back to KNEE Priest low, SMACK him off the trunk, and then off the side! They go to the hood, or bonnet for UK. Drew drags Priest up, but Priest CLAWS Drew’s eyes! Priest then sends Drew SOUTH OF HEAVEN through the windshield! Priest tells security that he’s done for now. Any more jokes, Drew? Didn’t think so! RIP, jackass!
Priest leaves, the producers hurry to help Drew, and Drew’s got glass in his eye! Will that glass help Drew see why he shouldn’t piss off the Punisher?
CM Punk heads to gorilla.
He has a security detail with him, and he passes by Drew writhing in pain. Punk chuckles, then continues on. Will his contract signing with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins be just as brutal? We find out, after the break.
Nick Aldis is in the ring.
The SmackDown General Manager welcomes us back, and says it is his honor and privilege to be here in the O2 in London. Now, we all know why he and this table is here, and why additional security is here tonight. Tonight, we are here to sign a contract for a Triple Threat. Perhaps the biggest Triple Threat in the history of WrestleMania: Seth Rollins VS CM Punk VS Roman Reigns! The fans cheer all those names, and here comes the OTC! London puts the ones up, and Paul Heyman accompanies THE Tribal Chief out on stage. Roman raises his finger to the sky for the pyro, then security follows him to the ring.
SmackDown goes picture in picture as Roman’s entrance continues, and he raises his finger to the sky for the second round of pyro. Roman steps into the ring, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Heyman hands him a mic. The fans sing, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!” Roman nods, the fans cheer, and now they chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman tells London, “ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” The fans cheer again, and again chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman smiles, but he sees the chairs are not to his liking. Heyman makes sure to put one at the head of the table. Heyman also dusts the chair off while Roman enjoys the singing of, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!”
Roman takes a seat and says that was beautiful. The way they sing to their Tribal Chief, it’s just beautiful. The singing continues, and Heyman even joins in! Roman smiles, and he says that is what he’s talking about. That’s the OTC for you, baby! The biggest star on the planet! The OTC came here for two reasons. One: to be acknowledged; check! And two: to sign this contract. Roman does just that, and he says he’s checked both boxes. That means- “BURN IT DOWN!” Seth Rollins interrupts! The fans now sing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Rollins struts out in his red wine paisley suit and conducts the O2 Choir all the way into the ring.
The fans cheer while Roman frowns, but Rollins takes the seat to Roman’s left. Rollins offers Heyman a chance to sing to this song, but Heyman frowns. Rollins chuckles, and he says the fans do have beautiful singing voices. He doesn’t know why Roman is in such a hurry to leave, though! This is their building! There’s a lot of history here! 12 years ago, they landed on the roof of this place in a helicopter! They came down those stairs over there, “ready to burn down the old guard!” They put the Undertaker down through the desk, and they were going to remake this company in their image!
Now don’t get him wrong, Rollins knows a lot has happened since then. They fought against each other, with each other, a little bit of love and a whole lot of hate. But Rollins dare says, as the fans continue to sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~,” that Rollins and Roman accomplished their mission. The fans start to chant for CM Punk, but Rollins tunes them out. Roman says, “We? We? You keep saying we. Our mission? We died a long time ago. It’s only been ME. You been here, but I done all the work! I’ve made this place what it is today! I took us to the level that we are here today! I made this place better than we found it!
“I’m the one that made us desirable to Netflix! I’m the one that took us into billion-dollar deals! Tell me, what have you done?” Rollins shouts, “I’ll tell you what I’ve done! YOU, YOU, YOU, it’s that mindset that keeps me having to screw you! You understand that? And your biggest mistake is not understanding the danger that’s right in front of us! The danger that’s right in front of you! You let the biggest snake in the world, CM Punk, into the garden! And you could’ve cut his head off at WarGames! But instead, you shook his hand. You could’ve let me finish him inside the cage at The Garden, but you didn’t. And now, I am left to do what I always do: Clean up your mess, again.”
Rollins drops his mic, picks up the pen, and signs his part. And now, here comes CM PUNK! The fans fire up and sing along with Cult of Personality, then join in on saying, “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME~!” Punk goes to the ring, but as he grabs a mic, he goes up a corner, just like he did last Friday. “I have come here to chew bubblegum and sign a contract. And I’m all outta bubblegum.” The fans cheer the Rowdy Roddy Piper reference, and Punk hops down to take his seat on Roman’s right. Punk looks over said contract, but Roman asks if Punk needs a highlighter or something. What’s he doing? Just go to page four, clause five.
Punk does as Roman says, but Roman says Punk needs to hurry, this is precious TV time. Punk reads the segment, Roman tells Heyman to just smarten Punk up. Heyman tells Punk he knows what Punk is looking for. It is in there. They’re closing the show at WrestleMania. The fans go wild hearing that! Heyman tells Punk that he gets to live his dream of dreams. CM Punk will be a WrestleMania main eventer! The fans cheer and while Roman smiles, Rollins is furious. Roman says, “One man’s dream is another man’s favor! CHECK!” Wait, this was the favor? Rollins says no! This is not something to laugh at, and Punk does not get to tear up!
Punk is NOT deserving! He does NOT deserve this! The fans boo but Rollins continues to throw a fit! Main eventing WrestleMania is SACRED, the most important thing in the world to Rollins! More than anything! Except the fact that Punk NEVER gets to main event! This is all Roman’s fault! This is all Heyman’s fault! Rollins THROWS his mic down, paces angrily, but Punk picks up the mic. The fans cheer Punk on again, and Punk stands to thank London, to thank Chicago, to thank Louisville, Kentucky, and to thank ALL the fans. As corny as it sounds, he thanks the WWE Universe who stood by him and chanted his name for TEN LONG YEARS!
Roman says hold on, hold on. Punk shouldn’t be thanking the fans! He should be thanking the Tribal Chief! It is because of Roman that Punk gets this honor! So please, take this moment, close the show with that acknowledgement! Do this the right way. The credits are already rolling as Punk kneels before Roman!? Punk smiles, and he thanks “My Tribal Chief, the holder of the ula fala, the Head of the Table, the… Big Dog? Thank you for allowing a kid from Chicago to be graced by your presence. Thank you, My Tribal Chief, for allowing me to stand in your ring. And thank you so much. Thank you, Roman Reigns, so very much.
“But because of you, I will see you in the main event of WrestleMania.” And again, Rollins is agonizing over this. Punk finishes putting his signature on the contract, and London tells him, “You Deserve It!” Punk thanks Roman again, and then says, “But that’s not the favor that I’m owed.” WHAT?! Roman looks at Heyman and Heyman can’t look him in the eye! If getting this Triple Threat made into the main event isn’t the gift of the Wise Man, then what is?!
My Thoughts:
A good SmackDown, but they pulled off quite the paradox. They made it feel like they were struggling to fill three hours, yet they also filled the show to the point where that contract signing segment was almost bleeding over the three hour mark. Ironically, part of the problem was just how excited the London crowd was for this. The superstars still wanted to enjoy the chants and songs, but that’s time SmackDown doesn’t have to spare. It made the opening promo from Cody, Orton and Drew take longer, and it kinda did the same to the contract signing at the end. Even so, we still got a very good promo, and good stuff to set up Orton VS McIntyre.
Orton VS McIntyre was a great match, but of course Kevin costs Orton. McIntyre gets his win, Kevin and Orton have a bit of a brawl, but of course Kevin ends up on the losing end and runs off. McIntyre’s trash talk also comes back to bite him as Priest gets the better of him in their brawl. Here’s hoping Drew didn’t actually get glass in his eye, but that being the thing in kayfabe can be some good stuff. I can imagine McIntyre with an eyepatch, and he takes it off at the opportune time to get the better of Priest in their match. Also what a fitting choice for Punk to be passing by Drew suffering because of real glass.
Very good title matches tonight, but of course the status quo was kept. Pretty Deadly gets to look great here in London, but the Profits only just got the belts, they’re not going to be transitional champions like that. And Knight VS Braun was really good stuff, but honestly, Jacob Fatu going after them both should’ve been a given. Jacob also had a great promo with Solo & Tama to start adding to that divide between Jacob and Solo. I would hope Solo doesn’t screw Jacob out of the US Championship, but it feels like he will as Solo won’t stand for Jacob defying his authority, even though Solo’s been trying to make Jacob the champion all along.
Very good stuff from Jimmy Uso tonight, from his promo with #MeloDon’tMiz and then a great match with Miz. Their match ended up the de facto main event match, so that’s also great for both guys. Great win for Jimmy, but that’s likely because Jimmy is losing big time to Gunther on Monday. And it might just be me, but it feels like only now is the Jey VS Gunther build really moving, largely in part because Jimmy got involved. Jimmy’s promo after his match is something along the lines of what Jey should be saying. But I suppose as brothers, Jimmy is the one who knows Jey best and knows what Jey needs to be motivated again. And seeing Jimmy get beat up by Gunther will definitely motivate Jey…
Good final vignettes for Rey Fenix and Aleister Black. I’m a little surprised they confirmed Rey Fenix is showing up next week, and that they confirmed who Rey Fenix even is. I believe commentary confirmed Rey Fenix is Penta’s real brother, even namedropped “Lucha Brothers,” but all that is still surprising considering Fenix is going to start on SmackDown. Aleister’s vignette (at least I am fairly confident it’s his) was giving us glimpses of his silhouette, but I think there was usage of AI in the snake imagery. It was fine they did it for El Grande Americano because that is all trolling, but they really should try and do things the old fashioned way of photoshop and stock imagery.
Very good stuff in the Women’s Division tonight, though the WWE Women’s Championship portion was the weaker. Naomi’s got a great Heel persona going, her promo was great, and her going after B-Fab & Michin over them supporting Jade was a great detail. Jade runs Naomi off, helps B-Fab, but there was no helping Michin in being fed to Charlotte. Tiffany had a decent promo, and it does fit how Charlotte kept her from speaking so she finally gets things out here. It didn’t really add that much, though, but they already gave us a great brawl so not sure what more they can give.
KC Squared VS The Secret Her-vice was a very good match, but of course Chelsea made sure her team won. A Six Woman Tag of Zelina & KC Squared VS The Green Administration is certainly coming, to help give us Zelina VS Chelsea for the Women’s US Championship.
My Score: 8.7/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 3.27.2025
Bad news out of the TNA management side, but this is a taped episode from El Paso! So we won’t see any of the fallout just yet!
Now we all heard the news about the TNA change in hierarchy, and I…have no positive outlook on that. Delirious sucked at booking and creative in the dying days of ROH before it got bought as a B show. Dreamer having even more control is concerning because his ideas the last two years haven’t been much better.
Gail leaving makes more sense to me. Be it firing or a “you can’t quit, you’re fired” kind of situation, the Knockouts division is the worst it’s been in a long time and Gail was close with Scott D’Amore. So I don’t think Gail parting ways is as big of a problem since TNA has slowly been bleeding out with the Scott faithful.
Granted, I think the next few shows were already taped before the firing so things shouldn’t be completely unwatchable for at least a week or two. So let’s see where we’re going.
.@WeAreRosemary sends @XiaBrookside a CHILLING message!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/srciTTbel0
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Ratings:
- Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge: Ash wins via Rarefied Air – ** 1/4
- Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr: Chavo wins via Gory Bomb into Frog Splash – *** 1/4
- Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich: Masha wins via Russian Death Device – ***
- Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin: Eric wins via Piledriver – ** 1/2
- Seto & Mokuba – I mean – Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater: Nic wins via Danger Zone – *** 1/4
Results:
Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge
Ash and Gigi start off, Gigi with a little Rascalz after her first takedown. So both her and Wentz are making it obvious something’s going on between them, and I’m not mad at it. Good for my man Wentz.
Tatum and Gigi get some quick tandem offense in, Ash does manage to scurry off to a tag and Heather gets bent into a Pretzel. Some kind of Inverted Tarantula from Tatum, Gigi tags in, Bronco Buster on Heather followed by Kawada Kicks. Heather sells against the ropes, Gigi goes for a Hesitation Dropkick, but Concierge pulls her away so Gigi crashes and burns. Ref is distracted, Ash gets in some cheap shots and then the Elegant duo starts working over Gigi. A few quick tags, but once Heather comes in, Gigi fights out of the corner, gets the hot tag to Tatum. Tatum stacks up both Elegance members, Corner Stacked Crossbody, Butterfly Suplex and an Elbow Drop with some some flare. Tatum goes to the top rope, Heather pulls Gigi off the apron, Concierge shoves Tatum off the turnbuckle and Ash hits Rarefied Air for the win.
Post match the Elegance Clique wants to make their wish with the cake, they light the candles and Tatum and Gigi recover enough to do what we all expected last week, the cake in the face spot. Some…suggestive licking from both of our Hot Topic Hotties, so…no complaints here.
.@Ashamae_Sebera, @Heathereckless and @IamGeorgeIceman are having a meltdown!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/FnKwPqm2ff
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr
Chavo and Kaz start since he’s King Petty, a quick rope run turns into a Headscissor from Chavo. Kaz recovers, they lock up, Kaz hits the Knee Lift during the lock up to tag out to KC. KC pulls off some athletic dodges, gloats a bit so Chavo waits, measures and nails a gorgeous Dropkick. Laredo comes in on fire, quick high spots that send KC bouncing around like HBK against Hulk. KC powders after sells the Satellite Takedown, AJ checks on him and we go to commercial.
Back from commercial, Octagon is lighting up KC’s chest with overhand chops, he perches, Sunset Headscissor Flip from corner to corner, KC tries to Back Drop him but Octagon does a headstand, kicks KC away and lays him out with a high spot. AJ gets on the apron to stop Octagon from running the ropes, the referee has a stroke or something because he stops paying attention and AJ pulls Octagon out of the ring and chucks him. KC with the Tope con Hilo and tag (tag ropes haven’t mattered since the 80s we all know this). So AJ is getting taunted by the crowd in Spanish, but he’s manhandling Octagon since it looks like a Child fighting their parent. AJ knocks off Chavo and Laredo, Laredo pops up and tries to get involved but he’s caught on the shoulders, Octagon goes for the Crossbody but gets caught and AJ pulls off “World’s Strongest Wasteland” but Chavo breaks up the pinfall. AJ throws Octagon into the corner, Tennessee Whiskey, and tag out to KC. KC hits a few moves, but starts to lose the momentum until he connects with a Super Kick. Simultaneous rope run into the Dueling Crossbodies, so we get the timely tag outs from both sides. Kaz and Laredo come in, Laredo lands like two moves before Kaz hits a Sole Butt, Lariat and eats his lunch. KC and Kaz try to double team Laredo but he fights out and the crowd is chanting for Chavo.
Chavo tags in, and he’s rocking KC, Saito Suplex, Low Bridge to AJ, Reverse the Whip so Chavo goes to the corner and perches, KC feeds, Chavo Backflips to safety, rolls through and lays out KC. Chavo is feeling himself, 3 Amigos start on KC but only 2, Kaz comes in and Chavo switches to Kaz for the Amigos, only 2 again before AJ breaks it up. AJ goes for the disrespect, but Chavo counters and hits the 3 Amigos on the biggest Culero. Aztec Warriors dive to stop AJ and Kaz, KC tries a Dirty Victory Roll but Chavo kicks out. GORY BOMB into FROG SPLASH!
Chavo looked fantastic and he’s the one in the best shape in the ring. I wouldn’t be mad at more Chavito.
Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich
I expect very little from this match.
Collar and Elbow, gator rolling for the first 30 seconds or so, then Jacy goes to some Hair Pull takedowns and does a little taunt before Masha pops back up and hits a Lariat into a Dive. Jacy sells it like she’s really hurt, even the ref tries to hold Masha back a little before Masha gets annoyed and just grabs her, Masha throws her in, looks for a Dive and Jacy sees it and powders. Masha tries to go back to the well for the Dive again but Jacy hits the Uppercut and then an Apron Run PK to drop Masha. Forearms rain down into a Foot Choke as Jacy continues to arrogantly play to the crowd. Another Foot Choke into a Cannonball, and near fall.
Masha gets space with a Sole Butt, tries to snap off Requiem but Jacy fights off, fights through a Sunset Flip another effective PK keeps Masha on her ass. Jacy looks for a kinda half-assed Camel Clutch as Masha is fighting up, but Jacy runs her into the corner, gets distracted mouthing off to the crowd, so Masha recovers, 5 Hole Up Kick sends Jacy into the corner, Yakuza Kick into Capo Kick for two. Requiem attempt again, but Jacy pushes off, a little back and forth, Masha tries a Backslide but Jacy gets away and hits a V-Trigger but only a 2 count. Jacy looks for the Discus Punch but Masha ducks it, they strike back and forth, but some dodges from both leave the exchange more even. Jacy with the Front Kick to the face sends Masha to the outside. Jacy wants another PK, but Masha blocks, Electric Chair Apron Snake Eyes. Masha throws her in, a PK into a near all. Requiem attempt 3, and thwarted from Jacy with a Superkick into a Neckbreaker. Senton misses from Jacy, Buzzsaw Kick, into Spinning Back Kick and Russian Death Device for the win.
Better than I expected, and Tessa attacks as soon as the bell rings. Xia Brookside and Lei Ying Li make the save after Tessa grabs the belt.
Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin
Ace and Eric tie up, World of Sport start but as soon as Ace starts to get away EY punches him in the face. Eric looks at the camera and says “This is what trust looks like”, turns his back on Ace, when Ace looks to attack, the loser duo cut him off. EY takes advantage of the weird situation, but Ace with some Up and Over quick spots, into an Inside Cradle and La Magistral. EY kicks out of the quick flash attempts, but eats a Dropkick, and Ace goes all Speed Kils on him with fast strikes and then a face buster for another near fall. Strike spot very early in the match, Ace gets the best of it, goes for a Tear Drop Suplex but EY sits on it to block, Headlocks to keep him close and then a snap Lariat into beatdown bully tactics. EY takes the referee’s attention and one of the nerds punch Ace in the face.
Eric tries to lean on Ace, but Ace fires, a few strikes, Click Click Boom, the Miz Seated Lariats in the corner, Mochizuki Triangle Kick connects! Only a 2 count, but Ace seems to be in control. Ace puts EY on the ropes, a few strikes to keep him rocked, wants a Superplex, but EY blocks, bites the face and Macho Elbow gets a very close two count. EY tries the Piledriver but Ace turns it into a Jacknife Cradle,Spinning Heel Kick, calls for The Fold, but the losers hop on the apron to distract, Ace attacks them. Ace tries to time out the Triangle Kick again, but Eric dodges, throws Ace head first through the buckles. As Ace stumbles out of the corner, Piledriver, and it’s over.
Oh look it’s the “we’ll hear from Joe Hendry” segment. Again, I’ve loved this gimmick since Day 1, even didn’t hate his What Culture Pro stuff, but there is such a thing as milking a cow too much.
Elijah interrupts the whole “Who’s next” speech. When Elijah comes out he says he’s not the challenger and he believes in Joe. The crowd wants Elijah to turn on Hendry. Elijah pauses for a moment, and starts proving his friendship with stating his favorite color and a little “You Got a Friend in Me”. The crowd is into singing along and waving their cameras like Lighters to a 30 year old song. THANKFULLY Kaz breaks up the hug fest. Now he gets the “Culero” chant.
Kaz pulls out a Bass…what the hell is this Jam Session. Kaz has to warm up so he plays “La Cucaracha” on the bass. Kaz…is a national treasure. Hendry kicks Kaz out of the ring after his Heelish and playfully racially charged song choices. Kaz tries to sow dissension, but Joe and Elijah pinball Kaz between them. Kaz slips a power move and tries to shove Elijah into Joe but Elijah puts the brakes on, a small tense moment. But then Joe and Elijah play “Nah Nah Nah Nah, Hey Hey, Goodbye”…and that goes right into a commercial. Oddly…perfect.
Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater
Nic shoots the half immediately for a flash pinfall but Leon kicks out at one. Nic continues to keep things grounded with his amateur wrestling skills, and then does a little Dolph Ziggler show off. So Nic isn’t really taking this seriously, and Leon starts getting the best of things with an Arm Wringer, into drag, Shoulder Tackle and rope run as Nic tries to Leap Frog and Leon puts on the brakes and just shoves Nic on his ass. Nic gets annoyed, a few strikes, grinds his face along the ropes, but Leon keeps stringing some offense together, Back Handspring Elbow into his Corner con Hilo.
Ahh the classic formula of the commercial gives the heel the advantage, Twisting Suplex from Leon stops Nic’s offense momentum, right hand, Leon lifts Nic up for something, Nic slips it, kicks him in the gut, looks for the FameAsser, but Leon catches him into a Blue Thunder Bomb variation. Slater wants the Swanton 450, but Nic powders. Leon tries to adjust into a Dive, but Nic cuts him off, counter for counter and a FameAsser out of the counters for a two count. Nic starts the big brother tactics, bootwashes and arrogance, Slater fires, punches into a Yakuza Kick. Leon wants another Lethal Injection variant, but Nic catches him into a Rear Naked Choke. Slater tries to turn it into a pin so Nic breaks it. Leon wants a Leg Lariat but misses and gets unceremoniously dropped by Nic. Nic puts Leon up on the buckles, Superplex possibly but Slater counters, tries to collect himself for a move, but Nic falls into the ropes to crotch Leon, and finally hits the Superplex.
Twist of Slate from Leon, Swanton 450 but knees get up. Locomotion Cradles from both but they kick out, Ryan picks the ankle to trip up Leon just a touch and then Danger Zone ends the match.
Ryan starts the post match beatdown, but the Hardy’s music hits and they come down to the ring for the save. Matt challenges the Nemeths for Rebellion because they’re not medically cleared yet.
Overall Score: 6.5/10
Decent story motion, no match was offensive, and there was actually some solid match action for television standards. I don’t have a ton to complain about aside from the Knockouts Division is in a weird spot, and giving Hendry a lot of just talking and hollow payoff segments feels stupid. If we need to hear from him every week, give him a talk segment like Highlight Reel or something. Yes I know First Class just got The Penthouse, but if Hendry is going to talk more than wrestle, give him a talk segment for us to sink our teeth into.
There was the announcement that Xia, Lei Ying and Masha will face Tessa, Jacy and a mystery partner. So you gotta wonder if there’s going to be another NXT mercenary, a surprise return or if it’ll just be Rosemary since she’s got her issues with Xia. Also I just realized that Unbreakable is going to be on a Thursday, seemingly after iMPACT? I’m gonna have to see how they do it, because if there’s an Impact episode and 2-3 hour PLE…I do not want to be awake until 1am. People need to work, and I will be Unwakeable if things go that long.
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TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
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