Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (2/20/23)
Raw is about respect!
Will The Now really be forever?
Austin Theory is STILL United States Champion after Elimination Chamber, but now things get Rated R as EDGE comes after the title!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Sami Zayn VS Baron Corbin; Sami wins.
- Mustafa Ali VS Dolph Ziggler; Ali wins.
- Asuka VS Nikki Cross; Asuka wins.
- Seth Rollins VS The Miz; Rollins wins.
- Bronson Reed VS Chad Gable w/ Otis; Bronson wins.
- WWE United States Champion: Austin Theory VS Edge; Theory wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Sami Zayn is here!
Fans fire up as the Honourary Hab, the Great Liberator, and the man who would have beaten Roman Reigns if not for The Bloodline as he heads to the ring. Sami grabs a mic and fans chant his name as the spotlight is on him. Fans then sing, “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~! OLE~, OLE~!” for him, too. Sami says, “Wow. I’m feeling a lot of feelings here, guys. After these past couple of days, the one feeling that comes to the front more than anything is gratitude. The ovation I’ve been given these past couple of days, and the ovation you guys just gave me just now, you have no idea what means to me. Thank you. Seriously, thank you so much.”
Fans chant, “You Deserve It!” and Sami is touched. Sami says that for him just as much as everyone, another thing he’s feeling is, after coming so close to putting a bow on a storybook ending in front of his hometown, he feels a lot of guilt. He feels like he let people down. Fans say “NO! NO! NO!” because he hasn’t let anyone down. Fans even chant “We Still Love You!” Sami says people told him to “finish the story,” but he didn’t, and after the last few days, he realized now more than ever, “around here, the story is NEVER over! However, we are entering the final chapter. And the final chapter is not just about me. So there’s one person that I do need to talk to more than anybody else.
“So Kevin Owens…! I would love it if you came out here right now.” Fans cheer that, and here comes KO! The Prizefighter joins his best frenemy in the ring, fans cheer him on now, and Kevin gets a mic. Sami says, “There was so much I wanted to say to you, and now that you’re standing here, I don’t know what I want to say. I wanna say… I wanna say thank you, I guess. I wanna say I’m sorry. But I know we’re kinda passed the point of words at this point, right? Let’s be honest, things got a little messy, right? There’s a lot that you said, that I said, that was done here that I don’t know if there’s any coming back from. I know, I know.
“But here’s the thing, Kevin. For months and months, you said there is only one thing that you care about, and that is taking down The Bloodline. And I know you better than anything, when you get something in your head, nothing stops you from doing it. But here’s the thing, Kevin. Now I have a mission. I will make sure, if it’s the last thing I do, I will not rest ’til I see with my own eyes that Roman Reigns and the Bloodline come crumbling down! But here’s the thing. You couldn’t do it alone. And I couldn’t really do it alone. But I do think that there’s only way to get it done. And that is if we do it… together!” Fans love the sound of that!
Kevin seems a bit surprised, and he says he doesn’t need an apology or gratitude. Saturday, what he did, it had nothing to do with Sami. Kevin didn’t do it for Sami, he did it for HIS family. Saturday, they were in the front row. But at the Royal Rumble, they were at home. And Sami stood there and watched it happen. Kevin needed the Bloodline to hurt. Kevin did it for Sami’s family so that his wife, children, father wouldn’t have to watch Sami get beat down! That’s why! Kevin has been fighting The Bloodline for months, on his own. As far as he’s concerned, that’s fine, and that’s the way he will keep fighting them.
Because Kevin still means what he said in November after Survivor Series about being done with Sami. But guess what? If Sami needs help taking them down, then just ask Jey. Kevin drops the mic and leaves while fans boo. Sami watches Kevin go but isn’t upset. Will Sami have to do things on his own, too?
But wait! BARON CORBIN ATTACKS! Corbin throws Sami around as Raw goes picture in picture! Corbin fires off hands, throws Sami into railing, then CLUBS away against barriers! Fans boo and give thumbs down but Corbin throws more hands. Corbin throws Sami back into railing, then tot he floor. Referees hurry on stage to stop Corbin but he goes back for more! Corbin rains down fists, refs back him off, but Sami gets up to go after Corbin! Sami returns fire with furious fists! Corbin trips and falls but gest right back up to CLOBBER Sami! Corbin hobbles but he drags Sami up. Security and officials rush out but Corbin still wants more!
Corbin whips Sami into the LEDs! Sami falls over, Corbin stands over him, but refs tell him to leave. Corbin storms down the ramp to ringside. Corbin soaks up the heat as he walks around the ring, then he gest in the ring. Raw returns to single picture as Corbin has the mic to ask, “How’d that feel?” Corbin says Sami interrupted him to cry about his insecurities, thinking he didn’t deserve to be in the same ring as Roman Reigns. Corbin says Sami didn’t, and Corbin should know, because Corbin is the last person to beat Roman Reigns! Roman embarrassed Sami in front of his family and friends, and tonight was pathetic.
Sami begged his “so-called best friend,” Kevin Owens. Sami wants to get at Corbin but Adam Pearce holds him back. Corbin says Sami’s story is done! Sami embarrassed himself, his hometown, and ALL of Canada! Because Sami is a complete and utter failure! Sami talks with Pearce, Pearce gives Sami the green light! Sami gets in the ring and TACKLES Corbin! Sami rains down fists, Corbin pushes him away, but Sami clotheslines Corbin out of the ring! A ref gets in the ring, this is a match!
Sami Zayn VS Baron Corbin!
The bell rings, Corbin gets up and Sami BLASTS him! Sami goes out to SMACK Corbin off the desk! Fans fire up with Sami and he POSTS Corbin! Sami puts Corbin back in the ring, runs corner to corner, but Corbin bails out! Fans boo but Corbin shoulders in then CLOBBERS Sami! Corbin rains down fists, then rips Sami’s shirt off him. Corbin drags Sami back up and he makes the world look at the bruises and scrapes from Eliminating Chamber’s title match. Corbin CLUBS Sami, shoves him to ropes and CLUBS him again! Corbin stands Sami up, ROCKS him, then shoves him, only for Sami to DECK Corbin!
Sami fires off hands now and whips Corbin to a corner. Corbin reverses, runs in, Sami dodges and Corbin hits buckles! Sami goes up top, for a FLYING- NO, choke grip to CHOKE SLAM BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Sami is still in this as Raw goes back to picture in picture.
Sami bails out of the ring but clutches his back. Corbin goes out after Sami, drags him up, and RAMS him into barriers! The front row cheers Sami on but Corbin puts him in the ring. Corbin stalks Sami, stands over him, then drags him up by his beard! Corbin puts Sami in the corner, whips him corner to corner hard, and Sami bounces off buckles to fall to the mat. Corbin looms over Sami, drags Sami back up, and CLUBS him back down! Corbin CLUBS Sami again, and again, and again, driving his elbow into the bruised back! Sami crawls to a corner, Corbin is on him again and puts him up top.
Corbin throws hands, climbs up after Sami, and he throws hands. Sami hits back with haymakers! Sami CLUBS Corbin, Corbin falls off the corner! Sami adjusts, leaps, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Corbin is still in this, but Sami grits his teeth as he stands. Sami hobbles, but Corbin RAMS him into a corner! Corbin drags Sami around, stomps him, then tells the ref to back off. Corbin runs to SPLASH! And then Corbin hauls Sami up to a Canadian Rack! Raw returns to single picture as Sami endures the backbreaker stretch! Fans rally, Sami fights free, and he elbows Corbin from the corner! Corbin comes back, but into a BOOT!
Sami goes up again, leaps, FLYING ELBOW! Sami goes up another corner, leaps again, another FLYING ELBOW! Ottawa fires up, but Corbin throws body shots! Sami blocks the bomb, wrenches out to kick low, and he goes up and up and FLYING DDT!! Cover, TWO!! Corbin survives but Sami keeps his focus. The fans rally behind him, but Corbin throat chops! Corbin whips, but Sami holds ropes! Sami dumps Corbin out, then builds speed! Sami FLIES! Direct hit and Ottawa is thunderous! Sami fires up, he puts Corbin back in, and Corbin flounders to the corner. Sami aims, runs in, but into a LARIAT!
Sami flounders, but Corbin rains down elbows and forearms on his bruised back! Corbin whips, and DEEP SIX! Cover, TWO!! Sami is still in this and Corbin is shocked! Fans fire up as Sami goes to the corner again. Corbin runs in, and hits a big clothesline! Corbin runs in again, another clothesline! Corbin goes corner to corner, Sami follows, HELLUVA KICK!! Cover, Sami wins!!
Winner: Sami Zayn, by pinfall
Ottawa sings along with Sami’s song as Sami gets redemption! Will Sami’s wish come true come WrestleMania? Will The Bloodline soon fall?
Byron Saxton has a sit-down interview with Rhea Ripley & Dominik Mysterio.
He appreciates them joining him. He wants to ask about Elimination Chamber. What about it? Well, she and Finn Balor faced The Grit Couple and ultimately came up short. Rhea says the last thing she will say about Beth Phoenix is that after going toe to toe, Beth admitted Rhea is the real deal. But for her, she and Beth have unfinished business. But that’s the past, and Rhea is fully focused on WrestleMania. Then does Rhea think that loss- Dom interrupts, saying Mami just said she’s done talking about Edge & Beth. “Those has-beens are just like my deadbeat dad, they’re not worth talking about.
“And Byron, if you keep asking stupid questions, you’re gonna find out what I did to people who talked too much when I was locked up.” In that case, Byron moves to WrestleMania and the SmackDown Women’s Champion, Charlotte Flair. How does Rhea respond to Charlotte saying that three years ago, Charlotte taught Rhea a lesson, but this year, she puts Rhea in her place. “Look, Charlotte can keep living in 2020. The only reason that she wants to keep talking about what happened three years ago is because she refuses to believe what everyone else can see, and that’s that right now, in the present, I am the best bloody woman here in the WWE.
“And as for lessons being learned, the only lesson is that Rhea Ripley doesn’t make the same mistakes twice. So if Charlotte wants to ‘put me in my place’ at WrestleMania, then good. Because my place is standing on top of her crumbled queendom when I walk out of WrestleMania the new SmackDown Women’s Champion.” Byron says looking ahead, what can we expect on Friday when Rhea goes face to face with Charlotte on SmackDown? Watch and find out. Dom says Rey has a match that day. Dom will “tag along” to watch. Rhea likes that idea. Byron, we’re done here. Rhea & Dom leave, but will they leave their mark on SmackDown this weekend?
WWE shares Austin Theory’s comments from the Elimination Chamber Press Conference.
The Now retained his title inside the Chamber, though it was because Logan Paul screwed over Seth Rollins. But Theory said, “If I have a United States Championship Open Challenge this Monday on Raw, who’s gonna step up.” Well, moments later, when Edge hand his turn to speak, he accepted! Theory’s work ethic will be tested, and Edge might even kick Theory’s teeth in!
Backstage interview with Austin Theory.
Cathy Kelley brings up tonight’s title match knowing Theory retained his title in the grueling Chamber match just 48 hours ago. Theory admits he’s banged up, but he’s here like he always is. And why’s that? Because he’s the champ! He stepped inside the Chamber with five of the best in the WWE. Included in those five was Seth Freakin’ Rollins. Rollins was someone everyone said had it in the bag, and what happened? Theory put him down like he said he would. Everything Theory says happens! But what he doesn’t understand is the headline. It isn’t that Theory is the Now, Then and Forever, but that John Cena is coming back to Raw in two weeks!
Theory is upset by that. What the headline should say is, “WHO CARES?” Where’s the respect for Theory for the work he puts in every week? But he has a US Championship Open Challenge tonight that was accepted by the Rated R Superstar. And Theory loves that, because he gets to beat a WWE Hall of Famer in his home country of “crappy Canada.” After that, Theory will continue his Forever Reign right on to WrestleMania, and his legacy will stand over everyone. Theory will never lose this title! How’s that for a headline?
Mustafa Ali VS Dolph Ziggler!
The Beacon seems to be pulling a page out of the Show-Off’s playbook by constantly complaining “It should’ve been me!” But will it be Ali with a win here tonight? Or will it be Ali having to eat his words when Ziggler humbles him?
Raw returns and Ali makes his entrance. The bell rings, Ali offers a handshake and Ziggler accepts it. But then Ziggler uses it to hit a fireman’s carry takeover! Cover, TWO! Fisherman cradle, TWO! Ali gets up, swings, but misses! Ziggler DECKS Ali, DECKS him again, then whips. Ali reverses, but Ziggler ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Ali! Ali goes to a corner, but Ziggler STINGER SPLASHES! And then NECKBREAKER! Ziggler fires up and fans fire up with him as Ali goes to ropes. Ali bails out before the superkick! But Ziggler drags him up by his hair! Ali HOTSHOTS Ziggler away!
Ali hurries inside, and he CLOBBERS Ziggler in return! Ali mockingly tells Ziggler to smile and be thankful that he’s here. Ali fishhooks Ziggler’s mouth! The ref reprimands, so Ali brings Ziggler up to suplex. Ziggler slips off, shoves Ali away, but Ali goes back out to the apron! ROUNDHOUSE! Down goes Ziggler and Ali smiles. Ali aims, somersaults, and- SATELLITE DDT! Cover, TWO!! Ali survives and Ziggler grows frustrated. Ziggler kicks Ali’s leg out, runs, FAMOUS- NO, Ali handstands free! Ghost pin, ALI WINS!
Winner: Mustafa Ali, by pinfall
Even Ali seems shocked he won! Ali celebrates big time, and he seems to mock Ziggler with it. But will Ali really get back on track after this?
Backstage interview with The Miz & Maryse.
Cathy Kelley lets them finish kissing and then Maryse hurries to get an envelope. Happy anniversary! Miz thanks Maryse, and brags that her gift was too big and expensive to bring across the border. She knows, she picked it. Anyway, Miz opens the envelope and… Is this real? What does it say? Maryse says to read the room, Cathy. Miz says this is bigger than his game winning half court shot in the NBA Celebrity Game. Cathy points out it didn’t count officially. Miz says this news is not for Cathy! This is to be broken by a world-renowned journalist: MIZ. But he’ll wait for next week, because tonight is about them.
Miz & Maryse kiss again but Cathy brings up Seth Rollins. Miz says, “What do you not understand about ‘us’?” GO! BYE! THANK YOU! But Miz has a match with Rollins after back-to-back losses to Boogs- Uh, those were both very controversial wins by Boogs! But if we’re to talk about Rollins, then maybe Rollins got a little too big for his stupid red boots last week. Miz is glad Rollins was brought down to earth by Miz’s former protégé, Logan Paul. Miz molded Logan into the superstar he is today. And in a way, Miz cost Rollins his US Championship. Miz’s outstanding tutelage ruined Rollin’s WrestleMania dreams, while this (the envelope) just made his dreams come true.
Miz and Maryse kiss again and head out. Will tonight be more awesome for The Miz? Or will Rollins #BurnItDown?
Cody Rhodes is here!
Ottawa cheers as The American Nightmare has his smoke and pyro then heads to the ring. Cody gets another round of pyro, then gets the mic. Fans cheer, and Cody asks, “So…” “Ladies and gentlemen…!” Paul Heyman is via the titantron, with a neck brace on, as he introduces himself. Cody asks, “Mr. Heyman… Where are you?” Uh, right here backstage. Oh, okay. So then, Heyman should just come out here in person. Everyone wants to hear what he has to say! Fans cheer, but Heyman sputters. He isn’t sure if Cody is aware of this, but Heyman was “mauled” on Saturday by a “KO-diac, and subject to the miserable Canadian healthcare system.”
Fans boo but Heyman says what should’ve been a celebratory weekend for The Tribal Chief ended up a tragedy for the Wise Man. But Heyman assures us, “the true tragedy of this story that you want to finish will befall, sir, onto you.” Heyman has Cody stay calm and wants us to hear him out. “Cody, man to man, face as close as to willing I am to be to face, you can’t beat Roman Reigns! Oh, they can boo all they want, but let’s go on the hypothetical. Let’s play to everybody’s fantasy. Let’s say that the stars align, the gods smile upon you, the devil collects my debt. Let’s say at WrestleMania, Cody Rhodes beats the Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, for these championships.
“Then, sir, what will your life be like? Have you ever heard the phrase, ‘indentured servitude?'” Heyman knows that we’re thinking Roman doesn’t live that life. But that’s because Roman has a Special Counsel. Roman has The Wise Man. Roman has Paul Heyman. If Cody defeats Roman for the titles, which he won’t, but if he does… Cody won’t have Paul Heyman. “So let’s do the math, playing to this notion that Cody Rhodes defeats Roman Reigns. What will your life be like? First of all, 200 days a year on the road, defending these championships. 40 to 50, let’s mark it up, 50 days a year doing charity appearances and red carpets. Now we’re at 250.
“Thirty days a year overseas promoting the general brand of World Wrestling Entertainment. Now we’re at 280. Another 20 days promoting WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Survivor Series, Royal Rumble, Money in the Bank, Backlash, I don’t know, Peoria! Oh, let’s not forget to promote your title defenses in Peoria. Now that’s 300, 305 days a year, that means 60 days at home. And what happens to those 60 days? 20 of them, Spike calls? Skype calls? What do you call ’em? Zoom calls, promoting the product, meetings.
“What did your brother Dustin so famously say? The American Dream, Dusty Rhodes, was one the road, he was never home. And even when he was home, he was never home. Is that the life you want for your wife and child? Is that what you want for your family, Cody? Is that the sacrifice that you’re willing to make for these titles?! I know what you’re thinking. I’m about to say something really vile and vulgar and contemptible, like, ‘Hey, don’t worry, Cody. On a cold winter night, Roman Reigns will keep your wife warm.’ I would never say something like that. Roman Reigns is a happily married man. But I’m not!”
Fans boo Heyman going there, but Heyman assures Cody that that is when he finds out his WrestleMania dreams are going to become his own personal nightmares. Heyman “drops the mic” by taking off the lapel mic, and Cody paces as he tries to contain his feelings. Fans cheer Cody on, and Cody says, “Damn! Roman Reigns is great. You’re great, Roman. But I have seen this play before. Do not send this man again. We haven’t come face to face yet, we probably will and it’ll probably be very soon. And I will say the same thing to you now that I’m going to say then.
“You are without a doubt the greatest WWE Undisputed Universal Champion in the history of the company. You are the current bets champion in all of sports. But it doesn’t change a damn thing! I HAVE to finish the story! I beat you at WrestleMania!” Fans fire up as Cody does a REAL mic drop! Will the American Nightmare only be a nightmare for the Head of the Table?
Asuka VS Nikki Cross!
The Empress of Tomorrow is poised for WrestleMania and the Raw Women’s Championship after winning the Elimination Chamber match, but she isn’t just going to rest on her laurels! Will the Loony Lass not be ready for Asuka?
Raw returns and Nikki makes her entrance. The bell rings and the two circle, but here comes Bianca Belair! Both Asuka and Nikki watch The EST struts out with the title to join commentary. Nikki and Asuka rush each other, Nikki dodges a kick to throw Asuka by her hair! Nikki rains down fists then sits Asuka up to smile. Asuka shoves Nikki away but Nikki CHOPS! Asuka snarls, things speed up, Asuka avoids the crossbody to SLIDING KICK! Asuka then stands Nikki up for knee after knee! Nikki blocks the suplex to put Asuka up on the ropes. Asuka slips off, avoids Nikki’s shoulder, and KICKS away on her in the ropes!
Asuka grins as she brings Nikki out, but Nikki pushes her away. But Asuka hits a POP-UP KNEE! Nikki staggers back, Asuka kicks, but Nikki ducks! Asuka hits only post! Nikki dragon sleepers, for a REVERSE DDT to the apron! Nikki grins and Asuka writhes while Raw goes picture in picture.
Nikki drags Asuka off the apron to THROW her into the barriers! Nikki tells everyone to stay down, then she refreshes the ring count. Nikki drags Asuka up, POSTS her, then fires up as she goes to commentary. Nikki messes with Kevin Patrick, then puts Asuka back in the ring. Cover, TWO! Nikki is upset but Asuka kicks her from below. Nikki CLUBS Asuka down, brings her up, and whips, only for Asuka to reverse. Asuka runs in to back elbow! Asuka CLUBS away on Nikki, bumps her off buckles, then brings her around to bump off more buckles! The ref counts, Asuka lets off, but then just brings Nikki to another corner.
Nikki hits back and she bumps Asuka off buckles! Nikki brings Asuka in and turns her for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Nikki still grins and she drags Asuka back up. Nikki RAMS into Asuka at the ropes, but Asuka hits back. Nikki CLUBS her down, but Asuka kicks her. Nikki grinds her forearms into Asuka’s face, covers, TWO! Nikki keeps on Asuka with an armlock, wraps it up a into a top wristlock, but Asuka endures. Nikki thrashes around, Bianca even rallies for Asuka, and Asuka throws body shots. Asuka is free but Nikki throat chops! Nikki stomps a mudhole, then tells the ref to back off. Nikki whips Asuka corner to corner but Asuka goes up and MISSILE DROPKICKS!
Both women are down, Raw returns to single picture, and fans rally up. Asuka and Nikki both stand up, and they both run in! Asuka dodges to KICK, KICK and URAKEN! URAKEN! SOBAT! URAKEN! BOOT! ROUNDHOUSE! HEEL KICK! Fans fire up and Asuka GERMAN SUPLEXES! Asuka holds on, she brings Nikki back up, another GERMAN SUPLEX! Asuka drags Nikki up again, GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Nikki escapes but Asuka grins. Nikki goes to the apron, flops to the floor, but Asuka runs in to slide, only to fall for the apron skirt trap! Nikki fires off on Asuka, then lets off as the ref counts.
The ring count climbs but Nikki puts Asuka in at 6 of 10. Nikki climbs, but Asuka ROCKS her first! Asuka climbs up, bumps Nikki off buckles, and then brings Nikki around to SUPER DDT!! Cover, TWO!!? Nikki survives and even Bianca’s surprised. Asuka and Nikki go forehead to forehead and they throw forearms! Fans fire up, Asuka gets the edge, and she KICKS Nikki in the chest! And KICKS again! And again! Nikki slaps herself and fires up, but Asuka KICKS her down! Nikki sits up, ducks the buzzsaw, and fireman’s carries! But Asuka slips off, shoves Nikki away, ROUNDHOUSE! Chicken wing!
Nikki flails, fireman’s carries, and MICHINOKU DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!!! Asuka survives and Nikki is furious! Nikki drags Asuka up, but Asuka wrenches out, TAKEDOWN into the RINGS OF SATURN!! Nikki grins but she verbally quits, Asuka wins!
Winner: Asuka, by submission
Even Bianca applauds that win, and then she joins Asuka in the ring. Fans fire up seeing champion and challenger stare down, and Bianca holds up the title. Fans cheer as they both point to the WrestleMania sign, but then Asuka spits up the blue liquid! Only Asuka is smiling now. Is Bianca not going to be ready for Asuka when they meet on the Grandest Stage of Them All?
Backstage interview with Carmella.
Cathy brings up how Asuka is the one going to challenge Bianca, has the Fabulous Princess given any thought to her own Road to WrestleMania? Mella says Elimination Chamber was just two days ago, okay? So no, she hasn’t thought up a whole new game plan in just 48 hours. But what she has thought of is Asuka. “That little freak thinks she can mess with the Moonwalking, Trash-talking Princess of Staten Island? I don’t think so. So I’m about to make Bianca’s Road to WrestleMania super easy when I return one hell of a receipt to Asuka. Because Mella, is, money!” Mella heads out, and then Cathy spots Seth Rollins.
Rollins seems in a good mood considering everything that happened with Logan Paul. Does he care to comment? “Two times now, Logan Paul has ruined my WrestleMania plans. And he thinks this is a game, he wants to hit me with my own move, he wants to get on social media and call me a clown! HAHAHAHAHA! Well, Logan! Joke’s on you. See, Logan may not be very familiar with a certain side of me, but anyone who has gotten in my way knows that side all too well. I’m going to find Logan Paul, and I’m going to hurt Logan Paul.” But since Logan isn’t here, the man who wants to take credit for Logan’s success, The Miz, seems like the perfect surrogate for the suffering.
Rollins laughs his way to gorilla, will he be the only one laughing after he burns it down?
MVP speaks.
“Brock Lesnar. You, sir, are a coward. You realized that you couldn’t escape Bobby Lashley’s Hurt Lock, so you got yourself disqualified at the Elimination Chamber.” Omos is there with MVP, and MVP says the Nigerian Giant is issuing a challenge to face Lesnar at WrestleMania! Lesnar can show up next week to officially accept, “if you have the intestinal fortitude.” Will the Beast have more than enough courage to come back and conquer Omos?
Seth Rollins VS The Miz!
The Visionary was perhaps goaded into insulting Logan Paul by the Hollywood A-Lister, but will he add insult to injury when he takes out the man who brought the ImPAULsive Influencer to the WWE? Or will The Miz hit his shot like he technically did at the NBA Celebrity Game?
The bell rings while fans sing “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Rollins then CLOBBERS Miz! And fires off in the corner! The ref counts, Rollins lets off with stomps, and Miz bails out. Fans fire up as Rollins goes out the side and storms up, but Miz kicks low! Rollins blocks the desk bump to SMACK Miz off the desk! And then Rollins THROWS Miz into barriers! Fans fire up while the ring count climbs. Rollins puts Miz in at 5 of 10 and he slides in. Fans sing more as Rollins stands on Miz’s back. Rollins fishhooks Miz and then hits crossface forearms! Miz crawls away, Rollins runs in and clotheslines Miz up and out!
Fans fire up more as Rollins builds speed! Rollins WRECKS Miz and Miz goes flying over the desk! Fans fire up as Miz crawls out from the armchairs. Rollins storms up, Miz hurries into the ring and uses the ref as a shield! Kick to the legs, BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO! Miz is in control now as Raw goes picture in picture.
Rollins bails out, Miz catches his breath, and then Miz runs to WRECK Rollins! Rollins hits barriers, Miz mocks the fans singing, and Miz drags Rollins back up. Miz puts Rollins in, climbs a corner, and Miz leaps to AX HANDLE! Cover, TWO! Miz keeps cool but the fans keep singing. Rollins stands up while Miz tells fans to shut up. Rollins ROCKS Miz with haymakers! And CHOPS! Rollins whips, Miz reverses and kitchen sink knees! Then Miz runs to BASEMENT BOOT! Cover, TWO! Miz JAMS his knee into Rollins’ back and pulls on the arms. Rollins endures the stretch and fights up to his feet to turn things around on Miz!
Rollins stretches Miz but Miz turns things around onto Rollins. Miz even digs his boot into Rollins’ back to add onto the stretch. Rollins still fights back up, throws elbows, then swings, into the BACKBREAKER and NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Miz’s A-List Combination wasn’t enough, but he CHOKES Rollins on the ropes! The ref counts, Miz runs side to side to STRADDLE ATTACK! Miz paces around Rollins with a smirk, and Raw returns to single picture. Miz points to Rollins, fans cheer. Miz holds up his hands for himself, the fans boo. Miz verifies that by doing it all again, and yes, fans cheer Rollins and boo Miz.
Rollins stands, he throws body shots, and then he throws haymakers! Rollins CHOPS, runs, but Miz kitchen sink- ROLL-UP! TWO!! Rollins CHOPS again, and again, then whips! Miz reverses and Rollins hits buckles hard! Miz KICKS Rollins but fans taunt him with “TINY BALLS!” Miz KICKS more, then goes to the far corner. Fans boo, Miz runs in, but into a LARIAT! Fans fire up while both men are down! Fans sing again, Miz crawls to ropes and stands up. Miz swings, but Rollins counter punches him! And again! Rollins ROCKS, CHOPS and repeat on Miz! The ref counts as they end up on ropes, Rollins whips but Miz reverses, only for Rollins to CLOBBER Miz!
Rollins rallies on Miz, mule kicks and front kicks to then ROLLING ELBOW! Fans fire up with Rollins and he drags Miz up. Suplex, but Miz slips free to roll Rollins. Rollins rolls through to SUPERKICK! Fans fire up again and Rollins aims from the corner. Miz avoids the stomp but Rollins kicks low! Underhooks, but Miz trips Rollins! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Sunset flip, TWO! Miz pushes Rollins to a corner, runs in, but into a BOOT! Rollins goes up but Miz trips him, for a DRAPING CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Rollins survive but Miz snarls. Fans taunt Miz more but Miz powers up. Rollins sits up, Miz full nelsons!
Rollins arm-drags free, catches Miz to a back suplex but Miz lands on his feet! Miz ducks ‘n’ dodges, BUSAIKU KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Miz admits Rollins is tough, but the fans still taunt him with “TINY BALLS!” Miz KICKS Rollins in the chest, KICKS him again, then KICKS again and again and again! Fans chant “NO! NO! NO!” but Miz reminds Rollins that Miz cost him the title. Rollins blocks the kick! ROLLING ELBOW! Rollins keeps Miz from falling over, and he fires off forearm after forearm! Then the turn, for the DREAM SMASHER ELBOW! And CURB STOMP!! Fans fire up because Rollins isn’t done there!
Rollins fires up and the fans are with him! Rollins tells “Mike” to sit up, Miz does sit up, CURB STOMP!! But Rollins still isn’t done, and many fans want that “ONE MORE TIME!” Rollins agrees, and this is the viciousness he mentioned earlier. The ref tells Rollins no, Miz is done. Rollins STILL CURB STOMPS Miz!!! The ref calls it, Rollins wins!!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by referee stoppage
The Miz was knocked out cold by Rollins’ burning anger! Fans sing for the Visionary, will Rollins make sure to “introduce” Logan Paul to this side?
Carmella talks with Adam Pearce.
She appreciates him taking the time since she knows he’s super busy. He wants to thank her for the positive attitude, it is refreshing. So if Mella wants to face Asuka next week, he’ll make that match. In fact, it is official. Mella thanks “honey bunny” Pearce, then she heads out. But then someone calls Pearce. It’s Chelsea Green. She knows he knows who she is, but she wants to let him know that their “awful talent relations department” seems to have sent her to Ottawa, Illinois instead of Ottawa, Canada. How did this happen? On second thought, don’t answer that. How are they going to make this up to her?
Pearce apologizes, but next week, WWE will be in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in the US. So he will call the travel department and get this figured out. Chelsea can’t just be left here! She goes on and on but Pearce says he can’t hear her. Technical difficulties or something. Okay, see you next week. Pearce hangs up and walks on, to find The Alpha Academy posing in front of a mirror. Chad Gable wonders what “those clowns” in Maximum Male Models are missing about his look. He’s got great complexion, great physical condition. Any idiot can do modeling! But then Bronson Reed walks up. “Is this how you prepare for a match?”
Gable tells Bronson that not only is Gable a bonafide Olympian and a man with “a big, beautiful golden brain,” but Gable is also on the cusp of a very lucrative modeling career. Then get ready to model a full body cast! Otis says no one talks to Master Chad like that. Bronson chuckles and heads out. Will the Colossal Aussie crush Gable’s modeling hopes ‘n’ dreams with one Tsunami?
DING DONG, HELLO~!
Bayley returns to Raw and she’s brought her friends in Damage CTRL, Dakota Kai & Iyo Sky! Bayley says hello and welcomes us to her show. She could’ve called it, “Ding Dong, Bonjour,” but she takes that back cuz these fans are booing. But since we’re in Canada, she didn’t wanna come and could’ve stayed home to sulk over not getting into the Elimination Chamber match like she deserves. But since in Canada, today is Family Day, Bayley decided to pick herself up and spend today with her family, DMG CTRL! Bayley hugs Kai & Sky and says they know how much she loves them. “But these idiots don’t know how to love you! these idiots don’t love you the way that I do!”
Bayley says Kai & Sky are so underappreciated, so that’s why she has them on her show. So to the questions! First, Dakota. “How does it feel to be the greatest Women’s Tag Team Champions of all time?” Kai says that is an amazing question, and she says she and Sky wouldn’t be here without Bayley, their “fearless leader” and beloved Role Model. That is why Kai & Sky have completely dominated for over 100 days! They’ve been on every show, beaten the likes of Alexa Bliss, Asuka, Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, and even The Man, Becky Lynch. And they will dominate for another 100, and another 100, and-
WAIT! Here comes The Man! Ottawa just entered the Big Time, but Bayley is upset Becky is interrupting her show! Becky says “Greatest tag team champions, she calls them. It’s been nine full moons cycles since the last time you defended those titles! No, no, no, no. Those titles are getting dusty! There’s cobwebs in them titles! There’s probably some spiders living in there. You two, you’re not gonna get to just sit on those titles and coast to WrestleMania.” Becky has a plan: she wants to take those titles into WrestleMania! Fans fire up for that, but DMG CTRL laughs. Becky is a joker. With who? Her daughter? HA! Becky’s got no friends!
Becky says she’s not sure her daughter is ready for this level of awesomeness, but there is someone Becky is thinking of. LITA!! Fans fire up as the legend returns again! DMG CTRL freaks out as Becky & Lita head to the ring! Bayley refuses to let them interrupt her show, unless they use the door! Lita knocks, but then Bayley says they’re not welcome. Becky still steps through. What’s Lita even doing here? Becky must be desperate if she’s bringing her around! But fans chant for Lita nice and loud! Bayley waits for them to calm down, and asks Lita if she remembers the last time they were in the ring together. They tried to end each other! Can they even trust each other?
Becky tells Bayley not to even try that, she already apologized to Lita. Becky admits she gets a bit “Gollum-y” when titles are concerned. Lita says Gollum is kinda cute in a goofy way. But they’re both past all that. But Bayley has a good point: Lita has her eyes set on a fifth title run. But if Lita can’t get that title against Becky, she likes the idea of walking into Mania as a tag team champ. Fans like that, too! Lita tells Kai & Sky, “This is an official challenge for a tag team title match!” Bayley says those two are not even CLOSE to being worthy against two of the best.
Well, Lita is a Hall of Famer and a four-time champion while Becky won the first women’s main event at Mania. They’re two of the greatest ever, that’s enough! And maybe, if Kai & Sky are the greatest, they should want to prove it. So what’s the problem here? They are the greatest! Then they should defend the titles, right? Unless… Are they scared? Are they? Bayley says they’re not scared, Kai & Sky accept!! But then Kai & Sky ask Bayley what she’s doing! Bayley says it’ll be fine, but then Becky & Lita literally snatch the belts away! Fans fire up as Becky and Lita say they’re the future champs!
Bayley steps up, the titles are thrown at her! DMG CTRL is literally on their heels, and Bayley might’ve just bitten off more than the team can chew! Will Lita & Becky make WrestleMania in Hollywood even bigger?
Backstage interview with Candice LeRae.
Byron says coming out of Elimination Chamber, do we have an injury update on her husband, Johnny Gargano? Candice says Johnny got pretty banged up, and the Chamber is definitely one of the most brutal matches in the WWE. But she assures us that… Wait, Nikki walks over. Candice won’t let her stalk her anymore, and she wants to know why. Nikki tries to squirrel away, but Candice keeps her there. Candice says she has a match against Piper Niven to worry about, she can’t focus on that and Nikki always popping up. Just tell her why! Nikki is sheepish, mumbles something, but then she runs off.
Candice is confused, but what did Nikki say? That all her friends are gone and she’s alone. Candice gets back to Johnny. Johnny will be back, but she has to go. Was Nikki just wanting to be Candice’s friend this whole time?
Bronson Reed VS Chad Gable w/ Otis!
It took just about everyone else in the Men’s Elimination Chamber to eliminate the Colossal Aussie, will even the big brain of “Master Gable” fail to stop him? Or will Gable have a plan for avoiding the Tsunami?
Raw returns and Bronson makes his entrance. The bell rings, Gable shoots around to headlock but Bronson powers out and CLOBBERS Gable! Gable flounders out of the ring, Otis coaches him, but Bronson goes to the apron. FLYING SHOULDER! Otis coaches Gable more but Bronson stares him down. Fans fire up for these mirror images staring down, but Bronson puts Gable in the ring. Bronson bumps Gable off buckles, CLOBBERS him, then looms over him. Bronson drags Gable back up, whips him to a corner hard, and Gable bounces off buckles! Bronson then goes up as Gable stands, for a FLYING- NO! ANKLE LOCK!!
Gable has Bronson’s leg, Bronson rolls and BOOTS him away! Gable fires off forearm sand uppercuts and knees! Gable CHOPS, runs, but Bronson reels him in to CLUB him! Bronson back suplexes, Gable lands on his feet to waistlock, and he manages to lift Bronson!? Bronson elbows free, Gable runs and Gable runs Bronson over! Bronson goes up top, to DIVING HEADBUTT! Cover, ONE!! Bronson is still in this, but Gable runs, into a LARIAT! Otis looks and sees Maxxine Dupri in the crowd. Maxxine waves hi, but Bronson gets Gable up! Gable slips out of the bomb to ROCK Bronson with a forearm!
Gable staggers to a corner, Bronson runs in but Gable dodges! GERMAN SUPLEX?!?! Bridging cover, TWO!!! Fans fire up as Bronson bails out,. Otis talks with Maxxine about the modeling but Gable tries to get his attention. Bronson returns to SPLASH Gable in the corner! Whip and POWERSLAM! Bronson drags Gable to the drop zone, goes up top, TSUNAMI!!! Cover, Bronson wins!
Winner: Bronson Reed, by pinfall
Otis realizes he just missed the natural disaster that demolished his coach! Will Maxxine sign “Otīs” to her stable when the Alpha Academy crumbles to the ground?
Ladies and gentlemen: Elias.
The Drifter is here and he has the mic to say, “Hello, I am Elias. Rick Boogs, I hope you’re back there taking notes right now, because this is how you do it.” Boogs is watching, and he IS taking notes! Elias says, “This is the time of the year that legends come out. This is the time of the year when stars are made. And lemme tell ya, there are no bigger stars than Elias. There’s no bigger legend than Elias. And so the question that has to be on everybody’s mind right now, and Boogs, you better be back there taking notes, is this: Who wants to Walk With Elias at WrestleMania?” Ottawa seems pretty fired up.
Elias wants someone to show up to stand center stage on the Grandest Stage with the Grandest Performer! But wait, here comes BOBBY LASHLEY! Elias didn’t expect the All Mighty but he gets ready for him! Lashley runs in to SPINEBUSTER Elias! Elias bails but Lashley pursues! Lashley hauls Elias up to RAM him into barriers! And then he fireman’s carries, to POST Elias! Ottawa fires up as Lashley drags Elias up again, puts him in the ring, and then SPEARS!! But Lashley isn’t done, he clamps on the HURT LOCK!! Elias taps but that won’t save him! Lashley TOSSES Elias away, then gets the mic.
“Everybody has a plan until I slap that Hurt Lock in. This past weekend, I put Brock Lesnar in the Hurt Lock. And Brock Lesnar panicked, and he had to resort to a low blow. Not Brock Lesnar, not Bray Wyatt, not Elias, nobody in that locker room breaks the Hurt Lock. So know I will not be disrespected by nobody in this locker room. If you disrespect me, I will put you down.” The All Mighty has spoken! Will all fall before him? Is Boogs taking notes on what not to do with an Open Challenge?
Backstage interview with Edge.
Byron congratulates the Rated R Superstar on the win he and Beth Phoenix got over Finn Balor & Rhea Ripley on Saturday. But no rest for the weary, as Edge accepted Theory’s Open Challenge. How is he feeling just moments away from this huge match? Edge is happy to put Judgment Day behind him, Beth is happy at home with their daughters, and Edge finally feels like he can get to the goals he set for himself. So when Theory issued an open challenge, Edge just had to take him up on it.
“See, Austin Theory has the physical abilities to help shape the WWE for the next two decades, just like how I helped shape the last three. But does he have the mental? That’s where our similarities end. The thing with youth is sometimes, it comes with ignorance. He talks about his Forever Reign, but nothing lasts forever. And I don’t wanna be that guy, but I’m about to be that guy. And cliches are cliches for a reason because they’re true. With age comes wisdom. More than anyone else in that locker room, I know that all of this can be taken away faster than I’m gonna smack that stupid duck face off his overly manscaped head tonight.
“Now, I haven’t held a championship here in a long time. I’ve done everything else there is to do in this business, but I haven’t held a title in a while. And we both know that window is closing more and more every day, I’m running outta time. My second match in this company was here, in 1997. I haven’t performed here in 19 years. So it’d feel pretty damn good to win it here, and walk into WrestleMania as the United States Champion. Now I know I’ve had a lot of cliches on me, Byron, but here’s one of them: Never say never.” Edge heads out, will he once again reign on this day?
WWE United States Champion: Austin Theory VS Edge!
Raw returns and Edge makes his entrance. Introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if The Now loses to the past!
The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally for Edge, he and Theory tie up, and Edge headlocks, spins, hammerlocks and trips Theory! Theory scrambles away in a huff and fans fire up for Edge again. Edge and Theory circle, tie up, and Theory headlocks. Edge powers out, hurdles, and hurdles! Fans chant “You Still Got It!” as Edge trips Theory, drags him out, and wheelbarrow SLAMS him to the floor! Edge keeps the ring count fresh as fans rally up again. Edge drags Theory up, SMACKS him off the desk, then puts him back in the ring. Theory checks his face, Edge brings him up to a headlock.
Theory powers out, hurdles, hurdles, but Edge faked him out on that one! RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover, TWO! Edge keeps focus as he watches Theory clutch his neck. Edge stalks Theory to ropes and Raw goes picture in picture.
Edge bumps Theory off buckles, throws haymakers, then whips corner to corner hard! Theory bounces off buckles and falls, clutching his back. Edge drags Theory back up, to DECK him with a forearm! Theory flounders to a corner, Edge brings him up, but Theory throws hands! Theory backs Edge up, throws hands, bumps him off buckles and RAMS into him again and again! Theory tells fans to shut up, then he brings Edge back up. Theory puts Edge on ropes to fire forearms into the back! The ref counts, Theory lets off, and Edge falls tot he apron. Theory kicks Edge to the floor, then goes out after him.
Theory aims but Edge blocks the barrier bump. Edge SMACKS Theory off the barriers instead! Fans fire up as Edge follows Theory, but Theory kicks back! Edge hits back to SMACK Theory off the barriers! Edge refreshes the ring count, and RAMS Theory into barriers! Edge puts Theory in the ring, stalks him, and stomps away on him. Edge drags Theory up, whips him to ropes, but Theory kicks back! Theory runs in, but Edge tosses him up and out! Theory crashes off the apron and hits the floor! Edge goes out after Theory and brings him up for haymakers. Theory staggers, Edge pushes him back into the ring and covers, TWO!
Edge clamps right onto an arm! Theory endures the armlock, Raw returns to single picture, and Theory fights up. Theory kicks low, throws hands, and stomps away in the corner! The ref counts, Theory whips Edge corner to corner, but Edge slides out! Theory rushes out but Edge slides back in. Theory slides back in but Edge slides back out. Theory grows frustrated, he chases Edge around the ring, but Edge hits a back drop to the floor! Fans fire up as Edge gets on the apron, and FLYING LARIATS! Down goes Theory and fans fire up again! Edge puts Theory in at 6 of 10, covers, TWO! Edge wraps on a chinlock and grinds Theory down.
Theory fights up, throws hands to get free, and he LARIATS Edge! Fans boo but Theory rains down fists! Theory lets off to soak up the heat and Edge sits up. Theory stomps Edge, bumps him off buckles, then whips him corner to corner hard! Theory runs in to clothesline, then he scoops to FALL AWAY SLAM! Theory covers, TWO! Theory wraps on a chinlock and grinds Edge down. Fans rally as Edge endures but Theory says this is HIS time. Edge fights up and pries at the hold, but Theory throws him down by his head! Cover, TWO! Theory clamps the chinlock back on and he grinds Edge back down.
Edge still endures, Theory says he grew up watching Edge and now he’ll beat Edge! But Edge fights up again, fans fire up, and Edge throws body shots! Edge ROCKS Theory, ROCKS him again, then whips Theory to a corner. Edge runs in, but Theory drop toeholds him into buckles! Then somersault SHOTGUN! Cover, TWO! Theory grows frustrated but he rains down fists as Raw goes back to picture in picture.
Theory lets off on Edge, soaks up the heat from Ottawa as he mocks Edge’s rock ‘n’ roll hands, then TOSSES Edge out of the ring. Theory flexes while Edge is down on the floor. Theory grins, goes out after Edge, and he stands Edge up, only for Edge to avoid the chop! Edge turns things around and he CHOPS Theory! Theory is stinging but the fans fire up, only for Theory to POST Edge! Edge gets in the ring but Theory is right after him to cover, TWO! Theory sits Edge up, clamps on an armlock and grinds forearms into Edge’s face. Edge endures, fights up, and he pries the forearm away, only for Theory to knee low!
Theory snap suplexes Edge, covers, TWO! Theory smiles and taunts the fans. Theory talks trash about how HE is the champ, HE is The Now, and Edge is the past. Theory drags Edge up, ROCKS him with a haymaker, then pushes him around. Theory throws more hands, he DECKS Edge, then cocky covers, TWO! Theory stomps Edge down, then paces around. Raw returns to single picture and Theory stomps Edge more! “Show me something!” Fans boo but Theory drags Edge up. Theory tells fans to shut up, and he goes to suplex. Edge blocks, fans fire up, and Edge throws body shots! Theory ROCKS Edge again, then RAMS him into a corner!
Theory hoists Edge up top, throws more hands, then climbs up after him. Theory stands Edge up, but Edge blocks the superplex! Edge throws body shots, and SUPER GOURD BUSTERS Theory down! Edge then adjusts, to CROSSBODY from behind! Both men are down after what was almost a flying bulldog! Edge crawls to ropes, as does Theory. Fans rally up for Edge, he shakes out the cobwebs and sees Theory stand. Theory staggers up, into a LARIAT! Edge rallies and then FLAPJACKS! Theory swings, into the EDGE-O-MATIC! Cover, TWO! Theory survives but Edge drags him back up and reels him in!
Theory blocks the lift, throws body shots, then swings and ELBOWS! Theory fisherman’s a leg, but Edge fights that off! Edge suplexes Theory but Theory lands on the apron! Theory CLUBS then HOTSHOTS Edge! Slingshot somersault, but into a POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Theory survives again but Edge keeps his cool. Fans rally up again as Edge goes to a corner! Theory goes to the other side, Edge runs in, but Theory hurdles! Edge POSTS himself, then Theory comes in to MONKEY FLIP! Edge lands on his feet?! Theory swings, into a takedown! CROSSFACE!! Theory endures, flails, reaches out, ROPEBREAK!
The fans boo but Edge lets off as Theory survives by a literal foot. Edge storms back up, but Theory trips him! High stack, feet on the ropes! The ref sees that and fans cheer! Theory argues but Edge rolls him up! TWO and Edge hits buckles! Theory fireman’s carries! A-TOWN- NO!! IMPALER!!! Edge crawls to the cover, TWO!!! Theory survives one of Edge’s best and no one can believe it! Theory and Edge stir, fans rally up, “This is Awesome!” Edge grits his teeth, the fans are thunderous, and Edge goes back to the corner. Theory slowly rises but Edge takes aim! Only for FINN BALOR to show up! Edge DECKS Finn! And dodges Theory! Roll-up, TWO!!
The ref doesn’t see Finn GAMANGIRI! Theory fireman’s carries! A-TOWN DOWN!!! Cover, Theory wins!
Winner: Austin Theory, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)
Theory survives Edge thanks to Judgment Day’s front man! But Finn adds on by throwing down fists! Fans boo but The Prince stomps away on Edge! Finn then drags Edge to a drop zone and goes to a corner! Finn climbs up, for COUP DE GRACE!! Finn tells Edge this is far from over, this is just the beginning! Finn goes up again?! The refs tell him now, but Finn hits another COUP DE GRACE!!! And then a THIRD COUP DE GRACE!!! Finn said this was just the beginning, but did he just end the Rated R Superstar’s run in WWE?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw to follow up Elimination Chamber, and great follow-up for Sami Zayn’s part of the Bloodline story. I suppose Kevin Owens not forgiving Sami so easily makes sense, Kevin is good about keeping consistency as a character even as he turns Heel and Face. But somehow, someway, Sami will get Kevin on his side, because Kevin can never truly cut Sami out of his life. And great match from Sami and Corbin. I did like that Pearce was willing to let Sami go after Corbin after Corbin insulted Sami hard. Sami stays strong, and Corbin’s story takes an interesting turn. Maybe he’s going to be “Angry Corbin” like I imagined months ago.
Great promo segment from Cody and Heyman. I love how Heyman is selling that Stunner he got with that neck brace. And Heyman can’t help himself but to make this personal with Cody. Cody warning Roman not to have Heyman talk anymore is great, too, and actually out of the box for a feud with a manager involved. At least, I’ve never seen that. But of course Elias gets beat up daring someone to show up. I also did like that Boogs really was taking notes. Lashley rebounds from the lame finish to his match with Lesnar, but he name-dropped Bray so clearly that will still be the Mania plan.
MVP calling out Lesnar on behalf of Omos (and technically Lashley) was a surprise. Seems like a letdown from what could’ve been Lesnar VS Bray, but maybe we get an unofficial tournament of monsters? Night one: Bray VS Lashley, Lesnar VS Omos. Night two: the winners face off, which I’d assume are Bray and Lesnar. Ali VS Ziggler was rather quick but I think that works into the story they’re building. Ali was rather hilariously sarcastic with how happy he was to win, but I’m thinking this is just the first of many matches.
Asuka VS Nikki was great stuff, and Asuka creeping Bianca out was a nice touch. Nikki then showing up in a very different demeanor during Candice’s segment was interesting. Instead of Candice and Mia as a team, are we getting Candice and Nikki? Carmella had a good segment with Pearce that of course found a way to bring Chelsea Green into it. I suppose it was creative to have Chelsea somehow end up in the wrong Ottawa, though I don’t think she can blame the WWE’s various departments on this one. And I’m thinking Chelsea ends up in another match that should humble her but will only enhance her ego.
Also really fun Ding Dong Hello segment. Bayley gets goaded into something again like when Becky first challenged her to the Steel Cage match. Dakota is still selling bad leg, but she could surely be fine next week. Maybe Becky & Lita win, maybe Kai & Sky retain, but I’m just glad they’re getting the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships going again. Having the title match next week must mean something even bigger is planned for WrestleMania, so I’m sticking to thinking it’ll be a Fatal 4 Way, with contenders from every brand, including NXT since NXT will be in town for Stand & Deliver.
Fun promo from Gable, Otis and Bronson before Gable VS Bronson. Gable managing a German Suplex was awesome, but I figured Bronson would win. And Maxxine continues to court Otis, I’m pretty sure we’ll see Alpha Academy VS MMM happen, but I would also love to see Otis VS Bronson. Those guys are true hosses if I ever did see one. And honestly, it’d be a fitting move if losing to MMM and/or Bronson could be the reason Otis joins MMM and becomes “Otīs.” Not that Alpha Academy hasn’t been fun, but something’s gotta give as they’re just sitting in the midcard right now.
Really good interview promo from Rhea & Dominik, mostly on Rhea’s part. Them going to SmackDown makes sense, especially since there’s a chance the Judgment Day moves to SmackDown full time if Rhea wins the title. Dom will surely try to cost Rey his match against Karrion Kross, and that could be the moment of truth on whether or not Rey gonna whoop his son himself. Good promo from Miz & Maryse to tease something big for Miz’s WrestleMania, and I can’t possibly guess what that is. Great promo from Rollins, great match from Rollins and Miz, especially with Rollins immediately showing us what he means by hitting three Curb Stomps. Rollins is going to go ham on Logan and I’m here for it.
Great promo from Edge before a great main event match with Theory. But between Theory calling out Cena and Finn still wanting to settle things with Edge, of course Edge loses. Theory and Cena are going to have good stuff for WrestleMania, as will Edge and Finn. Edge did make a good point in his promo about running out of time before he has to retire once and for all, but I don’t know if he’ll get a title before then with how the Judgment Day story still isn’t done.
My Score: 8.6/10
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NXT has a contract signing for the TNA Championship?
Joe Hendry and Trick Williams look to settle their score, and if Trick can’t be champion of NXT, then he’ll make himself champion of TNA! But will things stay civil for the contract signing? Or will Hendry have to #WhoopDatTrick?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Oba Femi VS Charlie Dempsey w/ No Quarter Catch Crew; Oba wins.
- Tony D’Angelo VS Wes Lee w/ Tyson Dupont & Tyriek Igwe; Wes wins.
- NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Myles Borne VS Ethan Page; Myles wins and will challenge Oba Femi for the title at Battleground.
- Thea Hail VS Tatum Paxley; Thea wins, by disqualification.
- Stephanie Vaquer & Jordynne Grace VS The Fatal Influence; Vaquer & Grace win.
PLAY BY PLAY
No Quarter Catch Crew is here!
The fans cheer as Myles Borne leads the way for Tavion Heights, Wren Sinclair & Charlie Dempsey. They step into the ring and the fans cheer Myles on as he grabs the mic. “Last week, I shocked the damn world. 25 of the toughest men across NXT, LFG and Evolve, and I was the last man standing. And now, I’m going to Battleground. Now, I probably wasn’t your first pick. Or your second. Maybe not even your third. But that’s okay. I’m used to this. We’ve been dancing around this whole thing for awhile now, but I have a disability.” Fans pretend to be shocked, but Myles says he is partially deaf. It affects his speech, the way he talks, but he’ll tell you this.
Last week, when he eliminated Ethan Page AND Shawn Spears, he heard y’all go crazy! He doesn’t wanna just be known as “The Deaf Kid.” He wants to be judged by his ability, not by a disability. That is what everyone who has a disability wants. So Battleground, he’s the underdog. He’s facing a dominant champion. But he’s fighting for all the kids who are struggling with their own fight. He’ll prove that they, too, can have success! Oba Femi, Myles hopes you’re listening. Last week, they didn’t give Myles a shot, but look what happened. And May 25th, they might not be giving him a shot then either, but he’s ready to shock the world again!
The fans cheer, and Myles says he might be hard of hearing. But at Battleground, Myles will hear Mike Rome say, “AND NEW NXT CHAMPION!” But wait, here comes Ethan Page… All Ego says alright, enough with the sentimental crap. Myles might actually be worse than Ricky Saints with all his pandering to these “basic civilians.” Ethan gave Ricky a reality check, so now he’ll give Myles his. Myles won a battle royal, and won it on a fluke! A legitimate one in a million chance thing actually happened. The fans taunt Ethan with, “Myles Can’t Hear You!” Ethan says that’s probably true, sorry there’s no closed captions in real-life.
Ethan will do Myles a favor and say it slow so Myles can read his lips. “You. Can’t. Beat. Oba! You’re not on his level! You’re not on my level! Better yet, before you go to Battleground and embarrass yourself, I’ve got a better idea for you. You wanna prove to these people and yourself that you actually deserve this opportunity at this championship? Prove it. Prove it! Put the contendership on the line tonight, against me!” The fans boo but Dempsey takes over here. This is the perfect learning opportunity for Myles. Myles put Dempsey up against Oba for some advice, learn how to face Oba. Think about this: What better way to learn than to go toe-to-toe with a former NXT Champion?
Now, this is going to be the perfect fight camp! Iron sharpens iron, as they say. And Myles can silence the doubters, especially his biggest one. Myles says yeah, Charlie’s right. Challenge accepted! Ethan loves it, but here comes Ava first! The NXT General Manage has everyone dial it back. Myles, truthfully, Ava isn’t sure this is the right move. But she also sees how confident he is, and how badly he wants to prove himself. So she will allow it. Ethan Page VS Myles Borne, the contendership on the line! BUT that match is later. Right now, Charlie has some business to handle. Charlie’s match with Oba Femi is right now.
Charlie almost forgot about that. The Ruler makes his way to the ring, will he make an example out of the Son of the Gentleman Villain? Or could Charlie earn himself a title match in his own right?
Oba Femi VS Charlie Dempsey w/ No Quarter Catch Crew!
The bell rings, the two tie up, and Dempsey waistlocks. Oba elbows free, then waistlocks to SLAM Dempsey down! The fans chant, “Oba’s gonna kill~ you!” but Dempsey fights up to his feet. Dempsey wrenches the arm, then facelocks, but Oba powers up to lift Dempsey! Oba puts Dempsey on the apron, the ref counts the ropebreak, and Dempsey slowly lets go. Oba shoves Dempsey down! Tavion is there to catch Dempsey and help him up. NQCC coaches Dempsey up and he storms back in, but NXT goes picture in picture.
Dempsey headlocks, Oba powers up and out, but Dempsey ducks ‘n’ dodges to RAM Oba! Oba stays up so Dempsey runs again. They RAM shoulders, Dempsey runs again, but he slides under Oba to grab a leg! Dempsey wrangles Oba to a HEEL HOOK! Oba endures, grabs at Dempsey, but Dempsey pulls on the leg. Oba crawls back and drags Dempsey along, ROPEBREAK! Dempsey lets go slowly, and Oba CHOPS him! Then CLOBBERS him! Oba looms over Dempsey, but Dempsey KICKS at a leg! Oba grabs Dempsey but Dempsey reels him into an armlock, then omoplata! Oba powers out before Dempsey can crossface!
The two reset, circle, and tie up again. Dempsey waistlocks but Oba fights the lift. Oba wrenches and RAMS shoulders! Oba holds onto Dempsey’s arm to wrench and RAM him again! Dempsey ROCKS Oba with a forearm! And UPPERCUTS! Oba blocks then DECKS Dempsey in return! Oba scoops, but Dempsey slips into a SLEEPER! Oba RAMS Dempsey into the corner, snapmares him down, then covers, TWO! Dempsey stays in this but Oba stays on him with a KNEE to the back! Oba drags Dempsey up, whips, and HIP TOSSES! Oba fires up while Dempsey flounders. NQCC coaches Dempsey but Oba hauls him up.
Dempsey counters the suplex to a cradle! TWO, and Oba BOOTS Dempsey down! Oba huffs ‘n’ puffs, then drags Dempsey up. NXT returns to single picture as Oba whips again. Dempsey KICKS Oba, UPPERCUTS him, then whips. Oba reverses but Dempsey turns hip toss into hip- NO, Oba blocks the throw! But Dempsey HEADBUTTS, then hits a headscissor takedown! Dempsey has the wristlock and headscissors together but Oba endures! The fans rally, Oba kips free, but Dempsey keeps the arm! Dempsey reels Oba into a TRIANGLE HOLD! But Oba deadlifts Dempsey! Dempsey slips into a sunset flip!
Oba stays up, drags Dempsey to his feet, then shoves him for a BACKDROP! Dempsey staggers back up to his feet and into a corner. Oba is on him but Dempsey kicks low! Dempsey wrenches the arm, CHOPS, and repeat! Dempsey wrenches for an ELBOW BREAKER, then he RAMS Oba into buckles! Oba shakes out the arm but Dempsey grabs it! Dempsey brings the arm through ropes and YANKS Oba into buckles! Oba staggers back, Dempsey hurries after a leg, and Dempsey trips Oba! Dempsey then isolates the bad arm and STOMPS it! Oba writhes but Dempsey clamps onto him. Dempsey drags Oba up, but Oba fires elbows!
The fans rally, Oba ELBOWS again, but Dempsey CLUBS Oba! Dempsey facelocks, but Oba fights the underhooks! Oba RAMS Dempsey into buckles! Dempsey KNEES Oba down! Cover, TWO! Dempsey clamps onto the arm again but Oba fights the double wristlock! Oba fights up, NQCC coaches Dempsey, but Oba scoops and SLAMS Dempsey! Oba runs to AX HANDLE but onto knees! Dempsey turns things around, and then he waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Oba survives but Dempsey grabs an arm! Oba fights the armbar so Dempsey shifts to short arm scissor on the other!
Oba endures, fights around, reaches out but then rolls back! High stack, TWO, into a deadlift and FALLING SLAM!! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Oba and Dempsey rise, and Dempsey SLAPS! Oba SLAPS! Dempsey and Oba trade forearms! Oba UPPERCUTS and Dempsey falls, only to get back up! But Oba UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS again! Oba hits an EXPLODER! Oba runs and UPPERCUTS Dempsey! Oba goes corner to corner to UPPERCUT again! And then UPPERCUT again! The fans are thunderous as Oba hoists Dempsey up, SHOTPUT THROW! And then, the FALL FROM GRACE!! Cover, Oba wins!
Winner: Oba Femi, by pinfall
Dempsey got a lot closer than most, but he still failed to topple this mountain of a man. Myles Borne doesn’t shy away, but will Ethan Page steal his golden opportunity later tonight?
Karmen Petrovic and Thea Hail talk backstage.
Karmen appreciates Thea having her back last week and Thea says that’s what friends are for. Jaida Parker was coming in with another hip attack, Thea couldn’t just let it happen. But then they both hear Tatum throwing a fit! Tatum throws her toys all around, knocks her dollhouse over, and she says, “Oh look! The two new best friends!” Tatum says Thea is a “grown ass woman,” yet she can’t do anything alone! And now Tatum has lost everything and everyone! She can’t take this anymore! And yet THEA is the worst! Thea is Karmen’s friend? Well, she’ll just leave her, too! That’s what friends do! They just leave you all alone!
Tatum storms off, no one left to be her friend. What will become of NXT’s resident outcast now?
Ricky Saints finds Ethan Page backstage.
The Absolute sarcastically says, “There he is! Ethan, my man. Wow. You really are selfish, huh? It’s bad enough I live rent free in your head, but now you have to go and ruin Myles’ moment, as well. It seems to me that you really love raining on people’s parades around here, huh?” Ethan says oh yes, he really does. Ethan gets “immense pleasure in taking peoples’ moments from them.” Ethan though Ricky knew that by now. And Ethan says that while he said they’d pick things up later, that’s not now. There’s a title match at Battleground that desperately needs All Ego in it so he can win it.
Then after that, Ethan will restore balance to NXT. So Ricky can go back to playing second fiddle to him. Ethan heads out and Ricky says good luck with that. Will All Ego force us all to accept him as the #1 contender?
Tony D’Angelo VS Wes Lee w/ Tyson Dupont & Tyriek Igwe!
Well speaking of alone and unable to trust people, The Don was betrayed by the Underboss, his Consigliere is MIA and Rizzo has to stay in hiding until things blow over. “The High Ryze” had to go and rub it in, but will Tony make sure to cross them off the list? Or will nothing go right for Tony tonight?
NXT returns and Wes makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Tony SHOVES Wes, but Wes rolls to his feet. Wes nods and sees Tony’s here to fight. They tie up, Wes dodges and ROCKS Tony in the back. Wes headlocks, Tony powers up but can’t power out as Wes holds on tight. Tony blocks the takeover, lifts Wes to a back suplex, but Wes lands on his feet. Wes dodges a haymaker and he taunts Tony. Tony scowls, storms up on Wes, but Wes dodges to fire fast strikes! Wes kicks, BOOTS, then ENZIGIRIS! Tony staggers to a corner while the fans rally. Wes runs in, Tony dodges, but Wes CROSSBODIES! Tony catches Wes!
Tony pops Wes up, body shots him, then fires more hockey scrum punches! Tony TOSSES Wes and the fans fire up! Tony runs to CLOBBER Wes and Wes tumbles to the apron. The fans rally behind Tony as he drags Wes up by his hair. Tony TOSSES Wes back in, then watches Wes flounder to ropes. Tyriek coaches Wes, Tyson jumps onto the apron, but Tony BLASTS Tyson! Then he DECKS Wes! Tony whips but Tyriek grabs Tony’s leg! Wes comes back, Tony gets free to BOOT Wes! Tony tells Wes he is still The Don! Do not disrespect him! Tony then TOSSES Wes out of the ring! Ty & Ty are there to catch Wes!
The fans cheer as Tony goes to the apron, and he CROSSBODIES! Tony topples the whole High Ryze and the fans fire up while NXT goes picture in picture.
Tony leaves Wes behind while the ring count climbs. The High Ryze regroups, talk strategy, and then Ty & Ty surround the ring! The ref reprimands, but then Wes rushes in and KNEES Tony from behind! Tony hits ropes, Wes fires hands, and Tony falls out! Wes builds speed to DIVE, and Tony is sent into the desk! Then Wes BOOTS Tony down, and KICKS him again and again, against the desk! The ref reprimands, Tyriek has Wes back down so he doesn’t get disqualified. Wes calms down and he puts Tony in the ring. Wes goes up the corner, and FROG SPLASHES! Cover, TWO! Tony survives but he clutches his ribs.
Wes clamps onto Tony with a facelock, then rains down fists! Tony sputters back to ropes but Wes is on him. Tony fires body shots, then ROCKS Wes! And ROCKS him again! Wes kicks a leg out, then KICKS the leg before he BUZZSAWS Tony down! Then Wes DOUBLE STOMPS! Tony writhes and flops out of the ring, but Wes clutches his foot. Wes has the ref check him, but this is just so Ty & Ty can mug Tony! The ref misses the mugging, and Tony crawls his way around. Tony rolls into the ring but Wes METEORAS! Cover, TWO! Tony stays in this and Wes grows frustrated. Wes stalks Tony to ropes, then ROCKS him with a right.
Tony goes to a corner but Wes RAMS into him! Wes digs his shoulders in, Tonty CLUBS Wes, and the ref counts. Wes RAMS Tony again and again, then lets off. Wes pulls Tony’s hair while NXT returns to single picture. The fans rally for Tony while Wes talks trash. Wes ROCKS Tony with a right, tells Tony he lost the Family, and then ROCKS Tony again. Wes says Tony lost his title, lost the Family, and now, he’s gonna lose his title as Don. But Tony clamps onto Wes’s neck! Tony is pissed, and he HEADBUTTS Wes again and again! Wes flops out of the ring! Tony storms out and THROWS Wes into his guys!
Tony runs up but Wes dodges, Tony DOUBLE LARIATS Ty & Ty! The fans fire up as Tony chases Wes back into the ring, only for Wes to roll him up! Feet on the ropes! TWO!! SUPERKICK! Wes runs up, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! The fans rally and Tony fires up! Tony storms up to ROCK Wes! And ROCK him again! And then he LARIATS! And LARIATS! And BELLY2BELLY SUPLEXES! And then GERMAN SUPLEXES! Tony roars and the fans are with him! Tony whips Wes to POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Wes survives but Tony is not stopping! Tony watches Wes rise, then clinches again, SPINE- RANA!
Wes hurries to ROUNDHOUSE! And then handspring, but Tony SPEARS Wes outta the air!! Tony roars, but Stacks talks on the tron! “Hey, T! T! Look familiar? Yeah it does. Of course I know where the Rizzo safehouse is.” What?! Stacks laughs and Tony can only watch in horror, but Wes CARDIAC KICKS Tony down! Cover, WES WINS!
Winner: Wes Lee, by pinfall
Stacks just made sure Tony takes the L, yet Stacks continues to taunt him! They’ve known each other a long time, they’ve put a lot of people in this safehouse. Tony always said to think like a Don. But now Stacks is, so he’s gonna go pay Rizzo a visit. Tony is distraught and hurries to the back! But there’s no way Tony can stop Stacks, so can Tony at least warn his guys on the inside?
OTM speaks.
Lucien Price says, “From the mud we rose. From the dirt and the pain. Not just through stone but through thunder and rain.” Bronco Nima says their struggles and failures aren’t just something you hear about, it’s there. So yeah, it is sink or swim for the entire tag team division. You better be ready, because they ain’t Noah, they ain’t saving no lives! OTM about to put all of N XT under! Every team that can hear them, listen. Once they’re back, it is the end of your games! When and where will NXT be #OutTheMud?
Stephanie Vaquer is here!
The fans fire up for the NXT Women’s Champion as she goes to the ring. Vaquer grabs the mic to say, “Last week, Jordynne became the #1 contender for my NXT Women’s Championship at Battleground.” The fans applaud, and Vaquer says she has much respect for Jordynne’s journey. She was of the top TNA Knockouts. And now, she wants to ascend to the top of NXT. Vaquer takes a moment to think on her words. She uses Española to tell Jordynne that she’s ready, but then she’s interrupted by the Fatal Influence. Fallon Henley has a mic to say, “Gosh, it must be nice to be on top of the world. I mean, everyone and their mom loves Stephani Vaquer. Am I right, guys?”
The fans do cheer, and Fallon says heck, Vaquer’s been on top ever since she got here. Vaquer is truly one of a kid. But see, that’s exactly what will make her downfall that much sweeter. And sure, Vaquer was the historic double champion! She was both NXT Women’s North American and- Jacy Jayne interrupts by saying Vaquer and Fallon must both know how great it is to have that title. Jacy on the other hand can’t relate. But since Vaquer did pin Fallon to win that North American Championship- Fallon interrupts Jacy to say yeah, but she also pinned Giulia to become NXT Women’s Champion. What’s the point, Jacy?
Jacy’s point is that she doesn’t think this (Vaque’s top title reign) lasts much longer. Fallon couldn’t agree more. Jacy says NXT is Fatal Influence’s world! A world Vaquer does not belong in. And just think: How ironic would it be if Fatal Influence took that title off Vaquer? But wait, here comes the Juggernaut! The fans cheer as Grace has her own mic to tell Fatal Influence, “You two can’t even get out of each other’s way. So how are you out here talking about the NXT Women’s Championship? I’m not here to save the day. I’m here to protect MY investment, MY opportunity.” Vaquer says she is no one’s investment.
Jacy & Fallon stir the pot as Jacy says she destroys friendships and flips this division on its head. And Fatal Influence- Fallon says that was the past, Jacy. Yeah, well, what she was getting at, is that Vaquer and Grace have collected stamps on their passports. Sure, awesome, whatever. But Fallon & Jacy were holding things down in NXT. And now, they deserve to be on top. And although they usually don’t like newbies, at least Vaquer has taken her opportunities and made them worth it. Vaquer says yes, Jordynne failed last time, and she’ll fail again. Grace laughs that off and tells Vaquer that a lot of growth can be made in a year.
Grace WILL beat Vaquer at Battleground and become champion. And nothing, especially not Fatal Influence, will stop her. So if she has to take care of those two again tonight, she will. As for Vaquer, Grace will make 100% sure that she makes it to Tampa in one piece. Jacy says it doesn’t matter who makes it through Battleground, because they’ll be ripe for the picking, and Fatal Influence will be the ones to do it. The Toxic Rockstar & Cowgirl take their leave, but will no one take down La Primera?
NQCC regroups backstage.
Myles warms up for his match, but Dempsey is still in rough shape. Dempsey says he’s okay, but Myles says there’s no way he can be ringside for Myles’ match. Dempsey says no, he insists. But then he almost falls over! Myles & Tavion keep him upright, and Myles says Tavion & Wren can help Dempsey to medical, Myles will handle Ethan. Wren says yeah he will! Myles heads to gorilla, will #BabyRandy silence All Ego?
Bubby Ray & The Undertaker are with the LFG finalists.
They tell Zena Sterling and Tyra Mae Steele congratulations on making it this far. They have earned the right to compete this Sunday in the finals of LFG. Not just that, but to compete in the mecca of sports and entertainment, New York City and Madison Square Garden! But only one can win THE NXT contract. Only one of them gets to fight, wrestle, compete, entertain in what is the best women’s division in the entire business. Boss man Taker will surely back Bubba up on this when he says the winner will have a giant bull’s eye the moment that- Izzi Dame & Nikkita Lyons walk over and look the LFG finalists up and down.
Izzi says they’re fighting to see who can make an impact here. Good luck lasting a minute in their locker room. But then Lash Legend walks over and says SKIRRR~! If they think that they’re gonna come for her spot, they’ll both wish they were on a second season of LFG. A few other women come by to see the new girls. Taker says whoever wins on Sunday, they’ve got their work cut out for them. Who will be the inaugural LFG Champion and be right in the mix of NXT?
NXT Media catches up with Tony D.
He tells then to shut up and just get in the car with him. They hurry to the safehouse to help Rizzo, but can they really make it in time?
NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Myles Borne VS Ethan Page!
Clearly being runner-up to “The Deaf Kid” upset All Ego, and now he’s goaded Myles into putting the title opportunity back on the line! Will Myles shut up all the haters and doubters by taking down a former NXT Champion? Or will Ethan swoop right in and snatch away Myles’ golden ticket?
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, are in a deadlock, and Myles waistlocks. Myles SLAMS Ethan down, facelocks, but Ethan scoots back to a ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Myles lets off, but Ethan ROCKS him with a sucker punch! Ethan headlocks, Myles endures, and Myles powers up and out. Myles drops down, hurdles over, then arm-drags! Myles clamps onto that arm and grinds Ethan down. Myles adds a chinbar but Ethan fights up. Ethan ROCKS Myles, ROCKS him again, then whips. Ethan LARIATS Myles down, CLUBS him, then ROCKS him! Ethan stomps Myles but the fans rally up.
Ethan drags Myles up to ELBOW him in the head! Ethan stands Myles up but Myles fires body shots! Ethan KNEES low, reels Myles in, but Myles suplexes! Myles ROCKS Ethan, UPPERCUTS him, and repeat! Myles UPPERCUTS more, then whips, but Ethan reverses. Ethan ELBOWS Myles down, the fans boo, but Ethan rains down fists! Ethan paces then clamps on a chinlock. Myles endures, the fans rally, and Myles fights up. The fans rally, wrenches around, and hits a BIG back suplex! The fans fire up for Myles, but Ethan is up first to CLOBBER Myles! Ethan clamps on with another chinlock but Myles endures.
Myles fights as the fans rally, and Myles fights to his feet. Ethan hops on as a backpack, but Myles RAMS him into the corner! Ethan holds on, but Myles RAMS him in again! Myles is free, and he ROCKS Ethan! Myles fires body shots and haymakers, then UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! Myles whips, runs in, and SPLASHES! Ethan sputters against the ropes but Myles whips him corner to corner. Ethan reverses, Myles goes up and over, but Ethan BOOTS back! Myles returns and LARIATS Ethan up and out! The fans fire up with Myles while NXT goes picture in picture.
Myles goes out after Ethan, UPPERCUTS him again, then UPPERCUTS him against barriers. Ethan staggers away but Myles pursues. Myles UPPERCUTS again, then pushes Ethan into the ring. Myles storms in but Ethan swings on him! Myles counter punches! Ethan kicks low, whips Myles but Myles reverses! Ethan hits buckles and falls back, but Myles stands him up to UPPERCUT! Ethan flops against ropes and Myles brings him around. Myles whips, Ethan reverses, but Myles BOOTS Ethan! Myles goes up, but Ethan UPPERCUTS! Ethan drags Myles off the corner for a RUNNING POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!
Myles survives but Ethan stays on him. Ethan grabs the legs to turn Myles over for a BOSTON CRAB! Myles endures, reaches out, and he fights forward. Ethan sits deep, but Myles still fights! ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Ethan lets go at 4, then he stomps Myles around. Ethan soaks up the heat, then stalks Myles to ropes. Myles fires body shots, but Ethan DECKS him! Ethan bumps Myles off buckles, soaks up heat, then drags Myles to his feet. Ethan whips Myles hard into buckles, and Myles falls to the mat. Ethan watches Myles writhe, then he drags Myles into a corner. Ethan ROCKS Myles, hoists him up top, then climbs.
The ref reprimands while NXT returns to single picture. Myles fights against the suplex, but Ethan goes to the very top! SUPER DUPER PLEX! Cover, TWO! Myles stays in this, but Ethan is right on the legs! BOSTON CRAB, but Myles rolls through! Myles BOOTS Ethan, dodges, and SNAP POWERSLAMS! The fans fire up for that #BabyRandy energy! Ethan stands, Myles counter punches, and counter punches, and then he LARIATS! And LARIATS! Myles wrenches to UPPERCUT, then he clinches, OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Myles fires up, the fans fire up, and Myles SPLASHES Ethan in a corner! Then ANGLE SLAM! Cover, TWO!
Ethan survives but Myles stays on him. Myles fireman’s carries, but Ethan fights with elbows! Ethan waistlocks, Myles fires elbows back, but Ethan dodges the haymaker. Myles dodges a haymaker and DROPKICKS but into a FLAPJACK! Ethan covers, TWO! The fans boo but Ethan drags Myles up. Ethan puts Myles in a corner, puts him up top, and then he throws hands. Ethan climbs up, brings Myles onto his shoulder, but Myles fights with body shots! The fans chant for “M K O!” as he shoves Ethan away! FLYING FOREARM! Myles kips up, not the cleanest, but he still shoves Ethan. Ethan avoids the snap powerslam to BOOT!
Ethan reels Myles in, Canadian Rack, but Myles slips free! ANGLE- NO, Ethan slips free, TWISTED- NO, Myles powers out to DROPKICK! Jackknife cover, MYLES WINS!!
Winner: Myles Borne, by pinfall (still #1 Contender to the NXT Championship)
Ethan is absolutely shocked, but he shouldn’t really! Myles shows he was born for this, will he soon pull off the shocker of a lifetime?
Sean Legacy tweets.
The caption reads, “This video is for Je’Von Evans. If you’re not Je’Von Evans, keep scrolling!” The video says, “Man, from the WWE ID to Evolve to being in that battle royal last week, man, I felt that passion last week. That NXT passion I’ve heard so much about. That’s honestly the same energy I’m trying to bring to Evolve every Wednesday night on Tubi. And uh, y’know something? I’m not an NXT superstar. But hell, why not? I’m gonna throw this out there, I’ve got nothing to lose. Je’Von Evans. You know the roads I’m traveling on in the indies right now. You’ve walked in my shoes on this circuit right now.
“So, if you wanna recreate some of that magic we had in the battle royal, Je’Von, it’d be an honor for me. Just lemme know.”
Je’Von watches the video.
The Young OG wonders about Super Sean, but Ashante THEE Adonis says Je’Von doesn’t need to be worried about that “Evolve talent.” Je’Von says Ashante should worry about his pickup lines and less about Je’Von. Ashante says hey, he is THEE Adonis, but the girls call him Papi. The reason is natural, boy. And by the way, didn’t Je’Von main event Stand & Deliver? Then these indie boys don’t deserve his time. Je’Von says Ashante might be cool playing big timer, but Je’Von doesn’t forget where he came from. The indie scene’s got some dawgs, and Super Sean is one of ’em. Ashante says he ain’t trying to hear that.
And Adonisly, he could smoke them both! For real! Oh, really? Ricky Saints hears that and says he’d like to see that. Yeah, he really would. Unlike Ethan Page, Ricky ain’t one to cut somebody down before they get an opportunity. Ricky will talk with Ava, and the winner of Je’Von VS Ashante can see him on the other side of Battleground. Ricky heads out, Ashante says that’s something worthy entertaining. But is the pickup artist only giving the Young OG his chance to go for gold?
Tony’s arrived at the safehouse!
The car pulls up, Tony tells his driver to get the rest of the boys, and then NXT Media follows The Don up tot he doorstep. But Stack sis there to CLUB Tony with a crowbar! “Wrong move, T! As your Underboss, I studied you. I know every move that you’re gonna make. Now look at you! A desperate Don with no family, no best friend, no direction!” Tony takes a swing from the ground, but Stacks throws down fists! Stacks tells Tony to listen. He’s not the only one here with stroke. Stacks humiliated Tony at Stand & Deliver by choice! At Battleground, Stacks finishes The Don and puts an end to the D’Angelo Family once and for all!
Stacks storms off and Tony can only glare after him. What will Stacks do to tear apart what’s left of Tony’s life?
Thea Hail VS Tatum Paxley!
The Grown-Ass Woman is just being herself, as is Powerlifter Paxley, but only one of them seems to have any luck when it comes to friends. Will NXT all be saying #HailYeah?
NXT returns and Tatum makes her entrance. Thea wants Tatum to calm down but the bell rings and Tatum runs up. Thea dodges to waistlock, Tatum switches, but Thea switches back. Tatum ELBOWS Thea, but Thea ROCKS Tatum! Tatum falls back to ropes and Thea asks, “What’d I do to you?!” Tatum shoves Thea, but Thea traps Tatum’s arms! Thea snapmares Tatum to then KICK her down, and STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Thea clamps onto an arm for the FUJIWARA! Tatum rolls Thea, TWO! Tatum avoids the arm-drag, flips Thea over, but Thea arm-drags Tatum anyway! Thea runs up to wheelbarrow, but Tatum KICKS her down!
Thea flounders but Tatum stands her up to fire forearm after forearm! And a HEADBUTT! Thea falls back in a daze while Tatum clutches at her own sides, her emotional pain far worse than the physical. Tatum runs up on Thea, sends her at the corner, but Thea stops the buckle bump. Thea bumps Tatum off buckles, then runs up, only for Tatum to ELBOW her! Tatum runs up, Thea ELBOWS Tatum, and Jaida Parker watches backstage. Tatum comes back to ENZIGIRI Thea down! Cover, TWO! Tatum clamps onto Thea, Thea breaks free, but Tatum avoids the forearm and ENZIGIRIS again! But Thea still rolls Tatum up! TWO!
The fans rally as Thea counter punches Tatum and fires body shots. Thea ROCKS Tatum, ROCKS her again and again, then whips. Tatum grabs ropes and KICKS Thea back! The fans rally and Tatum runs, ROLLING SCISSOR KICK! Cover, TWO!! Thea survives and Tatum is frustrated. Tatum shouts, “Where’re my friends?!” Tatum clamps onto Thea, asks why Thea gets to have friends, but Thea HEADBUTTS her! Tatum comes back, waistlocks, but Thea arm-drags free! Thea then wrenches, ARM BREAKER! Tatum writhes, Thea fires up and CHOPS! CHOPS! And ROCKS! Tatum comes back, Thea dodges and DOUBLE AX HANDLES!
Thea ROCKS Tatum, kicks the legs out, and BASEMENT LARIATS! The fans fire up with Thea and she runs in at the corner. Tatum dodges, hits a KNEE SMASH, then reels Thea in! Suplex, but Thea fights that to a KIMURA!! Tatum flails, reaches out, and manages the ROPEBREAK! Thea lets go at 4, hurries up, and she blocks a kick to reel Tatum in! KIMURA! Tatum rolls Thea up, TWO! SUPERKICK! Thea runs and cartwheels into the underhooks, BUTTERFLY SLAM! KIMURA!! Tatum is trapped, but she CLAWS at Thea’s face!! The ref counts, Tatum doesn’t stop, so the ref disqualifies her!!
Winner: Thea Hail, by disqualification
The ref finally gets Tatum to stop, but then Tatum just HAMMERS away on Thea! She wants Thea’s EYES!! Tatum CLUBS away on Thea, so more refs rush out here to stop this! Tatum’s gone off the deep end! Will anyone ever save Tatum from her own darkness?
Meanwhile, Jaida Parker says Thea is so stupid. This is what happens when you play hero. But then Kelani Jordan walks in asking if anyone’s seen #ZaRuca. Oh, there they are. Jaida says no no no, she is not listening to any of their bitchin’. They’re no better than Thea. Jaida storms off, Kelani has no idea what her problem is, but she focuses back on Zaria. What was with the spear through barriers? Is Zaria feeling threatened? Or is she just jelly that Sol caught Kelani. Sol says sorry, she didn’t know any of that was gonna happen, but jealousy is not what’s going on here. Zaria asks what they’re even talking about.
There is no need to apologize to Kelani. Zaria pinned her fair and square. Bitch all you want, spear through a barrier or not, if they run this back, the result will be the same. Then let’s run it back next week! Then if Kelani wins, she gets her title shot with Sol at Battleground. Zaria sarcastically says yeah, sure. But Sol says fine by her. Zaria is confused but Kelani has her match. Will ZaRuca be able to iron out the details? Or will the Standout have her shot at taking back that title?
Ava, Joe Hendry & Trick Williams meet backstage.
The contract signing will happen in the boardroom, not the ring, and she thanks them both for being here at this historic signing. For the first time ever, the TNA World Championship will be on the line at a WWE event. “A brand that just celebrated 23 years, and a title that has been held by the likes of AJ Styles, Kurt Angle, LA Knight, and Bubba Ray Dudley. It all happens at Battleground.” But Trick tells Joe, “You did this to yourself, Joe. You took my opportunity at what meant the most to me. So you know what I’m gonna do? I’ma take what means the most to you, and that’s that TNA Title.
“You should’ve stayed in your sweet spot, where you were getting your flowers as the man in TNA. But next Sunday, we’re going to Battleground, and that’s my house.” Hendry says if anyone knows about breaking out, taking risks, having the confidence to do and be more, it’s Trick. But somewhere along the way, Trick forgot that. And instead, he bitched about what he deserves. Trick says Joe deserves a solid three minute ass whooping! Both men stand up up but Ava says she doesn’t care who did what. Security is right outside, do NOT make her call them. Sit down and sign the contract. Trick and Joe do as told and sit back down.
Joe says TNA is the hottest it has ever been in years. That’s because every morning, Joe wakes up and makes it his mission to make TNA the biggest brand it can be. That means him as champion, defending this against TNA wrestlers, NXT superstars, and putting them all down. Next Sunday, the TNA World Championship will be on the line on a WWE Premium Live Event! Does Trick understand how big that is? Of course Trick does! He’s in the match! This match is historic, thanks to Trick. And something Joe needs to realize is that while Joe is a social media sensation, Trick is bigger than NXT, bigger than TNA, and even both of them combined!
Dammit, this is Hollywood Trick! And Trick doesn’t have to tear Joe down or what Joe believes. Every man has his 15 minutes of fame. Except Trick Williams. Because next Sunday, Trick takes Joe’s fame, Joe’s title, and Joe’s company. Ava has Trick stop and shoves the contract at him. Trick signs his part as challenger, then slides the contract back to Ava. Joe says no one’s more confident than Trick. But that’s all on the outside. Yes, Trick main-evented back-to-back Stand & Delivers. Maybe this isn’t the biggest match of Trick’s career. But it Joe knows is the most important. Trick takes off his sunglasses to look at Joe more seriously as Joe continues.
Joe knows Trick is at a crossroads. There’s no road back to the NXT Championship. And after Joe beats Trick for the TNA Championship, then there’s no roads there, either. And then the number one star has no pathway to gold. That is when the doubt creeps in and Trick finds out that as fast as his star rose to the top, it can all come crashing down. So if anyone is gonna find out what it’s like for their 15 minutes of fame to expire, it’s Trick. Joe signs his part as champion, and now it is official! Ava thanks them both, and Joe heads out. Trick looks shook, is he starting to believe in Joe Hendry? Or will he still make TNA into Trick’s Newest Accomplishment?
Hank ‘n’ Tank find Josh Briggs in the locker room.
The big belly bandits ask how he’s doing. They thought they were having a rough week losing to Dark State. They feel for Briggs. He just lost a tag partner and best friend. Briggs says he didn’t want Yoshiki Inamura to leave. Inamura was like a brother to him. Inamura took care of Briggs while he was in Japan, and they all saw how happy he was when Inamura came to NXT. Briggs got mad because they kept losing and losing, he just wishes he didn’t push Inamura away. Hank says whatever Briggs needs, they’re here for him. He thanks them for that, but then Shawn Spears steps in. “You don’t appreciate what you have until it’s gone.”
The Chair Man says if Briggs had appreciated his best friend, his best friend would still be here. Briggs says he is not trying to hear about this from Spears. Spears clarifies, he meant Brooks Jensen, not this… uh, who was it? Inamura! Well, him, too. It happens a lot, huh? Tank says not the time. Spears says when it comes to friendships, Briggs is a cancer. They should change that before it consumes him and he has no choice but explode. Briggs says he has a lot on his mind right now, he doesn’t need Spears’ “wisdom.” Though, he has a really good idea on how to clear his head. Spears chuckles and leaves. Will the Bullhead Brawler have to expose Spears to some painful truth?
Kale Dixon & Uriah Connors meet with Ava.
She mentions how they both texted her 50 times, separately. What is going on? Kale says Chase U is back in full force, and it is time to get the ball rolling. Does she get what they mean? Afraid not. Uriah says what they want is that they don’t care who their opponents are, where they’re from or what they do, so long as Chase U gets back on the map. Ava says she feels they’re ready. Next week, they can have their debut tag team match. That easy? That easy. They’re excited, and Mr. Chase steps in. Ava says she loves the new fit, it is serving. Chase thanks her and asks what’s going on here.
Kale says he and Uriah have their very first tag team match next week! That’s great! Who against? Ava says the returning OTM. Oh no… Guys, WTF!? Will Kale & Uriah survive Nima & Price? Or are they just the first time to sink to the bottom?
BREAKING NEWS for next week’s episode.
It seems Ricky Saints’ talk with Ava inspired her to make a Triple Threat! Je’Von Evans VS Ashante THEE Adonis VS “Super” Sean Legacy, and the winner becomes #1 Contender to the NXT North American Championship! Will the Young OG humble Ashante while bringing that energy Sean is looking for?
BREAKING NEWS for Battleground!
Stacks said he’d end The D’Angelo Family, and he gets his chance in Tampa! Will the Underboss no longer be under anyone? Or will Tony avenge himself, Luca & Rizzo for everything Stacks has done?
Stephanie Vaquer & Jordynne Grace VS The Fatal Influence!
Despite the tension from earlier tonight, La Primera & The Juggernaut will try to put their differences aside in order to clear out the obstacles on the road to Tampa. Will it be easy pickings for champion and challenger against the dysfunctional Fallon & Jacy? Or can Cowgirl & Rockstar hold it together long enough to steal a win in this trap game?
The teams sort out and Grace starts against Fallon. They tie up, Grace headlocks, but Fallon powers up and out. Grace RUNS Fallon over, brushes herself off, then runs again. Fallon stays low, but then Grace dodges the lariat to shove, scoop, and BACKBREAKER! Grace stands Fallon up to LARIAT front and back and over again! Then Grace winds up, but Vaquer tags in! The fans are torn, but Vaquer springboards to CROSSBODY Fallon down! Things keep moving and Vaquer ducks ‘n’ dodges, then slides under a boot. Fallon CHOKES Vaquer, but Vaquer CHOPS! Vaquer knuckle locks, goes up and up, then jumps around, only for Fallon to kick the ropes!
Fallon has Vaquer stuck up top, bumps her off buckles, then brings her over. Tag to Jacy and the Influence mugs Vaquer. Jacy ROCKS Vaquer, says SHE should be champion, the pie faces Vaquer. The fans boo, Jacy SLAPS Vaquer, then Jacy reels Vaquer in. Jacy snap suplexes, covers, TWO! Jacy drags Vaquer up, whips her again, but Vaquer tilt-o-whirls and rolls Jacy up! TWO, and Jacy jackknife bridges, TWO! Vaquer manages the sunset flip, TWO! Body scissors and JAPANESE LEG ROLL CLUTCH! TWO!! Jacy escapes but Vaquer kicks low! Vaquer snapmares, and the fans fire up, only for Vaquer to chinlock.
The fans boo Vaquer teasing them, but she has Jacy’s arm trapped. Jacy endures and fights up to her feet. Jacy powers out and Fallon tags in. Vaquer dodges Jacy but Fallon KNEES her in the back! Jacy SUPERKICKS Vaquer down, then coordinates with Fallon. They reel Vaquer in, double suplex, but Vaquer lands out! Fallon gets away but Vaquer THROWS Jacy down! Vaquer then grabs Fallon, CODE BREAKER SENTON COMBO! The fans fire up, but Fallon trips Vaquer! Vaquer kicks Fallon but Fallon holds on. Fallon has both legs, but Vaquer BOOTS her away! But Jacy YANKS Grace off the corner!
Grace CHOPS Jacy, but Fallon BOOTS Vaquer! Fallon then sucker punches Grace! Jacy CANNONBALLS Grace down, Fallon goes up, up, and SUPER CROSSBODIES Grace & Vaquer! The Influence soaks up the heat, and NXT goes picture in picture.
The Influence drags Vaquer up and into the ring, and Vaquer goes to a corner. Fallon stomps away on Vaquer, digs her boot in, but stops as the ref counts. Fallon stands Vaquer up to cravat and neck wrench. Vaquer endures, Fallon throws knees, and Vaquer falls. Fallon sucker punches Grace again! Fallon whips Vaquer to the Influence’s corner, then storms up to ROCK her again! Tag to Jacy, she taunts Grace, then runs in for a CANNONBALL! Cover, TWO! Vaquer is tougher than that, but Jacy stomps her. Jacy taunts Grace more, sits Vaquer up, and KICKS her in the back! Cover, TWO! Jacy is annoyed but she brings Vaquer back around.
Jacy bumps Vaquer off buckles, tags Fallon, and Fallon snapmares. Fallon runs to SLIDING FOREARM! Cover, TWO! Fallon is annoyed but she drags Vaquer back up. Fallon whips Vaquer to a corner, ROCKS her again, then whips her corner to corner. Fallon runs up to ROCK Vaquer again! Vaquer fires forearms on Fallon, then SOBATS! Vaquer runs, but into a BOOT! Fallon drags Vaquer up, NXT returns to single picture, and Fallon bumps Vaquer off buckles. The fans rally but Fallon tags Jacy in. The Influence double whip but Vaquer crisscrosses them and CHOP away! Vaquer mule kicks Fallon out, but Jacy KNEES SMASHES and LARIATS! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally for Vaquer as she goes to a corner. Jacy runs in but Vaquer goes up and over! Vaquer rolls but Jacy BOOTS her down! Jacy drags Vaquer up, bumps her off buckles and stomps a mudhole in. Jacy puts Vaquer up, SLAPS her, then climbs. But Vaquer HEADBUTTS Jacy and fires body shots! Vaquer slips down, she tucks Jacy in, CHEEKY NANDOS! Then a FLAPJACK off the corner! The fans fire up while Jacy and Vaquer are both down! Jacy and Vaquer crawl, the fans rally up, hot tags to Fallon and Grace! The fans fire up as Grace rallies on the Influence! GERMAN SUPLEX for Fallon! GERMAN SUPLEX for Jacy!
Grace throws hands on Fallon in the corner, then CHOPS her! Then she ELBOWS Jacy, RAMS Jacy into Fallon, and then gives Jacy a SPINEBUSTER! Fallon is up, Grace fireman’s carries, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! SLIDING FOREARM! Cover, Jacy breaks it in time! Jacy bails out before Grace can get her, so Grace ROCKS Jacy! Grace hoists Fallon to the top rope, CHOPS her, then climbs. Fallon fires body shots, Grace hops down and Fallon KICKS her! Fallon reels Grace in, TORNADO SNAP SUPLEX! Grace sputters, Fallon drags her up, but Grace ROCKS Fallon! And fireman’s carries, but Jacy saves Fallon!
Vaquer storms in and she ROCKS Fallon! Grace ROCKS Fallon, these four brawl and the fans fire up! The ref reprimands but Vaquer ROCKS Jacy, only for Jacy to BOOT Vaquer! Grace suplexes Fallon, but Jacy SWEEPS the leg, Fallon DDTS Grace! Vaquer is up, Jacy SUPERKICKS her! Vaquer tumbles out, but Fallon drags her back in! The Influence set Vaquer up and run, but Grace shoves Vaquer out of the way! FATAL CONNECTION!! Cover, TWO?!? Grace survives eating the bullet for Vaquer and Fallon is shocked! Vaquer is up but Fallon DECKS her! Fallon tags Jacy, Jacy PENALTY KICKS Vaquer!
Fallon drags Grace up, Jacy steps in, but Grace BOOTS Jacy first! Grace ELBOWS Fallon, HEADBUTTS her down, then ROCKS Jacy! Pump handle, BEAST MODE!! Cover, Grace & Vaquer win!
Winners: Stephanie Vaquer & Jordynne Grace, by pinfall
Fatal Influence is at a loss for words, but Vaquer is rather stunned herself. The Juggernaut took care of Jacy & Fallon all by herself, will Vaquer have no chance at Battleground? Or will this Dark Angel refuse to lose to Grace?
Something is happening backstage!
Ethan Page has just knocked down Ricky Saints! Ethan told Ricky they’d pick this up later, and it’s later. Ethan drops the North American Championship on the champion, then takes his leave. Will All Ego still take someone’s spotlight?
My Thoughts:
A great NXT that did a lot to set more up for Battleground. Great opening promo from Myles with NQCC and Ethan. And while it was clever for fans to use the “He Can’t Hear You!” line, they were rather rowdy the rest of the segment and I wish they would just let the promos be the promos. That aside, it helped set up other parts of the show, and it segued right into Dempsey VS Oba. That was a great match, especially with Dempsey not having wrestled on TV in some time. But naturally, Oba won to show his dominance. Myles VS Ethan was also great, and naturally Myles won to keep the #1 contender’s spot.
Ethan had a good segment with Ricky Saints, and then Ricky had a good part with Je’Von and Ashante. That Triple Threat will be some really good stuff, but I’m pretty sure Ashante is in the match so he can take the pin, presumably to Je’Von. Plus, with Ethan attacking Ricky to end the night, I think that gives us Ethan VS Ricky first, and Je’Von gets the winner. It’d be very fitting if Je’Von got his first singles title off of Ethan after all Ethan did to Je’Von. Good promo from OTM to issue one last warning to the tag division. And great promo in connection to that with Kale & Uriah stepping in it. OTM were of course going to win their return match, but knowing it is Kale & Uriah, it might even be easier than that.
Great segment with Briggs, Hank ‘n’ Tank, and Shawn Spears. Spears of course brought up how Briggs & Jensen didn’t work out, and obviously he was going to put all the blame on Briggs. I sense a Six Man Tag of The Culling VS Briggs, Hank ‘n’ Tank, and The Culling wins. From there, maybe Briggs breaks down and desperately wants Spears’ “guidance,” and Jensen is the one that vouches for him. Very good promo from Taker, Bubba and not just the women’s finalists from LFG, but pretty much all the women in the NXT midcard, and technically some from Evolve. I think everyone knows I haven’t been watching LFG or else there’d be articles, but Taker’s right, Zena and Tyra Mae are going from one big challenge to another here.
Speaking of the women’s division, great promo from Tatum because it helps put into context how these releases actually feel. Tatum’s trio especially got screwed by the last round of releases, because sadly even now, no one cares about that kind of stuff. Tatum being emotionally torn apart and then wanting to physically tear Thea apart is a good pivot to use all this for the sake of story. It also gave a segue to things with Jaida, Kelani and ZaRuca. Jaida having attitude over Thea’s personality is a bit beneath her in my opinion, but Kelani wanting after Sol is good stuff. I would think Kelani finds a way to beat Zaria, then we get Kelani VS Sol and that’ll be another awesome match.
Great stuff with the D’Angelo Family and how Stacks cost Tony against Wes and got the better of him with the safehouse. Stacks knew Tony would react that way, assuming the worst of Stacks, and Stacks took advantage. I just wish Tony VS Stacks at Battleground was a Street Fight. The animosity in this feud was automatic, so the No Disqualification nature of the match should’ve been just as automatic. And even more so, if Luca Crusifino makes his return, his interference wouldn’t end the match, but it would still decide it. If The Consigliere was somehow now on Stacks’ side, him showing up to clobber Tony and handing Stacks that win would be huge Heel heat.
I also like the name of Wes’s group, “High Ryze.” It’s not anywhere near as odd as “Dark State” or “The Culling,” which I will still argue don’t fit either faction. And High Ryze being “high rise” stylized, it speaks to how they’re on the rise and ready for that high rise lifestyle. Surprisingly, no Dark State tonight, though. Very good contract signing promo from Trick and Hendry, with Hendry getting the better of Trick in the war of words. It makes me wonder if that means Trick wins the TNA World Championship with underhanded tactics. And there’s still half a chance Trick reveals that he leads Dark State, as they could be how he wins.
And great stuff with the Women’s Championship story. Good promo from Vaquer with Fatal Influence and Jordynne Grace. Not sure where Jazmyn Nyx was tonight but maybe her presence would’ve kept Fallon & Jacy on the same page and the point is that the group is falling apart. Great match from Fatal Influence VS Vaquer & Grace, and Grace really does go Beast Mode to finish it. But that might partly be because Vaquer is going to find a way to win. Though at the same time, seems like a shame for Grace to strike out on the top title so soon. At the same time, that big Worlds Collide/Money in the Bank weekend is only two weeks after Battleground… Maybe Grace wins so that Vaquer’s rematch can be in front of a big audience of combined WWE and AAA fans.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Opening weekend wraps up with the Funky Weapon!
There’s more mix ‘n’ match as Best of the Super Juniors 32 keeps going! But will Ryusuke Taguchi kick Bone Soldier butt in tonight’s main event?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Dragon Dia & Katsuya Murashima VS Francesco Akira & Jakob Austin Young; Akira & Jakob win.
- El Desperado & Shoma Kato VS Nick Wayne & Daiki Nagai; Nick & Daiki win.
- Hiromu Takahashi & Shingo Takagi VS Kosei Fujita & Hartley Jackson; Hiromu & Takagi win.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Ninja Mack VS Robbie X; Mack wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Kevin Knight VS MAO; Mao wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Master Wato VS Clark Connors; Connors wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: YOH VS Robbie Eagles; Eagles wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Taiji Ishimori; Taguchi wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Ninja Mack VS Robbie X!
It’s the return of the Mack! Will the American Ninja start to take the block? Or will he be unable to solve for X?
The bell rings and the fans rally while the two circle. They start a “NINJA! NINJA!” chant, but then Robbie brings out a copy of the Ninja Mack mask! Just to rip it up! The fans boo, but Robbie throws it at Mack, and then SMACKS him down! The fans boo but Robbie stomps Mack at the ropes! The ref reprimands but Robbie ROCKS Mack! Robbie whips, Mack reverses, and Robbie handsprings over to then handspring with the ropes! Mack catches him, shove shim, hurdles over him, then backflips over, only for Robbie to SOBAT! The fans cheer, Robbie whips, but Mack reverses. Robbie goes up and over and shows off with his own handspring!
Mack runs in, Robbie slips out to the apron to ROCK Mack! Robbie springboards but Mack gets under. Robbie handsprings through, comes back and RANAS, but Mack handsprings through! The fans fire up and the two reset. Robbie runs up, Mack TOSSES him up and out! The fans fire up as Mack builds speed, and he handsprings for the NINJA- NO, Robbie moves back! But the Ninja Special continues even on the floor! Robbie runs away but Mack catches up, to HANDSPRING KICK him down at the stage! The fans fire up for that Super Ninja Special, and Mack leaves Robbie behind for the ring count.
Robbie sputters and crawls at 4 of 20, but is still far away at 10! Robbie hurries, the fans rally, and Robbie runs at 15 to slide in at 17! But Mack is on him with a facelock! Robbie fights up, lifts Mack, and then throws him away! Mack comes back, but Robbie uses the ref as a shield! Then he throws Mack down by his mask! Robbie throws down forearms and a stomp! The fans are torn but Robbie storms up on Mack to BOOT him in the corner! Robbie brings Mack around, suplexes then covers, ONE!! Mack is tougher than that and the fans rally up. Robbie CHOKES Mack on the ropes, then soaks up the cheers and jeers.
The ref counts, Robbie steps off at 4, then he WRECKS Mack with a dropkick! Mack is on the ground but the fans rally up. Robbie stands Mack up, CHOPS him, then stalks him to railing. Robbie pushes Mack into the ring, clamps on with a half nelson and covers, TWO! The fans cheer and Robbie gets annoyed. Robbie hauls Mack up to a fireman’s carry, but Mack slips around to sunset flip! TWO, and Robbie SWATS Mack’s haymaker to CHOP! Robbie whips, Mack reverses, but Robbie slides and then dodges! Mack is on the apron, Robbie runs to CANNONBALL KICK! The fans fire up as now Robbie builds speed!
Robbie goes up, up, and he ESCALARAS! Down goes Mack and the fans fire up with Robbie! Robbie drags Mack up and puts him back in the ring. Robbie then slingshots for a stalling SENTON! Cover, TWO! Mack is still in this and the fans rally up. Robbie and Mack slowly rise, and Robbie takes aim. Robbie runs in but blocks a boot! Robbie puts the leg on the ropes, KICKS the ropes, then SPIN KICKS Mack! Robbie snapmares Mack, RUNNING SHOOTING STAR onto knees! Mack cradles Robbie, TWO! Mack waits on Robbie, and DOUBLE CHOPS him! Then he DOUBLE CHOPS against the ropes! Mack won’t let Robbie get away as he unleashes CHOP after CHOP!
The fans fire up and Mack whips. Robbie reverses, then Robbie runs past Mack to fireman’s carry! ROLLING SENTON, STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO!! Robbie is frustrated but the fans fire up! Mack flounders to the corner, the fans rally up, and Robbie runs up to BOOT! Snapmare and now Robbie goes up the corner! From the top rope, X EX- NO, Mack dodges! Robbie rolls through, handsprings, but into a GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Mack holds on but Robbie victory rolls! TWO!! Mack and Robbie hurry up, Robbie handsprings, but into a DREAMCAST KICK AND CRADLE!! MACK WINS!!
Winner: Ninja Mack, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Robbie earns 0)
Innovating in the blink of an eye, Ninja Mack ends this just as quickly! Will every match Mack has be as fast ‘n’ furious as this? Or will someone find a way to slow Mack down?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Kevin Knight VS MAO!
The Jet may be All Elite now, but he’s always going to be #2Flyy! However, he’s up against DDT Pro’s Idol Wrestler. Can Knight get through the Michinoku Tornado? Or will his flight to the top be grounded?
The bell rings and the fans rally as Knight and Mao stare down. The fans seem strongly behind Mao as he and Knight circle. They tie up, Knight headlocks, then he hits a takeover. Mao fights around, stands back up, and he powers his way out of the headlock to have the armlock. Mao steps over to wrench the arm, but Knight rolls, handsprings, and wrenches back! Knight hammerlocks, but Mao reaches back to headlock. The fans applaud, but Knight rolls Mao to get free. Mao ducks a kick, Knight dodges a spin kick, and the fans cheer the standoff. Mao runs up, Knight dodges then arm-drags! Knight runs up, springboards and FLYING ARM-DRAGS!
Mao is up but Knight FLYING SHOULDER TACKLES! The fans fire up and Knight runs corner to corner to LARIAT! Knight goes up to rally the fans, then he hops down to stomp and UPPERCUT on repeat! The ref counts as Knight stomps a mudhole in, and Knight snapmares Mao for a SLIDING SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans rally, Knight covers, TWO! The fans applaud while Mao grits his teeth. Knight stands Mao up but Mao fires body shots! Knight ROCKS Mao, runs, but Mao ELBOWS him! Mao runs, Knight follows, but Mao goes up and around! Knight tumbles out to the apron, but he ROCKS Mao first!
Knight springboards but Mao WHEEL KICKS him down! Mao wrenches an arm and SLINGSHOT CUTTERS! The fans fire up and Mao climbs up, to then SPLIT LEG MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO, but Mao goes right to the corner! Mao aims again, for a KING KONG KNEE DROP! Mao rolls off the impact, but then rolls back and has Knight in the COBRA TWIST! Knight endures, the fans rally, and Knight powers his way to switch the twist! Mao endures now and the fans rally more. Knight says he’s #MecchaTsuyoi, but then Mao throws elbows! Mao switches things back, and he says he is meccha, meccha, TSUKAKUI! Mao puffs up to show how strong and handsome he is!
The fans cheer, but Knight powers out with a HIP TOSS! But Mao drags Knight down into a JUST FACELOCK! Knight endures, reaches out, fights around, and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer again while Mao lets go. Mao rises and the fans rally while Knight is on the ropes. Mao runs and CANNONBALLS Knight against the ropes! Knight writhes but Mao brings him up, only for Knight to fire a forearm! Mao fires one back! Knight fires another forearm, so Mao fires back! They go forearm for forearm, then Knight has the edge. Knight winds up but Mao SHOTEIS! Mao whips Knight to a corner, but Knight comes back to LARIAT!
Knight LARIATS again, then whips, but Mao reverses. Knight goes up and over, runs back in, and he LARIATS again! The fans fire up with Knight as he goes to a corner. Knight aims, runs in corner to corner, but Mao dodges! Mao runs, but into a DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Mao survives and Knight is stunned but the fans rally up! Knight fires up and the fans rally again. Knight runs up but Mao stops the satellite DDT! Mao BOOTS Knight against the ropes, then runs, but he goes Matrix to avoid Knight’s superkick! Mao BOOTS Knight’s lariat to SHOTEI, but Knight ROCKS Mao with a forearm! Mao REAR HEADBUTTS!
Mao runs, Knight hurdles over to PELE! But Mao tiger-feints and rewinds to SPIN KICK! The fans fire up even more while both men are down! Knight staggers to his feet, Mao ROCKS him with a hard right! Mao reels him in, but Knight suplexes first! The fans fire up and Knight covers, ONE as Mao goes Matrix again! Knight is stunned, runs up on Mao, but blocks a boot. Mao ENZIGIRIS Knight, goes up, only for Knight to go to the UPPER ROOM! The fans fire up as Knight hurries to the apron and then the corner. Knight climbs, but Mao rises again! Mao goes up the ropes to SUPER STEINER Knight in return!
The fans fire up as Mao hurries up top again, but Knight goes back up! But no Upper Room, this is a SUPER DUPER PLEX!! But Mao’s right up!? And so is Knight! But then both men fall over! The fans fire up as Knight and Mao slowly stir. They both rise up, but Knight goes to the apron. Knight springboards, but into a DREAMCAST KICK! Mao reels Knight in and gut wrenches, but Knight TORNADO DDTS free!! Knight roars, runs, but Mao uses the ref as a shield! Then Mao runs to jump over the ref, only for Knight to jump over Mao! ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!! Mao survives and the fans are thunderous!
Knight and Mao hurry back up, Knight runs up, but Mao stops the satellite again! MICHINOKU DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!?!? The fans rally as hard as they can and Mao aims, SUPERKICK! Cover, MAO WINS!
Winner: Mao, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Knight earns 0)
The Idol Warrior’s Samurai Kick strikes down the Knight! Knight shows respect with a bow, will we see these two meet again down the line? Will Mao soon take over the BOSJ for DDT Pro?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Master Wato VS Clark Connors!
The Way of the Grandmaster is once again IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion, but that just means he has a target on his back. Will Wato soon owe a golden ticket to this War Dog? Or will Wato be stronger than 100 Proof?
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two stare down. Connors and Wato circle, the fans rally more, and the two feel things out. Wato stays away from the leg takedown, then they feel out a knuckle lock. They back off, step forward, but Connors KNEES low! Connors ROCKS Wato, CHOPS Wato, then whips Wato. Connors bypasses but Wato hurdles over the backdrop! Connors still ROCKS Wato and has him in a corner. Connors runs in, but Wato BOOTS Connors, then BULLDOGS! The fans fire up with Wato and he KICKS Connors’ leg. And KICKS, and KICKS! Wato snapmares Connors, KICKS him again, then KICKS, KICKS, KICKS!
Connors ducks Wato, shoves him, and then hits the JEEP FLIPPER! Wato tumbles out of the ring but Connors pursues. Connors SMACKS Wato off the apron, then tells fans to move! The Young Lions usher fans out of the way, and Connors BOWLS Wato into the chairs! That was a STRIKE and then some! The fans fire up and even bark with Connors. Connors storms over to Wato, stomps him, then drags him up to his feet. Connors SMACKS Wato of a chair, then brings him back around. Wato fires elbows and CHOPS, but Connors CHOPS back! Wato staggers deeper into the crowd and Connors pursues!
The fans rally as Connors BOWLS Wato into more chairs! Connors has cleared out the whole section! The fans rally as Connors shoves the ref aside. Connors JAMS Wato up with a chair, then tells another section of fans to move! They hurry out of the way as Connors BOWLS Wato into even more chairs! Connors hits a turkey, aka bowling hattrick, and the fans fire up more. The ref reprimands but Connors clears out the chairs so he can stand Wato up. Wato fires body shots and forearms! Wato ROCKS Connors, and then Connors falls onto chairs! This entire area is a mess but Wato drags Connors up.
Connors body shots Wato, then POSTS him! Wato falls in a heap and the fans are torn. Connors intimidates commentary, then he goes looking under the ring. Connors brings out… a TIRE?! Why was one of those under there?! The ref reprimands Connors but Connors shoves him aside! Connors brings the spare tire over and JAMS Wato up! Connors sets the tire down, and he has Wato’s leg! Connors SMASHES Wato’s knee on the hubcap! The fans are torn but maybe so is Wato’s knee! Connors puts Wato in the ring, covers, TWO! Wato stays in this and the fans applaud, but Connors ties the legs up in a knot!
Wato endures, reaches out, and he claws his way to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer but Connors doesn’t let go. The ref counts so Connors stops at 4. Connors mocks the fans cheering Wato on, then drags Wato to his feet. Connors CHOPS Wato, whips him, but Wato blocks by holding ropes! Connors KNEES low, whips again, btu Wato reverses to ROCK, KNEE, and SHOTGUN Connors to a corner! The fans fire up and Wato rises. Wato runs in, Connors dodges, and Connors comes back, only for Wato to dodge! Wato then reels Connors in for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Connors stays in this but Wato goes to the apron.
Wato slaps his leg into working, then watches Connors rise. Wato springboards but Connors gets under! Wato lands on his feet but his bad leg jams! Connors CHOP BLOCKS the leg! The fans are torn as Wato writhes, but Connors circles like a shark. Connors runs, but Wato catches him to a cradle! TWO!! Wato ROUNDHOUSE, but Connors blocks! And pops Wato up for a SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Both men are down and the fans fire back up! Connors rises, drags Wato up, then whips, but Wato avoids the powerslam! Wato runs in, tilt-o-whirls, then hooks Connors up, RECIENTEMENTE!! Cover, TWO!!
Connors survives but Wato doesn’t stop! He body scissors and rolls Connors into VENDEVAL!! Connors endures, fights around with his legs, and he rocks the boat, only for Wato to pour on the pressure! Connors still fights, but Wato puts even more pressure on!! Connors powers through to have the ROPEBREAK!! The fans cheer while Wato lets go in frustration. Wato drags Connors up, reels him in, but Connors holds ropes to fight the suplex! Wato KICKS the arms, TSUTEN- NO, Connors mule kicks the legs! Wato SOBATS and runs, but into a POWERSLAM!! Wato rises up, into a SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as Wato survives, and Connors hurries to bring Wato up. Connors puts one out, but Wato fights No Chaser! ROUNDHOUSE, and Wato fires back up! The fans rally, Wato hooks Connors up, RECIENTE- NO, Connors slips free and reels Wato back in! NO CHASER!!! Cover, CONNORS WINS!!
Winner: Clark Connors, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Wato earns 0)
100 Proof gets his clear shot on Wato, and now he has both two points and a golden ticket for it! Will the DEFY Champion soon run the whole Junior Heavyweight Division?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: YOH VS Robbie Eagles!
The Direct Drive is also once again IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion alongside Wato, but that means the same target is on his back. Will Yoh owe this Ichiban Sweet Boy a title shot? Or can he shoot down the Sniper of the Skies first?
Wait, Yoh’s near jacket and gear is made with… recycled Ziploc bags? Well, guess that’s one way to stay fresh. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but Yoh’s height gives him leverage to put Eagles on ropes. The ref counts, Eagles turns things around on Yoh, but he lets off slowly, to kiss Yoh on the cheek. The fans cheer, especially the ladies, and then Eagles asks Yoh for one in return. Yoh steps closer, but Eagles headlocks! Eagles hits the takeover, Yoh headscissors, and Eagles kips free. Roles reverse and Yoh headlocks for a takeover and Eagles headscissors. Yoh kips free, the two stand off, and the fans cheer.
Eagles steps closer and he gives Yoh another kiss on the cheek. Yoh still wants to reciprocate but Eagles says no thanks. Because right now, he wants to “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” “ROBBIE!” “OI!” “ROBBIE!” “OI!” “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” And Yoh kisses Eagles on the cheek three times! The fans cheer and Eagles is stunned. Eagles slaps sense into himself, then SLAPS Yoh! Yoh runs up, Eagles trips him, but Yoh boots him away. Yoh drops down, bypasses, then drop toeholds Eagles! He calls Eagles a “hentai (pervert)” before he DROPKICKS Eagles!
Eagles tumbles out, Yoh PLANCHAS and direct hit! The fans fire up for Yoh, and he uses a fan’s towel to wipe his face. Yoh stalks Eagles, puts him in the ring, then hurries to a corner. The fans rally as Yoh climbs, and he CANNONBALLS! Cover, TWO! The fans rally while Eagles goes to a corner. Yoh stomps Eagles, throws forearms, then wrenches and whips corner to corner. Yoh runs in and ELBOWS Eagles, then turns him, but Eagles SAIDOS free! The fans fire up while both men are down! Eagles covers, TWO! The fans applaud and Eagles sits Yoh up to run and SLIDING KICK! Cover, TWO!
Eagles is annoyed but the fans rally up. Eagles kicks Yoh around, drags him up, and reels him in for a scoop and SLAM! Eagles soaks up the cheers, then covers, TWO! Eagles eggs Yoh on, so Yoh fires a forearm then a kick, and repeat. Eagles kicks low, CHOPS, then whips. Yoh reverses but Eagles stops himself, so Yoh’s dropkick gets nothing. Eagles runs up to roll Yoh into a KNEEBAR! Yoh endures as Eagles grapevines the leg, and the fans rally up. Yoh reaches out, crawls around, and manages the ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud and Eagles lets go. Eagles drags Yoh from the ropes to drop a KNEE on the knee!
The fans rally while Eagles paces. Yoh rises up, but Eagles KICKS, KICKS and KICKS! Yoh eggs Eagles on, so Eagles runs to LEG LARIAT! Cover, TWO! The fans rally and Eagles drags Yoh up. Eagles cravats but Yoh fights the rest. Eagles CLUBS away on Yoh, UPPERCUTS, then ASAI- NO, Yoh slips free of the Asai DDT! But Eagles back suplexes! Yoh lands out and waistlocks but Eagles switches and CHOP BLOCKS! Eagles runs, but into a DROPKICK! Both men are down and the fans rally up. Yoh and Eagles go to opposite ends, then they both run up! Yoh rallies with forearm after forearm, then whips, only for Eagles to reverses. But Yoh FLYING FOREARMS!
The fans rally more and Yoh brings Eagles around. Yoh scoops and SLAMS Eagles, then he sets up to soak up cheers. Yoh soaks up quite a lot, and then Yoh ELBOW DROPS! Cover, TWO! KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO, SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Eagles stays in this and the fans rally up again. Yoh brings Eagles around, reels him in, but Eagles fights the suplex! Yoh CLUBS away on Eagles, then brings him up to suplex, only for Eagles to fight free! Eagles wrenches, but Yoh ROCKS him! And ROLLING ELBOWS! Yoh reels Eagles back in, FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Eagles survives and the fans fire up again!
Eagles and Yoh stir and Yoh goes to a corner. Yoh tunes up and the fans rally. Eagles rises, Yoh aims, but Eagles ducks the superkick to trip Yoh and tie up the legs! RON MILLER SPECIAL!! ROPEBREAK, but Eagles brings Yoh up fast, ASAI DDT!! Both men are down again and the fans rally back up. Eagles drags Yoh up, but Yoh breaks free, only for Eagles to KNEE low! And KICK down! Yoh goes to a corner, Eagles runs in, DOUBLE KNEES! Eagles comes back but Yoh BOOTS him! Eagles returns again to BASEMENT 619, but Yoh jumps it! Yoh then JUMP KNEES Eagles! Eagles DOUBLE KNEES Yoh again!
Yoh sits down, Eagles runs in yet again, METEORA! The fans fire up as Eagles drags Yoh to center and covers. TWO, but Eagles stands Yoh up to hook him up! But Yoh fights the backpack to scoop and FALCON GOROSHI! The fans fire up while both men are down, and Yoh clutches his leg. Yoh crawls to the cover, TWO! Yoh clamps on an ANACONDA VICE!! Eagles endures as Yoh uses Tenzan’s signature hold! Eagles fights around, stands up, but Yoh SLAMS Eagles down! Yoh pulls on the hold but Eagles still endures! The fans rally, Eagles reaches out, then manages to sit up! Eagles stands again, fights towards ropes, but Yoh ripcords and reels Eagles in!
DIRECT- NO, Eagles BACKDROPS out of that! Yoh sunset flips but Eagles rolls through! Eagles steps through, but Yoh BOOTS him away! Both men stand and the fans rally. Yoh ROCKS Eagles, Eagles kicks the leg, and both men back up. Yoh slaps his leg into working, and DOUBLE FOREARMS collide! DOUBLE FOREARMS collide again! And then again! Both men stagger all the way back to the ropes, for DOUBLE I’LL BE BACK! Eagles and Yoh SUPERKICK each other down! The fans fire up and both men go to corners. Eagles runs in, Yoh pops him up! Eagles lands on the apron, KICKS the leg out, then springboards to SNIPER DROPKICK!
The fans fire up as Yoh flounders! Eagles aims again, HYPER- NO, Yoh ducks that and rolls Eagles. Eagles rolls through but Yoh blocks the superkick! But Eagles stops the dragon screw, grabs an arm, and YANKS Yoh up to the fireman’s carry! Eagles shifts Yoh around to the TURBO BACKPACK!! Cover, TWO!!! Yoh survives and Eagles is shocked! The fans fire up as Eagles takes aim, BASEMENT SUPERKICK! Eagles hurries up top, takes aim, and WARP 4.5!! Direct hit on Yoh’s legs, and then Eagles steps through. But Yoh cradle counters! TWO!! Eagles escapes but he and Yoh fight for facelock control!
Yoh suplexes, Eagles slips through to waistlock, but Yoh switches! Yoh half nelsons, but Eagles fights the suplex! Yoh powers up and gets the full nelson! Eagles breaks free, but Yoh hops up to POISON-RANA!! Eagles rises, into a SUPERKICK!! The fans fire up and Yoh powers up again! Yoh drags Eagles up and in, DIRECT- NO, Eagles arm-drags and steps through, but Yoh turns Ron Miller Special into an O’Conner! STAR GAZE- NO, Eagles pushes on the bad leg! Yoh falls forward and Eagles ties the legs up! RON MILLER SPECIAL!!! Yoh endures, flails, and claws at the mat while the fans rally! Eagles drags Yoh away from ropes, YOH TAPS! EAGLES WINS!!
Winner: Robbie Eagles, by submission (gains 2 points; Yoh earns 0)
Both IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions have lost! A golden ticket to Clark Connors, a golden ticket to Robbie Eagles, will Wato & Yoh be busy after the Best of the Super Juniors? Will Eagles use this win to go for the trophy?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Taiji Ishimori!
The Funky Weapon and the Bone Soldier have had quite a few battles through this tournament series, and more often than not, #ItsReborn! But will Taiji keep up that streak #ByGrace? Or will Taguchi finally get lucky here in the main event?
The bell rings and the fans rally behind “TA-GU-CHI!” Taguchi and Taiji circle, feel things out, then clinch. They go around, Taiji facelocks, but Taguchi wrenches out. Taiji wrenches in return and hammerlocks but Taguchi moves around. They stand, Taguchi switches the hammerlock, but Taiji drop toeholds. Taiji floats but Taguchi slips out the back to hammerlock again. The fans applaud this technical exchange, and Taguchi hooks an arm for a cover, TWO! Taguchi holds onto Taiji but Taiji fights up. Taiji wrenches out, but Taguchi rolls, trips Taiji and has the toehold. Taiji goes for an armbar but Taguchi goes for the leg!
Taiji scrambles forward and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud and Taguchi lets go. Taguchi scoots back and keeps his eyes on Taiji. The fans rally as Taiji stands and the two reset. They circle, tie up again, and Taiji headlocks. Taguchi powers up and out and RAMS shoulders with Taiji! The fans cheer as Taiji dares Taguchi to run. Taguchi runs, they RAM shoulders again, and now Taiji runs. Taguchi drops down, hurdles, but Taiji waistlocks. Taguchi elbows free, whips to arm-drag, then he RAMS Taiji! Taguchi springboards to FLYING ARM-DRAG! And DROPKICK! The fans fire up as the Dropkick Master returns!
Taiji bails out but Taguchi builds speed! Taiji runs away but Taguchi rolls back and swivels them hips! Then Taguchi does the dance moves! The fans cheer but Taiji is annoyed. Taiji rushes up but Taguchi HIP ATTACKS him down! Taguchi slingshots, but Taiji YANKS him down! Taguchi hits apron then the floor, and Taiji stomps him. Taiji drags Taguchi around and CATAPULTS him into the POST! Taguchi falls and clutches his arm but the fans rally up. Taiji paces around the outside while Red Shoes checks Taguchi. Taguchi is okay to continue, but Taiji undoes the blue buckle pad! Red Shoes is none the wiser as he starts the ring count.
Taguchi shakes out the bad arm while he’s down on the mat. We go past 5 of 20, then past 10. Taguchi stands at 14 and the fans applaud. Taguchi hears 17 and rolls in at 19! The fans cheer as Taguchi maximizes his rest time, but then Taiji stomps Taguchi down! Taiji pulls on Taguchi’s bad arm, twists the wrist, and even stands on Taguchi’s face! Red Shoes reprimands, and it sounds like a young fan in the crowd shouts at Taiji. Taiji tries to spot the kid but he just pulls on Taguchi’s arm more. Taguchi fights up, but Taiji hammerlocks and POSTS him! The fans boo as Taguchi is stuck in the bare corner. Taiji brings Taguchi out to snapmare and FIST DROP! Cover, TWO!
The fans cheer but Taiji keeps Taguchi down with an armlock! Taguchi endures, and he reaches out to a ROPEBREAK with his foot! The fans cheer but Taiji holds on! Red Shoes reprimands and counts, Taiji lets go at 4, and the fans rally more. Taiji has Taguchi on the apron and drags him up. Taiji wrenches to HOTSHOT the arm! Taguchi drops to the apron and rolls in, clutching that shoulder. Taiji grins and looms over Taguchi. Taguchi CHOPS from below, but Taiji CLUBS him! Taguchi CHOPS again, but Taiji CLUBS Taguchi again! Taiji then grabs the bad arm for a STRAIGHT ARM BAR! Taguchi scrambles around again, ROPEBREAK!
Taiji still holds on so Red Shoes counts again. Taiji lets go at 4 and Taguchi crawls to the ropes. Taguchi kicks from below but Taiji eggs him on. Taguchi kicks more, so Taiji stomps him down! Taiji taunts the fans as they rally up for Taguchi. Taiji drags Taguchi up, Taguchi fires body shots, and the fans rally again. Taguchi runs, but jumps into an atomic drop! Taiji runs, btu Taguchi follows! Only to get another atomic drop! Taiji laughs while Taguchi drops to his knees. Taiji waistlocks but Taguchi fires elbows. Taguchi runs but fakes Taiji out, and then HIP ATTACKS! Then Taguchi TRIANGLE JUMP PLANCHAS! Direct hit and the fans cheer!
Taguchi still clutches the bad arm and shakes it out, but both he and Taiji are down as the ring count starts. Taguchi sits up at 6, drags Taiji up at 10, and puts him in at 11. Taguchi steps in and HIP DROPS! And HIP DROPS! And HIP DROPS again! Taguchi then goes back out to the apron, and he fires the fans up for the SLINGSHOT HIP DROP, but onto knees! Taiji turns things around on Taguchi and Taguchi hobbles away to a corner. Taiji runs in, but Taguchi BOOTS him! Taguchi goes up to get Taiji for the DEADLY BUTT SHADE! Taiji staggers back, Taguchi goes up, FLYING HIP ATTACK! The fans fire up and Taguchi covers, TWO!
Taguchi kips up and the fans fire up! Taguchi calls upon the powers of Strange Style, “ORYA~!” KETSU- NO, Taiji rolls Taguchi up! TWO!! Taiji ROCKS Taguchi, whips, but Taguchi reverses. Taiji handsprings to NEURALIZER KICK! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Taiji hobbles over to Taguchi, drags him up, and gut wrenches. Taguchi slips free and waistlocks but Taiji switches. Taguchi drop toeholds but Taiji scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi still uses OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Red Shoes reprimands, Taguchi stops, but then he drops KNEE after KNEE on Taiji’s ankle! Taguchi drags Taiji up and chicken wings!
DODON TO THE- NO, Taiji blocks the knees and deadlifts Taguchi into the CIPHER UTA- NO!! OH MY GAH- NO, VICTORY ROLL! TWO!! Taiji runs up, Taguchi dodges, ENZIGIRI! Both men are down again and the fans fire up! Taiji and Taguchi stir, and fans rally as Taguchi stands. Taguchi chicken wings but Taiji fights the lift! Taguchi CHOPS Taiji on the back, runs, but Taiji catches and spins him, to POST him again! Red Shoes reprimands but Taiji grabs Taguchi’s arm. Taiji hammerlocks one then half nelsons the other, but Taguchi fights the lift! Taiji powers through to hoist Taguchi up, SHOULDER BUSTER!
The fans rally while Taguchi writhes, and Taiji aims from the corner. Taguchi rises, Taiji runs in, LA MYST- NO, Taguchi powers through to roll Taiji up! TWO, and OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Taiji crawls, reaches out, but Taguchi drags him back! But Taiji drags Taguchi down! FUJIWARA, into the BONE LOCK!! Taguchi endures, fights around, reaches out, but Taiji rolls him away from ropes! Taguchi pops free to OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Taiji flails and reaches out, then grabs Red Shoes! Taiji YANKS Red Shoes into Taguchi, and that undoes the hold! Taguchi hurries back, but Taiji BOOTS Taguchi into Red Shoes!
The fans boo as Red Shoes goes down, but Taguchi rushes up on Taiji! Taiji slips around and hooks the arm, to LOW BLOW MULE KICK!! The fans boo more but Taiji GEDO CLUTCHES, TWO!!! Taguchi survives Taiji’s sneaky tactics and the fans fire up! Taiji, Taguchi and Red Shoes all slowly stand back up, and Taiji hobbles over to Taguchi. Taiji drags Taguchi up, but Taguchi is a ragdoll! Taiji snarls and he drags Taguchi up all the same, BLOODY- NO, Taguchi rolls through, and then has the OH MY GAH ANKLE!!! Taiji endures, Taguchi keeps him from ropes, and Taguchi pushes on that leg! The fans rally as hard as they can as Taguchi puts on the pressure!
Taiji grits his teeth, reaches out, but Taguchi twists the ankle more! Taiji fights forward, Taguchi drags him back, and repeat! Taguchi then yanks Taiji into the DODON BUSTER!!! Cover, TWO!?!? Taiji survives, but Taguchi just goes for OH MY GAH ANKLE!!!! The fans rally for Taguchi but Taiji rolls! Taguchi holds on!! Taguchi ELBOW DROPS the leg, then TWISTS the ankle!!! Taiji endures, but he TAPS!! TAGUCHI WINS!!!
Winner: Ryusuke Taguchi, by submission (gains 2 points; Taiji earns 0)
Taiji tried and tried, but who knew Taguchi would take this one so seriously? Will it only be #ByGrace that Taiji can turn this around and reach the top?
As for Taguchi, he ices his arm while the fans cheer him on. Then he gets the mic to say, “Thank you for the chants.” The fans cheer, and Taguchi continues, “Thank you all for so many of you showing up here in Iwanuma, and thank you for all the support.” The fans cheer again, and Taguchi adds that he’d like to thank Mayo Junichi Sato, as well as the Iwanuma City Board of Education. “The elementary and middle school kids were able to come here for free today, so we got so much support from the kids. For you to understand how pro-wrestling can give you strength is something that brings me so much joy.”
The fans applaud that, too, and Taguchi hopes they’ve all found a new hobby today in pro-wrestling. Please keep watching pro-wrestling, as there are so many great wrestlers for you to discover and enjoy. He hopes watching wrestling makes their lives more fun. He wishes them all the best. The fans applaud, and Taguchi says not just his opponent tonight, Taiji, but also Yoh and Mao are from here in the Miyagi Prefecture. “We produce a lot of great wrestlers, but I guess the Saito brothers are most famous.” The fans have a good laugh at that, and Taguchi says he hopes he can be like them in terms of popularity. Please continue to support him!
The fans applaud, and Taguchi says Hirooki Goto is leading NJPW and his Goto Revolution. The fans do applaud that, and Taguchi says he is willing to follow Goto. The G in IWGP may be for Goto, but the T in “The” that is in “Best of The Super Juniors” will now stand for Taguchi! The fans do like the sound of that. Taguchi says the BOSJ’s T will send his love to Iwanuma today. The fans like that, and Taguchi sees the cheerers are here, as is the mascot! The fans applaud and “Chief Clerk Iwanuma” waves. Taguchi says this is also on NJPW World, so this is good promotion around Japan and the world. You will see how great Iwanuma is today!
So, let’s go! The T in Best of the Super Juniors is for Taguchi! Iwanuma, daisuki desu~!” And since it’s been awhile, let’s do that, huh? The fans cheer and clap along as Taguchi does his dance! Will the Funky Weapon get even funkier as this tournament goes on? Will he lead the Junior Heavyweight Division just as Goto leads all of NJPW?
Here are the updated A Block standings!
Hiromu Takahashi: 1-0, 2 points
Dragon Dia: 1-0, 2 points
Kosei Fujita: 1-0, 2 points
Ninja Mack: 1-0, 2 points
Clark Connors: 1-0, 2 points
Master Wato: 0-1, 0 points
KUSHIDA: 0-1, 0 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 0-1, 0 points
Francesco Akira: 0-1, 0 points
Robbie X: 0-1, 0 points
Here are the updated B Block standings!
El Desperado: 1-0, 2 points
Nick Wayne: 1-0, 2 points
MAO: 1-0, 2 points
Robbie Eagles: 1-0, 2 points
Ryusuke Taguchi: 1-0, 2 points
Kevin Knight: 0-1, 0 points
Titan: 0-1, 0 points
SHO: 0-1, 0 points
YOH: 0-1, 0 points
Taiji Ishimori: 0-1, 0 points
My Thoughts:
A great second day for BOSJ’s opening weekend. Mack VS Robbie X was immediately a high bar with that extra special Ninja Special Mack pulled off, and even how the finish came about with that spin kick into a cradle. Knight VS Mao also had some great innovation, and a great first win for Mao in his first-ever BOSJ. Connors and Eagles each getting a win over the tag team champions was a bit surprising, but they could do some big stuff with the tag teams after the tournament. I did like Connors using a tire in this match, and it sounds like that’s part of a new gimmick or something he’s doing. Yoh’s Ziplock outfit is pretty fun, too.
And great stuff out of the main event with getting “Serious Taguchi” here tonight. Taguchi is usually such a jokester so it’s great when he busts out a banger like this, especially when he wins. I appreciate Taguchi giving such a promo where he genuinely wants the kids to know pro-wrestling can be a hobby but also a career. I also like that he brought out the comedy here, copying Goto’s “the G in IWGP is for Goto” but to where it’s something irrelevant. Taguchi rising back up as a serious contender would be something to see, especially with all these crossovers.
My Score: 9/10
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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
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4 Corners Podcast: Never Over Until Its Over
Dave and Patrick break down the latest developments, scores, and stories from the NBA and NHL Playoffs.
4 Corners Podcast: Playoffpalooza
Dave and Tunney discuss all the awesome action that has been going on in the NHL and NBA Playoffs!
4 Corners Podcast: Is It Drafty In Here?
Patrick and Dave discuss the NFL Draft, Shedeur Sanders, and the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs!
4 Corners Podcast: Rory McIlroy, NBA Playoffs & NIL
Join Patrick and Dave every Tuesday as they cover the four corners of the professional sporting world!
4 Corners Podcast: Houston Still Has a Problem
This week, we discuss the NCAA Final Four, the NHL Playoff chase, the end of the Gr8 Chase and much...
Bandwagon Nerds #288: Disney In The Desert
Disney makes a controversial decision about where it is building its 7th theme park. Plus, loads of trailers, Thunderbolts* news,...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (5/9/25)
June will be electric!
Bandwagon Nerds #287: Filling A Void
The Nerds review Thunderbolts*, check out the latest trailers, and celebrate Star Wars Day as only they can!
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu Results & Report! (5/1/25)
Let's live it up!
Attitude Of Aggression #308- Unidentified History: From Undesirable to Undeniable
This debut Episode examines how UAPs went from an undesirable topic of discussion into an undeniably important aspect of our...
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (5/13/25)
Sign on the dotted line!
Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/11/25)
Let's get funky!
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (5/12/25)
IT'S CLOBBERIN TIME!
Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/10/25)
For the 32nd time...!
Attitude Of Aggression #309- The Big Five Project: King of the Ring ’95
The Big Five Project returns to recap a dreadful PPV, King of the Ring '95. It is every bit as...
Mitchell’s WWE Backlash Results & Report! (5/10/25)
John Cena's Final Backlash!
Mindless Wrestling Podcast: Release The Backlash
Join DJ, Rob and Jason every week as they give their "Mindless" takes on Pro Wrestling and much, much more!
Mitchell’s NJPW Resurgence Results & Report! (5/9/25)
NJPW's back in the Golden State!
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (5/9/25)
The time is now!
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (5/9/25)
TGIROHF!
