Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (3/27/23)
Another MASSIVE Monday!
We’re in the homestretch of the Road to WrestleMania!
On the last Raw before WrestleMania, Brock Lesnar and Omos weigh-in while Cody Rhodes takes on the Bloodline’s Enforcer, Solo Sikoa!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Becky Lynch w/ Lita & Trish Stratus VS Iyo Sky w/ DMG CTRL; Becky wins.
- Seth Rollins VS Mustafa Ali; Rollins wins.
- 8 Man Tag: Ricochet, Braun Strowman & The Street Profits VS The Alpha Academy & The Viking Raiders; Ricochet, Braun & The Profits win.
- WrestleMania Women’s Tag Team Showcase Qualifier: Mia Yim & Candice LeRae VS Chelsea Green & Sonya Deville; Chelsea & Sonya win and advance to WrestleMania.
- Rey Mysterio VS Damian Priest w/ Dominik Mysterio; Rey wins, by disqualification.
- GUNTHER w/ Imperium VS Dolph Ziggler; Gunther wins.
- Cody Rhodes VS Solo Sikoa w/ Paul Heyman; Cody wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
The Miz heads to the ring.
Phoenix has mixed reactions as the Host of WrestleMania, the Hollywood A-Lister, is here to host his show, MizTV. He welcomes us to the Most Must-See WWE Talk Show, and says the WrestleMania energy is here! Because you all will bare witness the Most Must-See Master of Ceremonies, the host of WrestleMania, HIM! And on tonight’s special WrestleMania edition of MizTV, we get to the bottom of one of the most heated rivalries in all of WWE! Welcome his guests to the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, Becky Lynch & Lita, as well as Trish Stratus! Trish comes out first, but then here come the legend and The Man!
Fans fire up because Phoenix just entered the Big Time. They join Mix in the ring and the champs hold up the belts. Miz has the fans give it up one more time as they take their seats. Tonight, Becky goes 1v1 with Iyo Sky, so he’ll start with her. Damage CTRL has made Becky’s life a living hell, to where she’s needed back-up in the forms of two legends. But The Man usually works alone. What does it feel like to admit she can’t do it herself and had to call in reinforcements? Fans boo but Becky says that’s right, she IS The Man. Just like Miz is a man, and Phoenix, AZ knows that Miz sounds more like an insecure man with notoriously tiny balls.
Fans chant “TINY BALLS!” at Miz but he raises his hand. “They are not tiny. They are massive. Verified by my wife.” Well, must be nice to know Maryse didn’t get around much before Miz. And anyway, Miz is right that DMG CTRL have been a thorn in the side since SummerSlam. They put Becky on the shelf. made it that she couldn’t look after her child, and that it was the toughest two months of her life. She thought she ended this at WarGames, but they kept coming back like the vermin that they are. And so yes, Becky doesn’t get along with too many people. But there are two people here that she respects more than anyone. And no, Miz isn’t one of them.
So when those people fight for Becky, Becky fights for them. Fans cheer but Miz has things move along. Lita, Trish, why now? Yeah, go ahead, cheer. Fans cheer, and Miz asks why Lita & Trish made comebacks just to play back-ups. Lita says that she isn’t back-up. She’s one half of the tag team champions. But she does know that- Here comes DMG CTRL. Bayley has the mic to say that enough. Miz is “surprised” that their opponents would show up. Bayley has Miz stop, because she has something to say. And she tells Phoenix “you idiots” to shut up with the booing. The fans just boo more.
Bayley is sick and tired of hearing the three others acting like this is just another match. To DMG CTRL, this is their life. Every single step they’ve taken since SummerSlam has led here. And the legends are here acting like they still mean something, when they only meant something about 20 years ago. Well, that title on Lita’s shoulder means she means something here and now. Bayley says at one point, this would’ve been the ultimate dream match. Going up against someone she came up with in the business, and two of her heroes. Two of DMG CTRL’s heroes. But now, it is a different kind of dream. “What?!”
“I SAID IT’S A DIFFERNET KIND OF DREAM!” Not that these fans know anything, they can’t do crap! And now, the dream is to take out the top women of this division, the one that everyone brags about, and two Hall of Famers, all in the same night. And then what?! Because Bayley goes on and on but does nothing! And she has Kai & Sky, they haven’t been doing anything! Kai was a TWO TIME Tag Team Champ! Iyo is one of the greatest in NXT! And what’re they doing? NOTHING! Nothing but being lackeys! And all DMG CTRL is doing is the same old tired stuff since SummerSlam. You haven’t done anything!
We thought this was gonna end at WarGames, in a steel cage, when Becky took these titles. But it hasn’t, so it can only end at WrestleMania! Becky slams the mic down! Tensions are high ahead of Becky VS Sky, will it all explode before Hollywood?
Becky Lynch w/ Lita & Trish Stratus VS Iyo Sky w/ DMG CTRL!
Raw returns and the two rush in! Becky DECKS Sky, bumps her off buckles and stomps away! The ref counts, DMG CTRL protests and Becky lets off. Fans rally for Becky, she runs in to forearm smash! Then jump kick! Then BECKSPLODER! Becky drags Sky up again to BECKSPLODER again! Fans fire up, Sky goes to the apron, but Becky has her through the ropes, Becky fires off, SOBATS, then goes up the ropes. But DMG CTRL save Sky from the leg drop! Fans boo but the legends storm over. The ref has everyone get back., but Becky grabs Bayley’s hair! Sky DROPKICKS Becky away!
Sky hurries in, storms up and stomps Becky down in the corner. Sky lets off, but then digs both boots in. The ref counts, Sky lets off to SWINGING KNEE DROP! Becky flounders, Sky pushes her to a cover, ONE! Sky clamps on with a chinlock and she grinds Becky down. Fans rally as Becky endures the knee in her back. Becky fights up, arm-drags free, but Sky DROPKICKS Becky down! Bayley is fired up and Sky covers, TWO! Sky throws down forearms, then gives toying kicks. Sky taunts the champion and throws forearms. Becky fires back, and the two trade shots! They go faster and faster and fans fire up!
Becky gets the edge, UPPERCUTS, runs, but Sky follows to SHOTEI! Becky staggers and Sky whips her to ropes. Becky comes back with BIG forearms! Both women are down, Lita & Trish coach Becky. The fans rally back up, Becky and Sky head for each other. Becky ROCKS Sky, ELBOWS her, then BOOTS her from the corner! Becky runs to LARIAT! And again! And then CALF KICK! Sky bails out but Becky kips up. Becky runs to WRECK Sky with a dropkick! Becky goes to the apron, leaps, FLYING FOREARM! Kai & Bayley coach Sky but Becky puts her back in. Sky shoulders in, but into KICKS!
Becky goes up the corner again, but Sky slips out of the ropes. Becky leaps over Sky, catches Sky, but Sky fights the clinch! Sky scoops, Becky slips free, REVERSE DDT! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up with Becky and Sky rises. Becky reels her in, MAN- NO, wheelbarrow, STOMP 182! Cover, TWO! Becky survives and Sky can’t believe it, but Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Becky hits a SUPERPLEX!! Cover, TWO!! Sky survives and Phoenix is fired up! Becky rises first, she throws hands on Sky, then goes after an arm. Sky powers out, waistlocks, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Sky drags Becky back up, another GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Sky is shocked, Bayley & Kai coach her on. Sky drags Becky up, underhooks the arms, but Becky fights the lift. Becky wrenches out, ROCKS Sky, then hits a BECKSPLODER! Becky hurries to a corner, climbs up, and Phoenix fires up. But Sky rises, only to get a BOOT! Becky reels Sky in but Sky throws hands!
Sky springboards to DORPKICK Becky to the floor! Then she goes out to ASAI MOONSAULT! Down goes Becky at the ramp! Sky puts Becky in, covers, TWO! Sky grows frustrated but fans say “This is Awesome!” Sky pushes Becky to the drop zone and goes up top. OVER THE MOON- FLOP! Becky dodges, goes for an arm, but Sky rolls her! TWO and Becky drags Sky into a cradle! TWO! MANHANDLE SLAM!! High stack, Becky wins!!
Winner: Becky Lynch, by pinfall
One half of the champs stands tall all on her own! DMG CTRL is salty, but will they turn things around come WrestleMania?
The Bloodline arrives backstage.
Solo Sikoa leads the way, for his brothers, the Usos, and the Wise Man, Paul Heyman. Heyman has a sinister grin on his face, what will the Bloodline have in store for the American Nightmare this close to WrestleMania?
Raw takes a closer look at Asuka.
Corey Graves says that he had some prior knowledge of her dominance in Japan, but once she arrived in NXT, she was a gamechanger. Zelina Vega remembers watching Asuka and thinking, “This woman is scary.” Her undefeated streak in NXT, Kevin Owens says “she was like a buzzsaw, and it wasn’t long until she was Champion.” NXT TakeOver: Dallas began the Asuka Era in NXT, and she ran through the rest of the roster, and even the main roster. Lita says that is a huge accolade. The longest streak of male or female superstars at 914 DAYS. Molly Holly says that going YEARS undefeated, that’s just showing she’s in a class all by herself.
Charlotte Flair looks at Asuka and is in awe. She can do it all. The Women’s Royal Rumble, the Women’s Money in the Bank, the Elimination Chamber, WWE Women’s Grand Slam, and certainly one of the most feared women in WWE today. MVP says Asuka prevails because the mind games are the X-factor Bianca Belair hasn’t seen and isn’t prepared for. IS the EST ready for the Empress of Tomorrow? Or will her one-year reign be ruined at WrestleMania?
Raw shares footage from after last week’s episode went off the air.
Cathy Kelley caught up to Logan Paul backstage and asked about what happened. “Here’s your answer: I beat Seth Rollins again. And I’m gonna beat him at WrestleMania on April 1st, on my birthday, best birthday ever.” And then he goes on shouting that Rollins better watch out!
Backstage with Seth Rollins in the present.
Cathy now has The Visionary as he’s coming in, and he says Cathy is his favorite. What’s she got? Well, Logan has sucker punched him not once but twice. Anything left to say before the match at Mania? Rollins just frowns. And Mustafa Ali walks over. He explains that since Rollins has nothing nice to say, he’s not gonna say anything at all. Rollins looks at Ali and Ali is just trying to help Rollins ese the positive side to Logan Paul knocking him out. Twice. Listen, Logan and his crew had no idea who you even were before the Royal Rumble. And now… Logan and his millions of fans, they can’t wait to see if he’s gonna land another one of those lucky punches at WrestleMania.
Honestly, Rollins should be grateful. Think more positive-Ali. HAHAHAHAHA! Rollins likes that! Good pun! Genius, put it on a shirt, Ali deserves a prize! Any prizes? Maybe Rollins can get his guy to help Ali’s drip game. Or, no, wait! Even better! Remember when Rollins was US Champion and Ali was begging him for a match? Well, yeah, but that was a long time ago. Yeah, but good things come to those who wait. Ali’s night is tonight! Rollins VS Ali, positive-Ali beautiful! That’s not… Um… Well, Ali’s stepped in it, will he be able to survive an angry Architect?
Seth Rollins VS Mustafa Ali!
Raw returns and Rollins makes his entrance. Fans sing “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Ali is already in the ring and is trying to ask for mercy. Rollins enjoys the singing for a moment before he takes off the jacket. The bell rings and Ali again tries to reason with Rollins. Rollins throws Ali to a corner, but Ali goes up and over and again wants Rollins to think calmly. Rollins rushes in, Ali slips to the apron, shoulders in, goes up and over and ROCKS Rollins! Ali says if he was Logan, he would’ve knocked Rollins out. Rollins still rushes in., Ali headlocks, but Rollins powers out. Ali goes up and over, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Rollins CLOBBERS him!
Fans fire up while Ali flounders. Fans sing as Rollins stomps away on Ali in the corner, but the ref counts. Rollins lets off at 4 and fans fire up more. But then Ali YANKS Rollins into buckles! Ali goes up the corner, but Rollins ROLLING ELBOWS the legs out! And then ROLLING ELBOWS Ali in the back! Ali falls into the Tree of Woe and fans cheer. Ali wants mercy, but he gets an UPSIDE-DOWN CURB STOMP!! Ali flops out of the Tree, fans fire up as Rollins aims again, and he hits a proper CURB STOMP!! Cover, Rollins wins!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall
Ali’s positive attitude and negative comments got him a zero sum, but Rollins has something to say. “In five days, April 1st, night one of WrestleMania, I finally get my hands on Logan Paul. And Logan Paul, he’s got a history of making a joke out of himself. But me level with you. If I can’t beat Logan Paul at WrestleMania, he’s not the joke, I am.” Fans boo but Rollins says Logan threw Rollins out of the Rumble, cost him at the Elimination Chamber, and cheap-shotted him not once but twice. “And in five days, it all… comes… back… AROUND!”
And April 1st just happens to be Logan’s birthday? Logan, Logan, Logan, the WWE Universe at WrestleMania, they will be serenading you all night long. But it won’t be Happy Birthday! Phoenix, give Logan a taste of what Logan’s gonna hear at WrestleMania! “Sing that damn song!” “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Rollins tells Logan, “I’ll see you at WrestleMania. HAHAHA!” The Visionary is ready to #BurnItDown, will this go from the best birthday to the worst birthday ever for the ImPAULsive Influencer?
Baron Corbin talks with Adam Pearce.
Rick Boogs challenged Corbin, Corbin is trying to get out of a slump he’s been in, and then there’s WrestleMania. Corbin has NO WrestleMania match and that’s embarrassing. He’s doing signings, media, meet ‘n’ greets, all about it! He used to run this show and Pearce has to give Corbin a break. And then Chelsea Green walks in. She would like a moment ot break her foot off in Pearce’s behind! Pearce says that’s real classy. But he tells Corbin that he and Boogs can have it out in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal on Friday Night SmackDown. Now, excuse him for a moment.
Chelsea says she needs to know why she is NOT in the Women’s Tag Team Showcase. Because you don’t have a partner! Piper Niven no longer wants anything to do with her, but listen. Pearce has been working- NO, do not mansplain her. But then Sonya Deville walks in and says she couldn’t have said it better herself. The problem with Pearce is that Sonya did this job better than him, and that intimidated him. In fact, he might just be intimidated by strong women. Pearce would like to finish what he was saying. he looked at the roster, he was thinking about who could be in the Women’s Tag Team Showcase, and it struck him: Chelsea & Sonya.
They’re a bit surprised but he says yes, they can be a team. Call yourselves “The Complaint Department” or “Misery Loves Company” or whatever you want. But if they want in the match, they have to win against Mia Yim & Candice LeRae. The winner will be the fourth and final team in the Women’s Tag Team Showcase. Okay? Sonya says Pearce isn’t usually this smart but this is brilliant. So they’re okay with it? Yes, first thing he’s done right. Fine, does he at least get his office back? Chelsea & Sonya leave, Corbin steps back in and says, “Seriously?” Pearce sighs and leaves. Will Michin & The Poison Pixie ruin the hopes of the Hot Mess & Jersey Deville?
Corey Graves & Adam Pearce are in the ring.
Corey welcomes us to the official weigh-in for what is literally one of the biggest match at WrestleMania. So first, accompanied by MVP, it is the Nigerian Giant, OMOS! Omos makes his entrance with MVP right behind him. Omos enters the ring and then MVP takes the mic from Corey to take it from here. Fans boo but MVP says, “Before we are joined by the Beast Incarnate, I’d like to remind everyone that this one final opportunity for all of you–and for you, Brock Lesnar–to see the specimen that is the Nigerian Giant.
“You see, Brock, I will give you credit because I respect you immensely. Brock Lesnar, many times, you have stepped in this ring at previous WrestleManias and you have imposed your will and conquered some of the greatest that this business has ever seen. People like the great Kurt Angle. People like Goldberg. People like… Roman Reigns.” But MVP would be amiss if he didn’t mention the ‘crowning achievement: ending the streak at WrestleMania of the Undertaker.” But unlike all of those men, Omos is a GIANT. Lesnar can’t suplex him, he can’t F5 him, and at Mania, Lesnar will NOT defeat him!
So Omos, if you would, please. Omos steps on the scale, and the scales are adjusted. The final call is: 410 pounds! Lesnar’s a bad man, but he ain’t badder than Omos! But wait, here comes Lesnar! Lesnar takes off his hat to wave at the fans, then he fires off his pyro. Lesnar goes to the ring, taking off his denim vest and putting his hat aside. Lesnar enters the ring, looks Omos up and down, then ATTACKS! Omos stays up, Lesnar RAMS Omos again, then again! Omos staggers, Lesnar has the scale! But Omos BOOTS Lesnar down! Omos roars, MVP says to finish it! Lesnar gets away as Omos grabs the scale!
Omos shouts, “This is MY house!” Fans chant “SUPLEX CITY!” but Lesnar hasn’t had a chance to do even one suplex. Lesnar has things cool off, and we already know he isn’t close to 410 pounds. But will Lesnar prove that the bigger they are, the harder they fall?
Raw takes a closer look at Charlotte Flair.
Charlotte Flair says herself that this is her destiny. This is her birthright. This is her continuing the greatest legacy in professional wrestling. In total, a FOURTEEN-TIME Women’s Champion, and is ready to main event WrestleMania on April 1st against Rhea Ripley. The Queen vows to put Rhea in her place once and for all.
Backstage interview with Rhea Ripley.
Byron Saxton is with the challenger to Charlotte Flair, how does Rhea respond to Charlotte saying she’ll continue her storied legacy by winning at Mania? There is no denying how great Charlotte’s legacy is. But we don’t need to be reminded that she’s a 14-time women’s champion. Her legacy is unmatched, but it will not define Rhea. Rhea must beat Charlotte, she must prove she is the best, and she must become the biggest star in this industry. And Rhea needs Charlotte’s title to do so. It comes down to Charlotte’s legacy against Rhea’s destiny. And Charlotte can’t stop Rhea from becoming the NEW SmackDown Women’s Champion.
Finn Balor speaks.
“Edge. It was always gonna be this way, wasn’t it? You and I, dragging each other to the lonely wicked structure inside Hell in a Cell. Now you, you are familiar with the Cell. You say you thrive in the Cell. You ay you were baptized int he Cell. And now, you wanna lock yourself inside of the Cell with me. Don’t you know there is nothing more dangerous than a caged demon? So Edge, go to your dark place. Light your candles. Do whatever it is you need to do to unlock it, to summon it. But just remember: I don’t summon my demons. My demons are always here. You just have to look closely.” Finn is ready to bring out his dark side, will he use it to devour Edge’s soul?
8 Man Tag: Ricochet, Braun Strowman & The Street Profits VS The Alpha Academy & The Viking Raiders!
Ahead of the Men’s Tag Team Showcase Fatal 4 Way, it’s a 4v4! Will the King of Flight, the Monster of All Monsters, Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford take the lead roles going into Hollywood? Or will Chad Gable, Otis, Erik & Ivar be the ones in the spotlight?
Raw returns as “SHOOOSH! Shoosh, please.” Gable & Otis make their entrance first, then Erik & Ivar make theirs, “Valhalla” Sarah Logan guiding them. The teams sort out, and Gable starts against Dawkins. They circle, tie up, and Dawkins wrenches an arm. Gable rolls, wrenches and headlocks to a takeover. Dawkins headscissors, Gable kips free, roles reverses and Gable kips out of headscissors. The two stare down and fans fire up. “We Want The Smoke! We Want The Smoke!” Gable says “SHOOSH!” and circles with Dawkins. They tie up, Dawkins headlocks but Gable powers out, only for Dawkins to run him over.
Things keep moving, Dawkins hurdles then whips, but Gable waistlocks and gator rolls! Dawkins gets free, things keep moving, Ricochet tags in before Gable hurdles and Dawkins cartwheels! Dawkins arm-drags, Gable arm-drags, and Dawkins bails out! “A thank yew!” Ricochet runs in, rolls and handsprings, but into an ANKLE LOCK! But Ricochet rolls to throw Gable away, and he DROPKICKS Gable down! Tag to Braun! Braun helps Ricochet, RAILGUN BODY CHECK! Then Braun adds a SPALSH! Feed to the ENZIGURI, LARIAT! Fans fire up with Braun, but Ford tags in. Ford also flexes but Braun isn’t amused.
Ford slingshots in but Gable arm-drags! Ford arm-drags, Gable arm-drags, repeat! Gable trips, covers, ONE! Ford trips, covers, ONE! Ford bobs ‘n’ weaves to BACKHAND! But Gable CLOBBERS Ford! “SHOOOSH~!” Fans boo and Ford’s team steps up. Gable’s team steps up, too, and fans fire up! The ref says no, but it’s an EIGHT MAN BRAWL! Braun throws out Gable, Erik and Ricochet fall out, Otis throws out Ford and Ivar throws out Dawkins! And now we have the three biggest men! Fans are loving this! Ivar swings on Braun but Braun DECKS Ivar! Otis CLOBBERS Braun out of the ring!!
Ford LEAPS in, but into a WORLD’S STRONGEST SLAM!! Otis and Gable celebrate while fans boo, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Erik has Ford in a headlock. Ford fights up, but Erik throws him down! Erik sits Ford up, has a chinbar neck wrench but Ford endures. Ford fights up, pries free of the hold, but Erik knees low! Tag to Ivar and the Vikings mug Ford against the ropes! Fans boo but the Vikings let off. Gable also gloats on their behalf, but Ivar tags Erik back in. Erik feeds Ford to Ivar’s KNEE! Ivar feeds Ford to Erik’s KNEE! Cover, TWO! Ford survives but Erik drags Ford over. Otis tags in, Erik hands off Ford and Otis CLOBBERS Ford! Maxxine Dupri is watching backstage, she is very pleased as Otis tears off his shirt.
Otis gets the truffle shuffle going, runs and ELBOW DROPS! “Maxxine, I’m here, baby!” Gable wants Otis to focus and he drags Ford up. Ford mule kicks! And front kicks! But Otis CLOBBERS Ford again! Otis looms over Ford and says, “Who’s the man!?” Otis drags Ford up, but Ford wrenches and ENZIGURIS! Otis wobbles and Ford crawls! Otis shakes out the cobwebs, hot tags to Dawkins and Ivar! Dawkins rallies on the other team, but Ivar kicks low! Ivar whips, Dawkins hurdles, FLYING ELBOW! Fans fire up for the CYCLONE SPLASH! And ENZIGURI! Ivar wobbles, Gable gets in, Dawkins DECKS Gable!
But Ivar DECKS Dawkins! Tag to Erik, SPLASH and FOREARM and then a LARIAT! Cover, Ricochet breaks it with a STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Ivar gets in, into an ENZIGURI! Ricochet triangle jump DROPKICKS Otis! Ricochet hurdles Gable, Dawkins DECKS Gable!! Fans fire up, Dawkins hurries, hot tag to Braun! And he gets on the tracks! The Strowman Express DERAILS Otis! And then Gable! And then Ivar! Erik ROCKS Braun at the ropes, Ace Ten Maou!! Erik runs, into a SPINEBUSTER! Braun rips off his shirt and fans are thunderous! Tag to Ricochet, then scoop! MONSTER SLAM!
Ricochet gets on Braun’s shoulders, for a MONSTER SWANTON!! And then Ford tags in, FROM THE HEAVENS!! Cover, Ford’s team wins!
Winners: Ricochet, Braun Strowman & The Street Profits, by pinfall
A HUGE team up, a HUGE victory! But will either of these dynamic duos be the winners of the Fatal 4 Way?
As for Maxxine, she does not like that Gable & Otis are still sticking together. Will she find a way to break Otis away from Gable and the Academy?
Backstage interview with Cody Rhodes.
Cathy is with the American Nightmare, and asks that with his Mania match just days away, is accepting a match with Solo Sikoa puts him in a “vulnerable position?” Cody lives for this position. He understands, though, because Solo is undefeated, like Cody. Hasn’t been pinned, hasn’t been submitted. Now if Roman Reigns and Mr. Heyman were here, you’d ask them if they think Cody has a chance of making it through tonight and winning at WrestleMania. They’d surely cackle maniacally in their Samoan Goodfellas aesthetic.
But Cody would follow up and say, “Why is it so important, Mr. Heyman, that I wrestle the enforcer of the Bloodline, and he always has an enforcer, six days away from the big one?” It’s because they know. They know the answer to the question people are asking: Has Cody Rhodes earned it? Has he? The fire didn’t start when he came back at AT&T Stadium. That’d be a disservice to where Cody’s been and where he’s gone. This started long before that. This fire isn’t going out. Cody hasn’t just earned it, he’s lived it!
“Tonight, Solo Sikoa finds out he’s not ready. And at WrestleMania, I defeat Roman Reigns and become the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.” Cody is ready, but will the Bloodline look to ruin his Hollywood story?
Raw takes a closer look at Bianca Belair.
Liv Morgan says, “There’s nothing Bianca can’t do.” She remembers the first day Bianca was in the Performance Center, and from the first moment, it was clear they had a star. Corey Graves says, “When we talk about superstars in this business having ‘it,’ that sort of indefinable, intangible quality, Bianca exemplifies it.” The strongEST, the fastEST, the roughEST, the toughEST. Montez Ford could go on for days about how excited he is for his wife, and the dominance has been second to none. Beth Phoenix says it is special for her to see this generation having great role models, like Bianca Belair.
Bianca has been on radio, television, talk shows, sports shows, awards shows, and still has energy for the ring. Molly Holly is so proud of what Bianca’s accomplished. She’s got something special. Cody Rhodes knows Bianca’s year long dominance is legit. Kevin Owens says that between Bianca’s abilities and Asuka’s mind games, that is a must-see match. But then, who will be the RawEST Women’s Champion after WrestleMania?
Austin Theory speaks.
Earlier today, when there was no one in the arena, Theory said that at WrestleMania Saturday, he loses everything. “According to you, John Cena. But that’s where you’re wrong.” For some reason, Cena thinks he’s exposed Theory on the mic. No, he exposed himself. Cena showed himself that the one thing Cena can’t see is the future right in front of his eyes. Theory says it’s like Cena was hitting Theory with a reality check that no one believes in him. Not even him, THE John Cena. But Cena must be wondering why Theory’s here all alone. It’s simple. There’s no difference between an empty arena or a sold out SoFi Stadium.
Because Theory doesn’t do this for the fans. he doesn’t do it for a fan who wants to be the next Austin Theory> And he doesn’t do it to be the next John Cena. Theory does this for Theory. Theory does this because he had a purpose way before anyone had an opinion. “It’s sad. It’s so sad to know that I would’ve let you go down the hero.” But Cena made it personal. Theory knows a lot of people… Hell, everyone looks up to Cena. But it’ll be so fitting that Cena will be looking up at Theory. And that’s not a theory, because Theory will make Cena believe in Austin Theory. And the WWE Universe that Cena loves so much, they will stop believing in Cena.
And that’ll happen on the Grandest Stage of Them All, this Saturday at WrestleMania. Theory looks to the sign in silence, but will there be an uproar when he manages to defeat the living legend to start the Showcase of the Immortals?
The WWE Hall of Fame has legs!
That is to say, Stacy Kiebler is being inducted as part of this year’s class!
WrestleMania Women’s Tag Team Showcase Qualifier: Mia Yim & Candice LeRae VS Chelsea Green & Sonya Deville!
#Michin and the Poison Pixie have teamed before, but this is their biggest opportunity as a team yet! Will they clean up the Hot Mess and go on to WrestleMania? Or will all the complaints and criticisms turn into celebration for Chelsea & Sonya?
Raw returns and Candice & Mia make their entrance. The teams sort out and Sonya starts against Mia. They circle, tie up, and Sonya pulls hair. Sonya puts Mia in the corner, the ref counts, and Sonya lets off at 4. Sonya pie faces Mia, fans boo, but Sonya taunts Mia. Mia storms up, blocks a punch and fires off forearms! Mia whips, runs and then redirects to DROPKICK Sonya! Fans fire up and Sonya flounders to a corner. Mia runs in to BOOT Sonya down! Chelsea complains but Mia chases her off. Mia runs in but the CANNONBALL gets buckles! Sonya drags Mia up and bumps her off buckles.
Tag to Chelsea, Sonya fires off kicks and then Chelsea SLAPS! Chelsea digs her boot in, tags Sonya, and Sonya fires body shots. Tag back to Chelsea, she and Sonya bring Mia out to double suplex. They stall, but Mia uses that to turn things into a DOUBLE NECKBREAKER! Fans fire up, Mia crawls, hot tag to Candice! Candice goes up top and DOUBLE CROSSBODIES! Fans fire up, Candice fires off on Chelsea but Chelsea gets around. Chelsea ripcords, Candice dodges and CLOBBERS Chelsea! Then back body block in the corner! Snapmare, STEP-UP SENTON! Tag to Mia, she and Candice combine, WHEELBARROW VICTORY SPLASH! Cover, Sonya breaks it!
Candice swings on Sonya, but Sonya spins her around and ELBOW DROP DDTS! But Mia runs in to SHOTGUN Sonya down! Fans fire up but Chelsea runs in. Mia dodges, waistlocks, but Chelsea switches. Mia bucks the O’Conner, but Sonya sucker punches her! Chelsea chicken wings for the UNPRETTIER! Cover, Chelsea & Sonya win!
Winners: Chelsea Green & Sonya Deville, by pinfall
Fans boo but there’s nothing they can do about it now! Will there be nothing the other three teams can do when these two migraine makers hit Hollywood?
Backstage interview with Paul Heyman.
Cathy asks the Special Counsel his response to Cody’s words from earlier. Heyman says, “Ye, though he walks through the shadow of the Island of Relevancy, Cody Rhodes fears no Tribal Chief, because Cody Rhodes is. Not. Ready. He proved it just a few minutes ago, when he asked what had to be a rhetorical question. Why is it so important that he fight Solo six days before Cody Rhodes is in his first WrestleMania main event? It’s not important, it’s relevant. And here’s why it’s so relevant. Because Solo is ready… to weaken Cody Rhodes for his match against Roman Reigns.
“Solo is not here to compete. Solo is here to put a beating on Cody Rhodes so that Cody Rhodes is not at 100% against Roman Reigns this Sunday. And if you’re saying, ‘Well that’s not very dignified of Roman Reigns as champion.’ Well, Roman Reigns is ready to stoop to those depths, and rise to those occasions, and get any advantage that he can to remain Tribal Chief on the Island of Relevancy. And that, Cathy, is the difference between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes. Roman Reigns came to his Wise Man and said, ‘Wise Man, I’m ready.’ And so Roman Reigns was ready to stop being the Big Dog and became the Tribal Chief.
“But this is the same Cody Rhodes we’ve known our entire lives. With those big puppy dog eyes, looking at his hero, Roman Reigns, across the ring Sunday night at WrestleMania, because Cody Rhodes has never been ready. Cody Rhodes was never ready to fill the shoes of the American Dream, Dusty Rhodes. Cody Rhodes was never ready to be the man of this generation. Cody Rhodes is not ready to defeat your Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, this Sunday at WrestleMania. Cody Rhodes needs to be ready to take the beating that will be inflicted upon him by Solo tonight.
“And then, Cody Rhodes will have to take the emotional baggage that Roman Reigns will dump on him this Friday face to face on SmackDown, so that when Cody Rhodes enters the ring on Sunday night, the only thing he’s going to be ready for is to lose to Roman Reigns. And then Cody Rhodes, I implore you, be ready for the greatest moment of your entire existence. When in the glory of your own defeat, when you’ve disappointed the WWE Universe, be ready to ACKNOWLEDGE your Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, in the main event this Sunday of WrestleMania.” Heyman claims Solo is ready, but will he be shocked in tonight’s main event?
Rey Mysterio VS Damian Priest w/ Dominik Mysterio!
You can insult a man all you want, but if you insult his wife, that’s a different story! The King of Lucha Libre finally smacked the smug smile off his son’s face on Friday night, and they’re going to have a WrestleMania match after all! But will the Judgment Day’s Punisher break Rey before Dom has to face what’s coming to him?
Raw returns and fans boo as Dom has the mic. “Dad. It takes a real lowlife to hit your own child. I thought you were a deadbeat then. Now, you really are a deadbeat! Everyone saw the video of you attacking me. And after Damian beats you tonight and I humiliate you at WrestleMania, everyone here will really know what a failure of a father you really are! Someone roll the footage!” A replay of what went down on SmackDown plays, where Rey said no, but Dom had to push it by dragging his mother and sister into this. Dom told his mom to shut up, and Rey DECKED Dom! Dom rants in Spanish about his mom ignoring the truth and his sister not knowing anything.
Fans chant “YOU SUCK!” as Dom says “What kind of father hits his own son? What kind of mother sits there and does nothing?” Dom should’ve said all that a long time ago! Fans still boo and chant “YOU SUCK!” but Dom tells his dad that he’s never said this out loud, but he DOES wish Eddie was his real father! And that Rey never EXISTED! Because Dom’s entire family is a disgrace to the Mysterio name! And the Mysterio name will be HIS after WrestleMania! Dom’s rant ends, and Rey makes his entrance. Rey is keeping his cool, but will he explode before WrestleMania? We see, after the break.
Raw returns again and the match is underway. Rey headlocks but Priest powers out, only for Rey to kick him back. Rey then ducks, dodges, and wheelbarrows, to BULLDOG! Fans fire up but Dom shouts at Priest to get up. Rey goes to the apron while Priest slowly stands. Rey climbs the corner, leaps in, and SEATED SENTONS! Rey keeps moving, he slides past Priest to dropkick the legs out! Rey KICKS Damian down and fans fire up. Rey runs to LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Priest and Rey both stand up, but Rey whips. Priest blocks, Rey CLUBS Priest then runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but springboards into Priest’s arms!
Priest swings Rey around, COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Rey is still in this. Priest looms over Rey and wants him to stand up. Fans rally for Rey, that annoys Dom, but Priest runs in, only for the leg to get caught up on the top rope! Rey then CLUBS Priest down onto the ropes! Rey dials it up, but Priest LARIATS first!! Cover, TWO!! Priest and Dom are furious that Rey survives! Priest drags Rey up, RAMS him into a corner, then hoists him up top. Fans rally, Priest CLUBS Rey then climbs up after him. Priest choke grips, but Rey throws back hands and elbows! Rey then stands up, to SUPER STEINER!
Priest flounders up, Rey dropkicks him onto ropes! Rey redials, for the 619!! Priest is down and Rey goes up! But then Dom trips Rey up!
Winner: Rey Mysterio, by disqualification
Fans boo but Dom drags Rey off the corner and rains fists down! Dom roars as the fans boo, but Dom has Priest drag Rey up. They mug Rey, but wait! LEGADO DEL FANTASMA is here! Santos Escobar, Cruz Del Toro & Joaquin Wilde run Priest & Dom off! Will Dom lie, cheat and ultimately steal the Mysterio legacy away from his father?
Raw looks back at Andre the Giant.
“Larger than life. Unmatched in power. Andre the Giant towered over the competition with a nearly 15 year undefeated streak.” Jerry Lawler says that no matter where Andre went, people came to see him. Hulk Hogan says there was just “something magical” about Andre. The first-ever inductee to the WWE Hall of Fame, he holds the record for most career battle royal eliminations. And in 2014, WWE began the Andre the Giant Battle Royal. It is a tradition that brings the same awe and excitement that Andre himself brought to the ring. This Friday Night SmackDown, who makes their mark on history in the ninth annual memorial battle royal?
The list of participants is in the back.
Bobby Lashley, Johnny Gargano, Dexter Lumis, Rick Boogs, Dolph Ziggler, Elias, Mustafa Ali, Xavier Woods, Madcap Moss, Baron Corbin, Bronson Reed, Karrion Kross, LA Knight, Cedric Alexander, Shelton Benjamin, Mace, Mansoor, Top Dolla, Ashante THEE Adonis, Ridge Holland, “Butch” Pete Dunne, Angel Garza, Humberto Carrillo, Santos Escobar, Joaquin Wilde, Cruz Del Toro and… The Good Brothers, Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows! Bingo! Payday! Gargano says Friday Night SmackDown, NXT Stand & Deliver Saturday and WrestleMania ALL weekend, this is gonna be crazy!
Gargano, lead us tot he dojo. Uh, okay. Maybe this way? Sure. Boogs walks up and is so excited! Elias asks why? Boogs is in the battle royal! Sweet! Just like Elias. And Elias has a great feeling. Take notes, because Elias is a lock to win. But then he turns around to see Lumis. Well, nice gloves. And then he turns around to see Bronson Reed. Sorry, didn’t see you there. See you Friday, though. But then Elias bumps into the All Mighty! Elias is a lock to win, huh? Y-yeah… Lashley pats Elias on the shoulder and says, “See you Friday.” Boogs says this is gonna be SUPER! Is it, though? Or will a true giant win the Andre the Giant Battle Royal?
Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn speak.
Sami starts by saying, “I’d say it’s been a pretty emotional year. After everything that’s happened between us and the Usos, and everything else, we’re now finding ourselves less than a week away from the biggest tag team championship match of all time. And a huge part of why this is so emotional for us is also the fact that it’s happening in Los Angeles, because there’s a big part of the story there that not everybody knows. Yeah, everybody knows Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens started in Montreal, from nothing. Nothing! But Los Angeles is the city where we first got our big break. That is where we made our names, that is where we truly became a team.
“And now, after all these years, after everything that’s happened with us, it all comes full circle and we walk back into Los Angeles as a team.” Kevin says, “Because every fight we’ve ever been in, every fight we’ve had together, every fight we’ve had alongside each other, has been about getting our careers to the next level. Going forward, going upwards, getting bigger and better things. But this weekend, it doesn’t get any better, it doesn’t get any bigger. Biggest tag team match of all time? You’re right. It’s us against the Usos, the longest reigning tag team champions of all time. The best team in WWE.
“And that was true up until last week, because this weekend, we get to show The Usos, we get to show The Bloodline, we get to show the world, what we can do as a team, and we get to do it in Los Angeles, the city where we got our first big break! And in that city, we are going to achieve the biggest thing we can achieve together, when we become WWE Undisputed Tag Team Champions, and we’re doing it at WrestleMania!” Kevin & Sami are fired up, will they be the ones to finally dethrone Jimmy & Jey?
GUNTHER w/ Imperium VS ???
Despite Der Ring General wanting only one challenger for his Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania, he made a miscalculation in his plans and now has two! Will Gunther be 100% before taking on Drew McIntyre AND Sheamus? Or will whoever his opponent is find a way to do some damage?
Raw returns and Gunther’s opponent is… Dolph Ziggler! The Showoff has been Intercontinental Champion many times before, will he show he can still get to that level?
The bell rings, and Ziggler DROPKICKS Gunther! And SATELLITE DDTS! Fans fire up, Ziggler aims again, and Gunther stands into haymakers! SUPER- NO, Gunther blocks the kick to CHOP Ziggler off his feet! Gunther drags Ziggler up, UPPERCUTS him to a corner, then drags Ziggler up to put him on the top rope. Gunther CHOPS Ziggler, then climbs up to STAND on Ziggler! The ref reprimands and counts, fans boo, but Gunther lets off at 4. Ziggler flops out of the ring, Gunther stands tall in the corner, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Gunther has Ziggler down with a chinlock. Ziggler fights up, throws body shots, then haymakers and forearms! Fans fire up, Ziggler HEADBUTTS, then he dodges a lariat to kick and FAMOUSER! Cover, TWO! Gunther crawls to a corner, stands up, and Ziggler jumps! But Gunther bucks the Zigzag! Ziggler runs back in, into a CHOP!! Gunther then drags Ziggler up for a GERMAN SUPLEX! And then Gunther drags Ziggler up to bring him around, for a GENERAL BOMB!! Gunther doesn’t end it there, though, as he drags Ziggler back up! For the scoop and LAST SYMPHONY! Cover, Gunther!
Winner: Gunther, by pinfall
The Intercontinental Champion didn’t need to do more damage, he wanted to do more damage. But Gunther then gets the mic to call out Sheamus and McIntyre. “Despite the disgrace of being forced to defend MY Intercontinental Championship against both of you… Have a look. Because this is the fate that awaits you at WrestleMania!” Will brutality be the melody of this Triple Threat of titans?
Cody Rhodes VS Solo Sikoa w/ Paul Heyman!
Fans sing for The American Nightmare and the pyro goes off, Cody is more than ready for this Monday Night Raw main event. But will he survive this fight with the Street Champion before taking on THE champion on WrestleMania Sunday? Or will the story he wants to finish meet a tragic ending right here?
Raw returns again and fans fire up with the bell. They rally behind Cody as he ties up with Solo. Cody headlocks, Solo powers out and they RAM shoulders. Solo dares Cody to try again, and Cody does run, but he slides under to kick low and drop for the RHODES UPPERCUT! But Solo UPPERCUTS right back! Cody staggers to a corner, Solo runs in but Cody dodges to DROPKICK! Cody fires off haymakers and forearms, runs, but Solo hits a SAMOAN DROP! It was more a toss, really, but either way, Solo stalks Cody out of the ring. Solo SMACKS Cody off the apron, then talks trash. “Who’s not ready, huh?”
Solo whips, Cody reverses, and Solo hits the steel steps! Cody hurries after Solo, they get in the ring, and Cody drags Solo to a corner. Cody ROCKS Solo, then SLAMS the bad leg against the post! Solo crawls, Cody slides in, and Cody runs to springboard and- Clinch! BELLY2BELLY! Solo snarls as he stands back up, and he watches Cody bail out. Solo smacks his bad leg to get it working, and he builds speed to CLOBBER Cody off the apron! Cody hits the announce desk, and Solo goes out after him. Fans are torn as Solo stalks Cody, but Cody blocks the bump to SMACK Solo off the desk! Cody dribbles Solo’s head, then rains down fists!
Fans fire up with Cody, he slides into the ring to refresh the count, and he builds speed! Cody DIVES, but into another clinch! SPINNING SOLO onto the desk! Fans boo while Cody writhes, and Solo drags him back up. For another SPINNING SOLO onto the desk! Solo soaks up the heat while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns once more and Solo clamps a claw into Cody’s shoulder. Cody endures and fans rally up, and Cody pries at the hold. Cody fights to his feet, pries the hand away, but Solo ROCKS him in the back with a forearm. Solo back suplexes, but Cody lands on his feet! Cody kicks low, reels Solo in, but Solo is too big to suplex! Solo HEADBUTTS Cody and puts him in a corner, to SPLASH! Solo shoves Cody down then stalks him. Solo grinds his forearm into Cody’s head, then scrapes his face! The ref reprimands but Solo eggs Cody on. Cody sits up but Solo CLUBS him down! Solo stomps Cody to ropes, then rains down fists!
The ref reprimands and counts, but Solo lets off at 4. Fans rally for Cody but Solo drags Cody up. But Cody stomps a foot! Then he GOURD BUSTERS Solo down! Solo sits up in a daze and staggers up, to HEADBUTT again! Cody wobbles, Solo runs, but then Cody follows! Cody CLOBBERS Solo, baits him to a corner, and goes up and over. Solo runs in, Cody dodges to POWERSLAM! Cody runs as Solo rises, BEAUTIFUL DISASTER KICK! Cody keeps moving, he springboards again, CODY CUTTER! Fans fire up with Cody, and he waits on Solo to stand. Solo rises, Cody dragon sleepers! CROSS RHODES! Cody crawls to the cover, ROPEBREAK!!
Solo survives by a literal foot and Cody can’t believe it! Cody drags Solo to a drop zone, stomps him a few times, then goes to the corner. Cody glares at Heyman while he climbs up, “Is this what you wanted!?” MOONSAULT FLOPS as Solo moves! Heyman says yes, that IS what he wanted. Solo and Cody both slowly rise, and they crawl towards each other. Both men stand, and Solo HEADBUTTS! And HEADBUTTS! And he prepares the thumb! Cody dodges the Samoan Spike to springboard and CODY CUTTER again! Fans fire up, but here come the USOS! Jimmy & Jey storm down the ramp, but Cody turns around into a SUPERKICK from Solo!
Solo hits another SPINNING SOLO!! Cover, TWO!!! Cody survives and the Bloodline is furious! But here come Sami & Kevin! The tag teams brawl at the ramp and Phoenix is thunderous again! Kevin ahs Jimmy, Sami has Jey, and Kevin sends Jimmy into the tron! Sami sends Jey into the tron! The brawl continues to the back! Solo is stunned, Cody springboards in! But Solo catches him! SAMOAN- NO, Cody ducks the spike! CROSS RHODES AGAIN!! Cover, Cody wins!!!
Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall
Heyman is seething, but Solo’s WWE undefeated streak is broken by Cody’s! But will Cody cap this all off with the storybook ending of becoming Undisputed WWE Universal Champion?
My Thoughts:
A great episode, especially given this was a go-home episode. Great video packages to hype Asuka and Bianca ahead of their match, and a good one for Charlotte. Rhea had a good promo in person that didn’t really add anything. A little surprised they didn’t make a video for her so that everyone could see her run in NXT UK and NXT. Or maybe they should’ve had he reference that herself in this promo. Because Rhea could’ve brought up how she is the first woman to have been NXT UK Women’s and prime NXT Women’s Champion in her career, and is therefore also the only one to have had those, the Raw Women’s title and the WWE Women’s tag titles. If she gets the SmackDown title, she’ll join Charlotte as a WWE Triple Crown and Grand Slam, and even create like a “Five Star” Champion category all her own.
Great opening with MizTV, with good promos from everyone on the Face team, a good promo from Bayley, and a great response from Becky. Great match from Becky VS Sky, and great win from Becky. Becky’s promo did have a good point that DMG CTRL hasn’t really gone anywhere (not necessarily their fault), so I’m thinking that if DMG CTRL doesn’t win at Mania, Kai & Sky break away from Bayley to do things their way. Really good stuff from the women’s tag showcase story, too, with Chelsea & Sonya being almost as good of a combination as Chelsea & Carmella. And so of course they win to even things out, two Heel teams and two Face teams. I’m still thinking Ronda & Shayna win, and at this point, they probably pin/submit Chelsea to do it.
Good stuff from Rollins and Ali, with Ali apparently leaning into his “positive-Ali” gimmick to annoy more than just Ziggler. Rollins of course wins, and he has a great promo calling out Logan Paul. Not sure how that affects go-home math but obviously wrestling fans want Rollins to win so let’s hope he does. And speaking of Ziggler, I don’t know who I expected Gunther to beat, but I should’ve realized it’d be Ziggler. Good promo from Gunther warning his challengers, but it is still up in the air who wins that. Really good promo from Theory because he actually takes the Heel trope of not needing or caring about the fans to another level.
The weigh-in segment turning into a brawl was fine, because we were bound to get a brawl tonight anyway. Omos continues to look incredibly powerful, and Lesnar continues to find himself on the defensive. This could be one of the more compelling matches Lesnar has had because he has to figure out how to win as the underdog. Good vignette for Andre the Giant and the battle royal, and good promo where some of the entrants find they are in fact entrants. Elias is definitely not winning, but I would love if one of the “giants” in that match wins. And I’d personally go with Bronson Reed, he needs something to jumpstart his own story so he can stop story hopping.
Great promo from Dom before a really good match from Rey VS Damian. A disqualification win is a good way to give Rey the momentum, but then that can also mean Dom is going over at Mania for a huge moment. Really good promo from Finn to respond to Edge, can’t wait to see how this WrestleMania edition of Demon Balor will look. And really good 8 Man Tag to preview the Men’s Tag Team Showcase. The Faces winning makes sense, but who knows if either of those duos wins. It’d actually be rather surprising if, in her attempts to court Otis away from Alpha Academy, Maxxine has Mace & Mansoor help the Academy win with some shenanigans.
And of course, great stuff out of the Bloodline storylines. Great promos from both Cody and Heyman ahead of the great match from Cody VS Solo. Great promo from Kevin & Sami, and of course they counter The Usos trying to help Solo against Cody. This big win for Cody would normally make it seem like Cody is going to lose at the PPV, but there’s still the segment on SmackDown, and this story is a bit more complex, so there are ways for Cody to still win at Mania despite the math.
My Score: 8.7/10
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Show no fear!
To prepare for his AEW World Championship Steel Cage match with Jon Moxley, Samoa Joe faces Claudio Castagnoli! But will it really just be Claudio out there?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- AEW Women’s World Championship Eliminator Fatal 4 Way: Toni Storm VS Penelope Ford VS Thunder Rosa VS Anna Jay; Toni wins and denies all three a title match.
- ROH World Television Championship Mystery Opponent: Nick Wayne w/ The Patriarchy VS Rhino; Nick wins and retains the title.
- Six Man Tag: Ricochet & The Young Bucks VS Swerve Strickland, Mark Briscoe & “Speedball” Mike Bailey; Ricochet & The Bucks win.
- AEW Continental Championship Eliminator: Kazuchika Okada VS Kevin Knight; Okada wins and denies Knight a title match.
- Samoa Joe VS Claudio Castagnoli; Joe wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Hangman Page is here!
Motor City fires up for that #CowboySh*t as the Men’s Owen Hart Cup finalist makes his way out to the ring. Hangman grabs a mic and says, “I don’t know that I’ve ever understood, after everything that I’ve done, why even one of you would cheer for me, but…” The fans cheer and chant for “COWBOY SH*T!” and Hangman continues, “I just want to let you know that it does make a difference, so thank you.” The fans applaud and Hangman says he probably shouldn’t have to say it, but the past two years for him have been “some kind of special Hell.” And after what happened to his family, he wanted revenge, he wanted justice, and he’d found it!
Hangman took from another man his only hopes and dreams, and Hangman nearly killed him! And after their steel cage match, Hangman stood at the top of the ramp and thought he’d finally feel some kind of joy, some kind of closure, to an awful chapter of his life. But he felt nothing. Hangman thought that maybe if he went and finished the job, he’d have his closure, but he couldn’t do it! The fans now chant, “Tell Us Why! Tell Us Why!” Hangman says he doesn’t know why. But since he couldn’t find that closure, he took that anger, bottled it up, and he unleashed it on anyone who got in his way, because he thought that’d give him catharsis! But all it did was tear down everyone around him!
“So I had to make a decision. Swerve Strickland…” The fans chant for “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” Hangman tells Swerve that he will never forgive what Swerve did to him. And he will probably never forget. But for Hangman, he will have to put it behind him. Hangman made his decision to enter this year’s Owen Hart Cup, and he defeated Josh Alexander in the first round, and then in front of his friends and family, Hangman defeated Kyle Fletcher in the second. And finally, at Double or Nothing, for a chance at the AEW World Championship, Hangman wrestles who everyone says is the BEST wrestler in the world, Will Ospreay.
The fans cheer, and then here comes Ospreay! Detroit fires up even more as the Aerial Assassin walks to the ring to be face-to-face with the Cowboy. The fans are losing their minds just from these two staring down! There’s also a “Happy Birthday!” chant for Ospreay. Ospreay apologizes for interrupting Hangman’s “therapy session,” but isn’t it a bit strange the amount of promotions they’ve both been part of, and this is the first time they’ve even spoken to one another? Just for Ospreay, it is a pleasure to meet The Hangman. And in that same breath, Ospreay wants to apologize, he sees Hangman’s been through a lot.
Ospreay’s seen it with his own eyes, and he’s seen it through the fans’ eyes. “We have watched your journey, my man. I understand how much this match means to you. I get it. I’ve seen it. We’ve all seen it. One of my favorite moments in wrestling, mate, one of my favorite moments is when you took these misfits known as The Dark Order, and you showed ’em leadership, and you showed ’em what it takes to be a cowboy, bruv.” The fans cheer that! Ospreay says from there, how Hangman rode that support and became THE AEW World Champion, “mate, it was perfect!” The fans also cheer that.
But Ospreay continues, “It’s just, after you lost it, everything changed, didn’t it? I understand. I get it. You’ve had a rough couple o’ years. I spotted something last week. Last week, after you beat Kyle Fletcher, I and these people saw something we ain’t seen from you in a long time. You smiled again.” The fans cheer that, too! Ospreay says we hadn’t seen that from The Cowboy in a long time. And while everyone here, including Ospreay, really wants Hangman to beat those demons and go reclaim his spot as the “main character” of AEW, Ospreay has a problem with that. At Double or Nothing, Ospreay is not losing.
See, while Hangman has been finding himself, he’s been tearing this place apart! Does Ospreay even need to mention Jeff Jarrett, Christopher Daniels, or even one of Ospreay’s best friends, Swerve Strickland? See, Ospreay has been doing all of Hangman’s jobs! Has Hangman been doing media? NOPE, Ospreay’s been doing it! Has Hangman been doing meet ‘n’ greets? NOPE, Ospreay’s been doing it! Has Hangman been taking photos with kids and their families? NOPE, Ospreay’s been doing it! And the best bit of it is, when they ring the bell, Ospreay is the one showing AEW is where the best wrestle! OSPREAY, NOT HANGMAN!
And what? All because Hangman is smiling again, all because Hangman’s found himself, he thinks he can just take that spot back? That don’t mean Cowboy Sh*t to Ospreay, bruv! The fans are torn, but Ospreay says all of this, he understands it is about Hangman’s redemption, but it is far too little and far too late! This is not about Hangman’s redemption, this is about Ospreay’s ascension! Ospreay and Hangman get up in each other’s face, but then The Don Callis Family shows up! With Josh Alexander, Lance Archer, Konosuke Takeshita, Rocky Romero & Trent Beretta at his back, Don Callis has a mic to say, “Y’know, Ospreay…!”
The fans boo a lot but Callis continues with how every day, Ospreay shows us just how stupid he is! The dumbest day of Ospreay’s life was when he left the Don Callis Family! The fans tell Callis off but Callis says just to prove how stupid Ospreay is, does Ospreay even know what is standing in the ring with him? Does he even know what that is next to him!? Callis will tell ya! “That is a violent, mentally unstable sociopath who put his mentor in the retirement home and he can’t walk!” The fans boo, Hangman is riled up but Ospreay has Hangman stand down. The fans again tell Callis off.
Ospreay says he’s already had enough of Callis’ talking! Why not do us a favor, Callis, and bring any two of your guys down to the ring right now so Ospreay and Hangman can- But then Hangman brushes Ospreay’s hand away. Callis says he sees what’s going on here. But y’know what? Hangman and Ospreay can’t even get through a segment together without wanting to kill one another! This is the first good idea Ospreay’s ever had! Callis will take any two members of his family to put against Ospreay & Hangman, so long as Hangman doesn’t have another mental breakdown before next week!
The fans boo more and they tell Callis to STFU. Ospreay and Hangman stare down as the Callis Family leaves, but what hand will be dealt this close to Double or Nothing?
FTR visit commentary…?
Cash Wheeler, Dax Harwood & Stokely Hathaway just walk over, and #BigStoke has the mic to tell Tony Schiavone, “Lemme ask you a question.” The fans boo but Stoke asks Schiavone if he has an issue with FTR. Does Nigel McGuinness have an issue with FTR? Because if Stoke recalls correctly, FTR issued an apology. But week after week after week after week, Schiavone has something negative to say about them, and more importantly, something negative to say about Stokely! The fans boo but Stokely says last Saturday Night Collision, Schiavone said Stoke was a snake in the grass! A snake in the grass…!
But y’know what Schiavone is? He’s a decrepit, pale, pasty piece of- Schiavone stops Stokely there and says that’s enough. The fans cheer for Tony, and Tony stands to ask Stokely & FTR to politely leave. But Stokely SHOVES Schiavone! Schiavone gets back up but FTR stand in the way. Cash tells Tony to relax! He’s so tense! Loosen up a bit. This isn’t even about Schiavone. Daniel Garcia says he wants answers, but why did FTR do what they did to him? He gave them no choice! Garcia made that decision himself. FTR saw themselves as father figures to Garcia, and Garcia turned his back on them!
So like Cash’s father taught him, sometimes you learn lessons the hard way! Tomorrow night, Thursday Night Collision, here in Detroit, Cash promises Garcia that it’ll hurt them a lot more than it will Garcia… emotionally. The fans boo, but Dax smirks as he says, “Tony… Tell Nigel we’ll see him tomorrow night. Top Guys, out.” FTR leave, but will they survive their Collision with Red Death?
Harley Cameron and Anna Jay talk backstage.
The wild Aussie tells the Queenslayer that tonight, Anna goes into battle and comes out with a title match! Don’t think about anything else! Anna says Harley’s had her fat ass’s back out there, and she’ll have her fat ass again tonight, right? With both hands! Harley has the T, Anna has the A! Tenacity and aggression! Uh, yeah, and the other kind. Those, too! So Toni Storm, Thunder Rosa, Penelope Ford, “Who wants to get choked out!?” YEAH! That was definitely the closing line! Giddy-up! Anna hops onto Harley and they head to gorilla! Will Anna prove she’s the Star of the Show? Or will Dynamite still be Timeless?
AEW Women’s World Championship Eliminator Fatal 4 Way: Toni Storm VS Penelope Ford VS Thunder Rosa VS Anna Jay!
The bell rings and Anna goes right at Ford, still wanting to settle scores from the past few weeks! Rosa and Toni stay back a moment, still allied as ThunderStorm/ThunderTits. Ford and Anna go to the outside, and Anna sends Ford into railing! The fans fire up, and now the friendly rivals tie up. Toni headlocks, Rosa powers up and out, but Toni runs her over! Things keep moving, Rosa ducks ‘n’ dodges to tilt-o-whirl RANA! Rosa DROPKICKS Toni, Ford sends Anna into steel steps, and Rosa runs to DROPKICK Toni against ropes! Cover, TWO! Ford gets in there to whip Rosa, but Rosa dodges, arm-drags, and lateral presses! TWO!
Ford is up but Rosa scoops her for a SLAM! Rosa then rallies the fans, runs the ropes, but Ford avoids the splash Rosa belly flops and Ford runs up to wheelbarrow! Victory roll, but Rosa rolls into the ropes! Ford runs to DROPKICK Rosa! Cover, Anna breaks it! Anna pushes Ford into the ropes, stands her up, and ROCKS her! Anna runs up, avoids the shoulder from Ford, and KNEES her in the ropes! And LEG LARIATS, then HOTSHOT NECKBREAKERS! Anna drags Ford to a cover, Toni breaks it! The fans cheer and Toni fires forearms on Anna! Toni ROCKS Anna, reels her in, FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, Ford LOW BLOWS Toni!
The Superbad Girl is naturally the first to use the No Disqualification rules and the fans boo. Toni tumbles out, Ford throws Anna out to join her, and then Ford ASAI MOONSAULTS! Direct hit and the fans fire up, but now Rosa climbs! Ford has Toni & Anna, Rosa SUPER CROSSBODIES onto them all! La Mera Mera wipes out all three weras and the fans are thunderous! Rosa rises again as Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Rosa stomps Anna, drags her up, and SMACKS her off steel steps! Toni stands, she and Rosa call truce, and Rosa drags Ford up while Toni goes for Anna. Ford fires forearms on Rosa, Toni sends Anna into barriers, and Ford CHOPS Rosa. Toni CHOPS Anna! Toni then kicks Ford, CLUBS her down, and Rosa helps out. ThunderStorm mugs Ford, then puts her in the ring. They drag Anna up, scoop for the BACKBREAKER and LEG DROP! Rosa covers but Toni stops her! Toni covers, but Rosa stops her! They argue, Toni kicks low, and then Toni TOSSES Rosa! Toni goes back for Ford, headscissor squeeze!
Ford endures but Rosa returns. Toni apologizes but Rosa grabs her for a headscissor squeeze! Now Toni endures, but Anna is back! Anna grabs Ford’s legs, powers up, and she turns the chain over! Ford endures multiple submissions, but Toni is still stuck between Rosa’s legs! Anna can’t hold on any longer, she lets go and everyone is separated! Anna and Rosa stand to fire forearms while Ford and Toni go to corners. Anna ROCKS Rosa, Rosa ROCKS Anna, and then they both fire up! They both run, and DOUBLE FOREARMS knock them both down! Toni rises, but so does Ford, and now they start trading shots!
Dynamite returns to single picture, the fans cheer Toni and boo Ford. Toni gets the edge and the fans fire up! But Ford takes a swing! Only for Toni to catch her in a GERMAN SUPLEX! Rosa returns to KNEE Toni down! Anna rises but Rosa is on her first! Rosa CHOPS, then whips, but Anna grabs ropes! Anna ELBOWS Rosa back, then BOOTS her! Rosa falls, the fans rally and Anna covers, TWO! Anna snarls, but then Ford yanks Anna down! They brawl on the outside, Anna ROCKS Ford and snap suplexes her to the floor! Anna rises, but she has to duck Rosa’s dropkick! Rosa and Anna brawl outside, and Rosa DDTS Anna to the floor!
The fans fire up and Toni is back. ThunderStorm regroups, but Ford is up top! ARIHARA MOONSAULT!! Ford wipes out the ThunderStorm and the Star, and Detroit cheers because that was legit! Ford puts Anna in, Anna goes away to a corner, and “This is Awesome!” as Ford handsprings in! Anna dodges, then runs up to LEG LARIAT! Toni runs to SPLASH them both! Ford & Anna sit down, Toni keeps moving, and she says kiss this! SWEET HIP MUSIC for two! Then she sets up for Rosa! Rosa runs up, THUNDER IN MOTION DROPKICK! Ford takes the shot, then ThunderStorm reels her in!
Ford fights the suplexes, and here comes Megan Bayne! It was only a matter of time before The Megasus made her presence known. Megan storms into the ring, Rosa runs up, but Megan BOOTS Rosa down! Then she LARIATS Toni! The fans boo as Megan eggs Rosa on. Rosa rises, into the FLYING LARIAT! Megan smirks, but Anna is up! The fans fire up as Anna steps to Megan, but then Megan dodges a shot to fireman’s carry! Anna slips free and fires forearms! The fans fire up, but Ford CLUBS Anna! Anna gest mad and DECKS Ford! But then Megan LARIATS Anna! Megan hauls Anna up, reels her in, and lifts her up, BAYNE BOMB!
BUT HERE COMES HARLEY! And she has a lead pipe! She dodges Megan, LARIATS Megan up and out, abut then Megan drags her out! Harley dodges and JAMS Megan up! And CLUBS her on the back! Harley keeps after Megan with that equalizer and the fans are thunderous! Harley runs Megan off to the back, only for Ford to have Anna in the MUTA LOCK!! But Toni runs up to LOW BLOW Ford in return! The fans fire up as Toni now locks on the T C M!! Ford TAPS, Toni wins!!
Winner: Toni Storm, by submission (denies her opponents a title opportunity)
Toni’s Classic Move gets the job done, and Rosa shows respect with the secret handshake and chest bump. The Timeless AEW Women’s Champion is 12-0, but will she be ready for whoever comes out of Arizona as the Queen of Harts?
CRU appears ringside.
As Dynamite returns from break, Lio Rush & Action Andretti decide they want to watch the show in person.
The Hurt Syndicate is here!
Detroit fires up as Montel Vontavious Porter, Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin make their entrance. The fans sing, “We Hurt~ People!” as MVP & the AEW World Tag Team Champions go to the ring. MVP has the mic and says, “Attention AEW viewing audience. This is an official announcement from the Hurt Syndicate. Standing to my right is the Standard of Excellence, Shelton Benjamin. And to my left is the All Mighty, Bobby Lashley. The Hurt Syndicate are the AEW World Tag Team Champions. But I have a question. This is AEW, right? This is where the best wrestle, right? Well, where are all the best tag teams stepping up to challenge us for the tag team championships?
“Who is gonna take the tag team titles off of these two gentlemen? We like to hurt people, but who’s gonna hurt us? I wanna know! Is there anybody that has what it takes to step up and take the titles from the Hurt-” Wait! Top Flight is here! Darius & Dante Martin have mics, and Darius tells MVP, “Look, look, look, look, look. I’ma be real. Top Flight, we’ve been a little down on our luck lately. Which is exactly why we can’t look at this challenge and not see it as an opportunity. Teams like CRU are afraid to step up because you hurt people.” MVP says, “That’s what we do. Would you like to be next?” CRU talks trash even though they’re several rows back…
Darius says that’s fine, they’ve been hurt before. They get up every single time! MVP respects that. Darius says you’re looking at a team that just won’t die! Hurt Syndicate can try their best. And they know they’re the underdogs. They know no one’s gonna put money on them. But guess what? They have proven before that they can get in the ring with championship caliber teams and hold their own. And Dante knows they can do it again. So Motor City! Y’all wanna see a miracle? The fans are torn, but then MJF CLOBBERS DARIUS! And he DECKS Dante! The fans are torn but the Scumbag is ready to show Lashley how he can hurt people!
MJF rains down fists on Darius, stands him up, and POSTS him! MJF drags Dante up, and Dante’s already a bit busted open. MJF throws hands on Dante to work on that wound, then he storms over and BITES Darius’s face!! The fans chant “We Hurt~ People!” as MJF stands Dante up. MJF tells Lashley to look at the blood! MJF reels Dante in, and hits an APRON POWERBOMB! MJF storms up to the apron, blood staining his tank top, and he steps to Lashley. The fans fire up as MVP hands MJF a mic. “I! HURT! PEOPLE!!” The fans cheer that, but Lashley is stoic. Lashley takes the mic from MJF, then looks to MVP.
The fans again sing, “We Hurt~ People!” Lashley sees what MJF has done, and he smiles. “I’ll have an answer for you next week.” The fans boo, but MJF takes what he can get. Will the All Mighty accept the Devil of AEW into the fold?
The Elite speak.
Nicholas Jackson does not appreciate Excalibur cueing them up, and tells the commentary team to have more enthusiasm when you’re pitching to your Founding Fathers! Matthew says they should all have enthusiasm right now because it is a huge night for The Elite! We have the Rainmaker in singles action! Kazuchika Okada tells Kevin Knight that tonight, Okada makes him a b*tch! And of course, their new trios partner, Ricochet. But Matt has to ask, this match was Ricochet’s idea. Why is Ricochet so eager to team with the #YoungBizzles? Ricochet says he knows The Bucks have a little Swerve problem. And Ricochet has already beaten Swerve twice.
That means Ricochet has Swerve’s number! And Ricochet has already beaten “Speedball” Mike Bailey and Mark Briscoe, and so if they just follow his lead tonight, he promises to take them to victory! The Bucks like the sound of that, and they all fist bump. They tell him they’ll see him out there, and Ricochet says, “See you, Bosses!” Ricochet heads out, The Bucks go to their office, but wait! The Death Riders are there…! Is there something The Bucks can help them with? The Bucks step inside, Marina Shafir closes the door. What business will The Maniac AEW World Heavyweight Champion have with the EVPs?
ROH World Television Championship Mystery Opponent: Nick Wayne w/ The Patriarchy VS ???
Right as The Prodigy is about to take off for Japan and the NJPW Best of the Super Juniors tournament, it would seem the “Sins of the Father” will be visited upon him. Someone from Christian Cage’s past wants after this title, but that’s a long list of enemies. Will Nick be able to pass this new test of his faith? Or will he be flying to Japan with much lighter luggage?
AEW returns and the challenger is revealed: IT’S RHINO!! The fans go wild as the manbeast from Michigan is here! The belt is raised, the bell rings, and Detroit is already fired up as Rhino and Nick circle. The two tie up, Rhino SHOVES Nick down, and the fans fire up! Nick bails out and is already frustrated, but Christian coaches him up. Nick goes back into the ring, circles with Rhino, then dodges. Nick kicks low, throws hands, then runs, but Rhino runs him over! The fans fire up as Rhino whips Nick to a corner. Rhino runs up, Nick BOOTS him, then Nick goes up to MISSILE DROPKICK! Nick flexes but the fans boo.
Nick storms up to stomp Rhino in the corner but the ref counts. Nick digs his boots in while the fans rally behind Rhino. The ref has Nick back off, but then Nick clamps on a chinlock. The fans boo but Rhino endures and fights up. The fans rally as Rhino fires body shots, but Nick throws him down by his hair! The ref reprimands but Nick picks out the strands on his fingers. Nick soaks up the heat, then STANDING MOONSAULTS, only to FLOP as Rhino moves! The fans rally and Rhino rises up. Rhino fires haymakers on Nick, then whips and LARIATS Nick down! Nick gets up but Rhino ELBOWS him down!
Rhino whips Nick to a corner, runs in and RAMS him! Then Rhino clinches for a BELLY2BELLY! The fans fire up but Christian is worried. At least, he acts worried. Kip Sabian distracts the ref and Christian goes after Rhino! The fans boo but Rhino avoids being tripped up. Nick runs in, Rhino still hits him with a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Nick survives and Rhino is annoyed but the fans rally up. Rhino goes to a corner, takes aim, and Nick rises up. Rhino runs up but is sent into buckles! Nick then chicken wings, KILLSWITCH! Cover, NICK WINS!
Winner: Nick Wayne, by pinfall (still ROH World Television Champion)
Rhino had to deal with distractions and Nick comes out on top! Christian snatches the belt from the ref to personally hand it to Nick, but not without “explaining” he was doing this for Nick’s own good. The fans call BS, especially as Christian lingers with the belt. Nick asks for it back, Christian just drops it on the floor! Will Nick’s time in NJPW for the BOSJ be much needed time away from his jealous father?
Rush speaks.
El Toro Blanco tells Kevin Knight, “You cost me $100,000, and now you owe me that money! And you will pay with blood! Just remember: When you mess with the bull… you get the horns!” Rush has put Knight on notice, but will Knight focus more on earning a golden ticket to the Continental Championship?
Six Man Tag: Ricochet & The Young Bucks VS Swerve Strickland, Mark Briscoe & “Speedball” Mike Bailey!
Well, if we’re talking about being “robbed” of $100,000, then The One & Only knows what that is like when he lost that big money 8 Man a few weeks ago. Ricochet has since then avenged himself of that loss, much like he has with Swerve’s House. But will Ricochet & The EVPs make tonight #OuttaThisWorld? Or will The Most Dangerous Man help the Sussex County Chicken & Speedball be like Swerve’s new track and go #OuttaControl?
The trios sort out and fans cheer on “Whose House?” as Swerve steps up against Ricochet. Ricochet taunts Swerve and his team that he’s got their numbers, but then Swerve points out how The Bucks seem to be inching away. Ricochet turns around and sees that, and asks what they’re doing! The Bucks say Ricochet’s got this, right? Ricochet argues with them, they push him back, and Swerve DECKS Ricochet! And then DECKS him again! And again, and again! Swerve kicks low, fires more hands in the corner, then stomps away! The fans fire up, Swerve HAMMERS Ricochet, but the ref counts.
Swerve lets off of Ricochet, then fireman’s carries for a SNAKE EYES! Swerve runs and BOOTS Ricochet down! Swerve scares The Bucks off, then goes back for Ricochet. Tag to Briscoe and then Briscoe tags Bailey. The Bucks are warry of them, too, and then Swerve has Bailey hop up onto his shoulders in a Chair Lift. Then Swerve THROWS Bailey at Ricochet to RANA! Briscoe adds a SLIDING LARIAT! Bailey covers, TWO! Ricochet stays in this, but Bailey SLAPS him on his bald head! The fans fire up for that! Bailey drags Ricochet up, whips, but Ricochet reverses. Bailey grabs ropes, Nick runs up, but Bailey DECKS him!
Ricochet runs up but into an ELBOW! Matt grabs Bailey’s foot, Bailey kicks free, but Ricochet CLOBBERS Bailey from behind! The fans boo but Swerve runs in! Ricochet gets Swerve for a JAWBREAKER! Ricochet then whips Swerve into a DOUBLE GAMANGIRI from The Bucks! Briscoe runs up but Ricochet KNEES him! The Bucks coordinate, ALLEY-OOP DROPKICK! The fans boo more but Ricochet & The Bucks set everyone up at the ropes! DOUBLE SLINGSHOT SENTONS from The Bucks to Swerve and Briscoe, Ricochet KNEE-BOARD SENTONS Bailey! Then The One & Only poses with The Bucks while the fans boo.
But uh, Swerve’s team stands up! The Elite turn around, see punches coming and run away! The fans fire up but Ricochet & The Bucks huddle up. They talk strategy, go to the apron, but then The Bucks leave Ricochet alone like before. Bailey BOOTS Ricochet and he falls onto The Bucks! The Bucks scramble up to their feet, as does Ricochet, but Bailey SUPERKICKS Ricochet! Swerve’s team all take aim, DOUBLE PLANCHA for The Bucks while Bailey ASAI MOONSAULTS onto Ricochet! The fans are thunderous for all this high flying, and Swerve’s team keeps after The Elite with punches. Briscoe even BITES Matt’s forehead!
The ref reprimands, Bailey puts Ricochet in the ring and whips him corner to corner hard! Tag to Briscoe and he winds up. “This is Awesome!” as Briscoe REDNECK KUNG-FU UPPERCUTS! Ricochet wobbles, Bailey adds a CANADIAN TAE KWAN DO UPPERCUT! They’re very similar. Then Bailey & Briscoe DOUBLE UPPERCUT Ricochet down! The fans fire up more, and Briscoe brings Ricochet around, only for Ricochet to TOSS Briscoe out! Nick PENALTY KICKS Briscoe! Swerve runs up, but Ricochet sends him into a shoulder RAM from Nick! Nick then hits a slingshot FACEBUSTER! And a cartwheel MOONSAULT onto Briscoe!
Ricochet hits a GERMAN SUPLEX on Swerve! Matt intercepts Bailey, ROCKS him, then drags him out along the ropes! Nick goes up, DRPAING DOUBLE STOMP SLINGSHOT BOMB COMBO!! Nick ESCALARAS onto Swerve! Ricochet springboard 450 SPLASHES onto Bailey!! Detroit can’t help but be fired up for all this, and Dynamite goes picture in picture!
The Bucks & Ricochet soak up cheers and jeers, then they focus on Briscoe. They double whip him corner to corner, and Nick runs up to LARIAT! Matt adds his own LARIAT, and then Ricochet adds another LARIAT! Ricochet snapmares Briscoe so they can TRIPLE BASEMENT DROPKICK! Ricochet winds it up, and then just like last time, The Bucks lend Ricochet their hair for the photo op. It doesn’t really work as well this time, it just gives Ricochet a big runway and two long curtains on the side… The Bucks then go to the corner and Ricochet whips Briscoe in. Briscoe hits buckles hard then slumps down.
Matt tags in and he stands Briscoe up. Briscoe fires body shots and backs Matt down, but Matt scoops to BACKBREAKER! Nick tags in and adds the LEG DROP! Nick taunts Briscoe’s team, Ricochet taunts the fans, and Nick drags Briscoe back up. Nick scrapes his soles off Briscoe’s face, then stalks him to a corner. Nick CHOKES Briscoe with a boot, stops as the ref counts, and then whips Briscoe corner to corner. Nick runs in and SHINING WIZARDS! Briscoe sits down but Nick stands him up to reel him in. Nick suplexes, Briscoe slips free, and RUSSIAN LEG SWEEPS! Both men are down and the fans rally up!
Briscoe and Nick crawl, but then Matt BLASTS Swerve & Bailey! Nick tags Ricochet and Ricochet stomps away on Briscoe! Ricochet soaks up heat, then stalks Briscoe to a corner. Briscoe CHOPS him first! And CHOPS him again! Ricochet CLAWS Briscoe’s eyes! The ref reprimands, Ricochet stops, only for Ricochet to CHOKE Briscoe on the ropes! The ref counts and Ricochet stops again while Dynamite returns to single picture. The fans rally but Ricochet reels Briscoe in. Briscoe fights the lift, so Ricochet CLUBS him and KNEES him for it! Ricochet talks trash, runs the ropes, but Briscoe ducks ‘n’ dodges!
Ricochet BACKDROPS Briscoe on return but Briscoe lands on his feet! Briscoe reaches out but Ricochet waistlocks! Briscoe breaks free and PELES Ricochet! The fans fire up as Ricochet falls! Both men crawl, hot tags to Bailey and Matt! Detroit fires up as Speedball BOOTS Matt and fires LIGHTNING KICKS on Nick! ENZIGIRI sends Nick down, then a SOBAT rocks Matt! AX KICK and BUZZSAW! The fans fire up as Bailey takes aim, STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO! Matt stays in this but Bailey stays fired up! Bailey brings Matt up, hits a FALCON ARROW into the drop zone, then he goes up the corner!
Nick hurries over to anchor Bailey but Bailey BOOTS him away! Matt bails out, so Bailey FLYING RANAS Nick onto Matt! The fans fire up as The Bucks both fall down! Bailey puts Matt back in, hurries back up, and the fans cheer “A E DUB!” for making this match happen! Bailey is up top, and he ULTIMATE- NO, he has to bail out as Matt moves! Bailey turns around as Matt runs in, but into a SPANISH FLY! Cover, Ricochet breaks it! The fans boo but Swerve storms in! Ricochet ROCKS Swerve, but Swerve BOOTS Ricochet! Both men block a boot, then they see Briscoe and Nick running in! Both men let the other go so they can each go Matrix!
Swerve and Ricochet each kip up, Ricochet CHOPS Briscoe while Swerve BOOTS Nick! Then Ricochet dodges Swerve to DOUBLE STOMP! Briscoe clinches for an EXPLODER! Then he gives Nick an EXPLODER! The fans fire up but Matt feints the superkick to DDT! But Bailey is up top again, and he MISSILE DROPKICKS Matt! Ricochet STANDING SHOOTING STARS Bailey! But a HOUSE CALL connects on Ricochet! Nick gives Swerve a DESTROYER!! Only for Swerve to go Super Saiyan! HOUSE CALL!! All six men are down and Detroit is electric! Everyone else bails out except Bailey, and he crawls his way to the corner!
The Bucks hurry and they anchor Bailey! Nick then BLASTS Swerve! The Bucks aim at Bailey, but Bailey HEEL KICKS the Superkicks away!! Nick blocks Bailey’s kick, but then Bailey blocks Matt’s kick! Bailey hands Matt’s foot to Nick, Matt goes Matrix to avoid Bailey’s kick! Bailey BOOTS Nick! Then he dodges Matt, hot tag to Swerve! Swerve LARIATS Matt! And UPPERCUTS Nick! Roll and UP KICK for Matt! Then another UPPERCUT for Nick! Swerve snapmares Nick and goes up, FALLING UPPERCUT! Hit that Griddy! Ricochet runs up but Swerve TOSSES him out! More Griddy! HIP TOSS for Matt, then a gator roll!
Swerve suplexes but Nick makes the save! The Bucks reel Swerve in, but Swerve DOUBLE SUPLEXES! Ricochet FLYING- NO! Swerve stops the rana to pop and POWERSLAM! The fans are electric as the Most Dangerous Man stands tall! And he blocks Matt’s superkick to slip around and BACKBREAKER! Briscoe is back, Swerve feeds Matt to his fireman’s carry! ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Briscoe then whips Bailey in, PENALTY KICK! And MOONSAULT KNEE DROP! Briscoe goes up while Bailey WRECKS Ricochet with a dropkick! FROGGY-BOW for Matt!! Cover, NICK BREAKS IT! Briscoe CHOPS and TOSSES Nick, then goes to the apron!
Swerve goes up, Briscoe says BANG BANG, but Ricochet anchors Swerve’s foot! Swerve hops down to DECK Ricochet, and then Briscoe adjusts to BLOCKBUSTER Nick! Bailey GOLDEN TRIANGLE MOONSAULTS Ricochet! Swerve jumps in but Matt catches him to a cradle!! ELITE WINS!!
Winners: Ricochet & The Young Bucks, by pinfall
Swerve is as shocked as anyone! After all the chaos, it was a technical move that ends this! Ricochet brags that he still has Swerve’s number! Will nothing stop The One & Only from being as elite as The Elite? The, THE Elite?
Backstage interview with Will Ospreay.
Renee Paquette is now with The Aerial Assassin to bring up the tag match of Ospreay & Hangman VS Don Callis Family. We saw how tense it was out there earlier tonight, and they’re so close to the Owen Hart Cup finals at Double or Nothing. How will this shake out next week? Ospreay hopes to God that- MJF interrupts… MJF asks “Billy Boy” how he’s doing, but then says it doesn’t matter, he doesn’t really care. MJF just wants to do a shameless plug real quick: Go to ShopAEW.com to get yourself a beautiful replica Dynamite Diamond Ring today! Make him richer while you get poorer! Ospreay asks what MJF even wants.
MJF says, “What I want? Will, what is up with all this hostility, my man? I’m a fan. I came over here simply to tell you I hope you win this whole entire Owen Hart Cup tournament. Truly. And do you wanna know why? I know you’re a little bit slow, so I’ll explain the whole thought process to ya. I want you to go to All In: Texas, and I want you to win my AEW World Championship. So that way, when I wrestle you, I’m gonna get another easy dub. Taking the belt off you will be like taking candy from a lil’ Bri’ish baby.” Ospreay says, “Aww. That’s adorable, mate. Thank you so much. But if it was gonna be that easy, why weren’t you in the Owen Hart Tournament?”
Ospreay says MJF can work hard, right? And he could’ve easily talked with Tony Khan. MJF is in TK’s pocket, right? Oh, right, it’s maybe because there’s some little bit of fear that stepping into the ring with Ospreay again will go down like it did last time: Ospreay picking MJF up, dumping him on his head, and losing power in his arms. MJF chuckles and says okay. Understand something. Ospreay is clearly the reason there are instructions on shampoo bottles. MJF will explain this: MJF hopes they do wrestle again. Because if they do, Ospreay finds out yet again that ain’t nobody on the level of the Devil!
MJF turns to leave, but Ospreay yanks him back in! Ospreay says that’s where MJF is wrong. Ospreay IS on that level, because he is on another level! The Assassin puts the Scumbag on notice, then apologizes to Renee. Will we see MJF and Ospreay go another round somewhere down the line? Or will Hangman throw a wrench into both of their plans?
Sit-down interview with Jamie Hayter.
Dynamite returns as Renee is now with one half of the Women’s Owen Hart Cup Finals. Renee says we’re just two-and-a-half weeks away from Double or Nothing, Hayter VS Mone in that tournament finals. The winner then goes on to All In: Texas for a shot at the AEW Women’s World Championship. Renee wants Hayter talk about what this opportunity means to her. Hayter says what this means to her surely means more than what it does to Mercedes, that’s for true. Mone was talking with Renee last week about “Scooby-Doo characters” and her legacy. Pfft! Utter nonsense. Hayter will be damned if Owen Hart’s legacy is represented by Mercedes Mone.
Mone is virtually the antithesis of what Owen stood for! Hayter doesn’t even care about all that, though, because she wants to get to know the real Mercedes Mone. The woman behind the hype. Not the catchphrases, not the brand, not the cheap, egotistical, obnoxious woman that we know today. Renee says regardless of personal feels for Mone, there is no denying what Mone has accomplished throughout her career. Renee notes her talk last week, Mone said Hayter reminded her a lot of Mone. Hayter stifles a laugh and says that’s an insult. They’re not anything alike! Hayter doesn’t claim to be the best or worst, she’s not claiming to be this or that.
Hayter simply reciprocates actions and energy. Mone runs away like she owes Hayter money! Hayter doesn’t have Mone’s resumé, her accolades, her match catalogue or her “star power.” But what Hayter has is integrity, grit, truth, and more of a reason to hurt Mone! This isn’t even about gold or glory now. This is about showing Mone that she is NOT untouchable. Mone cannot just walk around here, do what she wants, say what she wants, like she’s the second coming. Renee does bring up Hayter’s time away with her back injury. Hayter says there’s no need to talk about that. It is irrelevant. She is fine, good to go.
The point is, Mone is looking past Hayter, and that is fine. But then Mone rushes in and attacks! Hayter is ready, and Hayter chases Mone down the hall! So far, it’s going how Hayter said! But will it be that easy for Hayter to punch her ticket to Texas? Or will The CEO find a way to get ahead?
Wait, wait, wait, they’re coming out to ringside! They’re brawling in the special box seats! Hayter CHOKES Mone, but Mone slips away, and safely to the floor! Mone keeps running, Hayter pursues, and they brawl again! Mone still tries to flee, and she KICKS Hayter away! Mone goes to the stage, Hayter pursues, and then Hayter blocks a haymaker! Mone dodges the Hayterade and runs away into the night! Hayter says there she goes, running away again. Hayter stands by the cup, but Mone returns to CLOBBER her! The fans boo as Mone puts on the STATEMENT MAKER!! Mone shouts Hayter will NEVER have what she has!!
Refs rush out here to stop Mone, but Mone only stops once she’s pulled Hayter way back! The fans boo as The CEO now stands by the cup. Will nothing stop the Money Train from railroading Hayter?
Backstage interview with Willow Nightingale.
Alicia Atout is with the Babe with the Power and says the last few months for her have been really busy. It includes some great success, even in Japan. But here in AEW, it seems Willow still has a lot to settle with the Death Riders. Willow says yeah, she does. And luckily, she isn’t alone. The list of people who wanna end the Death Riders just keeps getting longer and longer, and Willow can appreciate that. But she also wants to be the first one to just shove her fist into Marina’s face! A hand reaches out, Willow gets spooked, but it’s Kris Statlander! Kris tells Willow that if Willow doesn’t wanna talk in the back, then they’ll have to have it out on camera.
Willow says she doesn’t think there’s anything that needs to be said. She heard Kris, she gets where Kris is at, and she gets Kris was sorry. So like, what? Kris is now disappointed she lost in The Owen? Last year, Willow could’ve won The Owen, and it’s all because of Kris. Kris doesn’t want Willow going there, but Willow says this conversation is over anyway. Kris goes to leave but then Willow reconsiders. She says if Kris wants to meet in the middle of the ring… Then how about tomorrow night, Thursday Night Collision, here in Detroit, Willow knows a whole bunch of sickos would love to see it! So what does Kris say?
Willow offers a handshake, Kris accepts the handshake, and Kris says if there’s nothing more to be said, then see her there. Kris does leave, and Willow smiles. Will these former besties get out all the tension between them when they go 1v1 on Collision?
AEW Continental Championship Eliminator: Kazuchika Okada VS Kevin Knight!
The Rainmaker told The Jet that he’s going to humble him, but jets are know to still fly through the rain. Will Okada cross another name off the list of contenders? Or will Kevin be feeling #2Flyy as he also prepares for Best of the Super Juniors?
Wait, Rush attacks Knight during his entrance! The fans boo but El Toro Blanco is making good on his warning! Dralistico is also here so La Faccion Ingobernable mugs Dralistico! Security rushes out, Dralistico fires hands on them, and Rush stands Knight up. Rush tells Knight that he said he’d pay! Knight is sent into the steel steps! And then into railing! And then railing again! Security steps in but Rush still CHOKES Knight! But Bailey rushes out here to SUPERKICK Dralistico! Bailey dares Rush to fight him now but Rush shoves Knight down. Rush tells Bailey he’ll be next. LFI falls back, but what about Knight’s opportunity with Okada?
Okada is nonchalant about all this as Knight says no, he doesn’t want to give this up. Bailey helps Knight with his jacket, and Knight manages to roll into the ring, so the match IS on. But now Bailey has to leave ringside per Continental Rules, so he wishes his friend good luck. The bell rings, and Okada runs up to ELBOW Knight! Okada kicks Knight low and hits a DDT! Cover, TWO! Knight is still in this and the fans fire up! Okada is amused, and he drags Knight up to Alabama Lift. Knight sunset flips through, TWO! Okada and Knight stand up and Knight fires a forearm! But Okada DECKS Knight!
Okada whips Knight to ropes, and then FLAPJACKS! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this and now Okada’s annoyed. Knight goes to a corner but Okada storms up on him. The fans duel as Okada kicks at Knight. Okada drags Knight up, gut wrenches, but Knight fights free! Knight ROCKS Okada with forearm after forearm! Knight UPPERCUTS, the fans fire up, and both men go to corners. Knight runs in but Okada puts him up top! Okada DROPKICKS Knight down to the apron and then Knight falls to the floor! Knight writhes and Okada just waits inside while Dynamite goes picture in picture.
The ref checks Knight but Knight refuses to let this stop the match. Okada goes out after Knight, brings him up, and RAMS him into the railing! Okada laughs at the fans, especially a little girl in the second row. Okada drags Knight up, RAMS him into the railing again, and then laughs at the little girl again! The little girl gets upset and hides behind her mom while Okada goes back to the ring. Okada waits as the ring count climbs. Knight crawls towards ringside at 5 of 10, drags himself up at 7, and rolls in at 8. Okada is right on Knight with a turn and NECKBREAKER! Okada lets Knight writhe a bit before standing over him.
Okada SLAPS Knight! Knight glares up at Okada, but Okada SLAPS him again! Knight rises, Okada SLAPS him again! Knight comes back to CHOP Okada! Okada brushes that off, so Knight CHOPS again! Knight fires a forearm, Okada fires back, and Knight wobbles! Okada ROCKS Knight and puts him in a corner. Okada digs his boot into Knight’s neck, and practically pushes him out of the ring! The ref reprimands but Okada backs off. Knight sputters on the apron, Okada goes back to bring him in, but Knight fires body shots! Okada UPPERCUTS Knight and Knight falls back down! Okada stands Knight up to whip corner to corner.
Knight goes up, up, and FLYING LARIATS! Both men are down and Dynamite returns to single picture. The fans rally for both men as they rise, and Knight roars! Knight runs and SPLASHES Okada in a corner! Knight stomps and UPPERCUTS on repeat! Then Knight stomps a mudhole into Okada! The ref counts, then backs Knight down. The fans boo, but Okada pokes Knight in the eyes! The fans boo more, but Okada whips Knight. Knight reverses to SKY2HIGH! Cover, TWO!! Okada survives and Knight is frustrated. The fans rally, Knight rises again while Okada goes to a corner. Knight runs in, but Okada BOOTS him!
Okada goes up, but Knight jumps up to the UPPER ROOM! The fans fire up as Knight somersaults and UFO SPLASHES! Cover, TWO! Okada stays in this, proof of his championship caliber toughness. But Knight roars, runs up, only for Okada to fight the Satellite DDT into a REVERSE NECKBREAKER! Okada drags Knight up, scoops and SLAMS, then he goes to the corner! Standard formula says MACHO ELBOW! The fans fire up as Okada stands, and Okada winds up the… MIDDLE FINGER~! The fans are torn, and Okada oddly censors his own middle finger for some of the fans. Okada drags Knight up, ripcords, but Knight reels him in for a cradle! TWO!!
Okada is up, Knight has him for a backslide! TWO! Okada is back up, he spins Knight, but Knight hurdles the lariat! Then Knight PELES! Okada falls and the fans fire up again! Knight hurries to a corner and he climbs up! MOTHERSHIP SPLASH onto knees!! Knight sputters as Okada saves himself! Okada grits his teeth, drags Knight up to whip, but Knight avoids the dropkick! Knight runs, but Okada BOOTS him! Both men roar and the fans fire up! Okada UPPERCUTS, whips, but Knight reverses and DROPKICKS! Both men are down again, but Knight still rises! The fans are thunderous as Knight goes to the corner!
Knight springboards in, but into an ANTIAIR DROPKICK!! Ripcord and RAINMAKER!!! Cover, Okada wins!
Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall (denies Knight a title match)
Give the assist to Rush, but The Rainmaker still gets the job done. Wait, now he drags Knight up for another RAINMAKER!!! The fans boo as Okada shows no mercy! RAINMAKER again!!! And then another ripcord, but Knight falls! And then here comes Bailey! Speedball runs Okada off, but Okada still has a smug smile. Knight has to catch a flight to Japan, but will Bailey make sure Okada pays for his arrogance?
The Don Callis Family speaks.
Don Callis himself says, “The Outrunners tried to challenge RPG Vice? Who do you two idiots think you are? Y’know, I was wrestling in the ’80s, I knew a lot of dirtbags like you! So why don’t you get yourselves a couple of other stupid idiots to be your partner, and you can take on the Don Callis Family, and I will kick your ass all the way back to Tennessee like it’s 1983!!” Wait, did he say he will? Well, will Truth Magnum & Turbo Floyd find someone willing to take on
BREAKING NEWS for Collision!
It has been decided that Dax Harwood will take on Daniel Garcia in response to his challenge last week. Will Dax the Ax make good on FTR’s word to make this one hurt? Plus, after the confrontation we saw between them, Bailey will take on Dralistico as payback for what LFI did to Knight! Will Speedball strike out the Prince of Silver? And speaking of baseball terminology, the 5 Tool Player is about to throw some heaters at “Big Shotty” Lee Johnson for stepping to the plate last week. Will Bowens make sure to #MollyWhopp Lee back to the dugout?
BREAKING NEWS for Beach Break!
The Don Callis Family has decided: Konosuke Takeshita & Josh Alexander will take on Hangman Page & Will Ospreay! Can Cowboy and Assassin coexist? Or will the Owen Hart Cup Finalists fall to The Alpha & The Walking Weapon?
Backstage interview with The Hurt Syndicate.
Alicia catches MVP, Lashley & Shelton on their way out, and brings up Lashley telling everyone that we have to wait until next week to find out if MJF is officially getting the thumbs up. Can’t he just let us know now where things stand now? Lashley says he is very protective of the Syndicate, but apparent legal counsel advises him to say no more. The answer will be made public next week. MVP introduces longtime legal counsel to the Hurt Syndicate, Harrison Landow. And well, when he speaks, they listen. See you next week. The Syndicate heads out, but will MJF’s attack on Top Flight have been in vain?
Samoa Joe VS Claudio Castagnoli!
The Samoan Submission Specialist and The Opps have been putting The Death Riders on the defensive, and Joe himself has accused Jon Moxley of no longer having the guts to fight a real fight. Moxley took offense to that remark last week, but he will still let his Swiss Cyborg handle things first. Will Claudio soften Joe up for Moxley and that Steel Cage title match? Or will Joe prove it is the Death Riders who are soft?
The fans already sing, “Joe is gonna kill~ you!” but Claudio takes his time entering the ring. The bell sounds, the fans rally up, and the two circle. They tie up, go around, and Joe powers Claudio back. Claudio turns things around to put Joe in the corner, then he grinds his forearms in. The ref counts, but he has to get in there to back Claudio off. Claudio eggs Joe on, the two circle, and they feel things out. They tie up, Joe powers Claudio back, and they end up on the ropes. They go around, end up in a corner again, with Joe in control. The ref counts, he backs Joe off, but Claudio throat chops! The ref reprimands and fans boo but Claudio goes after Joe!
Claudio fires fast hands from all sides and the ref counts. Claudio UPPERCUTS again and again until the ref reaches 4. The ref backs Claudio off, but Claudio jukes him, only for Joe to dodge Claudio! COQUINA CLUTCH!! Joe has Claudio by the head, but Claudio steps through the ropes! The ref counts, Joe lets go at 4, but then Joe LARIATS Claudio down! Joe goes out to then whip Claudio into barriers! Joe storms up, whips him again, and Claudio hits railing hard! The fans fire up and Joe SMACKS Claudio off the top of barriers! Joe CHOPS Claudio, refreshes the ring count, but Claudio scoops to SNAKE EYES off the barriers!
Joe sputters and falls while fans boo, but Claudio RAMS Joe into barriers! Claudio UPPERCUTS Joe, then gets space. Claudio runs back in, but into the URENAGE to the floor! The fans fire up while Claudio writhes. Joe aims at Claudio, runs in and BOOTS Claudio! The fans fire up and Joe brings Claudio into the ring. Joe stalks Claudio but Claudio goes to the apron. Claudio then RAMS into Joe, RAMS him again, and UPPERCUTS! Claudio JABS, CHOPS, and JABS again! Claudio CHOSP, but now Joe is getting mad! The fans rally as Claudio UPPERCUTS and CHOPS, but Joe CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS!
The fans “WOO~” with every CHOP, then Joe whips corner to corner. Joe runs up and ELBOWS! And PELES! Claudio sits down, the fans fire up, and Joe snarls. Joe has Detroit behind him as he hoists Claudio up top. Joe CHOPS again, then tucks Claudio in! Claudio fights that by CLAWING Joe’s eyes! The ref reprimands, Claudio stops, but then Claudio jumps down to HOTSHOT Joe’s arm! Joe falls back, Claudio hurries in, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Claudio stomps Joe down, then paces around. Claudio HIP DROPS Joe, then clamps on a chinlock stretch! Joe endures, even as Claudio pulls on the hold. Joe fights to his feet, but Claudio wrangles him back down! Claudio grinds Joe down with the side headlock, then adds an arm for a straitjacket! Joe endures, fights up, and HEADBUTTS free! Joe ROCKS Claudio, CHOPS him, then runs, only for Claudio to BOOT him down! Claudio goes to a corner, goes along the ropes, and then SPRINGBOARD ELBOW DROPS! Cover, TWO! Joe survives and Claudio is furious, but the ref defends the count.
Claudio pushes Joe back down, runs and DOUBLE STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Claudio is frustrated but this is why Joe is a former AEW World Champion, and why he dethroned the Death Riders as AEW World Trios Champions. Claudio drags Joe back around to DOUBLE STOMP! And DOUBLE STOMP! And DOUBLE STOMP again! Claudio then clamps on with a COBRA CLUTCH! Joe endures and the fans rally up. Joe stands, but Claudio fires knees down low! Joe drops to his knees and Claudio squeezes tighter! Joe still endures but Claudio grinds him down to the mat! The ref checks but Joe is still in this.
Joe rises up, Claudio wrangles him again, but he also smothers Joe! The ref reprimands, Claudio lets go and “apologizes,” mockingly asking for clarification on what was wrong. Claudio then clamps back on with the Cobra Clutch as Dynamite returns to single picture. The fans chant at Claudio, “You Suck!” Joe fights up but Claudio throws knees! Claudio goes back to the Cobra Clutch and thrashes Joe around! Joe endures, the fans rally, and Joe fires hands! But Claudio fires more knees! Claudio runs, but into a SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Joe whips Claudio to a corner, then reels him in for an atomic drop!
Joe runs to BOOT Claudio down, then SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Claudio stays in this but Joe stays focused. The fans rally behind Joe and he brings Claudio up. Joe fireman’s carries but Claudio slips free, and he shoves Joe at the ref! Joe stops short, but then Claudio pokes Joe in the eyes again! Claudio runs, runs, and runs to LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Joe survives and Claudio grows frustrated. Claudio drags Joe up, reels him in, but Joe BACKDROPS free! Claudio lands on his feet! Claudio dodges Joe, springboards and FLYING UPPERCUTS! Claudio snarls while fans are torn, and Claudio calls for it! Claudio grabs the legs, but Joe kicks free!
Claudio staggers, Joe turns him around and reels him in by his tights! COQUINA CLUTCH!!! CLAUDIO TAPS, JOE WINS!!
Winner: Samoa Joe, by submission
The Swiss Cyborg got caught, but here comes reinforcements! Joe dares the Death Riders to make a move, so Wheeler Yuta jumps the barriers! Marina and Moxley follow, they’re flanking the ring! But WILL HOBBS is here! And the Powerhouse is armed with a chair! The fans fire up as The Opps have the numbers and the “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Moxley backs away, but Hobbs tells him, “Watch this!” Claudio stands up, into a CHAIR SHOT! Claudio falls and the fans want “One More Time!” Joe says okay, and Hobbs SMACKS Claudio again! Moxley seethes but he is still standing at the barriers.
Joe sets the chair down, drags Claudio over, and Joe gives Moxley one more chance to do something. Moxley doesn’t move, so Joe hits a FULL METAL GOURD BUSTER!! Joe avenges Hook and Shibata, but will Joe save all of AEW from Moxley’s reign of terror? Or will The Maniac find a way to survive Beach Break in the Windy City?
My Thoughts:
A great episode of Dynamite here, but not without odd choices. CRU continue to be chihuahuas barking at bigger dogs, and then oddly enough, Top Flight kinda do the same thinking they’ll get at Hurt Syndicate for the titles. MJF going after them to “hurt people” made for a fitting move in that moment, but then Lashley making us wait and them bringing in some lawyer for the Syndicate is disappointing. Are they really dragging this out for Double or Nothing? Why not give us the “moment of truth” tonight, then next week has some sort of official “swearing in,” and then we get shenanigans that give us a Double or Nothing match. I feel like TK’s sense of pacing continues to be a problem…
Good promo from FTR and Stokely to call out Schiavone & Nigel as well as Garcia, and Dax VS Garcia will be great stuff. I still sense Adam Copeland returns to join Garcia and settle things with FTR. Good promo from Willow to call out Marina and the Death Riders, and I like the segue back into the Willow-Kris story. They’ll have a great match tomorrow, but I don’t know what’ll happen with it if Willow is to also still feud with Marina. Unless newly released Shayna Baszler shows up to team with Marina, Kris & Willow getting on the same page doesn’t seem likely. Side note, Shayna and Marina should be part of the ROH Women’s Pure Championship tournament.
Great promo from Hangman and Ospreay to open the show, looking back on continuity and even getting a bit meta with the “main character of AEW” stuff thrown around. But of course The Don Callis Family wants after them and all their other enemies. Konosuke & Alexander VS Ospreay & Hangman will be awesome stuff for next week, but I feel like Alexander takes the loss so Ospreay and Hangman both head for Double or Nothing with momentum. Then with Roppongi Vice and I assume Lance Archer facing The Outrunners, I feel like my idea of Brody King teaming with Truth & Turbo is going to become a reality. It just makes sense given Brody had that brawl with Archer last week.
Great promo from Harley and Anna before the Fatal 4, and then a great Fatal 4 match. Ford was a touch off on those pinfall breaks but that was a minor thing. Naturally, Megan got involved, which cued Harley to do the same, and clearly we’ll get Megan & Ford VS Harley & Anna in a great tag match. Toni winning out is fine, but it just seems odd they did this at all. I still hope Athena steps up so we can have Champion VS Champion at Double or Nothing to go double or nothing on titles. And then with how Hayter VS Mone is going, there’s still a chance we can go all in at All In with Mone putting up at least the TBS title against both the AEW & ROH Women’s titles.
But given the great interview promo from Hayter and the obvious ambush from Mone, there’s also still a chance Hayter VS Storm happens as a rematch from long ago. Then Mone and Athena can still go title for title in Texas as TBS Championship VS ROH Women’s World Championship. Very good stuff with that open challenge for the ROH World TV title, and it was great for Rhino to be in his hometown. But naturally, whoever was showing up would be cheated out of the win. Nick Wayne is going to bring that title with him to Japan, I just wonder if he’s bringing The Patriarchy with him. At the very least, Christian should keep AEW viewers up to date with every little win or loss Nick has in the BOSJ like the overbearing and jealous father he is.
Great promo from The Elite & Ricochet to hype up their matches, and what an intriguing move to have The Death Riders meet The Bucks in their office. Though, they didn’t light the scene very well, I only knew it was The Death Riders from Claudio’s bald head and white shirt. And then of course when it was Marina closing the door. But we got an awesome Six Man Tag of Ricochet & Bucks VS Swerve, Briscoe & Bailey. Rather surprising win for the Heels but I suppose that ups the animosity between The Elite and Swerve. Also, good promo from Rush followed by a pretty good ambush on Knight. Okada VS Knight was a great match but I figured Okada would win. Bailey is clearly going to get an eliminator next, and that’ll be awesome, too.
And of course, a great main event of Joe VS Claudio. Great win for Joe, and naturally the Death Riders would rush out there. Great counter with Hobbs showing up, and it works that The Opps “take out” Claudio. With Pac out from an actual injury and then Hook and Shibata kayfabe sidelined from what Death Riders did to them, things are a bit more even now. But even then, Yuta & Marina can still interfere, Hobbs & Willow can still counter, only for Moxley to still somehow win against Joe because I don’t think Beach Break is where a title change this big is going to happen. It still feels like Double or Nothing gives us Anarchy in the Arena 2025, Death Riders making a deal with The Elite to take on The Opps, Swerve, and Kenny Omega, who was conspicuous by his absence tonight.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Who will grab their golden tickets to Tampa?
While TWENTY-FIVE men fight in a Battle Royal to face Oba Femi, Jordynne Grace and Giulia go 1v1 to face NXT Women’s Champion, Stephanie Vaquer!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Six Man Tag: Joe Hendry, Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Dark State; Dark State wins.
- Kelani Jordan VS ZARIA w/ Sol Ruca; Zaria wins.
- NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Battle Royal: Myles Borne wins and will challenge Oba Femi for the title at NXT Battleground: Tampa.
- Karmen Petrovic VS Jaida Parker; Jaida wins.
- NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Giulia VS Jordynne Grace; Grace wins and will challenge Stephanie Vaquer for the title at NXT Battleground: Tampa.
PLAY BY PLAY
Six Man Tag: Joe Hendry, Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Dark State!
Say his name and he appears, HONK HONK! Hank ‘n’ Tank believe in Joe Hendry! And they also didn’t like that the Prestigious One got attacked by the pack of wild dogs known as Dark State. But will we all be believers after the TNA World Champion and the NXT Tag Team Champions stand tall together? Or will we see that truly #NoOneIsSafe?
The teams sort out, but then it is just a brawl! The fans fire up, Dark State knocks Hank and Hendry out of the ring to isolate Tank. Dion Lennox starts and he throws hands. Dion whips, then hits a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Tank stays in this but Dion is already bringing out his Mr. Hyde side. Tank fires body shots but Dion headlocks. Tank powers him to ropes but Osiris Griffin tags in. They mug Tank, then Osiris dribbles Tank off buckles. Tag to Cutler, Osiris feeds Tank to him, but Tank swings around and hits a crucifix takedown! TWO, Cutler headlocks, but Hank tags in as Tank powers out! They misdirect and CLOBBER Cutler! Then SENTON! Cover, TWO!
Hank keeps Cutler down with a facelock, then wrench to a wristlock. Tag to Hendry, the fans fire up, and Hendry KNEES low! Hendry suplexes Cutler, holds him up, and the fans cheer him on as he marches around with Cutler! Then the SLAM! Cover, TWO! Hendry wrenches Cutler, tags Hank, and Hank goes up to AX HANDLE the arm! The fans rally as Hank whisp, but Cutler grabs ropes to block! Cutler BOOTS Hank, then brings him around to whip. Cutler ELBOWS Hank down, then CHOKES him on the ropes! Saquon Shugars talks trash on the big boy, then Dion tags in. Dion scoops but Hank fights it!
The fans fire up as Hank fires hands, but Dion fires back! Dion whips and ELBOWS Hank down! Dion stalks Hank to the ropes, wrenches his arm, then RAMS his shoulder! Cover, TWO! Hank is tougher than that, but Dion scoops. Hank slips free, shoves Dion then BOOTS him! Tag to Tank and they bump Dion off buckles! Tank SPLASHES, Hank SPLASHES, then BULLDOGS! The fans fire up and Dark State is mad! But HONK! HONK! BIG BELLY SANDWICH! Feed to Hendry for a scoop! FALL AWAY SLAM! The fans fire up as Hendry kips up! Cutler is in, but Hendry scoops to FALL AWAY SLAM! And another kip up!
Hank hugs Hendry but Hendry scoops out of instinct! Tank tells him that’s Hank, and Hendry realizes it. Hendry sets Hank down, and then trio TURNS! The fans cheer the big smiles and NXT goes picture in picture.
Hendry waits on Dark State while they huddle up. They talk it out, Dion rushes in, but Hendry SLAMS him down! Hendry wrenches an arm, tags in Hank, then Hank goes up again. Hank winds it up, then AX HANDLES Dion! Hank taunts Dark State before he wrenches Dion and YANKS the arm! Hank wrenches again, tags Hendry back in, and Hendry goes up. Hendry winds it up, and then AX HANDLES Dion’s arm! Hendry wrenches the arm again, tags Tank, and they double wrench to DOUBLE CLUB Dion! Tank snapmares Dion, covers, TWO! Dion stays in this but Tank stays on him with a chinlock.
Dion endures the grind and fights up to his feet. Dion fires body shots, Tank grinds the hold, repeat. Dion powers Tank to ropes, Osiris tags in, btu Tank fights them both off! Osiris HOTSHOTS Tank, then storms in and CHOKES Tank on the ropes! The ref counts, Osiris stops at 4, then he CLUBS Tank down! Osiris scoops Tank to SLAM him, then covers, TWO! Osiris keeps Tank down with a COBRA CLUTCH! Tank endures as Osiris thrashes him around. Osiris ripcords, Tank dodges! Hot tags to Cutler and Hank! Hank fires haymaker after haymaker, then whips for an ELBOW! And another ELBOW! Hank bumps Cutler off buckles, then runs him corner to corner to do it again!
NXT returns to single picture as fans fire up with Hank! Hank goes up the corner, Cutler storms over, but Hank fires hands! Cutler falls back, Dion distracts the ref, and Saquon SHOVES Hank down! Cutler tags Dion, Dion stomps away on Hank, then SPLASHES DOWN! Dion pulls Hank back by pulling hair, then he tags Osiris. Osiris waits on Hank, scoop shim, and hits a BACKBREAKER! Osiris then CHOKES Hank on the ropes, drags him up, and bumps him off buckles. Tag to Dion, then tag to Cutler, and Dion sends Osiris to SPLASH Hank! Cutler sends Dion in and he SPLASHES Hank! Then feed to Cutler for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO!
The fans fire up as Hank toughs it out, but Cutler drags him up and RAMS him into an open corner! Cutler talks trash on Hank, hits a short arm LARIAT, then he covers, TWO! Cutler is annoyed but he clamps on a chinlock. The fans rally as Hank endures. Hank reaches out, fights up, and he fires body shots! Cutler CLUBS Hank, Hank ROCKS Cutler! The fans rally as Hank ROCKS Cutler again! Cutler clamps on an IRON CLAW! Cutler powers Hank to the corner, tags in Osiris, and Cutler feeds Hank to Osiris’ POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Hank survives but Osiris grins. Then he sucker punches Hendry!
The fans boo but Osiris ROCKS Hank and RAMS him into the corner! Tag to Cutler, then tag to Dion! Cutler sends Osiris in, but Hank dodges! Osiris POSTS himself! Hank then DUMPS Cutler, dodges Dion, and hot tags Tank! The fans fire up as Tank rallies on Dion with big shoulders and haymakers! Dion staggers, Tank dodges, and Tank OVERHEAD SUPELXES! Cutler is up but Tank wrenches and DECKS him! Tank then goes up, out, and CANNONBALLS Cutler and Osiris down! The fans are thunderous for Tank as he hurries back in! Tank catches Dino to a BUBBA BOMB! Cover, Osiris & Cutler break it!
Hendry and Hank return, the brawl is back on! Osiris runs up, Hank DUMPS him out! Hendry and Cutler throw hands while Osiris drags Hank out! Saquon distracts Hank, Osiris RAMS Yank into a POST! Hendry hits a FALL AWAY SLAM on Cutler! Hendry kips up, and the fans join in on “We Will Rock You!” But wait! TRICK WILLIAMS drags Hendry out of the ring!! Hendry fires hands on Trick in return! Tank goes for Cutler, but Dion CHOP BLOCKS a leg out! Tag after tag, and now Dark State gets Tank up! DARK STATE BOMB!! Cover, Dark State wins!
Winners: Dark State, by pinfall
Trick Williams’ grudge with Hendry cost Hendry’s team, and Dark State steal another win! Will nothing stop this fearsome foursome from taking over NXT?
Thea Hail talks with Karmen Petrovic.
Karmen thanks Thea for being on her side with the Karmen x Ashante breakup. Karmen is so done worrying about Ashante when this Women’s Division is only getting deeper. Thea says it feels safe relying on others, but sometimes, you gotta worry about yourself. That’s how you get stronger. Jaida Parker walks in and asks what Thea knows about being strong. Thea came back acting grown when nothing has changed. Thea is still the yappy little girl she was. And Karmen ain’t safe, either. Didn’t Jaida tell her four MONTHS ago to dump Ashante? Now look at you. But go ahead, open your ears to hear more wisdom.
Ashante wasn’t the only thing holding Karmen back. Karmen is just too damn soft. Thea gets heated but Karmen says she’s got this. Maybe the problem is Jaida had such an amazing opportunity at Stand & Deliver and, cough cough, choked? So what happened? We thought Miss Parker don’t play. Karmen’s right. That’s why Jaida will see Karmen in the ring. Since she’s acting so froggy, Karmen might as well jump. Jaida heads out, will she make sure the #ShingShing doesn’t get out the mud?
No Quarter Catch Crew talks backstage.
Myles Borne & Tavion Heights hype each other up for the battle royal, and Charlie Dempsey says, “Fellas… Before we compete in this battle royal, there’s something I gotta say.” Myles says if it is what he thinks it is, it can wait. Dempsey says no, it can’t. Tonight, it is a major opportunity for all of them. Tavion says damn right! Dempsey says it isn’t about grudges or individual glory. They are three individuals with the same goal in mind: That is to make sure that the NQCC takes one step closer to Oba Femi and taking that NXT Championship from him at Battleground! Yeah! Now, are they all on the same page?
Tavion says Dempsey knows they are! Time to get a title back in the NQCC! NQCC all the way to the top! Wren Sinclair checks if Myles heard that. Yeah, he heard. Let’s do this. Wren says NQCC on three. Hands in! NQCC! They’re united in wanting to win that battle royal, but will any of them make it through to the end of the 25 Man Battle Royal?
Kelani Jordan VS ZARIA w/ Sol Ruca!
Speaking of acting tough and wanting opportunities, The Standout’s new attitude is making her act a little entitled to a title shot. Kelani wants to face Sol for the NXT Women’s North American Championship, but Zaria wants Kelani to earn it. Will that be easy enough when No One Does It Like Lani? Or will the Agent of Change be the gatekeeper for Sol’s gold?
NXT returns as Zaria makes her entrance, Sol by her side. The bell rings and Kelani DROPKICKS Zaria! The fans are torn as Kelani runs and slingshots, but Zaria stops the arm-drag! Zaria whips Kelani away, Kelani ducks around to waistlock, but then ducks an elbow. Zaria pie faces Kelani! Then shoves her! Kelani frowns, then fires forearms and CHOPS! Kelani backs Zaria up but Zaria shoves her away! Zaria runs up, Kelani dodges, and Zaria hits buckles. Kelani runs up, Zaria puts her on the apron, but Kelani ROUNDHOUSES! Kelani goes up, leaps, FLYING- NO! Zaira stops the rana and brings Kelani up! Kelani fights with fists, sunset flips, but Zaria stays up!
Zaria YANKS Kelani up and scoops, but Kelani slips free again! Kelani shoves Zaria at the corner, Zaria stops herself short, and then she runs up to lift Kelani! Kelani sunset flips it, TWO! Zaria escapes, and now she RAMS Kelani into the corner! Zaria RAMS Kelani again and again, the fans are torn, but Zaria stalks Kelani to another corner. Zaria stands Kelani up, tells her she isn’t just gonna get a title opportunity, but Kelani breaks free! Zaria CHOPS Kelani on the back! Kelani goes to a corner, Zaria puts some stank on it, but Kelani dodges the chop to CHOP in return! Kelani puts stank on the CHOP to Zaria’s back!
The fans fire up as Kelani then RAMS Zaria into the corner again and again! Kelani digs her shoulder in, lets off as the ref counts, and Kelani whips. Zaria reverses to scoop and SWINGING GUT BUSTER! Kelani writhes, Zaria brushes herself off, and the ref checks on Kelani. Kelani says she’s okay to continue, but then Zaria clamps onto her face! Kelani SLAPS Zaria! Kelani BOOTS Zaria outta the ring! Zaria is furious, btu Kelani gets her in the ropes! HOTSHOT KNEE, and then the POMMEL LEG DROP! Kelani goes up, up, but Zaria bails out! Kelani adjusts, leaps, but into Zaria’s hands! Zaria knees low, whips Kelani, but Kelani stops short of the steps!
Kelani ELBOWS Zaria away, then goes up, up, and FLYING RANAS to the floor! The fans fire up and Sol is stunned while NXT goes picture in picture.
Sol coaches Zaria up but then Kelani gets in her face. Sol backs off, not wanting trouble, and Kelani drags Zaria up. Kelani whips Zaria into the apron! And then whips her into the apron again! And then she puts Zaria in the ring, runs, and SPLASHES! Cover, TWO! Zaria toughs it out but Kelani KNEES her in the back! And again! And again! Kelani then basement DROPKICKS Zaria in the back of the head! Kelani bumps Zaria off buckles, snapmares her and runs, to then SPLASH into BOOTS! Zaria turns the tide and Kelani goes to the apron. Zaria storms up, Kelani RAMS into her, then Kelani slingshots, but Zaria trips her up!
Kelani tumbles to the floor and flounders around. Zaria storms up on Kelani, drags her around, and digs a knee into her back while she pulls her back! Kelani endures, fights up, but Zaria CLUBS her down! Zaria KICKS Kelani in the side, stalks her to the ropes, then puts her in a corner. Zaria RAMS Kelani, brings her around, and KNEES her low! Zaria KNEES Kelani again and again, then reels her in for another SWINGING GUT BUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Kelani survives but is in rough shape. Zaria reels her in, hoists her into a Canadian Rack, and bends Kelani with the Argentine Backbreaker Rack! And BACKBREAKER!
Zaria holds onto Kelani, stands back up, and FLIPS Kelani! Kelani just manages to land out, and she fires body shots! Zaria storms up and they both throw hands! It gets scrappy as Zaria whips. Kelani dodges as NXT returns to single picture and Zaria hits buckles. Zaria BOOTS in return, then storms up to bring Kelani into the corner. Zaria goes up, and drags Kelani up using a full nelson! Kelani flails but the ref counts so Zaria drops Kelani. Zaria then stands Kelani back up, but Kelani ROCKS Zaria and TOSSES her from the top! The fans fire up as Zaria staggers to her feet. Kelani runs up, and she CLOBBERS Zaria! And CLOBBERS her again!
Zaria catches Kelani’s cartwheel to GERMAN SUPLEX! But Kelani is right up to handspring BACK ELBOW! Both women are down, Kelani kips up, and Sol is worried for Zaria. Kelani brings Zaria up, whips her to ropes, but Zaria reveres. Zaria scoops Kelani but Kelani tilt-o-whirl DDTS! Cover, TWO! Kelani is frustrated and she goes up, up, and 450- NO, Zaria moves! Kelani rolls through, but comes back into a SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!?! Kelani survives and Zaria is stunned! Zaria drags Kelani up, fireman’s carries, but Kelani fights around to a dragon sleeper! And THE SLICE! Cover, TWO! Zaria stays in this and Kelani is frustrated, but “This is Awesome!”
Kelani kicks at Zaria while holding a wristlock. Then Kelani changes sides to KICK from there! But Zaria blocks a kick, and she clamps onto Kelani’s neck! CHOKE- NO, Kelani slips free to waistlock. Zaria switches, Kelani switches, O’Conner Roll! TWO and Kelani staggers to ropes. Zaria runs up but Kelani DUMPS her out! Kelani aims, slingshots and ASAI MOONSAULTS! Direct hit and down goes Zaria! Kelani hurries to her feet, stands Zaria up, but Zaria shoves Kelani at Sol! Sol helps Kelani from falling! Kelani is confused, but then Zaria SPEARS Kelani through the barriers! The fans go nuts and even Sol is shocked!
Zaria rises up, she drags Kelani into the ring, and then fireman’s carries! DELTA FORCE 5!! Cover, Zaria wins!
Winner: Zaria, by pinfall
The Standout was perhaps moments away from winning, but those moments slipped through her fingers so that Zaria could come out on top! Sol celebrates with her friend, but who else will want their shot at what Sol’s got?
Tony D’Angelo is on the phone.
The Don is assuring them he’s got this. But then Wes Lee walks in, Tyriek & Tyson with him, talking up how big Wes winning the battle royal will be. They spot Tony, and Wes says look it! The Don of NXT! How’s the family, dog? Oh, haha, real funny, Wes. But if anyone knows about stabbing a brother in arms in the back, it’s Wes. What Stacks did to Tony, Wes did to Zachary Wentz. Wes says if he’d had to, he’d do it all over again. And he’s pretty sure Stacks feels the same. But hey, there’s something different about Tony. Oh…! Less confidence. That’s why Tony ain’t in the battle royal. He doesn’t think he can win without The Family.
Tony says Wes doesn’t know what he’s talking about. Wes has all this talent, yet still no instincts. But if he wants to be a tough guy, take a shot. Whoa, whoa, whoa. Wes would, but he has the battle royal to win. So see ya~! Wes heads out, his guys stare Tony down a second, and then they head out. Will the path to Battleground go through the Wes Side?
Lola Vice talks with Stephanie Vaquer.
The Mayor of Vice City tells La Primera that no matter who wins tonight between Giulia and Jordynne Grace, it will be tough at Battleground. And Lola knows Stephanie knows this, but Lola has no doubt that if anyone can walk through Hell and come out the other side NXT Women’s Champion, that’s Stephanie. Stephanie says, “Gracias, hermana.” And competing all over the world, in different promotions, could not have prepared her for what being at the top of this division would mean. Stephanie wants to say more but Lola stops her there. Lola says no matter what happens at Battleground, Lola will be waiting on the other side for her title shot.
But then in steps Giulia. Giulia says she hasn’t forgotten anything between the two of them, so she’ll see her at Battleground. Giulia heads out, but will the Beautiful Madness make it through the Juggernaut to have one last shot at the NXT Women’s Championship?
NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Battle Royal!
Everyone wants to win and face Oba Femi at Battleground, but Trick Williams says he NEEDS to win. Is this finally when #CrashOutTrick gets his way? Or will one of the other 24 hungry contenders be heading to Tampa?
NXT returns as most everyone has gotten in the ring, and Je’Von Evans makes his entrance. “All Ego” Ethan Page joins the field, but then the lights go down. A guitar strums, and the fans go nuts! That’s because E- Uh… ELIJAH is here! The fans sing, “Oh~ Walk With Elias~!” but no, no, the Drifter corrects them, and also sings. “I saw a friend in need~. And I don’t like Trick Willy~! So I decided to come back to NXT~. TNA, we walk this way. I got one more thing to say! It’s NXT, walk with me.” The fans cheer, and even chant, “Welcome Home! Welcome Home!” Elijah has a question for everyone here tonight: Who wants to walk with ELIJAH?
But then Ethan slides out to get in Elijah’s face! The bell rings and the brawl is on! Lexis King ROCKS and TOSSES Chris Island to ELIMINATE him! Lexis says he should go back to LFG! But then Island’s fellow LFG prospect, Shiloh Hill, TOSSES and ELIMINATES Lexis! The fans fire up for that, and wit, Elijah and Ethan brawl on the outside! Trick stomps away on Ricky Smokes while Sean Legacy brawls with Brad Baylor, Swipe Right is in trouble! Ty & Ty keep Wes safe, but then Briggs & Inamura get in there. Elijah and Ethan finally in the ring, but Ashante slides out under the ropes for a breather.
The Culling and NQCC are all over the place, Ridge Holland HEADBUTTS Niko Vance, but then Niko brawls with Myles. Dempsey KNEES Elijah, Myles KNEES Niko, and NQCC work together for a second. But Myles gets caught up with Thatcher, Elijah LARIATS and ELIMINATES Dempsey! Tavion goes after Elijah and Inamura is after Myles! Shawn Spears finds a pocket to stay safe before going after Elijah. Swipe Right brags a bit, and Inamura POUNCES Brad up and out to ELIMINATE him! The fans fire up with The Great Rush as he CLOBBERS Ricky Smokes! But then Trick hits a JUMPING NECKBREAKER!
The fans boo, but Adonis returns to TOSS Trick! Trick holds onto ropes while Ashante SUPERKICKS Tyson! And SUPERKICKS Smokes! And SUPERKICKS Tyriek! And SUPERKICKS Thatcher! Ashante is letting loose after being dumped by Karmen! He also SUPERKICKS Shiloh! Ashante TOSSES Shiloh, but Shiloh holds onto ropes! Shiloh dangles off the apron, Trick CLOBBERS Ashante up and out of the ring! Trick ELIMINATES Ashante and Ashante is furious, but Trick dares him to do something about it! The fans are torn over Trick while he stomps away on Shiloh, and NXT goes picture in picture.
Refs have to usher Ashante away, he’s that upset. The brawling continues chaotically, but Thatcher and Inamura trade UPPERCUTS! Elijah bumps Tavion off buckles and stomps him down, Wes and Zach find each other, but they have to fight off everyone else! They end up working together on Smokes?! Kick after kick, and then they TOSS Swipe Right out to ELIMINATE them! Then Wes and Zach stare down again. Only for Tyriek to CLOBBER Zach! Wes lets Tyriek & Tyson mug Zach, but then Briggs busts things up. Je’Von is clinging to ropes for dear life while Briggs & Inamura mug Tyson. Thatcher tries to throw Spears but Spears holds onto ropes.
Tyson fights back against Inamura, but Briggs BOOTS him and DUMPS him out of the ring to ELIMINATE him! Inamura CLOBBERS Tyriek! They stomp away on Tyriek now, then NXT returns to single picture. Ethan brawls with Thatcher, Culling works together, and Ridge is after #SuperSean. Thatcher throws uppercuts on Ethan, Jensen throws hands with Wes, and Thatcher whips Ethan. Ethan BOOTS back, then ROUNDHOUSES! Ethan TOSSES and ELIMINATE Thatcher! The fans boo but Ethan catches his breath. Briggs runs up on Je’Von but Je’Von dodges! Je’Von ROCKS Briggs, Shiloh throws hands on Niko, but Niko turns things around on him!
Tavion stomps away on Trick, Spears helps Niko against Shiloh but Shiloh throws hands! Shiloh ROCKS Spears, runs up, but Niko takes the LARIAT! Shiloh ELIMINATES Niko instead! Shiloh is still fired up, and he dodges Ridge, only for Ridge to come back and CLOBBER him! Ridge TOSSES Shiloh but Shiloh holds on! Trick ROCKS Ridge, but then Shiloh ROCKS Trick! Trick fires hands on Shiloh, but that just fires Shiloh up! Shiloh HEADBUTTS Trick, but a BOOT ELIMINATES Shiloh! The fans are torn but Trick has fire in his eyes. Elijah fights off Legacy, Inamura DECKS Trick! Jensen fires off on Inamura!
Spears CHOPS Tyriek! Je’Von whips, Tavion reverses, and Je’Von clings to ropes again! Je’Von RAMS into Tavion, hurries back in, and Trick stomps away on Inamura. Tyriek fights off Spears, Wes fights off Briggs, Inamura CHOPS Trick! Tavion stomps Sean, Ridge is down on the mat, but Briggs & Inamura work to shove Trick up and out! Trick clings to the ropes as best he can, and he stays on the apron! Briggs & Inamura kick at him, but Trick keeps one foot up! Tavion YANKS Wes down and tosses him aside. Jensen has Tyriek on the apron, and goes for broke with the FLYING LARIAT! Jensen ELIMINATES himself and Tyriek!
Tavion fires hands on Ethan, then on Ridge! Wes and Zach brawl, Tavion fires hands on Ridge! Ridge fights the German Suplex, Zach handsprings and JUMP KNEES Wes ! Ridge ROCKS Tavion! Briggs & Inamura DOUBLE LARIAT Tavion up and out, but Tavion stays safe on the apron!! Tavion grabs each of them, but Ridge runs up to BLAST Tavion! The fans boo as Ridge ELIMINATES Tavion, but then Briggs & Inamura go after Ridge! Elijah stomps Myles and goes after Spears while Briggs & Inamura give Ridge an ASSISTED BACKBREAKER! Je’Von stomps Sean, Briggs & Inamura TOSS Ridge!
Ridge holds onto ropes, but Briggs runs back up! Ridge drags Briggs out to join him! Inamura sets up while Briggs choke grips Ridge! Inamura runs up, Ridge pulls Briggs into the path, Inamura POUNCES Briggs!! Inamura accidentally ELIMINATES Briggs!! Inamura is stunned, Ridge steps back inside, and then Ridge CLOBBERS Inamura! Zach CLUBS Ridge down, stomps him, and then Je’Von DUMPS Myles out! Elijah kicks Je’Von and fires hands. Zach DECKS Spears, then goes for Wes. Je’Von leaps at Elijah, but the JUMP KNEE finds him! Wes and Zach have another stare down, but Je’Von and Sean storm up!
Wes and Zach shrug them off to SUPERKICK them both! Then they TOSS Je’Von and Sean out! They go back to a stare down while Sean and Je’Von hold on! And then Ethan and Spears TOSS the former Rascalz up and out! But then Wes and Zach both hold on! Ethan and Spears now stare down, as we get QUADRUPLE SKIN THE CAT! Ethan and Spears hurry, they LARIAT Zach back up and out to ELIMINATE him! Ethan grins and taunts Zach but Wes is safe, and NXT goes back to picture in picture.
Myles ROCKS Wes, then CHPOS him! Ethan and Trick meet again and Trick works to dump Ethan out! Ethan BOOTS Trick away, Sean and Je’Von work together on Elijah. Inamura CHOPS Wes in a corner! Spears ROCKS and CHOPS Ridge, TOSSES him, but Ridge holds on! Spears keeps after him, but Ridge punches from below! Wes throat chops Inamura, then goes after Je’Von. Wes kicks everyone he sees, and he KNEES Myles in a corner! Wes drags Myles up, but Myles puts Wes on the apron! Wes DECKS Myles, but TRICK BOOTS Wes off the apron and onto the desk! Trick ELIMINATES Wes, and is still seething.
Inamura knocks Spears down, Trick stomps Ridge, Elijah stomps Spears. Ethan and Je’Von brawl, Sean fires hands on Inamura, and Je’Von SUPERKICKS Ethan! Ethan BOOTS Je’Von! Sean puts Inamura up top, Trick has Myles, and Je’Von fights off Ethan’s powerbomb! STUNNER! Je’Von runs up but Ethan BOOTS him down! Inamura goes after Ridge with a CHOP! Ridge CHOPS in return! Elijah and Spears brawl, and Elijah JUMP KNEES him down! Ridge and Inamura fire up and go forearm for forearm! Inamura ROCKS Ridge again and again but Ridge just eggs him on! NXT returns to single picture as the big meaty men roar!
The forearms keep going, and the fans fire up more! They both roar, run, and DOUBLE LARIAT! And DOUBLE LARIAT! And DOUBLE LARIAT! Inamura roars, runs, but Ridge LARIATS him at the ropes! Ridge roars, runs, but Inamura LARIATS him at the ropes! Trick runs up to DUOBLE LARIAT and he ELIMINATES them both!! Trick has the most eliminations of this match and the fans fire up behind him! But wait! JOE HENDRY makes his way back out here! Trick screwed Hendry, Hendry is going to return the favor! Elijah TOSSES Trick and ELIMINATES him! And now Hendry brawls with Trick!!
The fans are torn but security rushes out here as Trick and Hendry fight around ringside! But then Spears TOSSES and ELIMINATES Elijah!! The fans boo as The Chair Man marks The Drifter! But Sean Legacy springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK Spears! Then Sean and Je’Von meet again. The fans fire up as these young guns take aim, and draw! Sean’s BOOT hits first! Sean TOSSES, but Je’Von rebounds, gets around, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! But Sean is back up! Je’Von runs up, Sean DUMPS him out, but Je’Von grabs the ropes! Je’Von’s feet are so close to the floor!! Je’Von rises up, he ROCKS Sean, and then he springboards in, into a SUPERKICK!!
Je’Von goes to a corner, Sean fires up and he GAMANGIRIS in the corner! The fans are torn between Young OG and Legacy, but Ethan is back! Sean turns that around to TOSS Ethan! Ethan holds onto the ropes, Sean turns around into an OG CUTTER! Je’Von gets moving, BOUNCY GAMANGIRI, and Ethan holds the ropes down! Sean falls out, Je’Von & Ethan ELIMINATE Sean together! And now we’re down to our final four! Ethan Page, Je’Von Evans, Shawn Spears, and Myles Borne! “This is Awesome!” as the brawl is back on! Je’Von has Spears, Myles has Ethan, and the fans fire up! Je’Von whips but Spears reverses to fireman’s carry!
Je’Von grabs ropes to stay safe, and he RAMS Spears! Myles stomps Ethan down in a corner, but he sees Je’Von slingshot up and over Spears. SNAP POWERSLAM from #BabyRandy! But Spears runs up, into a SNAP POWERSLAM! Ethan is up, and he BOOTS Myles from outta nowhere! Ethan whips, Myles reverses, clinches, and OVERHEAD SUPLEXES! Myles fires up, he puts Ethan on the ropes, but Ethan holds on! Je’Von fires hands on Spears, whips, but Spears reverses to send Je’Von into Myles and Ethan! Spears then pushes past Je’Von to DECK Myles! Je’Von runs up, Spears ducks but Je’Von leaps to the corner!
Spears turns around, Je’Von mule kicks! Ethan is up, Je’Von BOOTS him away! Myles DROPKICKS Je’Von! Je’Von dangles from the ropes! Spears SUPERKICKS Myles! Spears sees Je’Von on the apron, runs up, but Je’Von holds ropes down! Spears ends upon the apron and Je’Von BOOTS him! Je’Von goes up the corner, but Ethan BOOTS him! Je’Von slumps down and fans freak out, but Je’Von grabs the ropes at the last possible second! Je’Von stays safe, but Ethan stomps away! Ethan calls to Spears, but Je’Von RAMS them both! Je’Von DECKS Ethan, ROCKS Spears, then he goes to the corner! Springboard, DOUBLE FLYING LARIATS!
The fans are thunderous as the Young OG reloads, springboards again, but Spears and Ethan both move! OG CUTTER for Myles!! Je’Von kicks at Spears, Spears blocks it, and sends it into Ethan! Je’Von still SUPERKICKS Spears! Springboard and DOUBLE- NO!! Ethan & Spears hold Je’Von up and TOSS him!! The Canadians ELIMINATE Je’Von! The fans boo but now Spears and Ethan agree, Myles is next. But then Spears whips Ethan! Only for Ethan to reverse and send Spears out! Spears holds onto ropes, Myles runs up, Ethan dodges! Myles dodges back, and he DROPKICKS Ethan into Spears’ headscissors!
Spears drags Ethan out with that, but the BOTH fall! MYLES WINS!!!
Winner: Myles Borne (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT Championship)
NQCC returns to celebrate with their guy! Though, Tavion & Wren are more excited than Dempsey is about it. Will #BabyRandy start to live up to that parallel? Is Myles the next NXT Champion? Or will Oba Femi still be the Ruler?
Backstage interview with Jordynne Grace.
Sarah Schreiber is with the Juggernaut and brings up tonight’s #1 contender’s match. Grace and Giulia are going 1v1 for the first time ever, with only one of them going on to face Stephanie at Battleground. Grace says last week, the two of them fought all the way out of the arena. Tonight, it has to stay in the ring. Grace vows to beat Giulia and win her long overdue 1v1 opportunity at the title. Grace has the power advantage over not just Giulia, but the entire NXT Women’s Division. But in steps Izzi Dame. “What a great attempt at being interesting. You might be one of the strongest here, but you’re not one of the biggest.
“And regardless of what happens tonight, or at Battleground, I plan on-” Lash Legend walks in and says, “SKRRRR~! The birthday girl has finally arrived. Now, I know y’all ain’t talking strong, powerful women without mentioning the Bougie Bully at the top of that list.” Grace sees where this is going. After she becomes #1 contender tonight, and then wins the title at Battleground, she’ll gladly see both of them on the other side. Grace heads out, will the Juggernaut prove it isn’t about size but about backing it up?
Karmen Petrovic VS Jaida Parker!
The locker room confrontation is now a battle in the ring! Will Karmen prove that she is a strong, independent woman who doesn’t need a man? Or will Miss Parker remind us that she don’t play, period?
NXT returns and Karmen is in the ring. The bell rings and the fans rally up. The two tie up, go around, and Jaida puts Karmen on the ropes. Karmen turns things around but Jaida turns it back around. Jaida has Karmen in a corner, the fans chant, “Hey, Miss Parker~!” and the ref counts. Jaida pushes Karmen while she lets off, and Karmen frowns. The two tie up again, go around, and Jaida scoops to SLAM! Jaida says Karmen is in HER ring now! Karmen dodges the lariat, then sweeps the legs! Karmen runs and though Jaida leans back, Karmen changes from Penalty Kick to LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Karmen drags Jaida up, whips her, but Jaida reverses.
Karmen goes up and SOBATS, then runs up again to wrench and PELE! Jaida bails out in frustration but Karmen builds speed! Karmen DIVES and down goes Jaida! The fans are torn but Karmen puts Jaida back in. Karmen storms up, but Jaida ELBOWS her down! Jaida doesn’t play, and she runs to BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Karmen stays in this but Jaida stays on her with buckle bumps. Jaida RAMS into Karmen again and again, then puts Karmen in the ropes. Jaida CHOPS Karmen, then runs to TEARDROP! Jaida high steps it out, then she drags Karmen up for a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Cover, TWO!
Jaida is frustrated, but she clamps onto Karmen. Jaida pulls Karmen’s arms into the motorcycle stretch, then she steps over to sit on Karmen! Karmen endures being folded up and the fans rally. Jaida talks trash, but Karmen powers up to pull her arms back in. Jaida HIP DROPS Karmen first! Jaida then stands Karmen up, throat chops her, and fireman’s carries. Karmen kicks and fights free, then runs up! Karmen ducks ‘n’ dodges to rally with FLYING FOREARM after FLYING FOREARM! Then she DISCUS LARIATS Jaida down! Karmen fires up, fans are torn, but Karmen runs in at the corner to ELBOW!
Karmen sits Jaida down, goes corner to corner, SLIDING KICK! Jaida sputters, Karmen goes up, and Karmen SHING-BLADES! Cover, TWO!! Jaida survives and Karmen is beside herself! Karmen thinks on what to do, and she tries the LION’S- NO, Jaida dodges the kick to HIP-NOTIC!! Cover, Jaida wins!
Winner: Jaida Parker, by pinfall
A big comeback win, but Jaida isn’t done! She HAMMERS away on Karmen, fires KNEE after KNEE, then suplexes for a GOURD BUSTER! Jaida high steps it, then runs up again, but THEA HAIL takes the hit! Jaida tells Thea to mind her own business. But then Karmen almost gets Jaida with a roundhouse! Jaida goes running, and Karmen checks on Thea. Will Jaida show Karmen and Thea what it really means to be a grown ass woman?
Ava Raine talks with Joe Hendry.
The “Mayor of NXT” has security on hand as she says this situation with Hendry and Trick has gotten out of hand. It has to end! Rebellion, the attacks on TNA Impact, and even this tonight, it is all too much, she is not having it anymore! Hendry says as TNA World Champion, he is NOT backing down from Trick. Ava says that’s fine, she knows Trick, and Trick surely won’t back down. So she spoke with Santino Morella earlier tonight, and they came to an agreement. At Battleground, it will be Hendry VS Trick 1v1. And for the first time on a WWE PLE, the TNA World Championship will be on the line.
Hendry is a bit surprised by that, but Ava says the contract signing is next week. Hendry says he’ll be there. Perfect. Hendry heads out, but is he risking a lot just to settle things with Trick? Or is TNA about to stand for Trick’s Newest Achievement?
Out The Mud is on their way back.
Lucien Price says, “Sometimes you gotta let the noise die down. That’s when you strike. We got sloppy. No patience, no control.” Bronco Nima says now they know better. They been crawling out that damn mud. Now that they’re back up, they see the NXT Tag Division for what it really is. There are teams begging to prove what they can do, but OTM ain’t begging. OTM will just take whatever they want. That means they’re taking everyone else’s shine, everyone else’s opportunities, and most importantly, everyone else’s gold! When and where will Price & Nima strike down the competition?
The Wes Side regroups backstage.
Wes himself is on the phone, and he says, “He took the bait, right? The match is set.” And he tells Tyriek & Tyson it’s as the saying goes: Everyone’s got a price! They laugh and head out, but what exactly does Wes mean by that? Meanwhile, we spot Inamura & Briggs. Briggs wants Inamura to hold on, and he wants to talk about the last couple of weeks. Inamura tells Briggs that he knows what he’ll say. Inamura disappointed Briggs again. Unable to win tonight, unable to win last week, and it was all on Inamura. Inamura is sorry. No, Briggs wasn’t going to say that. Inamura says he has already talked to Ava. Tonight, he heads home to Japan.
Briggs says he doesn’t want Inamura to go, but Inamura says he wishes he could’ve been a better tag partner. Inamura even returns his leather vest! “Goodbye, my friend.” Inamura leaves, and Jensen walks in, The Culling by his side. Jensen says he knows that feeling. He’s lived that feeling! And it sucked! But hey, Briggs is better off now, right? Briggs always thinks it’s his partner, but maybe, just maybe, the problem has always been Briggs. Izzi says, “The truth hurts, huh?” The Culling leaves, and Briggs is all alone. What is the Bullhead Brawler to do with himself now?
The NQCC returns backstage.
Wren & Tavion continue to be fired up for Myles, but Dempsey still seems torn. Dempsey does pat Myles on the shoulder and tells him that was a fantastic job out there. But now is the time to get serious. Dempsey needs each and every one of them to help HIM get ready for the match with Oba at Battleground. Myles says he knows he’s hard of hearing, but did Dempsey just say he is facing Oba? Yeah. Uh, no, Myles won the battle royal. Dempsey says hey, Myles won for the good of the group, but it needs to be Dempsey going to Battleground, going after that big piece of meat and stretching it out to have Oba crying for mercy. Uh… What?
Before anyone can question what Dempsey’s talking about, Oba walks in and applauds Myles’ victory. Myles was not Oba’s pick to win, but he is still impressed. He will be seeing Myles at Battleground. Dempsey says no, it’ll be him. Oba says he’s pretty sure he saw Myles win the match. Yeah, but- Myles says yeah, HE won, so HE will be facing Oba at Battleground. But hey, Dempsey can still show Myles how it’s done by facing Oba next week. Because before Oba showed up, Charlie was saying something about… Uh, Tavion, can you help Myles remember? Something about stretching out that big meat? Dempsey says he wasn’t saying that!
Myles says no, he’s pretty sure he heard that. And Wren, didn’t Dempsey say he was gonna make Oba cry for mercy? Hey, Charlie, look. If you beat Oba like you believe you can, then maybe Battleground can be a Triple Threat. No, no, no, Oba is done with Triple Threats. But he will see Dempsey next week. Oba heads out, Myles says Oba’s pissed. Dempsey “thanks” Myles for that. What wonderful selective hearing he has… Sorry, what was that, Charlie? Dempsey frowns then storms off and Myles chuckles. Wren says Dempsey said Myles has wonderful selective hearing, and Myles chuckles again.
Tavion says Myles shouldn’t worry about that. But will Dempsey manage to take down Oba all by himself? Or will Dempsey just be an appetizer for The Ruler?
Uriah Hall & Kale Dixon talk with Mr. Chase.
It is so exciting to have Chase U back! Mr. Chase agrees, it’s been awesome. Kale says he and Uriah have been thinking. First, they love the sweater. So does Mr. Chase! And they love the polo shirts. So does Mr. Chase! But they were thinking to spruce it up a bit by getting rid of the polo. W-What? Uriah says no one really wears polo shirts anymore, and they already have some clothes for Mr. Chase to try on. Chase isn’t so sure, he was just getting used to wearing the sweater again. Uriah says just try these on. And trust them, it’ll be worth it. Chase sighs and gives in. He takes the stack of shirts, goes into the dressing room, but then a few minutes later, he shouts at them!
Uriah & Kale stand at attention as he walks out in a quarter-zip. They love it! It’ll look sharp in the classroom! Chase isn’t so sure, and he goes to try on the second shirt. That’s fine, it’s good to have options. A few minutes later, Chase comes out in a full tracksuit! There it is! That’ll look great ringside! Ringside?! J-Just a suggestion. Chase says y’know what? He does like it. Kale & Uriah fist-bump! New Chase U, new Chase Fit, this is going to be great!
NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Giulia VS Jordynne Grace!
La Primera may have overcome The Beautiful Madness, The Juggernaut and Miss Parker all at once, but now she’ll have no choice but to face someone 1v1 at Battleground. Will the former NXT Women’s Champion have her rematch of revenge? Or will Grace go Beast Mode and earn her spot at Battleground?
NXT returns as Grace makes her entrance. The bell rings and both rush in! They fire forearms back and forth and the fans fire up! Grace gets the edge, but then Giulia dodges to ROCK Grace! Giulia has Grace in a corner, CHOPS and ROCKS her over and over, but stops as the ref counts. Giulia winds up, runs up, and hits a FASTBALL! The fans fire up, but then Grace puts Giulia in the ring! Grace fires forearms and CHOPS of her own! The fans fire up, the ref counts, Grace GRIZZLY MAGNUMS! Grace brushes herself off, then whips Giulia corner to corner. Giulia reverses, Grace reverses back and atomic drops!
Grace whips, scoops, and GUT WRENCH SLAMS Giulia! Giulia hits her head hard, but Grace hurries to deadlift suplex! Grace holds Giulia up, even as Giulia kicks and flails! Grace then shifts to hit a GUT BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Giulia stays in this, slaps herself to make sure she’s still in this, and we see Stephanie Vaquer watching this backstage. Grace drags Giulia back up, whips her to a corner, and Giulia bounces off buckles! Grace whips her back the other way! Giulia drops to her knees, but Grace looms over her. The fans rally, Grace bumps Giulia off buckles, then LARIATS to the back again and again!
The ref counts, Grace stops, and then Grace brings Giulia around. Grace waistlocks, Giulia switches, but Grace switches back. Grace goes for a full nelson, but Giulia uses her own leg as leverage to fight the hold. Grace still powers up to nelson, and then she spins Giulia to KNEE and LARIAT! Giulia stays up so Grace LARIATS her in the back! Giulia grits her teeth as Grace LARIATS her again! Giulia then clinches to STO! Cover, TWO! Giulia snarls and headlocks, then she brings Grace to a corner. Giulia ROCKS Grace, runs up, but Grace gets around to RAM her into the buckles! Grace has the arms hooked but Giulia pushes off the buckles!
Grace backslides, Giulia rolls through, then Giulia SHOTGUNS Grace down! The fans fire up, Giulia brings Grace up, but Grace wrenches out and whips Giulia to the apron. Giulia dodges Grace, but Grace blocks a kick! Grace pulls the leg into the ropes, Giulia pulls Grace’s hair, and the ref reprimands them both. They both let go at 4, but then Grace blocks the sucker punch! Grace trips Giulia, then goes up, up, and STOMPS! Giulia avoids disaster, then she YANKS Grace down! Grace hits apron, then Giulia pushes her back in! Giulia stands, goes Matrix to avoid the haymaker, but then Grace BOPS her! Grace goes up and brings Giulia up!
Giulia CHOPS at Grace’s legs, then drops down to trip Grace up! Grace has a hard landing now, and Giulia drags her to the apron. Giulia has Grace dangling, DRAPING NECKBREAKER to the floor! The fans fire up again and NXT goes picture to picture.
Giulia fires up, and she brings Grace back up. Giulia puts Grace in the ring, stomps her around, then brings her back up. Giulia wrenches Grace’s hair, wrenches again, then THROWS Grace by her hair! Giulia throws down hands, then throws down HEADBUTTS! The ref reprimands the hair pulling but Giulia runs to DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Grace is tougher than that, but Giulia looms over her. Giulia drags Grace up by her arms with a motorcycle stretch. Grace powers up to turn that around! But then Giulia turns it back around! Giulia brings Grace to a knee, then STOMPS her down! Giulia kicks Grace around, then clamps on for a NECK TWIST!
Grace writhes but Giulia drags her up. Giulia bumps Grace off buckles, reels her in, and puts her up top. Giulia puts Grace in a Tree of Woe, taunts her, then builds speed side to side, basement DROPKICK! Grace falls out of the Tree, but Giulia clamps on a cravat! Grace endures the neck wrench, fights up to her feet, and fires body shots! Giulia just clamps on tighter! Grace fires more body shots as NXT returns to single picture. Giulia ROCKS Grace, whips her, but Grace goes up and over! Grace then hits a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Giulia then has a GUILLOTINE FACELOCK!! Grace endures, even as Giulia has the body scissors on!
The fans rally, Grace fights up and powers through, but Giulia HEADBUTTS again and again! But Grace still hits an EXPLODER! The fans fire up while both women are down! “This is Awesome!” as both women slowly rise. They go forehead to forehead, then Giulia fires a forearm! Grace fires a haymaker! Giulia fires a forearm, Grace fires back, and they go back and forth! The fans rally as Giulia gets the edge and ROCKS Grace! Giulia whips but Grace holds ropes! Giulia SLAPS Grace, then whips! Grace reverses to SLAP back! The fans fire up, Grace runs, but Giulia blows past! Only for Grace to scoop and SLAM!
Grace scoops and SLAMS again! Then she scoops and- NO, Giulia fights it! But even so, Grace powers through to scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER!!! Cover, TWO?!!? Giulia survives and no one understands how! Grace grows frustrated but Giulia gets herself to a corner. Grace drags Giulia up, ROCKS her, then winds up, only for Giulia to dodge! Giulia runs up but Grace puts her on the apron! Giulia goes up, but Grace UPPERCUTS! Grace climbs up and brings Giulia to the top! Stalling SUPERPLEX! And then roll through to a JACKHAMMER!! Cover, TWO!!!! Giulia survives again and Grace is beside herself!
The fans rally up for Giulia but Grace pump handles and half nelsons! Giulia fights free, but Grace reels her in! NORTHERN- DDT!! Giulia hurries to wrench and hammerlock Grace, then scoop, GLORIOUS DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!?!? Now Grace shocks us, but Giulia isn’t done! But then Grace scoops! The fans are thunderous for “Women’s Wrestling!” as Giulia fights the scoop to have an IRON OCTOPUS! Grace endures, powers through, but Giulia has her up again! Grace slips free, inverted suplexes, and tucks Giulia in for a REVERSE POWERBOMB!! But Giulia rises?!? Both women roar, Giulia runs up, but Grace ROCKS her! And URAKENS!
Grace reels Giulia in for the pump handle, BEAST MODE DRIVER!!! Cover, Grace wins!!!
Winner: Jordynne Grace, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT Women’s Championship)
These two pushed past their limits and put on a banger, but Giulia could not outlast the Juggernaut! Grace is headed to Tampa, but here comes Stephanie Vaquer! La Primera walks to the ring to be face to face with Jordynne, and she holds up the title. Will Vaquer still be the best of the best in the best women’s division in the world? Or will the Dark Angel learn to lose with Grace?
My Thoughts:
An awesome NXT here, jampacked with both action and build towards Battleground. For one, an awesome main event from Giulia VS Grace, though that rough landing for Giulia out of the gut wrench was scary. Grace winning was a moderate surprise, but Vaquer VS Grace will still be awesome. I feel like this is Giulia’s way to move on to Raw, but I guess we’ll see as soon as next week. Good promo from Jaida with Thea and Karmen, and then a very good match between Jaida and Karmen. Jaida gets a good win, and with OTM on the way back, maybe the trio can finally get going on the other side of Battleground.
Lola wanting next after Battleground is also fitting. Lola VS Vaquer was teased months ago, so they might go through with it on the way to the big weekend in LA. Worlds Collide is essentially a spotlight on Latino talent, so an all Latina title match would make the perfect main event. Kelani VS Zaria was a great match, and who doesn’t like a barrier breaking spot? I figured Zaria would get the win, and I still think the route to go with is Zaria facing others who want at Sol, so that Zaria builds herself a win streak that then leads to Sol VS Zaria. Good little promo from Chase with Uriah & Kale to give an origin story behind some new ring gear. I can’t be sure if Uriah & Kale will help Mr. Chase do better or end up messing Mr. Chase up, but it’ll be good story material.
Great opening Six Man, and I didn’t think Trick would cost Hendry the match, but it still works given Trick going after Hendry every chance he can. And of course Hendry costs Trick in return during the battle royal. Trick VS Hendry for the TNA World Championship is going to be awesome stuff, I can’t wait to see the contract signing or the title match. And we might get Trick joining the exclusive club of men who’ve been both NXT and TNA Champion in their careers. The others in that club are Samoa Joe, Bobby Roode, Drew McIntyre, & Dolph Ziggler/Nic Nemeth.
That battle royal also made for a great throughline for a lot of the other stories tonight. Wes talking smack on Tony D is going to give us Wes VS Tony D, and I feel like Wes’s phone call after the battle royal has something to do with Stacks. Inamura and Briggs having their last match together for it to go south was a good move since Inamura really is going home to Pro-Wrestling Noah. And of course Jensen & The Culling had to pour salt on the wound. I stick by what I said last week where Briggs ends up siding with Culling so he and Jensen can be a team again.
I really liked the interactions of Wes and Zach in the battle royal, because they never got the chance to fight each other, and then ended up working together instead. I can’t wait to see if we get more of Wes VS Zach, maybe for some bigger TNA VS NXT show. I am really surprised Myles Borne won, but this is great for him. It also feels like NQCC could fall apart, as Dempsey was clearly trying to Freebird Rule that title opportunity even though that’s not how it works. Oba had a good promo with NQCC, and Oba will definitely beat Dempsey next week. Now, I don’t know the odds of Myles beating Oba, but Myles will certainly have an awesome showing, and this obviously will lend towards an eventual Myles VS Dempsey story, which will be great stuff.
My Score: 9/10
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