Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (5/23/23)
It’s the Final Four!
Two grudge matches on the way to gold!
The NXT Women’s Championship Tournament reaches the semifinals! Lyra VS Cora, Tiffany VS Roxie, who makes it through to Battleground?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- NXT Women’s Championship Tournament, Semifinals: Lyra Valkyria VS Cora Jade; Lyra wins and advances to NXT Battleground.
- Axiom VS Dabba-Kato; Dabba wins.
- Tyler Bate VS Eddy Thorpe; Bate wins.
- Noam Dar VS Nathan Frazer; Frazer wins.
- Hank Walker VS Tank Ledger; Hank wins.
- Von Wagner w/ Robert Stone VS Luca Crusifino; Crusifino wins, by disqualification.
- NXT Women’s Championship Tournament, Semifinals: Tiffany Stratton VS Roxanne Perez; Tiffany wins and advances to NXT Battleground.
PLAY BY PLAY
Tonight’s final four speak.
Lyra Valkyria says, “Two epic encounters now stand between me and the NXT Women’s Championship. Cora Jade, fate has brought us together once again. but my ferocity will carry me past you, all the way to Lowell, where I await my final obstacle.” But Cora Jade says “NXT needs me to be NXT Women’s Champion. Better yet, NXT wants me to be champion. Lyra, I saw how you were looking at my title last week, but trust me, honey, that’s all you’re gonna be doing. Looking up at the lights tonight, and looking at me becoming the new NXT Women’s Champion at Battleground.”
Tiffany Stratton says, “I never asked to be the It Girl of NXT, it just happened. When you’re the Center of the Universe, everything just perfectly falls into place. Roxanne Perez, you have no idea what I’m talking about, sorry n ot sorry. But after I’m done with you tonight, it’s off to Battleground to become the NXT Women’s Champ. Traveling first class, of course. Tootles.” Roxanne Perez says that, “In one year, I’ve lived a page out of my wildest dreams. But tonight’s not a fantasy, it’s a realty. Tiffany Stratton, you’re a moment maker, but I am a history maker. And nothing is gonna stop me from becoming a TWO-TIME NXT Women’s Champion.”
All four have said their piece, but who gets a piece of the action at Battleground? We start the semifinals right now!
NXT Women’s Championship Tournament, Semifinals: Lyra Valkyria VS Cora Jade!
The Morrigan has been hunting The Punk Rock Mean Girl, and she finally gets her shot! Will Lyra bring down the #GenerationOfJade? Or will Cora keep up the delusions that NXT needs her?
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Cora KNEES Lyra low, throws her down, then laugh at her. But Lyra ROCKS Cora, and again, and again! Lyra whips, Cora reveres but Lyra goes up and over. Things keep moving, Lyra ducks ‘n’ dodges and springboards, but she slips! Cora drags Lyra up but Lyra cradles her! TWO!! Lyra hurries to get Cora up, snap suplexes, and then covers, TWO! Lyra rushes at the ropes but Cora puts her on the apron. Cora KNEES Lyra, traps her in ropes, and CHOPS her! Fans boo but Cora runs to SHOTGUN Lyra down! Cora covers, TWO! Lyra is still in this and Cora is annoyed.
Cora kicks at her but Lyra grabs the leg to throw Cora down! Body scissors and Gedo Clutch, TWO! SEATED SURFBOARD! Cora pulls Lyra back, just to STOMP her! Cover, TWO! Lyra crawls to ropes, Cora runs to IMPLODER STOMP! Cover, TWO! Cora keeps on Lyra with a chinlock stretch but Lyra endures. Fans rally, Lyra fights up, and she throws body shots. Fans fire up, Lyra ROCKS Cora, and then Lyra goes to a corner. Cora runs in but into a BOOT! Lyra goes up, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Both women are down and fans fire up. Lyra goes to ropes, Cora rises, and Lyra SOBATS! KICKS! And HEADBUTTS! Then AX KICKS!
Lyra reels Cora in, NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO and Lyra rolls through! Cora fights the lift, throws knees, and Lyra goes back to a corner. Cora runs in, but Lyra blocks shining wizard for a NORTHERN LIGHTS! No bridge but Lyra still covers, TWO! Lyra keeps focus and rushes in again, but Cora YANKS her into ropes! Cora runs but Lyra dodges! Cora hits ropes, then Lyra hits a HEEL KICK! Cover, Lyra wins!!
Winner: Lyra Valkyria, by pinfall (advances to NXT Battleground)
In the blink of an eye, Lyra snatches this away from Cora and has her golden ticket to Lowell! Who will join Lyra on the Battleground to fight for the grandest prize?
Wait, Cora CHOP BLOCKS Lyra! Cora shrieks “That’s MY title!” Cora grabs her favorite kendo stick, and SMACKS Lyra’s leg!! Fans boo but some want that “One More Time!” Cora leaves while refs check Lyra’s leg, will Lyra be in any shape to fight at Battleground on Sunday?
Dijak arrives backstage.
And he gets a FLYING KICK from Ilja Dragunov!! The Czar is still standing after Dijak tried to break him last week, and now he’s gonna see if he can break Dijak! Chair shot to the back! And then he RAMS Dijak into a garage door! And then Dragunov opens that garage door, punches and stomps Dijak to be under it, and he brings it down! Dragunov is returning the favor from a few weeks ago, but refs and trainers stop him from going further! Will UNBESIEGBAR bring down Hard Justice even before their NXT Battleground Last Man Standing match?
Axiom VS Dabba-Kato!
The Undeniable Truth exposed Scrypts quite literally, but now he wants to take on the biggest challenge he physically can. Is Axiom trying too much too soon? Or will he actually climb the mountain of a man that is Dabba-Kato?
The bell rings and fans fire up. Dabba looks at Axiom and almost laughs at how much taller he is. But then Axiom KICKS him in the leg! And again! Dabba rushes in, Axiom dodges, but Dabba blocks a kick, only for Axiom to ENZIGURI! Dabba stays up but he’s wobbling, and Axiom hurries after. Dabba grabs Axiom by the neck, but Axiom flips out of the choke slam! Axiom kicks and kicks and runs, but Dabba just tanks the shoulder! Dabba grabs Axiom to CHOP him down! Dabba then shoves Axiom over the ropes and out of the ring! Dabba then goes out after Axiom. Axiom SLAPS Dabba, but Dabba CHOPS Axiom down!
Fans fire up, Dabba scoops Axiom to a trophy lift, and he TOSSES Axiom back into the ring! Dabba climbs the ropes but Axiom gets a leg! DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Dabba hobbles, Axiom KICKS and KICKS and KICKS! Axiom runs, springboards, and dropkicks the leg out! Dabba is on his knees, Axiom KICKS him in the chest! And again! Axiom runs, but into a KING KONG LARIAT!! Dabba grabs Axiom with both hands, MOUNTAIN BOMB!! Cover, Dabba wins!
Winner: Dabba-Kato, by pinfall
But Dabba isn’t done! He stands Axiom up to fire off hands and stomps in a corner! The ref reprimands, Dabba lets off, but then Dabba SPLASHES Axiom in the corner! Fans boo, but SCRYPTS- Er, REGGIE leaps in! Reggie fires off on Dabba, but Dabba shoves him away. Dabba rushes at Reggie but Reggie dumps him out! Fans are fired up for Reggie as he tells Dabba to get his ass outta here! The refs rush in to stop this from getting any worse! Dabba is furious, but why did Reggie help Axiom? Reggie helps Axiom up but Axiom shrugs him off. Reggie tries to talk it over with Axiom and fans want them to “Hug it out!” It doesn’t seem Axiom wants Reggie’s help, but will he need it?
NXT has footage of Tony D’Angelo’s interrogation.
The Don sits in a room, and in walks a detective. He thanks Mr. D’Angelo for coming and asks how things are going. Tony says you already know how things are going, so let’s just get to it already. Then to the point, why is Tony’s name coming up in ongoing investigations? He doesn’t know. Tony is an upstanding pillar of society. Well there are some tips- Tips? From who? Maybe if Tony tips the detective, he can go? So is that bribing an officer of the law then? Whoa, hey, relax! He was just joking. Well, what’s not funny is the situation Tony finds himself in. They have video from an informant-
Whoa, whoa, whoa. An informant? Like a rat? No, like an informant. Who is in this video? Is this you, Tony? Tony mugging Pretty Deadly? Tony says the footage is a bit weak. It’s dark and at night, grainy even. Look, Tony will say this: there is no way that is him. It’s not? So then- Another knock at the door. Another detective walks in to tell Detective Stewart that some new information has come in that he will want to see. In that case, be right back. Tony waits alone in the room, tries to eavesdrop, but who knows if he can hear anything. Who is this informant that dropped a dime on The Don?
Bron Breakker speaks.
“Stand & Deliver was the culmination of my year long reign as NXT Champion. Anything less than your best, you’re not gonna get your hand raised when you’re in there with a superstar like Carmelo.” Bron lost that night, Melo showed him respect, and Bron thinks, “What did this last year get me? All the media, all the live events. I stayed after all the live events and signed as many pictures as I could.” Big match after big match, defending the brand, carrying the title, so that he could pass the torch that he knows he’s better than? Melo can have the torch, because Bron’s gonna burn this all down.
Bron snapped, beat up Trick Melo Gang, has continued to beat up on Trick Melo Gang, and Melo tries to say they’re “cut from the same cloth.” To Bron, “Melo’s just a dude walking around with a title that’s got my singlet colors printed on the center of it. We ain’t the same! I just finally woke up!” There’s a level down here, he’s on the level up above it. Anyone can be Him, no one else can be Bron! He cut Melo in half putting him through the stage. Melo tries to make a comeback, Bron speared him outta the sky! Bron isn’t going to Battleground for a homecoming. He’s going there in front of Melo’s fans, friends and family, to dish out a massacre.
Gallus is here!
Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey & Wolfgang stand in the ring together, and Joe says, “Well now, well now, well now. Sunday’s Battleground looks absolutely stacked!” Wolfgang was sure Tony D & Stacks were gonna challenge for the NXT Tag Team Championships ever since that meeting in the pub, but he hasn’t seen them anywhere since! Joe says no, Wolfie, that’s because Tony is… detained! Oh, you don’t say? Tony must’ve upset someone down at the docks. If Joe was gonna bet money, we’re not gonna see Tony for a long, long time. And good riddance! Mark says the Creeds were gonna step up to them. Were gonna call them? Mark has no missed calls, though.
Joe says the Creeds must take after Tony & Stacks. Talk a big game, get all hyped up, and then they think- Oh, wait, here come the Creeds after all! The green lights get moved aside by the Diamond Mine blue, and Julius asks Brutus, “It sounds to me that the big bad Gallus boys don’t want a challenge. And that’s right, last week, we did call for you! But this week, we found you and we’re saying it to your faces. NXT Battleground, Gallus, Creeds, titles on the line. Ring, ring, ring. You gonna answer?” Mark says easy, they get it. The Creeds are all hyped up, they want to regain the tag titles. The problem is, Gallus are an entirely different animal.
Brutus says no, the problem is that Gallus is full of surprises. But they dealt their last hand at Stand & Deliver! Wolfie says this firm has had more fights than the Creeds have had hot dinners. Brutus does love dinner. Julius knows he is, he’s always hungry. But uh, Gallus’ guts are showing they’ve had a lot of dinners, too. But hey, this isn’t about bar food. This isn’t about darts or pool. This is about the fight about to take place in Lowell. They’re gonna go in and fight, but only two leave with titles. And it’s the Creeds time! Oh, they think they can throw hands with Gallus, huh? They sure do! Then the brawl is on!
Fans fire up as Julius TACKLES Joe! Then he helps Brutus against Mark and Wolfie! But this is still 3v2! Fans are on the Creeds’ side but that’s not enough! Mark & Wolfie get Julius up, but STACKS CLOBBERS MARK! Fans fire up as Stacks helps turn the tables! Brutus clotheslines Joe out! Gallus regroups and the Iron King has his guys stand down. Will Gallus not be on top against Diamond Mine at Battleground?
Backstage interview with Wes Lee.
McKenzie Mitchell is with the North American Champion and says last week was rough on him. Attacked in the locker room by The Schism, and now a crack in the bond with Tyler Bate. Wes is a bit unsure what to say, but he does say that everyone does look out for themselves in NXT. That’s the nature of the beast. But Wes really thought he could trust Tyler. Maybe Gacy is messing with Wes, or maybe Wes is paranoid because everyone wants to ruin his title defense record. Things have changed. Wes might need to stop letting people get close to him, who knows.
McKenzie does bring in someone to talk. It’s Tyler Bate! Wes says save it, Tyler doesn’t need to be friends anymore to get a title shot. But Wes will be paying close attention to Tyler’s match with Eddy Thorpe, now that he knows what he’s really after. Wes leaves, Tyler wishes he’d understand. Tyler explains that him wanting the title doesn’t change that he has respect for Wes and everything he’s done. Joe Gacy, though, is a different kettle of fish. But we’ll just have to wait and see at Battleground. Tonight, Tyler has Thorpe to worry about. Will the Big Strong Boi be able to focus against the Alpha Wolf?
Tyler Bate VS Eddy Thorpe!
NXT returns as Bate makes his entrance. Wes is on commentary to watch closely, just as he said. The bell rings and Bate ties up with Thorpe. Thorpe wrenches an arm, Bate goes around, rolls, and spins to then break free with a leg. Bate wrenches Thorpe, Thorpe rolls and kips and wrenches to get around and waistlock, then headlock. Fans fire up, Thorpe holds on as Bate tries to power out. Thorpe hits a takeover, Bate moves around, and Bate rolls to a cover. TWO, Thorpe holds on, so Bate tries again. ONE, and Thorpe still holds on. Fans rally, Bate fights up, and Bate spins out to wristlock and arm-drag!
Thorpe headscissors, Bate kips free and trips Thorpe! Cover, ONE, and they knuckle lock. Bate kicks, steps over, gets around, baits Thorpe in then duck sunder. Thorpe doesn’t fall for the next freebie and fans applaud. The two circle, tie up, and Thorpe gets around to a waistlock. Thorpe lifts but Bate arm-drags free. Thorpe runs in, Bate dodges, drops and DROPKICKS! Fans fire up, Bate covers, TWO! Bate keeps on Thorpe and fireman’s carries, but Thorpe fights free! Thorpe waistlocks, Bate elbows free, and then RAMS low. Bate whips, Thorpe reverses and SPINNING CROSSBODIES! Fans fire up and duel while both men are down.
Thorpe brings Bate up, but Bate cradles! TWO and Thorpe CHOPS! Bate grits his teeth, Thorpe snapmares him to KICK in the back! Cover, TWO! Thorpe keeps Bate down in a seated cobra twist. Fans rally, Bate fights up, but Thorpe wrangles him back down. Bate fights up, fans rally, but Thorpe gets him for a standing cobra twist! Thorpe CLUBS Bate, pulls on the hold, but Bate pries the hold apart. Bate gets under a clothesline to UPPERCUT! And UPPERCUT! And UPPERCUTS again! But Thorpe SOBATS! Bate goes to a corner, Thorpe runs in, but he blocks Bate’s boot, only for Bate to KNEE him away!
Bate goes up, leaps, FLYING UPPERCUT! And then an EXPLODER! Bate kips up, fans fire up, and Bate SHOOTING STARS! Cover, TWO! Fans rally, Bate drags Thorpe up again, and he underhooks the arms! Thorpe slips free of the driver to UPPERCUT! Thorpe kicks, whips, but Bate ducks ‘n’ rebounds, but Thorpe BOOTS him! But Bate bucks the O’Conner! Thorpe runs in, Bate dodges to REBOUND LARIAT! Bate hurries to underhook, TYLER DRIVER 97!! Cover, Bate wins!
Winner: Tyler Bate, by pinfall
Wes applauds because that was a good match, but GACY ATTACKS! Gacy beats down Bate, and Wes can’t stand it! Wes gets in to run up on Gacy, but Gacy moves and Wes DECKS Bate! Wes realizes his mistake, but turns around into the UPSIDE-DOWN! Gacy takes out Wes and Bate, then picks up the belt. Will The Schism finally have gold hanging from the tree?
Backstage interview with Lyra Valkyria.
McKenzie is with Lyra in the medical room as she has ice on the leg. Lyra is going to the finals of the tournament but Cora may have just injured her. Does she have a medical update at this time? Lyra says her knee is bruised and swollen, but she has to wait for that to go down first. Lyra doesn’t feel a tear or ligament damage, so she’ll be fine. No matter what, she’ll be fine. She can rehab all week, watch the other match, and be ready for the finals. Any preference as to who she faces? “This is the part where everybody gives a vague answer, right? And they say they’ll take on anyone.
“Nah, I want Roxanne Perez. In my eyes, she’s the best of NXT, and I wanna take on her for the championship.” McKenzie thanks Lyra for her time, but will Lyra get what she wants again?
Noam Dar VS Nathan Frazer!
The Scottish Supernova brought back his talk show, the Supernova Sessions, all to poke fun at Dragon Lee. But with a little help from the Home Hitting Hard Truths host, Dragon Lee now has a Heritage Cup Championship match at Battleground! Will Dar make Frazer pay for crashing the party? Or will Frazer expose Dar for the fraud he says Dar is?
The bell rings and Dar circles with Frazer. They tie up, Dar wrenches an arm to a wristlock then brings Frazer down. Frazer fights up, arm-drags, but Dar holds onto the wristlock. Frazer fights up, spins, and headlocks. Frazer grinds Dar, but Dar powers out the back to get a headlock of his own. Dar talks some trash but Frazer fights up to power out. Things speed up, Dar avoids the hurdle but Frazer avoids the sweep to hit a headlock takeover! Fans rally, Dar headscissors but Frazer kips free. Frazer gets the headlock and takeover again! Fans rally, Dar keeps his shoulders up, and Dar powers up.
Dar powers Frazer to ropes, the ref calls the break, and Dar lets off. Frazer avoids the cheap shot to hit the headlock takeover again! Dar keeps his shoulders up, fights around again, and Dar powers up, only for Frazer to hit yet another takeover. Dar fights up once again, knees low, and he throat chops! Dar whips, Frazer goes up and over and things speed up. Fans duel as Frazer redirects, and redirects, and redirects! Frazer then ducks ‘n’ dodges to DROPKICK Dar right out of the ring! Fans are thunderous and Dar crawls to the Heritage Cup on the pedestal. Dar tries to get encouragement from it as NXT goes picture in picture.
Dar stands, he catches his breath, and he slowly returns. Frazer rushes him, they both go out, and Frazer ROCKS Dar! And SMACKS Dar off the apron! Dar scrambles in, Frazer high-fives fans, and Frazer hurries back in. Frazer snap suplexes Dar and floats to a cover, TWO! Frazer stalks Dar to ropes, brings him up and CHOPS him! Frazer whips Dar to ropes, Dar reverses but Frazer sunset flips! TWO, and Frazer DROPKICKS Dar down! Cover, TWO! Dar is still in this, he wouldn’t be Heritage Cup Champion if he wasn’t tough. Frazer drags Dar up, cravats, cranks on the neck, and rolls with Dar.
Dar fights up, powers Frazer to ropes, but Frazer still rolls with Dar! Frazer keeps that cravat on tight, but Dar pulls hair. The ref reprimands, Dar knees low, but Frazer ROCKS Dar with a right! Frazer suplexes but Dar wrenches out to sweep the legs! Dar nods, feeling smug again. Frazer goes to a corner, Dar runs in to forearm smash! Dar eggs the fans on, he snapmares Frazer, and he UPPERCUTS Frazer in the back! Frazer goes to a corner, Dar whips him corner to corner but Frazer goes up and over and handsprings away. Dar runs in, but into a boot! Frazer goes up but Dar sweeps the legs again! Frazer lands hard, Dar covers, TWO!
Dar flexes to taunt Frazer as well as the fans, and then he clamps on with a top wristlock. Dar digs a knuckle into Frazer’s triceps, but Frazer endures. Dar cranks on the arm, NXT returns to single picture, and fans rally up. Frazer fights up, throws body shots, but Dar UPPERCUTS! Frazer goes to a corner, Dar runs in but Frazer dodges! Dar bounces off buckles, Frazer jumps up, but Dar kicks the legs out! Frazer hits the apron hard, Dar drags him up through the ropes. Dar has Frazer on the ropes, and feels like a Viper. But the ref counts, so Dar drops Frazer to KICK the arms out! Cover, TWO!
Dar grows frustrated but fans rally up. Dar drags Frazer around by an arm to stomp the arm! And then Dar stomps the other arm! Dar taunts Frazer, gets a leg and stomps that! Dar stomps the other leg, covers, TWO! Frazer crawls but Dar puts him in a corner. Dar climbs up to rain down elbows from above! The ref counts, Dar stops and he flexes again. Fans cheer and jeer but Dar stalks Frazer. Frazer throws body shots! Frazer ROCKS Dar with haymakers, but then Dar dodges to SUPERMAN FOREARM! Frazer flops to the ropes, Dar KICKS him! Frazer goes to another side, Dar KICKS him again!
Dar talks trash, KICKS but Frazer blocks! Dar throws hands, Frazer dodges and QUEBRADA into REVERSE DDT! Fans fire up while both men are down! Fans rally up, Frazer and Dar stand. Frazer counter punches Dar! And again! Frazer fires off more shots, CHOPS Dar in a corner, then whips corner to corner. Frazer runs in, Dar puts him on the apron but Frazer ROCKS him again! Frazer goes up, but he avoids the kick this time! Frazer ELBOWS Dar, then springboards to AX HANDLE! Fans fire up as Frazer rallies on Dar! Spin and suplex, ANARCHY! Cover, TWO! Dar is still in this and Frazer is beside himself!
Frazer goes to a corner, fans rally and duel, and Frazer goes up the corner. Frazer PHOENIX SPLASHES but he has to roll through! Both men run in, DOUBLE LARIATS! Dar drops to a knee, but he blocks a kick! Frazer ENZIGURI but Dar spins under it! And then ANKLE LOCK! Frazer rolls to send Dar into buckles! Dar staggers back, into a PELE! Dar staggers around, Frazer QUEBRADA, but Dar dodges to ROUNDHOSUE! Pop-up ARMBAR! Frazer flails, clasps hands, fans duel and Dar CLUBS the hands! Dar has the ARMBAR in full! But Frazer fights around, stacks, TWO!! Dar lets Frazer go, but Frazer ducks the elbow! SUPERKICK!! Cover, TWO!!
Fans fire up and both men are down! Frazer is shocked but the fans are loving “NXT! NXT!” Dar and Frazer slowly rise, they go forehead to forehead, “This is Wrestling!” as both men throw hands! Frazer CHOPS! Dar forearms! Frazer CHOPS, and CHOPS, and MACHINE GUN CHOPS! But Dar JABS Frazer! Dar reels Frazer in, but Frazer cradle counters! TWO!! Dar blocks a kick, to BACK ELBOW! Cover, TWO!!! Frazer is showing his own toughness, and now Dragon Lee walks out here. Dragon looks at the cup and fans fire up. Dar sees him and gets upset. Dar goes out to tell Dragon to back off.
Dragon says he’s just admiring the cup, and Dar shoves Dragon! Dragon is ready to punch Dar but Dar goes to the ring. Frazer DIVES and takes out Dar! Dragon laughs at Dar, Frazer puts Dar in! Frazer goes up, to PHOENIX SPLASH!! Cover, FRAZER WINS!!
Winner: Nathan Frazer, by pinfall
The Wonder Boy helps the British Rocket out here, meaning Frazer pins the Heritage Cup Champion! Will Frazer be next in line for the cup no matter who wins at Battleground?
Backstage interview with Ilja Dragunov.
McKenzie asks him that if he’s to sign the Hold Harmless Agreement with Dijak before their Last Man Standing Match, why attack Dijak here tonight? Dragunov says he is making Dijak feel the pain that awaits him on Sunday. Last week was torture but Dragunov was still standing. So Dragunov will sign the agreement so that at Battleground, the fight can go anywhere they want. And then, Dijak will understand what Dragunov means when he says he is UNBESIEGBAR! But Dijak storms in! The rest of the locker room tries to stop this but the brawl is back on! The others pull these two apart, but then Dijak gets loose!
There’s chaos backstage as these two keep wanting after each other! Will nothing stop these two from destroying their opponents and even themselves at Battleground?
Carmelo Hayes has a special homecoming.
Just last weekend, the NXT Champion returned home to Boston, Massachusetts and did the media tour, from 98.5 The Sports Hub to Boston 25 News, and was even on the Ten Count podcast. What is it like being back home? Melo feels very comfortable. It’s time for him to lock in, get ready, be around his people, his city, where he paid his dues. It just feels right. It will be his first time back as champion, especially THE champion. He’s of course very excited to be back around friends and family and to show them how he does what he does. This is a big moment. Melo even went to Kowloon’s to have a great dinner and sign a picture for them to put on their Wall of Fame.
Melo says it all feels right. He is in the City of Champions. You look at any major sports city, Boston’s right up there. It is only fitting that this champion comes home. He got to go to a Boston Celtics game, and the organization they are, they rolled out the red carpet. Just a couple days and it has been all love for Melo. Now, he defends against Bron Breakker. Does Bron have any idea what he is walking into? Coming into Melo’s backyard to beat him? That’s crazy! Bron is not prepared for what this is. It will be a hostile environment, Melo has earned a lot of love and respect in this area, this will be his homecoming. Bron wants to try and ruin that, but Melo’s dogs don’t bark, they bite.
That previous time in the ring with Bron, Melo learned everything he needs to know about Bron. Bron is big, fast, strong, but he isn’t Boston Strong, and he finds that out this Sunday.
Hank Walker VS Tank Ledger!
Though they make their entrance together, these two teammates and good friends are looking to sharpen iron with iron! Will they become a stronger team for this match? Or will all this blue collar brawling blow up in their faces?
The bell rings and the teammates shake hands to show there’s respect. The fans cheer, the two tie up, and they’re in a deadlock. Tank gets a headlock but Hank powers up. Hank powers out, they RAM shoulders, and they both say, “Holy moly!” Tank and Hank go again, they RAM shoulders, and fans rally. They RAM shoulders again, and they’re firing up now! They both run to RAM shoulders! Tank pushes Hank to a corner, CLUBS him, CLUBS him and ELBOWS him! But then Hank shoots in to put Tank in the corner! Hank RAMS into Tank again and again, then CLUBS him! And CHOPS him!
Fans fire up as Hank brings Tank around, to scoop and- NO, Tank slips free and he RAMS Hank into buckles! Tank whips corner to corner, Hank staggers into a scoop and SLAM! Fans fire up as Tank cartwheels and DIVING HEADBUTTS! Cover, TWO! Tank stays fired up, he eggs Hank on, and Hank throws a haymaker! Tank hits back! Hank throws another, but Tank gives it back! Hank throws a body shot, and a forearm! Hank eggs Tank on and Tank swings. Hank gets around, scoops, and SLAMS! Tank staggers to a corner, Hank SPLASHES him! Hank whips corner to corner, Tank dodges, keeps moving, and DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide!
Fans fire up, Hank manages to cover, and Hank wins!!
Winner: Hank Walker, by pinfall
The hoss fight is over, and Hank helps Tank up. But Bron SPEARS Hank!! Fans boo but Bron SPEARS Tank!! The Big Booty Nephew just decimates two hosses at once! Fans chant “You Suck!” but Bron tells Melo he’ll see him Sunday. Will Bron become champion for a third time when he breaks… Him?
The Diamond Mine talks backstage.
The Creeds are going for gold and they’re all excited, and then Stacks walks over. So Tony finally got caught sleeping with fish, huh? Brutus, no, that’s not how that goes. Ivy smacks Brutus on the chest and Julius tells Stacks that though they haven’t always seen eye to eye, he appreciates Stacks having their backs out there. Well, Joe Coffey didn’t just screw the Creeds over at Stand & Deliver, he did that to everyone. The Creeds agree, and Brutus says that this Sunday, they’ll beat Gallus get those belts back. Then Gallus can be on the first plane back to Scotland.
Stacks says, “But here’s the thing. You’ll be as outnumbered in Lowell as you were tonight.” Good point. And with The Don begin detained, maybe they could work out an arrangement for Stacks to have their back? No offense, Stacks, but they’ve been burned trusting people before. Multiple times. Stacks understands that, no offense taken. But Julius says that when Tony gets free, the Family can have the first shot at the Creeds. Stacks appreciates that, and wishes them luck. But just how long will The Don be stewing in the police precinct?
Gigi Dolin is here!
Fans cheer the Toxic Avenger as she makes her way to the ring. Gigi isn’t headed to Battleground for the NXT Women’s Championship and we all know why. Gigi gets the mic to say, “I’m not shy about the broken home that I grew up in. Or the fact that my brother and I had to learn the hard way what addiction looks like from our parents. Neither of us ever knew what a stable family felt like. But when I came here, I thought I found one. I allowed Jacy Jayne in so she could tear everything down. She cut me out of her life when I would’ve done anything for her! But now I will do anything to end her.
“And the pain that is tattooed on my soul will be written all over your face, Jacy Jayne, when I purge everything I ever felt for you.” But Jacy appears in the upper deck to say, “Alright, alright, alright. That’s about as much of this emo talk as I can take for one night. Hey, Geeg! Remember this? This is where it all started. We used to sit up here in our lounge, looking down at everybody. We were on top of the world! It was truly the run of your career, riding shotgun to me.” Gigi shoots back, “If everything was so great, why throat it all away, huh?” Jacy says, “Because I outgrew you!”
Jacy got sick and tired of carrying Gigi through every single match we had. Everybody knew that Jacy was destined for bigger and better on her own. And Jacy refused to let Gigi drag her down any longer than she already had. Gigi says that’s funny, Jacy talking about moving on, because Gigi has been the center of Jacy’s attention since that kick to the face. It isn’t that Jacy wants to move on, it’s that Jacy will do whatever it takes that she’s not remembered as Toxic Attraction’s third wheel! Jacy says that’s funny, because as Jacy remembers, the last time they were in the ring together, Jacy beat her and embarrassed her in front of her “pathetic little brother.”
Gigi says okay, yes, Jacy won. But she also had to get eight stitches to fix that face. And before that, Gigi beat Jacy at Roadblock, so this is 1-1. How about we settle this here and now?! Fans want that, but Jacy says everyone loves Gigi, huh? The fans cheer, and Jacy says Gigi can go ahead and do what she does best: pander to her little troll fanbase that lives on social media. Y’know, the ones that love to eat up her “tragic, depressing, pathetic Instagram stories.” If there’s one thing Jacy can’t wait for, it is to be done with Gigi once and for all. So how about next week, they end this right where it all began?
However, Jacy doesn’t wanna do this in any ordinary match. She wants to end this in a STEEL CAGE!! Fans love that, and Gigi says she doesn’t pander to anyone. She wears her heart on her sleeve and has no problem doing so, because she is real! The fans all see it. Gigi is as real as it gets. Unlike Jacy, because Jacy~ Jayne~ “is a fake ass b*tch!” And if Jacy wants a cage, then let’s kick it up a notch to make it a WEAPONIZED CAGE! Jacy says Gigi’s on! Fans are ready for the Toxic War’s final chapter, but just how far will Gigi and Jacy go to bury this once and for all?
Luca Crusifino, Esquire speaks.
“After a series of unfortunate events, Von Wagner, tonight, you face legal consequences. I attempted to explain my position to your associate, Mr. Stone, but it’s fallen on deaf ears. That leaves me with no other option but to have this settled in that NXT ring tonight. And I promise you this, Von Wagner, I promise you, when you’re in the ring with Luca Crusifino, you’ll be regretting that you didn’t settle this outside of court.” Is Luca gonna throw the book at Von over losing his cool?
NXT Anonymous has another video.
They’re watching as Oro Mensah talks with Noam Dar. Dar’s been on the same roster as him for years, but only now is Dar turning to Oro? Get outta here! Dar says hold on, that’s why! He knows how good Oro is as a former NXT UK Tag Team Champion. Dar really needs Oro as a cornerman! Frazer will be in Dragon’s corner, so the number one needs a number two! Dar wants Oro to understand the opportunity being laid out here! Oro can strap himself to Dar’s rocket ad they’ll blast off into another stratosphere! What does Oro say? Oro says absolute NOT. Dar wants Oro to be reasonable! There must be an amount of money-
But then in walk Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson. Dar says hello to the ladies, and Lash says NOPE. Dar thought he was hotter than hot, but he can kiss his little cup good-bye! The ladies leave Dar behind. Dar says it’s not little! What is Supernova 11 to do without a second?
Von Wagner w/ Robert Stone VS Luca Crusifino!
The usually vicious and cold Von Wagner seems to have a sad secret that he didn’t want getting out. But the “Legal Eagle” poked fun at it and incurred the wrath of Von Wagner! Will Luca take Von to the cleaners since he couldn’t take him to court? Or will Luca soon learn why you don’t wake the sleeping giant?
The bell rings and fans sing “Von is gonna kill~ you!” Luca talks a bunch of trash, but Von picks him right up to RAM him into a corner! Von RAMS into Luca again and again, then fires off clubbing hands! The ref counts, Von lets off, and Luca crawls away. Von whips Luca to a corner, runs in and SPLASHES! Von then brings Luca around to whip and BOOT him down! Luca flounders away and fans actually cheer Von! Von goes out after Luca, puts him in the ring, and then hurries back in. Von runs but Luca dodges! Von hits buckles, Luca CLUBS him in the back! Luca stomps a mudhole in but Von shoves him away.
Von runs in, but into a QUICK DRAW from Luca! Cover, TWO! Luca fires off in a corner, the ref counts, but Von shoves him away. Von ROCKS Luca, ROCKS him again, then DECKS him! Von drags Luca up, whips him to ropes, and CLOBBERS him! Von drags Luca up, shoves him, but Luca holds ropes. Von runs in but Luca sends him tumbling out! Stone coaches Von but Luca gets in Stone’s face now. Luca wants the picture! Stone tells him no, but Luca gets it! The picture of baby Von and Luca says, “Look at this freak! Look at this freak!” Stone says that’s not right, but Von rises up!
Von storms over and fans says Luca messed up! Von CLOBBERS Luca again! Von puts Luca in, drags Luca up for more clubbing hands, but the ref counts! Stone tells Von to stop, but he goes past 5! The bell rings and Luca wins!
Winner: Luca Crusifino, by pinfall
But Von BOOTS Luca out! Fans want him to “KICK HIS ASS!” and Von TOSSES Luca into barriers! Stone says Von can stop, but Von doesn’t wanna stop! Von drags Luca up, fans want a table bomb, but Stone reasons with Von. Von lets Luca go, Stone thanks him, because otherwise he’ll get suspended. But then Von thinks about it. Von goes back to Luca! POWEROMBB on the desk!! The desk doesn’t break but Luca might have! Will everyone learn not to anger Von Wagner?
Tony D’Angelo is still stewing.
How long has he been in there in total? But then the detectives return. He asks if this is all cleared up, he’s gotta get Mama D’Angelo to the grocery store. The detectives say they’re fine, but Tony’s not. Stand up, put your hands behind your back. Seriously!? They read Tony his rights and he says this is ridiculous! He knows his rights, but do they know who he is? Where’s his phone call? Is The Don done for?
NXT Women’s Championship Tournament, Semifinals: Tiffany Stratton VS Roxanne Perez!
The Center of the Universe wants it all, but the Prodigy has already done it all. Will Tiffany have what she wants in a golden ticket to Battleground? Or will Roxie get started on her new memory board with that same opportunity?
NXT returns as Roxie makes her entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. Tiff talks trash and pats little Roxie on her head, but Roxie swats that way. Tiff calls for a test of strength but holds her hand way up there. Roxie jumps up to grab that hand, and the two tie up. They go shoulder to shoulder, Tiff bends Roxie back, covers, TWO as Roxie kips up! Roxie kicks, wrenches, and waistlocks. Tiff throws elbows, grabs for a leg, but Roxie flips her over! O’Conner Bridge, TWO! Roxie headlocks but Tiffany stays up. Tiff pulls hair, powers out, and they RAM shoulders! Roxie rebounds to run Tiff over!
Things speed up, Roxie cartwheels then tilt-o-whirls, but Tiff handsprings through! Fans cheer the ability, Tiffany soaks it all in, but Roxie rolls Tiffany up! TWO, and Roxie runs back in. Tiff catches her, but Roxie sunset flips! TWO, and Roxie hurries to go after an arm. Roxie wrenches, wristlocks, but Tiff pulls hair again. Tiff puts Roxie in the corner, the ref counts, but Tiff lets off. Roxie ELBOWS Tiff, goes up, but Tiff gets under the jump. Roxie handsprings and arm-drags Tiff down! Roxie keeps on the arm with an armlock but Tiff fights up. Fans rally, Roxie wrenches, but Tiff ROCKS Roxie!
Fans boo but Tiff drags Roxie up to wrench the arm. Tiff YANKS the arm, YANKS it again, and wrenches again. Roxie throws body shots, cartwheels and headscissors Tiff right out of the ring! Fans fire up, Roxie builds speed, and Roxie DIVES, but into a fireman’s carry! Tiff shows strength but Roxie slips off! Roxie dodges, tilt-o-whirls, and sends Tiff into the apron! Roxie puts Tiff in the ring, climbs up the corner, and fans cheer, but Tiff sweeps the legs! Roxie falls to the mat and then the floor, and NXT goes picture in picture.
Tiff goes out after Roxie, drags her up and RAMS her into the apron! Tiff snarls, but Roxie throws hands! Tiff CHOPS Roxie back! Tiff talks trash, CHOPS Roxie again and puts her in the ring. Cover, TWO! Roxie goes to a corner, Tiff stomps away! The ref counts, Tiff lets off and she CHOKES Roxie on ropes! The ref counts again, Tiff lets off and YANKS the ropes. Roxie flops back, Tiff has a cocky cover, TWO! Tiff stomps Roxie, puts her on ropes and CHOKES her again! The ref counts, Tiff lets off to run and HIP ATTACK! Roxie falls over, Tiff covers, TWO! Tiff grows annoyed but she taunts Roxie.
Roxie throws body shots! And forearms! But Tiff throws Roxie by her hair! And then runs to DOUBLE STOMP! Cover, TWO! Tiff is furious but she clamps onto Roxie with a motorcycle stretch. Roxie endures and fans rally up. Roxie fights up, but Tiff wrangles her back down! Fans rally up as NXT returns to single picture, and Roxie fights up gain! Roxie turns things around but Tiff kicks her low! Tiffany says no one is taking that title from her, and she gut wrenches, but Roxie arm-drags free! And then SHOTGUNS Tiff out of the ring! Fans fire up, Roxie builds speed, and Roxie DIVES! Direct hit and down goes Tiffany!
Roxie keeps moving, she DIVES again! Another direct hit! Fans fire up with Roxie and she pushes Tiff back in. Roxie goes up the corner, Tiffany stands, and Roxie CROSSBODIES! Tiffany rolls through with it! Tiff pops Roxie up, ROLLING SENTON! PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER, but Roxie moves! Tiffany rolls through, but comes back into Roxie’s THESZ PRESS! Roxie fires fast hands, then runs at Tiffany to UPPERCUT in the corner! Roxie keeps going, to UPPERCUT Tiffany down! Tiffany staggers up, avoids Roxie’s boot, and pops her up, SKY HIGH! Cover, TWO!! Roxie survives and Tiffany is furious!
Fans fire up and Tiffany drags Roxie up. Fans rally for Roxie but Tiff hoists her up to hang her out to dry. Tiff goes up the corner, brings Roxie around to join her, but Roxie throws body shots! Roxie CHOPS Tiffany, stands on the very top, SUPER STEINER! Cover, TWO!! Tiffany survives and Roxie is shocked! Fans fire up again and Roxie grits her teeth. Roxie brings Tiff up, throws more body shots, then fires off with windmilling shots at the ropes! Roxie wrenches, clinches, but Tiff throws Roxie by her hair! Tiff drags Roxie up, reels her in, POWER- RANA!! Roxie has the cover, TWO!! Tiff sunset flips, TWO!!
Tiff stands, into a V-TRIGGER! RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up with Roxie and she aims at Tiff. Tiff rises, Roxie SOBATS! Roxie hops on, but Tiff pops her off! Roxie hotshots off ropes, Tiffany hits the ROLLING SENTON! PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, TIFFANY WINS!!!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall (advances to NXT Battleground)
Tiffany toughs it out and takes out the Prodigy! Will NXT have no choice but to acknowledge Tiffany as The Center of the Universe? Tiffany and Lyra stare down by the title while Roxie makes her leave, but wait! Someone attacks Roxie!! It’s the hooded figure! The assassin of the NXT Women’s Division is beating down Roxie! Lyra and refs rush in, and the hooded figure runs away! Just who is that?!
Dijak heads to the ring.
But then Dragunov CLOBBERS him from behind!! Their brawl continues and fans are thunderous! The hands keep flying, Dijak ELBOWS Dragunov but Dragunov PELES Dijak! Fans fire up, Dragunov runs in, but Dijak dodge! Dragunov rams himself into steel steps! And then Dijak TOSSES Dragunov over barriers and into the gap! Dijak grabs the Hold Harmless Agreement and signs his part. Then he goes after Dragunov, but security rushes in. Dijak throws them all aside, and he choke grips Dragunov! But Dragunov SLAPS, SLAPS and SMACKS Dijak! And CHOSP! And CHOPS!
Dijak shoves Dragunov away, but Dragunov comes back to CHOP Dijak over the barriers! Dragunov gets a pen, signs his part of the agreement, and it’s all official! Fans are thunderous as Dragunov fights off security, but Dijak BOOTS Dragunov down! Dijak then pulls the steps apart! Dijak aims at Dragunov, but Dragunov kicks him lows! Dijak falls and smacks off the steps! Dragunov jumps off the steps for the FALLING FOREARM!! The fans are thunderous as Dragunov stands tall, but then Dijak rises! Just what will it take to end this at Battleground?
My Thoughts:
For a go-home show, this was awesome stuff. I didn’t cover them but there were some awesome video packages to hype up some stuff. Especially at the end there, that was a really great way to sum up what’s coming at Battleground. Also, great videos for Bron Breakker and Carmelo Hayes ahead of the title match. It is great that Melo got to have all those moments in his hometown area. Hank VS Tank was really good but also surprisingly short, and great for Hank to win, but I guess it was short because Bron was going to attack Hank and Tank. This kinda counts as Bron standing tall so I think Melo retains.
Really good match out of Axiom VS Dabba-Kato but I should’ve figured Dabba would win. But what a twist that Reggie came to Axiom’s rescue after Axiom punked him out and took his Scrypts mask. It also seems a strange character move, I thought Scrypts wanted to be Axiom’s archnemesis, not an ally. Also good stuff out of Gallus, the Creeds and Stacks. Interesting aesthetic choice for Gallus to have green light bathing the entire area for their promos, but good promo and brawl to make Gallus VS Creeds the official tag match.
But does Stacks feel suspicious to anyone else? Tony D’Angelo is arrested, Stacks is more concerned about being The Creeds’ corner man to help against Gallus. But at the same time, Creeds did promise the Family a title match, so maybe Stacks is multitasking in trying to help Tony both legally and in his career. I guess we’ll see after Battleground, but it’d be an amazing level of kayfabe to have Tony go to trial and maybe even spend some time in prison until Stacks can bail him out. If only Cole Karter wasn’t still with AEW/ROH, he could make a huge return being the guy reporting Tony to the police.
Really good stuff with Wes Lee, Tyler Bate and Joe Gacy. A bit of a shame Eddy Thorpe had to be fed to this story to help get Bate momentum, but I suppose getting his first loss out of the way is fine. Gacy attacking both Wes and Bate made a lot of sense, and him standing tall of course means Gacy isn’t winning. Either Wes breaks the record or Bate adds another belt to his accolades. I’m fine with either of those outcomes. But at the same time, what is Gacy supposed to do to stay relevant in NXT? The Dyad didn’t win tag titles, Gacy tried for NXT Championship and lost, and Ava hasn’t even wrestled all that much so when is she supposed to get women’s title? Maybe Gacy defies go-home math and wins after all just out of necessity.
Great match out of Dar VS Frazer, and Dragon Lee helping Frazer win makes me think Dar wins to keep the cup. But since Dar is looking for a corner man, I am really hoping this is the time they bring back Sha Samuels. Sha and Dar had such great chemistry in UK, I hope the US audience gets to finally see that in person. Good stuff from Von, Stone and Luca, and I really like that the fans have come around on Von because of this story. Von gets to use his “I beat people up” thing in a Face way because he’s doing it to bullies, and while Luca gets the win, Von is really the winner because he bodied that guy. I just hope the WWE can make this story work on RawDown, because I am not sure the overlap between RawDown viewers and NXT.
Great promo from Gigi and Jacy, and I actually like that they’re going with a Steel Cage for this. Neither Gigi nor Jacy have someone on their side that can cheat this thing, and being weaponized, it’s almost like Hell in a Cell or something. This could go either way, but since it’s after Battleground, it really depends on who will be the new Women’s Champion. We got great matches from both Lyra VS Cora and Tiffany VS Roxie, and instead of going with the seemingly obvious Roxie VS Cora, they went with the exact opposite. I suppose that’s fine, Roxie’s already done a lot and now it’s time for her to be in the chase. Of course, she also got attacked by the hooded assailant of the Women’s Division, so maybe Roxie gets to the bottom of who that is and has a great feud with them.
My Score: 8.6/10
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London calling to the champion crowns!
SmackDown brings gold to London as LA Knight defends his WWE US Championship and The Street Profits defend their tag team titles! Will the landscape change this close to WrestleMania?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly; The Profits win and retain the titles.
- Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice w/ Chelsea Green; The Secret Her-vice wins.
- WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman; Braun wins, by disqualification, and Knight retains the title.
- Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab; Charlotte wins.
- Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.
- Jimmy Uso VS The Miz; Jimmy wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes is here!
We follow The American Nightmare as walks to gorilla, then through the curtain, and London sings along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, says hello to fans along the ramp, and then we get the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro. Cody goes to the ring, grabs a mic, then kneels down to kiss the WWE logo on the mat. The fans continue to sing along all the way to the end, “I AM MY KINGDOM!” The fans then cheer, and Cody holds up the belt to fire them up even more! The fans now sing for “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and he soaks it in. The fans cheer again as Cody smiles, and he finally says, “So, London~! Whaddya wanna talk about?”
The fans chant “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cody hears that dueling, and he smiles again. The song of “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” returns, then they cheer. Cody says, “At WrestleMania 41, I will be facing John Cena…” The fans boo, but Cody says, “I will be facing John Cena as he goes to break the record and win 17. But that is WrestleMania 41. In just a few nights, I will be standing face to face with John Cena in this very same city, in this very same arena.” The fans cheer that, but then here comes Randy Orton! Now the fans sing along with Voices as The Viper heads to the ring. Orton also high-fives fans before he joins Cody.
Orton grabs a mic, paces while the fans keep singing on their own, and then the fans cheer. Orton says he’s not really the sentimental type, but for Cody and for London, screw it. The fans chant “R K O! R K O!” and Orton tells Cody, “Look at you. Look at who you are now, the man you are now. Look at where he came from.” The fans cheer and sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and Orton says he remembers a Cody in his early 20s, just breaking into the business. Cody was busting his ass harder than anyone else. He wasn’t exactly happy, and in fact, he was frustrated. But Cody was man enough, smart enough, to know he needed to grow, and that he couldn’t grow in the WWE.
Cody wasn’t exactly treated fairly in the WWE, so Cody left the WWE! That took some big ass balls to do what he did! Cody changed the business singlehandedly, and everyone in the back knows it. And Orton appreciates Cody for it. But then Cody came back, as they all knew one day he would. And the industry has been changed forever since the day Cody came back to the WWE. Cody is a bit teary eyed as Orton says Cody’s still the same guy, he just did what he set out to do, and he grew. Orton teases he would sing along with the fans, but the fans might leave. The fans again sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!”
Orton asks if they remember when Cody Rhodes faced Seth Rollins in Hell in a Cell. The fans cheer because they do. Orton says that was impressive, and even impossible, as he started with a partially torn pec and then ended with a fully torn pec! His body changed all kinds of shades of purple that Orton’s never seen on a human body. The pain he must have been in. Cody persevered not just for himself. Maybe not even at all for Cody. It was not even for his family legacy; it was for each and every single fan out there! Then Cody went on to WrestleMania, beat Roman Reigns and finished the story!
But there’s always another story, isn’t there? And Cody’s right in the middle of one. Cody is in charge of his legacy, and it is a privilege for Orton to watch Cody take control of it. Ticket sales have been up, there’s more intrigue around the world, and listen to the people! It is 99.9% all because of Cody! The fans cheer that, and of course they sing. Orton says what he’s trying to say is a long-winded version of he respects Cody, loves him, and is very, very proud of him. The fans cheer that! Orton then says, “But… But now it is time for WrestleMania.” They both look to the sign, and Orton says he can guarantee Cody that Orton will kick Kevin Owens so hard in the head…!
Orton can just feel it already! He forgets how many days are left, but he can’t wait to remove Kevin’s head from his shoulders. And Orton knows Cody will enter champion, exit champion, but not before he beats the holy hell outta Cena all up and down the Vegas strip! But after all the smoke clears and the dust settles, just like Orton wants Number 17, there will come a time when Orton will want Number 15. But Orton won’t kick Cody in the balls like a coward. Orton will look Cody in the eye because he respects Cody, is proud of Cody, and sees him as an equal. Orton will look Cody in the eye and tell him that he’s coming for the title.
The fans cheer but wait! Drew McIntyre is here! The fans cheer the Scottish Terminator as he steps out on stage, mic in hand, and has a wry smile on his face as he looks at the ring. Drew waves as the fans now sing, “OH~ Drew McIntyre~!” Drew says, “Isn’t this wonderful? A couple of nepo babies having a love fest in the middle of the ring> It makes me absolutely sick. What’d you just say, Randy? if Cody gets through Cena at WrestleMania, you’re coming for that title? What exactly have you done since that big comeback to justify that title match? Aside be Randy Orton. The only big moment I can remember is you being on the shelf for months and months and months.
“People like to make jokes about it, but more people talk about my five-minute-45-second title reign than your entire comeback so far! So get to the back of the line, sunshine! As for you, Cody, you should’ve listened to me. But you shunned me. You attacked me. Everybody should’ve listened to me about John Cena, but they didn’t. And the next night, he kicked you right in the twig ‘n’ berries, proving me right as usual. And the main event of WrestleMania should be Cody Rhodes VS The UK’s only ever world champion, Drew McIntyre!” Fans do like that idea. But sadly, it’s not, because of that guyliner wearing Temu Undertaker, Damian Priest!
Drew wants to talk about what is happening. And what’s gonna happen! Drew steps up to the ring while fans sing for him again. Drew says it will not be Randy that takes the title from Cody, should he get through Cena; it’ll be McIntyre. The fans cheer, but Orton says they were trying to have a moment. Can Drew just cut the crap already? Drew says okay, sure. He’ll tell the truth, because that’s all he ever does. The truth is, Kevin might have a point! If those Voices are talking to Orton again, then they know Drew very, very well. And he’s thinking, “My God, Randy looks great! Absolutely jacked! On the outside.”
On the inside, that back is hanging by a thread. And if Orton provokes McIntyre, McIntyre will break him. And as for Cody- Cody kicks Drew and UPPERCUTS him! The fans fire up, and Orton R- NO, Drew gets away! The fans boo, but the battlelines are drawn! Even if Cody makes it out of the frying pan that is Las Vegas, it’ll be into the fire that is these contenders waiting in line! Will the American Nightmare be ready for whoever comes for the crown?
WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly!
Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins are finally golden again, but it’s time to put the titles on the line already! And while they’re ready for the grind, they’re up against the hometown heroes! Will the Profits still be up in the O2? Or will Kit Wilson & Elton Prince say #YESBOY to a new reign of their own?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really wants the smoke!
The teams sort out and Kit starts with Dawkins. They tie up, Dawkins headlocks, but Kit powers up and out. Dawkins runs Kit over, the fans fire up, and Dawkins fires hands on Kit in the corner! The fans rally for Pretty Deadly, Dawkins whips Kit to a corner, but Elton takes that bump! Kit CLOBBERS Dawkins, then tags Elton! Atomic drop into DROPKICK! Ford runs up, but into a DOUBLE HIP TOSS! Dawkins whips, Elton reverses, and then Elton hurdles so Kit can DDT! The fans fire up with Pretty Deadly while the Profits bail out. Pretty Deadly has control while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Elton is right on Dawkins as he gets in, and UPPERCUTS him to the corner. Elton clinches Dawkins for another UPPERCUT! Tag to Kit, and Elton RAMS into Dawkins so Kit can UPPERCUT! Dawkins flops over, Kit drags him up to wrench the arm. Kit whips, Dawkins reverses, but Kit grabs ropes. Kit ELBOWS Dawkins, DECKS Ford, but Dawkins CLOBBERS Kit! The ref reprimands but Dawkins RAMS Kit into the corner again and again! The ref counts, Dawkins fires fast hands, then he tags in Ford. Ford says, “SUCK IT!” then he KICKS Kit! Ford scuffs Kit, then drags him to a cover, TWO!
Ford keeps Kit down with a facelock, but Kit endures the grind. Kit fights up, fires body shots, but Ford whips him away. Kit sunset flips! Ford rolls through, and PENALTY KICKS! Ford mocks Elton with the Scott Hall fingers, and the ref has to keep Elton back. Ford drags Kit up, tags Dawkins, and the Profits mug Kit. Dawkins CLUBS Kit down, then stalks him. Dawkins stays between Kit and Elton, then whips Kit into the Profits’ corner. CYCLONE- NO, Kit dodges! Ford tags in, he keeps Kit from Elton now, but Kit slips out of the suplex! Kit fakes high to go low, hot tag to Elton! Elton rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT!
Elton kicks and whips Ford to a corner, then UPPERCUTS! Elton whips the other way, UPPERCUTS again, and then does it again! Elton adds to the hattrick with a lift, Ford says a quick prayer before the SUPLEX! Ford flounders, gets to his feet, but Elton dodges to springboard and FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Ford stays in this, but Elton stays on him. SmackDown returns to single picture and fans rally for Pretty Deadly as Elton gives Ford a back suplex. Ford lands out, waistlocks, but Elton switches and shoves Ford. Ford CLOBBERS Elton in return! Ford is also dazed but he covers, ONE!
Kit reaches out, Elton and Ford both crawl, hot tags to Kit and Dawkins! The fans fire up as Dawkins wrenches Kit, underhooks and SILENCER! Dawkins Electric Chair Lifts Kit, Ford climbs, but Kit slips free! Kit shoves Dawkins into Ford! Ford falls to the floor, but Dawkins ENZIGIRIS Kit! Elton tags in, and Kit LARIATS Dawkins! Pretty Deadly combine for DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Dawkins survives and the Profits are a bit unsure of what to do next. Dawkins crawls to a corner, Elton runs up, but Dawkins dodges! Elton hits buckles and Dawkins TOSSES Kit, then Dawkins hits a SKY HIGH on Elton!
Dawkins hurries to tag Ford and Ford climbs up! But Kit pushes Elton out of the way! Kit takes FROM THE HEAVESN, and Elton ghost pins Ford! TWO!! Ford escapes, and he ROCKS Elton! Elton UPPERCUTS Ford! Dawkins sneaks a tag, Ford SUPERKICKS! POUNCE SAIDO COMBO!! Cover, KIT BREAKS IT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! The teams go to opposite ends, then they all stand up in the corners. They all roar, all run in, and Kit SPEARS Ford while Elton FLYING UPPERCUTS Dawkins!! London is thunderous, and Kit hurries to tag in! Pretty Deadly gets Dawkins up, for SPILT MILK!! Cover, FORD BREAKS IT!
The fans are shocked, as is Elton, but Ford saves this for his team! “This is Awesome!” as Ford runs up and Elton TOSSES him out! Now DRY MARTI- NO! Dawkins doesn’t accept the second serving, and he DUMPS Kit out! Kit skins the cat while Dawkins DECKS Elton! Dawkins catches Kit to an Electric Chair! Ford rises, DOOMSDAY BLOCKBUSTER!! Cover, Profits win!
Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall (still WWE Tag Team Champions)
Pretty Deadly put up a heroic fight, but the hometown heroes could not capture the gold. Dawkins & Ford hold onto the gold, will this be the strongest the Profits have ever been?
Kayden & Katana talk with Zelina Vega.
Carter & Chance know La Muneca got screwed over by The Green Administration. Chelsea thinks she’s untouchable, but someone’s gonna stop them eventually. Well, speaking of, Alba Fyre leads the way in as she & Piper Niven “scope the perimeter.” There’s one small threat. They frisk the “miniscule” threat, but nothing they haven’t dealt with before. Chelsea struts in and says, “The Eagle has landed~!” Zelina says she is so glad the “Bootleg Men in Black” have crashed the party. Now, yeah, they all know she’s small. But clearly this small “threat” is a big threat to Chelsea’s title reign. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have taken all three of them to beat her.
KC Squared agree with that. How about tonight, we see what happens when the odds are even? Chelsea says that’s fine, because Agents P & A are ready. The Secret Her-vice has been given their next mission, but will they be able to crash the party? Or will the party crash them?
Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice!
SmackDown returns and The Green Administration makes their entrance. The teams sort out, Alba starts against Katana, and the two tie up. Alba KNEES low, CLUBS Katana down, then fireman’s carries. Katana fights free, tags Kayden, and they KICK, double whip, and then trip Alba up for the basement DROPKICK! Katana adds a slingshot SENTON, Kayden covers, TWO! Kayden tags Katana, they double whip Alba to a corner, then Kayden runs in. Alba DUMPS Kayden out, ROCKS Katana, and she tags Piper! Katana arm-drags Alba out, then goes out to run up. Kayden gives her a boost, Katana CROSSBODIES Alba down!
The fans fire up, but Piper goes up and out?! CANNONBALL and down goes KC Squared! Piper salutes Chelsea and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Kayden rallies on Alba while the fans rally up. Kayden fires up, runs in and whips, but Alba reverses. Kayden wheelbarrows, victory rolls, then SUPERKICKS! Kayden fires up again but the fans are torn. Kayden runs in at Alba to BOOT WASH her against the ropes! Chelsea protests, Kayden kicks at her, then Kayden springboards for a LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Alba survives, Kayden whips, but Alba KICKS back! Tag to Piper, but Kayden jackknife bridges Alba! The ref explains bout the tag, Piper runs up, but Kayden moves! The SENTON hits Alba! Piper panics, Kayden tags Katana!
Katana goes up onto Kayden’s shoulders, VICTORY ROLL LAUNCHER, but Piper catches Katana! Katana fires hands, BOOTS, and then hurries to go up again. Kayden ROCKS Piper, and fireman’s carries?! SAMOAN DROP! Kayden then gives Katana the boost, for the KEG STAND SPLASH!! Cover, ALBA BREAKS IT! Kayden runs up on Alba to BOOT her out! Katana gives Kayden the boost now, SUPER CROSSBODY onto Alba! Kayden hurries to tag back in, and she brings Piper up. Piper swings, Kayden dodges and SUPERKICKS! Katana goes up, Piper staggers over that way, but Chelsea distracts the ref!
The fans are torn as Alba grabs Katana. Katana kicks Alba down, chases Chelsea off, but Piper sends Kayden into her! Piper scoops to PIPER DRIVER!! Cover, Secret Her-vice wins!
Winner: The Secret Her-vice, by pinfall
The Women’s US Champion helps her team, and now they all mug Kayden & Katana! But here comes Zelina! Vega runs down the ramp, CLOBBERS Alba, and then she gets in the ring! Zelina tilt-o-whirl DDTS Piper! And she KNEES Alba off the apron! But Chelsea CLOBBERS Zelina! Chelsea fires up, the UK is oddly with her, and she chicken wings Zeina. But Zelina fights free to fire forearms and body shots! And a BACK ELBOW! Zelina reels Chelsea in, CODE- SUPERKICK from Alba! SENTON from Piper! The Green Administration is just too much for Zelina to fight against alone! But can she, Kayden & Katana find a way to turn things around?
WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman!
Did the Mega Star just get this title back from Shinsuke Nakamura? YEAH! Did he help the Monster of All Monsters fight off Solo Sikoa’s rouge bloodline? YEAH! And now, does he have to defend this title against the monster he just helped? YEAH!! But will Knight still reign this close to WrestleMania? Or will Braun #GetTheseHands back on a championship?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s time for Knight’s biggest challenge, YEAH!
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. The two tie up, and Braun SHOVES Knight away. Knight comes back, Braun SHOVES him down again! Knight gets up, gets around, and he headlocks. Braun powers up to back suplex, but Knight lands out! Knight tries but Braun’s too big to suplex! Braun ELBOWS Knight, storms up on him, but Knight fires haymakers! Knight whips, Braun reverses, but Knight KICKS back! Knight runs, but Braun HIP TOSSES! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this, but Braun brings him up. Braun puts Knight in a corner, CHOPS, then runs, for a SPLASH! Knight sputters along ropes, Braun keeps moving, but Knight DUMPS him out!
The fans fire up as Knight then WRECKS Braun with a dropkick! Knight keeps moving, and he WRECKS Braun again! The fans fire up with Knight, but then Braun BOOTS Knight down! The fans are torn but Braun stands tall as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Braun puts Knight back in the ring. The fans cheer as Knight KICKS Braun! Knight tries again, but Braun’s still too big to back suplex! Braun CLUBS Knight, then runs in at the corner. Knight BOOTS Braun, goes up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Knight and Braun rise back up, and Knight dodges a shot to JAB! Then he dodges to JAB! JAB! JAB! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” But Braun KNEES low! Braun scoops, Knight slips free, and Knight RAMS Braun into buckles! Then the BACK SUPLEX! The fans fire up and Knight rises again! Knight spells it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!
Braun has plenty left in the tank but the fans rally for Knight. Knight stands Braun up to kick low, but Braun THROWS Knight away! Knight rises, and Braun LARIATS Knight up and out! The fans fire up as Braun rips the shirt! Braun gets on the track, and he runs in, STROWMAN EXPRESS MEETS JACOB FATU!! The Samoan Werewolf strikes Braun down!
Winner: Braun Strowman, by disqualification; LA Knight retains the title
The fans boo as Jacob now goes after Knight! He just ruined what was becoming a great match, but Jacob fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT on Braun! SAMOAN DROP onto the desk!! The desk doesn’t budge, but Braun might’ve been broken in half! The UK fires up for Fatu as he puts Braun in the ring! Jacob fires more HEADBUTTS, then HEADBUTTS away on Braun in the corner! The fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE, FATU~, FATU~!” Jacob runs corner to corner, but Knight kicks him first! Knight fires haymakers, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Jacob denies the BFT to POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! And then HIP ATTACK for Braun anyway!
Jacob keeps going, HIP ATTACK for Braun again! Jacob throws off his jacket, glares at Braun, and he runs in for a third HIP ATTACK! Braun flounders into the drop zone, so Jacob goes up, up, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! Direct hit on Braun, but the fans want that “ONE MORE TIME!” Jacob obliges, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! The Samoan Werewolf just tore up #OneBigSOB and LA Knight, will there be no stopping him from taking the United States Championship?
Backstage interview with Jimmy Uso.
Jackie Redmond is with #BigJim, and she says that while she knew WWE was going global this month, she did not know they’d get the slap heard ’round the world! Jimmy says he’d do it again, and he’ll slap Gunther as many times as he needs! Jimmy knows Jey is up in his own head, doubt is creeping on him. But just because Jey’s 0-3 against Gunther doesn’t mean Gunther’s unbeatable! The Ring General CAN be got! Jimmy’s going to Raw this Monday, he will bust Gunther’s ass, Jey will go to Mania and bust Gunther’s ass to become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. And then they leave Las Vegas just like this: YEET!
Jimmy heads out, but then The Miz & Carmelo Hayes walk by. Miz is mocking Jimmy’s words, and he asks excuse me. Miz says it’s just funny that suddenly, Jimmy is a tough guy, even though for most of his career, he’s been “The Other Uso.” Doesn’t Jimmy get it? Jimmy and Jey are career sidekicks while Gunther is a main character. Gunther is the lead, neither Jimmy nor Jey can beat him. And here’s another thing: The Usos are just blips on the trailer that was Roman Reigns’ Bloodline. Melo says Jimmy & Jey are stuck outside the club, they can’t even get in.
Miz says as a former WWE Champion, a former WrestleMania main eventer, Jimmy will never know what it is to carry this industry. And after this year’s WrestleMania, neither will Jey. Oh, and by the way, if Jimmy ever slapped Miz like that, Jimmy would still be on the ground. Jimmy feints the slap and Miz freaks out. Jimmy says it may be him and Gunther on Monday, but he’ll holler at Aldis real quick so it can be Jimmy VS Miz here tonight. Yeah, YEET! Jimmy heads out, Melo says he thought Miz was gonna do something about the slap. Will Miz have to do something about running his mouth before he gets his teeth kicked in?
Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga find Jacob Fatu backstage.
Solo asks Jacob what the Hell he was doing out there. Jacob goes out there alone without saying a thing to them? Jacob says he ain’t gotta say nothing to nobody! Matter fact, didn’t Solo not tap in with him last week? Tama says, “But Jacob,” only for Jacob to say, “But nothing, Tama!” Solo wants Jacob to lower his tone, but Jacob says okay. Let him be very clear with them. When it comes to Braun Strowman, Jacob WILL be the last man standing. Y’all better get in where you fit in, cuz that US title? Oh, Jacob’s bringing it home to the family. And he will do it with them, or without them! Yadada mean? Fatu heads out, is the Samoan Werewolf no longer following Solo?
Naomi speaks.
“I mean… How did we even get here? I don’t know. One thing that I do know is that I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. So Bianca, what makes you think that my attack on Jade was anything different from me doing the right thing? When I sit here and I think about all that I’ve sacrificed, all that I’ve given, and that’s what really breaks my heart. Because through all of that, I’m made to be the bad one in this situation. I just don’t understand, how does Jade come in outta nowhere and take my place with you? I want you to ask yourself this, Bianca. Who inspired you? Hmm?
“Who’s inspired women over the last decade? Who’s always had your back from day one of you being here? Me. Not Jade. Hmm. But you know what? What I’ve learned through all of this: You teach people how to treat you. And I’m done with being treated as a third wheel. I’m done being pushed to the side, I’m done with being too nice, I’m done with being undervalued, underutilized, underappreciated! So moving forward, hmm… Moving forward, here’s my message to you, Jade. If you continue to be in my way, I strongly advise you to proceed with caution.” The Glow shows her dark side, but will the storm be moved?
Nick Aldis meets with Jade Cargill.
Speaking of, the SmackDown General Manager understands things have been rather difficult for her as of late. Jade says she’s been trying to get her hands on Naomi for the past few weeks, now where is she? No one has seen her all day, so as far as anyone knows, Naomi’s not here. Well, when Jade catches Naomi, it’s on sight. Jade leaves, B-Fab & Michin are there. They let her know that what Naomi did to her was straight trash, totally uncalled for behavior. And after Jade gets her hands on Naomi, she’ll handle that business. Jade agrees. Mia says they’ve all got business to handle. Jade’s got Naomi, and Mia’s gonna get Charlotte for messing with her girl, B.
B-Fab says Naomi’s got what’s coming to her: no sympathy, no regrets. Jade, just do what you gotta do. Oh, she will. Jade also wishes Mia luck tonight. Mia & B-Fab head out, will the Head Baddie in Charge make the Queen bow down in London?
The darkness approaches.
“You are as I was. As I am, you will be.” The shadows are starting to take shape, but is SmackDown about to fade to black?
Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab!
The Queen looks down on everyone, so it’s no surprise that everyone else wants to take her down. Charlotte may have checked off B-Fab, but will the HBIC be a much different story? Or will Charlotte only sharpen her edge before facing Tiffany Stratton at WrestleMania?
WAIT! NAOMI ATTACKS B-FAB & MICHIN! Naomi drags Mia up for a FACEBUSTER! Naomi rains down fists, the ref reprimands and the fans boo, but Naomi tells the ref to back off. Naomi then BOOTS B-Fab off the apron! Naomi goes out after B-Fab to THRWO her into barriers! Naomi SLAPS B-Fab, tells her to stay down, but B-Fab gets up. Naomi fires hands, then she SMACKS B-Fab off the desk! Naomi rains down fists, but here comes Jade! Jade hurries down the ramp, she runs around the way, but Naomi runs away! Jade makes sure B-Fab is okay, but refs have to help her to the back. And what of Mia? Will she even be able to compete?
Charlotte makes her entrance, not really caring about what Naomi just did to Mia. But that means she also crosses paths with Jade. The fans like the look of this stare down, but Jade and Charlotte both let the other slide. Charlotte gets her pyro, and it seems she’ll still get her match. Will Mia be little more than an appetizer now?
The bell rings, and Charlotte BOOTS Mia down! Cover, TWO! Mia stays in this and the fans rally up. Charlotte just struts around while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Charlotte has Mia down with a chinlock, but the fans rally up. Mia fights up, fires body shots, and she then blocks a shot to ROCK Charlotte! Mia ROCKS Charlotte again and again, then reels her in for a TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up as Mia hurries to cover, TWO! Mia drags Charlotte up, wrenches, but Charlotte says no to Da Feet! BIG back suplex! Mia stagger sup, Charlotte whips her, but Mia reverses! Charlotte goes up and out, BOOTS her away, then slingshots in and rolls Mia! Mia rolls through and BUZZSAWS! Mia runs corner to corner, but Charlotte avoids the cannonball!
Charlotte YAKUZA KICKS Mia down, then fires herself up! The fans “WOO~!” as Charlotte has Mia in the drop zone,. Charlotte steps on her, goes up the corner, but Mia gets underneath her! SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Charlotte survives and Mia is shocked! Mia nods as the fans rally back up, and she brings Charlotte up. But Charlotte ROCKS Mia! Mia SOBATS, PELES, and then runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Charlotte stays in this, Mia grows frustrated, but the fans continue to rally. Mia uses that energy to stay focused, and she stalks Charlotte to waistlock. But Charlotte ELBOWS her away!
Charlotte CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOSP! Charlotte winds up, and she CHOPS again! Mia sputters, but then she dodges the boot! Charlotte is caught, and Mia hits a SAIDO! Charlotte flounders to a corner, the fans rally behind Mia, and Mia runs up, CANNONBALL! Mia hurries to wrench and EAT- NO, Charlotte shoves Mia away! Charlotte gets under, back suplexes, but Mia lands out! EAT DA FEET!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Charlotte’s long legs help her survive by a literal foot! Mia is beside herself while Charlotte bails out. Mia storms after Charlotte, runs up, but Charlotte dodges! Mia’s kick hits steel steps!
Mia hobbles away, goes to the apron, but Charlotte CHOP BLOCKS the bad leg out! Charlotte grabs Mia’s leg, drops a KNEE on the knee, but fans chant, “We Want Tiffy!” Charlotte just steps through, FIGURE FOUR, into FIGURE EIGHT!! Mia taps, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
Charlotte got more of a fight out of Mia than expected, but she still won. Will The Queen be more than ready to reign again after WrestleMania?
Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.
Jackie Redmond is with the WWE Women’s Champion and says Charlotte certainly looks confident. Let’s be real, Charlotte came at Tiff pretty hard. It got a lot of people talking. Tiff says yes, people talk. And Charlotte sure loves to hear herself talk. Ten years into the business and Charlotte is still so insecure that she can’t let a “rookie” get a word out. But last week, Tiff did learn something: She learned that walking into WrestleMania, she isn’t the one with something to lose. Truth is, if Tiff loses, then she lost to the great Charlotte Flair, as just a 25-year-old rookie with one year into SmackDown.
But if Charlotte loses… Well, then she lost to an “undeserving, delusional, unoriginal, backflip doing, blonde-hair-having, little girl.” Did she get it all? And Tiff can’t wait to hear the look on Charlotte’s face when they hear the words, “And STILL!” Then maybe Charlotte will finally shut up for the sake of literally everyone! They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, and Tiff will make damn sure what stays is Charlotte’s massive ego. Tiff is walking into and out of Mania as the WWE Women’s Champion. Tootles! Tiff heads out, will it still be #TiffyTime after WrestleMania?
Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre!
The Viper told Cody how proud he was, but also how he wants the next shot after John Cena. The Scottish Terminator took offense to that, and basically said he is taking that shot instead. Will this match be an unofficial #1 contender’s match between these two former world champions?
SmackDown returns and McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans sing, “OH~, Drew McIntyre~!” and chant “R K O! R K O!” Drew and Orton circle, tie up, and they go around in a deadlock. Drew powers Orton to a corner, but Orton headlocks back. Drew powers up and out, then he runs Orton over! Orton hurries to ropes and Drew mockingly asks, “How’s the back feel, Randy?” Orton stands, he and Drew reset, and the fans duel some more. Drew calls for a knuckle lock, Orton accepts, but then Drew kicks low! Drew bumps Orton off buckles, then climbs up, but he panders for too long and Orton YANKS him down!
The fans fire up as Orton climbs now! Orton rains down fists, and the fans count to nine. Orton hops down, brings Drew around, and POSTS him for ten! Drew tumbles out of the ring, Orton goes out after him, and they’re by the desk! But Drew kicks Orton first and SMACKS him off the desk! Drew clears the desk, and he brings Orton up for the DESK- NO, Orton fights free! Orton turns things around, DESK BACK SUPLEX for Drew! The fans fire up while Orton leaves Drew behind, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew writhes on the floor, but Orton goes out to fetch him! Orton brings Drew around, UPPERCUTS him, then says one more time! DESK BACK SUPLEX! Drew writhes as that desk stays standing! Orton grins, refreshes the ring count, and then he storms up on Drew. Drew pokes Orton in the eye! Drew POSTS Orton now, then brings him around to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP into barriers! Orton slumps down, and Drew also grits his teeth from that double-edged attack, but Drew fires up as he stands tall. Drew drags Orton up, puts him in the ring, then stalks Orton. Drew looms over Orton, and HIP DROPS him!
Orton sputters, Drew says one more time, and he winds up for the HIP DROP! Drew paces around Orton, says maybe one more time, and he pretends he can’t hear the fans. Drew winds up again, but Orton flips over! Hip drop meets kneecaps! And then Orton pokes Drew in the eyes! The ref reprimands but Orton rises up. Drew sputters and flounders, Orton ROCKS him with a right! Drew ROCKS Orton back! Drew storms up, Orton kicks low, but Drew fires another haymaker! The haymakers go back and forth, Orton gets the edge, but Drew GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS! Cover, TWO! Drew clamps onto Orton with an armlock!
SmackDown returns to single picture and the fans rally up. Orton fights up, pries at the chinbar, and then throws right hands! Drew CHOPS Orton in return! The fans “WOO~” and Drew winds up. Drew ROCKS Orton again, eggs him on, then CHOPS again! Drew shoves Orton to a corner, CHOPS again, then dares Orton to fight! Drew whips corner to corner, but Orton comes back to LARIAT! And LARIAT! Drew swings, Orton dodges, SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up as Orton stalks Drew to the apron. Drew HOTSHOTS Orton first! Drew then runs in, but Orton puts him through the ropes!
The fans fire up as Orton has Drew for the DRAPING DDT! The fans fire up for Orton, and Orton hears those voices! Drew rises, but then Orton spots KEVIN OWENS! The Prizefighter is on the ramp, Orton glares at him, but then he turns around into a CLAYMORE!! Cover, DREW WINS!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
Kevin’s mere presence costs Orton, and now Drew has a huge win propelling him down the Road to WrestleMania! As for Orton, Kevin drags him out of the ring, SMACKS him off the desk, and then climbs up to join him! The fans boo but Kevin and his hot pink sneakers have Orton in position, but Orton slips free and TRIPS Kevin up! Kevin hits the desk then the floor! Orton staggers around, the fans rally behind him, and Orton stalks Kevin to the corner of the barriers. Orton lines up the shot! Orton runs in, but Kevin jumps over barriers! Security is there to stop Orton from pursuing, so Kevin runs away into the night!
The fans boo, but The Viper was that close! Will Orton be able to strike Kevin down and completely take him out?
Fire, thunder, smoke…
The force of nature is drawing ever closer. And he’s ready to fly! REY FENIX arrives next Friday Night SmackDown!
Jimmy Uso VS The Miz!
#BigJim gave Gunther a piece of his mind and a mark on his cheek, but it seems not everyone got the message. Will the Hollywood A-lister soon star in the Uso Penitentiary? Or will he prove Jimmy is NOT ready for a world champion level opponent?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Jimmy powers Miz to a corner, Miz turns things around, and the ref counts. Miz takes a swing, Jimmy ducks it to CHOP! And CHOP! Miz shoves Jimmy back, then runs up, but Jimmy TACKLES Miz! Jimmy rains down fists, Miz shoves him away to go to ropes, but Jimmy storms back up. Miz ELBOWS Jimmy away, then runs back up, only for Jimmy to LARIAT him down! The fans fire up while Jimmy storms up on Miz. Jimmy CHOPS Miz, has him in a corner, then whips corner to corner. Miz reverses, Jimmy goes up and over, then UPPERCUTS! Miz staggers back to ropes, but Jimmy is right on him.
Jimmy whips, Miz reverses and kitchen sink knees! Then basement BOOTS! The fans fire up, Miz scowls, and Miz KNEES Jimmy in the back again and again. Miz stalks Jimmy to the ropes now, and he CHOKES Jimmy! The ref counts, Miz runs, and Miz STRADDLE ATTACKS! The fans boo, but Miz runs again. Jimmy ducks the boot, then dodges a lariat! Jimmy runs up to LARIAT Miz up and out! The fans fire up and Jimmy builds speed, but Miz runs away! Jimmy smirks as he goes out the side, and UPPERCUTS Miz over the barriers! Jimmy makes sure Gunther knows he’s coming to get him, but SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and both men are down. Miz and Jimmy crawl, and Jimmy pounds the mat. The fans rally, Jimmy rises and runs up to LARIAT! And LARIAT! And mule kick! Jimmy then UPPERCUTS Miz, dodges a lariat, then SAMOAN DROPS! The fans fire up, Jimmy goes to the corner, “UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs in, but Miz puts him on the apron! Jimmy UPPERCUTS again! Jimmy climbs, leaps, but Miz gets under! Miz then waistlocks, ripcords, and MOVIE MAKER! Fans boo that blatant parody, but Miz full nelsons! Jimmy drops, victory rolls, TWO! Miz has the cover, TWO! Miz hurries to BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally up as Jimmy survives! Miz stalks Jimmy, the fans rally up more, and Miz fires a KICK! And then another KICK! The fans say “YES! YES! YES!” to the It Kicks, but then Miz winds up. Jimmy ducks the buzzsaw, Miz blocks the superkick, but the DRAGON WHIP connects! Miz rebounds to B-MOVIE KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! The parodies don’t get it done, but Miz still has his original work to fall back on. The fans rally for “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Miz runs in, A-LIST LARIAT! Miz shoves Jimmy down, then springboards, but into a SUPERKICK! Jimmy hurries up top, for the USO SPLASH!! Cover, Jimmy wins!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Miz may be a movie star, but Big Jim’s the one winning this main event! Jimmy then borrows Joe Tessitore’s headset to call out Gunther! He’s coming after dat ass on Monday! Gunther won’t be the ring general, he will be “Private Gunther,” and he will salute Big Jim! Uh, uh, YEET! Will Jimmy be the one making examples out of the World Heavyweight Champion? Or will everything come crashing down when Gunther gets his turn?
Drew McIntyre returns backstage.
And he says hey to Lewis Capaldi, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, and also a big fan of Drew’s. They’re ready to have a good night in the pub, but Jackie Redmond walks over to congratulate him on the win tonight. She was hoping to get some thoughts on that victory and what happened with Orton and Kevin. Drew says it’s alright, this is what happens. He doesn’t care about anybody else’s business, but no one gets away with screwing him over. And when no one meddles in his business, he wins! Drew called out Priest, where is he? Priest doesn’t have the balls! So time to get mad in the pubs, everyone’s invited!
Drew turns the corner, but PRIEST IS THERE! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the door, then throws him into road cases! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the trunk of a car, and then again! Or since it’s London, “the boot.” The driver complains, but Priest BODY SLAMS that guy through a table! Drew comes back to KNEE Priest low, SMACK him off the trunk, and then off the side! They go to the hood, or bonnet for UK. Drew drags Priest up, but Priest CLAWS Drew’s eyes! Priest then sends Drew SOUTH OF HEAVEN through the windshield! Priest tells security that he’s done for now. Any more jokes, Drew? Didn’t think so! RIP, jackass!
Priest leaves, the producers hurry to help Drew, and Drew’s got glass in his eye! Will that glass help Drew see why he shouldn’t piss off the Punisher?
CM Punk heads to gorilla.
He has a security detail with him, and he passes by Drew writhing in pain. Punk chuckles, then continues on. Will his contract signing with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins be just as brutal? We find out, after the break.
Nick Aldis is in the ring.
The SmackDown General Manager welcomes us back, and says it is his honor and privilege to be here in the O2 in London. Now, we all know why he and this table is here, and why additional security is here tonight. Tonight, we are here to sign a contract for a Triple Threat. Perhaps the biggest Triple Threat in the history of WrestleMania: Seth Rollins VS CM Punk VS Roman Reigns! The fans cheer all those names, and here comes the OTC! London puts the ones up, and Paul Heyman accompanies THE Tribal Chief out on stage. Roman raises his finger to the sky for the pyro, then security follows him to the ring.
SmackDown goes picture in picture as Roman’s entrance continues, and he raises his finger to the sky for the second round of pyro. Roman steps into the ring, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Heyman hands him a mic. The fans sing, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!” Roman nods, the fans cheer, and now they chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman tells London, “ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” The fans cheer again, and again chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman smiles, but he sees the chairs are not to his liking. Heyman makes sure to put one at the head of the table. Heyman also dusts the chair off while Roman enjoys the singing of, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!”
Roman takes a seat and says that was beautiful. The way they sing to their Tribal Chief, it’s just beautiful. The singing continues, and Heyman even joins in! Roman smiles, and he says that is what he’s talking about. That’s the OTC for you, baby! The biggest star on the planet! The OTC came here for two reasons. One: to be acknowledged; check! And two: to sign this contract. Roman does just that, and he says he’s checked both boxes. That means- “BURN IT DOWN!” Seth Rollins interrupts! The fans now sing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Rollins struts out in his red wine paisley suit and conducts the O2 Choir all the way into the ring.
The fans cheer while Roman frowns, but Rollins takes the seat to Roman’s left. Rollins offers Heyman a chance to sing to this song, but Heyman frowns. Rollins chuckles, and he says the fans do have beautiful singing voices. He doesn’t know why Roman is in such a hurry to leave, though! This is their building! There’s a lot of history here! 12 years ago, they landed on the roof of this place in a helicopter! They came down those stairs over there, “ready to burn down the old guard!” They put the Undertaker down through the desk, and they were going to remake this company in their image!
Now don’t get him wrong, Rollins knows a lot has happened since then. They fought against each other, with each other, a little bit of love and a whole lot of hate. But Rollins dare says, as the fans continue to sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~,” that Rollins and Roman accomplished their mission. The fans start to chant for CM Punk, but Rollins tunes them out. Roman says, “We? We? You keep saying we. Our mission? We died a long time ago. It’s only been ME. You been here, but I done all the work! I’ve made this place what it is today! I took us to the level that we are here today! I made this place better than we found it!
“I’m the one that made us desirable to Netflix! I’m the one that took us into billion-dollar deals! Tell me, what have you done?” Rollins shouts, “I’ll tell you what I’ve done! YOU, YOU, YOU, it’s that mindset that keeps me having to screw you! You understand that? And your biggest mistake is not understanding the danger that’s right in front of us! The danger that’s right in front of you! You let the biggest snake in the world, CM Punk, into the garden! And you could’ve cut his head off at WarGames! But instead, you shook his hand. You could’ve let me finish him inside the cage at The Garden, but you didn’t. And now, I am left to do what I always do: Clean up your mess, again.”
Rollins drops his mic, picks up the pen, and signs his part. And now, here comes CM PUNK! The fans fire up and sing along with Cult of Personality, then join in on saying, “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME~!” Punk goes to the ring, but as he grabs a mic, he goes up a corner, just like he did last Friday. “I have come here to chew bubblegum and sign a contract. And I’m all outta bubblegum.” The fans cheer the Rowdy Roddy Piper reference, and Punk hops down to take his seat on Roman’s right. Punk looks over said contract, but Roman asks if Punk needs a highlighter or something. What’s he doing? Just go to page four, clause five.
Punk does as Roman says, but Roman says Punk needs to hurry, this is precious TV time. Punk reads the segment, Roman tells Heyman to just smarten Punk up. Heyman tells Punk he knows what Punk is looking for. It is in there. They’re closing the show at WrestleMania. The fans go wild hearing that! Heyman tells Punk that he gets to live his dream of dreams. CM Punk will be a WrestleMania main eventer! The fans cheer and while Roman smiles, Rollins is furious. Roman says, “One man’s dream is another man’s favor! CHECK!” Wait, this was the favor? Rollins says no! This is not something to laugh at, and Punk does not get to tear up!
Punk is NOT deserving! He does NOT deserve this! The fans boo but Rollins continues to throw a fit! Main eventing WrestleMania is SACRED, the most important thing in the world to Rollins! More than anything! Except the fact that Punk NEVER gets to main event! This is all Roman’s fault! This is all Heyman’s fault! Rollins THROWS his mic down, paces angrily, but Punk picks up the mic. The fans cheer Punk on again, and Punk stands to thank London, to thank Chicago, to thank Louisville, Kentucky, and to thank ALL the fans. As corny as it sounds, he thanks the WWE Universe who stood by him and chanted his name for TEN LONG YEARS!
Roman says hold on, hold on. Punk shouldn’t be thanking the fans! He should be thanking the Tribal Chief! It is because of Roman that Punk gets this honor! So please, take this moment, close the show with that acknowledgement! Do this the right way. The credits are already rolling as Punk kneels before Roman!? Punk smiles, and he thanks “My Tribal Chief, the holder of the ula fala, the Head of the Table, the… Big Dog? Thank you for allowing a kid from Chicago to be graced by your presence. Thank you, My Tribal Chief, for allowing me to stand in your ring. And thank you so much. Thank you, Roman Reigns, so very much.
“But because of you, I will see you in the main event of WrestleMania.” And again, Rollins is agonizing over this. Punk finishes putting his signature on the contract, and London tells him, “You Deserve It!” Punk thanks Roman again, and then says, “But that’s not the favor that I’m owed.” WHAT?! Roman looks at Heyman and Heyman can’t look him in the eye! If getting this Triple Threat made into the main event isn’t the gift of the Wise Man, then what is?!
My Thoughts:
A good SmackDown, but they pulled off quite the paradox. They made it feel like they were struggling to fill three hours, yet they also filled the show to the point where that contract signing segment was almost bleeding over the three hour mark. Ironically, part of the problem was just how excited the London crowd was for this. The superstars still wanted to enjoy the chants and songs, but that’s time SmackDown doesn’t have to spare. It made the opening promo from Cody, Orton and Drew take longer, and it kinda did the same to the contract signing at the end. Even so, we still got a very good promo, and good stuff to set up Orton VS McIntyre.
Orton VS McIntyre was a great match, but of course Kevin costs Orton. McIntyre gets his win, Kevin and Orton have a bit of a brawl, but of course Kevin ends up on the losing end and runs off. McIntyre’s trash talk also comes back to bite him as Priest gets the better of him in their brawl. Here’s hoping Drew didn’t actually get glass in his eye, but that being the thing in kayfabe can be some good stuff. I can imagine McIntyre with an eyepatch, and he takes it off at the opportune time to get the better of Priest in their match. Also what a fitting choice for Punk to be passing by Drew suffering because of real glass.
Very good title matches tonight, but of course the status quo was kept. Pretty Deadly gets to look great here in London, but the Profits only just got the belts, they’re not going to be transitional champions like that. And Knight VS Braun was really good stuff, but honestly, Jacob Fatu going after them both should’ve been a given. Jacob also had a great promo with Solo & Tama to start adding to that divide between Jacob and Solo. I would hope Solo doesn’t screw Jacob out of the US Championship, but it feels like he will as Solo won’t stand for Jacob defying his authority, even though Solo’s been trying to make Jacob the champion all along.
Very good stuff from Jimmy Uso tonight, from his promo with #MeloDon’tMiz and then a great match with Miz. Their match ended up the de facto main event match, so that’s also great for both guys. Great win for Jimmy, but that’s likely because Jimmy is losing big time to Gunther on Monday. And it might just be me, but it feels like only now is the Jey VS Gunther build really moving, largely in part because Jimmy got involved. Jimmy’s promo after his match is something along the lines of what Jey should be saying. But I suppose as brothers, Jimmy is the one who knows Jey best and knows what Jey needs to be motivated again. And seeing Jimmy get beat up by Gunther will definitely motivate Jey…
Good final vignettes for Rey Fenix and Aleister Black. I’m a little surprised they confirmed Rey Fenix is showing up next week, and that they confirmed who Rey Fenix even is. I believe commentary confirmed Rey Fenix is Penta’s real brother, even namedropped “Lucha Brothers,” but all that is still surprising considering Fenix is going to start on SmackDown. Aleister’s vignette (at least I am fairly confident it’s his) was giving us glimpses of his silhouette, but I think there was usage of AI in the snake imagery. It was fine they did it for El Grande Americano because that is all trolling, but they really should try and do things the old fashioned way of photoshop and stock imagery.
Very good stuff in the Women’s Division tonight, though the WWE Women’s Championship portion was the weaker. Naomi’s got a great Heel persona going, her promo was great, and her going after B-Fab & Michin over them supporting Jade was a great detail. Jade runs Naomi off, helps B-Fab, but there was no helping Michin in being fed to Charlotte. Tiffany had a decent promo, and it does fit how Charlotte kept her from speaking so she finally gets things out here. It didn’t really add that much, though, but they already gave us a great brawl so not sure what more they can give.
KC Squared VS The Secret Her-vice was a very good match, but of course Chelsea made sure her team won. A Six Woman Tag of Zelina & KC Squared VS The Green Administration is certainly coming, to help give us Zelina VS Chelsea for the Women’s US Championship.
My Score: 8.7/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 3.27.2025
Bad news out of the TNA management side, but this is a taped episode from El Paso! So we won’t see any of the fallout just yet!
Now we all heard the news about the TNA change in hierarchy, and I…have no positive outlook on that. Delirious sucked at booking and creative in the dying days of ROH before it got bought as a B show. Dreamer having even more control is concerning because his ideas the last two years haven’t been much better.
Gail leaving makes more sense to me. Be it firing or a “you can’t quit, you’re fired” kind of situation, the Knockouts division is the worst it’s been in a long time and Gail was close with Scott D’Amore. So I don’t think Gail parting ways is as big of a problem since TNA has slowly been bleeding out with the Scott faithful.
Granted, I think the next few shows were already taped before the firing so things shouldn’t be completely unwatchable for at least a week or two. So let’s see where we’re going.
.@WeAreRosemary sends @XiaBrookside a CHILLING message!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/srciTTbel0
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Ratings:
- Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge: Ash wins via Rarefied Air – ** 1/4
- Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr: Chavo wins via Gory Bomb into Frog Splash – *** 1/4
- Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich: Masha wins via Russian Death Device – ***
- Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin: Eric wins via Piledriver – ** 1/2
- Seto & Mokuba – I mean – Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater: Nic wins via Danger Zone – *** 1/4
Results:
Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge
Ash and Gigi start off, Gigi with a little Rascalz after her first takedown. So both her and Wentz are making it obvious something’s going on between them, and I’m not mad at it. Good for my man Wentz.
Tatum and Gigi get some quick tandem offense in, Ash does manage to scurry off to a tag and Heather gets bent into a Pretzel. Some kind of Inverted Tarantula from Tatum, Gigi tags in, Bronco Buster on Heather followed by Kawada Kicks. Heather sells against the ropes, Gigi goes for a Hesitation Dropkick, but Concierge pulls her away so Gigi crashes and burns. Ref is distracted, Ash gets in some cheap shots and then the Elegant duo starts working over Gigi. A few quick tags, but once Heather comes in, Gigi fights out of the corner, gets the hot tag to Tatum. Tatum stacks up both Elegance members, Corner Stacked Crossbody, Butterfly Suplex and an Elbow Drop with some some flare. Tatum goes to the top rope, Heather pulls Gigi off the apron, Concierge shoves Tatum off the turnbuckle and Ash hits Rarefied Air for the win.
Post match the Elegance Clique wants to make their wish with the cake, they light the candles and Tatum and Gigi recover enough to do what we all expected last week, the cake in the face spot. Some…suggestive licking from both of our Hot Topic Hotties, so…no complaints here.
.@Ashamae_Sebera, @Heathereckless and @IamGeorgeIceman are having a meltdown!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/FnKwPqm2ff
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr
Chavo and Kaz start since he’s King Petty, a quick rope run turns into a Headscissor from Chavo. Kaz recovers, they lock up, Kaz hits the Knee Lift during the lock up to tag out to KC. KC pulls off some athletic dodges, gloats a bit so Chavo waits, measures and nails a gorgeous Dropkick. Laredo comes in on fire, quick high spots that send KC bouncing around like HBK against Hulk. KC powders after sells the Satellite Takedown, AJ checks on him and we go to commercial.
Back from commercial, Octagon is lighting up KC’s chest with overhand chops, he perches, Sunset Headscissor Flip from corner to corner, KC tries to Back Drop him but Octagon does a headstand, kicks KC away and lays him out with a high spot. AJ gets on the apron to stop Octagon from running the ropes, the referee has a stroke or something because he stops paying attention and AJ pulls Octagon out of the ring and chucks him. KC with the Tope con Hilo and tag (tag ropes haven’t mattered since the 80s we all know this). So AJ is getting taunted by the crowd in Spanish, but he’s manhandling Octagon since it looks like a Child fighting their parent. AJ knocks off Chavo and Laredo, Laredo pops up and tries to get involved but he’s caught on the shoulders, Octagon goes for the Crossbody but gets caught and AJ pulls off “World’s Strongest Wasteland” but Chavo breaks up the pinfall. AJ throws Octagon into the corner, Tennessee Whiskey, and tag out to KC. KC hits a few moves, but starts to lose the momentum until he connects with a Super Kick. Simultaneous rope run into the Dueling Crossbodies, so we get the timely tag outs from both sides. Kaz and Laredo come in, Laredo lands like two moves before Kaz hits a Sole Butt, Lariat and eats his lunch. KC and Kaz try to double team Laredo but he fights out and the crowd is chanting for Chavo.
Chavo tags in, and he’s rocking KC, Saito Suplex, Low Bridge to AJ, Reverse the Whip so Chavo goes to the corner and perches, KC feeds, Chavo Backflips to safety, rolls through and lays out KC. Chavo is feeling himself, 3 Amigos start on KC but only 2, Kaz comes in and Chavo switches to Kaz for the Amigos, only 2 again before AJ breaks it up. AJ goes for the disrespect, but Chavo counters and hits the 3 Amigos on the biggest Culero. Aztec Warriors dive to stop AJ and Kaz, KC tries a Dirty Victory Roll but Chavo kicks out. GORY BOMB into FROG SPLASH!
Chavo looked fantastic and he’s the one in the best shape in the ring. I wouldn’t be mad at more Chavito.
Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich
I expect very little from this match.
Collar and Elbow, gator rolling for the first 30 seconds or so, then Jacy goes to some Hair Pull takedowns and does a little taunt before Masha pops back up and hits a Lariat into a Dive. Jacy sells it like she’s really hurt, even the ref tries to hold Masha back a little before Masha gets annoyed and just grabs her, Masha throws her in, looks for a Dive and Jacy sees it and powders. Masha tries to go back to the well for the Dive again but Jacy hits the Uppercut and then an Apron Run PK to drop Masha. Forearms rain down into a Foot Choke as Jacy continues to arrogantly play to the crowd. Another Foot Choke into a Cannonball, and near fall.
Masha gets space with a Sole Butt, tries to snap off Requiem but Jacy fights off, fights through a Sunset Flip another effective PK keeps Masha on her ass. Jacy looks for a kinda half-assed Camel Clutch as Masha is fighting up, but Jacy runs her into the corner, gets distracted mouthing off to the crowd, so Masha recovers, 5 Hole Up Kick sends Jacy into the corner, Yakuza Kick into Capo Kick for two. Requiem attempt again, but Jacy pushes off, a little back and forth, Masha tries a Backslide but Jacy gets away and hits a V-Trigger but only a 2 count. Jacy looks for the Discus Punch but Masha ducks it, they strike back and forth, but some dodges from both leave the exchange more even. Jacy with the Front Kick to the face sends Masha to the outside. Jacy wants another PK, but Masha blocks, Electric Chair Apron Snake Eyes. Masha throws her in, a PK into a near all. Requiem attempt 3, and thwarted from Jacy with a Superkick into a Neckbreaker. Senton misses from Jacy, Buzzsaw Kick, into Spinning Back Kick and Russian Death Device for the win.
Better than I expected, and Tessa attacks as soon as the bell rings. Xia Brookside and Lei Ying Li make the save after Tessa grabs the belt.
Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin
Ace and Eric tie up, World of Sport start but as soon as Ace starts to get away EY punches him in the face. Eric looks at the camera and says “This is what trust looks like”, turns his back on Ace, when Ace looks to attack, the loser duo cut him off. EY takes advantage of the weird situation, but Ace with some Up and Over quick spots, into an Inside Cradle and La Magistral. EY kicks out of the quick flash attempts, but eats a Dropkick, and Ace goes all Speed Kils on him with fast strikes and then a face buster for another near fall. Strike spot very early in the match, Ace gets the best of it, goes for a Tear Drop Suplex but EY sits on it to block, Headlocks to keep him close and then a snap Lariat into beatdown bully tactics. EY takes the referee’s attention and one of the nerds punch Ace in the face.
Eric tries to lean on Ace, but Ace fires, a few strikes, Click Click Boom, the Miz Seated Lariats in the corner, Mochizuki Triangle Kick connects! Only a 2 count, but Ace seems to be in control. Ace puts EY on the ropes, a few strikes to keep him rocked, wants a Superplex, but EY blocks, bites the face and Macho Elbow gets a very close two count. EY tries the Piledriver but Ace turns it into a Jacknife Cradle,Spinning Heel Kick, calls for The Fold, but the losers hop on the apron to distract, Ace attacks them. Ace tries to time out the Triangle Kick again, but Eric dodges, throws Ace head first through the buckles. As Ace stumbles out of the corner, Piledriver, and it’s over.
Oh look it’s the “we’ll hear from Joe Hendry” segment. Again, I’ve loved this gimmick since Day 1, even didn’t hate his What Culture Pro stuff, but there is such a thing as milking a cow too much.
Elijah interrupts the whole “Who’s next” speech. When Elijah comes out he says he’s not the challenger and he believes in Joe. The crowd wants Elijah to turn on Hendry. Elijah pauses for a moment, and starts proving his friendship with stating his favorite color and a little “You Got a Friend in Me”. The crowd is into singing along and waving their cameras like Lighters to a 30 year old song. THANKFULLY Kaz breaks up the hug fest. Now he gets the “Culero” chant.
Kaz pulls out a Bass…what the hell is this Jam Session. Kaz has to warm up so he plays “La Cucaracha” on the bass. Kaz…is a national treasure. Hendry kicks Kaz out of the ring after his Heelish and playfully racially charged song choices. Kaz tries to sow dissension, but Joe and Elijah pinball Kaz between them. Kaz slips a power move and tries to shove Elijah into Joe but Elijah puts the brakes on, a small tense moment. But then Joe and Elijah play “Nah Nah Nah Nah, Hey Hey, Goodbye”…and that goes right into a commercial. Oddly…perfect.
Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater
Nic shoots the half immediately for a flash pinfall but Leon kicks out at one. Nic continues to keep things grounded with his amateur wrestling skills, and then does a little Dolph Ziggler show off. So Nic isn’t really taking this seriously, and Leon starts getting the best of things with an Arm Wringer, into drag, Shoulder Tackle and rope run as Nic tries to Leap Frog and Leon puts on the brakes and just shoves Nic on his ass. Nic gets annoyed, a few strikes, grinds his face along the ropes, but Leon keeps stringing some offense together, Back Handspring Elbow into his Corner con Hilo.
Ahh the classic formula of the commercial gives the heel the advantage, Twisting Suplex from Leon stops Nic’s offense momentum, right hand, Leon lifts Nic up for something, Nic slips it, kicks him in the gut, looks for the FameAsser, but Leon catches him into a Blue Thunder Bomb variation. Slater wants the Swanton 450, but Nic powders. Leon tries to adjust into a Dive, but Nic cuts him off, counter for counter and a FameAsser out of the counters for a two count. Nic starts the big brother tactics, bootwashes and arrogance, Slater fires, punches into a Yakuza Kick. Leon wants another Lethal Injection variant, but Nic catches him into a Rear Naked Choke. Slater tries to turn it into a pin so Nic breaks it. Leon wants a Leg Lariat but misses and gets unceremoniously dropped by Nic. Nic puts Leon up on the buckles, Superplex possibly but Slater counters, tries to collect himself for a move, but Nic falls into the ropes to crotch Leon, and finally hits the Superplex.
Twist of Slate from Leon, Swanton 450 but knees get up. Locomotion Cradles from both but they kick out, Ryan picks the ankle to trip up Leon just a touch and then Danger Zone ends the match.
Ryan starts the post match beatdown, but the Hardy’s music hits and they come down to the ring for the save. Matt challenges the Nemeths for Rebellion because they’re not medically cleared yet.
Overall Score: 6.5/10
Decent story motion, no match was offensive, and there was actually some solid match action for television standards. I don’t have a ton to complain about aside from the Knockouts Division is in a weird spot, and giving Hendry a lot of just talking and hollow payoff segments feels stupid. If we need to hear from him every week, give him a talk segment like Highlight Reel or something. Yes I know First Class just got The Penthouse, but if Hendry is going to talk more than wrestle, give him a talk segment for us to sink our teeth into.
There was the announcement that Xia, Lei Ying and Masha will face Tessa, Jacy and a mystery partner. So you gotta wonder if there’s going to be another NXT mercenary, a surprise return or if it’ll just be Rosemary since she’s got her issues with Xia. Also I just realized that Unbreakable is going to be on a Thursday, seemingly after iMPACT? I’m gonna have to see how they do it, because if there’s an Impact episode and 2-3 hour PLE…I do not want to be awake until 1am. People need to work, and I will be Unwakeable if things go that long.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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