Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (5/9/23)
A new era begins!
The NXT Women’s Championship Tournament begins!
With Indi Hartwell moving on to Monday Night Raw, NXT needs a NEW Women’s Champion! Who makes it through the tournament to take the title?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- NXT Women’s Championship Tournament, Opening Round: Gigi Dolin VS Tiffany Stratton; Tiffany wins and advances.
- NXT Tag Team Championships: Gallus VS The Dyad w/ Ava Raine; Gallus wins and retains the titles.
- Duke Hudson w/ Thea Hail VS Javier Bernal; Duke wins.
- Eddy Thorpe VS Damon Kemp; Thorpe wins.
- Ilja Dragunov VS DIJAK; Dragunov wins, by disqualification.
- Tyler Bate w/ Wes Lee VS Charlie Dempsey w/ Drew Gulak; Dempsey wins.
- Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen w/ Fallon Henley VS Hank Walker & Tank Ledger; Briggs & Jensen win.
- NXT Women’s Championship Tournament, Opening Round: Lyra Valkyria VS Kiana James; Lyra wins and advances.
- Trick Williams VS Bron Breakker; Bron wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
NXT Women’s Championship Tournament, Opening Round: Gigi Dolin VS Tiffany Stratton!
The Toxic Avenger takes on the Center of the Universe, but Tiffany thinks she should’ve been handed the belt. Will Gigi show Tiffany that you’re only worthy of a title by winning it? Or will Daddy’s Little Rich Girl get what she wants like always?
The bell rings and Tiff talks trash. She and Gigi tie up, Gigi puts Tiff in a corner, and Tiff wants the ropebreak. The ref counts, Gigi lets off and she blocks a kick to fire forearms! Gigi UPPERCUTS Tiff, whips and swings, but Tiff ducks and handsprings. Then goes Matrix! But Gigi kicks the arms out and brings Tiff around into a modified Magistrol! TWO, and Gigi PENALTY KICKS Tiffany down! Cover, TWO! Tiff scrambles to a corner but Gigi hits a BRONCO BUSTER! Fans fire up and Gigi goes corner to corner, but Tiff dodges! Gigi crashes ‘n’ burns, Tiff runs to DOUBLE STOMP her down! Cover, TWO!
Tiff drags Gigi around by the bad arm and wrenches to an armlock. Fans rally for Gigi and she fights up to arm-drag free. Gigi runs to forearm Tiff at the ropes! Gigi whips, Tiff reverses and steps over to JAM the arm! Tiff hammerlocks and RAMS Gigi into the corner! Gigi staggers into a snapmare and step-over, HIP DROP on the bad arm! Cover, TWO! Gigi is still in this but Tiff drops down on the arm again! Tiff covers but Gigi keeps her shoulders up. Tiff is frustrated, so she SLAMS the arm on the mat! Fans boo but Tiff talks trash on Gigi, before a springboard STOMP on the arm! Cover, TWO!
Tiff looms over Gigi, grabs the arm and drags Gigi up. Gigi reverses the whip to send Tiff into buckle! Roll-up, TWO! Gigi keeps on Tiff but Tiff wrenches and WRINGS the arm out! Cover, TWO! Tiff keeps on Gigi as fans rally for Gigi. Tiff YANKS the arm, wristlocks and wrangles Gigi down, but Gigi avoids the hip drop! Tiff still kicks Gigi back, wrings the arm but Gigi rolls through! Gigi counter punches and kicks, then fires off knee after knee! Tiff shoves free but Gigi comes back to CLOBBER her! And again! Gigi keeps moving, and BOOTS Tiff down! Gigi shouts for Tiff to get up! Gigi drags Tiff up, but Tiff wrenches the arm to a CODE BREAKER!
Gigi staggers away, Tiff runs and handsprings corner to corner, to back elbow! Snapmare and run, but Gigi dodges the stomps! Roll through and ROUNDHOUSE! Then an STO! Fans fire up and Gigi drags Tiff back up. Gigi gut wrenches, but Tiff wrenches out to an ELBOW BREAKER! Tiff fireman’s carries, ROLLING SENTON! Tiff goes up, up, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER! Cover, Tiffany wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
Tiffany proved she can earn what she wants, and she’s through to the semifinals! Will Tiffany make it all the way to Battleground and the belt?
The Schism speaks.
Joe Gacy tells the Dyad, “Last week, I sacrificed myself for your opportunity, and I have no doubt that you will bring gold back to us. Four roots, one tree.” Rip Fowler & Jagger Reed head out, will they take the titles from Gallus? As for Gacy, he tells Ava Raine that he took her words to heart. He will not be joining them ringside, as his attention is directed elsewhere. But he wants Ava to guide them as he would. Ava follows after The Dyad, just who is it that has Gacy’s attention?
Carmelo Hayes & Trick Williams return to the barbershop.
Trick says he needs to beat the brakes off of Bron Breakker. Change his name to Bron Er. But how’s Melo feeling? He’s aight. Medical wants him to be 100% before clearing him and letting him loose. But Melo appreciates Trick standing up for him and telling Bron he ain’t the one or the two. But does he really have to do this tonight? Yes. Trick knows Bron’s a bad boy, but Trick’s on a whole new level. Don’t he look good? Yep. Ain’t he been working? Yep! Ain’t he gonna whoop Bron’s ass tonight? YEP! Okay, bet. Pass on Melo, take care of Trick, they gotta get going. No, Trick’s gotta be the one to take care of this.
Trick is doing this for Melo, but he’s also doing this for himself. He’s gonna prove he’s everything he’s said he is. Melo’s biggest test is at Battleground. Trick’s biggest test is tonight. Well, Melo will be watching. Trick says that’s all it is, and that’s all it’s gon’ be. High-fives all around and Trick heads out. But Melo is still a little worried. Will Trick’s gift of jab match his gift of gab? Or will Bron break Trick before breaking Melo?
NXT Tag Team Championships: Gallus VS The Dyad w/ Ava Raine!
Mark Coffey & Wolfgang already dealt with Rip Fowler & Jagger Reed once, but The Schism found a way to jump the line. Will Rip & Jagger ssssoooon be recognized as the new tag team champions? Or will it always be Gallus Boys On Top?
The introductions are made, but the teams get at each other, and a brawl breaks out! The ref has Joe Coffey exit, Wolfgang throws Rip out of the ring while Mark keeps after Jagger. The bell rings and this is on record as Wolfgang sends Rip into barriers! Mark whips Jagger to ropes then CLOBBERS him! And then scoops to a SLAM! Mark stalks Jagger, headlocks, and he grinds Jagger down. Jagger fights around, fights up, and pulls hair! We see Tony D’Angelo & “Stacks” Channing Lorenzo up in the perch as Jagger powers out of the headlock. Mark runs Jagger over, then brings him up for another headlock.
Jagger fights around again, throws body shots, and he powers up, only for Mark to hold on tight. Mark knees low, rams Jagger to the Gallus corner, and he tags Wolfie. Gallus double whip and crisscross Jagger for a double NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Wolfgang wraps Jagger up, clamps onto an arm, but fans rally up. Jagger fights to his feet, but Wolfgang short arm lever suplexes! Wolfgang keeps Jagger down, then wrenches the arm. Jagger throws forearms but Wolfgang keeps him from Rip! Jagger throws more forearms, gets free, and tags in Rip. Rip storms up to DROPKICK the arm!
Rip throws forearms, CLOBBERS Wolfgang, covers, ONE! Rip clamps on with a chinlock, then he fishhooks Wolfgang’s face. The ref counts, Rip CLUBS Wolfgang down. Fans duel between “FOUR ROOTS! ONE TREE!” and just booing, but Rip drags Wolfgang up. Wolfgang blocks the suplex, and then suplexes Rip back! Tag to Mark and he clamps onto Rip’s arm. Rip flails, reaches out, but Mark wrenches and RAMS him! Mark clamps onto the arm again, but Rip knees low! Rip sucker punches Wolfgang, then wrenches and headlocks Mark. Jagger sneaks a tag as Mark powers out, and Rip sends mark away.
Jagger trips Mark and Rip basement dropkicks! Then MAYHEM IN MOTION takes out Wolfgang! The Dyad clinch and ENZIGURI, COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, TWO! The Dyad is frustrated while NXT goes picture in picture.
Jagger drags Mark up, throws forearms, and Mark staggers around. Jagger whips, Mark reverses and arm-drags! Mark has the armlock and he wraps Jagger up into a cobra clutch! Jagger endures, fights up, but Wolfgang tags in. Ripcord and shoulder ram, then a forearm to the back! Wolfgang snapmares Jagger to a cover, TWO! Wolfgang wraps Jagger up in a cobra clutch and grinds him down. Jagger endures, fights up, but Wolfgang wrangles him back down. Wolfgang leans on the hold, but Jagger fights up and reaches out. Wolfgang ripcords and shoulders Jagger again! And back to the cobra clutch!
Jagger fights up, Wolfgang throws knees, and tags Mark. Ripcord, shoulder ram, and FLYING SHOULDER TACKLE! Cover, TWO! Mark keeps on Jagger with stomps, then runs in at the corner. Rip moves in to be the cushion but Mark stops. The ref reprimands Rip but Jagger sucker punches Mark! Jagger tags Rip, Rip storms up to short arm LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Rip clamps onto Mark with a chinlock and he puts on the pressure. Mark endures but Rip drops an elbow! And then reapplies the chinlock! Mark fights up, throws body shots, but Rip knees low. Tag to Jagger and The Dyad double whip to double LARIAT! Jagger covers, TWO!
Jagger looms over Mark, drags him up and ROCKS him with a haymaker. Jagger runs in to UPPERCUT! Tag to Rip and he runs in to clothesline! Feed to the WHEEL KICK! Rip hurries to push Mark to a cover, TWO! Rip clamps onto Mark and fishhooks his face. The ref reprimands, Rip drops an elbow on Mark’s head! NXT returns to single picture and fans rally up as Mark endures the chinlock again. Mark fights up, fans duel, but Rip knees low! Rip whips Mark to the cover, tags to Jagger, and Jagger whips Rip in, into a BOOT! Jagger runs in, Mark goes up and over but Rip do-si-dos to send him into Jagger’s SUPERKICK!
Rip throat chops, Jagger leaps onto the cover, TWO! The Dyad is again frustrated, and we see The Diamond Mine is watching backstage. Ivy Nile glares at the TV, but the Creed Brothers are goofing around, wearing blue masks that resemble the Schism’s yellow smiley face ones. Ivy gets annoyed and grabs their noses! She tells Julius & Brutus to stop making jokes! Ivy storms off and the brothers don’t understand. But back in the ring, Jagger keeps Mark down with a facelock. Mark fights up as fans rally, but Jagger CLUBS him down! Jagger keeps Mark back, but the fans continue to rally!
Mark fights back up, powers up to lift Jagger, and TOSS him away! Hot tag to Wolfgang! The Howler rallies on The Dyad! BIG haymakers for both of them, then he RAMS Jagger into the corner! Wolfgang fires off fists, Rip storms up on him, but Wolfgang ROCKS him! Wolfgang whips Jagger into the corner, SPLASHES, and goes to the apron. Wolfgang DECKS Rip, goes up the corner, and he AX HANDLES Jagger down! Fans fire up with Wolfgang and he scoops Jagger for a SLAM! And then SIDEWAYS SENTON! Tag to Mark, Gallus DOUBLE URENAGE Jagger! Mark covers, TWO!! Jagger survives for The Schism!
Mark tags back to Wolfgang and Wolfgang drags Jagger up. Fireman’s carry, Mark runs in, but Rip trips him up! Fans boo but Jagger rolls Wolfgang up! TWO!! Mark SMACKS Rip off the desk! Wolfgang CLOBBERS Jagger! Tag back to Mark, and Wolfgang drags Jagger around. Ava distracts on the apron! The ref reprimands, Ava hops down, and Wolfgang CATAPULTS Jagger at Mark! But Jagger uses that to hit a SATELLITE DDT! Wolfgang is shocked, and then Rip drags him out to throat chop! Jagger tags Rip! The Dyad take aim, ‘FOUR ROOTS! ONE TREE!” But Ivy SPEAERS Ava!!
The Creeds stop Ivy from attacking Ava, Jagger goes out to help, and Mark CLOBBERS Rip! Tag to Wolfgang! Gallus coordinates, BOOT O’ DOOM!! Cover, GALLUS WINS!
Winners: Gallus, by pinfall (still NXT Tag Team Champions)
Ava can’t believe what just happened! She shrieks in frustration, will The Schism make Diamond Mine pay for that? As for Gallus, they’re still on top, but Tony & Stacks are watching. Will The Don & The Underboss get themselves a 2v2 match for Battleground?
Thea Hail and other Chase U students talk.
She wonders when Andre Chase is going to return, but is also thankful that Duke Hudson stepped up so no one falls behind this semester. And the Draft! Imagine if you got drafted! Javier Bernal walks over to tell them all to keep on dreaming. He asks Thea a question: does Chase U offer classes on how to get into the NXT Women’s Championship Tournament? Because clearly, Thea isn’t in it so no. But then Duke walks over and apologizes for being late. Grading papers takes a lot more time than you’d think. But uh, is spellcheck just an Australian thing or…? Thea is anxious and asks how she did!
Oh, Thea, you… got an 88! AWESOME! She SLAPS Javi on the chest as part of celebrating! Javi gets upset and can’t believe how deep Duke is into this thing. Javi sees Duke is operating from the inside. But when Duke unveils that final plan. Chase won’t know what hit him. Uh, Javi, first off, you don’t even go here. Second, Chase will return sometime somewhere, Duke is simply filling in. Is that so? Yeah! Oh, is this… Okay, everyone thinks they can get away with whatever they want when the substitute teacher’s in, right? Well, this is not gonna go that way. So how dare Javi disrespect the good name of Duke U- Chase U!
Heh, bit of a Freudian Slip, huh? Javi, you dweeb, listen up! Duke’s gonna make a match between Javi and the MVP of Chase U. And tonight, Javi gets an ANDRE CHASE UNIVERSITY SIZED ASS WHOOPING! Big Body Javi hurries away, will he be ready for this #TeachableMoment?
NXT Anonymous watches their archive.
The Women’s Division’s various assaults all play together, side by side. Nikkita Lyons, Wendy Choo, Sol Ruca. Is there a commonality between these three? Will NXT Anonymous tell us when they find it?
Duke Hudson w/ Thea Hail VS Javier Bernal!
Is Duke playing a long con? Has he truly accepted the black ‘n’ red way? Will we ever find out? Or will all that matters is that Duke wins one for Chase U?
The bell rings and Duke circles with Javi. They tie up, and Duke powers Javi to a corner. Fans rally behind Duke but Javi gets around to slap him around. Duke shoves Javi down! Fans fire up and Javi scrambles away. Duke pursues, Javi plays a bit of cat ‘n’ mouse, and he stomps away on duke ashe slides in! Fans boo as Javi has Duke in a corner for haymakers and body shots. The ref counts, Javi stalks Duke to another corner to fire off more hands! Thea coaches Duke but Javi mocks the “U~!” Javi grins, but Duke runs in to run Javi over! Javi staggers up, Duke scoops and SLAMS him! Duke fires up and so do the fans!
Javi wants mercy, but Thea says no way! Duke storms up and Javi dropkicks the legs out! DDT! Javi keeps moving, SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Fans chant “JAVI SUCKS!” but he stomps away on Duke. Javi drags Duke into a chinlock and he grinds Duke down. Thea shouts and the fans rally, and Duke fights his way up. Duke pries at the hold as fans chant “M V P!” Duke powers the headlock open, then arm-drags Javi away! Javi flounders to a corner, but he comes right back to stomp Duke down! Duke sits up, Javi throws a haymaker! Duke is powering up! Javi throws more hands, and Duke says “U!”
Duke throws body shots, he CLUBS Javi down, then he whips Javi to ropes to CLOBBER him and CLOBBER him! Another whip, and Duke scoops Javi for a SIDEWALK SLAM! Fans fire up more as Duke aims at Javi. JAB! JAB! JAB! Flip, flop and “U~!” ELBOW! SENTON! Javi flounders but Duke runs to the apron and slingshots to GERMAN SUPLEX! Fans fire up again as Duke brings Javi up. Duke reels Javi in, for the Gory Especial, and the RIVER! Cover, Duke wins!
Winner: Duke Hudson, by pinfall
Duke continues to prove why he’s the Chase U MVP! But is Duke truly doing this for Chase U? Or is it all a poker face until the final hand’s been dealt?
Von Wagner talks with Robert Stone.
Von is feeling great. The weather is nice, and a positive attitude is a powerful thing. Stone never thought of it like that. But okay, rapid fire questions! Favorites, go! Hamburger? Bacon burgers! Fries? Oh, good one. Chili cheese. Ice cream? Mint chocolate chip! Wait! Cookies ‘n’ cream! Nice, nice! Stone’s a pistachio man himself. What’s Von see when he looks at this picture? Stone took the post surgery picture from Von’s photo album?! Von is upset, but then someone walks over to say he heard Von’s trying to get a head of the competition. Dude, c’mon. What? It’s just a joke. Von SLAMS the guy into road cases!
Von tells this guy to take his funny bone and shove it! Von lets the guy go, and Stone frowns. Von just scoffs at his answer of pistachio ice cream. If this issue bothers Von that much, what is it going to take to get to the bottom of it?
The Diamond Mine runs across Gallus.
Joe Coffey tells them to keep their noses out of Gallus business. Ivy gets riled up but Julius says it’s fine. He isn’t even sure what Joe said, but he still needs to watch his mouth. And Brutus tells Mark & Wolfgang to watch those tag titles. Oh, looking for a fight? Joe says not now. He has an idea: Pub party, champs only. So the Diamond Mine isn’t welcome. Gallus heads out but Julius says that’s fine, they don’t like Gallus anymore anyway. Ivy thanks the Creeds for earlier, and Julius says it’s fine. No one messes with Ivy, except for the Creeds. But will they find their way back to the tag titles one way or another?
Eddy Thorpe VS Damon Kemp!
The Alpha Wolf has been leveling up to get ready for this showdown! Will he take a bite out of the Golden Gopher? Or will Damon make him feel like he’s a Young Boy again?
NXT returns and Damon makes his entrance. The bell rings, the two tie up, and Damon headlocks. Fans rally for Eddy but Damon spins to a wrench and a wristlock. Eddy wrenches back, spins him around and arm-drags him away. Fans cheer but Damon says okay. They go again, tie up, and Damon waistlocks to SLAM Eddy! And SLAM him again! Damon facelocks, Eddy moves around but Damon floats to go for another facelock. Eddy reaches out for the ROPEBREAK, but Damon lets off slowly. They go again, Eddy headlocks and he holds on tight. Damon powers up and throws body shots.
Damon sends Eddy to a corner, Eddy goes up and over and ducks ‘n’ dodges to hit a headlock takeover! Damon keeps his shoulder up and pushes Eddy with forearms. Damon stands, pries the hold, and he spins it around to headlock and takeover! Eddy headscissors, Damon gets free, and things speed up as Eddy drops, hurdles, and CROSSBODIES! Fans fire up while Damon flounders away. Eddy is after Damon with a CHOP! Eddy facelocks, suplexes, but Damon blocks! Damon wrenches out, knees low, and UPPERCUTS! Damon then hangs Eddy out to dry before a slingshot JACKHAMMER! Cover, TWO!
Damon taunts Eddy, then rains down forearms! Eddy keeps a guard up so Damon lets off. Damon talks trash to the fans but the fans boo back. Damon talks trash on Eddy, brings him up and turns him around into a chinlock. Fans rally but Damon shifts to a seated cobra twist! Damon digs his knuckles in but Eddy fights up. Eddy throws hands but Damon fireman’s carries to ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Cover, TWO!! Damon is frustrated, but he clamps back on with the seated cobra twist. Eddy fights up, throws body shots, then dodges the lariat to CHOP! Eddy bobs ‘n’ weaves, throws more hands, then CHOPS again!
Eddy whips and CLOBBERS Damon, then starts to rally! Strike fest, PELE! Damon staggers to a corner, Eddy runs in to BOOT! And GERMAN SUPLEX! Damon flounders, Eddy covers, TWO! Eddy waistlocks Damon but Damon throws elbows. Damon whips, Eddy reverses but Damon sunset flips! Eddy rolls through to get the legs! Damon scrambles but Eddy gets the HALF CRAB! Damon gets the ROPEBREAK! Eddy lets off in frustration, Damon holds onto the apron skirt! The ref reprimands, Damon kicks Eddy away, then stands up, into a BOOT! GERMAN SUPLEX! Fans fire up as Eddy stomps around!
Eddy runs to JUMPING ELBOW! Cover, Eddy wins!
Winner: Eddy Thorpe, by pinfall
That last sudden burst was enough for Eddy, and Damon complains about the apron skirt. But Damon was the one who brought it into play! Will Damon ever take responsibility for his own messes? Will The Alpha Wolf soon be hunting down some championship gold?
Backstage interview with Kiana James.
McKenzie Mitchell is with the Calculator to say she’s had an incredible rookie year in NXT. She was handpicked by HBK and the coaches as part of the top 8 to be in the Women’s Championship Tournament. Tonight, she faces Lyra Valkyria- Yeah, yeah, McKenzie, Kiana gets it. She’s got the most difficult first round opponent. Whoever put this bracket together did her no favors. But luckily, Kiana thrives under pressure. Her last 12 months speak volumes, especially the latter half. She has laid out everything she’s wanted to do here, and checked them off one by one, except for the NXT Women’s Championship.
As McKenzie said, Kiana’s rookie year here was incredible. But can you imagine how much bigger year two will be as the NXT Women’s Champion? Kiana can. But will it become reality here tonight? Or will the misfortune of facing the Morrigan be her downfall?
Backstage interview with Bron Breakker.
McKenzie brings up that tonight, he faces Trick Williams in the main event, but is going to ask the question “on the minds of everyone in the WWE Universe. Why the change in attitude?” Bron says there was no change, he just stopped caring. For over a year, Bron carried the NXT Championship on one shoulder, the NXT banner on the other, and the weight of this brand on his back. What’d it get him? Nothing. And the fans made their choice, and they chose Carmelo. That’s fine. Because Melo is still picking splinters out of his ass after being Speared through the wall a couple weeks ago.
So if McKenzie or the fans or whoever doesn’t like the attitude, there’s the door. Bron didn’t ask for this interview, she did. But here, here’s something. Melo, tonight, I’m gonna put your buddy, your best friend, Trick Williams, in the same hospital that I put you in. See you at Battleground.”
Ilja Dragunov VS DIJAK!
The Czar doesn’t back down from a fight, but #HardJustice has been taking the fight to him. Will Dragunov prove what it is to be UNBESIEGBAR? Or will Dijak put his momentum on lockdown?
NXT returns as Dijak makes his entrance. The bell rings and Dijak runs in! But Dragunov blocks the boot, throws Dijak down, and KNEES him back! Fans fire up as Dragunov CHOPS Dijak! Then puts him in another corner, to CHOP again! Dragunov puts Dijak in a third corner to CHOP again! Fans are thunderous already, but Dijak turns things around to COHP in return! Dragunov shakes his head, and he CHOPS! CHOPS! CHOPS! Dragunov backs Dijak down corner to corner with the chops, then fires off MACHINE GUN CHOPS!! Fans are thunderous as Dragunov lets off, winds up and CHOPS again!
Dijak is down, Dragunov goes up, KING KONG KNEE DROP! Dijak sputters but Dragunov goes back up! Dijak gets Dragunov with both hands, and SHOVES him down! Dragunov hits the apron on the way down to the floor! Dijak goes out, pushes Dragunov into the ring, and covers, TWO! DIjak grits his teeth, rains down fists, then covers again, ONE!! Dragunov is showing that toughness but Dijak clamps on a BEARHUG! Dragunov endures, even as Dijak shouts in his ear to give up! Fans rally, Dragunov fights to his feet and pries the hold open. Dragunov turns to ROCK Dijak! Dijak ROCKS Dragunov!
The two go back and forth, Dijak gets the edge but Dragunov gives it all back! Dragunov throws boxing elbows and an UPPERCUT, but Dijak BOOTS him! Dragunov springs up to PELE! Fans are loving this as Dragunov waistlocks and deadlifts Dijak! But Dragunov’s ribs hold him back, the damage done weeks ago. Dijak choke grips, Dragunov fights free, and he comes back to FOREARM! And ROUNDHOUSE! But both men fall over! Fans fire up as Dragunov rises again. Dragunov waistlocks and deadlifts again! But Dijak holds ropes to stop the suplex! Dijak throws elbows and body shots, then he TOSSES Dragunov away!
Dragunov goes to the corner, comes back, but into the CYCLONE KICK! Cover, TWO!! Dragunov survives and Dijak is beside himself! Dijak goes out and he shoves the timekeeper aside to get a chair! The ref reprimands and fans boo but Dijak wants to hurt Dragunov, not beat him! The ref grabs the chair, but Dijak TOSSES the ref away! Fans boo more, Dijak JAMS Dragunov! The ref has the bell ring, Dijak loses!
Winner: Ilja Dragunov, by disqualification
But Dijak still SMACKS Dragunov on the back! And his rage erupts as he goes out and RAMS Dragunov into the apron! And into the POST! And then APRON CHOKE SLAMS Dragunov! Dragunov flops down but Dijak isn’t done with him! Dijak brings the steel steps around, turns them on their side, and goes back for Dragunov. Dijak KICKS Dragunov around, then tips the steps! Dragunov fights them off! Dijak STOMPS Dragunov, then buries him under the steps! “How’s that feel!? How’s that feel?!” Dijak STANDS ON THE STEPS to trap Dragunov! Dijak asks if Dragunov feels alive while he sputters and coughs!
Fans boo, the refs rush out and Dijak steps away, saying “I can break any man!” But then Dragunov shoves the steps away!! Dragunov isn’t done yet, but Dijak chuckles. Will these two go around again down the line?
Tyler Bate meditates.
Wes Lee walks in and says he hasn’t seen this much smoke since he was hanging out with Matt Riddle. But uh, Tyler, you in there? Wes knows Bate is getting his head right for his match with Charlie Dempsey, but Wes has to thank him for last week. Bate was like a “majestic leopard” as he took out Charlie, it was beautiful! And since Bate had Wes’s back, Wes will have Bate’s. Gulak & Dempsey are determined to sap all the joy outta NXT, and they’re not gonna let that happen, right? Right, yeah. Also, Bate’s up next, so let’s get going. Wes looks closer, and then Bate opens his eyes.
Bate says hey, sorry, he was “miles away” there. Did Wes say something? Uh, yeah- Bate says when he meditates, he goes into a deep, deep trance, like he’s on a higher plane of existence. Does Wes know what he means? Yeah, bro. Dope. Bate’s ready, Wes is by his side, will the Big Strong Boi humble the Son of the Gentleman Villain?
Dani Palmer tweets a video.
She was finishing training with Hank Walker & Tank Ledger when Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen walked in. She wanted them to say hey, and they congratulate her on her NXT debut win. But anyway, she watched it back, and asks what she could do to do better next time. Briggs says just keep busting your ass and doing the reps. Jensen says the more you get in there, the better you’ll be. Hank says he was telling Tank the very same thing. And if they wanna get good as a tag team, they just gotta practice. Tank says yeah, and maybe it could be against “the big boys.” What do they say? Briggs & Jensen say sure! They shake hands, will we get a real banger of a brawl from these heavy hitters?
Tyler Bate w/ Wes Lee VS Charlie Dempsey w/ Drew Gulak!
NXT returns as Dempsey makes his entrance with Gulak. The Big Strong Boi made sure Wes wasn’t cheated out of the North American Championship, will Wes make sure Bate isn’t cheated out of a win tonight? Or will the Philly Stretcher have the perfect plan to get even?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Dempsey UPPERCUTS, UPPERCUTS and UPPERCUTS, but Bate gives those back! They go UPPERCUT for UPPERCUT! Bate runs to UPPERCUT, Dempsey rebounds to UPPERCUT! And repeat! Bate then UPPERCUTS and EXPLODERS! And then STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO! Bate keeps on Dempsey with a fireman’s carry, and he starts the spin! But Dempsey fights free to get the full nelson! Bate uses his leg to provide leverage and break free, then throws elbows! But Dempsey CLUBS Bate! And knees him, into the BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!
Dempsey drags Bate up to ROCK him with forearms, and UPPERCUTS, but Bate headlocks to BOP Dempsey with his foot! And BOP him again! Dempsey powers out, Bate goes up and comes back, but Dempsey steps through the roll up! But Bate sunset flips! But Dempsey rolls through to get the legs! But Bate rolls to bring Dempsey down! Now rolls reverse as Dempsey sunset flips, Bate rolls through, and Dempsey SPINNING HEADSCISSORS! But Bate cartwheels through it and fans fire up! Dempsey rushes in, Bate dodges and Dempsey stops in the corner. Dempsey turns around and heads collide!
Both men fall and fans rally up. Dempsey and Bate stand up, and Bate brings Dempsey around to UPPERCUT! Dempsey UPPERCUTS back! Bate UPPERCUTS, Dempsey knees low! Dempsey clamps on with an IRON OCTOPUS! Dempsey CHOPS Bate’s side to complete the stretch! Bate endures, powers up, and he fireman’s carries for the AIRPLANE SPIN! Fans fire up as Bate goes around and around and around, for more then TEN spins before the DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! But wait, Joe Gacy walks out? Was Gacy talking about Wes earlier? Gulak storms over to Gacy and Wes and asks what’s going on. Wes asks them both what’s going on!
Bate sees everyone is around Wes, and he FLIES out to take Gacy and Gulak down! Wes says that’s what they get. Bate hurries back in, ducks the haymaker to Bop up, and BANG! Gulak distracts the ref, Bate runs, but Gacy CLOBBERS Bate! Dempsey hurries to DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, Dempsey wins!
Winner: Charlie Dempsey, by pinfall
Gacy may not have been part of Gulak’s plans, but it all worked out for Dempsey! Will Wes have to worry about more than one sneaky snake coming after his title?
Carmelo sees Bron’s message.
Melo says he can’t stay back now. He has to go and help Trick. But Trick said- Trick said what he said but he’s also family. Will the NXT Champion make sure Bron doesn’t destroy his best friend?
Backstage interview with Dragon Lee.
McKenzie knows he took a hard loss to JD McDonagh last week in what was an instant classic. But she wants to bring up what happened right after that match with Noam Dar. Dragon says Dar thinks Dragon is a threat, and he’s right! that’s why Dar wanted JD to injure Dragon. Dar only cares about two things: himself, and the- Oh, speaking of, Dar pops up on screen with a special edition of the Supernova Sessions. Dar says, “Hello, hello, hello. Dragon Lee, hear me now. It’s Mr. Supernova 11, Noam Dar, the longest reigning NXT Heritage Cup Champion. Now Mr. Dragon, I come bearing gifts.”
Dar knows the two of them got off on the wrong foot, but allow Dar to be the bigger and better man by offering him this prestigious opportunity. He’ll be the envy of the entire locker room after this, because Dar chooses Dragon Lee to be his first official guest on the relaunch of the Supernova Sessions show! Please, join Dar for the return of “the most loved and most revered talk show in the WWE Universe.” So cutting edge, so unique, that after this, Dragon’s career will skyrocket from the ground floor, where it currently is. So Mr. Dragon, Dar awaits a response. Thank you, buh-bye. Check please.
Dragon’s response: he’ll be there. Will Dar regret extending this invitation? Or will he make Dragon regret accepting it?
Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen w/ Fallon Henley VS Hank Walker & Tank Ledger!
The boys are reunited and it’s Country Strong! But will they get back on track tonight? Or will Hank ‘n’ Tank use their own brand of blue collar brawling to get going in the Men’s NXT Tag Division?
NXT returns as Hank ‘n’ Tank make their entrance. The teams sort out and Briggs starts, with a BOOT to Tank! Jensen and Hank start throwing hands on the outside! Hank knees low, SMACKS Jensen off the apron, and fans fire up. Briggs headlocks, Tank powers up and tags Hank. They keep Briggs guessing and Hank runs Briggs over! Tank drops a headbutt! Hank covers, TWO! Hank CLUBS Briggs, brings him up and CLUBS him again. Briggs SLAPS away on Hank, then hits a BIG back suplex! Tag to Jensen, he and Briggs double whip Hank to double shoulder him! They then double scoop SLAM!
Briggs ELBOW DROPS, Jensen ELBOW DROPS! Jensen covers, TWO! Jensen keeps on Hank in the corner and CHOPS! LARIATS! And CHOPS! And LARIATS! Hank fires back but Jensen ROCKS him! Jensen whips Hank but Hank CLOBBERS him! Fans fire up and Hank shoots in to RAM Jensen into the corner! Tag to Tank and he SPLASHES Jensen! Tank scoops and SLAMS Jensen, pushes him to a cover, TWO! Tank drags Jensen around, whips him to ropes, but Jensen KNEES back! Tag to Briggs and Jensen lifts Tank. Briggs runs, atomic drop and BOOT! Jensen BLASTS Hank, Briggs covers, TWO!
Tank snarls as he sits up and fans rally up. Tank spits out a tooth, picks it up, and nods as he puts it away for later. Briggs eggs him on, Tank fires off forearms and haymakers! Tank HEADBUTTS, HEADBUTTS, but Jensen tags in! Tank whips, Briggs reverses and feeds to the lift! HART ATTACK! High stack, the country boys win!
Winners: Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen, by pinfall
That was a barn burner! And in the end, Briggs & Jensen show respect to Hank ‘n’ Tank with handshakes. There seems to be a new edge to Briggs & Jensen, will they use that edge to carve a new path to the top?
Lyra Valkyria speaks.
“You can either evolve, or get left behind. This place, this skyline, doesn’t resemble the lands that made me. But I am evolving. Adapting. And sharpening my weapons. I’m not the same person who crossed the Atlantic last year. But I am still Valkyria, Shadow of the Morrigan. And as I preside over this concrete jungle, three women have been marked on my route to the NXT Women’s Championship. Kiana James, you are the first.” Will Lyra take flight towards the golden Battleground? Or is she underestimating the Calculator?
NXT presents an all new Hard Hitting Home Truths.
Nathan Frazer is back and he welcomes us to the latest edition of HHHT. Now the WWE Draft has come and gone, and a staggering 17 NXT superstars moved on to the Raw & SmackDown rosters. That’s right, SEVENTEEN! And that means spots have opened up. But for who? We don’t know, and that’s the fun of it. See, NXT is like a melting pot of incredible talents from around the world. Axiom from Spain, Dragon Lee from Mexico, Oba Femi from Nigeria. Ghana, Brazil, Poland, Columbia, Ireland, Chase U- Chase U isn’t a country. But Duke goes to Chase U, he’s Aussie, but the list goes on and one.
Frazer himself is from Jersey. Not New Jersey, OG Jersey. Tiny little island between England and France. But anyway, all this talent from all walks of life are battling it out. That gives new meaning to the term, “World domination.” But this era of “global localization” means a certain someone has created a spot for himself. The Heritage Cup Champion, the Scottish Supernova, Noam Dar, who has a fancy little talk show of his own, debuting next week. Interestingly enough, Frazer’s first WWE TV appearance was on Supernova Sessions. He can tell us with absolute certainty, that show serves no other purpose than for Dar to stroke his fragile little ego.
Meanwhile, HHHT is designed to bring things to light and expose the lies that frauds have been telling themselves so that they don’t have a leg to stand on. Speaking of, roll the clip. Dar swings on Dragon, Dragon SUPERKICKS Dar! Frazer has a good laugh. “You love to see it.” The Heritage Cup is Dar’s baby, metaphorically and literally, because roll the clip. Dar cradles the cup and coddles it. There’s being proud of being champion, but even by WWE standards, that’s just strange. But just know this, Dar. It is likely that in the very near future, you won’t have your baby. And your entire world will come crashing down.
But for now, Frazer will love ya and leave ya, this has been HHHT. Peace. Is Frazer not so subtly putting his hat in the ring for the Heritage Cup?
NXT Women’s Championship Tournament, Opening Round: Lyra Valkyria VS Kiana James!
We’ve heard from both superstars tonight, but now it is time to put up or shut up! Who joins Tiffany Stratton in the semifinals of this tournament?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Lyra shoots around to roll Kiana up, ONE! Kiana says it’s not that easy, and the two tie up. Kiana knees low, throws Lyra by her hair, and covers, ONE! Lyra gets up but Kiana headlocks. Fans rally behind Lyra and she powers out, only for Kiana to run her over. Kiana taunts Lyra, things speed up, and Lyra hurdles but Kiana blocks the hip toss. Lyra throws Kiana to the other side, Kiana hip tosses back but Lyra handsprings through! Lyra comes back to body scissor, flip and cover, TWO! Kiana sunsets, TWO! Lyra high stacks, TWO and Kiana pops her to a sunset! TWO and Lyra prawn holds, TWO!
Kiana sunset flips again, TWO! Lyra jackknife bridges, TWO as Kiana bridges up! They spin around, Kiana wants the backslide but Lyra holds it off. Kiana knees low, whips Lyra to a corner, but Lyra goes up and Electric Chair spins to a RANA! Ghost pin, TWO! Kiana goes to ropes, but she elbows Lyra away. Lyra comes back to body scissor again, but Kiana puts her in ropes! GUILLOTINE CATAPULT! Lyra flops out of the ring and Kiana goes after her. Kiana whips Lyra into the POST! Kiana talks trash and fans boo as NXT goes picture in picture.
Kiana says she’s smarter than Lyra, then she goes out to bend Lyra against the post! The ref counts, Kiana lets off at 4, and Lyra crawls away. Kiana slides back in, stalks Lyra, and KNEES her in the side! Cover, ONE!! Lyra is tougher than that and Kiana is frustrated. Kiana wraps Lyra up in a seated cobra twist but Lyra endures. Fans rally up, Lyra fights up, and Lyra throws body shots! Kiana throws body shots back! Kiana whips, knees low, then soaks up the heat. Kiana swaggers around, brings Lyra up and whips her again, for another knee, that Lyra uses to get a roll-up! TWO, Kiana wants a leg but Lyra backslides her! TWO!
Kiana RAMS Lyra into a corner! Kiana stomps, RAMS, and handsprings to RAM into Lyra again! Kiana pushes Lyra down, pushes her to a cover, TWO! Kiana is further frustrated but she clamps back on with the seated cobra twist. Lyra endures, even as Kiana adds a leg to the stretch! NXT returns to single picture, fans rally up, and Lyra fights to get her leg free. Kiana keeps on the upper body but Lyra fights up. Fans rally, Lyra clinches back and MONKEY FLIPS Kiana away! Kiana flounders up, into a cradle! A shoulder is still up so Lyra has to tip that way, TWO! Kiana gets up to fire body shots!
Kiana reels Lyra in for an atomic GUTBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Kiana scowls as Lyra hangs tough and goes to a corner. Fans rally, Kiana runs in and RAMS into her! Kiana backs up, handsprings, and runs in again, into a KNEE! Lyra goes up to MISSILE DROPKICK! Fans rally up while both women are down. Lyra sits up, Kiana follows, and Lyra throws haymakers! Lyra blocks a kick to CLOBBER Kiana! And ROUNDHOUSE! And SOBAT! Front kick! HEADBUTT! AX KICK! Kiana blocks the northern lights to knee low! Kiana runs in but is dumped out of the ring! Lyra builds speed to WRECK Kiana with a dropkick!
Fans fire up as Lyra goes out and brings Kiana around into the ring. Lyra climbs up, takes aim, and leaps, but Kiana gets under! Lyra comes back to ENZIGURI! Lyra reels Kiana in, NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Kiana escapes but Lyra fires back up. Fans rally behind Lyra as she hobbles to a corner. Lyra climbs up, takes aim, and dives, onto knees! Kiana drags Lyra up, gut wrench and POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Lyra survives and shocks Kiana! Kiana drags Lyra up to KNEE her low! And again! Fans rally, Kiana knees Lyra more! Lyra goes to ropes but Kiana brings her up, back suplex, but Lyra lands on her feet!
Lyra BOOTS Kiana down! Lyra wins!!
Winner: Lyra Valkyria, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
Kiana can at least say she was right, Lyra was an incredibly tough first round opponent. Will Lyra stay tough all the way to Battleground?
Gallus is having a good time at the bar.
Mark says, “How ’bout them Creeds, eh?” Joe says to forget about those guys. A toast to their successful title defense. But then Tony & Stacks walk over. Tony congratulates Gallus on the big win tonight. Stacks made some scratch betting on them, too. Gallus showed just why they’re champs. Yeah, what’s your business here? Oh, does Joe just wake up angry? Anyway, last time Tony & Stacks came in, they left with a spot at Stand & Deliver. Yeah, that was some scrap, huh? But if Joe wasn’t involved, Gallus wouldn’t even be champions right now! What was that? Tony & Stacks tell Joe to calm down.
Tony understands the whole crew is here, but he just wants to say that they’re next. Joe says things are done differently now, and he brings out the Billy club. Gallus does things differently now that he’s back, and that means they handle business differently. So Tony & Stacks should leave while they can still walk. Okay, okay, but just know, Joe doesn’t wanna go down that road. Gallus is stateside now, and you don’t wanna threaten The Don. But don’t worry, the Family will get their title match. Joe tells them to see themselves out, but then there are more guys ready to fight. Stacks says they should go, and Tony obliges. Will The Family get theirs come Battleground?
Trick Williams VS Bron Breakker!
As #TrickWilly said himself, he isn’t just doing this for Melo, he is doing this for himself. Will Trick pass the biggest test in his NXT career? Or will Bron prove Steiner Math was right all along?
NXT returns as Bron makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two tie right up. They go around, Bron puts Trick in a corner but Trick slips away. They go again, Bron fireman’s carry takeovers, then wrenches. Trick kips up but Bron wrangles him down. Trick fights up, breaks free and DROPKICKS Bron! And DROPKICKS again! And then RAMS Bron into the corner to fire off fast hands! Trick RAMS into Bron again and again but lets off as the ref counts. Trick jukes the ref, Bron ROCKS him, but Trick RAMS Bron back into the corner! Fans fire up as Trick fires off more fists! The ref counts, backs Trick off, but Trick storms up again.
Trick whips corner to corner, Bron reverses to get around and waistlock. Trick switches, Bron bucks him, and then Bron runs up, into a BOOT! Trick runs in to BOOT Bron out of the ring! Fans fire up and Trick is feeling it! Trick goes out the side, ROCKS Bron, then CLUBS him against the desk! Fans and even Booker is loving this! Trick brings Bron around, tells the timekeeper to move, but Bron hauls Trick up to OVERHEAD suplex him onto the desk! Fans duel between barks and “Bron Breakker Sucks~!” Bron puts Trick in at 8 of 10, rains down fists, then he hauls Trick up, for another OVERHEAD Suplex!
Fans mock Bron with “MEOW~” rather than barking, but Bron GERMAN SUPLEXES Trick! Bron stalks Trick, drags him up and talks trash, but Trick SLAPS Bron! Bron DECKS Trick! Bron hauls Trick up to snap suplex! Cover, but Bron lets off to do push-ups! Bron says he could do this all day! Fans boo and give thumbs down but Bron clamps onto Trick with a cobra twist! Fans chant “YOU STILL SUCK!” Bron fishhooks Trick, the ref reprimands, but Bron keeps on the twist. Trick fights up, stands up, and he throws body shots! Bron knees low, whips Trick, but Trick whips him away! Trick dodges the lariat to BODY BLOW! And UPPERCUT!
Bron staggers, Trick runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Trick is showing heart but Bron gets annoyed. Bron toys with Trick, Trick stands, and Bron runs in to LARIAT! Fans chant “Bron is Neutered!” while Bron looms over Trick. Bron runs, but into a BOOT! Trick hurries to SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Fans fire up for Trick, he counter punches Bron! And again! Then dodges to DROPKICK! Bron staggers, Trick keeps moving, for a LEAPING LARIAT! Trick roars and fans fire up behind him! Trick has an arm, he cartwheels to bring Bron right up into the URENAGE! Cover, TWO! Bron survives but Trick keeps focus.
Trick aims as Bron rises, and Trick spins, but Bron catches him! Trophy lift, BREAKKER SLAM!! But Bron isn’t done, he wants Trick to get back up! Fans boo as Trick crawls to ropes. Bron drags him around but Trick kicks away on Bron! Bron gets that foot but Trick EDDY GORDO KICKS! Trick fires up again and fans are with him! SCREW HIGH- SPEAR!! Bron takes Trick down, he brings the straps down, and he shouts “IT’S OVER!!” STEINER RECLINER!! Trick shakes his head, he refuses to give up, but Bron bends him back! Trick taps, Bron wins!
Winner: Bron Breakker, by submission
Trick put up one hell of a fight, but Bron is #MeanerThanEvil! Fans boo but Bron doesn’t care, he puts Trick back in the STEINER RECLINER!! But here comes Melo! Melo rushes in to fire off on Bron! Fans fire up but Bron shoves melo away! Melo dodges, springboards, into a SPEAR!! The champion gets intercepted! Fans are in disbelief as Born stands over Trick Melo Gang and picks up the title. Bron grins as he tells Melo, “You have something that belongs to me. NXT Battleground, this is gonna be mine.” Fans chant “You Still Suck!” but will Bron once again be champion? Or can Melo find a way to still be #HIM?
My Thoughts:
A great episode, and even commentary seemed surprised at how literally hard hitting it was. Most surprising was that Briggs & Jensen were being so aggressive against Hank ‘n’ Tank. The match was made out of a social media promo, but clearly Briggs & Jensen want to reestablish themselves in the division. They were wearing dark jeans, are they going to suddenly turn Heel? That seems a bit random, since Jensen rejoined Fallon & Briggs. But maybe they’re just trying to match the hard hitting, no nonsense teams like Gallus, The Dyad and even The D’Angelo Family.
Speaking of, great tag title match from Gallus VS The Dyad, but I figured Gallus would retain. Nice segue within that match to set up some Schism VS Diamond Mine, mostly with Ivy going after Ava. And of course, Tony & Stacks want after Gallus next for some of that mafia VS mafia stuff, which we got a touch of tonight with Tony & Stacks confronting Gallus at their favorite spot. I wonder if Gallus will return the favor and go to Tony’s favorite restaurant. But obviously, something happens to give us Gallus VS Tony & Stacks at Battleground, and honestly, I wouldn’t mind if Tony added new faction members to even out the numbers since Gallus has three.
Gacy’s part in the promo should have of course clued us in that he wants the North American Championship. Great promo with Wes and Bate, I just knew Bate was too deep in meditation to hear anything. Really good match with Bate and Dempsey, but of course overbooking costs Bate. Dempsey probably gets in the mix for the North American Championship, too, and we could get some good stuff in deciding a contender, like a Triple Threat of Gacy VS Bate VS Dempsey, winner goes on to Battleground. Though, personally, it’d be a shame if we don’t get individual matches, like Wes VS Gacy and Wes VS Bate, because those would all be great stuff.
Really good promo to get things moving in the Heritage Cup scene, too. Dar interrupting Dragon to announce the return of Supernova Sessions was a good move, as was Frazer responding through his own talk show. I love that Frazer threw those jabs at Dar, I love that he said “global localization” as a nod to HHH’s dream/plan of putting an NXT in every major market, and I am still hoping there’s something more than just saying Dragon is Dar’s challenger. We need to have the Heritage Cup Division grow, and do so by having Heritage Cup Rules matches, like Dragon VS Frazer, maybe bring in some other names, and have a #1 contender by Battleground.
Good promo from Duke and Javi to set up their match, and it was a pretty good match. Duke won, of course, and I like that there is still the mystery of Duke’s true allegiances. Things are of course leaning heavily towards Duke wanting to put himself over, but we’ll have to see how many more twists and turns there are before Duke and Chase fight it out. In that time, maybe Duke should try his hand at the Heritage Cup Division. Von Wagner and Robert Stone had a good promo, too, and I just knew Stone was going to bring up the surgery picture. And I think the route they’re going is that Von’s anger comes from being bullied for the scar, because he basically snapped on that rando who made the head joke.
Really good stuff out of the NXT Championship story, such as a return to barbershop promos. Trick VS Bron in the main event was also great stuff for getting less time than I expected. Bron of course wins to build momentum towards Battleground, but I didn’t think he’d also beat down Melo. But I suppose that is to establish Melo is the underdog even as champion, making it even better when he overcomes Bron in his hometown. Maybe then, Bron moves on to RawDown, or at least another title on NXT. Then Melo can have a true clean start for the Summer, facing just about whoever is still in NXT.
And really good stuff out of the NXT Women’s Championship Tournament, but uh, what is with that opening bracket? Gigi VS Tiff, Jacy VS Roxie, Lyra VS Kiana and Fallon VS Cora? This is the same WWE trope, or rather their bad habit, of making opening round matches that set up super obvious second round matches. If Face A wins their match, Heel B wins theirs. If Heel A wins, Face B wins. That is to say, now that Tiffany has beat Gigi (without Jacy’s input, surprisingly), Roxie will beat Jacy. Likewise, now that Lyra beat Kiana, Cora will beat Fallon. The silver-lining there is that we’re free to have Gigi VS Jacy in their tiebreaker grudge match at Battleground.
Another thing I would like to point out about the tournament is that four matches seems too small. I get that they’re kayfabing these eight as the “top eight” in the division, like there’s suddenly a ranking system. And I get there’s only three weeks until Battleground and they can’t use all six hours for just the tournament. But there should’ve been something to give us the feeling that all the women in NXT were being given an equal opportunity. A battle royal to name a wild card to the bracket, perhaps?
My Score: 8.7/10
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Will the Mad King regret this gamble?
Before putting both belts on the line against Katsuyori Shibata at AEW WrestleDream, Eddie Kingston defends his NJPW Strong title against Rocky Romero! Will plans have to change all thanks to Azucar?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- AEW World Trios Championships: The Acclaimed & Billy Gunn VS The Hardy Party; The Acclaimed & Billy win and retain the titles.
- NJPW Strong Openweight Championship: Eddie Kingston VS Rocky Romero; Eddie wins and retains the title.
- The Righteous VS Caleb Crush & Gunnar; The Righteous win.
- AEW Women’s World Championship #1 Contender’s match: Ruby Soho VS Hikaru Shida; Shida wins and will challenge Saraya for the title on Title Tuesday, October 10th.
PLAY BY PLAY
AEW World Trios Championships: The Acclaimed & Billy Gunn VS The Hardy Party!
The open challenge was put forth, and it was answered very quickly! Will Matt, Jeff & Brother Zay DELETE the Scissor World Tour? Or will Max Caster, Anthony Bowens & Daddy Ass keep the party going?
But of course, Platinum Max has a diss track! “Acclaimed on the mic, ’bout to leave these dudes up in smoke! Y’know we comin’ like the Colorado Buffalos! Matt, I don’t want any heat! I don’t need your crazy ass wife sendin’ me tweets! It’s the one guy in Private Party! Nowadays, he gets tag teamed by the Hardys! Jeff, I’m a leave you black in both eyes! You gonna need these sunglasses like Coach Prime.” Bowens takes the mic to say “COLORADOOOO~! The Acclaimed have arrived! Scissor Me, Daddy Ass~!” And he does! The belts are raised, and we see who survives WrestleDream weekend!
The trios sort out and Bowens starts against Kassidy. They shake hands, tie up, and Bowens waistlocks. Kassidy drop toeholds, facelocks but Bowens slips free to wrench. Kassidy rolls, handsprings, wrenches and hammerlocks to a headlock. Bowens powers out to headlock but Kassidy powers out, only for Bowens to run him over! Bowens self-scissors, then things speed up. Kassidy hurdles, Bowens shoves then follows but Kassidy arm-drags! Bowens arm-drags! Bowens blocks Kassidy’s arm-drag to whip, but Kassidy wheelbarrows and arm-drags! Bowens stands, into a RANA! Kassidy then pounds the mat and fans fire up.
Bowens kicks but Kassidy blocks to spin him. Kassidy kicks but Bowens blocks to flip him! Bowens then kicks, kicks and KOTARO KRUSHER! Fans fire up, “EVERYONE Loves The Acclaimed!” Bowens drags Kassidy up, tags in Caster, and they double whip. Kassidy holds ropes, TOSSES Bowens then BOOTS Caster! Tag to Matt and Matt BOOTS Caster! Kassidy hits a NECKBREAKER, Jeff tags in to go up, for the SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Jeff snapmares Caster to then NECK SNAPPER! Fans fire up with Jeff and he waits on Caster to stand. Kick but no Twist as Caster slips free! Jeff ducks the backhand to SPIN KICK!
Jeff CLUBS Caster, Caster scrambles away, tags to Billy and Matt! Fans fire up as Matt says “DELETE! DELETE!” Billy says “SUCK IT!” “DELETE!” “SUCK IT!” “DELETE!” “SUCK IT!” And repeat! Then Billy headlocks! Matt throws body shots, powers out, but Billy runs Matt over! Billy flexes and does a dance, and then he runs in. Matt ELBOWS Billy, BOOTS him, then bumps him off buckles! “DELETE! DELETE! DELETE!” Billy gets all three layers, and Matt tags Jeff. Jeff tags Kassidy, and the Hardys set up fort he classic POETRY IN MOTION! Then Kassidy adds PARTY IN MOTION! But The Acclaimed CLOBBER Kassidy & The Hardys!
Fans fire up as Caster has Kassidy up to scoop and SLAM! Billy helps get the legs, and Bowens goes up to SCISSOR ME TIMBERS! Kassidy squeals before impact! Cover, TWO! Kassidy survives but The Acclaimed have control as Rampage goes picture in picture.
Billy brings Kassidy up, bumps him off buckles, and he hears the fans singing. Billy ROCKS Kassidy with a right, apologizes to the ref, then tags to Bowens. Bowens drags Kassidy up to ROCK him with haymaker after haymaker! Bowens then brings Kassidy up to tag in Caster. They double suplex Kassidy, Caster covers, TWO! Another cover, TWO! Caster keeps Kassidy down with a chinlock while fans rally up. Kassidy fights to his feet, throws body shots, and he fires forearms as Rampage returns to single picture. Kassidy runs but Caster CLOBBERS him! Tag to Billy and they mug Kassidy.
Billy brings Kassidy to an open corner, stomps and ROCKS him on repeat, then lets off to smirk at the Hardys. He dares them to do something, but Matt tells Billy to suck it! So Billy DECKS Matt! Billy runs corner to corner but Kassidy dodges! The splash hits buckles and Billy falls back! Fans rally up as both men crawl, but Billy gets Kassidy’s leg! Kassidy stands up to ENZIGURI! Hot tag to Jeff! Jeff rallies on Billy, on Bowens, and on Caster! Fans fire up and Jeff clotheslines Billy up and out! Jeff CLOBBS Bowens, then catches him for a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Leg hook cradle! Cover, Caster breaks it!
Caster helps Bowens up, then runs in, but Jeff ELBOWS caster and ROCKS Bowens! Jeff goes up, WHISPER IN THE WIND! Jeff gets both Caster and Bowens but everyone is down! Billy returns, kicks low, says ‘SUCK IT!” and runs, but Jeff dodges! Matt kicks Billy for a TWIST OF FATE! Jeff hurries up top, fans fire up, SWANTON BOMB! Cover, Bowens breaks it in time! Matt CLUBS Bowens, Bowens hits back, and Bowens calls to Caster. They whip Matt to a corner, forearm then ELBOW then forearm again! And a feed to the POWERSLAM! ROLLING ELBOW for Jeff! The Acclaimed regroup, and Billy crawls to the corner.
Fans fire up as Billy drags Jeff over. Jeff gets loose, hot tags to Kassidy and Bowens! Kassidy dodges Bowens to DROPKICK Caster! “This is Awesome!” as Kassidy BOOTS Bowens! Kassidy goes up, leaps, FLYING FLATLINER! Billy stands, runs in, but Kassidy dumps him out! Kassidy slingshots out then QUEBRADAS to take Billy down! Kassidy mocks the scissoring, then tells Bowens to get up. Kassidy springboards in, but Bowens dodges and Caster BACKHANDS Kassidy! Then Bowens BACKHANDS Kassidy! Bowens fires off the Five Tool Strike Fest! Caster hoists Kassidy up and Bowens helps, to give Kassidy the PLATINUM BOMB! Cover, The Acclaimed win!
Winners: The Acclaimed & Billy Gunn, by pinfall (still AEW World Trios Championships)
A huge win for the champions, and the Scissor World Tour continues! In fact, it is heading to Seattle for WrestleDream’s Zero Hour! TMDK’s Shane Haste, Mikey Nicholls & Bad Dude Tito are waiting, will they show The Acclaimed that The Mighty Don’t Kneel?
Eddie Kingston speaks.
“Well folks, tonight, it’s me and Big Rock, Rocky Romero, for the NJPW Strong Openweight Championship. Rock, I got nothing but respect for you, dawg, so it’s gonna be an honor and a pleasure to defend this against you. You’re the man that got me into the G1. You’re the man that got me-” Wait, Team Triple J is interrupting. Jay Lethal says that if we’re talking honor and respect, Eddie is standing here with two titles on his shoulders, and that is worth respecting. But Lethal can’t get behind how Eddie is the ROH World Champion. Lethal dedicated his life to that title! His blood, sweat, tears, all to honor a tradition that meant that every person to hold that title would be a pure athlete!
And Eddie, you are no pure athlete! Now as for this NJPW Strong Openweight title, Lethal doesn’t care if Eddie wins it or loses it here tonight. He really doesn’t. But he just cares that Eddie is unfit to be ROH World Champion! Eddie says okay, he’s got Lethal. But excuse his back, he’s gotta go beat up Romero. The Mad King leaves, but will he still have both crowns going into WrestleDream?
AEW shares an interview from after last week’s Collision.
Lexi Nair was with Andrade El Idolo after he was bandaged up from the beating Bullet Club Gold gave him. He almost won, but Juice Robinson interfered. What was that about? Andrade says everyone saw that Andrade had White beat. But the question for Juice is… “Do you have a problem with me? With Andrade El Idolo? Lemme tell you something. See you Saturday in Seattle!” Andrade wants his revenge on Rock Hard, will he get it on WrestleDream Eve?
NJPW Strong Openweight Championship: Eddie Kingston VS Rocky Romero!
The Mad King beat Kenta at NJPW Independence Day back in July to have his first singles title under the NJPW banner. And now he defends it against Azucar as a favor for getting him in the door. Will Rocky repay this favor by taking this title from Eddie? Or will Eddie still head to Seattle as a double champion?
The introductions are made, the NJPW belt is raised, and we see who is truly NJPW Strong!
The bell rings and fans rally up for “EDDIE! EDDIE!” The two circle, Rocky tests things with a kick but Eddie stays back. They feel things out, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Eddie waistlocks, Rocky wrenches, wristlocks, but Eddie clinches. Fans rally, Rocky keeps on the wristlock but Eddie powers through to wrench and wristlock back. Rocky rolls, breaks free and DROPKICKS! Fans are torn as Rocky swaggers, but he and Eddie reset. They feel things out, knuckle lock, and Rocky knees low. Rocky headlocks, grinds the hold, but Eddie powers up and out. They RAM shoulders, but Eddie stays up with a smirk.
Fans fire up as Rocky smirks back, but then pie faces Eddie! Rocky runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and RANAS! Eddie bails out, Rocky builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit but Eddie stays up, so Rocky goes again! DIVE and Eddie drops to his knees! Rocky keeps going, and he DIVES for the hattrick, only for Eddie to catch him! Stalling suplex, to the floor! Fans rally behind Eddie while Rampage goes picture in picture.
Eddie stands, stretches out his back, and then he gets Rocky up and into the ring. Cover, TWO! Eddie keeps cool, and also chooses not to rain down fists, instead clamping on a chinlock. Rocky endures as Eddie grinds him down, and fans rally up. Eddie cranks the headlock but Rocky refuses to give up. Rocky fights up, throws elbows, but Eddie knees him low! Eddie whips to knee low again, then whips for another knee! Eddie whips but Rocky rolls him up, TWO! Rocky BUZZSAWS Eddie, then TORNADO DDTS! Both men are down and a standing count begins. Rocky stirs at 3, crawls over, and he brings Eddie up.
Eddie pushes Rocky, runs, but into an IRON OCTOPUS! Eddie endures, pries at the hold, and pops free, only for Rocky to wrangle him with a ghost pin! TWO, and Eddie goes to ropes. Rocky storms up, KICKS Eddie in the back, but Eddie just grimaces. Eddie eggs Rocky on so Rocky KICKS him again! Eddie growls and eggs Rocky on more as Rampage goes picture in picture.
Rampage returns and Eddie suplexes, but Rocky knees free! Rocky knees low, Eddie rebounds, but into a JUMP KNEE! Eddie goes to ropes, Rocky storms over and brings him up through the ropes, to KICK! Eddie eggs Rocky on even though he’s stuck, so Rocky SLAPS Eddie! Eddie SLAPS Rocky! Rocky SOBATS! Then Rocky goes up a corner to MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Eddie is still in this and Rocky argues the count but the ref says it was fair. Rocky drags Eddie up, cravats, but no Sliced Bread! Eddie runs in to clothesline in the corner! And MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Fans fire up and Eddie hoists Rocky up top!
Eddie climbs up behind Rocky, stands him up, but Rocky throws hands! Rocky CLUBS Eddie, cravats, and hits SUPER SLICED BREAD! Cover, TWO!! Fans fire up as Eddie survives, and Rocky grits his teeth. Rocky pumps up and fans rally. Rocky runs in to clothesline! That’s one-ever! Two-ever! But URAKEN stops that! URAKEN again!! Eddie drags Rocky into the STRETCH PLUM!! Rocky taps, Eddie wins!!
Winner: Eddie Kingston, by submission (still NJPW Strong Openweight Champion)
Azucar could not dethrone The Mad King, but he still shows Eddie respect with a handshake and hug. Eddie is still NJWP Strong, but will he have to fight even harder to survive The Wrestler, Katsuyori Shibata?
Wait! That’s Shibata’s music! Shibata is HERE! He goes into the ring and shakes hands with Eddie. These two respect each other, and that means they will give it everything they’ve got! Will Eddie still be a two belt king? Or will Shibata become a TRIPLE CROWN Champion?
Aussie Open speaks.
Mark Davis says he is so tired. So tired of hearing the “top blokes” walk around here the last year, hubris unchecked, lying to the people that they are the best in the world. Kyle Fletcher says that for the last 365 days, everything Aussie Open has done has been to get back to FTR. When FTR beat them a year ago, it broke Fletcher. Fletcher felt like a failure and felt lost. So what he wants more than anything is to make FTR feel that pain. This Sunday, Aussie Open takes the AEW World Tag Team Championships, burns down the legacy of #7StarFTR, and from the ashes, rebuild a new empire that they will stand atop of to proclaim that THEY are the best tag team in the world!
The Aussie Arrow and Dunkzilla are ready to bring down Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler, will they fulfill that WrestleDream?
The Righteous VS Caleb Crush & Gunnar!
Speaking of tag titles, Dutch & Vincent are aimed at the ROH World Tag Team Championships! However, Adam Cole will be out with injury so it’ll just be Maxwell Jacob Friedman meeting them in Seattle. Will this tune-up prove to be more than enough going into that tag title handicap match?
The teams sort out, but then Dutch just CLOBBERS Crush & Gunnar! Fans boo as Dutch says just a few more days and those titles will be theirs! Vincent rains down fists on Crush, then drags him up to UPPERCUT! Vincent bumps Crush off buckles, tags in Dutch, and the Righteous mugs Crush before the BOSS MAN SLAM! Gunnar staggers up but Dutch feeds him to Vinnie’s KNEE! Then Vinnie feeds him to a BOSS MAN SLAM! Tag to Vinnie, fans are torn as the Righteous pace around Crush. Vinnie snaps his fingers, then cravats, AUTUMN SUNSET! Cover, Righteous win!
Winners: The Righteous, by pinfall
A swift and dominant win, these are the two men coming for the tag titles! Will The Righteous purge ROH of the “false friendship” that is the brochachos? Or are even two Righteous men combined not on the level of the Devil?
Ortiz sits alone in a room.
He looks back on his career alongside Mike Santana. They were at the top of their game coming into AEW, but then it ended up going downhill. There’s even audio from Konnan touching on how Ortiz and Santana stopped talking to each other and how Konnan was saddened by that. Ortiz has the footage stop there. What will it take for him to get Santana to talk to him?
Darby Allin speaks.
After replaying what Christian Cage said just last Wednesday on Dynamite, the Relentless One reiterates that he is NOT losing in Seattle, Washington! Will Darby defend home turf against Captain Charisma?
Nick Wayne speaks.
He knows Darby has a lot to say about Christian Cage, and all of that will be part of the Countdown special. But Nick also knows Darby’s actions will speak louder than his words at WrestleDream. And although Darby told Nick not to be there ringside, Nick doesn’t really want to anyway because of what Christian & Luchasaurus are capable of. So, while they let Christian and Darby settle their business, how about Nick and Luchasaurus settle theirs? For months and months, Luchasaurus walked around here while another man held his title. And Luchasaurus followed Christian around like he was some kind of father figure.
And Nick isn’t sure what it is about Christian where he thinks he can even be such a figure to “us Lost Boys,” but Nick had a father. And he told Nick at a young age “to never leave your debts unpaid.” Nick owes Luchasaurus. At Wembley Stadium, Luchasaurus choke slammed Nick onto a skateboard and Nick never forgot it. Nick will repay Luchasaurus this Sunday during Zero Hour. And Nick will even hand Luchasaurus a receipt. Nick brings his own skateboard, will he grind it right into the Right Hand of Destruction?
BREAKING NEWS for Collision!
AEW is going to do it big for WrestleDream Eve as, with Zack Sabre Jr. on commentary, we see an 8 Man Tag! FTR teams with Bryan Danielson & Wheeler Yuta to take on Aussie Open, Ricky Starks & “Big Bill” Morrissey! Plus, Chris Jericho & Kenny Omega test their tag team chemistry against The Gates of Agony! Will The Ocho & The Cleaner survive Toa Liona & Bishop Kaun to take on the Don Callis Family? And Julia Hart gets in action to build some last minute momentum, will she be ready for Kris Statlander and their TBS Championship match set for Sunday?
Backstage interview with Zack Sabre Jr.
Renee Paquette is with The Front Man of TMDK, and says we’re just days away from WrestleDream, where ZSJ takes on The American Dragon, Bryan Danielson. ZSJ just came off a three week tour in NJPW and just got here to the States, is he worried at all about acclimating? ZSJ asks Bryan “Dragon Bullocks” Danielson, “Where are you, darling?” As Renee just said, ZSJ got off a 16 hour flight from Tokyo and is feeling fresh as a daisy. But perhaps this company’s keeping Bryan wrapped head to toe in bubble wrap, or keeps him in a giant Zorb ball. At this point, a strong gust of wind will knock Bryan over.
And is ZSJ supposed to be honored that Bryan chose him as part of the year long retirement tour? Newsflash: Bryan barely has a weekend. This Sunday isn’t just about finding out who the best technical wrestler is, no no. Bryan has retired once in Seattle, so ZSJ will make it final. Ya like that? The final retirement~! Submissions in Seattle, see you on Sunday. The NJPW World Television Champion has put Bryan on notice, but will he be able to slay the American Dragon?
AEW Women’s World Championship #1 Contender’s match: Ruby Soho VS Hikaru Shida!
While the Outcasts stand at two members, Saraya is looking forward to a friendly showdown with the Runaway in a little under two weeks! But will Ruby make sure there is No Future for the Shining Samurai? Or will Shida take down one Outcast to go after another?
The bell rings and the two circle. Fans fire up as Ruby and Shida step up, and they’re on Shida’s side. Ruby shoves, runs, and RAMS Shida, but Shida just fires up! Ruby headlocks, Shida throws body shots, and then she powers out. Shida then runs past Ruby to run Ruby over! Fans duel, Shida has the majority, and she goes to the corner. Shida climbs up but Ruby slips away before any fists can rain down! Shida is annoyed but she waits on Ruby to return. Ruby takes her time going to the apron, steps in at 6 of 10 but wants Shida to stay back. Shida gets annoyed as the ref keeps her back, but then Ruby pulls Shida’s hair to throw her down!
Ruby throws hands, puts Shida in the corner, then RAMS into her again and again! Fans boo but Ruby runs, only to miss! Shida ROCKS Ruby, then climbs up to rain down fists! Ruby gets away before three, runs back in but into a BOOT! Shida bumps Ruby off buckles, climbs up and rains down those fists! Ruby slips out at five to YANK Shida down! Ruby whips, Shida goes up and CROSSBODIES! Shida then drags Ruby up, puts her in yet another corner, and tries one more time! Shida rains down fists, and goes all the way to TEN! Fans fire up with Shida and she kicks Ruby out, to then MISSILE DROPKICK!
Fans fire up as Shida drags Ruby up, and Rampage goes picture in picture.
Ruby CLUBS away on Shida to stop the lift, then shoves her to a corner. Ruby runs in, Shida dodges, but Ruby ELBOWS her! Ruby goes up to hit DEADLY NIGHTSHADE! Ruby digs Shida into the buckles, lets off as the ref counts, and then brings Shida up to snapmare. Ruby covers, TWO! Ruby throws down fists now, but lets off with a smug smirk. Ruby puts Shida on ropes to CHOKE! The ref counts, Ruby lets off, and then Ruby has Shida in the ropes to throw knees! A shoutout to Saraya, and Ruby lets off at 4. Ruby stalks Shida, looms over her, and pushes her around. Shida pushes back but Ruby eggs her on.
Shida ROCKS Ruby, then fires again! Ruby claws Shida’s face! And throws her down by her hair again! The ref reprimands, but Ruby clamps on a straitjacket stretch! Shida endures, but Ruby grinds her into the mat! Fans rally, Shida fights up, and she arm-drags free! Ruby returns to CLOBBER Shida! Cover, TWO! Ruby is annoyed but Shida grabs at Ruby’s hair! Ruby CLUBS Shida, drags her up, and stomps a hand! Shida scrambles to a corner while the ref reprimands but Ruby stomps a mudhole in. Ruby lets off as the ref counts, and Ruby storms around. Shida drags herself up, but Ruby CHOKES her on the ropes!
The ref counts while Ruby BITES Shida’s ear! Ruby lets off at 4, drags Shida up, but Shida ROCKS her! And again! And again! And again! But Ruby knees low! Ruby talks trash, whips Shida to ropes, but Shida ducks ‘n’ dodges, and DOUBLE LARIATS knock both women down! Rampage returns to single picture as the standing count climbs. Fans rally, both women are down at 5 of 10 but Shida goes to ropes. Shida snarls, she and Ruby stand at 7, and they storm up. Shida fires a forearm, Ruby gives it back! Shida throws another, so Ruby gives it back! They go back and forth, harder and harder, faster and faster!
Ruby gets the edge, but Shida ROCKS her! And ROCKS her! And ROCKS her again! Shida whips to JUMP KNEE! Shida then suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! Shida fires up again and the fans are with her! Shida aims, KATA- NO, Ruby ducks and bails out! Fans boo but Shida goes out to pursue! Shida runs in, jumps off the steps, and DROPKICKS Ruby down! Fans fire up again and Shida stands Ruby up. Shida torture racks Ruby, then goes to the ramp!? Fans are thunderous but Ruby fights free! They throw forearms, and CHOPS! Shida CLUBS Ruby, Ruby throws body shots, but the count is climbing!
They both hear it’s 8 of 10 and start sprinting! They both slide in at 9.5!! Fans are thunderous and then Ruby swings, but Shida blocks! Ruby HEADBUTTS, blocks a kick, then KICKS back! SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Shida survives and Ruby grows frustrated. Ruby goes to a corner, and she takes Shida’s kendo stick for her own! The ref stops Ruby, takes the kendo stick, but then Ruby brings out the spray paint! Shida and the ref both block that and they’re all fighting over it! Down goes the ref!! Shida and Ruby are both stunned, but then Ruby HEADBUTTS! DESTINATION UNKNOWN! But no ref to count the cover!
Ruby is furious, she would’ve had this! But then she sees the kendo stick! Ruby grins as she wields Shida’s weapon! Fans boo, but Shida blocks the strike to kick and HEADSHOT! Then KATANA KICK!! Cover, but still no ref! Wait, here comes Aubrey! Aubrey slides in, counts the cover, TWO!! Ruby survives but Shida fires up! Shida puts Ruby in a drop zone, goes up the corner, and she METE- NO! Ruby dodges to then STO! Ruby drags herself up the corner, goes to the very top, and STAGE DIVE SENTONS onto knees! And then FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!! Ruby survives but Shida won’t stop there!
Shida hauls Ruby up but Ruby wrenches to NO FUTURE KICK! But Shida rebounds to KATANA!! Cover, Shida wins!!
Winner: Hikaru Shida, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the AEW Women’s World Champion)
The Shining Samurai takes down The Runaway, but wait! Here comes Saraya! #TitleTuesday is coming, will that be a good Knight for the champ? Or will Shida take this belt back to become a historic THREE-TIME champion?
My Thoughts:
A great Rampage, especially as the go-home to WrestleDream. I figured the title matches would end with the champions retaining, but we got really good stuff out of Acclaimed VS Hardy Party and Eddie VS Rocky. As for their title defenses on WrestleDream, I don’t see TMDK taking the trios titles as this will be their AEW debuts. And as I’ve said a few times already, Eddie isn’t losing both belts he worked so hard to have so soon. Plus, it feels like there’s some tension between NJPW the company and Shibata, or else Shibata would already be NJPW Strong Openweight Champion and not one of ROH’s champs.
Speaking of Eddie, good promo from him before his match with Rocky, and good interaction with Team Triple J. I wasn’t exactly expecting Jay Lethal to be Eddie’s first actual feud for the ROH World Championship, but I suppose it does make sense as Lethal was a major player in ROH. I hope these guys actually show up on ROH programming, but also, Tony Khan wants this feud to be seen so it’ll end up on AEW programming instead. Y’know, just like all these other ROH title stories outside of the AEW Women’s title.
Good squash from The Righteous, and I’m really curious as to how the tag title match goes on Sunday. There’s a lot of stuff MJF still has to do with Cole, Roddy and The Kingdom, and now this intrigue with Jay White, Bullet Club Gold and the backstage attack at the end of Dynamite. I still feel it should’ve been The Kingdom in the PPV match anyway, but it seems they were going to drag this story out even before Cole hurt his foot. Good promo from Nick Wayne to call out Luchasaurus, but I feel like Luchasaurus ends up winning that match just to make a point of Nick not being able to show up ringside for Darby.
Good promo from Andrade to call out Juice for this week’s Collision, and I’m still wondering if/when La Faccion Ingobernable helps Andrade against Bullet Club Gold. For that matter, why can’t MJF be paying LFI to beat up on White and the BCG? He’s had business dealings with Andrade & Rush before, let’s strike that up again for some continuity. Really good promo from Aussie Open ahead of their tag title match, and from ZSJ to call out Bryan. That 8 Man Tag tomorrow night is going to be good stuff, and perhaps rather telling about where the PPV matches go. The only reason I don’t see Aussie Open winning against FTR is because of that big Fatal 4 Way tag contenders match, but who knows, maybe Aussie Open wins to bring the AEW belts to NJPW events as they take on like Goto & Hashi.
And of course, a great main event from Shida and Ruby. Seems a little silly to set up Ruby as a contender, wouldn’t that just end up in a Finger Poke of Doom situation with Saraya? Which therefore meant Shida was winning. Saraya VS Shida for this Title Tuesday Dynamite is going to be good stuff, but something makes me feel like Ruby is just gonna help Saraya retain. And not to be mean to Shida, but if she’s already a two-time champ, I don’t see her becoming three-time so soon. Why not get Shida in on the TBS Championship story? Britt Baker wants to be the first to have held both titles in AEW, but Shida should want that distinction, too. Then that lets us have Britt VS Shida as we should’ve gotten by now given everything else we’ve been seeing lately.
My Score: 8.7/10
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Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (9/29/23)
King VS Emperor to determine a champion!
One way or another, the US title belongs to the LWO!
Rey Mysterio defends his WWE United States Championship against friend and protege, Santos Escobar! But will things stay friendly between them?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Jimmy Uso w/ The Bloodline VS Karl Anderson; Jimmy wins.
- Austin Theory w/ Grayson Waller VS Cameron Grimes; Theory wins.
- WWE United States Championship: Rey Mysterio VS Santos Escobar; Rey wins and retains the title.
- Charlotte Flair VS Bayley w/ Damage CTRL; Charlotte wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
The Bloodline is here!
Fans boo as Jimmy Uso, Solo Sikoa & Paul Heyman head to the ring. And Jimmy is definitely hyped over how he and Solo took down AJ Styles and John Cena, putting the tag team match at Fastlane into question. Heyman has the mic to introduce himself, but the fans keep on booing. His name isn’t “Boo,” he’s Paul! Heyman! And tonight, a rare opportunity that he doesn’t have to do this into the phone but live to the world here from SmackDown, in the hell hole of Sacramento, California. “We ACKNOWLEDGE our Tribal Chief!” The Bloodline throws up the ones, and Heyman says, “And so do each and every single one of you!”
The fans boo, though some do raise the fingers. Heyman asks us why do they acknowledge Roman… Reigns? Because it is in Roman’s name that last week, the second greatest of all time, John Cena, took a beating at the hands of the Bloodline in a way Cena hasn’t taken in at least a decade. And to wit, Heyman calls our attention to the Bloodline version of the Zapruder Film. Heyman plays footage from just last week, where Cena was the only one who signed the contract to have a match for Fastlane. Cena hoped AJ Styles was going to be his partner, but then the Bloodline struck first and hospitalized AJ Styles.
And back to present, fans are booing but Jimmy’s almost cracking up. Heyman says not to get involved in Cena’s business, but a little birdie told Heyman that there are some transportation issues this evening. And while Cena is expected to make it here, you can’t see him because Cena is NOT here. But y’know who else ain’t here? AJ Styles! And why is that? Because he’s lying in a hospital bed, watching them on SmackDown and- Jimmy holds his hand out for the mic? Heyman says he wasn’t done but Jimmy snatches the mic. “Sacramento! The Bloodline is now in your city!” Heyman sighs while Jimmy raises the one.
Jimmy tells the Wise Man, you are too kind. The real reason Cena isn’t here tonight is because he’s scared! Scared of one JIM USO! Jimmy says if Cena is smart, he’ll stay far, far away. If not, they’ll take care of him like they did the Phenomenal One! The one who built the house, place, face- KARL ANDERSON CLOBBERS SOLO! Then he TACKLES Jimmy! Jimmy gets up but Karl clotheslines him up and out! Fans fire up for Karl as he represents for The OC! Karl says he told Styles not to get in Bloodline business and now Styles is in the hospital. So now, this is OC business! Any one of them, get in the ring with him!
Fans fire up but Heyman has Solo stand down. Heyman whispers things to The Enforcer, and then Solo tells Jimmy to handle this or he’ll do it for him. Jimmy says he’s got this. Solo doesn’t return the high-five, but will Jimmy return fire on the Machine Gun?
Jimmy Uso w/ The Bloodline VS Karl Anderson!
SmackDown returns and the match is going as Karl bumps Jimmy off buckles! Then CHOPS! And fires off haymakers! The ref counts, Karl lets off but then stomps a mudhole! Karl lets off to tell Heyman & Solo they made this personal. Karl stands Jimmy up but Jimmy swings. Karl dodges to JUMP KICK! Karl says he told Styles not to get involved but too late now. Karl whips, Jimmy BOOTS back! Jimmy runs, but Karl gives him a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Heyman is worried but Solo is stoic as Jimmy survives. Karl storms up on Jimmy, UPPERCUTS him to the corner, then UPPERCUTS again!
Karl brings Jimmy up to the top rope, ROCKS him with rights, then climbs. Solo steps forward and that distracts Karl, as well as the ref. Jimmy CLAWS Karl’s eyes! The ref misses it but fans boo as Jimmy rains down fists on Karl. Jimmy snarls, goes to a corner, and he SUPERKICKS Karl down! Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and scowls at the booing fans before the USO SPLASH! Cover, Jimmy wins!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Heyman is relieved and he whispers something more to Solo. Jimmy may be getting himself into trouble, but he’s also getting himself out, will this get Jimmy back in the Bloodline?
Wait, Karl isn’t done! He gets up to throw more hands with Jimmy! Solo storms in to hit the SAMOAN SPIKE! Solo roars as Karl is down, no back-up even possible with both Styles and Gallows hurt. Is the OC no longer a problem for The Bloodline? Wait, Michin is here! She SLAPS Jimmy right down! Fans are thunderous as she storms to the ring. Jimmy asks what the heck! Mia Yim packs a punch, will that knock some sense into Jimmy?
Backstage interview with Santos Escobar.
Cathy Kelley is with The Emperor of Lucha, and says that he faces his mentor and LWO teammate, Rey Mysterio. Where is his mind at tonight? Santos says his mind is focused, but his stomach has butterflies. But this match is about heart. And Santos has already said this is a dream match for him, and he has been working his entire life for it. Now, with the whole world watching, he has a chance to make the dream come true. He never gives up on his dreams, and he will fight for them, so Rey is in for the fight of his life. May the best man win. Will it be Emperor or King of Lucha that reigns as the United States Champion?
The Bloodline regroups backstage.
Jimmy is fuming and he yells at a production staff member just for looking at him. He asks another if they saw what happened, then just shoves the guy down! Jimmy storms off, Solo follows and Heyman has the staff relax. Then he puts in a call to Roman Reigns. What will The Tribal Chief have to say about Jimmy’s attitude?
It’s an all new Grayson Waller Effect.
The Aussie Icon, the Moment Maker, the Dynamite From Down Under is already in the ring on his set, and he says what a wild night already. Cena may be the greatest of all time, but he ain’t the greatest at being on time! Hah! But don’t worry, because Waller is here to save the show. Fans boo but Waller thanks them. Waller’s guests just keep getting bigger, and this is literal given the physical specimen. He has done everything in the WWE as a performer, but not as a talent scout. But that’s alright, he gets what he’s always been missing: the Waller rub! Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the All Mighty Bobby Lashley!
Fans cheer as Lashley makes his way out and Waller does some push-ups so he looks at least a little bigger standing next to him. They shake hands and then sit at the desk. Waller says he wasn’t lying when the guests keep getting bigger, right? How does he fit into the suit? But Waller appreciates Lashley being on the show, especially after the week he’s had. His boys, the Street Profits had a devastating loss last week. Lashley says he made a mistake. He was looking for the next big thing, he thought the Profits had what it takes to do whatever they want, but seems not. Back to the drawing board, huh?
Wow, that must be hard for the Profits to hear. But yeah, if you’re looking for a tag team, they need to be willing to do whatever it takes. A team with unbridled charisma! A team that is undefeated! Maybe a team like Austin Theory & Grayson Waller! Lashley’s stare makes Waller slow his roll. Lashley knows all about Theory, that’s a pass. Yeah, but Theory’s changed! If you get to know him, he’s a good bloke! And- Wait! Here come the Street Profits! Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins came dressed to match Lashley, and Lashley seems rather upset and confused. The Profits step into the ring, mics in their hands.
Lashley steps to them, and he stops Dawkins before he gets started. No excuses, no reasons. If they want something out of Lashley, they need to prove it. Lashley goes to leave, and then the Profits look to each other. They storm out after Lashley and get up in his face! Lashley says he told them what to do. Now go do it. He keeps on moving, and Waller says how awkward. Hey, light the beam for the 153 million hit man, Austin Theory! Theory makes his entrance, walking past Lashley on the stage, and then continues down the ramp. He smirks at the Profits and goes to the steps, with Waller being the only one cheering.
But will it be A-Town Down as Theory faces Cameron Grimes? Or will SmackDown go TO~ THE~ MOON~?
Austin Theory w/ Grayson Waller VS Cameron Grimes!
SmackDown returns, Theory is busy looking at NXT’s Dragon Lee watching from the front row, and the bell rings. Theory turns around into a BOOT from Grimes! Grimes fires off KICKS, UPPERCUTS, and then CHOPS! Grimes whips, Theory reverses but Grimes CLOBBERS Theory! Grimes keeps moving and he CLOBBERS Theory again! Atomic drop, then KICK! Then a KICK, run, and SHOTGUN dropkick! Cover, ONE! Another cover, ONE! Theory scrambles, Grimes has the leg, and Grimes drags Theory back. Theory kicks free, Waller coaches Theory up and Theory ELBOWS Grimes! And throat chops!
Theory throws down clubbing hands while fans boo, but Theory shouts at everyone. Theory brings Grimes up, talks trash, but Grimes eggs him on! Grimes fires off fists, body shots, then backs Theory to a corner. Grimes whips, Theory reverses, then Theory runs in. Theory blocks a boot but Grimes ENZIGURIS! Grimes goes up, leaps, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Theory hangs tough and Waller relaxes. Grimes aims, and he BUZZ- NO, Theory ducks! So Grimes backflips to deadlift GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Theory survives but Grimes storms up on him in the corner. Grimes KICKS Theory against ropes!
Grimes runs, then he clotheslines Theory out of the ring! Grimes goes to the apron, and he PENALTY KICKS Theory down! Fans fire up with the Carolina Caveman as he takes it to Mr. ATL. Waller talks trash, though, and Grimes stares him down. Theory POSTS Grimes in the distraction! Waller laughs, Theory drags Grimes up and in, and then Theory slingshots. Somersault SHOTGUN! Grimes staggers into the fireman’s carry, A-TOWN DOWN! Cover, Theory wins!
Winner: Austin Theory, by pinfall
Waller’s a baller with that assist to his boy, and The Now comes out on top! Will these two look to take over SmackDown one win at a time? Theory also talks some trash on Dragon, then pie faces him! So Dragon hits back! Fans fire up but the ref keeps Theory back. Dragon is here as a guest, but Waller says Dragon can’t do nothing anyway. Will this duo hope Boy Wonder stays away from this brand?
Backstage interview with Rey Mysterio.
Kayla Braxton is with the US Champion and says earlier tonight, Santos said this wasn’t just a dream match, but the fight of their lives. What is Rey’s response? Rey says LWO is familia and will always be that. But he knows how hard Santos has worked to get here. Heck, Rey grew up watching Santos’ father, El Fantasma. So Rey has nothing but love and respect for Santos. But be careful what you wish for. Every time Rey steps in the ring, he expects the best of his opponent and brings the best in return. So Santos, like they say, this IS the fight of their lives! May the best man win. Rey seems to feel the same way as Santos, but will either man still feel good after taking a loss?
The Bloodline is beating up Ashante THEE Adonis?!
B-Fab shouts for Jimmy to stop but Jimmy stops when he says he’s stopping! Refs and producers rush in and Jimmy says okay, his bad, he’s done now. Adonis crawls away, but Solo is there! Jimmy says finish this, Solo! UREANGE through the table!! Hit Row suffers the wrath of The Bloodline, but when and where will it stop?
WWE United States Championship: Rey Mysterio VS Santos Escobar!
SmackDown returns as Zelina is ringside for both men, and Santos makes his entrance. Santos says hola to Dragon before getting in the ring. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who holds gold for the L W O!
The bell rings and fans fire up as the two tie up. They go around, Santos waistlocks but Rey works on an escape. Santos holds tight, they sit down, and Rey moves around. Rey fights up, jumps, but Santos holds on during the flying mare! Santos shifts to go for an abdominal stretch but Rey fights it to have a toehold. Fans rally and duel, Santos chinlocks but Rey pulls on the leg. Santos uses that to body scissor, and he rolls Rey to a cover, ONE! Rey is still stuck in the scissors but he moves around. Rey claws at the hold, Santos shifts and has the back mount to then roll Rey again. Rey slips free and the two stand off.
Fans cheer as Rey and Santos reset. Santos trips Rey, blocks the headscissor, but Rey gets up. Santos wrenches, wristlocks, but Rey flips through! Santos whips, Rey reverses but Santos reverses again. Rey is on the apron but he RAMS into Santos! Rey slingshots but Santos stops the rana to GAMANGIRI! Rey falls, Santos PLANCHAS! Down goes Rey at the ramp and Zelina is worried for both men as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Santos has Rey in a modified stretch. Rey endures, Santos shifts his grip, but Rey fights free. Santos has a hammerlock to keep Rey close, and Santos wrangles Rey down. Rey fights up, fans rally, and Rey jumps to hit that flying-mare! Fans fire up as Santos speeds things up and runs Rey over! Things keep moving, Rey dodges but Santos DROPKICKS him down! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Rey hangs tough, and Zelina is again torn. She rallies the fans more for the LWO than for either man. Santos waistlocks, Rey switches, but Santos switches back. They go to ropes and Rey bucks the O’Conner.
Rey ducks ‘n’ dodges and tilt-o-whirls to RANA Santos outta the ring! Fans fire up and Rey builds speed, goes up the corner to PLANCHA! Down goes Santos! Fans fire up with Rey and he hears the ring count. Rey drags Santos up, puts him in at 6 of 10, and then climbs the corner. Santos stands, Rey SEATED SENTONS! Rey keeps moving, and he CLOBBERS Santos! Both men are down and fans rally up more. But wait, Jimmy and Solo are still wreaking havoc backstage? SAMOAN SPIKE for security! Jimmy says that guy won’t be Cena’s partner, either! Back to the ring, fans rally for “619! 619!” as Rey goes to ropes.
Santos stands, he rushes in to sunset flip, but Rey rolls through to BUZZSAW! Santos is dazed, Rey calls his shot and he drop toeholds Santos onto ropes! Rey dials it up as fans go wild, but Santos SUPERKICKS Rey outta the ring! Santos takes aim, builds speed, ARROW FROM HELL!! Direct hit at the ramp and down goes Rey! Santos catches his breath while he stands back up, and then he goes up the barriers? To MOONSAULT Rey on the ramp! Zelina is worried again but Santos puts Rey back in the ring. Rey staggers and goes to the far side but Santos takes aim. “This is Awesome!” as Santos spells it out, “L! W! O!”
Santos goes corner to corner, DOUBLE KNEES! Rey wobbles, but Santos puts him back in the corner. Santos goes again, DOUBLE KNEES! Santos hoists Rey up top, climbs up after him, but Rey HEADBUTTS! Rey fires forearms and he knocks Santos down! Santos stands up while Rey steadies himself, but Santos GAMANGIRIS first! Santos climbs up again, goes to the very top, and he whistles for the SUPER STEINER! Zelina couldn’t even watch that, worried for both men. Santos goes to the apron, to SLINGSHOT SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Rey survives and Santos is a bit surprised as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns yet again and Santos has Rey against ropes. Santos CHOPS, and fans “WOO~!” as Rey staggers. Santos whips, BOOTS, and then brings Rey around. Santos picks Rey up into a GORY ESPECIAL! Rey endures being bent back, and Santos even pulls on the arms! Fans rally, Rey fights against the hold, and pops free to arm-drag! Fans fire up as REy goes to a corner, and Santos runs in, only to be put on the apron! Santos GAMANGIRIS, Rey staggers, and then Santos fires up! Santos climbs, leaps, but Rey dodges and the crossbody flops! Rey lines up a shot, runs and springboards but then Santos dodges!
Rey and Santos are both down after those belly flops, and fans rally as both men rise up. Santos runs in, scoops Rey and hits a BACKBREAKER! Fans rally as Rey staggers up, but into a tilt-o-whirl torture rack! Santos runs around with Rey, then hits a RACK DROP! Cover, TWO!! Zelina is relieved again but Santos is surprised. Rey tells Santos to bring it on, there needs to be a winner. Santos storms up to CHOP! And whip, but Rey KICKS back! Rey runs to RAN- NO, Santos blocks that! Santos swings Rey up but Rey sunset flips! TWO!! Santos escapes and even Zelina is stunned! Fans fire up again, “This is Awesome!”
Rey runs in, Santos puts him on the apron but Rey ROCKS Santos first! Then Rey goes up a corner, brings Santos up to join him, and then adjusts position to fire off hands! Fans fire up as Rey calls the shot, but Santos drags Rey into a fireman’s carry! Rey fights with elbows, then pops up to SUPER RANA!! Fans are thunderous while Santos sits up in a daze! Rey DROPKICKS Santos onto ropes! Dial it up! 6 1 9 BLOCKED! Santos drags Rey into an Alabama Lift! But Rey holds the ropes for dear life! Rey then RANAS Santos back onto ropes, redials, and 619 HITS!!! Rey hurries up top, says hey to Eddie, and hit a FROG- NO!
Santos avoids the splash, CLUBS Rey, covers, TWO into the ghost pin! TWO!!! Both men escape by nanoseconds but Santos fireman’s carries! PHANTOM- TAKEDOWN! Rey has a spladle! REY WINS!!
Winner: Rey Mysterio, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)
And the greatest luchador of all time comes out the champion! Santos is stunned, but Rey offers him a handshake of respect. They are still familiar, aren’t they? WAIT! The Profits attack!! Dawkins & Ford mug Rey & Santos, this must be how they’re proving Lashley wrong! They hit Escobar with a BIG LARIAT! Fans boo but here comes Lashley! The All Mighty says that’s it! That’s what he wanted! But then here comes the rest of the LWO! Lashley CLOBBERS Wilde while Ford & Dawkins mug Cruz! But Dragon Lee wants to get in! Security keeps him back, he’s just here as a guest! So Wilde is fed to the REVELATION!
The fans boo but The All Mighty has his Profits! Will they soon run SmackDown with iron fists?
The LWO regroups.
They’ve all got icepacks in the medical trainer’s room, and Kayla walks in to congratulate Rey on the win. But before the team could celebrate the moment, they got jumped by The Profits. Santos says sorry, excuse him, but the Profits ruined the moment! Rey says they beat the Profits last week, and now Lashley and them act like they run SmackDown! LWO challenges Lashley & The Profits to a match at Fastlane! Let’s see how tough they are when it’s fair and square! What will happen when these factions go to war in Indianapolis?
WWE announces a huge signing!
Former AEW TBS Champion and rising star, JADE CARGILL, is now with WWE! She got 20 MILLION views on a video just for showing up at the Performance Center! Will a storm be coming for the WWE Women’s Division?
John Cena arrives backstage!
He pulls in rather fast and furious, and he storms right into the arena, that tag match contract in his hands! Will Cena find someone Jimmy & Solo haven’t destroyed to sign on the dotted line? Is there even anyone left?
Pretty Deadly has a video message.
“On July 14th, 2023, Elton prince suffered a devastating shoulder injury. Despite all odds, he is on the road to recovery.” It’s another rehab workout montage, but Elton is still in the wheelchair… Elton works on reaching out for hot tags, swinging chairs, ends up rolling downhill during a celebration, and can’t even poke eyes properly. But as he continues to work at it, he has the courage to stand up and tag in Kit! #YESBOY! #EltonStrong.
The Brawling Brutes are watching this.
Ridge Holland and Pete Dunne look at each other, and neither of them can even process this. Dunne feels maybe they should’ve broken Elton’s leg. The idiots. Will Elton & Kit hope they can stay far, far, far away from Northern Grit and the Bruiserweight?
Charlotte Flair VS Bayley w/ Damage CTRL!
The Queen did what she could to help The Empress of Tomorrow hold off the Evil Genius and her cohorts, but all that got them was a win for Iyo Sky and this rivalry rematch with the Role Model! Will Bayley make an example out of her fellow Horsewoman? Or will Charlotte make Bayley bow down?
SmackDown returns and Bayley makes her entrance, Iyo and Dakota right behind her. But then Charlotte has Bayley hold on so she can get a mic. Charlotte has a question for Bayley: What’s happened to you? Bayley is one of the Four Horsewomen, but now she’s just happy carrying Iyo’s bags. Bayley has become a stepping stone while Charlotte is still the measuring stick. And in the end, it doesn’t matter. Bayley is just in Charlotte’s way. She’ll beat Bayley tonight, and then challenge Iyo for the WWE Women’s Championship at Fastlane! Fans fire up for that, and the bell rings. Bayley CLOBBERS Charlotte!
Bayley fires off, all riled up after what Charlotte said. DMG CTRL cheers and high-fives Bayley. Bayley CHOPS Charlotte, bumps her off buckles, then stomps a mudhole in! Bayley ROCKS Charlotte, lets off, and brings Charlotte around to whip. But Charlotte reverses to send Bayley into the corner, and she CHOPS! Fans “WOO~!” and Charlotte CHOPS again! Charlotte whips, Bayley reverses but Charlotte goes up and out to BOOT Bayley down! Iyo swipes at Charlotte, then Bayley BLASTS Charlotte down! Bayley goes out to the apron, to then FLYING ELBOW Charlotte down! DMG CTRL is fired up as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Charlotte is up top, to CROSSBODY Bayley down! Fans fire up with Charlotte as she storms around. Bayley flounders to ropes, stands up, and Charlotte CHOPS her! And CHOPS her! And CHOPS her! And then CHOPS again! Fans fire up as Charlotte says one more, then CHOPS Bayley again! Charlotte swings, Bayley dodges but Charlotte scoops! FALL AWAY SLAM! Charlotte kips up and fans fire up again! Charlotte handsprings to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Bayley is still in this but Charlotte knows she’s tough. Bayley bails out to the apron, Charlotte storms over, but Bayley HOTSHOTS!
Bayley slides in, waistlocks, but Charlotte bucks the O’Conner, to then trip Bayley! Bayley scrambles, Charlotte steps over to drop a knee on Bayley’s knee! Bayley goes to a corner and Charlotte GAMANGIRIS! Bayley staggers, but she BOOTS back! But then Charlotte BOOTS back! Cover, TWO! Charlotte keeps her cool while the fans rally up. Charlotte steps on Bayley and goes to the corner, then goes up the corner, only for Bayley to YANK her down! Bayley puts Charlotte in the ropes, throw hands, then hits a STOCK DROP! Shoutout to another of the Horsewomen! Bayley then SUNSET BOMBS Charlotte into buckles! Bayley drags Charlotte to a cover, TWO!
Bayley tells fans to shut up, don’t cheer for her! Dakota and Iyo cheer her on, though, and Bayley fires forearms on Charlotte! Bayley mocks the “WOO~!” then CHOPS! Bayley CHOPS Charlotte again and again, runs, but Charlotte SPEARS her down! Cover, Charlotte wins!!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by pinfall
DMG CTRL can’t believe it, but their Role Model lost! The Queen is already wearing yellow ‘n’ block to match Fastlane’s logo, will she take that gold off Iyo? Bayley gets a mic to shout, “Cut the music, you idiots!” Bayley won’t let Charlotte just cut the line! Bayley vowed to end Charlotte, and that’s what DMG CTRL is gonna do! The three surround the ring, but here comes ASUKA! The Empress joins the Queen to run off their common enemies! Asuka gets a mic to shout “OI OI OI OI!” What do you idiots think you’re doing?! She won’t let them do whatever they want! Bayley says okay, they want a Triple Threat for the women’s title?! Then they’ve got it!!
Wait, what? Iyo is confused, but Bayley says this is totally what Asuka said. No, Iyo knows what Asuka said and it wasn’t that! But Bayley says this is so they can teach both Asuka and Charlotte a lesson! Bayley sticks her foot in Iyo’s mouth again, will the Evil Genius have to really work hard on a plan to survive Fastlane?
John Cena heads to the ring!
Sacramento fires up as Cena storms out, saying we’re getting serious tonight! Cena slides into the ring, contract still in hand. Cena also gets a mic, and he tells Sacramento, “I hear ya out there!” Sacramento chants for Cena and so he knows they hear him. And he knows that because last week, he said he was back to compete and that he wanted a match. The Bloodline didn’t take too kindly to that, though. They left Cena knocked out, but they also left him with the contract. This is the contract for a match with them at Fastlane. Yeah, a little lukewarm, because there’s a problem: Cena doesn’t have a partner.
Cena says tonight is very important, because now he has a choice to make. He could rip up the contract and act like this didn’t happen. Fans boo that idea. Or he could stand and fight. The fans like that! So what do you think the man who wears the words “Never Give Up” is gonna make? They cheer the second so he says that’s damn right! He will honor this contract! And if he doesn’t find a partner by Fastlane, then he will fight The Bloodline by himself in a 2v1 Handicap! But speaking of, here comes The Bloodline! Jimmy grins as he has the mic again. “Well, look who finally showed up.”
Cena’s out here talking about Fastlane? Did he not just see what The Bloodline’s been doing all night? They were sending messages! If you team with Cena, you get got by The Bloodline! Fans boo, but Jimmy goes to the apron to tell Cena, “You’re not making it to Fastlane!” But then Cena DECKS Jimmy! Solo stares Cena down, fans fire up, and Solo gets in the ring! Cena throws off the shirt because it is go time! Solo swings, misses, and Cena fireman’s carries, but Jimmy SUPERKICKS him! Flashbacks to last week, HIP ATTACK in the corner! Then Solo adds a HIP ATTACK in the corner! Then Jimmy whips Solo in for another HIP ATTACK!
Fans boo as Cena flops out of the ring. The Bloodline clears off the announce desk! They put Cena on it, and Jimmy raises the one. Jimmy goes up the steps but Solo stops him. Solo wants this one! Jimmy grins and nods and lets Solo climb. But L A KNIGHT is here!! Fans are thunderous as the Mega Star storms down, slides in, and he dodges Jimmy to BLAST Solo! And then he BLASTS Jimmy! Knight stomps a mudhole into Jimmy but Solo stops him! So Knight fires off haymakers! Solo TOSSES Knight, but misses the splash! JUMP NECKBREAKER! Jimmy is up, Knight scoops to POWERSLAM!
Fans fire up, and they spell it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” BIG elbow drop for Jimmy! Cena is back and he TOSSES Solo! Knight TOSSES Jimmy! Mega Star and Greatest of All Time look to each other, and Knight picks up the contract! Fans are electric as Knight signs his name! Cena can’t believe it, either! He has a tag partner for Fastlane? YEAH!! Will Cena and Knight show The Bloodline whose game is it? With EVERYBODY saying… L A KNIGHT, YEAH!!
My Thoughts:
An awesome episode of SmackDown, especially with how fired up the Sacramento crowd was for everything. Great stuff with Bloodline and such, taking logical yet still exciting turns. Karl Anderson going after The Bloodline was good, because as much as Karl didn’t want Styles getting involved, but he also wasn’t going to let The Bloodline get away with this. Though, Karl didn’t really accomplish much as he got cheated in that match. That slap from Mia was great, though. Then Jimmy & Solo going on a rampage backstage was a great way to show how Jimmy is drunk with power all because he thinks Roman will have his back. Roman most certainly won’t now that Jimmy’s actions have brought LA Knight into the story. Great save from Knight, and he will make a great team with Cena.
Great “main event” match from Charlotte VS Bayley, and that black ‘n’ yellow gear is pretty cool stuff from Charlotte. DMG CTRL of course tries to help Bayley but that backfires. And then I actually like that we’re going back to Bayley talking big and putting Iyo on the spot. The Triple Threat title match is going to be great, and is actually some mad genius thinking from Bayley. DMG CTRL can now legally interfere to make sure Iyo wins against Charlotte and Asuka, but I feel like this can also bring in Shotzi or even Bianca to counteract DMG CTRL. Either way, it’ll be some great stuff to really up things in the SmackDown Women’s Division.
Hilarious vignette from Pretty Deadly, and good response from Brawling Brutes. That feud will definitely start up again after Fastlane and give us a SmackDown contender for the Undisputed Tag Team Championships. Really good stuff out of the Grayson Waller Effect with Lashley putting the pressure on the Profits. Almost thought they were gonna jump Theory since Lashley doesn’t like Theory, but I guess that would make this faction Faces since Theory is Heel. It was nice to see Grimes back, though he does lose to Theory. Dragon Lee being here tonight makes me think he is called up to SmackDown after he screws Dominik Mysterio out of the North American title tomorrow night.
And after just an awesome US Championship match, the Profits instead go after the LWO, a logical move given the back and forth between the factions. LWO wants a Six Man Tag, but does that mean it’ll be Santos, Cruz & Wilde? Or is Rey going to take one of the spots? Either way it’ll be a good time but it feels like the All Mighty Profits are going to take that one to build their momentum towards their own title goals. Lashley VS Rey for the US Championship with Santos helping feels like the move. Maybe there’s tension created as Santos costs Rey, or as Rey says Santos can’t be bending rules just to win. It just feels like something’s going to/has to change in the group dynamic.
My Score: 8.9/10
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