Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (6/13/23)
What’s Seth Rollins’ response?
They say all champions are created equal…
Bron Breakker called out THE World Heavyweight Champion, Seth Freakin’ Rollins! But will the Visionary return to NXT because of it?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Six Man Tag: The Schism VS Wes Lee, Tyler Bate & Mustafa Ali; Wes, Bate & Ali win.
- Thea Hail w/ Duke Hudson VS Cora Jade; Thea wins.
- NXT Heritage Cup Championship:
Noam DarOro Mensah (substituting) w/ Meta Four VS Nathan Frazer w/ Dragon Lee; Frazer wins and becomes the new NXT Heritage Cup Champion. - 2v1 Handicap Match: Axiom & SCRYPTS VS Dabba-Kato; Axiom & Scrypts win.
- Malik Blade VS Edris Enofe; Malik wins.
- Roxanne Perez VS Tatum Paxley; Roxanne wins.
- NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Baron Corbin VS Ilja Dragunov; Corbin wins and will challenge Carmelo Hayes for the title in two weeks.
PLAY BY PLAY
Six Man Tag: The Schism VS Wes Lee, Tyler Bate & Mustafa Ali!
Joe Gacy and his followers continue to claim the friendship between Cardiac Kid and Big Strong Boi is a farce, but perhaps that is just frustration on his part. Will the North American Champion lead his friends in victory? Or will the roots of The Schism’s tree dig deeper and deeper?
Speaking of those three, Wes, Bate & Ali don’t wait for a bell, they rush The Schism right away! The brawl is on and fans fire up as Bate has Gacy, Ali has Rip and Wes has Jagger! Rip whips, Ali KICKS back, then runs, but into a LARIAT! Wes BOOTS Rip! Jagger ENZIGURIS Wes! Bate DROPKICKS Jagger! Gacy DECKS Bate! The bell rings, Gacy fires off on Bate, whips him to a corner, but Bate boots back. Gacy blocks but gets a KNEE! Bate goes up to FLYING UPPERCUT! Bate brings Gacy up, wrenches an arm, and he tags in Ali. Ali climbs to then DOUBLE STOMP Gacy’s arm! Fans fire up as Ali wrenches Gacy.
Ali whips, Gacy reverses, but Ali goes up and over! Ali keeps moving, he RANAS Gacy, and then brings him back around. Ali wrenches, but Gacy pulls hair! Gacy puts Ali in the corner, tag to Rip, and Rip stomps Ali down. Rip drags Ali up to ROCK him with a right! And CLUB him on the back! Rip taunts Ali, pie faces him, then whips, but Ali reverses to headlock. Rip powers out but Wes tags in, and Ali ducks ‘n’ dodges, Wes slingshots to SEATED SENTON! Wes then slides under and monkey flips Rip! And then DROPKICKS him! Cover, ONE!! Rip gets up but Wes is on him with a facelock.
Rip powers up but Wes wrenches and headlocks again. Rip powers out and tags Jagger at the same time. The Dyad drop, hurdle, then DOUBLE FLAPJACK HOTSHOT! Jagger taunts Wes while staying between him and his corner. Gacy wants in so Jagger obliges with a tag. Jagger feeds Wes to the URENAGE! Cover, TWO! Gacy CLUBS Wes down, drags him up, and ROCKS him with a right! Fans chant “YOU SUCK!” but Jagger tags back in. The Schism mugs Wes, and Jagger keeps throwing left hands! The ref counts, Jagger lets off, and he then tags Rip. The Dyad trap Wes to clobber him, and WHEEL KICK! Rip covers, TWO!
Rip keeps on Wes with a wristlock and covers again, TWO! Rip pushes Wes to yet another cover, TWO! Rip clamps on with a chinlock but fans rally up. Wes fights up, but Rip short arm LARIATS! Fans boo Rip but he drags Wes up. Wes throws body shots and shots to the legs! But Rip knees low, ROCKS Wes with a forearm, and he tags Gacy in. The Schism mug Wes some more, then Gacy tells Wes he’s a fraud! Gacy ROCKS Wes, then gets in his face! “You think you’re done with me, Wes?! This isn’t done! This isn’t done!” But Wes ROCKS Gacy back! Gacy kicks low, brings Wes around, but Wes throws more hands!
Fans rally for #WesSide but Gacy UPPERCUTS Wes down! Cover, TWO! Tag to Rip, The schism keeps mugging Wes, and Rip KICKS Wes to the apron. Rip drags Wes up but Wes shoulders in! Wes slingshots for a sunset flip but Rip tags Jagger! Wes finishes the sunset but Rip holds him down so Jagger can CLUB him! Jagger talks trash but Wes SMACKS him! Jagger gets mad and he DECKS Wes! Jagger drags Wes up, reels him in, but Wes escapes the suplex! Jagger keeps Wes away from his corner! Fingertips away, but Wes KICKS Jagger! Hot tag to Bate! Fans rally as Bate rallies on Jagger with uppercuts!
Bate whips corner to corner, then back drops Jagger! Fans fire up, Bate runs corner to corner to UPPERCUT! And then clinch for the EXPLODER! Bate kips up, runs in, SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO! Jagger survives, but Bate fireman’s carries! AIRPLANE SPIN! Rip & Gacy stop that, but then Wes & Ali get in! Triple Bop, TRIPLE BANG!! Fans are thunderous for “NXT! NXT!” as the Schism bails out. Wes, Bate & Ali all go to the ropes, for a TRIPLE PLANCHA! Direct hit on all of The Schism and NXT goes to break!
NXT returns and Bate fights up while in a chinlock, but Rip shifts to an armlock. Bate fires off haymakers, reaches for his team, but Rip still keeps him away! Rip reels Bate in for a short arm LARIAT! The fans still rally for the Big Strong Boi, but Rip digs his fingers into Bate’s face! Rip scuffs Bate, ELBOWS him in the forehead, then drags him around. Rip taunts Wes and Ali, then he suplexes, but Bate blocks! Fans rally, Bate suplexes Rip! Bate gets Rip up, up, and over! Fans fire up while both men are down! Rip and Bate crawl, hot tags to Jagger and Ali! The Beacon rallies on Jagger with big elbows!
Ali whips, Jagger reverses but Ali DROPKICKS back! Ali goes after Jagger but Jagger YANKS him into the ropes! Jagger DECKS Wes, but Ali CHOPS, and CHOPS! Ali whips, Jagger reverses but Ali uses that to DROPKICK Gacy! Jagger runs in but Ali tosses him out! Rip runs in, but Ali slips out to ROUNDHOUSE back! But then Jagger trips Ali off the apron! Fans boo but Bate UPPERCUTS Rip! Gacy runs in to catch Bate in a BACKBREAKER! But Wes METEORAS Gacy! Jagger SUPERKICKS Wes! Ali slingshots to NECKBREAKER Jagger! Ali goes to the corner, climbs up, and fans fire up!
Ali 450 but has to roll through! Ali heads back but is sent HARD into buckles! Jagger and Ali are both down and crawling for their corners. Tags to Rip and Wes! Wes dodges Rip, fires off fast hands and kicks, then snapmares to basement dropkick! Wes then FLIES out onto Gacy and Jagger! Wes goes back to the ring, up and in, CARDIAC- NO, Rip dodges! Wes SUPERKICKS Rip, but almost into the ref! Tag to Bate, but Rip shoves Wes into him! THROAT CHOP! Tag to Jagger, then to Gacy. The Schism gets Wes up, cuz the ref doesn’t realize Wes tagged Bate! Rockabye POWERBOMB!!! Cover, but the HEAD REF stops this!!
The fans go nuts as the head ref explains what really happened! And then Ali DOUBLE SHOTGUNS The Dyad! Bate turns Gacy around, Bop up! BANG!! Gacy goes down, Ava is upset, Ali hits a FLYING TORNADO DDT to the floor! Rip storms up on Ali but Wes DIVES out onto him! Bate hits the COMEBACKER on Gacy! And then the TYLER DRIVER 97!! Cover, Bate’s team wins!!
Winners: Wes Lee, Tyler Bate & Mustafa Ali, by pinfall
Justice prevails, as do these super friends! The Schism could not divide and conquer them, is their tree withering? As for Wes and Bate, will they look to have their friendly 1v1 title match down the line?
Thea Hail watches film with Charlie Dempsey & Drew Gulak.
Specifically, it’s last week’s battle royal, the moment Thea got the better of Lash Legend with her double wristlock. But the Philly Stretcher says that is “horrible” technique! Dempsey says they could’ve escaped from that. Gulak points out Lash had her own way out, because she picked Thea up and dropped her on the steps! Thea admits they have a point, but she still won the battle royal! No, she hit the steps and was a lump on the ground. But she still got back in and threw Cora and Dana out! Well, tonight, Cora’s gonna eat Thea alive. Cora’s not gonna do anything! Oh no? So she’s gonna actually lock the Kimura in this time? You dang well know she’s gonna!
And what if Cora fights back? What’s GULAK gonna do? Maybe teach her what to do so Cora can’t fight back? Oh, don’t ask for something if you can’t handle it! Uh, did she st-st-stutter? Hey! There’s a ring open right now, let’s go see if she can lock it in. SHE can lock it in! Can YOU lock it in!? They all argue and Duke Hudson walks over, MVP trophy in one arm and clipboard in the other. Could they keep it down? Believe it or not, it is very hard to grade papers around all this yelling. Thea apologizes and says they’re gonna go train. Oh, is that so? You need your chaperone to come train with you?
No! Duke has to grade papers. Maybe Gulak can’t hear with his cauliflowers ears! Hey, hey! Enough. Just go, all of ya. Duke gets some privacy and makes a call. Answering machine again? Ugh. Duke leaves a message to Mr. Chase about an update on his recovery. Look, Mr. Chase. Things around here are getting outta hand… The MVP has his hands full, will THE Andre Chase make his way back to HIS university?
Bron Breakker heads to the ring.
The fans boo as the Big Bad Booty Nephew is here in a suit. Fans already sing “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~” for The Visionary, but Bron says he must’ve made some headlines last week. He took out the biggest star from Europe, and he called out the biggest star on Monday Night Raw. And it’s all for one reason: accountability. Everyone in the WWE is going to be held accountable! You don’t just get to do and say whatever you want! Dragunov didn’t look like the most intense superstar in the WWE after Bron Speared him onto concrete! And Seth Rollins is a Visionary, a Revolutionary, everything he says he is, and then some.
“Until he locks eyes with the Meaner Than Evil Bron Breakker!” Fans boo, but Bron asks where Rollins is! Where is he? Where’s the workhorse, huh? Where? Wait, DRAGUNOV is rushing out here! Refs and security stop him but Bron dares them to let him go. Look how tough he is! But Ilja isn’t on Bron’s level, so get him outta here! The refs and security manage to push Dragunov backstage, and Bron says this is what he’s talking about! “Everyone, I’m talking everyone, will be held accountable from this moment forward. I don’t care if it’s Ilja Dragunov, Seth Rollins, it doesn’t matter to me!”
But wait! Rollins is on the tron! And he tells “Bronnie Boy,” “What do you think this is? Just because we’re both former NXT Champions, and now I’m the World Heavyweight Champion that actually defends his title, that you can just say my name three times fast and I’ll show up and give you a crack at the title? My man… You gotta know, that’s not how things work around here. But uh… I gotta say… I like your approach, y’know? Bold, reaching straight for the top.” And Rollins remembers being in Bron’s position before. Making noise, wanting to be THE Guy. Truth be told, Rollins would like to go back where it all started. To go… home.
And so Rollins can’t believe it, but Bron, “challenge accepted. HAHAHAHA! Next week, I’m gonna go back to the house that Seth built, and it’s gonna be Bron Breakker VS Seth Freakin’ Rollins for my World Heavyweight Championship, live in NXT. HAHAHA!” The Visionary has given Bron what he wants, but will Bron get what he deserves?
Backstage interview with Dana Brooke.
McKenzie Mitchell says that last week, Dana made a return to NXT in the #1 Contender’s Battle Royal, but how long can we expect her to be around. As long as NXT will have her. And yes, while she’s on Raw, she will work any brand, and show, from Raw to SmackDown to NXT to Level Up to Main Event! She doesn’t care, she just loves being in the ring. She’s made lemonade outta lemons every time in her career. From teaming with Emma, to being Charlotte Flair’s protégé, to being 24/7 Champion, she has busted her ass! And now she’s home, where it all started. And the crop of women here-
Oh, the crop of women~! Cora walks in and tells Dana to save it, because if not for Dana and Thea, Cora would’ve won the battle royal. But of course Cora gets screwed out of what she deserves again. SHE should be contender, not some glorified cheerleader. Uh, yeah, well, Cora gets her chance tonight. But she can’t blame Dana for last week. Blame that sense of entitlement. Cora laughs that off. No one here likes Dana, so she should just go. Watch her match and see how good she is. Then Cora SLAPS Dana! Dana tells Cora yeah, she better run. But will Cora end up humbled by Thea in their match? We find out, after the break!
Wes, Bate & Ali celebrate backstage.
Wes says that is what they’re talking about! Dubs up tonight! And hey, if not for that second ref, things might’ve been different. Bate says what matters is that they won, and they put those Schism fools in their place. Bingo! Ali says he is so happy to be back. Not to bring the mood down but what Wes said is true. Without that second ref, things would’ve been so different. But now, the next step is Wes VS Bate for the title! Bate and Wes fist bump, and then Ali sits down with them. He has an idea. A match this important can’t be left to chance. They need a clear and decisive winner. Agreed. So then what if Ali was a special guest referee?
Wes says if they can make it happen, he’s down. Bate agrees. Ali will get on that. But then… Where’re they going to celebrate tonight? OOOH! Bate knows this great little Vegan place they’d all enjoy. Wes says if Bate’s paying, he’s down. Ali doesn’t look so sure about that, but Bate’s excited. Will The Beacon really be the right call for the guy making the calls?
Thea Hail w/ Duke Hudson VS Cora Jade!
The always energetic prospect of Chase U is more than ready for her shot at Tiffany Stratton, but she has to show she isn’t just a fluke. Will Thea #LOCKITIN on Cora? Or will the Generation of Jade prove (to herself, at least) that she is more worthy?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Cora puts Theta in a corner, then lets off with a shove. Thea shoves Cora down! Fans fire up, the two tie up, and Cora throws Thea down! Thea trips Cora, Cora kicks her away, but Thea comes back. Cora headlocks, hits a takeover, and she grinds Thea down. Fans rally for Thea as she fights up. Thea powers out, but Cora runs her over! Cora runs, Thea drops, hurdles, but Cora YANKS her down! Cora laughs at Thea, then basement dropkicks her! Cora drags Thea up, but here comes Dana! Cora tells Dana to watch this, but Thea wrangles Cora down! Cora kips up to wrench back.
Thea rolls, rolls, kips up and reels Cora into a headlock! Cora powers out, but Thea gets around to waistlock, ripcord, and then goes up, up and around, to arm-drag! Thea arm-drags again, then has the armlock. Cora fights up, Thea hammerlocks, but Cora reaches back. They run to a corner and Cora RAMS Thea into buckles! Dana cheers Thea on, but Cora runs in, ELBOW into the ropes! Cover, TWO! Cora drags Thea up, throws knees, and fans start to duel. Cora ENZIGURIS Dana down, then taunts Dana before hitting IMPLODER STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Cora drags Thea up and wraps on a chinlock.
Thea endures, fans rally and Thea fights up. Thea has Cora as a backpack, and she RAMS her into buckles! Cora holds on, but Thea RAMS her in again! And again! Thea is free, runs back in, but misses! Cora runs in but into BOOTS! Thea runs to CLOBBER Cora! And again! Fans fire up, Thea urns and UPPERCUTS, to then clinch. But Cora fights free with elbows! Thea ROCKS Cora, to then HALF HATCH! That must be from Dempsey! Theta SENTONS, then fires up! Up and BOING~! That’s Thea’s name for that senton. Thea then drags Cora up, clinches again, EXPLODER! Cora bails out but Thea runs! And DIVES but into a haymaker!
Thea flops to the floor while fans boo. Cora then ROCKS Dana just cuz! Cora grabs her kendo stick, aims at Thea, but the ref stops her! The ref snatches the stick, and then Dana RAMS Cora into steel steps! Dana says that’s what she gets! Thea puts Cora in, and then gets the KIMURA!! Cora is caught! She taps! Thea wins!!
Winner: Thea Hail, by submission
Dana nods as Cora gets her just desserts. Thea also got to LOCK IT IN, so will she make Gulak & Dempsey proud by taking the title from Tiffany?
Meta-Four heads to gorilla.
And wait, Noam Dar is on crutches? What is going on here? When did he get hurt? Even HBK is tweeting shock and confusion. Will we get to the bottom of this after the break?
HBK tweets some big news!
He’s bringing us “NXT Gold Rush!” A two week NXT TV special, starting with Bron VS Rollins for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship next week in the main event! And then, he’s upgrading Corbin VS Dragunov into a #1 Contender’s Match so that the winner faces Carmelo Hayes for the NXT Championship in two weeks! Who will hold the gold going into the summer?
NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Noam Dar w/ Meta Four VS Nathan Frazer w/ Dragon Lee!
Well, we were hoping to see the Scottish Supernova put up or shut up against the British Rocket, but we still have to figure out what’s going on with Dar. Dar has the mic to sadly say, “Hello, hello, hello. I stand here a victim. Supernova 11 is on crutches because of this snake!” Frazer asks what he did, but Dar says Frazer knew he couldn’t win in a fair fight, so he attacked Dar brutally in the parking lot! Don’t deny it! Does Frazer think he’s gonna be handed the cup? His shortcut isn’t gonna work! Because Dar’s main man, Mensah, is gonna step up and defend Dar’s honor, as well as the cup, and make Frazer pay.
Fans boo but it seems there’s going to be a change. Will Oro do Dar proud? Or will the game plan stay the same for Frazer and blast off with the cup?
NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Oro Mensah w/ Meta Four VS Nathan Frazer w/ Dragon Lee!
The bell rings and the first round begins. The two tie up, Frazer gets around to roll Oro up, TWO! Oro scrambles up and asks what the heck. He shoves Frazer, but then they tie up. Oro powers Frazer to a corner, the ref counts, and Oro lets off at 4. Oro then throws a cheap shot! Oro whips Frazer to the corner, hits a Tiger Wall Kick, then taunts Frazer. But Frazer DROPKICKS him! And arm-drags him! Frazer grinds an arm but Oro endures. Oro fights up, pulls hair but Frazer whips him away. Oro runs Frazer over, scuffs him, then runs. Frazer bypasses to then arm-drag! Frazer keeps going, slides under, and he arm-drags again!
Frazer has the armlock again but Oro fights up. Fans rally, and Frazer wrangles Oro back down! But Oro pokes Frazer in the eye! Oro runs in, Frazer ducks but Oro BOOMERANGS! Oro springboards, Frazer gets under to Quebrada over! Things keep moving, Frazer ducks ‘n dodges and rolls Oro up! Frazer SCORES!!
Oro: 0; Frazer: 1
And already, Dar’s reign is in danger! Lash calms Oro down and gets him to the corner. The entire Meta Four team helps Oro refocus while Dragon helps Frazer. The second round begins, and Oro CLOBBERS Frazer in the corner! Oro fires off body shots and CHOPS! The ref counts, Oro pie faces Frazer then snapmares, to KICK him in the back! Cover, TWO! Oro is frustrated, he covers again, TWO! Oro drags Frazer up, fans rally for Frazer but Oro snap suplexes! Cover, TWO! Meta Four is flustered but Oro stalks Frazer to ropes. Oro CHOPS, whips, but Frazer goes up and out and slides under! Frazer CHOPS back!
Frazer whips, Oro reverses but Frazer breaks free. Oro ducks the kicks to HOOK KICK and BOOT! Cover, TWO! We’re under two minutes in this round but Oro gets the legs. Frazer kicks at Oro, Oro still YANKS him up, but Frazer lands on his feet! Frazer PELES! Oro staggers and wobbles, runs in at the corner but only gets buckles! Frazer stomps away on Oro, lets off at the count, and he CHOPS again! Frazer whips, Oro reverses, but Frazer goes up and over and handsprings away! Oro kicks but Frazer blocks, only for Oro to FLIP AX KICK! Then Jakara gets on the apron! The ref reprimands her, but Lash anchors Frazer!
Oro runs in, WHEEL KICK! Cover, Oro scores!
Oro: 1; Frazer: 1
Fans boo and Dragon protests as he helps Frazer to his corner. Oro also backs off to his corner as NXT goes picture in picture.
Dragon helps Frazer get the starts out of his head while Lash fans off Oro with an actual hand fan. Meta Four is feeling much more confident now that they cheated to tie the score. Time’s up, here comes round three! Oro rushes in again and SHOTGUNS Frazer down! And then BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO!! Frazer survives but Oro covers again! TWO!! Oro tries a third time, TWO!! Frazer is not going down so easily but Oro drags him back up. Oro whips Frazer to a corner, UPPERCUTS him, then stalks him to another corner. But Frazer throws hands in return! Oro knees low and RAMS Frazer into buckles!
Oro kicks Frazer, the ref counts, and Oro backs off. Oro drags Frazer into a neck wrench as we go under two minutes. Dar is still a little worried, he could still lose his cup without fighting on his own. Though from the looks of it, he’s ready to fight fans who are taunting him. Frazer fights up but Oro wrangles him back down. Lash calms Dar down while Oro leans on Frazer. Frazer fights up again, pries the hold open and he shoots around to roll Oro up! TWO!! Oro CLOBBERS Frazer! Cover, TWO! We’re at the one minute warning in this round as Oro clamps onto Frazer and drags him up. Oro back suplexes, but Frazer lands on his feet!
NXT returns to single picture as Oro O’Conner Rolls! TWO!! Oro escapes, backslides, TWO!! Frazer sunset flips! TWO!! We’re at 30 seconds, Oro Jackknife Bridges, TWO!! Frazer dodges, QUEBRADA, but Oro snapmares free! Oro QUEBRADA into a SUPERKICK!! We’re at 10 seconds!! Frazer crawls, Dar pleads with the clock, TWO!! And then the round ends!
Oro: 1; Frazer: 1
Oro survives to the next round and Dar can breathe again. Dragon coaches Frazer up, he’s still just one point away. The round starts, and Frazer DROPKICKS Oro! And then Frazer goes up to PHOENIX- NO, he has to roll through as Oro moves! Frazer runs in again but Oro catches him to a cradle! TWO!!! Frazer escapes, goes to a corner, Oro runs in but Frazer puts him on the apron. But Oro HOTSHOTS Frazer, springboards, RIDER KICK! Oro drags Frazer up, ALLEY-OOP BOMB!! Cover, TWO!!! Frazer survives again in this fast ‘n’ furious match! Jakara tells Oro remember what he’s doing this for!
Oro drags Frazer up, tries again, but Frazer fights the bomb, spins and SUPERKICKS Oro in the heart! Cover, TWO!! Oro survives but Frazer keeps his focus. Frazer hurries to a corner, climbs up top, but Oro jumps up after him! Oro CLUBS Frazer, waistlocks, but Frazer fights! Frazer throws elbows, Oro falls back, but then he gets back up! SUPER GERMAN SUPLEX! Oro leaps to the cover, TWO!! Oro is beside himself as we hit the one minute mark in this round. Jakara and Lash try the same screw job play, but then LEON & FEROZ run out! They YANK Lash & Jakara off the apron and start a fight!
Fans fire up as Lash goes into steel steps! Oro hits just buckles!! Frazer hurries back up as we’re under 40 seconds! BEST PHOENIX EVER!! Cover, FRAZER WINS!!!
Winner: Nathan Frazer, by pinfall (NEW NXT Heritage Cup Champion)
Dar is distraught! He trusted his main man, but Oro LOST! The British Rocket is flying higher than ever, will he redefine what it is to be Heritage Cup Champion?
Lyra Valkyria speaks.
“At NXT Battleground, I came within an inch of claiming the NXT Women’s Championship. And last week, in the battle royal, I let immortality slip through my fingers again. I need to have a short term memory when it comes to these failures. Nothing worth having comes easy, and a true champion overcomes great odds to reach the pinnacle of their potential. I’ll keep evolving, adapting and channeling the spirit of The Morrigan to raise me up from these defeats, and to soar once more over the battlefields of NXT.” When and where will Lyra get another shot at the title?
The other women of NXT are watching this.
Jacy Jayne doesn’t even know what Lyra is going on about. What is any of that? Elektra Lopez says she doesn’t get it, either, but you can’t deny Lyra’s ability. Even Tiffany admitted to it. Well yeah, Elektra would know, since Lyra dumped her outta the battle royal last week. Jacy moves on but then Lola Vice gets in her way. Jacy should check the tape, cuz Lyra got her, too. Jacy says whatever and Lola tells Elektra she doesn’t like too many people here. But she does like Lopez. Likewise. They should stick together. Lola is ready to level up, will she and La Madrina take over the Women’s Division?
Robert Stone talks with Von Wagner backstage.
Von’s been seeing a lot of that therapist lately. Yeah, she’s the best. She sure gets a lot out of him. Well, she’s gotta be doing something right, because Von is looking good and feeling good. But then Dijak walks over to say that Stone should drop this loser and manage a winner. Uh, Stone already reps a winner. Dijak chuckles, but Stone says to forget that guy. Von, keep talking about how therapy’s going. No, Von is done talking. Things have been going great, he’s talked about his childhood, but not “the picture.” Why not? Because she says he should talk to someone he trusts about that stuff.
So Von doesn’t trust Stone? If money isn’t the issue, maybe Stone can get Von’s mom, his dad, or some old football friends. No, no, he doesn’t want that. Then what’s the deal here? Who is Von gonna trust? Y’know, for such a smart guy, Stone can be real stupid sometimes. Oh, okay, thanks. Insults when Stone is trying to help. Who is Von gonna trust? STONE! Von trusts you, Stone! It’s always been Stone. Von storms off and Stone realizes what this all means. Will Stone and Von actually become friends?
2v1 Handicap Match: Axiom & SCRYPTS VS Dabba-Kato!
The comic book superhero story hits a new chapter! The Undeniable Truth and the daredevil of the written word are looking to topple this mountain of a man, will they be stronger together? Or will they simply be in for double the pain?
NXT returns, Scrypts & Axiom make their entrance, but then Dabba rushes out after them! They split up and get around him to get into the ring. Dabba rushes back in, they dodge again and they DOUBLE DROPKICK! The ref says to hold on but Scrypts gives Axiom a boost to DROPKICK again! Scrypts goes to the corner, the bell rings, and Axiom runs in, but into a LARIAT! Dabba drags Axiom up and throws him to Scrypts. Scrypts tags in, Axiom throws hands. Dabba DECKS Axiom, then SWATS Scrypts! Dabba TOSSES Axiom into Scrypts! Fans rally for the “POWER RANGERS!” as Dabba drags Scrypts up.
Dabba CLUBS Scrypts down! Fans rally as Scrypts stands but Dabba throws hands! Scrypts goes to the corner, Dabba storms in but Scrypts kicks back! Axiom tags in, but Dabba blocks their kicks, only to get DOUBLE ENZIGURIS! They fire off hands but Dabba picks them both up! Dabba throws Scrypts away to then BOOT him down! But Axiom fights to get a GUILLOTINE! But Dabba powers up to fireman’s carry, then THROW Axiom down! Dabba snarls, drags Axiom up with one hand, and fans rally before the CHOKE- NO, Axiom slips free! And PELES! Tag to Scrypts and he runs in, TIGER WALL KICK!
Scrypts fires off shots, gets around Dabba then under him to KANGAROO KCIK! Dabba wobbles but Scrypts fires off more hands! Dabba shoves Scrypts, Scrypts returns to WHEEL KICK Dabba out of the ring! Tag to Axiom before the DIVE! Direct hi and Dabba wobbles! Axiom tags Scrypts to then DIVE! Another hit but Dabba’s still up! Scrypts runs, but into Dabba’s grip! Axiom manages to tag in, and ENZIGURI! Dabba wobbles again, Axiom builds speed and then YANKS Scrypts up so he can FLY onto Dabba!! DIRECT HIT!! Fans are thunderous as Scrypts gets back up. Axiom goes up the corner, Dabba stands into the ARIHARA MOONSAULT!!
Fans fire up with the “Power Rangers” as they put Dabba in. Scrypts goes up, to QUEBRADA! Axiom aims, fans fire up, for the GOLDEN RATIO!! Cover, Axiom & Scrypts win!!
Winners: Axiom & Scrypts, by pinfall
Two is truly greater than one, because these underdogs pulled off a truly massive win! Will Scrypts & Axiom actually make a top tier tag team? WAIT! LOS LOTHARIOS ATTACK! Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo beat down Axiom & Scrypts, then pop-up PUNT Axiom down! The fans cheer and jeer as the Lethal Lovers are back in NXT! The NXT Tag Division just got hotter, but what do Angel & Humberto have against Scrypts & Axiom?
NXT Gold Rush is living up to its name already!
Next week adds the North American Championship match of Wes VS Bate with Ali as the special guest referee! And the second week adds the Women’s Championship! Tiffany VS Thea is happening live on TV in two weeks, will Chase U finally have some gold? Or will NXT still be on #TiffyTime?
Channing Lorenzo has a conspiracy board.
Labeled “Operation #FREETONYD,” Stacks looks at all the possibilities. Dijak did it for retribution? Where’s Tommaso Ciampa been? AJ Galante died a hero. El Legado changed their name, and “Petey Poppins” is now a Brawling Brute. Is Two Dimes still alive somehow? Pretty Deadly somehow swam to SmackDown. But then maybe The Don’s right, it HAS to be Gallus! Bada bing, bada bang, bada boom. At Stand & Deliver, they all knew Tony & Stacks were leaving as champs, so they placed their ace in the hole. But then there was a rematch set for NXT Battleground, and surprise! Tony gets pinched cuz of some rat bastard!
Okay, okay, pump the breaks. Don’t get mad, get even. So what Stacks has gotta do is get The Don out and get them another match. You take the head of the rat, and the rest follows. Stacks will figure it out as the Underboss. If he wants the big seat, he’s gotta make the big moves. He’ll show Tony that his faith is well placed. Will Stacks bring justice to the NXT Tag Division?
Duke and Thea talk backstage.
Duke is so proud of her! She stood up for herself, trained with Gulak & Dempsey- Hey, don’t touch the trophy. She won the battle royal, then beat Cora- Say it! Say it, Duke! Thea is going to become the youngest NXT Women’s Champion in history! YES! She can do it! She can do it! Yes, she can! And she’ll beat Tiff in two weeks. So next week, Duke will put on a Chase U pep rally to amp her up. Thea gets amped up NOW! Tiff walks over and says yeah, hi, her eardrums hate children’s voices, so please, use your indoor voice. Oh, by the way, love this underdog story, it’s so cute. But in this story, the underdog doesn’t win. Tootles.
Tiff heads out and Thea says she can beat Tiff. Gulak walks over and confronts Duke. Thea barely wins a match and now Duke’s throwing her a rally? Dempsey says there’s no celebrating when there’s no guarantee of a win. She needs to get back in the gym and get back to training. Duke tells them that’s enough, she just won a match. Thea says no, she can win, so she WILL see them in the gym! LOCK IT IN! LOCK IT IN! Thea is confident, but is she going to run herself in the ground before the Gold Rush?
Malik Blade VS Edris Enofe!
They say things come in threes, so if it worked for Briggs & Jensen and it worked for Hank ‘n’ Tank, it can work for them! Will Malik and Edris become a stronger tag team after facing off with each other? Or will there be an exception to this rule?
The bell rings and the two tie up. They go around, Edris puts Malik in a corner but then they go along the ropes to another corner. Malik has Edris caught now, but lets off as the ref counts. Edris shoves Malik, so Malik shoves Edris back! Hank ‘n’ Tank make their way out to watch in person. Edris says okay, okay, and he headlocks Malik. Malik powers out, but Edris runs him over! Things speed up, Malik hurdles but Edris ducks to sunset flip! Malik stays up but Edris uses a grapevine to finish the flip! Edris then shifts but Malik rolls him up, TWO! Jensen & Briggs are now ringside, they also wanna see this in action.
Edris waistlocks, Malik elbows free and runs, but Edris jumps, drops, but Malik avoids the dropkick to DROPKICK back! Fans fire up while Edris checks his chin. Edris goes to the apron while fans rally for “MALIK! DA FREAK!” Malik storms over but avoids a shoulder to knee Edris! Malik then slingshots up and over, but Edris holds onto ropes! Edris throws down fists and Malik staggers away. But Malik blocks the kick and trips Edris, only for Edris to handspring through! Edris comes back to CLOBBER Malik! Edris gets in the ring while Malik now checks the chin. Fans fire up as Edris builds speed, to FLY! But Malik moves!
Edris staggers back up and Malik FLIES! Direct hit at the ramp and fans lose their minds! Malik puts Edris in, climbs a corner, and Edris stands. Edris ROCKS Malik first! Edris climbs, fans rally for him now, but Malik throws body shots. Edris still brings Malik up for a SUPERPLEX! Cradle cover, TWO as Malik has it now! MALIK WINS!!
Winner: Malik Blade, by pinfall
Briggs & Jensen celebrate with Malik over the win, and Malik looks to his tag partner. They shake hands, and Malik says it’s all love. Edris says that he knows that Malik’s birthday is April 22nd, and he loves him! They hug it out and all the teams celebrate. But then wait, Booker T gets off commentary. He has breaking news after that beautiful moment. It is time to get down to business! Next week is Gold Rush! And these three teams will be in a TRIPLE THREAT TAG MATCH! Fans like that, because it gets better. The winner of that moves on to week two to face GALLUS for the titles!! And like Booker always says, “Now can you dig that, SUCKAAAH?!”
But wait, Los Lotharios return via the perch. They may not be in the #1 contenders match, but will they be very interested in Gold Rush’s tag title match? And then all three teams start brawling! Fans fire up as three sets of friends are throwing down! Who comes out of the Gold Rush with the gold? As for Angel & Humberto, interviewer Kelly asks them what they’re doing in NXT. Well look at this! There’s a lot of excitement and action in NXT, and of course, they wanna be part of it. This is the tag division to watch! Refs break up the brawl, but is the NXT Tag Division only getting wilder?
Damon Kemp complains to referees.
He shows pictures of him getting “screwed over” in his matches against Eddy Thorpe. The ref apologizes for missing the ropebreak, he was focused on the shoulders. Oh, he’s sorry? Hey, everybody! This guy’s sorry for screwing up! But another ref joins in the conversation, and then Eddy walks over. Wow, Kemp is picking fights with officials now? No, no, no. He’s not picking fights, he’s stating facts! If the ropebreak was called, Kemp would’ve won. But yet again, Eddy gets away with another cheap win. Even Eddy could see that? Well then how about seeing this? Kemp can name the match he wants, and they can run this back.
Any match? Yes, any kind of match Kemp wants. Well, okay, Kemp will think about it. But Eddy should’ve just taken the cheap victories. That’s not Eddy’s way. Kemp heads out, what will the Golden Gopher choose to get even with the Alpha Wolf?
Blair Davenport speaks.
“Enemies of the Heir beware. Now you know how true those words really are. Because you see, in this parking lot, and in that building, I singlehandedly derailed the future, right here. Nikkita Lyons: a threat to the women’s championship. But a threat to me? No more. Over here, Wendy Choo. A locker room leader. Now? She can only guide from home. But how could I forget about Sol Ruca. One of the fastest rising superstars in NXT. She was easy to take out when a wrench is in the room. But after what I’ve done, my road to the top is a lot easier. Everyone is so worried, that they’re willing to do anything to get onto my good side.
“Roxanne Perez. You were saved this time. But don’t worry, my capacity for savagery is boundless. Enemies of Blair, beware.”
Roxanne Perez VS Tatum Paxley!
The Prodigy missed out on another opportunity in last week’s battle royal, but that’s because she let anger distract her. She went after Blair Davenport, but then Tatum helped out Blair! Will Roxie get some semblance of revenge? Or will Paxley be the one to pop Rox?
NXT returns as Tatum makes her entrance. The bell rings and the two rush in. Roxie dodges to drop toehold but Tatum stays up to drag Roxie up. Roxie rolls Tatum, TWO! Roxie wrenches Tatum to a wristlock, Tatum rolls, but Roxie throws her down! Roxie La Magistrol to O’Conner Bridge, TWO! Tatum gets up but Roxie wrenches and headlocks. Tatum powers out but Roxie cartwheels and rolls back to swinging headscissor! Fans fire up with Roxie and she waistlocks, but Tatum runs to ropes to HOTSHOT Roxie! Tatum drags Roxie up, underhooks and puts Roxie in the ropes, BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! Cover, TWO!
Tatum stomps Roxie, drags her up and stomps her more, but the ref counts cuz she’s pulling hair. Tatum lets go, runs in and runs Roxie over! Tatum gets the legs, turns Roxie over, and has a BOSTON CRAB! Roxie endures and fans rally up as Tatum sits deep! Roxie powers up, rolls, covers, TWO! Tatum swings, but Roxie counter punches! And again, but then Tatum half nelsons for a FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Roxie survives but Tatum is right on her to stomp the leg. Tatum tries to turn Roxie over again but Roxie fights the crab this time. Roxie spins, cross leg takedown, TWO!! Tatum runs in but into body shots!
Roxie CLUBS and HAMMERS away, but Tatum shoves Roxie back. Tatum whips, Roxie ducks ‘n’ dodges and springboards to CROSSBODY! Roxie fires off fast hands but Tatum gets away. Roxie roars, runs, and DIVES! Direct hit at the ramp! Fans fire up with Roxie and she puts Tatum back in. Roxie fires up, runs in and UPPERCUTS! Roxie wrenches, hooks Tatum up, but Tatum powers out of the leg sweep to throw Roxie by her hair! The ref reprimands and fans boo but Tatum whips Roxie to ropes. Roxie holds ropes, goes up and over, POP- NO, Tatum blocks, but Roxie still sunset flips! Roxie wins!!
Winner: Roxanne Perez, by pinfall
Roxie rebounds with a win, but this isn’t over. Roxie gets a mic to call out Blair! “You’ve hidden in the shadows for months and put a huge dent in our women’s locker room, striking fear into our roster. Look into my eyes, Blair. I’m not afraid of you! You didn’t get me the way you wanted to, so you can keep hunting me, but now I’m looking for you. And I will hurt you just like you did the rest of our women. That’s not a threat, that’s a damn promise!” Fans fire up, but is the Prodigy biting off more than she can chew?
Gigi Dolin watches back film.
She says Kiana James pulled her tights to eliminate her, but no one says anything. Fallon Henley walks over and asks if that’s the battle royal. Yep. Kiana can be a real pain in the ass. Of all the people to eliminate her, Gigi should’ve just done it herself! Fallon says Kiana won’t let her forget it, either. Gigi cannot stand that stuck-up, elitist “I’m better than you” attitude. It makes you wanna rip her face off! Don’t get Fallon started. But if Kiana’s getting at Gigi, it’s cuz Gigi is a threat. Damn good instincts there. Kiana, like others, fear what she doesn’t understand, which is why she’s after Gigi.
Fallon warns Gigi, Kiana is a snake. Gigi will make sure Kiana knows why you don’t mess with a reject. Will the Toxic Avenger take down another egotistical enemy?
NXT hears from Lucien Price & Bronco Nima.
This is the spot right here, where it all began. That friendship started with a game of “bones” (dominoes) that turned into a brotherhood from the hood. The streets are their home, where they learned not to trust anyone but your brothers. All they need are each other, and they’ve fought against the world as it tried to divide them. But one thing is for sure: NXT ain’t ready for this.
NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Baron Corbin VS Ilja Dragunov!
Before tonight, this match was just about proving a point between classes of NXT superstars. But now, with a shot at Carmelo Hayes and the NXT Championship truly on the line, the stakes and intensity have been raised! Will the Lone Wolf prove he’s what NXT still needs? Or will The Czar show he IS NXT?
The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally, the two tie up, and they’re in a deadlock. Corbin throws body shots to go after the bad back! Corbin CLUBS Dragunov, runs him over, and then soaks up the heat. Dragunov gets up and eggs Corbin on. Dragunov then BOOTS Corbin, puts him in a corner and fires off forearms! The ref counts, Dragunov knees low then lets off. Dragunov brings Corbin around to bump off buckles, then KNEE him low! And again! Dragunov ROCKS Corbin, bumps him off buckles but Corbin turns things around to CHOP! Dragunov just shrugs it off?! Dragunov CHOPS back!
Dragunov RIPS Corbin’s shirt apart and CHOPS him again! Fans are thunderous as Dragunov CLUBS Corbin right down! Dragunov eggs Corbin on, stomps him, and then drags Corbin up. Dragunov knees Corbin, CHOPS him again, and Corbin is stinging! Dragunov looms over Corbin as fans want that “ONE MORE TIME!” But Corbin hauls Dragunov up to HOTSHOT, then CLOBBER him! Fans boo but Corbin stomps away on Dragunov! Corbin drags Dragunov up to short arm LARIAT! Fans boo more but Corbin just taunts Dragunov. Corbin drags Dragunov up, taunts the fans, but Dragunov gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX!
Dragunov holds on, brings Corbin up, and GERMAN SUPLEXES again! Dragunov drags Corbin back up but Corbin grabs the ropes. The ref counts, Corbin elbows Dragunov and whips him. Dragunov tiger feints for the CONSTANTINE SPECIAL! Corbin flops out of the ring and is frustrated while NXT goes picture in picture.
Dragunov is fired up but he clutches his bad back. Dragunov goes out to CLUB Corbin, and then stalks him to barriers. Dragunov brings Corbin around, CHOPS him, and fans fire up with Dragunov. Dragunov drags Corbin back up to put him in the ring. Dragunov takes a moment to catch his breath, but Corbin BLASTS him off the apron! Dragunov writhes on the floor, Corbin goes out after him, and Corbin brings him up to RAM into barriers! Dragunov drops to his knees but he shakes his head. Dragunov stands to HEADBUTT Corbin, and UPPERCUT! But Corbin throws body shots into the bad back!
Corbin puts Dragunov in the ring, KICKS him in the side, and then CLUBS him down! And again! And again! Corbin throws elbows, then drags Dragunov up. Dragunov blocks the punch to give punches and CHOPS! Dragunov wrenches and clinches, but Corbin fights the lift. Dragunov shifts to get a SLEEPER! Corbin sputters as Dragunov leans on him. Corbin fights up, but Dragunov shifts to put on more pressure. NXT returns to single picture and fans chant “LOCK IT IN!” on behalf of Trick Williams. Corbin fights up, breaks the sleeper, but Dragunov waistlocks again! Corbin pries free to elbow low!
Corbin throws Dragunov out hard! Dragunov hits the apron on the way down! Corbin sputters but he goes out after Dragunov. Corbin drags Dragunov up as fans chant “CORBIN SUCKS!” Corbin choke grips, to APRON CHOKE SLAM! Dragunov writhes while Corbin soaks up the heat. Corbin then rains down elbows on the apron! Dragunov gets in the ring but Corbin drags Dragunov back out! Corbin has Dragunov against the desk as he fires off on the bad back! Corbin then RAMS Dragunov into the apron face first! The ref checks Dragunov, reprimands Corbin, but Corbin pushes Dragunov into the ring.
Corbin stalks Dragunov, stomps his back, and mocks the fans with applause. Corbin puts on a chinlock and he bends Dragunov back. Dragunov endures, the fans rally up, and Dragunov fights his way up. Fans rally, Dragunov fights with elbows, but Corbin choke grips! CHOKE SLAM BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Dragunov is still in this and he shakes his head. Corbin stalks Dragunov to ropes, drags him up, and he puts Dragunov in the corner. Corbin mocks the fans, then whips Dragunov corner to corner hard! Dragunov bounces off the buckles and Corbin grins. Corbin drags Dragunov up, and whips him into another corner!
Corbin runs in but into an ELBOW! Dragunov goes up, CLUBS away on Corbin, but Corbin YANKS Dragunov down! Dragunov staggers up, into a fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Corbin is frustrated as Dragunov survives that big throw. Corbin argues with the ref but the ref says his count was fair. Corbin sits Dragunov up but Dragunov throws body shots. Corbin shoves Dragunov into ropes to ROCK him in the back! Corbin throws off his elbow pads and he stands Dragunov up again. Another shove, and another forearm into the back! Corbin then drags Dragunov up to shove again, but Dragunov ROCKS Corbin back!
Corbin ROCKS Dragunov, Dragunov ROCKS Corbin, and fans rally as the forearms fly! Corbin then hits low! Dragunov roars, runs in, but into DEEP SIX!! Cover, TWO!! Dragunov survives and shocks Corbin! Fans fire up as Corbin looms over Dragunov. Corbin drags Dragunov up, reels him in, END OF- NO, Dragunov slips through to fire off knees! And a CHOP! And a BOOT! And then a PELE! Corbin falls and fans are thunderous! Dragunov nods and stands, to run in corner to corner, JUMP KNEE! Snapmare, and then Dragunov goes to the corner. Dragunov hops up, to KING KONG KNEE DROP!
Dragunov isn’t done, he just goes right back up! Dragunov leaps for a SUPER SENTON!! But the damage to his back makes that double-edged! Fans love “NXT! NXT!” for this main event as Dragunov drags Corbin up. Corbin THROAT CHOPS! And CHOKE- NO, Dragunov slips free to DDT! “This is Awesome!” as Dragunov gets Corbin up, to suplex! Up and over! And FALLING FOREARM! Corbin flounders away but Dragunov goes to a corner. “UN! BE! SIEG! BAR!” But BRON BREAKKER is here! Dragunov hits Bron with TORPEDO MOSCOW! But then END OF DAYS!!! Cover, Corbin wins!
Winner: Baron Corbin, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT Champion)
The Big Booty Nephew screws Dragunov over, and then keeps after him! That’s the only reason Corbin is a contender! But wait, here comes the champ! Melo fires off on Corbin! Melo DECKS Corbin, SUPERKICKS him, then springboards, FLYING CLOTHESLINE! Fans are fired up for “MEL~O! MEL~O!” NOTHING BUT NET!! Melo hits that three pointer, is he gonna dunk on Bumass Corbin in the Gold Rush?
My Thoughts:
Great stuff for NXT, and for what turned out as a surprise go-home given the coming Gold Rush themed episodes. For one, really good promos from Bron and Rollins to set up their World Heavyweight Championship match for next week, Rollins is gonna have a busy week but also some awesome matches having both the open challenge on Raw and then this match on NXT. At the same time, Rollins of course makes it through next week to still defend his title at MITB against Finn Balor, but the whole point is to show Rollins is a fighting champion who is willing to fight more times in two weeks than Roman has all year.
Meanwhile, really good stuff in the Women’s Championship story. Good promo from Dana and Cora that of course led to Dana helping Thea win that match. Thea is confident, and I would hope she has an amazing showing, but it is still gonna be Tiffany’s title after Gold Rush. But I look forward to the pep rally, and I would love if that’s when Andre Chase decides to make his return. Dana VS Cora will also be good, but I think Cora’s gonna cheat that win as payback. And good promo from Gigi where she and Fallon sorta bond over hating Kiana. Gigi VS Kiana will help Gigi build more momentum towards an eventual title match with Tiff.
Good promo from Blair to recap her “victims” and fairly good match from Roxie and Tatum. I feel like that finish wasn’t quite how it was meant to be, but the Pop Rox being a Sunset Bomb, it was a good adjustment to switch things to a sunset flip. And Roxie has a good promo calling out Blair, that’ll be a really good match, but I feel like Tatum will play a factor in Blair’s win. If Blair is “the heir” in a Harry Potter reference, then Tatum can be Blair’s first Death Eater. Tatum’s make-up has become a bit more smeared, a bit spookier, which is ironic since Alba & Isla brought up the darkness in her but then they got called up. Maybe there was something planned where Tatum would join them, but now she can play that out as Blair’s protégé.
Great opening Six Man Tag, and great win for the Faces. An interesting move for Ali to suggest he acts as special guest referee, I feel like this is gonna lead to him screwing over someone, probably Bate, and then getting himself a match with Wes. Then great stuff with the Heritage Cup, but I can already see Dar claiming controversy. He didn’t wanna face Frazer himself, so in a great and fast paced match, Frazer wins big against Oro, but Dar can perhaps argue this and get a rematch for either Gold Rush or Great American Bash. In that instance, I would hope Frazer retains against Dar, but there’s half a chance Dar gets it back to be a three-time Heritage Cup Champion.
Great handicap match from Axiom, Scrypts and Dabba-Kato, and that is definitely how you book underdog Faces going against one big Heel. I’m thinking Axiom & Scrypts are sticking together as a team, and then what a huge surprise that Los Lotharios are another “callback” here. Great match between Malik & Edris, especially for Malik to win. And I like that as soon as a shot at the tag titles was on the line, the six friends all stuck by their teams and started fighting. And good little vignette from Price & Bronco, who have also been on Level Up getting their reps. The NXT Tag Division is really heating up again, as I said after watching Battleground, and we are going to be in for a great Triple Threat Tag next week.
In relation, I really liked Stacks’ promo with his conspiracy board. What great use of continuity that just tends to evade RawDown (when Vince is writing things), and I appreciate that they’re even keeping Two Dimes as a possibility even though Cole Karter is still AEW/ROH. I’m intrigued to see where this will go, I hope they really make the payoff a good one. Gallus will probably make it through Gold Rush, and maybe we get more great vignettes from the D’Angelo Family to lead us into Great American Bash. And really good segment from Von, Stone and Dijak. It wasn’t overstated but it was done really well for Von to admit that Stone is his friend, his confidant, and Von VS Dijak is going to be one hell of a match.
And speaking of, that main event was awesome stuff. Probably one of Corbin’s best in awhile. But at the same time, something screwy had to happen for Corbin to win so he could face Melo for the title. Bron has his shot, so he adds Heel heat by being so petty as to screw Dragunov out of his shot. Chances are Dragunov returns the favor, and then we get Bron VS Dragunov at Great American Bash. Melo getting the better of Corbin was great to turn the mood back around for the fans, and I don’t think this affects the math on the title match. Corbin is a great Heel, but the HIM Era should be uninterrupted until the day someone else NXT has been building is ready to dethrone Melo.
My Score: 8.8/10
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London calling to the champion crowns!
SmackDown brings gold to London as LA Knight defends his WWE US Championship and The Street Profits defend their tag team titles! Will the landscape change this close to WrestleMania?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly; The Profits win and retain the titles.
- Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice w/ Chelsea Green; The Secret Her-vice wins.
- WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman; Braun wins, by disqualification, and Knight retains the title.
- Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab; Charlotte wins.
- Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.
- Jimmy Uso VS The Miz; Jimmy wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes is here!
We follow The American Nightmare as walks to gorilla, then through the curtain, and London sings along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, says hello to fans along the ramp, and then we get the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro. Cody goes to the ring, grabs a mic, then kneels down to kiss the WWE logo on the mat. The fans continue to sing along all the way to the end, “I AM MY KINGDOM!” The fans then cheer, and Cody holds up the belt to fire them up even more! The fans now sing for “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and he soaks it in. The fans cheer again as Cody smiles, and he finally says, “So, London~! Whaddya wanna talk about?”
The fans chant “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cody hears that dueling, and he smiles again. The song of “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” returns, then they cheer. Cody says, “At WrestleMania 41, I will be facing John Cena…” The fans boo, but Cody says, “I will be facing John Cena as he goes to break the record and win 17. But that is WrestleMania 41. In just a few nights, I will be standing face to face with John Cena in this very same city, in this very same arena.” The fans cheer that, but then here comes Randy Orton! Now the fans sing along with Voices as The Viper heads to the ring. Orton also high-fives fans before he joins Cody.
Orton grabs a mic, paces while the fans keep singing on their own, and then the fans cheer. Orton says he’s not really the sentimental type, but for Cody and for London, screw it. The fans chant “R K O! R K O!” and Orton tells Cody, “Look at you. Look at who you are now, the man you are now. Look at where he came from.” The fans cheer and sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and Orton says he remembers a Cody in his early 20s, just breaking into the business. Cody was busting his ass harder than anyone else. He wasn’t exactly happy, and in fact, he was frustrated. But Cody was man enough, smart enough, to know he needed to grow, and that he couldn’t grow in the WWE.
Cody wasn’t exactly treated fairly in the WWE, so Cody left the WWE! That took some big ass balls to do what he did! Cody changed the business singlehandedly, and everyone in the back knows it. And Orton appreciates Cody for it. But then Cody came back, as they all knew one day he would. And the industry has been changed forever since the day Cody came back to the WWE. Cody is a bit teary eyed as Orton says Cody’s still the same guy, he just did what he set out to do, and he grew. Orton teases he would sing along with the fans, but the fans might leave. The fans again sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!”
Orton asks if they remember when Cody Rhodes faced Seth Rollins in Hell in a Cell. The fans cheer because they do. Orton says that was impressive, and even impossible, as he started with a partially torn pec and then ended with a fully torn pec! His body changed all kinds of shades of purple that Orton’s never seen on a human body. The pain he must have been in. Cody persevered not just for himself. Maybe not even at all for Cody. It was not even for his family legacy; it was for each and every single fan out there! Then Cody went on to WrestleMania, beat Roman Reigns and finished the story!
But there’s always another story, isn’t there? And Cody’s right in the middle of one. Cody is in charge of his legacy, and it is a privilege for Orton to watch Cody take control of it. Ticket sales have been up, there’s more intrigue around the world, and listen to the people! It is 99.9% all because of Cody! The fans cheer that, and of course they sing. Orton says what he’s trying to say is a long-winded version of he respects Cody, loves him, and is very, very proud of him. The fans cheer that! Orton then says, “But… But now it is time for WrestleMania.” They both look to the sign, and Orton says he can guarantee Cody that Orton will kick Kevin Owens so hard in the head…!
Orton can just feel it already! He forgets how many days are left, but he can’t wait to remove Kevin’s head from his shoulders. And Orton knows Cody will enter champion, exit champion, but not before he beats the holy hell outta Cena all up and down the Vegas strip! But after all the smoke clears and the dust settles, just like Orton wants Number 17, there will come a time when Orton will want Number 15. But Orton won’t kick Cody in the balls like a coward. Orton will look Cody in the eye because he respects Cody, is proud of Cody, and sees him as an equal. Orton will look Cody in the eye and tell him that he’s coming for the title.
The fans cheer but wait! Drew McIntyre is here! The fans cheer the Scottish Terminator as he steps out on stage, mic in hand, and has a wry smile on his face as he looks at the ring. Drew waves as the fans now sing, “OH~ Drew McIntyre~!” Drew says, “Isn’t this wonderful? A couple of nepo babies having a love fest in the middle of the ring> It makes me absolutely sick. What’d you just say, Randy? if Cody gets through Cena at WrestleMania, you’re coming for that title? What exactly have you done since that big comeback to justify that title match? Aside be Randy Orton. The only big moment I can remember is you being on the shelf for months and months and months.
“People like to make jokes about it, but more people talk about my five-minute-45-second title reign than your entire comeback so far! So get to the back of the line, sunshine! As for you, Cody, you should’ve listened to me. But you shunned me. You attacked me. Everybody should’ve listened to me about John Cena, but they didn’t. And the next night, he kicked you right in the twig ‘n’ berries, proving me right as usual. And the main event of WrestleMania should be Cody Rhodes VS The UK’s only ever world champion, Drew McIntyre!” Fans do like that idea. But sadly, it’s not, because of that guyliner wearing Temu Undertaker, Damian Priest!
Drew wants to talk about what is happening. And what’s gonna happen! Drew steps up to the ring while fans sing for him again. Drew says it will not be Randy that takes the title from Cody, should he get through Cena; it’ll be McIntyre. The fans cheer, but Orton says they were trying to have a moment. Can Drew just cut the crap already? Drew says okay, sure. He’ll tell the truth, because that’s all he ever does. The truth is, Kevin might have a point! If those Voices are talking to Orton again, then they know Drew very, very well. And he’s thinking, “My God, Randy looks great! Absolutely jacked! On the outside.”
On the inside, that back is hanging by a thread. And if Orton provokes McIntyre, McIntyre will break him. And as for Cody- Cody kicks Drew and UPPERCUTS him! The fans fire up, and Orton R- NO, Drew gets away! The fans boo, but the battlelines are drawn! Even if Cody makes it out of the frying pan that is Las Vegas, it’ll be into the fire that is these contenders waiting in line! Will the American Nightmare be ready for whoever comes for the crown?
WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly!
Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins are finally golden again, but it’s time to put the titles on the line already! And while they’re ready for the grind, they’re up against the hometown heroes! Will the Profits still be up in the O2? Or will Kit Wilson & Elton Prince say #YESBOY to a new reign of their own?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really wants the smoke!
The teams sort out and Kit starts with Dawkins. They tie up, Dawkins headlocks, but Kit powers up and out. Dawkins runs Kit over, the fans fire up, and Dawkins fires hands on Kit in the corner! The fans rally for Pretty Deadly, Dawkins whips Kit to a corner, but Elton takes that bump! Kit CLOBBERS Dawkins, then tags Elton! Atomic drop into DROPKICK! Ford runs up, but into a DOUBLE HIP TOSS! Dawkins whips, Elton reverses, and then Elton hurdles so Kit can DDT! The fans fire up with Pretty Deadly while the Profits bail out. Pretty Deadly has control while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Elton is right on Dawkins as he gets in, and UPPERCUTS him to the corner. Elton clinches Dawkins for another UPPERCUT! Tag to Kit, and Elton RAMS into Dawkins so Kit can UPPERCUT! Dawkins flops over, Kit drags him up to wrench the arm. Kit whips, Dawkins reverses, but Kit grabs ropes. Kit ELBOWS Dawkins, DECKS Ford, but Dawkins CLOBBERS Kit! The ref reprimands but Dawkins RAMS Kit into the corner again and again! The ref counts, Dawkins fires fast hands, then he tags in Ford. Ford says, “SUCK IT!” then he KICKS Kit! Ford scuffs Kit, then drags him to a cover, TWO!
Ford keeps Kit down with a facelock, but Kit endures the grind. Kit fights up, fires body shots, but Ford whips him away. Kit sunset flips! Ford rolls through, and PENALTY KICKS! Ford mocks Elton with the Scott Hall fingers, and the ref has to keep Elton back. Ford drags Kit up, tags Dawkins, and the Profits mug Kit. Dawkins CLUBS Kit down, then stalks him. Dawkins stays between Kit and Elton, then whips Kit into the Profits’ corner. CYCLONE- NO, Kit dodges! Ford tags in, he keeps Kit from Elton now, but Kit slips out of the suplex! Kit fakes high to go low, hot tag to Elton! Elton rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT!
Elton kicks and whips Ford to a corner, then UPPERCUTS! Elton whips the other way, UPPERCUTS again, and then does it again! Elton adds to the hattrick with a lift, Ford says a quick prayer before the SUPLEX! Ford flounders, gets to his feet, but Elton dodges to springboard and FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Ford stays in this, but Elton stays on him. SmackDown returns to single picture and fans rally for Pretty Deadly as Elton gives Ford a back suplex. Ford lands out, waistlocks, but Elton switches and shoves Ford. Ford CLOBBERS Elton in return! Ford is also dazed but he covers, ONE!
Kit reaches out, Elton and Ford both crawl, hot tags to Kit and Dawkins! The fans fire up as Dawkins wrenches Kit, underhooks and SILENCER! Dawkins Electric Chair Lifts Kit, Ford climbs, but Kit slips free! Kit shoves Dawkins into Ford! Ford falls to the floor, but Dawkins ENZIGIRIS Kit! Elton tags in, and Kit LARIATS Dawkins! Pretty Deadly combine for DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Dawkins survives and the Profits are a bit unsure of what to do next. Dawkins crawls to a corner, Elton runs up, but Dawkins dodges! Elton hits buckles and Dawkins TOSSES Kit, then Dawkins hits a SKY HIGH on Elton!
Dawkins hurries to tag Ford and Ford climbs up! But Kit pushes Elton out of the way! Kit takes FROM THE HEAVESN, and Elton ghost pins Ford! TWO!! Ford escapes, and he ROCKS Elton! Elton UPPERCUTS Ford! Dawkins sneaks a tag, Ford SUPERKICKS! POUNCE SAIDO COMBO!! Cover, KIT BREAKS IT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! The teams go to opposite ends, then they all stand up in the corners. They all roar, all run in, and Kit SPEARS Ford while Elton FLYING UPPERCUTS Dawkins!! London is thunderous, and Kit hurries to tag in! Pretty Deadly gets Dawkins up, for SPILT MILK!! Cover, FORD BREAKS IT!
The fans are shocked, as is Elton, but Ford saves this for his team! “This is Awesome!” as Ford runs up and Elton TOSSES him out! Now DRY MARTI- NO! Dawkins doesn’t accept the second serving, and he DUMPS Kit out! Kit skins the cat while Dawkins DECKS Elton! Dawkins catches Kit to an Electric Chair! Ford rises, DOOMSDAY BLOCKBUSTER!! Cover, Profits win!
Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall (still WWE Tag Team Champions)
Pretty Deadly put up a heroic fight, but the hometown heroes could not capture the gold. Dawkins & Ford hold onto the gold, will this be the strongest the Profits have ever been?
Kayden & Katana talk with Zelina Vega.
Carter & Chance know La Muneca got screwed over by The Green Administration. Chelsea thinks she’s untouchable, but someone’s gonna stop them eventually. Well, speaking of, Alba Fyre leads the way in as she & Piper Niven “scope the perimeter.” There’s one small threat. They frisk the “miniscule” threat, but nothing they haven’t dealt with before. Chelsea struts in and says, “The Eagle has landed~!” Zelina says she is so glad the “Bootleg Men in Black” have crashed the party. Now, yeah, they all know she’s small. But clearly this small “threat” is a big threat to Chelsea’s title reign. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have taken all three of them to beat her.
KC Squared agree with that. How about tonight, we see what happens when the odds are even? Chelsea says that’s fine, because Agents P & A are ready. The Secret Her-vice has been given their next mission, but will they be able to crash the party? Or will the party crash them?
Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice!
SmackDown returns and The Green Administration makes their entrance. The teams sort out, Alba starts against Katana, and the two tie up. Alba KNEES low, CLUBS Katana down, then fireman’s carries. Katana fights free, tags Kayden, and they KICK, double whip, and then trip Alba up for the basement DROPKICK! Katana adds a slingshot SENTON, Kayden covers, TWO! Kayden tags Katana, they double whip Alba to a corner, then Kayden runs in. Alba DUMPS Kayden out, ROCKS Katana, and she tags Piper! Katana arm-drags Alba out, then goes out to run up. Kayden gives her a boost, Katana CROSSBODIES Alba down!
The fans fire up, but Piper goes up and out?! CANNONBALL and down goes KC Squared! Piper salutes Chelsea and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Kayden rallies on Alba while the fans rally up. Kayden fires up, runs in and whips, but Alba reverses. Kayden wheelbarrows, victory rolls, then SUPERKICKS! Kayden fires up again but the fans are torn. Kayden runs in at Alba to BOOT WASH her against the ropes! Chelsea protests, Kayden kicks at her, then Kayden springboards for a LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Alba survives, Kayden whips, but Alba KICKS back! Tag to Piper, but Kayden jackknife bridges Alba! The ref explains bout the tag, Piper runs up, but Kayden moves! The SENTON hits Alba! Piper panics, Kayden tags Katana!
Katana goes up onto Kayden’s shoulders, VICTORY ROLL LAUNCHER, but Piper catches Katana! Katana fires hands, BOOTS, and then hurries to go up again. Kayden ROCKS Piper, and fireman’s carries?! SAMOAN DROP! Kayden then gives Katana the boost, for the KEG STAND SPLASH!! Cover, ALBA BREAKS IT! Kayden runs up on Alba to BOOT her out! Katana gives Kayden the boost now, SUPER CROSSBODY onto Alba! Kayden hurries to tag back in, and she brings Piper up. Piper swings, Kayden dodges and SUPERKICKS! Katana goes up, Piper staggers over that way, but Chelsea distracts the ref!
The fans are torn as Alba grabs Katana. Katana kicks Alba down, chases Chelsea off, but Piper sends Kayden into her! Piper scoops to PIPER DRIVER!! Cover, Secret Her-vice wins!
Winner: The Secret Her-vice, by pinfall
The Women’s US Champion helps her team, and now they all mug Kayden & Katana! But here comes Zelina! Vega runs down the ramp, CLOBBERS Alba, and then she gets in the ring! Zelina tilt-o-whirl DDTS Piper! And she KNEES Alba off the apron! But Chelsea CLOBBERS Zelina! Chelsea fires up, the UK is oddly with her, and she chicken wings Zeina. But Zelina fights free to fire forearms and body shots! And a BACK ELBOW! Zelina reels Chelsea in, CODE- SUPERKICK from Alba! SENTON from Piper! The Green Administration is just too much for Zelina to fight against alone! But can she, Kayden & Katana find a way to turn things around?
WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman!
Did the Mega Star just get this title back from Shinsuke Nakamura? YEAH! Did he help the Monster of All Monsters fight off Solo Sikoa’s rouge bloodline? YEAH! And now, does he have to defend this title against the monster he just helped? YEAH!! But will Knight still reign this close to WrestleMania? Or will Braun #GetTheseHands back on a championship?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s time for Knight’s biggest challenge, YEAH!
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. The two tie up, and Braun SHOVES Knight away. Knight comes back, Braun SHOVES him down again! Knight gets up, gets around, and he headlocks. Braun powers up to back suplex, but Knight lands out! Knight tries but Braun’s too big to suplex! Braun ELBOWS Knight, storms up on him, but Knight fires haymakers! Knight whips, Braun reverses, but Knight KICKS back! Knight runs, but Braun HIP TOSSES! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this, but Braun brings him up. Braun puts Knight in a corner, CHOPS, then runs, for a SPLASH! Knight sputters along ropes, Braun keeps moving, but Knight DUMPS him out!
The fans fire up as Knight then WRECKS Braun with a dropkick! Knight keeps moving, and he WRECKS Braun again! The fans fire up with Knight, but then Braun BOOTS Knight down! The fans are torn but Braun stands tall as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Braun puts Knight back in the ring. The fans cheer as Knight KICKS Braun! Knight tries again, but Braun’s still too big to back suplex! Braun CLUBS Knight, then runs in at the corner. Knight BOOTS Braun, goes up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Knight and Braun rise back up, and Knight dodges a shot to JAB! Then he dodges to JAB! JAB! JAB! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” But Braun KNEES low! Braun scoops, Knight slips free, and Knight RAMS Braun into buckles! Then the BACK SUPLEX! The fans fire up and Knight rises again! Knight spells it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!
Braun has plenty left in the tank but the fans rally for Knight. Knight stands Braun up to kick low, but Braun THROWS Knight away! Knight rises, and Braun LARIATS Knight up and out! The fans fire up as Braun rips the shirt! Braun gets on the track, and he runs in, STROWMAN EXPRESS MEETS JACOB FATU!! The Samoan Werewolf strikes Braun down!
Winner: Braun Strowman, by disqualification; LA Knight retains the title
The fans boo as Jacob now goes after Knight! He just ruined what was becoming a great match, but Jacob fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT on Braun! SAMOAN DROP onto the desk!! The desk doesn’t budge, but Braun might’ve been broken in half! The UK fires up for Fatu as he puts Braun in the ring! Jacob fires more HEADBUTTS, then HEADBUTTS away on Braun in the corner! The fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE, FATU~, FATU~!” Jacob runs corner to corner, but Knight kicks him first! Knight fires haymakers, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Jacob denies the BFT to POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! And then HIP ATTACK for Braun anyway!
Jacob keeps going, HIP ATTACK for Braun again! Jacob throws off his jacket, glares at Braun, and he runs in for a third HIP ATTACK! Braun flounders into the drop zone, so Jacob goes up, up, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! Direct hit on Braun, but the fans want that “ONE MORE TIME!” Jacob obliges, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! The Samoan Werewolf just tore up #OneBigSOB and LA Knight, will there be no stopping him from taking the United States Championship?
Backstage interview with Jimmy Uso.
Jackie Redmond is with #BigJim, and she says that while she knew WWE was going global this month, she did not know they’d get the slap heard ’round the world! Jimmy says he’d do it again, and he’ll slap Gunther as many times as he needs! Jimmy knows Jey is up in his own head, doubt is creeping on him. But just because Jey’s 0-3 against Gunther doesn’t mean Gunther’s unbeatable! The Ring General CAN be got! Jimmy’s going to Raw this Monday, he will bust Gunther’s ass, Jey will go to Mania and bust Gunther’s ass to become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. And then they leave Las Vegas just like this: YEET!
Jimmy heads out, but then The Miz & Carmelo Hayes walk by. Miz is mocking Jimmy’s words, and he asks excuse me. Miz says it’s just funny that suddenly, Jimmy is a tough guy, even though for most of his career, he’s been “The Other Uso.” Doesn’t Jimmy get it? Jimmy and Jey are career sidekicks while Gunther is a main character. Gunther is the lead, neither Jimmy nor Jey can beat him. And here’s another thing: The Usos are just blips on the trailer that was Roman Reigns’ Bloodline. Melo says Jimmy & Jey are stuck outside the club, they can’t even get in.
Miz says as a former WWE Champion, a former WrestleMania main eventer, Jimmy will never know what it is to carry this industry. And after this year’s WrestleMania, neither will Jey. Oh, and by the way, if Jimmy ever slapped Miz like that, Jimmy would still be on the ground. Jimmy feints the slap and Miz freaks out. Jimmy says it may be him and Gunther on Monday, but he’ll holler at Aldis real quick so it can be Jimmy VS Miz here tonight. Yeah, YEET! Jimmy heads out, Melo says he thought Miz was gonna do something about the slap. Will Miz have to do something about running his mouth before he gets his teeth kicked in?
Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga find Jacob Fatu backstage.
Solo asks Jacob what the Hell he was doing out there. Jacob goes out there alone without saying a thing to them? Jacob says he ain’t gotta say nothing to nobody! Matter fact, didn’t Solo not tap in with him last week? Tama says, “But Jacob,” only for Jacob to say, “But nothing, Tama!” Solo wants Jacob to lower his tone, but Jacob says okay. Let him be very clear with them. When it comes to Braun Strowman, Jacob WILL be the last man standing. Y’all better get in where you fit in, cuz that US title? Oh, Jacob’s bringing it home to the family. And he will do it with them, or without them! Yadada mean? Fatu heads out, is the Samoan Werewolf no longer following Solo?
Naomi speaks.
“I mean… How did we even get here? I don’t know. One thing that I do know is that I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. So Bianca, what makes you think that my attack on Jade was anything different from me doing the right thing? When I sit here and I think about all that I’ve sacrificed, all that I’ve given, and that’s what really breaks my heart. Because through all of that, I’m made to be the bad one in this situation. I just don’t understand, how does Jade come in outta nowhere and take my place with you? I want you to ask yourself this, Bianca. Who inspired you? Hmm?
“Who’s inspired women over the last decade? Who’s always had your back from day one of you being here? Me. Not Jade. Hmm. But you know what? What I’ve learned through all of this: You teach people how to treat you. And I’m done with being treated as a third wheel. I’m done being pushed to the side, I’m done with being too nice, I’m done with being undervalued, underutilized, underappreciated! So moving forward, hmm… Moving forward, here’s my message to you, Jade. If you continue to be in my way, I strongly advise you to proceed with caution.” The Glow shows her dark side, but will the storm be moved?
Nick Aldis meets with Jade Cargill.
Speaking of, the SmackDown General Manager understands things have been rather difficult for her as of late. Jade says she’s been trying to get her hands on Naomi for the past few weeks, now where is she? No one has seen her all day, so as far as anyone knows, Naomi’s not here. Well, when Jade catches Naomi, it’s on sight. Jade leaves, B-Fab & Michin are there. They let her know that what Naomi did to her was straight trash, totally uncalled for behavior. And after Jade gets her hands on Naomi, she’ll handle that business. Jade agrees. Mia says they’ve all got business to handle. Jade’s got Naomi, and Mia’s gonna get Charlotte for messing with her girl, B.
B-Fab says Naomi’s got what’s coming to her: no sympathy, no regrets. Jade, just do what you gotta do. Oh, she will. Jade also wishes Mia luck tonight. Mia & B-Fab head out, will the Head Baddie in Charge make the Queen bow down in London?
The darkness approaches.
“You are as I was. As I am, you will be.” The shadows are starting to take shape, but is SmackDown about to fade to black?
Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab!
The Queen looks down on everyone, so it’s no surprise that everyone else wants to take her down. Charlotte may have checked off B-Fab, but will the HBIC be a much different story? Or will Charlotte only sharpen her edge before facing Tiffany Stratton at WrestleMania?
WAIT! NAOMI ATTACKS B-FAB & MICHIN! Naomi drags Mia up for a FACEBUSTER! Naomi rains down fists, the ref reprimands and the fans boo, but Naomi tells the ref to back off. Naomi then BOOTS B-Fab off the apron! Naomi goes out after B-Fab to THRWO her into barriers! Naomi SLAPS B-Fab, tells her to stay down, but B-Fab gets up. Naomi fires hands, then she SMACKS B-Fab off the desk! Naomi rains down fists, but here comes Jade! Jade hurries down the ramp, she runs around the way, but Naomi runs away! Jade makes sure B-Fab is okay, but refs have to help her to the back. And what of Mia? Will she even be able to compete?
Charlotte makes her entrance, not really caring about what Naomi just did to Mia. But that means she also crosses paths with Jade. The fans like the look of this stare down, but Jade and Charlotte both let the other slide. Charlotte gets her pyro, and it seems she’ll still get her match. Will Mia be little more than an appetizer now?
The bell rings, and Charlotte BOOTS Mia down! Cover, TWO! Mia stays in this and the fans rally up. Charlotte just struts around while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Charlotte has Mia down with a chinlock, but the fans rally up. Mia fights up, fires body shots, and she then blocks a shot to ROCK Charlotte! Mia ROCKS Charlotte again and again, then reels her in for a TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up as Mia hurries to cover, TWO! Mia drags Charlotte up, wrenches, but Charlotte says no to Da Feet! BIG back suplex! Mia stagger sup, Charlotte whips her, but Mia reverses! Charlotte goes up and out, BOOTS her away, then slingshots in and rolls Mia! Mia rolls through and BUZZSAWS! Mia runs corner to corner, but Charlotte avoids the cannonball!
Charlotte YAKUZA KICKS Mia down, then fires herself up! The fans “WOO~!” as Charlotte has Mia in the drop zone,. Charlotte steps on her, goes up the corner, but Mia gets underneath her! SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Charlotte survives and Mia is shocked! Mia nods as the fans rally back up, and she brings Charlotte up. But Charlotte ROCKS Mia! Mia SOBATS, PELES, and then runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Charlotte stays in this, Mia grows frustrated, but the fans continue to rally. Mia uses that energy to stay focused, and she stalks Charlotte to waistlock. But Charlotte ELBOWS her away!
Charlotte CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOSP! Charlotte winds up, and she CHOPS again! Mia sputters, but then she dodges the boot! Charlotte is caught, and Mia hits a SAIDO! Charlotte flounders to a corner, the fans rally behind Mia, and Mia runs up, CANNONBALL! Mia hurries to wrench and EAT- NO, Charlotte shoves Mia away! Charlotte gets under, back suplexes, but Mia lands out! EAT DA FEET!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Charlotte’s long legs help her survive by a literal foot! Mia is beside herself while Charlotte bails out. Mia storms after Charlotte, runs up, but Charlotte dodges! Mia’s kick hits steel steps!
Mia hobbles away, goes to the apron, but Charlotte CHOP BLOCKS the bad leg out! Charlotte grabs Mia’s leg, drops a KNEE on the knee, but fans chant, “We Want Tiffy!” Charlotte just steps through, FIGURE FOUR, into FIGURE EIGHT!! Mia taps, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
Charlotte got more of a fight out of Mia than expected, but she still won. Will The Queen be more than ready to reign again after WrestleMania?
Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.
Jackie Redmond is with the WWE Women’s Champion and says Charlotte certainly looks confident. Let’s be real, Charlotte came at Tiff pretty hard. It got a lot of people talking. Tiff says yes, people talk. And Charlotte sure loves to hear herself talk. Ten years into the business and Charlotte is still so insecure that she can’t let a “rookie” get a word out. But last week, Tiff did learn something: She learned that walking into WrestleMania, she isn’t the one with something to lose. Truth is, if Tiff loses, then she lost to the great Charlotte Flair, as just a 25-year-old rookie with one year into SmackDown.
But if Charlotte loses… Well, then she lost to an “undeserving, delusional, unoriginal, backflip doing, blonde-hair-having, little girl.” Did she get it all? And Tiff can’t wait to hear the look on Charlotte’s face when they hear the words, “And STILL!” Then maybe Charlotte will finally shut up for the sake of literally everyone! They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, and Tiff will make damn sure what stays is Charlotte’s massive ego. Tiff is walking into and out of Mania as the WWE Women’s Champion. Tootles! Tiff heads out, will it still be #TiffyTime after WrestleMania?
Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre!
The Viper told Cody how proud he was, but also how he wants the next shot after John Cena. The Scottish Terminator took offense to that, and basically said he is taking that shot instead. Will this match be an unofficial #1 contender’s match between these two former world champions?
SmackDown returns and McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans sing, “OH~, Drew McIntyre~!” and chant “R K O! R K O!” Drew and Orton circle, tie up, and they go around in a deadlock. Drew powers Orton to a corner, but Orton headlocks back. Drew powers up and out, then he runs Orton over! Orton hurries to ropes and Drew mockingly asks, “How’s the back feel, Randy?” Orton stands, he and Drew reset, and the fans duel some more. Drew calls for a knuckle lock, Orton accepts, but then Drew kicks low! Drew bumps Orton off buckles, then climbs up, but he panders for too long and Orton YANKS him down!
The fans fire up as Orton climbs now! Orton rains down fists, and the fans count to nine. Orton hops down, brings Drew around, and POSTS him for ten! Drew tumbles out of the ring, Orton goes out after him, and they’re by the desk! But Drew kicks Orton first and SMACKS him off the desk! Drew clears the desk, and he brings Orton up for the DESK- NO, Orton fights free! Orton turns things around, DESK BACK SUPLEX for Drew! The fans fire up while Orton leaves Drew behind, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew writhes on the floor, but Orton goes out to fetch him! Orton brings Drew around, UPPERCUTS him, then says one more time! DESK BACK SUPLEX! Drew writhes as that desk stays standing! Orton grins, refreshes the ring count, and then he storms up on Drew. Drew pokes Orton in the eye! Drew POSTS Orton now, then brings him around to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP into barriers! Orton slumps down, and Drew also grits his teeth from that double-edged attack, but Drew fires up as he stands tall. Drew drags Orton up, puts him in the ring, then stalks Orton. Drew looms over Orton, and HIP DROPS him!
Orton sputters, Drew says one more time, and he winds up for the HIP DROP! Drew paces around Orton, says maybe one more time, and he pretends he can’t hear the fans. Drew winds up again, but Orton flips over! Hip drop meets kneecaps! And then Orton pokes Drew in the eyes! The ref reprimands but Orton rises up. Drew sputters and flounders, Orton ROCKS him with a right! Drew ROCKS Orton back! Drew storms up, Orton kicks low, but Drew fires another haymaker! The haymakers go back and forth, Orton gets the edge, but Drew GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS! Cover, TWO! Drew clamps onto Orton with an armlock!
SmackDown returns to single picture and the fans rally up. Orton fights up, pries at the chinbar, and then throws right hands! Drew CHOPS Orton in return! The fans “WOO~” and Drew winds up. Drew ROCKS Orton again, eggs him on, then CHOPS again! Drew shoves Orton to a corner, CHOPS again, then dares Orton to fight! Drew whips corner to corner, but Orton comes back to LARIAT! And LARIAT! Drew swings, Orton dodges, SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up as Orton stalks Drew to the apron. Drew HOTSHOTS Orton first! Drew then runs in, but Orton puts him through the ropes!
The fans fire up as Orton has Drew for the DRAPING DDT! The fans fire up for Orton, and Orton hears those voices! Drew rises, but then Orton spots KEVIN OWENS! The Prizefighter is on the ramp, Orton glares at him, but then he turns around into a CLAYMORE!! Cover, DREW WINS!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
Kevin’s mere presence costs Orton, and now Drew has a huge win propelling him down the Road to WrestleMania! As for Orton, Kevin drags him out of the ring, SMACKS him off the desk, and then climbs up to join him! The fans boo but Kevin and his hot pink sneakers have Orton in position, but Orton slips free and TRIPS Kevin up! Kevin hits the desk then the floor! Orton staggers around, the fans rally behind him, and Orton stalks Kevin to the corner of the barriers. Orton lines up the shot! Orton runs in, but Kevin jumps over barriers! Security is there to stop Orton from pursuing, so Kevin runs away into the night!
The fans boo, but The Viper was that close! Will Orton be able to strike Kevin down and completely take him out?
Fire, thunder, smoke…
The force of nature is drawing ever closer. And he’s ready to fly! REY FENIX arrives next Friday Night SmackDown!
Jimmy Uso VS The Miz!
#BigJim gave Gunther a piece of his mind and a mark on his cheek, but it seems not everyone got the message. Will the Hollywood A-lister soon star in the Uso Penitentiary? Or will he prove Jimmy is NOT ready for a world champion level opponent?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Jimmy powers Miz to a corner, Miz turns things around, and the ref counts. Miz takes a swing, Jimmy ducks it to CHOP! And CHOP! Miz shoves Jimmy back, then runs up, but Jimmy TACKLES Miz! Jimmy rains down fists, Miz shoves him away to go to ropes, but Jimmy storms back up. Miz ELBOWS Jimmy away, then runs back up, only for Jimmy to LARIAT him down! The fans fire up while Jimmy storms up on Miz. Jimmy CHOPS Miz, has him in a corner, then whips corner to corner. Miz reverses, Jimmy goes up and over, then UPPERCUTS! Miz staggers back to ropes, but Jimmy is right on him.
Jimmy whips, Miz reverses and kitchen sink knees! Then basement BOOTS! The fans fire up, Miz scowls, and Miz KNEES Jimmy in the back again and again. Miz stalks Jimmy to the ropes now, and he CHOKES Jimmy! The ref counts, Miz runs, and Miz STRADDLE ATTACKS! The fans boo, but Miz runs again. Jimmy ducks the boot, then dodges a lariat! Jimmy runs up to LARIAT Miz up and out! The fans fire up and Jimmy builds speed, but Miz runs away! Jimmy smirks as he goes out the side, and UPPERCUTS Miz over the barriers! Jimmy makes sure Gunther knows he’s coming to get him, but SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and both men are down. Miz and Jimmy crawl, and Jimmy pounds the mat. The fans rally, Jimmy rises and runs up to LARIAT! And LARIAT! And mule kick! Jimmy then UPPERCUTS Miz, dodges a lariat, then SAMOAN DROPS! The fans fire up, Jimmy goes to the corner, “UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs in, but Miz puts him on the apron! Jimmy UPPERCUTS again! Jimmy climbs, leaps, but Miz gets under! Miz then waistlocks, ripcords, and MOVIE MAKER! Fans boo that blatant parody, but Miz full nelsons! Jimmy drops, victory rolls, TWO! Miz has the cover, TWO! Miz hurries to BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally up as Jimmy survives! Miz stalks Jimmy, the fans rally up more, and Miz fires a KICK! And then another KICK! The fans say “YES! YES! YES!” to the It Kicks, but then Miz winds up. Jimmy ducks the buzzsaw, Miz blocks the superkick, but the DRAGON WHIP connects! Miz rebounds to B-MOVIE KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! The parodies don’t get it done, but Miz still has his original work to fall back on. The fans rally for “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Miz runs in, A-LIST LARIAT! Miz shoves Jimmy down, then springboards, but into a SUPERKICK! Jimmy hurries up top, for the USO SPLASH!! Cover, Jimmy wins!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Miz may be a movie star, but Big Jim’s the one winning this main event! Jimmy then borrows Joe Tessitore’s headset to call out Gunther! He’s coming after dat ass on Monday! Gunther won’t be the ring general, he will be “Private Gunther,” and he will salute Big Jim! Uh, uh, YEET! Will Jimmy be the one making examples out of the World Heavyweight Champion? Or will everything come crashing down when Gunther gets his turn?
Drew McIntyre returns backstage.
And he says hey to Lewis Capaldi, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, and also a big fan of Drew’s. They’re ready to have a good night in the pub, but Jackie Redmond walks over to congratulate him on the win tonight. She was hoping to get some thoughts on that victory and what happened with Orton and Kevin. Drew says it’s alright, this is what happens. He doesn’t care about anybody else’s business, but no one gets away with screwing him over. And when no one meddles in his business, he wins! Drew called out Priest, where is he? Priest doesn’t have the balls! So time to get mad in the pubs, everyone’s invited!
Drew turns the corner, but PRIEST IS THERE! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the door, then throws him into road cases! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the trunk of a car, and then again! Or since it’s London, “the boot.” The driver complains, but Priest BODY SLAMS that guy through a table! Drew comes back to KNEE Priest low, SMACK him off the trunk, and then off the side! They go to the hood, or bonnet for UK. Drew drags Priest up, but Priest CLAWS Drew’s eyes! Priest then sends Drew SOUTH OF HEAVEN through the windshield! Priest tells security that he’s done for now. Any more jokes, Drew? Didn’t think so! RIP, jackass!
Priest leaves, the producers hurry to help Drew, and Drew’s got glass in his eye! Will that glass help Drew see why he shouldn’t piss off the Punisher?
CM Punk heads to gorilla.
He has a security detail with him, and he passes by Drew writhing in pain. Punk chuckles, then continues on. Will his contract signing with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins be just as brutal? We find out, after the break.
Nick Aldis is in the ring.
The SmackDown General Manager welcomes us back, and says it is his honor and privilege to be here in the O2 in London. Now, we all know why he and this table is here, and why additional security is here tonight. Tonight, we are here to sign a contract for a Triple Threat. Perhaps the biggest Triple Threat in the history of WrestleMania: Seth Rollins VS CM Punk VS Roman Reigns! The fans cheer all those names, and here comes the OTC! London puts the ones up, and Paul Heyman accompanies THE Tribal Chief out on stage. Roman raises his finger to the sky for the pyro, then security follows him to the ring.
SmackDown goes picture in picture as Roman’s entrance continues, and he raises his finger to the sky for the second round of pyro. Roman steps into the ring, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Heyman hands him a mic. The fans sing, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!” Roman nods, the fans cheer, and now they chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman tells London, “ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” The fans cheer again, and again chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman smiles, but he sees the chairs are not to his liking. Heyman makes sure to put one at the head of the table. Heyman also dusts the chair off while Roman enjoys the singing of, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!”
Roman takes a seat and says that was beautiful. The way they sing to their Tribal Chief, it’s just beautiful. The singing continues, and Heyman even joins in! Roman smiles, and he says that is what he’s talking about. That’s the OTC for you, baby! The biggest star on the planet! The OTC came here for two reasons. One: to be acknowledged; check! And two: to sign this contract. Roman does just that, and he says he’s checked both boxes. That means- “BURN IT DOWN!” Seth Rollins interrupts! The fans now sing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Rollins struts out in his red wine paisley suit and conducts the O2 Choir all the way into the ring.
The fans cheer while Roman frowns, but Rollins takes the seat to Roman’s left. Rollins offers Heyman a chance to sing to this song, but Heyman frowns. Rollins chuckles, and he says the fans do have beautiful singing voices. He doesn’t know why Roman is in such a hurry to leave, though! This is their building! There’s a lot of history here! 12 years ago, they landed on the roof of this place in a helicopter! They came down those stairs over there, “ready to burn down the old guard!” They put the Undertaker down through the desk, and they were going to remake this company in their image!
Now don’t get him wrong, Rollins knows a lot has happened since then. They fought against each other, with each other, a little bit of love and a whole lot of hate. But Rollins dare says, as the fans continue to sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~,” that Rollins and Roman accomplished their mission. The fans start to chant for CM Punk, but Rollins tunes them out. Roman says, “We? We? You keep saying we. Our mission? We died a long time ago. It’s only been ME. You been here, but I done all the work! I’ve made this place what it is today! I took us to the level that we are here today! I made this place better than we found it!
“I’m the one that made us desirable to Netflix! I’m the one that took us into billion-dollar deals! Tell me, what have you done?” Rollins shouts, “I’ll tell you what I’ve done! YOU, YOU, YOU, it’s that mindset that keeps me having to screw you! You understand that? And your biggest mistake is not understanding the danger that’s right in front of us! The danger that’s right in front of you! You let the biggest snake in the world, CM Punk, into the garden! And you could’ve cut his head off at WarGames! But instead, you shook his hand. You could’ve let me finish him inside the cage at The Garden, but you didn’t. And now, I am left to do what I always do: Clean up your mess, again.”
Rollins drops his mic, picks up the pen, and signs his part. And now, here comes CM PUNK! The fans fire up and sing along with Cult of Personality, then join in on saying, “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME~!” Punk goes to the ring, but as he grabs a mic, he goes up a corner, just like he did last Friday. “I have come here to chew bubblegum and sign a contract. And I’m all outta bubblegum.” The fans cheer the Rowdy Roddy Piper reference, and Punk hops down to take his seat on Roman’s right. Punk looks over said contract, but Roman asks if Punk needs a highlighter or something. What’s he doing? Just go to page four, clause five.
Punk does as Roman says, but Roman says Punk needs to hurry, this is precious TV time. Punk reads the segment, Roman tells Heyman to just smarten Punk up. Heyman tells Punk he knows what Punk is looking for. It is in there. They’re closing the show at WrestleMania. The fans go wild hearing that! Heyman tells Punk that he gets to live his dream of dreams. CM Punk will be a WrestleMania main eventer! The fans cheer and while Roman smiles, Rollins is furious. Roman says, “One man’s dream is another man’s favor! CHECK!” Wait, this was the favor? Rollins says no! This is not something to laugh at, and Punk does not get to tear up!
Punk is NOT deserving! He does NOT deserve this! The fans boo but Rollins continues to throw a fit! Main eventing WrestleMania is SACRED, the most important thing in the world to Rollins! More than anything! Except the fact that Punk NEVER gets to main event! This is all Roman’s fault! This is all Heyman’s fault! Rollins THROWS his mic down, paces angrily, but Punk picks up the mic. The fans cheer Punk on again, and Punk stands to thank London, to thank Chicago, to thank Louisville, Kentucky, and to thank ALL the fans. As corny as it sounds, he thanks the WWE Universe who stood by him and chanted his name for TEN LONG YEARS!
Roman says hold on, hold on. Punk shouldn’t be thanking the fans! He should be thanking the Tribal Chief! It is because of Roman that Punk gets this honor! So please, take this moment, close the show with that acknowledgement! Do this the right way. The credits are already rolling as Punk kneels before Roman!? Punk smiles, and he thanks “My Tribal Chief, the holder of the ula fala, the Head of the Table, the… Big Dog? Thank you for allowing a kid from Chicago to be graced by your presence. Thank you, My Tribal Chief, for allowing me to stand in your ring. And thank you so much. Thank you, Roman Reigns, so very much.
“But because of you, I will see you in the main event of WrestleMania.” And again, Rollins is agonizing over this. Punk finishes putting his signature on the contract, and London tells him, “You Deserve It!” Punk thanks Roman again, and then says, “But that’s not the favor that I’m owed.” WHAT?! Roman looks at Heyman and Heyman can’t look him in the eye! If getting this Triple Threat made into the main event isn’t the gift of the Wise Man, then what is?!
My Thoughts:
A good SmackDown, but they pulled off quite the paradox. They made it feel like they were struggling to fill three hours, yet they also filled the show to the point where that contract signing segment was almost bleeding over the three hour mark. Ironically, part of the problem was just how excited the London crowd was for this. The superstars still wanted to enjoy the chants and songs, but that’s time SmackDown doesn’t have to spare. It made the opening promo from Cody, Orton and Drew take longer, and it kinda did the same to the contract signing at the end. Even so, we still got a very good promo, and good stuff to set up Orton VS McIntyre.
Orton VS McIntyre was a great match, but of course Kevin costs Orton. McIntyre gets his win, Kevin and Orton have a bit of a brawl, but of course Kevin ends up on the losing end and runs off. McIntyre’s trash talk also comes back to bite him as Priest gets the better of him in their brawl. Here’s hoping Drew didn’t actually get glass in his eye, but that being the thing in kayfabe can be some good stuff. I can imagine McIntyre with an eyepatch, and he takes it off at the opportune time to get the better of Priest in their match. Also what a fitting choice for Punk to be passing by Drew suffering because of real glass.
Very good title matches tonight, but of course the status quo was kept. Pretty Deadly gets to look great here in London, but the Profits only just got the belts, they’re not going to be transitional champions like that. And Knight VS Braun was really good stuff, but honestly, Jacob Fatu going after them both should’ve been a given. Jacob also had a great promo with Solo & Tama to start adding to that divide between Jacob and Solo. I would hope Solo doesn’t screw Jacob out of the US Championship, but it feels like he will as Solo won’t stand for Jacob defying his authority, even though Solo’s been trying to make Jacob the champion all along.
Very good stuff from Jimmy Uso tonight, from his promo with #MeloDon’tMiz and then a great match with Miz. Their match ended up the de facto main event match, so that’s also great for both guys. Great win for Jimmy, but that’s likely because Jimmy is losing big time to Gunther on Monday. And it might just be me, but it feels like only now is the Jey VS Gunther build really moving, largely in part because Jimmy got involved. Jimmy’s promo after his match is something along the lines of what Jey should be saying. But I suppose as brothers, Jimmy is the one who knows Jey best and knows what Jey needs to be motivated again. And seeing Jimmy get beat up by Gunther will definitely motivate Jey…
Good final vignettes for Rey Fenix and Aleister Black. I’m a little surprised they confirmed Rey Fenix is showing up next week, and that they confirmed who Rey Fenix even is. I believe commentary confirmed Rey Fenix is Penta’s real brother, even namedropped “Lucha Brothers,” but all that is still surprising considering Fenix is going to start on SmackDown. Aleister’s vignette (at least I am fairly confident it’s his) was giving us glimpses of his silhouette, but I think there was usage of AI in the snake imagery. It was fine they did it for El Grande Americano because that is all trolling, but they really should try and do things the old fashioned way of photoshop and stock imagery.
Very good stuff in the Women’s Division tonight, though the WWE Women’s Championship portion was the weaker. Naomi’s got a great Heel persona going, her promo was great, and her going after B-Fab & Michin over them supporting Jade was a great detail. Jade runs Naomi off, helps B-Fab, but there was no helping Michin in being fed to Charlotte. Tiffany had a decent promo, and it does fit how Charlotte kept her from speaking so she finally gets things out here. It didn’t really add that much, though, but they already gave us a great brawl so not sure what more they can give.
KC Squared VS The Secret Her-vice was a very good match, but of course Chelsea made sure her team won. A Six Woman Tag of Zelina & KC Squared VS The Green Administration is certainly coming, to help give us Zelina VS Chelsea for the Women’s US Championship.
My Score: 8.7/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 3.27.2025
Bad news out of the TNA management side, but this is a taped episode from El Paso! So we won’t see any of the fallout just yet!
Now we all heard the news about the TNA change in hierarchy, and I…have no positive outlook on that. Delirious sucked at booking and creative in the dying days of ROH before it got bought as a B show. Dreamer having even more control is concerning because his ideas the last two years haven’t been much better.
Gail leaving makes more sense to me. Be it firing or a “you can’t quit, you’re fired” kind of situation, the Knockouts division is the worst it’s been in a long time and Gail was close with Scott D’Amore. So I don’t think Gail parting ways is as big of a problem since TNA has slowly been bleeding out with the Scott faithful.
Granted, I think the next few shows were already taped before the firing so things shouldn’t be completely unwatchable for at least a week or two. So let’s see where we’re going.
.@WeAreRosemary sends @XiaBrookside a CHILLING message!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/srciTTbel0
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Ratings:
- Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge: Ash wins via Rarefied Air – ** 1/4
- Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr: Chavo wins via Gory Bomb into Frog Splash – *** 1/4
- Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich: Masha wins via Russian Death Device – ***
- Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin: Eric wins via Piledriver – ** 1/2
- Seto & Mokuba – I mean – Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater: Nic wins via Danger Zone – *** 1/4
Results:
Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge
Ash and Gigi start off, Gigi with a little Rascalz after her first takedown. So both her and Wentz are making it obvious something’s going on between them, and I’m not mad at it. Good for my man Wentz.
Tatum and Gigi get some quick tandem offense in, Ash does manage to scurry off to a tag and Heather gets bent into a Pretzel. Some kind of Inverted Tarantula from Tatum, Gigi tags in, Bronco Buster on Heather followed by Kawada Kicks. Heather sells against the ropes, Gigi goes for a Hesitation Dropkick, but Concierge pulls her away so Gigi crashes and burns. Ref is distracted, Ash gets in some cheap shots and then the Elegant duo starts working over Gigi. A few quick tags, but once Heather comes in, Gigi fights out of the corner, gets the hot tag to Tatum. Tatum stacks up both Elegance members, Corner Stacked Crossbody, Butterfly Suplex and an Elbow Drop with some some flare. Tatum goes to the top rope, Heather pulls Gigi off the apron, Concierge shoves Tatum off the turnbuckle and Ash hits Rarefied Air for the win.
Post match the Elegance Clique wants to make their wish with the cake, they light the candles and Tatum and Gigi recover enough to do what we all expected last week, the cake in the face spot. Some…suggestive licking from both of our Hot Topic Hotties, so…no complaints here.
.@Ashamae_Sebera, @Heathereckless and @IamGeorgeIceman are having a meltdown!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/FnKwPqm2ff
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr
Chavo and Kaz start since he’s King Petty, a quick rope run turns into a Headscissor from Chavo. Kaz recovers, they lock up, Kaz hits the Knee Lift during the lock up to tag out to KC. KC pulls off some athletic dodges, gloats a bit so Chavo waits, measures and nails a gorgeous Dropkick. Laredo comes in on fire, quick high spots that send KC bouncing around like HBK against Hulk. KC powders after sells the Satellite Takedown, AJ checks on him and we go to commercial.
Back from commercial, Octagon is lighting up KC’s chest with overhand chops, he perches, Sunset Headscissor Flip from corner to corner, KC tries to Back Drop him but Octagon does a headstand, kicks KC away and lays him out with a high spot. AJ gets on the apron to stop Octagon from running the ropes, the referee has a stroke or something because he stops paying attention and AJ pulls Octagon out of the ring and chucks him. KC with the Tope con Hilo and tag (tag ropes haven’t mattered since the 80s we all know this). So AJ is getting taunted by the crowd in Spanish, but he’s manhandling Octagon since it looks like a Child fighting their parent. AJ knocks off Chavo and Laredo, Laredo pops up and tries to get involved but he’s caught on the shoulders, Octagon goes for the Crossbody but gets caught and AJ pulls off “World’s Strongest Wasteland” but Chavo breaks up the pinfall. AJ throws Octagon into the corner, Tennessee Whiskey, and tag out to KC. KC hits a few moves, but starts to lose the momentum until he connects with a Super Kick. Simultaneous rope run into the Dueling Crossbodies, so we get the timely tag outs from both sides. Kaz and Laredo come in, Laredo lands like two moves before Kaz hits a Sole Butt, Lariat and eats his lunch. KC and Kaz try to double team Laredo but he fights out and the crowd is chanting for Chavo.
Chavo tags in, and he’s rocking KC, Saito Suplex, Low Bridge to AJ, Reverse the Whip so Chavo goes to the corner and perches, KC feeds, Chavo Backflips to safety, rolls through and lays out KC. Chavo is feeling himself, 3 Amigos start on KC but only 2, Kaz comes in and Chavo switches to Kaz for the Amigos, only 2 again before AJ breaks it up. AJ goes for the disrespect, but Chavo counters and hits the 3 Amigos on the biggest Culero. Aztec Warriors dive to stop AJ and Kaz, KC tries a Dirty Victory Roll but Chavo kicks out. GORY BOMB into FROG SPLASH!
Chavo looked fantastic and he’s the one in the best shape in the ring. I wouldn’t be mad at more Chavito.
Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich
I expect very little from this match.
Collar and Elbow, gator rolling for the first 30 seconds or so, then Jacy goes to some Hair Pull takedowns and does a little taunt before Masha pops back up and hits a Lariat into a Dive. Jacy sells it like she’s really hurt, even the ref tries to hold Masha back a little before Masha gets annoyed and just grabs her, Masha throws her in, looks for a Dive and Jacy sees it and powders. Masha tries to go back to the well for the Dive again but Jacy hits the Uppercut and then an Apron Run PK to drop Masha. Forearms rain down into a Foot Choke as Jacy continues to arrogantly play to the crowd. Another Foot Choke into a Cannonball, and near fall.
Masha gets space with a Sole Butt, tries to snap off Requiem but Jacy fights off, fights through a Sunset Flip another effective PK keeps Masha on her ass. Jacy looks for a kinda half-assed Camel Clutch as Masha is fighting up, but Jacy runs her into the corner, gets distracted mouthing off to the crowd, so Masha recovers, 5 Hole Up Kick sends Jacy into the corner, Yakuza Kick into Capo Kick for two. Requiem attempt again, but Jacy pushes off, a little back and forth, Masha tries a Backslide but Jacy gets away and hits a V-Trigger but only a 2 count. Jacy looks for the Discus Punch but Masha ducks it, they strike back and forth, but some dodges from both leave the exchange more even. Jacy with the Front Kick to the face sends Masha to the outside. Jacy wants another PK, but Masha blocks, Electric Chair Apron Snake Eyes. Masha throws her in, a PK into a near all. Requiem attempt 3, and thwarted from Jacy with a Superkick into a Neckbreaker. Senton misses from Jacy, Buzzsaw Kick, into Spinning Back Kick and Russian Death Device for the win.
Better than I expected, and Tessa attacks as soon as the bell rings. Xia Brookside and Lei Ying Li make the save after Tessa grabs the belt.
Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin
Ace and Eric tie up, World of Sport start but as soon as Ace starts to get away EY punches him in the face. Eric looks at the camera and says “This is what trust looks like”, turns his back on Ace, when Ace looks to attack, the loser duo cut him off. EY takes advantage of the weird situation, but Ace with some Up and Over quick spots, into an Inside Cradle and La Magistral. EY kicks out of the quick flash attempts, but eats a Dropkick, and Ace goes all Speed Kils on him with fast strikes and then a face buster for another near fall. Strike spot very early in the match, Ace gets the best of it, goes for a Tear Drop Suplex but EY sits on it to block, Headlocks to keep him close and then a snap Lariat into beatdown bully tactics. EY takes the referee’s attention and one of the nerds punch Ace in the face.
Eric tries to lean on Ace, but Ace fires, a few strikes, Click Click Boom, the Miz Seated Lariats in the corner, Mochizuki Triangle Kick connects! Only a 2 count, but Ace seems to be in control. Ace puts EY on the ropes, a few strikes to keep him rocked, wants a Superplex, but EY blocks, bites the face and Macho Elbow gets a very close two count. EY tries the Piledriver but Ace turns it into a Jacknife Cradle,Spinning Heel Kick, calls for The Fold, but the losers hop on the apron to distract, Ace attacks them. Ace tries to time out the Triangle Kick again, but Eric dodges, throws Ace head first through the buckles. As Ace stumbles out of the corner, Piledriver, and it’s over.
Oh look it’s the “we’ll hear from Joe Hendry” segment. Again, I’ve loved this gimmick since Day 1, even didn’t hate his What Culture Pro stuff, but there is such a thing as milking a cow too much.
Elijah interrupts the whole “Who’s next” speech. When Elijah comes out he says he’s not the challenger and he believes in Joe. The crowd wants Elijah to turn on Hendry. Elijah pauses for a moment, and starts proving his friendship with stating his favorite color and a little “You Got a Friend in Me”. The crowd is into singing along and waving their cameras like Lighters to a 30 year old song. THANKFULLY Kaz breaks up the hug fest. Now he gets the “Culero” chant.
Kaz pulls out a Bass…what the hell is this Jam Session. Kaz has to warm up so he plays “La Cucaracha” on the bass. Kaz…is a national treasure. Hendry kicks Kaz out of the ring after his Heelish and playfully racially charged song choices. Kaz tries to sow dissension, but Joe and Elijah pinball Kaz between them. Kaz slips a power move and tries to shove Elijah into Joe but Elijah puts the brakes on, a small tense moment. But then Joe and Elijah play “Nah Nah Nah Nah, Hey Hey, Goodbye”…and that goes right into a commercial. Oddly…perfect.
Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater
Nic shoots the half immediately for a flash pinfall but Leon kicks out at one. Nic continues to keep things grounded with his amateur wrestling skills, and then does a little Dolph Ziggler show off. So Nic isn’t really taking this seriously, and Leon starts getting the best of things with an Arm Wringer, into drag, Shoulder Tackle and rope run as Nic tries to Leap Frog and Leon puts on the brakes and just shoves Nic on his ass. Nic gets annoyed, a few strikes, grinds his face along the ropes, but Leon keeps stringing some offense together, Back Handspring Elbow into his Corner con Hilo.
Ahh the classic formula of the commercial gives the heel the advantage, Twisting Suplex from Leon stops Nic’s offense momentum, right hand, Leon lifts Nic up for something, Nic slips it, kicks him in the gut, looks for the FameAsser, but Leon catches him into a Blue Thunder Bomb variation. Slater wants the Swanton 450, but Nic powders. Leon tries to adjust into a Dive, but Nic cuts him off, counter for counter and a FameAsser out of the counters for a two count. Nic starts the big brother tactics, bootwashes and arrogance, Slater fires, punches into a Yakuza Kick. Leon wants another Lethal Injection variant, but Nic catches him into a Rear Naked Choke. Slater tries to turn it into a pin so Nic breaks it. Leon wants a Leg Lariat but misses and gets unceremoniously dropped by Nic. Nic puts Leon up on the buckles, Superplex possibly but Slater counters, tries to collect himself for a move, but Nic falls into the ropes to crotch Leon, and finally hits the Superplex.
Twist of Slate from Leon, Swanton 450 but knees get up. Locomotion Cradles from both but they kick out, Ryan picks the ankle to trip up Leon just a touch and then Danger Zone ends the match.
Ryan starts the post match beatdown, but the Hardy’s music hits and they come down to the ring for the save. Matt challenges the Nemeths for Rebellion because they’re not medically cleared yet.
Overall Score: 6.5/10
Decent story motion, no match was offensive, and there was actually some solid match action for television standards. I don’t have a ton to complain about aside from the Knockouts Division is in a weird spot, and giving Hendry a lot of just talking and hollow payoff segments feels stupid. If we need to hear from him every week, give him a talk segment like Highlight Reel or something. Yes I know First Class just got The Penthouse, but if Hendry is going to talk more than wrestle, give him a talk segment for us to sink our teeth into.
There was the announcement that Xia, Lei Ying and Masha will face Tessa, Jacy and a mystery partner. So you gotta wonder if there’s going to be another NXT mercenary, a surprise return or if it’ll just be Rosemary since she’s got her issues with Xia. Also I just realized that Unbreakable is going to be on a Thursday, seemingly after iMPACT? I’m gonna have to see how they do it, because if there’s an Impact episode and 2-3 hour PLE…I do not want to be awake until 1am. People need to work, and I will be Unwakeable if things go that long.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
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