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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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.
The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.
Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!
Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!
Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!
The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.
As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.
Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.
Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.
Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?
Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
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