Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (6/27/23)
The Gold Rush ends!
Will Baron Corbin dethrone… HIM?
NXT Gold Rush Part 2 is here, and Baron Corbin wants to finally be NXT Champion! But will he manage to gatekeep the leader of the new school, Carmelo Hayes?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- NXT Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton VS Thea Hail w/ Chase U; Tiffany wins and retains the title.
- NXT Tag Team Championships: Gallus VS Malik Blade & Edris Enofe; Gallus wins and retains the titles.
- NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Nathan Frazer VS Dragon Lee; Frazer wins and retains the title.
- Gigi Dolin VS Kiana James; Gigi wins.
- NXT Championship: Carmelo Hayes w/ Trick Williams VS Baron Corbin; Melo wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Champion and challenger arrive.
Carmelo Hayes & Trick Williams walk in, having come straight from the airport, while Baron Corbin rides up in a $3,000 Porsche. The Lone Wolf says he’ll be adding to his riches, but will he be denied by… HIM?
NXT Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton VS Thea Hail w/ Chase U!
Daddy’s Little Rich Girl says she’s the Center of the Universe, and while she did earn the title, her opponent has earned her shot at it! Will Thea remake this into the Chase U-niverse? Or will we all still be on #TiffyTime?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Thea passes the hardest test in her career!
The bell rings and fans rally up as Tiff talks trash. They tie up, are in a deadlock, and Thea powers Tiff back. Tiff turns things to an arm wrench but Thea fights up. Tiff whips, Thea reverses and then rolls Tiff up, ONE!! Tiff gets up and whips Thea but Thea blocks hip toss to a backslide! TWO, and Tiff swings, into a crucifix takeover! TWO!! Thea grabs the arm! Tiff scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Thea lets off, and now “Coach” Gulak & “Coach” Dempsey are here. Tiff rushes in but Thea gets her arm! Tiff throws body shots, whips, but Thea goes up and over to arm-drag! And arm- NO, Tiff blocks!
Tiff brings Thea up to whip her to ropes. Thea cartwheels up and over then JAPANESE ARM-DRAGS! And DROPKICKS! Tiff tumbles out and fans fire up as Thea goes to the apron. But Tiff YANKS her outta the springboard! Thea crashes ‘n’ burns, then Tiff DISCUS LARIATS! Tiff soaks up the heat, puts Thea in the ring, and then aims from a corner. Tiff handsprings corner to corner to back elbow! Fans cheer the agility as Tiff runs to DOUBLE STOMP! Cover, TWO! Thea survives and Tiff is annoyed. Tiff runs to HIP ATTACK against the ropes! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Thea grabs the arm! Tiff gest the ropebreak!
Thea BLASTS Tiff off the apron, tries again, and springboard TRUST FALL! Direct hit! Thea puts Tiff in and fires herself back up! But Tiff SKY HIGH BOMBS!! Cover, TWO!! Thea survives again, goes to ropes, and NXT goes picture in picture.
Duke coaches Thea up while she and Tiff rest against ropes. Tiff storms up and whips Thea to a corner. Tiff runs in to SPLASH! Tiff snapmares, then stomps Thea down! Cover, TWO! Tiff wraps on a chinlock and she leans on the hold. Thea endures, fights up, and arm-drags free! Things speed up, Thea whips but Tiff reverses to CLOBBER Thea! Cover, TWO! Tiff grows frustrated, and she drags Thea up to snap suplex! Thea bails out of the ring, Tiff soaks up the cheers and jeers. Duke looks to Gulak & Dempsey as they “coach” Thea up. Tiff continues to swagger while Thea drags herself up. Thea flops back over, checks her neck, and rises again.
Tiff continues to soak up the cheers and jeers as the ring count climbs. Thea stands, Tiff goes out after her and puts her back in. Tiff taunts Thea but Thea throws body shots! Thea ROCKS Tiff with forearms, whips, but Tiff holds ropes to KICK back! Cover, TWO! Thea hangs in there and that annoys Tiff. Tiff wraps on another chinlock, and she squeezes tight. Thea fights up, but Tiff wrangles her back down. Thea endures, fights back up, and fans rally, but Tiff wrangles Thea back down again. Tiff leans all her weight on Thea, but fans continue to rally as NXT returns to single picture. Thea fights up again, but Tiff knees low!
Tiff whips Thea to the corner, runs in but the splash misses! ARM BREAKER! Thea whips Tiff into a corner! Tiff storms back up but Thea WRINGS her arm out! Fans fire up and Thea rallies with big forearms! Tiff ends up in a corner, Thea runs in and back body blocks! Thea then reels Tiff in, T-BONE! Thea spells it out! “C! H! A! S! E! U!” SENTON! Theta shakes the ropes, then IMPLODER SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Tiff survives, Gulak shouts to stay on that arm! Thea goes after that target, but Tiff scoops and SLAMS her! Tiff shakes the bad arm out, brings Thea up, and hoists Thea up, but Thea slips free to get the arm!
Tiff scrambles around but Thea stays on her! Dempsey pulls the rope back!? Thea is mad at him, she doesn’t wanna win by cheating! Duke argues with the coaches, Tiff runs in, but Thea gets her! KIMURA!! Tiff taps BUT THE REF MISSES IT!! Thea lets go and argues with everyone, but Tiff rolls her up! TIFF WINS!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall (still NXT Women’s Champion)
Tiff snatches this one away, all because Thea’s mentors couldn’t stay on the same page! Gulak & Dempsey get mad at Thea?! Duke can’t believe it, he gets in their face, but they beat him up!! Fans boo, Thea is shocked, and Gulak says this is because she was listening to a loser! Gulak BOOTS Duke outta the ring! BUT HERE COMES MR. CHASE!! Andre Chase runs in, BOOTS Dempsey then CLOBBERS Gulak! Fans fire up as Andre whips, Gulak reverses, but Andre ducks ‘n’ dodges to DUOBLE LARIAT the “coaches!” The fans are thunderous as Chase & Duke JAB! JAB! JAB! Flip, flip and “U~!” DOUBLE BIONIC ELBOWS!
Fans are thunderous as Chase U is back at 100% with the right teachers in charge! Will Gulak & Dempsey be the ones having a #TeachableMoment for the summer session?
Ilja Dragunov speaks.
“What does it mean to be ‘Unbesiegbar?’ My flesh, it bruises, welts and bleeds like any other man. I experience the pain of conflict, but I choose to endure it, embrace it, become it. My body’s fallible, but my mind’s unbreakable and my will’s unconquerable. I move forward, even if I crawl. I feel an eternal flame that burns inside of me, and the agony of combat will never extinguish it. No matter the evil that stands before me, my mind, my spirit, my very essence, will always be UN. BE. SIEG. BAR.” Will Bron Breakker make good to heed these words?
Gallus talks backstage.
They haven’t heard anything from Joe Coffey after last week, but Mark is sure his brother can handle himself. Stacks will get what’s coming to him. Wolfgang agrees. Tonight, Malik & Edris. Then later, Stacks. Gallus Boys On Top!
Malik & Edris also talk backstage.
Malik says tonight, this is it! All their hard work pays off tonight! Edris says it is finally their time! Nobody’s stopping them! Nobody! They’re ready to go, but will these two go far from a rookie to NEW tag team champions?
NXT shares footage from after last week’s show.
Dana Brooke was getting her leg iced in the medical room, and Kelani Jordan walks over. She feels bad for Dana, then introduces herself as one of the new prospects. Dana knows, she saw Kelani working out at the Performance Center. She has? Yeah, Dana can spot a gymnast from a mile away. That’s why Kelani wanted to talk with her! Oh yes, those gymnastic skills pay off in there. Well, most of the time. Kelani says fighting through the pain was inspiring. She’s seen Dana fight through so much, she never gives up. And it doesn’t matter what anyone says, Kelani is happy to have Dana in NXT.
Dana appreciates that, and says as soon as she can, she’d love to get in the ring with Kelani. Wow, really? That’d be sweet! Thanks, Dana! Kelani heads out, will Dana be able to pay it forward during her time in NXT?
NXT Tag Team Championships: Gallus VS Malik Blade & Edris Enofe!
NXT returns as Gallus make their entrance. The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who’s really on top!
The teams sort out, fans rally for “MALIK! DA FREAK!” as he starts against Mark. They tie up, go around, and Malik puts Mark on the ropes. Mark shoves Malik down and flexes on him. Malik gets up, ties up with Mark, and Mark headlocks. Mark grinds the hold, Malik powers out, but Mark runs him over! Malik gets away and fans rally up again. Mark and Malik reset, tie up, and go around. Malik has Mark on ropes again but Mark turns it around. The ref counts, and Malik dodges the cheap shot! Mark nods and circles with Malik again. They tie up again, Malik headlocks, but Mark powers him to the corner!
Wolfgang tags in but Malik slips away before any mugging can begin. Fans rally as Mark and Wolfgang talk strategy. Wolfgang rushes in, Malik headlocks! Wolfgang powers out but Malik ducks ‘n’ dodges and leaps over to sunset flip! But Wolfgang stays up to bring Malik to a fireman’s carry! But Malik sunset flips! Wolfgang rolls through, into a KANGAROO KICK! Tag to Edris, he goes up to AX HANDLE! Edris wrenches, wristlocks, but Wolfgang rears back, only for Edris to crank the wrist. Wolfgang spins through, scoops, but Edris slips off to then kick low. Edris runs but Wolfgang catches the crossbody!
Wolfgang pops Edris around, Edris slips out and BOOTS from the corner! Edris goes up, leaps, but into Wolfgang’s arms! Wolfgang RAMS Edris to the Gallus corner, Mark tags in, but Edris slips away! Fans cheer, Edris goes around the outside and gets back in. Edris waistlocks Mark but Mark wrenches out. Edris headlocks, Mark powers out, but Edris goes up and over and arm-drags! And forearms! Mark wobbles, Edris runs, rolls off Mark’s back to tag Malik, and then arm-drags Mark again! Malik runs in to headlock and takeover! Fans cheer but Mark fights up. Mark powers out, Malik stops himself in the corner!
Mark runs in but Malik ELBOWS him! And ROCKS him! Malik runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges and CLOBBERS Mark! Tag to Edris, DOUBLE DROPKICKS send Mark away! Wolfgang gets in but DOUBLE DROPKICKS hit him, too! SLING-DOG from Edris! Tag to Malik and he goes up! Edris BOOTS Mark down, Malik FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Mark survives but fans stay hot for Malik & Edris, and we see Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo in the perch as NXT goes picture in picture,
Malik brings Mark up, headlocks, but Mark powers him back. Edris tags in, he climbs up, and Mark wrenches the arm for Edris to AX HANDLE! Edris tags Malik back in, Malik goes up, and he AX HANDLES Mark’s arm! Malik tags Edris back in, they double whip Mark to ropes, but Wolfgang helps Mark get outta the ring. Only for Malik & Edris to DOUBLE PLANCHA! Direct hit and the fans fire up again! Edris is fired up, Malik fires off on Wolfgang! Edris ROCKS Mark, too, but Gallus hits back! Malik CHOPS Wolfgang! But Wolfgang CLUBS Malik! Malik ROCKS Wolfgang! Edris pushes Mark in the ring, Malik sends Wolfgang into the barriers!
Edris ROCKS Mark, RAMS him into the corner, and tags to Malik. Malik runs to back elbow Mark! Cover, TWO! Malik wraps on a chinlock and he grinds Mark. Mark fights up so Malik shifts to an armlock. Mark chinbars Malik to ropes, Malik turns things around, but Mark HEADBUTTS Malik down! Mark headlocks, tags Wolfgang, and Gallus mugs Malik in their corner. Wolfgang cravats to neck wrench but Malik endures. Malik fights up, but Wolfgang snapmares him. Cover, TWO! Wolfgang still has the cravat and he brings Malik around in the neck wrench. Malik fights and snapmares, but Wolfgang holds on!
Wolfgang shifts to a facelock but Malik fights up again. Wolfgang snapmares Malik again, covers, but Malik bridges up to cravat back! Mark tags in, Gallus mugs Malik again! Mark CLUBS Malik, cravats, and neck wrenches. Malik fights up, throws body shots, and then goes to snapmare, but Mark blocks! Mark keeps on the neck wrench as NXT returns to single picture, and Malik snapmares free! Malik ducks ‘n’ dodges then trips Mark up to DROPKICK him down! Mark gets up, Malik headlocks but Wolfgang tags in as Mark powers out. FLAPJACK HOTSHOT! Malik sputters and fans boo while Wolfgang stands tall.
Los Lotharios are mildly impressed as Wolfgang CLUBS Malik! And UPPERCUTS him! Wolfgang headlock punches, then throws down more fists. Mark tags in, fans rally for Malik but Gallus mugs him more. Mark ELBOWS Malik down, covers, TWO! Mark drags Malik into a cobra clutch! Malik endures, fans rally as he fights up, but Mark tags Wolfgang. Ripcord SHOULDER, then a FOREARM! Wolfgang has a neck twist on Malik! Malik endures, even as Wolfgang adds a half straitjacket then shifts to a cobra clutch! Malik endures, fights up, but Wolfgang wrangles him down! Wolfgang leans on Malik but Malik still fights.
Fans rally again, Malik reaches out but Mark tags in. Gallus RAMS Malik, then Mark FLYING SHOULDERS! Cover, TWO! Mark facelocks and keeps Malik down. Malik fights up yet again, and fans rally up again. Malik powers Mark back step by step, but Mark CLUBS him! Mark swings on Edris, misses, and Malik dodges to hot tag Edris! Edris rallies on Mark with big LARIATS, then a DROPKICK! Fans fire up, Wolfgang runs in but into haymakers from Edris! Edris has Wolfgang in the corner, but Mark storms up. So Edris fires off on Mark! Mark shoves, Edris dodges to kick low, then BOX JUMP onto Mark! But he slips right off!
Wolfgang laughs as Edris’ risky move cosets him. Mark must be too sweat for something like that. Mark UPPERCUTS Edris, whips, but Edris reverses and SPINEBUSTERS! Cover, TWO! Edris hurries to tag Malik back in. They get Mark up, fireman’s carry, NECKBREAKER SAMOAN DROP COMBO! Cover, TWO!! Mark survives again but Malik just fires back up! Tag back to Edris and they each take a corner. FROG SPLASH to MACHO ELBOW! Cover, Wolfgang SENTONS it apart! Fans boo but Malik goes after Wolfgang. Wolfgang whips, Malik dodges to fire off lariats on Wolfgang in the ropes!
In fact, Wolfgang gets caught in the ropes! Malik hurries to PLANCHA but Mark DECKS him!! Edris gets up, he brawls with Mark, and Stacks is here! Stacks runs in, but Mark dodges! The UPPERCUT sends Edris into the steel steps!! Fans boo as Stacks screws up! Mark gets in the ring, but Stacks puts Edris in?! Is Stacks helping Gallus?!? Mark tags Wolfgang, Gallus hits the KNEE FLAPJACK COMBO on Edris!! Cover, Gallus wins!
Winners: Gallus, by pinfall (still NXT Tag Team Champions)
Why, Stacks?! What about what Gallus did to Tony D’Angelo? Or at least, we all think it was Gallus. Are there more rats than we realized?
Ava Raine tweets a message.
It was June 23rd when she posted this: “We are a family brought together not by blood but by the roots of a tree. The uncertainty in our paths is apparent and the tension is too much to ignore. As a family, it’s time to talk. I’m calling a Schism Family Meeting next week. See you all there.” What will happen to the “family” of inclusion after they sit down to talk?
Backstage interview with The Meta Four.
McKenzie Mitchell is with Noam Dar, Oro Mensah, Jakara Jackson & Lash Legend, who now have matching merch shirts, and says tonight is the first Heritage Cup match since Dar lost it- Whoa, whoa, whoa. Let’s not talk about that. Dar is not ready to process that. Next question. Lash wants to talk about something more positive. Like their nails! They all got silver~! Well, clearly Dar is still not over the loss, so- Lash puts on the brakes and tells McKenzie she didn’t hear Dar. Dar is NOT ready, so they need to talk about the big win Lash and Jakara got last week. Absolute fire! And that Legend Pump Kick, it’s lights out. Jakara tells Ronda & Shayna that it could be in their future.
McKenzie says it makes sense the group would move on to new titles since Dar lost- STOP! LALALA NOT LISTENING! What is she trying to do? This should be about the future! Best in the game, united as one. Okay, let’s move on. But then who does Dar think will win tonight? Dragon Lee or Nathan Frazer? Dar tells McKenzie that she sucks. Lash helps Dar away and tells McKenzie to know better. The Meta Four leaves, but just what is next for them?
The Schism is in the ring.
Just as Ava called four, she, Joe Gacy & The Dyad are here for their meeting. Ava says this tension has led to turmoil. All of their feelings are valid, they’re not here to hide. The only remedy is open and honest communication. So can they please do that in the name of family? Gacy allows Rip Fowler & Jagger Reed to go first. Okay, then. About a year ago, Gacy brought Jagger & Rip “into the mix,” and spoke about how they were gonna change their lives. But they’re not seeing it. In fact, Jagger & Rip have been the ones helping Gacy. Without Gacy, they exceled, but with him, they are losing! The trust between Jagger & Rip runs 18 YEARS deep. But they’re starting to lose trust in Gacy.
Gacy preaches about togetherness, but lad… Either you lost your way, or you’re full of crap! Ava says insults are not necessary, but Gacy says it is okay. Gacy thanks Jagger for his honest, and he can sense his anger. It troubles Gacy. Gacy owns his mistakes, but to say that he never changed their lives…? They did enhance Gacy’s, but let’s be honest. Before they met Gacy, Jagger couldn’t have said what he said now, because his best friend never even let him have a voice. Remember: they were two lost souls that Gacy rescued from obscurity, and he gave them a new home.
Rip takes a breath, and then says that when they first met Gacy, they were in a bad place. They were beaten up, confused and lost. Gacy showed them a new way, but recently… They’ve started to see some cracks. Gacy preached inclusion then changed to exclusion and then back again. It just doesn’t add up. The Dyad are starting to realize who they really are! Maybe the problem was never them, maybe- Ava stops Rip there, and Gacy says he DID preach inclusion! That brought them to Ava, and Gacy will never apologize for that! Gacy wants to ask The Dyad: When he brought them in, did they fully commit themselves? Or was there hesitation?
If you ask Gacy, you think he’s a dictator, then why are you sitting here before him not in the same form as when they came, not in the same clothes. NO, they are different! And Gacy recognizes the two men in front of him, ready to take down the world, which was not the case a year ago! But wait, here comes Diamond Mine! Brutus has the mic to say, “Hey, hey, hey. I am sick and tired of the Schism Dyad family affair. You guys walk slow, you guys talk slow-” Jagger says this does not concern them! Rip says this has nothing to do with any of them! Julius tells baldie to shut up! And this does concern them because Ava used a loaded mask on Ivy to win their match!
Now, to be honest, The Dyad doesn’t wanna be here, and Diamond Mine doesn’t want them here! So why not just hurry up and implode so you- Jagger interrupts Julius by saying this still doesn’t concern them. Gacy asks what Julius’ problem with them is! In Gacy’s opinion, The Diamond Mine is a poison to NXT that is far worse than The Schism ever was! Julius says the problem is that The Schism is cancerous. They want it to spread and take over NXT, but Gacy… Julius & Brutus are here right now, letting you know that won’t happen. Well then, if it’s another match you want, it’s another match that you’ll get!
How about Creed Brothers VS The Dyad next week. Sounds good to Brutus & Julius! But only this time… LOSER! LEAVES! NXT! The Dyad isn’t so sure about that now, but Julius says he loves it! DEAL! Ivy isn’t so sure either, though… One way or another, NXT’s Tag Division will be changed, but will it be for the better or for the worse?
Lucien Price & Bronco Nima speak.
Lucien says, “Sometimes, you gotta find a way up. And me and my boy did that through football.” They learned the street has no conscience, and football was gonna be their way outta there. They had this rage, no way to let it out, until they were on the field. The hood wasn’t made for comfort, but the bond these two have was made to last. As long as they have each other, it’s a wrap! They used to live under the lights, lighting ’em up on the scoreboard and the parking lot. Colleges came calling, they got split, Bronco was “not a team player” so he got cut. Lucien & Bronco are now on the same team. They’re not here to play, they’re here to dominate!
Hank, Tank, Axiom & SCRYPTS watch that back.
Two more football guys coming in, huh? Scrypts knew guys like them growing up. Street kids are legit, and those two are gonna do some serious damage. Agreed. But on the bright sight, more tag teams in the division! Wait, what’s Hank saying? Well, Scrypts & Axiom worked really well together against Dabba-Kato, and they’ve already fought each other, so… Scrypts says that’s true. Axiom says they’re not really a team, though. But then Nathan Frazer walks over. They all congratulate Frazer winning. And they wish him luck tonight, too. Cheers, old friend.
Frazer heads out, Scrypts sees Axiom has eyes for the Cup. Axiom says he’s drawn to it. Regardless of who wins, will the Undeniable Truth look to challenge for the Heritage Cup once aga- er, uh, for the first time?
Trick Melo Gang talks backstage.
Melo gets some last stretches in while Trick says, “Everyone wants the gold, but no one’s in a rush to put the work in. ‘Cept you, Melo. You put the work in. You are the main event. Baron Corbin can gloat in his big house if he wants to, but he’ll never be you. Night two, Gold Rush, it’s yours, dawg.” Melo says Corbin will be just another man on a T-shirt in the rafters. Because Melo is HIM. But then Rhea Ripley walks over?! Trick sees the gold on her shoulder, and that- Shut up, Trick. She’s here to send a message. Oh is that so? Yes, Finn Balor was here last week handling Judgment Day business and you got involved.
That was a dumb move. Next time Melo & Trick jump into Judgment Day business, they’ll become Judgment Day business! Rhea heads out but Trick has Melo focus on Corbin. Worry about that later. Will Melo still be champion after taking on the Lone Wolf?
NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Nathan Frazer w/ Yulisa Leon VS Dragon Lee w/ Valentina Feroz!
The British Rocket appreciated the help from the Wonder Boy, and as a way to thank him, gave him this shot. Will Dragon “thank” Frazer back by taking the cup? Or will nothing stop Frazer now that he’s reached a new level?
The introductions are made, the cup is raised, and we see if these two can stay friends after the fight!
The bell rings on the first round, and fans rally. Dragon offers a handshake, Frazer accepts it, and they circle. They tie up, go around, Frazer arm-drags but Dragon holds onto the collar ‘n’ elbow. Dragon arm-drags but Frazer holds on. They break and the fans cheer this opening exchange. They circle again, tie up, and Dragon wrenches! Dragon has Frazer on the mat, but Frazer fights up. Dragon wrenches again, but Frazer rolls, wrenches, but Dragon handsprings! Another wrench but Frazer rolls, handsprings and WRINGS the arm, but Dragon handsprings through! Fans cheer and the two stand off.
Frazer and Dragon nod and fans duel. The two circle again, feel out a knuckle lock, and Frazer rolls, wrenches, and headlocks. Frazer hits the takeover but Dragon keeps his shoulders up. Axiom walks out on stage to watch in person, and Dragon powers up. Frazer holds onto the headlock, but Dragon powers up to an atomic drop! Frazer still holds on! We’re at the last minute of this round, and Dragon pushes Frazer to a corner. Scrypts walks out now and talks with Axiom. It seems he thought they were sticking together as a team. Dragon powers out, Frazer goes up and over in the corner and handsprings awya!
Fans cheer, things keep moving, Frazer headlocks but Dragon powers up, only for Frazer to flying takeover! Dragon headscissors, Frazer kips free, but then Dragon sweeps the legs to cover! ONE and Frazer Oklahoma Rolls! ONE!! Dragon gets up, dodges a boot, snapmares, but Frazer ducks a kick to roll up! Dragon ducks a kick, Frazer avoids a dropkick, and fans fire up as we hit 20 seconds! The two reset again, tie up, but we’re at 10 seconds! They go around, fans count it down, and the two end up in a corner to end the round!
Frazer: 0; Dragon: 0
Fans cheer as Leon checks Frazer and Feroz checks Dragon. They both encourage their guy to get this, and we start round two. The two approach, tie up again, and Dragon hammerlocks. Frazer reaches around, flying mares free, but Dragon runs him over! Things speed up, Frazer redirects but Dragon drops. Things keep going, Frazer ducks ‘n’ dodges and DROPKICKS! Fans fire up as Dragon goes to a corner. Frazer brings Dragon up, CHOPS him, and then goes corner to corner. Frazer ROCKS Dragon, but Dragon ELBOWS back! Dragon dodges Frazer, blocks a boot and puts it int he rope! DRAPING DRAGON SCREW!
Dragon puts Frazer up top, CHOPS him, then climbs up! SUPER STEINER! But Frazer sunset flips?! Frazer scores!!
Frazer: 1; Dragon: 0
Even Frazer is surprised by that! Frazer has the all-important first fall, but Feroz encourages Dragon to keep fighting. The bell rings on round three, and Frazer rushes in! He slides under Dragon, hurdles over him, and then runs to SLINGBLADE! Fans fire up as Dragon bails out. Frazer builds speed but dodges Dragon on the return, to RANA! Dragon handsprings through to DROPKICK Frazer out! Dragon builds speed to FLY! Direct hit at the ramp and fans fire up again as NXT goes picture in picture.
Dragon points to the cup, then he goes back to Frazer. Dragon drags Frazer up and puts him in the ring. Dragon stalks Frazer to a corner, wraps an arm around ropes and pulls, but the ref counts. Frazer kicks but Dragon kicks back. Dragon runs to clothesline, snapmare and basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Dragon gets the legs, brings Frazer around, and turns Frazer over. Dragon stands on Frazer’s head, before completing the HALF CRAB! Frazer endures, reaches out, but Dragon makes it a FULL CRAB! Frazer still fights forward to the ROPEBFREAK! Dragon lets go as we hit one minute left.
Dragon gets the legs again, YANKS Frazer up but Frazer lands on his feet! PELE! Dragon staggers, Frazer runs and slides to trip him and roll back into a BOSTON CRAB! Dragon endures now and reaches out! Frazer drags him away and shifts to an STF! Thirty seconds left as Dragon endures! Frazer shifts to a full CROSSFACE! Dragon rolls to a cover, TWO! Frazer runs but into an atomic drop! Ten seconds as Dragon hits an USHIGOROSHI! And then basement dropkick! Cover, TWO!! And that’s the round!
Frazer: 1; Dragon: 0
Dragon goes back to his corner while Frazer crawls to his. Leon helps Frazer get up and Feroz fans off Dragon. Round four begins and Dragon DROPKICKS Frazer in the corner! Leg sweep, SWINGING DROPKICK! Fans fire up as Dragon throws down forearms! Dragon then runs corner to corner and back again for another DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Frazer hangs tough but Dragon sits him up. Dragon throws hands, NXT returns to single picture, and Dragon suplexes, but Frazer cradle counters! TWO!! Dragon escapes, but Frazer sends him out! Frazer builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit at the ramp and fans fire up again!
Frazer hurries to put Dragon back in, then he goes to the apron. Springboard but Dragon gets under! Frazer rolls, returns, but into a BOOT! Dragon blocks the lariat, BOOTS Frazer, then blocks the superkick, only for the PELE to come back! But Dragon BLINDSIDE SUPERKICKS! GERMAN SUPLEX, but Frazer lands on his feet! BLINDSIDE SUPERKICK in return! Dragon goes to ropes, Frazer runs in but into a roll-up! ONE?! But right into a deadlift POWERBOMB! Cover, Dragon ties it!
Frazer: 1; Dragon: 1
We’re all tied up going into round five! Leon hurries to get Frazer back into this, because now it all comes down to the next fall! The bell rings, and Dragon SHOTGUNS Frazer! Frazer hits buckles, Dragon goes corner to corner, but Frazer SUPERKICKS!! Dragon is down and fans lose their minds! Frazer goes to a corner, climbs up fast, but Dragon trips him up! Dragon CLUBS Frazer into the Tree of Woe! Dragon climbs up, WOE STOMPS!! Fans fire up as Frazer sputters. Dragon goes to a corner, takes aim, runs in, but into an OVERHEAD SUPLEX into buckles!! Fans are thunderous for “NXT! NXT!” as Frazer puts Dragon on the top rope.
Frazer throws hands, climbs up, and brings Dragon up, but Dragon resists with body shots! Dragon shoves, Frazer flips to land on his feet! Frazer is right back up, SUPERPLEX! Roll through a la his mentor, but Dragon turns things around, suplex into a POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!?!? Frazer survives the Orange Crush and Dragon can’t believe it! “This is Awesome!” as both men are down. We reach one minute left in the fifth and both men stir. Frazer rises first and he goes to Dragon. Frazer throws a forearm, Dragon throws it back, and they brawl to their feet. Dragon gets the edge, runs, but Frazer follows, only for Dragon to victory roll! TWO!!
Frazer is up, he rolls Dragon and bridges, TWO!! Twenty seconds, Frazer kicks and runs, but Dragon slips through the lariat! POWER- RANA! Cover, TWO!?!? Dragon has Frazer, TWO!! Frazer has it back, Frazer wins!!!
Winner: Nathan Frazer, by pinfall (still NXT Heritage Cup Champion)
With literally seconds to spare in the fifth, Frazer seals the deal! Even Frazer needs confirmation, and it cleared the buzzer. Leon brings the cup to Frazer, and Dragon shows his friend respect. Will Frazer continue to hold onto the cup with nail-biting finishes like that?
NXT prepares for the Underground.
A highlight reel of Raw Underground shows that no ropes and no pins means no telling what could happen! Damon Kemp wants to drag Eddy Thorpe into the mayhem, but will it help him finally get the win?
Eddy Thorpe trains with Gable Steveson.
Gable’s been watching Damon’s career for a long time. A three-time state champ, a five year starter at the University of Minnesota, this Golden Gopher is for real. Eddy says that is legit, but Damon isn’t an Olympic gold medalist like Gable. That’s true. Eddy says he’s ready, so let’s get after it. Gable puts Eddy through his paces on the pure technical style, but Eddy shows he has the striking ability to counter. They take a break, and Gable says Eddy’s doing great. Stick to that game plan and don’t let Damon get in your head. Yeah, Damon’s so annoying. Gable says, “Tell me about it.”
They go another round of training, and Eddy’s getting the hang of the technical side. The Alpha Wolf makes it through, and thanks Gable for it all. Eddy’s been thinking, it’d be an honor if Gable was in his corner next week. Gable will be there! And he’ll even wave to Damon’s parents, cuz he knows they’ll be watching. They fist bump, but will all this truly be enough for Eddy to take down Damon once and for all?
Wes Lee talks with guys in the back.
But then Mustafa Ali walks in, saying “And still…! NXT North American Champion, Wes Lee!” Ali wants a fist bump but Wes just says what’s up. Ali apologizes for that slap last week. He just wanted so badly for there to be a clear victor between Wes and Bate that he got a little too involved in the match. Oh, you think? Ali, your ref skills… Well, just stick to being a dope wrestler. Ali thought he did okay, but he also called it down the middle. Bate walks in and says that’s rubbish. Fast counts. For the both of them. Slow counts! For the both of them! If there was a real ref, that outcome would’ve been different, and so Bate wants a rematch.
Wes is upset hearing that but Ali tells Big Strong Boi to hold on. First off, they both agreed to have Ali as the ref. And second, Bate just had a chance! Ali was thinking that he should have a chance. Then maybe Bate will be their ref. Is he gonna call it down the middle? Yes. That means nope! They argue, Wes rolls his eyes and takes his belt. He lets them continue, but will NXT Management see the value in this opportunity?
Robert Stone is looking for Von Wagner.
No one has yet, and he doesn’t get it. But then he finds Von in a corner. What the heck? They were supposed to meet. Von knows. He does? Then what’s going on? What’s he been doing? Stone doesn’t understand. Just try him, Von. Von says the photos… Everything his family’s gone through… The trauma…! Stone just doesn’t get it, okay? He can’t do this now. Stone keeps his cool, because he understands. Will there ever come a time when Von is truly at peace?
Gigi Dolin VS Kiana James!
These two have gotten into it verbally and physically as of late, and now they look to settle it physically! Will the Toxic Avenger show the Calculator what happens when you mess with an outsider? Or will emotions only be a hindrance to Gigi against Kiana’s “all business” style?
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, go around, and Gigi puts Kiana on the ropes. Kiana turns it around, Gigi powers Kiana back and waistlocks to SLAM Kiana! Cover, ONE and Kiana sweeps the legs to cover, ONE! Gigi arm-drags Kiana around, fans are on her side, and Gigi grinds the armlock. Kiana fights up, gets to ropes, and the ref counts. Gigi lets go at 4, then blocks the boot to trip Kiana! Kiana goes back to ropes, but Gigi YANKS her up to SLAM her down! Kiana bails out and Gigi asks where she’s going. Kiana snarls, gets back in, and swings, but Gigi dodges to wrench the arm.
Gigi wrangles Kiana, steps over and then SUPERKICKS! Kiana flounders, Gigi runs and HIP ATTACKS! Gigi keeps going, DROPKICK! Gigi drags Kiana around, tucks her for a bridge, TWO! Kiana escapes, Gigi brings her around but Kiana SLAPS her! Fans boo but Gigi ROCKS Kiana with forearms again and again! Gigi UPPERCUTS Kiana to a corner, runs in but into an UPPERCUT from Kiana! So Gigi TACKLES Kiana out to the floor! They both writhe and NXT goes picture in picture.
Kiana shakes her head as she sits up but Gigi is on her first. Gigi puts Kiana in, stalks her, and brings her up in a facelock. Kiana fights, but Gigi spins her with the chicken wings to a backslide! TWO, and Kiana kicks low! Kiana brings Gigi around, whips her to a corner, then runs in, but Gigi puts her on the apron. Kiana DECKS Gigi first! Kiana slingshots to ELBOW DROP! Cover, ROPEBREAK! Kiana is mad and she pie faces Gigi around. Kiana ROCKS Gigi, CHOKES her on the ropes, but lets off as the ref counts. Gigi sputters to a corner, Kiana brings her up and ROCKS her with a haymaker!
Kiana keeps on Gigi but Gigi fires off body shots! Kiana knees low, throws Gigi out to the floor, and snarls before going out after her. Kiana CLUBS Gigi, but Gigi SMACKS her off the apron! Gigi RAMS Kiana into the apron, then brings her up and into the ring. Kiana CLUBS Gigi down! Kiana stomps Gigi, drags her up by her hair, and throws her down by her hair! Cover, TWO! Kiana pie faces Gigi again, fans rally up, and Kiana drags Gigi up. Kiana whips Gigi to a corner hard and Gigi bounces off buckles. Kiana drags Gigi back up, whips her to the other corner, but Gigi reverses to a takedown! Cover, TWO!
Gigi hurries to her feet but Kiana kicks her low. Kiana pie faces Gigi more, covers again, TWO! Kiana pulls on Gigi’s hair and clamps on a chinlock. Gigi endures, pries at the hold, and NXT returns to single picture. Fans rally, Gigi throws body shots and ROCKS her! Gigi whips and back drops! Kiana bails out, Gigi goes after her, but Kiana hurries away. Gigi pursues, puts Kiana in the ring but Kiana slides out the side. Gigi goes around the corner but into a BOOT! Kiana grins as she says she’s smarter than Gigi. Fans boo as Kiana drags Gigi up and puts her in the ring. Kiana covers, TWO!
Kiana clamps onto Gigi and dribbles her off the mat! Kiana KNEES Gigi in the side, and says Gigi is nothing! Cover, TWO! Kiana is annoyed and drags Gigi into a chinlock. Fans rally as Gigi endures and Kiana thrashes her around. Gigi fights up, throws body shots, but Kiana swings. Gigi counter punches, KICKS, and KNEES! Kiana wobbles, Gigi LARIATS her down! Gigi rallies with more clotheslines, and a BOOT! Kiana staggers up, Gigi wrenches but Kiana ducks the kick to RAM her low! Kiana whips, Gigi reverses but Kiana holds ropes to KICK back! Kiana swings but so does Gigi, DOUBLE LARIATS!
Fans fire up while both women are down. Kiana crawls to get her purse! Gigi drags Kiana, the ref says no, but Kiana swings! Gigi dodges the purse to ROUNDHOUSE! FINAL NAIL!! Cover, Gigi wins!
Winner: Gigi Dolin, by pinfall
The crucifix driver finishes off Kiana, but is this the final nail in the feud? NOPE! Kiana CLOBBERS Gigi with that purse, to then hit the 401K!! What was even in that bag anyway?! Kiana brings out paint cans! And she dumps them out on Gigi to make a mess of her. Kiana still says Gigi is nothing, but is she only “inspiring” Gigi to make her into a “work of art?”
Tony D’Angelo has a visitor.
The Don sits at the table, but it isn’t Stacks. It’s Joe Coffey! Tony asks how Joe got on the list. Joe laughs, and says, “Let’s just say I know people, too.” Tony says Joe’s a real funny guy. Didn’t Stacks kidnap- Er, give Joe a free ride? Things aren’t what they seem, Tony. A lot has changed since Tony got locked up. Don’t get cute with him, Joe. They both know the only reason Tony’s locked up is because Gallus are a bunch of rats! They’ll do anything to keep those titles! Joe is lucky this glass is between them. Oh, Joe’s lucky? Yeah! Tony doesn’t know how Joe escaped, but Stacks will handle things.
Oh, yeah, Stacks has it handled. So what? Another 3v1 or something? Hey, Don. The Underboss… He has ambition. He has a mind of his own. What’s Joe talking about? Stacks is family! No, Tony. Stacks sold you out! Get outta here! Stop trying to drive a wedge! Even Joe should be smart enough to see it. If Tony doesn’t believe him, then have a listen for yourself. Joe has his phone and plays a recording. As a car trunk opens, Joe shouts at Stacks about the blindside attack. Stacks tells Joe that this could’ve been a lot worse. Starks tells Joe to listen and do exactly what Stacks says, and “everything will work out for the Gallus boys.”
Joe wasn’t so sure about that, but Stacks told him to just lay low for a week. Trust him. Why? Because Stacks is “done being the underboss. There’s a new Don on the streets.” Joe tells Tony, “Things, they aren’t what they seem, hey, Tony boy?” Joe hangs up and leaves. Has Stacks been the rat all along?!
Roxanne Perez was on NXT’s Snapchat AMA.
The Prodigy was having a good time, until Blair Davenport had to chime in. “What’s it like to never feel save anywhere you go?” This is what makes Roxie’s blood boil. Blair thinks this is all a joke. But then Blair shows up in studio and attacks!! “Who’s the joke now, huh!?” Blair says that’s a wrap. Roxie is furious, and she is going after Blair next week! Will she finally have her revenge for all the sneak attacks?
Jacy Jayne talks with Tatum Paxley and a few others.
Jacy says Lyra Valkyria acts like she owns the place. It’s crazy! Lyra can’t handle someone else talking about her? If you wanna make it in this business, you need a thick skin. Lyra won’t make it if she can’t handle one little comment. Tatum says Jacy doesn’t need any of that. Jacy should just tell Lyra off. Yeah! She should! Who blindsides someone when they arrive in the building? Does Lyra think she’s scaring Jacy? If Lyra shows her face tonight, Jacy’ll go right up to her, tell her to put those little wings on, and fly back home to Europe where she belongs. Um, Lyra just walked in… Jacy keeps going, saying Lyra peaked at Battleground.
Lyra speaks up and tells Jacy, FOREARM! Jacy’s on the floor, and Lyra says, “I told you, I don’t play games.” Jacy can’t believe Lyra just hit her. Rhea walks in and says Jacy kinda deserves it. Lyra’s badass. Mami gives her approval of The Morrigan, but what will Jacy do in response?
Ava and the Dyad regroup backstage.
She knows they’re upset but just try to calm down. Jagger instead asks what the hell all that was. Rip recaps: Losers Leave NXT?! What is going on? What is Gacy thinking!? Ava says they’re an excellent tag team, there’s nothing to worry about. The issue isn’t the challenge, it is Gacy’s audacity to make decisions that greatly affect their careers! Ava says Gacy wants them to figure out who they are, so at least now they know what they’re fighting for: their careers! Yeah, but if they lose, they’re GONE! An ultimatum given to them by their supposed friend! Ava tells them to trust Gacy, he has a plan! He better! Because if he doesn’t, The Dyad will.
The tensions have only gotten worse within The Schism, could next week be the end of it all?
NXT Championship: Carmelo Hayes w/ Trick Williams VS Baron Corbin!
The leader of the new school clashes with a Black ‘n’ Gold alumni, and according to the Lone Wolf, becoming champion here doesn’t mean anything. Then will Corbin be able to brush it off when he loses to #HIM? Or will he finally have the title he never did back in the day?
Speaking of back in the day, Corbin brings back the old gear and old entrance! As for Melo, he again shows off the “shirts in the rafters,” and shows off the new one for Corbin. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who strikes gold to end the Gold Rush!
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Corbin shoves Melo away and END- NO, Melo slips free! Corbin runs in, TOSSES Melo to a corner, and runs in, but Melo dodges. Corbin slides out, slides in, and LARIATS! Fans can’t help but fire up for Corbin as he drags Melo up. END- NO, Melo gets around, waistlocks, but Corbin bucks him away. But the CODE BREAKER hits! Melo hurries up top and looks for the game winner! Corbin bails out, so Melo just SUPER CROSSBODIES! Direct hit and down goes Corbin! Fans fire up and NXT goes picture in picture.
Melo dribbles and shots the free throw, then CLUBS Corbin down! And KICKS him around! And CHOPS him, too! Corbin goes around the way but Melo keeps on him, and RAMS him into barriers! Melo fires off forearms and body shots, then CHOSP again! Fans fire up as Melo stalks Corbin. Melo brings Corbin up, ROCKS him, then refreshes the ring count. Melo goes back after Corbin but Corbin hauls him up to POST him! Corbin mocks the fans, brings Melo around and TOSSES him into barriers! Corbin refreshes the count, stalks Melo, and puts him in the ring. Corbin storms in, stalks Melo to a corner, and whips corner to corner.
Melo hits buckles hard, and he drops to the mat. Corbin mocks the Melo chants, then storms up on Melo. Corbin swings but Melo counter punches! And CHOPS! And forearms! And shoves to run, but into an ELBOW! Corbin covers, TWO! Melo hangs tough but Corbin taunts Trick. Trick taunts back, and Corbin goes back to Melo. Corbin CLUBS Melo down, drags him up, and wraps on a half nelson chinbar. Melo endures, claws at the hold, and fights his way up. NXT returns to single picture as Melo throws haymakers! Corbin knees low, throws Melo out, then goes out after him, only for Melo to ROUNDHOUSE!
Fans sing a form of Rollins’ song, “MEL~O~ HAYES~!” Melo facelocks but Corbin wrenches out to TOSS Melo over the barriers! Melo gets up, fans rally for him, but Corbin runs over. Melo CLUBS away on Corbin! Fans fire up more as Corbin flounders away. Melo stands on the barriers, leaps, but Corbin gets under! Melo rolls, but Corbin BOOTS him inside-out! Melo clutches his jaw, but Corbin puts him in the ring to cover, TWO! Corbin is annoyed but he takes it out on Melo with hammering elbows! Fans rally for Melo as Corbin puts the half nelson chinbar back on. Trick coaches Melo and he fights up.
Melo reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Corbin leans on Melo, the ref counts, but Corbin ROCKS Melo in the back! Corbin back suplexes, Melo lands on his feet to DROPKICK! And ENZIGURI! Corbin comes back, Melo dodges, springboard FLYING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Corbin is still in this, but fans rally behind Melo. Melo brings Corbin up, but Corbin UPPERCUTS! Melo kicks low, runs, but into a scoop and BACKBREAKER! Melo writhes but Corbin grins. Fans boo but Corbin tears off his shirt. Corbin puts it on Melo, drags him up, and says this is for the kids in the audience. Corbin DECKS Melo!
Fans boo but Corbin brings Melo up to DECK him again! Fans boo more but Corbin just DECKS Melo again! “All day! I told you!” Corbin drags Melo up again, to DECK him again! Corbin taunts Melo, has him in a corner, and ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! The ref counts, Corbin lets off, and then he storms back up to CLUB Melo on the back! Corbin stands Melo up, runs, and LARIATS him down! Cover, TWO! Melo is still in this but Corbin grins that evil grin again. Corbin looms over Melo and stomps him. Corbin drags Melo up, puts him in a corner and on the top rope, then ROCKS him.
Corbin climbs but Melo hits back! Fans fire up as Melo ROCKS Corbin again and again, then CLUBS away on him rapid fire! Melo DECKS Corbin, then adjusts up top! FROG SPLASH!! But that hurts Melo as much as it does Corbin! Cover, TWO!! Corbin survives, perhaps Melo’s loss to Finn Balor has factored in here. Corbin and Melo rise, and Melo ROCKS Corbin! And again! And again! Corbin staggers around into more shots, and Melo fires fast hands! Corbin shoves Melo but Melo BOOTS back! Corbin tumbles out, Melo BOOTS him in the ropes! FADE AWAY LEG DROP! Fans fire up while both men are down!
Melo sits up, Trick coaches him, and Melo wants Corbin to get up again. Corbin stirs, Melo hobbles over and brings him up. Corbin shoves Melo but Melo SUPERKICKS! And CODE BREAKERS! Corbin drops to a knee, Melo springboards again, FADE AWAY DDT! Cover, TWO!! Corbin survives but the fans continue to rally for Melo. Melo goes to the corner, but Corbin anchors a foot! Melo throws forearms and kicks, but Corbin still stands. Melo CLUBS Corbin again and again, then goes up the corner. Fans fire up as Melo takes aim, NOTHING BUT- NO, Corbin dodges! Choke grip, CHOKE- Victory roll! TWO!
Melo jumps, Corbin catches Melo this time and fireman’s carries! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Some kinda reference to Cena? Corbin then deadlifts Melo for the CHOKE SLAM BACKBREAKER!! Cover, TWO?!?! Melo survives and shocks Corbin but the fans are thunderous! “This is Awesome!” as Corbin rises again. Corbin drags Melo up but Melo breaks free and goes outside. Corbin pursues, but Melo sends him into steel steps! Melo goes to the apron, and leaps, but Corbin blocks the rana! POWERBOMB on the desk!! Fans are thunderous as Corbin tells Melo that he’s better than Melo every day of the week!
Corbin CLUBS and HAMMERS away on Melo against the desk! Fans boo and Trick can only watch as Corbin puts Melo back in. Cover, TWO!?!? Melo is still in this and Corbin is beside himself! Fans rally up for Melo again, and Corbin scowls. Corbin tells Melo to get up, then drags him up. Corbin CLUBS Melo back down, then mocks the fans cheering Melo on. Corbin CLUBS Melo again, then again! Corbin runs, into a JUMP KNEE! Melo runs, DEEP- NO, Melo arm-drags free! Another KNEE! Melo runs, but into DEEEEP SIX!! Corbin crawls to the cover, TWO!!!! Melo survives again and Corbin is shocked!
Fans rally for “NXT! NXT!” and Corbin drags Melo up. Corbin reels him in, END- NO, Melo flying-mares free! Corbin’s on the apron, Melo SUPERKICKS! And slingshots, into a choke grip! Corbin aims for the floor! But Melo HOTSHOTS back! And then slingshots, APRON DDT! Corbin staggers, Melo puts him back in! Melo goes up top and takes aim! Fans are thunderous as Melo hits NOTHING BUT NET!!! Cover, Melo wins!!!
Winner: Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall (still NXT Champion)
And that is why Melo is HIM! Corbin gave Melo a fight worthy of champions, and Melo comes out still the champion! Will this win be evidence that Melo truly has “made it?” Who will be next to be a shirt in the rafters?
Bron Breakker is shouting at Shawn Michaels.
The Big Bad Booty Nephew says he’s beaten everybody, there’s no one left! No one can freakin’ control him! Just figure it out! Bron storms out of Shawn’s office, and tells NXT Media to leave him alone, because everyone will find out next week! How will HBK satisfy someone #MeanerThanEvil?
My Thoughts:
A great Gold Rush finale here for NXT, with all but one match being a title match. Gigi VS Kiana was good, but is clearly only the escalation of the feud. Gigi won here, Kiana will surely win the next, and then we might get the blowoff around the Great American Bash. Probably not on it, as NXT tends to focus on titles for their special events. But all this is again to build Gigi up towards going after the title. Really good match from Tiffany VS Thea to open the night, and it went about as expected. Tiffany wins because of the falling out between Duke and Gulak-Dempsey, then Andre Chase returns and helps fight off Gulak-Dempsey, and that sets up a big tag match for the near future.
Big stuff out of the Tag Division tonight. Great tag title match but that also went about as expected, except for Stacks’ part in all this. No one new was coming in, no one was returning, it was Stacks, Tony. It was Stacks all along. Gallus retain the titles, they might defend against Los Lotharios next, and we’ll see if Stacks does find people to bring into his familia or what. At the very least, we should get Tony VS Stacks, winner is the true Don of NXT. And a pretty decent promo from Dana and Kelani. Kelani makes a quiet move up from NXT Level Up, and Dana now finds herself in the mentor role when she got started as a protégé. They might get into the tag division at this point.
Great promo stuff from The Schism, and decent stuff from Diamond Mine as part of it. But the major thing is we’re getting a Losers Leave NXT match and that is pretty wild. I honestly can’t be sure which way it goes, but I feel like it’d actually be better if Diamond Mine lost. If The Schism splits where The Dyad more or less go back to being Grizzled Young Veterans, it’d be better for NXT because they can feud with Gacy and maybe some new Schism members. And good stuff from Gable Steveson and Eddy Thorpe preparing for “NXT Underground.” That will be a really good match, but I still feel like there has to be some kind of swerve where Gable & Damon end up working together since they’re brothers in real life.
Good promo from Meta Four, emotionally distraught Dar is hilarious, and it was a good lead into the Heritage Cup. Also good tie in going from Lucien & Bronco to Scrypts and Axiom being in a disagreement about their team-up, to the Heritage Cup match. Great match, Frazer and Dragon are both incredible, but it makes sense Frazer would retain. WWE isn’t about hot potato short reigns, even down here in NXT. Well, aside from Ziggler and Bron over the NXT title but that was a single case. I would think Dar will come around to the idea of a rematch, and that could be for Great American Bash. And I think Dragon could move on to one of the other titles.
Fairly good promo from Von and Stone, with some strong realism as digging up such emotions really can have recoil on the person. Really good promo out of Wes, Ali and Bate to follow up the special referee match last week. I like that Wes is so done with the arguing, and we’re going to get Ali VS Bate as an unofficial #1 contender’s match. That is to say, Ali wins and he’ll get his shot, perhaps also at Great American Bash. Ali hasn’t had any title of any kind, and as great as Wes is, it’d be great to see Ali be the one that ends Wes’ record setting reign and win streak. Then perhaps Wes moves up to the top title while Ali freshens up the midcard scene over the Summer.
Awesome main event, and of course Melo won, but a little surprised no one came out to challenge Melo right then. There’s plenty of time, though, and who knows who it’ll be. Bron yelling at HBK in his office (though not really, we never saw HBK on screen) and asking for competition is an interesting move. But c’mon, after he beat down Dragunov and then Dragunov had a great video promo tonight, Bron VS Dragunov has to be the match. That match will be awesome, but I would think Dragunov wins to set him up for a title shot of his own. It feels like this time more than the previous times that Bron is going to move on to RawDown, since it doesn’t seem like he’s gonna go down to the midcard titles.
My Score: 8.8/10
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London calling to the champion crowns!
SmackDown brings gold to London as LA Knight defends his WWE US Championship and The Street Profits defend their tag team titles! Will the landscape change this close to WrestleMania?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly; The Profits win and retain the titles.
- Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice w/ Chelsea Green; The Secret Her-vice wins.
- WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman; Braun wins, by disqualification, and Knight retains the title.
- Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab; Charlotte wins.
- Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.
- Jimmy Uso VS The Miz; Jimmy wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes is here!
We follow The American Nightmare as walks to gorilla, then through the curtain, and London sings along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, says hello to fans along the ramp, and then we get the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro. Cody goes to the ring, grabs a mic, then kneels down to kiss the WWE logo on the mat. The fans continue to sing along all the way to the end, “I AM MY KINGDOM!” The fans then cheer, and Cody holds up the belt to fire them up even more! The fans now sing for “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and he soaks it in. The fans cheer again as Cody smiles, and he finally says, “So, London~! Whaddya wanna talk about?”
The fans chant “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cody hears that dueling, and he smiles again. The song of “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” returns, then they cheer. Cody says, “At WrestleMania 41, I will be facing John Cena…” The fans boo, but Cody says, “I will be facing John Cena as he goes to break the record and win 17. But that is WrestleMania 41. In just a few nights, I will be standing face to face with John Cena in this very same city, in this very same arena.” The fans cheer that, but then here comes Randy Orton! Now the fans sing along with Voices as The Viper heads to the ring. Orton also high-fives fans before he joins Cody.
Orton grabs a mic, paces while the fans keep singing on their own, and then the fans cheer. Orton says he’s not really the sentimental type, but for Cody and for London, screw it. The fans chant “R K O! R K O!” and Orton tells Cody, “Look at you. Look at who you are now, the man you are now. Look at where he came from.” The fans cheer and sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and Orton says he remembers a Cody in his early 20s, just breaking into the business. Cody was busting his ass harder than anyone else. He wasn’t exactly happy, and in fact, he was frustrated. But Cody was man enough, smart enough, to know he needed to grow, and that he couldn’t grow in the WWE.
Cody wasn’t exactly treated fairly in the WWE, so Cody left the WWE! That took some big ass balls to do what he did! Cody changed the business singlehandedly, and everyone in the back knows it. And Orton appreciates Cody for it. But then Cody came back, as they all knew one day he would. And the industry has been changed forever since the day Cody came back to the WWE. Cody is a bit teary eyed as Orton says Cody’s still the same guy, he just did what he set out to do, and he grew. Orton teases he would sing along with the fans, but the fans might leave. The fans again sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!”
Orton asks if they remember when Cody Rhodes faced Seth Rollins in Hell in a Cell. The fans cheer because they do. Orton says that was impressive, and even impossible, as he started with a partially torn pec and then ended with a fully torn pec! His body changed all kinds of shades of purple that Orton’s never seen on a human body. The pain he must have been in. Cody persevered not just for himself. Maybe not even at all for Cody. It was not even for his family legacy; it was for each and every single fan out there! Then Cody went on to WrestleMania, beat Roman Reigns and finished the story!
But there’s always another story, isn’t there? And Cody’s right in the middle of one. Cody is in charge of his legacy, and it is a privilege for Orton to watch Cody take control of it. Ticket sales have been up, there’s more intrigue around the world, and listen to the people! It is 99.9% all because of Cody! The fans cheer that, and of course they sing. Orton says what he’s trying to say is a long-winded version of he respects Cody, loves him, and is very, very proud of him. The fans cheer that! Orton then says, “But… But now it is time for WrestleMania.” They both look to the sign, and Orton says he can guarantee Cody that Orton will kick Kevin Owens so hard in the head…!
Orton can just feel it already! He forgets how many days are left, but he can’t wait to remove Kevin’s head from his shoulders. And Orton knows Cody will enter champion, exit champion, but not before he beats the holy hell outta Cena all up and down the Vegas strip! But after all the smoke clears and the dust settles, just like Orton wants Number 17, there will come a time when Orton will want Number 15. But Orton won’t kick Cody in the balls like a coward. Orton will look Cody in the eye because he respects Cody, is proud of Cody, and sees him as an equal. Orton will look Cody in the eye and tell him that he’s coming for the title.
The fans cheer but wait! Drew McIntyre is here! The fans cheer the Scottish Terminator as he steps out on stage, mic in hand, and has a wry smile on his face as he looks at the ring. Drew waves as the fans now sing, “OH~ Drew McIntyre~!” Drew says, “Isn’t this wonderful? A couple of nepo babies having a love fest in the middle of the ring> It makes me absolutely sick. What’d you just say, Randy? if Cody gets through Cena at WrestleMania, you’re coming for that title? What exactly have you done since that big comeback to justify that title match? Aside be Randy Orton. The only big moment I can remember is you being on the shelf for months and months and months.
“People like to make jokes about it, but more people talk about my five-minute-45-second title reign than your entire comeback so far! So get to the back of the line, sunshine! As for you, Cody, you should’ve listened to me. But you shunned me. You attacked me. Everybody should’ve listened to me about John Cena, but they didn’t. And the next night, he kicked you right in the twig ‘n’ berries, proving me right as usual. And the main event of WrestleMania should be Cody Rhodes VS The UK’s only ever world champion, Drew McIntyre!” Fans do like that idea. But sadly, it’s not, because of that guyliner wearing Temu Undertaker, Damian Priest!
Drew wants to talk about what is happening. And what’s gonna happen! Drew steps up to the ring while fans sing for him again. Drew says it will not be Randy that takes the title from Cody, should he get through Cena; it’ll be McIntyre. The fans cheer, but Orton says they were trying to have a moment. Can Drew just cut the crap already? Drew says okay, sure. He’ll tell the truth, because that’s all he ever does. The truth is, Kevin might have a point! If those Voices are talking to Orton again, then they know Drew very, very well. And he’s thinking, “My God, Randy looks great! Absolutely jacked! On the outside.”
On the inside, that back is hanging by a thread. And if Orton provokes McIntyre, McIntyre will break him. And as for Cody- Cody kicks Drew and UPPERCUTS him! The fans fire up, and Orton R- NO, Drew gets away! The fans boo, but the battlelines are drawn! Even if Cody makes it out of the frying pan that is Las Vegas, it’ll be into the fire that is these contenders waiting in line! Will the American Nightmare be ready for whoever comes for the crown?
WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly!
Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins are finally golden again, but it’s time to put the titles on the line already! And while they’re ready for the grind, they’re up against the hometown heroes! Will the Profits still be up in the O2? Or will Kit Wilson & Elton Prince say #YESBOY to a new reign of their own?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really wants the smoke!
The teams sort out and Kit starts with Dawkins. They tie up, Dawkins headlocks, but Kit powers up and out. Dawkins runs Kit over, the fans fire up, and Dawkins fires hands on Kit in the corner! The fans rally for Pretty Deadly, Dawkins whips Kit to a corner, but Elton takes that bump! Kit CLOBBERS Dawkins, then tags Elton! Atomic drop into DROPKICK! Ford runs up, but into a DOUBLE HIP TOSS! Dawkins whips, Elton reverses, and then Elton hurdles so Kit can DDT! The fans fire up with Pretty Deadly while the Profits bail out. Pretty Deadly has control while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Elton is right on Dawkins as he gets in, and UPPERCUTS him to the corner. Elton clinches Dawkins for another UPPERCUT! Tag to Kit, and Elton RAMS into Dawkins so Kit can UPPERCUT! Dawkins flops over, Kit drags him up to wrench the arm. Kit whips, Dawkins reverses, but Kit grabs ropes. Kit ELBOWS Dawkins, DECKS Ford, but Dawkins CLOBBERS Kit! The ref reprimands but Dawkins RAMS Kit into the corner again and again! The ref counts, Dawkins fires fast hands, then he tags in Ford. Ford says, “SUCK IT!” then he KICKS Kit! Ford scuffs Kit, then drags him to a cover, TWO!
Ford keeps Kit down with a facelock, but Kit endures the grind. Kit fights up, fires body shots, but Ford whips him away. Kit sunset flips! Ford rolls through, and PENALTY KICKS! Ford mocks Elton with the Scott Hall fingers, and the ref has to keep Elton back. Ford drags Kit up, tags Dawkins, and the Profits mug Kit. Dawkins CLUBS Kit down, then stalks him. Dawkins stays between Kit and Elton, then whips Kit into the Profits’ corner. CYCLONE- NO, Kit dodges! Ford tags in, he keeps Kit from Elton now, but Kit slips out of the suplex! Kit fakes high to go low, hot tag to Elton! Elton rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT!
Elton kicks and whips Ford to a corner, then UPPERCUTS! Elton whips the other way, UPPERCUTS again, and then does it again! Elton adds to the hattrick with a lift, Ford says a quick prayer before the SUPLEX! Ford flounders, gets to his feet, but Elton dodges to springboard and FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Ford stays in this, but Elton stays on him. SmackDown returns to single picture and fans rally for Pretty Deadly as Elton gives Ford a back suplex. Ford lands out, waistlocks, but Elton switches and shoves Ford. Ford CLOBBERS Elton in return! Ford is also dazed but he covers, ONE!
Kit reaches out, Elton and Ford both crawl, hot tags to Kit and Dawkins! The fans fire up as Dawkins wrenches Kit, underhooks and SILENCER! Dawkins Electric Chair Lifts Kit, Ford climbs, but Kit slips free! Kit shoves Dawkins into Ford! Ford falls to the floor, but Dawkins ENZIGIRIS Kit! Elton tags in, and Kit LARIATS Dawkins! Pretty Deadly combine for DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Dawkins survives and the Profits are a bit unsure of what to do next. Dawkins crawls to a corner, Elton runs up, but Dawkins dodges! Elton hits buckles and Dawkins TOSSES Kit, then Dawkins hits a SKY HIGH on Elton!
Dawkins hurries to tag Ford and Ford climbs up! But Kit pushes Elton out of the way! Kit takes FROM THE HEAVESN, and Elton ghost pins Ford! TWO!! Ford escapes, and he ROCKS Elton! Elton UPPERCUTS Ford! Dawkins sneaks a tag, Ford SUPERKICKS! POUNCE SAIDO COMBO!! Cover, KIT BREAKS IT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! The teams go to opposite ends, then they all stand up in the corners. They all roar, all run in, and Kit SPEARS Ford while Elton FLYING UPPERCUTS Dawkins!! London is thunderous, and Kit hurries to tag in! Pretty Deadly gets Dawkins up, for SPILT MILK!! Cover, FORD BREAKS IT!
The fans are shocked, as is Elton, but Ford saves this for his team! “This is Awesome!” as Ford runs up and Elton TOSSES him out! Now DRY MARTI- NO! Dawkins doesn’t accept the second serving, and he DUMPS Kit out! Kit skins the cat while Dawkins DECKS Elton! Dawkins catches Kit to an Electric Chair! Ford rises, DOOMSDAY BLOCKBUSTER!! Cover, Profits win!
Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall (still WWE Tag Team Champions)
Pretty Deadly put up a heroic fight, but the hometown heroes could not capture the gold. Dawkins & Ford hold onto the gold, will this be the strongest the Profits have ever been?
Kayden & Katana talk with Zelina Vega.
Carter & Chance know La Muneca got screwed over by The Green Administration. Chelsea thinks she’s untouchable, but someone’s gonna stop them eventually. Well, speaking of, Alba Fyre leads the way in as she & Piper Niven “scope the perimeter.” There’s one small threat. They frisk the “miniscule” threat, but nothing they haven’t dealt with before. Chelsea struts in and says, “The Eagle has landed~!” Zelina says she is so glad the “Bootleg Men in Black” have crashed the party. Now, yeah, they all know she’s small. But clearly this small “threat” is a big threat to Chelsea’s title reign. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have taken all three of them to beat her.
KC Squared agree with that. How about tonight, we see what happens when the odds are even? Chelsea says that’s fine, because Agents P & A are ready. The Secret Her-vice has been given their next mission, but will they be able to crash the party? Or will the party crash them?
Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice!
SmackDown returns and The Green Administration makes their entrance. The teams sort out, Alba starts against Katana, and the two tie up. Alba KNEES low, CLUBS Katana down, then fireman’s carries. Katana fights free, tags Kayden, and they KICK, double whip, and then trip Alba up for the basement DROPKICK! Katana adds a slingshot SENTON, Kayden covers, TWO! Kayden tags Katana, they double whip Alba to a corner, then Kayden runs in. Alba DUMPS Kayden out, ROCKS Katana, and she tags Piper! Katana arm-drags Alba out, then goes out to run up. Kayden gives her a boost, Katana CROSSBODIES Alba down!
The fans fire up, but Piper goes up and out?! CANNONBALL and down goes KC Squared! Piper salutes Chelsea and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Kayden rallies on Alba while the fans rally up. Kayden fires up, runs in and whips, but Alba reverses. Kayden wheelbarrows, victory rolls, then SUPERKICKS! Kayden fires up again but the fans are torn. Kayden runs in at Alba to BOOT WASH her against the ropes! Chelsea protests, Kayden kicks at her, then Kayden springboards for a LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Alba survives, Kayden whips, but Alba KICKS back! Tag to Piper, but Kayden jackknife bridges Alba! The ref explains bout the tag, Piper runs up, but Kayden moves! The SENTON hits Alba! Piper panics, Kayden tags Katana!
Katana goes up onto Kayden’s shoulders, VICTORY ROLL LAUNCHER, but Piper catches Katana! Katana fires hands, BOOTS, and then hurries to go up again. Kayden ROCKS Piper, and fireman’s carries?! SAMOAN DROP! Kayden then gives Katana the boost, for the KEG STAND SPLASH!! Cover, ALBA BREAKS IT! Kayden runs up on Alba to BOOT her out! Katana gives Kayden the boost now, SUPER CROSSBODY onto Alba! Kayden hurries to tag back in, and she brings Piper up. Piper swings, Kayden dodges and SUPERKICKS! Katana goes up, Piper staggers over that way, but Chelsea distracts the ref!
The fans are torn as Alba grabs Katana. Katana kicks Alba down, chases Chelsea off, but Piper sends Kayden into her! Piper scoops to PIPER DRIVER!! Cover, Secret Her-vice wins!
Winner: The Secret Her-vice, by pinfall
The Women’s US Champion helps her team, and now they all mug Kayden & Katana! But here comes Zelina! Vega runs down the ramp, CLOBBERS Alba, and then she gets in the ring! Zelina tilt-o-whirl DDTS Piper! And she KNEES Alba off the apron! But Chelsea CLOBBERS Zelina! Chelsea fires up, the UK is oddly with her, and she chicken wings Zeina. But Zelina fights free to fire forearms and body shots! And a BACK ELBOW! Zelina reels Chelsea in, CODE- SUPERKICK from Alba! SENTON from Piper! The Green Administration is just too much for Zelina to fight against alone! But can she, Kayden & Katana find a way to turn things around?
WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman!
Did the Mega Star just get this title back from Shinsuke Nakamura? YEAH! Did he help the Monster of All Monsters fight off Solo Sikoa’s rouge bloodline? YEAH! And now, does he have to defend this title against the monster he just helped? YEAH!! But will Knight still reign this close to WrestleMania? Or will Braun #GetTheseHands back on a championship?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s time for Knight’s biggest challenge, YEAH!
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. The two tie up, and Braun SHOVES Knight away. Knight comes back, Braun SHOVES him down again! Knight gets up, gets around, and he headlocks. Braun powers up to back suplex, but Knight lands out! Knight tries but Braun’s too big to suplex! Braun ELBOWS Knight, storms up on him, but Knight fires haymakers! Knight whips, Braun reverses, but Knight KICKS back! Knight runs, but Braun HIP TOSSES! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this, but Braun brings him up. Braun puts Knight in a corner, CHOPS, then runs, for a SPLASH! Knight sputters along ropes, Braun keeps moving, but Knight DUMPS him out!
The fans fire up as Knight then WRECKS Braun with a dropkick! Knight keeps moving, and he WRECKS Braun again! The fans fire up with Knight, but then Braun BOOTS Knight down! The fans are torn but Braun stands tall as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Braun puts Knight back in the ring. The fans cheer as Knight KICKS Braun! Knight tries again, but Braun’s still too big to back suplex! Braun CLUBS Knight, then runs in at the corner. Knight BOOTS Braun, goes up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Knight and Braun rise back up, and Knight dodges a shot to JAB! Then he dodges to JAB! JAB! JAB! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” But Braun KNEES low! Braun scoops, Knight slips free, and Knight RAMS Braun into buckles! Then the BACK SUPLEX! The fans fire up and Knight rises again! Knight spells it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!
Braun has plenty left in the tank but the fans rally for Knight. Knight stands Braun up to kick low, but Braun THROWS Knight away! Knight rises, and Braun LARIATS Knight up and out! The fans fire up as Braun rips the shirt! Braun gets on the track, and he runs in, STROWMAN EXPRESS MEETS JACOB FATU!! The Samoan Werewolf strikes Braun down!
Winner: Braun Strowman, by disqualification; LA Knight retains the title
The fans boo as Jacob now goes after Knight! He just ruined what was becoming a great match, but Jacob fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT on Braun! SAMOAN DROP onto the desk!! The desk doesn’t budge, but Braun might’ve been broken in half! The UK fires up for Fatu as he puts Braun in the ring! Jacob fires more HEADBUTTS, then HEADBUTTS away on Braun in the corner! The fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE, FATU~, FATU~!” Jacob runs corner to corner, but Knight kicks him first! Knight fires haymakers, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Jacob denies the BFT to POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! And then HIP ATTACK for Braun anyway!
Jacob keeps going, HIP ATTACK for Braun again! Jacob throws off his jacket, glares at Braun, and he runs in for a third HIP ATTACK! Braun flounders into the drop zone, so Jacob goes up, up, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! Direct hit on Braun, but the fans want that “ONE MORE TIME!” Jacob obliges, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! The Samoan Werewolf just tore up #OneBigSOB and LA Knight, will there be no stopping him from taking the United States Championship?
Backstage interview with Jimmy Uso.
Jackie Redmond is with #BigJim, and she says that while she knew WWE was going global this month, she did not know they’d get the slap heard ’round the world! Jimmy says he’d do it again, and he’ll slap Gunther as many times as he needs! Jimmy knows Jey is up in his own head, doubt is creeping on him. But just because Jey’s 0-3 against Gunther doesn’t mean Gunther’s unbeatable! The Ring General CAN be got! Jimmy’s going to Raw this Monday, he will bust Gunther’s ass, Jey will go to Mania and bust Gunther’s ass to become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. And then they leave Las Vegas just like this: YEET!
Jimmy heads out, but then The Miz & Carmelo Hayes walk by. Miz is mocking Jimmy’s words, and he asks excuse me. Miz says it’s just funny that suddenly, Jimmy is a tough guy, even though for most of his career, he’s been “The Other Uso.” Doesn’t Jimmy get it? Jimmy and Jey are career sidekicks while Gunther is a main character. Gunther is the lead, neither Jimmy nor Jey can beat him. And here’s another thing: The Usos are just blips on the trailer that was Roman Reigns’ Bloodline. Melo says Jimmy & Jey are stuck outside the club, they can’t even get in.
Miz says as a former WWE Champion, a former WrestleMania main eventer, Jimmy will never know what it is to carry this industry. And after this year’s WrestleMania, neither will Jey. Oh, and by the way, if Jimmy ever slapped Miz like that, Jimmy would still be on the ground. Jimmy feints the slap and Miz freaks out. Jimmy says it may be him and Gunther on Monday, but he’ll holler at Aldis real quick so it can be Jimmy VS Miz here tonight. Yeah, YEET! Jimmy heads out, Melo says he thought Miz was gonna do something about the slap. Will Miz have to do something about running his mouth before he gets his teeth kicked in?
Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga find Jacob Fatu backstage.
Solo asks Jacob what the Hell he was doing out there. Jacob goes out there alone without saying a thing to them? Jacob says he ain’t gotta say nothing to nobody! Matter fact, didn’t Solo not tap in with him last week? Tama says, “But Jacob,” only for Jacob to say, “But nothing, Tama!” Solo wants Jacob to lower his tone, but Jacob says okay. Let him be very clear with them. When it comes to Braun Strowman, Jacob WILL be the last man standing. Y’all better get in where you fit in, cuz that US title? Oh, Jacob’s bringing it home to the family. And he will do it with them, or without them! Yadada mean? Fatu heads out, is the Samoan Werewolf no longer following Solo?
Naomi speaks.
“I mean… How did we even get here? I don’t know. One thing that I do know is that I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. So Bianca, what makes you think that my attack on Jade was anything different from me doing the right thing? When I sit here and I think about all that I’ve sacrificed, all that I’ve given, and that’s what really breaks my heart. Because through all of that, I’m made to be the bad one in this situation. I just don’t understand, how does Jade come in outta nowhere and take my place with you? I want you to ask yourself this, Bianca. Who inspired you? Hmm?
“Who’s inspired women over the last decade? Who’s always had your back from day one of you being here? Me. Not Jade. Hmm. But you know what? What I’ve learned through all of this: You teach people how to treat you. And I’m done with being treated as a third wheel. I’m done being pushed to the side, I’m done with being too nice, I’m done with being undervalued, underutilized, underappreciated! So moving forward, hmm… Moving forward, here’s my message to you, Jade. If you continue to be in my way, I strongly advise you to proceed with caution.” The Glow shows her dark side, but will the storm be moved?
Nick Aldis meets with Jade Cargill.
Speaking of, the SmackDown General Manager understands things have been rather difficult for her as of late. Jade says she’s been trying to get her hands on Naomi for the past few weeks, now where is she? No one has seen her all day, so as far as anyone knows, Naomi’s not here. Well, when Jade catches Naomi, it’s on sight. Jade leaves, B-Fab & Michin are there. They let her know that what Naomi did to her was straight trash, totally uncalled for behavior. And after Jade gets her hands on Naomi, she’ll handle that business. Jade agrees. Mia says they’ve all got business to handle. Jade’s got Naomi, and Mia’s gonna get Charlotte for messing with her girl, B.
B-Fab says Naomi’s got what’s coming to her: no sympathy, no regrets. Jade, just do what you gotta do. Oh, she will. Jade also wishes Mia luck tonight. Mia & B-Fab head out, will the Head Baddie in Charge make the Queen bow down in London?
The darkness approaches.
“You are as I was. As I am, you will be.” The shadows are starting to take shape, but is SmackDown about to fade to black?
Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab!
The Queen looks down on everyone, so it’s no surprise that everyone else wants to take her down. Charlotte may have checked off B-Fab, but will the HBIC be a much different story? Or will Charlotte only sharpen her edge before facing Tiffany Stratton at WrestleMania?
WAIT! NAOMI ATTACKS B-FAB & MICHIN! Naomi drags Mia up for a FACEBUSTER! Naomi rains down fists, the ref reprimands and the fans boo, but Naomi tells the ref to back off. Naomi then BOOTS B-Fab off the apron! Naomi goes out after B-Fab to THRWO her into barriers! Naomi SLAPS B-Fab, tells her to stay down, but B-Fab gets up. Naomi fires hands, then she SMACKS B-Fab off the desk! Naomi rains down fists, but here comes Jade! Jade hurries down the ramp, she runs around the way, but Naomi runs away! Jade makes sure B-Fab is okay, but refs have to help her to the back. And what of Mia? Will she even be able to compete?
Charlotte makes her entrance, not really caring about what Naomi just did to Mia. But that means she also crosses paths with Jade. The fans like the look of this stare down, but Jade and Charlotte both let the other slide. Charlotte gets her pyro, and it seems she’ll still get her match. Will Mia be little more than an appetizer now?
The bell rings, and Charlotte BOOTS Mia down! Cover, TWO! Mia stays in this and the fans rally up. Charlotte just struts around while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Charlotte has Mia down with a chinlock, but the fans rally up. Mia fights up, fires body shots, and she then blocks a shot to ROCK Charlotte! Mia ROCKS Charlotte again and again, then reels her in for a TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up as Mia hurries to cover, TWO! Mia drags Charlotte up, wrenches, but Charlotte says no to Da Feet! BIG back suplex! Mia stagger sup, Charlotte whips her, but Mia reverses! Charlotte goes up and out, BOOTS her away, then slingshots in and rolls Mia! Mia rolls through and BUZZSAWS! Mia runs corner to corner, but Charlotte avoids the cannonball!
Charlotte YAKUZA KICKS Mia down, then fires herself up! The fans “WOO~!” as Charlotte has Mia in the drop zone,. Charlotte steps on her, goes up the corner, but Mia gets underneath her! SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Charlotte survives and Mia is shocked! Mia nods as the fans rally back up, and she brings Charlotte up. But Charlotte ROCKS Mia! Mia SOBATS, PELES, and then runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Charlotte stays in this, Mia grows frustrated, but the fans continue to rally. Mia uses that energy to stay focused, and she stalks Charlotte to waistlock. But Charlotte ELBOWS her away!
Charlotte CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOSP! Charlotte winds up, and she CHOPS again! Mia sputters, but then she dodges the boot! Charlotte is caught, and Mia hits a SAIDO! Charlotte flounders to a corner, the fans rally behind Mia, and Mia runs up, CANNONBALL! Mia hurries to wrench and EAT- NO, Charlotte shoves Mia away! Charlotte gets under, back suplexes, but Mia lands out! EAT DA FEET!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Charlotte’s long legs help her survive by a literal foot! Mia is beside herself while Charlotte bails out. Mia storms after Charlotte, runs up, but Charlotte dodges! Mia’s kick hits steel steps!
Mia hobbles away, goes to the apron, but Charlotte CHOP BLOCKS the bad leg out! Charlotte grabs Mia’s leg, drops a KNEE on the knee, but fans chant, “We Want Tiffy!” Charlotte just steps through, FIGURE FOUR, into FIGURE EIGHT!! Mia taps, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
Charlotte got more of a fight out of Mia than expected, but she still won. Will The Queen be more than ready to reign again after WrestleMania?
Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.
Jackie Redmond is with the WWE Women’s Champion and says Charlotte certainly looks confident. Let’s be real, Charlotte came at Tiff pretty hard. It got a lot of people talking. Tiff says yes, people talk. And Charlotte sure loves to hear herself talk. Ten years into the business and Charlotte is still so insecure that she can’t let a “rookie” get a word out. But last week, Tiff did learn something: She learned that walking into WrestleMania, she isn’t the one with something to lose. Truth is, if Tiff loses, then she lost to the great Charlotte Flair, as just a 25-year-old rookie with one year into SmackDown.
But if Charlotte loses… Well, then she lost to an “undeserving, delusional, unoriginal, backflip doing, blonde-hair-having, little girl.” Did she get it all? And Tiff can’t wait to hear the look on Charlotte’s face when they hear the words, “And STILL!” Then maybe Charlotte will finally shut up for the sake of literally everyone! They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, and Tiff will make damn sure what stays is Charlotte’s massive ego. Tiff is walking into and out of Mania as the WWE Women’s Champion. Tootles! Tiff heads out, will it still be #TiffyTime after WrestleMania?
Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre!
The Viper told Cody how proud he was, but also how he wants the next shot after John Cena. The Scottish Terminator took offense to that, and basically said he is taking that shot instead. Will this match be an unofficial #1 contender’s match between these two former world champions?
SmackDown returns and McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans sing, “OH~, Drew McIntyre~!” and chant “R K O! R K O!” Drew and Orton circle, tie up, and they go around in a deadlock. Drew powers Orton to a corner, but Orton headlocks back. Drew powers up and out, then he runs Orton over! Orton hurries to ropes and Drew mockingly asks, “How’s the back feel, Randy?” Orton stands, he and Drew reset, and the fans duel some more. Drew calls for a knuckle lock, Orton accepts, but then Drew kicks low! Drew bumps Orton off buckles, then climbs up, but he panders for too long and Orton YANKS him down!
The fans fire up as Orton climbs now! Orton rains down fists, and the fans count to nine. Orton hops down, brings Drew around, and POSTS him for ten! Drew tumbles out of the ring, Orton goes out after him, and they’re by the desk! But Drew kicks Orton first and SMACKS him off the desk! Drew clears the desk, and he brings Orton up for the DESK- NO, Orton fights free! Orton turns things around, DESK BACK SUPLEX for Drew! The fans fire up while Orton leaves Drew behind, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew writhes on the floor, but Orton goes out to fetch him! Orton brings Drew around, UPPERCUTS him, then says one more time! DESK BACK SUPLEX! Drew writhes as that desk stays standing! Orton grins, refreshes the ring count, and then he storms up on Drew. Drew pokes Orton in the eye! Drew POSTS Orton now, then brings him around to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP into barriers! Orton slumps down, and Drew also grits his teeth from that double-edged attack, but Drew fires up as he stands tall. Drew drags Orton up, puts him in the ring, then stalks Orton. Drew looms over Orton, and HIP DROPS him!
Orton sputters, Drew says one more time, and he winds up for the HIP DROP! Drew paces around Orton, says maybe one more time, and he pretends he can’t hear the fans. Drew winds up again, but Orton flips over! Hip drop meets kneecaps! And then Orton pokes Drew in the eyes! The ref reprimands but Orton rises up. Drew sputters and flounders, Orton ROCKS him with a right! Drew ROCKS Orton back! Drew storms up, Orton kicks low, but Drew fires another haymaker! The haymakers go back and forth, Orton gets the edge, but Drew GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS! Cover, TWO! Drew clamps onto Orton with an armlock!
SmackDown returns to single picture and the fans rally up. Orton fights up, pries at the chinbar, and then throws right hands! Drew CHOPS Orton in return! The fans “WOO~” and Drew winds up. Drew ROCKS Orton again, eggs him on, then CHOPS again! Drew shoves Orton to a corner, CHOPS again, then dares Orton to fight! Drew whips corner to corner, but Orton comes back to LARIAT! And LARIAT! Drew swings, Orton dodges, SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up as Orton stalks Drew to the apron. Drew HOTSHOTS Orton first! Drew then runs in, but Orton puts him through the ropes!
The fans fire up as Orton has Drew for the DRAPING DDT! The fans fire up for Orton, and Orton hears those voices! Drew rises, but then Orton spots KEVIN OWENS! The Prizefighter is on the ramp, Orton glares at him, but then he turns around into a CLAYMORE!! Cover, DREW WINS!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
Kevin’s mere presence costs Orton, and now Drew has a huge win propelling him down the Road to WrestleMania! As for Orton, Kevin drags him out of the ring, SMACKS him off the desk, and then climbs up to join him! The fans boo but Kevin and his hot pink sneakers have Orton in position, but Orton slips free and TRIPS Kevin up! Kevin hits the desk then the floor! Orton staggers around, the fans rally behind him, and Orton stalks Kevin to the corner of the barriers. Orton lines up the shot! Orton runs in, but Kevin jumps over barriers! Security is there to stop Orton from pursuing, so Kevin runs away into the night!
The fans boo, but The Viper was that close! Will Orton be able to strike Kevin down and completely take him out?
Fire, thunder, smoke…
The force of nature is drawing ever closer. And he’s ready to fly! REY FENIX arrives next Friday Night SmackDown!
Jimmy Uso VS The Miz!
#BigJim gave Gunther a piece of his mind and a mark on his cheek, but it seems not everyone got the message. Will the Hollywood A-lister soon star in the Uso Penitentiary? Or will he prove Jimmy is NOT ready for a world champion level opponent?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Jimmy powers Miz to a corner, Miz turns things around, and the ref counts. Miz takes a swing, Jimmy ducks it to CHOP! And CHOP! Miz shoves Jimmy back, then runs up, but Jimmy TACKLES Miz! Jimmy rains down fists, Miz shoves him away to go to ropes, but Jimmy storms back up. Miz ELBOWS Jimmy away, then runs back up, only for Jimmy to LARIAT him down! The fans fire up while Jimmy storms up on Miz. Jimmy CHOPS Miz, has him in a corner, then whips corner to corner. Miz reverses, Jimmy goes up and over, then UPPERCUTS! Miz staggers back to ropes, but Jimmy is right on him.
Jimmy whips, Miz reverses and kitchen sink knees! Then basement BOOTS! The fans fire up, Miz scowls, and Miz KNEES Jimmy in the back again and again. Miz stalks Jimmy to the ropes now, and he CHOKES Jimmy! The ref counts, Miz runs, and Miz STRADDLE ATTACKS! The fans boo, but Miz runs again. Jimmy ducks the boot, then dodges a lariat! Jimmy runs up to LARIAT Miz up and out! The fans fire up and Jimmy builds speed, but Miz runs away! Jimmy smirks as he goes out the side, and UPPERCUTS Miz over the barriers! Jimmy makes sure Gunther knows he’s coming to get him, but SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and both men are down. Miz and Jimmy crawl, and Jimmy pounds the mat. The fans rally, Jimmy rises and runs up to LARIAT! And LARIAT! And mule kick! Jimmy then UPPERCUTS Miz, dodges a lariat, then SAMOAN DROPS! The fans fire up, Jimmy goes to the corner, “UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs in, but Miz puts him on the apron! Jimmy UPPERCUTS again! Jimmy climbs, leaps, but Miz gets under! Miz then waistlocks, ripcords, and MOVIE MAKER! Fans boo that blatant parody, but Miz full nelsons! Jimmy drops, victory rolls, TWO! Miz has the cover, TWO! Miz hurries to BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally up as Jimmy survives! Miz stalks Jimmy, the fans rally up more, and Miz fires a KICK! And then another KICK! The fans say “YES! YES! YES!” to the It Kicks, but then Miz winds up. Jimmy ducks the buzzsaw, Miz blocks the superkick, but the DRAGON WHIP connects! Miz rebounds to B-MOVIE KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! The parodies don’t get it done, but Miz still has his original work to fall back on. The fans rally for “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Miz runs in, A-LIST LARIAT! Miz shoves Jimmy down, then springboards, but into a SUPERKICK! Jimmy hurries up top, for the USO SPLASH!! Cover, Jimmy wins!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Miz may be a movie star, but Big Jim’s the one winning this main event! Jimmy then borrows Joe Tessitore’s headset to call out Gunther! He’s coming after dat ass on Monday! Gunther won’t be the ring general, he will be “Private Gunther,” and he will salute Big Jim! Uh, uh, YEET! Will Jimmy be the one making examples out of the World Heavyweight Champion? Or will everything come crashing down when Gunther gets his turn?
Drew McIntyre returns backstage.
And he says hey to Lewis Capaldi, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, and also a big fan of Drew’s. They’re ready to have a good night in the pub, but Jackie Redmond walks over to congratulate him on the win tonight. She was hoping to get some thoughts on that victory and what happened with Orton and Kevin. Drew says it’s alright, this is what happens. He doesn’t care about anybody else’s business, but no one gets away with screwing him over. And when no one meddles in his business, he wins! Drew called out Priest, where is he? Priest doesn’t have the balls! So time to get mad in the pubs, everyone’s invited!
Drew turns the corner, but PRIEST IS THERE! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the door, then throws him into road cases! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the trunk of a car, and then again! Or since it’s London, “the boot.” The driver complains, but Priest BODY SLAMS that guy through a table! Drew comes back to KNEE Priest low, SMACK him off the trunk, and then off the side! They go to the hood, or bonnet for UK. Drew drags Priest up, but Priest CLAWS Drew’s eyes! Priest then sends Drew SOUTH OF HEAVEN through the windshield! Priest tells security that he’s done for now. Any more jokes, Drew? Didn’t think so! RIP, jackass!
Priest leaves, the producers hurry to help Drew, and Drew’s got glass in his eye! Will that glass help Drew see why he shouldn’t piss off the Punisher?
CM Punk heads to gorilla.
He has a security detail with him, and he passes by Drew writhing in pain. Punk chuckles, then continues on. Will his contract signing with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins be just as brutal? We find out, after the break.
Nick Aldis is in the ring.
The SmackDown General Manager welcomes us back, and says it is his honor and privilege to be here in the O2 in London. Now, we all know why he and this table is here, and why additional security is here tonight. Tonight, we are here to sign a contract for a Triple Threat. Perhaps the biggest Triple Threat in the history of WrestleMania: Seth Rollins VS CM Punk VS Roman Reigns! The fans cheer all those names, and here comes the OTC! London puts the ones up, and Paul Heyman accompanies THE Tribal Chief out on stage. Roman raises his finger to the sky for the pyro, then security follows him to the ring.
SmackDown goes picture in picture as Roman’s entrance continues, and he raises his finger to the sky for the second round of pyro. Roman steps into the ring, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Heyman hands him a mic. The fans sing, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!” Roman nods, the fans cheer, and now they chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman tells London, “ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” The fans cheer again, and again chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman smiles, but he sees the chairs are not to his liking. Heyman makes sure to put one at the head of the table. Heyman also dusts the chair off while Roman enjoys the singing of, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!”
Roman takes a seat and says that was beautiful. The way they sing to their Tribal Chief, it’s just beautiful. The singing continues, and Heyman even joins in! Roman smiles, and he says that is what he’s talking about. That’s the OTC for you, baby! The biggest star on the planet! The OTC came here for two reasons. One: to be acknowledged; check! And two: to sign this contract. Roman does just that, and he says he’s checked both boxes. That means- “BURN IT DOWN!” Seth Rollins interrupts! The fans now sing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Rollins struts out in his red wine paisley suit and conducts the O2 Choir all the way into the ring.
The fans cheer while Roman frowns, but Rollins takes the seat to Roman’s left. Rollins offers Heyman a chance to sing to this song, but Heyman frowns. Rollins chuckles, and he says the fans do have beautiful singing voices. He doesn’t know why Roman is in such a hurry to leave, though! This is their building! There’s a lot of history here! 12 years ago, they landed on the roof of this place in a helicopter! They came down those stairs over there, “ready to burn down the old guard!” They put the Undertaker down through the desk, and they were going to remake this company in their image!
Now don’t get him wrong, Rollins knows a lot has happened since then. They fought against each other, with each other, a little bit of love and a whole lot of hate. But Rollins dare says, as the fans continue to sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~,” that Rollins and Roman accomplished their mission. The fans start to chant for CM Punk, but Rollins tunes them out. Roman says, “We? We? You keep saying we. Our mission? We died a long time ago. It’s only been ME. You been here, but I done all the work! I’ve made this place what it is today! I took us to the level that we are here today! I made this place better than we found it!
“I’m the one that made us desirable to Netflix! I’m the one that took us into billion-dollar deals! Tell me, what have you done?” Rollins shouts, “I’ll tell you what I’ve done! YOU, YOU, YOU, it’s that mindset that keeps me having to screw you! You understand that? And your biggest mistake is not understanding the danger that’s right in front of us! The danger that’s right in front of you! You let the biggest snake in the world, CM Punk, into the garden! And you could’ve cut his head off at WarGames! But instead, you shook his hand. You could’ve let me finish him inside the cage at The Garden, but you didn’t. And now, I am left to do what I always do: Clean up your mess, again.”
Rollins drops his mic, picks up the pen, and signs his part. And now, here comes CM PUNK! The fans fire up and sing along with Cult of Personality, then join in on saying, “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME~!” Punk goes to the ring, but as he grabs a mic, he goes up a corner, just like he did last Friday. “I have come here to chew bubblegum and sign a contract. And I’m all outta bubblegum.” The fans cheer the Rowdy Roddy Piper reference, and Punk hops down to take his seat on Roman’s right. Punk looks over said contract, but Roman asks if Punk needs a highlighter or something. What’s he doing? Just go to page four, clause five.
Punk does as Roman says, but Roman says Punk needs to hurry, this is precious TV time. Punk reads the segment, Roman tells Heyman to just smarten Punk up. Heyman tells Punk he knows what Punk is looking for. It is in there. They’re closing the show at WrestleMania. The fans go wild hearing that! Heyman tells Punk that he gets to live his dream of dreams. CM Punk will be a WrestleMania main eventer! The fans cheer and while Roman smiles, Rollins is furious. Roman says, “One man’s dream is another man’s favor! CHECK!” Wait, this was the favor? Rollins says no! This is not something to laugh at, and Punk does not get to tear up!
Punk is NOT deserving! He does NOT deserve this! The fans boo but Rollins continues to throw a fit! Main eventing WrestleMania is SACRED, the most important thing in the world to Rollins! More than anything! Except the fact that Punk NEVER gets to main event! This is all Roman’s fault! This is all Heyman’s fault! Rollins THROWS his mic down, paces angrily, but Punk picks up the mic. The fans cheer Punk on again, and Punk stands to thank London, to thank Chicago, to thank Louisville, Kentucky, and to thank ALL the fans. As corny as it sounds, he thanks the WWE Universe who stood by him and chanted his name for TEN LONG YEARS!
Roman says hold on, hold on. Punk shouldn’t be thanking the fans! He should be thanking the Tribal Chief! It is because of Roman that Punk gets this honor! So please, take this moment, close the show with that acknowledgement! Do this the right way. The credits are already rolling as Punk kneels before Roman!? Punk smiles, and he thanks “My Tribal Chief, the holder of the ula fala, the Head of the Table, the… Big Dog? Thank you for allowing a kid from Chicago to be graced by your presence. Thank you, My Tribal Chief, for allowing me to stand in your ring. And thank you so much. Thank you, Roman Reigns, so very much.
“But because of you, I will see you in the main event of WrestleMania.” And again, Rollins is agonizing over this. Punk finishes putting his signature on the contract, and London tells him, “You Deserve It!” Punk thanks Roman again, and then says, “But that’s not the favor that I’m owed.” WHAT?! Roman looks at Heyman and Heyman can’t look him in the eye! If getting this Triple Threat made into the main event isn’t the gift of the Wise Man, then what is?!
My Thoughts:
A good SmackDown, but they pulled off quite the paradox. They made it feel like they were struggling to fill three hours, yet they also filled the show to the point where that contract signing segment was almost bleeding over the three hour mark. Ironically, part of the problem was just how excited the London crowd was for this. The superstars still wanted to enjoy the chants and songs, but that’s time SmackDown doesn’t have to spare. It made the opening promo from Cody, Orton and Drew take longer, and it kinda did the same to the contract signing at the end. Even so, we still got a very good promo, and good stuff to set up Orton VS McIntyre.
Orton VS McIntyre was a great match, but of course Kevin costs Orton. McIntyre gets his win, Kevin and Orton have a bit of a brawl, but of course Kevin ends up on the losing end and runs off. McIntyre’s trash talk also comes back to bite him as Priest gets the better of him in their brawl. Here’s hoping Drew didn’t actually get glass in his eye, but that being the thing in kayfabe can be some good stuff. I can imagine McIntyre with an eyepatch, and he takes it off at the opportune time to get the better of Priest in their match. Also what a fitting choice for Punk to be passing by Drew suffering because of real glass.
Very good title matches tonight, but of course the status quo was kept. Pretty Deadly gets to look great here in London, but the Profits only just got the belts, they’re not going to be transitional champions like that. And Knight VS Braun was really good stuff, but honestly, Jacob Fatu going after them both should’ve been a given. Jacob also had a great promo with Solo & Tama to start adding to that divide between Jacob and Solo. I would hope Solo doesn’t screw Jacob out of the US Championship, but it feels like he will as Solo won’t stand for Jacob defying his authority, even though Solo’s been trying to make Jacob the champion all along.
Very good stuff from Jimmy Uso tonight, from his promo with #MeloDon’tMiz and then a great match with Miz. Their match ended up the de facto main event match, so that’s also great for both guys. Great win for Jimmy, but that’s likely because Jimmy is losing big time to Gunther on Monday. And it might just be me, but it feels like only now is the Jey VS Gunther build really moving, largely in part because Jimmy got involved. Jimmy’s promo after his match is something along the lines of what Jey should be saying. But I suppose as brothers, Jimmy is the one who knows Jey best and knows what Jey needs to be motivated again. And seeing Jimmy get beat up by Gunther will definitely motivate Jey…
Good final vignettes for Rey Fenix and Aleister Black. I’m a little surprised they confirmed Rey Fenix is showing up next week, and that they confirmed who Rey Fenix even is. I believe commentary confirmed Rey Fenix is Penta’s real brother, even namedropped “Lucha Brothers,” but all that is still surprising considering Fenix is going to start on SmackDown. Aleister’s vignette (at least I am fairly confident it’s his) was giving us glimpses of his silhouette, but I think there was usage of AI in the snake imagery. It was fine they did it for El Grande Americano because that is all trolling, but they really should try and do things the old fashioned way of photoshop and stock imagery.
Very good stuff in the Women’s Division tonight, though the WWE Women’s Championship portion was the weaker. Naomi’s got a great Heel persona going, her promo was great, and her going after B-Fab & Michin over them supporting Jade was a great detail. Jade runs Naomi off, helps B-Fab, but there was no helping Michin in being fed to Charlotte. Tiffany had a decent promo, and it does fit how Charlotte kept her from speaking so she finally gets things out here. It didn’t really add that much, though, but they already gave us a great brawl so not sure what more they can give.
KC Squared VS The Secret Her-vice was a very good match, but of course Chelsea made sure her team won. A Six Woman Tag of Zelina & KC Squared VS The Green Administration is certainly coming, to help give us Zelina VS Chelsea for the Women’s US Championship.
My Score: 8.7/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 3.27.2025
Bad news out of the TNA management side, but this is a taped episode from El Paso! So we won’t see any of the fallout just yet!
Now we all heard the news about the TNA change in hierarchy, and I…have no positive outlook on that. Delirious sucked at booking and creative in the dying days of ROH before it got bought as a B show. Dreamer having even more control is concerning because his ideas the last two years haven’t been much better.
Gail leaving makes more sense to me. Be it firing or a “you can’t quit, you’re fired” kind of situation, the Knockouts division is the worst it’s been in a long time and Gail was close with Scott D’Amore. So I don’t think Gail parting ways is as big of a problem since TNA has slowly been bleeding out with the Scott faithful.
Granted, I think the next few shows were already taped before the firing so things shouldn’t be completely unwatchable for at least a week or two. So let’s see where we’re going.
.@WeAreRosemary sends @XiaBrookside a CHILLING message!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/srciTTbel0
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Ratings:
- Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge: Ash wins via Rarefied Air – ** 1/4
- Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr: Chavo wins via Gory Bomb into Frog Splash – *** 1/4
- Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich: Masha wins via Russian Death Device – ***
- Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin: Eric wins via Piledriver – ** 1/2
- Seto & Mokuba – I mean – Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater: Nic wins via Danger Zone – *** 1/4
Results:
Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge
Ash and Gigi start off, Gigi with a little Rascalz after her first takedown. So both her and Wentz are making it obvious something’s going on between them, and I’m not mad at it. Good for my man Wentz.
Tatum and Gigi get some quick tandem offense in, Ash does manage to scurry off to a tag and Heather gets bent into a Pretzel. Some kind of Inverted Tarantula from Tatum, Gigi tags in, Bronco Buster on Heather followed by Kawada Kicks. Heather sells against the ropes, Gigi goes for a Hesitation Dropkick, but Concierge pulls her away so Gigi crashes and burns. Ref is distracted, Ash gets in some cheap shots and then the Elegant duo starts working over Gigi. A few quick tags, but once Heather comes in, Gigi fights out of the corner, gets the hot tag to Tatum. Tatum stacks up both Elegance members, Corner Stacked Crossbody, Butterfly Suplex and an Elbow Drop with some some flare. Tatum goes to the top rope, Heather pulls Gigi off the apron, Concierge shoves Tatum off the turnbuckle and Ash hits Rarefied Air for the win.
Post match the Elegance Clique wants to make their wish with the cake, they light the candles and Tatum and Gigi recover enough to do what we all expected last week, the cake in the face spot. Some…suggestive licking from both of our Hot Topic Hotties, so…no complaints here.
.@Ashamae_Sebera, @Heathereckless and @IamGeorgeIceman are having a meltdown!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/FnKwPqm2ff
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr
Chavo and Kaz start since he’s King Petty, a quick rope run turns into a Headscissor from Chavo. Kaz recovers, they lock up, Kaz hits the Knee Lift during the lock up to tag out to KC. KC pulls off some athletic dodges, gloats a bit so Chavo waits, measures and nails a gorgeous Dropkick. Laredo comes in on fire, quick high spots that send KC bouncing around like HBK against Hulk. KC powders after sells the Satellite Takedown, AJ checks on him and we go to commercial.
Back from commercial, Octagon is lighting up KC’s chest with overhand chops, he perches, Sunset Headscissor Flip from corner to corner, KC tries to Back Drop him but Octagon does a headstand, kicks KC away and lays him out with a high spot. AJ gets on the apron to stop Octagon from running the ropes, the referee has a stroke or something because he stops paying attention and AJ pulls Octagon out of the ring and chucks him. KC with the Tope con Hilo and tag (tag ropes haven’t mattered since the 80s we all know this). So AJ is getting taunted by the crowd in Spanish, but he’s manhandling Octagon since it looks like a Child fighting their parent. AJ knocks off Chavo and Laredo, Laredo pops up and tries to get involved but he’s caught on the shoulders, Octagon goes for the Crossbody but gets caught and AJ pulls off “World’s Strongest Wasteland” but Chavo breaks up the pinfall. AJ throws Octagon into the corner, Tennessee Whiskey, and tag out to KC. KC hits a few moves, but starts to lose the momentum until he connects with a Super Kick. Simultaneous rope run into the Dueling Crossbodies, so we get the timely tag outs from both sides. Kaz and Laredo come in, Laredo lands like two moves before Kaz hits a Sole Butt, Lariat and eats his lunch. KC and Kaz try to double team Laredo but he fights out and the crowd is chanting for Chavo.
Chavo tags in, and he’s rocking KC, Saito Suplex, Low Bridge to AJ, Reverse the Whip so Chavo goes to the corner and perches, KC feeds, Chavo Backflips to safety, rolls through and lays out KC. Chavo is feeling himself, 3 Amigos start on KC but only 2, Kaz comes in and Chavo switches to Kaz for the Amigos, only 2 again before AJ breaks it up. AJ goes for the disrespect, but Chavo counters and hits the 3 Amigos on the biggest Culero. Aztec Warriors dive to stop AJ and Kaz, KC tries a Dirty Victory Roll but Chavo kicks out. GORY BOMB into FROG SPLASH!
Chavo looked fantastic and he’s the one in the best shape in the ring. I wouldn’t be mad at more Chavito.
Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich
I expect very little from this match.
Collar and Elbow, gator rolling for the first 30 seconds or so, then Jacy goes to some Hair Pull takedowns and does a little taunt before Masha pops back up and hits a Lariat into a Dive. Jacy sells it like she’s really hurt, even the ref tries to hold Masha back a little before Masha gets annoyed and just grabs her, Masha throws her in, looks for a Dive and Jacy sees it and powders. Masha tries to go back to the well for the Dive again but Jacy hits the Uppercut and then an Apron Run PK to drop Masha. Forearms rain down into a Foot Choke as Jacy continues to arrogantly play to the crowd. Another Foot Choke into a Cannonball, and near fall.
Masha gets space with a Sole Butt, tries to snap off Requiem but Jacy fights off, fights through a Sunset Flip another effective PK keeps Masha on her ass. Jacy looks for a kinda half-assed Camel Clutch as Masha is fighting up, but Jacy runs her into the corner, gets distracted mouthing off to the crowd, so Masha recovers, 5 Hole Up Kick sends Jacy into the corner, Yakuza Kick into Capo Kick for two. Requiem attempt again, but Jacy pushes off, a little back and forth, Masha tries a Backslide but Jacy gets away and hits a V-Trigger but only a 2 count. Jacy looks for the Discus Punch but Masha ducks it, they strike back and forth, but some dodges from both leave the exchange more even. Jacy with the Front Kick to the face sends Masha to the outside. Jacy wants another PK, but Masha blocks, Electric Chair Apron Snake Eyes. Masha throws her in, a PK into a near all. Requiem attempt 3, and thwarted from Jacy with a Superkick into a Neckbreaker. Senton misses from Jacy, Buzzsaw Kick, into Spinning Back Kick and Russian Death Device for the win.
Better than I expected, and Tessa attacks as soon as the bell rings. Xia Brookside and Lei Ying Li make the save after Tessa grabs the belt.
Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin
Ace and Eric tie up, World of Sport start but as soon as Ace starts to get away EY punches him in the face. Eric looks at the camera and says “This is what trust looks like”, turns his back on Ace, when Ace looks to attack, the loser duo cut him off. EY takes advantage of the weird situation, but Ace with some Up and Over quick spots, into an Inside Cradle and La Magistral. EY kicks out of the quick flash attempts, but eats a Dropkick, and Ace goes all Speed Kils on him with fast strikes and then a face buster for another near fall. Strike spot very early in the match, Ace gets the best of it, goes for a Tear Drop Suplex but EY sits on it to block, Headlocks to keep him close and then a snap Lariat into beatdown bully tactics. EY takes the referee’s attention and one of the nerds punch Ace in the face.
Eric tries to lean on Ace, but Ace fires, a few strikes, Click Click Boom, the Miz Seated Lariats in the corner, Mochizuki Triangle Kick connects! Only a 2 count, but Ace seems to be in control. Ace puts EY on the ropes, a few strikes to keep him rocked, wants a Superplex, but EY blocks, bites the face and Macho Elbow gets a very close two count. EY tries the Piledriver but Ace turns it into a Jacknife Cradle,Spinning Heel Kick, calls for The Fold, but the losers hop on the apron to distract, Ace attacks them. Ace tries to time out the Triangle Kick again, but Eric dodges, throws Ace head first through the buckles. As Ace stumbles out of the corner, Piledriver, and it’s over.
Oh look it’s the “we’ll hear from Joe Hendry” segment. Again, I’ve loved this gimmick since Day 1, even didn’t hate his What Culture Pro stuff, but there is such a thing as milking a cow too much.
Elijah interrupts the whole “Who’s next” speech. When Elijah comes out he says he’s not the challenger and he believes in Joe. The crowd wants Elijah to turn on Hendry. Elijah pauses for a moment, and starts proving his friendship with stating his favorite color and a little “You Got a Friend in Me”. The crowd is into singing along and waving their cameras like Lighters to a 30 year old song. THANKFULLY Kaz breaks up the hug fest. Now he gets the “Culero” chant.
Kaz pulls out a Bass…what the hell is this Jam Session. Kaz has to warm up so he plays “La Cucaracha” on the bass. Kaz…is a national treasure. Hendry kicks Kaz out of the ring after his Heelish and playfully racially charged song choices. Kaz tries to sow dissension, but Joe and Elijah pinball Kaz between them. Kaz slips a power move and tries to shove Elijah into Joe but Elijah puts the brakes on, a small tense moment. But then Joe and Elijah play “Nah Nah Nah Nah, Hey Hey, Goodbye”…and that goes right into a commercial. Oddly…perfect.
Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater
Nic shoots the half immediately for a flash pinfall but Leon kicks out at one. Nic continues to keep things grounded with his amateur wrestling skills, and then does a little Dolph Ziggler show off. So Nic isn’t really taking this seriously, and Leon starts getting the best of things with an Arm Wringer, into drag, Shoulder Tackle and rope run as Nic tries to Leap Frog and Leon puts on the brakes and just shoves Nic on his ass. Nic gets annoyed, a few strikes, grinds his face along the ropes, but Leon keeps stringing some offense together, Back Handspring Elbow into his Corner con Hilo.
Ahh the classic formula of the commercial gives the heel the advantage, Twisting Suplex from Leon stops Nic’s offense momentum, right hand, Leon lifts Nic up for something, Nic slips it, kicks him in the gut, looks for the FameAsser, but Leon catches him into a Blue Thunder Bomb variation. Slater wants the Swanton 450, but Nic powders. Leon tries to adjust into a Dive, but Nic cuts him off, counter for counter and a FameAsser out of the counters for a two count. Nic starts the big brother tactics, bootwashes and arrogance, Slater fires, punches into a Yakuza Kick. Leon wants another Lethal Injection variant, but Nic catches him into a Rear Naked Choke. Slater tries to turn it into a pin so Nic breaks it. Leon wants a Leg Lariat but misses and gets unceremoniously dropped by Nic. Nic puts Leon up on the buckles, Superplex possibly but Slater counters, tries to collect himself for a move, but Nic falls into the ropes to crotch Leon, and finally hits the Superplex.
Twist of Slate from Leon, Swanton 450 but knees get up. Locomotion Cradles from both but they kick out, Ryan picks the ankle to trip up Leon just a touch and then Danger Zone ends the match.
Ryan starts the post match beatdown, but the Hardy’s music hits and they come down to the ring for the save. Matt challenges the Nemeths for Rebellion because they’re not medically cleared yet.
Overall Score: 6.5/10
Decent story motion, no match was offensive, and there was actually some solid match action for television standards. I don’t have a ton to complain about aside from the Knockouts Division is in a weird spot, and giving Hendry a lot of just talking and hollow payoff segments feels stupid. If we need to hear from him every week, give him a talk segment like Highlight Reel or something. Yes I know First Class just got The Penthouse, but if Hendry is going to talk more than wrestle, give him a talk segment for us to sink our teeth into.
There was the announcement that Xia, Lei Ying and Masha will face Tessa, Jacy and a mystery partner. So you gotta wonder if there’s going to be another NXT mercenary, a surprise return or if it’ll just be Rosemary since she’s got her issues with Xia. Also I just realized that Unbreakable is going to be on a Thursday, seemingly after iMPACT? I’m gonna have to see how they do it, because if there’s an Impact episode and 2-3 hour PLE…I do not want to be awake until 1am. People need to work, and I will be Unwakeable if things go that long.
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TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
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