Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (8/22/23)
NXT is on fire!
Will the Heatwave get to HIM?
NXT brings back the Heatwave, and Carmelo Hayes defends the NXT Championship against Wes Lee! Who survives this scorching Summer night?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Trick Williams VS Ilja Dragunov; Dragunov wins.
- Ivy Nile VS Ava Raine w/ The Schism; Ivy wins.
- Undisputed NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Nathan Frazer w/ Tyler Bate VS Noam Dar w/ The Meta Four; Dar wins and is the Undisputed NXT Heritage Cup Champion.
- Mixed Tag: Rhea Ripley & Dominik Mysterio VS Lyra Valkyria & Dragon Lee; Lyra & Dragon win.
- Baron Corbin VS Von Wagner w/ Robert Stone; No Contest.
- NXT Championship: Carmelo Hayes VS Wes Lee; Melo wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Tony D’Angelo gets a phone call.
It’s from Stacks! And he says The Don has to get back quick, there’s a situation that needs handling. What does he need Tony for? Tony’s in enough heat as it is. Well there’s a heatwave going through and Tony needs to see this. Stacks dives into the pool and splashes Tony! Okay, it’s gonna be like that? Go get him, guys! The boys jump in! That was good, huh? Yeah, almost as good as tonight’s Mixed Tag match will be. Mami & Dommy VS Lyra “Val-Cree-Uh,” did he say that right? Close enough. And Dragon Lee! That’ll be a banger. And speaking of dragons, The Mad Dragon wants to put a whooping on Trick!
Hey, the streets are all about respect. And they gotta respect what Trick’s trying to do. Trick wants to prove he’s more than a talking head, but taking on Ilja Dragunov is a tall task. Hey, Tony! The ladies are here! The boys stand up and say more the merrier. Now it’s a party. But who do they have in the main event? Tony’s cousin is going with Wes Lee, “the human stick of dynamite.” He’ll bring everything he’s got to take the title away from HIM. Him? Yeah, HIM, Carmelo Hayes! But the streets are putting a lot of money on both guys. Stacks thinks Wes is gonna score big. Hey, Stacks, you talking ’bout Wes or yourself?
Oh, uh, Wes, of course. But now listen. When they celebrate int he family, they raise a glass. Summer’s coming to an end, so let’s go out with a bang. Here’s to an unforgettable Summer!
Trick Williams VS Ilja Dragunov!
Just as The Don said, Trick wants to prove he isn’t Carmelo’s sidekick but his equal. Plus, he looks to settle some scores with The Mad Dragon. Will Dragunov get back at Trick for the controversy behind what happened at the Great American Bash? Or will UNBESIEGBAR fail to #WhoopDatTrick?
The bell rings and the two run in! Dragunov BOOTS Trick, CHPOS him in a corner, then bumps him off buckles. Dragunov throws knees, then fires forearms! Dragunov CLUBS Trick, CHOPS him again, then brings him around to bump off more buckles. But Trick fires forearms in return! Trick scoops, Dragunov slips free and waistlocks, but Trick fights the suplex! Trick runs, RAMS Dragunov, btu Dragunov returns to ENZIGURI! Down goes Trick and fans fire up! Dragunov drags Trick up in a waistlock, Trick fights, but Dragunov CLUBS him again! And again! And then against ropes!
Dragunov brings Trick around to spin and CHOP! Trick sputters and fans fire up! Dragunov BOOTS Trick, Trick goes to a corner, and Dragunov CHOPS him again! Dragunov brings Trick out to spin and CHOP again! Dragunov BOOTS Trick down, but then Trick blocks a kick! Trick spins Dragunov to ROCK him with forearms! They go back and forth, and Trick DECKS Dragunov! Dragunov gets up, Trick whips but Dragunov reverses to wrench and CHOP! Trick DROPKICKS in return! Fans fire up and Trick roars! Trick brings Dragunov up, whips him to ropes, but Dragunov ducks and CONSTANTINE- POP-UP HAYMAKER!
Dragunov stumbles and falls! He bails out, but Trick is after him! Dragunov RAMS him into the apron, BOOTS him, then GERMAN SUPLEXES to the floor! Fans fire up and the ring count starts, Dragunov puts Trick in, stalks him, and fans rally as NXT goes picture in picture.
Dragunov stomps Trick, storms around, then brings him up to ROCK with a haymaker! And CHOP! Dragunov brings Trick around, to hit a headlock takeover! Trick keeps his shoulders up, but Dragunov throws furious fists! Trick endures, even as Dragunov grinds the headlock. Trick fights up, powers out, but Dragunov RAMS him! Dragunov BOOTS Trick, then CLOBBERS him from behind! Trick writhes and Dragunov seethes. Dragunov KNEES Trick in the side! Dragunov brings Trick up, suplexes, but Trick fights it! Trick suplexes but Dragunov fights back! They fight for suplex control, Trick gets Dragunov up but he slips free!
Dragunov shoves Trick, then spins to CHOP! Then he CHOPS the leg, then he KNEES Trick down! Cover, TWO! Trick is still in this but Dragunov jumps on him! Dragunov has a chinlock and he grinds Trick down. Trick fights up again, but Dragunov UPPERCUTS him! Trick ROCKS Dragunov in return! The forearms fly back and forth, and then Dragunov CHOPS, ROCKS and SLAPS Trick down! Both men are on the mat as Dragunov also catches his breath. Dragunov runs in at Trick to BOOT him down! Dragunov YANKS the rope to tweak Trick! Dragunov runs in CHOP Trick in the corner!
Trick sputters, the ref checks on him, but then Dragunov runs in to BOOT WASH! Dragunov backs away as NXT returns to single picture. Fans rally up, Trick drags himself to his feet, and Dragunov storms back up. MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Trick sits down but Dragunov stands him back up. But Trick CHOPS back! Dragunov grins, and he MACHINE GUN CHOPS again! Dragunov tries another round but Trick blocks it! Trick and Dragunov stare down and Trick fires forearms! Dragunov throws them back and fans are thunderous! Trick LARIATS, Dragunov kips up to PELE! But Trick EDDY GORDO KICKS!
Fans are thunderous as both men are down! They chant for “NXT! NXT!” giving them this wild opener. They both stand, and the forearms start going back and forth again! Trick gets the edge, then ducks the back hand to fire off fast hands! Trick DECKS Dragunov! And BOOTS him down! And again! And again! Dragunov leans against ropes and he eggs Trick on! Fans fire up again as Trick stomps Dragunov! Trick drags Dragunov up but Dragunov fires clubbing shots! Dragunov trips Trick, but Trick BOOTS him away! Both men rise, Trick runs up to whip, and he FLAPJACKS Dragunov! Trick aims, runs in, TRICK TRIGGER!! Cover, TWO!!
Dragunov survives that shot right to the head, but there’s blood from his forehead! Trick jumps and ripcords Dragunov up, but Dragunov DDTS! And then another DDT!! Cover, TWO!! Trick survives, fans are thunderous, and Dragunov puts Trick in a corner. “This is Awesome!” as Dragunov puts Trick up top. Dragunov ROCKS Trick, climbs up, but Trick throws hands! They fight up top, and Trick hits a SUPER BOOKEND!! Cover, TWO!?!? Dragunov survives and no one can believe it! Trick is furious, but he aims again. Dragunov rises, Trick spins, but Dragunov blocks the kick! GERMAN SUPLEX!
Dragunov PUNTS Trick in the side of the head! And then reels him in, but Trick still fights the lift! Dragunov tries again, but Trick is fighting! Even so, Dragunov powers through to POWERBOMB!! And then FALLING HAMMER!! Cover, TWO!??! Trick survives and again, no one can believe it! Trick SLAPS Dragunov from below! So Dragunov stomps Trick! Fans hope they “FIGHT FOREVER!” but this has to end somehow. Dragunov goes up a corner, SUPER FALLING HAMMER!! Cover, Dragunov wins!
Winner: Ilja Dragunov, by pinfall
The Mad Dragon got one hell of a fight out of Trick, but in the end, he still won! However, as Trick sits up, Dragunov seems to nod his respect. Did Trick prove he is a top contender in his own right?
Tyler Bate meditates with Tai Chi.
The Big Strong Boi is Zen enough that he knows it is Nathan Frazer who walks in. Bate says hello, and Nathan asks what he’s up to. Bate brings up how Dabba-Kato hurt him last week. This is how Bate embraces the pain and moves forward. Right, that was brutal. Yes, but that was last week. Tonight, Nathan will show the world who the true Heritage Cup Champion is. Is he ready? Yeah, he is! But that’s kinda why he’s here. Meta Four has a second, third and fourth, so Frazer could use someone out there to watch his back so they can settle things with Noam once and for all. Bate gets that. He’ll have Frazer’s back.
Frazer thanks Bate, and acknowledges that this is two favors now he owes Bate. So should Frazer win tonight, Bate will be the very first challenger to the TRUE Heritage Cup Champion. Bate likes that. Let’s take care of the Meta-Four Massive Frauds. Frazer nods, but will one Big Strong Boi be enough to stop Noam’s main man and leading ladies?
Rhea Ripley & Dominik Mysterio prepare backstage.
Dom says Mami inspires him. Rhea asks Dom what they’re gonna do tonight. Dom says, “Punish.” Rhea says that’s right, cuz punish is what Mami likes to do. But then Mustafa Ali walks in. Hey, Dom-Dom! Oh, sorry, is he interrupting? Well, this is their locker room, so go away. Guys, c’mon, he was gonna wish them luck. Go out there and break a leg. But like, actually, Dom. Into a million pieces. Then Dom can go away and NXT can have a North American Champion they can be proud of. Dom says he doesn’t care about NXT. He just cares about Mami. Rhea says Dom is a champion everyone can look up to.
But Ali, you have ten seconds to get out of here before they give him a preview of what happens to Lyra & Dragon tonight. Wow, just ten seconds? Sounds like something they might be used to. Ali does leave, and Rhea is confused as to what he meant. But will Rhea & Dom have more than they bargained for against Lyra & Dragon?
Ivy Nile VS Ava Raine w/ The Schism!
Diamond Mine lost the Losers Leave NXT match, and yet something a little fishy seems to be up. The Diamond Pitbull will neither confirm nor deny, but will she put Ava in her place? Or will The Schism have the last laugh after all?
NXT returns as The Schism make their entrance, the yellow masked minions following. The bell rings, the two circle, but The Schism already starts distracting Ivy. Ava CLOBBERS Ivy, the ref reprimands The Schism, but Ava RAMS Ivy into buckles! Ava then brings Ivy out, scoops and SLAMS her! Then scoops and SLAMS her again! Ava tells Ivy to just give up already. She whips Ivy to a corner then SPLASHES! Ava fires off hands on Ivy, brings her around, scoops and hits a BACKBREAKER! Ivy writhes, Ava covers, TWO! Ava drags Ivy up, whips her to a corner, then runs in, but Ivy dodges! Ivy fires off forearms!
Ivy KICKS, KICKS and KICKS! Ivy whips, Ava reverses and HEEL KICKS Ivy down! Cover, TWO! Ava CLUBS Ivy, drags her up to SLAM her off the mat, and then soaks up the heat. Ivy crawls to ropes, but Ava CHOKES her! The ref counts, Ava YANKS the ropes to send Ivy tumbling! Ivy gets up, but Ava runs her over! Ava drags Ivy up again, scoops, but Ivy slips into the DIAMOND DRAGON!! Ava TAPS, Ivy wins!!
Winner: Ivy Nile, by submission
The Schism is shocked! They didn’t think Ivy would be able to break Ava so easily, but now the yellow masks get on the apron! Ivy holds onto Ava, but the minions still storm in! Ivy SUPERWOMAN PUNCHES one, then dodges another to GERMAN SUPLEX! And then CALF KICK! Some of the minions drop back and a few get Ava out of the ring. Ava grins as she gets away, but this was still a hit to The Schism. Will the roots still be strong after this newest failure?
Wes Lee is on the phone.
He just wishes that they could be here. But then Dragunov walks in, still very sore from his match with Trick. Wes asks if he’s good, and Dragunov says yes, he is good. Because Trick is no longer an issue. And nothing stands in his way to the title! Nothing will get between him and his destiny! Wes almost has a spit-take hearing that. Dragunov needs to hold on. He does know there will be a new champion tonight? Oh, we’ll see. Dog, you’re looking at him right here! The title that Dragunov wants so badly that he claims to be destined to have will be on Wes’s shoulder!
Wes wasn’t destined for any of this. Not the main event or even in this building, but he makes his own destiny! And tonight, he beats Carmelo Hayes. And from that reaction, maybe Wes will go one-on-one with the Mad Dragon. He looks forward to it as NXT Champion! Wes storms off, will he come through to change Dragunov’s destiny?
Undisputed NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Nathan Frazer w/ Tyler Bate VS Noam Dar w/ The Meta Four!
Through excuses, legalities and technicalities, the British Rocket must defend his Heritage Cup Championship against the former Heritage Cup Champion to finally get to the bottom of this. Will Frazer prove he was the real champ all along? Or will the Scottish Supernova snatch this cup back by any means necessary?
The introductions are made, the cup’s on display, and we see if Frazer denies Dar once and for all!
The bell rings and we’re on the clock for the first round. The two circle, feel things out, then tie up. Dar goes for an arm, wrenches to a wristlock, but Frazer rolls. Frazer hooks a leg but Dra still wrangles him down to a wristlock. Dar bends and twists the arm against his leg, then spins Frazer around to wrenches and ELBOW BREAKER! Frazer reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Frazer flips and wrenches back to hit an ELBOW BREAKER of his own! Frazer clamps onto the shoulder but Dar pulls hair. They end up on ropes, Frazer lets off and dares Dar to come back. The two reset, feel things out, and knuckle lock.
Dar rolls, wrenches and wrangles Frazer again. Dar steps over and he hip drops the arm! Dar then snapmares, covers, TWO! Dar keeps on Frazer’s arm, but Frazer fights through to have a headlock. Dar endures, Frazer hits a takeover, but Dar pulls hair! The ref reprimands, the two stand up, and Dar brings Frazer down to a knee. But Frazer fights back up! Dar powers out of the headlock, they RAM shoulders, and Dar KICKS a leg! Dar headlocks as we go under a minute, but Frazer pries the hold open. Frazer headlocks back, Dar powers up and out, but Frazer redirects, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then rolls Dar up! TWO! Dar has an omoplata!
Frazer rolls, gets free, dodges but Dar dodges back! Frazer dodges stomps, runs and springboards but Dar stays back, to SLAP Frazer! Frazer DECKS Dar! Fans fire up as Frazer gives Dar ground ‘n’ pound! We reach the last 10 seconds, Frazer keeps after Dar, but the time is up!
Frazer: 0; Dar: 0
Fans fire up as Frazer holds back that last punch. The ref has Frazer let off, and NXT goes picture in picture.
Meta Four hurries to refresh Dar while Bate and Frazer are much more relaxed themselves. The grace period is over, and round two begins. Dar puts his dukes up, he and Frazer circle, and Dar gets a shot in. Dar grins, the two tie up, and they’re in a deadlock. Dar manages to push Frazer to ropes, but Fraezr gets away before the kick! Frazer hits a headlock takeover! Dar keeps his shoulders up, he rolls Frazer to a cover, TWO! Dar headscissors, then SLAPS Frazer on the chest! Frazer fights around, headstands, and he pops free to then dropkick! And back to the headlock! Frazer grinds Dar down but Dar fights up.
Dar trips Frazer, drops an elbow on the leg, and Frazer clutches the knee. Dar kicks Frazer around, flexes on Bate, then brings Frazer up. Dar snapmares to UPPERCUT in the back! Cover, TWO! Dar clamps onto Frazer with a chinlock, but then grinds his forearm in Frazer’s face. The ref counts, Frazer fights up, but Dar knees low before the jawbreaker! Frazer goes to ropes as we hit one minute, and Dar fires off hands! Dar whips, Frazer ducks ‘n’ dodges and DYNAMIC DROPKICKS Dar down! Fans fire up, but DABBA-KATO ATTACKS BATE AGAIN!! APRON CHOKE SLAM!! Refs rush out to stop Dabba, but Dar rolls Frazer up! DAR SCORES!!
Frazer: 0; Dar: 1
The Supernova sneaks one because the behemoth Dabba beat down Bate! Dar then scrambles away to maximize his refresh period. Frazer is furious at both Dar and Dabba, but Bate is being checked on by medics. NXT returns to single picture as Frazer isn’t sure what to do now. Meta Four is confident Dar has this now, and we start round three. Dar rushes right in to fire off on Frazer! The ref counts, Dar backs off, and Frazer hits him back! Frazer whips, Dar reverses but Frazer goes up and over and handsprings away while Bate is helped to the back. Frazer runs up, he rolls Dar into an STF!!
Fans fire up as Meta Four freaks out! Dar endures, reaches out, scrambles around, but he’s turning red like Frazer’s tights! Dar reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Frazer lets go in frustration and Dar goes to a corner. Frazer runs in, but Dar puts him on the apron. Frazer ROCKS Dar, springboards, but Dar trips him up! Rough landing for Frazer and Meta Four is loving it! Dar drags Frazer through the ropes, drops him and PUNTS him! Cover, TWO! Dar is annoyed but he walks around Frazer. Dar lines up a shot and boots Frazer down! Fans rally for Frazer, but Dar UPPERCUTS him! Dar brings Frazer up to CLUB him on the neck!
Dar pretends he can’t hear the ref, and then he snapmares Frazer to stomp the arm! We go under a minute and Dar stomps Frazer more. Fans duel, “SUPERNOVA!” “SUCKS!!” Frazer fires body shots in return, but Dar blocks a kick! Dar counters enziguri with a DRAGON SCREW! And AKNLE LOCK! But Frazer rolls to send Dar out! And then he DIVES! Direct hit at the ramp! Frazer puts Dar back in the ring, and QUEBRADA DDTS! Frazer RUNNING HSOOTING STARS a la Bate! Cover, TWO!! We’re under ten seconds! Dar hurries away, saved by the bell! BUT HE CHEAP SHOTS FRAZER!!
Frazer: 0; Dar: 1
The ref warns Dar on this one, even as Meta Four argues that’s a “Buzzer beater.” They hurry to refresh Dar again, and now we’re on to round four. Frazer is getting angry now, and he dodges Dar to mule kick, run and DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Frazer sees Dar go to a corner, runs in and CHOPS! Frazer whips, Dar reverses, Frazer goes up and over to scoop and SLAM! Cover, TWO! Frazer hurries up a corner, aims, PHOENIX- NO, Frazer rolls through as Dar moves! Dar runs in, Frazer rolls him up, TWO! Dar blocks a kick, to BACK ELBOW! Cover, TWO!! Frazer survives and Dar is frustrated.
Meta Four coaches Dar and he drags Frazer to ropes. Dar puts the leg on ropes, goes up a corner, but Frazer runs up! Dar ROCKS Frazer, but Frazer is right back on him! SUPERPLEX! Roll through, FINAL CUT!! Cover, Frazer scores!!
Frazer: 1; Dar: 1
Meta Four has to drag Dar back to his corner, he is in bad shape after that one! Frazer catches his breath as NXT goes picture in picture.
Dar sputters, Jakara & Lash fan him off, but it could come down to the very next round. Oro stands Dar up as best he can, Frazer watches and waits. Round five starts, and Frazer runs in! Dar dodges, but then Frazer comes back to TACKLE Dar! Frazer rains down fists! Frazer goes to a corner, climbs up, and POHENIX SPLASHES into a TRIANGLE HOLD! Dar holds onto Frazer as Frazer fights the hold! Frazer deadlifts Dar to SITOUT POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Dar survives and Frazer is stunned! But Frazer drags himself to the apron, gets to his feet, and he feints the springboard to make Dar move!
Dar is on the apron, Frazer gets him from across the corner! They brawl, climb, and Dar pulls on an arm! Frazer throws hands, but they both DECK each other! Frazer AND Dar fall to the floor! A ring count starts, Meta Four panics, but both Dar and Frazer are down at 5 of 10. Lash drags Dar up and puts him in!? She got away with it cuz the ref was checking Frazer! And she even tries to stop Frazer from getting in! The ref reprimands, Frazer gets away but Dar HOOK KICKS! And FISHERMAN BUSTERS! cover, TWO!!! Dar is shocked that his team couldn’t cheat this one for him!
Frazer goes to a corner as we hit 45 seconds. Dar flexes, runs in, but Frazer hits a BUCKLE SHOT a la Seth Rollins! NXT returns to picture in picture as Frazer then skins the cat to the top rope a la Sheamus. Fans fire up, Meta Four freaks out, but Dar gets out. So Frazer SUPER CANNONBALLS Dar & Oro down!! Frazer puts Dar in, but Dar distracts the ref and both Lash & Jakara try to stop Frazer! Frazer gets in but Lash has a foot! Cover, TWO!! And then the bell!
Frazer: 1; Dar: 1
The Meta Four didn’t cheat the win out but they did cheat to keep Dar alive! They help Dar get back to his corner while Frazer crawls to his. The refresh period is over pretty quickly this time as we go to the sixth round! Will this one end in regulation?
Dar and Frazer stand, fans fire up, and the two storm up to throw forearms! They go back and forth, Dar KICKS, but Frazer knees low! Dar KICKS, fires off forearms, then flexes. But Frazer fires them all back! Frazer DECKS Dar! But Dar kicks a leg out! And kicks Frazer from below! Dar holds a wrist and kicks away on Frazer’s face! Dar goes to a corner, takes aim, NOVA FEINT! But Frazer avoids the leg sweep! Frazer runs in but into a SUPERMAN PUNCH! But Frazer ENZIGURIS! Frazer storms up but Dar dodges to sweep the legs after all! Dar goes to the corner, climbs up, but Frazer avoids the guillotine stomp!
Frazer SUPERKICKS! And QUEBRADA- NO, Dar slips out of the reverse DDT to get the CHAMPAGNE SUPER KNEEBAR!! Frazer endures, but we have 90 seconds to go and he’s so far from the ropes! Frazer manages to roll over, and he throws hands on Dar! Dar lets go, and we’re still at one minute left! Frazer goes to ropes, drags himself up, and fans rally. Dar stands, Frazer DECKS him! Frazer goes up the corner, but Dar goes after him. Frazer ROCKS Dar, BOOTS Oro onto the ladies, and then PHOENIX FLOPS as Dar moves! NOVA ROLLA!!! Cover, DAR WINS!!
Winner: Noam Dar, 2-1, by pinfall (NEW NXT Heritage Cup Champion)
Meta Four does it again! They CHEAT to WIN! Is Dar ever going to stop being the Heritage Cup Champion with all these pawns in his corner?
Ava Raine speaks.
“Thanks to the bravery of these two loyal and devoted followers, I am once again standing safely underneath The Schism’s Tree. Ivy, you tried to end my career! You tried to inflict permanent damage! But Ivy, you failed. You are a failure, just like The Creed Brothers, and just like all of Diamond Mine. Ivy, if you wanna prove me wrong, you know exactly where I am. So come and find me.” Ava has called Ivy out to fight under the shade of the Tree, will Ivy look to tear The Schism out of NXT, roots and all?
Tiffany Stratton is here.
NXT returns with The NXT Women’s Champion already in the ring, and with mic in hand. “The Summer of Tiff Tiff is coming to an end, and let me tell you all, it has been a hot one. It officially began at Battleground, where I won the NXT Women’s Championship. And then, I went on a winning streak, retaining my title against Thea Hail at Gold Rush, and then again at the Great American Bash. And with Summer coming to an end, and the Fall of Tiff Tiff is right around the corner, I am going to make this much, much better. And I’m sure you’re all wondering, how can it get better than it already is? I’m basically a perfect champion!
“And I know the word ‘perfect’ scares some people, but when you’re Tiffany Stratton, perfection comes easy. Which is why this title isn’t going anywhere. Matter of fact, I’m gonna go down in history as one of the best NXT Women’s Champions of all time!” Fans boo but Tiff says she will be better than Bayley! Than Asuka! Than Becky Lynch! And even Charlotte Flair! The list can go on and on and on, but for now, she remains at the #TiffyTop. Wait, who is this coming out? Gigi Dolin! She tells Tiffany that while she’s at the top, do us a grand favor and SHUT THE HELL UP! Fans cheer that!
Gigi says she gets it, the Summer of Tiffany. But what Gigi is dying to see is the Fall of Tiffany, as in falling off being champion. So look no further for your next challenger than Gigi Dolin! Tiff isn’t sure what hole Gigi crawled out of, and doesn’t care, but if this is Gigi shooting her shot, then consider this Tiff shooting it down. Gigi doesn’t deserve a shot against Tiff! Oh, deserve? Deserve? The audacity! Tiff doesn’t deserve to stand here and call herself a champion cuz the last time she defended that title here on NXT TV, she TAPPED OUT! Tiff did not! But wait, now Kiana James walks out. And she says Gigi must be lost.
Kiana doesn’t know what delusional world Gigi lives in, but there is not a shot in Hell that Gigi deserves a title match. Tiff thanks Kiana for saying that. Kiana says Gigi’s record against Kiana is terrible. Gigi doesn’t deserve the match, but Tiff can bet her Barbie wannabe little ass that Kiana sure does! Rude. But then Blair Davenport walks out! “Ladies, ladies, ladies. You know I’m sure we can stand here and argue all night long about who has the fanciest materialistic possessions, the biggest, gaudiest shoes, and even the most social media followers. But I don’t care about any of that crap!”
It was a cruel Summer in the NXT Women’s Division, courtesy of Blair Davenport. If you don’t believe her, just ask around. Blair joins everyone else in the ring, and says that one thing that is not up for debate is that Blair deserves a shot at the title, because it’s Blair! Gigi says Blair and her haven’t crossed paths, but before laying claim to the division, she has to go through the division! And Gigi knows that everyone knows Blair beat Dana Brooke, Kelani Jordan, but nobody has forgotten that little trip to the convenience store! Kiana adds on, “Clean up on aisle Blair!” Though Gigi says she would’ve rather seen it be “business b*tch” Kiana!
But seeing Blair’s face ping pong off that frozen food door was priceless! Blair mockingly says “Look at the dark side of Gigi Dolin finally coming out. Aw, cute.” But Gigi doesn’t want to mess with Blair. If you thought that kick from Jacy Jayne was bad, wait until Blair pounds Gigi’s face so bad, her own brother won’t recognize her! Tiff says this is all getting out of hand. They can figure this out on their own and she’ll just go. But wait! Here comes Roxanne Perez! “Hey, Blair. Hi. Y’know, it’s mind boggling to me that you’re out here running your mouth, cuz I thought I ended things with you at the Great American Bash when I put your ass through a table and a bed of chairs. In case you forgot.
“But more importantly, Tiffany, I actually have something to tell you.” Tiff says it better be good. Roxie DECKS Tiff!! And then a brawl breaks out! Tiff runs away while Gigi is after Blair and Kiana is after Roxie! The refs rush in to stop this and Tiff actually thinks this is funny. But will all four of these women get their shot at the Center of the Universe?
Damon Kemp trains with Charlie Dempsey & Drew Gulak.
Gulak coaches them through the hand grappling, and Myles Borne runs over. Gulak has him wait as the two in the ring get loose. Gulak then asks Myles what he wants to say. Myles says he washed the mats, swept the ring, and even sprayed the ropes. Good boy, Myles. Is he tired? No, sir. Good, because they don’t get tired. Dempsey then clamps on a SLEEPER on Myles!! Myles taps but Gulak says no, you gotta fight! They don’t get tired! Will Myles be able to keep up with the technical savages he’s following?
Ava speaks again.
“With each passing second, Ivy proves exactly what I was saying. She’s weak, she’s a failure, and most of all, she’s way too scared to stand on her own two feet. Don’t fall for the façade, because behind that strong physique-” But then Ivy shouts at Ava. Speak of the devil, here she is. Get her, boys! The “boys” don’t respond. SIURPRISE! They’re the Creed Brothers! And then Ivy snatches Ava! Julius asks The Schism, “Do we have your attention now? If you want to see Ava again, then next week, we get a match against The Dyad, and when we win, we’re reinstated in NXT.” Brutus says, “And this time, so no Schism followers interfere, it’s gonna be a Steel Cage Match!”
Julius says, “Don’t keep us waiting.” They drop the camera and take Ava who knows where. Will The Schism have no choice but to accept the challenge?
The Meta Four celebrates backstage.
They drink champagne and Dar says he is UNDENIABLE! He’s been the best at this since day one, and now, nobody can touch him! Jakara says they’re not back, they’re better. And finally, Nathan’s phony reign is over. Lash says it should’ve have happened anyway, so really, it doesn’t count in their books! They fill the Heritage Cup and Oro says the world is right again. But someone serves Dar documents from the NXT Heritage Cup Committee?! What?! Dar has Oro read this for him. Oro looks the letter over, and says, “Dear Mr. Dar, congratulations on winning the NXT Heritage Cup.”
Winning?! What? No! Retaining! But the letter goes on to say that in order to assure Dar has a proper contender for the cup, next week will be the NXT Heritage Cup Global Invitational. An eight man tournament where the winner gets their shot at the Cup at NXT No Mercy! Dar says that means he doesn’t have to do anything for five weeks! They celebrate even more! But Dar says it makes sense they’d have to look around the world to find enough people to fight for this opportunity. Let’s go to California! NXT is putting together quite the event, who will make it through to face Dar on September 30th?
Mixed Tag: Rhea Ripley & Dominik Mysterio VS Lyra Valkyria & Dragon Lee!
Judgment Day is still looking to dominate Mondays and Tuesdays, but they’re running into some stiff opposition. Will the Morrigan & The Wonder Boy bring down the Women’s World Champion & NXT North American Champion? Or will Mami & Dommy do them dirty like they do everyone else?
NXT returns as Dragon makes his entrance, followed by Dragon’s. The teams sort out, and Dragon starts against Dom. They circle, fans rally, and the two tie up. They go around, Dom puts Dragon in a corner, but he lets off. Dragon dodges the chop to CHOP back! Dom runs up but Dragon trips him to rain down fists! Dom gives those back, then knuckle lock covers, TWO as Dragon bridges up! Dom pushes Dragon down, TWO as Dragon gets an arm up. Dom jumps but Dragon uses that to get up and wheelbarrow to a victory roll! TWO! Dom scrambles up, kicks low and he throws hands!
Dom has Dragon in a corner, whips corner to corner, Dragon reverses, Dragon runs in but is put on the apron. Dragon bumps Dom off buckles, KICKS him away, then goes up and in and somersaults, but Dom fireman’s carries! Dragon slips free, Dom switches, but Dragon elbows free. Dom BOOTS back, dodges a boot, then CHOPS! Dom runs, but Dragon DROPKICKS him down! Dom staggers up and Rhea calls to him. Dom hurries over and he tags her in. Lyra steps in and fans fire up as she and Rhea step to each other. They talk some trash, Rhea pokes Lyra in the head while she says she was giving Lyra advice.
Lyra pushes back and says Rhea was just keeping her down. Rhea shoves back, so Lyra shoves again! Then headlocks! Rhea powers up and throws Lyra way, but Lyra comes back to wrench and YANK the arm! Lyra whips, Rhea blocks and reverses. Lyra goes up and over and then hip tosses! Lyra runs up on Rhea, Rhea blocks the hip toss to body shot and choke grip! But Lyra wheelbarrows, but Rhea back suplexes! Lyra lands on her feet, shoves, but Rhea runs Lyra over! Fans rally up and Rhea reaches down, but Lyra KICKS her away! Lyra almost gets the heel kick! Rhea keeps away as Lyra keeps spinning!
Fans fire up as Rhea stays in the ropes. The ref has Lyra back up, and rhea SLAPS Lyra down! Rhea tells Lyra not to test her, but Lyra swings! Rhea blocks to short arm LARIAT! And again! Rhea reels Lyra in, she gives some Latina Heat, and suplexes, but Lyra slips out! Lyra CHOPS Rhea on the back! And SLAPS her across the face! Lyra eggs rhea on, bobs ‘n’ weaves then fires off fast hands! SOBAT! Front kick! HEABUTT! Rhea blocks the roundhouse to pick Lyra up! Lyra sunset flips but Dom tags in! Rhea scrambles away and Dom storms up on Lyra. Dom eggs her on but Dragon SUPERKICKS him down!
Dragon is all fired up and so are the fans! Rhea returns, Lyra dodges and springboards, but Rhea moves so the CROSSBODY hits Dom! Fans fire up more as Rhea pops Lyra up, but Lyra RANAS! The Judgment Day regroups, Dragon & Lyra build speed together to WRECK Rhea and FLY onto Dom! Fans fire up as Dragon & Lyra stand tall as NXT goes picture in picture.
Dragon drags Dom up, puts him in the ring, and he stalks Dom. Dom wants mercy, but Dom BOOTS him down! Dragon bumps Dom off buckles, fires hands, then has everyone hush. He CHOPS Dom! Fans fire up, Dragon says one more, and he puts Dom back in the corner. Dragon climbs up onto the corner, but then lets off to take a big swing! Dom gets away, but Dragon is still after him. Dom kicks low, bumps him off buckles, then swings, but Dragon dodges! Dragon CHOPS Dom again! Dragon snapmares, covers, TWO, but then he clamps on a chinlock! Dom endures, fights up, and throws body shots!
Dom knees low, whips Dragon but Dragon reverses. Dom slips out as Dragon run sin, and Dom HOTSHOTS Dragon down! Dom gives some Latino Heat before the slingshot SENTON! Cover, TWO! Dom looms over Dragon, talks some trash and kicks him around. Dom clamps onto a chinlock and he grinds Dragon down. Fans rally as Dragon endures, but Dom pulls back on the hold. Dragon still fights up, still throws elbows, but Dom knees low. Dom whips Dragon to a corner, runs in, but into a boot! Hot tag to Rhea! Rhea storms up but Lyra CROSSBODIES her down! They stand, Lyra LARIATS! Lyra LARIATS again!
Lyra ducks ‘n’ dodges, tilt-o-whirls and RANAS! Rhea flounder sup into knees! Lyra fires off, puts Rhea in a corner, then climbs up to rain down fists! But Rhea stops Lyra at 4! Lyra fights the bomb, slips free, and SOBATS! But Rhea throws Lyra down by her hair! The ref reprimands, Rhea slaps Lyra around, then CLUBS her down. NXT returns to single picture as Rhea wraps Lyra up in body scissors. Lyra endures the squeeze and fans rally up. Rhea slaps Lyra around some more while putting on the pressure. The ref counts as Rhea pulls hair, so Rhea keeps on the body scissors. Lyra reaches out, but Rhea talks trash.
Lyra pushes back to a cover, TWO! Rhea keeps on the body scissor but Lyra throws elbows. Another push back to a cover, TWO! Rhea turns Lyra over so she can have the rear mount. Rhea slaps Lyra around, grinds her forearm into Lyra’s neck, but Lyra throws headbutts! They roll, Lyra is still caught in the scissors, but Lyra powers up and manages to turn around! Lyra throws down forearms! Rhea lets off the body scissors to get up and BOOT Lyra down! Rhea stands Lyra up, throws kicks then KNEE SMASHES Lyra! Rhea reels Lyra in, double pump handle and flip into a BIG suplex! Cover, TWO!
Lyra is still in this but Rhea looms over her. Rhea stares Dragon down, fans rally up, and Lyra grabs at a foot. Rhea KICKS Lyra in the side! Rhea CLUBS Lyra, tells Dragon to “SUCK IT!” then goes back to Lyra. Rhea CLUBS Lyra more, but Lyra throws body shots! Rhea CLUBS and HAMMERS Lyra down to the mat! Fans boo but Rhea looms over Lyra. Rhea brings Lyra in, pump handles again, but Lyra turns suplex into DDT!! Fans fire up while Rhea is dazed! Both women crawl, Rhea grabs at Lyra’s feet. Lyra kicks Rhea away, hurries up but Rhea YANKS her back down! Rhea pushes Lyra around but Lyra stands up.
Rhea has Lyra’s leg, but Lyra dodges Rhea’s boot! HEEL KICK! Rhea wobbles, Dom reaches out, he tags in! Dragon runs in to dodge and rally on Dom with elbows! dragon whips, Dom reverses but Dragon RANAS! Dom staggers to the corner, Dragon runs up to put legs in the ropes! DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! And then Dragon hangs Dom out to dry, CLUBS away, then goes up a corner! Dragon GUILLOTINE DOUBLE STOMPS! Cover, TWO!! Dom survives but Dragon waistlocks. Dom elbows free so Dragon schoolboys and then reels Dom in. Dom knees low! Dragon fires back! Dom runs, Dragon follows, but Dom drop toeholds him onto ropes!
Dom dials it up, but Dragon ducks 619! Dragon runs in, flips through a lariat, and hits a SITOUT POWERBOMB! Cover, Rhea breaks it! But Lyra goes after Rhea and TOSSES her out! Lyra then goes to the apron, leaps, but Rhea blocks the flying rana! Rhea SWINGS Lyra into barriers! Rhea fires up, goes to her corner, but RAQUEL RODRIGUEZ is here!! They brawl like they did on Raw! Big Mami Cool fires off on Mami Rhea and they go to the back! Dragon runs in to tilt-o-whirl, DESTINO!!! Cover, Dragon & Lyra win!
Winners: Dragon Lee & Lyra Valkyria, by pinfall
Dragon just pinned the NXT North American Champion! Despite Mustafa Ali’s campaigning, is Dragon going to be the one to take that title off Dom?
Carmelo Hayes mentally prepares backstage.
Trick finds him and asks if the champ is ready. Melo is ready, he’ll have Wes in the bag. Melo says he’s proud of Trick for tonight. Trick thanks Melo, and says that his singles run isn’t really going the way he wanted, but he’s putting the work in. Hey, tonight started with Trick, and it ends with Melo. First defense without Trick by his side, is Melo okay? Yeah, he’ll be fine. But last time at the Bash, with how things went down between Trick and Dragunov, there’s an asterisk on that win, Melo can’t have that on the reign. Trick asks if Melo’s blaming him or something. No, no, no! He just wants to silence the doubters, starting tonight against Wes Lee.
Trick gets that. He hands Melo the belt, and they secret handshake. Melo heads out, will he return with the title?
Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.
She’s scrolling through her phone while McKenzie Mitchell asks that she requested this time, so what is this about? Tiff says she knows, her mentions are through the roof! All the Twitter trolls, X trolls, whatever trolls, she gets it! Becky was never NXT Women’s Champion. But in Tiff’s defense, Becky may be Big Time to all of them, but to Tiff, she is quite literally irrelevant. Moving on to things that matter, like Tiff, the title, and duh! Did you see the atrocity that happened out there? McKenzie has eyes, right? That is not how she wanted to end the Summer of Tiff Tiff.
However, as champion, Tiff has the inside scoop. Those four wannabes are gonna have the opportunity to fight it out for a chance against Tiff. Now say it back. McKenzie says that next week, it will be Roxie VS Gigi VS Kiana VS Blair, #1 Contender’s match. Good enough. Tootles. Tiff heads out, who will be up next to fight the Pro-Wrestling Barbie?
NXT shares footage from last week.
Thea Hail pleaded with a ref that the decision in her match can’t count because of the interference. But the ref apologizes, there’s nothing he can do. Thea says her life sucks now! She had momentum but now it’s gone, poof, and it’s all Mr. Chase’s fault, all because he knows best or whatever. Jacy walked over, Thea is ready to go, but Jacy says relax. Jacy just wants to say that “that beast” she just fought out there is not the same Thea that walked into the locker room a year ago. Thea knows, she’s a grown woman. Well, sure. Don’t get hot at Jacy. But if it makes Thea feel any better, everyone’s let down by someone in their lives.
Jacy and Thea both sigh, and Jacy gives Thea advice: you can get through it; people like them always do. Thea wonders if that’s true. Will Thea start doing things her way instead of Mr. Chase’s way?
Baron Corbin VS Von Wagner w/ Robert Stone!
Corbin says he’s No BS this time, but he sure talked a lot of trash on Von. Von gave it back, and then bodied him in their brawl. Will Von do it all again? Or will there be no need for a table tonight when Corbin #BurnsTheShips?
But speaking of Corbin, he attacks Von during his entrance! And keeps after him! Fans boo, Stone can’t do anything to stop this as Corbin RAMS Von into steel steps! The ref reprimands, but Corbin storms his way up to the apron. Corbin FLYING CLOTHESLINES Von down! But Von fights up to RAM into Corbin! Von fires off hands, SMACKS Corbin off apron, and then throws knees! Corbin throws them back, then aims for the post! Von stops himself, to then POST Corbin! Fans fire up as Von now has control, but Corbin throws hands! Corbin SMACKS Von off steel steps! And then brings him around to ROCK with a right!
Fans are torn but Von comes back to throw more shots! Corbin ROCKS Von, Von ROCKS Corbin, repeat! They go back and forth, fans cheer as Von RAMS Corbin into steps! And now he eyes the desk! Fans fire up as Von clears the desk, but Corbin DECKS Von! Corbin drags Von up and around, to back suplex to the floor! Corbin then grabs Stone! Fireman’s carry, but Von ROCKS Corbin! Stone is saved, and Von BOOTS Corbin! Fans fire up as Von stalks Corbin. He clears the desk, drags Corbin up, but BRON SPEARS VON!! The “Best Spear in the Business” just hit Von outta nowhere, and Bron says if Corbin doesn’t fear him, he will.
Bron barks it up, fans join in, and there’s not gonna be a match tonight. But will there be no mercy in the future for these three monsters?
The Schism speaks.
Joe Gacy tells The Creeds, “Where is your morality!? You disguised yourselves and infiltrated our family, and tarnished the purity of The Schism!” Rip Fowler says now this kidnapping and ransom of their dear Ava, for what?! Jagger says, “For one more chance to save your floundering careers?” Gacy says there is nothing The Dyad wouldn’t do for their sister in the Schism! Return her safely and they will agree to the Creeds’ demands. Rip knows the Creeds think the cage will keep the others out, but what they need to realize is who they are locking themselves in with! Jagger says grit your teeth! They beat The Creeds before, and next week, The Dyad ends this once and for all!
Dijak speaks.
“The opportunity at the NXT Championship, the reason that I returned to NXT, and you diverted my attention. Eddy Thorpe, you’re the reason I’m not becoming NXT Champion tonight. I don’t need to look up to the stars or perform an ancient ritual to know what your future holds. If you thought the beating that I gave you last time that sent you into the wilderness was bad, you have seven days to become one with the spirits. Because this time, once I’m through with you, not only will your body be broken, but so will your spirit!” Hard Justice has spoken, will he bring down the Alpha Wolf?
Becky Lynch tweets. (Or whatever it’s called on X)
“I haven’t been NXT Women’s Champion… yet.” Becky’s watching you, Tiff Tiff! Be careful not to get into big time trouble!
NXT Championship: Carmelo Hayes VS Wes Lee!
While there is still the cloud of controversy on Hayes VS Dragunov, Trick took Dragunov on a detour, and that opened the way to the #WesSide. Will the Cardiac Kid have his most exciting, most incredible and most historic victory yet? Or will NXT still belong to HIM?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who makes it through the Heatwave!
The bell rings, the two circle and they tie up. Fans chant for “Both These Guys!” as Melo headlocks. Wes powers out, Melo whips and ELBOWS Wes back! Melo snapmares but Wes ducks the Penalty Kick! Wes rolls Melo up, Melo rolls through, but Wes headlocks. Melo powers out, things speed up, Melo drops down then hurdles but Wes also rolls. Wes comes back, Melo dodges and leaps, but no Code Breaker as Wes throws him away. Wes handsprings, Melo avoids the kick to get legs, but Wes rolls to throw Melo away. They both rush back in, both block a kick, then both push back and dropkick! Those cancel out and both men kip up!
Fans fire up as the two stand off, Wes a touch steadier than Melo. Fans rally, Melo runs in but Wes DROPKICKS! Cover, ONE! Melo says okay, and the two reset. Melo ROCKS Wes! Wes JABS Melo! Melo ROCKS Wes, Wes ROCKS Melo back! They go back and forth, and DOUBLE BOOT! Then both go down, then they both kip up! DOUBLE FOREARMS! Melo staggers, rebounds, but into a SPANISH FLY! Both men are down and fans fire up as NXT goes picture in picture!
Melo checks his chin and shakes out his arms. Melo stands, Wes goes to ropes. Wes runs in, Melo dodges and clotheslines! Melo snapmares, Wes gets up and he sweeps low! Melo jumps over the kick but Wes fires off hands! Wes snapmares and basement dropkicks! Cover, TWO! Wes keeps cool as Melo goes to a corner. Wes runs in, Melo goes up and over, things speed up and Melo springboards to FLYING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Wes is still in this but Melo drags him back up. Melo brings Wes up, reels him in, and snap suplexes! Cover, TWO! Melo brings Wes around, headlocks and grinds Wes down.
Wes endures, fans rally up, and Wes fights to his feet. Wes pops out the back to throw body shots. Melo goes to a corner, Wes runs in, but Melo dodges! Melo storms up, blocks boots and puts Wes in the ropes to ENZIGURI! And then FADE- NO, Wes kicks Melo’s legs! DRAPING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Wes keeps cool as he storms up on Melo. NXT returns to single picture, Wes brings Melo up but Melo RAMS him into a corner! Melo digs his shoulders in but Wes CLUBS Melo. The ref counts, Wes CLUBS Melo again but Melo RAMS Wes. Wes CLUBS Melo, ROCKS him, but Melo BOOTS Wes!
Wes ROCKS Melo again! Melo ROCKS Wes again! Wes GAMANGIRIS! Wes goes up while Melo wobbles, but Melo GAMANGIRIS back! And ENZIGURIS as Wes is in the ropes! FADE AWAY JUMPER! Fans fire up while both men are down! Melo snarls as he watches Wes rise. Melo storms up on Wes, ROCKS him with a right, but Wes ROCKS Melo back! They go back and forth again, fans rally and duel with each shot. They go faster and faster, shot for shot! Melo eggs Wes on, then kicks low! Front kick! CHOP! Wes stays up to CHOP back! Melo CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS! Melo whips, Wes reverses but Melo rolls off his back to LARIAT!
Wes is right up but into an atomic drop! Melo whips Wes to a corner hard, then runs in to forearm smash! Melo then snapmares and SUPERKICKS Wes down! Cover, TWO!! Wes is still in this and fans cheer. Melo is a little annoyed but he nods in some respect. Melo drags Wes up as fans duel again. Wes fights the suplex, Melo still drags him up and CLUBS him on the back. Melo suplexes but Wes knees free! Wes shoves, Melo springboards but Wes dodges to RUNNING METEORA! Cover, TWO!! Melo escapes and Wes is seething! Wes hurries up on Melo, but Melo ELBOWS him! Melo jumps, but into a SUPERKICK!
Wes brings Melo around, scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER! Wes hurries to a corner, goes right up top, and SKY TWISTER!! Cover, TWO!!! Melo survives what finished Dijak just last week, and Wes is frustrated. Wes drags Melo up, reels him in, but Melo wrenches out to facelock. Melo suplexes, but Wes fights the cutter! Wes shoves Melo away to then ENZIGURI in the corner! Wes pushes Melo down, CARDIAC- NO, Melo catches Wes, flips him, and suplexes! CUTTER!! Melo aims from the corner, runs in, CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO!!! Wes survives the First 48, and Melo is surprised.
Melo tosses Wes out, goes out after him, but Wes ELBOWS Melo! Melo BOOTS Wes! Wes ends up on the desk, and Melo goes to the apron!? Fans fire up for the SUPER NO LOOK JUMPER, through the table!! The fans lose their minds while the ref checks both men. They’re both conscious, so Melo drags Wes up and puts him in the ring. Melo then goes up the corner, NOTHING BUT- NO, Wes dodges! CARDIAC KICK!!! Melo flounders around, Wes hurries after, but Melo gets out of the ring! Fans fire up while Wes is furious! Wes grits his teeth, aims from the corner, and he runs to DIVE! But he FLOPS as Melo moves!
The ref checks Wes again, his head having hit barriers! Wes jarred that one loose, even! Melo hurries back into the ring as the ring count climbs. It’s past 5 of 10, Wes flounders around at 7 and drags himself up at 8. Melo shakes his head but Wes is still in at 9.99!! That’s a buzzer beater! But Melo is up top, for NOTHING BUT NET!!! Cover, Melo wins!
Winner: Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall (still NXT Champion)
Wes took a shot from downtown not even Melo would’ve tried, and that cost him in the end! Melo continues his reign, will he now look to settle things with Dragunov? As for Wes, will he be able to recover from having his shot blocked?
My Thoughts:
A great Heatwave, though it sure felt like Heel Heatwave at one point. I cannot believe Dar has the Heritage Cup back again. Dabba-Kato going after Tyler Bate again was expected, but I guess I should’ve expected Meta Four to get involved in things again. I just didn’t think it would be to that level, with Lash & Jakara getting away with anchoring Frazer’s feet. I get the logic of Faces being (considered) better in the chase, but c’mon! I’ve said it before here, I have no choice but to say it again: How many times are we going to have a Heel Faction holding onto a title/prize like this? Where are Heels with the grit and power to win on their own?
The silver lining they gave us is that there’s going to be a “global” invitational, meaning it will be a diverse tournament with representatives from various countries. That is going to be a lot of fun, and I bet Dabba VS Bate happens through that as Dabba will represent Nigeria by way of Poland, and of course Tyler Bate represents England and the UK. Frazer could argue he deserves a spot in the tournament after getting screwed over, so he can represent Jersey Islands, and we can throw in at least one American wrestler like from Gulak’s new faction. Poor Myles, though. I hope he costs whoever it is (Gulak, Kemp or Dempsey) in the tournament as his way of breaking from their group.
Good stuff in setting up the NXT Women’s Championship story. Gigi, Kiana, Blair and Roxie all get their own bit with Tiffany, Roxie’s being the best. But of course they’ll all fight now in a Fatal 4 Way with Tiff just relaxing. But I do like that Becky responded to Tiffany talking some smack. An NXT “callback” for Becky would be interesting, but she’s not taking that title off Tiff and I don’t like the idea that Tiff might beat Becky, no matter how they protect it. Great brawl from Von and Corbin in place of a match, and Bron adding on was great. While Bron’s shirt says he’s got the best spear in the business, I don’t know about that. But the one he hit tonight was really good. Pretty sure this will end up a Triple Threat for No Mercy, as an unofficial #1 contender’s match to the top title.
Good promo from Dijak to call out Eddy, they’re gonna have a great match of their own. And good promo from Thea and Jacy. Jacy showing some respect to Thea isn’t gonna turn Jacy Face, especially because Jacy is too good at being obnoxious. Thea might turn Heel, or at least have a gimmick change. I wonder if these two stick together as a team, united by this “we’re survivors” mentality Jacy introduced. Hopefully NXT properly returns to being in the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships story. Piper & Chelsea only just got started on their run together, maybe they get a match for No Mercy because it just doesn’t feel like there’s time to do something for Payback.
Ivy VS Ava was good but of course just a big vehicle for setting up Diamond Mine abducting Ava. The Creeds reveal themselves to The Schism, but I don’t know why we’re getting another steel cage match with the Trish VS Becky one for Payback. Did they need to dust the cage off before it rusted? Cage matches don’t actually stop interference. But I would love seeing the yellow masks storm the cage like zombies trying to get in. But since this is to reinstate The Creeds in NXT, I would think they win. It’d seem silly for them to do all these shenanigans if they still end up on RawDown. Though that does beg the question of just what is The Schism to do? Their one big win in banning The Creeds isn’t even holding up, so what else do they have to lose? Other than being a faction at all.
Great mixed tag match, and what a nice surprise that Raquel followed Rhea back to NXT to continue where they left off on Raw. And Dragon pinning Dom is great, those two can have a great title match, with Ali facing the winner. Heck, Ali should cost Dom so that he and Dragon can have a match at No Mercy instead, letting Dom focus on the Judgment Day dysfunction. And then great bookending (pun intended maybe) of Trick VS Dragunov to open and Melo VS Wes to close. That opener was wild! One of, if not Trick’s very best match.
And a good promo between Dragunov with Wes to fire Wes up, and one from Trick and Melo where there’s a little passive aggressiveness from both sides. Being this was TV, I figured Melo would win, but what a way for Wes to look strong in defeat. It’s pretty clear Melo VS Dragunov Round 2 is gonna happen at No Mercy, paralleling how Melo had multiple matches with Bron, but no idea which way that goes. Personally, I still want Dragunov to finally be top guy, but there’s a good chance Melo retains cleanly this time just to prove a point.
My Score: 8.9/10
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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.
The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.
Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!
Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!
Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!
The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.
As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.
Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.
Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.
Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?
Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
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