Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (9/12/23)
The Man comes around!
The Center of the NXT Universe hits the Big Time!
Tiffany Stratton has run her mouth, now it’s time to put up or shut up! Will the NXT Women’s Championship still be on Tiffy? Or hit the Big Time with Becks?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Wes Lee VS Ilja Dragunov; Dragunov wins and will challenge Carmelo Hayes for the title at No Mercy.
- Six Man Tag: Josh Briggs, Brooks Jensen & Myles Borne w/ Fallon Henley VS Drew Gulak, Charlie Dempsey & Damon Kemp; Gulak, Dempsey & Kemp win.
- Dana Brooke w/ Kelani Jordan VS Lyra Valkyria; Lyra wins.
- NXT Global Heritage Invitational Tournament, Group A: Tyler Bate VS Axiom; Bate wins.
- The Creed Brothers w/ Ivy Nile VS Malik Blade & Edris Enofe; The Creed Brothers win.
- NXT Global Heritage Invitational Tournament, Group B: Nathan Frazer VS Akira Tozawa; Frazer wins.
- NXT Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton VS Becky Lynch; Becky wins and becomes the new NXT Women’s Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Wes Lee VS Ilja Dragunov!
Both men came so close to winning the top title, if not for miscalculations. Wes went flying into the barriers while Dragunov went flying into Trick Williams. But now, the only obstacle left in the way is the other man! Who wins here to show Carmelo Hayes No Mercy?
The bell rings and the two rush in! Wes ROCKS Dragunov then fires off in the corner! Dragunov powers past him but Wes BOOTS him to a corner! Wes fires more hands, the fans duel, but Dragunov knees low! Dragunov swings, misses, and Wes fires off more hands! Dragunov ROCKS Wes this time, but Wes GAMANGIRIS! Dragunov flops and flounders while Wes lines up a shot. Dragunov blocks the kick! Dragunov throws Wes away, storms up to clinch in the corner, and Dragunov fires off shots! The ref counts, Dragunov brings Wes out to scoop but Wes slips free! Wes fires off fast hands, a kick, but Dragunov blocks to DECK Wes!
Fans fire up while Dragunov storms up on Wes. Dragunov UPPERCUTs, Wes ducks the Pele to basement dropkick! Fans fire up and Wes waistlocks! Wes drags Dragunov up but Dragunov switches. Wes fights the lift, arm-drags free, then ducks ‘n’ dodges and slides, but Dragunov CHOPS Wes inside-out! Fans fire up again as Wes sputters and Dragunov storms up on him again. Dragunov deadlifts and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Dragunov drags Wes up again, Wes reaches out, but the GERMAN SUPLEX hits first! Fans rally and duel, Dragunov GERMAN SUPLEXES but Wes lands on his feet! Wes snarls and Dragunov is a bit surprised!
Wes runs in to ROLLING KICK! Dragunov tumbles out of the ring, Wes builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit at the ramp, but Dragunov gets up and staggers away. Wes just slides in the ring, and DIVES again! Another direct hit but Dragunov still stumbles along the barriers. Dragunov goes to the desk now, Wes DIVES into a PELE! Dragunov then hauls WEs up, GERMAN SUPLEX onto the desk! Fans are all fired up while NXT goes picture in picture.
The ref checks Wes while Dragunov seethes. Dragunov drags Wes off the desk to dump him onto the floor, then he drags Wes up to CHOP against the apron! Wes sputters but Dragunov pushes him into the ring. Dragunov CLUBS Wes down! Dragunov chinlocks and bends Wes back but Wes endures. Fans rally, Wes fights up, and Wes throws elbows! And body shots! And then he ROCKS Dragunov, but Dragunov PELES! And then rolls Wes up deep, TWO!! Wes escapes and Dragunov grows frustrated. Dragunov KNEES Wes in the side! And then KNEES him in the chest! Dragunov stomps away in the corner but the ref backs him off.
Wes sputters again but Dragunov stands him up. Dragunov whips corner to corner hard and Wes bounces back off the buckles. Dragunov storms up on Wes again to stand him up and whip corner to corner. Wes hits buckles hard again and falls over! Dragunov paces while Wes writhes, and then Dragunov stomps Wes at the ropes. And KICKS him in the back! Wes slowly rises up, Dragunov stomps him! Wes throws body shots, Dragunov CHOPS him down! Then stomps him more! Wes grits his teeth while clutching ribs but Dragunov stands him up in a corner. Dragunov CHOPS again, and NXT returns to single picture.
Dragunov MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Fans fire up while the ref counts, so Dragunov lets off, to then SPIN- NO, Wes blocks the backhand! But Dragunov keeps Wes from getting away to CHOP him in the stomach! Wes coughs and sputters, Dragunov reels him in, but Wes fights the bomb! RANA! Cover, TWO!! Dragunov escapes and fans fire up again. Dragunov rises first and he stalks Wes. Dragunov kicks Wes around, fans declare “This is Awesome!” as Dragunov throws hands and eggs Wes on. Wes hits back, the two fire forearms back and forth! The fans duel as the shots keep going, and Wes gets the edge!
Dragunov ROCKS Wes, Wes UPPERCUTS! Dragunov BOOTS, blocks a kick, and he spins Wes but Wes HEEL KICKS! Dragunov rebounds, into a BOOT! Wes DOUBLE STOMPS!! Fans fire up for “NXT! NXT!” as both men are down. Dragunov rolls his way to a corner, then drags himself up with the ropes. Wes runs in to CHOP! Fans cheer “Both These Guys!” as Wes fires forearms and CHOPS over and over! The ref counts, Wes lets off at 4, and fans fire up again. Wes runs in, but Dragunov blocks the chop! Dragunov CHOPS Wes right down! Dragunov roars, runs in, but into a SPANISH FLY!! Cover, TWO!!
The fans cannot believe it and neither can Wes! Dragunov escapes but Wes brings him up. Dragunov fights the fireman’s carry with elbows and he just HAMMERS away on Wes! Dragunov waistlocks, but Wes fights the German Suplex! Wes kips up to headscissor, but Dragunov blocks to KNEE Wes low! Wes coughs, Dragunov hauls him back up to fire forearms and elbows, then he winds back to LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Wes survives and Dragunov is stunned! Fans are loving this as both men rise! Wes crawls to a corner, Dragunov stalks him and reels him in! But Wes throws more elbows as Dragunov tries to lift.
Wes makes Dragunov stagger back, then he backflips, CARDIAC- CAUGHT!? Dragunov spins Wes around, but Wes makes it a DDT!! Only for Dragunov to fall out of the ring! Wes goes to a corner, runs and FLIES! Direct hit over the corner!! Fans lose their minds, Wes hauls Dragunov up and puts him in! Wes climbs up the corner, but Dragunov SLAPS him first! Dragunov then goes up to join Wes, and goes to the very top! SUPER DUPER PLEX!! Roll through, and Dragunov roars from the corner! “SMASH!!” HAMMER FOREARM!! Cover, TWO?!?! Wes survives?! No one can believe this, but Dragunov won’t stop there!
“UN! BE! SIEG! BAR!!” TORPEDO- KNEE!!! Wes catches Dragunov but Dragunov stays up, to BLINDSIDE FOREARM!! Cover, DRAGUNOV WINS!!
Winner: Ilja Dragunov, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT Championship)
A top level battle worthy of the title itself, but the Mad Dragon had more fire in his heart! But wait! Here comes… HIM! Carmelo Hayes tells Dragunov that it is time to settle this once and for all! Who survives when these two show No Mercy?
NXT shares footage of what happened at the end of last week’s episode.
Though the main feed cut to black, it was clear Bron Breakker tried to crush Von Wagner’s head with steel steps. Social media lit up with reactions, hoping Von was alright, and HBK even admonishing Bron. The locker room and fans were speechless as refs and medics checked Von. He was badly busted open, and needed a stretcher to get him out of there. He was taken to the hospital to be evaluated, Robert Stone by his side as his manager and friend. What is the status of Von Wagner? The statement reads that Von has a minor skull fracture, but given his history of surgeries, a timetable has yet to be determined for his recovery.
As for Bron Breakker, what repercussions will there be for the man who proved he’s #MeanerThanEvil?
Baron Corbin is here.
Fans are torn about #NoMoreBS Corbin making his way to the ring, but he seems torn about being here after being among the eyewitnesses to Bron’s brutality. Corbin gets a mic and he has the music die down. “Look, normally, I’d come out here, and you guys don’t like me, and I don’t like you. But we get that, we get it, we get it. Tonight is different, however. Seven days ago, I sat right there, and I watched something so vicious that the TV trucks had to cut the feed to black. I watched Bron Breakker literally crush Von Wagner’s skull between those steel stairs. I don’t like Von Wagner, and I’m not gonna stand out here and act like I do.
“Von Wagner’s entire story, everything with his head, his skull and the brain surgeries, it’s all very, very real. Bron knew that, and he took advantage of that. Look, I am no doctor by any means, but I can assure you, Von Wagner will never be the same again. Now Bron, I know you’re back there, and you’re watching this, I’ve got something to say to you so you need to come out here right now.” And so Bron does make his way out. And unlike Corbin, Bron is very happy with what he did, and Corbin says that is far enough. Corbin tells Bron that what he did last week to Von… Fans chant “You Got Tabled!” to rub in that Bron still lost to Von.
Corbin wants Bron to understand that what he did last week… Corbin isn’t sure how to put it into words. Fans have some words but Corbin says what Bron did… WAS FREAKIN’ AWESOME! Corbin and Bron celebrate together! The steps over Bron’s head, Corbin wasn’t sure if he was gonna do it, and then he did! HOLY CRAP! Bron and Corbin talk about the ambulances and the sirens. It was so cool! IDIOT!! Bron can’t believe Corbin really thinks he did that for Corbin’s approval. Bron did what he did because Von put him through a table, so he figured he’d end Von’s career! Fans boo but Bron says he can just see it. He closes his eyes, and he can just feel it.
Bron remembers the moment he smashed Von’s head. The chaos, the turmoil, the fear that it created in this room. Born didn’t just like it, he loved it! Corbin tells Bron that he appreciates Bron isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. That’ll take him far in this business. But Corbin was gonna be nice and pay the fines. But clearly Bron doesn’t want that. Bron is so angry and #MeanerThanEvil, he ended Von’s career! Wow. Congrats. Try ending an Olympic Gold Medalist’s career at WrestleMania. Then take another gold medalist and end his career before it ever even starts! You wanna talk about evil? Corbin’s stood toe to toe with Taker in Madison Square Garden! And Roman Reigns all over-
Yeah, okay, Bron doesn’t care about Corbin’s accomplishments! Corbin is trying to say there are levels, and Corbin is on a higher level. Bron should want Corbin’s respect, and instead spits on it! Bron says he still doesn’t care! He doesn’t need that, he doesn’t want that! There is only one thing left for these two to do: Bron VS Corbin at NO MERCY!! Fans do like that idea, and Bron tells Corbin to do himself a favor. These next few weeks, call your family, your friends, your loved ones. Because Corbin is gonna leave the building the same way Von did last week! Corbin says Bron needs to learn that Corbin ain’t Von! Corbin then SLAPS Bron!!
Fans tell Corbin he messed up, but then Bron SLAPS back! Corbin SLAPS, Bron SLAPS, they throw hands, and security rushes in to stop this! These two wanna fight and fans wanna “LET THEM FIGHT!” But we have 18 days until No Mercy, who proves they’re the baddest of the bad in the WWE?
Josh Briggs, Brooks Jensen & Myles Borne do chin-ups backstage.
Fallon says it’s time, and it’s time to roll. The good ol’ boys and their new friend team up, will they be able to bring down Drew Gulak, Charlie Dempsey & Damon Kemp? Or will Gulak and his goons bully Myles even in the ring?
Six Man Tag: Josh Briggs, Brooks Jensen & Myles Borne w/ Fallon Henley VS Drew Gulak, Charlie Dempsey & Damon Kemp!
NXT returns as the Country Boys make their entrance. The teams sort out and Briggs starts with Kemp. The bell rings, Kemp takes a swing but Briggs blocks to scoop and SLAM! And then tag to Jensen, for a DOUBLE SCOOP SLAM! Then Briggs drops an ELBOW, followed by Jensen dropping an ELBOW! Dempsey runs in but Briggs trips him to stomp him! Jensen drops another elbow! Gulak runs in, into a DOUBLE BACK DROP! Fans fire up as the boys clear Gulak & Dempsey out, then Jensen runs to CHOP LARIAT Kemp in the corner! Jensen whips corner to corner, CHOP LARIATS, and repeat!
Kemp BOOTS Jensen, scrambles away, tag to Gulak! Gulak BOOTS Jensen, fires hands, then whips. Jensen ducks ‘n’ dodges and hits a RUNNING FACEBUSTER! Jensen has Gulak but Gulak headlocks! Tag to Dempsey, Gulak headlock punches Jensen and then runs in. Jensen TOSES Gulak, UPPERCUTS Dempsey, Briggs FLYING SHOULDERS Gulak down! Tag to Myles and Jensen hits an atomic drop, for Myles to follow up with a NECKBREAKER! Fans fire up with Myles and he brings Dempsey around. Dempsey throws hand, then GUT WRENCH SUPLEXES! Myles hurries, hot tags to Kemp and Jensen!
Jensen fires hands on Kemp, whips him to ropes, but Kemp holds ropes and KNEE SMASHES Jensen! Kemp whips, but Jensen WHEEL KICKS! Cover, Dempsey & Gulak break it! Borne & Briggs go after them, throw them out, and then Kemp and Jensen scrap! Jensen TOSSES Kemp, sees his boys are in trouble, and he hurries out to ROCK Gulak! Kemp runs in, Myles gets Fallon out of harm’s way and Kemp misses wide on Jensen! Myles and Fallon linger, but then he lets her back up. Jensen pushes Kemp into the ring, but Myles stops Jensen? And then SWINGS him into the post!? Is Myles a mole?!?
Kemp hits a URENAGE NECKBREAKER!! Cover, Kemp’s team wins!
Winners: Drew Gulak, Charlie Dempsey & Damon Kemp, by pinfall
The Golden Gopher gets the win thanks to Myles the mole, and Myles stands with the enemy! Fallon is beside herself for trusting Myles, but is this Myles giving in to the bullying? Or has this all been an act from the very start?
NXT checks in with Chase U.
The class bell rings and that ends lessons for today. Professor Chase wants everyone to watch Becky Lynch VS Tiffany Stratton in tonight’s main event and to take notes. Duke Hudson says he’s going to the Global Heritage Invitational Watch Party but Chase wants him to hold on. Did Duke see Thea last week? Chase is worried. Yeah, she’s entering those “Terrible Twenties.” Chase hasn’t even heard from her. Can Duke reach out? Say no more, sir! Duke is apparently Thea’s “bestie,” aka best friend, so they’ve been sharing- Oh. She’s turned off her location. Well, surely she’s alright, but Duke and Chase just don’t know what’s happening with her.
Speaking of, Thea and Jacy Jayne are hanging out again. Is Thea okay? Yeah. Well good, cuz those guys over there might be eyeing them. Isn’t that what eyes do? Yeah, no, she meant like they wanna talk with the two of them. Oh, like, right now? Really? Yeah, just hold on. Five, four, three… Hey, Jacy! How as the weekend? Good, she and Thea hung out. Cool, so what did they do? It was Thea’s birthday, so they went around town. Oh wow, did she stay up past her bedtime? Or did she have to get permission from Mr. Chase? They didn’t realize Jacy hung out with little kids. Jacy mocks their laughter and tells them to not talk to her like that!
Then Jacy SLAPS the tall one! Thea says yeah, she a grown ass woman, she don’t need no permission! And then she DECKS the other guy! And has the KIMURA! He taps, but she LOW BLOWS him! The bros run for it, and Jacy says well done. Thea says she doesn’t wanna look like some college kid. She wants to go shopping. Jacy’s got her. The two head out, is Thea continuing to transform into a different person?
Dana Brooke w/ Kelani Jordan VS Lyra Valkyria!
The Flex Appeal’s new edge seems to have her more on edge than anything. She was even paranoid that The Morrigan was trying to mentor-snipe her with Kelani! Will Dana establish herself as the alpha? Or will Lyra teach her a thing or two tonight?
NXT returns as Lyra makes her entrance. The bell rings and Dana tries to tune out the fans chanting for Lyra. The two circle, tie up, and Dana shoves Lyra away. Lyra says okay, storms up, but Dana waistlocks. Lyra switches, Dana fights the lift and throws elbows! Dana whips Lyra to a corner, but Lyra goes up and over and keeps moving. Lyra rolls over Dana’s drop down, Dana runs to get around the elbow, and tilt-o-whirls, but Lyra handsprings through the headscissors! Lyra ENZIGURIS Dana right down and Dana flops out of the ring! Fans rally, Lyra builds speed and she WRECKS Dana with a dropkick!
Fans fire up with Lyra and she puts Dana back in the ring. Lyra goes up but Dana YANKS her down! Lyra crashes down, clutches her head, but Dana stomps her! Dana handstands then drops knees! Cover, TWO! Dana grows frustrated but she drags Lyra up to whip her to a corner. Dana runs in to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Dana snarls, she drags Lyra up and cravats, but fans rally as Lyra endures. Lyra rolls, Dana holds on, but Lyra fights up again. Lyra rolls but Dana still holds on. Fans rally and duel, “Let’s Go, Dana!” “DANA SUCKS!” Lyra RAMS Dana into buckles, throws her away, and then counter punches!
Lyra fires off on Dana with haymakers and KICKS and a LARIAT! Lyra rallies, scoops, and she carries Dana around before the SLAM! Lyra staggers back but she comes back to kick, KICK and RAM into Dana! Lyra runs to SCISSOR KICK! Dana is down and fans fire up as Lyra storms around. Lyra stands Dana up, reels her in, NORTHERN- NO, Dana fights it to wrench and CLUB Lyra down! Dana tells Lyra to kiss this, then she whips her to a corner. Dana runs and handsprings but Lyra dodges! LEG LARIAT! Lyra hurries up top, fans fire up for the FLYING SPLASH! Cover, Lyra wins!
Winner: Lyra Valkyria, by pinfall
Dana’s change of attitude has not changed her fortunes, she suffers another loss! Lyra wants to show Dana respect for the match, and Kelani wants her mentor to accept it, so Dana does. But then Kelani has to keep Dana from going after Lyra?! Lyra sees that, and Dana “apologizes.” Just what is going on with Dana?
The NXT Women’s Breakout Tournament returns!
The very event that helped launch the careers of stars like Roxanne Perez, Kiana James and Fallon Henley will make it’s return! What stars of the future will show up and breakout?
Backstage interview with Eddie Thorpe.
McKenzie Mitchell is with the Alpha Wolf and brings up how fired up he was in calling out Dijak. Has Thorpe had a chance to cool down? Eddie says that’s hard to do with a snake like Dijak. If it’s not the ring post, it’s the belt around the fist. Eddie is getting sick and tired of Dijak needing something extra. But then Dijak is on the tron! He says he’s out in nature looking for Eddie, but what happened? Did the spirts stop guiding Eddie after he lost two straight? Maybe the rituals, ceremonies and fairytales don’t work in the first place. Dijak tells Eddie to embrace his vicious, wild side, because right now, Dijak is marking his territory!
Dijak takes off his belt, to LASH the trees! Dijak laughs, but Eddie says they’ll pick this up another time. Will the Alpha Wolf finally tear Hard Justice down once and for all?
Dominik Mysterio is backstage.
And he comes across Carmelo Hayes. Dom jokes that the two of them can’t keep meeting like this. Melo says agreed. But Dom says what a “creative” solution to solving his challenger problem. What? Well, Dom had Dragon Lee and Mustafa Ali going after him, and he made them fight it out. Melo did the same with Wes and Dragunov! Way to be original, wink wink. Melo tells Dom that original is something Dom knows nothing about. But didn’t Dom finish that match screwing over Dragon Lee, the one man who’s beaten him? Let’s talk about it. Dom says they’ll be talking about Melo fighting Dragunov in Cali, a man Melo can’t beat.
Uh, check the stats, bro. Melo’s 1-0 against Dragunov. And after No Mercy, we’ll see who is still champ. Because to be honest, Dom ain’t cut like that. Dom brings up how Melo once said the North American Championship was The A Championship. And Melo was The A Champion. But now Dom IS the A Champion. Oh, okay. Well when Melo used to say that, it meant something way different than when Dom says it. But that’s cool. Next week, let’s put it to the test. Dom says he’ll talk to Mami about it. Yeah, you do that. Dom leaves, will he and Melo go Champion VS Champion next week?
Backstage interview with Becky Lynch.
McKenzie welcomes The Man back and Becky says it feels good to be home! Over the years, Becky has racked up astonishing accolades, but will tonight be the night Becky adds the NXT title to the list? That’s the plan! The last few weeks, Becky was reflecting on her time in NXT. Back then, it was just about surviving, about working harder than anyone else, just so she could have a seat at the table to get some scraps. And not a single person thought she was championship material, and yet here she stands, ten years later, and nobody can doubt her now. She’s still as passionate, maybe more so. Still as hungry, maybe more so.
And so here, The Man is ready to right some wrongs and walk out the NEW NXT Women’s Champion! But in walks Kiana James. Becky asks if she’s lost. No, she’s not. Just here to tell Becky that she doesn’t want Becky here! Especially not as champion! And Becky is just lucky it isn’t Kiana she’s facing or she’d send her home empty handed. Becky will take this as an application for the first ass kicking after Becky becomes champ. Kiana, the Man is gonna come around to NXT a whole lot more. Becky heads out, will she end Tiffy Time to bring all of NXT into the Big Time?
NXT Global Heritage Invitational Tournament, Group A: Tyler Bate VS Axiom!
The Big Strong Boi finally begins his journey through this round robin tournament, but he’s got some ground to cover already. Will he make it through the Undeniable Truth? Or will Axiom keep his own No Mercy hopes alive?
NXT returns as Axiom makes his entrance. Oh, and Meta Four is watching from their lounge. Last week’s theme was Frozen, so this week must be Jungle Cruise. The bell rings and we’re on the clock. The two circle, tie up, Axiom waistlocks but Bate wrenches free and wristlocks. Axiom rolls and rolls to get free, and the two reset. They tie up, Axiom spins and snapmares Bate, covers, ONE as Bate bridges up! Bate snapmares to cover, Axiom bridges up but Bate backslides, ONE! Axiom has the legs, then pulls Bate into a Bow ‘n’ Arrow! Bate pops free to cover, ONE! Axiom kips up and Bate handsprings, and the fans cheer. Dar says that was so-so but the two reset.
They tie up, knuckle lock, and Axiom rolls, trips and has Bate for a headlock. Bate kicks around, fans rally up for “POWER RANGER!” Axiom. Axiom whips, but Bate goes up and under and then ties up with Axiom again. Bate spins around, baits Axiom, and then he hops over. We get a glimpse of the viewing party guests, which of course is Duke Hudson, but also Dempsey and his friends, as well as Gallus with some pints. Bate then slides under, baits Axiom again, and then steps over to roll up, but Axioms its on it! But Bate sunset flips it! Axiom rolls through, Bate avoids his kicks, then UPPERCUTS! Axiom tumbles out hard and fans fire up!
Axiom gets back in and he shoves Bate! Bate shoves back, Bop up but Axiom avoids Bang to CROSS COUNTER! Bate is stinging from that one, but he swings on Axiom! Axiom dodges to DROPKICK Bate out of the ring! Axiom goes up and up and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit but they both hit the desk! Meta Four is a bit surprised by that and Axiom puts Bate back in. Axiom climbs the corner, leaps again, CROSSBODY! But he bounces off the cover! Axiom hurries to ghost pin, ONE! Bate fireman’s carries! Fans fire up as the AIRPLANE SPIN starts! Bate goes around and around and around, about TEN times before he SLAMS Axiom down!
Fans fire up as Bate hurries after Axiom but Axiom bails out! Axiom is dizzy, but he’s still in this as NXT goes to break.
NXT returns and Axiom has Bate up top! SUPER BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! Axiom drags himself up, Bate goes to the far side, and Axiom runs in, into a clinch! Bate hits an EXPLODER! And then kips up! Fans fire up for the SHOOTING STAR, into a TRIANGLE HOLD!! Bate fights, deadlifts, but Axiom lets go to ROUNDHOUSE! Bate wobbles, Axiom runs, but Bate ducks under the kick to ROLLING KICK! Axiom PENALTY KICKS on the rebound! Axiom waistlocks, Bate bucks the O’Conner, Axiom somersaults, into BANG! Bate runs, REBOUNDER into SPANISH FLY!! Both men are down and fans fire up!
The Watch Party is rather intrigued but Meta Four seems to keep clowning on this match. Doesn’t help that Dar’s costume is him riding a baby elephant… Bate and Axiom stir, Bate crawls to a corner and fans rally up. Axiom runs in, blocks a kick but not the KNEE! Bate goes up to FLYING UPPERCUT into a REAR NAKED CHOKE!! Axiom has Bate again and fans rally up! Bate fights, pries at the hold, sits up but Axiom is a backpack! But then Bate shifts him to a fireman’s carry! AIRPLANE SPIN AGAIN! But Axiom fights with elbows! And pops up to POISON-RANA!! Axiom fires up, brings Bate up, but Bate suplexes! BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!!
Axiom survives and fans fire up again! Bate goes back to a corner, goes up top, but Axiom GAMANGIRIS! Axiom climbs up after Bate, brings him to his feet, SUPER SPANISH FLY!! Cover, TWO!?!? Bate survives, but into an ARMBAR!! Bate flails, moves around, ends up in another TRIANGLE HOLD! Bate deadlifts, but Axiom RANAS! Cover, TWO!! Bate has Axiom in the underhooks! TYLER DR- RANA!! Bate hits the REBOUNDER!! Fans are thunderous as Bate underhooks to TYLER DRIVER 97!! Cover, BATE WINS!
Winner: Tyler Bate, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Axiom earns o)
Dar doesn’t look happy, perhaps he’s worried The Big Strong Boi is gonna run the table? Bate has another match this Friday on Level Up, against Charlie Dempsey! Will Bate go 2-0 fast? Or will Dempsey find a way to get on the board?
Here are the NEW Group A standings!
Pete Dunne: 1-0-1, 3 points
Tyler Bate: 1-0, 2 points
Axiom: 0-1-1, 1 point
Charlie Dempsey: 0-1, 0 points
Backstage interview with Pete Dunne.
Kelly Kincaid asks Butch how he feels taking on Bate next Tuesday in a match that could decide the entire block. Dunne says everyone knows that he and Bate go way back. The finals of the WWE UK Championship Tournament, and the 2017 Match of the Year at TakeOver: Chicago. They even had their tryout match together, but to go even further back, Dunne was Bate’s first opponent ever when he was just 15 years old. But Dunne isn’t here to reminisce. HE’s here to prove he’s the baddest man in all of the WWE! And nobody brings out the Bruiserweight in Dunne than Bate. Bate, good luck next week, but you already know it’s FIGHT NIGHT!
The Schism meets.
Joe Gacy sighs, and says while Ava Raine’s loyalty is comforting, it is clear that their tree is dying. Ava says four roots may have turned to two, but there’s- NO! The tree is rotting. It is withered away and now they stand all alone. They are more isolated than ever before. Gacy touches the tree, and Ava touches it, too. What will become of The Schism after losing The Dyad?
Carmelo finds Trick Williams in the locker room.
What’s Trick watching? Gacy and Ava are talking about being alone. Strange cats, but Trick can relate. What? Trick ain’t alone. Melo always has his back. Yeah, yeah, sure. But Trick saw Melo has Dom next week, right? Yeah, Trick saw that. Champ on champ, talk about it! Judgment Day always on the funny stuff so maybe, Trick can be some extra hands out there, just like the good ol’ days. Melo says that’s cool, but he’s all set. But hey, Trick wants to do his own thing, so Melo’s letting him do it. Yeah, Trick did say that, but he didn’t mean like that. But hey, outside these walls, they’re boys. Yeah, Trick Melo Gang!
Wes is packing up in the background, but Melo and Trick say they always gonna be here. Trick and Melo shake hands, Melo heads out, is… Is Wes throwing away his locker label? Is Wes leaving NXT?!
The Creed Brothers w/ Ivy Nile VS Malik Blade & Edris Enofe!
Julius & Brutus get back into action after winning back their spots in NXT! However, they think they can just get back to the tag titles, and the young ‘n’ hungry duo of Malik & Edris won’t let them jump the line. Will Malik & Edris prove they’re #MoreThanARookie? Or will the Diamond Mine show they’re stronger than ever before?
NXT returns as Malik & Edris make their entrance. The teams sort out, Malik and Julius start. The bell rings and Malik SHOTGUNS Julius into Brutus! Tag to Edris, then Malik hits a BLOCKBUSTER! Edris goes up top fast, Malik FLIES out onto Brutus! MACHO ELBOW from Edris! Cover, TWO!! Julius survives the fast opening salvo, and then we see Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo up in the perch. Edris fires hands on Julius, whips but Julius reverses to CLOBBER him! Tag to Brutus, they get Edris up to fireman’s carry, and then JUMP KNEE SLAM COMBO! Cover, TWO! Edris survives but Brutus drags him up!
Brutus torture racks to SLAM Edris, then STANDING MOONSAULTS! Then SENTONS! Cover, Malik breaks it! Fans rally, Tony D’Angelo & Stacks are watching backstage. Malik drags Edris to the corner, tags himself in, but Brutus CLOBBERS Malik! Brutus SMASHES Edris, whips Malik, but Malik goes up and out and Edris DROPKICKS Brutus into the CROSSBODY! Fans rally as Malik tags Edris, and they hoist Brutus up for a BLOCKBUSTER HART ATTACK! Cover, TWO!! Brutus survives and Edris grows frustrated. Malik goes to his corner, Edris CLUBS Brutus and CLUBS him again!
Fans rally as Edris CLUBS Brutus more and more! Edris runs to FAMOUSER! Edris talks smack on Julius, but Brutus is hulking up! Edris CLUBS Brutus, tells him to stay down or he’ll hurt him! Edris runs, but Brutus POUNCES! Both men are down and fans fire up again! Brutus shoves Edris aside, hot tags to Malik and Julius! Julius clinches to OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Then an OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY for Edris! Another for Malik! Edris ROCKS Julius, but runs into the ROLLING SPINEBUSTER! But Malik is up top, he CROSBSODIES again! Julius rolls through with him!?
Fans are thunderous as Brutus tags in! Julius pops Malik up, BRUTUS BALL DOOMSDAY!! Cover, Creeds win!
Winners: The Creed Brothers, by pinfall
Edris is beside himself, but then the Creeds notice the former Los Lotharios. The Creeds egg them on, but then they see Hank ‘n’ Tank at the ramp. Only for Lucien Price & Bronco Nima to CLOBBER them! Those big boys all brawl their way out of the arena, everyone in the NXT Tag Division is ready for a fight! But who fights their way to getting their shot at The D’Angelo Family?
Becky Lynch prepares in the locker room.
Lyra walks in and Becky’s on guard, but then hugs Lyra. They’re both happy to see each other, and Becky congratulates Lyra on the win tonight. Thanks, thanks! Becky says Lyra is making everyone home in Ireland proud. Lyra tells Becky to do the world a favor and win that title off Tiffany. Oh she’ll do her best. They fist bump and Becky heads out. Will there be some major lass kicking here tonight?
Roxanne Perez is in the locker room.
She talks with the prospects about the return of the Breakout Tournament. It is a huge opportunity, and she should know. She won it and it changed her life. It all took off, from Iron Survivor to NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion and THE NXT Women’s Championship. Dani Palmer says it was a competitive field, too. Nikkita Lyons, Fallon Henley, even Tiffany Stratton was in it. Oh and Kiana. Roxie remembers eliminating her in the first round, and Kiana’s never been nice to her after that. Oh, they couldn’t tell. But Roxie just called her out is all. But then in walk Elektra Lopez & Lola Vice walk in.
What’s this about Roxie causing issues in the locker room? Uh, what? Roxie isn’t causing problems. Sounds like it to them. Well, Lola, you’re new here, but since your mom didn’t give you the memo, chaos is inevitable in NXT. So if you two want to come at her- Back off, Roxie. If you’re looking for trouble, she’s found it. Oh is that so? Lola has Elektra stand down, and tells Roxie’s new attitude is gonna get her in trouble real quick. Roxie’s not sure about that. Lola says after she’s done with Roxie, she’s done. And then Lola will win the Breakout Tournament. Lola & Lopez head out, but will the other prospects have something to say about that?
NXT Global Heritage Invitational Tournament, Group B: Nathan Frazer VS Akira Tozawa!
Time is running out on this round robin and this is the make-or-break match for the Rocket from the Jersey Islands! Can he make a case for being the Group B finalist? Or will the Stamina Monster become the Spoiler Monster here tonight?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Tozawa wristlocks, wrenches then wristlocks again. Frazer rolls, handsprings and WRINGS Tozawa! Tozawa BOOTS Frazer away and the two stand off. The Watch Party is still going on and Gallus is sure into this seeing the guy Joe Coffey just beat back in action. Tozawa and Frazer go again, Frazer wrenches to headlock and hits a takeover. Tozawa headscissors, squeezes tight, and fans rally. Frazer kips free, things speed up, and Frazer blows past Tozawa again and again to then DROPKICK him down! Fans fire up for that, and Frazer aims from a corner. Frazer runs in but is put on the apron.
Frazer ROCKS Tozawa first, then springboards, but Tozawa gets under. Frazer ducks the spin kick and he catches Tozawa as he slips under! Tozawa victory rolls, TWO! Tozawa blocks a kick, ducks another, and then GERMAN SUPLEXES! Fans fire up with Tozawa and he runs to SHINING WIZARD! Oro Mensah likes that as Tozawa goes up a corner. Fans rally, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Frazer flops out of the ring, so Tozawa builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit at the ramp with the Tozawa Torpedo! Tozawa puts Frazer in and goes up! Fans bring back the “AH! AH! AH!” But Frazer springs up to get Tozawa!
Tozawa fires body shots first, and he shoves Frazer away! Frazer flips back to land on his feet, and he’s right back up! SUPER DUPER PLEX, and roll through to ANARCHY! Cover, Frazer wins!!
Winner: Nathan Frazer, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Tozawa earns 0)
Firstly, this ends Tozawa’s run, he is 0-3 in Group B! As for Frazer, he has kept himself alive for one more week! Can Duke Hudson beat Joe Coffey and force a three-way-tie? Or will the Iron King make this his kingdom?
Here are the NEW Group B standings!
Nathan Frazer: 2-1, 4 points
Joe Coffey: 2-0, 4 points
Duke Hudson: 1-1, 2 points
Akira Tozawa: 0-3, 0 points [ELIMINATED]
Backstage interview with Joe Coffey.
Kelly is with the Gallus Boys, and says that now, Coffey’s match with Duke is even more crucial. Joe says he’s been the odds on favorite since this started. The only person left is Duke? Joe will slap Duke about, and then he’ll finish Group B undefeated with SIX points, #GallusBoysOnTop! And then Coffey will go to No Mercy and snatch away the Heritage Cup from Dar. But uh, Duke is in the room and he walks over to say he isn’t good with numbers, so one of the Chase U students crunched them for him. And according to that math, Frazer’s win tonight means that if Duke beats Coffey next week, that’s a three way tie for Group B.
So underestimate the MVP all you like, but when Duke wins, he’ll have a new nickname: The Spoiler, Duke Hudson! Ya like that, ya flogs?! Duke heads out, fired up for the final round. Will Duke come through in the clutch? Or will this still be Gallus’ Kingdom?
Backstage interview with Mustafa Ali.
McKenzie is with The Beacon and says he is now the #1 Contender to the North American Championship, under “questionable” circumstances. Aw, Miss Mitchell, do not undermine Ali’s huge victory over the incredible Dragon Lee. Did Ali like how Dom officiated? No, but there’s nothing Ali can do about that, it is out of his hands. So then, what about after the match? She noticed Ali looked around and didn’t like the fans’ reaction. Ali says well they weren’t booing him, they were booing Dom! Did Ali get caught up in the moment? Sure. But when he realized his hand was being raised by “that outsider, that convicted criminal,” Ali took action!
Ali DECKED Dom, and wants us to know that he will be the one to reclaim that North American title for ALL of NXT! But then Dragon Lee walks in. Ali says hey, it’s him! Yes, yes, but uh, did Ali watch the match back? Of course! Like ten times! Absolutely amazing! Well, Dom’s count was too fast. Doesn’t Ali agree? Ali agreeing or disagreeing now is irrelevant. They can’t change it. However, at No Mercy, when Ali defeats Dom for Dragon, for McKenzie, for himself and for ALL of NXT, then Dragon will be the very first challenger. That’s only fair, right? Ali heads out and Dragon says that one thing’s true: Dragon ain’t done with Ali. But then will Dragon let this go as scheduled for the greater good?
NXT Media catches up with Wes Lee.
They know it was a heartbreaking loss to Dragunov tonight, but what’s next for him? Wes says Dragunov was the better man tonight, plain and simple. Wes said if he’s not going to No Mercy, then he’s going home. His wife is there to greet him with a kiss, and Wes explains that he did clear his locker out. Wes and Mrs. Lee leave, but is Wes ever coming back?
Wait, what’s going on now? GIGI DOLIN is THROWING Blair Davenport around and throwing hands! Gigi is giving the “NXT Prowler” a taste of her own medicine! Security and producers pull Gigi away but she’s not done with Blair! Blair is just as furious, what will it take for these two to settle things once and for all?
NXT Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton VS Becky Lynch!
The Wrestling Barbie misspoke and created a whole mess of problems for herself with it! She “apologized” but The Man wasn’t having it, and so here we are! Will the Center of the NXT Universe still be Tiffany? Or will she be knocked off the #TiffyTop when The Man comes around?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Big Time trumps Tiffy Time!
The bell rings and fans fire up for Becky with “Welcome Home! Welcome Home!” The two circle, they tie up, and Tiff powers Becky to a corner. The ref counts, Tiff grins as she lets off and says she knows the rules. Tiff tells Becky to go back where she came from, NXT belongs to her! The two circle again, knuckle lock, and then Tiff kicks low. Tiff headlocks but Becky powers out. Tiff runs Becky over, blows her a kiss, and things speed up. Tiff handsprings over but Becky just sighs. Fans fire up, Tiff goes Matrix to dodge, then Tiff trips to cover, but Becky goes Matrix to slip free! Becky wags her fingers, she did it first, y’know.
Things speed up again, Becky shows she can cartwheel, too! Fans fire up, Tiff is mad, and things speed up. Becky catches the hurdle for a FLAPJACK, then she gets Tiff’s arm! Tiff scrambles to avoid the Disarm-Her, and she shoves Becky away. Becky smiles as she has Tiff all flustered. The two reset, tie up, and Tiff knees low. Tiff CLUBS Becky down, brings her up and bumps her off buckles. Tiff bumps Becky off more buckles, and then whips her to ROCK her in the back! Fans duel, “Tiffy Time!” “NO!” as Tiff whips gain. Becky ROCKS Tiff first! Tiff and Becky go forearm for forearm, Becky whips but Tiff reverses to kick low!
Tiff suplexes to hang Becky out to dry! Tiff then runs to HIP ATTACK Becky off the apron! Fans boo as Tiff flexes, and NXT goes picture in picture.
Tiff kisses her biceps but shrugs at the fans booing her. Becky hurries back over but Tiff is on her. Becky throws body shots, but Tiff hits back! Tiff SMACKS Becky off the apron, then taunts her as she stalks her. Becky body shots back, but Tiff throws another forearm! Tiff SMACKS Becky off apron again, then follows her along the way to CLUB her down! And SMACK her off the apron again! Tiff puts Becky in the ring, stalks her to a corner and stomps a mudhole in! The ref counts, Tiff lets off, and Tiff brings Becky around to bump off buckles. Tiff RAMS into Becky, RAMS her again, and again! The ref counts and Tiff again lets off.
Tiff soaks up the heat, goes to the far corner, then paces around as Becky flounders. Tiff stomps Becky, but Becky throws body shots! And forearms! And UPPERCUTS! Becky runs, Tiff blocks but Becky throws more forearms! Becky runs, into a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Tiff clamps onto Becky with a seated abdominal stretch! Becky endures, fans rally, and Becky fights up to her feet. Becky arm-drags Tiff away, then rolls her up! ONE!! Tiff runs up but into an ELBOW! Tiff tries again, but Becky BOOTS her! Becky LARIATS, then LARIATS again! Becky CALF KICKS and NXT returns to single picture!
Fans fire up as Tiff staggers away to a corner. Becky fires up with the fans and she runs in to forearm smash! Then a clinch, BECKSPLODER! Becky brings Tiff around but Tiff throws Becky out. Becky ROCKS Tiff from the apron, smacks her off buckles, then she climbs up! Fans fire up as Becky MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Becky keeps her cool as Tiff hangs in there. The fans rally up as Becky paces around, then steps over! Tiff rolls Becky up, TWO! Becky gets around, gets the arm, but Tiff whips her away, SKY HIGH! Cover, TWO! Becky is still in this, she’s tougher than that!
Fans rally, Tiff drags Becky to a drop zone, PRETTIEST- NO, Becky drags Tiff down! Tiff kicks Becky away but Becky comes back to ROCK Tiff! Becky runs in, only gets buckles, but she tosses Tiff out! Tiff HOTSHOTS Becky back! Tiff goes up top, but Becky ROCKS her! Becky climbs up after Tiff, and fans fire up as Tiff fires hands! Becky goes all the way to TEN! Then she brings Tiff up, but Tiff fights with body shots! Tiff SUPER GOURD BUSTERS! Fans boo as Tiff adjusts, to SWANTON BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Becky survives and Tiff is beside herself! Charismatic Enigma she is not, but Tiff drags Becky up to fireman’s carry.
Becky slips free, shoves Tiff and kicks low! Underhooks, BUTTERFLY SUPLEX, to the ARMBAR!! Fans are thunderous as Tiff flails and reaches out! Becky pulls on that arm, Tiff kicks with her long legs! Tiff reaches out, ROPEBREAK! But Becky drags her away to a TRIANGLE HOLD! Tiff stacks it, TWO and Tiff deadlifts, but Becky RANAS! Becky stays on top for a cover, TWO! Tiff staggers up, she YANKS Becky into ropes! Then Tiffy runs to HIP ATTACK! Becky flops, Tiff runs to DOUBLE STOMP!! Cover, TWO!?? Becky survives the #TiffyToes and fans rally up! Tiff is frustrated and she dares Becky to get up!
Tiff runs in, clinches Becky but Becky slips around to shove her away! Tiff BOOTS Becky back, then PRETTIEST- Becky follows her?! SUPER RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP!! Cover, TWO!!! Tiff survives and fans can’t believe it! Fans cheer on “NXT! NXT!” for giving us this match! Becky reaches out but Tiff bails out. Becky goes to the apron, but Tiff TRIPS her! Becky hits apron, then Tiff RAMS her into steel steps! Tiff takes the hood off the desk!? Tiff wants to finish this one way or another as she drags Becky up! But Becky fights the bomb and gets to the barriers! Fans fire up as Becky throws hands in the front row!
Becky KICKS Tiff and she’s on the desk! Fans are thunderous as Becky aims, and Booker T clears some space! SUPER LEG DROP onto the desk! The desk doesn’t give, and Becky puts Tiff in the ring! Becky goes up top, to drop the MAN’S LEG!! Cover, TWO?!?!? But Becky has the DISARM-HER!!! Tiff endures, reaches out, but Becky pulls that arm!! Tiff fights around to the ROPEBREAK! But Becky drags her away! But Tiffy powers up to lift Becky! but Becky gets to the apron! Tiff runs in, into a KICK! And a ROUNDHOUSE! Becky goes up, aims again, and leaps, but Tiff gets under! Tiff kicks low and reels Becky in! POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!!!!
Becky survives, kicking out by nanoseconds, and “This is Awesome!” Fans rally up as hard as they can as Tiffy pushes Becky to a corner. Tiff is frustrated, clutching her neck, but she tells Becky to go away! Becky ROCKS Tiff! Tiff ROCKS Becky! Tiff swings, into the clinch! She slips free, roll up, TWO!! Becky runs into a fireman’s carry! ROLLING SENTON!! PRETTIEST MOONSAULT- NO, Becky dodges! MANHANDLE SLAM!!!! Cover, BECKY WINS!!!
Winner: Becky Lynch, by pinfall (NEW NXT Women’s Champion)
INCREDIBLE! For the first time ever, Big Time Becks is NXT Women’s Champion!! Tiffany put up a fight worthy of a champion, but she still has a way to go, when and where will she come back for this belt? As for Becky, what new heights will she bring this title to now that she finally has it?
My Thoughts:
This was a really good episode of NXT that was sandwiched between awesome matches. For one, the flat out adrenaline rush of that main event finish! As powerful as her Heel Heat is, there is no denying Tiff is already a great pro-wrestler. I said it felt like things were booked into a corner, so what a great surprise that Becky wins and has that belt. Becky’s promo earlier said this was righting the wrongs, maybe HHHBK felt the same, because now Becky’s resumé is even stronger, she is now Grand Slam Becks! She also won the Royal Rumble, that’s Five Star Becks! And surely, this program was a nod that Tiff is going to be set up for a very similar career in the end.
The other awesome match was Dragunov VS Wes at the start, and that wasn’t just opening strong, that was opening with an instant classic. Dragunov beating Wes makes sense given where they were going with Dragunov and Melo, but what a wild development having Wes basically quit NXT! This could be his version of a call-up, but I don’t know, maybe Wes returns closer to Survivor Series and the big NXT event set for that time. Good promo from Melo and Dom to set up a Champion VS Champion match next week, that is going to be really good stuff, and Trick Williams probably does get involved despite the conversation he and Melo had because someone has to (try to) stop Mami!
A lot of other great stuff tonight. I just felt that as soon as Corbin started looking sad, he was gonna switch and be all excited about what Bron did to Corbin. At the same time, I figured Bron wasn’t gonna let Corbin be all chummy with him, and now we’re going to get a great match between those two. And while Von’s “recovery” is undeterminable, I would think Von shows up at No Mercy to confront Bron after he beats Corbin. Good promo from Mustafa Ali and Dragon Lee to keep Dragon in mind should Ali beat Dom. And yes, he should beat Dom. Ali is more of an actual NXT Callback than Becky and Dom are, Ali really should finally get a title, and this is a great time to do all that.
A part of me just knew Myles was gonna betray Briggs & Jensen in that Six Man Tag, it’s the more “dramatic” move. And I should’ve known there’d also be a wrinkle of Myles starting to have feelings for Fallon, that’s why he got her out of the way there. Not sure how that plays out in the end, other than Briggs & Jensen facing like Myles & Gulak as a team to try and get payback. But then what? How does Myles redeem himself? This is gonna be redneck Romeo & Juliet if Myles stays Heel but he likes Fallon and courts her while she’s Face. And then really good match between Lyra and Dana, but of course Lyra wins. Dana almost snapping on Lyra was a nice touch, she is all but Heel at this point.
Great news that the Women’s Breakout Tournament is on its way back, and I liked Roxie talking with the newer superstars about it. Can’t wait to see who is in that tournament and what will come of it. Roxie getting into it with Lola & Lopez is an interesting move, too, but it could be a good feud to hold Roxie over until she’s either ready for another title shot or just a straight call-up to RawDown. Also great just random Gigi and Blair brawl backstage, that needs to be a grudge match for at least the go-home episode. And fun little moment from Chase U to show Thea and Jacy hanging out and fighting off dude-bros. Feels like they could become an official women’s tag team, so let’s just hope the Women’s Tag Team Champions visit NXT for once.
Good little bit from Gacy and Ava, but it makes me wonder what the plan is for Rip Fowler & Jagger Reed, or perhaps, for Zack Gibson & James Drake. Could the Grizzled Young Veterans make a big return? The tag division is already stacked, with a really good match from Creeds VS Malik & Edris while all the other tag teams were watching. I hope we get to see what the new and improved Garza & Carrillo soon, and they could possibly set up a tag title match with Tony & Stacks for either No Mercy or the go-home episode. And if not the former Los Lotharios, then maybe a revived GYV could be the team to dethrone the D’Angelo Family.
And great stuff in the Global Heritage Invitational. For one, I like the watch party aspect, and we got good promos from the guys in there to hype up the many “must win” scenarios. And much like Tiffany, for all the Heel heat Meta Four accumulates, I do appreciate them having themes that go with Disney related stuff since they’re gonna be in Bakersfield for No Mercy. So far we’ve had Frozen and Jungle Cruise, can’t wait to see what next week will be. And of course, the matches themselves were great. Bate VS Axiom/A-Kid was really good but of course Bate won, he only just started. I have a feeling Bate runs the table, beating Dempsey this Friday, and at least draws with Dunne so that he wins the group by one point.
As for Group B, I am betting on that three way tie for first, and then we can have a Triple Threat match to settle things between Frazer, Duke and Coffey. That way, Frazer can snatch the win away from Coffey and Duke to then face Bate. Frazer VS Bate connects back to when they each held a Heritage Cup, and then either way, we get someone with a lot of history with Dar facing him for THE Heritage Cup. And no offense to Frazer, but he’s already had his time with Dar, this could be his chance to move on to the North American or even top title while Bate holds it down in the Heritage Cup Division.
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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