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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London calling to the champion crowns!
SmackDown brings gold to London as LA Knight defends his WWE US Championship and The Street Profits defend their tag team titles! Will the landscape change this close to WrestleMania?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly; The Profits win and retain the titles.
- Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice w/ Chelsea Green; The Secret Her-vice wins.
- WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman; Braun wins, by disqualification, and Knight retains the title.
- Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab; Charlotte wins.
- Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.
- Jimmy Uso VS The Miz; Jimmy wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes is here!
We follow The American Nightmare as walks to gorilla, then through the curtain, and London sings along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, says hello to fans along the ramp, and then we get the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro. Cody goes to the ring, grabs a mic, then kneels down to kiss the WWE logo on the mat. The fans continue to sing along all the way to the end, “I AM MY KINGDOM!” The fans then cheer, and Cody holds up the belt to fire them up even more! The fans now sing for “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and he soaks it in. The fans cheer again as Cody smiles, and he finally says, “So, London~! Whaddya wanna talk about?”
The fans chant “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cody hears that dueling, and he smiles again. The song of “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” returns, then they cheer. Cody says, “At WrestleMania 41, I will be facing John Cena…” The fans boo, but Cody says, “I will be facing John Cena as he goes to break the record and win 17. But that is WrestleMania 41. In just a few nights, I will be standing face to face with John Cena in this very same city, in this very same arena.” The fans cheer that, but then here comes Randy Orton! Now the fans sing along with Voices as The Viper heads to the ring. Orton also high-fives fans before he joins Cody.
Orton grabs a mic, paces while the fans keep singing on their own, and then the fans cheer. Orton says he’s not really the sentimental type, but for Cody and for London, screw it. The fans chant “R K O! R K O!” and Orton tells Cody, “Look at you. Look at who you are now, the man you are now. Look at where he came from.” The fans cheer and sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and Orton says he remembers a Cody in his early 20s, just breaking into the business. Cody was busting his ass harder than anyone else. He wasn’t exactly happy, and in fact, he was frustrated. But Cody was man enough, smart enough, to know he needed to grow, and that he couldn’t grow in the WWE.
Cody wasn’t exactly treated fairly in the WWE, so Cody left the WWE! That took some big ass balls to do what he did! Cody changed the business singlehandedly, and everyone in the back knows it. And Orton appreciates Cody for it. But then Cody came back, as they all knew one day he would. And the industry has been changed forever since the day Cody came back to the WWE. Cody is a bit teary eyed as Orton says Cody’s still the same guy, he just did what he set out to do, and he grew. Orton teases he would sing along with the fans, but the fans might leave. The fans again sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!”
Orton asks if they remember when Cody Rhodes faced Seth Rollins in Hell in a Cell. The fans cheer because they do. Orton says that was impressive, and even impossible, as he started with a partially torn pec and then ended with a fully torn pec! His body changed all kinds of shades of purple that Orton’s never seen on a human body. The pain he must have been in. Cody persevered not just for himself. Maybe not even at all for Cody. It was not even for his family legacy; it was for each and every single fan out there! Then Cody went on to WrestleMania, beat Roman Reigns and finished the story!
But there’s always another story, isn’t there? And Cody’s right in the middle of one. Cody is in charge of his legacy, and it is a privilege for Orton to watch Cody take control of it. Ticket sales have been up, there’s more intrigue around the world, and listen to the people! It is 99.9% all because of Cody! The fans cheer that, and of course they sing. Orton says what he’s trying to say is a long-winded version of he respects Cody, loves him, and is very, very proud of him. The fans cheer that! Orton then says, “But… But now it is time for WrestleMania.” They both look to the sign, and Orton says he can guarantee Cody that Orton will kick Kevin Owens so hard in the head…!
Orton can just feel it already! He forgets how many days are left, but he can’t wait to remove Kevin’s head from his shoulders. And Orton knows Cody will enter champion, exit champion, but not before he beats the holy hell outta Cena all up and down the Vegas strip! But after all the smoke clears and the dust settles, just like Orton wants Number 17, there will come a time when Orton will want Number 15. But Orton won’t kick Cody in the balls like a coward. Orton will look Cody in the eye because he respects Cody, is proud of Cody, and sees him as an equal. Orton will look Cody in the eye and tell him that he’s coming for the title.
The fans cheer but wait! Drew McIntyre is here! The fans cheer the Scottish Terminator as he steps out on stage, mic in hand, and has a wry smile on his face as he looks at the ring. Drew waves as the fans now sing, “OH~ Drew McIntyre~!” Drew says, “Isn’t this wonderful? A couple of nepo babies having a love fest in the middle of the ring> It makes me absolutely sick. What’d you just say, Randy? if Cody gets through Cena at WrestleMania, you’re coming for that title? What exactly have you done since that big comeback to justify that title match? Aside be Randy Orton. The only big moment I can remember is you being on the shelf for months and months and months.
“People like to make jokes about it, but more people talk about my five-minute-45-second title reign than your entire comeback so far! So get to the back of the line, sunshine! As for you, Cody, you should’ve listened to me. But you shunned me. You attacked me. Everybody should’ve listened to me about John Cena, but they didn’t. And the next night, he kicked you right in the twig ‘n’ berries, proving me right as usual. And the main event of WrestleMania should be Cody Rhodes VS The UK’s only ever world champion, Drew McIntyre!” Fans do like that idea. But sadly, it’s not, because of that guyliner wearing Temu Undertaker, Damian Priest!
Drew wants to talk about what is happening. And what’s gonna happen! Drew steps up to the ring while fans sing for him again. Drew says it will not be Randy that takes the title from Cody, should he get through Cena; it’ll be McIntyre. The fans cheer, but Orton says they were trying to have a moment. Can Drew just cut the crap already? Drew says okay, sure. He’ll tell the truth, because that’s all he ever does. The truth is, Kevin might have a point! If those Voices are talking to Orton again, then they know Drew very, very well. And he’s thinking, “My God, Randy looks great! Absolutely jacked! On the outside.”
On the inside, that back is hanging by a thread. And if Orton provokes McIntyre, McIntyre will break him. And as for Cody- Cody kicks Drew and UPPERCUTS him! The fans fire up, and Orton R- NO, Drew gets away! The fans boo, but the battlelines are drawn! Even if Cody makes it out of the frying pan that is Las Vegas, it’ll be into the fire that is these contenders waiting in line! Will the American Nightmare be ready for whoever comes for the crown?
WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly!
Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins are finally golden again, but it’s time to put the titles on the line already! And while they’re ready for the grind, they’re up against the hometown heroes! Will the Profits still be up in the O2? Or will Kit Wilson & Elton Prince say #YESBOY to a new reign of their own?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really wants the smoke!
The teams sort out and Kit starts with Dawkins. They tie up, Dawkins headlocks, but Kit powers up and out. Dawkins runs Kit over, the fans fire up, and Dawkins fires hands on Kit in the corner! The fans rally for Pretty Deadly, Dawkins whips Kit to a corner, but Elton takes that bump! Kit CLOBBERS Dawkins, then tags Elton! Atomic drop into DROPKICK! Ford runs up, but into a DOUBLE HIP TOSS! Dawkins whips, Elton reverses, and then Elton hurdles so Kit can DDT! The fans fire up with Pretty Deadly while the Profits bail out. Pretty Deadly has control while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Elton is right on Dawkins as he gets in, and UPPERCUTS him to the corner. Elton clinches Dawkins for another UPPERCUT! Tag to Kit, and Elton RAMS into Dawkins so Kit can UPPERCUT! Dawkins flops over, Kit drags him up to wrench the arm. Kit whips, Dawkins reverses, but Kit grabs ropes. Kit ELBOWS Dawkins, DECKS Ford, but Dawkins CLOBBERS Kit! The ref reprimands but Dawkins RAMS Kit into the corner again and again! The ref counts, Dawkins fires fast hands, then he tags in Ford. Ford says, “SUCK IT!” then he KICKS Kit! Ford scuffs Kit, then drags him to a cover, TWO!
Ford keeps Kit down with a facelock, but Kit endures the grind. Kit fights up, fires body shots, but Ford whips him away. Kit sunset flips! Ford rolls through, and PENALTY KICKS! Ford mocks Elton with the Scott Hall fingers, and the ref has to keep Elton back. Ford drags Kit up, tags Dawkins, and the Profits mug Kit. Dawkins CLUBS Kit down, then stalks him. Dawkins stays between Kit and Elton, then whips Kit into the Profits’ corner. CYCLONE- NO, Kit dodges! Ford tags in, he keeps Kit from Elton now, but Kit slips out of the suplex! Kit fakes high to go low, hot tag to Elton! Elton rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT!
Elton kicks and whips Ford to a corner, then UPPERCUTS! Elton whips the other way, UPPERCUTS again, and then does it again! Elton adds to the hattrick with a lift, Ford says a quick prayer before the SUPLEX! Ford flounders, gets to his feet, but Elton dodges to springboard and FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Ford stays in this, but Elton stays on him. SmackDown returns to single picture and fans rally for Pretty Deadly as Elton gives Ford a back suplex. Ford lands out, waistlocks, but Elton switches and shoves Ford. Ford CLOBBERS Elton in return! Ford is also dazed but he covers, ONE!
Kit reaches out, Elton and Ford both crawl, hot tags to Kit and Dawkins! The fans fire up as Dawkins wrenches Kit, underhooks and SILENCER! Dawkins Electric Chair Lifts Kit, Ford climbs, but Kit slips free! Kit shoves Dawkins into Ford! Ford falls to the floor, but Dawkins ENZIGIRIS Kit! Elton tags in, and Kit LARIATS Dawkins! Pretty Deadly combine for DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Dawkins survives and the Profits are a bit unsure of what to do next. Dawkins crawls to a corner, Elton runs up, but Dawkins dodges! Elton hits buckles and Dawkins TOSSES Kit, then Dawkins hits a SKY HIGH on Elton!
Dawkins hurries to tag Ford and Ford climbs up! But Kit pushes Elton out of the way! Kit takes FROM THE HEAVESN, and Elton ghost pins Ford! TWO!! Ford escapes, and he ROCKS Elton! Elton UPPERCUTS Ford! Dawkins sneaks a tag, Ford SUPERKICKS! POUNCE SAIDO COMBO!! Cover, KIT BREAKS IT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! The teams go to opposite ends, then they all stand up in the corners. They all roar, all run in, and Kit SPEARS Ford while Elton FLYING UPPERCUTS Dawkins!! London is thunderous, and Kit hurries to tag in! Pretty Deadly gets Dawkins up, for SPILT MILK!! Cover, FORD BREAKS IT!
The fans are shocked, as is Elton, but Ford saves this for his team! “This is Awesome!” as Ford runs up and Elton TOSSES him out! Now DRY MARTI- NO! Dawkins doesn’t accept the second serving, and he DUMPS Kit out! Kit skins the cat while Dawkins DECKS Elton! Dawkins catches Kit to an Electric Chair! Ford rises, DOOMSDAY BLOCKBUSTER!! Cover, Profits win!
Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall (still WWE Tag Team Champions)
Pretty Deadly put up a heroic fight, but the hometown heroes could not capture the gold. Dawkins & Ford hold onto the gold, will this be the strongest the Profits have ever been?
Kayden & Katana talk with Zelina Vega.
Carter & Chance know La Muneca got screwed over by The Green Administration. Chelsea thinks she’s untouchable, but someone’s gonna stop them eventually. Well, speaking of, Alba Fyre leads the way in as she & Piper Niven “scope the perimeter.” There’s one small threat. They frisk the “miniscule” threat, but nothing they haven’t dealt with before. Chelsea struts in and says, “The Eagle has landed~!” Zelina says she is so glad the “Bootleg Men in Black” have crashed the party. Now, yeah, they all know she’s small. But clearly this small “threat” is a big threat to Chelsea’s title reign. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have taken all three of them to beat her.
KC Squared agree with that. How about tonight, we see what happens when the odds are even? Chelsea says that’s fine, because Agents P & A are ready. The Secret Her-vice has been given their next mission, but will they be able to crash the party? Or will the party crash them?
Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice!
SmackDown returns and The Green Administration makes their entrance. The teams sort out, Alba starts against Katana, and the two tie up. Alba KNEES low, CLUBS Katana down, then fireman’s carries. Katana fights free, tags Kayden, and they KICK, double whip, and then trip Alba up for the basement DROPKICK! Katana adds a slingshot SENTON, Kayden covers, TWO! Kayden tags Katana, they double whip Alba to a corner, then Kayden runs in. Alba DUMPS Kayden out, ROCKS Katana, and she tags Piper! Katana arm-drags Alba out, then goes out to run up. Kayden gives her a boost, Katana CROSSBODIES Alba down!
The fans fire up, but Piper goes up and out?! CANNONBALL and down goes KC Squared! Piper salutes Chelsea and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Kayden rallies on Alba while the fans rally up. Kayden fires up, runs in and whips, but Alba reverses. Kayden wheelbarrows, victory rolls, then SUPERKICKS! Kayden fires up again but the fans are torn. Kayden runs in at Alba to BOOT WASH her against the ropes! Chelsea protests, Kayden kicks at her, then Kayden springboards for a LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Alba survives, Kayden whips, but Alba KICKS back! Tag to Piper, but Kayden jackknife bridges Alba! The ref explains bout the tag, Piper runs up, but Kayden moves! The SENTON hits Alba! Piper panics, Kayden tags Katana!
Katana goes up onto Kayden’s shoulders, VICTORY ROLL LAUNCHER, but Piper catches Katana! Katana fires hands, BOOTS, and then hurries to go up again. Kayden ROCKS Piper, and fireman’s carries?! SAMOAN DROP! Kayden then gives Katana the boost, for the KEG STAND SPLASH!! Cover, ALBA BREAKS IT! Kayden runs up on Alba to BOOT her out! Katana gives Kayden the boost now, SUPER CROSSBODY onto Alba! Kayden hurries to tag back in, and she brings Piper up. Piper swings, Kayden dodges and SUPERKICKS! Katana goes up, Piper staggers over that way, but Chelsea distracts the ref!
The fans are torn as Alba grabs Katana. Katana kicks Alba down, chases Chelsea off, but Piper sends Kayden into her! Piper scoops to PIPER DRIVER!! Cover, Secret Her-vice wins!
Winner: The Secret Her-vice, by pinfall
The Women’s US Champion helps her team, and now they all mug Kayden & Katana! But here comes Zelina! Vega runs down the ramp, CLOBBERS Alba, and then she gets in the ring! Zelina tilt-o-whirl DDTS Piper! And she KNEES Alba off the apron! But Chelsea CLOBBERS Zelina! Chelsea fires up, the UK is oddly with her, and she chicken wings Zeina. But Zelina fights free to fire forearms and body shots! And a BACK ELBOW! Zelina reels Chelsea in, CODE- SUPERKICK from Alba! SENTON from Piper! The Green Administration is just too much for Zelina to fight against alone! But can she, Kayden & Katana find a way to turn things around?
WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman!
Did the Mega Star just get this title back from Shinsuke Nakamura? YEAH! Did he help the Monster of All Monsters fight off Solo Sikoa’s rouge bloodline? YEAH! And now, does he have to defend this title against the monster he just helped? YEAH!! But will Knight still reign this close to WrestleMania? Or will Braun #GetTheseHands back on a championship?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s time for Knight’s biggest challenge, YEAH!
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. The two tie up, and Braun SHOVES Knight away. Knight comes back, Braun SHOVES him down again! Knight gets up, gets around, and he headlocks. Braun powers up to back suplex, but Knight lands out! Knight tries but Braun’s too big to suplex! Braun ELBOWS Knight, storms up on him, but Knight fires haymakers! Knight whips, Braun reverses, but Knight KICKS back! Knight runs, but Braun HIP TOSSES! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this, but Braun brings him up. Braun puts Knight in a corner, CHOPS, then runs, for a SPLASH! Knight sputters along ropes, Braun keeps moving, but Knight DUMPS him out!
The fans fire up as Knight then WRECKS Braun with a dropkick! Knight keeps moving, and he WRECKS Braun again! The fans fire up with Knight, but then Braun BOOTS Knight down! The fans are torn but Braun stands tall as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Braun puts Knight back in the ring. The fans cheer as Knight KICKS Braun! Knight tries again, but Braun’s still too big to back suplex! Braun CLUBS Knight, then runs in at the corner. Knight BOOTS Braun, goes up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Knight and Braun rise back up, and Knight dodges a shot to JAB! Then he dodges to JAB! JAB! JAB! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” But Braun KNEES low! Braun scoops, Knight slips free, and Knight RAMS Braun into buckles! Then the BACK SUPLEX! The fans fire up and Knight rises again! Knight spells it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!
Braun has plenty left in the tank but the fans rally for Knight. Knight stands Braun up to kick low, but Braun THROWS Knight away! Knight rises, and Braun LARIATS Knight up and out! The fans fire up as Braun rips the shirt! Braun gets on the track, and he runs in, STROWMAN EXPRESS MEETS JACOB FATU!! The Samoan Werewolf strikes Braun down!
Winner: Braun Strowman, by disqualification; LA Knight retains the title
The fans boo as Jacob now goes after Knight! He just ruined what was becoming a great match, but Jacob fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT on Braun! SAMOAN DROP onto the desk!! The desk doesn’t budge, but Braun might’ve been broken in half! The UK fires up for Fatu as he puts Braun in the ring! Jacob fires more HEADBUTTS, then HEADBUTTS away on Braun in the corner! The fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE, FATU~, FATU~!” Jacob runs corner to corner, but Knight kicks him first! Knight fires haymakers, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Jacob denies the BFT to POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! And then HIP ATTACK for Braun anyway!
Jacob keeps going, HIP ATTACK for Braun again! Jacob throws off his jacket, glares at Braun, and he runs in for a third HIP ATTACK! Braun flounders into the drop zone, so Jacob goes up, up, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! Direct hit on Braun, but the fans want that “ONE MORE TIME!” Jacob obliges, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! The Samoan Werewolf just tore up #OneBigSOB and LA Knight, will there be no stopping him from taking the United States Championship?
Backstage interview with Jimmy Uso.
Jackie Redmond is with #BigJim, and she says that while she knew WWE was going global this month, she did not know they’d get the slap heard ’round the world! Jimmy says he’d do it again, and he’ll slap Gunther as many times as he needs! Jimmy knows Jey is up in his own head, doubt is creeping on him. But just because Jey’s 0-3 against Gunther doesn’t mean Gunther’s unbeatable! The Ring General CAN be got! Jimmy’s going to Raw this Monday, he will bust Gunther’s ass, Jey will go to Mania and bust Gunther’s ass to become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. And then they leave Las Vegas just like this: YEET!
Jimmy heads out, but then The Miz & Carmelo Hayes walk by. Miz is mocking Jimmy’s words, and he asks excuse me. Miz says it’s just funny that suddenly, Jimmy is a tough guy, even though for most of his career, he’s been “The Other Uso.” Doesn’t Jimmy get it? Jimmy and Jey are career sidekicks while Gunther is a main character. Gunther is the lead, neither Jimmy nor Jey can beat him. And here’s another thing: The Usos are just blips on the trailer that was Roman Reigns’ Bloodline. Melo says Jimmy & Jey are stuck outside the club, they can’t even get in.
Miz says as a former WWE Champion, a former WrestleMania main eventer, Jimmy will never know what it is to carry this industry. And after this year’s WrestleMania, neither will Jey. Oh, and by the way, if Jimmy ever slapped Miz like that, Jimmy would still be on the ground. Jimmy feints the slap and Miz freaks out. Jimmy says it may be him and Gunther on Monday, but he’ll holler at Aldis real quick so it can be Jimmy VS Miz here tonight. Yeah, YEET! Jimmy heads out, Melo says he thought Miz was gonna do something about the slap. Will Miz have to do something about running his mouth before he gets his teeth kicked in?
Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga find Jacob Fatu backstage.
Solo asks Jacob what the Hell he was doing out there. Jacob goes out there alone without saying a thing to them? Jacob says he ain’t gotta say nothing to nobody! Matter fact, didn’t Solo not tap in with him last week? Tama says, “But Jacob,” only for Jacob to say, “But nothing, Tama!” Solo wants Jacob to lower his tone, but Jacob says okay. Let him be very clear with them. When it comes to Braun Strowman, Jacob WILL be the last man standing. Y’all better get in where you fit in, cuz that US title? Oh, Jacob’s bringing it home to the family. And he will do it with them, or without them! Yadada mean? Fatu heads out, is the Samoan Werewolf no longer following Solo?
Naomi speaks.
“I mean… How did we even get here? I don’t know. One thing that I do know is that I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. So Bianca, what makes you think that my attack on Jade was anything different from me doing the right thing? When I sit here and I think about all that I’ve sacrificed, all that I’ve given, and that’s what really breaks my heart. Because through all of that, I’m made to be the bad one in this situation. I just don’t understand, how does Jade come in outta nowhere and take my place with you? I want you to ask yourself this, Bianca. Who inspired you? Hmm?
“Who’s inspired women over the last decade? Who’s always had your back from day one of you being here? Me. Not Jade. Hmm. But you know what? What I’ve learned through all of this: You teach people how to treat you. And I’m done with being treated as a third wheel. I’m done being pushed to the side, I’m done with being too nice, I’m done with being undervalued, underutilized, underappreciated! So moving forward, hmm… Moving forward, here’s my message to you, Jade. If you continue to be in my way, I strongly advise you to proceed with caution.” The Glow shows her dark side, but will the storm be moved?
Nick Aldis meets with Jade Cargill.
Speaking of, the SmackDown General Manager understands things have been rather difficult for her as of late. Jade says she’s been trying to get her hands on Naomi for the past few weeks, now where is she? No one has seen her all day, so as far as anyone knows, Naomi’s not here. Well, when Jade catches Naomi, it’s on sight. Jade leaves, B-Fab & Michin are there. They let her know that what Naomi did to her was straight trash, totally uncalled for behavior. And after Jade gets her hands on Naomi, she’ll handle that business. Jade agrees. Mia says they’ve all got business to handle. Jade’s got Naomi, and Mia’s gonna get Charlotte for messing with her girl, B.
B-Fab says Naomi’s got what’s coming to her: no sympathy, no regrets. Jade, just do what you gotta do. Oh, she will. Jade also wishes Mia luck tonight. Mia & B-Fab head out, will the Head Baddie in Charge make the Queen bow down in London?
The darkness approaches.
“You are as I was. As I am, you will be.” The shadows are starting to take shape, but is SmackDown about to fade to black?
Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab!
The Queen looks down on everyone, so it’s no surprise that everyone else wants to take her down. Charlotte may have checked off B-Fab, but will the HBIC be a much different story? Or will Charlotte only sharpen her edge before facing Tiffany Stratton at WrestleMania?
WAIT! NAOMI ATTACKS B-FAB & MICHIN! Naomi drags Mia up for a FACEBUSTER! Naomi rains down fists, the ref reprimands and the fans boo, but Naomi tells the ref to back off. Naomi then BOOTS B-Fab off the apron! Naomi goes out after B-Fab to THRWO her into barriers! Naomi SLAPS B-Fab, tells her to stay down, but B-Fab gets up. Naomi fires hands, then she SMACKS B-Fab off the desk! Naomi rains down fists, but here comes Jade! Jade hurries down the ramp, she runs around the way, but Naomi runs away! Jade makes sure B-Fab is okay, but refs have to help her to the back. And what of Mia? Will she even be able to compete?
Charlotte makes her entrance, not really caring about what Naomi just did to Mia. But that means she also crosses paths with Jade. The fans like the look of this stare down, but Jade and Charlotte both let the other slide. Charlotte gets her pyro, and it seems she’ll still get her match. Will Mia be little more than an appetizer now?
The bell rings, and Charlotte BOOTS Mia down! Cover, TWO! Mia stays in this and the fans rally up. Charlotte just struts around while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Charlotte has Mia down with a chinlock, but the fans rally up. Mia fights up, fires body shots, and she then blocks a shot to ROCK Charlotte! Mia ROCKS Charlotte again and again, then reels her in for a TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up as Mia hurries to cover, TWO! Mia drags Charlotte up, wrenches, but Charlotte says no to Da Feet! BIG back suplex! Mia stagger sup, Charlotte whips her, but Mia reverses! Charlotte goes up and out, BOOTS her away, then slingshots in and rolls Mia! Mia rolls through and BUZZSAWS! Mia runs corner to corner, but Charlotte avoids the cannonball!
Charlotte YAKUZA KICKS Mia down, then fires herself up! The fans “WOO~!” as Charlotte has Mia in the drop zone,. Charlotte steps on her, goes up the corner, but Mia gets underneath her! SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Charlotte survives and Mia is shocked! Mia nods as the fans rally back up, and she brings Charlotte up. But Charlotte ROCKS Mia! Mia SOBATS, PELES, and then runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Charlotte stays in this, Mia grows frustrated, but the fans continue to rally. Mia uses that energy to stay focused, and she stalks Charlotte to waistlock. But Charlotte ELBOWS her away!
Charlotte CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOSP! Charlotte winds up, and she CHOPS again! Mia sputters, but then she dodges the boot! Charlotte is caught, and Mia hits a SAIDO! Charlotte flounders to a corner, the fans rally behind Mia, and Mia runs up, CANNONBALL! Mia hurries to wrench and EAT- NO, Charlotte shoves Mia away! Charlotte gets under, back suplexes, but Mia lands out! EAT DA FEET!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Charlotte’s long legs help her survive by a literal foot! Mia is beside herself while Charlotte bails out. Mia storms after Charlotte, runs up, but Charlotte dodges! Mia’s kick hits steel steps!
Mia hobbles away, goes to the apron, but Charlotte CHOP BLOCKS the bad leg out! Charlotte grabs Mia’s leg, drops a KNEE on the knee, but fans chant, “We Want Tiffy!” Charlotte just steps through, FIGURE FOUR, into FIGURE EIGHT!! Mia taps, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
Charlotte got more of a fight out of Mia than expected, but she still won. Will The Queen be more than ready to reign again after WrestleMania?
Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.
Jackie Redmond is with the WWE Women’s Champion and says Charlotte certainly looks confident. Let’s be real, Charlotte came at Tiff pretty hard. It got a lot of people talking. Tiff says yes, people talk. And Charlotte sure loves to hear herself talk. Ten years into the business and Charlotte is still so insecure that she can’t let a “rookie” get a word out. But last week, Tiff did learn something: She learned that walking into WrestleMania, she isn’t the one with something to lose. Truth is, if Tiff loses, then she lost to the great Charlotte Flair, as just a 25-year-old rookie with one year into SmackDown.
But if Charlotte loses… Well, then she lost to an “undeserving, delusional, unoriginal, backflip doing, blonde-hair-having, little girl.” Did she get it all? And Tiff can’t wait to hear the look on Charlotte’s face when they hear the words, “And STILL!” Then maybe Charlotte will finally shut up for the sake of literally everyone! They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, and Tiff will make damn sure what stays is Charlotte’s massive ego. Tiff is walking into and out of Mania as the WWE Women’s Champion. Tootles! Tiff heads out, will it still be #TiffyTime after WrestleMania?
Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre!
The Viper told Cody how proud he was, but also how he wants the next shot after John Cena. The Scottish Terminator took offense to that, and basically said he is taking that shot instead. Will this match be an unofficial #1 contender’s match between these two former world champions?
SmackDown returns and McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans sing, “OH~, Drew McIntyre~!” and chant “R K O! R K O!” Drew and Orton circle, tie up, and they go around in a deadlock. Drew powers Orton to a corner, but Orton headlocks back. Drew powers up and out, then he runs Orton over! Orton hurries to ropes and Drew mockingly asks, “How’s the back feel, Randy?” Orton stands, he and Drew reset, and the fans duel some more. Drew calls for a knuckle lock, Orton accepts, but then Drew kicks low! Drew bumps Orton off buckles, then climbs up, but he panders for too long and Orton YANKS him down!
The fans fire up as Orton climbs now! Orton rains down fists, and the fans count to nine. Orton hops down, brings Drew around, and POSTS him for ten! Drew tumbles out of the ring, Orton goes out after him, and they’re by the desk! But Drew kicks Orton first and SMACKS him off the desk! Drew clears the desk, and he brings Orton up for the DESK- NO, Orton fights free! Orton turns things around, DESK BACK SUPLEX for Drew! The fans fire up while Orton leaves Drew behind, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew writhes on the floor, but Orton goes out to fetch him! Orton brings Drew around, UPPERCUTS him, then says one more time! DESK BACK SUPLEX! Drew writhes as that desk stays standing! Orton grins, refreshes the ring count, and then he storms up on Drew. Drew pokes Orton in the eye! Drew POSTS Orton now, then brings him around to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP into barriers! Orton slumps down, and Drew also grits his teeth from that double-edged attack, but Drew fires up as he stands tall. Drew drags Orton up, puts him in the ring, then stalks Orton. Drew looms over Orton, and HIP DROPS him!
Orton sputters, Drew says one more time, and he winds up for the HIP DROP! Drew paces around Orton, says maybe one more time, and he pretends he can’t hear the fans. Drew winds up again, but Orton flips over! Hip drop meets kneecaps! And then Orton pokes Drew in the eyes! The ref reprimands but Orton rises up. Drew sputters and flounders, Orton ROCKS him with a right! Drew ROCKS Orton back! Drew storms up, Orton kicks low, but Drew fires another haymaker! The haymakers go back and forth, Orton gets the edge, but Drew GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS! Cover, TWO! Drew clamps onto Orton with an armlock!
SmackDown returns to single picture and the fans rally up. Orton fights up, pries at the chinbar, and then throws right hands! Drew CHOPS Orton in return! The fans “WOO~” and Drew winds up. Drew ROCKS Orton again, eggs him on, then CHOPS again! Drew shoves Orton to a corner, CHOPS again, then dares Orton to fight! Drew whips corner to corner, but Orton comes back to LARIAT! And LARIAT! Drew swings, Orton dodges, SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up as Orton stalks Drew to the apron. Drew HOTSHOTS Orton first! Drew then runs in, but Orton puts him through the ropes!
The fans fire up as Orton has Drew for the DRAPING DDT! The fans fire up for Orton, and Orton hears those voices! Drew rises, but then Orton spots KEVIN OWENS! The Prizefighter is on the ramp, Orton glares at him, but then he turns around into a CLAYMORE!! Cover, DREW WINS!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
Kevin’s mere presence costs Orton, and now Drew has a huge win propelling him down the Road to WrestleMania! As for Orton, Kevin drags him out of the ring, SMACKS him off the desk, and then climbs up to join him! The fans boo but Kevin and his hot pink sneakers have Orton in position, but Orton slips free and TRIPS Kevin up! Kevin hits the desk then the floor! Orton staggers around, the fans rally behind him, and Orton stalks Kevin to the corner of the barriers. Orton lines up the shot! Orton runs in, but Kevin jumps over barriers! Security is there to stop Orton from pursuing, so Kevin runs away into the night!
The fans boo, but The Viper was that close! Will Orton be able to strike Kevin down and completely take him out?
Fire, thunder, smoke…
The force of nature is drawing ever closer. And he’s ready to fly! REY FENIX arrives next Friday Night SmackDown!
Jimmy Uso VS The Miz!
#BigJim gave Gunther a piece of his mind and a mark on his cheek, but it seems not everyone got the message. Will the Hollywood A-lister soon star in the Uso Penitentiary? Or will he prove Jimmy is NOT ready for a world champion level opponent?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Jimmy powers Miz to a corner, Miz turns things around, and the ref counts. Miz takes a swing, Jimmy ducks it to CHOP! And CHOP! Miz shoves Jimmy back, then runs up, but Jimmy TACKLES Miz! Jimmy rains down fists, Miz shoves him away to go to ropes, but Jimmy storms back up. Miz ELBOWS Jimmy away, then runs back up, only for Jimmy to LARIAT him down! The fans fire up while Jimmy storms up on Miz. Jimmy CHOPS Miz, has him in a corner, then whips corner to corner. Miz reverses, Jimmy goes up and over, then UPPERCUTS! Miz staggers back to ropes, but Jimmy is right on him.
Jimmy whips, Miz reverses and kitchen sink knees! Then basement BOOTS! The fans fire up, Miz scowls, and Miz KNEES Jimmy in the back again and again. Miz stalks Jimmy to the ropes now, and he CHOKES Jimmy! The ref counts, Miz runs, and Miz STRADDLE ATTACKS! The fans boo, but Miz runs again. Jimmy ducks the boot, then dodges a lariat! Jimmy runs up to LARIAT Miz up and out! The fans fire up and Jimmy builds speed, but Miz runs away! Jimmy smirks as he goes out the side, and UPPERCUTS Miz over the barriers! Jimmy makes sure Gunther knows he’s coming to get him, but SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and both men are down. Miz and Jimmy crawl, and Jimmy pounds the mat. The fans rally, Jimmy rises and runs up to LARIAT! And LARIAT! And mule kick! Jimmy then UPPERCUTS Miz, dodges a lariat, then SAMOAN DROPS! The fans fire up, Jimmy goes to the corner, “UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs in, but Miz puts him on the apron! Jimmy UPPERCUTS again! Jimmy climbs, leaps, but Miz gets under! Miz then waistlocks, ripcords, and MOVIE MAKER! Fans boo that blatant parody, but Miz full nelsons! Jimmy drops, victory rolls, TWO! Miz has the cover, TWO! Miz hurries to BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally up as Jimmy survives! Miz stalks Jimmy, the fans rally up more, and Miz fires a KICK! And then another KICK! The fans say “YES! YES! YES!” to the It Kicks, but then Miz winds up. Jimmy ducks the buzzsaw, Miz blocks the superkick, but the DRAGON WHIP connects! Miz rebounds to B-MOVIE KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! The parodies don’t get it done, but Miz still has his original work to fall back on. The fans rally for “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Miz runs in, A-LIST LARIAT! Miz shoves Jimmy down, then springboards, but into a SUPERKICK! Jimmy hurries up top, for the USO SPLASH!! Cover, Jimmy wins!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Miz may be a movie star, but Big Jim’s the one winning this main event! Jimmy then borrows Joe Tessitore’s headset to call out Gunther! He’s coming after dat ass on Monday! Gunther won’t be the ring general, he will be “Private Gunther,” and he will salute Big Jim! Uh, uh, YEET! Will Jimmy be the one making examples out of the World Heavyweight Champion? Or will everything come crashing down when Gunther gets his turn?
Drew McIntyre returns backstage.
And he says hey to Lewis Capaldi, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, and also a big fan of Drew’s. They’re ready to have a good night in the pub, but Jackie Redmond walks over to congratulate him on the win tonight. She was hoping to get some thoughts on that victory and what happened with Orton and Kevin. Drew says it’s alright, this is what happens. He doesn’t care about anybody else’s business, but no one gets away with screwing him over. And when no one meddles in his business, he wins! Drew called out Priest, where is he? Priest doesn’t have the balls! So time to get mad in the pubs, everyone’s invited!
Drew turns the corner, but PRIEST IS THERE! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the door, then throws him into road cases! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the trunk of a car, and then again! Or since it’s London, “the boot.” The driver complains, but Priest BODY SLAMS that guy through a table! Drew comes back to KNEE Priest low, SMACK him off the trunk, and then off the side! They go to the hood, or bonnet for UK. Drew drags Priest up, but Priest CLAWS Drew’s eyes! Priest then sends Drew SOUTH OF HEAVEN through the windshield! Priest tells security that he’s done for now. Any more jokes, Drew? Didn’t think so! RIP, jackass!
Priest leaves, the producers hurry to help Drew, and Drew’s got glass in his eye! Will that glass help Drew see why he shouldn’t piss off the Punisher?
CM Punk heads to gorilla.
He has a security detail with him, and he passes by Drew writhing in pain. Punk chuckles, then continues on. Will his contract signing with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins be just as brutal? We find out, after the break.
Nick Aldis is in the ring.
The SmackDown General Manager welcomes us back, and says it is his honor and privilege to be here in the O2 in London. Now, we all know why he and this table is here, and why additional security is here tonight. Tonight, we are here to sign a contract for a Triple Threat. Perhaps the biggest Triple Threat in the history of WrestleMania: Seth Rollins VS CM Punk VS Roman Reigns! The fans cheer all those names, and here comes the OTC! London puts the ones up, and Paul Heyman accompanies THE Tribal Chief out on stage. Roman raises his finger to the sky for the pyro, then security follows him to the ring.
SmackDown goes picture in picture as Roman’s entrance continues, and he raises his finger to the sky for the second round of pyro. Roman steps into the ring, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Heyman hands him a mic. The fans sing, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!” Roman nods, the fans cheer, and now they chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman tells London, “ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” The fans cheer again, and again chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman smiles, but he sees the chairs are not to his liking. Heyman makes sure to put one at the head of the table. Heyman also dusts the chair off while Roman enjoys the singing of, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!”
Roman takes a seat and says that was beautiful. The way they sing to their Tribal Chief, it’s just beautiful. The singing continues, and Heyman even joins in! Roman smiles, and he says that is what he’s talking about. That’s the OTC for you, baby! The biggest star on the planet! The OTC came here for two reasons. One: to be acknowledged; check! And two: to sign this contract. Roman does just that, and he says he’s checked both boxes. That means- “BURN IT DOWN!” Seth Rollins interrupts! The fans now sing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Rollins struts out in his red wine paisley suit and conducts the O2 Choir all the way into the ring.
The fans cheer while Roman frowns, but Rollins takes the seat to Roman’s left. Rollins offers Heyman a chance to sing to this song, but Heyman frowns. Rollins chuckles, and he says the fans do have beautiful singing voices. He doesn’t know why Roman is in such a hurry to leave, though! This is their building! There’s a lot of history here! 12 years ago, they landed on the roof of this place in a helicopter! They came down those stairs over there, “ready to burn down the old guard!” They put the Undertaker down through the desk, and they were going to remake this company in their image!
Now don’t get him wrong, Rollins knows a lot has happened since then. They fought against each other, with each other, a little bit of love and a whole lot of hate. But Rollins dare says, as the fans continue to sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~,” that Rollins and Roman accomplished their mission. The fans start to chant for CM Punk, but Rollins tunes them out. Roman says, “We? We? You keep saying we. Our mission? We died a long time ago. It’s only been ME. You been here, but I done all the work! I’ve made this place what it is today! I took us to the level that we are here today! I made this place better than we found it!
“I’m the one that made us desirable to Netflix! I’m the one that took us into billion-dollar deals! Tell me, what have you done?” Rollins shouts, “I’ll tell you what I’ve done! YOU, YOU, YOU, it’s that mindset that keeps me having to screw you! You understand that? And your biggest mistake is not understanding the danger that’s right in front of us! The danger that’s right in front of you! You let the biggest snake in the world, CM Punk, into the garden! And you could’ve cut his head off at WarGames! But instead, you shook his hand. You could’ve let me finish him inside the cage at The Garden, but you didn’t. And now, I am left to do what I always do: Clean up your mess, again.”
Rollins drops his mic, picks up the pen, and signs his part. And now, here comes CM PUNK! The fans fire up and sing along with Cult of Personality, then join in on saying, “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME~!” Punk goes to the ring, but as he grabs a mic, he goes up a corner, just like he did last Friday. “I have come here to chew bubblegum and sign a contract. And I’m all outta bubblegum.” The fans cheer the Rowdy Roddy Piper reference, and Punk hops down to take his seat on Roman’s right. Punk looks over said contract, but Roman asks if Punk needs a highlighter or something. What’s he doing? Just go to page four, clause five.
Punk does as Roman says, but Roman says Punk needs to hurry, this is precious TV time. Punk reads the segment, Roman tells Heyman to just smarten Punk up. Heyman tells Punk he knows what Punk is looking for. It is in there. They’re closing the show at WrestleMania. The fans go wild hearing that! Heyman tells Punk that he gets to live his dream of dreams. CM Punk will be a WrestleMania main eventer! The fans cheer and while Roman smiles, Rollins is furious. Roman says, “One man’s dream is another man’s favor! CHECK!” Wait, this was the favor? Rollins says no! This is not something to laugh at, and Punk does not get to tear up!
Punk is NOT deserving! He does NOT deserve this! The fans boo but Rollins continues to throw a fit! Main eventing WrestleMania is SACRED, the most important thing in the world to Rollins! More than anything! Except the fact that Punk NEVER gets to main event! This is all Roman’s fault! This is all Heyman’s fault! Rollins THROWS his mic down, paces angrily, but Punk picks up the mic. The fans cheer Punk on again, and Punk stands to thank London, to thank Chicago, to thank Louisville, Kentucky, and to thank ALL the fans. As corny as it sounds, he thanks the WWE Universe who stood by him and chanted his name for TEN LONG YEARS!
Roman says hold on, hold on. Punk shouldn’t be thanking the fans! He should be thanking the Tribal Chief! It is because of Roman that Punk gets this honor! So please, take this moment, close the show with that acknowledgement! Do this the right way. The credits are already rolling as Punk kneels before Roman!? Punk smiles, and he thanks “My Tribal Chief, the holder of the ula fala, the Head of the Table, the… Big Dog? Thank you for allowing a kid from Chicago to be graced by your presence. Thank you, My Tribal Chief, for allowing me to stand in your ring. And thank you so much. Thank you, Roman Reigns, so very much.
“But because of you, I will see you in the main event of WrestleMania.” And again, Rollins is agonizing over this. Punk finishes putting his signature on the contract, and London tells him, “You Deserve It!” Punk thanks Roman again, and then says, “But that’s not the favor that I’m owed.” WHAT?! Roman looks at Heyman and Heyman can’t look him in the eye! If getting this Triple Threat made into the main event isn’t the gift of the Wise Man, then what is?!
My Thoughts:
A good SmackDown, but they pulled off quite the paradox. They made it feel like they were struggling to fill three hours, yet they also filled the show to the point where that contract signing segment was almost bleeding over the three hour mark. Ironically, part of the problem was just how excited the London crowd was for this. The superstars still wanted to enjoy the chants and songs, but that’s time SmackDown doesn’t have to spare. It made the opening promo from Cody, Orton and Drew take longer, and it kinda did the same to the contract signing at the end. Even so, we still got a very good promo, and good stuff to set up Orton VS McIntyre.
Orton VS McIntyre was a great match, but of course Kevin costs Orton. McIntyre gets his win, Kevin and Orton have a bit of a brawl, but of course Kevin ends up on the losing end and runs off. McIntyre’s trash talk also comes back to bite him as Priest gets the better of him in their brawl. Here’s hoping Drew didn’t actually get glass in his eye, but that being the thing in kayfabe can be some good stuff. I can imagine McIntyre with an eyepatch, and he takes it off at the opportune time to get the better of Priest in their match. Also what a fitting choice for Punk to be passing by Drew suffering because of real glass.
Very good title matches tonight, but of course the status quo was kept. Pretty Deadly gets to look great here in London, but the Profits only just got the belts, they’re not going to be transitional champions like that. And Knight VS Braun was really good stuff, but honestly, Jacob Fatu going after them both should’ve been a given. Jacob also had a great promo with Solo & Tama to start adding to that divide between Jacob and Solo. I would hope Solo doesn’t screw Jacob out of the US Championship, but it feels like he will as Solo won’t stand for Jacob defying his authority, even though Solo’s been trying to make Jacob the champion all along.
Very good stuff from Jimmy Uso tonight, from his promo with #MeloDon’tMiz and then a great match with Miz. Their match ended up the de facto main event match, so that’s also great for both guys. Great win for Jimmy, but that’s likely because Jimmy is losing big time to Gunther on Monday. And it might just be me, but it feels like only now is the Jey VS Gunther build really moving, largely in part because Jimmy got involved. Jimmy’s promo after his match is something along the lines of what Jey should be saying. But I suppose as brothers, Jimmy is the one who knows Jey best and knows what Jey needs to be motivated again. And seeing Jimmy get beat up by Gunther will definitely motivate Jey…
Good final vignettes for Rey Fenix and Aleister Black. I’m a little surprised they confirmed Rey Fenix is showing up next week, and that they confirmed who Rey Fenix even is. I believe commentary confirmed Rey Fenix is Penta’s real brother, even namedropped “Lucha Brothers,” but all that is still surprising considering Fenix is going to start on SmackDown. Aleister’s vignette (at least I am fairly confident it’s his) was giving us glimpses of his silhouette, but I think there was usage of AI in the snake imagery. It was fine they did it for El Grande Americano because that is all trolling, but they really should try and do things the old fashioned way of photoshop and stock imagery.
Very good stuff in the Women’s Division tonight, though the WWE Women’s Championship portion was the weaker. Naomi’s got a great Heel persona going, her promo was great, and her going after B-Fab & Michin over them supporting Jade was a great detail. Jade runs Naomi off, helps B-Fab, but there was no helping Michin in being fed to Charlotte. Tiffany had a decent promo, and it does fit how Charlotte kept her from speaking so she finally gets things out here. It didn’t really add that much, though, but they already gave us a great brawl so not sure what more they can give.
KC Squared VS The Secret Her-vice was a very good match, but of course Chelsea made sure her team won. A Six Woman Tag of Zelina & KC Squared VS The Green Administration is certainly coming, to help give us Zelina VS Chelsea for the Women’s US Championship.
My Score: 8.7/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 3.27.2025
Bad news out of the TNA management side, but this is a taped episode from El Paso! So we won’t see any of the fallout just yet!
Now we all heard the news about the TNA change in hierarchy, and I…have no positive outlook on that. Delirious sucked at booking and creative in the dying days of ROH before it got bought as a B show. Dreamer having even more control is concerning because his ideas the last two years haven’t been much better.
Gail leaving makes more sense to me. Be it firing or a “you can’t quit, you’re fired” kind of situation, the Knockouts division is the worst it’s been in a long time and Gail was close with Scott D’Amore. So I don’t think Gail parting ways is as big of a problem since TNA has slowly been bleeding out with the Scott faithful.
Granted, I think the next few shows were already taped before the firing so things shouldn’t be completely unwatchable for at least a week or two. So let’s see where we’re going.
.@WeAreRosemary sends @XiaBrookside a CHILLING message!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/srciTTbel0
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Ratings:
- Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge: Ash wins via Rarefied Air – ** 1/4
- Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr: Chavo wins via Gory Bomb into Frog Splash – *** 1/4
- Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich: Masha wins via Russian Death Device – ***
- Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin: Eric wins via Piledriver – ** 1/2
- Seto & Mokuba – I mean – Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater: Nic wins via Danger Zone – *** 1/4
Results:
Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge
Ash and Gigi start off, Gigi with a little Rascalz after her first takedown. So both her and Wentz are making it obvious something’s going on between them, and I’m not mad at it. Good for my man Wentz.
Tatum and Gigi get some quick tandem offense in, Ash does manage to scurry off to a tag and Heather gets bent into a Pretzel. Some kind of Inverted Tarantula from Tatum, Gigi tags in, Bronco Buster on Heather followed by Kawada Kicks. Heather sells against the ropes, Gigi goes for a Hesitation Dropkick, but Concierge pulls her away so Gigi crashes and burns. Ref is distracted, Ash gets in some cheap shots and then the Elegant duo starts working over Gigi. A few quick tags, but once Heather comes in, Gigi fights out of the corner, gets the hot tag to Tatum. Tatum stacks up both Elegance members, Corner Stacked Crossbody, Butterfly Suplex and an Elbow Drop with some some flare. Tatum goes to the top rope, Heather pulls Gigi off the apron, Concierge shoves Tatum off the turnbuckle and Ash hits Rarefied Air for the win.
Post match the Elegance Clique wants to make their wish with the cake, they light the candles and Tatum and Gigi recover enough to do what we all expected last week, the cake in the face spot. Some…suggestive licking from both of our Hot Topic Hotties, so…no complaints here.
.@Ashamae_Sebera, @Heathereckless and @IamGeorgeIceman are having a meltdown!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/FnKwPqm2ff
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr
Chavo and Kaz start since he’s King Petty, a quick rope run turns into a Headscissor from Chavo. Kaz recovers, they lock up, Kaz hits the Knee Lift during the lock up to tag out to KC. KC pulls off some athletic dodges, gloats a bit so Chavo waits, measures and nails a gorgeous Dropkick. Laredo comes in on fire, quick high spots that send KC bouncing around like HBK against Hulk. KC powders after sells the Satellite Takedown, AJ checks on him and we go to commercial.
Back from commercial, Octagon is lighting up KC’s chest with overhand chops, he perches, Sunset Headscissor Flip from corner to corner, KC tries to Back Drop him but Octagon does a headstand, kicks KC away and lays him out with a high spot. AJ gets on the apron to stop Octagon from running the ropes, the referee has a stroke or something because he stops paying attention and AJ pulls Octagon out of the ring and chucks him. KC with the Tope con Hilo and tag (tag ropes haven’t mattered since the 80s we all know this). So AJ is getting taunted by the crowd in Spanish, but he’s manhandling Octagon since it looks like a Child fighting their parent. AJ knocks off Chavo and Laredo, Laredo pops up and tries to get involved but he’s caught on the shoulders, Octagon goes for the Crossbody but gets caught and AJ pulls off “World’s Strongest Wasteland” but Chavo breaks up the pinfall. AJ throws Octagon into the corner, Tennessee Whiskey, and tag out to KC. KC hits a few moves, but starts to lose the momentum until he connects with a Super Kick. Simultaneous rope run into the Dueling Crossbodies, so we get the timely tag outs from both sides. Kaz and Laredo come in, Laredo lands like two moves before Kaz hits a Sole Butt, Lariat and eats his lunch. KC and Kaz try to double team Laredo but he fights out and the crowd is chanting for Chavo.
Chavo tags in, and he’s rocking KC, Saito Suplex, Low Bridge to AJ, Reverse the Whip so Chavo goes to the corner and perches, KC feeds, Chavo Backflips to safety, rolls through and lays out KC. Chavo is feeling himself, 3 Amigos start on KC but only 2, Kaz comes in and Chavo switches to Kaz for the Amigos, only 2 again before AJ breaks it up. AJ goes for the disrespect, but Chavo counters and hits the 3 Amigos on the biggest Culero. Aztec Warriors dive to stop AJ and Kaz, KC tries a Dirty Victory Roll but Chavo kicks out. GORY BOMB into FROG SPLASH!
Chavo looked fantastic and he’s the one in the best shape in the ring. I wouldn’t be mad at more Chavito.
Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich
I expect very little from this match.
Collar and Elbow, gator rolling for the first 30 seconds or so, then Jacy goes to some Hair Pull takedowns and does a little taunt before Masha pops back up and hits a Lariat into a Dive. Jacy sells it like she’s really hurt, even the ref tries to hold Masha back a little before Masha gets annoyed and just grabs her, Masha throws her in, looks for a Dive and Jacy sees it and powders. Masha tries to go back to the well for the Dive again but Jacy hits the Uppercut and then an Apron Run PK to drop Masha. Forearms rain down into a Foot Choke as Jacy continues to arrogantly play to the crowd. Another Foot Choke into a Cannonball, and near fall.
Masha gets space with a Sole Butt, tries to snap off Requiem but Jacy fights off, fights through a Sunset Flip another effective PK keeps Masha on her ass. Jacy looks for a kinda half-assed Camel Clutch as Masha is fighting up, but Jacy runs her into the corner, gets distracted mouthing off to the crowd, so Masha recovers, 5 Hole Up Kick sends Jacy into the corner, Yakuza Kick into Capo Kick for two. Requiem attempt again, but Jacy pushes off, a little back and forth, Masha tries a Backslide but Jacy gets away and hits a V-Trigger but only a 2 count. Jacy looks for the Discus Punch but Masha ducks it, they strike back and forth, but some dodges from both leave the exchange more even. Jacy with the Front Kick to the face sends Masha to the outside. Jacy wants another PK, but Masha blocks, Electric Chair Apron Snake Eyes. Masha throws her in, a PK into a near all. Requiem attempt 3, and thwarted from Jacy with a Superkick into a Neckbreaker. Senton misses from Jacy, Buzzsaw Kick, into Spinning Back Kick and Russian Death Device for the win.
Better than I expected, and Tessa attacks as soon as the bell rings. Xia Brookside and Lei Ying Li make the save after Tessa grabs the belt.
Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin
Ace and Eric tie up, World of Sport start but as soon as Ace starts to get away EY punches him in the face. Eric looks at the camera and says “This is what trust looks like”, turns his back on Ace, when Ace looks to attack, the loser duo cut him off. EY takes advantage of the weird situation, but Ace with some Up and Over quick spots, into an Inside Cradle and La Magistral. EY kicks out of the quick flash attempts, but eats a Dropkick, and Ace goes all Speed Kils on him with fast strikes and then a face buster for another near fall. Strike spot very early in the match, Ace gets the best of it, goes for a Tear Drop Suplex but EY sits on it to block, Headlocks to keep him close and then a snap Lariat into beatdown bully tactics. EY takes the referee’s attention and one of the nerds punch Ace in the face.
Eric tries to lean on Ace, but Ace fires, a few strikes, Click Click Boom, the Miz Seated Lariats in the corner, Mochizuki Triangle Kick connects! Only a 2 count, but Ace seems to be in control. Ace puts EY on the ropes, a few strikes to keep him rocked, wants a Superplex, but EY blocks, bites the face and Macho Elbow gets a very close two count. EY tries the Piledriver but Ace turns it into a Jacknife Cradle,Spinning Heel Kick, calls for The Fold, but the losers hop on the apron to distract, Ace attacks them. Ace tries to time out the Triangle Kick again, but Eric dodges, throws Ace head first through the buckles. As Ace stumbles out of the corner, Piledriver, and it’s over.
Oh look it’s the “we’ll hear from Joe Hendry” segment. Again, I’ve loved this gimmick since Day 1, even didn’t hate his What Culture Pro stuff, but there is such a thing as milking a cow too much.
Elijah interrupts the whole “Who’s next” speech. When Elijah comes out he says he’s not the challenger and he believes in Joe. The crowd wants Elijah to turn on Hendry. Elijah pauses for a moment, and starts proving his friendship with stating his favorite color and a little “You Got a Friend in Me”. The crowd is into singing along and waving their cameras like Lighters to a 30 year old song. THANKFULLY Kaz breaks up the hug fest. Now he gets the “Culero” chant.
Kaz pulls out a Bass…what the hell is this Jam Session. Kaz has to warm up so he plays “La Cucaracha” on the bass. Kaz…is a national treasure. Hendry kicks Kaz out of the ring after his Heelish and playfully racially charged song choices. Kaz tries to sow dissension, but Joe and Elijah pinball Kaz between them. Kaz slips a power move and tries to shove Elijah into Joe but Elijah puts the brakes on, a small tense moment. But then Joe and Elijah play “Nah Nah Nah Nah, Hey Hey, Goodbye”…and that goes right into a commercial. Oddly…perfect.
Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater
Nic shoots the half immediately for a flash pinfall but Leon kicks out at one. Nic continues to keep things grounded with his amateur wrestling skills, and then does a little Dolph Ziggler show off. So Nic isn’t really taking this seriously, and Leon starts getting the best of things with an Arm Wringer, into drag, Shoulder Tackle and rope run as Nic tries to Leap Frog and Leon puts on the brakes and just shoves Nic on his ass. Nic gets annoyed, a few strikes, grinds his face along the ropes, but Leon keeps stringing some offense together, Back Handspring Elbow into his Corner con Hilo.
Ahh the classic formula of the commercial gives the heel the advantage, Twisting Suplex from Leon stops Nic’s offense momentum, right hand, Leon lifts Nic up for something, Nic slips it, kicks him in the gut, looks for the FameAsser, but Leon catches him into a Blue Thunder Bomb variation. Slater wants the Swanton 450, but Nic powders. Leon tries to adjust into a Dive, but Nic cuts him off, counter for counter and a FameAsser out of the counters for a two count. Nic starts the big brother tactics, bootwashes and arrogance, Slater fires, punches into a Yakuza Kick. Leon wants another Lethal Injection variant, but Nic catches him into a Rear Naked Choke. Slater tries to turn it into a pin so Nic breaks it. Leon wants a Leg Lariat but misses and gets unceremoniously dropped by Nic. Nic puts Leon up on the buckles, Superplex possibly but Slater counters, tries to collect himself for a move, but Nic falls into the ropes to crotch Leon, and finally hits the Superplex.
Twist of Slate from Leon, Swanton 450 but knees get up. Locomotion Cradles from both but they kick out, Ryan picks the ankle to trip up Leon just a touch and then Danger Zone ends the match.
Ryan starts the post match beatdown, but the Hardy’s music hits and they come down to the ring for the save. Matt challenges the Nemeths for Rebellion because they’re not medically cleared yet.
Overall Score: 6.5/10
Decent story motion, no match was offensive, and there was actually some solid match action for television standards. I don’t have a ton to complain about aside from the Knockouts Division is in a weird spot, and giving Hendry a lot of just talking and hollow payoff segments feels stupid. If we need to hear from him every week, give him a talk segment like Highlight Reel or something. Yes I know First Class just got The Penthouse, but if Hendry is going to talk more than wrestle, give him a talk segment for us to sink our teeth into.
There was the announcement that Xia, Lei Ying and Masha will face Tessa, Jacy and a mystery partner. So you gotta wonder if there’s going to be another NXT mercenary, a surprise return or if it’ll just be Rosemary since she’s got her issues with Xia. Also I just realized that Unbreakable is going to be on a Thursday, seemingly after iMPACT? I’m gonna have to see how they do it, because if there’s an Impact episode and 2-3 hour PLE…I do not want to be awake until 1am. People need to work, and I will be Unwakeable if things go that long.
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Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
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