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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The champions of ROH are in action!
ROH has a NEW World Champion in Eddie Kingston! But will Katsuyori Shibata, the Mogul Embassy and Athena be able to hold onto their titles?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- ROH Pure Championship: Katsuyori Shibata VS Nick Wayne; Shibata wins and retains the title.
- Diamante VS Catie Brite; Diamante wins.
- Lee Johnson VS Lee Moriarty w/ Shane Taylor; Moriarty wins.
- Mercedes Martinez w/ Diamante VS Trish Adora; Mercedes wins.
- ROH Women’s World Championship: Athena VS Angelina Love; Athena wins and retains the title.
- Six Woman Tag: Leyla Hirsch & The Renegades VS Skye Blue, Willow Nightingale & Kiera Hogan; Skye, Willow & Kiera win.
- Ethan Page VS VSK; Ethan wins.
- Spanish Announce Project & Tony Nese w/ Mark Sterling VS El Hijo Del Vikingo, Metalik & Gravity w/ Alex Abrahantes; Vikingo, Metalik & Gravity win.
- Cole Karter & Griff Garrison w/ Maria Kanellis-Bennett VS Action Andretti & Darius Martin; Action & Darius win.
- ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championships: The Mogul Embassy w/ Prince Nana VS Willie Mack & The Infantry; The Mogul Embassy wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Eddie Kingston speaks.
“I’m in pain. Uh, that stage hurts. Claudio hurts every time he hits you. Uh, I don’t like him as a human being, but I shook his hand because let’s be honest, he’s was a great ROH champion, and I’ve always said he’s a great wrestler. I just don’t like him as a person, and that’s not gonna change. But I can definitely show him that I’ve grown. I’ve grown up. Back in the day, I wouldn’t’ve shook his hand, I would’ve spat in his face and then I would’ve gloated. But bro, I grew up, man. I gave him his due and his respect. I’m just, uh, I’m proud. I’m happy.
“Uh, when I get back to the hotel, I’m not gonna be proud ‘n’ happy because now I gotta defend this championship and this championship, and that’s gonna be hard, but I like it. Without struggle, there is no progress, y’know what I mean? I’d feel weird if there was no struggle. But uh, this is dedicated to Xavier, the second-ever ROH World Champion. Rest in peace, bud. Thank you for everything you’ve done for this business. Thank you for being good to me in the locker room. But this one’s for you, dog. Because people should remember who you are, man. X marks the spot, baby. Love you, X. Rest in peace.
“I’m good now. I just wanna go see my parents. We good, Jean Carlo? We good, baby. New York in this mother, ya heard?” The Mad King has two crowns, how long shall he reign?
ROH Pure Championship: Katsuyori Shibata VS Nick Wayne!
The Wrestler is back, ready to put another man to the test. The Prodigy of Rain City is here, but will he reign so soon into his young career? Or will Shibata show him he still has a long way to go?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and our judges for this match are Jerry Lynn, Jimmy Jacobs and Dalton Castle. The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, and we see if Wayne’s World can survive Shibata!
The two circle, feel things out, and Shibata waistlocks to drag Nick down. Nick shifts around but Shibata half nelsons. Nick fights up, wristlocks, then goes for a leg. Shibata sprawls to push Nick down, then he waistlocks. Nick goes for a leg but so does Shibata, and Shibata uses that to get a roll-up! Nick keeps his shoulder sup so Shibata lets off. Fans cheer and Shibata keeps after Nick but with a leg guard. Nick and Shibata grapple, Nick grabs a leg in a toehold but Shibata uses that to body scissor and chinlock. Nick pries at the hold, but Shibata shifts to go for an arm! Nick clasps hands and fans rally up as he moves around.
Nick stacks Shibata, but Shibata also keeps a shoulder up. Shibata powers Nick down to a short arm scissor! Nick endures, shifts, but Shibata has the mount pretty easily. Shibata slaps Nick around, then stomps him down! Nick goes to ropes but that is a neutral break. Fans rally as the two reset and feel things out. They knuckle lock, Shibata knees low and snapmares, but Nick ducks the kick! Fans fire up as the two reset. Shibata kicks Nick but Nick kicks back. Shibata blocks to have an ANKLE LOCK! Nick flails, reaches out, but endures as Shibata drags him back. Nick almost has ropes, then tries again, ROPEBREAK!
Shibata lets go as Nick uses his first. Nick holds on, Shibata tries to drag Nick away, but Nick kicks and kicks. Shibata lets go and Nick gets out of the ring to walk off the pain. Shibata heads out after Nick, but Nick kicks first! Nick whips and Shibata hits railing! Fans rally up as Nick runs in but Shibata BOOTS him down! Shibata then whips Nick into railing! Shibata whips Nick into even more railing! Nick gasps for air, but Shibata BOOTS him down! Shibata rolls into the ring, letting the count take care of Nick. Nick checks his face and clutches his neck at 5 of 10 but Shibata goes out to stand Nick up. Shibata puts Nick in and fans applaud.
Shibata stalks Nick, stomps him, then kicks him! Shibata kicks Nick more and more and fans rally. Shibata CHOPS Nick then brings him up again. Shibata CHOPS, Nick drops to his knees, and Shibata gives him more sharp yet toying kicks. Nick sits up, but Shibata just kicks him down! We hit five minutes and Nick CHOPS! Shibata just shrugs it off! Nick CHOPS, but Shibata eggs him on! Nick CHOPS, so Shibata CHOPS! Nick is stinging, Shibata runs and BOOTS Nick down! Nick roars and rises up but Shibata BOOTS him again! Shibata runs, but Nick UPPERCUTS! Nick runs to UPPERCUT Shibata down!
Fans fire up and Nick brings Shibata up to cravat. But Shibata denies Shiranui! Only for Nick to SHOTGUN on the return! Fans rally as Nick storms up to the corner. Nick fires forearms, then runs corner to corner, and a very Shibata like HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Fans fire up as Nick drags Shibata up. But Shibata breaks free! Nick BOOTS Shibata, throws a forearm, but Shibata just scowls! Nick throws another forearm but Shibata eggs him on. Nick throws more forearms, then a CHOP! And another CHOP and another CHOP, but Shibata leans into them! Shibata is backing Nick down like that! Nick fires forearms now, but Shibata DECKS him with just one!
Shibata whips Nick to a corner, then BOOTS him! Then Shibata rains down forearms to sit Nick down! Shibata stomps a mudhole, but Nick gets up! So Shibata UPPERCUTS him down! Shibata runs to HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Nick feels how it’s done, and Shibata hauls him up. HALF HATCH! Cover, TWO! Nick hangs in there but Shibata wraps on a chinlock! Nick fights up but into a COBRA TWIST! Fans rally as Nick endures, fights his way over, and has a ROPEBREAK! That’s his second of three as we pass eight minutes, and Shibata lets off with a knee to the side! Shibata reels Nick in to waistlock, but Nick fights!
Nick grabs the ropes again, that’s his third and final! But then Nick uses ropes to push up and over, then he mule kicks! Nick cravats, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Shibata is tougher than that but Nick hurries up. Nick full nelsons but Shibata breaks to switch. Nick fights the lift so Shibata ripcords. Nick ducks to ripcord and ROUNBDHOUSE! And SUPERKICK! Nick goes up and up and WAYNE’S- SLEEPER!! Shibata has Nick and Nick is fading fast! Shibata sits him down to PENALTY KICK!! Cover, Shibata wins!
Winner: Katsuyori Shibata, by pinfall (still ROH Pure Champion)
At nine minutes and 16 seconds, Shibata puts this one away! Nick shows skill beyond his years, and Shibata respects that by offering a handshake. Nick takes it to keep the Code of Honor, but when and where will Nick get another shot at gold?
Backstage interview with Lee Johnson.
Lexi Nair is with Big Shotty and brings up his match with Shane Taylor from last week, and how he has a match tonight with the newest member of Shane Taylor Promotions, #TAIGASTYLE, Lee Moriarty. How is Shotty feeling going into this match? Johnson tells Lexi, “Here we are again!” But wait, Shane Taylor Promotions walks in, and Moriarty tells Big Shotty that he hopes there were no hard feelings in what happened last week. Who knew Johnson would get distracted by Moriarty walking out there? Sure, Moriarty looks good, but just leave the past in the past. Code of Honor! Shake his hand. He promises it’s clean.
Shane says Johnson could always get knocked out again. Johnson stares Shane down and Lexi says they can all settle this in the ring. STP heads out, will Big Shotty be able to handle Moriarty with Big Bad Shaney T at ringside?
Diamante VS Catie Brite!
The Cuban Diamond is back in action on ROH, ready to shine in the spotlight once and for all. Will she show she can shine brighter than Brite? Or will Brite have a bright future here in ROH?
The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, and Diamante DECKS Brite! Brite staggers up, Diamante fires off on her, then CHOKES her on the ropes! The ref counts, Diamante snapmares to then mess with Brite’s hair. Diamante then CLUBS away on Brite, but the ref reprimands about the hair pulling. Diamante CLUBS Brite down, puts her back on ropes, and CHOKES her again! The ref reprimands, Diamante lets off at 4, then she drags Brite up. Diamante says Brite ain’t on her level, then she SMACKS Brite off buckles! Diamante JABS, CHOPS and repeat! The ref counts, Diamante lets off, but then CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS!
The ref reprimands and counts more, so Diamante whips Brite corner to corner. Diamante runs in but only gets buckles! Roll up, TWO! Diamante staggers up, and she SHOTGUNS Brite down! Fans fire up as Diamante dusts herself off. Diamante drags Brite up, for the TWIST! Cover, Diamante wins!
Winner: Diamante, by pinfall
The Brite Light was simply used to make the Diamond shine! But when and where will Diamante get the gold that she wants?
Backstage interview with Willie Mack & The Infantry.
Lexi is with Trish Adora and the trio that will be challenging for the ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championships tonight. Which are currently held by the Mogul Embassy. Captain Dean says not for long. Bravo, hit ’em with the deal. Let ’em know why it’s not for much longer. Bravo tells Lex that he ain’t gon’ flex, and he’ll answer the question so first thing is this. Did Infantry become one of the hottest teams in ROH? Yep. Has adding the Mack Attack one of the hottest trios? Yep. So not only are they ready to win, they’re ready for war! He ain’t gonna talk no more, let Mack take over.
Mack says they are about to make history. With Adora by their side, they’ve got Shawn Dean, Carlie Bravo. Is this their first ROH title match ever? Uh, yeah… Wow, who knew? They really out here. Well, then the Embassy better watch out, they’re gonna do the damn thing. Mack may not have won that $25,000, but they’re gonna get these titles and have major capital! Let’s go, baby! Turn up! Bravo says have no fear, the future ROH World Six Man Champs are here! #CopyThat. The team heads out, will they be able to bring down those behemoths under Prince Nana’s command?
Lee Johnson VS Lee Moriarty w/ Shane Taylor!
We just heard from Big Shotty and #TAIGASTYLE, but now it is time to put some action behind those words! Will Johnson or Moriarty prove they are the alpha Lee in ROH?
The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Johnson wrenches, but Moriarty rolls. Johnson wrangles Moriarty but Moriarty kips up and clinches. Johnson wrenches to another wristlock but Moriarty spins, slips through and twists Johnson’s arm to an ELBOW BREAKER! Johnson gets away and fans rally as the two reset. They circle, feel things out, then Johnson trips Moriarty to waistlock. Moriarty fights up, pries free to switch and hammerlock. Johnson slips around to hammerlock back. Moriarty slips around but Johnson turns it right back around to have the armlock.
Moriarty tries again but again Johnson puts the hammerlock back on him. Moriarty does squats, then spins, but Johnson holds on! Moriarty pulls hair to put Johnson in a corner! The ref counts, Johnson lets off, but Moriarty ELBOWS Johnson! Fans boo but Moriarty soaks up the heat. Moriarty CHOPS, then he says one more! Only to feint and kick low! Moriarty soaks up the heat, whips Johnson but Johnson goes up and over! Moriarty hits buckles, Johnson ducks ‘n’ dodges, leap frogs and DROPKICKS! Moriarty bails out, fans fire up, and Johnson pursues. Johnson ROCKS Moriarty, then ROCKS him again!
Johnson CHOPS Moriarty and fans fire up! Moriarty staggers away but Johnson follows him, to CHPO him again! Johnson then puts Moriarty in the ring, slide sin but Moriarty stomps away on him! The ref counts, Moriarty lets off and he stands Johnson up. Moriarty CHOPS and fans fire up! Moriarty swings but Johnson dodges to CHOP back! Johnson headlocks, Moriarty powers out, and things speed up again, Moriarty’s kitchen sink knee knocks Johnson down! Johnson writhes while fans rally, and Moriarty stands Johnson up to snap suplex! Bridging cover, TWO! Moriarty still bridges while he mockingly applauds Johnson.
Moriarty wraps Johnson up in a seated abdominal stretch! Fans rally as Johnson endures, and Johnson fights up, only for Moriarty to knee low, but Johnson blocks! Trip and jackknife bridge! TWO, and Johnson goes for a leg. Moriarty steps over, whips Johnson away and things speed up, but Johnson rolls Moriarty again! TWO, and Moriarty CLOBBERS Johnson! But Johnson is up to CLOBBER Moriarty! Fans rally and a standing count starts! Johnson stands, goes to a corner, but Moriarty runs in. Johnson ELBOWS Moriarty, goes up and over and things speed up again. Johnson rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT, then a NECKBREAKER!
Johnson kips up and fans fire up with him! Moriarty clutches his neck as Johnson hauls him up, to a BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO! Moriarty survives and Shane is relieved, but Johnson pounds the mat. Fans rally as Moriarty crawls to a corner. Johnson storms up but Moriarty YANKS him into buckles! The ref reprimands but Moriarty stomps away! The ref backs Moriarty off, but then he storms up to YANK Johnson up! Johnson lands on his feet, ELBOWS Moriarty again, then SUPERKICKS him down! Fans fire up as Johnson aims from a corner. Johnson goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and takes aim, to FROG SPLASH!!
Johnson bounces off the impact, crawls back to the cover, ROPEBREAK!! Moriarty survives by a literal foot but Johnson fires himself back up. Johnson whips, Moriarty holds ropes then HOTSHOTS Johnson! LEG LARIAT! Cover, Moriarty wins!
Winner: Lee Moriarty, by pinfall
Shane is proud of his new recruit for finishing that one in the blink of an eye! Will TAIGASTYLE help Shane Taylor Promotions take over ROH once and for all?
Athena puts Billie Starkz (and Lexi Nair) through Minion Training.
The Fallen Goddess says they are here for one thing and one thing only: They have consistently failed her time and again! So today, they are doing training! “Yes, Minion Overlord!” These are all things essential to them becoming the best minions they can be! Is that understood? “Yes, Minion Overlord!” Athena blows the whistle and it begins! First, running up and down the bleachers! You wanna be a minion? Let’s go! They also do standing ovation training, they shine the stage, and Lexi keeps Billie from pressing the “big red button.” Athena wants Billie to stop smiling and being happy. Only angry face from now on!
Athena also puts them through booing drills, where they are to boo Willow Nightingale. Athena makes sure Billie gets that through her head! Boo Willow! No smiles! Keep running! Then they ride the elevator together as Athena does the grades. Billie tries to sneak a peek but almost gets caught. Billie also has to throw away her pompoms. She tries to be intimidating to the others in the locker room. Though it’s more like a kid playing dinosaur or something… The Renegades leave and Billie thinks she “did it,” but Lexi explains that she in fact did not. And then they cross paths with Willow! Athena snaps her fingers and Billie boos! Willow asks why!
Athena says she likes what she’s seen today. Lexi has graduated MIT, so she will now Lexi Nair, “Minion Bestie.” Billie, you sucked. Athena leaves and Billie isn’t sure what to do with that. Will Billie ever not be on Athena’s bad side?
Mercedes Martinez w/ Diamante VS Trish Adora!
The OG Badass has been rolling back up the ranks, but the Afropunk is also primed for that number one spot. Who comes out in pole position in the chase for the title?
The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, and the two circle. They tie up, are in a deadlock, and they break. Adora grins but Diamante coaches Mercedes up. They tie up again, Mercedes waistlocks and she SLAMS Adora down. Mercedes headlocks, Adora powers up and powers out, but Mercedes pulls hair to bring Adora back in! The ref reprimands, but Adora lifts! Mercedes uses that to flying takeover! Mercedes says that was so pretty and thanks the fans for the cheers. But Adora rolls to a cover, ONE and Adora runs Mercedes over! Fans fire up as Adora taunts Mercedes. Mercedes swings, misses and Adora fires off forearms!
Adora winds up to ROCK Mercedes! Adora runs in to SPLASH in the corner! Adora fireman’s carries, but Diamante distracts so Mercedes can pull hair, get free and shove, then SPINEBUSTER! Fans rally up as Mercedes mocks the salute. Mercedes taunts Adora, kicks her around, then UPPERCUTS! Mercedes scuffs Adora, CHOKES her on the ropes, then lets off as the ref counts. Diamante CHOKES Adora now! Fans are torn but Diamante gets away with it. Mercedes UPPERCUTS Adora, then fireman’s carries. Adora fights free, shoves Mercedes, but Mercedes sidesteps to ROLLING ELBOW! Adora sits down but Mercedes stands her up.
Mercedes puts Adora on the ropes, DRAPING ANARCHY! Cover, TWO! Adora hangs in there and both Mercedes and Diamante are frustrated! Mercedes slaps Adora around, eggs her on, and fans rally up. Adora scowls, Mercedes fires palm strikes an an UPPERCUT! But Adora hits the BASEMENT GERMAN SUPLEX! Fans fire up with Adora, and she BOOTS Mercedes down! Then SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Mercedes hangs tough, she’s a former champion for a reason. But Adora drags Mercedes back up, fireman’s carries again, but Mercedes flails to sunset flip! Adora stays up to drag Mercedes up by her hair!
Adora short arm but Mercedes ducks to HALF NELSON SUPLEX! Then RUNNING KNEE!! Adora falls back, rises up slowly, into the BAYONET FOREARM! Mercedes then clamps onto the legs, SLAPS Adora into giving up the arms, and then pulls her back and back and up! BRASS CITY SLEEPER!! Adora taps, Mercedes wins!
Winner: Mercedes Martinez, by submission
Mercedes doesn’t let go until she’s good and ready. The OG Badass and the Cuban Diamond mock the Infantry, but will these two be the ones waiting on the other side of the Women’s World Championship match? Speaking of…
ROH Women’s World Championship: Athena w/ Billie Starkz VS Angelina Love!
The Fallen Goddess has yet to be dethroned in ROH, but tonight she faces the Pretty Psycho! Angelina has held titles before, even the Women of Honor World Championship that preceded this title! Will Angelina return to the top in this new era of honor? Or will nothing stop Athena’s already historic reign?
Athena is still in coach mode, telling Billie to get the fans fired up, but from behind Athena. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who’s ready to get crazy!
The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, and fans rally for Athena. Athena thanks them and she circles with Angelina. They tie up, go around, and then have a deadlock at the center. They break, Angelina and Athena each complain the other pulled hair. The ref didn’t see any of it, so the two go at it again. Angelina waistlocks, Athena switches but Angelina switches back. Athena switches again but Angelina runs to RAM Athena into buckles! But then Athena arm-drags her down! Athena keeps on the cording hold but Angelina endures. Angelina fights up, arm-drags and has the armlock on Athena.
Athena fights up, Angelina wrenches to a wristlock, but Athena flips and wrenches and arm-drags again! Athena kips up, fans fire up, but Angelina CLOBBERS Athena! Angelina cheers herself on but Athena kips up again. Angelina runs in, into a SOBAT! Then a trip, and METEORA! Cover, TWO! Angelina bails out, fans rally up, and Athena goes out after her. But Angelina uses Billie as a hostage! Then she throws Billie into Athena, and she throws Athena down! Billie says that’s not fair! Angelina puts Athena in, dribbles her off the mat, then stands over her. Angelina soaks up the heat but Athena sunset flips! TWO!
Angelina stacks, TWO! Athena stands but into a knee! Angelina scoops Athena to a SIDEWALK SLAM! Cover, TWO! Angelina is frustrated but the fans rally behind Athena. Billie cheers Athena on but Angelina wrangles Athena with a chinlock. Angelina grinds Athena down, but the fans rally up. Athena fights to her feet, but Angelina throws her down! Angelina smiles as she keeps on the chinlock. Fans rally, Athena fights up again, and Billie has pompoms! Athena BITES Angelina and arm-drags free! Fans fire up as Athena fires forearms! Athena BACKHANDS Angelina! Athena whips, Angelina reverse=s but Athena CLOBBERS her!
Fans fire up as Athena rallies! Then Athena wrenches, SOBATS, and ENZIGURIS! Athena howls and fans fire up! Athena handsprings to FOREARM in the corner! Athena snapmares Angelina, goes up top, but Angelina trips her up! Fans boo Angelina while Billie coaches Athena up. Angelina drags Athena off with a fireman’s carry but Athena slips off to shove. Athena runs in but only gets buckles! Angelina BOOTS Athena down! Cover, TWO!! Angelina is shocked, and Billie is halfway in the ring? The ref has her slip back out and Angelina says to watch her. Billie says she didn’t do anything!
Athena waistlocks, Angelina switches and rolls her up, but Athena rolls through to reel Angelina in! Canadian Rack, CLIFFHANGER GUTBUSTER! Cover, Athena wins!
Winner: Athena, by pinfall (still ROH Women’s World Champion)
Angelina Love gave Athena a fight worthy of this title, but only Athena proved worthy of this title! She is now 39-0, and Billie presents her with the whistle. Coach Athena takes it, smiles and nods, and says Billie is finally learning. Athena pats Billie on the head, the two head out, but how much further does Billie have to go before she is championship material herself?
Backstage interview with Maria Kanellis-Bennett, Cole Karter & Griff Garrison.
Lexi is with The First Lady of Wrestling and her new prospects, they are going to team up for the very first time together. Are they ready for this? The bigger question is if Griff is with The Kingdom. Griff wants to put this out there right now: this is a trial and error kind of thing. Like he said last week, he feels he’s lost a step after returning from injury, and this seems like a relatively good opportunity. So yeah, he is ready. Okay, good. See you out there. Karter repeats, “See you out there.” Will the Ivy League MVP be able to make it work with the Diamond in the Rough?
Six Woman Tag: Leyla Hirsch & The Renegades VS Skye Blue, Willow Nightingale & Kiera Hogan!
The Fallen Goddess is still atop the mountain, and all six of these young and hungry wrestlers want their shot! But will Charlette & Robyn be able to keep up with their #LEGIT partner? Or will Chicago Skye, the Babe with the Power and the Hottest Flame keep their own momentum going?
The Code of Honor is upheld, though maybe with some sarcasm and sass. The teams sort out and Robyn starts against Kiera. Fans cheer “Happy Birthday!” for Kiera and she ties up with Robyn. Robyn knees low and says this is her birthday gift! Robyn whips but Kiera ELBOWS her! Then RANAS! Robyn ends up in a corner, Kiera runs in to SHOTGUN her down! Kiera runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK! Then she goes side to side to BOOT WASH! Kiera drags Robyn around, covers, TWO! Kiera drags Robyn over, tags in Skye, and fans rally as they double whip. Robyn holds ropes but gets a SHINING WIZARD for it!
Kiera adds another HIP ATTACK! Fans rally as Skye YANKS Robyn down to then mule kick! Cover, TWO! But then Leyla and Charlette YANK Willow and Kiera down from the outside! The ref reprimands them while Skye drags Robyn up. Robyn dodges the forearm to ROCK Skye! Snapmare and then a cover, TWO! Robyn drags Skye up, tags Charlette, and the Renegades double suplex. They hold Skye up for five before the SLAM! Cover, TWO! Maria is on stage, she’s still hoping Leyla joins up. Charlette wraps on a chinlock but Skye fights up., Skye throws body shots but Charlette CLUBS her down!
Charlette puts Skye in the corner, RAMS into her, then RAMS her again! Maria likes it as Charlette bumps Skye off buckles. Tag to Robyn, and she cravat SLAMS! Charlette runs to ROLLING NECKBREAKER! Charlette holds on to bridge for a modified cravat neck wrench! Skye endures, CLUBS free, and then drags Charlette up. But Charlette SPINEBUSTERS! Cover, TWO! Skye hangs tough but Charlette drags her up. Charlette bumps Skye off buckles, tags Robyn, and Robyn whisps her in to back body block! Robyn runs in to KNEE Skye, but then Leyla tags in! Leyla finally has a turn, and she GERMAN SUPLEXES!
Leyla drags Skye up to GERMAN SUPLEX again! Maria likes what she sees as Leyla hits a third GERMAN SUPLEX! Leyla then sucker punches Kiera! Fans boo and Willow dares her to do that to Willow. Leyla runs in at Skye instead, but Skye ELBOWS her back! Skye knocks the Renegades down, but Leyla gets her for a snap takedown and LEGIT ARMBAR!! Skye hurries to stack, TWO! Leyla blocks a kick, but not the BASEMENT ROUNDHOUSE! Hot tags to Willow and Robyn! Fans fire up as Willow rallies on the Renegades! Willow DECKS Leyla for good measure! Willow fires off on Charlette but Charlette kicks low!
Charlette reels Willow in but Willow suplexes! Robyn makes the save, the Renegades mug Willow, but Willow fights the double suplex to DOUBLE SUPLEX the Renegades! Cover, Leyla breaks it! Leyla HAMMERS away on Willow but Kiera CLOBBERS her! Robyn goes after Kiera, Skye is after her, Charlette returns! The brawl breaks down, spills out of the ring, and Robyn runs up. Skye dodges but Robyn dodges! Robyn catches Skye to a BACK2BACKBREAKER! Kiera runs in, boots the lariat and then ROUNDHOUSES! Kiera reels Robyn in, HANGING NECKBREAKER! Charlette spins Kiera for a BACKBREAKER!
Willow is back, she hits an URENAGE! Leyla storms back in to SHOTGUN Willow! Leyla whips, Willow reverses and then POUNCES! PERIOD! Tag to Skye and Willow hauls Charlette up. Fireman’s carry, SUPERKICK to DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Willow BLASTS Robyn, Skye SUPERKICKS Leyla! Kiera runs in to DIVE and she takes out Robyn! Skye hurries to get Charlette up, for CODE BLUE! Cover, Skye’s team wins!
Winners: Skye Blue, Willow Nightingale & Kiera Hogan, by pinfall
Maria is no longer as impressed by Leyla as she was. Will the First Lady have to change tactics about her Kingdom’s Army?
Backstage interview with Angelico, Serpentico, Tony Nese & Mark Sterling.
Lexi is with this rather odd collection and says tonight, they will be teaming up in Six Man Tag action for the first time ever. What led to all this? Smart Mark says the Premier Athlete is always on the lookout for possible young up ‘n’ coming wrestlers to join the Premier Brand. This is a one time offer: if they win, FREE GROUP TRAINING! Maybe Nese can whip them into shape to have more muscles. Nese says they don’t look the part but he can work on that as a personal trainer. But they are to do exactly what he says, exactly what he does, and follow him to victory. Understand? You got it? Comprende, hombre?
And don’t come out there until he tells them. Sterling agrees, but does compliment Serpentico’s mask and the hand streamers. Sterling & Nese head out, and Angelico says those guys’ vibes are way off. Serpentico says they’re burros. Sterling heard that! Will this team work out so that they can work out?
Ethan Page VS VSK!
All Ego got a great win in his ROH return, showing his ego has mellowed out a bit. Will he continue to build back up? Or will the former Trustbuster bust him down even more?
The Code of Honor is upheld, though Page doesn’t let go right away. The bell rings, Page and VSK circle, and fans rally up for Page. Page has them get louder, so there’s still some ego. The two tie up, Ethan headlocks, but VSK pulls hair! VSK headlocks, Page powers out and then CLOBBERS VSK! Fans rally and Page complains about the hair pulling. Page then scoops VSK but VSK CLAWS the eyes! The ref reprimands but VSK ROCKS Page with a haymaker! VSK mocks the fans for cheering Page, then he storms up on Page. VSK whips but Page blocks! And again! Page reels VSK in to scoop and POWERSLAM!
Page fires up and the fans are with him! Page drags VSK up, reels him in, Canadian Rack! But VSK slips free, ducks ‘n’ dodges ‘n’ slides to DROPKICK! But Page rebounds to run VSK over! VSK goes to a corner, Page runs in but only gets buckles! VSK mule kicks, front kicks, but the enziguri whiffs! Page wraps on a half straitjacket, then he scoops VSK and carries him around, for the CRADLE SUPLEX! Then a step-in CUTTER! Cover, Page wins!
Winner: Ethan Page, by pinfall
Page shakes VSK’s hand to keep the Code of Honor, and he is rolling already! Will he truly be refreshed with a title opportunity?
Spanish Announce Project & Tony Nese w/ Mark Sterling VS El Hijo Del Vikingo, Metalik & Gravity w/ Alex Abrahantes!
The Premier Brand is looking to expand, but Angelico y Serpentico haven’t been sold just yet. Will they make a better trio than even they can imagine? Or will this alliance of luchadores bring them all crashing down?
Sterling of course has a mic to say that everyone knows this is Tony Nese. His client has something very important to say. “Penn State College. I tried telling this company, if we wanted to perform in front of real athletes, we should’ve done this show in Ohio State.” Fans boo but Nese says that he’s just being honest. Maybe if Penn didn’t spend so much time at The Creamery, they’d be in shape! Ladies, ladies, ladies, it’s called the Freshman 15, not Freshman 50. But Nese has great news for everyone. They all know he is a personal trainer, so before they have any more wrestling tonight, he is gonna treat each and every one of them to GROUP TRAINING!
Stand up! Let’s get going! Get off your lazy asses! Stretch! Reach up! But then Angelico y Serpentico make their way out! They stopped listening to Nese’s orders from earlier, is this partnership falling apart already? Then after Serpentico throws his streamers, Abrahantes’ trio makes their entrance, Gravity leading the way. The teams sort out, Nese tells SAP to watch and learn. Nese then makes Serpentico start against Metalik, and the Code of Honor is upheld. The bell rings, fans rally up and the two tie up. Serpentico wrenches, hammerlocks, facelocks, wrenches and whips, but Metalik goes up and over and keeps moving.
Metalik ducks ‘n’ dodges, Serpentico drops down and avoids the handspring elbow! Metalik avoids the boot to CHOP! Metalik whips, Serpentico reverses but Metalik elbows him down! Metalik runs in, Serpentico monkey flips him but Metalik lands on his feet! Things keep moving, Metalik scoops and BACKBREAKERS Serpentico! Cover, ONE!! Metalik keeps on Serpentico and brings him up to wrench. Tag to Gravity but Serpentico gets away. Gravity has to stay back as Serpentico goes to his corner. Angelico tags in, and he circles with Gravity. They feel things out, knuckle lock, but Angelico crisscrosses Gravity’s arms into a one-arm double armlock!
Gravity stomps at Angelico’s feet but Angelico easily avoids those. Then he wraps Gravity up in a straitjacket stretch! Angelico ripcords, whips, but Gravity holds ropes. Angelico rushes in, Gravity gets around, schoolboys but Angelico rolls through. Gravity kips up, flips through the wrench and arm-drags Angelico away! Fans fire up as Gravity runs in, ARABIAN PRESS ARM-DRAG! Another kip up while Angelico bails out, and Gravity builds speed. Angelico ducks but Gravity handsprings! Gravity space walks, tag to Vikingo! Fans rally up but Nese tags in to say he has to handle this. But Vikingo CROSSBODIES!
Nese rushes in, Vikingo dodges to whip, but Nese reverses. Vikingo reverses back to HEEL KICK! BOOT! ENZIGURI! Nese is in the corner and fans rally behind Vikingo. Vikingo runs up to GAMANGIRI! Nese wobbles, Vikingo goes up but Nese hurries away. Vikingo still springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK! Nese bails out, Vikingo builds speed and he goes up and up, pauses so physics can catch up with him, and Viking SKY TWISTERS! Direct hit and both men are down, so SAP rushes in! Gravity y Metalik dodge them to DOUBLE DROPKICK them out! SAP bails out and the luchadores DOUBLE TOPE!!
Fans are thunderous as Metalik y Gravity stand tall! “This is Awesome!” as Metalik puts Nese back in. Metalik CHOPS, CHOPS and runs, to KNEE Nese lose! Metalik fires the fans up, then runs, but Nese distracts the ref while Sterling trips Metalik up! Fans boo Smart Mark but Nese runs in to basement dropkick! Nese soaks up the heat, drags Metalik up and bumps him off buckles. Nese tells Angelico, “See how it’s done? Let’s see what you got!” Nese tags Angelico, Angelico snapmares Metalik and ties up one arm. Angelico uses the other arm for a RECLINER! Metalik endures, kicks around, and gets a ROPEBREAK!
Angelico lets off as Metalik saves himself by a literal foot. Angelico tells Nese that he does things with submissions. The people know it! Well, the fans chant “LUCHA! LUCHA!” Metalik crawls but Angelico brings him up. Nese tags himself in, he and Angelico mug Metalik, and Nese scoops Metalik to SLAM him! Then he drops a leg, brother! Nese says power style is how it’s done, then tags Angelico back in. Angelico argues with Nese, then brings Metalik up. Angelico puts Metalik on the top rope, CHOPS and CHOPS, but Metalik throws hands! Angelico goes up but Metalik CLUBS him! Metalik adjusts, to SUPER SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB!
Nese is frustrated as Metalik and Angelico crawl. Hot tag to Gravity! Gravity LARIATS Angelico, LARIATS Serpentico, DECKS Nese, and repeat! Angelico gets around, full nelsons, but Gravity arm-drags free! Gravity runs in to POWERSLAM! Then he somersaults to STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, Nese breaks it! Nese brings Gravity up to whip, but Gravity holds ropes. Nese runs in but Gravity TOSSES him out! The ref checks Nese after that rough landing, but Angelico EDDY GORDO KICKS Gravity down! Metalik runs in to suplex Angelico high and hard! Serpentico runs in, Metalik blocks a kick to give a kick.
Metalik gets Serpentico up, SIT-OUT BOMB! Cover, but Nese SOBATS Metalik in the back! Fans rally up as everyone is down around the ring. Nese goes to his corner, Angelico drags Gravity over but Nese tags in! Angelico complains but Nese drags Gravity up. Nese wants to see how “ugly this SOB is!” He pulls at Gravity’s mask! Fans boo, and Serpentico storms in to stop Nese! As a luchador himself, #SNAKEMAN will not stand for this! The ref has Serpentico back off, Nese tells them to listen to him for once. Nese wants to tag out but SAP ditch him! Fans cheer, Sterling is freaking out, and Gravity stands to SUPERKICK! Nese falls, tag to Metalik!
Metalik goes up, for the tightrope SWANTON! Cover, the luchadores win!
Winners: El Hijo del Vikingo, Metalik & Gravity, by pinfall
Vikingo can’t get in the ring to celebrate, he took more damage to that hip than expected, but he and the team still celebrate. Will the AAA Mega Champion, the King of the Ropes and the Astronaut of Lucha still reach new heights in ROH?
Backstage interview with Ethan Page.
Lexi is now with All Ego and congratulates him on the win tonight. She says Ethan’s been on a roll, and he figures yeah, two is good enough for a roll. He wants to make it three, but the feeling he had after winning these couple weeks is something he hasn’t felt in the longest time. Everyone who has been watching Ethan these last three years has seen the ups and downs, and lately, it has been a lot of downs. But there was a really big bright spot in that spiral and it was the greatest night of his professional career. He wrestled for the most prestigious prize in wrestling today, the AEW World Championship, in his hometown with his family in the front row, it does not get better than that.
But then it didn’t go his way, and nothing else really has, but Ethan says to touch the gold, to feel the pressure, to be in the marquee match, and to be inches away from changing his life… He realized that ROH is the place for competition, and he needs to be competitive so that he can continue momentum, climb back up, and touch gold again. But this time, he won’t let go. That’s the plan. Then he has his groove back? Sure, go and say that. All Ego got his groove back! Will Ethan return to former glory and finally have gold to show for it?
Cole Karter & Griff Garrison w/ Maria Kanellis-Bennett VS Action Andretti & Darius Martin!
A brand new team, put together by The First Lady, takes on another young team that has been fingertips away from taking titles for their own. Will Maria’s investment pay off with a win tonight? Or will the Sight to See & Air Wolf take flight?
The Code of Honor is upheld, the teams sort out, and Karter starts against Darius. Fans rally, the two tie up and Darius wrenches to a wristlock. Karter whips, Darius reverses and arm-drags! Darius has the armlock, drags Karter up to wrench, and he tags Action. Action goes up but Karter gets away to tag in Griff. Maria cheers Griff on and he circles with Action. They tie up, Griff waistlocks and SLAMS Action down! Action fights around, pries free, switches, but Griff switches back to back suplex. Action lands on his feet to waistlock but Griff RAMS him back into the corner. Griff is free but Darius sneaks the tag!
Darius slingshots in to get ahead of Griff and keeps him from Karter! Darius RAMS Griff into Action’s knees, then Darius mule kicks. Action goes up to DOUBLE STOMP Griff on the back! Darius & Action BLAST Karter, then double kick Griff to DOUBLE SUPLEX! Karter returns, but into DOUBLE DROPKICKS! Fans fire up and Darius runs in, but Griff puts him on the apron. Darius RAMS Griff, Karter runs up but into an elbow! Griff storms up but Darius ROCKS him! Darius aims but Karter anchors him. Darius kicks Karter away, Action protests but that distracts the ref, allowing Maria to anchor Darius!
Darius kicks free, but turns around into a BOOT from Griff! Karter cheers but Griff asks what was that all about. Griff drags Darius up, bumps him off buckles, and tags in Karter. They mug Darius, Karter stomps a mudhole in, and Maria applauds. The ref counts, Karter lets off and even Griff says to keep things clean. Karter snap suplexes Darius, and then he soaks up the heat. Karter covers but it’s really a choke! The ref counts, Karter stops at 4, then Karter stalks Darius. Darius goes to ropes so the ref has Karter back off. Karter argues with the ref but that’s to distract, so that Maria can CHOKE Darius!
Maria gets away with it again but Action warns her. Darius staggers up into a DROPKICK from Karter! Cover, TWO! Maria defends her innocence but Griff is upset. Karter whips Darius to a corner, tags Griff in, and then Griff whips Karter in. Darius TOSSES Karter up and out! Then he goes up and over Griff! Griff hurries to get a leg, but Darius BOOTS him away! Hot tags to Action and Karter! Action dodges Karter to DECK Griff, then he DECKS Karter! Action rallies on them both, and fans fire up! Action whips but Karter reverses, only for Action to handspring and DOUBLE BACK ELBOW! Fans fire up as both Maria’s boys are down!
Action kips up while Griff and Karter go to opposite corners. Action runs in to RAM Griff! And then he SPLASHES Karter! Action runs corner to corner again but Griff dodges the splash! But then Action SHOTGUNS Griff into Darius’s GERMAN SUPLEX! Griff tumbles out but Karter shoves Darius into Action! Karter DECKS Darius, rolls Action, and puts his legs on the ropes! But Griff shoves them off the ropes! Karter and Maria argue with Griff, because Griff doesn’t wanna cheat! Karter says you don’t disrespect Maria! But then Action FLIES over Karter to take out Griff! And Darius SUPERKICKS Karter!
Darius reels Karter in to BRAINBUSTER! Tag to Action, he springboards to 450 SPLASH!! Cover, Action & Darius win!
Winners: Action Andretti & Darius Martin
Maria is not happy, but perhaps it was her own fault for thinking Griff was going to change his morals for the sake of success. Griff upholds the Code of Honor with Action & Darius, but then Karter says up theirs! Karter & Maria have Griff leave with them, is Griff going to ditch this team before long?
ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championships: The Mogul Embassy w/ Prince Nana VS Willie Mack & The Infantry!
Brian Cage, Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona have been unstoppable as a trio with a 16-0 record in trios action. However, teams have been getting closer and closer. Will Shawn Dean & Carlie Bravo bringing the Mack Attack along be exactly what brings these titans down? Or will nothing stop the Embassy’s reign of terror?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who gets to go on to Rampage tomorrow night!
The Code of Honor is upheld, the fans chant “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” and some do the Nana dance. Kaun starts against Dean, the bell rings, and Kaun rushes in! Dean avoids the boot, says it was close, and they circle. They tie up, Dean headlocks but Kaun powers out to run Dean over! Things speed up, Dena hurdles but Kaun shoves. Dean jumps over but Kaun CLOBBERS him! But then Dean avoids the senton! Dean DROPKICKS, Kaun staggers, but Dean wrenches and tags Bravo. The Infantry double whips, double hip tosses, and then they crisscross the legs to SPLIT that wishbone! Bravo says that’ll leave a mark.
Bravo drags Kaun up but Kaun CHOSP! Kaun wristlocks but Bravo gets free before Kaun tags Liona. Bravo says okay, that’s how it is, huh? Bravo and Liona circle, Liona rushes in but Bravo dodges to JAB! Bravo bobs ‘n’ weaves, JABS, then rope-a-dopes. But Liona TOSSES him to a corner! Liona runs in, Bravo dodges then comes back. Bravo jukes and ROCKS Liona! Fans fire up and Bravo talks some smack, but Liona stays up! Bravo turns around into a LARIAT! Liona glares at Mack, then goes back to Bravo. Liona scoops to put Bravo on the ropes, to fire KNEE after KNEE into him! The ref reprimands and Liona just fires off more!
The ref counts, Liona drops Bravo and roars at Mack & Dean. Liona then tags Kaun, and Kaun slingshot SENTONS! Bravo sputters but Kaun drags him up to snap suplex. Uno Amigo! Then a waistlock, GERMAN SUPLEX! Bravo fights but Kaun still hits the back suplex! Cover, TWO! Kaun kneels on Bravo’s head while he argues with the ref, and Bravo flails! Dean pushes Kaun over but Kaun just grins as he drags Bravo up. Kaun tags Cage and fans fire up for The Machine. Cage CHOPS Bravo, puts him in the corner and RAMS him! And RAMS him again! And CHOPS! Cage fires up the fans as he throws point-blank clotheslines!
Fans count as Cage picks up speed, and Cage gets to TEN! Cage whips corner to corner hard, and Bravo staggers into a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Bravo hangs tough but Cage drags him up. Cage ROCKS Bravo with a forearm, whips him corner to corner then scoops again, but Bravo slips free to BACKSTABBER! Fans rally up as Bravo crawls, but Cage grabs a leg! Cage drags Bravo back, ducks the enziguri, then drops an elbow! “Who betta than Cage?” Cage then sucker punches Dean! Cage stands Bravo up, suplexes, but Bravo slips free to hot tag Mack! Fans fire up as these rivals meet again, and Mack hits a SLINGBLADE!
Mack BLASTS Liona, lines up a shot on Cage, and body shots! Mack whips, to LARIAT! Then WHEEL KICK! Fans fire up and Mack scoops Cage, for a SLAM! Kaun storms in but Mack ducks the haymaker to DECK him! Mack BOOTS Liona off the apron, Nana protests, but Mack runs in at Cage to BOOT! Cage falls over, Mack covers, TWO! The Machine is tougher than that but Mack goes up the corner! Fans fire up, but Cage stands to GAMANGIRI! Cage drags Mack off the top, to then go up. Fans rally as Cage deadlift SUPERPLEXES Mack!! Mack writhes and “This is Awesome!” as Cage drags Mack back up.
Cage stands Mack up but Mack kicks low! Cage denies the stunner, but Mack ends up in his corner. Tag to Bravo before Cage SUPERKICKS Mack! Bravo ROCKS Cage, ROCKS him again, then spins him around to ROLLING ELBOW! Cage falls, Kaun runs in! Bravo spins him around, SIDEWINDER! Liona slides in while Bravo takes aim at Cage & Kaun. But then Bravo turns around, and he screams as he drops down under the Pounce! Liona wipes himself out and Dean PENALTY KICKS Cage! Dean runs in to JUMPING CLOTHESLINE in the corner! Dean goes out to PENALTY KICK Kaun, and Bravo runs up on Liona!
Bravo hits a KNEE SMASH! And SUPERKICK! Dean SUPERKICKS! Liona roars but Infantry shouts, “KICK HIM!” They DOUBLE SUPERKICK Liona, and Liona staggers into a DOUBLE SUP- NO, Liona fights it off! Liona DOUBLE SUP- NO, Mack saves the Infantry! STUNNER!! Then the Infantry reload, DOUBLE SUPLEX!! Fans fire up while Nana freaks out! Bravo tags Mack but Kaun runs in! Dean blocks a boot, gives it to Bravo, ENZIGURI and then NECKBREAKER! Cage is back and he LARIATS Bravo! Mack is up top, but Cage intercepts! Mack shoves Cage down, though! To then FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO?!?
Cage survives and shocks Mack! But he and the Infantry regroup, and fans fire up with them! Mack, Bravo & Dean aim from corners, Mack STUN- NO, Cage denies Mack again! Kaun fireman’s carries Mack and tucks him, AIR RAID CRASH! Dean runs at Kaun, but Liona POUNCES him! Bravo is alone, Cage reels him in to a GERMAN SUPLEX! The Infantry is down and out, the Gates of Agony drag Mack up! They OPEN THE GATES!! Cage covers, The Embassy wins!
Winners: The Mogul Embassy, by pinfall (still ROH World Six Man Tag Team Champions)
The reign of terror continues! At least, for another 24 hours. Rampage: Grand Slam pits these monsters against The Hung Bucks! Will this dominance continue even as ROH and AEW blur the lines? Or will Hangman Adam Page once again hold these belts with Matt & Nick Jackson?
My Thoughts:
A very good ROH, and it seems ROH is sticking to an hour and 45 minutes. At least, I sure hope so, it still takes me far too long to do these. I will say there wasn’t any actual filler. Even Diamante beating a jobber than being ringside for when Mercedes Martinez beats Trish Adora can be seen as story for the duo of Diamante & Mercedes growing stronger. If only ROH had some more titles for the women’s division, because they’ve got a lot more talent than can fit into the world title scene. Good Six Woman Tag to feed into Leyla’s story with Maria, while also showcasing just what I said with how there are midcard title worthy talents.
Good stuff with Maria’s story of building The Kingdom’s Army, and there is a clear story to Griff not wanting to get on board with the Heel tactics, and he could break away to then have some real good matches with Karter. We got a very fun “Minion Training” vignette from Athena, Billie & Lexi, but that is not the two week window To Do List thing they set up literally last week. Feels like ROH wasn’t keeping track of what they were doing, but oh well. Athena VS Angelina Love was a good title match, but a quick one because yeah, Athena is that much better than Angelina. Still waiting for when Athena either pushes Billie too far and she rebels, or Athena creates a monster not even she can control, all leading to a title match between them.
Really good, really fun Six Man Tag with Nese sticking his foot in his mouth and making Spanish Announce Project turn on him. Good win for the luchadores, though Vikingo taking himself out of the match was not good. Vikingo needs to be more careful, he is running really hard and fast, much like Darby Allin. The Pure Championship was a really good opener, but I figured Shibata was winning over Nick Wayne. Nick still looked great, as he has since debuting in AEW, but he’s probably gotta wait until he’s 19 to get a championship. Also, it feels like ROH wants to build towards a rematch of Shibata VS Josh Woods at the next ROH exclusive PPV so Shibata isn’t losing before then.
Great promo from Eddie to get his reaction after winning the ROH World Championship. He pointed out he’s in for a busy schedule defending two titles in two companies, as I’ve been saying, but Eddie will be able to do it. And even then it is great story material for him to struggle with the schedule after a month or so. Really good promo from Johnson, Moriarty & Shane, then really good match from Moriarty VS Johnson. Shane called out Keith Lee last time, too, I wonder if Keith Lee joins Lee Johnson to take on Shane and Moriarty so we get even more Lees in the mix. Honestly, Keith Lee needs to get on something, and then move on to a title because duh, it’s KEITH LEE.
Ethan Page with a good win and good promo after, and while it’s a shame he won’t finish his story with The Hardy Boyz, that story went a few chapters too long anyway. Ethan getting going in ROH will be good stuff, maybe he can be a contender for Samoa Joe’s TV Championship. And then some really good stuff in the ROH Six Man Division, with a good promo from Mack & Infantry, and another great Six Man title match. But of course, with Hung Bucks VS Embassy set for Rampage (which has also been recorded by now), and how that feeds into Hangman VS Swerve at WrestleDream, no way was this match (which was recorded even before Rampage) was going to change anything. As I’ve been saying in the AEW articles, there is a chance the Hung Bucks win the titles, unless Swerve screws Hangman over.
My Score: 8.6/10
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Who hits the Grand Slam? And who strikes out?
Dynamite returns to Arthur Ashe, and Maxwell Jacob Friedman returns to New York to defend his AEW World Championship against Samoa Joe!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- ROH World & NJPW Strong Openweight Championships, Winner Takes All: Claudio Castagnoli w/ Wheeler Yuta VS Eddie Kingston; Eddie wins and becomes both ROH World & NJPW Strong Openweight Champion.
- Chris Jericho VS Sammy Guevara; Jericho wins.
- AEW International Championship: Jon Moxley VS Rey Fenix w/ Alex Abrahantes; Fenix wins and becomes the new AEW International Champion.
- AEW Women’s World Championship: Saraya w/ Ruby Soho VS Toni Storm; Saraya wins and retains the title.
- AEW World Championship: MJF w/ Adam Cole VS Samoa Joe; MJF wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
ROH World & NJPW Strong Openweight Championships, Winner Takes All: Claudio Castagnoli w/ Wheeler Yuta VS Eddie Kingston!
This isn’t a rivalry, this is a grudge that has gone on for just over a decade, and this will be the end of it all! Will the Swiss Superman take away the title the Mad King fought so hard to get? Or will Eddie prove he IS the better man?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who leaves Arthur Ashe a double champion!
The bell rings and fans are thunderous already as Eddie and Claudio stare down. They slowly approach, then Claudio just BOOTS Eddie down! But Eddie’s right up to CHOP! And CHOP! Claudio forearms, Eddie CHOPS, repeat! New York is behind their own as he continues to go back and forth with Claudio! Claudio fires off forearm after forearm, then he talks trash. “Is that all you got?” Eddie CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Claudio fires more forearms, then TOSSES Eddie out of the ring! But then Eddie drags Claudio out to whip hard into railing! Claudio hobbles, holding a knee, but Eddie choke grips him!
Fans fire up as Eddie MACHINE GUN CHOPS Claudio against the railing! Eddie ROCKS Claudio, brings him around, and whips him, only for Claudio to reverse and short arm LARIAT! Fans boo but Claudio soaks it up. Claudio drags Eddie up, ROCKS him, and stalks him. Claudio puts Eddie in the ring, fans rally up and Eddie catches Claudio in the ropes! DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Eddie dropkicks that bad leg! Claudio avoids the next one and he deadlift gut wrenches, for the POWERBOMB! Claudio hobbles and fans boo, but Claudio drags Eddie up. Claudio reels Eddie in, but Eddie fights the lift!
Eddie CLUBS the bad leg, fans rally up, but Claudio SLAPS Eddie! Eddie SLAPS back! And GERMAN SUPLEXES! Fans fire up again as Claudio bails out to the apron. Fans chant “F HIM UP, EDDIE, F HIM UP!” Eddie storms over, and fires off backhand after backhand! Then URAKEN! But that hurts Eddie’s hand just as much! Claudio clamps on a SLEEPER in the ropes! But Eddie elbows free, only for Claudio to back suplex Eddie to the ramp! The LED Plexiglas ramp is a stiff worker, and Claudio looms over Eddie. Eddie is dazed and the fans rally up behind him. Claudio drags Eddie up, then stomps a hand!
Claudio then clotheslines Eddie back into the ring! Fans boo as Claudio climbs the corner. But Eddie rolls to the corner, only for Claudio to DIVING DOUBLE STOMP anyway! Claudio stomps Eddie, drags him up, and scoop SLAMS him! Claudio goes back up, to then DIVING HEADBUTT but FLOPS as Eddie moves! Eddie staggers up, but into an UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO!! Eddie is still in this and Claudio is fuming as Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Claudio and Eddie go to ropes, and then Claudio storms over. Claudio CLUBS away on Eddie at the ropes, then he drags Eddie up. Eddie pushes Claudio away but Claudio reels Eddie in. Claudio suplexes but Eddie blocks! Claudio throws body shots, tries again, but Eddie still blocks! Eddie then suplexes Claudio up and over! Fans fire up while both men flounder. Claudio stands first, runs and he BOOTS Eddie in the head! And then Claudio scuffs Eddie, kicks him around, taunts and toys with him, but Eddie CHOPS! Claudio kicks, Eddie CHOPS! Claudio SLIDING LARIATS! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Eddie reaches out in time!
Claudio sits Eddie up and clamps on with a top wristlock chinlock combo! Fans rally up as Eddie endures being squeezed and twisted around. But then Claudio KICKS Eddie in the back, and STOMPS the hand! Then he STOMPS the other hand! Eddie clutches fingers, but Claudio drags Eddie up by an ear. Eddie CHOPS! And CHOPS! Dynamite returns to single picture as Claudio eggs Eddie on. Eddie CHPOS, Claudio fires UPPERCUT after UPPERCUT in the corner! Claudio sits Eddie down, the ref back shim off, but then Claudio fireman’s carries! T K O! Cover, TWO!! Fans are thunderous as Eddie hangs in there!
Claudio scuffs Eddie again, and that riles Eddie up. Claudio gives more toying kicks, then some harder shots. Eddie pounds the mat and fans fire up with him! Claudio kick sand kicks and kicks, and Eddie wobbles, only to sit up again. Claudio drags Eddie up to UPPER- NO, BACKSLIDE! TWO! Eddie ENZIGURIS! And then an EXPLODER!! Eddie has Claudio again, for a SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Claudio goes to a corner, Yuta coaches him, and Claudio sees Eddie go to the far side. Eddie runs in to clothesline! Eddie fires up and fires off MACHINE GUN CHOPS!! Claudio just brushes those off? Eddie CHOPS and CHOPS, then JABS! Claudio drops to a knee and fans are thunderous!
Eddie hauls Claudio up, Claudio fights the Northern Lights Bomb, so Eddie fires Kawada knees! Claudio JABS back! Eddie staggers, Claudio shakes out the cobwebs, and then both men stare down again. Fans fire up as the two step up, Claudio eggs Eddie on, then fires a forearm! Eddie CHOPS! Forearm! CHOP! Repeat! Claudio eggs Eddie on so Eddie CHOPS! Claudio UPPERCUTS! Eddie staggers back, steadies himself, and he CHOPS again! Claudio dusts that off, so Eddie CHOPS only for Claudio to catch it! HEADBUTT, short arm LARIAT!! Cover, TWO, but Claudio rains down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS!
Claudio reels Eddie in, straitjacket for the RICOLA- RANA!! Cover, TWO!! Claudio has the cover, TWO!! Flashbacks to Supercard of Honor there, but Eddie is up! Into an UPPERCUT!! Cover, TWO?!? Eddie survives and Claudio is furious! Claudio drags Eddie up, straitjacket, RICOLA BOMB!! Cover, TWO?!?! New York is electric as Eddie still lives! Claudio is beside himself, but he pulls off the elbow pad now. Claudio drags Eddie up, talks some trash, and UPPERCUTS! URAKEN!! URAKEN!! Then a half nelson, HALF ‘N’ HALF PLEX!! Claudio stands, into the URAKEN!! NORTHERN LIGHTS BOMB!!! Cover, TWO!?!?
Fans are electric again as Eddie powers up! Eddie drags Claudio up, reels him in, but Claudio fights the lift! Claudio then UPPERCUTS! Eddie URAKENS!! And POWERBOMBS!! High stack, EDDIE WINS!!
Winner: Eddie Kingston, by pinfall (still NJPW Strong Openweight & NEW ROH World Champion)
He has done it! The Mad King has conquered Claudio and now reigns over two kingdoms! Yuta tells Claudio that yes, it really did happen. Yuta helps Claudio to his feet, and Eddie keeps his eyes on them. Claudio offers a handshake, and Eddie… accepts it! Claudio hands the ROH title over then takes his leave. Fans chant “You Deserve It!” and that is an understatement. How much more history will be made by Eddie Kingston now?
The Kingdom visits Roderick Strong in the hospital.
This was recorded sometime last week after Dynamite. Matt Taven & Mike Bennett sit by Roddy’s bedside as the nurse fluffs Roddy’s pillow. Mike says they wanted to invite everyone here so they could personally thank everyone for all the gifts and cards. Taven likes this card here. “I hope it makes your day brighter knowing how much everyone cares. Your attention to neck health awareness has been inspirational, and one day, I hope to be as neck strong as you. XOXO Olga.” Mike excuses the nurse and then Adam Cole visits. Roddy calls out to Adam and asks where he is, he can’t see. Then open your eyes.
Roddy does open his eyes and is happy to see Cole is here. Of course he is, he wouldn’t miss this for the world. Cole then says hi to The Kingdom and they ask him where he’s been. He got here as quick as he could. Oh, convenient, Cole shows up just as The Kingdom has to leave. Mike tells Roddy sorry, they gotta go. They’re going to be the new #1 Contenders to the ROH World Tag Titles. Roddy understands. He knows they don’t need it, but good luck. New champs coming soon. Taven then insults Cole’s shirt and pants. Is that how he dresses when he’s mourning? Cole says that’s real appropriate to say.
Cole then tells Roddy that he is glad Roddy is doing okay, and Cole hates to do this but he has to leave soon, too. Max has the world title match with Samoa Joe, and after what happened all last week, Cole has to make sure Max will be okay. Roddy says who cares! What about him? Cole wants Roddy to know he loves him, but Max is the one in danger. Roddy makes the bed sit up so he can look at Cole properly, just so he can tell Cole to go. Then Roddy lowers himself back down. Will Cole be able to help MJF through whatever is coming?
Backstage interview with Christian Cage & Luchasaurus.
Renee Paquette is with Captain Charisma and the AEW TNT Champion to bring up that this Friday, Rampage: Grand Slam, it will be Darby Allin & Sting taking on these two in a tag team match. Obviously, Christian & Luchasaurus have a ton of experience- Christian cuts Renee off to say they have a ton of experience in defending the TNT Championship. And at Rampage: Grand Slam, Christian & Luchasaurus walk through Darby & Sting, and then move on from them. But obviously, Darby isn’t going to move on until he gets another chance at Christian’s- er, their TNT Championship!
So here’s a proposition: Saturday on Collision, Darby VS Christian VS Luchasaurus in a Triple Threat for the TNT Championship! Sound good to Darby? Oh, and one more little wrinkle: if Darby wants his shot, then Sting is not allowed at ringside! And when Darby steps into the ring for their Handicap- er, Triple Threat… Then Darby has as much a chance of winning this championship as both the Yankees and the Mets! ZERO! As for Friday, bring your boy. Christian & Luchasaurus head out, will they dominate this entire week?
Chris Jericho VS Sammy Guevara!
For the first time ever, The Ocho and the Spanish God go 1v1 with each other! They’re both ready to fight harder than they ever have before, but who will come out on top?
Sammy’s entrance has him wearing an LED vest as a reference to all of Jericho’s light up jackets, and Sammy even has Monteasy live to rap the theme song! Is this Sammy’s time to take flight? Or will he be unable to get off the ground with Judas in his mind?
The bell rings and fans fire up as the two circle. Sammy offers a handshake, Jericho accepts it, and the two tie up. Jericho headlocks, then switches and hammerlocks to headlock again. Sammy powers out, but Jericho runs him over, only for Sammy to kip up! So Jericho slaps Sammy! Sammy slaps back, and the hands start flying! Fans fire up and Sammy CHOPS! Jericho CHOPS! Repeat! Sammy gets the edge, whips, hurdles, flips over, and Jericho stumbles into the DROPKICK! Fans fire up as Sammy spins to hit his pose! And Jericho still joins in? Sammy is surprised by that and Jericho SLAPS him again!
Sammy goes to ropes, Jericho storms up but Sammy rolls him up! ONE, and Sammy cradles! ONE, and Jericho CHOPS! And CHOPS! Sammy CHOPS! Jericho CHOPS! Jericho CHOPS again, then CHOPS Sammy in the corner! Fans fire up as Jericho whips corner to corner. Jericho runs in but into an elbow! Sammy swings, Jericho spins him around, TIGER BACKBREAKER! Sammy goes to the apron but Jericho storms over. Triangle jump, but Sammy ducks and Jericho hits the floor! Sammy builds speed and FLIES! Direct hit and down goes Jericho! Fans fire up as Sammy puts Jericho in the ring.
Sammy goes up the corner, leaps, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jericho hangs tough but Sammy keeps his cool. Sammy slashes his throat and he torture racks! But Jericho fights that, to hit a CODE BREAKER! Sammy goes to the apron again, but Jericho goes out after him. Fans rally as Jericho drags Sammy up, CLUBS him, but Sammy throws body shots. Jericho CLUBS and CLUSB and CLUBS Sammy, to then suplex. Sammy blocks, throws more body shots, but Jericho hits back! Then Jericho suplexes to the floor! Fans fire up while both men writhe and Dynamite goes picture in picture!
The ref checks both men but they’re okay to continue. Jericho drags himself up with the apron skirt, then soaks up the cheers and jeers from New York. Jericho drags Sammy up and SMACKS him off the desk! The ring count is climbing, but Jericho clears off the desk! Jericho SMACKS Sammy with the desk hood! Jericho slides into the ring to stop the count and soak up more cheers and jeers. Sammy stands up, and slides in at 9! Jericho stomps Sammy, drags him up and reels him in, for a BIG back suplex! Jericho smacks Sammy around, eggs him on, and brings him up again, but Sammy cradles! TWO! Jericho rushes in to BOOT Sammy down!
Jericho drags Sammy up again, puts him in a corner and on the top rope. Jericho CHOPS! And CHOPS! And then he climbs up, to rain down fists! Jericho goes all the way to TEN, then SUPER STEINERS! Sammy writhes, Jericho pushes him to a cover, TWO! Jericho huffs ‘n’ puffs and paces around as Dynamite returns to single picture. Fans rally, Jericho stands Sammy up and CHOPS! And CHOPS! Jericho eggs Sammy on, so Sammy CHOPS! And forearms! And CHOPS! Sammy fires off more, whips Jericho to ropes, but Jericho KICKS him away! Jericho runs, into a SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO!
Both men stand and Jericho LARIATS Sammy down! And then LARIATS him again! Cover, TWO! Sammy is still in this and fans rally up. Jericho brings Sammy up, CHOPS him again, then has him in a corner. Jericho CHOPS, whips corner to corner, but Sammy goes up and over, ducks and steals the CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Jericho survives his own move and Sammy is beside himself. Jericho goes to the apron, Sammy runs in to BLAST him off! Jericho hits the desk! Sammy then goes to the apron, to then go up the corner?! Sammy aims, says a quick prayer, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS!
Sammy clutches a leg, puts Jericho in, and he fires up! Fans are with Sammy as he goes to the apron. Sammy springboards, into a DROPKICK! Sammy goes back to the apron, Jericho triangle jumps, into a CALF KICK! Not the cleanest but something got Jericho. Sammy SUPERKICKS to knock Jericho down, and then he goes back up top! FLYING CUTTER!! Cover, TWO!! Jericho just gets that arm up and Sammy grows frustrated. Sammy drags Jericho up, torture racks, GO TO- NO, Jericho blocks! Jericho trips Sammy and has the legs! WALLS OF JERICHO!! Fans are thunderous while Sammy endures!
Jericho sits deep on the hold, but Sammy reaches out! Sammy crawls his way forward, but Jericho drags him back! Sammy clubs at Jericho’s legs, tuck sunder and throws hands from below! Sammy then throws Jericho away! Sammy JUMP KNEES Jericho to a corner! Sammy runs in, is put on the apron, and Jericho ROCKS him! Jericho goes up the other side of the corner! Jericho drags Sammy up to join him, CLUBS him, but Sammy throws hands in return. They both stand on the top rope, to SUPER CUTTER!! Both men are down and fans are losing their minds! Sammy crawls to the cover, TWO!!!
Jericho is still in this but Sammy is too sore to be upset. Sammy and Jericho sit up, Jericho goes to ropes but Sammy is right on him. Sammy CHOPS, then whips. Jericho reverses, but Sammy avoids the dropkick! Sammy goes to the ropes, LIONSAULT onto knees!! Jericho counters his own move, and then runs to BULLDOG! Fans fire up as Jericho lines up the shot, Jericho LIONSAULTS! Cover, TWO!! Jericho grits his teeth, but he also has a sinister grin on his face now. Jericho throws down fists, then he brings Sammy up for a knee to the head! And another! And another! Jericho runs, into a JUMP KNEE!
Sammy torture racks! GO TO HOSPITAL!! But Sammy doesn’t cover!? Sammy goes up the corner instead, takes aim, and SHOOTING STAR- CODE BREAKER!!! Cover, Jericho wins!!
Winner: Chris Jericho, by pinfall
Sammy gambled and just got busted! Jericho wins, proving why he is the master and Sammy is the apprentice. But the real question is, can these two still be friends? Jericho offers a hand, Sammy accepts, and they hug it out! Fans cheer as Le Sex Gods stick together! But then Sammy LOW BLOWS Jericho?! Jericho falls against Sammy but Sammy shoves him down! And here comes Don Callis?! No, Sammy, no! But Don pats Sammy on the shoulder. Don threw his friendship with Jericho away, and now takes away Jericho’s last friend! Will the Spanish God soon be a wrestling god thanks to the Don Callis Family?
MJF & Adam Cole pull into the parking lot.
The brochachos pull up in an emerald green Porsche, and as he steps out of the car, Maxwell Jacob Friedman calls out Samoa Joe! “I’ve been holding a grudge against you for eight long years. And when you decided to shove me, I took that and I turned it into a little ball, and I put that chip on my shoulder. And tonight, I take that chip and I bash your skull in! See, it was bad enough when you shoved me. But you took, and you took, and you took, and you tried to take away the two things now that are most precious to me: you are trying to take away my AEW World Championship, and you are trying to hurt my brother, Adam Cole.”
That is where Joe messed up. Tonight, MJF will choke Joe out in front of thousands of New Yorkers, MJF’s people! And the last thing Joe is gonna hear as he fades out is… “M! J! F! M! J! F!” Because they’re better than you, and Cole gets a call? It’s Roddy? Seriously? He’s upset but Cole wants him to talk it out. Cole says he still has MJF’s back but this is an emergency. Roddy, relax, you are not gonna die! Cole heads out to talk with Roddy about his neck, and MJF tells Joe, “Your ass is mine.” Will the ROH World Television Champion look to change that with his own two hands?
Backstage interview with Don Callis & Sammy Guevara.
Renee walks up to ask them if this all but confirms that Sammy has joined the Don Callis Family, but Don says not to cut her off, “but all will be revealed this Friday on Rampage. C’mon, kid, we got a lot to celebrate.” The two traitors head out, but then cross paths with Daniel Garcia! Sammy and Danny stare down, and then Sammy asks if he has something to say. Don has Sammy stand down and says Danny is money. For now, the two of them will go. Don gets Sammy outta there, but what are Danny’s feelings? He left the JAS, but is he upset Sammy joined the DCF?
AEW International Championship: Jon Moxley VS Rey Fenix w/ Alex Abrahantes!
The Maniac made it past the human skyscraper that is “Big Bill” Morrissey, but now he has to face what he did to the Immortal Firebird almost a month ago! Will Fenix burn Moxley down? Or will Moxley ace this, game, set and match?
Moxley goes up the ramp so he can drop his belt on top of Fenix’s cape. Moxley taunts Fenix, Fenix storms up after Moxley and CHOPS! Fans fire up as the brawl is on! Moxley ROCKS Fenix, whips him at the ring but Fenix goes up the ropes to JUMP SOBAT! Fans fire up while Moxley flops to the floor. Fenix uses the ramp as a runway to FLY and take Moxley down! Fans lose their minds and Fenix crawls his way over to Moxley. Moxley is dazed but Fenix’s back is sore from that landing. Fenix still stands up and he drags Moxley up. Fenix ROCKS Moxley, CHOPS him against railing, and then puts Moxley in the ring.
The bell finally sounds so this is a match! Fenix baits Moxley, avoids the stomp and then shoulders into Moxley! Fenix slingshots to sunset flip, ONE! Moxley stacks, TWO! Moxley staggers, Fenix kips up and things speed up. Fenix handsprings over the leg sweep! Moxley swings, Fenix catches him to CHOP, knuckle lock, and go up and up and FLYING ARM-DRAG! Moxley stands back up and Fenix somersaults, into a FOREARM! Moxley is done playing around, and he runs to CURB STOMP! Cover, TWO! Fenix survives the shoutout to the Visionary, but Moxley rains down fists! Moxley then shifts to a cover, TWO!
Moxley has the double wristlock but Fenix fights up with body shots. Moxley facelocks but Fenix powers out to BITE the hand! Fenix BOOTS the punch, CHOPS and CHOPS but Moxley pokes the eyes! Moxley whips, Fenix tiger feints but into a BOOT! Fenix flounders to the ramp and then the floor but Moxley pursues. The ring count climbs and Moxley CHOPS Fenix against railing! Moxley dumps Fenix over into the front row! Fans fire up as Fenix drags himself up. Moxley drags Fenix up but Fenix throws body shots! Fenix ROCKS Mox, then pushes him away. Fenix jumps up onto the railing, but Moxley shoves him back down!
Moxley has Fenix on the railing, to DRAPING PARADIGM SHIFT!! Fenix is dazed now and Moxley gets a chair! The ref reprimands so Moxley puts Fenix in the ring. Cover, TWO! Fenix is hanging tough but Moxley eggs him on. Fenix chops but that was nothing, and Moxley BOOTS him! Moxley rains down fists, lets off, and Fenix crawls to a corner. Moxley storms over, brings him up, and clotheslines! Moxley flips fans off, runs in, but Fenix dodges to GAMANGIRI! And GAMANGIRI! And then JUMP SOBAT! Moxley staggers, into the SOMERSAULT CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! But Fenix hurries to a corner and goes right up! FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!!
Moxley is still in this but Fenix fires up again. Fans are with him as he runs, but into a KING KONG LARIAT! Moxley roars, fans fire up even more, and then Moxley flips off Fenix. Abrahantes coaches Fenix up, and he kips up to his feet! Fenix dodges Mox to SUPERKICK him out of the ring! Fenix goes out after him, brings him around, and puts him on the railing now! Fenix goes to the apron, then up the corner! Fans are losing their minds already, SUPER FLYING LEG DROP!!! Both men crash down and Dynamite goes picture in picture!
The ref checks both men and they’re somehow okay to continue. Abrahantes coaches Fenix as he and Moxley stir. Moxley crawls to the ring, Fenix follows and pushes him in. Fenix then aims from the apron, springboards, but into a kick! PARADIGM SHIFT!! Cover, TWO!! Fenix survives but Moxley just snarls and storms around. Moxley gets Fenix’s legs, ties them up, and has a TEXAS CLOVERLEAF!! Fenix endures, reaches out, and fans rally as he fights forward. But Moxley shifts to a CLOVERLEAF STF!! Moxley grinds the hold, then shifts to just a facelock. Moxley drags Fenix up, Gotch hold for the PILEDRIVER!! Cover, TWO!!!
Fenix survives again and Moxley is fuming! Moxley storms around the ring, Abrahantes coaches Fenix and the fans rally up. Moxley clamps on with a SLEEPER, then drags Fenix up again. Moxley CHOPS Fenix to the corner and Fenix drops to his knees! Moxley stands Fenix up to CHOP again! Dynamite returns to single picture and Moxley storms around. Fenix sputters, stands, and CHOPS! Moxley forearms, then he puts Fenix back in a corner. Moxley puts Fenix up top, climbs up to join him, but Fenix resists with body shots. Fans rally as Fenix HEADBUTTS and HEADBUTTS! Moxley falls, Fenix jumps to DIVING DOUBLE STOMP!!
Both men are down and New York is thunderous again! Fenix crawls to a cover, TWO! Fenix drags Moxley up and reels him in but Moxley resists the lift. Fenix CLUBS Moxley, but Moxley Alabama Lifts him! Fenix still CLUBS Moxley, they end up on ropes, and Moxley throws body shots! Moxley DECKS Fenix to the outside! Moxley goes out to run downhill, CURB STOMP ON THE RAMP!! Fans sing “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” for the Visionary as Moxley drags Fenix in. Moxley lifts, to stall, and PILEDRIVER!! Cover, TWO?!?! Fenix survives and fans are thunderous again! Moxley is seething and he drags Fenix back up.
Moxley puts Fenix in a corner, CHOPS him, and CHOPS him, and then hoists Fenix up top. Moxley goes up, underhooks, but Fenix fights! Moxley falls, Fenix adjusts, SWANTON BOMB!! Then Fenix drags Moxley up and fireman’s carries, to BLACK FIRE DRIVER!! Cover, TWO?!?! HOW?!? Fans call BS, that twitch could NOT have been enough! But Fenix figures F it, BLACK FIRE DRIVER again!!! Cover, FENIX WINS!!
Winner: Rey Fenix, by pinfall (NEW AEW International Champion)
New York cannot believe it but they are loving it! Moxley’s reign ends after just three defenses, and Fenix has his vengeance! Death Triangle regains the gold once held by The Bastard, will Fenix blaze his own trail with this title? As for Moxley, he is getting checked by medics, what condition will he be in after such an epic fight?
Samoa Joe speaks.
“Oh Maaaax~! You feel it, Max? The night is upon us, a great celebration! Tonight is a night of consequences. And Max, you have run your mouth, you have made your angst known, you have told the world you’ve harbored your grudge against me for eight years.” But MJF better be prepared to hold onto that grudge a little longer, because Joe will smash him from pillar to post, in front of MJF’s people! And tonight, Joe finishes taking what he was trying to take from MJF all those years ago. But it won’t be MJF’s future, it’ll be his championship. We’ve already seen the landscape shift, will the One True King of Wrestling Television add to that?
AEW takes a closer look at the ROH World Tag Team Championship #1 Contenders match.
Matt Hardy says that Friday on Rampage: Grand Slam, he and Jeff will compete in a match, with the winners going on to face MJF & Adam Cole for the ROH World Tag Team Championships at WrestleDream! But Matt Taven says they are the OGK, and the Melvins will put respect on the name of The Kingdom. Mike says that they do three things this Friday: Punch ’em in the wiener; hit ’em with piledrivers; and become the #1 Contenders! Best Friends join in, and Trent says this is one more shot for the boys to go on and get another shot to win the big one. Chuck knows MJF & Cole say they’re best friends, but we all know there is only one set of Best Friends that matter, and it’s these two!
Vincent says that a long time ago, being crazy meant something. But now, everybody’s crazy! The Righteous is here to purify AEW, and it starts this Friday on Rampage. Dig what they’re saying? It’s a Fatal 4 of four powerful teams, but who will come away with those golden tickets to Seattle?
AEW Women’s World Championship: Saraya w/ Ruby Soho VS Toni Storm!
The Outcasts used to be a strong trio within the AEW Women’s Division, but this very title is what tore apart the friendship of The Knight and the Lightning. Saraya won an All In London Fatal 4 to become champion, but Storm won the Fatal 4 to earn this match! Will Storm complete the #PortraitofaStar with some gold? Or will this Knight still reign?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is the real star of the AEW Women’s Division!
The bell rings and Storm wants a hug? Saraya says no, she’s crazy as a loon and totally betrayed The Outcasts! Storm still offers, so Saraya SLAPS her! Fans boo and Storm looks hurt emotionally. Saraya SLAPS Storm again and says Storm is nothing without Saraya! “You need me! YOU NEED ME!” Then she SLAPS Storm again! So now Storm smiles? Saraya is confused, but Storm CHPOS her! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS again! Ruby shouts from the apron but Storm rushes over! Storm avoids Ruby’s cheap shot to CHOP her down! But Saraya BOOTS Storm down! Fans boo but Saraya tells Storm she’s a stupid cow!
Saraya has Storm on ropes, goes to the apron, and fires off knee after knee after knee! Storm flops to the floor and Saraya soaks up the heat. But then Storm trips Saraya up! Saraya hits the apron, Storm pushes her back in the ring. Storm sees Ruby standing there, and she goes under the ring? What in the world? The ref goes to check with Saraya, Storm sticks her feet out and Ruby drags her out from under there. Storm has SHOES! She kicks Ruby, then SLAPS her with those slippers! Fans fire up and Storm goes back to the ring. The ref says drop the shoe, then snatches the slipper away. But he misses the HIGH HEEL SHOT!! Cover, TWO!!
Storm is furious that Saraya survives! Storm argues with the ref then throws a fit as Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Storm drags Saraya into ropes, drapes her out, to DRAPING DDT to the ramp!! Ruby rushes up to check Saraya, her neck is a major issue for her. Storm is torn between remorse and rage, but Saraya seems okay to continue. So Storm drags her in through the ropes, to DRAPING DDT again!! Cover, TWO!! Saraya survives and Storm seethes. Storm storms around, pursues Saraya out of the ring, but tells Ruby to back off. But that distraction allows Saraya to BOOT Storm! Saraya then SMACKS Storm off the desk! Storm staggers and flounders away, then Saraya CLUBS her! Saraya scowls as she stands Storm up to CHOP!
Saraya pushes Storm into the ring, tells fans off, then hops back in. But Storm ROCKS her! And CLUBS her! And CHPOS her! Saraya goes to a corner, Storm hoists her up top, and then ROCKS her! Storm climbs, Saraya hits back, they brawl up top! Storm CLUBS and CLUBS and CLUBS, then stands Saraya up. Saraya fights back with body shots, and she CLUBS away on Storm now! Saraya adjusts, to SUPER SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Storm survives and Dynamite returns to single picture! Ruby is furious while Saraya argues with the ref. Fans boo as Ruby tries to start a Saraya chant.
Saraya sits Storm up but Storm hits first! Saraya hits back, Storm hits again! They go back and forth, forearm for forearm, and fans fire up as Storm just HAMMERS away! Fans are thunderous for Storm and she grabs a turnbuckle. Storm rips the pad right off! The ref takes that but the buckle is still exposed. And then Storm gets the spray paint! Ruby snatches that away, payback for that TBS Championship screw job! The ref argues with Ruby, then with Storm, and Ruby rolls the can to Saraya! Saraya SPRAYS Storm in the face!! KNIGHT CAP!! Cover, TWO?!?! Storm survives the flashback to All In!
New York is thunderous but Saraya is furious! Saraya slaps Storm around, drags her up, and bumps her off buckles! And again! And then she considers the bare buckle. Saraya sits Storm in the corner but Ruby wants her to finish this! Saraya stomps but Storm blocks! Storm sets the foot down, to KISS Saraya!? And then reel her in! STORM ZERO!!! Cover, TWO!?! Storm’s kiss goodbye didn’t finish this! But Storm puts Saraya in the corner, against that bare buckle! Storm goes to the far corner, says “I’m sorry, I love you.” SWEET HIP- NO, Saraya moves and the buckle gets Storm in the booty! Saraya reels Storm in and onto the ropes, DRAPING KNIGHT CAP!!! Cover, Saraya wins!!
Winner: Saraya, by pinfall (still AEW Women’s World Champion)
Saraya shouts that Storm forced her to do that! Storm reaches out, but The Outcasts leave her behind. Will Saraya & Soho move on from Storm to conquer the entire AEW Women’s Division?
BREAKING NEWS for Rampage: Grand Slam!
Considering it is a TWO HOUR special edition for Arthur Ashe, there’s more action to be had! And in a Mixed Trios match, Kris Statlander joins #OrangeHook to take on Anna Jay, Matthew Menard & Angelo Parker! Will the TBS Champion, the FTW Champion and Freshly Squeezed prove why they’re The Galaxy’s Greatest? Or will they owe some title shots to the sports… enner-tay-ners?
Then Skye Blue takes on Julia Hart in a battle of two young and hungry stars wanting their shot at some gold! Plus, after making a comeback at All In London, after sharing his side of the story, Mike Santana gets back in the ring! Will he blaze a trail to the top, all by himself?
BREAKING NEWS for Collision!
On top of the TNT Championship “Triple Threat” of Luchasaurus VS Christian Cage VS Darby Allin, Andrade El Idolo accepts Jay White’s challenge from last Saturday! Will the Latin Idol learn what it means to Breathe With The Switchblade? Then Rob Van Dam competes in his home state of Michigan, FTR defends the AEW World Tag Team Championships against The Workhorsemen, and Bryan Danielson gives Ricky Starks his rematch, in a TEXAS DEATH MATCH! With as much blood as was shed at All Out, how much more violent will the American Dragon and Absolute go?
AEW World Championship: MJF w/ Adam Cole VS Samoa Joe!
It’s the moment of truth! After watching the Grand Slam World Title Eliminator Tournament, Maxwell Jacob Friedman was very… happy(?) to see that the King of Wrestling TV won the right to have this match. MJF threw some Steiner math at Joe but now it’s time to put it to the test! Will the hometown antihero finally have his revenge? Or will we soon be calling him #TwoBeltJoe?
MJF’s entrance is an homage to Bret Hart and Mean Joe Greene. A kid shouts out to MJF, tells him to go get ’em, champ, and then MJF nods and gives the kid his scarf. And also whispers something before heading out. What’d he say? That the kid’s adopted?! Anyway… The introductions are made, the Triple B is raised, and we see who finishes Dynamite with a Grand Slam!
The bell rings and the fans are thunderous already for MJF. MJF and Joe circle, feel things out, and then Joe kicks a leg! MJF backs away to a corner, resets with Joe, and they feel things out again. Fans chant “He’s Our Scumbag!” but Joe just smirks. They circle, Joe corners MJF but the ref has him back off. So MJF pokes Joe in the eye! MJF hops on for a SLEEPER, but Joe THROWS MJF down! MJF clutches his neck, and conspicuous by his absence is Adam Cole. Was Roddy’s “emergency” more engrossing than Cole thought? Joe looms over MJF as MJF sits up, and MJF stands to say he’s okay. Joe CLUBS him down for it!
Joe stomps MJF, fans boo, but Joe stomps MJF on the neck! MJF goes to a corner, Joe JABS and JABS and JABS! Joe sits MJF down, then RIDGEHANDS him down! Fans boo but Joe just says “SUCK IT!” Joe eggs MJF on, drags him from the corner, and clamps on a neck wrench! MJF endures the torture but the fans rally up behind him. MJF fights up, throws body shots, but Joe throws him down by his hair! The ref reprimands but Joe drags MJF up to atomic drop! Joe runs but MJF dodges the boot! MJF kicks, Joe blocks and MJF apologizes, only to poke Joe in the eyes again! MJF jumps on for a SLEEPER!
Joe RAMS MJF into buckles! Joe is free, and he runs to BOOT! And SENTON! Cover, TWO! Joe paces, not at all bothered. Joe then drags MJF up, but MJF JABS, throat chops, and runs at the corner, into the “SIT YO ASS DOWN!” URENAGE! Joe paces while Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Now Joe covers, ROPEBREAK! MJF saves himself by fingertips but Joe just drags him to the outside. Joe CLUBS MJF against the apron! MJF sputters, Joe drags him out and whips him hard into railing! MJF falls in a heap and Joe mockingly applauds. Joe then storms back over, drags MJF back up and puts him back in the ring. Joe CLUBS MJF again and MJF flounders away. Joe hurries in after MJF, CHOKES him on the ropes, but lets off as the ref counts 4. MJF sputters, only for Joe to KICK him in the side! Joe paces, drags MJF up, and snapmares to then neck wrench again! MJF endures all over again but the fans still rally.
MJF fights up, using Joe’s twisting for leverage, and he throws body shots! MJF runs, but Joe CLOBBERS him! Cover, TWO! MJF is hanging in there but Joe keeps his cool. Joe drags MJF up and puts him in a corner to JAB! JAB! JAB! And CHOP! MJF leans against ropes and the ref reprimands Joe, but Joe JABS MJF again as Dynamite returns to single picture. Fans rally as hard as they can for MJF and he fires forearms back! Joe HEADBUTTS, then he hoists MJF up top! Joe tucks MJF in but MJF sunset flips! Stack cover, TWO! SUPERKICK! MJF learned that one from his brochacho! But Joe stays up, so MJF short arm LARIATS!
Joe is still up so MJF LARIATS again! Joe is still up, so MJF runs to LARIAT! That takes as much out of MJF as it does Joe, but fans are thunderous as MJF goes again. Joe LARIATS MJF down!! Cover, TWO!! Joe is getting annoyed now but he rips MJF’s new shirt up! Then he wipes his butt with it and throws it down on MJF! Fans boo and MJF is furious, that was his loving tribute to the New York MLB legacy! Joe gives scuffing kicks and toying pie faces. MJF is getting mad now! Joe HEADBUTTS, and MJF just glares at him! Joe SLAPS MJF, then CLUBS him! MJF fires off forearms!
Joe puts MJF in the corner, but MJF dodges to CLAW the back, and bump Joe off buckles again and again and again! Fans count all the way to TEN! MJF goes up to then rain down fists! Fans count all the way to nine, because then MJF BITES Joe’s head!! The ref reprimands, Joe shoves MJF away, but MJF backflips and lands perfectly!! MJF has New York all fired up as he takes the kangaroo stance! KANGAROO KICK!! Joe flops out of the ring, MJF kips up and shakes the ropes! Fans are thunderous but MJF stops because his neck bothers him again. The chants of “M J F! M J F!” gets MJF back to his feet!
MJF pounds the mat, fans rally, and MJF builds speed! No doubts this time, MJF DIVE into a GAMANGIRI! Joe goes up to get MJF on the apron, fireman’s carry, APRON DEATH VALLEY DRIVER!!! Joe then laughs as he watches MJF down on the floor! Joe drags MJF up while fans boo, and Joe puts MJF in the ring. Cover, TWO!! MJF is still in this and the fans are thunderous again! Joe is amused, but also rather frustrated. Joe goes out, and he brings out a TABLE! Fans are torn but they do love tables! Joe puts that table against railing, then drags MJF out of the ring! The ref reprimands but Joe brings MJF over.
Joe clinches, and URENAGES MJF through the table!! The ref reprimands, fans boo, but Joe just laughs again. Joe drags MJF up out of the wreckage, puts him back in the ring, and covers, TWO?!?!? MJF survives and the fans are thunderous again! Joe nods, he might even respect the fighting spirit. But now he pulls padding off the concrete floor!! Joe drags MJF out of the ring again, the ref reprimands, and they go to the bare floor! But MJF fights free, to BITE Joe’s leg!! Fans fire up as MJF lets off that, to reel Joe in! But MJF’s neck won’t let him lift Joe! Joe kicks MJF, reels him back in, and gets him up to PILEDRIVER to the concrete!!!
Fans are losing their minds and the ref freaks out! The medics check MJF but Joe just has an evil smile on his face! Joe looms over MJF but the ref has him back off. Joe doesn’t care, he SWATS and BOOTS medics and security! Joe drags MJF up and into the ring! Joe figures he can pay the finds once he has two champ checks! Cover, TWO!??!?! Joe is stunned!! Devil or not, MJF is not human!! Joe drags MJF up, and he says MJF better give up or else. MJF SPITS in Joe’s face! So Joe DECKS MJF!! Joe then drags MJF back to his feet, runs, and LARI- NO, MJF slips through, reels Joe in, and manages a POWERBOMB?!?! Cover, TWO!!!!
The fans are electric as both men are down! “This is Awesome!” as Joe and MJF stir! Joe sits up, as does MJF. They stand, and Joe CHOPS! Joe runs, but MJF ROCKS him with a forearm! Joe CHOPS, but MJF seethes to forearm! They go shot for shot, MJF SUPERKICKS! Joe ROCKS MJF! And again, and again, and again! Joe runs one more time, but MJF gets around to a SLEEPER! But Joe gets around, to a COQUINA! MJF grabs at the ref, and then LOW BLOW MULE KICKS in the distraction!! Fans fire up as MJF gets away from Joe. MJF then gets his Dynamite Diamond Ring out! MJF gives it a kiss and puts it on the pinkie!
MJF runs in, but Joe puts the ref in the way! The ref sees the diamond ring and confiscates it! Then Joe LOW BLOWS MJF!! Joe puts MJF up top, tuck shim in, MUSCLE BUSTER!!!! Cover, TWO?!?!?! HOW?!?!? Joe can’t even explain it!! The fans are volcanic as Joe drags MJF back up, into a SLEEPER!! MJF flails, reaches out, but Joe is leaning on him! The hand falls once! But wait! Here comes Adam Cole!! Cole coaches MJF on but the hand falls twice! Cole pounds the mat, fans rally up even harder, and MJF comes back to life!! MJF fights up and again Joe can’t explain it! MJF stands to BITE the arm!!
Joe lets go, MJF victory rolls! TWO!! MJF hurries to have a SLEEPER of his own!! Joe fights up, and he RAMS MJF into a corner! The ref had to bail out to avoid the impact! Cole distracts Joe on the apron, MJF undoes some wrist tape, and MJF CHOKES Joe with the wrist tape garrote!!! MJF hides it inside the sleeper!! The ref revives, MJF has Joe in body scissors!! The ref checks, Joe is OUT! MJF wins!!
Winner: MJF, by submission (still AEW World Champion)
MJF hides the evidence in his armpit, but then it falls out as the ref raises his hand in victory! MJF keeps the ref distracted and Cole takes care of truly hiding the evidence. MJF and Cole hug to celebrate, Cole had MJF’s back in the end. But Joe knows it, and he shoves Cole! MJF gets in the way to keep this from getting worse. Joe snarls, but he offers a handshake? MJF is wary, he knows all the tricks in the book, but fans want to see it. MJF takes the handshake, and there is now respect instead of a grudge. Will the One True King of Wrestling Television have to settle for defending his one crown?
As for the brochachos, they stand together with all their belts! The medics still check with MJF, that neck has to be killing him. With both the AEW World Championship and the ROH World Tag Team Championship around his waist, how long can MJF keep this up?
My Thoughts:
An awesome Dynamite for Grand Slam 2023, with the right balance of action and talking. A little surprised they didn’t open with the International Championship, but the Winner Takes All match was a great choice all the same. The right choice was made here with Eddie winning the ROH World Championship. Claudio doesn’t have to worry about going to ROH tapings when he only did so rarely, and Eddie can go back and forth between ROH and NJPW Strong, just as I’ve been saying since this match was teased. Then speaking of the International Championship, it was awesome stuff, but clearly, there was something along the lines of a concussion there with Moxley. Fenix wasn’t supposed to win, but winning the title given the injury makes sense. And hopefully Moxley is alright.
Jericho VS Sammy was great, and it was very surprising that Jericho won clean. But in the end, that’s because Sammy was gonna turn on him and join Don Callis! I like that Daniel Garcia’s part in this story is to now be the one member of the former JAS that left Jericho behind, who might now return to his side. Garcia VS Guevara is going to be great stuff, and at least there’s now more than two people in the Don Callis Family. Still waiting on Kota Ibushi responding to Don & Konosuke claiming they’re gonna end his career.
Really good promo from Christian Cage & Luchasaurus, but uh, isn’t having a TNT Championship match on Collision after the Rampage tag match a little too soon? Though, given Christian is only making such a match so he and Luchasaurus can beat down Darby and one of them still has the title is definitely more TV programming than PPV programming. Then maybe Darby gets a proper title rematch at WrestleDream to add another hometown wrestler to the card. The ROH World Six Man Tag Championships being the Rampage main event is great for the building story of Swerve VS Hangman, and might actually give Mogul Embassy a chance to retain.
Great title match from Saraya VS Storm, with great character work and references back to the previous matches. But as such, of course Ruby helps Saraya retain, and who knows where Storm goes from here. Good promo to set up the Tag Team Fatal 4 Way, but I still feel The Kingdom wins that to then challenge MJF & Cole. Great promo from The Kingdom with Roddy and Cole, and how that tied into Cole not being around for most of MJF VS Joe. Good promos from MJF and Joe, too, and we got a PPV worthy title match. MJF has now reached that Eddie Guerrero level where he can cheat and do Heel things but is still Face because the fans love him. As such, MJF wins, and it is great to see Joe show him respect.
Joe will still have plenty to do with his ROH TV title, and now I think AEW really commits to how Roddy & The Kingdom will get in between MJF & Cole, take those tag titles, and then MJF VS Cole Round 3 happens at like Full Gear to settle things once and for all.
My Score: 9/10
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