Will the “Trick’N A” Era be a one and done?

He defeated Joe Hendry at Battleground, but now Trick Williams defends the TNA World Championship against Mike Santana, here on NXT!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Six Man Tag: Chase U VS Dark State; Dark State wins.
• High Stakes British Rounds Match: Myles Borne VS Charlie Dempsey; Myles wins and is free from the No Quarter Catch Crew.
• Tyra Mae Steele VS Arianna Grace; Steele wins.
• 8 Man Tag: Ethan Page & The Vanity Project VS Je’Von Evans, Laredo Kid, Sean Legacy & Dragon Lee; Je’Von, Laredo Kid, Legacy & Lee win.
• TNA World Championship: Trick Williams VS Mike Santana; Trick wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Je’Von Evans is here!

The fans fire up for the Young OG, but he isn’t alone! Laredo Kid is here, both ready for this Saturday’s NXT North  Well, speaking of, here comes Ethan Page! And he says enough of all this. This “Summit” is a farce. Let’s start with Rey Fenix. He’s stuck on a plane and won’t even be here tonight! Then, Je’Von & Laredo Kid are in ETHAN’S ring while Ethan celebrates his championship win, tap dancing on the memory if Ricky Saints. But instead, he has to share his time with these two. And then on Saturday, he defends this title in a Fatal 4 Way. And apparently, Ava has already set up a title defense “for some Evolve kid named Sean Legacy.”

Fans tell Ethan to shut up, but Ethan keeps going. Ethan says the worst of all, he never agreed to any of this! That was Ricky Saints! Ethan did NOT say “yes” to a single thing! Laredo Kid says Ethan just likes to talk, talk, talk, but he doesn’t have the JUEVOS! Je’Von says facts! And plus, Ethan cost Je’Von on SmackDown. Yeah, well that’s what happens when you stick your nose in Ethan’s business! Well, yeah, maybe instead of sticking his nose in Ethan’s business, maybe Je’Von should stick his boot up Ethan’s ass. But for now, it is better if Je’Von just takes that title. Ethan says he does not need to deal with this, he-

Wait! Sean Legacy is here! And “Super Sean” says okay, okay, alright. Ethan did say it: Whoever wins at Worlds Collide, Sean’s got next. And it would be an honor to challenge Laredo, and he is pretty sure he and Je’Von “aren’t done dancing just yet.” The fans cheer that as Sean approaches the ring. Sean says hopefully, and he means hopefully, it is NOT Ethan Page. But if it is, then fine. Because tomorrow night on Evolve, Sean has the chance to become the INAUGURAL WWE Evolve Champion! And then by next Tuesday- Wait, now THE VANITY PROJECT is here! And Ricky Smokes tells Sean he’s killing the vibe.

Ricky Smokes assures Ethan that The Vanity Project, “The hottest faction in Evolve,” has his back. Brad Baylor says hundos, Smokes! When it comes to Sean Legacy, their boy Jackson Drake handles him on Evolve. And believe it when Brad tells you, Jackson is also taking the Evolve title with him. And then a brawl breaks out! The fans fire up as Sean TOSSES Jackson, Je’Von ROCKS Smokes and DUMPS Brad, and then he DUMPS Smokes anyway! Laredo TOSSES Ethan, and Je’Von coordinates with Laredo and Legacy! They all build speed and FLY! The fans are thunderous but security rushes out here!

The fans fire up behind Legacy, Laredo & Je’Von, but will golden opportunities turn into dreams come true? Or will all the gold belong to all these egos?

Six Man Tag: Chase U VS Dark State!

Andre Chase tried to caution his new students, Kale Dixon & Uriah Connors, about taking risks, but they apparently got the advice and the warning flipped around. Now they’re up against the most dangerous men in NXT today! Will the new Chase U pass the test? Or will the only #TeachableMoment be that #NoOneIsSafe?

The brawl is on as Dark State hits the ring! They TOSS Uriah, they TOSS Chase, then whip Kale, but Chase gets Kale out of there! Uriah wants back in, Chase can’t stop him, and Uriah gets mugged 4v1! Saquon Shugars keeps Uriah from getting away, and he feeds Uriah to Cutler James! The bell rings, the fans chant “We Want Truth!” while Cutler waistlocks. Uriah switches but Cutler bucks the O’Conner. Uriah dodges the lariat but not the ELBOW! Cutler hits a fireman’s carry takeover, then RAMS Uriah into the corner! Cutler picks Uriah up to run him corner to corner, then short arm LARIAT! Tag to Dion Lennox and he talks trash.

Dion drags Uriah up, but Uriah SLAPS him! That was a mistake! Dion TACKLES Uriah, throws hands, then hits a BACKBREAKER! Dion drags Uriah by his legs to turn him over, BOSTON CRAB! Uriah endures, reaches out, but Dion drags him back! Uriah fights his way forward, but Saquon distracts Mr. Chase! Uriah kicks free of Dion, hot tag to Kale! Kale rallies on Dion, the fans rally, and Kale goes Matrix to then LARIAT! And FLATLINER! Kale underhooks, but Dion wrenches out. Kale dodges, Dion runs, DOUBLE LARIATS bring them both down! The fans rally while Kale and Dion stir. Kale and Dion crawl, hot tags to Uriah and Osiris!

Uriah dodges Osiris, swings on Cutler, but Osiris CLOBBERS Uriah! And he sucker punches Chase! But Uriah avoids the elbow drop! Osiris runs up, Uriah DUMPS him out, but Osiris rushes back in! Osiris TOSSES Uriah, but Uriah is up to GAMANGIRI! Kale tags in, Osiris puts Uriah in a corner, but Uriah dodges the splash! Chase U DOUBLE SUPERKICK! Cutler runs up, Chase U dodges to DOUBLE LARIAT! Then DOUBLE SUPERKICKS for Dion! Then they reel Osiris in, only for Osiris to block and DOUBLE SUPLEX them!! The fans are thunderous, Osiris tags Cutler, then Cutler tags Dion. They get Kale up, DARK STATE BOMB!! Cover, Dark State wins!

Winners: Dark State, by pinfall

The new Chase U shows promise, but they’ll have to go back to the drawing board if they want to survive. Will Dark State make sure #NoOneIsSafe in NXT?

Je’Von, Laredo Kid & Sean Legacy talk backstage

They’re all upset over The Vanity Project showing up and starting beef. Ava Raine has them calm down, and says here is the solution: 8 Man Tag of Ethan & Vanity Project VS Je’Von, Laredo, Legacy, and whoever they can find. Laredo says this is going to be his first night in an NXT ring! Legacy says yeah, and he thought he was the new kid. Je’Von says they can handle this 4v3, facts. But then wait, DRAGON LEE is here! The Boy Wonder volunteers his services, and Laredo’s down for that. Je’Von says bet, and Legacy says that sounds super. Will these four humble All Ego and the Vanity Project as Worlds Collide?

Backstage interview with Trick Williams.

Sarah Schreiber is with the TNA World Champion and says he defends that title tonight against Mike Santana. How does Trick plan on putting down The Realest One? Trick says, “Realest One, Santana? He’s a passionate dude, right. I mean, he’s the loud ‘n’ proud Boricua from Bronx, New York! And tonight is the biggest match of his career.” Trick tells Santana that he might be the Standard of TNA, but Trick doesn’t care how much Santana yells and screams, the standard has changed! Trick Williams is in charge and he calls the shots! For 20 YEARS, TNA has been looking for the one to take them to new levels. The one who can make TNA legit!

They have found that man. But his name ain’t Elijah, Average Joe, and it ain’t Mike Santana. Dammit, it is Trick! And he knows what is best for Trick’N A. The title stays with him, let’s talk about it! Trick is confident as he’s ever been, but will #HollywoodTrick end up a one hit wonder?

Tyra Mae Steele joins the NXT Women’s locker room.

And OMG, she is so excited to have won the first season of LFG. Carlee Bright is so happy for her, Tyra thanks her, but Tyra does have to say, disappointing The Undertaker was as scary as competing in the Olympics. Kendal Grey rolls her eyes, and Arianna Grace says she loves this for Tyra. She is so accomplished! But if we’re seeking inspiration from a winner, remember that Arianna has won numerous beauty pageants. Tyra stops Arianna there, but Arianna says hey, we all know her. She dislikes and detests gossip. But… She thinks what she heard is true. Those gold medals aren’t even 100% gold.

Arianna knows Tyra wants a chance to fit in with the locker room, so here is a pro-tip: Don’t talk about yourself so much. No one likes a braggart, especially a tacky one. Yeah, thanks for the advice… Any time! Arianna flips her hair, rolls her eyes and heads out, but Tyra says there’s her first opponent. Will the first Olympic Gold Medalist in the WWE Women’s Division show Arianna is just second place?

High Stakes British Rounds Match: Myles Borne VS Charlie Dempsey!

Though he failed to dethrone The Ruler, Myles knows he was born for more than going backwards and falling in line. So as true gentlemen, he and Dempsey will battle in the classic six round, first-to-two-falls format! If Myles wins, he no longer has to listen to what Dempsey has to say. Will Myles win his freedom? Or will he lose all the ground he has gained?

NQCC enters together to show this is all in good sportsmanship, but Myles will have Tavion in his corner while Charlie has Wren. The bell rings on the first round, and the two tie up. Dempsey hits an arm-drag, has an armlock, and makes it a cording hold. Myles endures, rolls, and stands, but Dempsey wrenches. Myles wrenches, snapmares, and covers, TWO! Dempsey gets up and Myles grins. The fans rally as the two circle. They tie up, Myles headlocks, but Dempsey powers out. Myles RUNS Dempsey over, covers, ONE! Dempsey is already frustrated but we’re not even a minute in. The two tie up again, Dempsey headlocks, and Myles pries at the hold.

Myles has the top wristlock, arm-drags Dempsey down, and keeps hold of the arm. Dempsey headscissors, Myles kips free, and the fans cheer. Myles headlocks, Dempsey wrenches out to headlock back, but Myles does the same to get a wristlock. Dempsey bridges and rolls, then wrenches gain. Myles wrenches again, goes back to the top wristlock, but Dempsey jumps up for a headscissor takedown! The fans cheer as Dempsey also has the armlock. Myles fights around, the fans rally, but Dempsey wrangles Myles again! Dempsey has the short arm scissors, and he uses that to throw Myles around on the mat!

The fans rally while Myles endures. We have less than a minute in this round but Dempsey throws Myles around more. The fans rally again, Myles fights and rolls to a stack, ONE and Myles deadlifts Dempsey! Dempsey sunset flips it, TWO! Myles has the jackknife bridge, TWO as Dempsey bridges up! Dempsey spins Myles, they fight for control and we’re under 30. Dempsey underhooks, Myles wrenches out to cradle, TWO! Dempsey has the cradle, TWO! The two stand, Dempsey goes for the roll up but Myles sits on a prawn hold! MYLES SCORES!

Myles: 1; Dempsey: 0

With just seven seconds to spare, Myles gets one over on his mentor! Tavion and Wren argue over who gets the spit bucket and towel, Myles and Dempsey get them to sort that out, and we have our refresher period while NXT goes picture in picture.

Wren and Tavion keep arguing, they each want to help both guys, and the refresher is over. Round two starts and the two tie up. Dempsey cravats and he has the neck wrench. Myles rolls but Dempsey rolls with him. Myles fights up, fires body shots, and rolls again, only for Dempsey to hold on. Myles endures, fights up, but Dempsey hits a CRAVAT PLEX! Cover, TWO, but Dempsey keeps that cravat! Myles RAMS Dempsey into a corner, RAMS him in again, and then fights around to power out! Dempsey goes up, but Myles stays back to headlock takeover! Dempsey kicks around, headscissors, but Myles kips free!

Myles hits a headlock takeover again, but Dempsey rolls to a cover. TWO, and Myles grinds on the headlock. Dempsey rolls to have a headlock of his own, but Myles powers up and out. Dempsey RUNS Myles over! Things keep moving, Myles hurdles but Dempsey trips him! Dempsey ties up the legs and brings Myles into a BOW ‘N’ ARROW! Myles endures, pops free to a cover, TWO! Dempsey is up but Myles headlocks. Dempsey powers up and out, but Myles RUNS him over! Things keep moving as Myles runs, but Dempsey drops down, hurdles, but into a SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Dempsey stays in this as we hit one minute!

Myles hits another takeover! Myles traps an arm but Dempsey fights his way to the cover, TWO! Myles holds onto the headlock, Dempsey fights up, and it is hard to know who Wren and Tavion coach more. Myles grinds the headlock as we hit 30 seconds, but Dempsey powers his way into a headlock on Myles. NXT returns to single picture as Myles powers up and out, but Dempsey RUNS him over! Things just keep moving, Myles hurdles but Dempsey counters the hip toss. Myles also counters, we’re under 10 seconds again, and the two fight for control! The clock hits ZERO!

Myles: 1; Dempsey: 0

Dempsey KNEES Myles low! The fans boo and the ref reprimands, but Dempsey gets away with that one. Wren & Tavion both check Myles, and Tavion is upset on Myles’ behalf. The refresher period is done, Dempsey runs up on Myles, but Myles dodges! Myles UPPERCUTS again and again, then huffs ‘n’ puffs as he whips. Dempsey wrenches to KNEE low again! The fans rally for Myles but Dempsey hits the REGAL PLEX! Bridging cover, Dempsey scores!!

Myles: 1; Dempsey: 1

The third is done fast with that, will it all end with this next round? Tavion helps Myles recover, Wren is torn given Dempsey’s tactics, but it’s on to the fourth! Dempsey SHOTGUNS Myles down! Dempsey drags Myles up, UPPERCUTS him again and again, then KNEES Myles in the side! Myles crawls, Dempsey KNEES him down again, and even talks some trash. Dempsey KNEES Myles again, then pushes Myles to a cover. TWO, but Dempsey is right on Myles with elbows! Dempsey clamps onto Myles with an IRON OCTOPUS! The fans rally, Myles powers up and out, but Dempsey slips free of the fireman’s carry!

Dempsey wrenches to KNEE Myles again! Dempsey runs, but Myles BACKDROPS him! Myles storms up to fire haymakers! Myles whips then LARIATS Dempsey! And LARIATS again! And clinches, for an OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! And another OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Myles clinches for the ANGLE SLAM! Cover, TWO! Dempsey stays in this, Myles stays on him, but the ribs limit his suplex. Dempsey hammerlocks an arm to fire off body shots! We’re under a minute as Dempsey hooks the leg again! Myles fights it, slips out of the nelson and victory rolls, TWO! Dempsey  has it, TWO!

Both men stand, Myles OKLAHOMA- NO, Dempsey smothers it! TWO and Myles has the ghost pin! TWO, and Dempsey backslides! With a bridge! TWO and Myles has the sunset, TWO! Dempsey swings wild but Myles ducks it, to then ORTON DROPKICK! Cover, MYLES WINS!!

Winner: Myles Borne, by pinfall (Leaves the NQCC)

Dempsey tried to hold Myles down in more ways than one, but Myles’ “Dropkick of Destiny” comes through for him again! Myles offers a handshake, Dempsey frowns, so Myles leaves it at that. Myles moves on from the No Quarter Catch Crew, but how will he fair as a lone wolf?

The Culling talks backstage.

Shawn Spears is confident in Brooks Jensen & Niko Vance, but then Izzi Dame SMACKS Jensen down!? The others ask what that was for! They have a match tonight! Izzi says nope, she got that rescheduled to next week. And Jensen is out, Spears is in. Jensen was never fully “bought in.” If you are not committed to The Culling, you are out! Niko and Spears say damn right. What did Jensen do to get him ejected? And with this change, do Briggs & Inamura stand a chance of surviving?

Tyra Mae Steele VS Arianna Grace!

NXT is ready to L F G with the season one women’s champion! She already knows how to win given those gold medals around her neck, but will she learn how to lose with Grace?

The bell rings and the two circle. Tyra offers a handshake but Arianna says no thanks. The two tie up, Tyra picks a leg and trips Arianna! Then she gets an arm, arm-drags Arianna, but Arianna headscissors. But Tyra turns that into a gator roll! Arianna panics, grabs the ROPEBREAK, and she argues with the rf. Tyra trips Arianna, Arianna goes back to ropes, and Tyra lets go. Arianna runs up, Tyra dodges to waistlock, but Arianna fights to a facelock. Tyra powers Arianna up and THROWS her away! The fans fire up while Arianna flounders. Tyra grabs a leg, Arianna has ropes, and Arianna BOOTS her away!

Arianna bumps Tyra off buckles, throws hands and stomps, then tells the ref to leave her alone. Arianna then short arm LARIATS Tyra! Arianna dusts herself off and says, “Look what you made me do!” Arianna BOOTS Tyra down, covers, ONE!! Arianna is furious and she storms up on Tyra. Arianna pie faces Tyra, shouts, “I’m Ms. NXT!” then she SLAPS Tyra! Tyra just grins and nods. The fans fire up, Arianna apologizes, and even offers a handshake! But Tyra says, “No thank you!” LARIAT! And LARIAT! Then a fireman’s carry for the THROW! The fans fire up with Tyra and she storms up on Arianna! Deadlift GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, Tyra wins!

Winner: Tyra Mae Steele, by pinfall

Tyra is steely eyed as she takes her first win in NXT. Will she go from gold medalist to wearing a gold belt soon enough?

Backstage interview with Mike Santana.

Sarah is now with The Standard and says tonight is the biggest match of his career. He got a great win over Tavion Heights last week, but now it is the TNA World Championship with Trick Williams, how is he feeling? Santana says he should be taking some time to soak it all in. He is about to be in the main event of NXT TV, fighting for the TNA World Championship. What a crazy time we live in. But he will take his time to reflect once he has the title on his shoulder. Now is the time to get busy! Santana tells Trick, “I looked into your eyes and I didn’t see a fighting champion. I saw a pretender! I saw someone who’s fighting for nobody but himself!

“But tonight, for me, it’s the total opposite. Tonight, I fight for every person who’s ever stepped foot in a TNA ring! I fight for the legacy of TNA! Por todo mejente Latina! Todo mejente Boricua y mundo!” But most of all, Santana fights for his baby girl at home as she witnesses history. He promised to come home THE TNA World Champion, and to that girl, he breaks no promises. Trick, Santana knows how great you are! But tonight, he has to be three seconds better! Let’s get it! Santana is all fired up, but will he bring Trick down to earth? Or will that fire only burn him up?

The Fatal Influence is here!

The fans are torn as Fallon Henley & Jazmyn Nyx accompany the NEW NXT Women’s Champion, Jacy Jayne! Granted, it took all three of them and then some to take that title off Stephanie Vaquer, but that won’t matter in the history books. Jacy says no one here supported her the last four years, so they can’t get on the bandwagon now that she’s champ! They can all shut their mouths and listen to what she has to say! The fans boo now, and Jacy says like she was going to say before being so rudely interrupted by the idiots, all is right in the universe because Fatal Influence is finally on top where they belong.

Last week, Jacy pulled off the most shocking moment in NXT HISTORY! And the looks on all the fans’ faces said it all! The most fickle group of fans were left stunned, shocked, jaws dropped to the floor! But you know who wasn’t shocked when all the air got sucked out of the place? Jacy! While the fans underestimated Jacy as the “third wheel” and latched onto whoever the flavor of the month was, Jacy was putting in the work. She got better and she stayed ready. The fans still boo, but Jacy says to shut up! She is talking! The fans boo more, but Jacy says you need to respect the champion!

And for those of you who don’t know, Jacy and Fallon started in this business together. And over the years, Fallon has become like a sister to Jacy. That is why after a very long, long discussion, they decided that it was time to finally run the play. They slap heard around the world! And it was an opportunity that Jacy had to take. But then wait, wait, someone is talking over Jacy? Who is this coming out from the crowd? She introduces herself as Lainey Reid, and the fans already know her. Lainey says Jacy proved anything is possible by beating Stephanie. With this NXT Women’s Division being so stacked, Lainey was going to humbly wait her turn.

But then she realized… Jacy is now the most beatable champion NXT has ever seen! Wait, LOLA VICE is here now! And Lola tells Jacy that she’ll be the first to say congratulations. And that title is not about Jacy, Fatal Influence, or anyone else. It is time that title came home to Vice City! The fans cheer, but wait! Now we have Jordynne Grace! And The Juggernaut says when she came to NXT to be part of the greatest women’s division in the world, she had a plan. But after seeing everything this past week, it is apparent that anything can happen.

Grace thought she knew something about wrestling, but in a world where Trick Williams is TNA World Champion, and Jacy Jayne can beat Stephanie Vaquer, literally anything can happen. And speaking of, Jaida Parker now interrupts! Miss Parker says Grace had her chances. And everyone knows Jaida is the baddest b*tch in this place, so that title needs to be around her waist. WAIT, Kelani Jordan shows up! She points out that if anyone’s proven they can beat Jacy, it’s Lani! And who has never had her chance at that top title? SKRRRRRR~! Lash Legend says no one cares, Kelani! Zip it! Thank you.

Now, as far as the Bougie Bully is concerned, she sees a whole lotta women who have already had their turn. If anyone gets the title off Jacy, it is Lash. Jaida speaks up but THEA HAIL attacks from the crowd! And it is chaos! The Fatal Influence loves it, but they’re forgetting about Lainey! And then the LIGHTS GO OUT!? The lights come back up, and it is MARIAH MAY!?!? The Glamour that was once All Elite is now here in Orlando! And she also loves watching the chaos. “I have FINALLY arrived!” The fans are thunderous for that! Mariah tells Fatal Influence, “You can call me the next NXT Women’s Champion.”

Mariah smiles, Jacy and the Influence seethe, but Mariah says, “The best women’s division in the world just got a lot more glamorous!” She blows a kiss to the Toxic Rockstar, will Jacy have to kiss the belt goodbye already?

The Evolve Women’s Division finishes watching what just happened.

Stevie Turner says the NXT Women’s Division is absolutely stacked! Title contenders wherever you look! She tells all the girls of Evolve that one day, that will be them. The Evolve Women’s Champion, Kali Armstrong, says chicks are lining up for that title. And speaking of, she wants to see who steps to her, The Difference Maker, tomorrow night. Is that an Open Challenge? And if so, who will go after Kali as the inaugural challenger?

Ethan Page & The Vanity Project watch back last week’s NXT North American Championship match.

Specifically, they rewatch Ethan Page giving Ricky Saints a cutter to the chair. Daaaayum~! Ethan says that is how you take away Saints’ voice. And he did take Je’Von Evans’ smile once. Hundos! And tonight, boys, they can even take the masks of Laredo Kid & Dragon Lee. Brad says imagine the look on the ladies’ faces when they see what Laredo & Lee really look like! Jackson says that sounds like more ladies for them! Hundos! And Ethan, don’t worry, they’ll handle Legacy. Ethan says that’s what he was hoping for. They head out for that match right now, but will all these massive egos implode on themselves? Or will Ethan be strolling into Los Angeles?

8 Man Tag: Ethan Page & The Vanity Project VS Je’Von Evans, Laredo Kid, Sean Legacy & Dragon Lee!

The teams sort out and Laredo starts against the Carolina Reaper, Jackson Drake. They circle, feel things out, and tie up. They go around, the fans cheer on Laredo, but Jackson wrenches and wristlocks. Laredo rolls, handsprings, and trips Jackson! Cover, ONE, and Jackson kicks low. Jackson headlocks, grinds the hold, but Laredo powers up and out. Laredo blows past Jackson, runs him over, and things keep moving. Jackson drops, Laredo rolls, and then Laredo dodges to springboard and RANA! The fans fire up and Laredo mule kicks! Laredo CLUBS Jackson, tags Dragon Lee, and they mug Jackson against the ropes!

The fans cheer as Laredo CHPOS, Lee CHOPS, and then they double whip to hurdle, KICK, and FLYING FOREARM! Then uno, dos, tres, DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Cover, Ethan breaks it. The fans boo but Lee stays on Jackson. Lee whips corner to corner, runs in, but Jackson puts him on the apron. Lee RAMS Jackson, GAMANGIRIS, then goes up, up, and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Jackson stays in this, Lee runs up to JUMP KICK! He sits Jackson down to then COMBINACION CABRON! Lee drags Jackson back up, fireman’s carries, but Jackson scrambles free! Tag to Smokes but Lee mule kicks low!

Lee brings Smokes over, tags Je’Von, and Je’Von goes up to AX HANDLE Smokes! The fans cheer as the Young OG wrenches, but Smokes fires hands! Smokes whips, Je’Von reverses, BOUNCY~ RANA! Legacy tags in at the same time, and he adds a PENALTY KICK! STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Legacy but Smokes RAMS him into the corner! Smokes digs his shoulder in, the ref backs Smokes off, but that lets Team Ego mug Legacy! The fans boo but Ethan tags in. Ethan reels Legacy in, the fans tell him off, but Ethan Canadian Racks! Legacy slips free, dodges, and DROPKICKS!

Ethan tumbles out, Legacy dodges Brad to LARIAT him up and out! Smokes runs up but Legacy TOSSES him! Legacy DIVES and takes out Swipe Right! The fans are thunderous, Jackson runs up but Je’Von TOSSES him out! Tag to Lee, then tag to Laredo. Lee & Je’Von DOUBLE PLANCHA! Down goes The Vanity Project! Laredo builds speed, but Ethan BOOTS him outta nowhere! The ref keeps Laredo’s teammates back while Ethan stomps away! The fans boo but Ethan coordinates his team while NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Brad looms over Je’Von. Je’Von fires body shots, SMACKS Brad, but Brad keeps him from his corner! Je’Von ROCKS Brad while fans chant ‘SWIPE LEFT!” Brad KNEES Je’Von low, brings him over to whip, and he tags Jackson. Brad snapmares Je’Von to then NECK SNAPPER! Jackson basement DROPKICKS! And deadlift GERMAN SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Je’Von is still in this but Jackson stands on his hands! The fans rally but Jackson grins. Jackson CLAWS Je’Von’s back, then STOMPS the hands! The fans boo but Jackson brings Je’Von up and around. Je’Von CHOPS back! The fans fire up but Ethan shouts to fight back!

Jackson ROCKS Je’Von, hits a JAWBREAKER, KNEE and KICK! Then an STO! And STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO! Jackson clamps on with a chinlock, it is almost a Bully Choke! Je’Von endures, fights up, and the fans rally. Je’Von powers up and arm-drags free! Jackson runs up but into a BACKDROP! The fans fire up, but Ethan tags in and is right on Je’Von! Je’Von avoids the Twisted Grin to SUPERKICK! Je’Von crawls, hot tags to Lee and Smokes! Lee dodges Smokes to SHOTGUN the Vanity Project! Then he pops Smokes up to SUPERKICK! The fans fire up, Lee goes corner to corner, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK!

Lee brings Smokes around, lifts, but Brad saves Smokes! The fans boo but then Laredo gets a boost to DROPKICK Brad! Laredo then DIVES! Laredo clips ropes but he still hits Brad down! Smokes runs up on Lee but Lee slips through the lariat to lift and POWERBOMB!! Cover, Ethan breaks it with a DROPKICK! Lee TOSSES Ethan, goes back to Smokes, and he tags Legacy. They double whip, Smokes wrenches to crisscross them! Tag to Brad, he THROWS Legacy into Lee! Tag back to Jackson, then Ethan tags in! Brad hits a SPINEBUSTER, Jackson adds a SWANTON, and Ethan RIPCORDS for a POWERSLAM!

Cover, but Lee & Je’Von DOUBLE SUPERKICK Swipe Right down onto it! The fans are thunderous as all eight men are down! The eight stir, sort out, and Je’Von coordinates with Laredo, They LARIAT Swipe Right up and out, then Je’Von FLIES! Down goes Swipe Right and the fans fire up! Laredo nods and he ASAI MOONSAULTS! Swipe Right goes down again! Legacy and Ethan trade haymakers! The fans rally for Legacy and he gets the edge! Ethan KNEES low, ROLLING ELBOWS, but Legacy BOOTS first! Tags to Lee and Brad! Brad runs up, but Lee BOOTS him first! Lee goes up, Brad scrambles up after him!

Brad fires hands, brings Lee to the very top, but Lee trips Brad! Lee CHOPS Brad into a Tree of Woe! And then WOE STOMPS! The fans fire up with Lee and he has Brad up again! OPERACION DRAGON!! Cover, Lee and team win!!

Winners: Je’Von Evans, Laredo Kid, Sean Legacy & Dragon Lee, by pinfall

Vanity Project may not be ready for NXT just yet, but will this massive win help Dragon Lee lead the LWO to victory against AAA’s Aerostar, Mr. Iguana y Octagon Jr? Will Ethan Page survive his trip to Los Angeles to then defend the title against #SuperSean? Or is everything about to change when Worlds Collide?

Oba Femi waits in Ava Raine’s office.

Robert Stone & Stevie Turner assure the NXT Champion that the NXT General Manager will be back any moment. And are they ready with the contract per his request? Y-Yes, Stone has it right here, it just needs their signatures. Perfect. Oba is ready to sign, but then Jasper Troy steps in. Stevie informs Jasper that Ava will be here shortly. Jasper says they don’t need her for this. Stone says okay, then just sign here. Jasper says, “This is the first time you’ve had to look up at a man to face him. How’s it feel?” Oba says, “Size makes no difference. Whether the mission is to snap a twig or to knock down an oak tree just like yourself, the result remains the same.”

Both behemoths sign on the dotted line, and it is official. Oba and Troy are ready for battle, but will these two bring down the house quite literally when they do?

#ZaRuca talks backstage.

#TwoBeltsSol says everyone is so laser focused on Jacy, it is crazy. Zaria says that’s because everyone knows it is easier to go after Jacy than Sol. But then they come across poor Tatum Paxley. Zaria asks why Tatum didn’t run out there. Tatum says even in that crowded room, she’d be alone. Sol says they’re here for her. Izzi Dame walks in and asks if they really are, though. Tatum’s been down this road, and it has given her nothing. So trust Izzi when she says turning to these “best friends” for help will end the same way. Sol asks, doesn’t Izzi have her own “friends” to worry about? Zaria says Izzi has no friends.

Izzi tells Tatum that we’ve seen what Izzi does to people who’ve crossed her, and who aren’t true friends. She purges them, and that is what Tatum needs. Izzi leaves, but will she lure Tatum into The Culling? Or can ZaRuca help Tatum turn the tide?

Tony D’Angelo is on the phone.

The Don assures the other person not to worry, they’ll figure this out. But then in walks Luca Crusifino and Tony ends the call. Luca asks what’s going on, he hasn’t heard from Tony all week. Tony says Luca wanted to speak to him, but he has no time for small talk. Luca says after last week’s conversation, Luca started to think. About trust and loyalty. Yes, Tony knows that, so get to the point. Luca understands that Tony no longer trusts him. He is making a move to show he is still loyal. What? Luca says he wants Tony to trust him, so they’re going to be in a tag match against High Ryze next week.

Wait, Tony & Luca? Yes! Because Stacked paid off High Ryze to go after Tony before Battleground, so they need to retaliate. Luca wants to do this for the family, but without getting Tony’s consent? Luca says with all due respect, they’re not really a family anymore, are they? The Consigliere leaves, but is he still a D’Angelo? Or is this all part of a plan cooked up by Stacks?

TNA World Championship: Trick Williams VS Mike Santana!

While he joined the rarified air of men who have held this title and the NXT Championship in their careers, he is the FIRST man to hold the TNA World Championship while still signed to WWE. Will Trick continue to make history by holding onto the title? Or will The Standard finally become THE champion of Total Nonstop Action?

NXT returns as Trick makes his entrance to a very mixed reaction. The introductions are made, the TNA title is raised, and we see if Santana can #WhoopDatTrick!

The bell rings and the fans are fired up already. Trick and Santana tie up, Trick puts Santana in a corner, but he lets off as the ref counts. The fans cheer “SAN-TA-NA!” and the two tie up again. Santana headlocks, Trick fires body shots and powers out. Trick hurdles, Santana whips, but Trick THROWS Santana by his hair! Then he SLAPS Santana! Trick fires up but Santana just grins. Santana RAMS Trick into a corner and fires hands! The fans fire up and Santana SLAPS Trick back! The fans cheer, Santana wrenches and hits the atomic FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Santana SENTONS and the fans rally behind him again! Cover, TWO!

Trick flounders away, Santana brings Trick up, but Trick hits the BIG back suplex! Both men hobble up, Trick runs and JUMPING NECKBREAKERS! Cover, TWO! Santana stays in this but Trick drags him up. Trick suplexes, covers, TWO! Santana is tougher than that but Trick stomps him. The fans chant, “Trick, You Suck!” Trick frowns, scuffs Santana, but then Santana blocks the boot! Santana shakes his head, spins Trick and CHOPS! CHOPS! Trick shoves, Santana dodges, hurdles, and drops down to DROPKICK! Trick tumbles out, the fans are thunderous, and Santana builds speed! But Trick hurries away!

The fans boo but Trick shakes his head. He says he doesn’t need this, he’s the champ! Trick wants to walk? But Santana FLIES! Down goes Trick, and he falls right at the pedestal upon which the title sits! Santana has the fans all fired up, and NXT goes picture in picture.

Santana storms over to Trick, drags him up, and puts him back in the ring. Santana pushes Trick to a cover, TWO! Trick toughs it out but Santana drags him up. Santana snapmares and basement DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Trick crawls away and Santana frowns. Santana is on Trick but Trick CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS, but Santana blocks! Santana ROCKS Trick, CHOPS Trick, and has Trick on the ropes. Santana brings Trick around but Trick headlocks! Santana pulls Trick’s hair but the ref reprimands. Trick grinds the headlock and brings Santana to his knees. Santana fights up, powers up and out, then drops down.

Santana hurdles then DROPKICKS Trick again! Both men are down and the ref checks Trick. Trick is okay to continue so Santana covers, TWO! Santana is annoyed as Trick bails out and walks it off. Trick still wants to leave but Santana SMACKS him off the desk! And SMACKS him off the desk again! Trick falls in a heap and Santana looms over him while soaking up the cheers. Santana then puts Trick in the ring, but Trick throat chops him! And headlocks for the takeover! Trick floats to get the leg for a HALF CRAB! Santana endures, reaches out, and fights his way forward! NXT returns to single picture as Trick drags Santana back!

The fans rally as Santana fights, turns over, and he kicks at Trick! And kicks, and kicks, and kicks! Trick falls and Santana is free, but both men stand up. Santana CHOPS Trick to a corner, then runs up to UPPERCUT! Santana goes up and he rains down elbows! The fans count, but Trick stops Santana at tres to SNAKE EYES! The fans boo but Trick hits the TRICK KICK! Cover, TWO!! Santana survives and Trick rains down forearms! Trick is furious, but he drags Santana up with a facelock. Trick squeezes tight, Santana backs up, and he has the ROPEBREAK! Trick lets go just to whip and LEG LARIAT! The fans boo but Trick soaks up that heat.

Trick storms over to Santana, drags him up, and cravats for a neck wrench. The fans rally, Santana fights up, and Santana fires body shots. Trick cranks the cravat harder, the fans rally even harder, and Santana fights up again! Santana fires shots to the leg, and he fires body shots! Trick CLUBS Santana on the neck! Trick then CHOPS in the corner! Santana just gets mad! The fans fire up as Trick CHOPS but Santana just hits himself to get even angrier! Trick RAMS low, fireman’s carries, but Santana slips free! Santana ducks the leg lariat to SUPERKICK! Santana runs, into an EDDY GORDO! But Santana PELES!

Trick wobbles, Santana runs up, but Trick ducks a lariat to wrench, BODY BLOW, and UPPERCUT! Trick runs, but Santana blows past him! Trick jumps but the hurdle becomes a DEATH VALLEY DRIVER!! But Santana can’t make the cover!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous again! Trick rises, but Santana kips up! Santana roars, and he fires haymakers on Trick! Trick flounders, Santana DECKS him again and again! Then FLYING UPPERCUT! Santana scoops, Trick slips free to O’Conner, but Santana bucks that to back-somersault and STUNNER!! Cover, TWO!! Santana is beside himself but the fans rally even harder!

Santana runs corner to corner to CANNONBALL! Cover, TWO!! Trick survives again and Santana is stunned! The fans rally for Santana as he climbs up! Santana aims, 450 SPLASH!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!!! Trick survives by a fingertip! Santana is in utter disbelief, but then he powers up that right arm! Trick rises, SPIN THE- NO, Trick bails out! The fans boo, but for the third time, Trick wants to bail. Elijah/Elias is in the crowd, telling Trick that’s not how a champions this. But Trick snatches the guitar! And he SMASHES it on the steel steps?! Elijah is pissed, but the ref keeps him back! And then who is this dragging Santana outta the ring?!

The fans freak out as KC Navarro & Top Dolla- Er, uh, AJ Francis are here! CHOKE SLAM onto the desk!! KC & AJ put Santana in the ring! TRICK SHOT to the back!! Santana sputters, Trick reloads, TRICK SHOT again!!! Cover, TRICK WINS!!

Winner: Trick Williams, by pinfall (still TNA World Champion)

That was a First Class screw job in more ways than one! They make sure Santana fails to keep his promise to his daughter, but now Trick will defend the title against Elijah this Friday! Will the TNA World title soon #WalkWithElijah? Or will Trick win Against All Odds?

My Thoughts:

An awesome NXT, especially as the go-home to a lot of stuff going on this weekend. Very good opening promo segment, but I wonder if the “summit” was a last minute idea as it wasn’t advertised last week or even today on the WWE’s site. Even so, it all worked out to make an awesome 8 Man Tag. Ethan fits in well with The Vanity Project given the concept of ego, but same goes for Je’Von, Laredo Kid, Dragon Lee & Sean Legacy working well as young high-fliers. Great win for the Faces in that, but I feel like that indicates A) the LWO loses to Iguana, Aerostar & Octagon, and B) Ethan finds a way to survive his challengers. And depending on what happens with Evolve, we very well could see Ethan VS Legacy as Champion VS Champion, but only one title on the line.

The TNA World Championship main event was awesome stuff, but while I figured Santana would lose, AJ Francis & KC Navarro showing up was a great surprise. I wonder if First Class is trying to ingratiate themselves to the top champion. And either way, Trick VS Elijah for Friday will be some great stuff, and might be Trick’s second successful defense. Quick side note: AJ Francis returning to WWE via the crossover is a great example of what I hope happens with released stars like Gigi Dolin/Priscilla Kelly and R-Truth/Ron Killings. The fans chanted “We Want Truth” just as they did last night on Raw, we can only hope someone in WWE and/or TKO listens to that.

Dark State of course win their Six Man Tag over Chase U 2.0, and Mr. Chase is understandably upset with Kale & Uriah for not listening for even one second. Chase needs to have one of his famous meltdowns aimed at them to help them understand how serious this is. Great British Rounds match from Myles VS Dempsey, and I had a feeling Myles would win to earn his “freedom” from NQCC. If Sean Legacy doesn’t win the title off Ethan, and if they’re gonna play up Ricky Saints being hurt, I’d love to see Myles get a shot at the North American Championship as his next step.

Good promo from Tony and Luca, they’ll have a good match with Tyriek & Tyson, but I would think Stacks uses that moment to strike and make it at least look like Luca’s on Stacks’ side. Very good atypical contract signing for Oba Femi and Jasper Troy. They didn’t need to go to the ring and sit at a table, say a bunch of stuff, and all the other cliches, because we all know Oba’s accomplishments while Jasper is brand new, having won this spot from LFG. It’ll still be a great match for next week, but I would think Oba wins. A lot of that might also depend on the plans for NXT Great American Bash in Atlanta.

An interesting twist in the Culling’s story. What evidence does Izzi have that Jensen isn’t committed to their faction? And she sure decided to hit first and ask questions never… Perhaps they’re going the opposite direction from what I was predicting: Instead of Briggs breaking down and joining The Culling, Jensen is the one who turns and reunites with his old friend. But then that feels like Jensen, Briggs & Inamura VS Spears, Niko Vance and a new member of The Culling. Izzi also has a good promo with Tatum, Sol & Zaria. I suppose Tatum joining Culling would be the easiest course of action, making for Izzi & Tatum VS ZaRuca, and potentially Izzi or Tatum challenging for the Women’s North American Championship.

And speaking of titles, I think the NXT Women’s Division put it to rest that this is the best, most competitive women’s division in wrestling. Good promo from Jacy to basically explain that the dysfunction was all part of the plan to lure everyone into a false sense of security. And while we got a great flood of top names in NXT today, AND the WWE debut of Mariah May (hopefully that stays her name), this Lainey Reid really stands out as an odd choice. Apparently, she was a mainstay of Level Up, explaining why I didn’t know anything about her…

But even if I did, the way they finally brought her onto NXT was so odd. She hops out from the crowd, all the other established names make real entrances, and then Mariah May steals the spotlight with her arrival. I feel like Lainey ends up a rather random roadblock for Mariah to get at the title, but between them and the other six (Thea, Jaida, Lola, Jordynne, Kelani & Lash), I would love to see a huge tournament that culminates at WWE Evolution in Atlanta. Five weeks, four rounds, the winner of the tournament faces Jacy at Evolution, it all works out. Though it’d be really rough for Jacy if she was a transitional champion after being in NXT and putting in the work, just as she said. Well, I suppose still better than being released…

My Score: 9/10

Is it CLOBBERIN’ TIME?

Money in the Bank is this Saturday, and the last spots will be filled! But will it be CM Punk, AJ Styles, or Chad- Er, uh, El Grande Americano heading to LA?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Liv Morgan VS Ivy Nile VS Stephanie Vaquer; Vaquer wins and advances to Money in the Bank.
• The War Raiders VS Finn Balor & JD McDonagh; Finn & JD win.
• Jey Uso & Sami Zayn VS Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed; Jey & Sami win, by disqualification.
• Raquel Rodriguez w/ Liv Morgan VS Kairi Sane; Kairi wins.
• Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: CM Punk VS AJ Styles VS El Grande Americano; Grande wins and advances to Money in the Bank.

PLAY BY PLAY

Michael Cole lost his bet with Pat McAfee.

With the Indiana Pacers going to the NBA Finals, Michael Cole takes off his suit jacket and shirt to reveal he is wearing a Pacers tank top! Pat puts the Pacers over, saying they will do to Oklahoma City’s Thunder like they did the New York Knicks! A daring thing to say here in Tulsa.

CM Punk is here!

Well, we all knew he would with his MITB qualifier later tonight, but the Second City Saint comes out here to say, “It’s CLOBBERIN’ TIME!” Punk goes to the ring, high-fiving fans along the way, then he gets himself a mic. The fans chant for Punk, and he says, “Is it great to be alive on a Monday night in Tulsa, Oklahoma or what?” The fans cheer, and Punks says it is the summertime, it is MITB time, and he hears some thunder in the distance. Punk thinks we might be on pace to get a thunderstorm here! The fans cheer and then chant “O K C! O K C!” Punk smiles and says we can cheer whatever basketball team we want, just be sure to watch Monday Night Raw and Friday Night SmackDown, too.

Punk says it is summer, the Summer of Punk! MITB is around the corner, stop him if you’ve heard this, but you’re looking at a TWO-TIME MITB winner. TWO TIMES, Punk has cashed in and won the title. And he is looking forward to doing it a third time! The fans cheer that, and Punk says this IS the Summer of Punk! It is time Punk got some gold back around his waist! There are a lot of great champions, but a longer list of challengers. Two men stand atop the mountain. One is a good friend, he’s Jey Uso. The fans “YEET!” and Punk says that with all due respect, Jey, when Punk wins the briefcase and it comes down to them, it isn’t personal, it is just business.

The other name on top of the mountain might be a bit more personal. That man is “JOHN~! CENA!” Punk cut his teeth in this business coming to a place like this, hearing people go absolutely bananas (as he points to fans wearing banana hats) over Cena. But now the tables have turned. Cena is public enemy number one after selling his soul “to a bald fraud goof.” When Punk wins MITB and should he choose Cena, well, Punk’s always had Cena’s number. He is going to pick the bones, “you little b*tch.” Because they are live on a Monday night, and Punk isn’t just happy to be here. It is about the money, and it is time Punk became champion one more time! See you at MITB!

But wait, here comes Sami Zayn! Punk sings along with the song and he welcomes Sami to the ring. Sami gets a mic, the fans sing, and we do get some “We Want Truth!” chants. Punk says he is not mad about being interrupted this time. Sami says yes, he appreciates that. The fans cheer Sami on, and Sami says he appreciates the fans, too. Sami has to be honest, though. He’s out here because this is the first time since Punk’s return that Punk actually talked in no uncertain terms on what his plan is, and that is to become a WWE World Champion. Punk says, “This time?” Sami says it is no secret that Sami wants to become world champion.

Unfortunately for Sami, MITB is not the path. Thanks to Heyman, Rollins, Bronson, Breakker, that is not in the cards. But it is still for Punk. Sami is out here to look Punk in the eyes, to underscore and highlight the importance of this. Tonight, Punk MUST win. The fans cheer that, and Sami says tonight is the most must-win. Punk talked about Jey and Cena, Gunther, and so on, but Sami knows in the back of Punk’s head, he is worried about Rollins, Bronson, Breakker, and what they did to Punk and Sami. But Sami wants Punk to NOT think about any of that. Bronson, Breakker, Jey, Sami, that gets handled tonight.

Punk says okay, but he’ll have Sami’s back, too. Sami says no, no, he doesn’t need that. Punk needs to focus on the task at hand. Punk is thinking on Rollins, and trust Sami when he says Rollins is always thinking about Punk. Punk knows that, because Rollins has never beat Punk. Yes, and that is why Punk needs to be in the MITB. With Punk there, it changes the math. Listen, Sami is saying this: If Rollins wins MITB, this place is over. It runs into something very different, unrecognizable, something Sami and Punk will not like. So Sami is saying it now, Sami NEEDS Punk to win tonight. The WORLD needs Punk to win tonight!

The fans fire up with that! Sami says for what it is worth, he wants Punk to win, too. But he also wants Punk to know, that should Punk win the MITB, should he win a title… Sami and Punk will be face to face in this ring again. And they will have a very different conversation than the one they’re having right now. The fans are intrigued, and Punk says, “I look forward to it, Sami.” They shake hands on it and the fans cheer. Will Punk come through and qualify tonight? Or is that a tall task just on overcoming AJ Styles and El Grande Americano?

Raquel Rodriguez & Liv Morgan are backstage.

Big Mami Cool gives Liv a last minute pep talk, but then Roxanne Perez walks up. The Prodigy says sorry to interrupt, but she just wants to let them know that if Liv needs help again- Liv says Roxie is interrupting. And if Roxie sabotages another match like she did before, think again. Help by staying out of the way. Liv clinks belts with Raquel, heads to gorilla, but then encounters Iyo Sky. Liv tells Iyo that she’ll be two-time Miss Money in the Bank, and then cash-in to be two-time Women’s World Champion. Iyo says, in Japanese, that’s some incredible confidence Liv has. But it is not gonna happen. Liv says #WatchMe.

Liv continues on, but will MITB enter ObLIVion? Will the ladder match soon be American Made? Or will the newest recruit to Monday Night Raw prove she is still La Primera?

Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Liv Morgan VS Ivy Nile VS Stephanie Vaquer!

Raw returns as Vaquer makes her entrance, and Tulsa fires up for the “Dark Angel!” The bell rings and the fans rally as the three circle. Vaquer is already popular, but Liv & Ivy both kick her out! Liv ROCKS Ivy, Ivy CLOBBERS Liv! Things speed up, Ivy rolls over the dropdown then bypasses Liv to waistlock. Liv gets loose, ELBOWS Ivy, but Vaquer HEADBUTTS Liv! Then Vaquer springboards to DOUBLE CROSSBODY! The fans fire up as Vaquer dodges Liv, sunset flips Ivy, but rewinds to send her into Liv’s KICK! Liv swings, but into Vaquer’s BIG back suplex! Vaquer then smiles as she wraps Liv up in the headscissors! DEVIL’S KISSES!

The fans “AH! AH! AH!” as Vaquer hits TEN of those, then she gets Ivy for a SAIDO! The fans fire up and Vaquer smiles again. Vaquer wraps Ivy up for DEVIL’S KISSES! Liv DROPKICKS it apart before ten and the fans boo! Liv drags Vaquer up, suplexes, and stands up for Una Amiga! Then she hits Dos Amigas! And then THREE AMIGAS, slamming Vaquer onto Ivy! The fans rally, Liv gives some Latina Heat, and she KICKS Ivy! Liv back ELBOWS Vaquer, back body blocks Ivy, and repeat! Liv just keeps going, but Vaquer dodges and Ivy DROPKICKS Liv! Vaquer dodges Ivy to METEORA Liv!

Ivy waistlocks, Vaquer switches, Ivy switches back. Vaquer ELBOWS free, Liv wheelbarrows but Vaquer waistlocks. Liv switches, Vaquer switches, Liv waistlocks to DOUBLE GERMAN SUPLEX! Ivy stands tall, the fans are fired up, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Vaquer RAMS Liv into a corner to fire off hands! the fans fire up, Vaquer wrenches Liv and serves up SOLE FOOD! Vaquer LARITS Ivy in the corner, METEORAS Liv in the other, then riuns up on Ivy. Ivy BOOTS Vaquer, but Vaquer brushes that off. Vaquer blocks the next boot, DRAGON SCREWS, and covers, but Liv breaks it! The fans rally while all three women go to ropes. Vaquer rises, Liv fires a forearm, but Vaquer fires back! The shots go back and forth, Liv gets the edge, but the fans boo. Liv kicks low, KICKS again, but Vaquer ducks the enzigiri to ENZIGIRI back! Liv flounders away to a corner!

Vaquer runs in, blocks a kick, and gives her a- NO, Liv kicks free! Liv goes up, but Vaquer SHOTEIS! Vaquer climbs up after Liv, but Ivy joins in! TOWER OF DOOM! High stack off the powerbomb, TWO!! Vaquer survives, Liv flounders out of the ring, and Ivy seethes! “This is Awesome!” as Ivy scoops Vaquer and swings, but Vaquer slips through to roll her up! TWO, Ivy cradles, TWO! Vaquer has a cradle, TWO! Ivy and Vaquer move around, O’Conner Roll and BRIDGE! TWO!! Ivy escapes but her nose bothers her. Vaquer wrenches her, but Liv hits them with a DOUBLE CODE BREAKER!! Cover on them both, TWO!!!

Liv is beside herself but both Ivy and Vaquer are tougher than that! All three women are down but Liv crawls to Ivy. Liv slips Ivy, Ivy slaps back, and then Liv fires off kicks! OBLIV- SUPERKICK to the back! Vaquer has Liv in a backslide, TWO! Vaquer reels Liv in, tucks those arms, S V- NO, Liv slips free! And dodges to then CODE BREAKER! Vaquer wobbles, into OBLIVION!! Cover, but Ivy YANKS Liv out of the ring! Ivy snipes the cover, Liv breaks it in time!! Liv SHOVES Ivy out, goes after her, and SMACKS her off the apron again and again! Liv whips, Ivy reverses, Liv hits steel steps! Ivy hurries back into the ring and runs upon Vaquer!

Vaquer wrenches Ivy, underhooks, S V B!!! Cover, VAQUER WINS!

Winner: Stephanie Vaquer, by pinfall (advances to MITB)

And just like that, Vaquer goes from former NXT Women’s Champion to a MITB contender! But she’s going ot have a very busy Saturday. Will Vaquer win alongside Lola Vice against AAA’s Dalys y Chik Tormenta AND THEN become La Senorita en El Bank?

AJ Styles warms up backstage.

But then he notices Paul Heyman. The Wise Man smiles and offers a handshake, but Styles asks what can he do for Heyman. Heyman says well, Styles can accept his most profound wishes for a very happy birthday! And in fact, he has a gift! It has intrinsic value. It is not a watch, Styles could afford whatever he wants. But in this day and age, information is currency, and Heyman has the valuable wisdom to bestow upon Styles. We all see Dominik Mysterio is the Intercontinental Champion, running around with his Dirty Sanchez looking mustache, making a disgrace of that title. That title needs a phenomenal champion like Styles.

But MITB, you have to climb up, grab the briefcase, use the contract on a champion who is in trouble. You have to be prepared 24/7, get a ref, it is all too much. But tonight, Styles VS Punk VS El Grande, and despite how great that match is… Styles should just go for Dom and his title! Leave MITB to Seth Freakin’ Rollins. Styles asks if Heyman is tired. Tired? Yes, tired of chasing the meal ticket. He looks exhausted! Heyman probably thought this conversation was going with Styles buying what Heyman is selling. But don’t worry about Dirty Dom, Styles will get back to him soon enough.

But Heyman has known Styles long enough to know that Styles does not respond well to threats. And Styles knows Heyman well enough to know this is exactly what that was. So it doesn’t matter if it is Heyman, the Judgment Day, Bloodline, John Cena, you try and push Styles out and he will push back. Now, he has some advice for Heyman. Why not go back to tell Seth Rollins that Styles knows all about his plan. But we know that old saying, right? Everybody’s got a plan until they get punched in the mouth. Styles gives Heyman a hard smack on the shoulder before heading out. Will Styles make sure MITB is truly phenomenal?

Rusev speaks.

“Sheamus… My old friend… You looked disappointed in me last week. But how dare you. I am doing the good work. I am trying to fix the weak and prevent them from slipping into the abyss. Something you watched me do and did nothing! Last week, you ran out to help a stranger, but when I needed you back then, you let me vanish. So how dare you look at me disappointed. Do not mistake the man that I was for the force that I am, Sheamus. I am the Son of Thunder and you are the weak one now. But I was just like you. You have a body of granite and a neck of sand. And you’re challenging the one man who has the one move that could make it all go away, just like that!

“You are a true legend. And after everything we’ve been through, it would be my honor to take you off the field and send you home the hero that you are. But remember this, brother. I went down because you stabbed my back. Now stay out of the way or you will gonna go out because I stab yours.”

Sheamus talks with Alpha Academy.

The Fella is proud of Tozawa for standing up to a bully last week. Keep that spirit up, and your time will come. Now, there is something special, pure, and real about Alpha Academy. Natalya, Maxxine, the sooner you two realize that and become a tag team in your own right, the better. They have something not many have here, and that is heart. Natty appreciates that from Sheamus. And Maxxine has impressed her lately. Sheamus shakes hands with Tozawa and the team heads out. Cathy Kelley walks in and asks Sheamus if he could respond to Rusev’s comments. What made Sheamus get involved last week?

Sheamus says he and Rusev go way back. Rusev was a groomsman at Sheamus’ wedding. But there is only so long you can stand back and watch a so-called friend do something like that and do nothing. Rusev’s career imploded because of his own bad decisions. And his career outside of WWE, well… That lasted about as long as Rusev Day: 24 hours. As for Sheamus, he’s been putting on banger after banger, and now that Rusev is back, he’s just picking on guys half his size, making his name back the cowardly way? No, someone needs to put manners on Rusev, and that someone is Sheamus.

So here is a message from Celtic Warrior to his old friend. “I bully bullies.” Will Rusev reconsider his course of action before it’s too late? Or is it already too late for Sheamus to leave the past in the past?

The War Raiders VS Finn Balor & JD McDonagh!

While there are a lot of difference between these two teams, they both have something in common: They want those WWE World Tag Team Championships back! But will Erik & Ivar rampage right through The Prince & Irish Ace? Or will this be Judgment Day’s night to rise back up?

Raw returns as the Raiders make their entrance. The New Day are hanging out on commentary to watch this one, and Finn starts against Erik. They circle, feel things out, but Finn backs off to the ropes. The fans chant “We Want Truth!” while Finn and Erik reset. They tie up, Finn headlocks, but Erik blocks the takeover! Erik powers up, fights off  another takeover, and he powers up and out! Erik RUNS Finn over, the fans chant “What’s Up?” “What’s Up!” but Finn RAMS Erik into the corner. JD tags in, he stomps Erik, and New Day says Finn can’t just come back to the tag division all because he isn’t in MITB.

JD digs his boots in on Erik, the ref counts, and JD soaks up heat. The fans chant “NEW! DAY SUCKS!” Kofi says this is how dumb Oklahoma is! They can’t suck, they’re the champs! JD RAMS Erik again and again, then brings Erik around. JD KNEES Erik, RAMS him into the corner, then he CHOPS! The ref has JD back off, but that lets Finn CHOKE Erik! JD stomps Erik again, but Erik fires hands! He DECKS Finn, dodges JD, and hobbles his way over, hot tag to Ivar! The fans fire up as Ivar BACKDROPS JD! Ivar scoops and SIDEWALK SLAMS JD! Ivar runs but Finn KNEES him at the ropes! Ivar HANDSPRING KICKS Finn down!

JD is up, runs up, but Ivar TOSSES him out! JD tumbles to the desk! Woods jokes that JD might take himself out of the match again! Ivar scoops Finn to SLAM him onto JD! Erik says UP, the fans fire up with that, and Erik scoops Ivar to SLAM him onto JD! The New Day don’t like how close they are, but then Ivar teases throwing JD at them! The fans laugh at New Day for freaking out, and the Raiders put JD in the ring. New Day storm up but the ref sees them first! The ref says they’re not playing that game! Jessica Karr EJECTS The New Day! Tulsa chant “NEW DAY SUCKS! NEW DAY SUCKS!” Back-up comes and they eject the New Day. Erik & Ivar wave bye while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Ivar endures a chinlock. The fans rally, Ivar fights up and fires body shots. JD KNEES low, snapmares, and he tags Finn. Finn slingshot STOMPS Ivar, tags JD and he ARABIAN PRESSES! Cover, TWO! Ivar survives but JD seethes. JD stomps Ivar, stays between him and Ivar, and stomps him more. Ivar huffs ‘n’ puffs and shakes his head. JD fires more shots but the fans rally with Ivar! JD CHOPS, Ivar roars! JD BOOTS Ivar, but Ivar still roars! JD runs, but into a SPINNING POWERSLAM! Both men are down, Ivar crawls, and the fans rally! Hot tags to Finn and Erik! Erik CLOBBERS Finn! And CLOBBERS him again!

JD is back but Erik dodges to CLOBBER him, too! Erik clinches Finn for an EXPLODER! Erik wrenches JD, and gives him an EXPLODER! Erik LARIATS JD up and out! Finn runs up but Erik ELBOWS him! Erik runs, but Finn gets around! Dragon sleeper, but Erik powers out! Erik pops Finn up to HEADBUTT! And then Ace Ten Mao KNEE! Cover, TWO! Finn survives but he is dazed! Erik tags Ivar, they drag Finn up and pop0up for the- NO, JD drags Erik out! Finn turns Thor’s Hammer into the EYE OF THE HURRICANE! Cover, TWO! Ivar survives but JD is on the apron. Erik sweeps, JD dodges, PENALTY KICK! ASAI MOONSAULT!

Finn SHOTGUNS Ivar down! Finn goes up, up, and COUP DE- NO, Ivar moves! SEATED SENTON! Ivar cartwheels to dodge JD, and then HEEL KICKS him! The fans join in with a chant of “WAR! WAR! WAR!” BRONCO BUSTER! Ivar drags Finn to a drop zone, then goes up top! The fans are fired up but WAIT! Roxie is here?! She distracts Ivar and the ref, JD HOTSHOTS Ivar! Finn hurries up top again! COUP DE GRACE!! Cover, Judgment Day wins!

Winner: Finn Balor & JD McDonagh, by pinfall

Roxie smiles as she at least helps someone out tonight. Finn also smiles, and now the Prodigy stands with Prince and Ace. Will Roxie prove herself to all of the Judgment Day soon enough?

Becky Lynch speaks.

“I have only been back for six weeks, and already Lyra has cost me the tag team championship, and she has cost me my chance at the Money in the Bank ladder match. And yet she talks about how I’m the one that takes all the opportunities. She has become an echo chamber for the ignorant and morally confused who do not understand what greatness is and what it takes, and therefore will never achieve it. She has forgotten everything that I have done for her. That every moment in her career with glimpses of greatness have been because of me. NXT, when she won the title, I raised her hand. When she became a double champ at WrestleMania, because of me.

“She had the greatest match of her career at Backlash because of me. But at MITB, Lyra is in a lose-lose situation. Because say in the off chance she does win and I can never challenge for the Intercontinental Championship again, well, that would be the worst thing that ever happened to her because I am the best thing that ever happened to her. But when I win, oh, when I win, she will have to hold up my hand. The same hand that is going to hold her down.” The Man has spoken, but will she break the Morrigan? Or is she only adding fuel to the fire?

Backstage interview with Stephanie Vaquer.

Cathy Kelley says massive congratulations are in order for La Primera. Not only is Vaquer on the Raw roster, but she’s on her way to MITB. How is she feeling? Vaquer says she feels great, thank you. Nevertheless, Vaquer is- interrupted by Rhea Ripley. Mami tells Vaquer welcome to Raw. And see you Saturday. They shake hands, will these two alone tear down the house in Los Angeles?

Lyra Valkyria is here!

The Man said her part, now the Morrigan looks to do the same as she heads to the ring. Lyra just says, “Wow, wow, wow. Such big, brave words from Becky Lynch all the way in her safe little hiding spot in the back. Becky, how ’bout you stop being such a coward and get out here so I can say what I have to say straight to your face!” The fans fire up for that! Becky makes her entrance, mic in hand, and she goes to the ring. Becky says she was going to be the bigger person here, but Lyra tells her to shut up! Becky has said her piece, and showed she is delusional to the point that it is just sad. Honestly, Becky’s downfall needs to be studied.

Becky made it all the way to the top by being a good person that never gave up, and then she only stayed on top because she gave up being a good person. But Becky was right about one thing, and Lyra will give her that. Ever since Becky has tried to ruin Lyra’s life, Lyra has changed. But y’know what that change is? It’s anger! Lyra needed to get angry! And no one in her entire life has hurt her the way Becky hurt her! It is so funny to Lyra that by trying to hold Lyra down, all Becky has done is unlock this side of Lyra that is capable of destroying Becky!

Lyra has beat Becky twice, beat her blind, and at MITB, she will beat the crap outta Becky and ensure Becky never gets to poison what it means to be Women’s Intercontinental Champion! The fans cheer, and Becky says the only thing poisoned here is Lyra’s perspective. Lyra says she has hurt Becky more than anyone else? That is emotional, despite the physical pain. But emotionally? No, Becky doesn’t believe that is true. What happened is, Lyra wanted an excuse to hate Becky! Any excuse, because Lyra wants to replace Becky! But she can’t do that! No one can! Becky didn’t want to hurt Lyra, she wanted to make Lyra better.

But that has all changed now. Now Becky knows the thing that’ll hurt Lyra the most is when she’ll have to raise Becky’s hand! Becky storms out and Lyra says wow. More big words. Why not put your money where your mouth is and give Tulsa a preview, and do this right now?! Becky says she doesn’t fight in Tulsa! See you at M ITB! But then Lyra rushes up the ramp to CLOBBER Becky! The fans fire up as Lyra fires hands and knees! Refs rush out here, the fans boo and chant, “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” Becky runs away, Lyra says this all comes to an end at MITB! Will nothing stop The Morrigan from unleashing all of her anger on The Man?

Penta speaks.

“The biggest, most important ladder match in the world is MITB. The most dominant, the most dangerous ladder match wrestler in the world is Penta and Cero Miedo. I have been scratching and clawing for this moment. Nobody is as hungry as Penta!” He is the greatest ladder match luchador ever! The ladder match is his expertise, LA is his home, and at MITB, that is his destiny! Victory is inevitable! Because he is Penta, and he has CERO MIEDO! Will the man with no fear soon have it all within his grasp?

Jey and Sami meet up in the concourse.

The fans are there and they YEET it up already! Jey gives Sami his very own custom sunglasses, and Jey asks that they please hit his music! UH UH, YEET!! The fans fire up as the music plays, and now Jey & Sami head down to ringside! Tulsa is bouncing, but will they YEET the roof off this place? Or will Seth Rollins’ heavy hitting henchmen run right through the WWE World Heavyweight Champion and the Honorary Uce?

Jey Uso & Sami Zayn VS Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman!

Raw returns as the YEET continues. But “ladies and gentlemen,” Paul Heyman makes his way out and the fans boo. Bronson Reed makes his entrance, followed by Bron Breakker. The Wise Man walks with these behemoths, and the fans bark as Bron starts against Jey. They circle, tie up, and Bron waistlocks to SLAM Jey down! Bron lets Jey go to bring him up for haymakers. Bron RAMS Jey into a corner again and again, but stops as the ref counts 4. Bron brings Jey over but Jey fires body shots and haymakers! Jey puts Bron in a corner, back body blocks and PELES! Jey shoves Bron to a cover, TWO! Bron is tougher than that but Jey wrenches an arm.

Jey whips, Bron ducks ‘n’ dodges, and he builds speed to LARIAT Jey! The fans fire up with Bron and Heyman grins while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Bronson is now in. Reed looms over Sami, drags him up, and Reed HEADBUTTS Sami! Reed CHOPS Sami in the corner, but Sami CHOPS back! Sami elbows Bron, CHOPS Reed, but Reed RAMS Sami into the corner! The ref counts, Reed steps back at 4, but that lets Bron pull Sami’s hair! The fans boo, Bron gets away with it, and Bron still gets some fans to bark. Bron tags in, he and Reed double whip Sami to a corner. Bron LARIATS, Reed SPLASHES, and then feed to Bron’s JUMP KNEE! Cover, TWO! Bron drags Sami up, tags Reed in, and they mug Sami. Reed taunts Jey, puts Sami in a corner and then puts him up top.

Reed ROCKS Sami, climbs up, and Sami fires hands! Sami knocks Reed down, BOOTS him away, then TORNADO DDTS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Reed and Sami crawl, the fans rally up, hot tags to Bron and Jey! The fans fire up as Jey LARIATS Bron! And LARIATS again! And then he fires haymakers! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Jey pops, locks ‘n’ puts some stank on the YEET! The fans fire up and Jey goes corner to corner, only to be put on the apron! Jey GAMANGIRIS Bron away, goes up the corner, and he CROSS- NO, Bron dodges! Bron fireman’s carries Jey, GUT BUSTER DROP! Cover, TWO!

Jey survives and Bron grows frustrated. The fans rally up but Bron brings down the straps. Bron builds speed again, but Jey SUPERKICKS! Bron goes down in a heap! Jey covers, TWO!! Bron survives and shocks Jey! The fans rally up more and Jey has a SLEEPER! Jey is sending a message to Gunther at the same time as he brings Bron down! But Reed SENTONS! Jey sputters, but Sami fires hands on Reed! Reed shoves Sami away, SPLASHES him in the corner, and then Reed puts Sami on the apron! APRON SPLASH FLOPS as Sami moves! The fans fire up as Sami aims, but Bron runs up! Sami TOSSES Bron out, and then gives them both a PLANCHA!

But both men catch Sami! So Jey adds his DIVE! Down go all four men! Tulsa is thunderous , but CURB STMOP from Rollins!!

Winners: Jey Uso & Sami Zayn, by disqualification

Rollins is dressed like an evil Neo from the Matrix as he stands over Jey. But Sami fires hands! Rollins gets loose, Reed HEADBUTTS Sami! Bron TOSSES Sami onto the desk! Rollins wants Sami to be taken out, so Bronson climbs a corner! Bron has Sami stuck, but PUNK SMACKS BRON WITH A CHAIR! And CHUCKS it at Bronson! The big men are down, and Punk has eyes locked on Rollins now! Rollins snarls, but he runs for it! Punk comes through for Sami as far as saving his life, but can Punk save the future of the WWE? Rollins has his guys stand down, because we all know where Punk will be later tonight. Rollins promises Punk he’s a dead man!

Will the Visionary and his juggernauts destroy Punk one way or another? Or can the Best in the World survive tonight to head for MITB this Saturday?

The Judgment Day regroups backstage.

Finn says this is what he was talking about! Roxie came through for them, they got their hands raised. But then Liv asks Finn if they can talk. Finn says sure, what’s up? Liv says it was Finn who brought Roxie in while she was gone. And Roxie’s been giving Dominik chicken nuggets, shoulder rubs, and helping out in matches. Liv knows Finn is up to something. Finn asks where all of this is coming from. Roxie is just being good help. Oh, so is Liv imagining things? Well, the imagination can play tricks on anyone. Finn just thinks Liv is frustrated. Things didn’t go Liv’s way last week, they didn’t go her way tonight…

But hey, Roxie got Finn & JD on track for the tag titles, and imagine this: Roxie wins MITB, then goes on to win THE Women’s World Championship! Everyone has gold in the clubhouse. Yeah, seems like Finn has it all figured out, huh? Hey, there is no plan! But he gets it. Roxie came on a little strong, what with the nuggies and shoulder rubs, but c’mon. You can trust Dom. It’s not Dom she doesn’t trust. Well, trust comes with time. Give Roxie a chance, okay? Don’t worry! Hey, maybe Liv and Finn make a plan! Let Roxie be out there for Raquel- No, no, no, how about this? If Finn wants Roxie around, he can babysit her while Liv is in Raquel’s corner, okay? Okay. Great!

Liv calls to Raquel, they head out, and Dom asks if everything is okay. Finn says yeah, just making plans with Liv. Right, okay. Dom also wants to apologize for last week with the chair mishap. Finn says no, no, water under the bridge. Finn pats Dom’s title, and they fist bump. But is everything (not) alright in Judgment Day?

Raquel Rodriguez w/ Liv Morgan VS Kairi Sane!

As they alluded to, things didn’t go so well when Liv tried to battle the Pirate Princess, but in part because Raquel and Roxie argued over who was trying to help. But now, will Ricky Desperado sink Kairi’s ship as revenge? Or will Kairi keelhaul Raquel and leave with another golden ticket to the tag titles?

The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Raquel THROWS Kairi down, then deadlifts her to a Canadian Rack! Kairi slips free, waistlocks, but Raquel swings her around! Kairi holds on, rolls, but Raquel drags her up! Kairi ducks the lariat, waistlocks, but Raquel breaks free to whip! Kairi goes up and RANAS Raquel! Kairi then runs, wheelbarrows, and manages the STUNNER! The fans fire up with Kairi and she runs back in, SLIDING D! Raquel tumbles out, Kairi goes to the apron, FLYING- NO, Raquel stops the armbar takedown, to then SWING Kairi into the apron! Kairi flops down, Raquel leaves her behind, but Liv gets cheap shot in!

The fans boo but Liv scampers away. Raquel grins as she goes out to fetch Kairi. Raquel puts Kairi in the ring, covers, TWO! Kairi toughs it out but Raquel stands her up. Raquel talks trash, winds up, and LARIATS! Kairi grits her teeth but Raquel is on her again, for another LARIAT! Raquel mockingly asks if Kairi is okay, then swings. Kairi ducks, but the SOUTHPAW hits again! Cover, TWO! Kairi is still in this but Raquel drags her up. The fans rally, Raquel whips Kairi, and Kairi goes up and out and then slides under! Raquel blocks the sunset flip to YANK Kairi up! Raquel THROWS Kairi to the corner and SPLASHES!

Raquel fires elbow after elbow, then argues with the ref. Kairi sputters, Raquel drags her up, but Kairi fires body shots! Raquel reels Kairi in, Canadian Racks, and then RAMS her into the corner! Kairi sputters but Liv smiles as Raquel talks trash. Kairi SLAPS Raquel from the top rope! Raquel grabs Kairi, but Kairi HEADBUTTS! Kairi aims to FLYING KABUKI- NO, Raquel catches her, pops her up, but Kairi DDTS! Both women are down, Liv is upset, but the fans rally up. Liv coaches Raquel but Kairi rises first. The fans chant “What’s Up!” as Kairi throws hands! Raquel snarls and fires back! Kairi fires a flurry, but Raquel whips her away!

Kairi ducks ‘n’ dodges and redirects, to then roll and pick the leg! Raquel sputters, Kairi AX KICKS her down! Kairi CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Kairi has Raquel in a corner for MACHINE GUN CHOPS! The fans fire up, Kairi whips, but Raquel reverses. Kairi stops herself to dropkick the legs! BLOCKBUSTER! The fans fire up with Kairi again and she walks the plan. Kairi runs in, SLIDING D again! Kairi puts Raquel int he drop zone, but Liv distracts her! So here comes IYO! The fans fire up as the Genius and Liv brawl on the ramp! Iyo fires a flurry, SMACKS Liv off the apron, but Raquel grabs Iyo! Kairi BOOTS Raquel into the POST!

Kairi goes up, up, and fans fire up for the IN-SANE ELBOW!! Cover, Kairi wins!

Winner: Kairi Sane, by pinfall

Two weeks in a row, Kairi gets a pin off the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions! Could Liv & Raquel lose it all to the reunited Sky Pirates?

Sami is checked by medical.

They ice his shoulder, and in steps Karrion Kross. Kross wants a moment to talk with Sami. Is Sami alright? That looked rough out there. Sami asks Kross what his problem is. Seriously, what is his problem with Sami? Why is he hovering around like this? What is his obsession with Sami?! Kross says it’s because he thinks Sami is a LIAR! That is his problem! Sami lies to the fans, to his family, and worst of all, he lies to himself! Sami could’ve been a world champion ten times over, if he just did what he really had to do. We all know Sami is capable of doing very terrible things to get ahead.

Kross says, “Sami, you’re not a good guy. You’re a bad guy, just like the rest of us.” Sami says Kross is wrong. Kross chuckles and says he might be. But he might be right, too. Kross leaves Sami to think on that. Is Sami going to face a hard truth that there’s something dark deep down inside him? Will that darkness come to light?

BREAKING NEWS for Worlds Collide!

As if this event wasn’t already caliente, we’re getting another Six Man Tag! The LWO’s Dragon Lee, Cruz Del Toro y Joaquin Wilde will face AAA’s Aerostar, Octagon Jr. y Mr. Iguana! And then after defeating Alberto Del Rio, El Hijo de Vikingo is now the AAA Mega Champion! And now, he turns around and puts that title up against Chad Gable! Will that title stay with AAA? Or will it soon be American Made?

Gunther finds Jey backstage.

Der Ring General assures Jey that he just wants to talk. Gunther sits with Jey, and Gunther tells Jey, “The World Heavyweight Championship is personal to me. So I appreciate all the effort you put into being the champion. And I can see you’re really trying to be a great champion. But because you refuse to think with your head instead of your heart, that’s why I’m gonna take it. You’re a great guy, Jey. You’re selfless in a very selfish business. Sami needed you tonight, huh? What’s the result? One week out, not at 100%. I’m very sure if Punk gets in trouble tonight, you’ll be there for me.

“And two days before you defend the World Heavyweight Championship against me, you compete in a tag team match main event because it’s important to Cody. And everybody knows they can bet on their good friend, Jey. All of that is no business of the World Heavyweight Champion. So I wanna thank you. Because ever since that day I lost to you at WrestleMania, I knew I would avenge it. And right now, you’re making it very, very easy for me. Jey, in one week, the party is over.” Gunther stands up but Jey stops him from leaving. Jey tells Gunther, “Four letters, one word, TAP’D!” Gunther leaves, but will it all play according to his plan?

Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: CM Punk VS AJ Styles VS El Grande Americano!

The Best in the World said it himself earlier tonight that he wants to be a champion again, and this is his chance. And as Sami Zayn told him, he just has to focus on winning so that he can stop Seth Rollins from taking over the WWE. But can Punk once again become Mr. Money in the Bank? Will the Phenomenal One be the sixth man? Or will we all be saying “AH GRACIAS~!” to the so-called greatest luchador in history?

Raw returns and El Grande Americano makes his entrance. The fans already chant for Punk, and then fire up as Punk makes his entrance! It is still “CLOBBERIN’ TIME~!” as the fans sing along with Cult of Personality. Punk has the ref check El Grande, we all know he loads his mask. The mask is clean, as is the singlet, and the bell rings. But then Punk and Styles look to each other, and they mug Grande! The fans fire up as they punch away, and then they double whip “Chad” up and out of the ring! Punk and Styles circle, the fans rally up, and they tie up. Punk headlocks, Styles powers up and out, but then hurdles.

Punk jumps the dropdown but Styles DROPKICKS him down! Grande is back but Styles waistlocks, O’Conner Rolls, but Grande bucks that. Grande ducks ‘n’ dodges to FLYING HEADBUTT! The fans boo but Grande runs in, jumps up, and MONKEY FLIPS! Styles flounders away, Punk is back, but Grande wheelbarrows. Styles ioins in, but Grande RANAS Styles! Punk SHINING WIZARDS Grande out of the ring! Punk ROCKS Styles, whips him hard into a corner, and Styles hits post before he falls back! Punk whips the other way, runs in, but Styles OBOTS him! Styles goes up and out to then ROCK Punk, but Grande is there!

Grande trips Styles up during his springboard! The fans boo but Punk grabs that mask! Punk wants to rip it away and the fans fire up! Gable- Er, Grande HOTSHOTS Punk away! Then he aims to CANNONBALL! Down goes Punk, and Grande runs up on Styles! Grande CLOBBERS Styles against the desk! The fans boo but Grande soaks up that heat while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Grande has Punk up top! Styles joins in and he climbs up behind Grande! The fans rally as Styles hits a SUPER BACK SUPLEX on Grande! Punk is still up top, and he aims at Styles! MACHO ELBOW! All three men are down now and the fans fire up! Punk rises, “This is Awesome!” as Punk rallies on Grande! Wrench and NECKBREAKER! Punk hobbles a bit, but he still runs up to SHINING WIZARD in the corner! Then he runs to SHINING WIZARD Styles! Punk headlocks but Styles powers out of the bulldog, sending Punk into Grande’s FLYING HEADBUTT! Grande then waistlocks Styles to GERMAN SUPLEX!

The fans rally as Grande hurries to cover Styles, but Punk breaks that. Grande goes to a corner, the fans duel, “He’s Chad Gable!” “NO, He’s Not!” Gable/Grande climbs, leaps, but Punk catches the crossbody and rolls through with it! Punk deadlifts Grande into a fireman’s carry! But Styles drags Grande down to dragon sleeper! He kicks Punk and add shim toa  DOUBLE DDT! Cover on Punk, TWO! Cover on Grande, TWO! Styles huffs ‘n’ puffs and fans chant “We Want Truth!” Styles reels Grande in, lifts, but Grande fights the Clash to have to ANKLE LOCK! Styles endures, rolls, but that sends Grande to Punk! GO TO- ANKLE LOCK!!

Grande has Punk’s bad leg, but Punk fights up and rolls! Grande ends up in Styles’ grip, STYLES CLASH!! Cover, PUNK BREAKS IT! The fans fire up as Punk and Styles throw hands back and forth! Punk gets the edge, but Styles blocks to fire the Phenomenal Blitz, only for Punk to turn that into a NECKBREAKER! Cover, Grande breaks it! The fans rally and duel, Punk rises and he has Grande. Punk hoists Grande up top, climbs up to get him, but Styles joins in again! Styles reels Punk into the position but Punk fights free! Punk fireman’s carries but Styles fights free! Punk trips Styles, jackknife bridge, a MOONSAULT from Grande breaks it!! Cover on STyles, TWO!!

The fans fire up but Grande hurries to another corner! MOONSAULT FLOPS as Punk moves! Fireman’s carry, and GO TO SLEEP!!! But Punk collapses! He crawls to the cover, BUT BRON BREAKKER DRAGS HIM OUT! The fans boo as Bron & Reed mug Punk, just as Rollins promised! But here come Sami & Jey! Gunther was also right! These four all brawl, but that causes them to CHOP BLOCK Styles! Styles falls, but then he gets up! Styles is pissed and he SUPER CROSSBODIES everyone down!! Everyone except El Grande Americano! The fans lose their minds as Styles roars, and wait, is Grande shoving something in his mask!?

The fans rally as Styles aims, PHENOMENAL FOREARM into the LOADED HEADBUTT!!! Cover, GRANDE WINS!!!

Winner: El Grande Americano, by pinfall (advances to MITB)

Grande says “AH GRACIAS!” and he should definitely be thanking Rollins’ team for helping out. Punk is pissed and he goes right after Bron! Rollins CLOBBERS Punk, and he puts Punk in the ring! The fans boo but Punk gets up to ROCK Rollins! They brawl, Heyman saunters out here as Punk fireman’s carries! But Bron is in! Bron SPEARS Punk down! But Sami CLOBBERS Bron! Reed CLOBBERS Sami! Bron & Reed mug Sami, then Rollins adds a CURB STOMP!! Sami is down, but then Rollins STOMPS Punk! Jey SUPERKICKS Reed, SUPERKICKS Bron, but Rollins has a SLEEPER on Jey! Bron SPEARS Jey down!!

The fans boo, CURB STOMP for Jey!! The Visionary is raging as he throws off his jacket! Rollins & Bron drag Jey into place, and Reed goes up! TSUNAMI! But Rollins wants Reed to do even more damage! Reed goes back up, TSUNAMI!! The fans boo as Rollins, Reed, Breakker & Heyman stand tall again. Will Jey not survive through the summer as World Heavyweight Champion?

My Thoughts:

A great Raw here as the go-home to the big Saturday that’s coming, with Worlds Collide and MITB all on the same day. We got great story integration along with that, such as Judgment Day’s continued dysfunction. Great tag match from Finn & JD VS War Raiders, and with Roxie helping Finn & JD win when Liv didn’t want the help. Which makes for great irony when Liv tries to help Raquel but that backfires because Iyo was here to help Kairi. A Women’s Tag Team Championship match of Liv & Raquel VS Iyo & Kairi would be great stuff, and could be set for the big Atlanta weekend in July.

Vaquer winning her MITB qualifier is great, and certainly justifies the fast track away from NXT to right here on Raw. Her interaction with Rhea was fun, too, that can and should be a 1v1 feud after MITB. More great integration with the Rollins faction takeover story, such as Heyman trying to make Styles an offer and all the fighting with Jey and Sami. Gunther makes a “good point” from the perspective of a Heel, but we know Jey isn’t selfish enough as to abandon his friends for his own well-being. But with that, that’s how Rollins got the drop on Jey & Sami during their tag match, and then it happened again during the Triple Threat.

Sami and Kross also have a great interaction where Kross makes a very similar argument to Gunther’s. If Sami wanted to, he could be selfish, but also be very violent and merciless, so that no one could stop him from becoming a champion. Kross has always been a force for these Heel turns, just look at New Day. If he gets Sami to turn for the next phase of this story, I would hope it is more Sami and Kross work together rather than Sami giving in and joining Rollins. Sami could easily be a Heel that still doesn’t go along with Rollins’ vision, though I suppose defying Rollins might actually keep him a Face in the eyes of the fans.

El Grande Americano benefiting from all this is really fun. Chad Gable has his AAA Mega Championship match with El Hijo Del Vikingo that afternoon for Worlds Collide, who knows how they play this. I don’t think Gable will win the title, and I don’t think Grande wins MITB, unless they want Gable to claim Grande gave him the briefcase, or there are hilarious mishaps of Gable hurrying to dress as Grande in time to go after a champion. It would certainly add some creativity to the MITB briefcase if they went with that latter idea. Plus, we need to get to the bottom of the Gable-Grande “mystery” and finally vindicate Michael Cole for telling the truth this whole time.

Very good promo from Penta to hype up his part of MITB, but maybe his role is to mostly stop Grande from winning. Very good promo from Rusev, and a good response from Sheamus. That feud will indeed be banger after banger, I can’t wait. And great promos from Becky and Lyra, and we of course got a brawl from them. Hard to say how the math felt on that, but I would think Becky wins. I thought she was winning at Backlash, and she’s certainly not losing a match that blocks her off from a title. Becky will win, make Lyra raise her hand, but maybe Lyra then decks her after that to set up a rematch for Evolution in July.

My Score: 8.9/10