Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (9/5/23)
It’s Tiffy Time!
Will Tiffany Stratton still be the Center of the Universe?
Tiffany Stratton may be picking a fight with Becky Lynch on Raw, but she has to defend her NXT Women’s Championship against Kiana James tonight! Will the Calculator have the solution to ending Tiffy Time?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- NXT Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton VS Kiana James; Tiffany wins and retains the title.
- Ilja Dragunov VS Oro Mensah w/ The Meta Four; Dragunov wins.
- NXT Global Heritage Invitational Tournament, Group B: Nathan Frazer VS Duke Hudson w/ Andre Chase; Frazer wins.
- Tyler Bate VS Dabba-Kato; Bate wins.
- NXT North American Championship #1 Contender’s Match, Dominik Mysterio as Special Guest Referee: Mustafa Ali VS Dragon Lee; wins and will challenge Dominik Mysterio for the title at NXT No Mercy.
- NXT Global Heritage Invitational Tournament, Group A: Pete Dunne VS Axiom; Time Limit Draw.
- Gigi Dolin VS Thea Hail w/ Jacy Jayne; Thea wins.
- No Disqualifications: Von Wagner w/ Robert Stone VS Bron Breakker; Bron wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
NXT Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton VS Kiana James!
Tiffy Time wastes no time getting to the action! Will the Pro-Wrestling Barbie be unstoppable? Or will the Calculator be too much for the Center of the Universe?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and tonight kicks off with gold!
The bell rings and fans rally as the two circle. The two tie up, they both pull hair! The ref reprimands, Tiff knees low and headlocks, but Kiana pulls hair to power out. Tiff runs Kiana over, things speed up and Tiff handsprings over. Tiff then goes Matrix to dodge Kiana, and she kips up. The fans fire up but Kiana rushes in. They tie up, Tiff wrenches but Kiana rolls, handsprings and wrenches to a wristlock. Tiff rolls, handsprings, and WRINGS Kiana, but Kiana handsprings through! Fans cheer but Tiff says whatever. The two tie up again, Kiana wrenches and hammerlocks, but Tiff gets the ROPEBREAK!
The ref counts, Kiana lets go at 4, and Tiff trips her! High stack, feet on the ropes! Th erf sees that and tells Tiff no! Kiana then rolls Tiff up, but with tights! The ref sees that, too, and says no! Tiff CLOBBERS Kiana and then runs, to HIP ATTACK at the ropes! Cover, ONE!! Tiff is annoyed, she drags Kiana up to bump her off buckles. Tiff stomps Kiana, then brings her around, but Kiana bumps Tiff off buckles first! Kiana ROCKS Tiff, RAMS her, then RAMS her again! Kiana handsprings back and RAMS into Tiff again! Kiana then short arm LARIATS, covers, TWO! Kiana KNEES Tiff in the back, then KNEES her again!
Kiana has the arms, she pulls Tiff into a motorcycle stretch and fans duel. Tiff endures, fights up, and powers up, and puts Kiana in the motorcycle stretch! Kiana endures, fights up, and fans duel again as Kiana turns things around on Tiff! Tiff flips through to kip up and arm-drag free! Tiff then runs in, Kiana gets around her, but Tiff buckles the O’Conner Roll! Tiff grins but Kiana runs back in and runs Tiff over! And then BOOTS her! Tiff goes to a corner, but uses ropes as a defense. The ref keeps Kiana back and Tiff sucker punches Kiana! Tiff puts Kiana in the corner, handsprings and back elbows!
Tiff snapmares, runs and DOUBLE- NO, Kiana turns stomps into sunset flip! TWO, and Tiff jackknife bridges! TWO as Kiana bridges up! Kiana turns things around but Tiff fights the backslide. Tiff whips, Kiana ducks ‘n ‘dodges, and DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Fans fire up while both women are down, but Tiff goes for Kiana’s purse? Kiana drags her back but Tiff BOOTS her! Tiff gets the bag, but Kiana ducks it! To 401K!!! Cover, TWO!??! Tiff survives and Kiana is furious! Kiana sits Tiff up but Tiff CLAWS Kiana’s eyes! The ref was busy with the bag! Tiffany hits the ROLLING SENTON, then the PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall (still NXT Women’s Champion)
Tiffany found a way to snatch this one away from Kiana, there’s still time on her reign! But wait! Becky Lynch is on the tron! Becky congratulates Tiff on the win. But everyone’s been asking what is next for The Man, and seeing as Becky’s won almost everything but one title other than the one Tiffany has… And seeing as how Tiff has been hanging around Raw, it’s about time The Man comes around to NXT! Becky knows Tiff wants challengers, so here’s one: Becky! Tiff VS Becky for the NXT Women’s Championship in next week’s main event! Tootles. Tiff shakes her head, but this is what she gets for running that mouth of hers. Will Tiffy Time be replaced by The Big Time?
Carmelo Hayes arrives.
But on his way in, he crosses paths with Wes Lee. Melo shakes his head and walks past Wes, will this not be the last time these two cross paths here tonight?
The Diamond Mine is back in their dojo!
Ivy Nile is glad to have Julius & Brutus back, it wasn’t the same without them. Julius agrees. But no more drama, no more goofing off. Instead, they’re inviting the entire tag team division to the dojo so everyone knows what they want. It has been a year since they’ve had those titles, so the Creeds are ready to rise to the top of the mountain! But Tony D’Angelo & Channing Lorenzo walk in. They joke their ears are ringing. The Creeds spruce up the place and act like they’re already getting titles shots. Invite them out to dinner first. Oh, a spicy meatball! Hey, don’t talk to Mario & Luigi like that. Just kidding!
But Julius does wanna thank Tony & Stacks for watching Ivy’s back while the Creeds were out. But hold on, Edris & Malik walk in and say that they’ve been back a week and think they deserve a shot. They can claim whatever they want, but while they were pretending to be away in Fiji, Malik & Edris were putting in work. And while the Creeds were on top in the past, that was the past. And Malik & Edris aren’t gonna let the Creeds climb past them. They all argue, and Tony & Stacks feel like sticking around to watch this go down. What is going to happen as more and more teams join the party?
Ilja Dragunov VS Oro Mensah w/ The Meta Four!
The Mad Dragon was calling out the NXT Champion, but he got interrupted by the NXT Heritage Cup Champion instead. And instead of getting a fight with the NXT Heritage Cup Champion, he has to deal with Noam’s Main Man, Mensah! Will The Czar do to Mensah what he wants to do to Dar? Or will Oro prove no one is UNBESIEGBAR?
NXT returns as Meta Four makes their entrance. The bell rings and fans rally as the two circle. They tie up, Dragunov wrenches and hip tosses Oro down! Dragunov eggs Oro on but Oro goes to a corner. Dragunov creeps up, Oro gets around and throws body shots. Oro headlocks but Dragunov hip tosses free! Dragunov rains down fists and fans fire up! Dragunov headlocks, Oro fights up to his feet, and Oro pulls hair to put Dragunov in the corner. The ref counts, Oro lets off but with body shots! Oro ROCKS and CHOPS, but Dragunov ROCKS Oro back with a flurry! Oro kicks low, whips, but Dragunov reverses to JUMP KNEE!
Dragunov snapmares Oro down, goes up, and KING KONG KNEE DROPS! Fans fire up and Dragunov waistlocks. Oro powers Dragunov back into a corner, fires elbows off, then swings, but Dragunov BOOTS! And JUMP KICKS! Oro flounders and fans fire up! Dragunov waistlocks, Oro holds ropes, but the ref counts. Oro turns things around to headlock punch! Dragunov staggers, Oro springboards, QUEBRADA! Cover, TWO! Dragunov is tougher than that but Oro PENALTY KICKS him in the back! Fans boo Oro as he scowls, but Dragunov just eggs him on. Oro stomps Dragunov, but Dragunov hits back with forearms!
Fans rally as the two brawl, and Dragunov gets the edge! But Oro kicks low, forearms, then avoids the Pele! Oro shoves Dragunov, but Dragunov goes in the ropes, CONSTANTINE- SUPERKICK! Oro takes Dragunov down and Meta Four barks at him like a pack of dogs. Fans fire up for Dragunov but Oro stomps a mudhole in the corner. The ref counts, Oro storms around, and he storms back up on Dragunov. Oro clinches, to EXPLODER! Oro and Meta Four taunt Dragunov as NXT goes picture in picture.
Fans rally but Oro drops knees on Dragunov. Oro sits Dragunov up, CLUBS him down, then stalks him while talking trash. Oro throws down an elbow, but Dragunov stands up at the ropes. Oro CHOPS, but Dragunov UPPERCUTS! Oro kicks Dragunov low! Cover, TWO! Dragunov is still tougher than that so Oro BOOTS him! Dragunov staggers up and goes to a corner, but Oro talks trash. Dragunov CHOPS back! Oro kicks low again, whips Dragunov to a corner, and runs in, only to be put on the apron! Oro grabs Dragunov to grind him against ropes! Dragunov pushes fere, but Oro springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO!
Oro grows frustrated but then he grinds his forearm into Dragunov’s face! The ref counts, Oro lets off and he soaks up the heat. Oro drags Dragunov up to chinlock and bend him against a knee. Dragunov endures, fans rally, Dragunov fights up and pries the hold open! Dragunov ROCKS Oro again and again, but Oro dodges the kick! Dragunov blocks a kick and flips Oro but Oro hits a ROLLING KICK! High stack cover, TWO! Meta Four coaches Oro to keep on Dragunov and Oro stalks Dragunov to ropes. Oro stomps Dragunov, sits him up and wraps on another chinlock. Dragunov endures, even as Oro twists the hold.
Oro drops back to add body scissors to the hold, but Dragunov pries the chinlock open. Dragunov pushes back to cover, TWO! But Oro kicks the leg! And then kicks Dragunov in the face! And then PENALTY KICKS! High stack cover, TWO! Dragunov is still tougher than all that but Oro kicks him again! And again! Oro talks trash, drags Dragunov up by his ears, then clinches as N XT returns to single picture. Dragunov fights the lift and he throws elbows! Dragunov blocks another kick, avoids the flip kick this time, and he KNEES Oro down! Dragunov staggers around but he keeps his eyes on Oro.
Dragunov waistlocks, Oro fights with elbows, and Oro runs to QUEBRAD, but has to lands out! CONSTANTINE SPECIAL!! Fans are fired up with Dragunov and Dar is freaking out! GERMAN SUPLEX! GERMAN SUPLEX! “This is Awesome!” Oro fights the third German so Dragunov POWERSLAMS him! Cover, TWO!! Meta Four is freaking out as Dragunov reels Oro back in. Oro fights the lift so Dragunov CLUBS away on him! Dragunov hoists Oro up but Oro fights with fists! Dragunov drops to his knees, Oro HOOK KICKS him! And WHEEL KICK! Cover, TWO!! Dragunov is still tougher than that!
Oro goes to a corner, mocks “UN! BE! SIEG! BAR!” But Dragunov PELES Oro! Dragunov reels him in, to POWERBOMB!! Oro crawls to a corner, Dragunov says “UN! BE! SIEG! BAR!!” TORPEDO MOSCOW!! Cover, Dragunov wins!
Winner: Ilja Dragunov, by pinfall
Meta Four can’t believe it, but what did they expect from the raging Russian dragon? He is determined to achieve his destiny, will Dragunov become THE NXT Champion once and for all?
But wait! Here comes Wes Lee! Wes has a mic to cut the music and get in the ring with Dragunov. Normally Wes would wait until they’re in the back to do this, but he has to let Dragunov know. Dragunov’s date with destiny is delayed, Wes has next crack at Melo. Heatwave was too close, Wes has to prove himself, so he’ll get Melo and then Dragunov can have the first shot at Wes when he’s champion. Dragunov has a mic to tell Wes that he is courageous, and Dragunov likes that. But Wes is the one who is waiting because that title is Dragunov’s! Melo is Dragunov’s to fight! No more personal issues and roadblocks! Dragunov will rip everyone’s head off who stands in his way!!
Fans fire up with Dragunov but Wes says go and try! He has more heart and no hesitation in going through Hell again if it means getting at the champ! But speaking of the champ, here comes Melo! Melo has everyone hold on, because he knows two dudes whose jerseys are in the rafters aren’t talking about beating HIM. That’s crazy. Last week, Melo had a very important conversation with HBK, and HBK gave Melo all the advice he needed to hear. Melo joins the others in the ring, and fans are hoping for that. Melo says that despite everything he allowed in his head, there is NO asterisk next to that win at Great American Bash! Dragunov took a risk, and Melo took advantage.
As for Wes, come up with whatever excuses you want, but the same goes for Heatwave. Wes took a risk, and Melo took advantage. There’s no doubt that these two are the two top ranked men here in NXT, but let’s see who the best is. HBK decided that next week, Wes Lee VS Ilja Dragunov! And it only gets better, because the winner faces Melo for the NXT Championship in Bakersfield! Melo hopes they show each other some mercy, but on September 30th, he shows the contender No Mercy! The Cardiac Kid takes on the Mad Dragon, who will be the one to once again step… to HIM?
Dominik Mysterio is backstage.
And he’s reading up on the 2023 edition of the WWE Rulebook for the “official in-ring rules, policies and procedures.” After all, he’s going to be a special guest referee for the #1 contender’s match between Dragon Lee and Mustafa Ali. But he’s ripping out pages? He says those rules don’t even make any sense! Well, will Dirty Dom just come up with his own rules when it comes to tonight’s match?
Backstage interview with Nathan Frazer.
McKenzie Mitchell is with the British Rocket as he prepares for his second Global Heritage Invitational Tournament match. Does he feel he needs to make adjustments from last time? Frazer says we’ll address the elephant in the room. He went viral, which normally would be cool if it wasn’t for him taking his own head off with those ropes. But people keep telling him he goes too fast, he needs to slow down, but he says NEVER! He wants the Cup back so badly, it’s all he’s thinking about. But tonight is literally must win. He didn’t make it this far by holding back or slowing down, so he’s not starting now! Frazer zips off, will he get that critical first win in the round robin?
Jacy Jayne and Thea Hail hang out backstage.
Jacy is showing Thea some new lipstick shades and she’s loving them. And OMG, Becky Lynch is coming to NXT next week! Thea is so excited! Jacy says yes, it is exciting, but she doesn’t sound it. But more importantly, look at how good Thea looks right now! OMG she loves this, too! But then Gigi Dolin walks over. Classic Jacy, taking advantage of someone just because she’s no good on her own. Thea gets defensive but Jacy says this is classic Gigi, being jealous that Jacy can make new friends. But wait, Blair Davenport walks in. She has to agree with Gigi. This is a grown Women’s Division, and Thea is just a kid struggling to swim in shark infested water.
Well there’s classic Blair, bullying someone because they’re just smaller and weaker. Gigi better be careful what she says to Blair. Oh, gonna move to threats, huh? Gigi thought Blair only does that in the parking lot. Jacy prompts Thea into speaking up. Thea tells Gigi that she doesn’t need to “stand up” for Thea, she IS a grown woman. And coming in here, acting like you know her, is ridiculous cuz you don’t, okay? Gigi agrees, she doesn’t know Thea. But she does know Jacy. And Gigi wants Thea to be careful, because she is just warning her- Jacy says enough. Don’t talk to Thea like that, Thea is not some kid.
Thea says yeah, she’ll prove it tonight! Thea and Jacy head out, how did Gigi end up the bad guy in all this?
NXT Global Heritage Invitational Tournament, Group B: Nathan Frazer VS Duke Hudson w/ Andre Chase!
Frazer said himself this is must win, as he is 0-1 in a round robin of just three rounds. The Chase U MVP got his first round win on NXT Level Up, so if he wins here, he is that much closer to the finals. Will Duke win big for the U? Or will Frazer break even and also be one step away from the finals?
The bell rings and we’re on the clock! Noam, Lash & Jakara are watching from the Meta Four lounge, Oro clearly resting up backstage. Duke and Frazer tie up, Frazer headlocks but Duke powers out. Duke runs Frazer over, drags him up and headlocks. Frazer powers Duke to ropes, Duke lets go of the headlock, but Frazer headlocks back. Duke powers out, Frazer slides under and headlocks again. Duke powers out, Frazer goes up and over then headlocks again. Duke again powers out, but Frazer redirects, redirects, runs and headlocks, but Duke blocks the takeover! BIG back suplex! Fans fire up as Duke covers, TWO!
Duke whips but Frazer kicks back! Frazer speeds up, ducks ‘n’ dodges and ROCKS Duke! Then Frazer BLASTS Duke off the apron! Frazer hurries up top, aims, and SUPER CANNONBALLS! Fans fire up for that direct hit and Frazer puts Duke in the ring. Frazer hurries to run in at the corner, but Duke hits an URENAGE! Dar and Meta Four liked that, but they better hope Duke isn’t the contender. Duke asks Frazer if he’s good, but Frazer throws hands! Duke throws Frazer to a corner, to CHOP him! Duke whips Frazer corner to corner hard and Frazer falls in a heap! Duke drags Frazer up, reels him in, but Frazer fights the bomb!
Duke tries again, but Frazer slips out of the crucifix to RANA Duke into buckles! And then MULE KICK to the gut! Frazer goes up to PHOENIX SPLASH!! Cover, Frazer wins!!
Winner: Nathan Frazer, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Duke earns 0)
And there you have it! Frazer gets on the board and he brings Duke down! The only one without a win so far is Akira Tozawa, but there’s still time before the end! Will Frazer solidify his spot in the finals? Or will the Stamina Monster be a spoiler?
Here are the NEW Group B standings!
Joe Coffey: 1-0, 2 points
Nathan Frazer: 1-1, 2 points
Duke Hudson: 1-1, 2 points
Akira Tozawa: 0-1, 0 points
Hank & Tank have joined the Diamond Mine dojo party.
Hank Walker still can’t believe it. All you gotta do to be a real tag team is talk to one another! Do the Creeds ever talk? Uh, yeah, they’re brothers… Oh, right! Hank & Tank have also fought each other to become closer as a unit. Have the Creeds ever done that? Again, they’re brothers. Right! The newest team on the block, Bronco Nima & Lucien Price, walk in and say sup. They haven’t been properly introduced, but uh, hey, Hank & Tank only just met like a couple months ago. Bronco & Lucien have been boys since they were knee high. These two don’t play games, but if they did, they’d play to win.
No obviously, Bronco & Lucien want the same titles the Creeds do, but sabes que, best believe they’ll go through the Creeds! Hey, don’t act like Hank & Tank ain’t about that tag life! Well, they’re not! Reggie/Scrypts walks in to say that he also doesn’t believe Hank & Tank will make it. For Bronco & Lucien, this is more than just some common bond. And more than just brothers! The streets made them like this. And Scrypts can relate to that. Those three head out, but will Julius & Brutus get past the new guys to get back on top?
Tyler Bate VS Dabba-Kato!
The Big Strong Boi wants the Heritage Cup back but before he can focus on the tournament, he has to clear out the behemoth trying to break him down! Will Bate be rolling into his first round robin match? Or will Dabba be the one to eliminate Bate from the Global Heritage Invitational?
The second he’s in the ring, Bate rushes Dabba! Fans fire up as Bate fires hands! Dabba shoves Bate away, the bell rings, and Bate gets around. Dabba grabs Bate’s hair, scoops him, but Bate slips into a SLEEPER! Fans fire up for Bate but Dabba stays up. Dabba heads for a corner but Bate lets go to ENZIGURI! Bate tries to fireman’s carry Dabba!? But Dabba’s too big! Dabba CLUBS Bate, gut wrenches, but Bate slips free! Bate ducks ‘n’ dodges but the BOOT knocks him down! Dabba drags Bate into a COBRA CLUTCH, and THRASHES him around! Fans boo Dabba and chant “DABBA SUCKS!”
Bate fires hands, but Dabba ripcords and pops Bate up! SWINGING POWERSLAM! And then backbreaker rack! Bate endures but Dabba shifts to a vice grip! The ref reprimands as Dabba pulls hair, and fans rally up. Bate fights with kicks and knees, but Dabba brings him up to shove him to a corner. Bate ducks ‘n’ dodges and BOOTS! Bate goes up, FLYING UPPERCUTS, but Dabba stays up! Bop up, but Dabba blocks Bang! Bate dodges Dabba’s lariat to REBOUNDER! And REBOUNDER again! Bate tries again, but Dabba catches Bate! CHOKE- BANG! Bate hits the shot after all, and fireman’s carries!?!? Bate manages the AIRPLANE SPIN!!!
Fans are thunderous for the Big Strong Boi as he makes it around ten times before the SLAM! Bate goes to the corner, climbs up, “This is Awesome!” as Bate SKY TWISTERS!! Cover, BATE WINS!!
Winner: Tyler Bate, by pinfall
A HUGE win for the Big Strong Boi, and now he has big strong momentum! Will Bate uses this to beat the block and go to the finals?
Dom heads to gorilla.
And he spots Carmelo Hayes there on the phone. Dom tells him, “It’s hard being a champ. Am I right or am I right, Melo?” Yeah, something like that. Melo finds out his opponent for No Mercy next week, but Dom’s about to pick- Er, find out his right now. Dom heads out to be the special guest referee, how “down the middle” will this really be?
Lyra Valkyria, Roxanne Perez and others are watching backstage.
The Morrigan is so sick and tired of The Judgment Day. Roxie agrees there. But Lyra says if Dragon Lee can get past Ali, he’ll definitely beat Dom at No Mercy. Roxie agrees there, too, but she says Ali is tough. You never know what could happen. After all, Becky is coming to NXT next week! But then Kiana storms in and throws her ice pack in a fit of rage. Wow, real professional, Kiana. Oh shut up! What are any of them looking at? Lyra says challenging the title and winning it are two very different things, huh? Kiana says yeah, Lyra should know. Roxie tells Kiana to relax. She should be grateful she even got that opportunity.
Damn right Kiana got that shot. Cuz she took it right from Roxie. And she has no problems doing it again. And again. And again. Roxie ROCKS Kiana, Kiana hits back, the others rush in to stop the brawl! If Kiana isn’t careful, will the Prodigy’s new edge cut Kiana down to size?
Backstage interview with Baron Corbin.
McKenzie is with Mr. No BS and asks him about tonight’s main event of Bron VS Von, No Disqualifications. He’s had a run-in with each man, does he have a prediction? Does he have prediction? As he sees it, both guys have something to prove, to Baron. Bron talks about being the Alpha of NXT, so he should prove it! He has to go out there and end Von’s career. And as for Von, what is this “You’re getting tabled” stuff? Baron doesn’t understand it, but if Von wants to play with the big boys, then he has to get the win. As for who Baron thinks wins… He doesn’t care. He just wants to enjoy being out there at commentary, watching those two absolutely destroying each other!
And when it is all said and done, Baron might pick up the scraps. Who knows, we’ll just have to wait and see. Will Corbin be impressed by either man in tonight’s main event?
NXT Media catches up with Tiffany Stratton.
Kelly Kincaid brings up the official announcement of Becky Lynch VS Tiffany Stratton for the NXT Women’s Championship! Tiffany walks past and says no no no, get out of her face! Tiffany leaves, no comment on getting the fight she didn’t want.
NXT North American Championship #1 Contender’s Match, Dominik Mysterio as Special Guest Referee: Mustafa Ali VS Dragon Lee!
The Beacon of Light and the Wonder Boy can agree that they’re done being disrespected, that NXT deserves a North American Champion we can all be proud of, and that Dirty Dom isn’t that. But when push comes to shove, who wins their golden ticket to No Mercy?
Ali and Dragon shake hands to show respect, and fans cheer that. Dom rings the bell and the two contenders circle. Fans rally up, they chant “YOU STILL SUCK!” at Dom, but Dragon and Ali tie up. They break, tie up again, and Dragon waistlocks. Ali switches, trips Dragon, and then floats around to headlock. Dragon pops out the back, Ali rolls but Dragon covers, ONE as Ali slips free! Both men kip up and fans fire up as they reset. Dragon and Ali knuckle lock, go shoulder to shoulder in a test of strength, and Dragon pushes Ali down for a cover! Dom counts, ONE as Ali gets an arm up. Dragon pushes it down, ONE as Ali gets the other arm up.
Dragon pushes Ali down, jumps up but Ali uses that to go right up to the top rope! Ali backflips, runs, RANAS, and Dragon tumbles to a corner! Fans fire up, and Ali storms up to CHOP! And CHOP! Ali whips corner to corner, Dragon reverses and runs in to JUMP KICK! Leg sweep! Swinging DROPKICK! Combinacion Dragon! Cover, TWO! Dom says it was a fair count but was it really? Dragon CLUBS Ali but Ali throws elbows. Dragon kicks Ali, puts him in the corner, and runs in. Ali boots then ENZIGURIS! Ali goes up top but Dragon ROCKS him! And CHOPS him! And climbs up after him! Ali fights with body shots!
Ali HEADBUTTS Dragon down, handsprings to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Dom’s count does seem rather fair after all, but Ali keeps on Dragon. Ali suplexes, but Dragon slips free to TOSS Ali! Ali hits the desk, Dragon builds speed and DIVES! Ali goes up and over the desk!! Fans are thunderous for “NXT! NXT!” as Dragon slides back in. Dom is hesitant to start his ring count, but that benefits Ali. Dom starts his count but Dragon goes out to get Ali. Ali handspring LARIATS again!! Fans fire up as both men are down! Ali drags Dragon up, Dom’s count keeps going, Ali puts Dragon in to go up top. TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO!!
Dragon survives, and Ali is frustrated, but he can’t criticize Dom’s count for it. Ali goes to a corner, he runs in, but Dragon pops Ali up into a headstand, and SUPERKICK! GERMAN SUPLEX, bridging cover, TWO!! Ali survives, and fans may argue “THAT WAS THREE!” it sure seemed fair. Dragon drags Ali up, reels him in, but Ali slips free of the bomb! Dragon runs in but Ali POSTS him! Ali drags Dragon up to put him on the top rope! SLINGSHOT JACKHAMMER!! Cover, TWO!! Ali is frustrated but he goes right back to the corner. Ali climbs, aims, 450- NO, Dragon dodges! Dragon runs in, slips around, gets Ali up, LAST RIDE!!! Cover, TWO!!!
Wait! Did Dom slow up at the very last moment? Dragon questions Dom’s count but Dom says he was doing it right! But then Ali get a victory roll, and Dom counts fast!! ALI WINS!!
Winner: Mustafa Ali, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT North American Champion)
Dom raises Ali’s hand in victory, but even Ali is rather surprised. Dom did Dragon dirty, but he might be forgetting that Ali doesn’t like him all that much either. In fact, Ali seems to realize that with the match over, Dom is no longer a ref. Ali DECKS Dom!! Fans fire up as Ali tells Dom that’s what he gets! Dragon and Ali shake hands all the same, and Ali leaves so he can prepare for No Mercy. Will Dom end up the real loser in the end? Or can he keep The Judgment Day golden in the Golden State?
Trick Williams is on the phone.
But then he sees Dragunov walking in and gets on his feet. Dragunov says this is just a conversation. Then what’s up? Dragunov meant every word when he said Trick is more than just an entertainer. Well, Trick appreciates that. But Dragunov says he might be lying if he said Trick was a best friend. What’s Dragunov getting at? Dragunov says that Trick said Melo could beat Dragunov. Yeah, Melo did it before, he can do it again. But that’s only if Dragunov beats Wes next week. Dragunov asks Trick if he’s sure about this. Trick says Dragunov is barking up the wrong tree with that nonsense. Dragunov says we all know he only barks the truth.
There’s one week left, because after Dragunov beats Wes next week, Trick can either keep lying to his best friend, or he can keep lying to himself. Dragunov leaves Trick with a lot to think about, what happens as Dragunov and Wes fight for the right to go to No Mercy?
Drew Gulak, Charlie Dempsey & Damon Kemp train.
They hand off wrenches and headlocks to each other, but then Myles Borne shows up. Gulak asks what he thinks he’s doing here, and he says he’s doing his job. Oh, his job? That’s rich. Is Myles sure he wouldn’t rather be joining his cowboy buckaroo buddies, Briggs & Jensen? Did Myles think they weren’t gonna find out? YEEHAW~! Thank you, Miss Fallon. (Blame NXT Anonymous for this one) Dempsey says Myles went behind their backs. Myles just wanted a chance to compete on NXT TV! Well guess what, Myles? You’re not ready. Because if you were, Gulak would’ve said. But next week, that might be Myles’ only opportunity to make a good impression. So he better make it count.
Gulak and the others leave Myles behind. Myles says he will make good. Does that mean what it sounds like?
NXT shares footage from after last week’s episode.
Eddy Thorpe was furious over his loss to Dijak, and he says he knew it! He was ready, he was on Dijak’s ass from the bell, but Dijak showed he can’t beat Eddy without a little extra something! First, the ring post. Then, an ambush on the ramp. And now, using his own belt! Eddy doesn’t know how, when or where they settle this, but Dijak best believe that he isn’t done with Eddy, because Eddy isn’t done with Dijak! The Alpha Wolf is ready to strike back, what will he do to bring down the corruption of #HighJustice?
NXT Global Heritage Invitational Tournament, Group A: Pete Dunne VS Axiom!
The Bruiserweight is back again, ready to all but guarantee himself a spot in the tournament finals. But will he be the first man to go 2-0? Or will the Undeniable Truth make his first round robin match mean so much more than just two points on the board?
NXT returns as Axiom makes his entrance. The bell rings and we’re on the clock! Fans rally as Dunne and Axiom step up. Axiom offers a handshake, Dunne just SLAPS him! Fans fire up and the two tie up! They go around, Dunne wrenches, but Axiom rolls, rolls and rolls free to get a leg and drag Dunne down to a HEEL HOOK! Dunne scrambles to the ROPEBREAK, and Axiom lets off quickly. The two go again, knuckle lock, and Dunne drags Axiom down to stand on one hand, and he twists the other! Dunne CLAWS and scrapes Axiom in the side, then spins him to pull those arms back! Axiom endures, rolls, but Dunne facelocks.
Axiom slips out, facelocks but Dunne rolls. Axiom rolls with Dunne, then pushes Dunne to a cover, ONE! Dunne facelocks again and he grinds Axiom down. Axiom endures, Dunne shifts to hook the arms, and he cradles Axiom, TWO! Dunne gets Axiom’s leg, Axiom rolls free, and the fans cheer the standoff. The two reset, knuckle lock again, and Dunne drops back to drop toehold. Dunne ties those legs up, has an INDIAN DEATHLOCK, then he shifts to have both legs hooked up. Fans rally as Axiom endures, but Dunne bends an arm back! Axiom endures even as Dunne hammerlocks that arm, to then STOMP Axiom’s head!
Fans rally, Dunne drags Axiom up, and look, Oro has rejoined the others of Meta Four in the lounge. Dunne facelocks, Axiom wrenches and ELBOW BREAKERS! Dunne powers up and whips Axiom away, things speed up, Dunne hurdles and trips Axiom to then CLOBBER him on the return! Fans fire up and Dunne stalks Axiom. Dunne drags Axiom up, wrenches and clinches but Axiom rolls through to springboard and FLYING ARM-DRAG! DROPKICK! Axiom reels Dunne in but Dunne X PLEXES first! Fans fire up and Dunne runs in, to SHOTGUN Axiom to the apron! Dunne then gets that arm and he wraps it around ropes!
Axiom endures, the ref reprimands, but Dunne still YANKS the other arm back! The ref counts, Dunne lets go at 4, and Dar is worried that Dunne could be the one. Dunne tells Dar he should be worried, and NXT goes to break.
NXT returns and Dunne is just raining down forearms on Axiom’s head! The fans fire up more and more, but then Dunne lets off. Meta Four doesn’t like where this is going as Dunne stalks Axiom. Axiom grabs at Dunne but Dunne SLAPS him down! Axiom shakes his head as he sits up, so Dunne SLAPS him again! Axiom shakes his head again and stands back up. Dunne SLAPS him again! Axiom goes to ropes, but he comes back to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Axiom fires off, eggs Dunne on, then RODCKS him! Dunne rebounds, Axiom dodges and DROPKICKS! Axiom fires up and the fans are with him!
Axiom runs in at the corner, GAMANGIRI! FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Not quite perfect but both men are down! Meta Four talk some smack but fans cheer “This is Awesome!” Axiom hauls Dune up but Dunne bucks the O’Conner. Axiom kips up to NORTHERN LIGHTS! Roll through, STANDING MOONSAULT into a TRIANGLE HOLD! Axiom scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Dunne lets go, but then he kneels on Axiom, to SLAP him! And SLAP him again! Dunne has the wrists, for DRAGON STOMPS! Dunne then drags Axiom up but Axiom fires up! Axiom HEADBUTTS and HEADBUTTS and HEADBUTTS!
Axiom CHOPS! Takedown, omoplata! Cradle, TWO, and Dunne has Axiom’s arms now! RINGS OF- NO, Axiom TRIANGLE HOLDS! Dunne stacks, ONE, but Dunne shoves Axiom to ropes, to SNAP GERMAN! Dunne STOMPS the hands, but Axiom ducks the buzzsaw to ROCK Dunne! Dunne returns, into a ROUNDHOUSE! And GAMANGIRI! Dar likes what he sees, and we’re at the two minute warning! Axiom goes up, MOONSAULT- KICK!! Dunne reels Axiom in! SIT OUT POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO?!?! Axiom survives and Dunne can’t believe it! Fans are thunderous but time is running out!
Fans rally for “NXT! NXT!” as both men slowly rise. Dunne goes to a corner and climbs up. MOONSAULT, but axiom gets clear to SUPERKICK! Dunne staggers around, Axiom aims, GOLDEN RATIO!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! A slight miscalculation by Axiom, but he stomps Dunne! Axiom drags Dunne into an omoplata, and a RINGS OF SATURN! Fans rally up as Dunne endures! Dunne powers free of the hold, to get the fingers! SNAP!! Axiom clutches that hand, we’re under FIFTEEN SECONDS! Dunne pump handles for BITTER END!!! Cover, TWO!??! And time runs out!!!
Time Limit Draw; each man earns 1 point
Dar applauds, but only because now things are only harder for Dunne to come out of Group A as a finalist. Will Dunne still win out to be the man going to No Mercy?
Wait, here comes Tyler Bate! The Big Strong Boi waves hi to everyone, but especially Dar. Bate still has a table to run, will he do just that against Axiom, Dempsey and Pete Dunne?
Here are the NEW Group A standings!
Pete Dunne: 1-0-1, 3 points
Tyler Bate: 0-0, yet to compete
Axiom: 0-0-1, 1 point
Charlie Dempsey: 0-1, 0 points
Von Wagner speaks.
“Listen. I’m sorry about tonight. But this is gonna hurt me way more than it’s gonna hurt you. And ever since you’ve come into my life, everything has changed for the better. The birds are chirping, the fans are cheering, and it just makes me feel a certain type of way. But please understand, the last thing I would wanna do is hurt you or make you feel bad about yourself. But… Life with you is just so much more fun.” Von is talking to the NXT commentary desk, and Stone walks over to ask if Von’s ready for Bron. Von says hell yeah he is! “Breakker’s gonna get his ass tabled tonight!” Will Von come through on his word in tonight’s No Disqualifications match?
The Diamond Mine dojo party is still going.
Tony & Stacks review the guest list. They came here to size up the Creeds, but there are a lot of good teams here. Yeah, there’s a different look in the eyes of Malik & Edris. Bronco & Lucien with Scrypts could be a huge threat. But Tony & Stacks know the streets. As for “Hanker & Tanker,” well- But then in walk Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo. From one family to another, they’re looking forward to doing business. Well, sorry, but the D’Angelos don’t have their names in the books. Oh, don’t worry, they’ll put their names on those tag titles. Julius makes sure there’s no problem here, and Tony says no, no problem.
Tony then tells Garza & Carrillo that all due respect to their grandfather, but Garza & Carrillo can’t just walk in here and threaten The D’Angelos. Not a good look. Well, this isn’t about looks. This is about the glory! And they will claw the eyes out of anyone who tries to stop them. Well then why don’t they just claw their asses out here, or maybe Tony & Stacks will put some more scars on them. Garza ROCKS Tony and the fight is on! Everyone hits someone, even the Creeds! The NXT Tag Division is heating up, but who will get burned?
Gigi Dolin VS Thea Hail w/ Jacy Jayne!
Hell’s Favorite Flower was just calling a snake a snake, but the Toxic Traitor may already be poisoning Chase U’s top prospect. Will Gigi just have to show Thea the truth with actions? Or will Thea prove she a grown ass woman and handle things her way?
NXT returns as Thea makes her entrance, Jacy telling her to pull back on the pep. Thea agrees, and she even throws her Chase U rally cone away. The bell rings, the two tie up, and Thea wrenches to YANK the arm! And again! And again! Jacy nods, Thea kicks Gigi’s legs out to then step over and HIP DROP the arm! Thea SPLASHES the arm, then YANKS it! Cover, ONE!! Thea clamps onto Gigi with an armlock but Gigi fights up. Thea wrenches, wristlocks, but Gigi spins and headlocks. Fans rally and duel, Thea powers out but Gigi runs Thea over. Things speed up, Gigi blocks a hip toss to backslide Thea! TWO, and Thea runs in.
Gigi side steps to scoop, but Thea RANAS Gigi away! Thea runs in but Gigi sends her into ropes! Gigi runs to HIP ATTACK! Gigi keeps moving but Thea avoid the basement dropkick! Thea reels Gigi in to hit an EXPLODER! Fans fire up as Gigi goes to a corner, and Thea runs in, but Gigi catches her! Thea arm-drags free of the half nelson to CLOBBER Gigi! And again! Thea roars, runs in, back body blocks and then clinches! Gigi fights to wrench and kick Thea’s legs out! BUZZSAW! Gigi then SWITCH KICK! Cover, TWO!! Thea survives but Gigi drags her up. They go around and around and Thea whips Gigi away.
Thea gets around, floats over, KIMURA!! Gigi endures as Thea pulls on the arm! Jacy is loving this as her former friend suffers at the hands at… whatever Thea is to her! But Gigi fights her way over, reaches out, powers up, and has the ROPEBREAK! Thea lets go, Jacy says to stay on her, so Thea goes out to go for the arm. But Gigi spins her around to POST her! Gigi runs up to STO to the floor! Gigi puts Thea in, shakes the bad arm, but Jacy distracts the ref! Blair runs out, ARMBAR DDT!! Blair puts Gigi in, Thea has Gigi in the KIMURA!! Gigi shouts, flails, but TAPS! Thea wins!!
Winner: Thea Hail, by submission
If Jacy’s a snake, then so is Blair! And these vipers just brought Gigi down! But Thea is starting to believe in Jacy, is Thea going to start doing things the Toxic way?
The Diamond Mine dojo is a mess!
But the Creeds don’t seem to mind. Ivy asks what the hecc! Are they okay? Never been better! It feels good to be back! Well, will all that chaos only make the Creeds stronger in fighting back to the title scene?
Lyra Valkyria talks with Kelani Jordan.
Is Kelani doing alright? Yeah, thanks for checking on her. Well, with how crazy tonight has been… Yeah, Kelani is just frustrated about her loss! Lyra gets that. Always watching things back, obsessing over every little thing. But look, it is only Kelani’s fourth match in NXT! She can’t get so down on herself. Dana Brooke walks over and asks what Lyra is doing. Kelani says Lyra is helping her feel better cuz she felt she let the team down last week. Dana says don’t even worry about it! Though, Kelani could come along a bit faster. She’s just worried Lyra is filling Kelani’s head with things she doesn’t need! Why would Dana even say that?
UM, cuz Kelani is Dana’s friend, they’re a team, and Lyra will not break this up. But she wasn’t doing that! Dana stops Kelani there, and says that if Kelani wants to solve a problem, just let Dana handle it. Lyra doesn’t know what Dana’s problem is, but if she wants a fight, all she has to do is ask. Lyra wasn’t teaching Kelani anything, but maybe after Lyra gets through with Dana, Kelani will learn how to pick better friends. Lyra heads out, is the Flex Appeal about to get schooled?
Tiffany Stratton speaks.
She’s apparently in a better mood now so she tells NXT Media that yeah, Becky is the biggest opponent in Tiffany’s career, but that career only started two years ago! And Becky is one coming after Tiffany. Where was Becky’s career after two years? Nowhere! She was some service monkey flight attendant or whatever, not at the top of the industry like Tiffany is. But Tiffany tells Becky that she may be some WrestleMania main eventer, the number one star on Raw and SmackDown, and “Big Time,” but Tiffany is the Center of this Universe! And next week, her NXT Women’s Championship isn’t going anywhere. See you next Tuesday, b*tch! Tootles.
No Disqualifications: Von Wagner w/ Robert Stone VS Bron Breakker!
These two second generation superstars have been going back and forth, in and out of the ring, and now it all comes down to this! Will Von give Bron that reservation, table for one? Or will the self-proclaimed best spear in the business bring down big bad Von?
As promised, Baron Corbin is on commentary, and he’s more than happy to say what he wants about who he wants, when he wants. The bell rings and Bron avoids a boot! But Von comes back with haymakers! Bron puts Von in a corner, RAMS into him again and again, then whisp corner to corner. Von comes back but Bron runs him over! Fans fire up and duel as Bron clotheslines Von and himself out of the ring! And they’re already by the desk! Fans fire up, Booker T and Vic Joseph want to move but Corbin says don’t be scared. Von SMACKS Bron off the desk, and again, and again! Then he rains down fists!
Fans fire up as Von brings Bron around to TOSS over the desk! Bron hits an armchair, too! Von sees the desk, nods, and he starts clearing it off as Bron flounder! Fans fire up but Bron heads into the ring. Von grabs a leg but Bron kicks him away with the other. Von hurries in after Bron and runs him over! And then FLYING SHOULDERS! Fans fire up as Von clotheslines Bron and himself out of the ring! They’re by the ramp and Von is all fired up! Corbin is enjoying this, and Von stalks Bron, but Bron JAMS Von with a chair! But Von blocks the chair shot! Von swings, Bron dodges, and Bron GERMAN SUPLEXES Von to the floor!
Fans bark it up for Bron and Corbin says this is what he wanted to see. Bron grins and Von writhes while NXT goes picture in picture.
Bron watches Von but Stone rallies the fans behind Von. Bron puts Von int he ring, storms up but into a knee! Von CLUBS Bron, CLUBS him more, but Bron TACKLES Von! Bron rains down fists, looms over Von, then storms around. Bron stalks Von to ropes, whips him to a corner, and then he runs in, but into a KNEE from Von! Von runs to LARIAT! Stone is fired up, Von goes out and he looks under the ring. Von brings out more chairs! And a kendo stick! But Bron CLOBBERS Von! Bron brings out a TABLE! To then put it back! Bron tells the fans they ain’t getting tables! Bron stands Von up, but Von blocks the smack off the steps!
Von throws a body shot, tries to smack Bron off steps, but Bron blocks that! Bron hits back, but Von scoops to SNAKE EYES Bron off the steps! Bron staggers around and Von catches his breath. Von brings out another kendo stick and fans fire up as he takes aim. Von swings but Bron JAMS him with a chair! And SMACKS him! And then JAMS Von again! And again! And again! Bron storms around and NXT returns to single picture. Bron has a kendo stick, and he SMACKS Von on the back! Von writhes, Bron aims again, for another SMACK! And another SMACK! Corbin says Bron is doing what Corbin said, and is trying to END Von’s career!
Bron lines up a shot, to SMACK Von in the ribs! Von sputters, Bron takes aim again, and SMACKS Von down! Bron KNEES Von in the side, then gets a chair. Bron wedges that chair in the corner, goes back for Von, but Von blocks the kendo stick strike! Von slaps himself to fire back up, and he HEADBUTTS Bron again and again! Von reels Bron in to short arm LARIAT! And then another short arm- NO, Bron dodges to LARIAT back! Cover, TWO! Von is still in this but Bron CLUBS him in the ribs and in the side! Von keeps getting up so Bron gets another kendo stick. Bron aims and SMACK Von again! Von shoves Bron, but Bron SMACKS Von!
The kendo stick starts breaking so Bron lets that go to get the other. Bron SMACKS Von again! Cover, ONE!! Fans fire up as Von is gutting this out, but Bron wraps on a bearhug. Fans rally, Von fights up, and Von backs Bron down into his own chair in the corner! Von fires elbow after elbow, then runs, to BOOT Bron down! Von keeps going, he BOOTS Bron again! But then Bron blocks a boot to SIT OUT POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!!! Von survives and Bron is frustrated. Fans chant “WE WANT TABLES!” but Bron tells them to shut up. Von knees Bron low, CLUBS him, and fireman’s carries! But his back gives up!
Bron KNEES Von down, CLUBS away, and Corbin laughs at Von’s pain. Bron gets a chair, sets it down nearby, then he goes up the corner. Fans bark and howl with Bron, FLYING BULLDOG onto the chair!! The straps come down and Bron says he’s gonna end this! Bron adds a kendo stick to the STEINER RECLINER!! Von endures, bamboo in his mouth! But Von powers up!? Fans fire up as Von powers out of the stretch! Bon is freaking out as Von turns things around on him! Von smothers Bron with the kendo stick! But Bron RAMS Von into a corner! Bron arm-drags free but Von LARIATS! Bron LARIATS!
They go back and forth with LARIATS, but neither falls! Bron fireman’s carries, GUT BUSTER DROP!! Corbin likes the focus on the ribs. Bron says he’s gonna end Von, he runs in, but Von dodges and the spear hits chair!! Bron goes down in a heap and fans fire up for “TABLES! TABLES!” Von sees Bron crawling for a chair, but Von stomps the chair down! Von has a kendo stick, and he waits for Bron to stand up. Bron says “Kiss my ass!” and he SPITS right in Von’s face! Von SMACKS Bron! Again and again, the kendo stick shatters!! Von CLOBBERS Bron with what is left! Von then gets that chair, to JAM Bron! And SMACK Bron!
Bron staggers, Von choke grips! CHOKE SLAM!! Cover, TWO!!! Bron survives but fans fire up! Bron bails out, but to the desk side of the ring! Von drags Bron up, Corbin wants Von to prove he’s a somebody. Von tells the timekeeper and ring announcer to move aside, and so they do. Von RAMS Bron through the wall!! Fans lose their minds and Von revels in it! Even Corbin is speechless from that one! Von then drags Bron out of the wreckage, and over to the desk! Booker, Vic and now even Corbin move aside, but Bron ROCKS Von! Von ROCKS Bron! Bron knees low! Von BOOTS hard! Bron runs in, into a POP-UP POWERBOMB through the desk!!!!
Fans are thunderous and Bron is writhing in pain! Von drags Bron up, into the ring, and then hauls Bron back up. Fireman’s carry, but Bron slips free! LOW BLOW!!! Bron grins, aims from the corner, and fans boo as Bron SPEARS!!! Cover, Bron wins!!
Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall
Corbin says, “You gotta get your hands dirty to get the job done.” But even for No Disqualifications, that wasn’t dirty handed, that was underhanded! But wait, Bron SMACKS Von with a chair!! Bron isn’t done with Von, he wants to make him pay! Bron JAMS Von, RAMS him into steel steps, and then pulls those steps apart! Bron puts Von’s head on the base, raises the top half, and SLAMS down on Von’s head!!! Cameras go black and NXT has to end here! Is there no low Bron won’t go just to prove he’s #MeanerThanEvil?
My Thoughts:
A great NXT, solid stuff from top to bottom. Opening with the NXT Women’s Championship was a surprise, but it was a really good showing from Kiana even though we all knew Tiffany was winning. Because whether you like it or not, Tiffany VS Becky is happening next week! Tiffany had a good immediate reaction to the news, and then a very good promo later after she “collected” herself. And as much as I don’t want another RawDown star taking an NXT title from NXT, I NEED Becky to shut Tiffany up hard, that is how powerful the Heel Heat is. I do not have a clue how they’re gonna get past this, but it’ll surely be fun.
Really good stuff with Diamond Mine and most of the major tag teams in NXT, a little surprised no Gallus but maybe they just want us focusing on Joe Coffey in the Global Heritage Invitational. We’re going to get a lot of tag matches out of those segments, and somehow, someway, a team will be named the contenders for No Mercy and that’ll be great stuff. I’m thinking it should be Garza & Carrillo given they’re they ones who threw the first punch on Tony & Stacks. And another team not at the party as Briggs & Jensen, but that’s probably because of the upcoming Six Man Tag. Myles had a good little promo with Gulak and team, and the way Myles said what he said, I really hope he fights Gulak with his all, as opposed to turning on Briggs & Jensen to stay loyal to the guys who just bully him. Bloodline has enough of the emotional dependency trope going on, let Myles man up and fight his bullies.
Great match from Dragunov and Mensah, and certainly Mensah’s best standard singles match. But duh, it’s Dragunov, he wins. Good stuff from Dragunov, Wes and Melo to set up a #1 contender’s match, even though fans were hoping for Triple Threat. To be fair, Triple Threat might be too much for No Mercy or even this situation, Melo needs a fair 1v1 match because the point is clearing out the doubt. Good promo with Dragunov and Trick, too, to really put it in Trick’s head that Melo might be in over his head. Maybe Trick tries to stop Dragunov from winning and that gets Melo upset with him, planting seeds of Melo VS Trick for down the line.
Really good stuff in the contender’s match of Ali VS Dragon with Dom as the ref. For one, the purple and black stripes actually looked really good on that ref shirt for Dom. And Dom playing it clean until the very end was a great swerve. However, I still hope Ali wins at No Mercy because Judgment Day will be too concerned about other things, like Fastlane just the week after. Then Ali and Dragon can feud over the North American title going into the late part of the year. And great little bit from Lyra and Roxie watching that match, only to get into it with Kiana James. And good bit from Lyra, Kelani and Dana, Roxie VS Kiana and Lyra VS Dana are going to be good matches.
Good bit from Gigi trying to talk sense into Thea but Jacy keeping Thea on her side. Blair also getting involved was a nice touch, as we can’t just have this be Gigi feuding with Jacy again. Gigi VS Blair can be some great stuff, and maybe Jacy & Thea hanging together is a way to get the Cavinder Twins in a story. They were already on screen helping Thea celebrate becoming #1 contender, so why wouldn’t they be the newest Chase U recruits? They can have a tag team feud with Jacy & Thea to help them get going while they rep Chase U and Thea starts to break away from it.
Bate VS Dabba was really good, and I was a little surprised Bate won. But I suppose this was a good way to build momentum going into the the Global Heritage Invitational, which also had great stuff tonight. Frazer VS Duke was great, with Frazer overcoming the literally biggest man in the tournament to get on the board. And then Dunne VS Axiom was as awesome as I thought it’d be, and I really like that they went with the time limit draw. Now, I am a little surprised not even is competing every week/night but I guess there’s still plenty of time before No Mercy and there’s also Level Up to shove a match onto. Coffey VS Tozawa is gonna be this week’s match-up, and Tozawa has to pull out the shocking upset if Frazer is to be the Group B finalist. Well, assuming they want Dar VS Frazer one more time. Bate could easily win his block and be the guy.
And while I was unsure about Bron VS Von being main event, even under No Disqualifications, that was a great match and Corbin did well on commentary. And at least Bron is overpowered as a Heel just like he was as a Face. He went through the wall, through the table, and still had power to low blow and spear Von down, AND then beat him up after the match. Speaking of which, what a wild ending. They cut to black as the steps were coming down so that we don’t have to see them not actually smash Von’s head in because duh, that’s not gonna happen. But Bron is definitely top Heel, and this can help build Von up as a Face through sympathy, as well as the courage to get back up after taking that kind of damage.
It’s rather wild to see these two second generation stars, who weren’t really all that interesting at the start of NXT 2.0 with Bron as “YEAH!” Face and Von as “Joe? Joe Blow?” Heel each turn it around and have some depth in their other roles. Born’s already had the top title a lot, he won’t/shouldn’t return to that scene, but he’s got possibilities. And Von is technically supposed to be a “free agent,” so maybe after this arc, he actually shows up on RawDown to have some fun feuds outside of NXT.
My Score: 8.8/10
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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.
The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.
Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!
Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!
Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!
The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.
As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.
Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.
Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.
Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?
Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
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