Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (9/1/23)
The time is now!
DA DADA DAAAA~! DA DADA DAAAA~!
On the last SmackDown before Payback, JOHN CENA RETURNS! What will he have to say before being part of Superstar Spectacle next week?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Rey Mysterio & Santos Escobar w/ LWO VS Austin Theory & Grayson Waller; Theory & Waller win.
- Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens VS Cruz Del Toro & Joaquin Wilde; Sami & Kevin win.
- Bayley w/ Damage CTRL VS Shotzi Blackheart; Shotzi wins.
- AJ Styles VS Solo Sikoa; Solo wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
John Cena heads to the ring!
Hershey fires up as the trumpets blare and Cena makes his way out on stage! “Let’s go to work!” Cena slides into the ring and gets fired up with the fans! Cena then gets the mic to welcome everyone to SmackDown, live in a sold-out Hershey, Pennsylvania! And yes, right here, the fans have given Cena 20 YEARS worth of moments. “And it never gets old. As a matter of fact, every single time, it gets better. Which is why no matter what I’m scheduled to do, every time I get in this ring, I’m gonna do my best to say, ‘Thank you.’ Thank you for all that you have given, and thank you for all that you continue to give.”
Just look around! The fans have given Cena another chance to come home to the WWE family, and it feels good. The fans have given Cena a chance to be on SmackDown. And not for one night only, but for months! The fans are giving Cena a chance to travel to India, his first match in India, and he thanks us for that. And Cena just found this out right before coming out here, hence the extra pep in his step. But the fans have given him the chance to host tomorrow night’s Payback in Pittsburgh! Back to back nights for Cena! “So for all that you have given me, I give you my word, I’ll do my best to give back to you.”
And that starts right here, and right now! Fans fire up as Cena says it starts with tonight’s epic SmackDown! We saw the video, right? Tonight, we’re getting answers to the questions that have been on our minds for weeks! Tonight’s energy, tonight’s electricity, tonight’s noise, we are getting unforgettable moments, because tonight is Cena VS- Wait, what? Jimmy Uso has a new song as he makes his entrance! A little bit of rap, a little bit of classical a la Roman Reigns, but all 100% Jimmy as he gets in the ring with Cena. Fans boo Jimmy as he paces around. The fans then chant for Cena, and also “WE WANT JEY! WE WANT JEY!”
Cena says this is a vocal bunch tonight, talking about what they want. Jimmy asks Cena what he’s doing here. Fans boo but Jimmy says no, don’t boo him! He wants to know what John is doing here! The fans are here for Jimmy, a top star! Fans boo, because they don’t agree. Jimmy says they’re also here to hear, #WhyJimWhy? The answer is simple: he would save his brother ten times over if he’s got to! It doesn’t matter if each and every person in the audience disagrees, Jimmy did that cuz he loves his brother, Jey. But the funny thing is, he didn’t want Jey to be corrupted like Roman Reigns, and damn sure not to be corrupted like one John Cena!
Fans boo, they don’t see corruption but Jimmy says look at him! Cena right here… Jimmy starts to laugh, because Cena IS this place! Cena admits he has a very “identifiable” fashion sense. #NeverGiveUp. No, Jimmy won’t let Cena take this. Cena may be a GOAT, but Jimmy’s one of the best right now! This is HIS ring now. Jimmy wants to say this: Cena and Roman are exactly alike! Fans boo, they don’t agree. Jimmy knows they want to know how and why, and the answer is simple: they just take, take, take. The only difference is, Cena does his with a smile. Fans chant for Cena while he tries to understand where Jimmy’s coming from.
Cena has to stop Jimmy here. Jimmy’s got a lot going on, has had a crazy run, has made rash decisions and is just trying to make sense of it all in his own head. But Cena’s been wanting to say this for three years, because Cena has only been thinking of one thing: “The wrong Uso quit.” Fans go wild hearing that! Jimmy turns to leave, but SUPER- NO, Cena blocks it! Fireman’s carry, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!! Fans fire up as Cena throws off his shirt! Jimmy bails out, and we all know that Cena IS back! Will Cena make his next few months here the biggest ones of his career?
Backstage interview with Grayson Waller & Austin Theory.
Kayla Braxton is with the excited Aussie Icon and the rather confident Now, and asks their thoughts on Cena’s return and the news of him hosting Payback. Waller and Theory both look upset, but then they laugh. They’re not upset, Theory beat Cena at WrestleMania! And talk about Payback, outside of Theory reclaiming the “stolen” US Championship, what Waller wants to talk about is how the Grayson Waller Effect is going to feature the American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes! And they say Cody has some big news, so who better to ask the hard hitting questions and expose the truth than Waller?
Theory says if Kayla is done fantasizing about Cena returning, woohoo~, then get ready to see the greatest tag team of all time go out there and beat the Hall of Famer, Rey Mysterio, and his little sidekick, Santos Uno Leggo. Waller says that means one leg. The most obnoxious team on SmackDown heads out, but will they even get close to half their goals here tonight? Or will they get rolled by the Latino World Order’s leading men?
Jimmy’s seething backstage.
He gets mad at a staffer moving a road case in his way, and he demands the guy say his name! “Do you know who I am?!” He pushes the guy and the case aside, storms off down the hall, what will Jimmy do to get over his embarrassment?
Rey Mysterio & Santos Escobar w/ LWO VS Austin Theory & Grayson Waller!
SmackDown returns and Waller makes his entrance, followed by Theory’s. The teams sort out and Waller starts with Escobar. Escobar blocks a kick but Waller JABS him! Waller whips, Escobar reverses, things speed up and Escobar DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! That bad leg isn’t so bad now, and Escobar wrenches Waller to a wristlock. Tag to Rey and Rey KICKS Waller’s arm! Rey wrenches, Waller ROCKS Rey with a forearm! Waller whips, Rey holds ropes, and Rey BOOTS back! Rey even hits Theory before Theory could hit first! Rey whips Waller out of the ring, but Theory runs up behind him! Back suplex, but Rey lands out!
Rey and Escobar dump Theory out, and fans fire up as Rey builds speed, gets a boost, and FLIES onto Waller & Theory! Zelina and the fans cheer as the King and Emperor of Lucha high-five and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Waller suplexes Rey high and hard! Fans rally with “619!” but Theory tags in. Waller whips Theory in to clothesline Rey in the corner! Tag back to Waller, and Theory whips Waller in to KNEE Rey low! Rey falls, Waller tries to start a “One More Time!” chant but no one joins in. Tag back to Theory, Waller whips him in but then it’s a swerve for Theory to whip Waller at Escobar! Waller slides and trips Escobar up, leads Escobar on a chase, and Theory rains fists on Rey the whole time! The ref stops Escobar, Waller joins Theory stomping a mudhole into Rey! Fans boo but they get away with it all the same.
Theory ROCKS Rey with a right, puts him in the corner and RAMS into him! Tag to Waller as the fans rally, but Waller and Theory mug Rey. Waller cravats, throws knees and Rey staggers to ropes. Tag back to Theory, he stands Rey up, and Waller runs in, but Rey ducks! Waller DECKS Theory by accident! Waller hurries to help Theory back up and into the ring! Waller tags himself in, hurries and BLASTS Escobar! Waller then stands Rey up, reels him in, but Rey spins it around to DDT! Fans fire up as Rey and Waller crawl! Hot tag to Escobar! Escobar ELBOWS Waller, DECKS Theory, then ducks ‘n ‘dodges to FOREARM!
Escobar sends Waller to a corner, runs in, but Waller puts him on the apron! Escobar blocks a haymaker to GAMANGIRI! Waller staggers, Escobar CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Escobar aims from the corner, spells it out, “L! W! O!” DOUBLE KNEES in the corner! Escobar puts Waller up top, GAMANGIRIS, then whistles before the SUPER STEINER! Cover, Theory breaks it! Rey runs in but Theory kicks him first! Theory scoops Rey, but Rey slips fere and shoves! Rey runs to wheelbarrow and throw Theory out! Escobar CALF KICKS Waller! The fans fire up as the LWO coordinate! Theory runs in, Escobar gets Rey outta the way, CHOP BLOCK into the knee!!
Rey runs in at Theory, Theory pops him up, but Rey throws hands and RANAS Theory and himself outta the ring! Escobar staggers, into Waller’s SOMERSAULT STUNNER!! Cover, Waller & Theory win!!
Winners: Austin Theory & Grayson Waller, by pinfall
The Grayson Waller Effect gets the better of Escobar, but the momentum is behind The Now! Will Theory take the title back? Or can Rey dial it up in the Steel City?
Mia Yim talks with Adam Pearce.
Michin knows she was resting up, but she feels ready to go. He’s glad to hear that. But then Jimmy barges in. Pearce is upset, Mia says, “Hello?” Jimmy says, “Hello! Ain’t nobody talkin’ to you!” Jimmy says Pearce called him to talk to him so here he is! Yes, but Pearce was still talking with Mia! This is part of why Pearce wanted to talk to Jimmy! He’s interrupting, bullying staff, being rude! What’s with him? Seriously. Aight, is that all? Yeah. Jimmy leaves, but his mood doesn’t seem to be improving. Will Jimmy do more than “rude” things tonight?
Mia talks with the rest of The OC.
The Good Brothers know it’s upsetting, but she shouldn’t get wrapped up in that Bloodline drama. But AJ Styles hears the story, and he says that IS a big deal! Styles will handle this. Mia thanks him, the Good Brothers just wanna go hit Happy Hour. Will Styles make sure he hits Jimmy one for Michin?
Bobby Lashley is here!
Fans fire up for The All Mighty as he heads to the ring, dressed in a custom fit suit. He goes to the ring and has his pyro, but what is his business here tonight? We find out, after the break.
SmackDown returns and fans cheer as Lashley has the mic. “Damn, you know how to make somebody feel good. But we have a little business to attend to. See, everywhere I go, from the locker rooms in the back, to the airports, even when I’m at home with my kids, everybody keeps asking me the same question. And that question is, ‘Bobby, what’s going on with you and The Street Profits?’ So I’m here tonight to give you guys a straight answer. And it’s a very simple answer: real recognizes real. And great recognizes great. And that’s why I recognize the Street Profits.” And so here they come! Fans cheer as Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins make their entrance!
Ford & Dawkins join Lashley in the ring, and Lashley has a huge smile on his face. The Profits get mics, and Lashley says “Y’all know The Street Profits. They’re charismatic.” “Sheesh!” “They’re athletic.” “Sheesh!” “And now, they’re more aggressive than they’ve ever been.” “Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, hold up. Bobby. No Boucher. Tonight is not about us. Tonight is simply about us giving the gratitude to you for everything that you’ve done for us!” Think about it: the last time the Profits had this much success, it’s been a looong time. Fresh cuts, fresh watches, fresh suits, and they sexy. They strike the GQ pose, and Dawkins says, “Combination.”
Dawkins says ever since forming this friendship, Lashley’s helped them see the bigger picture. They stepped over what was, and stepped into what is. From was, to is. Was, is. WAS. TO IS! But think about it, it’s nothing personal, it’s just profits! And while they’ve got days and days, hours and hours, weeks and weeks, years and years, centuries and centuries to talk about the goodness of Lashley, they only need two words. “Thank you!” Fans cheer that and Lashley is very flattered. He appreciates that. But they don’t need to thank him other than with continued success. But now, time to send a message to the entire WWE Universe!
“We are putting everybody on notice. We are coming for power, control, and championship gold. We are coming for it all!” Fans like the sound of that! Will this trio be unstoppable from here until that goal is accomplished?
But wait! As this trio heads out, Kevin Owens makes his entrance! The Prizefighter is a champion, and then here comes Sami Zayn! The Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions look Lashley & The Profits up and down, but Lashley & The Profits step aside. Kevin & Sami are getting ready for their Steel City Street Fight, will they be running at full speed? Or will Cruz & Wilde be a major speedbump heading into Payback?
Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens VS Cruz Del Toro & Joaquin Wilde!
SmackDown returns, the LWO are back at ringside, and the teams sort out. Wilde starts against Sami and they tie up. Sami wrenches, wristlocks, and YANKS the arm! And YANKS it again! Sami headlocks, Wilde fights up and powers out, but Sami runs him over! Cover, ONE, but Sami headlocks. Wilde powers out again, Sami holds ropes, but Wilde runs in. Sami puts Wilde on the apron but Wilde rams into Sami! Wilde slingshots up and over then rolls to ELBOW Sami down! JUMP ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Wilde is a little annoyed but he whips Sami to ropes. Sami reverses, Wilde slips out of the scoop and runs, but into a LARIAT!
Tag to Kevin and fans fire up as Kevin goes up! SWANTON BOMB! Cover, TWO! Kevin stomps Wilde, CHOPS him to the corner, and throws body shots! Kevin whips Wilde away, pops him up but Wilde DROPKICKS back! Tag to Cruz and he runs in to forearm smash! Cruz JABS, JABS and CHOPS! Cruz whips, Kevin reverses but Cruz slips out to the apron! Cruz ROCKS Kevin, GAMANGIRIS Sami, then PELES Kevin! Fans fire up as Cruz springboards but Kevin gets clear! POP-UP BOMB! Tag to Sami and fans fire up again! Sami runs to BOOT Wilde! Kevin sets Cruz up, Sami runs in to HELLUVA KICK!!
Tag to Kevin, Sami feeds Cruz to a STUNNER!! Cover, Kevin & Sami win!
Winners: Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn, by pinfall
The champs are definitely ready for Payback! And after picking up their belts, Sami picks up a mic to call out The Judgment Day! “Just a little message for tomorrow at Payback. I want you to know right now, tomorrow night, it’s not gonna be fun. It’s not gonna be pretty. Bring everything you have, cuz tomorrow night will be the fight of your LIFE!!” Kevin & Sami hold up their belts, will they still be holding onto them after tomorrow?
AJ Styles confronts Jimmy backstage.
Styles asks where Jimmy’s going, and Jimmy says he’s leaving. Good, no one wants him here anyway. Jimmy asks Styles what his problem is, and Styles asks Jimmy what’s his problem! Jimmy wants to disrespect Michin, and for what? Jimmy doesn’t even know who that is! Jimmy shoves Styles, Styles shoves Jimmy down! But then SOLO SIKOA CLOBBERS Styles! The Enforcer of the Island still has Jimmy’s back, but he tells Jimmy that he’s only out of The Bloodline when Roman Reigns says he’s out. Jimmy stands back up, and he says not Solo, Roman or Paul can tell him anything! Jimmy storms off, how will the Tribal Chief respond?
Backstage interview with AJ Styles.
SmackDown returns as Cathy Kelley asking Styles about that confrontation. The Bloodline thinks they run everything, but they don’t! They think they run SmackDown, they think they run the WWE, but they don’t! So Styles is gonna handle it! He wants Solo tonight, so he can knock Solo’s teeth out and give him a taste of what he’s been doing to everyone else! But the Good Brothers walk over and again say they don’t need to get involved with the drama. But Mia backs Styles up like he did her, and so it is time for a reminder that SmackDown is the House That AJ Styles Built! Styles heads out, will he get that fight with the Enforcer?
The Miz is here!
After mocking LA Knight on Raw, the Hollywood A-Lister is back on SmackDown to confront The Mega Star face-to-face one more time before their high profile match at Payback! Miz gets the mic while fans boo, and Miz says tomorrow night, LA Knight will be in the biggest match of his career! Fans chant for “L A KNIGHT! L A KNIGHT!” but Miz says he gets it. That’s not an insult, that’s just a fact. Miz again copying Knight’s catchphrases, and he brings up how easy it was for Miz to be LA Knight! YEAH~! But Knight is on Miz’s level! Knight isn’t half the star Miz is now, or even half the star Miz was ten YEARS ago!
But wait, here comes the Mega Star himself! Hershey is all fired up as Knight goes right to the ring and gets himself a mic. “LEMME TALK TO YA!” Fans fire up and Knight paces around Miz. “Here’s the Miz with another one of his infamous little cosplay dress-up times, huh? Now let’s go down the line. Who’s he done? He’s done The Rock.” “YEAH!” “He’s done John Cena.” “YEAH!” “And now he’s done L A Knight.” “YEAH!” Knight says what all three of those guys have in common, besides the fact that Miz can’t fill out their clothes, the skinny little turd. All three of those guys are people that Miz wants to be but he can’t!
But Miz comes out and says it’s easy to be Knight. Let’s explore that for a second. Knight brought himself “out of a sewer to stand right here in this ring. I’ve lived in the roach infested apartments. I’ve walked the street when I missed the bus, trying to get to work. I’ve worked every dirty job I could. I’ve slept in my car, I’ve cashed my checks at the payday loan place!” Knight did it ALL, and still he’s here. Miz says it’s easy? Miz wouldn’t last a day in Knight’s boots! But here’s the thing. Miz says Knight isn’t on Miz’s level? Yeah, he’s right. Cuz Miz walked in on his glory from some reality show, rode the elevator up.
But meanwhile, Knight entered down here, stood up to get up here, so now Miz says Knight’s not on his level? Miz is right, because Knight is above and beyond Miz! Miz is the one not on Knight’s level! Miz says Knight wants to talk TV and how they’re different? Knight failed where Miz has succeeded! Knight WAS on a reality show, but you wouldn’t know it cuz he was eliminated the first round! Knight was on The Hero, but he couldn’t even be the hero! Real World Challenges, Raw, SmackDown, and it didn’t take Miz 20 years, it took him THREE! Movies: The Marine series! TV: Miz & Mrs! Miz succeeds because he is a star!
Knight says Miz succeeded by taking advantage of everything he had, which Knight can’t fault him for, Knight would’ve done the same thing. But what Knight sees is that Miz says he’s a star, when he isn’t even the star of his own show! The star of Miz & Mrs. is his WIFE! Miz just carries the bag that Maryse carries Miz’s giblets in! Miz takes his sunglasses off because it is getting serious. Fans go wild chanting “TINY BALLS!” Knight tells Miz that Miz should send Maryse Knight’s regards. Because after Payback, Knight will send her a broken, battered husband, and she will be empty inside. But with one call to Knight, they can fix that real quick, YEAH!
Miz purses his lips and says wow. Guess all those years in that roach infested apartment, playing with his hair brush, cutting promo like a star really paid off. Cuz see? These people all love Knight! They relate to Knight! Cuz these people are failures! They try and they fail, they settle for mediocrity. But hey, Knight is different. He’s had losses. He’s had hopes and dreams crushed, and he’s had setbacks, but hey, to his credit, he didn’t give up. That gives Knight the chance to do something the fans never have: succeed. Too bad for Knight, he’s going up against the wrong superstar for Miz. Miz crushes hopes and dreams all the time!
Don’t believe him? Look at Miz’s past! And this Saturday, oh, Miz isn’t only Knight’s opponent, he is a human time traveler. When Knight loses his match, loses his confidence, loses his popularity and loses his job, he will go back to that roach infested apartment, holding the hairbrush, cutting promos, just like it’s 2003! Fans boo and Knight smirks. Of every stupid thing that Miz just said, the one right thing he just said is that Knight doesn’t quit. And Knight doesn’t quit cuz he doesn’t know how! He never learned! He doesn’t know how to quit!
But Miz wants to live in the past, right? He cries about it, whines about it! Hell, he even glorifies it! So while Miz lives in the past, Knight is living Knight! So Miz, get in that time machine, go as far away as you can, because your present is trash and your future ain’t gonna be much better! Tomorrow at Payback, Miz will get STOMPED OUT, and Miz will learn, whose game is it!? With everybody saying, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!!” Miz takes a swing but Knight dodges it! And Knight shows fist and Miz runs! Knight gets the jacket, Miz slips free to throat chop! SKULL CRUSHING FINALE!! Miz stands tall and fans boo as Miz says, “You wanna talk about future? That’s your future.”
Miz gets the better of Knight, but with a cheap tactic. Will he do the same thing all over again? Or will Knight get his payback at Payback? Wait, Knight rushes Miz at the ramp! Knight fires off but refs and producers rush out! Will Knight keep this energy going 24 hours from now?
Bayley w/ Damage CTRL VS Shotzi Blackheart!
The Role Model and her team took The EST out of the running, for now. But will Bayley keep this momentum going for the group? Or will she have to worry about the Wild Child cutting her down for what DMG CTRL did to her?
SmackDown returns and Shotzi makes her entrance, and fires off the tank cannon! She then rushes to the ring, her hair spiked and ready for a fight! Bayley looks worried already. The bell rings, the two circle, and Bayley wants Shotzi to know she looks good. Shotzi rushes in but Bayley gets away! Bayley rushes up to kick but Shotzi ducks under spider walk style! Bayley freaks out, bails out but Shotzi brings her back in! Shotzi puts the leg in the ropes, fires off fists in the corner, but the ref counts. Bayley shoves Shotzi, then SLAPS her! Shotzi just laughs! Bayley is even more creeped out and Shotzi CLOBBERS her! And again!
Shotzi rains down fists, Bayley pushes her away, and Shotzi runs up to wrench and whip. Bayley reverses, Shotzi BOOTS her back! Shotzi goes up, reels Bayley in, HANGING HEADSCISSOR! The ref counts, Shotzi laughs and lets off at 4. Bayley sputters and falls over, Shotzi slides in. Bayley wants mercy, but then she kicks the legs out! Bayley BOOTS Shotzi down then fires off hands! Shotzi goes to a corner, Bayley stomps a mudhole, but she lets off at 4. Shotzi sits up, Bayley laughs at the spike hair, and then pie faces her around. Bayley’s getting cocky but fans rally for Shotzi. Shotzi ENZIGURIS Bayley down!
Shotzi stalks after Bayley, goes outside to intercept her, and drags her off the apron to TOSS her! Fans fire up as Shotzi brings Bayley around to TOSS her again! Shotzi goes up the apron, howls, and fans howl with her! Shotzi CANNONBALLS and takes Bayley down! Shotzi’s having fun now, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Bayley has Shotzi in a chinlock. Shotzi fights up, throws elbows, then body shots and a JAWBREAKER! And another! Bayley goes to a corner, Shotzi runs in but Bayley BOOTS her down! MACHO ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Shotzi is still in this but Bayley drags her around. Bayley goes up again, and hits another MACHO ELBOW but onto knees! Bayley goes to the apron, Shotzi runs in and BOOTS her down! Shotzi grins, builds speed, and she DIVES! Direct hit at the ramp! Shotzi howls again and she brings Bayley back into the ring. Shotzi stalks Bayley while fans rally, Shotzi SLING-DOGS!
Bayley staggers up, into a KNEE! Shotzi ROLLING ELBOWS, QUESTION MARK KICKS, and fans fire up as Shotzi cravats! SLICED- NO, Bayley stops that and puts Shotzi up to! Bayley CLUBS Shotzi, pulls her into the Tree of Woe, and then runs up, springboard ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Shotzi is still in this but Bayley keeps on her. Bayley stalks Shotzi to a corner, reels her in, but Shotzi fights the clinch! Shotzi reels Bayley in, to snap suplex into the corner! Bayley writhes, Shotzi runs in, CANNONBALL! Shotzi puts Bayley in a drop zone and goes up top! But DMG CTRL hurries to distract her! Bayley ROCKS Shotzi! And then HOTSHOTS her!
Bayley calls for the belt so she can clobber Shotzi, but wait! Here comes Charlotte Flair! The Queen won’t let Bayley cheat this one, but Iyo confronts her! Charlotte BOOTS Iyo first! And RAMS her into the barriers! But Dakota runs up on Shotzi! The ref sees her and Dakota defends her innocence, but Charlotte ROCKS Bayley! Shotzi scoops Bayley, FISHERMAN DDT!! Cover, Shotzi wins!!
Winner: Shotzi Blackheart, by pinfall
Charlotte grins as karma bites Bayley on the butt! Shotzi and Charlotte celebrate together, will these two be unlikely allies against DMG CTRL?
AJ Styles VS Solo Sikoa!
The Phenomenal One is standing up for the honor of Michin and the pride of The OC, but what started as a confrontation with Jimmy ended up a fight with Solo! Will SmackDown still be the House That AJ Styles Built? Or will the Enforcer of the Island demolish that house right down to the foundation?
SmackDown returns and Styles makes his entrance. The bell rings and Styles fires off on Solo! Solo TOSSES Styles to a corner, Styles ELBOWS Solo back! Styles CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS, but Solo shoves Styles away. Solo runs Styles over! Fans boo while Solo snarls at Styles. Solo shouts at Styles, drags him up and HEADBUTTS him down! Solo eggs Styles on, stands him back up, and headbutts him back down! DIVING HEADBUTT onto knees! Styles KICKS Solo down, runs and drops a knee! Styles fumes as he looms over Solo, then scoops- NO, Solo is too big! Solo ELBOWS Styles, scoops him and SLAMS him first!
Fans rally for Styles and Solo storms up. Solo CHOPS Styles against the ropes, then whips. Styles KICKS Solo back, but Solo runs in. Styles dodges, then hurdles, then drops, then DROPKICKS! Solo staggers to a corner, Styles clotheslines him! Fans boo as Paul Heyman finally makes his way out here. Solo CLOBBERS Styles from behind! The Wise Man approves, and Solo stalks Styles. Styles drags himself up the ropes, Solo runs in, but Styles dumps him out! Styles then hurries to the apron, to SLIDING KNEE! Solo staggers away and Heyman is not happy anymore. Styles slingshots to FLYING FOREARM Solo down!
Styles glares at Heyman, Heyman backs away, and fans rally as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns once again and Solo blocks a whip! Solo whips Styles to a corner, runs in, but into a BOOT! Styles goes up, leaps, but Solo UPPERCUTS Styles outta the air! Styles staggers to a corner, Solo runs him and slides him into the POST! Styles flops out of the ring and the ref checks on him. Styles is hurting but he isn’t out of this just yet. The ring count climbs but Solo goes out to SMACK Styles off the desk! And again! Solo puts Styles in at 6 of 10, then stalks him again. Heyman is happy again as Solo hits a BELLY2BELLY! Cover, TWO! Styles survives but Heyman is still enjoying this.
Solo drags Styles up, fans rally, and Styles throws body shots! Styles CHOPS, ROCKS, but Solo knees low! Solo whips Styles to back drop him high and hard! Even Heyman is shocked and impressed by that one! Solo aims the thumb at Styles, but Styles flounders to the ropes. Solo storms up on Styles, but into a BOOT! And ENZIGURI! Styles PELES Solo down! Fans fire up while Heyman is worried again! A standing count starts, both men stir, and Solo drags himself up with ropes. Both men rise at 5 of 10, and Styles fires off forearms! Styles bobs ‘n’ weaves to fire more, then whips. Solo reverses but Styles dropkicks the legs out!
Styles runs to SLIDING FOREARM! Fans fire up with Styles and he glares at Solo. Styles runs in, clothesline in the corner! Fireman’s carry, but Solo fights free! Solo fireman’s carries, but Styles fights free! Styles blocks a forearm to fire off the Phenomenal- NO, Solo ducks the lariat to whip, pop-up and SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO!! Styles survives and Heyman is frustrated! Fans rally up, Solo looms over Styles, and Solo drags Styles up. Solo HEADBUTTS Styles to a corner, goes to the far side, and runs in, but Styles dodges! Styles keeps moving, to LARIAT Solo down! Fans fire up as Styles LIONSAULTS! Cover, TWO!!
Fans fire up but Heyman is relieved that Solo survives. Styles huffs and puffs, he drags Solo up, and he reels Solo in. Fans fire up as Styles calls his shot, but Solo fights the Clash! Solo lifts Styles, but Styles grabs ropes! Styles slips to the apron, ROCKS Solo, but Solo staggers into the ref! Styles glares at Heyman, but wait! JIMMY is creeping up!? Jimmy trips Styles out of the slingshot!! Fans boo as Jimmy slithers away like the snake he is, and Solo has Styles for the SAMOAN SPIKE!!! Cover, Solo wins!
Winner: Solo Sikoa, by pinfall
Jimmy gets in the ring, much to the shock and confusion of Heyman! Jimmy celebrates with Solo, but Solo grabs Jimmy by the neck! Heyman tells Solo to spare Jimmy, even though fans want to see it! Solo obeys, and lets Jimmy off the hook. Or in this case, spike. Jimmy smiles, and SUPERKICKS Styles down! Jimmy goes up top, takes aim, USO SPLASH!! Jimmy may have said no one tells him what to do, but he still raises the finger to the sky. So then is this Jimmy’s idea to rejoin the Bloodline? Again, how will The Tribal Chief respond?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown, especially for a go-home to Payback tomorrow night. Great promo from Cena to open the night, and what a surprise that Jimmy Uso was the one to confront him. Great stuff from both of them, and of course Cena comes out on top of that. Jimmy’s mood carrying over into a confrontation with The OC was a good way to get us to our main event, and we got a really good match from Styles VS Solo. Jimmy’s own interaction with Solo does make Jimmy interfering a surprise. Maybe just as Jimmy is in denial about why he turned on Jey, he could be the one starting to gaslight and trick everyone else. But I would love if there was a Six Man Tag of The OC VS what’s left of The Bloodline, and maybe, just maybe, Styles challenges Roman for the title.
Really good stuff from Rey & Escobar VS Waller & Theory, and really good tag match of Kevin & Sami VS Cruz & Wilde, but not a good night for the LWO really. Two losses in one night, it feels like something’s gotta give. Waller & Theory winning tonight, that might mean Rey retains the US title, but maybe there’s more cheating shenanigans that costs him. But either way, I feel like Theory & Waller should stick together, they’d make a good duo and it’d give Theory something more than what he’s been doing. Plus, they can add Pretty Deadly when Elton Prince is 100% again for a very strong Heel quartet.
Speaking of factions, Lashley & The Profits make their faction official here, just no name yet. I did like their interaction with Kevin & Sami on the ramp, you can bet we’ll get more of that down the line. And as I’ve said before, things like Lashley & Profits VS The OC, Lashley & Profits VS LWO, Lashley & Profits VS The Bloodline would be a lot of fun. Really good stuff out of Bayley VS Shotzi tonight, though that crowd sure went to sleep during the first part. Charlotte helping Shotzi get the win is good stuff, and we’re getting a tag match of those two against Bayley & Iyo, that should go a long way to determining who Iyo defends her title against for Fastlane or sooner.
And awesome stuff out of Knight and Miz in tonight’s promo. I know Knight was kinda flubbing, and Miz called him out on it on Raw, but I think that’s because Knight is getting legitimately worked up giving these promos. This is basically a worked shoot for him because he rly did do all the random things, the odd jobs, and “paid his dues” for so long, so it all does mean something to him to be here now. Miz was standing tall tonight until Knight attacked him on the ramp. The go home math now favors Miz, and I suppose Miz could cheat to win, but what’s the point of that? To prove that Knight could lose and fans are still going to love him? Which I suppose is true, but oddly, I’d rather just see Knight win to stick it to Miz.
My Score: 8.7/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Three days until All In!
As AEW counts down to All In: Texas, Dynamite goes big in Garland! It’s an All In All Star 8 Man: Moxley, Claudio & Young Bucks VS Hangman, Ospreay, Shibata & Hobbs!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Samoa Joe VS Wheeler Yuta; wins.
- Women’s Casino Gauntlet Number Two Spot Fatal 4 Way: Megan Bayne VS Tay Melo VS Queen Aminata VS Thekla; wins and will start the All In: Texas Women’s Casino Gauntlet.
- 8 Man Tag: Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli & The Young Bucks VS Hangman Page, Will Ospreay, Katsuyori Shibata & “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs; win.
PLAY BY PLAY
[Due to scheduling conflicts, coverage will be on delay]
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Who will head for Evolution?
WWE Evolution returns this Sunday, and a battle royal waits! Who will General Manager Ava announce as NXT’s participants?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Vanity Gauntlet Match: Ricky Saints VS The Vanity Project; Saints wins and will challenge for the NXT North American Championship at the Great American Bash.
- No Quarter Catch Crew Stakes: Charlie Dempsey VS Tavion Heights; Dempsey wins and keeps Tavion in the NQCC.
- Joe Hendry & Mike Santana VS Tyriek Igwe & Tyson Dupont w/ Wes Lee; Hendry & Santana win.
- Lainey Reid VS Kelani Jordan; Kelani wins.
- NXT Tag Team Championships: Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Shawn Spears & Niko Vance; Hank ‘n’ Tank win and retain the titles.
PLAY BY PLAY
Vanity Gauntlet Match: Ricky Starks VS The Vanity Project!
The Absolute wants one more shot at All Ego for the North American Championship, but he’s willing to earn it. However, he’ll have to evolve before our eyes by getting through Brad Baylor, Ricky Smokes & the WWE Evolve Champion, Jackson Drake! Can he do it? Or will Ethan Page’s new pals help him cross off his most hated rival?
The fans rally behind Saints while Ethan joins commentary to watch this. Brad starts for Vanity Project, and he waistlocks. Brad CLUBS Saints, fires forearm sand UPPERCUTS, but Saints turns things around to COHP! Brad turns things around, but Saints turns it back around for a CHOP! Brad goes to another corner, Saints bumps him off buckles! Saints UPPERCUTS Brad, ROCKS him, but Brad hits back! Brad whips, Saints reverse, but Brad turns that back around to send Saints to a corner! Brad shouts, “Swipe Right!” but he runs into a BOOT! Saints goes up and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Then a scoop and BACKBREAKER!
The fans fire up with Saints and he stalks Brad to ropes. Brad wants help but this isn’t a tag match! Saints drags Brad back but Brad kicks him away. Saints comes back, Brad wrenches and throat chops! Brad reels Saints in for a suplex and GHOST BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Saints survives but Brad is right on him! Brad CLUBS Saints again and again, then shouts, “Swipe Right!” Brad stalks Saints, has him in a corner, and Brad stomps a mudhole in. Brad ROCKS Saints, CLUBS him, but Saints ROCKS Brad! And ROCKS him again! Brad blocks a kick to kick and BUTTERFLY ANARCHY! Cover, TWO!
The fans chant “Swipe Left! Swipe Left!” Brad snarls, drags Saints up, and snapmares to run and KNEE DROP, but he misses as Saints moves! Saints CHOPS Brad, ROCKS him, then fires more hands. Saints whips, LARIATS Brad, then LARIATS again! Saints waits for Brad to get up so he can BACKDROP! The fans fire up and Saints runs in for an ELBOW! Saints says, “This is MY house!” The fans cheer, Saints dodges Brad to hit a TORNADO DDT! High stack, Saints ELIMINATES Brad! Jackson asks Ethan who goes next, and Ethan sends Smokes! The fans rally for Saints but Smokes fires forearms! Smokes GAMANGIRIS Saints, then fireman’s carries!
Saints fires elbows to slip free! Smokes feints a chop to reel Saints in, snap suplex! The fans chant “Let’s Go, Ricky!” “Ricky Sucks!” Smokes covers, TWO! The fans boo Smokes while NXT goes picture in picture.
Smokes huffs ‘n’ puffs, then he sits Saints up to KNEE him in the back! Smokes pushes Saints down for a KNEE DROP! Smokes pushes Saints down to a cover, ONE! Smokes clamps onto Saints with a chinlock and grinds him down. Saints endures, fights up, and he JAWBREAKERS! Then snap suplexes! Cover, TWO! Smokes stays in this but Saints stays on him. But Smokes fires body shots! Smokes ROCKS Saints, whips him to ropes, but Saints reverses. Smokes reveres back, but Saints BOOTS him! Saints storms up, but Smokes DUMPS him to the apron! Saints ROCKS Smokes, reels him in, and SUPLEXES HIM TO THE FLOOR!
Vanity Project freaks out while Saints puts Smokes back in the ring. But Smokes distracts the ref so that Drake can RAM Saints into barriers! Drake gets away with it, and Saints drags himself into the ring. Smokes stomps away on Saints, puts him in a corner, and stomps him more. The ref backs Smokes off, but Smokes stands Saints up. Saints fires hands, backs Smokes down, but Smokes fires a body shot! Smokes stomps Saints again, then whips corner to corner hard! Saints falls back, but Smokes covers, TWO! Smokes is annoyed but he drags Saints up to fireman’s carry. The fans rally as NXT returns to single picture.
Smokes hits USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO! Saints is still in this and the fans rally up. Smokes drags Saints up, CLUBS away on Saints’ neck, but the fans still chant “Swipe Left!” Smokes traps Saints’ arm, winds up, but Saints ducks the lariat! Saints shoves Smokes, scoops and URENAGES! The fans fire up as Saints LARIATS, whips, then OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY SUPLEXES! The fans fire up as Smokes staggers, into a REVERSE DDT! Cover, TWO! Smokes survives but Ethan seethes. Ethan tells Saints to keep his eyes off him and on his opponent. Smokes runs up, Saints puts Smokes in the ropes! Saints then has Smokes dangling off the ropes!
Smokes slips free, rolls Saints up, TWO! Smokes swings, misses, but dodges Saints, only to run into an atomic drop and deep jackknife! SAINTS ELIMINATES SMOKES! Fans cheer the superior Ricky, and now it’s all down to The Carolina Reaper. Drake slides into the ring, talks a lot of trash, but Saints resets with him. They fire forearms, Saints ROCKS Drake, Drake shots body shots, but Saints ROCKS him again! Drake kicks Saints, pushes him into the corner, and stomps a mudhole! The fans rally for Saints and he CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Drake SOBATS, snapmares, then he KICKS Saints in the back! Cover, TWO!
Saints toughs it out but Drake keeps on him with an ANKLE LOCK! Then Drake ties the legs up, stomps Saints again and again, and Ethan loves it as Drake pulls Saints into the BOW ‘N’ ARROW! Saints pries at the grip and pops free of the hold! Drake CLUBS Saints, whips, but Saints reverses. Drake dropkicks the legs out! Drake kips up and BUZZSAWS! Drake then fireman’s carries for a GUT BUSTER DROP!! Cover, TWO!! Saints survives and the fans fire up again! Drake aims from a corner, runs up, but Saints stops the superkick! Saints spins Drake, fireman’s carries, and hits a FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as Drake survives, and Saints hauls Drake up to hit a back suplex! Drake lands out and ENZIGIRIS! Drake aims from a corner, runs in, UNALIV- NO, Saints dodges! Drake hobbles up, Saints runs in, but Drake goes up and over! Drake then SUPERKICKS Saints down! Drake goes out, goes up, and he springboards to SWANTON BOMB but onto Saints’ knees! LARIAT!! Saints reels Drake in, Canadian Rack, ROSHAMBEAUX!! Cover, Saints wins!
Winner: Ricky Saints, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT North American Championship)
It was a hard fought gauntlet, but that was an Absolute victory! Saints grabs a mic to tell Ethan, “The ball’s in my court! This Saturday, Great American Bash, for the North American Championship, I’m gonna dog walk your ass all over Atlanta!” The fans like the sound of that! Saints says the best match he knows how, it will be FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE! Ethan is furious but the match is made! Will either man make it back to Orlando after tearing it down in Atlanta?
#ZaRuca, Lola Vice & Kelani Jordan talk backstage.
They’re all excited by the news of Sol Ruca & Zaria going to Evolution to be part of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Fatal 4 Way. Sol says she will handle Izzi Dame on Saturday to retain her NXT Women’s North American Championship, and then ZaRuca will get that tag gold! Lainey Reid walks in and asks if Sol will even have anything left for Sunday. If not for her friend, Zaria, Sol might not even have lost to Izzi. Sol keeps Zaria back, but Lainey says this is what happens when you mess with Tatum Paxley and her business. Kelani Jordan says Lainey is the last one to talk about getting into someone else’s business. And really, she’s been doing that a lot lately.
Lola says Lainey just got here, she’s overstepping. Kelani says yeah, Lainey should worry more about Thea Hail. Oh, please! Thea’s no big deal. Sol says she and Zaria are just going to go, they have to worry about their matches this weekend. Good luck to any and all who are in the Evolution Battle Royal. Lainey says yes, she should be in that match, because she is the future of this division. Kelani asks what she has even done. Lainey says she has no problem showing her. Then do it! Lainey says fine, and heads out. But will the Southern Belle get her bell rung when she takes on the Standout?
Jordynne Grace works out in the gym.
And while she’s watching her phone count down for her planking, Blake Monroe calls! Grace sits up to answer, and she asks where Blake even is, they’re supposed to be training. Blake says oh, she’ll take a guess and say Grace is in the gym, in a black sports bra, black leggings, and even trainers. Uh, yeah… But wait, where is Blake then? She sent her driver, and it is time for a Glamour Workout. Um, Grace can’t lift an SUV. No, no, the driver is there to pick Grace up. They’ll do nails, hair, maybe even a massage! Grace will learn what she has been missing! And Atlanta won’t know what hit them when The Glamournauts-
Grace stops Blake there. She’ll come if she stops saying what she’s saying. Blake says JG is so funny. See you soon~! The phone call ends, Grace hops in the SUV, and it takes her to a boutique! Grace already doesn’t like the look of it, but will this “workout” work out for them?
No Quarter Catch Crew Stakes: Charlie Dempsey VS Tavion Heights!
Myles Borne beat the team captain and got his “graduation” from the NQCC, and finally Dempsey gives that same deal to Tavion. But will Dempsey really keep Tavion down? Or is this just the beginning of Tavion reaching new heights in NXT?
The bell rings, the two circle, and they tie up. Dempsey hits the headlock takeover, Tavion powers out, then he hits a throw of his own! The two reset, tie up, and Dempsey arm-drags! Tavion is up, he arm-drags in return, and he runs up on Dempsey. They tie up, Dempsey UPPERCUTS Tavion out of the ring, then goes out after him. Dempsey UPPERCUTS while Wren Sinclair does her best to coach both sides. Dempsey stands Tavion up and puts him in the ring. Tavion DROPKICKS Dempsey outta the ring! Tavion goes out after Dempsey, CLUBS him, then throws him into the ring. Tavion brings Dempsey up but Dempsey shoves him away.
The two go again, Dempsey cravats for the neck wrench, but the fans rally as Tavion endures. Dempsey rolls with Tavion, rolls again, and then CRAVAT PLEXES! Cover, ONE, but Dempsey keeps the hold on tight. Tavion scoops Dempsey to SLAM him! Dempsey tumbles away, comes back, but Tavion arm-drags! Tavion has the armlock and grinds Dempsey down! Dempsey fights up, the fans rally, and Dempsey UPPERCUTS! Dempsey SNATCHES the face brace! Tavion asks what the heck, but Dempsey SLAPS him! Tavion is furious and he TACKLEDS Dempsey! The fans fire up as Tavion rains down fists!
Tavion hauls Dempsey up, whips him and LARIATS! The fans fire up and Tavion goes out after Dempsey. Both men run up, both men DECK the other! The NQCC is down and NXT goes to break!
NXT returns, Dempsey KNEES Tavion low then chicken wings! Tavion fights off the crossface portion, then scoops Dempsey and SLINGSHOT GUT WRENCH SLAMS him! The fans fire up for Tavion and he rises up! Tavion hits a HIP LOCK THROW, then another! Then and OVERHEAD SUPLEX! The fans fire up and Tavion waits on Dempsey. Dempsey kicks but Tavion blocks! Tavion clinches but Dempsey fights, they tumble out to the floor again! The fans fire up and Wren is worried, but both men stand. Tavion blocks a slap to SLAP Dempsey! Dempsey tumbles, Tavion drags Dempsey up the steps, but Dempsey trips Tavion!
Tavion gets his leg stuck between steps and post and Dempsey hurries back up! Dempsey STOMPS away on Tavion’s leg! The fans boo, the ref counts, and Wren freaks out, but Dempsey stops so he can refresh the ring count. Dempsey goes out to drag Tavion up and into the ring. Dempsey grabs the bad leg and turns Tavion for a HALF CRAB! Dempsey pulls that leg back! Tavion endures, reaches out, and he claws his way forward! But Dempsey drags him back! Dempsey STOMPS the bad leg! Then he steps over, HEEL HOOK! Tavion endures, reaches out, and he fights his way forward again! Dempsey drags him back again!
Dempsey KNEES Tavion int he back, then has a modified STF! Tavion endures, but he shakes his head. Wren has a towel, and she throws it in?!? Dempsey wins!
Winner: Charlie Dempsey, by submission (Tavion stays in NQCC)
Tavion didn’t give up, but Wren couldn’t stand to watch him suffer. Tavion is stuck under Dempsey’s thumb, how much worse can it get?
Hank ‘n’ Tank talk backstage.
Walker & Ledger are fired up for this title match tonight! They’re gonna be like Joey Chestnut going after a plate of glizzies! Tonight, they send The Culling back to the boiler room they crawled out of, because there won’t be any sneak attacks, no chair shots, no- LEXIS KING, stop it!! The Drama King keeps tugging at the garage door chain, but Tank says there will only be a head-on collision waiting for Spears & Vance! Je’Von Evans walks over and is fired up for the blue collar belly bandits! The Culling tried to put them out, just like Jasper Troy did to him, but guess what? Je’Von got his lick back! So tonight, Hank ‘n’ Tank get theirs!
Je’Von says he needs to see that, uh, RAH RAH RAH! They all swivel hips, but TROY CLOBBERS JE’VON! And right into the garage door! Did Lexis set this up for Troy!? Hank ‘n’ Tank try to get Troy off of Je’Von but Troy just RAMS the Young OG again! Will Troy make sure Je’Von never bounces again?
Joe Hendry & Mike Santana VS Tyriek Igwe & Tyson Dupont w/ Wes Lee!
It’s not just TNA VS NXT here, it is two men who want to clear out the pawns protecting Trick Williams. Will the Prestigious One and the Proud Boricuan make us all believers just 12 days from Slammiversary? Or will they fail to get over the High Ryze?
The teams sort out and Hendry starts against Igwe. They circle, tie up, and Igwe wrenches to wristlock. Igwe RAMS shoulders, but Hendry rolls, kips up, and wrenches back. Hendry hits a headlock takeover but Igwe headscissors. Hendry kips free and the fans continue to sing the song. Hendry and Igwe back off and tag in Santana and Dupont. They circle, Santana rolls but Dupont stays clear. They tie up, Dupont RAMS Santana into the corner! Dupont RAMS Santana again and again, tags Igwe, then sends Igwe in. Santana BOOTS Igwe, goes up and over Dupont, then SHOTGUNS Igwe! Santana kips up and the fans fire up!
Dupont runs up, Santana dodges, and Hendry scoops! Hendry shows off that strength as he FALL AWAY SLAMS Dupont! Hendry kips up, the fans fire up, and Hendry TURNS! Santana points to Hendry and nods while NXT goes to break.
NXT returns and Dupont runs up on Hendry, only for Hendry to roll him up! ONE, but Hendry wrangles Dupont to another cover, TWO! Dupont UPPERCUTS Hendry down! Cover, TWO! Hendry stays in this but Dupont stays on him. Dupont drags Hendry over, tags Igwe, and Igwe runs to SOMERSAULT SENTON! Then Dupont adds a SPLASH DOWN! Igwe sets up while Dupont BLASTS Santana! STANDING MOONSAULT from Igwe! Cover, TWO! Hendry toughs it out but Igwe clamps on with a facelock. Igwe grinds Hendry, Hendry fights up, and Hendry powers up, only for Igwe to add body scissors!
Igwe grinds Hendry down to the mat, the fans rally up, and Hendry powers his way back to his feet! Hendry suplexes high and hard! Both men are down and the fans rally up! Hot tags to Dupont and Santana! Santana rallies on Dupont & Igwe, then fires a flurry of haymakers on Dupont! Santana whips, Dupont reverses, but Santana blocks Igwe’s boot! Igwe BOOTS Santana away after all, but Santana uses that to roll and STUNNER for Dupont! Igwe runs up, Santana fireman’s carries for the FACEBUSTER! The fans fire up and Santana FLIES out onto Dupont! Not the cleanest but it was enough! The fans fire up more as Santana puts Dupont in. Cover, Igwe breaks it!
Hendry storms in and throws hands with Igwe! Igwe ROCKS Hendry, runs up, but Hendry DUMPS him out! Hendry then builds speed and HIGH JUMPS! Down goes Igwe! Santana has Dupont, but Dupont ducks the lariat to full nelson and- ARM-DRAG! Santana sends Dupont away, then dodges a lariat to hit the SIDE EFFECT! The fans fire up and Santana goes up! But Wes distracts from the apron! Trick Williams RAMS Hendry into the steel steps! The fans boo, Santana still leaps, but he goes over Dupont so he can somersault and SHORYUKEN Wes! The fans fire up, and then Santana dodges Dupont to SPIN THE BLOCK!! Cover, Santana & Hendry win!
Winners: Joe Hendry & Mike Santana, by pinfall
Santana scores, but then a TRICK KICK hits! Trick talks trash, but Hendry is back up! Hendry fires haymakers on Trick! But Wes SUPERKICKS Trick down! Igwe & Dupont get up, now all of High Ryze mugs the TNA wrestlers! The fans boo but Dupont & Igwe set Hendry up for the TRICK SHOT! Will Hendry and Santana even make it to Saturday and the contract signing for this world championship Triple Threat?
Dark State speaks.
Dion Lennox says, “Ey, y’all thought ‘Ain’t nobody safe’ was just a catchphrase? Man, hell naw! That’s what we live by! Any place, any time, and that includes TNA! Matt Cardona found out real quick what happens when them lights go out!” Saquon Shugar says, “Yeah, we scheming on TNA, but that ain’t the only thing we be scheming on. We got our hands in erry cookie jar. So TNA, we gonna see y’all real soon. But don’t think it’s sweet over here on this side either.” Cutler James says, “We should take a real close look at that tag title match tonight. Yeah, I just don’t hope Hank ‘n’ Tank are feeling a little better after that ‘mysterious attack’ the other week.”
Osiris Griffin says, “Man, these people think they know everything, don’t they, huh, Cutty? I mean, they say the eyes don’t lie, right? I mean, that may be so. But don’t think for a second they can’t be lied to. Seeing is believing, but the truth? Well, that’s just an illusion.” Dion says everybody better keep their head on a swivel! No one knows when, where, or how Dark State is gonna strike. But what everyone does know is that when Dark State strikes, ain’t nobody safe. Then just who will end up their next victims?
Yoshiki Inamura & Josh Briggs are here!
The NEW #1 Contender to the NXT Championship and his best pal are here, both excited for what’s coming this Saturday at Great American Bash. Even Inamura’s peers over at Pro-Wrestling NOAH are excited, having put their support behind him. Inamura grabs a mic, and here comes Oba Femi! The Ruler is ready to have a final face-to-face with Inamura before their match. Inamura starts by saying Oba wanted to see if Inamura was worthy, if he had grit. Inamura beat Jasper Troy just like he beat Trick Williams. Oba will be Inamura’s greatest challenge! But Inamura is ready! The fans applaud that!
Inamura says the people support him, Briggs supports him, his friends and family in Japan support him. And now, Inamura must make them all proud! The fans cheer, and Inamura says at the Great American Bash, he will fight with honor. And Inamura will become the NEW NXT Champion! The fans cheer that, too! Oba grins and says, “Oh no, oh no…! At least you have the support of the fans and your family and your friends, like Josh. So maybe they will be the ones to pick up the pieces when I beat you. Because you talk about honor, fighting for honor. Well, this Saturday, why don’t you ask yourself, can you lose with honor?
“Because when it is all said and done, my friend, the truth will prevail: You are not worthy of taking this title from me.” The fans cheer, but now Briggs speaks up? “Inamura is being polite, but brother, did you see what he did to Jasper Troy last week? C’mon! Let’s be real here! He beat him easier than Oba did! He’s gonna do the same exact thing that he did to Jasper to The Ruler~!” The fans boo, but Briggs says what Inamura is too honorable to say is… At The Great American Bash, Inamura’s gonna beat Oba’s ass! Look, look, Inamura is a man of honor, but brother, Briggs is not. He is not done talking, either!
Briggs is not a man of honor but of mayhem, and he promises to do everything in his power to make sure his friend leaves as NXT Champion, because this is their only chance! Oba tells Briggs this is not his fight. Yoshiki should tell his friend to get out of Oba’s face before he breaks Briggs’. Inamura does talk Briggs down, but then Briggs pushes past to throw hands with Oba! The fans fire up, Oba ROCKS Briggs, ROCKS Inamura, but Briggs jumps back in! The hands keep going, and then Oba LARIATS Briggs up and out! Inamura ROCKS Oba! And scoops him for a SLAM! The refs rush out here but Inamura stands down.
The fans want to “Let Them Fight! Let Them Fight!” but Inamura gives way to his honorable nature. Inamura is willing to wait for Saturday, but will he be the one to dethrone The Ruler?
The “Glamour Workout” continues.
Grace is not feeling this spa-boutique stuff, so she’s gonna just Uber back to the Performance Center. No, no, hold on, “Muscle Muffin.” Blake knows Grace trains her body all the time. It is time to treat her! And in a way, this is training: recovery, self-care, and glamour. Just please try. Grace gives in, and montage time! Blake says time for ropes and slippers, Grace says no, but she again gives in. Well, she does make one adjustment: she RIPS the sleeves away! Way to make it your own! Hopefully that doesn’t cost extra… They get manicures, massages, but the masseuse isn’t even strong enough for Grace to feel it through all those muscles.
Blake says Grace is like a stray dog in a Dior store. Grace has to understand muscles and “me time” can coexist. Now, face back in the hole. They also get make-up down, and that much Grace enjoys. They also soak their feet. Grace says she still doesn’t feel this is her vibe. Blake says it is! Grace has to see that her self-esteem is something she can lift. And she has to lift it up high to be a champion. They’ve gotta get that title off Jacy Jayne one way or another. Grace sighs, and admits she’s been chasing the title for awhile. And she admits, she likes the pampering. See? One day with The Glamour, and Grace looks more like a champ!
Grace says Blake isn’t so bad herself. But isn’t this kinda what she always looks like? Sure, but she’s also having fun. Okay, okay, first: They beat Fatal Influence at Great American Bash. Second: Grace beats Jacy at Evolution. And… thanks for this. Grace relaxes and Blake is happy to have helped. Will this spa day be just the thing to energize the Juggernaut into steamrolling the Toxic Rockstar?
Lainey Reid VS Kelani Jordan!
The Southern Sensation may be the new girl, but her attitude has already skyrocketed up the ranks past The Standout’s new edge. Will Lainey just keep on adding to her ego with another win? Or will she learn that no one does it like Lani?
NXT returns and Lainey makes her entrance. The bell rings and Reid takes a swing! Lani dodges, then trips Reid up to cover, ONE! Reid handsprings over and takes a curtsey. But Lani arm-drags her down! Reid headscissors, Lani kips free, but Reid trips her up! Cover, ONE as Lani goes Matrix! Lani wags her finger, does a curtsey, but Reid runs up! Lani dodges, drops down with the splits, then MONKEY FLIPS! Reid flounders, Lani DROPKICKS her and Reid tumbles out of the ring! Lani aims, PLANCHA, but Reid moves! Lani lands safe on the apron, avoids a leg sweep, then kicks, but Reid blocks to DRAGON SCREW!
Reid SLAMS Lani’s leg on the apron, SLAMS it again, then pushes it against the ropes! The ref reprimands, Reid storms in and drops a KNEE on Lani! Reid traps Lani’s leg in the ropes, YANKS the arms, and Lani writhes. The fans duel while Reid steps over. Lani kicks and kicks, but Reid spins through. Lani counters with a cradle, TWO! Both women stand, and Lani BODY SHOTS! And BODY SHOTS! Then she ROCKS Reid with a forearm! Reid dodges the next shot to SPINEBUSTER! High stack, TWO! HALF CRAB! The fans rally as Reid pulls on the leg and Lani endures! Lani reaches out but Reid drags her back!
Lani SCORPION KICKS from below! Reid stays up, Lani kicks more, but Reid blocks to have the FULL BOSTON CRAB! Lani endures, reaches out, claws at the mat, and she powers up to FLING Reid into a corner! Reid slumps down while Lani shakes her leg. Reid storms up but into more body shots! Lani blocks a lariat to ROCK Reid, ROCK her again, and again! Lani whips, LARIATS, and then LARIATS again! Lani DROPKICKS, rolls back, and runs up to handspring and BACK ELBOW! Then she kips up! The fans fire up as Lani fights through the pain! Lani fireman’s carries Reid, but Reid fights free!
Lani powers up to fireman’s carry Reid again! WASTELAND SLAM, then SPLIT-LEG- NO, Reid catches Lani’s leg! Lani KICKS free, adjusts, but Reid GAMANGIRIS! Reid goes up, goes to the very top, but Lani fights with body shots! The fans rally as the two fight for control! Reid rains down elbows, but Lani fires them in return! Lani DECKS Reid, adjusts, and JUMPS into the SPLIT-LEG MOONSAULT! Cover, Lani wins!
Winner: Kelani Jordan, by pinfall
Now that was one of a kind! But will this help the inaugural NXT Women’s North American Champion have a spot in the Evolution Battle Royal? WHOA, Thea Hail goes right after Reid! The fans fire up as Thea and Reid brawl their way up the ram! HEADBUTT from Thea! Thea keeps after Reid and Kelani says she told Reid to watch out. Will Thea make sure Reid learns a lesson or two for the summer?
Je’Von is in the medical center.
The trainer checks the Young OG out, and he’s very sore from what Troy did to him. But then Troy LEAPS onto Je’Von again! There is no mercy from the big man, and it takes half a dozen security guards to drag him away! Will nothing short of breaking Je’Von in half satisfy Troy’s anger?
The former D’Angelo Family meets backstage.
Tony D arrives first, followed by Luca Crusifino. Channing Lorenzo walks in, Heritage Cup in hand, but before anything pops off, Adriana Rizzo appears! And she tells everyone to sit down. They do as told, and Luca asks Rizzo what this is about. Rizzo says, “What? Did you think I was gonna stay in hiding forever? Tucked away, watching while Rome burns?” Stacks says it was definitely burning with how Tony was leading. Rizzo says she called this “final sit down.” And she knew if she told any of them what it was about, none of them would show up. Tony says that’s not wrong.
Rizzo says while she was in the safehouse, she watched all three of them lose focus on what this family has accomplished here in NXT. Tony, Stacks, you two created a legacy. You brought in Rizzo and Luca. They had so many great memories in the restaurant, as well as taking people to “the bridge,” “the woodshop,” but also winning championships, and being a family. And they destroyed it all! Tony says Rizzo should take it easy. But Rizzo brings up how she and Tony talked in Vegas, about sitting down with everyone to resolve this. But Tony didn’t wanna do that. Now look at everything!
Luca asks Rizzo if she thinks talking will really bring this family back together. She did. But there’s no saving this, is there? So there is one last piece of family business. And what’s that? Before she gets into it, she has to say this: Stacks, you were Underboss for a long time, and feel you deserve better; Luca, every time you signed a document as Consigliere, you wondered if Tony had everyone’s best interests at heart; and even if there was a point to saving all this, The Don will always wonder if someone is gonna stab him in the back. “Once trust is broken, doubt creeps in, and it just doesn’t work.”
If Rizzo left these three to it, it’d never end. So she did what she had to do, and she talked to Ava. They now have a Triple Threat next week. This is the WWE, so she can’t guarantee if their paths will ever cross again. But as far as family business goes, this is the final battle. Stacks says they’re just setting him up! Tony laughs and Stacks asks why. Because it is hilarious! The rat thinks he’s getting set up for a trap. Typical rat behavior. Luca admits, he agrees with Tony on that: this all started cuz Stacks turned first. But then Tony hits Luca with, “Look who’s talking!” Mr. I Wanna Do My Own Thing! As far as Tony’s concerned, they’re the same.
Stacks says he grew bigger than the family, and the others couldn’t handle it. Especially Tony! He is Heritage Cup Champion now, he’s bigger than all of them! And he’ll prove it next week. Tony says he hates Stacks, Stacks says he hates Tony. Tony says Stacks & Luca should split the Cup. And he doesn’t give it even a week before Stacks loses it again. Luca says he needs to get away from Stacks and out of Tony’s shadow. Tony says yeah, okay, both of them are happy where they are now. Good talk, Rizz, but it’s over. Que sara sara. The Don is done. All three men stand up, but Stacks promises, Tony better not let Stacks catch him all alone.
Luca says the one time he tries to do things… Tensions are high, but it is going to explode next week. Who will be left standing after it all goes down?
Jasper Troy is in the ring!
The LFG Season 1 Champion has a mic to shout, “I’m done with Je’Von Evans! You hear me? I’m DONE with Je’Von! Ava, you know what to do! Make the match at the Great American Bash a Triple Threat for the NXT title!” The fans are torn on that, but then Je’Von rushes out here! He slides into the ring and throws hands on Troy! The fans fire up but Troy KNEES Je’Von low! Je’Von sputters, security focuses on Troy, and Je’Von SUPERKICKS Troy! Troy tumbles out of the ring, Je’Von builds speed, and he FLIES! Down goes Troy and the security guards! The fans fire up for the Young OG, is he about to bounce back and tear Troy down?
The Culling meets backstage.
Izzi Dame smiles as Tatum Paxley takes her seat in the circle, and both Shawn Spears & Niko Vance welcome her. Tatum says this place is incredible! She feels right at home here. Izzi says their home is now Tatum’s home, and Tatum says they’re the best. Izzi says they’re all equal, Tatum. But thanks to Tatum, the boys have their chance at the NXT Tag Team Championships. Niko says damn right. And it’ll happen. He has put Hank ‘n’ Tank down once, and he plans to do it again. Spears smiles and nods as Niko says Hank ‘n’ Tank will regret accusing them of that attack. If it was The Culling, you’d know it was them, because they’d stop at nothing to make Hank ‘n’ Tank feel pain!
Spears says easy, Niko, easy. The truth will come to light in time. But for now, they can reap the benefits of the assumption. For now, stay levelheaded, with eyes on the goal. Izzi says Spears is right. Tonight, Niko & Spears win the tag titles, then on Saturday, Izzi wins the Women’s North American Championship. Tatum says that is right! Then all her new best friends will have gold belts to go with their gold hearts! Izzi says that’s because The Culling always prevails. Will that painful truth be proven right? Or will a bit of HONK HONK break right through the delusion?
NXT Tag Team Championships: Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Shawn Spears & Niko Vance!
NXT returns as the blue collar belly bandits make their entrance. And they don’t care about formalities, they attack The Culling! The fans fire up as the brawl is on! Tank TACKLES Niko, Hank ROCKS Spears, and the bell rings to get this on record! Hank storms up on Spears in the corner but Spears kicks low! Spears puts Hank in the corner to ROCK then whip, but Hank reverses to run up and SPLASH! Hank then short arm LARIATS Spears and the fans fire up! Niko and Tank continue to brawl on the outside, and Tank RAMS Niko into the apron. Niko rains down elbows in return, but Hank runs to BODY CHECK Niko off the apron!
The fans fire up with Hank ‘n’ Tank, they go back to the ring, but Spears dropkicks Hank’s legs out! Spears throws hands, then snapmares and stomps! Spears tags Niko, the Culling mugs Hank, and then Niko bumps Hank off buckles. Niko bumps Hank off more buckles, then UPPERCUTS him! Hank ELBOWS Niko, but Niko tries another buckle bump. Hank blocks that, ELBOWS Niko, then he bumps Niko off buckles! The fans rally as Hank pushes Niko to ropes, tags Tank, and then whips Niko for the misdirect! Tank CLOBBERS Niko! The champs rev it up and the fans fire up! Tank runs then hops onto Hank, DOUBLE SPLASH DOWN! Cover, TWO!
Tank clamps onto Niko with a chinlock and the fans rally behind the champs. Niko fights up, powers Tank to ropes and powers out, only for Tank to wrench. Niko HEADBUTTS Tank down! Tag to Spears, turns Tank, NECKBREAKER! Then a leg drop! Cover, ONE! Spears is annoyed but he stays between Hank ‘n’ Tank. Spears stands Tank up but Tank fires hands! Tank whips, Spears reverses and KNEES low! Spears tags Niko, they mug Tank, then Niko ROCKS Tank with a haymaker! Tank goes to a corner, Niko RAMS into him, but Tank ELBOWS in return! Tank ROCKS Niko, but Niko BODY SHOTS!
Niko whips, Tank grabs ropes, and he BOOTS in return! Hank tags in, Tank bumps Niko off buckles. Hank runs up to LARIAT and BULLDOG! Tank runs to SPLASH Spears off the corner! Tank SENTONS Niko, Hank goes up! Niko avoids the flying lariat! Hank tumbles out, but Izzi & Tatum stand in his way! The fans boo, Hank keeps his distance as he walks around the ladies, but Niko POUNCES Hank over the desk! Booker T gets wiped out in the process! The fans go nuts and NXT goes to break!
NXT returns again and Niko has Hank up top. They brawl, and Hank DECKS Niko! Hank rises, Niko stands, and Hank FLYING LARIATS! The fans fire up and rally as both men crawl. Hank and Niko crawl, hot tags to Spears and Tank! Tank rallies on Spears with LARIAT and UPPERCUT and BIG atomic drop! Spears staggers around, Tank goes up and up to FLYING SHOULDER TACKLE! Tank keeps moving and he DIVES! Down goes Niko and the fans fire up! Tank hurries back, he blocks a kick then cartwheels, but Spears SUPERKICKS after all! Tank stays up, Spears SUPERKICKS again! Niko tags in and he DIVING HEADBUTTS! Cover, HANK BREAKS IT!
The fans fire up and Niko is furious! Niko drags Hank up, “This is Awesome!” as Niko TOSSES Hank out! Izzi & Tatum are there to laugh at Hank, and Niko tags Spears. Spears brings Tank up, but Tank fireman’s carries! Spears shouts for Tatum and Tatum distracts from the apron! Spears slips free and he THROWS Tank tot he ropes! Izzi BOOTS! Spears hits the IMPALER! Cover, TWO!! Tank survives and the entire Culling is shocked! The fans rally for “NXT! NXT!” ZaRuca attacks Izzi & Tatum! Well, Sol brawls with Izzi, and Zaria carries Tatum away like she did before! Spears & Niko freak out, but they don’t see Hank ‘n’ Tank rise up!
Hank ‘n’ Tank throw off the shirts! They and The Culling then throw hands! Niko RAMS Hank into a corner but Tank DECKS Spears! Niko whips, Hank reverses, and Tank LEAPING LARIATS! The fans are thunderous as the champs go to the corners. HONK HONK! Spears shoves Niko to take the BELLY SANDWICH! Hank LARIATS Niko, scoops Spears, and they hit the GRIDIRON! Tank covers, Hank ‘n’ Tank win!
Winner: Hank ‘n’ Tank, by pinfall (still NXT Tag Team Champions)
The Culling does not prevail, step on of their golden agenda has fallen apart! But will Izzi make up for that by taking the Women’s North American Championship from Sol? Or will she just get her soul snatched?
BREAKING NEWS for The Great American Bash!
With the multiple attacks just this evening, Jasper Troy will have to give Je’Von Evans a fair fight! They will now go 1v1 in Atlanta, will Troy not leave even a piece of Je’Von left?
Andre Chase finds Kale Dixon backstage.
Mr. Chase is fired up for his freshman to have his match, but then what’s he doing in the medical room? Kale says he can’t. His blood pressure is through the roof! He’s not mentally prepared for this! His arm is numb! Chase says c’mon, they were preparing for this all week! Kale apologizes, he can’t go out there, he can’t feel his arm! That’s because Uriah hasn’t stopped pumping the cuff! Uriah stops, the air is let out, and Kale feels much better. But still, Kale can’t go out there right now, he is freaking out! Chase looks Kale in the eyes, and says okay, it’s fine. They’ll reschedule and figure this out.
Kale thanks Mr. Chase, but Mr. Chase is seeing the uphill battle ahead of them both. Can Chase find a way to reach these kids?
Ava Raine is in the ring.
The NXT General Manager stands at the podium, and she says, “October 28th, 2018: the first women’s Evolution.” The fans cheer that. Ava was in high school at the time, and watching that event, she thought how amazing it would be to be part of something so monumental. Iyo Sky was in the finals of the Mae Young Classic, and she is now Women’s World Champion. Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch put on an undeniable Last Woman Standing match. And a history-maker in her own right, Nikki Bella was in the main event. All of those women continue to push women’s wrestling forward in everything that they do.
And now, as the first female GM in NXT history, she is so proud that NXT is going to be all over Evolution. #ZaRuca have the opportunity to become THE WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. Jordynne Grace takes on Jacy Jayne for the NXT Women’s Championship. And six women from NXT will represent this brand in the battle royal! The fans cheer as Ava says they have a chance to move on to the Clash in Paris for a main roster women’s title opportunity. And those six women are: Jaida Parker; Lola Vice; Kelani Jordan; Lash Legend; Izzi Dame; and Tatum Paxley! Those women will show everyone that not only does NXT always show up, they always show out!
The fans cheer, and Ava says this is the most stacked Women’s Division in the world! NXT is the land of opportunity and- Fatal Influence interrupts. Ava sighs and smirks as Fallon Henley, Jazmyn Nyx & Jacy Jayne walk out here. Jacy already has a mic to say, “Um, I’m sorry. Ava, hi, remember me? Your NXT Women’s Champion?” Yes, Ava just mentioned you. Well, right, then to be honest, Jacy feels it is weird that Ava talks about everyone else when Jacy’s match and her title are gonna be the highlight. In fact, Ava doesn’t even need to talk about that battle royal, and when she talks about the Women’s Division, she’s really just talking about Jacy Jayne.
NOT the sentimental favorites, the TNA “tourists,” and certainly not that flash in the pan- WAIT, Grace interrupts! And she says, “Jacy Jayne, running her mouth again. But let’s all act surprised. Evolution is a groundbreaking event, but you don’t make it special. It’s about the women who paved the way for us. And when I take that NXT Women’s title from you, I’m gonna be the one steering this division into the future.” WAIT, Lash Legend is here! And she opens with “SKRRRRRR~! Oh, see, I love this. I love this! Y’all two can go ahead, keep it going, keep it going, because this must be a gift for me. Y’all two can keep on fighting over that NXT Women’s Championship.
“But as for me, Lash Legend, the Bougie Bully? You best believe I’m gonna be the talk of Evolution when I go on and win the Women’s Battle Royal in my hometown, Hotlanta, and theeen go on to Clash in Paris and finally win a women’s championship.” But wait! Stephanie Vaquer is back! The fans fire up as La Primera has the mic, and she says, “It’s amazing to be back. Jacy, Jacy, Jacy. You are the NXT Women’s Champion now, I respect that. You beat me. But on Sunday, Jordynne is getting the victory. Just like I will in the battle royal to become a new champion.” But wait! Natalya is here, accompanied by Maxxine Dupri!
And Maxxine has the mic to have everyone hold on. She knows all these girlies are discussing Women’s Wrestling history without mentioning The BOAT, the lowkey legend, Natalya! The fans cheer, and Maxxine says Paris might be the fashion capital of the world, but it is also where one of them will become the NEW WWE Women’s Champion! Natty says that is so sweet of Maxxine to say. But the Dungeon Dolls didn’t come here to play, they’re here to win! And at Evolution, they will be the last two women in that battle royal, locked in, until the very end. Wait, wait, more women sneak in from the outside!
Zelina Vega, Ivy Nile, Lola Vice, Giulia, Candice LeRae, and Jaida Parker are here! And Miss Parker has the mic to tell everyone else to hold on, cuz they’re not the only ones who want opportunities. Just look around! The entire women’s division is stacked! But go ahead, keep that same energy. Cuz Jaida Parker is going to step into the battleground that is Evolution and be on point. The fans applaud as the walls start closing in on Fatal Influence, but then Jaida says she’ll also throw all y’all little asses over the top rope while she’s at it! Then she makes her way to Paris, get herself a title, bring it back to NXT or even stay on Raw & SmackDown.
Either way, in Atlanta, best believe it is Jaida’s time! And now a brawl pops off! The fans fire up for this preview of the battle royal! Ava stands aside as the fans cheer for “NXT! NXT!” Izzi & Tatum also watch from a distance, enjoying every bit of this. Refs rush out here but fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” The fighting does indeed continue, but not for lack of trying from the refs! Who proves themselves worthy of glory and gold when WWE reaches Evolution?
My Thoughts:
A great NXT as the go-home to the big ATL weekend, but with some seemingly last minute additions to the American Bash. Ricky Saints making it through the Vanity Project was a given, but Falls Count Anywhere was not what I expected. Either way, Ethan VS Ricky will be great stuff, really elevate the show overall, and could easily have Ricky be the new champion despite the go-home math here. Dempsey VS Tavion was a great match, but I figured Dempsey would win. The faction isn’t going to last if another member leaves, but maybe they should think about reloading with some Evolve/LFG talent.
Very good promo from the D’Angelo Family to set up a Triple Threat as the blowoff. Hard to call it, but I feel like Stacks wins as he’s the Heritage Cup Champion. Very fun promo from Chase U with Kale being too nervous for his first singles match in NXT, but it doesn’t really work when he used to job in singles matches before this story. Great tag match of Hendry & Santana VS High Ryze, and both parts of the finish were expected. Hendry & Santana win cuz Santana alone has proven he’s a top level tag guy in his career while Ty & Ty are just starting. And also, Trick joins in on the beatdown, but that’s because the contract signing on Saturday is the true go-home, and we’ll just see who stands tall then.
Another very good promo from Dark State, but Dion and Saquon continue to be the stronger half. I feel like their “invasion” of TNA will result in a big match for Slammiversary, not an NXT program. Great promo segment from Inamura, Briggs and Oba, and it really feels like Briggs is gonna cost Inamura when he tries to help. I also liked the videos they got from the stars of NOAH, and the match of Oba VS Inamura is also a sign that NOAH is working much closer with WWE than before. It might be in part why I haven’t seen as much NJPW-NOAH crossover lately, either. If NOAH is on WWE’s team, NJPW can’t really work with them while also working with AEW.
Very good promo from Hank ‘n’ Tank with Lexis King being strange in the background, but I really think that Lexis was in on setting Je’Von up for that attack against the garage door. The medical room one was definitely all Troy, though. Troy VS Je’Von will be a great addition to Great American Bash, too, but it also feels like WWE is only bolstering that show up to compete against AEW All In. Good promo from The Culling, but great main event for the tag titles. Great move with ZaRuca going after Izzi & Tatum to take away The Culling’s advantage, and then great win for Hank ‘n’ Tank to retain.
And great stuff all over the Women’s Division. Good promo from ZaRuca with Kelani, Lola and Reid to hype up ZaRuca getting in the Women’s Tag title match. The vignettes from Grace and Monroe were fun, though maybe like if you turned up the contrast on the ZaRuca friendship building promos. But then we got a great “Evolution Summit,” with many, many stars of the division showing up. Classic move having a big brawl send us off before a battle royal scenario, as just about anyone can win. But in the end, I don’t think the NXT women are winning it. Stephanie Vaquer is a top choice as she’s on Raw and has no title yet, but Nikki Bella is in the match so maybe she gets one more title match.
As for Grace’s situation, she and Monroe certainly win so Monroe gets her first WWE PLE win, but Jacy has the Fatal Influence to help her cheat as she always does. Monroe could counter them and help Grace win, but then TNA has declared Masha Slammovich is gonna go title VS title, Winner Takes All with the NXT Women’s Champion at Slammiversary. A rematch of Masha and Grace would be great, while Masha would definitely beat Jacy. If Trick is to make it through Slammiversary as TNA World Champion, it’d be fitting if a TNA talent became the new NXT Women’s Champion.
My Score: 8.8/10
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