Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (10/17/23)
Who’s heading for Halloween Havoc?
Bada bing, bada boom, a battle royal and triple threat, too!
NXT prepares for Halloween Havoc by holding huge #1 contenders matches! Who will be facing Ilja Dragunov and The D’Angelo Family next?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Bada Bing Bada Boom Tag Team Battle Royal: Chase U wins and will challenge Tony D’Angelo & Channing Lorenzo for the NXT Tag Team Championships at Halloween Havoc, Night 1.
- NXT Women’s Breakout Tournament, Opening Round: Karmen Petrovic VS Jaida Parker; Karmen wins and advances to the next round.
- Lyra Valkyria VS Tegan Nox w/ Natalya; Lyra wins.
- Kiana James VS Shotzi Blackheart; Shotzi wins.
- NXT Women’s Breakout Tournament, Opening Round: Arianna Grace VS Brinley Reece; Arianna wins and advances to the next round.
- NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Triple Threat: DIJAK VS Baron Corbin VS Carmelo Hayes; changed to…
- NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way: Dijak VS Baron Corbin VS Carmelo Hayes VS Trick Williams; changed back to…
- NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Triple Threat: DIJAK VS Baron Corbin VS Carmelo Hayes; Melo wins and will challenge Ilja Dragunov for the title at Halloween Havoc, Night 2.
PLAY BY PLAY
Bada Bing Bada Boom Tag Team Battle Royal!
Cody Rhodes said bookin’ ain’t easy, and this one is a bit complex. Ten teams enter, they throw each other over and out until there’s only two, and then they go 2v2 in a standard match, the winners facing The Don & Stacks next week for Halloween Havoc. Who will be the last team standing to go trick or treatin’ with The D’Angelos?
Speaking of, Tony, Stacks and many of Tony’s cousins are watching from the perch while enjoying some spaghetti. The bell rings and the brawling is on! And right away, Briggs & Jensen DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE Kemp up and out to ELIMINATE Kemp & Gulak! Kemp is in shock, but he has to exit. But then OTM throws Tank over and a ref gets clipped! Tank stays on the apron, Hank helps out, but Nima DECKS Tank to ELIMINATE Hank ‘n’ Tank! Two teams down, still a lot of teams to go! Julius whips Briggs to a corner, Gallus goes after Garza, but then Nima fires off on Mark. Dunne fights off Price, and fans rally up for Chase U.
Briggs tosses Wolfgang up and out but Wolfgang holds on! Wolfgang drags Briggs out while Ridge Holland brawls with Price. Wolfgang and Briggs throw hands on the apron, they both ROCK each other! Jensen whips Mark, Mark reverses, and Wolfgang DUMPS Jensen, Gallus ELIMINATES the Country Boys! And then Mark BLASTS Briggs for good measure! Gallus then go after Julius and Nima. Fans rally for “Malik, Da Freak!” as he and Edris rally on Ridge! They double whip but Ridge slams on the brakes to lift them both! DOUBLE BACK DROP, Ridge ELIMINATES Malik & Edris! Fans boo but the Brawling Brutes move on to other targets.
Gallus brawls with the Brutes given their Pub Brawl last week, but Dunne then has to fight off OTM. Duke stops Garza & Humberto from throwing Chase out, and then Wolfgang slips under the ropes to save Mark. But then BRUTUS SMASH and the Creeds ELIMINATE Gallus! Fans fire up there and Tony is liking what he’s seeing. Dunne has Nima’s fingers and bends them! And SNAPS them! Ridge scoops Nima to dump him to the apron! Price tries to save Nima but Dunne’s on him! SCRYPTS runs in to BLAST them all, DOUBLE ELIMINATION! The Brutes brawl with OTM but the refs say to go to the back already!
Los Lotharios have Julius, Brutus fights off Chase U, only one team needs to be eliminated before we move to the 2v2. The fans rally for the Creeds but Garza CLUBS Julius. Julius ROCKS Garza but then Carrillo runs up. But Julius DUMPS Carrillo to ELIMINATE Los Lotharios! Fans fire up as now Diamond Mine and Chase U- NO wait, Los Lotharios runs in to TOSS Diamond Mine!? And because the refs weren’t watching, this is the elimination that counts!! Fans boo but then rally behind Chase U as we now have our tag match!
Chase U w/ Thea Hail & Jacy Jayne VS Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo!
Chase and Garza fire off hands, Chase gets the edge! Fans fire up as Chase tags Duke and they whip, body shot and DOUBLE SLEDGE! Duke wrenches to RAM Garza, wrenches again and tags Chase. Duke whips Garza, Chase drop toeholds, Duke drops a BIG elbow! Chase covers, TWO! Fans fire up while NXT goes picture in picture.
Chase headlocks, Garza powers up but can’t get out as Chase holds tight. Chase grinds the headlock, Garza fights up and powers out this time, to then reel Chase in for a KNEE! Tag to Carrillo and he runs in, but Chase arm-drags him around! And DORPKICKS him down! But Garza sneaks a tag back in, Carrillo drop toeholds Chase into Garza’s GAMANGIRI! Chase sputters, Tony & Stacks enjoy what they see as Garza basement dropkicks Chase to the corner. Garza puts Chase up top, CLUBS hi over and over and over again, then soaks up the heat. Garza then puts Chase in a Tree of Woe to stomp a mudhole into him.
Tag to Carrillo and he stomps Chase. The ref counts, Carrillo lets off at 4, then tags Garza. They both stomp a mudhole in! The ref reprimands, they let off and drag Chase from the Tree. Cover, ONE!! Chase is hanging in there but Garza drags him up to put back int he corner. But Chase fights back with boots and elbows! But Garza SUPERKICKS Chase down! Garza stands on Chase, tags Carrillo, and they drag Chase up so Carrillo can mule kick! Carrillo pushes Chase to a cover, TWO! Chase scrambles but Carrillo anchors a leg. Carrillo drags Chase back, stomps on that leg, then grinds the leg with a toehold.
Chase endures, Carrillo stands and turns Chase, but Chase resists! Chase kicks with his free leg and Carrillo lets go. Chase hurries, but Carrillo drags him back again. Chase ROCKS Carrillo! And ROCKS him again! And again! Carrillo swings back, NXT returns to single picture as Carrillo whips, trips and then drags Chase out so Garza can KNEE Chase down! Garza says Chase ain’t going anywhere! Fans still rally and Duke is seething as Garza puts Chase in. Cover, TWO! Garza rains down fists, even as fans boo! Garza throws down headbutts now! Fans still rally for Chase U as Garza stands Chase against ropes.
Tag to Carrillo, he runs and they LEAP FROG ATTACK! Garza ROLLING ELBOWS! Carrillo pushes Chase to a cover, TWO!! Chase is tough but Carrillo kicks him around. Carrillo CHOKES Chase on the ropes, the ref counts, and Carrillo lets off at 4. Carrillo argues with the ref and Garza gets a cheap shot in! Carrillo digs his boot in as Jacy & Thea protest. Carrillo brings Chase up, shoves him back in and SPLASHES! Tag to Garza, and Garza whips Carrillo at Duke to DROPKICK! Garza runs in but Chase dodges, Garza POSTS himself! Carrillo runs in but Chase dumps him out! But Chase has no one to tag! And then Garza GAMANGIRIS Chase down!
Garza stays between Chase and Duke, talks a lot of trash, then stands Chase up. But Chase throws haymakers! Again and again, and then he leaps! Garza catches Chase, keeps him just out of reach, but then Chase dodges! Hot tag to the MVP! Duke rallies on Carrillo, CLOBBERS Garza, then hits an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly on Carrillo! JAB, JAB, JAB! Garza runs in, he gets JAB after JAB! Flip, flop and “U~!” ELBOW for Garza! Carrillo kicks but Duke blocks, to FLIP Carrillo onto Garza! Then Duke runs up to SENTON Garza and whip Carrillo. Carrillo reverses, but runs into an U-RENAGE! Cover, Garza dropkicks it apart!
Fans fire up and Thea has all her energy in cheering. Duke TOSSES Garza, tags Chase, and Chase FLYING RANAS Garza! Fans fire up and even Thea is surprised Chase can do that! Duke ELBOWS Carrillo, Chase CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO!! Fans rally up as Chase keeps his focus. But then Garza YANKS Duke down and RAMS him into steps! DDT to the floor! Roll up on Chase, TWO!! Carrillo sunset flips, ONE but LIGER BOMB from Carrillo! Cover, TWO?!? Chase survives and the student section is on fire! Even Tony’s impressed. Jacy & Thea check on Duke while Garza tags in. Los Lotharios coordinate, but Brutus distracts!
Julius YANKS Carrillo out, Chase has Garza! Brutus tells the ref to watch the match!! The ref sees the pin and counts, CHASE U WINS!!!
Winners: Chase U, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contenders to the NXT Tag Team Champions)
Diamond Mine makes sure justice is served, and you can’t spell justice without U! Will Chase & Duke finally be champions? Or will The Don & Stacks be more than ready for the professor and his star pupil?
Blair Davenport speaks.
“Now that things are back to normal around here, Gigi Dolin, if you thought that your fleeting victory was the end of our rivalry, you are sorely mistaken, my dear. Due to an incompetent referee, you escaped like a thief in the night with the biggest win of your career. But Gigi, after everything we’ve been through, do you think that makes me weak? Or more dangerous than I was before? I don’t want to erase your victory, I want to derail your career. But I understand if you want to take the cheap victory and run. But if you want to prove that you’re as tenacious and resilient as you claim, surprise me. Face me at Halloween Havoc.”
Will the Toxic Avenger accept the challenge of the Ichiban Gaijin? And how will the stakes be raised to give us a definitive winner?
Lexis King watches more film.
More people talk about his father, Brian Pillman. Dusty Rhodes himself said he knew Pillman was going to be a star. King says superstars of the past would share such stories with him, all the good times and all the good things. How much they loved him. Stone Cole saw him as his best friend. And all King did was lie through his teeth and say he loved him, too. But you don’t know what love is at four years old. Brian spent more nights in a hotel than he ever did at home. And you expect King to “love” that man? He is in no one’s shadow. And Halloween Havoc will be the start of King’s career, not the continuation of someone else’s.
King vows to be bigger than his father ever was! And that all starts next week! Who will the King look to dethrone upon his NXT debut?
Carmelo Hayes heads to the ring.
Though he has a part to play in tonight’s Triple Threat main event, Melo walks out now so he can speak to the fans. “Ey yo! It’s good to be Melo, am I right? Hey, last week, I stood in this very ring with the Greatest of All Time, John Cena, let’s talk about it! Not to mention, I stood right there on that aisleway, shoulder to shoulder with the Phenom, the Hall of Famer, The Undertaker!” Fans cheer that. Melo says life is crazy, he feels like this is Universe Mode in the video game, for real. But wait, here comes Baron Corbin. Corbin tells Melo to listen. Corbin’s listening to Melo be a fanboy, and he isn’t gonna let that happen for ten minutes.
Corbin thought Melo was different than the rest, but Corbin was wrong. Y’know where fans should be? In the stands, not the ring. Corbin went by HBK’s office, and Melo went on about Cena for over an hour! An HOUR. Then he asked for a picture and autograph, and then he did the same with Cody, and then he shared that image of him and Taker on social media. Melo might even have it framed on his wall! But maybe, Melo should concentrate more on being a superstar than a fan and he might still have his title. But then here comes Dijak!
Dijak tells Corbin and Melo if they’re talking about what they can do and wanna do, but focus on what Dijak WILL do, and that is beat them both and take that NXT Championship from Dragunov after he beats him! Dijak tells Melo that believe it or not, Corbin’s right! All the showboating, the pandering, it won’t make a difference standing across the ring from Dijak and looking him in the eyes. Corbin says no one’s looking Dijak in the eyes, he has sunglasses on indoors. Dijak asks Corbin what he said. Corbin says the sunglasses. Oh, real cute.
Fans sing “CARMELO HAYES~!” but Dijak says Corbin stands and cries in the back because people don’t shake his hand, because they don’t respect him and his experience. Corbin wants people to be afraid of him? Well, newsflash: Melo’s never put Dijak’s name on a jersey, and Dijak ain’t afraid of no man, especially not Corbin! Corbin asks what Dijak’s even yelling about. If he’s not afraid, then it’s for one of two reasons: either Dijak doesn’t now Corbin, or he’s just stupid. Oh is that so? Melo says it’s both. And sure, he isn’t on a jersey, but Melo can definitely custom make one for his big ass any day of the week. Dijak wants to beat Melo, he’ll get put on a jersey.
Dijak shouts that HE is the man that dropped Dragunov, and will drop Corbin and Melo tonight! There’s nothing- Dragunov speaks up via the tron. Gentlemen, please. Well, “gentleman” doesn’t fit Dijak after what he did last week. But instead of talking, why don’t they concentrate on the fierce battle that awaits them? Dragunov will be watching to see who emerges as a contender to Dragunov’s title, who he will face on Night 2 of Halloween Havoc. But for now, he leaves them with this: Last week was historic. But before Cody left his duties as General Manager, he made one last decision. The Triple Threat is now a FATAL 4 WAY! And the fourth man is… TRICK WILLIAMS~!
Melo is the most shocked of all as his best friend is now one of his opponents! Trick has the music cut, and he ain’t gonna lie, IT IS WHAT IT IS~! The match is now a Fatal 4! Trick steps into the ring, and fellas, let’s talk about it. Yeah, Dijak wants to point out Trick stabbing his best friend in the back! Corbin agrees but Trick says, “Hold on there, 12, let’s talk about how you keep sticking that crooked ass finger in everybody’s business!” Corbin says how about them ugly pants. Oh, Corbin, c’mon, Trick likes you. But Corbin’s the last man to be talking about “ugly.” Trick ain’t here to talk about ugly, but about the match. HIs moment!
If Trick wins, he’ll be NXT Champion! But Melo, Trick knows Melo is good with this, right? This doesn’t change anything. Corbin says it changes everything! Look at how shook ya boi is! You stabbed him in the back! Last week, Melo was being a fan with Cena, Cody, and Taker, but Trick went into business for himself. Trick got himself put in a match he doesn’t even belong in. But Melo, listen to Corbin. The worst part of this… is that Trick did it all behind Melo’s back and never even told you. Melo says no no no, he won’t let anyone throw him off. Melo knows who he is and he knows who Trick is!
And Melo knows what it takes to win the NXT Championship, and he’s gonna put anyone down to end up back on top. Dijak says what if it’s Trick? Trick Melo Gang look each other in the eyes, but then they get jumped! Melo DUMPS Dijak, Trick ROCKS Corbin! Melo SUPERKICKS Dijak, and now Melo sees it’s just him and Trick. Melo takes off the jacket, but then stands side to side with Trick. Trick Melo Gang stands together now, but will they have to take each other down in the main event?
Fallon Henley speaks with the Women’s Breakout Tournament field.
She knows this tournament is the launchpad of their careers, and while some of them are in and some are out, they’re all on their way to stardom. Fallon was in last year’s tournament, and while she didn’t win, it wasn’t long before she was a champion. It can be nerve wracking, but- Tiffany Stratton walks in and asks if this is story time. Who wants to hear about that tournament from someone who made it to the finals? Fallon says of course Tiffany has to take over. Tiff says of course she made it to the finals, Fallon Huntley. Uh, it’s Henley and you know it. Is it? Well, Huntley sounds better. But right, she beat Fallon!
See, this is the perfect example of who these girls shouldn’t become: A self-absorbed, egotistical b- So what Fallon is saying is they shouldn’t be a main eventer? A former champion? They should be someone like Fallon, spending time in a horse barn with dirt under their nails. Gross. It’s getting poor in here. Tiffany leaves, but another Breakout match is next! Will Karmen or Jaida join Kelani and Lola in the semifinals?
NXT Women’s Breakout Tournament, Opening Round: Karmen Petrovic VS Jaida Parker!
Anyone else getting Beatrix Kiddo vibes? Karmen is a third-degree blackbelt and has 23 YEARS of combat experience. Will she be unforgettable after tonight? Or will Jaida glide all the way to the top?
The bell rings, the two tie up, and they go around. Karmen has Jaida on the ropes, the ref counts and Karmen lets off, for Jaida to DECK her! Jaida scoops, Karmen slips free but Jaida switches the waistlock. Karmen headlocks, hammerlocks, then ducks the elbow. Jaida avoids the sweep once but not twice! Things speed up, and Karmen CLOBBERS Jaida! Karmen storms up on Jaida, whips, but Jaida blocks! Karmen KNEES low, tilt-o-whirls and RANAS! Jaida gets up, but Karmen PENALTY KICKS! Cover, TWO! Karmen goes to the corner, she swings, but Jaida blocks to HOTSHOT an arm!
Jaida drags Karmen to stomp her, then she drags Karmen up to wrench and RAM her down! Jaida steps over, drags Karmen back up and RAMS her down again! Jaida then WRINGS the arm, clamps on, and HIP DROPS the shoulder! Karmen clutches the arm but Jaida HIP- NO, Karmen rolls her up! TWO, and Karmen blocks, wrenches and HOOK KICKS! Karmen whips, Jaida blocks to wrench and whip. Karmen hits buckles hard, Jaida scoops her and puts her in the ropes! The ref reprimands but Jaida CHOPS Karmen, then jumps up to ELEVATED HIP DROP! Jaida grins and covers, TWO! Karmen survives but Jaida clamps on with a chinbar.
Karmen endures, fights up, and the rest of the field watches from the watch party room. Fans rally, Karmen stands, pries the hold and throws body shots! Jaida KNEES low and fans are torn. Jaida runs, into another leg sweep! Karmen fires up, to SUPER PUNCH! And DISCUS LARIAT! Karmen fires up more and the fans are with her! Karmen handsprings and somersaults, to ROUNDHOUSE! Karmen pushes Jaida down to RIDER KICK! And then, she hits the KANTANA KICK!! HEADSCISSOR CLUTCH, Jaida TAPS! Karmen wins!
Winner: Karmen Petrovic, by submission (advances to the semifinals)
Mama Petrovic applauds, and now we have Karmen VS Lola in the next round! Who of these vicious strikers will kill it in the next round?
Natalya visits Tegan Nox backstage.
Tegan asks Natty what she’s doing here but Natty says she believes in Nox and sees big things for her. Last night, Nox was there for Natty against Piper & Chelsea, so this is her returning the favor. The Welsh Firecracker is about to battle the Morrigan, will having the Queen of Harts by her side help her come out on top? Or will Lyra be soaring into her NXT Women’s Championship match against Becky Lynch?
Lyra Valkyria VS Tegan Nox w/ Natalya!
NXT returns as Lyra makes her entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. They feel things out, tie up, and go around. Lyra headlocks, Nox moves around, but Lyra wrenches to have the armlock. Nox slips around, hooks the arms and then wrenches to wristlock. Lyra rolls, spins, drop toeholds, and then floats to a facelock. Nox rolls out to hammerlock back, and then she goes to hook the other arm. Nox digs knuckles into ribs but Lyra fights up and around. Lyra wrenches, wristlocks, then facelocks. Cradle takedown, TWO! The two stand off and fans rally. They tie up again, and Lyra headlocks.
Nox powers up and out, but Lyra goes up in the corner. Nox still snapmares her down then runs her over! Nox shakes out her arms, Natty and the fans applaud, and things speed up. Lyra hurdles, Nox leaps, then Nox ducks the heel kick! Lyra runs up but Nox DECKS her! Lyra goes to ropes, Nox storms up and brings her around. Nox whips Lyra to a corner, Lyra goes up and over, then handsprings away! Fnas fire up as Nox runs in and Lyra sunset flips, TWO! Nox goes after an arm and grinds it down, but Lyra fights up. Fans rally, Nox wrenches, but Lyra spins and spins and spins to then headlock for teh takeover!
Lyra then shifts to have arm, cradle, TWO! Nox has the cover, TWO! Lyra ghost pins! ONE, and the two stand up, Nox UPPERCUTS Lyra down! Fans fire up and Nox hurries to a corner. Nox climbs, Lyra runs up and TOSSES her down! Lyra builds speed to then WRECK Nox with a dropkick! Fans fire up and Lyra hurries to fetch Nox. Lyra puts Nox in the ring as NXT goes to break.
NXT returns again and Lyra has an arm. Nox throws a body shot, Lyra knees and whips, but Nox ducks ‘n’ dodges. Both women get moving, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Fans fire up and Natty is stunned as both women are down! Nox and Lyra stir, Natty and the fans rally up, and Lyra fires a forearm! Nox fires one back! They go back and forth, then they throw SLAP shots! They SLAP and SLAP and fans fire up! Lyra blocks to backslide, TWO!! Nox escapes, but Lyra SOBATS, KICKS and RAMS Nox, to then NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Nox is free and Lyra is frustrated but the fans rally up more.
Lyra sits Nox up to KICK her in the chest! And KICK her again! Nox eggs Lyra on and Lyra KICKS! And KICKS! Nox ducked but into the kick! Lyra covers, TWO!! Fans rally and duel, “TEGAN!” “LYRA!” Lyra kicks, Tegan ducks this one clean, and then catches Lyra to a FALL AWAY BRIDGE!! TWO!! Fans fire up but Nox CLUBS away on Lyra! Nox suplexes, to GOURD BUSTER! Lyra flounders to a corner and Nox runs in, CANNON-BOAR! Nox drags Lyra to a cover, TWO!! Lyra survives again and fans continue to rally. Nox suplexes but Lyra fights free to whip. Nox reverses, Lyra goes up and over again, to ENZIGURI!
Nox leans against the corner, Lyra hoists her up top! Lyra climbs, Nox fights back with body shots! Lyra CLUBS, Nox HEADBUTTS, and now Nox has Lyra! SUPER GOURD BUSTER! Nox stands, MOLLY-GO-ROUND! Cover, TWO!! PENALTY KICK! Lyra flops out of the ring and Nox goes to the apron, CANNONBALL to the floor! Fans fire up and Nox puts Lyra in. But wait, Chelsea & Piper are here? Nox covers, TWO! And now Nox & Natty notice the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. Natty stares them down as they mock Nox, but Nox goes out to join Natty. Fans rally for all these ladies, but Nox returns to the ring.
Nox gets around Lyra, O’Conner Roll, TWO! Lyra HEEL KICKS! Cover, Lyra wins!!
Winner: Lyra Valkyria, by pinfall
Chelsea laughs at Nox, but then Nox & Natty go after the champs! They all brawl towards the back and fans fire up! Lyra gets the mic to say that she wasn’t gotta let ANYOEN get between her and her title match! Not Tegan, not Indi, nobody! Every drop of sweat, every decision she’s ever made, good or bad, has been leading to this match with Becky. And when Becky came home to her old wrestling school, she saw something in Lyra. And it lit a fire under Lyra that took her all the way here! But all these years, Lyra was working towards becoming the first Irish Born NXT Women’s Champion, and Becky took that from her.
But if there’s one thing Lyra’s learned, if someone closes the door in your face, you kick down another one! Lyra may not have beaten Becky to the NXT Women’s Championship. But she sure as hell will beat Becky for it! Speaking of Becky, she’s on the tron! She congratulates Lyra on the win! She’s been gaining momentum for months! But Becky’s been watching her for years. And Becky remembers, right before Lyra got to NXT, their late friend Dean would send Becky videos of Lyra and saying watch out for her. And he was right. Becky saw Lyra as number one on her list to face her.
Becky felt that way not because it’d be historic for two Irish girls going head to head in a WWE ring. No, it is because Lyra is good. Really, really good. But Becky’s still better. Becky respects Lyra, but when you come for the title, you come for the reason Becky leaves her house every week. The reason she leaves her child so that her child can be proud of her mother. And so Becky now has to fight like her life depends on it. So Lyra, you can say Becky is her hero, this is a dream match, all that.
But in the ring, you’ll have to despise Becky. You’ll have to put the same chip on your shoulder that got you here back on. Because that is the only way that you’re gonna stand a chance. Welcome to the Big Time. The Man has spoken, will the Morrigan make history by bringing her down?
Trick Melo Gang regroup backstage.
Melo asks Trick what the hell! Trick blindsides him! They talked about how Trick was gonna get his North American title back and how Melo was gonna get THE title back. What happened? No, MELO said that. “We” never agreed on it. We? What, we speakin’ French now? Trick said he talked with Cena, he gave them both advice. Time is important, and Trick beat Dom for the title. And it felt so good, Trick wants more of it. But Melo should know how that feels, because Trick’s at the same spot Melo was last year! But yeah, Trick is sorry for not telling him first. But understand, Trick was nervous.
About what? Melo is Trick’s biggest fan! Melo’s been with Trick every step of the way! Trick could’ve told Melo, they could’ve come up with a game plan. Trick Melo Gang against the world, just like old times. But now… They’re going against each other. And Trick knows Melo better than anyone, Melo’s gonna do what he’s gotta do. Same energy, dog. But hey, no matter what, they still Trick Melo Gang. And they always gonna be here. Trick heads out, but is Melo really on board with that last part?
NXT Media catches up with Gigi Dolin.
What’s her reaction to Blair’s challenge? Gigi says Halloween is her favorite time of year, and Halloween Havoc is her favorite time of the year. And in the spirit of spooky season, Gigi doesn’t think Shotzi & Scarlett would mind if she does this. She reveals the wheel! Blair wants a match, let’s SPIN THE WHEEL, MAKE THE DEAL! The wheel goes ’round and ’round, and it lands on… LIGHTS OUT! Blair, next week, Gigi will turn your lights out, B*TCH!
BREAKING NEWS on Von Wagner’s medical condition.
It was almost a month ago that Bron Breakker tried to absolutely CRUSH Von’s head with the steel steps. Von was at TriOpt earlier this week to do physical rehab, learning how to walk and use his arms again. Robert Stone was with him every step of the way, literally and figuratively, even as Von felt like giving up. Stone encouraged Von to keep at it, but Von felt weak not being able to pull the resistance band. The physical therapist said it’s fine, it takes time. Stone says Von just needs to focus. Von? Focus? Stone, you risked your own health at No Mercy. Bron Breakker could’ve hurt you even worse than he did Von.
Yeah, but Stone did that because of what Bron did to Von. Stone hates seeing Von like this. Stone started this, but he knows that when Von is 100% healthy and ready, he will finish it. Then hand him the damn band. Von pulls and pulls, will he be even stronger than he was before?
Kiana James VS Shotzi Blackheart!
The Calculator didn’t account on the Wild Child helping out The Prodigy last week, so now Kiana has to handle business herself. But will Shotzi be the one to #TCB instead?
The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally up as the two tie up and Kiana kicks low! Kiana SMACKS Shotzi off the mat, pushes her around, talks a lot of trash, then SMACKS Shotzi off the mat again! Shotzi just laughs and that upsets Kiana. Kiana SLAPS Shotzi, so Shotzi SLAPS Kiana! Shotzi arm-drags Kiana to a corner, fires off forearms, then goes up, only for Kiana to get under. So Shotzi CROSSBODIES! Shotzi swings, Kian ducks and shoves but Shotzi slides under and howls! Then Shotzi ducks the buzzsaw, roll up, TWO! Kiana swings, misses, and Shotzi hops on for a SLEEPER! Kiana scrambles and RAMS Shotzi into a corner!
Kiana is free, she runs in but Shotzi BOOTS her! Shotzi headscissors for a HANGING HEADSCISSOR! The ref counts, Shotzi lets off at 4, and she hurries back up. Kiana KICKS Shotzi, POSTS her, then BOOTS her down! Fans boo but Kiana says no one embarrasses her as NXT goes to break.
NXT returns and Shotzi fires forearms! Kiana shoves and RAMS Shotzi into a corner, then RAMS her more and more! Kiana handsprings, runs in, but Shotzi BOOTS her! Fans fire up, and Shotzi goes up and wheelbarrows to send Kiana into ropes! Shotzi dials it up but Kiana LARIATS first! Cover, TWO! Kiana snarls, drags Shotzi into a chinlock and she squeezes tight. Shotzi endures, fans rally, and Shotzi fights around. Shotzi fights up to her feet but Kiana wrangles Shotzi to then ELBOWS her in the shoulder again and again! Kiana clamps back on with the chinlock but Shotzi fights back up as fans rally.
Shotzi arm-drags free, and then goes to a corner. Kiana runs in, Shotzi goes up and over then rallies with clotheslines! ROUNDHOUSE! ROLLING ELBOW! QUESTION MARK KICK! Shotzi runs in but Kiana puts her on the apron. Shotzi ROUNDHOUSES back, reels Kiana in, and APRON DDTS! Fans fire up as Kiana staggers away. Shotzi goes into the ring, builds speed, and she DIVES! Direct hit at the ramp and fans fire up! Shotzi puts Kiana in the ring, goes up a corner, but Kiana shoves Shotzi down! Shotzi hits the floor and Kiana looks to her bag. But Roxie has the bag! Fans cheer as Roxie takes the BRICK away!
Kiana is furious, but then the ref sees Roxie and Kiana! Roxie distracts, Shotzi ROCKS Kiana with the bag, then plays a little Eddie Guerrero trick! The ref argues with Kiana, takes the bag, and then Kiana runs in. Shotzi dodges and Kiana POSTS herself! Shotzi goes up, to BALLPIT SENTON! Cover, Shotzi wins!
Winner: Shotzi Blackheart, by pinfall
The Halloween Havoc host is rolling into the party! Roxie gets her own revenge on Kiana, will things get even wilder now?
Backstage interview with Meta Four.
McKenzie Mitchell is with Oro Mensah and Lash Legend while Lash is on the phone. As McKenzie notes, Jakara Jackson was meant to be in the Women’s Breakout Tournament but is not medically cleared and must now withdraw. McKenzie wants to ask where Jakara is now but Lash slams on the brakes. Noam Dar is on the phone. He’s at the hospital right now with Jakara. He begs Jakara not to go towards the light! Lash wants Dar to tell Jakara she and Oro love her and miss her. Is she going to make it? Dar asks the doc what the chances are, and then says she might lose the whole arm!? McKenzie says the report said it wasn’t even that severe.
Lash & Oro don’t care what the report says, and Dar mocks the “big brain” on Dr. McKenzie. But then Tozawa walks in? He wants to know where Dar is. Oro asks if Tozawa’s eyes are working. He’s obviously not here, so go away. Well okay, but tell Dar that Tozawa’s looking for him. Dar asks who that was? Lash says don’t worry, just take care of Jakara. McKenzie says sold on, something else is happening right now. We cut to TRICK down and out by road cases! Melo asks what the hell happened and refs shout for medical! Who just jumped Trick? Is the Fatal 4 back down to a Triple Threat?
NXT returns with Kelly Kincaid in the parking lot.
NXT Medical Staff has just sent Trick to a local hospital for further evaluation, ruling him OUT of tonight’s main event. It is back to being a Triple Threat, but no one knows who attacked Trick or why. But clearly, they didn’t want Trick to have a chance to challenge for NXT Championship. Kelly sends it over to McKenzie, who is in the NXT lounge area, and she asks Dominik Mysterio about his run ins with Nathan Frazer. Dom says he doesn’t even know “who that kid was” until last week. Dom is done with him. But then Frazer runs up to SHOVE Dom! No refs around here! But the other superstars are watching as Frazer fires off!
Frazer throws so many hands, then he runs Dom off! The NXT locker room is behind Frazer as he and Dom now brawl into the hall! Refs are here now to try and stop this but this brawl keeps going past gorilla and to ringside! Fans fire up as Frazer and Dom scrap down to ringside, and Dom puts Frazer int eh ring! Dom hurries in, but Frazer TRACKLES Dom! Frazer throws down hands, Dom kicks Frazer back! Dom blocks a kick but not the DRAGON WHIP! Frazer then spins Dom to ANARCHY! Dom flounders, Frazer goes up! PHOENIX SPLASH, but Frazer has to roll through as Mami saves her baby!
The Jersey Island Rocket has just put Dirty Dom on notice. Will Dom be careful the next time he talks trash on NXT?
Shotzi and Roxie regroup backstage.
Shotzi tells Roxie that this ain’t the same little Roxie that teamed with her against Damage CTRL on SmackDown. This one is sure of herself, ballsy, and Shotzi likes it. Roxie says it’s not that hard when dealing with Kiana. What’s her obsession with Roxie anyway? Roxie gets it, they crossed paths before, but Kiana doesn’t get it that she’s just in her own way. Shotzi hears that. But hey! Speaking o Kiana, the wheel is here. Roxie knows Shotzi is the host, but she’s not gonna play Kiana’s games no more. Mind if she takes this for a spin? Of course! Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal! Roxie and Kiana are going to have… A DEVIL’S PLAYGROUND MATCH!!
Roxie says she’s already shown thee world just how far she’s willing to go, so this Devil’s Playground is gonna be Kiana’s hell! Shotzi loves it!
NXT Women’s Breakout Tournament, Opening Round: Arianna Grace VS ???
The Beauty Queen is already in the ring, waving to the fans with a big smile and a mic in hand. “It’s always devastating to see someone get injured. My heart goes out to Jakara Jackson, it truly does. I understand the pain of being sidelined with an injury. I, too, was sidelined with an injury. An injury far worse than Jakara’s. And look at me! I came back better than ever!” Fans cheer that, and Arianna hopes Jakara comes back better, too. And though it pains Arianna that she has to say this, but she gracefully accepts her bye into this tournament’s- WAIT. Who is that? It’s BRINLEY REECE!
Arianna is furious that someone else stepped up to have a match! But will Reece pump it up and show the world why she was always a contender?
The bell rings and the two circle. Arianna offers a handshake, fans are wary of it, but Reece wristlocks! Fans fire up, Reece whips, and then Arianna bumps off buckles into a scoop! Reece SLAMS Arianna, fires up, and then whips her to another corner. Reece runs in, Arianna dodges the splash to CLUB Reece! Arianna SAYANAGIS, then snap suplexes! Cover, TWO! Arianna stomps Reece, lets off, and she blows kisses. Arianna covers, TWO! Arianna is annoyed, she drags Reece up and snap suplexes! Cover, TWO! Reece hangs tough but Arianna clamps onto the arm. The watch party is still having fun as Reece endures.
Reece fights up, fans rally, but Arianna says Reece won’t ruin her moment! Reece fights up, but Arianna knees low! Arianna whips but Reece sunset flips, TWO! Arianna runs up but into a roll-up, TWO! Arianna kicks low, but Reece blocks the suplex! Reece snap suplexes! And then she snap suplexes again! Fans fire up with Reece but Arianna doesn’t want anymore! Well she gets one more snap suplex! Reece whips, handsprings and LARIATS! Fans fire up with Reece and she pumps up! Fireman’s carry, but Arianna claws the face! Arianna shoves Reece into buckles, hits a SAYANAGI, and covers! Arianna wins!!
Winner: Arianna Grace, by pinfall (advances to the semifinals)
The self-proclaimed “Miss NXT” moves on, and she will face Kelani Jordan next week! Halloween Havoc is gonna be scary good, but who makes it through to the finals?
Backstage interview with Bron Breakker.
McKenzie is with #MeanerThanEvil and brings up how buzzworthy the return of American Badass- Bron stops her there. Yes, last week was the most talked about NXT ever, because of Bron. He’s the biggest attraction this brand has ever seen! But then in walks Stone. Bron asks the “little guy” how their buddy, Von, is doing. Stone says not great, but improving. Yeah, Bron doesn’t really care. So why not run back to that idiot to teach him how to put one foot in front of the other? Stone says Bron really doesn’t care, does he? He just goes on living life, buddies with Heyman, moment with Taker. Time has STOPPED for Von.
But y’know what? Stone’s kids ask him almost ever day if Von is gonna be okay. And Stone has to look them in their eyes, tell them he doesn’t know, because he doesn’t! He can’t get that image out of his head of Bron SMASHING Von with the steel steps! And Bron thinks this is funny? Stone should slap that look off Bron’s face and make him pay for it! Then do something about it. Oh Stone will! Them, 1v1, Halloween Havoc! Whoa! Bron thinks that is a great idea. Because then Bron will do to Stone what he did to Von. Call the hospital now. Bron heads out, will he completely destroy the Robert Stone Brand?
We get a card break down of for Halloween Havoc, Night 1!
It’ll be stacked already as we get: the NXT Women’s Championship, Becky VS Lyra; Gigi VS Blair in Lights Out; BOTH matches of the Women’s Breakout Tournament Semifinals; Roxie VS Kiana on the Devil’s Playground; the in-ring debut of Lexis King; and the NXT Tag Team Championships, Tony & Stacks VS Chase U!
NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Triple Threat: DIJAK VS Baron Corbin VS Carmelo Hayes!
What was going to be a Fatal 4 got brought back down to the original Triple Threat after the whodunnit of Trick Williams being taken out. All three men in this match are suspects, even #HIM, but only one can go on to face The Mad Dragon on Halloween Havoc, Night 2! Who proves they’re the most dangerous and determined in NXT today?
The bell rings, fans chant “We Want Trick!” but then Dijak and Corbin storm up on Melo. But then they each JAB the other! Melo takes the opening to fire off on them! Dijak choke grips but Melo fights free! Corbin choke grips but Melo fights free! Back to Dijak, then Corbin join in, but Melo breaks free of the double choke slam! Dijak still blocks Melo’s kick, and he ELBOWS Corbin away! Melo ENZIGURIS Corbin, kicks Dijak, but Corbin ROCKS Melo Dijak hits a CHOKE SLAM BACKBREAKER! Both bigger men want the cover but they stare down now. And then Dijak fires off! Dijak runs, but Corbin CLOBBERS him!
Fans rally, Corbin turns around into the FLYING LARIAT from Melo! Melo whips, Corbin blocks, and Corbin sends Melo up and out. Melo GAMANGIRIS back, then ROCKS Dijak. Melo goes up, he leaps, CROSSBODY but Dijak catches him! Dijak KNEES Melo, then SLINGS him away! Corbin staggers while Dijak stomps Melo. Corbin shoves Dijak, the big men brawl with forearms, and fans rally up. Dijak ROCKS Corbin, ROCKS him again and again, but Corbin comes back with shots! Both men wobble, and Melo springboards, DOUBLE- NO, the jumper gets blocked! Both big men lift Melo, but he uses that to DOUBLE DDT after all!
Fans fire up as Melo covers Corbin, TWO! Melo covers Dijak, TWO! Fans rally as Melo drags Corbin to another cover, ONE!! Melo is frustrated but NXT goes picture in picture.
Fans rally and Melo waits for Dijak. Dijak BLOCKS the First 48, to DEATH VALLEYD RIVER! Cover, TWO! Dijak is frustrated, and he snarls as he WRECKS Corbin with a dropkick! Dijak goes out to RAM Corbin into steel steps! Dijak goes back to the ring but Melo WRECKS him with a dropkick! Melo goes out to whip but Dijak reverses, and he POSTS Melo! Dijak puts Melo back in, covers, TWO! Melo is tough but Dijak KICKS him in the side! Melo throws body shots but Dijak shoves and ROCKS him! Melo CHOPS, Dijak CHOPS back! Melo ROCKS Dijak, CHOPS Dijak, and repeat! Melo runs, but Dijak CLOBBERS Melo! Cover, TWO!
Dijak goes out after Corbin and brings him around, but Corbin knees low! Corbin sends Dijak into steel steps, knocking them over! Corbin drags Dijak up and into the ring, but he rains fists down on Melo! Corbin RAMS Melo into buckles, then runs in. Melo dodges and Corbin POSTS himself! NXT returns to single picture as Melo sees both big men in corners. Melo runs in to ROCK Corbin, then he runs to ROCK Dijak! Corbin dodges to CLOBBER Dijak! And SPLASH Melo! But then Dijak dodges to ELBOW Melo! Corbin BOOTS Dijak, but Dijak SUPERKICKS Corbin! Fans fire up as Dijak storms up on Melo but into a SUPERKICK!
Melo runs up, reels Dijak in, but Dijak says TIME TO FLY and he THROWS Melo into Corbin! All three men are down and the fans are thunderous for “NXT! NXT!” Melo stirs, Dijak rises, and Corbin drags himself up with ropes. Dijak fireman’s carries Corbin, but Corbin slips off to SAIDO! But Melo springboards, Corbina voids the Fade Away and BOOTS Melo away! Corbin then goes up!? FLYING LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Melo survives as Corbin busts out something new! Corbin and Dijak brawl, Dijak knees low and clotheslines Corbin up and out! Dijak grabs Melo, to CHOKE- NO, CODE BREAKER!!
Fans fire up as Melo now sets up on the top rope! But Corbin YANKS Melo right down, and fireman’s carries! DEATH VALLEY to the floor! The fans boo but Corbin rises. “This is Awesome!” after all, even as Corbin puts Melo in the ring. But Dijak BOOTS Corbin first! Dijak then SUPERKICKS Corbin to the floor! Dijak runs up on Melo, but Melo blocks the cyclone kick to trip him! Corbin is back, he scoops but Melo uses the Deep Six to send Corbin into Dijak! HIGH JUSTICE!! Cover, Melo SUPERKICKS it apart! Cover on Dijak, TWO!! Fans fire up again as all three men are down!
Melo rises and he brings Dijak up. Melo fires forearms but Dijak hits back! They go back and forth, then Melo SUPERKICKS! Melo runs, into the CYCLONE KICK!! Cover, TWO!!! Melo survives and no one can believe it! Fans cheer for “NXT! NXT!” as Dijak and Melo rise. Dijak puts Melo in a corner then ELBOWS him! And ELBOWS again! And CLUBS him! But Melo ROCKS Dijak! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Dijak BOOTS Melo right down! Fans boo as Dijak drags Melo up and to the top rope. Dijak ROCKS Melo but Melo BOOTS Dijak! Dijak ROCKS Melo again, CLUBS him, but Melo hits back! They brawl and Dijak climbs!
Fans rally for Melo as he resists the superplex! Melo throws body shots, slips under, but Corbin BOOTS Melo down before he can bomb Dijak! Then Corbin goes up after Dijak and waistlocks?! Fans fire up as Dijak resists, and then Melo rises! Melo adds back on, TOWER OF DOOM!! Fans are thunderous for the Powerbomb German Suplex combo! All there men are down, but they’re all somehow still in this! Fans rally for Melo as he rises. Dijak is in the far corner so Melo fires hands on Corbin. Melo runs up, Corbin puts him on the apron, but Melo RAMS into Corbin! Melo slingshots, into a HAYAMKER!
Corbin storms up on Dijak, choke grips, CHOKE SLAM- NO, Dijak flips through! SUPERKICK! Torture rack! FEAST YOUR EYES- ON END OF DAYS!!! Corbin turns it around, but into NOTHING BUT NET!!! Cover on Dijak, MELO WINS!
Winner: Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT Championship)
The three pointer outta nowhere to win the game, we now know Dragunov will have one more match with #HIM. Will Melo put Dragunov back on a jersey in the rafters? Or will he fail to break the unbreakable?
Lyra is watching backstage.
She nods as Melo wins to be #1 contender, and then looks to a picture of her and Becky from a few years ago. Lyra says in one week, that title is hers. Lyra RIPS UP the picture, doing just as Becky said. Will the Morrigan be able to rage her way into a reign? Or will she not be ready for the Big Time? Wait, speaking of time, Jade Cargill is now on screen! And she’s tapping her watch! Does that mean it is almost time for the storm to hit NXT?
My Thoughts:
A great NXT, especially as the go-home to the big Halloween Havoc two week extravaganza. For one, great stuff with having the wheel spins tonight to save time on the broadcast next week. Gigi and Blair have good promos, but having their blowoff be Lights Out is awesome stuff, they’re going to go wild with that one. Likewise, really good match from Kiana and Shotzi with Roxie helping Shotzi win, and Roxie VS Kiana in Devil’s Playground is going to be even wilder. And both of those are on Night 1 so that’s pretty wild, too.
Speaking of, the Women’s Breakout Tournament being big for Night 1 is good, too. For one, a good promo from Fallon and Tiffany as they give the new field two different examples of former competitors that didn’t win. A shame about Jakara Jackson not being able to compete, but hilarious promo from Meta Four to help announce it. And great opportunity for Brinley, though only so much since she lost to Arianna rather easily. And great match from Karmen and Jaida, with a big win for Karmen. Arianna VS Kelani and Lola VS Karmen are going to be really good semifinals, but a part of me feels like Kelani is a shoe-in given she’s already had TV time and story even before this.
Great match from Lyra VS Nox, and nice little surprise that Chelsea & Piper showed up to ruin things for Nox. Clearly, Nox & Natty are getting tag title opportunities. Lyra has momentum going against Becky, and we got a good promo from Becky to fire Lyra up more. Great closing moment from Lyra, as well as Jade. As I said last night for Raw, they’re doing a great job teasing Jade for each brand because she (in kayfabe) has her pick of the litter. But for the sake of her eventual legacy, it would make sense if she started with NXT so she could get that NXT Women’s Championship to then have on her resume before getting the other titles, paralleling Charlotte, Asuka and Rhea.
Good promo from Lexis King/Brian Pillman Jr. before his in-ring debut next week. He’ll have a good start, but given what we saw of him in AEW, I’m not sure the “I hate my dad” thing actually lasts that long with so many of those names who knew Pillman in the WWE. Great promo from Von and Stone, and great follow-up with Stone and Bron. Pretty sure Bron wins his match against Stone, but it’d be great if it brought about the comeback of Von to go after Bron on the road to… whatever will be next after Halloween Havoc and what not. And I like that Tozawa got in on the Meta Four promo, I am very confident Tozawa will want his shot at the Heritage Cup for Halloween Havoc.
Great tag team battle royal to open the night, and very clever way to distract refs from seeing eliminations. Clearly, they’re setting up Brawling Brutes VS Out The Mud as well as Creed Brothers VS Garza & Carrillo, and I was pleasantly surprised that Chase U won the whole thing. Tony & Stacks VS Chase & Duke is going to be great, I just hope Jacy & Thea don’t do the “throw in the towel” revenge now after all this time. Let Chase & Duke stand or fall on their own merits, not on some passive aggressiveness when Duke & Chase can’t even fight Thea & Jacy.
And what awesome stuff in this title contender story. Trick is in, gets taken out for a brand new NXT whodunnit, which is a shame for Trick but is definitely setting up a big feud for him and the culprit. There are parallels to HHH betraying HBK back in the day, but I would hope they go away from the obvious. It should be Joe Gacy, who has been lost without Schism ever since he lost to Trick quick. Gacy won’t allow Trick to get the top title before he does, which is why he attacked and has let everyone think it’s Melo. Melo winning the Triple Threat was still the right move, as we get one final match between him and Dragunov, and that’ll be awesome stuff.
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
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)
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THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
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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.
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!
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The Bracket of Courage!
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Anillo de Honor!
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Phoenix is Dynamite!
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NXT is Absolute!
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G'day, mates!
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Visionary VS Prince!
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AEW goes down under!
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