Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (2/27/24)
The Czar and… HIM!
Ilja Dragunov confronts Carmelo Hayes face to face!
Before they once again battle for the NXT Championship, Ilja Dragunov dares Carmelo Hayes to look him in the eyes! Will Melo man up and do it?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kelani Jordan VS Kiana James w/ Izzi Dame; Kiana wins.
- The Good Brothers VS Malik Blade & Edris Enofe; The Good Brothers win.
- Roxanne Perez VS Jakara Jackson w/ Lash Legend; Roxie wins.
- DIJAK VS Luca Crusifino; Dijak wins.
- Von Wagner w/ Robert Stone VS Lexis King; Von wins.
- Gigi Dolin VS Jaida Parker w/ OTM; Jaida wins.
- NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Noam Dar w/ The Meta Four VS ??? w/ The No Quarter Catch Crew; Charlie Dempsey wins and becomes the new NXT Heritage Cup Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
Ilja Dragunov is here!
The NXT Champion heads to the ring and the fans are all fired up, because the Mad Dragon is not going to wait any longer! “Carmelo Hayes! You disgusting rodent of a man! Let’s go!! I’m not in the mood to wait around all night. This is Stand & Deliver season!” The fans fire up for that! Dragunov says what did Melo say last week? That if this isn’t about the NXT Championship, there’s nothing to talk about? What Melo is looking for is right here. So come on out of your little hiding place, and let’s talk about it. Melo makes his entrance and the fans boo, and now security moves in to be a wall between Dragunov and HIM.
Melo has a mic of his own to say, “Ilja, you the NXT Champion, for now. But you ain’t the superstar that make this brand go, I am. And it’s been that way since I stepped on the scene with that ruthless aggression. Y’see this right here, Ilja? This security. They’re Melo’s security. And they’re here to do whatever it is I need them to do. Look at you. You still pissed off that I used you, huh, Ilja? That I made Trick doubt the Great Ilja Dragunov, with your custom suits, so honorable and all your integrity. Ugh, you make me sick.” Fans boo and tell Melo to “Shut The Hell Up!” Melo says he can tell Dragunov is spiteful.
Dragunov says after what Melo did, he is damn right about Dragunov! And that is why Melo isn’t stepping in that ring with him. Not until he sees a contract and Ava makes this official. Because, Ilja, losing that NXT Championship is your biggest fear. And Melo knows Ilja isn’t the type to try and take Melo out before the match. So go ahead, get it all in order, and then they can talk business. Fans boo more but Melo says Dragunov has until the end of the night. Dragunov drops the mic, rushes up, and he CLOBBERS security guard after security guard! Melo falls back, the remaining guards form a circle around him.
Dragunov stays back, he raises the belt, but will Melo still get what he wants?
NXT Media catches up with Ava Raine.
Just before the show began, reporters asked the NXT General Manager about the big show planned tonight. Yes, this is a big lead-up to Stand & Deliver. Then she spots Gigi Dolin and asks what’s up. Gigi says she just wanted to talk about what’s next for herself. Absolute, this is a competitive Women’s Division, they can definitely talk it out. Awesome! They went to Ava’s office, where Jaida Parker was already waiting. How’d she get in here? Jaida says she had a key. Now, no disrespect, but they gotta talk about Jaida’s future. She ran through Rizzo, and- Gigi says great win, yeah. But Gigi’s meeting was first, line starts behind her.
Jaida says she doesn’t wait in any lines, and especially not behind Gigi. Gigi says Jaida should learn who she’s talking to. Hold on, World Star’s never mentioned Gigi. Well, she’ll give them something to talk about then. Ava has them both stop. They’re not gonna World Star in here. What’s next for both of them will be each other. So now they can leave, starting with Jaida. Jaida heads out, will she be making World Star news after getting toxic with Gigi?
Kelani Jordan VS Kiana James w/ Izzi Dame!
The Gym Princess has been getting the spotlight, and that put her on the Calculator’s hit list! Will Kiana prove she’s still the future of NXT and no one else? Or will Kelani’s potential be off the charts?
The bell rings and Kiana circles with Kelani. They tie up, Kiana powers Kelani to a corner and gets up in her face. The ref counts, Kelani avoids the elbow, and she wags her finger. Kiana runs up, but Kelani wrenches and wristlocks. Kiana rolls, handsprings, and wrenches back to YANK the arm! Kelani spins through then goes up and up to ARABIAN PRESS ARM-DRAG! The fans fire up and Kelani storms up, but Kiana rams her low! Kiana whips, Kelani goes up and headscissors to RANA Kiana away! Kiana bails out, Kelani runs up, but Izzi plays roadblock! Kelani goes up and out to ASAI MOONSAULT them both then! The fans fire up as NXT goes picture in picture!
Kelani tells Izzi that’s what she gets, then she drags Kiana into the ring. Cover, TWO! Kiana sits up, into Kelani’s SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Kelani drags Kiana up, whips her to a corner hard, then storms up. Kelani whips corner to corner, Kiana reverses but Kelani goes up again,. But Kiana blocks the rana to SLAM Kelani down, then literally KICKS her out of the ring! Izzi is there to taunt Kelani, and Kiana goes out after her. Kiana drags Kelani up to SMACK her off the apron! Kiana then CHOPS Kelani, high fives Izzi, then RAMS Kelani into the apron! The ref reprimands, the ring count climbs, but Kiana puts Kelani in.
Kiana talks trash while she stalks Kelani, then brings her up. Kelani throws body shots, only for Kiana to knee her low! Kiana drags Kelani up to TOSS her to a corner. Kiana handsprings, runs in and RAMS into Kelani! Kiana then brings Kelani out to kitchen sink knee! Cover, TWO! Kelani stays in this but Kiana scowls as she looms over her. Kiana taunts Kelani, CHOKES her on the ropes, but lets off as the ref counts. Izzi laughs at Kelani while she crawls away. Kiana drags Kelani up to CLUB her down, then goes to ropes. Kiana whips but Kelani turns knee into roll-up! TWO, and Kelani gets around to backslide! TWO!
Kiana stands, knees Kelani low again, then drags her around. Kiana suplexes, GOURD BUSTERS, and covers, TWO! Kelani toughs it out but Kiana clamps onto her for a seated cobra twist! Kelani endures being stretched and bent! Kelani fights up and throws body shots. NXT returns to single picture but Kiana knees low! Kiana whips, Kelani ducks ‘n’ dodges, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Izzi is worried for Kiana while both women are down. The fans rally for Kelani as she sputters, but Kiana crawls her way over. Kiana throws a forearm, but Kelani forearms back! Kiana forearms again, but Kelani gives it back!
The fans rally up but Kiana kicks low. Kiana back suplexes, Kelani lands out, and she CLOBBERS Kiana! And again! And then cartwheel BACK ELBOW! Kelani kips up, the fans fire up, and Kelani blocks a kick to step-over WHEEL KICK! Cover, TWO! Kelani is frustrated but she watches Kiana rise. Kelani handsprings but Kiana catches her! Kiana pops Kelani around but Kelani slips free, rebounds, hurdles and handsprings again! Clinch and FLATLINER! The fans fire up as Kelani pushes Kiana to a cover, TWO!! Kiana survives and Kelani growls. Izzi is worried but Kelani drags Kiana up. Kelani hooks Kiana up but Kiana slips free to KNEE low again!
Kiana puts Kelani on the apron, but Kelani RAMS into her! Kelani slingshots up and over, keeps moving, but Kiana SPINEBUSTERS! High stack, TWO!! Kiana loses her cool as Kelani stays in this! Kiana drags Kelani back up, reels her in, but Kelani cradle counters! TWO!! Kiana kicks low, whips, but Kelani holds ropes! Kelani kicks, Kiana blocks and flips Kelani to the apron! Kelani ROUNDHOUSES Kiana back, but Kiana distracts the ref. Kelani slingshots but Izzi YANKS her right down!! The fans boo but Izzi gets Kelani in the ring! Kiana hurries to drag Kelani in, for the DEAL BREAKER! Cover, Kiana wins!
Winner: Kiana James, by pinfall
The Izzi insurance policy strikes again! Will nothing stop these two in their hostile takeover of NXT?
NXT shares footage from after last week’s show.
Roxanne Perez was still seething over someone else swooping in and getting a title shot before her. Last time was Tatum and Lola, this time was Shotzi and Lash Legend! Is the universe just against her? And leave the broken TV where it is, it doesn’t matter! But Jakara says, “Check, please.” This is just how a superstar operates. Lash Legend stays ready so she ain’t gotta get ready. That’s something Roxie needs to understand. Roxie says Lash was just in the right place at the right time. Unlike Jakara right now. Oh, whatever, you lost, just go- Roxie fires off on Jakara! The rest of the locker room rushes in, but this explains tonight’s match. Will Roxie’s wrath wreck Miss Jackson?
The Good Brothers VS Malik Blade & Edris Enofe!
In a shocking return last week, Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows ran in, wrecked some top teams in NXT, and then staked their claim to the top spot! Will the Machine Gun and Big LG make NXT Too Sweet? Or will they learn Malik & Edris are far from rookies?
NXT returns as Malik & Edris make their entrance. The teams sort out and Malik starts against Karl. Karl kicks low, bumps Malik off buckles, then fires off haymakers. The ref counts but Karl stomps away until 4. The fans fire up, Karl talks some smack on Malik, then storms back up. Karl whips Malik to ropes, but Malik ducks ‘n’ dodges, cartwheels and DROPKICKS! The fans fire up for “Malik! Da Freak!” as he wrenches and brings Karl over. Tag to Edris, they double whip Karl to ropes, then double drop toehold! Then they DOUBLE DROPKICK! Gallows gets in but he gets DOUBLE DROPKICKS, too!
The ref reprimands and Gallows bails out. Edris runs at Karl but Karl UPPERCUTS him away! Then UPPERCUTS him again! Karl whips, Edris goes up and over and keeps moving, to RANA Karl away! Karl flounders, Edris runs up to CHOP! Tag to Malik, he and Edris double whip Karl again. Double shoulders knock Karl down, then Malik sets up so Edris can run and POMMEL HORSE SPLASH! Edris sets up now and Malik runs, step-up ELBOW DROP! The fans fire up for the combo moves and Malik brings Karl around. Gallows shouts at Malik and that’s a distraction enough for Karl to pull Malik’s ear!
Karl puts Malik in the corner, tags Gallows, and the Good Brothers mug Malik! The ref counts, the Good Brothers let off and Karl eggs Edris on. Gallows digs his boot in, stands on Malik, then lets off. Gallows brings Malik up, suplexes and puts him on the ropes, to then run and BOOT Malik down! The fans are torn as Big LG drags Malik up. Malik throws body shots but Gallows UPPERCUTS! Malik sits back, only for Gallows to rain down elbows! Gallows clamps on a chinlock and he grinds Malik down. The fans rally as Malik endures and fights up. Malik throws body shots, but Gallows HEADBUTTS him down!
Gallows puts Malik in the corner to fire body shots, then he UPPERCUTS! Malik sits right down and the fans fire up. Gallows stomps Malik, tags Karl, and Karl stomps Malik. Karl clamps on a chinlock and he grinds Malik into the mat. Malik endures, the fans rally up, and Malik fights to his feet. Malik throws elbows but Karl CLUBS Malik. Karl reels Malik in for a back suplex, but Malik lands out of it! Malik sunset flips Karl, TWO! Karl stands up but Malik dodges him, hot tag to Edris! Edris dodges Karl to BLAST Gallows! Edris rallies on Karl with big clotheslines, then he runs to SLING-DOG! Gallows runs in, Malik & Edris DUMP him back out!
Edris kicks Karl, reels him in, JACKHAMMER! Malik LEAPS at Gallows, but Gallows catches him! Gallows SHOVES Malik into steel steps! Edris BOOTS Gallows from the apron! Edris then climbs, aims at Karl, 450- NO, Edris has to roll through as Karl moves! Karl comes back to SPINEBUSTER! Tag to Gallows and the Good Brothers get Edris up. MAGIC KILLER!! Cover, Good Brothers win!
Winners: The Good Brothers, by pinfall
But before the celebration can begin, Chase U is here! Andre Chase says if the Good Brothers wanna interrupt a Chase U victory, then they’re gonna learn that karma’s a bitch! Duke Hudson says Gallows & Anderson aren’t the first team to come into NXT thinking they can just do what they want. But this time, Chase U’s backs aren’t turned. And y’know what that calls for, Mr. Chase? Oh, yes. These two deserve an Andre Chase University sized- WAIT! Axiom & Nathan Frazer storm out here! Frazer says here we go again. Mr. Chase, Duke, congrats on being #1 contenders. But when it comes to Gallows & Anderson, Axiom & Frazer have next.
Good Brothers wanna jump people from behind? Well, at least when a team like LWO shows up to NXT, they confront people to their face. Axiom adds that he and Frazer have no problem dealing with Good Brothers. Duke says not if Chase U gets them first. But then speaking of LWO! Cruz & Wilde are up top, they DOUBLE MISSILE DROPKICK the Good Brothers! And all the teams go after Gallows & Anderson! Gallows & Anderson bail out, and then we see the Wolf Dogs watching from the perch! The NXT Tag Team Champions are very amused at all the teams fighting each other, but will they be ready for when Chase U looks to be a Roadblock next week?
Ava Raine is on the phone.
She confirms to whoever this is, that there will be some big title matches for Roadblock, it will be a great show. Someone walks in, and it’s Oba Femi! Ava excuses herself from the call and asks what’s up. Oba wants to know who is his next “victim.” Ava says she is figuring that out because there are many guys who’d love a shot at the North American Championship. Oba says they might say that now, but when they get in the ring with him, they will regret those words. But then in steps Ilja! Champion stares down champion, and Oba smiles before he leaves. Dragunov says he and Ava need to talk. Is The Czar going to acquiesce to Melo’s demands?
Roxanne Perez VS Jakara Jackson w/ Lash Legend!
We saw how this match came about, now we’re gonna see how it goes! Will The Prodigy use her new edge to cut down one of the Meta Four? Or will her anger get the better of her this close to Stand & Deliver?
NXT returns as Jakara makes her entrance, Lash right by her side. The bell rings and the two rush in! Roxie hits a THESZ PRESS and fast hands! Jakara gets away, goes out, but Roxie runs up! Lash gets Jakara away so Roxie stops herself. Roxie rushes out there but Lash stands in the way. Jakara runs up but Roxie avoids the sucker punch to ROCK Jakara! Roxie pushes Jakara in but Jakara kicks back! Lash talks trash and Jakara puts Roxie in. Jakara runs up to DROPKICK Roxie to a corner! The fans rally, Jakara fires body shots on Roxie, then says she’s Miss Jackson! CHOP! Roxie sputters and crawls, Jakara talks trash, but Roxie elbows her back!
Roxie puts Jakara in a corner and UPPERCUTS! Roxie CHOPS, CHOPS, and then shoves Jakara down. Roxie goes up and up and LIONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Jakara survives but Roxie got her with legs more than anything. Roxie puts Jakara on ropes, whips her, but Jakara reverses. Roxie stops herself to SOBAT! Roxie then reels Jakara in for a facelock! Jakara endures, they go around and around, and Roxie CLUBS Jakara down. Roxie hops on, but Lash reaches out to save Jakara! The fans boo, but then the ref EJECTS Lash! Lash protests but she did it in plain sight! Jakara is devastated, but then Roxie goes after her!
Jakara gest around, pulls hair, EDGE-O-MATIC! Cover, TWO! Roxie goes to ropes, Jakara runs up and trips Roxie! Jakara drags Roxie to the apron to CLUB her, then Jakara shoves her back in. Jakara clamps onto Roxie with chicken wings but the fans rally up. Jakara shifts to a motorcycle stretch and she leans back to really pull on the arms! The ref counts as Jakara pulls hair now! Roxie pops free to cover, TWO! Jakara SMACKS Roxie off the mat, she pie faces her around, then stands her up. Roxie SLAPS Jakara! Jakara SLAPS back! Roxie SLAPS again, now it’s a SLAP fight! Roxie gets Jakara good, then fires off body shots!
The fans fire up with Roxie and she whips. Jakara reverses but Roxie CLOBBERS her! Roxie SMACKS Jakara, then SHOTGUNS her down! Roxie kips up, fires up, and she runs in to UPPERCUT in the corner! Roxie wrenches and clinches, RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! And then CROSSFACE!! Jakara taps, Roxie wins!
Winner: Roxanne Perez, by submission
Roxie lets go and has a sinister smile on her face. Jakara said you say ready so you don’t have to get ready, so is this prove Roxie is ready for one more shot at the title?
Thea Hail talks with Jacy Jayne & Jazmyn Nyx.
So Thea talked with Riley. He came crawling back? Men always do. Because the women don’t chase the men, the men chase the women. Right… No. It was the opposite. He was really excited to go on the date with Thea, but then the girl he went out with wasn’t the girl he expected. So he said they’re better off as friends. Wait, what’d he expect? Uh, duh, the happy, energetic, fun-loving Thea. Oh, so the old Thea. Well, sorta. So, the Thea that was a loser? What? No, not this Thea. The old Thea! That Thea was a loser. Well, Fallon- Fallon Henley? She’s a moron! She practically begs people to be her friend!
The Thea that Jacy saw, who desperately needed help in her Chase U shirt and uncontrollable energy? Trust Jacy, Thea is much better off. What about Duke & Chase? They’re losers! They’re all losers! If not for Jacy, Chase U would be gone. True… But then in walks Kiana & Izzi. Kiana compliments Jacy on the calendars. Didn’t they sell out three times already? Thank you! Someone gets it! Jacy tells Kiana that Thea wanted to actually take advice from Fallon. Pfft, Fallon? Really? They all laugh and say Fallon is the last person to listen to on anything. Agreed. So, tell Kiana more about the calendar.
Jacy & Jazmyn leave with Kiana & Izzi, and Thea sighs. A loser? Seriously? Is Thea starting to see Jacy’s true colors aren’t Chase U black and red?
The Wolf Dogs are backstage.
Bron Breakker is talking to Baron Corbin about spicing up the jacket. Bron has an airbrush guy, they can do something about this. Corbin doesn’t care, this isn’t Spring Break 99, he’s not spray-painting his jacket. Okay, okay, fine. Maybe just put some tanner on his pasty face then. The Good Brothers walk by and Corbin asks if they had a rough night. The tag division’s got some depth, huh? Karl says look, it’s Corbin acting like he loves this place. Corbin says they got jokes. NXT reinvigorated Corbin’s career! Reinvigorated! Corbin’s back to kicking asses. Back to kicking asses! And he won these tag titles all by himself! All by him-
Wait. Corbin, c’mon, stop messing around. Corbin tells Bron he’s just messing around, Mr. SmackDown. That was a really good Spear from Bron last Friday, right? Gallows says these are the NXT Tag Team Champions? Then this is gonna be easier than they thought. Karl agrees, and while the Dogs have their jokes, it stoked a flame inside the Good Brothers that’s been gone a long time. See, Good Brothers came here like Corbin did eight months ago. And he doesn’t like that, because he knows it won’t take them that long to become NXT Tag Team Champions. Corbin says last week, they said Corbin was a comedian.
But what’s really funny is the sound Karl’s face made when AJ Styles slapped him across the mouth. Bron adds an “OHHH~!” Karl says then you go ahead and try something. Gallows says not yet. Bron says between the four of them, yeah it’s a good time, he and Corbin make jokes. But when the bell rings, the dogs come out, and they destroy everyone. Good catchphrase. Let’s see if the dogs get past Chase U. And if they do, Good Brothers will be waiting. Is The OC ready to Stand & Deliver?
DIJAK VS Luca Crusifino!
#HardJustice and the Legal Eagle had a… disagreement on how to treat Joe Gacy. Luca believes no one is above the law, but Dijak says he IS the law! Cliche as that may sound, will Dijak prove to Luca that might makes right? Or will Luca bring Dijak to true justice?
NXT returns and Luca makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two tie up. Dijak knees low, then ROCKS Luca! Luca staggers, Dijak talks trash but Luca fires off body shots and haymakers! Luca CLUBS Dijak, swings more, but Dijak pulls hair! Luca avoids the haymaker to clothesline Dijak up and out! Luca runs to WRECK Dijak, and Dijak tumbles up and over the desk!! The fans fire up and Luca gets Dijak in. But he can’t lift Dijak! Dijak throws hands, Luca hits back, the fans fire up. Luca runs up but Dijak ELBOWS him! Dijak goes up, leaps, but into an UPPERCUT! Luca runs corner to corner to CANNONBALL!
The fans fire up with Luca, and he drags Dijak up. Dijak still fights the back suplex, throws more hands and then CLUBS Luca down. Luca clutches his back but Dijak stomps him. Dijak stalks Luca to a corner, then throws elbow after elbow! The ref counts, Dijak CLUBS Luca in the chest. Dijak stands Luca back up, and CHOPS! Luca screams in pain and the fans “WOO~!” Dijak says how’s that? He CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Luca CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! They fire hands, Dijak SUPERKICKS Luca back! The fans are thunderous as Dijak reels Luca, TIME TO- NO, Luca slips free! And he back suplexes! Only for Dijak to land out and LARIAT!
The fans fire up while both men rise. Dijak choke grips, but Luca fights with elbows and a LARIAT! And another LARIAT! Dijak stays up, so Luca runs to LARIAT! Dijak is still up, so Luca runs again! LARIAT! Dijak swings, Luca gets around, BIG back suplex! The fans fire up while both men are down again. Luca roars, runs corner to corner, and clotheslines in the corner! Luca keeps moving, but the CYCLONE BOOT finds him! Dijak roars, drags Luca up and torture racks, FEAST YOUR EYES! Cover, Dijak wins!
Winner: Dijak, by pinfall
Hard Justice might have won out, but Luca put up a hell of a fight! And wait! Here comes Joe Gacy! He is tearing free of the straitjacket! Dijak is furious, he shouts at Gacy, and Luca finds Tony D’Angelo’s crowbar?! Luca CLOBBERS Dijak, and then Gacy goes after Dijak! Gacy CLUBS away, sending Dijak to the back! And as for Luca, well, the D’Angelo Family is watching backstage. The Don confirms with Stacks and Rizzo, he saw what we all saw. Tony tells Stacks to go get Luca. Right now? No, Tony has bigger business to handle. Then Stacks can go get him. Stacks says, “You got it, boss.” Does Tony mean all this in a good way or a bad way?
Backstage interview with Noam Dar & Oro Mensah.
Kelly Kincaid spooks Supernova 11 while he was drinking, and he says don’t do that! He has PTSD from the sneak attack by Von & Stone! She doesn’t even care! Kelly apologizes, and then asks that the Catch Clause means he could be facing anyone from the No Quarter Catch Crew. Who would Dar prefer to face tonight? Dar says Meta Four is ready for anything. Tonight, Jakara took Roxie to her limit, Lash had two matches in one night, and in the second one, with no preparation, she nearly won the NXT Women’s Championship. Kelly, who is doing it like them? NOBODY~! Dar & Oro high-five.
Dar says Catch Clause this, Catch Clause that, it can be Papa Gulak, Uncle Mullet, it can be… Uh, who’s the fourth guy? Oro says just call him “new guy.” It could be the new kid or Charlie the Chocolate Factory. The result remains the same: Meta Four, five trophies, one picture. Check, please! Back to you, Vic & Booker! Dar’s always wanted to do that. But will all the confidence in the world not save Dar from whoever the NQCC is sending his way?
Lyra Valkyria is here!
The Morrigan heads to the ring and the fans cheer. The NXT Women’s Champion gets the mic, and says first thing’s first: We all wish Shotzi a speedy recovery. The fans cheer that, and Lyra wants to make it known that when Shotzi makes it back, Lyra owes her the title shot. And we gotta give Lash her flowers, she showed up, showed out and stepped up. And Lyra still has the battle wounds to prove it. But Lyra promised us she’d still be here the champion, and well, she’s a woman who keeps her promises. And last week, Lyra made Tatum a promise. So trust her, no one is as shocked as Lyra that Tatum held up her end! Time to give her what she’s earned, right?
So then, Tatum, please come out here. The superfan hurries her way out, but from the crowd side! Lyra says of course. But Tatum gets into the ring with Lyra and says it is so good to see her. Lyra, last week was so hard for Tatum. And then Ava Raine came out to issue an open challenge just so someone else can get near her! “My sweet, sweet dove, in danger of losing her title!” Yes, but, Lyra didn’t. And Tatum actually did what she was asked to do. OF COURSE! Because Tatum would do anything for Lyra. And Tatum has proven her devotion for her! Er, uh… She proved she’s a woman of her word. Yes, that she did.
And Lyra did promise Tatum a surprise. So is Tatum ready? Tatum closes her eyes and holds out her hands but Lyra says no, she can keep her eyes open, it’s not like that. Oh, okay. Lyra spoke with Ava, some calls were made, and next week at Roadblock, Lyra & Tatum team together! OMG Tatum knew it! Lyra said it was a one time thing, but Tatum knew that they’d be together forever and ever and- Whoa, whoa, hold on. It is not them teaming as friends. So more than friends? As a team, taking on The Kabuki Warriors for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships! The fans fire up and Tatum can barely speak!
Tatum puts it together. Tatum.. And Lyra… against Asuka & Kairi for the tag titles? But wait! Ridge Holland comes out here now? He apologizes and says he is very happy about their opportunity, and he wishes them the best of luck in becoming champions together. But if they’re finished, then please leave because he has something very important to get off his chest. The fans boo Ridge stepping on Tatum’s moment, but Lyra & Tatum do exit. Ridge says he is a man of action more than he is of words. But it seems his actions as of late have gotten him in this predicament. When he retaliates, it is always Ridge who takes it “too far.”
But whether he likes it or not, whether he understands the bias, he is still here to apologize for all his actions. Fans boo, but Ridge says he was defending himself against Gallus. He was defending his family! There was no true malice behind it. But wait, the lights go out! And then the tron lights up! A voice says, “Truth will ultimately prevail. But there is pain in bringing it to light.” The lights go out again, and then someone is behind Ridge! They SMASH him with a chair! The fans chant “TEN! TEN! TEN!” because yes, it is TYE DILLINGER!! Or rather, Shawn Spears! The Chair Man is in NXT! The fans lose their minds, they didn’t think it was him! Is he going to take NXT to a perfect ten?
Brooks Jensen confronts Oba Femi!
Jensen says if Oba’s still looking for a challenger, then he’s that guy. Oba chuckles and asks if Jensen is sure. Because Jensen seems to be confused. Jensen says Briggs told him to grow some balls, so he put up that fight and busted Briggs up. Now if Oba takes the challenge, Jensen will bust him up! Oba stares Jensen down. Standing up after a fight is one thing, but after Oba is done, Jensen won’t even be able to walk away. Oba heads out, will he be right about his next “victim” soon regretting their decision?
Backstage interview with Carmelo Hayes.
At least, Kelly is hoping to, but security stands in front of the door. But word is, Ava is drafting a contract for a signing later tonight. Security lets Kelly through now, and Kelly asks Melo about earlier tonight. Melo has her stop, and says it is pretty simple. He wants Ilja out there, and Ava with a contract, signed, sealed and delivered. Then all Melo has to do is put his name to paper. But tell Ilja for him, no contract means no Melo. Kelly thanks him for his time, will Ava come through for both sides of the fight?
Von Wagner w/ Robert Stone VS Lexis King!
Though they failed against The Meta Four, Von & Stone are still proud of the fight they put up. However, effort doesn’t matter to The Drama King, only the results. Will Lexis make big bad Von bow down to him? Or will King be thrown off his throne and right through a table?
NXT returns and Von makes his entrance, Suit Man Stone by his side. The bell rings and the two circle. The fans rally, the two tie up, and Von shoves King right down! King gets up but gets thrown again, and again! Von swings, King dodges and CHOPS! Von just frowns, then he CHOPS King down! Von headlocks, King powers up and out, but Von hurdles then runs King over! Von whips King and back drops him! King writhes and the fans fire up! Von drags King up, says we’re going up, and he suplexes King! Stone starts a count for how long King is in the air, and Von goes past TEN to SLAM King at 13!
The fans fire up and Von waits on King. King is in a corner, Von runs up but King dodges! Knee hits buckle, then King dropkicks the knee! Von hobbles back up, but King KICKS his leg! And KICKS it again! King mocks Von but Von ROCKS King! King staggers, Von runs up but the boot gets stuck on ropes! King KICKS the leg, CHOPS and kicks Von more, then has the leg for a SHIN BREAKER! Then a DRAGON SCREW! King keeps on Von’s leg by puling it to the apron! King SLAMS the leg on the apron, then SLAMS it into the post! The fans boo, Stone is frustrated for Von but King pushes Von to a cover, ONE!!
King mocks Von, pushes him around, then kicks him. Von throws body shots but King CLUBS Von! King has the leg, and he SMASHES the knee into the mat! And he SMASHES the knee again! Von writhes, King grabs the leg, but Von kicks at King with the good leg! King still holds on, but Von BOOTS him! Von choke grips King, stands and shoves him, then DECKS King! And DECKS him again! Von whips but King KNEES back! Von roars, King runs, but Von BOOTS him down! The fans fire up with Von, and Von runs up to clothesline King up and out! The fans fire up as Stone mocks King. Von storms out but King throws hands.
King and Von brawl, but King sends Von into Stone! The fans boo but Von ROCKS King! Von checks Stone but Stone says focus on King. Von hurries back in, hauls him up but King CHOP BLOCKS the leg! King lines up the shot, and he BLINDSIDE KNEES Von! King then crosses the arms but Stone distracts King! King rushes up on Stone, and Von rolls King up! VON WINS!
Winner: Von Wagner, by pinfall
King is shocked but he just got a taste of his own medicine! So King goes after Von for it! King stomps the leg, rains down fists, but stone gets in! Stone drags King away by his hair but King SLAPS Stone! King crosses the arms, CORONATION! Fans boo but refs rush out to get King to back off. King may not have won, but he made Stone pay for it. Will nothing stop The Drama King from doing what he wants?
Tatum and Lyra regroup backstage.
They finish watching the Kabuki Warriors highlight package like the rest of us, and Asuka was undefeated for a really long time. But imagine, Lyra & Tatum take the Women’s Tag Team Championships back to NXT. And that would also mean Lyra is a double champion! Tatum will always look out for Lyra. She’s a really good partner. Who told her that? Jaida walks in and says she was gonna feel bad for Gigi, given she’s about to whoop dat ass. But uh, y’all two? You’ll be embarrassed by Asuka & Kairi! Lyra keeps Tatum back, and Arianna Grace stands up. Ladies, we’re all supposed to be supportive role models who settle arguments with words.
Not everything has to end in a fight! What problem does Lyra have with the Kabuki Warriors? There is no problem. Then why challenge them to a fight? Because they wanna be tag champions, duh! They are all champions in their hearts and in their minds. Jaida says she’d rather have a title around her waist than some dumb tiara on her head. Arianna is upset, and Lyra says this is pro-wrestling. Fighting is the norm. Arianna says it is only normal until they change it. What is the pageant queen inspired to do now?
Dijak argues with Ava.
Gacy should be in a padded cell! He’s a maniac! Ava says Dijak’s the one who threw the guy in a dumpster! Gacy says Dijak may be done with him, but he’s not done with Dijak! Wait, Gacy’s the one behind the camera?! Gacy attacks, security rushes in to stop these two and Ava says they cannot keep doing this! What will it take for Dijak and Gacy to put this to rest?
Gigi Dolin VS Jaida Parker w/ OTM!
Speaking of titles, of course both ladies want their shot at the top title. To get up the ranks, they’ll have to go through each other. Will Jaida from the block do as she promised and whoop dat ass? Or will Gigi make Jaida respect the former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion?
NXT returns as Jaida makes her entrance, Nima, Price & Scrypts following behind. The bell rings and the fans rally. The two tie up, Jaida waistlocks and SLAMS Gigi down. Jaida talks trash on Gigi but Gigi runs up, Jaida gets around to waistlock, but Gigi switches. Gigi headlocks, spins, and drop toeholds! Gigi floats to a facelock and she grinds Jaida down. Jaida fights up, wrenches out and WRINGS, but Gigi rolls through! Gigi rolls Jaida up, TWO! Jaida knees low, talks trash, and she has Gigi on the ropes. The ref counts, Jaida lets off, and fans duel. Jaida SLAPS Gigi, eggs her on, then whips. Gigi ducks ‘n’ dodges to then hook and arm-drag!
Jaida tumbles to ropes, Gigi runs up and HIP ATTACKS! Gigi keeps moving and she DROPKICKS! Jaida sputters but Gigi covers, TWO! Gugi stalks Jaida to a corner, but Jaida kicks a leg out. Jaida bumps Gigi off buckles, throws hands, then stomps away. Jaida lets off, eggs Gigi on, but Gigi fires off forearms! Jaida ROCKS and CHOPS Gigi, hen knees low. Jaida scoops Gigi to put her in ropes, then CHOPS! Jaida runs, goes up and up and HIP DROPS! Cover, TWO! Jaida scowls, and she drags Gigi up. Jaida suplexes but Gigi cradle counters! TWO, and Jaida runs up to knee low! Jaida runs, and hits a BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO!!
Gigi survives and Jaida grows frustrated. Jaida clamps on with a seated cobra twist but the fans rally as Gigi endures. Gigi fights up, throws body shots, but Jaida knees low. Jaida whips, runs in, but into a BOOT! Fans rally, Gigi goes to another corner and Jaida runs in, Gigi BOOTS Jaida, runs up, gets around and ROCKS Jaida with forearm after forearm! The fans fire up but is that Arianna Grace making her way out here? She’s pleading with Gigi and Jaida to stop fighting? Gigi dodges Jaida to SHOTGUN her down! Gigi then lines up the shot to LARIAT! And wrench, and ROUNDHOUSE! Gigi reels Jaida in but they both see Arianna.
Jaida avoids Gigi’s ripcord lariat to ROCK and CHOP Gigi! Gigi ROCKS Jaida, CHOPS her and fires off fast hands! Arianna keeps begging, Gigi blocks Jaida’s shot to kick a leg out! Kawada Kicks! Arianna gest on the apron, the ref says to get down, but Arianna stops Gigi from hitting Jaida with a haymaker! Gigi HEADBUTTS Arianna! But Jaida CLOBBERS Gigi! Jaida runs to SLIDING FOREARM!! Cover, Jaida wins!
Winner: Jaida Parker, by pinfall
Arianna didn’t want anyone fighting, and now she costs Gigi the fight! Jaida still gets the win, will she be the one primed for a title shot? Arianna says that NXT needs to come together, but does she even understand what this sport is about? Or will Gigi have to slap some sense into her?
Waves are rolling in.
And in the sand is written, “See you soon.” Does this mean the Soul Surfer is on her way back to NXT?
BREAKING NEWS for Roadblock!
Ava Raine wants the madness to end, so she is putting Dijak and Gacy in an ASYLUM MATCH!! The weaponized cage is making its return, will either man be walking away from this one?
NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Noam Dar w/ The Meta Four VS ??? w/ The No Quarter Catch Crew!
The Scottish Supernova has held onto this trophy through every trick in the book and then some, but he might’ve just run into a trick even he can’t get around! The Catch Clause is gonna keep everyone guessing until the moment of truth, will this be the moment Dar finally loses the Cup?
One thing Dar has to worry about is that Meta Four isn’t at full power. He only has Main Man Mensah in his corner after Roxie beat down Jakara. The introductions are made, and that reveals it’s DEMPSEY stepping up! The fans cheer, will Dar be ready for the Son of the Gentleman Villain?
The bell rings and round one begins. Dar and Dempsey circle, feel things out, and they tie up. Dempsey waistlocks, Dar wrenches to wristlock, but Dempsey rolls, wrenches, and wristlocks. Dar spins, slips through, wristlocks, and he wrangles Dempsey to the mat. Dar has a top wristlock but Dempsey fights up to his feet. Dempsey powers Dar to ropes, the ref counts, and Dempsey lets off fast. Dar and Dempsey dare each other to do something, and the two reset. They feel things out, Dar kicks, then bobs ‘n’ weaves to KICK again! Dar clinches but Dempsey turns that around to cravat! Dar throws knees to get free, but Dempsey gets around to whip him to a corner.
Dar goes up, under, and RAMS into Dempsey! But Dempsey cravats again! Dar snapmares free, but Dempsey ducks a kick! Dar spins around the wiastlock but Dempsey whips. Dar holds rpoes, table tops Dempsey, then steps over to roll Dempsey up! ONE!! Dempsey is up, he blocks a kick but Dar rolls free! Dar goes to rpoes, Dempsey is on him to whip but Dar reverses! But Dempsey catches Dar, spin and backslide, with bridge! DEMPSEY SCORES!!
Dar: 0; Dempsey: 1
With a minute and 13 to spare, Dempsey takes the crucial first point! The ref backs Dempsey off Dar, and Damon Kemp uses that to blindside Dar! Oro rushes in, seems NQCC is giving Meta Four more than just a taste of their own medicine! Oro drags Dar back towards their corner while Dempsey cools off. Oro says he saw the funny business, but is there anything he can do about it? Round two begins, Dempsey runs up to UPPERCUT! And GUT WRENCH PLEX! Then cover, TWO! Dar stays in this but Dempsey stays on him with a KNEE to the back! Dempsey clamps onto a top wristlock while NXT goes picture in picture.
Dar endures as Dempsey pulls on the arm. Dar moves around, gets to his feet, but Dempsey arm-drags him back down! Dempsey bends the fingers, but Dar scrapes Dempsey with a boot. Dempsey still holds onto the arm, drags Dar around, DOUBLE WRISTLOCK SUPLEX! Dar is back down but he kicks around, and even kicks Dempsey from below. Dempsey shifts to chicken wing the arm, an d he wants the crossface! Dar fights that off, but Dempsey pulls on the chicken wing. Dempsey whips, Dar reverses, and then runs in, but Dempsey ELBOWS him away! Dempsey goes up but Dar sweeps the legs!
Dempsey flounders, NQCC shouts at Dar but Dar goes after Dempsey with a KICK! And a KICK! And a feint to sweep the legs! Dar runs to SLIDING GAMANGIRI! Dar says pinkies out, and he then drags Dempsey back up. Dar goes up a corner, reels Dempsey in and ELBOWS him in the head! Dempsey staggers away, Dar pursues and goes up the corner again. Dar ELBOWS Dempsey over and over, the ref counts, but Dar ELBOWS Dempsey down! We’re under 45 seconds left in the round but Dar doesn’t seem to be in a rush. Dar clamps onto Dempsey, throws him down, then STOMPS an arm! Dar drags Dempsey back up, reels him in, but Dempsey fights the suplex.
NXT returns to single picture, Dar CLUBS away on Dempsey but now we’re in the last ten seconds! Dempsey suplexes Dar first! The two stand, they DOUBLE FOREARM, then time is up! They still wanna brawl!
Dar: 0; Dempsey: 1
Dempsey DECKS Dar, the ref reprimands, but Dar is dangerously close to where NQCC is standing. Dar gets away before any more cheap shots come in, and Dar refreshes. Dempsey is also good to go, and round three begins! the two rush in to fire off more forearms! The fans rally up as the brawl continues, and Dar UPPERCUTS! Dempsey UPPERCUTS! Dar UPPERCUTS, Dempsey UPPERCUTS, repeat! Dar swings again, but Dempsey catches him to a backslide! Dar rolls through, gets around, REAR NAKED CHOKE!! Dempsey powers out to roll back, ARMBAR!! Dar clasps hands but Dempsey breaks the grip!
Dar flails, uses his leg to get Dempsey’s leg in a grapevine, and he gets Dempsey on his stomach! Dar CLUBS away on Dempsey, then shifts into a TRIANGLE HOLD! Dempsey stays on his feet, smothers Dar, but Dar shifts to grapevine again! Dempsey fights off the kneebar to have an ANKLE LOCK! Dar endures and the fans are thunderous! Dar rolls to throw Dempsey away, then hobbles up. Dar avoids the lariat to roll Dempsey, schoolboy bridge! TWO and both men go to ropes. The fans rally, Dar storms up but Dempsey RAMS into him! Dempsey UPPERCUTS, reels Dar in to BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! Bridge then roll through, BUTTERFLY STRETCH!
Dar endures, Dempsey shifts to FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Dar endures, Dempsey shifts around, and he throws down elbows! We hit the final minute mark, but Dar rolls Dempsey to a cover! ONE and Dar is free! Dar bobs ‘n’ weaves to HAYMAKER! Pop-up into ARMBAR! Dempsey fights around, reaches out, ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Dar lets go and we’re at 30 seconds left. Dar storms up again to fire body shots. Dar ROCKS Dempsey, reels him in, but Dempsey wrenches out! Dar drops to grapevine! Final ten seconds, Dempsey hauls Dar up! GERMAN SUPLEX!! Dar staggers up, BACK ELBOW! But both men are down and that’s the round!
Dar: 0; Dempsey: 1
Dempsey may have been saved by the bell, if a knockout had occurred, he would’ve lost! Gulak gets Dempsey to the NQCC corner, still good to go for round four. Dar is waiting, the bell rings, and Dar runs up, FLYING ELBOW! EXPLODER! Dempsey staggers up into a BACK ELBOW! Dar ROUNDHOUSES, runs corner to corner, NOVA ROLLA!! Cover, Dar scores!!
Dar: 1; Dempsey: 1
The fourth round was the shortest, and we’re all tied up! Kemp helps Dempsey to the corner, and here comes the fifth! Dar runs up, Dempsey dodges! Dar still ROCKS Dempsey first, goes up and leaps, FLYING FOREARM! Cover, TWO!! Dempsey survives and the fans rally up. Dar drags Dempsey up to throw knees. Dempsey drops to his knees, but Myles distracts the ref! Oro YANKS Myles down, but Myles POSTS Oro! Dar ELBOWS Dempsey down, puts pinkies out, he wants to finish this! But now Kemp distracts! Dar DECKS Kemp, the ref reprimands, but Gulak helps Dempsey get up. Dar runs in, Gulak takes the DROPKICK!
Dempsey full nelsons Dar! DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, DEMPSEY WINS!!!
Winner: Charlie Dempsey, by pinfall (NEW NXT Heritage Cup Champion)
Just a minute into the fifth, with a lot of assists from his crew, Dempsey takes the Cup from Dar!! Was all this just karma for Dar’s past? Or did the Meta Four just get beat at their own game?
NXT Media catches up with Shawn Spears.
They ask him why he struck Ridge down with a chair to the back, and The Chair Man says, “I like Ridge Holland. But he’s been lying to himself for far too long. That jolt of pain that’s currently coursing through his body is only the truth. That’s why I struck Ridge. The truth can bring you to your knees. And that’s why Shawn Spears is now in NXT. See you next week at Roadblock.” Then Roxie storms out, and doesn’t even wanna talk to anyone. The Chair Man promises to bring out the truth through pain, will Ridge have some “truth” planned for Spears in return? And will Roxie ever be in a good mood in NXT again?
Ilja Dragunov is back in the ring!
The NXT Champion is ready, as is Ava Raine, a table, and a contract. Carmelo once again makes his entrance, with his private security, and fans boo. Melo waits for his security to step up to the apron before he joins Dragunov and Ava in the ring. Each man has their seat at opposite ends, and Melo says this is more like it. They’ve got the contract, the boss, and now they’re speaking the same language. But hey, don’t get too intimidated by the security guards. Melo had to bring them out here for his protection. But he thanks Ava for coming, let’s get this show on the road. Melo has been without his NXT Championship for far too long. Next week at Roadblock, it will be a sweet reunion.
Dragunov tells Melo that they’ve been around each other close to eight months now, and Dragunov used to be shocked by Melo’s blatant transparency. But now he realized, it’s just who Melo is! Melo’s willingness to discard anyone or anything juts for the NXT Championship. Melo says absolutely. And it’s crazy hearing this coming from Dragunov, the same man who said he’d take Melo’s soul. Hey, man, the only difference between them is Melo is just colder about how he does things. It’s true! And Melo is going to- be interrupted by The Don? The fans cheer as Tony D’Angelo leads Stacks & Rizzo on stage, then has them stay back.
Tony goes down the ramp and joins everyone else in the ring. Tony says, “Excuse me, gentlemen and lady, but if you’re talking about big business, I gotta be included in the conversation. So let’s talk about it.” Melo says no, this has nothing to do with Tony, okay? If Tony says one more word, Melo’s security will take him outta here, don’t try him. Tony tells Melo to listen. “You don’t have to be HIM or the NXT Champion to make things move around here. There’s only one Don.” Tony snaps his fingers and security drops away! Melo is shocked, and Ava lets Tony have her seat. Melo seethes and Dragunov is amused.
Tony says, “So where was I? Oh that’s right. I can’t be the only one that sees the NXT title picture has been dominated by this Melo-Ilja-Trick saga for the past eight months. But in my opinion, there’s only one man that can flip this on its head, and it’s The Don of NXT. Now I got respect, I even like Trick.” Melo says don’t do all this, Tony. Tony tells Melo to NOT speak while he is talkin. The fans fire up for that one! Ava tells Melo to let Tony finish. Tony says Melo has had a full year to talk about the NXT Championship, and tony has heard it all. Melo is this, Melo is that, whatever, who cares?
Now, Tony isn’t done. Mr. Dragunov dresses like a champion, is intense, maybe a little too dramatic for Tony. But he’ll talk to Dragunov harshly because he can handle it. This might make some people a little uncomfortable, so Melo should put his earmuffs on. Tony will show the world and talk to Dragunov face to face and say that Tony is the man who wants to take the title from Dragunov, NOT Melo. Tony has earned everything he ever got, and anyone who ever crossed him earned everything they deserved. Melo mockingly applauds that. Tony wants them both to listen. Melo is here demanding a title match, but Tony is here telling us that he will EARN the match for Stand & Deliver.
The fans cheer that and Dragunov tells Mr. D’Angelo, he piques Dragunov’s interest. This is a man willing to work for his position, that Dragunov can respect. Tony says Ava agrees if Dragunov agrees. Next week, Roadblock, Melo VS Tony and the winner gets an NXT Championship match at Stand & Deliver. The fans like that, and Ava says they did have a conversation, and she did have a contract drafted for this scenario, should Dragunov agree to it. However, if Dragunov still wants the match with Melo, they just need Melo to sign his part. Dragunov says that actually, he wants nothing more in life than to see Melo earn something for the first time in his life!
The fans cheer as Dragunov says Tony, you’ve got a deal! But please, Whoop Dat Melo! The fans cheer as Tony and Dragunov shake hands. Melo can’t believe Ava is standing by this! This coward of a champion! Fans boo but Melo says fine. Tony can’t beat Melo anyway! This is the NXT Championship! If they need someone to take out the trash or book keep for a washed up school, Tony’s the guy for that. But when it comes to that title, Melo is The Don! Tony stands up to get in Melo’s face, Melo shoves Tony and Tony knocks Dragunov over! And then Melo sucker punches Tony! BACK SUPLEX through the table!!
Fans boo as Melo demands the contract. Ava hands it over, Melo laughs and signs his part. Melo puts the contract down on Tony then picks up Dragunov’s title to drop it on him. Will nothing stop HIM from getting back to the top? Or will he fail to get through the Roadblock?
My Thoughts:
An awesome NXT here with it being half go-home to Roadblock next week and half building towards Stand & Deliver on WrestleMania Saturday. Great stuff from the NXT Championship story, with the promos bookending the night as Melo wants a title shot. But I did like the plot twist that Tony D’Angelo jumps into the story. Melo VS Tony in a #1 contender’s match will be great stuff, but with Melo standing tall after the brawl, I bet Tony wins because Trick Williams makes a return to screw Melo over. Then we can get Melo VS Trick in a non-title grudge match while Tony takes on Dragunov.
Great stuff going on in the tag division with Good Brothers getting a good win but then having several teams coming after them. But of course they’re after Bron & Corbin. I feel like Bron & Corbin are gonna make it through Chase U, but then they might lose to Good Brothers at Stand & Deliver, bringing the Wolf Dogs to an end so Bron can go full-time SmackDown. And then if Good Brothers have the belts, they can take on Chase U, LWO, Frazer & Axiom and other teams for the Spring.
Dijak VS Luca was awesome stuff, especially with Luca really bringing it to Dijak. Gacy showing up was good stuff, too, and the Asylum Match is going to be wild stuff. Good promo from Oba wanting a challenger, good on Jensen for stepping up, but you can bet Jensen gets thrown around and loses. I wonder if seeing Jensen get beat up by Oba makes Briggs step up and that’s the North American Championship match for Stand & Deliver. Stone helping Von win over King was good, but King standing tall makes me think we get an even bigger match for King VS Von in a rematch. Maybe a tables match because that’s Von’s thing?
Great stuff in the NXT Women’s Division that went back and forth between the different stories. Really good match from Kelani VS Kiana with Kiana winning thanks to Izzi, and good match from Roxie and Jakara with Roxie getting the win with the submission. Jacy, Jazmyn, Kiana & Izzi could end up making an all women’s faction since Jacy & Jazmyn are all leaning Heel, and then Thea and Fallon are the Faces coming out of this story. And Jaida beating Gigi was to feed this new thing with Arianna wanting world peace in pro-wrestling, fitting of Arianna being so hilariously annoying. And great teaser from Sol Ruca, hopefully her return gets her back on track.
Then Lyra and Tatum getting a tag title shot is a fun little thing, but I would think Asuka & Kairi retain. This has to still steer things towards Lyra VS Tatum, the break-up is coming, I can feel it. And speaking of returns to NXT, holy crap Shawn Spears is back! That was probably the top moment of the night, especially for that live audience. I did not think those cryptic messages were from him, and Ridge being his first target is an interesting one. Granted, Ridge interrupting Lyra & Tatum was interesting, too. Is this to play to Shawn Spears’ point that Ridge isn’t really a good guy at all? I mean, the fans are gonna cheer Spears over Ridge so might as well go with it.
And great Heritage Cup match out of Dar VS Dempsey. I did not think they were going to have this match happen so soon, like NQCC was gonna test the waters with Myles, but then very clever stuff having NQCC out Heel the Heels in Meta Four. Though maybe NXT wants to pivot Meta Four to Faces and NQCC is the team to do it, but I honestly really like that Dempsey won all the same. Dempsey was probably gonna be Heritage Cup Champion before this had NXT UK continued, and he is certainly worthy of the Cup, can’t wait to see how this story goes moving towards Stand & Deliver.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Time to defy the odds!
A tag team gauntlet and a Fatal 4 Way determine contenders that will challenge for NXT gold this Saturday at Stand & Deliver: Las Vegas!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- NXT North American Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way: Eddy Thorpe VS Lexis King VS Wes Lee VS Ethan Page; Ethan wins and will challenge Ricky Saints for the title at Stand & Deliver.
- NXT Women’s North American Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Tatum Paxley w/ Gigi Dolin VS Lola Vice; Lola wins and advances to Stand & Deliver.
- NXT Women’s North American Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: ???
- NXT Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Gauntlet: ??? wins and will challenge Fraxiom for the titles at Stand & Deliver.
PLAY BY PLAY
NXT North American Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way: Eddy Thorpe VS Lexis King VS Wes Lee VS Ethan Page!
The Absolute holds what many want, but only one gets their shot. Will the Alpha Wolf be one step closer to his “birthright?” Will the Drama King look to go for another crown? Will the Wes Side return to former glory? Or will it be All Ego that meets Saints in Sin City?
But speaking of Saints, Ricky makes his entrance after everyone else is already in the ring! The fans fire up as the champion decides to join commentary. The bell rings and Eddy kicks at Ethan but Ethan blocks, only for Lexis to DECK Ethan! Wes then rolls Eddy up, but Lexis shoves Wes away! Lexis basement SUPERKICKS Eddy! Wes and Lexis stare down, things speed up, and Lexis hurdles, but Wes leaps over. Wes dodges Lexis, but Lexis steps on Wes’s dropdown! The fans are torn, but Eddy is up. Lexis wants Eddy to calm down, but then Ethan is also up. Lexis tells them both to calm down, but now Wes is up.
Lexis finds himself surrounded, and Wes feeds Lexis to Eddy’s KICK, and Ethan’s HAYMAKER! Wes adds a HAYMAKER, then Eddy KIKS again! Ethan HAYMAKERS, Wes ENZIGIRIS, and Lexis wobbles. Eddy TOSSES Lexis, the fans fire up, but then Ethan DECKS Wes! Eddy ROCKS and KICKS, KICKS, and SOBATS on Ethan! Wes runs up, Eddy gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Wes tumbles to a corner, Eddy BOOTS Ethan! Eddy runs and BOOTS Wes! Lexis is back, but Eddy dodges to BUSAIKU KNEE! Cover, Ethan breaks it! Ethan ROCKS Eddy, but Wes ROCKS Ethan! Eddy spins Wes, but Wes BODY BLOWS!
Wes KICKS, KICKS, and ENZIGIRIS Eddy, to then DOUBLE STOMP him down! Wes runs to ELBOW Ethan in a corner, mule kick, and AX KICKS! Wes then runs at Lexis, but Lexis dodges! Lexis dodges Eddy so Eddy runs into Wes! Lexis dodges Ethan, Ethan runs into Wes & Eddy! Lexis then SUPERKICKS Ethan into them both! Lexis runs corner to corner, but everyone clears out! Lexis POSTS himself! Wes BOOTS Ethan, Eddy kicks Wes, then Eddy reels Wes in. Wes wrenches out, slips around, but Eddy elbows free. Eddy runs, Wes dodges, and Ethan holds the ropes down! Eddy tumbles up and out and to the floor!
Wes runs up, Ethan puts him on the apron, but Wes RAMS into Ethan! Eddy grabs at Wes, Wes kicks him away, but Ethan ROCKS Wes! Wes is stuck in the ropes, so Ethan hits a DRAPING CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO! Wes survives, Ethan drags Wes up, but then he sees Lexis climbing a corner. Ethan pushes Wes aside to ROCK Lexis! Ethan then climbs up to join Lexis, reels him in, but they both fire body shots! Lexis CLUBS Ethan, Eddy UPPERCUTS Lexis! Eddy climbs up to work with Ethan, but then Wes throws hands on the legs! Wes gets under all of this, and the fans fire up for the TOWER OF DOOM!!
All four men are down while the fans cheer on “NXT! NXT!” for making this the opener! Lexis flops out of the ring, Ethan and Eddy flounder, but Wes runs, SHOOTING STAR on Ethan! Cover, Eddy breaks it! The fans fire up as Wes and Eddy stand to trade forearms! Wes fires a body shot then a forearm, but Eddy fires a forearm, an UPPERCUT, and a KICK! Eddy snarls, but Ethan waistlocks! Eddy fires elbows to get free, but Wes BOOTS Eddy! Ethan DUMPS Eddy out, Wes DECKS Ethan! Wes builds speed and he DIVES into Lexis! Ethan let Lexis take that shot while he grabs Eddy. Eddy blocks the apron bump to elbow Ethan!
Eddy runs up, Ethan dodges, and Eddy almost hits Ricky! Ricky says watch it, but then Ethan SHOVES Eddy into Ricky! The fans go nuts, Ricky is pissed, and he THROWS Eddy aside to get at Ethan! The ref tries to stop this, but Ricky is too heated, so the ref EJECTS Ricky from ringside! The fans boo but Ethan just mockingly waves bye-bye. Ricky warns Ethan, the fans chant, “Ref, You Suck!” but NXT goes to break.
NXT returns and Lexis ROCKS Wes. Lexis reels Wes in, but Ethan BOOTS Lexis down! Ethan then scoops Wes to SLAM him onto Lexis! Ethan then THROWS Lexis into Eddy! Ethan drags Lexis up, but Lexis slips free of the Canadian Rack! Lexis grabs the arms, crosses them, then reels Ethan in, but Ethan trips Lexis up! Ethan turns Lexis over, BOSTON CRAB! The fans are torn as Lexis endures, and Lexis claws at the mat! Lexis crawls forward, but Ethan drags him back from the ropes! Wes runs up, Ethan ducks the lariat, but then Eddy YANKS Wes outta the ring! Eddy clamps onto Lexis with a CROSSFACE!!
Lexis endures double submissions, but then Wes STOPS Lexis from tapping!! The fans are thunderous, but Eddy is furious! Eddy lets go of Lexis to STOMP Wes down! Eddy then BOOTS Ethan down! Eddy goes up a corner as the fans duel, and Lexis UPPERCUTS Eddy! Lexis climbs, fires forearms on Eddy, and Eddy falls to the apron! Ethan CLUBS Lexis! Ethan has an Electric Chair, then he has Eddy in a facelock! But Wes goes up, up, and CANNONBALLS onto a DOOMSDAY DDT COMBO!! The fans are going nuts all over again while all four men are down! But then Ethan crawls to cover Eddy while Wes crawls to cover Lexis! Double covers, TWO!!
The fans fire up while Wes and Ethan grow frustrated. They stare down, then they throw hands! Wes fires a flurry, but Ethan ROCKS Wes with one! Wes PELES in return! Wes hurries to go up a corner! But Lexis SHOVES him down! Wes hits apron, Lexis climbs, SWANTON BOMB on Ethan! But Eddy is up top! He MACHO ELBOWS the cover apart! Eddy then drags Lexis up, but Wes rises! METEORA for Eddy!! Cover, Lexis YANKS Wes up! CORONATION!! But Ethan has Lexis! TWISTED GRIN!! Cover, ETHAN WINS!
Winner: Ethan Page, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT North American Championship)
Ethan smirks as he takes advantage of this golden opportunity. Ethan grabs a mic to say, “Well, I guess that makes me the man then, huh?” The fans are torn but Ethan says he is the #1 contender. Ethan knows he isn’t the guy Ricky wanted to win, and he has every right to believe that. Because everyone remembers their first. And the first championship in WWE for Ricky was ruined by Ethan Page! At Stand & Deliver, Ricky’s first title defense will also be ruined by- RICKY SPEARS ETHAN!! No more ringside ban, and the champ gets some payback! But will Las Vegas be absolute? Or will All Ego’s ego only expand exponentially this Saturday?
Jordynne Grace speaks.
“What you see today as The Juggernaut, multiple time TNA Knockouts Champion, this wasn’t how I started. I wasn’t scouted, I never had ‘star power,’ never really been a beauty queen. If it were possible to have negative aura, that is who I was. I was just a little girl wrestling in half-empty gyms, trying to find a place to fit in a world that didn’t seem built for me. I knew what people saw, or really rather what they didn’t see. But something I did have that not a lot of people in wrestling do, is self-awareness. So I finally stopped wishing that I had what I was supposed to have, and started building what I could become.
“I turned insecurity into intensity, doubt into discipline, and that was the day The Juggernaut was born. I fell in love with getting stronger. I became laser focused into building my body into an atomic bomb. Waking up at 3AM to train, jumping into a car to drive 8 hours to wrestle, hit another gym session after that, then sleep two hours and do it all over again the next day. And as hard as that was, I was obsessed with it. It was a way that I could stand out against all the other women. And to me, it was the only way. I wanted the WWE Universe to say, ‘Yeah, the WWE women are killing it, but have you seen Jordynne Grace over in TNA? That’s Jordynne Grace!?’
“I’ve put in the work so that no one could ignore me. I forced my way into the conversation and made people believe in The Juggernaut the way I believed in myself. Now, the biggest hurdle of my career is right in front of me this Saturday, when I have the opportunity to become NXT Women’s Champion. And just like I’ve been my entire career, I’m aware of exactly what I’m gonna have to do to leave Vegas with my first WWE championship.” Jordynne is ready, but will Grace survive in Sin City?
The NXT Women’s Division holds another watch party.
Sol Ruca asks Zaria who she thinks will take the last two spots in the Women’s North American Championship Ladder Match. Zaria isn’t sure, but it won’t matter when the outcome will be the same. Sol agrees there, because it’ll be one of them as the champ. Oh, really? Doesn’t Sol mean Zaria? Kelani Jordan hears this and takes offense. She thought #ZaRuca was fine. Uh, they are. New shirts and everything, thanks for asking. Well, it won’t be either of them, because Kelani’s going to be a TWO-TIME Women’s North American Champion. And she’ll show everyone why no one can do it like Lan- Izzi Dame interjects.
Izzi says good one, idiots. But y’know who Izzi misses these days? The old Kelani. She was way more likeable. Old Kelani, new Kelani, it won’t matter when Izzi’s the one on top of the ladder, holding the title, and bringing it home to The Culling. Keep dreaming, Izzi, it’ll never happen. Those two both head out, and Sol says it’s just like she said, either her or Zaria will walk out as champion. Zaria says sure, something like that. But to the point, who will get the remaining spots and fill out the six pack?
NXT Women’s North American Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Tatum Paxley w/ Gigi Dolin VS Lola Vice!
The weird girls are hungry for some gold, but so is the MMA Mamacita! Will Tatum take over? Or will there be a Vice in Sin City?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Tatum rolls Lola, TWO, and Tatum narrowly avoids the roundhouse! The fans rally as the two reset and tie up. Tatum waistlocks, Lola switches, and Lola SLAMS Tatum down. Lola holds on as Tatum fights around, and Gigi coaches Tatum up. Tatum pries free, backflips up and over to then Oklahoma Roll, TWO! Lola has Tatum in a modified CROSSFACE! Tatum endures, fights to stack Lola, TWO! Lola runs up but Tatum kicks her away. Tatum wrenches, UPPERCUTS, then CLUBS the arm. Tatum grinds Lola down, the fans duel, and Lola endures. Tatum hits a BRIDGING FUJIWARA!
The fans rally, Lola fights around and reels Tatum into a TRIANGLE HOLD! Tatum high stacks, TWO! Lola lets Tatum go, but then BODY BLOWS! Tatum drops to her knees, Lola clamps on with a headlock, and Lola hits a takeover. Tatum fights around, but Lola puts on the pressure. Tatum fights up, Lola thrashes, but Tatum powers up and out. Lola ducks ‘n’ dodges to then whip Tatum, and Lola catches Tatum to a SLEEPER! The fans rally, Tatum powers out fast, but then Lola hits a SPINEBUSTER! Tatum bails out, Lola rushes after her! Tatum crawls under the ring? Lola grabs at Tatum but Tatum kicks her away!
Tatum scurries under the ring, Gigi taunts Lola, but Lola tells Gigi she’s estupida. Lola goes looking for Tatum, but Tatum YANKS her into the ring frame! Tatum laughs, Gigi says that’s what Lola gets, and NXT goes picture in picture.
Tatum taunts Lola, brings her up and into the ring, then drags Lola up to KNEE the arm again and again! Tatum wrenches and WRINGS the arm, then JUMPING ELBOW DROPS! Cover, TWO! Tatum grabs Lola’s arm, stomps it, then twists the wrist! Lola endures, but Tatum SLAMS the arm off the mat! Tatum bends the fingers, mockingly high-fives the hand, but Lola kicks her away! Tatum comes back and wrenches again, but Lola wrenches and WRINGS it in return! Lola SOBATS Tatum, whips and KNEES her low, and Tatum is in the ropes. Lola goes to the apron to AX KICK Tatum down! Tatum flounders into the ring but Lola pursues.
Lola whips and KICKS Tatum, then drags her up to reel her in. Lola snap suplexes! That’s Una Amiga as Lola gets up, for Dos Amigas! Lola drags Tatum up again, gives some Latina Heat, and hits THREE AMIGAS! Cover, TWO! Tatum stays in this and Lola grows frustrated. Lola stalks Tatum to the ropes, stands her up, and whips her to KNEE- NO, Tatum rolls Lola up! TWO, and Lola KICKS Tatum back down! Lola drags Tatum around, then clamps on with a chinlock. Tatum endures, even as Lola thrashes her around. Tatum fights up, RAMS Lola into a corner, but Lola holds on! Tatum RAMS Lola into another corner, but Lola clamps on again!
Tatum pries at the hold, RAMS Lola into the corner again, and now she’s free. Only to run up into headscissors! Tatum brings Lola off the corner to POWERBOMB! NXT returns to single picture as both women rise. Tatum dodges a kick, and she CLOBBERS Lola! And CLOBBERS her again! And ENZIGIRIS! Tatum wrenches Lola for a NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up while Tatum runs corner to corner and CROSSBODIES Lola in the corner! Tatum whips corner to corner to CROSSBODY again! Tatum goes for a third, but Lola KNEES the crossbody down! The fans rally, Gigi coaches Tatum, but Lola AX KICKS again!
Lola fires LIGHTNING KICKS and she backs Tatum up into the corner! The fans fire up for Lola as she reminds us, “I’m a Latina~!” HIP ATTACK! Lola drags Tatum out of the corner, covers, TWO!! Tatum survives and the fans fire up! Lola drags Tatum up, lifts her up, but Tatum sunset flips! TWO, and Tatum hurries to a corner. Lola runs in, but Tatum dodges! Lola gets stuck in ropes, Tatum CROSSBODIES again! Tatum brings Lola around to hoist her up top, and the fans duel even harder! Tatum climbs, Lola fires body shots, and Lola shoves Tatum down! Tatum comes back to GAMANGIRI! Tatum then climbs up, brings Lola up, and SUPERPLEXES!
The fans fire up, Tatum crawls to the cover, TWO!! Lola survives, but Tatum doesn’t stop! She hooks Lola up, but Lola pops free! SLEEPER!! Lola drags Tatum down, but Tatum rolls back to a cover! TWO!! Lola lets go in time, but Tatum throat chops! Tatum goes up the ropes, springboards, but into a SUPERKICK! And then the BUENAS NOCHES BACKHAND!! Cover, Lola wins!
Winner: Lola Vice, by pinfall (advances to Stand & Deliver)
Lola got the knockout, and now she’s punched her ticket to Las Vegas! Will everything come up LV this Saturday?
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It’s a truly star-studded Raw!
Ahead of their WrestleMania 41 Night 1 Main Event, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, CM Punk & Paul Heyman are all here on Monday Night Raw!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Bayley w/ Lyra Valkyria VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; Bayley wins.
- Rey Mysterio w/ The LWO VS Julius Creed w/ Team American Made; Rey wins.
- AJ Styles VS Karrion Kross w/ Scarlett Bordeaux; Styles wins.
- PENTA VS Finn Balor; Finn wins, by disqualification.
PLAY BY PLAY
Gunther is here!
Sacramento boos Der Ring General as he storms to the ring. Michael Cole was going to interview the World Heavyweight Champion later tonight, but it seems Gunther wants to get to it. Gunther and Cole meet in the ring, Cole says two weeks ago, he left Jimmy Uso bloodied in this ring. That caused Jey Uso to march out here last week- Gunther cuts Cole off to says that last week, Jey walked out here, looked Gunther in the eyes, and claimed he’s not afraid anymore. The fans boo as Gunther says this week, he is here to look us all in the eyes to tell us that Jey Uso is full of crap! Cole understands the fans are upset, but speaking of that, it seems Gunther is also upset.
We saw last year at WrestleMania, when… The fans “YEET! YEET! YEET!” and Gunther says screw the questions! Screw Jey Uso! Screw everything Jey stands for! And screw everybody who stands with Jey! The fans boo more, and Gunther says ever since he stepped for in the WWE, he is the greatest gift this company has ever received! For 80% of his time in the WWE, he has been a champion! And now, he is the GREATEST World Heavyweight Champion of all time! The fans boo more, but Gunther says he refuses to let somebody like Jey Uso ruin that for him. The fans “YEET!” more and he says fine, do it as much as you want!
Gunther tells Jey to puff his chest out, walk into WrestleMania with the most confidence he’s ever had, because it won’t matter! In the end, the bell has to ring! And when that happens, Jey still can’t lace Gunther’s boots! Gunther will put Jey down for a FOURTRH time! These last two weeks, Gunther has been accused, told he went too far, that he lost control. Jey, trust one thing: In 37 years of LIFE, Gunther has never lost control! The fans chant “You Suck! You Suck!” Gunther says two weeks ago, when he took a bath in Jimmy’s blood, Gunther was in full control, and he LOVED it!
And Jey, go pray to the Lord, thank Him for how Gunther was in control, or else he would’ve drowned them both in Jimmy’s blood! Gunther looks forward to next week, calling his mother and telling her how much he enjoyed beating the living hell out of Jey, and is STILL World Heavyweight Champion! Gunther storms off, having done his part for tonight. Will nothing and no one stop Der Ring General from destroying Jey?
Bianca Belair speaks.
“I’ll be the first to admit that lately, I’ve been in my head. Everything that’s happened with Jade and Naomi, it really messed me up. And now, this whole situation with Iyo and Rhea has brought out a different version of me. But different isn’t wrong. My Road to WrestleMania has filled with nothing but blood, sweat and tears. Not no complaining, no whining, no excuses. No, just straight facts. I’ve been doing nothing but standing up for myself and speaking the truth, something that anybody would do. Something I would hope people are teaching their kids to do. And you don’t have to like the truth, but you can’t deny it.
“Just like I can’t deny now it’s a Triple Threat. Yeah, I’ve been through a lot. But I’m still the best. So I’ma use the bit of everything that I’ve been through to be the Bianca I know I can be. I’m the Bianca that won Elimination Chamber, I’m the Bianca that’s never been pinned at WrestleMania, and I’m the strongest, the fastest, the roughest, the toughest, the quickest, the greatest, the best Bianca that you have ever seen. So it doesn’t matter if it’s a Triple Threat, because there’s nothing that Rhea or Iyo can do to stop me from getting my flowers and walking out of WrestleMania as champion. Because you cannot spell WrestleMania without E S T.”
Bayley w/ Lyra Valkyria VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Role Model and the Morrigan ran the table on Friday Night SmackDown’s tag team gauntlet, and now they’re going to WrestleMania! Will they have even more momentum going into that WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match? Or will the leading ladies of Judgment Day refuse to give up the spotlight even now?
Raw returns and Bayley has made her entrance, Lyra by her side. The bell rings, the fans rally up, and Bayley circles with Liv. They approach, and Liv SLAPS Bayley! Liv laughs, but Bayley smirks. Liv apologizes, then runs away! Bayley chases Liv around the outside, but then they slip into the ring. Liv stomps away on Bayley, the fans are torn but the ref counts. Liv stops at 4, and Liv bumps Bayley off buckles. Liv stomps a mudhole, but again stops at 4. Liv then stomps another mudhole in, and shouts, “OKAAAY~!” as she lets off. The fans are torn, Liv stands Bayley up, but Bayley fires forearms! The fans fire up, Liv swings, but into a fireman’s carry!
Liv fights free, ducks ‘n’ dodges Bayley, but Bayley hits a THESZ PRESS! The fans fire up and Bayley hits a NECK SNAPPER, then a SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Bayley stomps Liv around, glares at Raquel, but Liv kicks from below. Bayley rains down fists on Liv, the fans rally behind her, and Bayley whips. Liv reverses, then avoids the up ‘n’ over to DROPKICK Bayley! Liv runs corner to corner, and BACK BODY BLOCKS! Liv rolls, but Bayley follows to LARIAT! The fans fire up again and Bayley looms over Liv. Bayley glares at Raquel, then bumps Liv off buckles. Bayley ELBOWS Liv, then ELBOWS her again.
Bayley brings Liv around, the fans cheer her on as she bumps Liv off buckles. The fans duel, Bayley brings Liv in and snap suplexes! Cover, TWO! Liv is tougher than that but Bayley stays on her. Bayley brings Liv over but Liv stops the buckle bump to give a buckle bump! Liv runs up, but Bayley ELBOWS her! Bayley goes up to FLYING ARM-DRAG! Then she gest around to SAIDO! Liv bails out, Raquel checks on her, but Bayley smiles. Bayley aims, builds speed, and DIVES, but into a forearm! Liv drags Bayley out to snap suplex to the floor! That’s just Una Amiga as Liv gets Bayley up again! Dos Amigas to the floor!
Liv drags Bayley up again, but Bayley stops that to wrench and KNEE low! Bayley RAMS Liv into steel steps! The fans fire up, Bayley runs up, but Liv dodges! Bayley hits steps, then Liv STMOPS Bayley’s hands! Liv drags Bayley up, THREE AMIGAS to the floor, from OFF the steps! Liv gives some Latina Heat while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Liv has Bayley in the ring. Liv grinds Bayley down with a chinlock but the fans rally up. Bayley fights to her feet, then JAWBREAKERS free! Liv staggers, comes back, but Bayley blocks to fire forearms! Bayley fires forearm after forearm, but Liv KICKS in return! Liv kicks again, but Bayley KNEES her down! Liv flounders, Bayley runs up, but Liv dodges! Bayley is sent into the buckles! The ref checks Bayley and she’s still in this, so Liv basement ENZIGIRIS! Cover, TWO! Bayley is tougher than that but Liv gives her cheap hammer fists. Bayley hits back but Liv stomps her down.
Liv goes up the corner, waits on Bayley to rise, and FLYING- NO, Bayley grabs Liv’s legs! Liv fights the turnover, pops Bayley into the sunset flip, TWO! Bayley runs up, Liv ducks the knee to roll her up, TWO! KNEE!! Liv flounders around again, Bayley runs in, SUNSET FLIP BUCKLE BOMB! The fans fire up as Bayley drags Liv to a cover, TWO! Liv stays in this but Lyra coaches Bayley. Raquel coaches Liv while Liv crawls away. The fans duel and Liv stands. Bayley grabs a leg but Liv kicks at her! Liv BOOTS Bayley away, but Bayley comes back and slides out! But Liv gets her for a CODE BREAKER! Bayley flops down, and Liv snarls as she rises up.
Liv aims and MISSILE DROPKICKS to the floor! A little double-edged given that landing, but Liv hurries to get Bayley up and into the ring. Liv crawls to the cover, TWO! Bayley survives and Lyra is relieved. Liv snarls again and waits on Bayley. Bayley goes to the ropes, Liv runs up, OBLIV- NO, Bayley puts her on the apron! Bayley ROCKS Liv, has her in the ropes, but Liv denies the hotshot! GAMANGIRI! Liv storms in, gets moving, she goes up, up, and FLYING- STUNNER! Bayley turns things around on Liv, and hits a BAYLEY2BELLY!! Bayley crawls to the cover, Raquel gives Liv the ROPEBREAK!
The fans boo, they all saw Raquel do it! Lyra goes after Raquel, Raquel fights her off and BOOTS her down! The fans boo, but Bayley DECKS Raquel, and hits the HOTSHOT in the ropes! The fans fire up but Liv hits Bayley with a BACKSTABBER!! And then OBLIV- NO, Lyra anchors Bayley’s feet! Bayley jackknife bridges, AND WINS!
Winner: Bayley, by pinfall
A huge bit of teamwork leads to a huge win over one-half of the tag champions! Liv is livid, will she and Raquel get their revenge at WrestleMania?
Paul Heyman waits backstage.
And like usual, he’s waiting on The Tribal Chief. Will Roman Reigns even bother with The Wise Man knowing he’ll be in CM Punk’s corner at WrestleMania?
Rhea Ripley speaks.
“Bianca, I can see right through you. You said you were just out there to watch, and then you said you were just out there to call it down the middle. But I can see your true intentions now: You thrive on playing with my emotions, winding me up like I’m some sort of toy to you so you can get what you want and make it seem like I’m the bad guy. The thing that you failed to understand is that when I lose something that I love, I wills top at nothing to get it back. And Iyo, I never had to give you a championship match. But watching you pout and moan, it really pulled on the heartstrings that I had left. So I pulled a page out of your book, and I got what I wanted, too.
“So Iyo, I advise you to cherish every single moment you have with the Women’s World Championship. And Bianca, I can’t wait to make you feel what it’s like when I’m the bad guy. Because at WrestleMania 41, I get back what belongs to me.”
Rey Mysterio w/ The LWO VS Julius Creed w/ Team American Made!
Before going up against the supposed greatest luchador of a generation, El Grande Americano, the King of Lucha will take on one of the Creed Brothers. But is this going to be far more than just a tune-up? Or will Rey speed-dial the 619 here in Sacramento?
Raw returns and American Made has made their entrance. The bell rings, Rey and Julius circle, then Rey waistlocks. Julius backs Rey into a corner, the ref counts, and Rey lets go. Julius elbows Rey down! The fans boo but Julius pushes Rey around. Julius wrenches Rey, wristlocks, but Rey endures. Julius uses a straight arm lever to lift Rey! Then he drops Rey, grinds the arm down, but Rey fires forearms! Rey uses the ropes to flip through, then he KICKS, KICKS, and KICKS! Julius wrenches, hammerlocks, but Rey reaches back! Rey jumps up, FLYING-MARE! Julius runs back up to CLOBBER Rey!
Julius talks trash, American Made soaks up the heat, and Julius whips Rey. Rey reverses, then blows past to tilt-o-whirl and RANA! The fans fire up as Julius tumbles to a corner! Rey fires up, but Julius comes back to CLOBBER him again! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Rey but Julius clamps on a chinlock. Rey endures, the fans rally up more, and Rey fights up. Rey throws body shots, runs, but Julius kitchen sink knees him down! Julius stands Rey up, whisp him to ropes, but Rey KICKS back! Rey dropkicks the legs and Julius ends up on ropes! Rey dials it up, but Julius dumps Rey out! Rey RAMS into Julius, ROCKS him, then climbs up!
The fans fire up, but Brutus distracts the ref! This lets Gable trip Rey up! The fans boo but Julius is right up top! So now Wilde distracts, and that lets Dragon Lee trip Julius! Turnabout is fair play, but now both teams are protesting! So the ref EJECTS everybody! Things will truly be 1v1, after the break!
Raw returns again and Julius has a neck wrench on Rey. Julius whips Rey hard to a corner, runs up, but Rey ELBOWS him! And BOOTS him! Rey goes up, up, but Julius Electric Chair Lifts! Rey fires hands, then spins to MYSTERIO RANA! Both men fall out of the ring pretty hard, but Rey gets back inside! Rey WRECKS Julius with a dropkick, the fans fire up, and Rey builds speed to SLIDING- NO, Julius stuffs Rey into a deadlift suplex! Julius marches with Rey, and then goes up the steel steps! Julius has Rey at the ropes, but Rey fights free! Julius BOOTS Rey back! Julius runs up, Rey moves, Julius POSTS himself!
The fans fire up while Julius flops into the ring. Rey hurries back up, climbs the corner, and FLYING RANAS! Julius ends up in a corner, Julius climbs up again, and he rains down fists! The fans count all the way to TEN! Rey fires up, the fans are with him, and Rey whips Julius corner to corner. Julius springs right up, goes over, but then Rey QUEBRADAS! But Julius catches him! Rey swings through to DDT! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up while both men are down! “This is Awesome!” as Rey rises, and he brings Julius around. Julius blocks the whip, shakes his head, and he whips Rey. Rey slides under, comes back, but Julius KNEES Rey down!
Julius brings down the straps, runs up, but Rey DUMPS Julius out tot he floor! Wait, El Grande Americano is here! Rey runs up, grabs him by his mask, but then Julius rolls Rey up! TWO!! Julius gets up, swings, but Rey shoves Julius into El Grande! Rey dropkicks Julius onto the ropes! Dial it up, 619!! Slingshot, DROP THE DIME! Cover, Rey wins!
Winner: Rey Mysterio, by pinfall
But then El Grande CLOBBERS Rey! The fans boo, the LWO returns, but Julius holds them off! Grande CLOBBERS Cruz, but Dragon Lee fires off forearms! Dragon Lee whips, but Grande FLYING HEADBUTTS! The fans boo, but now Grande goes up top! DIVING HEADBUTT onto Rey! “UH GRACIAS~!” That mask is definitely loaded like last week, but will Rey be able to overcome that tactic and win for the honor of true lucha libre?
The War Raiders speak.
Ivar says, “Xavier, Kofi, you run your mouths about how the New Day is the greatest tag team of all time.” Erik says, “The fact of the matter is, the War Raiders have blazed a path of world domination for more than a decade. We’ve won gold on multiple continents.” “And last week, we had you beat, dead to rights.” The New Day took the cowardly way out because they knew they couldn’t beat the Raiders. The New Day says this is about the titles, but it has gotten much more personal. Kofi & Woods took this to a whole new level. They didn’t come for these titles, they came for Erik’s neck! They tried to put Erik on the shelf! They tried to end his career!
So at WrestleMania, this won’t be a match! It’ll barely be a fight! This is WAR!
The New Day is backstage.
They’re busy playing the Clash of Clans WWE crossover game, not that they’re in it. But Jackie Redmond walks over to talk with them. The New Day says that is rude, they’re busy playing a game. This lack of respect is audacious. Jackie does apologize, but she brings up the War Raiders saying that this match at Mania is now a war. War? New Day’s been in war from how they’ve been treated this whole time! The whole time! But the warpath stops when they take back what belongs to them, and that’s their WWE World Tag Team Championships! The entire world will see that ya bois, the NEW DAY~, are the best team on the face of Planet Earth!
Last week was just a taste of what they’re willing to do to get those titles back. And after Mania, Erik will wish they took his head off so that he and Ivar wouldn’t have to catch the beating they’re getting this weekend. At WrestleMania, every irrelevant and immature member of the WWE Universe will have no choice but to drop to their knees and THANK GOD for the New Day! Woods & Kofi head out, but will they survive this WrestleMania weekend?
AJ Styles VS Karrion Kross w/ Scarlett Bordeaux!
Before taking on The Maverick, Logan Paul, at WrestleMania, the Phenomenal One is going to prove to Mr. & Mrs. Doomsday that this AJ Styles IS the AJ Styles that can get the job done! Does that mean Raw is going to be Too Sweet? Or will Kross be disappointed?
Raw returns as Kross makes his entrance, his femme fatale by his side. Kross is really taking this mirroring stuff to another level, wearing tights very similar to what Styles would wear. Kross still wants Styles to understand, Styles has to be like the Styles of the past in order to finally humble Logan Paul and save professional wrestling. Styles gets mad, but Kross shoves him! Styles RAMS Kross into the corner, RAMS him again and again, but lets off as the ref counts. Styles storms back up, whips corner to corner, but Kross reverses. Kross runs up, but Styles BOOTS him away. Kross comes back to BOOT Styles down!
The fans boo but Kross stomps Styles around. Kross talks trash, but Styles KICKS Kross! And CHOPS! Kross YANKS Styles into ropes, then CHOKES him! The ref counts, Kross says it doesn’t have to be this way, but he lets off as the ref pulls him back. Scarlett CLAWS at Styles’ face in the distraction! The fans boo but Kross stomps Styles. Kross drags Styles up, but Styles JAWBREAKERS back! Styles runs up, but into a SAIDO! The fans boo, Kross stalks Styles to a corner, then he stomps away. Kross whips corner to corner hard, and Styles clutches his ribs as he falls. Kross laughs at Styles’ pain, then stomps him more.
Kross drags Styles up, but Styles DRPOKICKS Kross down! The fans cheer, Kross bails out, and Styles slides to DROPKICK! Kross hits barriers, then Styles PLANCHAS! Kross moves, Styles lands safe on the apron, but Kross sweeps the legs! Kross then whips Styles hard into barriers! Styles almost falls onto that guy cosplaying the Prime bottle. Kross whips Styles hard into more barriers, and Styles falls into the timekeeper’s area! Scarlett kisses Kross’ hand while he soaks up heat, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns Kross has a chinlock. Styles fights up, fires body shots, but Kross KNEES low! Kross scoops and hits a BACKBREAKER! Kross scoops again, but Styles slips free! Styles goes for a leg but Kross stifles that and shoves Styles to a cover, TWO! Kross drags Styles up, reels him in, but Styles fights the bomb! Kross stops the rana, fireman’s carries, FINAL PRAYER! Cover, TWO!! Styles survives but Kross asks if Styles is sandbagging. Kross looms over Styles, the fans rally up, and Kross smirks as Styles rises. Kross swings, but Styles counter punches! And counter punches! And CHOPS, CHOPS, KICKS!
Styles KICKS Kross again, then whips. Kross hobbles then falls over, clutching his knee! The fans boo, thinking this is an act. Scarlett checks Kross as he clutches the ankle. Styles asks the ref about this, but then Kross sucker punches Styles! It WAS an act, and the fans boo that Kross got away with it! Kross shimmies and shuffles, then taunts Styles. Styles runs up to CLOBBER Kross! Styles fires off the PHENOMENAL BLITZ! SLIDING FOREARM! The fans fire up, Styles runs in at the corner to LARIAT Kross! Fireman’s carry, but Kross slips free! Kick and DDT! Kross vows to end it, and the fans boo as Kross throws off his elbow pad.
Styles rises as Kross winds the hands of time. KROSS- NO, Styles ducks the hammer and fireman’s carries! USHIGOROSHI! Kross hobbles, Styles runs up, but Kross puts him on the apron! Styles HOTSHOTS Kross, then DECKS him! The fans fire up, Kross rises, PHENOMENAL FOREARM! Cover, Styles wins!
Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall
Kross put Styles to the test, and that was definitely Styles acing that test! But then Logan Paul appears! Sacramento boos Logan as he walks out with mic in hand. Logan asks what’s up with the hostility. Chill, he’s here to congratulate Styles. No, seriously, good win! He did it! In front of Sacramento, “a bunch of people who weren’t cool enough to live in Los Angeles, or work smart enough to live in San Francisco.” But Styles showed these “generic California losers” why Styles VS Logan is gonna cook! But hey, why not show them why it’ll make money? Here is what Styles is up against. Please enjoy this piece of cinema.
Logan has his own hype video package, “I accomplish more in one weekend than you all will in your entire lives. I didn’t join the WWE to take part, I joined to take over.” Styles grabs a mic to say that’s a cute video, smartass. But let’s start Mania earlier! Get your ass to the ring right now! The fans fire up for that! Logan says okay, and he steps closer. But Kross runs up on Styles! Styles ROCKS Kross, ROCKS Logan, repeat! Styles DECKS Logan, ROCKS him again, btu Kross scoops! Styles slips free, REVERSE DDT! Styles snarls at Kross, but Logan is up! ONE LUCKY RIGHT!! Then the PAUL-VERIZER!! The Maverick is feeling so “humble,” but will he be humbled at Mania?
Paul Heyman is still waiting…
Will he be waiting all night at this rate?
Jey Uso is here!
The fans fire up as Main Event Jey pops right through the curtain to walk down the bleachers. Sacramento bounces for him and they “YEET!” along with the song, but Jey is once again very serious. Jey goes to the ground level, but then stands on the desk for everyone to see him. Jey grabs the mic while the bouncing continues, and the fans cheer as the song dies down. Jey takes a breath, fans “YEET! YEET! YEET!” and chant “One More Time! One More Time!” Jey says okay, and the song starts up again! The bouncing starts up again, and then Jey paces as he waits for the music to die down.
“Aight, check it. I said what I had to say to Gunther last week.” “YEET!” “But I really wanted to come out here and holler at y’all.” “YEET!” Jey says what up, Sac Town! Mama out here somewhere in the crowd. But everyone keeps on asking Jey, “Jey, where your mind at?” Is he crashing out? HELL YEAH he’s crashing out! But he’s locked in! Locked in for him! For his family! And for y’all! Check it out, though. Listen to Gunther out here talking. Y’know what that made Jey feel like? He mad. Nah nah nah… Gunther’s afraid! Yeah, Gunther’s afraid! Afraid that Jey will whoop that ass in front of 60 THOUSAND and the world! See you Saturday, Uce!
Jey says one time for the one time… Hey, Uce, please, PLEASE hit his music! UH UH, YEET!! The fans fire up as the bouncing starts up yet again! Jey has all the confidence, all the fire, all the momentum. But will he have it all when it’s all said and done in Las Vegas?
Backstage interview with Bron Breakker.
Cathy Kelley is with the Badass WWE Intercontinental Champion and brings up this Sunday, the Fatal 4 Way that stacks the odds against him. How is he handling what could be the biggest defense of his career? Bron says obviously, this is the biggest match of his career. And- JUDGMENT DAY ATTACKS! Finn Balor, Dominik Mysterio & Carlito mug Bron! They stomp him around, then THROW him onto a road case! They still rain down fists, and Finn says the dog’s bark is worse than his bite! They CHUCK Bron into more road cases! Adam Pearce and producers storm in and stop The Judgment Day, but will Bron be alright in just 6 days?
As for Finn, he has a match to get to! Will The Prince be ready for #CeroMiedo?
PENTA VS Finn Balor!
Raw returns and Finn makes his entrance, only for Penta to DROPKICK him off the apron! Penta then FLIES and takes Finn down! Penta strikes first since Finn did that to Bron, and the fans love it! Penta puts Finn in the ring, then storms in after him. The bell rings, the fans fire up as Penta runs up, but Finn puts him on the apron. Penta GAMANGIRIS, then goes up, up, and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Finn kicks Penta low, then brings Penta around. Penta WRINGS free, then traps that arm! But Finn trips Penta! Penta BOOTS Finn away, then pump handles! Finn pops free, dragon sleepers, but Penta drops to KICK from below!
Penta runs up to ENZIGIRI in the corner, then he headstands and SWINGING DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Finn stays in this, the fans cheer for “CERO! MIEDO!” Penta nods and storms up on Finn to KICK the leg out! Finn flounders, stands back up, but Penta KICKS the leg again! Penta stalks Finn, and KICKS Finn’s leg out again! The fans fire up while Finn flounders around more. Penta has Finn on the ropes, hushes the fans, and he CHOPS! Finn is stinging as he staggers away, and the fans fire up as they want even more of that! Penta whips, Finn reverses, but Penta sunset flips. Finn rolls through to basement DROPKICK! Cover, TWO!
Finn keeps Penta down with an ELBOW, then a chinlock. Finn grinds Penta down, Penta endures, and the fans rally. Penta fights up, but Finn yanks the mask! Finn has Penta down, and he soaks up the heat. Finn drags Penta, then jumps stomps! Finn soaks up more heat, jump stomps again, then argues with the ref. Finn taunts Sacramento, stomps Penta again and again and again! The ref counts, Finn stops, but he soaks up more heat. Finn goes back to Penta and says “Just Too Sweet!” They go to the apron, and Penta scoops! Finn slips free, and APRON EYE OF THE HURRICANE! Both men are down on the outside while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Finn has Penta up top! And then the very top! SUPER DUPER PLEX! Cover, TWO!! Penta stays in this and the fans fire up! Finn grows frustrated, but he clamps onto an arm for a FUJIWARA ARMBAR! The fans rally up, Penta fights to his feet, and Penta fires hands. Penta arm-drags free, then ducks ‘n ‘dodges, for a RANA! Finn flounders up, Penta LARIATS! And LARIATS! The fans fire up again as Penta then SUPERKICKS Finn! Finn wobbles, Penta whips, but Finn reverses, only for Penta to go up and over! BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Finn survives and Penta is frustrated, but the fans fire back up.
Penta stalks Finn, the fans sing, “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~! CERO~! MIEDO~!” Penta has Finn in the corner, he puts Finn up top, and then he CHOPS! Penta calls his shot and the fans cheer that. Penta climbs up and he goes to the very top! But Finn fires body shots! Penta hops down to the apron and CHOPS again! Then he jumps up to FLYING RANA! Finn staggers back up, Penta BOOTS him! Penta then runs to SLING-DOG! Penta keeps moving, but Finn SLINGBLADES! The fans rally, both men stand, and Finn aims from a corner! SHOT- NO, scoop and BACKBREAKER! Penta has the arm, traps it, and then pulls on the other! “CERO! MIEDO!” SACRIFICE!!
The fans fire up while Finn writhes! Penta stalks Finn, clamps onto him again, “This is Awesome!” as the PENTA- NO, Finn victory rolls the driver! TWO!! DOUBLE LARITS collide! Penta fires body shots, a SOBAT, a KICK, then a SUPERKICK! Finn flops down, but Penta goes to a corner. But then Carlito & Dom rush out here! Penta glares at them, they back off, but Finn rolls Penta up! TWO!! Penta escapes, Finn ducks ‘n’ dodges, SLINGBLADE! Finn aims, SHOTGUN! Penta hits buckles, then ends up in the drop zone, but HERE COMES BRON! You can’t keep a good dog down! Carlito fears for his life after last week…!
Carlito runs away, so Bron runs in and CLOBBERS Finn!! But that lets Finn win!
Winner: Finn Balor, by disqualification
Bron keeps beating up on Finn, so Dom runs in and TACKLES Bron! Carlito joins in now that they have the advantage! They mug Bron 2v1, but Bron fights back! Bron dodges, and he DOUBLE SPEARS!! Sacramento barks for Bron as he aims at Penta! Bron roars, runs up, but Penta KICKS first! And mule kicks! And SUPERKICKS! And then tilt-o-whirl RANA! Bron tumbles out of the ring and the fans fire up! Penta builds speed to go up, up, and SUPER CROSSBODY! Penta wipes out Bron, Dom & Carlito, but where’d Finn go? Finn is already up the ramp! The Prince got handed the win tonight, but will Penta take it all with his #CeroMiedo?
Iyo Sky speaks.
“This message is for Bianca Belair and Rhea Ripley. You keep forgetting that I’M the Women’s World Champion. You push me out of the way of your petty squabbles like I mean nothing. But I’m the whole reason you’re fighting in the first place, aren’t I? Because I have the one thing you both want: The Women’s World Championship! So, I’m done being ignored. I’m done being forgotten. Because you have to go through ME to get this title, and I’m not afraid to take you both on to defend it. I’ve beaten both of you before, and I’ll beat you again! At WrestleMania, you will never forget the name Iyo Sky, Women’s World Champion.”
Paul Heyman is still waiting, but CM Punk joins him!
Punk sits down with a coffee and says he’s never seen The Wise Man so stressed. Look in his eyes, what do you see? The Cult of Personality? No, a real friend. A friend who would never do anything to put Heyman in harm’s way. But then a car is pulling up. It’s ROMAN! Roman sees Punk and Heyman being buddy-buddy, and he storms off! Heyman tries to catch up to his Tribal Chief, but Roman won’t even look at him. Will this favor cause the break-up of Roman and Heyman?
Roman goes to the ring!
The fans cheer and put the ones up as The OTC makes his entrance, Wise Man trailing behind. What will happen with Roman, Heyman, Punk, and Seth Rollins, all in the building this close to WrestleMania? We find out, after the break.
Raw returns rather quickly, and Roman is now in the ring. He raises his finger up for the pyro and the fans cheer. Heyman has the mic while the fans chant “O T C! O T C!” Heyman tentatively holds it out for Roman, but Roman doesn’t take it! Roman gets a mic for himself, leaving Heyman a bit dismayed, but the cheering continues. Roman tells, “Sacramento…! ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” The fans cheer and put up the ones as they cheer on “O T C! O T C!” Roman says, “The whole world can feel that. The whole world can hear that you love and acknowledge your Tribal Chief. And now the whole world understands that you would never betray your Tribal Chief.
“But not everybody’s like you. Some people would betray me. Sacramento, you got any guesses on who that might be?” Obviously it’s Heyman that Roman is referring to, but Roman asks The Wise Man, “How could you betray me?” The fans tell Heyman he messed up. Roman says Heyman can’t hear that well, say it louder. The fans get louder with it, and Heyman is a bit surly about that. Heyman goes to talk, but he reconsiders. Roman still asks him why, and Heyman is at a loss for words. The fans boo, but some do chant for “C M PUNK! C M PUNK!” Roman smirks as Heyman finally says, “My Tribal Chief… It was not a betrayal. I paid back a favor that I owed.”
Roman doesn’t seem to like that answer, but he still smirks. Sacramento, maybe Roman’s a little confused here, but the way favors work is, you usually pay it back yourself, correct? The fans say yes. Roman says it feels the only one getting screwed here is him! And if there’s one thing about Roman Reigns, if there’s one thing about The Tribal Chief, it’s that he’d never ask for a favor. No, Roman takes what he wants! So Roman doesn’t owe a favor, because he never asked for any help, for anyone to join him at WarGames, so how is he supposed to cover the tab for Heyman’s dumbass favor? But now, “BURN IT DOWN!”
Seth Rollins makes his way out, and Roman is no longer in any good mood as the fans sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Rollins struts out in a leather vest and black pants that both have a lot of pockets. Rollins steps into the ring, grabs himself a mic, and the fans continue to sing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Rollins tells Sacramento, “Let’s give it up for Your Tribal Chief! Because after over a decade, you’re finally getting it, man! You’re finally putting the pieces together all by yourself! You’re almost there, you’re just missing one little piece, and it’s a real shame it’s too little, it’s too late, cuz I still gotta end you at WrestleMania.”
Rollins says it is for the same reason that it always has been: It’s the right thing to do! This Triple Threat at WrestleMania is the BIGGEST, most IMPORTANT one in the history of Mania, of the WWE, of professional wrestling! Because the winner of this match will define the future of this industry. And it can’t be Roman, it can’t be Punk. Because this business is filled with people like Roman, people who show up when it is convenient, expecting everyone else to do all the work. That’s how this business dies! Roman finally sees it can’t be Punk, either.
This business is filled with too many “little Punks” running around who wanna pick up their ball and go home when it gets tough, only to come back and leech off the profits of other people’s success, and that’s how this business dies! The fans chant for Punk but Rollins says okay, they want this business to die? Rollins doesn’t! If there are more people in this business like Rollins, who always sacrifices physical and mental well-being to do what is best for business, then the business not only lives, but it thrives! There can be only one, and it’s gotta be Rollins.
As for that one little piece that Roman hasn’t quite figured out… “Favors don’t happen by chance, Roman. Favors are a choice. I chose not to put Paul Heyman in the hospital last week, and now Paul Heyman can choose whether or not he pays that debt to me. But your Wise Man, he is dishonorable as they come, he is a scumbag, and I expect nothing from him.” The fans boo and Heyman frowns, but Rollins says Heyman is not in CM Punk’s corner by chance. Heyman has made a choice. It isn’t just a betrayal, Roman. What Roman needs to ask himself, what that final piece is, Heyman isn’t just returning a favor, he’s choosing. So why is Heyman choosing Punk over Roman?
Heyman tells Roman he’s not doing that, but Roman seems to be thinking Rollins has a point. Roman tells The Wise Man that Rollins is right, Heyman made his choice. But Roman has made his. LARIAT FOR ROLLINS! The fans fire up as Roman then POSTS Rollins! Rollins flops out of the ring, Heyman is very pleased, and he says he acknowledges his Tribal Chief! Roman nods, but then he PIE FACES Heyman!? Heyman is stunned, but here comes CM Punk! The fans fire up as Punk runs down to the ring, and he dodges Roman to fire hands! The fans fire up as they brawl, and then Punk LARIATS Roman up and out!
The fans are torn as Punk helps Heyman up. Heyman is distraught, but Roman is back! SPEAR for Punk!! Roman HAMMERS away on Punk! Roman shouts at Punk, HEADBUTTS him, but then Rollins returns! And with a chair! SMACK to the back of Roman Reigns, just like the night it all started! Sacramento is all fired up, and Rollins hits a CURB STOMP on Punk! And then CURB STOMP on Roman! Heyman is freaking out as both his guys are down! Rollins stares Heyman down, is Rollins’ favor going to come into play after all?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw, especially for the go-home to WrestleMania. Great promo from Gunther with how he “doesn’t wait” for the proper interview with Michael Cole, and very good response promo from Jey. Gunther definitely sounds a bit on edge, and considering he might lose two WrestleManias in a row as the start of his WrestleMania career, I suppose I would be, too. And very good promos from Bianca, Rhea & Iyo to hype up their match, though I can’t say that changes anything for the go-home math. Iyo stood tall last time, so there’s a chance Rhea or Bianca take the other out to get the win. Rhea and Bianca talking about who’s the bad guy in this, could we see Bianca go Heel?
Good promo from War Raiders and New Day, but unless they add a stipulation, I don’t necessarily see this being “a war” of a match. Well, maybe they can break something like ringside barriers. But I feel like New Day is going to win so that this Heel turn has actual results. Very good match from Bayley VS Liv, but Bayley winning here surely indicates Liv & Raquel retain. Rey VS Julius was really good, but the LWO and American Made all being ejected, that of course meant El Grande Americano would show up. Rey wins here, but then El Grande stands tall, so I would think Rey wins at Mania to expose Grande as Gable.
Very good match from Styles VS Kross, and naturally Styles won. That along with Logan & Kross getting the better of Styles after, this has to mean Styles wins at Mania. I don’t think it’s possible to get anything Bullet Club related, but WWE works with TNA pretty closely now so maybe they can use one of Styles’ themes from TNA to really bring us back to “the Styles that can beat Logan Paul.” Very good stuff with the Men’s Intercontinental Championship build, with Bron being jumped by Judgment Day, then Judgment Day trying to cost Penta, only for Bron to actually cost Penta and give Finn the win. Penta standing tall now sadly might cross him off, but I personally do think Dom pinning Finn or Finn pinning Dom is the better route going forward.
And of course, great stuff with the Punk-Rollins-Reigns story. Heyman finding himself stuck between Roman and Punk, with Roman starting to distance himself from Heyman, that’s also very good stuff going forward. Rollins stands tall again, so not sure if that means he takes the loss or is just not in the decision. No matter who wins, Heyman no longer being Roman’s manager is the best move. Roman needs to do things on his own again, and Heyman can reunite with Punk and perhaps help Punk towards a title. Punk did say that he’d be coming for THE WWE Championship at some point, Heyman by his side for that like 10 years ago would be something.
My Score: 8.8/10
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