Who will get what they want?

The Wyatt Sick6 want to end things with Solo Sikoa & MFT, and they will put the WWE Tag Team Championships on the line to do so!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• WWE United States Championship Open Challenge: Carmelo Hayes VS Ilja Dragunov; Melo wins and retains the title.
• Jade Cargill VS Chelsea Green w/ Alba Fyre & Jordynne Grace; Jade wins.
• WWE Tag Team Championships: Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis w/ The Wyatt Sick6 VS Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga w/ MFT; Solo & Tama win and becomes the new WWE Tag Team Champions.
• Nathan Frazer w/ Axiom VS Johnny Gargano w/ Candice LeRae; wins.
• WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship #1 Contenders Match: Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss VS Nia Jax & Lash Legend VS Giulia & Kiana James; win and will challenge for the titles.
• Damian Priest VS Trick Williams; wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Sami Zayn is here!

Montreal cheers their hometown hero as he makes his way out, and he high-fives the fans along the narrow aisleway. Sami goes to the ring, he grabs the mic, and the fans not only cheer for him, but they sing for him! “OLE~, OLE OLE OLE~! OLE, OLE~!” Sami nods, and in French, he welcomes the fans, and in English says, “Damn it feels good to be home!” Sami continues in French and English that momentum is a funny thing in the WWE. But he’ll be damned if he doesn’t feel he has all the momentum in the world right now! Saturday Night’s Main Event, Sami has the chance here in Montreal to become the #1 contender to- Trick Williams interrupts!

The fans boo as Trick makes his way out, mic already in hand. Trick has them cut his music, and he says one thing for sure, two things for certain, Sami Zayn and Trick Williams are NOT on the same level. Trick is Mr. 250, Sami is Mr. Too Many Chances. Trick is Mr. Streetwear, Sami’s Mr. Street Corner. The fans tell Trick off, but Trick says Sami is Mr. Almost, but Trick is Mr. Let’s Toast, cuz Trick Willy knows how to get the job done, let’s talk about it! Trick steps into the ring, and he says Sami’s problem is like he just said: Sami can’t get the job done. Which reminds Trick, the last time Sami had an opportunity at the title was right here in Montreal.

And Sami didn’t get the job done. That is the difference between them. Trick knows how to get the job done! He said it before, he’ll say it again, here in Sami’s city, Trick is going to become WWE Champion. The fans boo Trick and cheer on Sami, and Sami says a couple things Trick said are true, can’t argue with them. Sami did lose a WWE Championship match here in his city, a bitter pill to swallow. Sami had to swallow it, but yeah, it happened. And Trick is also right, he looks like a million bucks and might be a future champion. But one thing Trick said that he’s absolutely right about is that these two are NOT on the same level.

The fans cheer as Sami says to remember that when you step in the ring with Sami, you are dealing with the best of the best! Trick has all the potential in the world, but maybe he’ll reach it in five, ten, fifteen, IF he’s lucky, he’ll be HALF as good as Sami! Trick gets mad but Sami tells him that if Trick thinks he is wrong, do something about it. The fans cheer Sami while Trick looks around. Trick says, “No.” Trick has other things on his mind. He has his match with Damian Priest in the main event. This here, they take care of business tomorrow. And speaking of, Damian Priest makes his way out here!

The fans cheer as The Outlaw has a mic of his own and he joins Trick and Sami in the ring. Priest says, “Trick Willy! Y’know, last week, I told you you’re the guy that does a lot of this (talking). You’ve been on SmackDown what? A month now? And you’ve stepped to everybody and done this. I mean, you just did it to Sami! Last week, I came to your face and you didn’t say a word to me. So I have a theory. I believe you’re afraid of me. I believe you think if you say the wrong thing to me, I’ll drop your ass where you stand. You afraid, Trick? You afraid?” Trick stares Priest down and Priest dares him to say something.

But tell you what, Trick can always do something. The fans cheer as now Trick is stuck between two top stars. Trick says y’all need to mind your business while grown folks is talking! And secondly, Priest thinks Trick is scared? You think he doesn’t know what to say? You think he’s scared to pop off?! Watch this. Trick then SUCKER PUNCHES SAMI! The fans boo, then Trick tries Priest! Priest fires haymakers in return! Priest has Trick in the corner, but Sami gets in there, too! The fans cheer, but Priest backs Sami off. They argue, but Trick CLOBBERS them both! And then he runs for it!

The fans boo but Trick only has until later tonight to prepare for Priest. Will he survive Friday’s main event to make it Saturday Night’s Main Event? Or will he face the Punishment for his actions?

Randy Orton watches this backstage.

Cathy Kelley walks over to ask his take on the situation. He stayed back here to watch rather than get involved, is that strategy on his part? Orton says with all due respect, what in the Hell kind of question si that? 2026 is the Year of the Viper! He has every intention of taking world title gold for the 15th time in his career! And it starts tomorrow night, in the Bell Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, in a Fatal 4 Way at Saturday Night’s Main Event! Orton will beat Sami, he will beat Priest, and he will Whoop Dat Trick! Then he hops on a plane, flies halfway across the world to Saudi Arabia, and fight Drew McIntyre at the Royal Rumble for the World Heavyweight Championship!

Orton will then beat Drew the only way he knows how: With the three most dangerous letters in all of sports entertainment, R K O! The Apex Predator is all fired up, will he punch his golden ticket to Saudi Arabia?

Carmelo Hayes talks with Ilja Dragunov.

Melo asks Ilja if he’s alright after last week’s match with Sami. Ilja says he has had better. Melo says keep your head up, nothing to be ashamed off after that great match. The Open Challenge is Ilja’s if he wants it. Ilja says he just lost to Sami Zayn, his chance at the Undisputed WWE Championship is gone, and he is beat up and bruised. Does Melo think Ilja is so stupid as to compete in this condition for the US Championship? Melo says no, that’s a good point- Ilja pats Melo on the shoulder and says, “You know me so well. See you in the ring.” Well them, challenge accepted. The Miz walks in and says Melo and Ilja are boys now, huh?

This is what Miz can’t stand of this generation. “I look forward to wrestling you.” “Oh, it’s gonna be a great challenge!” Whatever happened to the times when people actually hated each other? Oh, like when Melo hated Miz? Miz says Melo is what the French call easy competition. And take some advice from the adult in the room: Don’t hand out opportunities. What’d Ilja ever give Melo? More of a chance Miz ever did. Melo leaves Miz speechless, but will he still leave with the title? Or will the Mad Russian Dragon make the most of this rematch?

WWE United States Championship Open Challenge: Carmelo Hayes VS Ilja Dragunov!

SmackDown returns as Ilja makes his entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if pain will entertain!

The bell rings and Melo dodges! Ilja blocks the First 48, but Melo avoids the stomp. Ilja blocks a boot, back suplexes, but Melo lands out. Melo CHOPS Ilja to the ropes, then CHOPS again. The fans rally and Melo CHIOPS again! Melo whips, Ilja reverses and HIGH ANGLE GERMAN SUPLEXES! Ilja holds on but Melo scuffs him with forearms. The fans rally but Ilja HEADBUTTS away on the back of Melo’s head. Melo still rises up, fires more elbows, but Ilja spins him to CHOP him down! Ilja clamps on with a REAR BEARHUG and squeezes tight. Melo fires elbows again, fights back to his feet, and pries at the grip.

The fans rally, Melo opens the waistlock, and he switches to shove Ilja. Ilja uses the ropes but Melo avoids the Constantine Special! Melo springboards, but Ilja dodges the Fade Away Jumper! Both men keep moving, DOUBLE LARIATS bring them both down! The fans fire up while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Ilja and Melo stir, rise up, and Ilja reels Melo in for a CHOP! Melo sits back, and Ilja BOOTS him down! Ilja fires up and storms around, but Melo CHOSP! Ilja CHOPS back! Ilja whips corner to corner hard, then runs in for a KNEE! Ilja goes side to side to BOOT Melo through the ropes! Ilja then goes out to the apron to bring Melo up, pushes him against the bar, and CLUBS him! Ilja steps in, brings Melo around, and suplexes for a BROKEN ARROW! Cover, TWO! Melo survives but Ilja clamps on with a CROSSFACE! Melo endures, fights around, gets his arm free, but Ilja keeps on the facelock. The fans rally as Melo fights to his feet.

Melo slips around, SAIDO! Ilja flounders away to a corner while Melo shakes out the bad leg. Melo stands, runs up, but into a BOOT! Ilja then brings Melo around to scoop and SLAM! And then SENTON! Cover, TWO! Melo is still in this, but Ilja hauls him up and reels him in. But Melo BACKDROPS free! Melo springboards, FADE AWAY JUMPER! Cover, TWO! Ilja survives but Melo stays focused, he knows how tough Ilja is. SmackDown returns to single picture as Melo checks his bad leg again. Ilja crawls but Melo is on him with forearms. Ilja UPPERCUTS back, but Melo ROCKS him! Ilja CHOPS! Melo ROCKS Ilja!

Ilja SLAPS Melo, Melo SLAPS back, and the fans rally. Ilja ducks a haymaker to waistlock, but Melo ELBOWS free! That got Ilja in the nose or maybe the bad eye. Melo storms up to Ilja again, but Ilja CHOPS, CHOPS CHOPS! The fans fire up as Ilja CHOPS, SPIN CHOPS, then CHOPS the leg! Ilja lines up a shot, BOOTS Melo down, then stomps him! Ilja stomps Melo again while the fans rally. Ilja drags Melo up, runs the ropes, and BOOTS him again! Melo rebounds to ROCK Ilja! Ilja jumps up to ENZIGIRI! Melo returns, LA MYSTICA! Cover, TWO! Ilja survives and Melo is a bit frustrated, but the fans continue to rally up.

“This is Awesome!” as both men rise. Melo has Ilja first, but Ilja fights the suplex! Ilja has the COBRA TWIST, and throws down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Melo fires elbows from below! Melo is free, then sidesteps Ilja, but the CONSTANTINE SPECIAL finds him! Cover, TWO! Melo survives and Ilja is stunned but the fans fire up again! Melo goes to a corner, Ilja goes to the other, and Ilja climbs! Ilja aims, and he goes COAST2COAST into the FIRST 48, BUT ILJA BLOCKS IT?! DEADLIFT POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Melo survives and the fans are fired up again while SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns again and Ilja SLAPS Melo up top! Melo wobbles on the top rope and Ilja climbs. The fans rally, and Melo SLAPS back! Ilja still climbs, CLUBS Melo’s neck, then CLUBS him again! Melo fires body shots, then he HEADBUTTS Ilja! Melo brings Ilja up, the fans like where this is going! But Ilja stops the Layup to CLUB away on Melo! Not quite Beats of the Bodhrain but just as nasty! Then Ilja DEADLIFT SUPERPLEXES!! The fans fire up again and even lose their minds over that one! Ilja and Melo both go to the apron, and Ilja says he knew this would be fun. Melo asks what’s wrong with him!

Both men stand, and Melo SLAPS! Ilja CHOPS! Melo SLAPS again, Ilja CHOPS again, repeat! The fans fire up as the shots go back and forth! Melo SLAPS, LARIATS, and LARIATS! Ilja CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Then Ilja fireman’s carries, but Melo fires elbows! and a SUPERKICK! Ilja wobbles, Melo reels him in, LAYUP on the apron! They both fall to the floor and the fans fire up again! The ring count is already 5 of 10 as both men rise. Melo puts Ilja in at 7, goes to the corner, and takes aim. But Ilja CHOPS Melo first! And SLAPS him! Ilja fires up, HEADBUTTS, and then climbs. Ilja RIDGE HANDS again and again!

Ilja fireman’s carries Melo off the corner, for a CORNER DEATH VALLEY! Cover, TWO! Melo survives and Ilja seethes but the fans rally up again. Ilja hobbles, goes to the apron, and now Ilja climbs! The fans fire up, but THE MIZ shoves Ilja down!! The fans boo but Melo has no idea! FIRST 48!! Cover, Melo wins!!

Winner: Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)

The Miz applauds more himself than he does H1M. Will the Hollywood A-Lister look to make an unwanted sequel with Melo? Or will it be a new story with him and the Mad Russian?

Michael Cole has a sit-down interview with Cody Rhodes.

Maggle welcomes Cody and they shake hands. Cole says he doesn’t want start out with bad memories, but he does have to bring up losing the Undisputed Championship. Cody says it won’t be about losing, it’ll be about regaining the title through the Royal Rumble. Winning it a third time is a nigh impossible feat, but Cody is focused. Cole apologizes, but let’s not overlook Saturday Night’s Main Event. Cody takes on the man who cost Cody that title against Drew McIntyre. What are Cody’s feelings towards Jacob Fatu? Cody says he respects Cole asking what he has to ask, and surely Cole already knows the answer.

Cody… is interrupted as Jacob storms in! Nick Aldis wants Jacob to exit, but Cody says no, it’s alright. We already know what tomorrow is, so Fatu can sit down, too. Cole steps aside for Fatu to sit across from Cody. Fatu says he’ll lay it out on the line for Cody: His concern was Drew McIntyre, who kicked Fatu’s teeth out. Fatu was locked in and full throttle on Drew and Drew alone. Fatu doesn’t give a damn how Cody feels or thinks about that. But then Cody had to be the hero, huh? Had to put his hands on Fatu and that got Fatu’s mind moving. It got the wheels turning. Fatu was thinking- Cody interrupts by saying Fatu was thinking, huh?

Because it sure didn’t seem like Fatu was thinking during Three Stages of Hell! It looked like acting. Cody won’t talk about someone kicking your teeth down your throat, Cody will talk about what everyone is thinking but no one has the balls to say. Fatu was acting, NOT thinking, and that is what got Fatu locked up in the first place. That’s what got Fatu put in prison in the first place! Fatu stands up, Aldis wants things to cool down, and Fatu says okay, we’re going there, huh? Listen, bruh, that ain’t nothing new nobody don’t already know about Fatu. Sixteen, locked down. Eighteen, locked down. Seven kids, no job, and one bedroom!

A month before Fatu got here, he didn’t even know if he had a job! He almost got fired before he got hired, but he ain’t complaining. The choices and mistakes Fatu made all made him a better man. That’s the man standing right here in front of Cody’s ass! Cody says that’s the problem! Fatu is standing across from Cody, but Cody is NOT WWE Champion, and that’s on Fatu. SNME, Montreal, Bell Centre, it SHOULD be for the WWE Championship! Oh, hold on, Cody was gonna make it a title match? NAH! The way Fatu seen it, Drew was already on his way out before Fatu got there. Oh, is that it? Fatu has it all figured out?

Which is completely crazy, because Fatu’s never BEEN in a title match! Fatu gets heated again and says that’s what Cody thinks this is? That Fatu’s just like every other Samoan he’s been against? They don’t make ’em like Fatu no more. Hell, they ain’t ever made ’em like him! Everyone thinks he’s a loose cannon? Unhinged? Outta control!? Nah, bruh. Trust Fatu, he IS in control. Think about that. Fatu leaves, will Samoan Werewolf soon tear the American Nightmare apart?

Chelsea Green & Alba Fyre run across Jordynne Grace.

The Hot Mess & Slaygent A say they’re so glad to see her. Chelsea wanted to take this time to be the bigger person, as per usual, and let Jordynne know that Jordynne is a star! And y’know what stars deserve? A platform to shine on! So that said, Chelsea offers Jordynne the “coveted position” of Slaygent in the Secret Her-vice! They can start her next week at the Royal Rumble to crown Chelsea the NEW WWE Women’s Champion! She could even start tonight! Chelsea is about to go out there and beat up that bully, Jade Cargill, and- Oh, here tonight? Yeah. Then say no more. After you. Chelsea tells Alba to get a suit ready for Jordynne. Sleeveless, of course.

Alba & Chelsea hurry away, but is Jordynne really pledging her allegiance? Or is she the one using Chelsea to get closer to The Storm?

Jade Cargill VS Chelsea Green w/ Alba Fyre & Jordynne Grace!

SmackDown returns and Jade makes her entrance. She stares Jordynne down, but Chelsea DIVES! Down goes Jade and the fans fire up! Chelsea puts Jade in the ring, commends Grace, and then fires off on Jade with the bell! Montreal cheers Chelsea, she whips, but Jade blocks and DECKS Chelsea! Jade then hoists Chelsea up with both hands, and THROWS her to the corner! Jade fires forearms and stomps, but she stops as the ref counts 4. Jade then whips Chelsea corner to corner hard, and she talks trash on Chelsea. Jade does pushups to show off, then she drags Chelsea up. Jade scoops to BACKBREAKER!

The fans rally for Chelsea as she crawls to ropes, but Jade brings her around to scoop and FALL AWAY SLAM! Kip up and Jade soaks up the heat. Alba coaches Chelsea but Jade is right on her again. Another scoop and another FALL AWAY SLAM! Jade kips up again, soaks up more heat, then goes to fetch Chelsea. Alba & Grace stay back while Jade puts Chelsea in the ring. Jade then teases Grace for wearing high heels. Jade steps into the ring, but Chelsea is up top! MISSILE DROPKICK! Direct hit and the fans fire up! Chelsea runs to DOUBLE KNEE Jade at the ropes! Then a SLAP and FLATLINER! Cover, ONE?!?

Chelsea is furious about the count but Jade is just that tough. Chelsea drags Jade up, chicken wings, but Jade powers out of the hold. But Chelsea avoids the boot to roll-up with the ropes! TWO!! Jade ROCKS Chelsea, then reels her in! Jade hauls Chelsea up for the POWERBOMB! Alba distracts Jade but Jade BOOTS her down! Then Jade chicken wings Chelsea for a JADED! Cover, Jade wins!

Winner: Jade Cargill, by pinfall

The Storm hit Montreal and knocked down Chelsea. But Grace gets the mic to ask, “What was the point of this? To prove you can wrestle, just as long as it’s not for the title? I talked to Nick Aldis, and I’m in the Women’s Royal Rumble. So after I win that, I’ll be seeing you on the other side.” Jade says la-di-da, but Grace says maybe, since Jade’s already warmed up… They could just do this here and now! The fans like the sound of that! Jade blows Grace a kiss as she says nope. The fans boo, but Jade does things when she wants. Will Grace earn her title shot at #ThatB1tch soon enough?

Alexa Bliss finishes watching this.

Charlotte Flair finds her and asks if she’s good for tonight. Alexa just seems a little distracted. OMG, Charlotte, they worked this out last week. They can go for other titles and still be the team. No, yeah, but the Royal Rumble is next week and Charlotte just wants to make sure they’re stronger than ever. But this will be great. And it’ll be hard to top last year’s Rumble. Charlotte knows, since she won that year and all. And Alexa also made her epic return, but mostly Charlotte won. And then there was WrestleMania… Well, look at it this way: If Charlotte had won at WrestleMania, they would never have become best friends, tag champs, or trying to get the titles back.

All true. So they worry about Rumble next week while tonight is about the team. They heart hands and head out, but will The Queen & Lil’ Miss Bliss be rolling on this Road to WrestleMania?

Solo Sikoa holds up the Wyatt lantern.

“The fireflies are here tonight, and they are in for a rude awakening. Bo, I promised these men behind me gold, and that’s exactly what I’m gonna do. And it starts with me and the Right Hand Man, Tama Tonga!” Tama says, “Yeyeyeye YEAH!” Solo says when he looks in the lantern, he sees himself winning the Royal Rumble. And when that happens, Solo will bring back the Undisputed WWE Championship to this family where it belongs! And as long as he has the lantern, there ain’t nothing that Bo, or he, can do about it! Will MFT soon run the WWE? Or will the family pay for the sins of Solo Sikoa?

WWE Tag Team Championships: Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis w/ The Wyatt Sick6 VS Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga w/ MFT!

SmackDown returns and MFT makes their entrance. Solo hands the lantern to Talla and has him return backstage, denying the Wyatts any chance of taking that back tonight. The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see which family wins this feud!

Gacy starts with Tama, the bell rings, and they fire hands! The fans rally but Tama HEADBUTTS and KNEES Gacy, to then scoop and SLAM! Solo talks trash then tags in so he can HEADBUTT Gacy! And HEADBUTT again! Solo stands Gacy up, whips him, and ELBOWS him down! Solo motions that he and Tama will have the belts, then he tags Tama back in. Tama BODY BLOWS Gacy, but Gacy fires fast hands in return! Tama headlocks, but Lumis tags in as Gacy powers up and out. They atomic drop then LARIAT Tama down, then Lumis SENTONS! Tama gets up in a huff, but Lumis slips around. Lumis waistlocks, Tama switches, but Lumis lands out of the back suplex!

Lumis slithers, then avoids Tama to DROPKICK him down! Lumis goes corner to corner, somersault and MONKEY FLIP! Tama goes flying and the fans fire up! Solo runs in, Lumis dodges, and Gacy GAMANGIRIS! Lumis DROPKICKS and Solo bails out! Gacy & Lumis coordinate, DOUBLE CANNONBALLS take out Solo & Tama! The fans fire up, Howdy says, “Yeah, Yeah, Yeah!” and SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Lumis drags Tama up, puts him in the ring, and stands him up to UPPERCUT! Tama goes to the ropes, Lumis CLUBS him, and whips him to ropes. Tama reverses, Lumis grabs ropes, and he BOOTS Tama! But Solo ENZIGIRIS Lumis! Tama LARIATS while the ref is busy with Gacy, but Solo says that’s how smart he and MFT are! Tama tags Solo and Solo HEADBUTTS Lumis down! Solo rains down fists at the ropes, the ref counts, and Solo CHOKES Lumis! The ref reprimands, Solo backs off, and Loa sucker punches Lumis! Solo drags Lumis up, taunts Howdy and Rowan, then winds up, only for Lumis to ROCK him first!

Lumis fires fists, runs the ropes, but Solo ELBOWS him down! Cover, TWO! Solo drags Lumis over, tags Tama, and Tama slingshots for the SENTON! Tama talks some trash, “YEYEYEYEYE!” then he stands Lumis up for body shots. Tama whips corner to corner, runs in and STINGER SPLASHES! Lumis staggers, Tama brings him around, and he tags Solo back in. They put Lumis in a corner, fire body shots, then Solo runs corner to corner to SPLASH! Lumis slumps down and Solo soaks up heat. Solo taunts Rowan, rains down fists, and SmackDown returns to single picture. Solo then goes corner to corner again, HIP ATTACK!

Solo stares down with Howdy, then he goes corner to corner again as the fans chant “One More Time!” HIP ATTACK misses as Lumis dodges! BIG back suplex! Both men are down and the fans rally up! Hot tags to Tama and Gacy! The fans rally up as Gacy dodges to fire off haymakers! Gacy whips, Tama reverses, but Gacy whips Tama away to BOOT! And then BLINDSIDE LARIAT! And deadlift for the BIG back suplex! Solo storms in, but Gacy BOOTS him and hits another BIG back suplex! Tama ROCKS Gacy, whips him to ropes, but Gacy enters the UPSIDE-DOWN! Tag to Lumis, and hit THE PLAGUE! Cover, Solo breaks it!

Gacy TOSSES Solo, Gacy builds speed, but Solo SMACKS him outta the air! But Lumis FLIES! Down goes Solo and the fans fire up! Lumis hurries up the corner, DIVING BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO! Tama survives, Loa distracts on the apron, but Rowan ROCKS JC Mateo and YANKS Loa down! Then he sends JC into Loa! And then a DOUBLE CROSSBODY! The fans fire up with Big Red, but Talla returns! Talla shows off the lantern while the fans boo. But Rowan storms over that way, only for JC & Loa to get at him! Rowan fights them off, but Talla BOOTS Rowan down! Talla then THROWS Rowan over the barriers!

The fans are torn, but Howdy stalks Talla! Talla holds up the lantern, but he turns around into a MANDIBLE CLAW!! Howdy chokes Talla, but Solo SAMOAN SPIKES Howdy! The fans boo as Solo again has the lantern! Tama CLOBBERS Lumis, CHOKES him on the ropes, but the ref backs him off. Solo CRACKS Lumis with the lantern!! The fans boo but Tama hits the CUTTHROAT ELBOW!! Cover, MFT WINS!

Winners: MFT, by pinfall (NEW WWE Tag Team Champions)

The fans can’t believe it, but Solo’s family just stole the titles! They have gold, they have the lantern, will they have the whole world in their hands?

Nick Aldis is on the phone.

The SmackDown General Manager also can’t believe it! NEW champions crowned in Montreal. But yes, send “him” in right away. R-Truth walks in! And Truth brings up the Royal Rumble. He’s here to put his balls on the line! He hands those lottery balls over to Aldis, Aldis sighs, but the real person Aldis was meeting with next walks in. It’s AJ Styles! The Phenomenal One asks if he was interrupting. Aldis says no, not at all. Truth, they can talk about this another time. Truth says he’ll sleep good tonight knowing his balls are in good hands. Truth leaves, Styles asks what that’s about, and Aldis says never mind that.

Aldis says he appreciates Styles is here, and he’ll get right to business. Aldis was watching Raw, and how Styles is putting his career on the line against Gunther. Aldis has to ask: Is Styles sure? Absolutely! Gunther says he “retired” John Cena. Fine, that’s the business. But the constant disrespect after the fact is what pisses Styles off. John Cena went out on his shield like a man. So if you think for one second that Styles is gonna let Gunther decide when his time is up, you’re wrong. But that must not be the real reason Aldis asked Styles to come to Montreal. Aldis says he respects Styles’ position, far be it for Aldis to question Styles’ decision.

But no, Styles is right, that’s not the only reason. In steps Shinsuke Nakamura! The King of Strong Style says Styles is smart and calculating, so why is he willing to lose it all to Gunther? Styles says if he doesn’t step to Gunther now, he’s already lost. That’s what this is about. Well, then before Styles steps into the ring with Gunther, prove you are still Phenomenal. Tomorrow night, one more time, Nakamura VS Styles. Styles looks to Aldis and asks if there’s room on the card. For this? Oh, there’s room. Styles and Nakamura shake on it, and the match is set! Will Styles and Nakamura steal the show now that they’ve got a match for Saturday Night’s Main Event?

Nathan Frazer w/ Axiom VS Johnny Gargano w/ Candice LeRae!

To get one step closer to taking back the stolen mask, the Jersey Island Rocket looks to soften up Johnny Wrestling for his amigo. But will things go Fraxiom’s way? Or will the Gargano Way prevail?

The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Frazer wrenches, then ELBOW BREAKERS! Gargano rolls, spins, and drop toeholds, to then float and facelock. Frazer fights up while the fans rally, but Gargano wrenches and wristlocks again. Frazer rolls, rolls, handsprings, and cartwheels to wrench and WRING Gargano out! Then arm-drag! Frazer has the armlock but Gargano fights up to arm-drag, only for Frazer to drag Gargano back down. The fans rally, Gargano fights up, and he pulls Frazer’s hair! The ref reprimands but Gargano ELBOWS Frazer in the corner. Gargano ROCKS Frazer, whips, but Frazer goes up and over!

Frazer speeds up, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then DROPKICKS Gargano down! The fans fire up while Frazer goes after Gargano in the corner. Frazer ROCKS Gargano, then CHOPS him! Frazer wrenches, whips corner to corner, and runs in, but into a BOOT! Gargano goes up but Frazer GAMANGIRIS! Frazer then goes up and up, but Gargano gets under! ALLEY-OOP onto the buckles! Frazer flounders to the apron, and Gargano BLASTS him down! The fans are torn but Gargano smirks while SmackDown goes to break.

So TNA must’ve let Kazarian model the last two shows after a Metallica song because holy hell do I have WHIPLASH. The Debut sucked on ice, Genesis was tremendous, I don’t even know what to expect this week. Will it be another pile of cow turd? Will it continue off the momentum of Genesis? Will it be something completely different leaving me bereft of words?

Time to find out.

Are @milanmiracle and @AriannaGraceWWE back on the same page?!#TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/vCG9AhKutL

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 23, 2026

Ratings:

• Cedric Alexander vs Moose w/Lish: Cedric wins via Double Legged Cradle – *** 1/2
• M by Elegance w/Elegance Brand vs Indi Hartwell: Indi wins via Roll-Up – ** 1/2
• FEAST or FIRED: Eric Young #1, Steve Maclin #2, Eddie Edwards #3, Trey Miguel #4 – ** 1/2
• Mustafa Ali w/Order 4 vs Jeff Hardy w/Matt Hardy: Jeff wins via Swanton Bomb – *** 1/4

Results:

Cedric Alexander vs Moose w/Lish

Collar and Elbow, into the corner, Chops around the world, Moose gets to feelin himself too much, wants 10 Count Punches or something, Cedric Snake Eyes him, Gamengiri…but Moose responds with a Dropkick and Cedric powders to the apron. Moose follows, Forearm Exchange on the apron, Cedric hits an STO on the apron, Moose is selling the back and has been moving stiffly during the start. Moose wants an Apron Bomb, Cedric shakes him, PK, into Dive to break the 10 count.

Cedric tries to feed Moose back into the ring but Moose turns it around and sends Cedric into the steps. Moose breaks the count, wants a Vertical Suplex but sells the back, a few chops and a Pump Kick from Moose as he tries to make his suplex easier, but Cedric plays the Uno Reverse and Suplexes Moose. Cedric climbs to the top, Frog Splash from Cedric for two. A couple of PKs to the back give Cedric another near fall, but Moose fights back, a few big chops, eats a Boot and Swinging Flatliner from Cedric, but Moose tries to fire. Cedric hits Moose and Moose does his Trucker Horn Pull signature taunt to try and get support to fire. Uranage into a Kip Up, Cedric tries to perch and reclaim momentum but Go To Hell, gives Moose a near fall.

Moose goes for a Spear in the corner, but misses and eats buckles, Michinoku Driver from Cedric, but only a two again! Strike Exchange again, both guys have crowd support, Moose goes for the Discus, but eats a straight forearm from Cedric. Cedric bounces off the ropes, eats a Big Boot, Spear from Moose gets countered into a Spanish Fly! Cedric goes up and Moose catches him with a Headbutt. Moose wants Lights Out again, Sunset, Single Leg, Moose stands, goes for the Jacknife, but Cedric pulls off the Body Scissors Double Legged Cradle for the flash victory again!

Mike Santana comes out, comes through the crowd in all his Latino DDP glory and comes out to cut a promo. 

.@AJStylesOrg passed the torch, handing @Santana_Proud the keys to lead TNA Wrestling into the @AMC_TV era. #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/MvpaXrKvxC

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 23, 2026

M by Elegance w/Elegance Brand vs Indi Hartwell

M retreats to the safety of Rope Break like she’s Toru Yano. M catches Indi’s foot, wants to step on her toe for the incredulous actions at Genesis, but misses the stomp and Indi steps on M’s foot again. M gets in a few dodges, but no offense as Indi is in control. Chops and repeated Stomps to the foot, Uppercuts and a kick on the apron. M dodges the Big Boot, and they stomp on the other foot. Personal Concierge even takes off his Shoes and they hammer her boots with shoes.

Commercial break will probably end when Indi is starting her comeback. Interesting note through the match, ASH keeps stopping the rampant cheating. She hinted at a face turn during the Genesis desk, so maybe she meant it. As we return, Indi is throwing Elbows to break out of M’s Headlock and then connects on a Spinebuster to stop the heel’s offense. Just like I said…classic 90s wrestling TV logic.

Hip Attack into Bulldog from Indi only gets a two count. M tries to counter the Hurts Dontit, but its a little over rotated. They repeat the spot, done better and it’s a Roll-Up into a reverse Roll-Up, and did Indi grab tights?

Elegance Brand attacks, ASH stops them, M shoves ASH. ASH stands her ground, Double Xias come out for to back up ASH. BUT IT WAS ALL A SCAM! ASH attacks Lei Ying Lee, hits a DDT and all the elegantos stand tall.

FEAST or FIRED

Trey Miguel and Rich Swann square off for the first possible briefcase scramble, AJ Francis cuts off Trey, so Swann and Trey work together to Powerbomb AJ. EY then appears to stop all of the attempts, he poses in the middle, eats 4 Superkicks and then gets wiped out by Eddie Edwards and Brian Myers. They do a cut away to the back, then we see Trey jump into a pile of idiots, Home Town Man does the same. The everyone stand there and get jumped on spot if moronic. Home Town then grabs a briefcase, but EY cuts him off before his feet hit the floor. Unmasks HTM to cause him to drop the briefcase, EY picks it up and officially has Briefcase #1. Great Hands try to work together, Maclin cuts them off, grabs Briefcase #2 and walks out. SDL stops Eddie Edwards, Mance grabs a few chairs and starts lighting up Eddie. Eddie fights back, Blue Thunder Bomb onto the chairs. AJ Francis hits the Down Payment into the apron on Rich Swann. Trey stops AJ, Ryan Nemeth cuts off Trey, then Trey hits a Spider Suplex when Ryan tries to shortcut over him. Trey Miguel grabs briefcase #4 and hits the floor with it. Brian Myers clears out everyone else, Eddie grabs case #3, throws it at AJ since he was missed and then Dropkicks into the Briefcase so AJ drops and flops it.

Elayna Black talks like Xanax feels. She talks like she’s bored even if she’s trying to punctuate things. She’s hot, sure…but she’s about as interesting as licking drywall. 

Mustafa Ali w/Order 4 vs Jeff Hardy w/Matt Hardy

The commercial break starts things, so we’ll actually see most if not all of the match. Go figure?

Jeff gets the best of Ali early, a little mat wrestling toying, and is just straight, out wrestling Ali. Jeff lets Ali gather himself and re-enter the ring, a small rope run, Jeff feigns a punch and Ali retreats and throws himself over the top rope. Tries to come back, Jeff raises the fist, Ali cowers, so Jeff Low Dropkicks the feet and Ali stomps around like a child on the outside.

Ali finally gets back in the ring, puts together a couple moves but eats a Lariat, Ali counters the Jawbreaker and dumps Jeff to the outside. Matt handles Great Hands, Agent Zero lands a Kick while Matt is jawing with Tasha. Oh…another commercial.

During the commercial, Great Hands struggled moving the bottom steps into position so Zero did it himself. They set up a spot, but Jeff counters and Twist of Hate onto the steps. Both men sell the toll the match has taken, count gets to 9 and they both slide in. Jeff hits his combo, Manhattan Drop, Leg Drop, Low Dropkick, near fall. Jeff tries another Twist, gets pushed off, Jeff wants Whisper, but Ali Dropkick says no. Ali charges and Jeff Leap Frog’s Ali into the buckle. Splash by Jeff, into a Twist of Hate but only for two!

Ali trips Jeff into the ropes, heads to the tag belts and wants to use one, Matt pulls the belt away and fights off the Great Hands. Zero attacks but Matt pushes him into the post. Ali tries the Rolling Neckbreaker but gets cause with a Twist! Swanton…missed! Ali positions Jeff, 450! Jeff kicks out! Elijah’s strum hits, and Ali gets distracted, Twist! Swanton is good! Jeff wins.

So the newest member of the Main Event Mafia…I mean…The System will be revealed today since JDC retired at Genesis. Bear Bronson gets introduced as the new member, and the connection is because Brian Myers trained him. Eddie, Bronson and Myers attack Dango and Moose! Cedric comes down to clear the ring but then hits Moose with a chair. The old…Quadruple Turn. Eddie, Cedric, Myers and Bronson are the new heel system. 

Overall Score: 7.25/10

The show breezed by, there were decent matches and we got to see a fair amount of them instead of an avalanche of promos, video packages and ill-timed commercials ruining matches. The System also never felt right as a Face Faction. So leave it to Eddie to put the Japanese flair on the Faction Reboot. I like this new look System, makes more sense how its built. Moose also had the huge hero moment at Genesis, so keeping him babyface and having them kick him out was very correct. Moose is hopefully going to be line for a title run, be it X or World, if he keeps up this babyface momentum, he’s got something in the bag.

ASH pulling the double swerve with faking a face turn just to show she’s cleared for action. At this point, I hope we never know why she was truly out and it’s just a giant scam because she didn’t want the bad optics of losing a title match. Feast or Fired feels like Maclin is getting fired…and that’s gonna suck. TNA has to stop building newer guys who aren’t known from WWE, and then just losing them to bigger dollar signs. Josh Alexander, Ethan Page, Mike Bailey, Ace Austin, The Rascalz…pay these damn people to stick around and build your brand with consistency.

But that’s theory crafting, and we have to wait til next week to see if I rant. This week…was surprisingly really good.