Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (6/21/24)
It’s CLOBBERIN’ TIME!
CM Punk returns home!
SmackDown is in Chicago, and no way was CM Punk going to miss this! It’s a special homecoming, but will someone try and ruin the fun?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifier Triple Threat: Bianca Belair VS Chelsea Green VS Mia Yim; Chelsea wins and advances to MITB Toronto.
- Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifier Triple Threat: Randy Orton VS Tama Tonga VS Carmelo Hayes; Melo wins and advances to MITB Toronto.
- Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifier Triple Threat: Kevin Owens VS Andrade VS Grayson Waller; Andrade wins and advances to MITB Toronto.
- Cody Rhodes VS Solo Sikoa w/ Paul Heyman; Cody wins, by disqualification.
PLAY BY PLAY
CM Punk is here!
SmackDown is in Chicago, so where else would he be? The fans fire up as they get to high-five their Second City Saint, and even join in on “IT’S CLOBBERING TIME!” Punk even waves a fan’s Chicago flag before going to the ring. Punk jumps in, but then sits down cross-legged in the middle of the ring as he revels in the chants and cheering. Punk says, “Live television on Fox, I gotta start off by saying, is it great to be alive in Chicago on a Friday night or what?” The fans fire up and Punk says live TV is pressure. Every time he comes out, and he is grateful to be graced by these fans, is pressure.
Speaking in front of his home town is pressure. Promising to do his best and walk away a champion in front of his people is pressure! And y’all might think he’s a little bit crazy, but even to this day, right before hearing the static and hearing Living Color, he wonders… Can he handle the pressure? Here’s a date, you let him know if you were there. July 17, 2011! Punk promised himself and he promised everyone in Chicago that he’d walk out of here THE WWE Champion. That was pressure! He could’ve slipped on a banana peel, fell on his face, and made an embarrassment of himself and the city of Chicago. Did he? “No!” Did he? “NO!”
One more time, did he embarrass Chicago? “NO!!” Then you see where this is going, right? Punk was told he was gonna get jumped in Glasgow. That they needed to hire extra security, because if Punk showed up, messed with the title match, they’d have his head on a pike. Did he ruin everyone’s day? Not for Chicago. And Punk says he’d hate to kick a man while he’s down but this is a bit of revenge. For weeks and months, Drew McIntyre kicked Punk while he was down. And Punk keeps the promises he makes, because McIntyre wasn’t just kicking Punk, he was kicking Chicago.
You can do three things in that situation: You can stay down, but that’s not an option; you can get back up and turn the other cheek, but for Chicago, that’s not an option; Punk did things the Chicago way, if they send him to the hospital, he sends them to the morgue! Punk wasn’t gonna kill a man, but he was gonna kill a career. Punk planned on burying McIntyre’s career six feet under! He just didn’t think it’d be this easy. Because if you haven’t seen it by now, McIntyre has quit! McIntyre couldn’t take the pressure! McIntyre “prayed” for bad things to happen to Punk, so Punk preyed on him to make things happen.
Punk looked forward to making more things happen, but McIntyre has taken his ball and gone home. “Ladies and gentlemen…” The fans are torn seeing The Wise Man make his way out here! Heyman continues his introduction, and he is NOT out here in disrespect to Punk. Of all people, Heyman would never do that. Heyman just got here, is running late, and if you can’t tell, it is hot as balls outside! And when CM Punk opens a show, it gets hot as balls in the Allstate Arena, too. That man right there sat next to Heyman’s children when he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, despite being the Wise Man for The Tribal Chief, Roman… Reigns.
Heyman told the world that Punk is his best friend. Heyman meant it then, means it now, and has come in an urgent situation. Heyman asks for permission to step into the ring, but Chicago chants, “We Want Roman!” Punk says there’s one person in this world that can hijack Punk and get the fans to cheer for Roman, and it’s Heyman. Is he okay? He doesn’t look too good. The fans chant for Punk, and Heyman brings Punk in for a hug! The fans cheer, and Heyman seems rather emotional but also a bit relieved. Heyman apologizes, he just needed that.
Heyman is here because driving in on the radio, they were listening to the radio, and it said that Chicago is CM Punk’s town. The fans cheer, but Heyman says that pissed off Solo Sikoa. The fans boo that, but Heyman says Solo, now that he’s The Head of the Table, wants every town to be HIS town. And well… Heyman is doing Punk a favor while asking for a favor in return. Heyman’s favor is that any day now, Punk will get medically cleared. Anyone that steps in the ring with Punk will learn they step to the Best in the World. And if Punk doesn’t get outta here right now, The Bloodline’s coming for him.
That won’t do any good, because you can see the extra security here, and there’s already some in the back. That’s for the Wyatts given what we saw on Raw, but not for a bunch of rogue Polynesians who are taking this way outta proportion. So Heyman’s favor is to say with love and respect, against Punk’s own instincts, he has to please just get outta here. The fans boo, then they chant for Punk. Punk asks if Heyman is serious. Punk is to leave because Solo and his Tongans are gonna try and jump him in Chicago? The fans get really rowdy now, but then here comes The Bloodline! Solo, Tama Tonga & Tonga Loa stand on stage, and Solo has a mic.
The fans boo as Solo calls out Punk. If Punk wants to be on SmackDown, Solo’s show, then he’s got two options. One: Pay your respect to The Bloodline. Two: The Bloodline makes sure Punk never, ever gets cleared to wrestle again. The fans boo but Solo asks which one Punk wants. Chicago’s got Punk’s back but Heyman is worried. Punk tells Heyman, “What’s the favor you wanted to ask of me if I do you this favor?” Heyman hesitantly says for Punk to take him with Punk. Fans chant “YES! YES! YES”! but Punk wants everyone to hold on. Punk tells Solo, “I acknowledge… the fact that I don’t see the Bloodline standing in front of me. I see a bunch of fake ass Usos!”
The fans go nuts and Punk says Solo is a phony cosplaying Tribal Chief! Solo, Tama & Loa storm up to the ring but Punk stands his ground. The Bloodline steps in, but here’s Cody Rhodes! And he has baseball bats!! The fans fire up as The American Nightmare lets Punk have one, and the two get The Bloodline to back down! The fans go nuts for Cody, and Cody tells Solo, “You fashion yourself the Head of the Table, right? I’ve already beaten one Head of the Table. So why don’t you leave your family backstage, Kevin and Randy won’t accompany me, and we settle this here, we settle this TONIGHT!” The fans love it!
Solo says challenge accepted! Solo will go solo against the WWE Champion, but will he have a Samoan Spike with Cody’s name on it?
Bianca Belair is at gorilla position.
The EST is getting ready, and Jade Cargill walks over. Jade knows tonight is about qualifying for Money in the Bank, and she won’t be a distraction, but after, she’s gonna go talk with Nick Aldis about a rematch for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships. Bianca hears that, but she will focus on her match, same as Jade will on hers. A rematch is a good idea since they weren’t even pinned. But they gotta handle business, go qualify for MITB, and then they get the tag titles. Jade loves it. Bianca heads out, but will the StrongEST, the FastEST, the RoughEST, the ToughEST lose another Triple Threat?
Randy Orton & Kevin Owens find Cody Rhodes backstage.
The Viper & Prizefighter check in on Cody. With everything going on, does Cody really wanna face Solo alone tonight? Cody says it is something he has to do. Randy and Kevin have qualifiers, Solo isn’t ready, Cody’s got this. He asks they trust him, and Randy fist bumps. Kevin says he still doesn’t like this. He gets wanting to do it on their own, but The Bloodline always has a plan. Cody knows, Kevin is probably right about this, but Cody’s got a plan of his own. Cody wishes Kevin luck then heads out, but will Cody be the one not ready for this fight?
Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifier Triple Threat: Bianca Belair VS Chelsea Green VS Mia Yim!
SmackDown returns and everyone is in the ring. The bell rings, The Hot Mess ROCKS Bianca, but Michin rolls her up! TWO, an Chelsea ROCKS Mia! Bianca spins Chelsea around to ROCK her, Mia add son, and Chelsea is a pinball! The fans fire up as Chelsea falls over! Mia and Bianca then circle, tie up, and Bayley is watching backstage. Mia headlocks, Bianca powers up and out, then runs Mia over! The fans cheer as Bianca flexes, and Bianca runs, only for Mia to drop down. Chelsea is back to ROCK Bianca! Mia POUNCES Chelsea! Bianca rolls Mia up! TWO, then Mia gets around and redirects. Bianca avoids the dropkick and wags her finger.
Bianca handsprings but Chelsea trips her up! Chelsea TOSSES Bianca, avoids Mia’s dropkick, then ROCKS Mia! Chelsea brings Bianca up, but she ducks the forearm and Bianca DECKS Mia! Bianca still ROCKS Chelsea, but then Mia ROCKS Bianca! The forearms fly, but Chelsea DIVES! Direct hit and down go both Bianca and Mia! The fans fire up as Chelsea laughs at her opponents, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns again and Chelsea goes up. Bianca CLUBS her, Mia slides back in, and while Bianca climbs up behind Chelsea, Mia climbs up behind Bianca! DOUBLE SUPER BACK SUPLEX!! The fans are thunderous as all three women are down! Bayley is still watching closely as the three stir. Mia and Bianca brawl with foraerms, theN Mia CHOPS! Bianca fires a forearm, Mia fires a flurry! Bianca shove sMia, ducks a roundhouse then rolls Mia up, TWO! Mia runs up, ducks ‘n’ dodges then RAN- NO, Bianca stops that to get Mia up! Mia fights with fists, sunset flips, TWO! Bianca swings, but into a wrench and SOLE FOOD!
Bianca falls out of the ring, Chelsea rolls Mia up! TWO!! Mia escapes, wrenches, and- NO, Chelsea won’t Eat Da Feet! Chelsea hooks arms, Mia powers out, but Chelsea SLAPS! Mia HEADBUTTS! Mia reels Chelsea in, hoists her up, and hits a STYLES CLASH! Cover, BIANCA BREAKS IT! The fans are fired up again as this phenomenal match continues! Mia drags Bianca up, SOBATS, then waistlocks. Bianca pries free to switch and GERMAN SUPLEX! Mia flounders around, Bianca torture racks! KISS OF DEATH!! Cover, but Chelsea TOSSES Bianca out! Chelsea snipes the cover, and WINS!!
Winner: Chelsea Green, by pinfall (advances to Money in the Bank)
Chicago is all fired up while Bianca is stunned! The Hot Mess is going to Toronto, but will she bring down that briefcase to become Ms. Money in the Bank?
Bayley can’t help but laugh. Of course it ends up like that. But Blair Davenport walks in because she wants Bayley to tell Naomi that Blair is so looking forward to beating her in their qualifier next week. And when Blair becomes Ms. MITB, she is really looking forward to cashing in on Bayley. Blair heads out, but will Bayley beware?
The Bloodline returns to their suite.
Solo glares at Heyman, and asks if Heyman wants to leave. Heyman says no. Well, before he leaves with CM Punk, Heyman needs to tell the Tongans that they need to make sure Randy and Kevin don’t make it outta here. Solo wants Heyman to tell them? Solo says when he tells Heyman to do something, Heyman better go do it. Heyman says he’ll go take care of it, but Solo adds that when Heyman comes back, the two of them… are gonna have a talk. Solo pats Heyman on the chest, and Heyman heads out. Tama’s up first, will Heyman make sure the orders are issued?
Backstage interview with Grayson Waller.
Kayla Braxton is with one half of the WWE Tag Team Champions, and she imagines Waller is having a hard time focusing since Austin Theory is at home recovering. Waller says yeah, shoutout to his boy, he is thinking of Theory tonight. That’s why Waller is gonna win his qualifier tonight, go on to MITB and win the briefcase, all for Austin! But then DIY walks over, and Johnny Gargano says Waller doesn’t actually care for Austin. He only cares about himself! Tommaso Ciampa thinks Ciampa sacrificed his “best friend” Theory last week, all so- WHOA, okay, who or what is banging on the garage door?
Waller backs up, blaming DIY for Theory being stuck at home, and then the garage door lifts to reveal… CM PUNK IS DOWN! DREW MCINTYRE IS STANDING OVER HIM!! The Scottish Terminator quit the WWE but he did not give up his grudge! He hauls Punk up, fireman’s carries him, and with bloody hands, he brings Punk through the halls for the entire roster to see! McIntyre is heading for gorilla even! The fans can be heard booing as McIntyre storms right through the curtain and on stage to show Punk’s people their fallen hero. And then he just DUMPS Punk onto the floor! Punk’s forehead and mouth are bloodied, and McIntyre kneels down.
McIntyre mocks Punk by touching the ground, checking Punk’s own watch, then stealing it! “Clobbering time” doesn’t even cover this! Aldis storms out here, he shoves McIntyre but McIntyre shoves Aldis! Producers hurry to not only keep these two from fighting but to check on Punk. Medics hurry out already, with a stretcher, and the fans boo as McIntyre slowly steps away, keeping his eyes on Punk. Did McIntyre just make sure Punk never gets medically cleared again?
SmackDown returns and…
Punk is loaded into the ambulance. Aldis has security make sure McIntyre is nowhere in the building, but will there be no reason for McIntyre to come back after what he’s just done?
Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifier Triple Threat: Randy Orton VS Tama Tonga VS Carmelo Hayes!
The Viper is on the Bloodline’s hitlist, and you can bet “The Right Hand Man” is going to do everything he can to take him out. Will Orton or Tama be the one shot down #outtanowhere? Or are they both overlooking H1M?
SmackDown returns, Melo is already in the ring and Tama makes his entrance. Orton makes his entrance, and the fans fire up for the Viper! The bell rings and Orton glares at Tama and Tama glares at Orton. Chicago is on Orton’s side, but then Tama and Melo work together to mug him! The fans boo but they both beat Orton down int he ring. Tama shoves Melo and stomps away on Orton, so Melo rolls Tama up! TWO, and now Tama and Melo start shoving. Orton gets up to UPPERCUT Melo, kick Tama, and he TOSSES Tama out! The fans fire up as Orton goes out, throws hands on Tama, then SMACKS him off the desk!
Orton gets Tama up but Melo CLUBS Orton! The fans boo but then Orton kicks Melo! Orton brings Melo around but Tama CLUBS Orton! Orton gets mugged again, and against the mask! Melo and Tama learn to take turns, but then Orton fires hands on them both! The fans fire up, and Orton gives Tama the DESK BACK SUPLEX! then a DESK BACK SUPLEX for Melo! The fans are thunderous as Orton stands tall, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Melo whips Tama, but Tama reverses to then UPPERCUT Melo! Tama drags Melo up, drags him in to CLUB away on his chest, then runs to SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Tama is annoyed but he drags Melo up. Tama HEADBUTTS Melo then clamps on a chinlock. Melo endures, the fans rally for Orton, but Orton is down on the outside somewhere. Melo fights up, Tama CLUBS him, but Melo BOOTS back! Then SUPERKICKS! Tama roars, blocks a kick, and he shoves Melo. Melo runs back in, LA MYSTICA! Cover, TWO! Tama stays in this and Melo grows frustrated.
Melo facelocks Tama, brings him up, and glances to the briefcase. Melo suplexes, but Tama blocks! Melo shifts to a cradle, TWO! Tama swings, Melo dodges and ELBOWS! Melo springboards, into a clinch! URENAGE BACKBREAKER! Cover, Orton breaks it! The fans fire up and Tama is furious! Orton ROCKS Tama first, then ROCKS him again! Melo gets up but Orton kicks him! Orton UPPERCUTS Melo down, LARIATS Tama, and then LARIATS again! Orton dodges Tama to SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up but Melo is up top! Orton ROCKS Melo then throws more hands. Orton glances at Tama, then goes up after Melo.
The fans fire up as Orton brings Melo to the top, for a SUPERPLEX! Orton crawls to the cover, but Tama breaks it! Tama then clamps on a SLEEPER! Orton is already turning red, but he THROWS Tama off! Tama comes back to fire off fast hands from all sides! Orton pokes Tama in the eyes! Melo hits the FIRST 48! Tama hits the COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, but Melo drags Tama off! Cover on Orton, Tama drags Melo off! Melo fires on Tama, Tama fires back! They brawl, Tama gets around to back suplex, but Melo lands out! Orton TOSSES Tama, then he puts Melo in the ropes! Tama hurries up, Orton kicks him low!
The fans are thunderous as Orton reels Tama in, too! DOUBLE DRAPING DDTS! Orton grins as he now has double the targets. Chicago is cheering Orton but he hears the voices in his head! But here comes Tonga Loa! Orton DECKS the Silverback, and Kevin appears! Kevin fires off on Loa, but Orton turns around into Tama! Orton TOSSES Tama first! But Melo rolls Orton up! MELO WINS!!
Winner: Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall (advances to Money in the Bank)
And indeed, they were all overlooking H1M! Melo finds his opening, takes his shot, and Melo Don’t Miss! But will he turn things into #MeloInTheBank?
LA Knight is here!
Chicago cheers as The Mega Star goes right to the ring! Knight then gets a mic and says, “LEMME TALK TO YA!” And not to waste any time, Knight tells Logan Paul to bring his goofy keister out here, and to bring that US Championship with him! The fans boo as we wait and Knight asks if they’re really doing this again. MAH GAWD, you gotta be kidding him! Knight looked down the barrel and said he wants that US title. That liver tailed goof said no. So Knight did him one better. He showed up at Logan’s house, pressed the issue, but then Knight got a phone call saying Logan would be right in this ring. That’s the way to do it!
And yet what does Logan do? He no shows Chicago! The fans boo, but Knight says time is running out. Next week, Madison Square Garden, Triple Threat Qualifier of Knight VS Logan VS Santos Escobar. It’s not the match Knight wants because he wants it 1v1 for the US title. Instead they got a qualifier for MITB, and that got Knight thinking. Knight started thinking that he beats Logan next week, moves on to MITB, snatches the briefcase, and just comes looking for Logan. Double the pleasure, double the fun! YEAH! But wait, here comes Santos! Santos starts ranting in Spanish but Knight says cut the music and cut the crap, he didn’t ask for Santos.
Santos goes to the ring and he tells Knight to callete, aka shut up. Santos doesn’t need an invitation, he shows up and he tells the truth. And the truth is, Knight must be delusional! Knight is here, running his mouth, chasing Logan Paul like a desperate Chicago fanboy. It is embarrassing! But let’s wise Knight up. Next week, Knight isn’t just dealing with his icon, his idol, his guru, Logan Paul. He’s dealing with Santos Escobar! So Knight would be wise to remember that. Knight says Santos is clearly a “fan favorite,” they all love to boo him. But Knight’s beaten Santos before, so he isn’t looking at Santos, he’s looking past Santos!
The guy Knight is looking at- OH, Santos kicks Knight low! Santos then fireman’s carries, but Knight pops free! B F T!! The fans fire up as Santos flops out of the ring! Knight says he told Santos already, and he told Logan that- LOGAN ATTACKS FROM BEHIND! Then he POSTS Knight, loads up, and demands Knight get back up! ONE LUCKY PUNCH!! The Maverick is a POS but he’s a smart POS! But will Logan make sure both Knight and Santos miss out on their shot at the briefcase so that he can become The Maverick in the Bank?
Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifier Triple Threat: Kevin Owens VS Andrade VS Grayson Waller!
From one qualifier to another, The Prizefighter may have to watch his back. Not only is The Bloodline out to screw over their enemies, but El Idolo and the Aussie Icon are no joke. Will Kevin #JustKeepFighting until he comes out on top? Or will the chaos benefit the most opportunistic of them all?
Well speaking of, Tama & Loa just attack Kevin right as he makes his entrance! The fans boo but the Tongans won’t even let Kevin have a chance! But Orton has a chair! Orton runs in to run Tama & Loa off! Kevin hobbles up, Orton asks if he’s okay, and Kevin says just make sure the Tongans don’t come back. Kevin storms into the ring, says just ring the bell, and so the bell rings! Waller runs up but Kevin fires back! Waller stomps Kevin down, but then turns around to see Andrade run up. Boot feint to BACK ELBOW! Cover, TWO!! Waller survives, but Andrade grins. Andrade PLANCHAS to take Waller down!
Andrade brings Waller up but Waller SHOVES Andrade into the apron! Waller then slides in, builds speed, and slides out to LARIAT! Down goes Andrade, but Kevin LARIATS Waller! The fans fire up as Kevin SENTONS onto Waller! Kevin even slaps Andrade’s mask aside before he puts Waller back in. Kevin climbs, but Andrade anchors him! Kevin hops down, Andrade fires hands but Kevin gives those back. Waller joins in, it is a brawl on the apron, and Andrade CHOPS Waller right down! Waller gets up to BOOT Andrade, then Kevin ROCKS Andrade with a forearm. Andrade BOOTS Waller, but Kevin ROCKS him again!
Waller JUMP KNEES Andrade, Kevin LARIATS Andrade into the ring! Waller then kicks Kevin’s bad leg! Kevin blocks the suplex and throws body shots. Kevin reels Waller in, but Waller fights the lift to back drop Kevin onto the apron! But Andrade LEAPS to SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB to the floor!! All three men writhe on the outside and fans fire up while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and all three men are now down in the ring. The fans rally up, Kevin and Andrade fire forearms, but then Waller joins in. Kevin hits Waller, Andrade hits Kevin, but then Kevin HEADBUTTS Andrade! Kevin CHOPS Andrade, ROCKS Waller, and repeat! Kevin fires off, but Andrade then returns the favor! Forearms for Kevin, CHOPS for Waller! Waller backs off, Kevin CHOPS Andrade! And ROCKS him! Kevin wobbles a moment but Andrade fires more forearms! Andrade CHOPS, but then Waller turns Andrade around. Andrade swings, Waller dodges, then Waller ROCKS Andrade!
Waller JUMP KNEES Kevin, runs at Andrade, but Andrade drop toeholds him into buckles! The fans rally up, Andrade sees his targets! “SI! SI! SI!” echoes in the building, CIEN SHADOWS for Waller! CIEN SHADOWES for Kevin! Andrade pushes Kevin to a cover, TWO!! Kevin survives but Andrade just smiles. Kevin goes to ropes, the fans rally up, and Andrade storms up. Kevin CHOPS, and ROCKS, then CLUBS Andrade! Andrade hits back with forearms and CHPOS, then the two fire off haymakers like a Blackhawks hockey game! Kevin kicks low, but Waller somersaults to DOUBLE COMPLETE SHOT! Cover on Andrade, TWO! Cover on Kevin, TWO!
Waller is furious but he says A-Town Down! Waller did dedicate this to Theory, and he gets Kevin up in a fireman’s carry. But Kevin slips free to STUN- NO! Waller powers out, then KICKS out the leg! Kevin falls hard, but Andrade SPLASHES Waller in a corner! Andrade whips, Waller dodges, but then Andrade puts Waller on the apron. Waller ROCKS Andrade, goes up, but Andrade CHOPS! Waller wobbles up top, but Andrade climbs up after him. Andrade fires a forearm, then another, then he stands Waller up. Waller resists the lift, fires body shots, and Kevin joins in! TOWER OF DOOM!! Waller flounders away, Kevin climbs up!
With one good leg, Kevin hits a SWANTON BOMB on Andrade! But the bad leg bothers him! Cover, TWO!! Andrade survives, perhaps thanks to the delay. The ref checks with Kevin and Kevin says he’s fine. Kevin stands, the fans fire up again, and Kevin goes back for Andrade. Kevin whips, pop-up, but the leg gives up! Andrade hurries to underhook but Kevin wrenches out! Kick and STUNNER!! Andrade flops over, Kevin covers, WALLER DRAGS KEVIN OUT! Waller SLAMS the leg on the apron, then DDT to the floor! Waller gets space, runs and somersaults, INTO THE MESSAGE!!! Cover, Andrade wins!!
Winner: Andrade, by pinfall (advances to Money in the Bank)
El Idolo succeeds in punching his ticket to Toronto! He joins Melo and Jey Uso, but will Andrade be the next Senor Money in the Bank?
Mia Yim recovers backstage.
But then Tiffany Stratton has to walk over and mock her. “Aw~, looks like someone can’t handle the pressure.” Tiff says that unlike Michin, Tiff actually has what it takes to win her qualifying match next week, and then go to MITB. At least Mia doesn’t crawl to Nia Jax for protection. Tiff goes to slap but Mia blocks it, and PUNCHES back! Only for Nia to CLOBBER Mia! Nia and Tiff nod to each other, and Tiff tells Mia tootles. Will the Queen and Princess of the Ring soon be running SmackDown with iron fists? Or will Tiff be humbled given her match has Jade Cargill in it?
SmackDown goes to Kayla Braxton backstage.
Kayla reminds us that earlier tonight, CM Punk was brutally attacked by Drew McIntyre. McIntyre simply told Kayla, “See you on Monday.” Kayla isn’t sure how badly Punk’s recovery is affected by this attack, but he will be staying overnight at a Chicago hospital for further evaluation. Not to bury the lead, but does that mean McIntyre has not terminated his contract with the WWE? What will he have to say for himself when we return to Monday Night Raw?
Cody Rhodes VS Solo Sikoa w/ Paul Heyman!
The American Nightmare said he’d walk out here alone, but then The Bloodline made sure he’d be alone by attacking Orton and Kevin earlier tonight. Will Solo still honor the agreement by doing this on his own? Or will he do things exactly like the previous Head of the Table?
The fans fire up for Cody’s entrance and they of course sing his song, “WHOA~ OH~!” The Undisputed WWE Champion is ready for this fight, but is that all he’ll be getting? We find out, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Heyman is with Solo at gorilla. Heyman says he told the Tongans, and they did Solo’s bidding. But Heyman says Solo is “breaking commandments.” After WrestleMania, there were several things Roman Reigns said to Heyman. And one was that CM Punk was off limits. Punk is very personal to Heyman, and Cody Rhodes is not something that Solo is supposed to handle. Solo is just to have Cody in check so that when THE Tribal Chief returns- Solo stops Heyman there. Solo hates to be the one to tell Heyman this, because he “loves” Heyman, but… Roman is NOT coming back.
The music hits while Heyman is in shock. Solo pats Heyman on the shoulder then makes his entrance. Is Solo telling the truth that Roman Reigns is NOT making a return to the WWE? Is there no stopping the new Head of the Table because of that? Solo goes to the ring, Heyman following behind in a stupor, and the bell rings. Cody and Solo stare down while Heyman rests against steel steps. Solo and Cody circle, then Solo runs up. Cody dodges, kicks low and hits the RHODES UPPERCUGT! Solo UPPERCUTS, then runs up. Cody TOSSES Solo out, and he almost hits Heyman! Cody runs to DIVE! Solo hits barriers and almost tips them over!
The fans fire up as Cody fires hands, but Solo UPPERCUTS! Solo storms up on Cody, whips him, but Cody reverses! Solo hits steel steps and breaks them apart! The fans fire up and Cody pushes the top half over! Cody whips Solo into the other steel steps, throws the top half away over there, too, then he puts Solo in the ring. Cody storms up behind Solo, dragon sleepers, but Tama & Loa attack after all!!
Winner: Cody Rhodes, by disqualification
The fans boo as The Bloodline honors no such agreement! They beat Cody down, then Solo has his men hold Cody up. But here comes Orton! And Kevin, even on one good leg! Orton and Kevin brawl with Tama and Loa, then Cody goes after Solo! The Bloodline has control, but Kevin kicks low to STUNNER! Loa falls, then Orton gets loose to RKO! Tama is down, Kevin helps Cody stand! Cody high-fives with his guys, and Solo sees he’s the one outnumbered! Solo panics, asks for mercy, but then he smiles…? Solo shouts to his trump card! SUPERKICK for Orton! SUPERKICK for Cody! Kevin SUPERKICKS this guy, but he just fires up and LARIATS Kevin!!
Fans are going nuts because this is the missing Uso, JACOB FATU!! Jacob goes out to bring those steel steps around, and then he brings Kevin over! The fans are losing their minds as we get a SAMOAN DROP on the steps!! Jacob has a wild look in his eyes, then runs around the way to SPEAR ORTON THROUGH BARRIERS!! The Viper’s already got a bad back, did Jacob just send him back to the sidelines? And that’s not the end! Jacob storms in, but Cody fires hands on him! Cody clotheslines Jacob up and out! But Jacob drag shim out, to APRON URENAGE! Solo applauds as Jacob HEADBUTTS Cody and clears the desk!
Jacob brings Cody up, HEADBUTTS him onto the desk, then goes to a corner. Jacob climbs and the fans are freaking out! SUPER SAMOAN SPLASH through the desk!!! The fans lose their minds all over again as Jacob stands up from the wreckage over Cody’s wrecked body! Jacob then joins his cousin in the ring and they hug it out. The Samoan Werewolf raises his ones to the sky, and this already dangerous new Bloodline has only gotten more dangerous! Will there be nothing to stop Solo from taking over now?
My Thoughts:
An awesome episode of SmackDown here! It was such a great blend of following up Clash at the Castle, setting up for MITB, and also adding on from a great Raw. Punk had a great opening promo where he of course called out McIntyre, and of course McIntyre’s response was a violent ambush. For a second, I thought the banging on the garage door was the Wyatt 6 but no, they’re definitely Raw exclusive despite being super scary and therefore unruly. But clearly, this is building to the big McIntyre VS Punk match at SummerSlam that honestly should just outright be a No Disqualification type match so they can just do whatever they want.
They also did great with continuity of when Punk was a Paul Heyman Guy, as The Bloodline confronted Punk, only to set up the throughline story of the night with Cody, Kevin and Orton, but also have Solo drop the bomb on Heyman about Roman supposedly never coming back. Pretty sure that is full on psychological manipulation by Solo, which really does follow Roman’s example during his reign as Tribal Chief. Great stuff from all the qualifiers tonight, and it made for good reason as to why Orton and Kevin weren’t advancing. Though there was a rather subtle copypasta: Melo and Andrade each entered while SmackDown was on commercial, and they end up winning. But in the end, it was also because duh, everyone else has story to deal with.
Likewise, really good promo turned fight from Knight, Santos and Logan Paul. Logan stands tall tonight but duh, he and Knight are gonna have a US Championship match so Santos surely finds a way to win out of that. Very good Triple Threat for the women, as well, but for similar reasons, the superstar that has no other story wins out. Bianca and Jade have the tag titles, Michin has Tiffany & Nia and is still in need of a teammate, so Chelsea gets in. Chelsea is a great character and got to show quite a bit more in the ring than usual, but I still don’t see her winning. Blair Davenport may qualify, she may not, but she’ll have a great showing in next week’s Triple Threat.
And of course, great finish to the show. Cody was dominating, Solo gets saved, and then we get another surprise in this story as Jacob Fatu joins Solo’s side to make this form of the Bloodline four people strong. And we all know in pro-wrestling, four is practically the perfect number. Solo can go after Cody for THE WWE Championship, Tama & Loa stick together as a tag team, and now Jacob can be the midcard title guy. Now there can be an 8 Man Tag if Cody, Kevin & Orton are able to add a fourth, and we’re that much closer to a WarGames match for Survivor Series in November.
My Score: 8.9/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Three days until All In!
As AEW counts down to All In: Texas, Dynamite goes big in Garland! It’s an All In All Star 8 Man: Moxley, Claudio & Young Bucks VS Hangman, Ospreay, Shibata & Hobbs!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Samoa Joe VS Wheeler Yuta; wins.
- Women’s Casino Gauntlet Number Two Spot Fatal 4 Way: Megan Bayne VS Tay Melo VS Queen Aminata VS Thekla; wins and will start the All In: Texas Women’s Casino Gauntlet.
- 8 Man Tag: Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli & The Young Bucks VS Hangman Page, Will Ospreay, Katsuyori Shibata & “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs; win.
PLAY BY PLAY
[Due to scheduling conflicts, coverage will be on delay]
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Who will head for Evolution?
WWE Evolution returns this Sunday, and a battle royal waits! Who will General Manager Ava announce as NXT’s participants?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Vanity Gauntlet Match: Ricky Saints VS The Vanity Project; Saints wins and will challenge for the NXT North American Championship at the Great American Bash.
- No Quarter Catch Crew Stakes: Charlie Dempsey VS Tavion Heights; Dempsey wins and keeps Tavion in the NQCC.
- Joe Hendry & Mike Santana VS Tyriek Igwe & Tyson Dupont w/ Wes Lee; Hendry & Santana win.
- Lainey Reid VS Kelani Jordan; Kelani wins.
- NXT Tag Team Championships: Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Shawn Spears & Niko Vance; Hank ‘n’ Tank win and retain the titles.
PLAY BY PLAY
Vanity Gauntlet Match: Ricky Starks VS The Vanity Project!
The Absolute wants one more shot at All Ego for the North American Championship, but he’s willing to earn it. However, he’ll have to evolve before our eyes by getting through Brad Baylor, Ricky Smokes & the WWE Evolve Champion, Jackson Drake! Can he do it? Or will Ethan Page’s new pals help him cross off his most hated rival?
The fans rally behind Saints while Ethan joins commentary to watch this. Brad starts for Vanity Project, and he waistlocks. Brad CLUBS Saints, fires forearm sand UPPERCUTS, but Saints turns things around to COHP! Brad turns things around, but Saints turns it back around for a CHOP! Brad goes to another corner, Saints bumps him off buckles! Saints UPPERCUTS Brad, ROCKS him, but Brad hits back! Brad whips, Saints reverse, but Brad turns that back around to send Saints to a corner! Brad shouts, “Swipe Right!” but he runs into a BOOT! Saints goes up and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Then a scoop and BACKBREAKER!
The fans fire up with Saints and he stalks Brad to ropes. Brad wants help but this isn’t a tag match! Saints drags Brad back but Brad kicks him away. Saints comes back, Brad wrenches and throat chops! Brad reels Saints in for a suplex and GHOST BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Saints survives but Brad is right on him! Brad CLUBS Saints again and again, then shouts, “Swipe Right!” Brad stalks Saints, has him in a corner, and Brad stomps a mudhole in. Brad ROCKS Saints, CLUBS him, but Saints ROCKS Brad! And ROCKS him again! Brad blocks a kick to kick and BUTTERFLY ANARCHY! Cover, TWO!
The fans chant “Swipe Left! Swipe Left!” Brad snarls, drags Saints up, and snapmares to run and KNEE DROP, but he misses as Saints moves! Saints CHOPS Brad, ROCKS him, then fires more hands. Saints whips, LARIATS Brad, then LARIATS again! Saints waits for Brad to get up so he can BACKDROP! The fans fire up and Saints runs in for an ELBOW! Saints says, “This is MY house!” The fans cheer, Saints dodges Brad to hit a TORNADO DDT! High stack, Saints ELIMINATES Brad! Jackson asks Ethan who goes next, and Ethan sends Smokes! The fans rally for Saints but Smokes fires forearms! Smokes GAMANGIRIS Saints, then fireman’s carries!
Saints fires elbows to slip free! Smokes feints a chop to reel Saints in, snap suplex! The fans chant “Let’s Go, Ricky!” “Ricky Sucks!” Smokes covers, TWO! The fans boo Smokes while NXT goes picture in picture.
Smokes huffs ‘n’ puffs, then he sits Saints up to KNEE him in the back! Smokes pushes Saints down for a KNEE DROP! Smokes pushes Saints down to a cover, ONE! Smokes clamps onto Saints with a chinlock and grinds him down. Saints endures, fights up, and he JAWBREAKERS! Then snap suplexes! Cover, TWO! Smokes stays in this but Saints stays on him. But Smokes fires body shots! Smokes ROCKS Saints, whips him to ropes, but Saints reverses. Smokes reveres back, but Saints BOOTS him! Saints storms up, but Smokes DUMPS him to the apron! Saints ROCKS Smokes, reels him in, and SUPLEXES HIM TO THE FLOOR!
Vanity Project freaks out while Saints puts Smokes back in the ring. But Smokes distracts the ref so that Drake can RAM Saints into barriers! Drake gets away with it, and Saints drags himself into the ring. Smokes stomps away on Saints, puts him in a corner, and stomps him more. The ref backs Smokes off, but Smokes stands Saints up. Saints fires hands, backs Smokes down, but Smokes fires a body shot! Smokes stomps Saints again, then whips corner to corner hard! Saints falls back, but Smokes covers, TWO! Smokes is annoyed but he drags Saints up to fireman’s carry. The fans rally as NXT returns to single picture.
Smokes hits USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO! Saints is still in this and the fans rally up. Smokes drags Saints up, CLUBS away on Saints’ neck, but the fans still chant “Swipe Left!” Smokes traps Saints’ arm, winds up, but Saints ducks the lariat! Saints shoves Smokes, scoops and URENAGES! The fans fire up as Saints LARIATS, whips, then OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY SUPLEXES! The fans fire up as Smokes staggers, into a REVERSE DDT! Cover, TWO! Smokes survives but Ethan seethes. Ethan tells Saints to keep his eyes off him and on his opponent. Smokes runs up, Saints puts Smokes in the ropes! Saints then has Smokes dangling off the ropes!
Smokes slips free, rolls Saints up, TWO! Smokes swings, misses, but dodges Saints, only to run into an atomic drop and deep jackknife! SAINTS ELIMINATES SMOKES! Fans cheer the superior Ricky, and now it’s all down to The Carolina Reaper. Drake slides into the ring, talks a lot of trash, but Saints resets with him. They fire forearms, Saints ROCKS Drake, Drake shots body shots, but Saints ROCKS him again! Drake kicks Saints, pushes him into the corner, and stomps a mudhole! The fans rally for Saints and he CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Drake SOBATS, snapmares, then he KICKS Saints in the back! Cover, TWO!
Saints toughs it out but Drake keeps on him with an ANKLE LOCK! Then Drake ties the legs up, stomps Saints again and again, and Ethan loves it as Drake pulls Saints into the BOW ‘N’ ARROW! Saints pries at the grip and pops free of the hold! Drake CLUBS Saints, whips, but Saints reverses. Drake dropkicks the legs out! Drake kips up and BUZZSAWS! Drake then fireman’s carries for a GUT BUSTER DROP!! Cover, TWO!! Saints survives and the fans fire up again! Drake aims from a corner, runs up, but Saints stops the superkick! Saints spins Drake, fireman’s carries, and hits a FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as Drake survives, and Saints hauls Drake up to hit a back suplex! Drake lands out and ENZIGIRIS! Drake aims from a corner, runs in, UNALIV- NO, Saints dodges! Drake hobbles up, Saints runs in, but Drake goes up and over! Drake then SUPERKICKS Saints down! Drake goes out, goes up, and he springboards to SWANTON BOMB but onto Saints’ knees! LARIAT!! Saints reels Drake in, Canadian Rack, ROSHAMBEAUX!! Cover, Saints wins!
Winner: Ricky Saints, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT North American Championship)
It was a hard fought gauntlet, but that was an Absolute victory! Saints grabs a mic to tell Ethan, “The ball’s in my court! This Saturday, Great American Bash, for the North American Championship, I’m gonna dog walk your ass all over Atlanta!” The fans like the sound of that! Saints says the best match he knows how, it will be FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE! Ethan is furious but the match is made! Will either man make it back to Orlando after tearing it down in Atlanta?
#ZaRuca, Lola Vice & Kelani Jordan talk backstage.
They’re all excited by the news of Sol Ruca & Zaria going to Evolution to be part of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Fatal 4 Way. Sol says she will handle Izzi Dame on Saturday to retain her NXT Women’s North American Championship, and then ZaRuca will get that tag gold! Lainey Reid walks in and asks if Sol will even have anything left for Sunday. If not for her friend, Zaria, Sol might not even have lost to Izzi. Sol keeps Zaria back, but Lainey says this is what happens when you mess with Tatum Paxley and her business. Kelani Jordan says Lainey is the last one to talk about getting into someone else’s business. And really, she’s been doing that a lot lately.
Lola says Lainey just got here, she’s overstepping. Kelani says yeah, Lainey should worry more about Thea Hail. Oh, please! Thea’s no big deal. Sol says she and Zaria are just going to go, they have to worry about their matches this weekend. Good luck to any and all who are in the Evolution Battle Royal. Lainey says yes, she should be in that match, because she is the future of this division. Kelani asks what she has even done. Lainey says she has no problem showing her. Then do it! Lainey says fine, and heads out. But will the Southern Belle get her bell rung when she takes on the Standout?
Jordynne Grace works out in the gym.
And while she’s watching her phone count down for her planking, Blake Monroe calls! Grace sits up to answer, and she asks where Blake even is, they’re supposed to be training. Blake says oh, she’ll take a guess and say Grace is in the gym, in a black sports bra, black leggings, and even trainers. Uh, yeah… But wait, where is Blake then? She sent her driver, and it is time for a Glamour Workout. Um, Grace can’t lift an SUV. No, no, the driver is there to pick Grace up. They’ll do nails, hair, maybe even a massage! Grace will learn what she has been missing! And Atlanta won’t know what hit them when The Glamournauts-
Grace stops Blake there. She’ll come if she stops saying what she’s saying. Blake says JG is so funny. See you soon~! The phone call ends, Grace hops in the SUV, and it takes her to a boutique! Grace already doesn’t like the look of it, but will this “workout” work out for them?
No Quarter Catch Crew Stakes: Charlie Dempsey VS Tavion Heights!
Myles Borne beat the team captain and got his “graduation” from the NQCC, and finally Dempsey gives that same deal to Tavion. But will Dempsey really keep Tavion down? Or is this just the beginning of Tavion reaching new heights in NXT?
The bell rings, the two circle, and they tie up. Dempsey hits the headlock takeover, Tavion powers out, then he hits a throw of his own! The two reset, tie up, and Dempsey arm-drags! Tavion is up, he arm-drags in return, and he runs up on Dempsey. They tie up, Dempsey UPPERCUTS Tavion out of the ring, then goes out after him. Dempsey UPPERCUTS while Wren Sinclair does her best to coach both sides. Dempsey stands Tavion up and puts him in the ring. Tavion DROPKICKS Dempsey outta the ring! Tavion goes out after Dempsey, CLUBS him, then throws him into the ring. Tavion brings Dempsey up but Dempsey shoves him away.
The two go again, Dempsey cravats for the neck wrench, but the fans rally as Tavion endures. Dempsey rolls with Tavion, rolls again, and then CRAVAT PLEXES! Cover, ONE, but Dempsey keeps the hold on tight. Tavion scoops Dempsey to SLAM him! Dempsey tumbles away, comes back, but Tavion arm-drags! Tavion has the armlock and grinds Dempsey down! Dempsey fights up, the fans rally, and Dempsey UPPERCUTS! Dempsey SNATCHES the face brace! Tavion asks what the heck, but Dempsey SLAPS him! Tavion is furious and he TACKLEDS Dempsey! The fans fire up as Tavion rains down fists!
Tavion hauls Dempsey up, whips him and LARIATS! The fans fire up and Tavion goes out after Dempsey. Both men run up, both men DECK the other! The NQCC is down and NXT goes to break!
NXT returns, Dempsey KNEES Tavion low then chicken wings! Tavion fights off the crossface portion, then scoops Dempsey and SLINGSHOT GUT WRENCH SLAMS him! The fans fire up for Tavion and he rises up! Tavion hits a HIP LOCK THROW, then another! Then and OVERHEAD SUPLEX! The fans fire up and Tavion waits on Dempsey. Dempsey kicks but Tavion blocks! Tavion clinches but Dempsey fights, they tumble out to the floor again! The fans fire up and Wren is worried, but both men stand. Tavion blocks a slap to SLAP Dempsey! Dempsey tumbles, Tavion drags Dempsey up the steps, but Dempsey trips Tavion!
Tavion gets his leg stuck between steps and post and Dempsey hurries back up! Dempsey STOMPS away on Tavion’s leg! The fans boo, the ref counts, and Wren freaks out, but Dempsey stops so he can refresh the ring count. Dempsey goes out to drag Tavion up and into the ring. Dempsey grabs the bad leg and turns Tavion for a HALF CRAB! Dempsey pulls that leg back! Tavion endures, reaches out, and he claws his way forward! But Dempsey drags him back! Dempsey STOMPS the bad leg! Then he steps over, HEEL HOOK! Tavion endures, reaches out, and he fights his way forward again! Dempsey drags him back again!
Dempsey KNEES Tavion int he back, then has a modified STF! Tavion endures, but he shakes his head. Wren has a towel, and she throws it in?!? Dempsey wins!
Winner: Charlie Dempsey, by submission (Tavion stays in NQCC)
Tavion didn’t give up, but Wren couldn’t stand to watch him suffer. Tavion is stuck under Dempsey’s thumb, how much worse can it get?
Hank ‘n’ Tank talk backstage.
Walker & Ledger are fired up for this title match tonight! They’re gonna be like Joey Chestnut going after a plate of glizzies! Tonight, they send The Culling back to the boiler room they crawled out of, because there won’t be any sneak attacks, no chair shots, no- LEXIS KING, stop it!! The Drama King keeps tugging at the garage door chain, but Tank says there will only be a head-on collision waiting for Spears & Vance! Je’Von Evans walks over and is fired up for the blue collar belly bandits! The Culling tried to put them out, just like Jasper Troy did to him, but guess what? Je’Von got his lick back! So tonight, Hank ‘n’ Tank get theirs!
Je’Von says he needs to see that, uh, RAH RAH RAH! They all swivel hips, but TROY CLOBBERS JE’VON! And right into the garage door! Did Lexis set this up for Troy!? Hank ‘n’ Tank try to get Troy off of Je’Von but Troy just RAMS the Young OG again! Will Troy make sure Je’Von never bounces again?
Joe Hendry & Mike Santana VS Tyriek Igwe & Tyson Dupont w/ Wes Lee!
It’s not just TNA VS NXT here, it is two men who want to clear out the pawns protecting Trick Williams. Will the Prestigious One and the Proud Boricuan make us all believers just 12 days from Slammiversary? Or will they fail to get over the High Ryze?
The teams sort out and Hendry starts against Igwe. They circle, tie up, and Igwe wrenches to wristlock. Igwe RAMS shoulders, but Hendry rolls, kips up, and wrenches back. Hendry hits a headlock takeover but Igwe headscissors. Hendry kips free and the fans continue to sing the song. Hendry and Igwe back off and tag in Santana and Dupont. They circle, Santana rolls but Dupont stays clear. They tie up, Dupont RAMS Santana into the corner! Dupont RAMS Santana again and again, tags Igwe, then sends Igwe in. Santana BOOTS Igwe, goes up and over Dupont, then SHOTGUNS Igwe! Santana kips up and the fans fire up!
Dupont runs up, Santana dodges, and Hendry scoops! Hendry shows off that strength as he FALL AWAY SLAMS Dupont! Hendry kips up, the fans fire up, and Hendry TURNS! Santana points to Hendry and nods while NXT goes to break.
NXT returns and Dupont runs up on Hendry, only for Hendry to roll him up! ONE, but Hendry wrangles Dupont to another cover, TWO! Dupont UPPERCUTS Hendry down! Cover, TWO! Hendry stays in this but Dupont stays on him. Dupont drags Hendry over, tags Igwe, and Igwe runs to SOMERSAULT SENTON! Then Dupont adds a SPLASH DOWN! Igwe sets up while Dupont BLASTS Santana! STANDING MOONSAULT from Igwe! Cover, TWO! Hendry toughs it out but Igwe clamps on with a facelock. Igwe grinds Hendry, Hendry fights up, and Hendry powers up, only for Igwe to add body scissors!
Igwe grinds Hendry down to the mat, the fans rally up, and Hendry powers his way back to his feet! Hendry suplexes high and hard! Both men are down and the fans rally up! Hot tags to Dupont and Santana! Santana rallies on Dupont & Igwe, then fires a flurry of haymakers on Dupont! Santana whips, Dupont reverses, but Santana blocks Igwe’s boot! Igwe BOOTS Santana away after all, but Santana uses that to roll and STUNNER for Dupont! Igwe runs up, Santana fireman’s carries for the FACEBUSTER! The fans fire up and Santana FLIES out onto Dupont! Not the cleanest but it was enough! The fans fire up more as Santana puts Dupont in. Cover, Igwe breaks it!
Hendry storms in and throws hands with Igwe! Igwe ROCKS Hendry, runs up, but Hendry DUMPS him out! Hendry then builds speed and HIGH JUMPS! Down goes Igwe! Santana has Dupont, but Dupont ducks the lariat to full nelson and- ARM-DRAG! Santana sends Dupont away, then dodges a lariat to hit the SIDE EFFECT! The fans fire up and Santana goes up! But Wes distracts from the apron! Trick Williams RAMS Hendry into the steel steps! The fans boo, Santana still leaps, but he goes over Dupont so he can somersault and SHORYUKEN Wes! The fans fire up, and then Santana dodges Dupont to SPIN THE BLOCK!! Cover, Santana & Hendry win!
Winners: Joe Hendry & Mike Santana, by pinfall
Santana scores, but then a TRICK KICK hits! Trick talks trash, but Hendry is back up! Hendry fires haymakers on Trick! But Wes SUPERKICKS Trick down! Igwe & Dupont get up, now all of High Ryze mugs the TNA wrestlers! The fans boo but Dupont & Igwe set Hendry up for the TRICK SHOT! Will Hendry and Santana even make it to Saturday and the contract signing for this world championship Triple Threat?
Dark State speaks.
Dion Lennox says, “Ey, y’all thought ‘Ain’t nobody safe’ was just a catchphrase? Man, hell naw! That’s what we live by! Any place, any time, and that includes TNA! Matt Cardona found out real quick what happens when them lights go out!” Saquon Shugar says, “Yeah, we scheming on TNA, but that ain’t the only thing we be scheming on. We got our hands in erry cookie jar. So TNA, we gonna see y’all real soon. But don’t think it’s sweet over here on this side either.” Cutler James says, “We should take a real close look at that tag title match tonight. Yeah, I just don’t hope Hank ‘n’ Tank are feeling a little better after that ‘mysterious attack’ the other week.”
Osiris Griffin says, “Man, these people think they know everything, don’t they, huh, Cutty? I mean, they say the eyes don’t lie, right? I mean, that may be so. But don’t think for a second they can’t be lied to. Seeing is believing, but the truth? Well, that’s just an illusion.” Dion says everybody better keep their head on a swivel! No one knows when, where, or how Dark State is gonna strike. But what everyone does know is that when Dark State strikes, ain’t nobody safe. Then just who will end up their next victims?
Yoshiki Inamura & Josh Briggs are here!
The NEW #1 Contender to the NXT Championship and his best pal are here, both excited for what’s coming this Saturday at Great American Bash. Even Inamura’s peers over at Pro-Wrestling NOAH are excited, having put their support behind him. Inamura grabs a mic, and here comes Oba Femi! The Ruler is ready to have a final face-to-face with Inamura before their match. Inamura starts by saying Oba wanted to see if Inamura was worthy, if he had grit. Inamura beat Jasper Troy just like he beat Trick Williams. Oba will be Inamura’s greatest challenge! But Inamura is ready! The fans applaud that!
Inamura says the people support him, Briggs supports him, his friends and family in Japan support him. And now, Inamura must make them all proud! The fans cheer, and Inamura says at the Great American Bash, he will fight with honor. And Inamura will become the NEW NXT Champion! The fans cheer that, too! Oba grins and says, “Oh no, oh no…! At least you have the support of the fans and your family and your friends, like Josh. So maybe they will be the ones to pick up the pieces when I beat you. Because you talk about honor, fighting for honor. Well, this Saturday, why don’t you ask yourself, can you lose with honor?
“Because when it is all said and done, my friend, the truth will prevail: You are not worthy of taking this title from me.” The fans cheer, but now Briggs speaks up? “Inamura is being polite, but brother, did you see what he did to Jasper Troy last week? C’mon! Let’s be real here! He beat him easier than Oba did! He’s gonna do the same exact thing that he did to Jasper to The Ruler~!” The fans boo, but Briggs says what Inamura is too honorable to say is… At The Great American Bash, Inamura’s gonna beat Oba’s ass! Look, look, Inamura is a man of honor, but brother, Briggs is not. He is not done talking, either!
Briggs is not a man of honor but of mayhem, and he promises to do everything in his power to make sure his friend leaves as NXT Champion, because this is their only chance! Oba tells Briggs this is not his fight. Yoshiki should tell his friend to get out of Oba’s face before he breaks Briggs’. Inamura does talk Briggs down, but then Briggs pushes past to throw hands with Oba! The fans fire up, Oba ROCKS Briggs, ROCKS Inamura, but Briggs jumps back in! The hands keep going, and then Oba LARIATS Briggs up and out! Inamura ROCKS Oba! And scoops him for a SLAM! The refs rush out here but Inamura stands down.
The fans want to “Let Them Fight! Let Them Fight!” but Inamura gives way to his honorable nature. Inamura is willing to wait for Saturday, but will he be the one to dethrone The Ruler?
The “Glamour Workout” continues.
Grace is not feeling this spa-boutique stuff, so she’s gonna just Uber back to the Performance Center. No, no, hold on, “Muscle Muffin.” Blake knows Grace trains her body all the time. It is time to treat her! And in a way, this is training: recovery, self-care, and glamour. Just please try. Grace gives in, and montage time! Blake says time for ropes and slippers, Grace says no, but she again gives in. Well, she does make one adjustment: she RIPS the sleeves away! Way to make it your own! Hopefully that doesn’t cost extra… They get manicures, massages, but the masseuse isn’t even strong enough for Grace to feel it through all those muscles.
Blake says Grace is like a stray dog in a Dior store. Grace has to understand muscles and “me time” can coexist. Now, face back in the hole. They also get make-up down, and that much Grace enjoys. They also soak their feet. Grace says she still doesn’t feel this is her vibe. Blake says it is! Grace has to see that her self-esteem is something she can lift. And she has to lift it up high to be a champion. They’ve gotta get that title off Jacy Jayne one way or another. Grace sighs, and admits she’s been chasing the title for awhile. And she admits, she likes the pampering. See? One day with The Glamour, and Grace looks more like a champ!
Grace says Blake isn’t so bad herself. But isn’t this kinda what she always looks like? Sure, but she’s also having fun. Okay, okay, first: They beat Fatal Influence at Great American Bash. Second: Grace beats Jacy at Evolution. And… thanks for this. Grace relaxes and Blake is happy to have helped. Will this spa day be just the thing to energize the Juggernaut into steamrolling the Toxic Rockstar?
Lainey Reid VS Kelani Jordan!
The Southern Sensation may be the new girl, but her attitude has already skyrocketed up the ranks past The Standout’s new edge. Will Lainey just keep on adding to her ego with another win? Or will she learn that no one does it like Lani?
NXT returns and Lainey makes her entrance. The bell rings and Reid takes a swing! Lani dodges, then trips Reid up to cover, ONE! Reid handsprings over and takes a curtsey. But Lani arm-drags her down! Reid headscissors, Lani kips free, but Reid trips her up! Cover, ONE as Lani goes Matrix! Lani wags her finger, does a curtsey, but Reid runs up! Lani dodges, drops down with the splits, then MONKEY FLIPS! Reid flounders, Lani DROPKICKS her and Reid tumbles out of the ring! Lani aims, PLANCHA, but Reid moves! Lani lands safe on the apron, avoids a leg sweep, then kicks, but Reid blocks to DRAGON SCREW!
Reid SLAMS Lani’s leg on the apron, SLAMS it again, then pushes it against the ropes! The ref reprimands, Reid storms in and drops a KNEE on Lani! Reid traps Lani’s leg in the ropes, YANKS the arms, and Lani writhes. The fans duel while Reid steps over. Lani kicks and kicks, but Reid spins through. Lani counters with a cradle, TWO! Both women stand, and Lani BODY SHOTS! And BODY SHOTS! Then she ROCKS Reid with a forearm! Reid dodges the next shot to SPINEBUSTER! High stack, TWO! HALF CRAB! The fans rally as Reid pulls on the leg and Lani endures! Lani reaches out but Reid drags her back!
Lani SCORPION KICKS from below! Reid stays up, Lani kicks more, but Reid blocks to have the FULL BOSTON CRAB! Lani endures, reaches out, claws at the mat, and she powers up to FLING Reid into a corner! Reid slumps down while Lani shakes her leg. Reid storms up but into more body shots! Lani blocks a lariat to ROCK Reid, ROCK her again, and again! Lani whips, LARIATS, and then LARIATS again! Lani DROPKICKS, rolls back, and runs up to handspring and BACK ELBOW! Then she kips up! The fans fire up as Lani fights through the pain! Lani fireman’s carries Reid, but Reid fights free!
Lani powers up to fireman’s carry Reid again! WASTELAND SLAM, then SPLIT-LEG- NO, Reid catches Lani’s leg! Lani KICKS free, adjusts, but Reid GAMANGIRIS! Reid goes up, goes to the very top, but Lani fights with body shots! The fans rally as the two fight for control! Reid rains down elbows, but Lani fires them in return! Lani DECKS Reid, adjusts, and JUMPS into the SPLIT-LEG MOONSAULT! Cover, Lani wins!
Winner: Kelani Jordan, by pinfall
Now that was one of a kind! But will this help the inaugural NXT Women’s North American Champion have a spot in the Evolution Battle Royal? WHOA, Thea Hail goes right after Reid! The fans fire up as Thea and Reid brawl their way up the ram! HEADBUTT from Thea! Thea keeps after Reid and Kelani says she told Reid to watch out. Will Thea make sure Reid learns a lesson or two for the summer?
Je’Von is in the medical center.
The trainer checks the Young OG out, and he’s very sore from what Troy did to him. But then Troy LEAPS onto Je’Von again! There is no mercy from the big man, and it takes half a dozen security guards to drag him away! Will nothing short of breaking Je’Von in half satisfy Troy’s anger?
The former D’Angelo Family meets backstage.
Tony D arrives first, followed by Luca Crusifino. Channing Lorenzo walks in, Heritage Cup in hand, but before anything pops off, Adriana Rizzo appears! And she tells everyone to sit down. They do as told, and Luca asks Rizzo what this is about. Rizzo says, “What? Did you think I was gonna stay in hiding forever? Tucked away, watching while Rome burns?” Stacks says it was definitely burning with how Tony was leading. Rizzo says she called this “final sit down.” And she knew if she told any of them what it was about, none of them would show up. Tony says that’s not wrong.
Rizzo says while she was in the safehouse, she watched all three of them lose focus on what this family has accomplished here in NXT. Tony, Stacks, you two created a legacy. You brought in Rizzo and Luca. They had so many great memories in the restaurant, as well as taking people to “the bridge,” “the woodshop,” but also winning championships, and being a family. And they destroyed it all! Tony says Rizzo should take it easy. But Rizzo brings up how she and Tony talked in Vegas, about sitting down with everyone to resolve this. But Tony didn’t wanna do that. Now look at everything!
Luca asks Rizzo if she thinks talking will really bring this family back together. She did. But there’s no saving this, is there? So there is one last piece of family business. And what’s that? Before she gets into it, she has to say this: Stacks, you were Underboss for a long time, and feel you deserve better; Luca, every time you signed a document as Consigliere, you wondered if Tony had everyone’s best interests at heart; and even if there was a point to saving all this, The Don will always wonder if someone is gonna stab him in the back. “Once trust is broken, doubt creeps in, and it just doesn’t work.”
If Rizzo left these three to it, it’d never end. So she did what she had to do, and she talked to Ava. They now have a Triple Threat next week. This is the WWE, so she can’t guarantee if their paths will ever cross again. But as far as family business goes, this is the final battle. Stacks says they’re just setting him up! Tony laughs and Stacks asks why. Because it is hilarious! The rat thinks he’s getting set up for a trap. Typical rat behavior. Luca admits, he agrees with Tony on that: this all started cuz Stacks turned first. But then Tony hits Luca with, “Look who’s talking!” Mr. I Wanna Do My Own Thing! As far as Tony’s concerned, they’re the same.
Stacks says he grew bigger than the family, and the others couldn’t handle it. Especially Tony! He is Heritage Cup Champion now, he’s bigger than all of them! And he’ll prove it next week. Tony says he hates Stacks, Stacks says he hates Tony. Tony says Stacks & Luca should split the Cup. And he doesn’t give it even a week before Stacks loses it again. Luca says he needs to get away from Stacks and out of Tony’s shadow. Tony says yeah, okay, both of them are happy where they are now. Good talk, Rizz, but it’s over. Que sara sara. The Don is done. All three men stand up, but Stacks promises, Tony better not let Stacks catch him all alone.
Luca says the one time he tries to do things… Tensions are high, but it is going to explode next week. Who will be left standing after it all goes down?
Jasper Troy is in the ring!
The LFG Season 1 Champion has a mic to shout, “I’m done with Je’Von Evans! You hear me? I’m DONE with Je’Von! Ava, you know what to do! Make the match at the Great American Bash a Triple Threat for the NXT title!” The fans are torn on that, but then Je’Von rushes out here! He slides into the ring and throws hands on Troy! The fans fire up but Troy KNEES Je’Von low! Je’Von sputters, security focuses on Troy, and Je’Von SUPERKICKS Troy! Troy tumbles out of the ring, Je’Von builds speed, and he FLIES! Down goes Troy and the security guards! The fans fire up for the Young OG, is he about to bounce back and tear Troy down?
The Culling meets backstage.
Izzi Dame smiles as Tatum Paxley takes her seat in the circle, and both Shawn Spears & Niko Vance welcome her. Tatum says this place is incredible! She feels right at home here. Izzi says their home is now Tatum’s home, and Tatum says they’re the best. Izzi says they’re all equal, Tatum. But thanks to Tatum, the boys have their chance at the NXT Tag Team Championships. Niko says damn right. And it’ll happen. He has put Hank ‘n’ Tank down once, and he plans to do it again. Spears smiles and nods as Niko says Hank ‘n’ Tank will regret accusing them of that attack. If it was The Culling, you’d know it was them, because they’d stop at nothing to make Hank ‘n’ Tank feel pain!
Spears says easy, Niko, easy. The truth will come to light in time. But for now, they can reap the benefits of the assumption. For now, stay levelheaded, with eyes on the goal. Izzi says Spears is right. Tonight, Niko & Spears win the tag titles, then on Saturday, Izzi wins the Women’s North American Championship. Tatum says that is right! Then all her new best friends will have gold belts to go with their gold hearts! Izzi says that’s because The Culling always prevails. Will that painful truth be proven right? Or will a bit of HONK HONK break right through the delusion?
NXT Tag Team Championships: Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Shawn Spears & Niko Vance!
NXT returns as the blue collar belly bandits make their entrance. And they don’t care about formalities, they attack The Culling! The fans fire up as the brawl is on! Tank TACKLES Niko, Hank ROCKS Spears, and the bell rings to get this on record! Hank storms up on Spears in the corner but Spears kicks low! Spears puts Hank in the corner to ROCK then whip, but Hank reverses to run up and SPLASH! Hank then short arm LARIATS Spears and the fans fire up! Niko and Tank continue to brawl on the outside, and Tank RAMS Niko into the apron. Niko rains down elbows in return, but Hank runs to BODY CHECK Niko off the apron!
The fans fire up with Hank ‘n’ Tank, they go back to the ring, but Spears dropkicks Hank’s legs out! Spears throws hands, then snapmares and stomps! Spears tags Niko, the Culling mugs Hank, and then Niko bumps Hank off buckles. Niko bumps Hank off more buckles, then UPPERCUTS him! Hank ELBOWS Niko, but Niko tries another buckle bump. Hank blocks that, ELBOWS Niko, then he bumps Niko off buckles! The fans rally as Hank pushes Niko to ropes, tags Tank, and then whips Niko for the misdirect! Tank CLOBBERS Niko! The champs rev it up and the fans fire up! Tank runs then hops onto Hank, DOUBLE SPLASH DOWN! Cover, TWO!
Tank clamps onto Niko with a chinlock and the fans rally behind the champs. Niko fights up, powers Tank to ropes and powers out, only for Tank to wrench. Niko HEADBUTTS Tank down! Tag to Spears, turns Tank, NECKBREAKER! Then a leg drop! Cover, ONE! Spears is annoyed but he stays between Hank ‘n’ Tank. Spears stands Tank up but Tank fires hands! Tank whips, Spears reverses and KNEES low! Spears tags Niko, they mug Tank, then Niko ROCKS Tank with a haymaker! Tank goes to a corner, Niko RAMS into him, but Tank ELBOWS in return! Tank ROCKS Niko, but Niko BODY SHOTS!
Niko whips, Tank grabs ropes, and he BOOTS in return! Hank tags in, Tank bumps Niko off buckles. Hank runs up to LARIAT and BULLDOG! Tank runs to SPLASH Spears off the corner! Tank SENTONS Niko, Hank goes up! Niko avoids the flying lariat! Hank tumbles out, but Izzi & Tatum stand in his way! The fans boo, Hank keeps his distance as he walks around the ladies, but Niko POUNCES Hank over the desk! Booker T gets wiped out in the process! The fans go nuts and NXT goes to break!
NXT returns again and Niko has Hank up top. They brawl, and Hank DECKS Niko! Hank rises, Niko stands, and Hank FLYING LARIATS! The fans fire up and rally as both men crawl. Hank and Niko crawl, hot tags to Spears and Tank! Tank rallies on Spears with LARIAT and UPPERCUT and BIG atomic drop! Spears staggers around, Tank goes up and up to FLYING SHOULDER TACKLE! Tank keeps moving and he DIVES! Down goes Niko and the fans fire up! Tank hurries back, he blocks a kick then cartwheels, but Spears SUPERKICKS after all! Tank stays up, Spears SUPERKICKS again! Niko tags in and he DIVING HEADBUTTS! Cover, HANK BREAKS IT!
The fans fire up and Niko is furious! Niko drags Hank up, “This is Awesome!” as Niko TOSSES Hank out! Izzi & Tatum are there to laugh at Hank, and Niko tags Spears. Spears brings Tank up, but Tank fireman’s carries! Spears shouts for Tatum and Tatum distracts from the apron! Spears slips free and he THROWS Tank tot he ropes! Izzi BOOTS! Spears hits the IMPALER! Cover, TWO!! Tank survives and the entire Culling is shocked! The fans rally for “NXT! NXT!” ZaRuca attacks Izzi & Tatum! Well, Sol brawls with Izzi, and Zaria carries Tatum away like she did before! Spears & Niko freak out, but they don’t see Hank ‘n’ Tank rise up!
Hank ‘n’ Tank throw off the shirts! They and The Culling then throw hands! Niko RAMS Hank into a corner but Tank DECKS Spears! Niko whips, Hank reverses, and Tank LEAPING LARIATS! The fans are thunderous as the champs go to the corners. HONK HONK! Spears shoves Niko to take the BELLY SANDWICH! Hank LARIATS Niko, scoops Spears, and they hit the GRIDIRON! Tank covers, Hank ‘n’ Tank win!
Winner: Hank ‘n’ Tank, by pinfall (still NXT Tag Team Champions)
The Culling does not prevail, step on of their golden agenda has fallen apart! But will Izzi make up for that by taking the Women’s North American Championship from Sol? Or will she just get her soul snatched?
BREAKING NEWS for The Great American Bash!
With the multiple attacks just this evening, Jasper Troy will have to give Je’Von Evans a fair fight! They will now go 1v1 in Atlanta, will Troy not leave even a piece of Je’Von left?
Andre Chase finds Kale Dixon backstage.
Mr. Chase is fired up for his freshman to have his match, but then what’s he doing in the medical room? Kale says he can’t. His blood pressure is through the roof! He’s not mentally prepared for this! His arm is numb! Chase says c’mon, they were preparing for this all week! Kale apologizes, he can’t go out there, he can’t feel his arm! That’s because Uriah hasn’t stopped pumping the cuff! Uriah stops, the air is let out, and Kale feels much better. But still, Kale can’t go out there right now, he is freaking out! Chase looks Kale in the eyes, and says okay, it’s fine. They’ll reschedule and figure this out.
Kale thanks Mr. Chase, but Mr. Chase is seeing the uphill battle ahead of them both. Can Chase find a way to reach these kids?
Ava Raine is in the ring.
The NXT General Manager stands at the podium, and she says, “October 28th, 2018: the first women’s Evolution.” The fans cheer that. Ava was in high school at the time, and watching that event, she thought how amazing it would be to be part of something so monumental. Iyo Sky was in the finals of the Mae Young Classic, and she is now Women’s World Champion. Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch put on an undeniable Last Woman Standing match. And a history-maker in her own right, Nikki Bella was in the main event. All of those women continue to push women’s wrestling forward in everything that they do.
And now, as the first female GM in NXT history, she is so proud that NXT is going to be all over Evolution. #ZaRuca have the opportunity to become THE WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. Jordynne Grace takes on Jacy Jayne for the NXT Women’s Championship. And six women from NXT will represent this brand in the battle royal! The fans cheer as Ava says they have a chance to move on to the Clash in Paris for a main roster women’s title opportunity. And those six women are: Jaida Parker; Lola Vice; Kelani Jordan; Lash Legend; Izzi Dame; and Tatum Paxley! Those women will show everyone that not only does NXT always show up, they always show out!
The fans cheer, and Ava says this is the most stacked Women’s Division in the world! NXT is the land of opportunity and- Fatal Influence interrupts. Ava sighs and smirks as Fallon Henley, Jazmyn Nyx & Jacy Jayne walk out here. Jacy already has a mic to say, “Um, I’m sorry. Ava, hi, remember me? Your NXT Women’s Champion?” Yes, Ava just mentioned you. Well, right, then to be honest, Jacy feels it is weird that Ava talks about everyone else when Jacy’s match and her title are gonna be the highlight. In fact, Ava doesn’t even need to talk about that battle royal, and when she talks about the Women’s Division, she’s really just talking about Jacy Jayne.
NOT the sentimental favorites, the TNA “tourists,” and certainly not that flash in the pan- WAIT, Grace interrupts! And she says, “Jacy Jayne, running her mouth again. But let’s all act surprised. Evolution is a groundbreaking event, but you don’t make it special. It’s about the women who paved the way for us. And when I take that NXT Women’s title from you, I’m gonna be the one steering this division into the future.” WAIT, Lash Legend is here! And she opens with “SKRRRRRR~! Oh, see, I love this. I love this! Y’all two can go ahead, keep it going, keep it going, because this must be a gift for me. Y’all two can keep on fighting over that NXT Women’s Championship.
“But as for me, Lash Legend, the Bougie Bully? You best believe I’m gonna be the talk of Evolution when I go on and win the Women’s Battle Royal in my hometown, Hotlanta, and theeen go on to Clash in Paris and finally win a women’s championship.” But wait! Stephanie Vaquer is back! The fans fire up as La Primera has the mic, and she says, “It’s amazing to be back. Jacy, Jacy, Jacy. You are the NXT Women’s Champion now, I respect that. You beat me. But on Sunday, Jordynne is getting the victory. Just like I will in the battle royal to become a new champion.” But wait! Natalya is here, accompanied by Maxxine Dupri!
And Maxxine has the mic to have everyone hold on. She knows all these girlies are discussing Women’s Wrestling history without mentioning The BOAT, the lowkey legend, Natalya! The fans cheer, and Maxxine says Paris might be the fashion capital of the world, but it is also where one of them will become the NEW WWE Women’s Champion! Natty says that is so sweet of Maxxine to say. But the Dungeon Dolls didn’t come here to play, they’re here to win! And at Evolution, they will be the last two women in that battle royal, locked in, until the very end. Wait, wait, more women sneak in from the outside!
Zelina Vega, Ivy Nile, Lola Vice, Giulia, Candice LeRae, and Jaida Parker are here! And Miss Parker has the mic to tell everyone else to hold on, cuz they’re not the only ones who want opportunities. Just look around! The entire women’s division is stacked! But go ahead, keep that same energy. Cuz Jaida Parker is going to step into the battleground that is Evolution and be on point. The fans applaud as the walls start closing in on Fatal Influence, but then Jaida says she’ll also throw all y’all little asses over the top rope while she’s at it! Then she makes her way to Paris, get herself a title, bring it back to NXT or even stay on Raw & SmackDown.
Either way, in Atlanta, best believe it is Jaida’s time! And now a brawl pops off! The fans fire up for this preview of the battle royal! Ava stands aside as the fans cheer for “NXT! NXT!” Izzi & Tatum also watch from a distance, enjoying every bit of this. Refs rush out here but fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” The fighting does indeed continue, but not for lack of trying from the refs! Who proves themselves worthy of glory and gold when WWE reaches Evolution?
My Thoughts:
A great NXT as the go-home to the big ATL weekend, but with some seemingly last minute additions to the American Bash. Ricky Saints making it through the Vanity Project was a given, but Falls Count Anywhere was not what I expected. Either way, Ethan VS Ricky will be great stuff, really elevate the show overall, and could easily have Ricky be the new champion despite the go-home math here. Dempsey VS Tavion was a great match, but I figured Dempsey would win. The faction isn’t going to last if another member leaves, but maybe they should think about reloading with some Evolve/LFG talent.
Very good promo from the D’Angelo Family to set up a Triple Threat as the blowoff. Hard to call it, but I feel like Stacks wins as he’s the Heritage Cup Champion. Very fun promo from Chase U with Kale being too nervous for his first singles match in NXT, but it doesn’t really work when he used to job in singles matches before this story. Great tag match of Hendry & Santana VS High Ryze, and both parts of the finish were expected. Hendry & Santana win cuz Santana alone has proven he’s a top level tag guy in his career while Ty & Ty are just starting. And also, Trick joins in on the beatdown, but that’s because the contract signing on Saturday is the true go-home, and we’ll just see who stands tall then.
Another very good promo from Dark State, but Dion and Saquon continue to be the stronger half. I feel like their “invasion” of TNA will result in a big match for Slammiversary, not an NXT program. Great promo segment from Inamura, Briggs and Oba, and it really feels like Briggs is gonna cost Inamura when he tries to help. I also liked the videos they got from the stars of NOAH, and the match of Oba VS Inamura is also a sign that NOAH is working much closer with WWE than before. It might be in part why I haven’t seen as much NJPW-NOAH crossover lately, either. If NOAH is on WWE’s team, NJPW can’t really work with them while also working with AEW.
Very good promo from Hank ‘n’ Tank with Lexis King being strange in the background, but I really think that Lexis was in on setting Je’Von up for that attack against the garage door. The medical room one was definitely all Troy, though. Troy VS Je’Von will be a great addition to Great American Bash, too, but it also feels like WWE is only bolstering that show up to compete against AEW All In. Good promo from The Culling, but great main event for the tag titles. Great move with ZaRuca going after Izzi & Tatum to take away The Culling’s advantage, and then great win for Hank ‘n’ Tank to retain.
And great stuff all over the Women’s Division. Good promo from ZaRuca with Kelani, Lola and Reid to hype up ZaRuca getting in the Women’s Tag title match. The vignettes from Grace and Monroe were fun, though maybe like if you turned up the contrast on the ZaRuca friendship building promos. But then we got a great “Evolution Summit,” with many, many stars of the division showing up. Classic move having a big brawl send us off before a battle royal scenario, as just about anyone can win. But in the end, I don’t think the NXT women are winning it. Stephanie Vaquer is a top choice as she’s on Raw and has no title yet, but Nikki Bella is in the match so maybe she gets one more title match.
As for Grace’s situation, she and Monroe certainly win so Monroe gets her first WWE PLE win, but Jacy has the Fatal Influence to help her cheat as she always does. Monroe could counter them and help Grace win, but then TNA has declared Masha Slammovich is gonna go title VS title, Winner Takes All with the NXT Women’s Champion at Slammiversary. A rematch of Masha and Grace would be great, while Masha would definitely beat Jacy. If Trick is to make it through Slammiversary as TNA World Champion, it’d be fitting if a TNA talent became the new NXT Women’s Champion.
My Score: 8.8/10
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