Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (11/29/24)
On the eve of Survivor Series…
What a deal for Black Friday!
Before Survivor Series: WarGames can begin, Jey Uso and Jacob Fatu will fight for advantage while Roman Reigns and CM Punk will speak on this new alliance. Will the OG Bloodline and Second City Saint be in synch before Saturday?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Shinsuke Nakamura VS Andrade; Nakamura wins.
- Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes; Cody wins.
- WWE Women’s United States Championship Tournament Triple Threat: Piper Niven VS Mia Yim VS Lash Legend; Mia wins and advances to the next round.
- Men’s WarGames Advantage: Jey Uso VS Jacob Fatu; Jacob wins the advantage for his team at Survivor Series.
PLAY BY PLAY
Bianca Belair is here!
Salt Lake City fires up for The EST, but she isn’t alone, as Naomi makes her entrance, too! And then Iyo Sky is here! And then Bayley! And that of course leaves Rhea Ripley to make her entrance! The whole crew is here, as eclectic as it is, and they head to the ring together, ready for WarGames! The fans cheer on “MAMI! MAMI!” as she and the team all get mics, and Rhea starts by saying, “I know it’s obvious. Not everyone on this team are best friends. But honestly, none of that matters. Because tomorrow night, we all step into one of the most dangerous matches in the WWE: WarGames!” The fans cheer that!
Rhea says they all have someone that they wanna get their hands on. So tomorrow night, this all ends. When this team steps into the steel cage, no one is gonna be able to stop them from absolutely brutalizing their opponents. Think about it! Think about everything that side has done to them! Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, Nia Jax, Tiffany Stratton, Candice LeRae! Naomi says, “That’s right, big mama. Cuz Nia Jax and her little lapdogs are gonna get everything they deserve and then some. Because they have been nothing but a pain in me and Bayley’s sides. And I promise you, and I promise y’all, will the Glow be felt, oh it’s gonna be dealt!”
Bianca Belair says yep! They all know one of Nia’s took at Jade Cargill. Tomorrow night, all five of ’em can get it! Rhea tells Liv she’ll wish she never met Rhea. Iyo says they will DESTROY YOU! But speaking of, here comes Liv, Raquel, Nia, Tiffany & Candice! Liv has a mic to say it’s funny how confident Rhea’s team is that they’ll win tomorrow night. Nia says Bianca may have had a brain fart that Bayley & Iyo tortured her for years. Oh, and Bayley, Iyo backstabbed you before WrestleMania! What Nia’s team has done doesn’t even come close to the issues that team has. That team will implode even before getting in the ring, “Ya big losers!”
Nia’s side laughs, but Naomi tells Nia to shut up! Bayley says for real! Naomi says Nia has way bigger problems, like Naomi & Bayley! Bayley agrees again, and says Nia is one to talk. She’s been manipulating lil’ Tiffy since day one, but she’s too naive to notice. And watch out for Candice, she knows her way around the business, so she isn’t gonna fall for it. So maybe after WarGames, Nia will be out of friends. Oh, Bayley is an expert in having no friends. Big idiot! Liv says this is a united front, stop trying to manipulate them. Bayley lost her touch and is no longer good at it. However… Liv does think it is really interesting how Jade was attacked and now Bayley’s on the team.
The fans are torn there, but Rhea tells Liv to just shut up and stop wasting everyone’s time. Soon, Liv won’t be able to hide behind anyone. Because when you step into the cage, there is NOWHERE to run! And then she’ll have to face Rhea! Liv says y’know what? That’s true. But that’s why Liv will put her money where her mouth is, and finish the job she started when she breaks Rhea’s face on the steel cage tomorrow night! Rhea laughs at Liv and says “Sweet, naive Liv. I’m gonna cave your face in so bad that the ‘love of your life,’ Dominik Mysterio? He’s not gonna even wanna look at you!” Liv gets mad now, and the teams storm up!
But then Liv says nice try, Rhea, but see you tomorrow. Liv’s side is leaving, bye~! Bye bye~! Rhea says she hates waiting. Rhea leads her team up the ramp! The brawl is on, on the stage!! The fans fire up as Rhea has Raquel, Bayley has Candice, Naomi has Tiff, Bianca is after Nia and Iyo is after Liv! They’re all over the place, but then Liv puts Iyo in the ring! Bayley does the same to Candice! Iyo turns the tide to HAMMER Liv! Refs and producers hurry out here but it’s just chaos! Fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” Liv’s team falls back to retreat while Rhea’s team has the ring! Rhea’s team also has WarGames advantage, will that help them destroy all their enemies?
Shinsuke Nakamura VS Andrade!
The King of Strong Style returned as a ruthless ronin, and his blindside attacks got him a title match with LA Knight for Survivor Series! But will his edge be razor sharp going into that United States Championship match? Or will El Idolo prove he should be the one challenging The Mega Star?
The bell rings and the two circle. The fans rally up and duel even. The two tie up but Nakamura KNEES low, throws Andrade down, but Andrade avoids the stomp! They reset, tie up again, and Nakamura puts Andrade in the corner. The ref counts, Nakamura fires off shots, but whips corner to corner. Andrade goes up and out, then ROCKS Nakamura first! Andrade goes up and up to CROSSBODY! Cover, ONE!! Andrade drags Nakamura up but Nakamura RAMS him into the corner again and again! Nakamura fires off more shots, then a KNEE! The ref reprimands, but Nakamura gives Andrade BAD VIBRATIONS!
Nakamura scuffs Andrade as he lets off, and then goes corner to corner. Andrade rolls Nakamura up! TWO, and Nakamura takes a swing! Andrade dodges to RANA! Nakamura bails out, but Andrade runs up! Nakamura GAMANGIRIS Andrade down! Nakamura stomps Andrade and the fans duel again. Nakamura goes up, Andrade springs up to triangle jump DROPKICK! Nakamura tumbles out to the floor! Andrade hurries up top, and to the very top! ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Down goes Nakamura but Andrade also has to rest on the floor, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Nakamura has Andrade in a chinlock. Andrade fights up, fires elbows, but Nakamura knees low! INVERTED EXPLODER, but Andrade lands out! Andrade CLOBBERS Nakamura! Nakamura gets up to kick but Andrade blocks to DRAGON SCREW! Andrade runs to FLYING FOREARM! Both men are down, but then Andrade kips up! The fans fire up and Andrade has Nakamura in a corner. Fans join in with “SI! SI! SI!” and Andrade fires up, but then he goes up the corner. Nakamura CLUBS Andrade first! Nakamura climbs up and brings Andrade to the top! Andrade fights the back suplex by holding the ropes!
Andrade CLUBS away on Nakamura, then ELBOWS him down! The fans fire up and Andrade adjusts. MOONSAULT DOUBLE! Cover, TWO! Nakamura survives and shocks Andrade, but Andrade starts to grin. Andrade fires up as he rises, and the fans fire up with him! Andrade brings Nakamura around, underhooks, but Nakamura wrenches out! Andrade ducks a roundhouse, ducks a heel kick, but then Nakamura avoids both boot and elbow! Nakamura hits an OVERHEAD BACK ELBOW!! Andrade staggers, Nakamura goes to a corner! KINSH- NO, Andrade dodges! Boot feint and ELBOW!! Cover, TWO?!?
Nakamura survives and Salt Lake can’t believe it! Andrade is beside himself, as well, but the fans rally back up. Andrade brings Nakamura up as the fans duel again. Andrade suplexes, Uno Amigo! And then Dos Amigos! The fans fire up for THREE- NO, Nakamura powers Andrade back! Andrade digs his heels in to THREE AMIGOS into the corner! Nakamura flounders and Andrade pounds the mat. The fans rally up again with “SI! SI! SI!” Andrade goes corner to corner and back again, but Nakamura ducks the knees, AND TOOK A BUCKLE AWAY!? Andrade hits bare steel and the fans are stunned!
Nakamura has a sinister smile that then turns into a scowl. BLINDSIDE KINSHASA!! Cover, Nakamura wins!
Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura, by pinfall
Andrade wanted this fight, and now he lost the fight! The darkness in Nakamura is on full display, will it shine with gold tomorrow? Wait, here comes LA Knight! Nakamura dodges Knight, and uses the BLACK MIST!! Knight flounders and flails blindside, and Nakamura leaves him behind. Is Nakamura right in saying Knight is desperate to keep the spotlight on him? Will Nakamura prey on that desperation to once again be champion?
Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline talks backstage.
Jacob Fatu is preparing to fight for WarGames advantage, and The Undisputed Tribal Chief tells his Enforcer, “You got this. Don’t even worry about that stupid dance that he does. Hey, I want you to take…” Solo stops as Nick Aldis steps in. The SmackDown General Manager wants to just say that tonight’s match of Jacob Fatu VS Jey Uso is critically important, as they all know. WarGames, whoever wins tonight, they have the numbers advantage. Therefore, Aldis does NOT want the numbers game to factor into tonight. What he’s trying to say is, everyone is banned from ringside. And he does mean everyone.
Solo says it’s alright, they’ll do that. So then they have an understanding? Of course. Aldis leaves, and Solo tells Jacob to destroy “Main Event Jey.” Will the Samoan Werewolf do just that? Or will Jey make sure the OGs are the ones with the advantage?
#DIY talks backstage.
Tommaso Ciampa just wants to know if he’s got this right, because he’s pretty sure Johnny Gargano said it. Gargano said “Whatever it takes,” but they got screwed out of their titles, that’s what Gargano also said. Yes, Gargano did say those things. Then did Gargano already forget Cleveland, Gargano’s hometown, and DIY being screwed out of the championships, in front of Gargano’s family and friends?! In front of Gargano’s own son!? Does he want his son to grow up thinking, “Yeah, my dad’s a loser.” Ciampa does NOT want his daughter growing up, “My dad’s a loser so I must be a loser!” THEY ARE NOT LOSERS!!
Gargano says no, they are not. But things have changed. Oh? What changed? Explain it to Ciampa. Because as he sees it, nothing has changed! What happened is Alex Shelley showed up. Ciampa mockingly says, “Oh, Shelley was my mentor when I was 18~!” Ciampa doesn’t care about the past! What Ciampa sees is, Gargano’s friendship with Shelley is more important than DIY taking the titles back! That is NOT what Ciampa is gonna do! So unless Gargano has a plan- Gargano says he’ll talk to Shelley. Ciampa says no, he is sick of talking! He doesn’t even wanna be doing this! Gargano has seen what Ciampa’s been doing, that is Ciampa’s plan.
So unless Gargano has some other plan Ciampa doesn’t know about, they do this Ciampa’s way. Gargano has one more week to figure this out, and if he can’t, then it’s Ciampa’s way. Ciampa storms off, what is Johnny Wrestling to do?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“There are people out there that are still on Cody Rhodes’ side. So let me explain to you why I am right. January 1st, 2021: Roman Reigns and his cousin assault me 2-on-1, and throw me off of a 15 foot high scaffolding through tables. But I got up. January 31st, 2021, at the Royal Rumble: Roman Reigns runs me over with a golf cart. But I go tup. January 28th, 2023, again at the Royal Rumble: Roman Reigns orders for me to get Superkicked over and over and over again! And for that one, Cody Rhodes was in the building! But he was nowhere to be found. But you know where he was at Bad Blood this year, when Roman Reigns needed somebody? Right there, by his side.
“And that’s just three of the dozens of examples I could’ve used to show you that Cody Rhodes deserves everything that’s coming to him at Saturday Night’s Main Event, when I turn the American Nightmare into the Canadian Dream.” The Prizefighter is ready to have a prize back around his waist, will he tear down Cody to have the greatest Christmas present possible?
Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes!
Speaking of The American Nightmare, Salt Lake City is fired up as the Undisputed WWE Champion is about to run it back with H1M! Will Cody be able to focus knowing he has Kevin Owens to prepare for? Or will Melo not miss his own chance to get one on the champ?
SmackDown returns and Melo makes his entrance. But he also has a mic. “Hey, Cody. You know what? Kevin was right. You did turn your back on him. Because let’s be real. You not the guy to stab a guy in his back, we know that. You the guy to stab someone right in his heart. Because who needs enemies when you got friends like Cody Rhodes? So Cody, you wanna evaluate me? You wanna evaluate the first round draft pick!? Well, you’re gonna learn that this evaluation is only gonna find out one thing and that’s exactly why I’m freakin’ HIM.” Melo drops the mic as he steps in, Cody puts the belt aside, and the bell rings.
Cody and Melo circle, feel things out, and Melo avoids the leg pick. They tie up, go around, and the fans rally up for Cody. Cody has Melo on ropes, slowly lets off, but Melo shoves Cody back. The two reset and circle again. They tie up, Melo knees low, headlocks, but Cody lifts. Melo fights that, but Cody powers out. Melo hits an arm-drag and cover, TWO! Cody has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo avoids the Rhodes Uppercut! Melo brags that he’s too smart, but then Cody avoids the kick to roll Melo up! TWO, and the RHODES UPPERCUT hits this time! Melo checks his chin and Cody says if he’s H1M, then bring it.
Melo SLAPS Cody! The fans boo, Cody storms up, but Melo uses the ref as a shield! Melo then sneaks a headlock, but Cody puts Melo on ropes. The ref counts, Melo lets go but Cody whips. Melo reverses, Cody grabs ropes, then Cody dodges! Cody LARIATS Melo up and out! The fans fire up with Cody and he builds speed. Cody DIVES and he sends Melo into the desk! The fans fire up as Cody then SMACKS Melo off the desk! Melo rolls into the ring, Cody storms in, but Melo SHOTGUNS Cody at the ropes! Cody flounders, Melo brings him up, and Melo springboards, but Cody avoids the fade away! Cody springboards, DISASTER KICK!
The fans fire up with Cody as he stands over Melo, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Cody is in the drop zone! Melo climbs, but Cody is right up to ROCK him! Cody climbs, CLUBS Melo, then brings him up! Cody hits a stalling SUPERPLEX! Both men writhe but the fans fire up! Cody rises first and the fans rally behind him. Cody stands, he storms over to Melo, and he blocks haymakers to give haymakers! Melo kicks low, runs, but Cody follows! Cody CLOBBERS Melo, then baits him into a corner! But Melo avoids the powerslam! LA MYSTICA! Cover, TWO! Cody stays in this but Melo catches his breath while checking his chin. Cody rises but Melo is on him.
Melo reels Cody in, CLUBS him, and powers Cody into a suplex! Cody fights free to shove Melo! Cody scoops Melo and RUNNING POWERSLAMS! Cody then grabs legs, steps through, for the FIGURE FOUR! The fans fire up and “WOO~” while Melo flails! Melo crawls, ROPEBREAK! Cody lets Melo go free, but he rises up again. Cody drags Melo by the legs, but Melo BOOTS Cody! Cody staggers and Melo hurries to his feet. Melo fires hands, Cody fires back! They go back and forth, the fans cheering Cody. Cody ROCKS Melo, but Melo mule kicks! Melo thinks about it, springboards, but so does Cody! Melo hurries to trip Cody!
Cody is stuck in ropes, so Melo springboards to FLYING CALF KICK! Then Melo suplexes, CUTTER! Cover, TWO! Melo grows frustrated but this is why Cody’s the champion! The fans rally up for Cody but Melo looks to the corner. Melo climbs, but Cody anchors his legs! Cody fires hands, Melo fires back! Melo shoves Cody away, finishes the climb, and says this is why he’s the best! The fans boo, but then Cody avoids the three pointer! Melo comes back, but no La Mystica! CROSS- NO, Melo powers out and shoves Cody away! But Cody blocks the superkick! Cody spins Melo, ducks an elbow, back suplex! Melo lands out!
Melo pushes Cody, Cody bucks the O’Conner! Melo misses the lariat, CODY CUTTER!! The fans fire up again and Cody roars! Melo stands, Cody dragon sleepers, CROSS RHODES!! Cover, Cody wins!
Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall
Melo was a first round draft pick for a reason, because even though he lost, he has a bright future ahead of him. But that’s the future, Cody is the present! But is Cody’s near future going to be very dark facing a vengeful Kevin Owens?
Paul Heyman sits down with Roman Reigns.
The Wise Man and OTC are waiting. Roman asks Heyman, “Where is he?” Heyman says, “I don’t know, My Tribal Chief.” Roman says CM Punk is keeping him waiting, and that doesn’t work for Roman. But just as Roman was about to get up, CM Punk walks in. Punk says he doesn’t have a lot of time. Roman says good thing he showed up late then. Punk didn’t show up for Roman, he’s here for Heyman. Well, that’s good. But let’s get one thing straight: Roman doesn’t need Punk’s help. Punk chuckles and says he knew Roman would feel that way. Punk doesn’t even want to give Roman the help. But again, he’s not here for Roman, he’s here for Paul.
Roman says he’s happy for them, he really is. But Roman doesn’t like Punk’s tone. Or his attitude. Or just Punk. And Roman damn sure doesn’t want to team with Punk at WarGames. Heyman tells Roman that Solo has had the OG Bloodline in check since WrestleMania. If they don’t accept Punk’s help… It’s game over. Now, in all fairness, if Punk doesn’t help, and Solo turns back Roman and puts an end to the OG Bloodline… Punk’s next. Solo will come after Punk, all five of them. And not even because of this. It is because Punk is the threat. So respectfully to both men, divided they fall. United, they at best can survive.
Punk says Roman doesn’t like Punk’s attitude, but Punk doesn’t care. Because he doesn’t like Roman. But that doesn’t matter. Punk is not here for Roman, he is here for Heyman. Roman wants his ula fala back, and Punk wants scalps. Punk wants revenge for what Solo did to Punk’s friend. So if they survive WarGames, and Roman wants to revisit this conversation 1v1, Punk is all ears. Roman says, “One time.” Punk says, “One time. One favor.” Roman owes Punk? No. Roman won’t owe Punk anything. Their Wise Man will. Punk heads out, and Roman asks Heyman, “What’s the favor?”
Heyman says let’s get through WarGames first, and then they’ll have all the time in the world to talk about that. Roman leaves it at that, but he isn’t exactly happy. Will the Best in the World be the wild card that helps the OTC win the war?
WWE Women’s United States Championship Tournament Triple Threat: Piper Niven VS Mia Yim VS Lash Legend!
This match was meant to have Jade Cargill in it, but after someone took her out, things have been changed just a bit. “Lil’ Miss P” and Michin still have their beef to settle, but now the Bougie Bully from NXT gets in on a huge opportunity! Will Piper join the Hot Mess in the semifinals? Or will someone else be one step closer to Saturday Night’s Main Event?
The bell rings and the three step up. They feel things out, and Mia ROUNDHOUSES Piper! Lash swings, Mia dodges, the LARIAT hits Piper! Mia CHOPS Lash, fires forearms, then SOBATS! Lash falls back, Mia wheelbarrows Piper. Piper stops the victory roll! But then Mia BOOTS Lash! Piper sits Mia down, runs, and SPLASHES! Cover, Lash SPLASHES it apart! The fans fire up as Lash and Piper stand. Piper HEADBUTTS, then scoops! Lash slips free, shoves Piper, then scoops! The fans fire up as Lash holds Piper up! But Mia SHOTGUNS them both down! Piper tumbles out and Mia clamps on a SLEEPER!
Lash fights with Mia as a backpack. Lash RAMS Mia into a corner, but then Mia BOOTS her away! Chelsea comforts Piper while Mia climbs up. FLYING RANA! The fans fire up as Mia roars! Lash tumbles out so Mia goes to the apron. Mia PENALTY KCIKS Piper! The fans fire up as that kick is good! Mia then lines up a shot, and ASAI MOONSAULTS! Mia takes out Piper AND Lash and Salt Lake is fired up! Mia brings Piper up and into the ring, but Chelsea creeps closer. Chelsea YANKS Mia down, then BOOTS her! The fans boo but Chelsea says this is what Mia gets for0 B-FAB TACKLES CHELSEA!
The fans fire up as B-Fab and Chelsea brawl up the ramp! Now things are fair, even for a Triple Threat. Piper is upset as B-Fab takes the fight to Chelsea, and Lash is lurking! BOOT!! Lash revels in the cheering while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Piper CANNONBALLS Mia! Piper then hauls Mia up to scoop and PIPER DRIVER!! Cover, LASH BREAKS IT! The fans rally as Lash hoists Piper up to a fireman’s carry! But Piper slips free, and BODY CHECKS Lash! The fans fire up and Piper rises. Piper stomps Lash, goes up the corner, and VADER BOMBS! Cover, MIA BREAKS IT! The fans fire up while Piper grows frustrated. Mia ROCKS Lash, CHOPS her, then CHOPS again! Mia whips, Lash reverses and then scoops! SWINGING BACKBREAKER! Mia writhes, but Piper is up! Piper ROCKS Lash, whips her to a corner, then runs in, but Lash dodges!
Lash runs up to CHOP, and choke grip! CHOKE SLAM!! Cover, TWO?!? Piper survives but Lash KNEES her down! Cover, TWO! Piper is still in this and Lash argues the count. The ref defends it was fair, but Lash doesn’t see Mia run up! YAKUZA KICK! Mia runs side to side, RAN- NO! Lash blocks, and she brings Mia up! Mia fights but Lash still POWERBOMBS! High stack, TWO!! Mia survives and Lash is beside herself! The fans fire up again as the three stir. Piper is up to SENTON Mia AND Lash!! Cover on Lash, Mia breaks it! Piper is frustrated and she whips Mia to a corner. Mia BOOTS back, goes up, but Piper SLAPS her!
Mia sits back and Piper climbs up. Piper brings Lash onto her shoulders, but Mia fights it! Lash ROCKS Piper! Mia drops to the apron, Lash climbs up after Piper, but Piper HEADBUTTS Lash down! Piper snarls and SUPER SENTONS BUT FLOPS as Lash moves! Lash hauls Piper up, bow ‘n’ arrow rack! LASH EXTENSION!! Cover, MIA SUPER SENTONS!! Cover on Piper, MIA WINS!!
Winner: Mia Yim, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
The Head Baddie In Charge takes charge as she snatches this win from everyone! But now, the final Triple Threat of Tiffany Stratton, Naomi and Elektra Lopez determines who joins Mia in that second semifinal match. Will Mia be ready for whoever is coming at her in the next round?
Medics help LA Knight.
His eyes are still stinging but the worst part is behind him. Byron Saxton steps in to ask for a word. Nakamura of course got Knight with the mist, but what is his condition going into Survivor Series? Knight says of course they’re talking about this right now. Right now, Knight is getting worked on, he can barely see, but if Byron wants to talk Nakamura, then let’s talk Nakamura. Knight will have a seat and talk about the fact the man’s been gone for a bit, then returns and suddenly has a problem with Knight. This guy should have a problem with Knight! And at this point, he’s got a real big problem.
Knight’s been in survival mode, lived and breathed it. So surviving Survivor Series? No, no, no. He walks in and thrives! He’ll continue to be US Champion, because that’s what he is, it’s what he does. Knight will say this: Is he going to just not go? NAH NAH! He’ll be right there, looking Nakamura dead int he eyes, bloodshot or not. Knight will drop Nakamura on his head, get three the hard way because there’s no other way, and it’ll be everybody saying, “L! A! KNIGHT!” Yeah. Knight hopes that’s all Byron needs to know. Byron thanks Knight and heads out. The medics step back in with the eye drops, and Knight says he needs a shower to get the rest of this off him.
The King of Strong Style may have struck first and struck hard, but will it be Knight that strikes the King down?
Sami, Jey & Jimmy Uso are at gorilla.
Sami and Jimmy hype Jey up. They’ll have his back out there no matter what, but then Aldis steps in. He apologizes for interrupting, but he wants ot make it clear. He told Solo, and he’ll tell them: EVERYONE is banned from ringside. Oh, well, okay… Sami and Jimmy accept the terms, because Jey has this! YEET! The music hits, and Main Event Jey Uso is now in Salt Lake Citaaay~!
Men’s WarGames Advantage: Jey Uso VS Jacob Fatu!
We know CM Punk is the OG Bloodline’s fifth man, so now it is up to Main Event Jey Uso to YEET The Samoan Werewolf and earn his side that numbers advantage. But can Jey YEET Jacob? Or will Jacob win this one for HIS Tribal Chief, Solo Sikoa?
SmackDown returns and Jacob makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans rally behind Jey. Jey and Jacob circle, the fans rally up hotter and hotter, and then the two tie up! They go around, from ropes to a corner, then back into a corner. Jacob has Jey cornered, the ref counts, but Jacob lets off slowly. Jey talks some smack but Jacob shoves Jey! Jacob says Jey knows he’s with it! Solo is the chief! The hands start flying! Jey has the edge on Jacob, “YEET!” Jey headlocks but Jacob powers up and out! Jacob CLOBBERS Jey, and then stands with hands together. Jacob tells Jey to get up, and then he fires hands!
Jey is on ropes, Jacob CHOKES him, but stops as the ref counts. “I LOVE YOU, SOLO!” Jacob bumps Jey off buckles, then UPPERCUTS! Jey sputters and leans on the ropes, then slumps down. Jacob talks more trash, “This all you got?!” Jacob stomps Jey around, then stomps him over and over! The ref counts, Jacob stops, but the fans rally behind Jey. Jacob stands Jey up to HEADBUTT him down! Jacob whips Jey corner to corner, but Jey goes up and over! Jey ELBOWS Jacob, GAMANGIRIS, then runs up again, to LARIAT Jacob up and out! The fans fire up and Jacob staggers around. Jey builds speed to DIVE!
But Jacob catches Jey! And POSTS him! And TOSSES him over the desk! Jey flops onto the floor and Jacob stands tall. The fans boo the Samoan Werewolf while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Jacob has his claws in Jey’s shoulder. Jey fights up, the fans rally, and Jey fires body shots! Jey fires haymakers, then runs, but ducks ‘n’ dodges, only for Jacob to CLOBBER him! The fans boo but Jacob says, “I do this! I do this!” Jacob stomps Jey, then snarls as he paces around. The fans boo more but Jacob drags Jey up to clamp those claws back into the shoulders! The fans rally for Jey as he endures, and Jey fights to his feet. Jacob HEADBUTTS Jey down! Jacob fireman’s carries Jey, but Jey fights free to POST Jacob! The fans fire up as Jacob flounders! Jey baits Jacob into the other corner, and POSTS him again!
The fans fire up as Jacob flops back! Jey is also down from having to catch his breath. The fans rally, Jey rises first but Jacob follows. Jey blocks a shot to ROCK Jacob! And then ROCKS Jacob again! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Jey fires more hands, then pops, locks, and puts some stank on the YEET! Jacob blocks a kick, but the DRAGON WHIP hits! Jacob staggers around, Jey gets the fans to “YEET!” some more. HIP ATTACK! Cover, TWO! Jacob survives but Jey keeps his cool. Jey and Jacob both roll and the fans rally again. Jacob runs up but Jey BOOTS him! Jey goes up to CROSSBODY, but Jacob catches him! SWINGING SIDE SLAM!
Jacob runs and handsprings to MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Jey survives Jacob busting out some unreal athleticism, but Jacob stays focused. Jey is in a corner now, Jacob runs in, HIP ATTACK! The fans boo but Jacob snarls. Jacob has wild eyes as he looms over Jey. “I LOVE YOU, SOLO!” Jacob drags Jey up, but Jey SUPERKICKS! Jacob stays up so Jey runs, but into a POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO!! Jey survives again and Jacob is surprised! Jacob goes to a corner, that wild look in his eyes only getting wilder. Jacob says Jey’s done! Jacob goes up the corner, and he soaks up the heat as the fans rally for Jey.
Jacob SWANTON BOMBS, but onto knees! Jey saves himself, and he hurries to SPEAR Jacob down!! Jacob is in a drop zone and now Jey climbs up! USO SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!?! Jey is beside himself but Jacob is just that tough! Salt Lake City says “This is Awesome!” as Jey and Jacob stir. Jacob crawls out to the apron, and Jey sits up in the ring. Jacob staggers his way around, and Jey DIVES! They both hit the desk!! The fans are thunderous as Jey rises again! Jey hurries to clear the desk! The fans love it! Jey refreshes the count, goes out the side, but then Jacob SUPERKICKS Jey! Jacob now puts Jey on the desk!
The fans freak out as Jacob fireman’s carries Jey! SAMOAN DROP on the desk! The desk did NOT break, but maybe Jey just did! Jacob then drags Jey into the ring, for an IMPALER DDT! Jacob isn’t done, he just drags Jey to a drop zone! BEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Jacob wins!!
Winner: Jacob Fatu, by pinfall (Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline has the advantage in WarGames)
Salt Lake City is salty, but there is nothing that can be done! Solo embraces his Enforcer and mockingly says, “YEET!” Will nothing stop Solo’s side from being THE Bloodline in WWE?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown as the go-home to Survivor Series, but it certainly laid out the go-home math for us. Good opening promo segment for the Women’s WarGames, though it maybe went a line or two of dialogue too long. But with the brawl that followed, and the Face team standing tall in the ring, it’s pretty much a given the Heel team wins. Nia hinted at it, and I am personally still hoping Bayley is revealed as the one who attacked Jade to both get in on WarGames and make things easier in the Women’s US Championship match.
Speaking of which, great Triple Threat, and Lash continues to make great impressions on the main roster. I would think after WarGames, given the Women’s Tag titles will certainly be vacated, Lash & Jakara can get right in whatever match crowns the new champs. But of the three tonight, Mia Yim made sense, though I should’ve expected B-Fab to help counter Chelsea’s presence. Naomi VS Tiffany VS Lopez will also be very good, and if the story goes how I’m thinking, Naomi moves on to the next round to give us Bayley VS Naomi in the finals as part of the “It was Bayley all along!” plot twist.
Great match of Andrade VS Nakamura, and good win for Nakamura. But given Knight ran out there and still got punked by Nakamura, that go-home math makes me think Nakamura loses. That is a real shame given this new persona for Nakamura, so maybe WWE will defy their own formula and have Nakamura cheating his way to a win. All I know is, Nakamura can’t keep losing in big time matches if we’re to still believe he is a threat. The same kinda goes for Kevin Owens. That was a very good promo, though Kevin kinda conflates “Cody not helping in 2023” with “Cody betraying Kevin.” But that aside, Kevin should be booked to stay strong, maybe get himself disqualified by going overboard on Cody, and then they can bring things to a third match to perhaps kick off 2025.
Very good promo from Ciampa and Gargano, with Ciampa venting and perhaps having a good point on Gargano being unable to get past his friendship with Shelley to go for what he and Ciampa need in their careers. Ciampa using the phrase of “my way” could very well be a reference back to The Way, which was originally “The Gargano Way.” Maybe “The Way” comes back with Ciampa bringing Gargano into being a Heel again. The Profits are already on that line, DIY could probably try that to stay fresh, and we’ll just have to see how it goes in HHH’s plans for the tag titles. Also, where have Waller & Theory been? Will they return just to have their breakup story?
And very good stuff in the Bloodline story. Well, there could’ve been something a bit better about the Roman-Punk meeting. Maybe it’s just Roman’s character that needs changing. He hasn’t actually been humbled by anything that’s happened, he’s just being nicer to the Usos and Sami, and something about that is going to come back to bite him eventually. And Punk’s favor is surely going to involve Heyman advocating for Punk to have a top title match, over doing that for Roman. Roman will not just have to humble himself but he’ll have to relearn how to earn a title match for himself, not Wise Man politicking for him.
As for the rest, good promo with Solo and his Bloodline, and good move on Aldis’ part to put on a ringside ban. Great match out of Jey VS Jacob, but of course Jacob won. As I said, the math is pretty clear: Women’s WarGames is clearly going to be won by the Heels, so the Men’s WarGames is going to be won by the Faces. Punk is in this story to help the OG Bloodline win and get his favor. Roman VS Solo for the ula fala can also happen because of the OG Bloodline winning, and we’ll have to see where the rest of the Bloodline members go from there.
My Score: 8.7/10
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Time to deal with some absolute egos!
Joe Hendry made it through Vengeance Day still the NXT Champion, but now he teams with Myles Borne against Ricky Saints & Ethan Page!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Jasper Troy VS Eli Knight VS Sean Legacy; Eli and Legacy win.
- Charlie Dempsey & Tavion Heights VS Lexis King & Uriah Connors w/ Birthright; Lexis & Uriah win.
- Sol Ruca VS Lainey Reid w/ The Fatal Influence; Sol wins.
- Women’s Speed Tournament Finals: Thea Hail VS Wren Sinclair; Wren wins and will challenge Fallon Henley for the title.
- Joe Hendry & Myles Borne VS Ricky Saints & Ethan Page; Ricky & Ethan win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Tatum Paxley is here!
The fans cheer the NEW NXT Women’s North American Champion as she holds up the belt and heads to the ring. Tatum puts the belt around her waist and grabs a mic to say, “I am your NEW NXT Women’s North American Champion!” The fans cheer again, and even chant, “You Deserve It!” Tatum continues by saying they don’t know how much that means to her. For the longest time, she’s felt she’s been doing this whole thing wrong. She was begging to be noticed, to be accepted, forcing friendships, all to just still feel alone. She’d play with the dolls and wonder if it was all worth it. All the self doubt, the loss, the mental battle of thinking she should be “a little less Tatum.’
But at Vengeance Day, it became very clear: Tatum didn’t win the title because of The Culling, or because someone else carried her there, or even that she got lucky. She won this title because of the fans! The fans cheer that! Every time she felt alone, every single one of the fans encouraged her to keep going. Now she wears this title around her waist, and she feels something she has been searching for her entire life, and that is the confidence that she belongs! The pain, the hurting, it was all worth it! And she’ll tell us the truth: She won the NXT Women’s Championship for The Culling; but she won the Women’s North American Championship for the fans!
Now she realized something: Tatum has never been and never will be- Interrupted by Izzi Dame… Izzi “congratulates” Tatum on beating her for the title. That must’ve been the best day of her life! But before Tatum starts acting like she knows who she is now, let’s all remind everyone who Tatum used to be. Roll tape! The fans boo as Izzi throws Tatum’s past at her. All the way from from her tryout to joining the Diamond Mine, to losing the NXT Women’s Breakout Tournament, to turning on Diamond Mine, to Level Up, to her #TuesdayAddams transformation.
The fans cheer the video genuinely, but Izzi mockingly says, “Wow! Just wow!” It is truly inspiring how Tatum finally found herself! Izzi would be touch, if it weren’t so fake! Tatum, you haven’t changed at all! You haven’t found anything! You’re just doing what you always do, and that is trying to convince everyone that she’s not just the same weirdo outcast she was when she first showed up here. The fans boo but Izzi says Tatum can stand here and hold the title, soaking in all the fake love from the fake fans, but Izzi and Tatum know what this is: Another mask! Tatum thinks beating Izzi validates her?
The fans sing the Addams Family theme song while Izzi says all Tatum’s found is she is the chameleon of NXT! How is she not tired constantly changing? It’s almost impressive! Always pretending! But sooner or later, the unlovable girl she’s hiding from will show herself again. And when she does, everyone will see what Izzi already knows: Tatum Paxley, championship or not, will forever be the girl desperately trying to fit in. Hopefully Tatum’s enjoyed the past couple of days borrowing that belt, because Izzi wants it back NOW. Tatum turns around to see Niko & Spears! Then Izzi BOOTS Tatum down!
The fans boo as Izzi POWERBOMBS Tatum down! Izzi snatches the belt off Tatum, taking being a sore loser to a new level. Will Tatum just have to beat Izzi again to finally shut her up?
Ricky Saints talks with Ethan Page backstage.
The Absolute asks All Ego just what the hecc was that on Saturday! Ethan slid the belt all the way to Hendry?! Ethan says he knows! He knew the moment it left his hand! Saints says yeah, and he saw it as it slid right by him! Now neither men have titles! They’re naked! Ethan says that visual will haunt him now. Saints says the visual they need is them both as champs! Which is what makes them so great. They don’t dwell on the past. The last two days have sucked for Saints. Oh? Well, the last two WEEKS have sucked for Ethan! Saints apologizes, and he forgives Ethan for Saturday. But guess what? Tonight, after they beat those two cornballs, it’ll look like this.
If Ethan pins Myles, then guess what? He’s back in the North American Championship scene. If Saints pins Hendry, he’ll be main-eventing Stand & Deliver! That’s a sold out crowd chanting his name, oh yes indeed! Ethan says that’s right. Every dynasty has its slump, and this is a mere blemish on their impeccable records. Saints says barely a hiccup! After tonight, they’ll be back holding hands with Miss Title Contention! Ethan sees it, Saints loves it, and now they will both be TWO-TIME champions! Say it again, TWO-TIME CHAMPIONS! But will the Absolute Egos have their way? Or will they be made to believe in Borne & Hendry?
Jasper Troy VS Eli Knight VS Sean Legacy!
The MonStar LFG Season 1 Champion is not happy he lost his Speed Championship in a Triple Threat. But since he can’t just go right after the champion, he’ll take it out on the other guy in that title match, and then Super Sean just because he’s here! Will Troy destroy two high-fliers with one match? Or will there be another win snatched away from him?
NXT returns as the Disrespectfully Athletic makes his entrance, followed by Legacy. The bell rings and Troy ROCKS Legacy! Eli jumps on Troy but Troy throws him down. Legacy jumps on but Troy RAMS him into a corner! Eli comes back, but Troy THROWS him across the way! The fans are torn but Legacy runs up. Troy scoops Legacy, fireman’s carries, but Eli jumps in! Troy catches him!? And then he shrugs Legacy off so he can gorilla press Eli! Eli wiggles free, but Troy gets him again, CHOKE SLAM onto Legacy! The fans fire up while Troy puts Legacy in a corner and fires knees! Troy then goes to Eli in the other corner and BODY BLOWS!
Troy short arm LARIATS Eli, then stalks Legacy. Troy HEADBUTTS Legacy, then steps on him in the corner! The fans rally, Troy steps off, and Troy storms up on Eli. Troy BODY BLOWS Eli again, then whips corner to corner. Troy runs up, but into a BOOT! Eli hurries to fire hands on Troy, but Troy whisp him away. Troy CLOBBERS Eli, the fans fire up, and Troy stalks Eli. Troy scoops Eli, then aims at Legacy. Eli slips free, Legacy SUPERKICSK! Eli SUPERKICKS, then they DOUBLE SUPERKICK! Troy tumbles up and out of the ring! Legacy whips Eli but Eli reverses! Eli ROCKS Legacy in a corner, then ROCKS him again!
Legacy fires shots in return, and we can see Troy drag himself up with the apron skirt. But KEANU CARVER CLOBBERS TROY! The fans are torn as the One Man Demolition Crew CHOKE SLAMS Troy through the desk! The fans go nuts, and Keanu tells Booker T this is what he meant! Keep his name out your mouths! Don’t play with Keanu! Keanu just turned this Triple Threat into a 1v1, and NXT goes to break!
NXT returns again as refs check on Troy. Legacy has Eli in a chinlock but Eli fights up. Eli arm-drags free, runs up, and he blocks a boot to CALF KICK! Then Eli goes up, up, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Legacy tumbles out, Eli goes to a corner, and Eli springboards to SUPER CROSSBODY! The fans fire up with Eli and he hurries to get Legacy in the ring. Eli goes to the corner for the TIGER WALL MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up again as Legacy survives. Eli hurries up top, and he MOONSAULTS! Legacy moves, Eli lands out, and then Eli dodges to BOOT! Eli runs up, Legacy goes up and over!
Legacy runs up, Eli dodges, but Legacy BOOTS him from the corner! Legacy QUEBRADAS into the dragon sleeper, and the SAVING GRACE! Cover, TWO! Eli survives but the fans fire up again! Troy clutches his side but he’s standing back up! “This is Awesome!” as Legacy hurries to get Eli up int the torture rack! But Eli fights free! Eli ROCKS Legacy, Legacy ROCKS Eli, and repeat! The fans rally as they go back and forth, but then Legacy gets the edge! But Eli ENZIGIRIS! Legacy UPPERCUTS! Eli falls, Legacy WRECKS Troy with a dropkick just to be sure! Legacy turns around, Eli JUMP KNEES!
Eli runs, blocks a boot, but Legacy dodges! Eli dodges back, but runs into a SPANISH FLY! The fans fire up with Legacy, but Troy is back up!? The fans are going nuts as Legacy fires hands! Troy snarls and RAMS Legacy into a corner! Then he BODIES Eli! The fans are torn, but Troy pops Legacy up, and SPINEBUSTERS him down! Then he BACKDROPS Eli onto Legacy! Troy clutches his ribs but he’s still so strong! Troy then hoists Eli up, RAMS him into Legacy at the corner, and then fireman’s carries them both!? DOUBLE SAMOAN DROP! Troy roars, rises up, and he guzels Eli! MONSTAR CHOKE SLAM! Cover, BUT LEGACY BREAKS IT!
The fans are thunderous for “NXT! NXT!” Legacy stands, but Troy runs up! Legacy ducks ‘n’ dodges, only to run into the BIG BOSS- SHOTGUN from Eli! No slam for Troy, and Legacy runs up to SLICED BREAD! Legacy hurries to a corner, he springboards to 450 SPLASH! But then Eli adds his MOONSAULT! DOUBLE COVER, AND THREE!!
Winners: Sean Legacy & Eli Knight, by pinfall
Both Eli and Sean are surprised, but them both winning is better than them both losing! They shake hands on it and celebrate together! Will this momentum send both men towards titles? As for Troy, he surely has a score to settle with Keanu now. When and where will the MonStar get his shot at the Demolition Man?
Tatum Paxley is furious!
She demands to know where that snake, Izzi, slithered off to. She asks Shiloh Hill if he saw them. He says sorry, he hasn’t seen The Culling. Tatum says she has to find Izzi before she goes. Wait, before she goes? Oh, that part he can help with. Shiloh has his tire iron, and both he and Tatum laugh maniacally as they hurry to the parking lot! Will Izzi’s car be two tired for her to get out of here?
Birthright talks backstage.
Arianna Grace says she successfully defended her TNA Knockouts World Championship last week, so now it is the boys’ turn to impress. Stacks asks Lexis King if he’s good, and Lexis says he’s just disappointed it had to come to this. Charlie Dempsey is too stubborn for his own good. Did Uriah make the call? Nope, but his dad did. And “they” are on their way. Perfect. Birthright heads out, but who could they mean by “they?”
Charlie Dempsey & Tavion Heights VS Lexis King & Uriah Connors w/ Birthright!
Despite the offer from his friends in the second-generation-superstar club, The Son of the Gentlemanly Villain is still his own man. And he chose to team with his former No Quarter Catch Crew member to make sure Birthright understands that. Will Charlie & Tavion prove they can reach new heights their way? Or will the Drama King and Chase U dropout show them it’s in their blood?
The teams sort out, Charlie starts against Uriah, and the two tie up. Uriah headlocks, Charlie slips around but Uriah wrenches and wristlocks. Uriah shifts to a full nelson but Charlie breaks that to then wrench and full nelson in return. Uriah breaks free of that, snapmares, and covers, ONE! The fans applaud as the two tie up with knuckle locks. They’re shoulder to shoulder in a Test of Strength, and Uriah bends Charlie back. Charlie fights up, but Uriah wrenches. Charlie wrenches back then whips, but Uriah leaps over the dropdown. They tie up again, and Charlie puts on the pressure. Charlie hits a straight arm suplex, then clamps onto a CATTLE MUTILATION!
Charlie moves around, then goes to a FUJIWARA, but Uriah rolls through. Charlie gets Uriah’s legs, drags him back, then tags Tavion. Charlie puts Uriah in the BOW ‘N’ ARROW, then THROWS him to Tavion for the GUT WRENCH PLEX! The fans cheer while Uriah flounders away. Tavion runs up, Uriah dodges and tags Lexis. Lexis saves Uriah from the suplex, but then Tavion snatches Lexis for a scoop SLAM! Tavion runs, Charlie tags, and Tavion rolls into jackknife, turning it into a fireman’s carry. FLAPJACK and KNEE LIFT! Charlie covers, TWO! Lexis scrambles away to the apron but Charlie grabs after him.
Lexis HOTSHOTS Charlie, then CHOPS! Lexis whips, Charlie reverses, but Uriah tags in. Lexis waistlocks, Cahrlie BOOTS Uriah away, then he drop toeholds! Tavion tries to warn Charlie but Charlie is too busy hammering Lexis! Uriah CLOBBERS Charlie! The fans boo but Uriah stomps Charlie. Uriah drags Charlie over, CHOPS him, then tags Lexis back in. Lexis snapamres Charlie to then get the leg, and he tags Uriah. Uriah slingshot SENTONS but onto knees! Charlie UP KICKS Lexis, then BACKBREAKERS Uriah! The fans rally, hot tag to Tavion! Tavion SLINGBLADES Uriah, BLASTS Lexis, and CLOBBERS Uriah!
Tavion whips Uriah to OVERHEAD BELLy2BELLY! Tavion keeps going, RUNNING BELLY2BELLY! Cover, Lexis breaks it! Charlie storms in and he TOSSES Lexis out! But Uriah BOOTS Charlie out! Tavion SPEARS Uriah out of the ring! Uriah and Tavion are down hard, but Charlie and Lexis brawl! The ref checks, Tavion gets up, and he keeps after Uriah. NQCC puts Birthright int he ring, then hug it out. The fans fire up for the boys, but wait! Is that Fit Finlay & William Regal?! And Charlie GERMAN SUPLEXES Tavion?!? The fans are going nuts, but Charlie feeds Tavion into the ring! Uriah hits Tavion with a BARE BONE KNEE STRIKE!
Tag to Lexis, and he gets Tavion up for the CORONATION!! Cover, Birthright wins!!
Winners: Lexis King & Uriah Connors, by pinfall
It seems Charlie is still his father’s son. He steps into the ring and embraces his Birthright! Will nothing stop them from taking over?
The Culling walks the halls.
Izzi feels good about how that went. Niko is sure Tatum will now spiral out of control. But then The Chair Man hears the car alarm. Someone just put their car on blocks?! And a few other cars, too… Well, as we see Shiloh Hill walking back to the door, we know who did it. But Robert Stone asks what’s going on! Shiloh says he didn’t know which car was The Culling’s, but the car alarms are too loud. Stone says get inside! They get away from the honking, and Shiloh shouts that he didn’t know which car it was. Stone is trying to figure out what and why, but Shiloh leaves the tire iron with him. The Culling complains to Stone, but will they just have to take it up with the mechanics?
Tony D’Angelo is here!
The fans cheer as the man who was once The Don goes to the ring. Tony gets a mic and says, “When I returned to NXT, I told the WWE Universe I came back for two reasons. The first mission was DarkState. Vengeance Day was the culmination of that mission. On Saturday, me and Lennox went to war.” The fans applaud that. Tony says that while he despises Dion, Dion went out on his shield. Tony left DarkState the way they left him: Beaten, empty, and searching for answers. So now, we get to reason number two as to why Tony returned. And while he was away, he considered his future. This life goes by fast but he had time to reflect.
See, Tony looked at the man in the mirror, and had to be honest with himself. There was one thing that that man could not accomplish. There was one thing that that man could not achieve. And in that moment, Tony buried that version of himself six feet under, became the man that stands before you today, the man who proved he is the toughest SOB in NXT! The fans cheer that! The second reason Tony came back… is to win the NXT Championship. The fans cheer that! Tony knows Joe Hendry is a sensation, and he has no issues. If this was a year ago, Tony would have a sit down and break bread with Hendry. But that’s not him anymore.
“Joe, if I gotta break your face, that’s what I’m gonna do. And I’d love to say this is just business, but this is personal to me. Now Joe, this is your one warning. Prepare yourself for my actions, cuz I will not be denied. Tony D’Angelo will be the next N X T Champion!” The fans like the sound of that. But with Ricky Saints also wanting his shot, will Tony have more than just the champion to deal with?
Lola Vice talks with Sol Ruca backstage.
Miami Vice says hola, and Sol says hola. Sol says congrats on the win at Vengeance Day. Lola says gracias, it felt so good knocking out Kelani Jordan. Now, how is Sol? She’s… okay. Yeah, Lola gets that there is a lot on Sol’s plate. She’s got Lainey Reid tonight, then her best friend betrayed her. But Lola knows she’s looking at the next NXT Women’s Champion. Sol says damn straight. Next week in Houston, Sol takes the title from Jacy Jayne while getting her hands on Zaria at the same time. Lola says she’ll be watching. So when Sol takes the title, know it’ll be her and Lola at Stand & Deliver. Well, a lot has to happen first.
Lola still wishes Sol luck, and Sol heads to gorilla. Will Sol make it through the Southern Bell and her toxic back-up? Or will her wave of momentum come crashing down around her?
WrenQCC talks with Myles Borne.
Kendal Grey says she and Wren Sinclair were so pumped to see Myles win the North American Championship off Ethan Page. That was amazing! Glad to see he finally had his moment. Myles thanks them, and says not to be rude, but have either of them seen his tag partner? They gotta prepare for the match tonight. Wren says she knows where they can find him! Remember that one time? Oh, yes, Kendal remembers now. Watch. Joe Hendry! “Say his name and he appears!” The fridge? Wren opens it up, but no, that’s just a cake. But then Hendry steps in and asks what they’re looking at. Hendry, why weren’t you in the fridge? Been there, done that.
Myles asks Hendry where he’s been. They gotta game plan for Ethan & Ricky! Hendry apologizes, he had some business to attend to, but he’s here now. Time to game plan! Myles wishes Wren luck for her Speed match. Wren says she’s got the need! The need for speed! Kendal, are you ready? Wait, Kendal’s stuffing her face with cake! Kendal~! What? She’s got the night off. Cheat day~! Fine, let’s just get going. Kendal says good luck, guys! So, she’s not gonna share? Will Wren become a contender in three minutes or less? Will Myles & Hendry prove they were Borne to Believe?
Sol Ruca VS Lainey Reid w/ The Fatal Influence!
NXT returns as Sol makes her entrance, joining The Fatal Influence in the ring. The bell rings and the fans rally behind Sol as she circles with Lainey. They tie up, go around the ring, and against the ropes. Sol powers up but Lainey slips around to a waistlock. Sol switches, but Lainey switches back. Lainey pries the hold open to a wrench and wristlock. Sol cartwheels, then slips under to BACKDROP Lainey! Sol has the armlock, Lainey fights up, but Sol wrenches to wristlock. Sol wrangles Lainey but Lainey endures. The fans rally as Lainey headscissors, and she holds on tight as Sol tries to kip free. Sol moves around, and headstands to then pop free!
Sol drops on Lainey for a headlock, but Lainey fights up to her feet. Lainey powers up but can’t power out as Sol holds on tight. Lainey powers up again, pries the hold open, and she turns things around to headlock Sol. Lainey snapmares but Sol cartwheels through! The fans cheer while Lainey frowns. Lainey runs up, Sol trips her up, and Sol steps on Lainey to use her as a surfboard! Then Sol STOMPS Lainey’s leg! Lainey scrambles away while the fans cheer. Jacy & Fallon fan Lainey off, then Lainey runs up to kick Sol! Lainey kicks again but Sol blocks! Lainey hops around, rolls, and trips Sol in one go!
Lainey headlocks but Sol powers up and out. Lainey RUNS Sol over, then hits a headlock and takeover! Sol rolls to a cover, ONE! Lainey holds on but Sol headscissors. Sol squeezes tight but Lainey still kips free, then DROPKICKS! Sol goes to a corner, Lainey runs up, but Sol catches her! Sol spins with Lainey for the FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Lainey scrambles to a corner, Sol runs up, and Sol MONKEY FLIPS Lainey away! Lainey ends up in the far corner, and Sol runs up again. Lainey puts Sol up top, but Sol BOOTS her! Lainey SHOVES Sol, but Sol body scissors Lainey to throw her out of the ring! The fans cheer as Sol gets back up.
Sol runs to use the corner for the MOONSAULT! Down goes Lainey and Jacy is upset, but Sol just brings Lainey up and into the ring. Sol senses Jacy creep up and she stares the champ down. But then Fallon distracts the ref! This lets Jacy anchor Sol in the ropes! Sol kicks free, only for Lainey to DOUBLE STOMP! Lainey and Fatal Influence soak up the heat while NXT goes picture in picture.
Lainey storms up to stomp Sol, then HAMMERS away! Lainey stops just to JUMP LEG DROP! Then she brings Sol up to bump her off buckles. Lainey runs corner to corner and UPPERCUTS! Then she SHINING WIZARDS! Sol flounders along the ropes but Lainey keeps on her. Lainey CHOKES Sol, stops as the ref counts, then pushes her down. The ref reprimands but Lainey steps on Sol, and DOUBLE STOMPS again! Cover, TWO! Lainey argues the count but the count was fair. Lainey reels Sol in but Sol cradle counters, TWO! Both women stand, and Sol ROCKS Lainey first! Then mule kicks! Then SMACKS Lainey again!
Sol whips, but Lainey turns backdrop into NECKBREAKER! Lainey then clamps on with a chinlock and grinds Sol down. Sol endures, fights to her feet, then JAWBREAKERS free! Sol goes to a corner, Lainey runs in, but Sol ROCKS her! And susnet flips! TWO, and Lainey grabs ropes for good measure. Both women stand, Sol blocks a superkick, but not the second SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Jacy is frustrated that Sol survives, but Lainey CLUBS Sol down. Lainey turns Sol for a Gory Especial! Sol endures as Lainey bends her back! The ref checks on Sol but she just powers up! Lainey hits a GORY BOMB! Cover, TWO!
Lainey is frustrated as Sol survives, and she stands Sol up as NXT returns to single picture. Lainey whips Sol to a corner, runs up, but Sol goes up and over. Sol then SHOTGUNS Lainey down! Sol fires forearms on Lainey, has the arms, and kicks the legs out so she can SURFBOARD STOMP Lainey into buckles! Sol runs up, but Lainey dodges! Lainey runs up, but Sol puts her on the apron! Lainey bumps Sol off buckles, KICKS low, then buckle bumps for another KICK! Lainey then steps in, FLYING STUNNER! High stack, TWO! The fans rally as Sol survives. Lainey taunts the fans before she stands over Sol.
Lainey DOUBLE- NO, Sol Electric Chair Lifts Lainey right up! And then SLAMS her down! Both women are down and the fans fire up again! Zaria is seen watching this backstage, probably hoping Sol loses. Sol and Lainey rise up, and Lainey SMACKS Sol first! But Sol SMACKS Lainey back! Lainey ROLLING ELBOWS Sol, but Sol rebounds to ROCK Lainey! Then mule kick! CLUB! Bob ‘n’ weave, UPPERCUT! Sol whips and ELBOWS Lainey down! And LARIAT! Sol whips Lainey to the corner, then SNAP GERMANS! Lainey flounders, Sol goes up, and Sol MISSILE DROPKICKS! The fans fire up as Sol kips up!
Sol aims again, runs back up, KNEE STRIKE! High stack, TWO! Lainey flounders but Sol goes to the apron. Sol springboards, but has to roll through as Lainey moves! Sol goes back, but into the BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO! Sol survives, the fans fire up, but Fatal Influence is frustrated. Lainey drags Sol up, Gory Especials, but Sol sunset flips it! TWO, and Sol hits the X-FACTOR! Lainey flounders, Sol gets her up, fireman’s carry for the swing and AIR RAID CRASH! Cover, TWO!! Lainey survives and the fans can’t believe it! Fatal Influence is relieved, but Sol whips Lainey to the corner. Lainey holds ropes to stop the German Suplex!
Lainey ELBOWS Sol, then slips around, reverse victory roll, TWO! Lainey rebounds but into the EDDY GORDO KICK! Lainey wobbles, Sol runs, but Lainey scoops! Sol slips free and TOSSES Lainey out! Lainey ROCKS Sol from the apron, then steps in, but Sol SUPERKICKS! The fans cheer “Women’s Wrestling!” as Sol goes up, up, but Lainey YANKS her down! And then the ROLLING CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Lainey takes down her kneepads, for some SOUTHERN HOSPITAL- NO, Sol dodges, then SOUL SNATCHER!! Cover, Sol wins!
Winner: Sol Ruca, by pinfall
Fatal Influence is beside themselves! Lainey gave Sol a run for her money, but it was still Sol on top! The wave of momentum is growing, will it completely wipe out Jacy and Zaria? Or will Sol be denied both revenge and reign?
Robert Stone meets with Sean Legacy, Eli Knight, and Elio LeFleur.
The (Interim) NXT GM is still getting his hearing back, but the Sky Slicer says he’d love to defend his Speed Championship against both Legacy and Eli if he could. Stone says it has already been a long night, and he also enjoyed the double pin. And yes, while it’d be great for Legacy or Knight to challenge Elio, the rules state there has to be a Speed Tournament. Elio says that takes so long, which is kinda the opposite of what the Speed Division is about. Eli says yeah, him beating Troy should mean something. Legacy says they beat Troy. Stone admits, that is true. They can get the tournament going, but we’ll have to see how it goes.
And then Vanity Project walks in. Jackson Drake says enough of the Speed title. Jumping through hoops just to get a chance? What a pain in the ass! Brad Baylor wants to talk NXT Tag Team Championships. They’re already thinking Stand & Deliver, the biggest spotlight for Stone’s brightest new stars! Ricky Smokes says, “Y’know, guys who can actually go more than three minutes.” They already cleared out the division, but surely Stone can get creative. Drake says don’t even worry about it. Their guy, Stone, will cook up something great. Laters. Vanity Project leaves, and Legacy says let’s put a pin on the Speed title for a second, because he has an idea.
Stone will consider what Elio said about the Speed Division, but yes, he likes where Legacy is going. He thinks he has an idea. Will Legacy & Knight soon swipe right on a match with the tag team champions?
Backstage interview with Blake Monroe.
Blake Howard brings up The Glamour beating Jaida Parker in the Street Fight, a huge victory. What’s next for her? Blake says Jaida brought out a godawful side of her, and learned that when you mess with the Woman From Hell, you get burned. So as for what’s next, the biggest show of the year is coming up. This will be Monroe’s first Stand & Deliver, and she’ll make it all about her in St. Louie. Howard corrects her that it’s St. Louis. Monroe says she is the conversation, she is the controversy, so what will she do? Well- Tatum turns the corner and calls to Blake. They both respond and Tatum says right, both Blake.
But then, have either Blake or Blake seen The Culling? No, and no. Okay, bye. Tatum calls out to Izzi that she’s looking for her, and Monroe says Howard needs to do something about his name. Because that, like many other things, belongs to her. Blake Monroe leaves Blake Howard speechless, but did Tatum just make herself a target?
Women’s Speed Tournament Finals: Thea Hail VS Wren Sinclair w/ Kendal Grey!
The Grown-Ass Woman stole the spotlight from Blake Monroe while the Captain of WrenQCC managed to slay Nikkita Lyons. Now both of these young and hungry superstars is looking to go right at the Toxic Cowgirl, but that means getting through each other! Who makes themselves #1 contender in three minutes or less?
NXT returns as Thea makes her entrance. The bell rings, and Thea DROPKICKS Wren down! The fans rally and duel but Thea KICKS and STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, ONE, but Thea dodges a lariat to jump on the arm! KIMURA, but Wren powers out! Wren CHOPS Thea, fireman’s carries, and ROLLING SENTONS! Wren keeps moving, and she RUNS Thea over, then BULLDOGS! Cover, TWO! The fans rally as Wren goes for arms, but Thea fights around! Thea fights up, jumps and wheelbarrows, then arm-drags! Then mule kicks! Thea runs, and ROLLING NECKBREAKERS! Cover, ONE and Wren bails out!
We hit the two minute warning orange phase, and Thea builds speed! DIVE and down goes Wren! Thea shakes out her arm, then gets Wren int he ring. The fans rally up again as Thea climbs. Thea aims and CROSSBODY FLOPS as Wren moves! Wren hurries to then roll Thea up, TWO!! Thea escapes, and has the KIMURA!! Wren flails, reaches out, and rolls through! Wren gets the FINAL WRENCH!! Thea flails, fights, but she QUITS!! WREN WINS!
Winner: Wren Sinclair, by submission (NEW #1 Contender to the WWE Women’s Speed Championship)
With 62 seconds to spare, Wren seals the deal! The Texas girl gets to do it up big in Houston, but will she dethrone the Toxic Cowgirl? Or will even the Speed Division be stuck under the Influence?
Robert Stone meets with the NXT Tag Division.
Suit Man Stone thanks everyone for being here, and he knows that we are officially in Stand & Deliver Season. After talking with Vanity Project earlier, it got him thinking. This division is deep, this division is hungry, so Stone is going to put together a tag team tournament! The winners get their shot at Vanity Project at Stand & Deliver! Everyone except Swipe Right likes that! What do they look like to him? Oh, so they don’t want to be at Stand & Deliver? That’s not what they’re saying! Yeah, that’s what Stone thought. So now, to the teams in the tournament: the new team of Legacy & Knight; The Culling; Birthright; Hank ‘n’ Tank; OTM; DarkState.
Shugars says no, DarkState ain’t doing no tournament! They want their rematch and they want it now! But then OTM storms up on DarkState, and they start throwing hands! The other teams get in there to break this up, but clearly it’s about to pop off! Who survives the tournament to then have their shot in St. Louis?
Backstage interview with Fatal Influence.
Blake Howard is now with Jacy, Fallon, and Lainey, and brings up the title defenses next week in Houston. How are they handling these targets on their back this close to Stand & Deliver? Jacy says wow, she never thought she’d miss Sarah Schreiber, but here we are. And she doesn’t need Blake Howard reminding her that she has to deal with both Sol and Zaria next week. If she wants to walk into Stand & Deliver as champion, then she has to make the impossible happen. And he watches the product, right? Then he should know that this is perhaps the most unpredictable WrestleMania season ever!
How many new champions have been crowned lately? Penta, Cody Rhodes, Lash & Nia, AJ Lee! The odds are stacked against Jacy. Howard brings up Tatum beating Izzi, and Jacy can’t even. Fallon, you talk to him. Fallon is pretty sure he’ll bring up Wren Sinclair now, right? Everyone’s favorite little underdog, a leader of two people. Big deal. All Fallon has to do is win within five minutes. Oh, look, here they are! Wren steps in and says considering she beat Lyons and Thea in under three, she’ll have no problem beating Fallon in five. Kendal is also confident in that. And if we’re talking numbers, Fatal Influence is definitely losing one of their titles next week.
Oh, and Jacy, if you get past Sol and Zaria to make it to Stand & Deliver as she so desperately wants, just know Kendal will be the one she defends that title against. Lainey says enough. They don’t have time for this. Time to go. Fatal Influence leaves, WrenQCC is ready to bring the fight to them, but who will get to Stand & Deliver?
The Culling heads out.
Niko & Spears are ready to go for those tag titles, but then Tatum CLOBBERS Izzi! They start brawling, Izzi RAMS Tatum into the garage door, but The Culling and security separate these two! Stone sees this and shouts that this is enough! If they wanna get their hands on each other, fine! The rematch for the Women’s North American Championship is gonna happen in Houston! And in a STEEL CAGE!! Tatum loves that idea! Will she get to rip into Izzi without anyone getting in her way?
Backstage interview with Robert Stone.
Blake Howard catches up with Stone and says this is a huge night for NXT in Houston now. Stone says he’s even got stars from Raw & SmackDown texting him about it. Remember that this is Stone’s first road show for NXT, and he wants to make it special. Well, adding Tatum VS Izzi in a Steel Cage is huge, and Stone says yes, it has to end somehow with these two. Plus, the other two title matches, the NXT Women’s Championship Triple Threat, and the Women’s Speed Championship. Then there’s the tag tournament, and we’re starting in Houston! Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Birthright. The tournament culminates on March 31st as NXT returns to NYC, winners going on to Stand & Deliver.
And also, and he hasn’t said anything yet, but… OTM AND DarkState are now OUT of the tournament. Between Vengeance and what happened just now in his office, it cannot keep happening. Vanity Project walks back in and Brad appreciates having all this time off. Smokes says he’s even gotten some invites to parties in Houston, so- Stone says don’t party too hard. W-Why? Because in Houston, they will be in Six Man Tag action against LOS AMERICANOS! What?! Yeah, sorry, gotta go. Man, Stone used to be cool! Stone promises that the Houston fans are gonna love this, but he’ll let Vic Joseph break this next bit of news!
Vic Joseph indeed takes up the mic to say this is big. Next week, NXT is live in Houston, the hometown of Booker T. And Vic doesn’t wanna let the cat out of the bag, but this duo was only meant to be a duo for three months. A lot of people didn’t know that, and this is three YEARS! So it is Vic’s honor to say that next Tuesday, it will be BOOKER T APPRECIATION NIGHT! All hail King Bookah~! The fans cheer that! Booker asks, why did they wait to say this? But between celebrating Booker T’s career both in the ring and at the desk and all those title matches, will NXT in Houston be the biggest episode ever?
Joe Hendry & Myles Borne VS Ricky Saints & Ethan Page!
Even after their big victories the last couple of weeks, The NXT Champion and the North American Champion are teaming up against their common enemies! Will Hendry & Borne prove they aren’t champions out of dumb luck? Or will these Absolute Egos earn themselves golden tickets to championship rematches?
NXT returns as Myles makes his entrance, followed by Joe Hendry. The teams sort out and Hendry starts against Saints. They tie up, Saints headlocks for the takeover, but Hendry headscissors. Saints kips free, but turns around into a tie up, and then Hendry headlocks for the takeover. Saints headscissors, Hendry kips free, and TURNS! The fans cheer, but Saints hits low! Saints ROCKS and whips, but Hendry reverses, blows past, and CLOBBERS Saints! The fans cheer, but Ethan runs up! Hendry HIP TOSSES Ethan, then he HIP TOSSES Saints! Hendry drags Saints up, tags Myles in, and they coordinate, for the DROPKICK SUPLEX COMBO!
The fans cheer as Myles waits on Saints, then scoops, for the FALL AWY SIDE EFFECT! Cover, TWO! Saints survives Myles pulling out a new move, but Myles fireman’s carries. Saints fights free, waistlocks, but Myles switches. Saints RAMS Myles into a corner, then runs up, but into a BOOT! Myles ducks Ethan’s cheap shot, DECKS him for it, but Saints ROCKS Myles! Saints hits a BIG back suplex, then he tags Ethan. They stomp Myles, then Ethan rains down fists. Ethan drags Myles up to suplex, but Myles fights it! Myles fires body shots, then ANARCHY SUPLEXES! Cover, TWO! Myles keeps on Ethan, but Ethan RAMS him into the corner!
Ethan RAMS Myles again and again, then stops as the ref counts 4. Ethan drags Myles up, but Myles fires body shots! And he ELBOWS Saints! Myles ROCKS Ethan, ROCKS Saints, repeat! The fans fire up as Myles UPPERCUTS then runs, but into a BOOT! The fans boo Ethan but he tells Saints to go get the belts! Saints grabs a belt, slides it in, but way out of the ring! Ethan is incredulous, and Saints says he is so, so sorry. Ethan says this wasn’t that hard, he’s right here! Saints apologizes, and NXT goes picture in picture.
Saints tries to explain himself to commentary, but Myles snatches Ethan into a cradle! TWO, and Ethan drags Myles from Hendry! ELBOW DROP! Ethan tags Saints, they stomp Myles down at the ropes, but step off as the ref counts. Saints drags Myles up to put through the ropes, and then CHOKE! The ref counts, Saints stops at 4, then taunts Hendry. Saints UPPERCUTS Myles down, then brings him back up. Saints tags Ethan back in, they mug Myles, and Ethan stays between Myles and Hendry. Ethan brings Myles around to suplex, but Myles slips free to roll Ethan up! TWO, and Ethan anchors Myles’ leg!
Ethan drags Myles back, tags Saints in, and Saints ELBOW DROPS Myles on the back of his head! Cover, TWO! Saints drags Myles up to wrench, then he goes up the corner. Saints tightrope walks, and he gives Myles the Old School AX HANDLE! Myles sputters, Ethan smiles, and Saints strikes his pose. Saints storms up on Myles but Myles fires body shots. Myles whips, Saints reverses, and Saints SPINEBUSTERS! Then he gator rolls Myles to tag in Ethan. Ethan steps in and ELBOW DROPS on Myles’ chest! Ethan scoop SLAMS Myles, tags Saints, and Saints goes up the ropes to SPLASH! Cover, TWO!
Myles survives, but Saints keeps Myles down with a chinlock. Myles endures, fights up, and NXT returns to single picture. Myles fires body shots but Saints KNEES low. Saints puts Myles in the corner, CHOPS, then tags Ethan. Ethan kicks Myles down, then he and Saints double whip. Myles reverses to send Saints & Ethan into each other! Myles DECKS Saints, but Ethan whips Myles to the corner. Ethan runs up, but Myles dodges the splash! Myles crawls, reaches out, but Saints YANKS Hendry down! The fans boo but Saints THROWS Hendry into barriers! Ethan SPLASHES Myles in the corner!
The fans are riled up as Ethan whips Myles corner to corner and SPLASHES again! Tag to Saints, then Ethan puts Myles up top. Saints joins in, and they DOUBLE ICONOCLASM! Then they YANK Myles up, ASSISTED TORNADO DDT! Cover, Hendry CLOBBERS Ethan onto it! The fans fire up, but Ethan TOSSES Hendry! Hendry lands safe on the apron, ROCKS Ethan, then steps in, only for Ethan to give him a CONFIDENCE BREAKER! Saints then SHOTGUNS Hendry down! The fans boo but Absolute Egos are on the same page now. Saints puts Myles up top, but Myles fires hands! Myles and Saints trade shots, then Myles ROCKS Saints!
Ethan runs up, Myles ROCKS him! Saints SMACKS Myles! Saints then runs side to side, tags Ethan, and he goes right up to get Myles! SUPER DUPER PLEX for the Power! Ethan adds a DIVING BODY PRESS for the Glory! Cover, TWO!! Myles survives and shocks Ethan! Ethan stomps Myles but the fans rally, “WE BELIEVE!” Ethan RIPCORDS Myles up, but Myles fights the slam to a REVERSE DDT! Myles crawls, reaches out, and this time, hot tags to Hendry and Saints! The fans fire up as Hendry rallies on Ethan & Saints! Then he kicks Ethan, spins him, and NECKBREAKER! Then he scoops Saints for the FALL AWAY SLAM!
Hendry kips up, and he dodges Ethan to scoop him! Pop up to the fireman’s carry, and the ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT! Saints runs up, Hendry dodges, ANGLE SLAM! Hendry busts out all the hits! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Hendry as hard as they can, and he starts up the stomp stomp clap! But Ethan anchors Hendry! Hendry kicks free, he dodges Saints, but DOUBLE LARIATS take both men down! The fans rally up again, and now Saints wants Ethan to get a belt! Not this again! Ethan slides the belt to Saints properly this time, but the ref spots that! Saints swings, but the ref stops him! The fans fire up as Hendry then rolls Saints up, TWO!!
Saints runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and Ethan tags in before the SPEAR!! Saints hoists Hendry up, Ethan steps in, and only now does Saints realize Ethan tagged in! The fans rally as Myles is back! DROPKICK on Saints! Ethan just goes for Hendry, TWISTED GRIN on the gold!! Cover, ETHAN & SAINTS WIN!!
Winners: Ricky Saints & Ethan Page, by pinfall
Myles is furious, but Ethan rubs it in with his cocky grin. Saints says Ethan’s a genius! But using Saints’ logic earlier, if Ethan pinned THE NXT Champion, who’s really becoming the TWO-TIME NXT Champion?
My Thoughts:
A great NXT that basically acted as a go-home to the BIG Houston episode next week. Very good promo from Tatum given her title win, but naturally even she was annoyed with Izzi coming back for another match. Shiloh Hill doing more car shenanigans was great, and adding Tatum VS Izzi to next week is great stuff. I’m not usually one for Steel Cage matches, because you can just feel The Culling interfering on Izzi’s behalf and Shiloh countering. I would hope Tatum keeps the title, it’d be disappointing for her reign to only be 10 days. Very good promo from Blake Monroe with Blake Howard, clever way of pointing out the same names. And yeah, I would think Monroe wants that North American title back and will challenge Tatum at Stand & Deliver.
Great match from Sol VS Lainey, and I’m pleased Zaria let it play out. Great win for Sol, but still unclear if the Triple Threat will help Jacy win or give her a protected loss. Great Speed match from Wren VS Thea, and great win for Wren. I feel bad for Thea, especially since she is dealing with awful “fans” being, well, just awful to her on social media. Thea has been doing great work since day one, she deserves something good, and maybe she’ll finally reach the top of NXT after Stand & Deliver. As for Wren, great promo from her and Kendal with Myles and Hendry, and then a really good promo with Fatal Influence. And yeah, if any title changes, it might be Wren taking the Speed title from Fallon.
Awesome Triple Threat from Troy, Legacy, and Eli, even with Keanu Carver getting involved. Troy definitely looks like a monster coming back from that table spot and almost winning the match. Eli and Legacy both winning that match was really clever stuff, and a great excuse to make them a team for this “impromptu” tag tournament. Although, it just makes me wonder where the Dusty Cup went… And I like that we got six teams announced at first, only for OTM and DarkState to take themselves out because of their behavior. OTM VS DarkState can still happen as a grudge match, and the four teams will all have great matches on the road to what was going to be Roadblock.
Great development with Birthright. Fit Finlay & William Regal showing up and signaling Charlie Dempsey’s turn was a nice surprise. Now Birthright has the right number of people for a “golden prophecy.” Lexis King could make himself the top title guy, Stacks as the midcard guy, and then Charlie & Uriah as the tag team. Very good promo from Tony D, but duh, he was going to call his shot at the NXT Championship. Very good promo from Ethan & Ricky, especially with Ricky pointing out the usual rule of “pin a champ, get a title match.” Great tag team main event, especially with the blatantly bad pass from Ricky to Ethan. Ethan winning on Hendry was not only a surprise, but it was a great way to show Ethan wants THE title back.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Who the War Dragons survive round two?
The New Japan Cup is gaining speed, but only the best will gain any ground! Tonight is Shingo Takagi VS Don Fale, Yuya Uemura VS Drilla Moloney, whose time has come?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Aaron Wolf & Masatora Yasuda VS OSKAR & Yuto-Ice; Oskar & Yuto win.
- 10 Man Tag: Bishamon, Boltin Oleg, Toru Yano & Tatsuya Matsumoto VS The United Empire; The Empire wins.
- Hartley Jackson & Kosei Fujita VS Callum Newman & Zane Jay; Hartley & Fujita win.
- Six Man Tag: Hontai VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
- Yota Tsuji & Daiki Nagai VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa; ZSJ & Oiwa win.
- 2026 New Japan Cup Second Round: Shingo Takagi VS Don Fale; Takagi wins and advances.
- 2026 New Japan Cup Second Round: Yuya Uemura VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney; Yuya wins and advances.
PLAY BY PLAY
2026 New Japan Cup Second Round: Shingo Takagi VS Don Fale w/ Dick Togo!
The Rampaging Dragon is no stranger to the House of Torture, from feuding with them in Los Ingobernables de Japon and now the Unbound Company. And now, he faces the Rogue General who indeed had the House backing him just last round. Will Fale have another stacked deck here tonight? Or will it not matter when Takagi’s time has come?
No attack during the entrance or introductions, so there’s that. The bell rings and the fans rally up for “TA-KA-GI! TA-KA-GI!” Fale and Takagi step up, stare down, and Takagi shoves Fale. Fale shoves back, so Takagi fires forearms, and a CHOP! Fale DECKS Takagi! Takagi gets up and RAMS Fale! Fale stays put so Takagi runs and RAMS him again! And again! Takagi fires up, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and he RAMS Fale! Fale stumbles into the ref, then out of the ring! The fans cheer, but Yoshinobu Kanemaru rushes in! Takagi dodges the bottle shot, then blocks the next! Takagi kick slow, takes the whiskey, and takes a swig! But Fale BODY BLOWS the whiskey out of him!
The fans boo but Fale CLUBS Takagi down! Fale then drags Takagi up, just to TOSS him out! Fale distracts the ref so that Kanemaru can whip Takagi into railing! Takagi writhes and the fans boo, but Kanemaru gets away with that. Takagi staggers away into the crowd, and Fale wants the ring count. The count begins, but Takagi walks back to ringside at 8, rolling in at 9 of 20. But Fale CLUBS him down, then stands on Takagi! The ref counts, Fale steps off at 4, then he stalks Takagi. Takagi headbutts the buckles to fire up, then he ROCKS and KNEES and HEADBUTTS! The fans fire up as Takagi calls his shot!
Takagi goes to scoop, he gets Fale up, but falls under Fale’s weight! Fale covers, TWO! The fans rally for Takagi while he sputters. Fale stalks Takagi to the ropes, stomps him, then stands on him again! The ref counts again, so Fale steps off at 4. Fale argues with the ref, then drags Takagi up. Fale BODY BLOWS, and BODY BLOWS again! Takagi falls over, but Fale turns him over. Fale stands on Takagi’s back, using him as a surfboard! Then Fale covers, TWO! The fans rally behind Takagi has Takagi toughs it out. Fale brings Takagi up again, but Takagi KNEES low! And KNEES again! And again! Takagi goes for the scoop but Fale CLUBS him!
Fale scoops, but Takagi fights free! Takagi runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then RAMS Fale! Fale rebounds but into a kick! Takagi reels Fale in, but Fale BACKDROPS free! Takagi sunset flips, but Fale stays up! Fale HIP DROPS but flops as Takagi dodges! SLIDING PUMPING BOMBER! Both men are down but the fans fire up! Takagi rises up, and the fans join in with the “OI! OI! OI!” Takagi runs in and LARIATS Fale at the corner! The fans cheer and Takagi JABS, JABS, JABS! Takagi winds up to ROCK Fale! The fans cheer again, and Takagi goes up to ELEVATED DDT! Cover, TWO! Fale survives but the fans still rally for Takagi.
Takagi gets the fans fired up, then he looks to the cameras. “TOKI GA KITA!” The fans cheer and Takagi vows to lift Fale! Takagi reels Fale in, but Fale fights with body shots! Fale whips Takagi to a corner, runs up, and SPLASHES! Then he snapmares Takagi for the SPLASH DOWN! Cover, TWO! Takagi survives and the fans cheer! Fale frowns but he calls his own shot. Fale waits on Takagi to stand up, and he guzels! Then the GRE- NO! Takagi breaks free, ducks the hand, to JAB! HEADBUTT! And then facelock! Fale is still really big, but TAKAGI SUPLEXES HIM! The fans are thunderous as Takagi manages the impossible!
Takagi then runs, PUMPING BOMBER!! Cover, KANEMARU YANKS THE REF OUT! The fans boo but now Dick Togo slithers into the ring! Takagi shouts at Kanemaru, but turns around into the POCKET SAND! The fans boo again but Dick & Kanemaru mug Takagi! They choke him in the corner, then they set him up for Fale to SPLASH! Takagi falls, but Fale & Kanemaru set him up! DICK CHOP! The fans boo while Takagi writhes, but Dick puts the ref back in the ring. Fale runs to ELBOW DROP! But Gedo gets off commentary to argue with the ref! Fale’s cover goes uncounted! The fans cheer Gedo, but Fale storms over!
Gedo hides behind the ref while Kanemaru takes a swig. Dick stands Takagi up, but Takagi ducks the WHISKEY MIST! Kanemaru sprays Dick instead! JAB! YUKON LARIAT! Down goes Kanemaru, but now Takagi takes a swig! The fans cheer as Takagi gives Fale a DRAGON WHISKEY MIST! Takagi then BLINDSIDE PUMPING, and runs to PUMPING BOMBER TAKEDOWN!! Cover, TAKAGI WINS!
Winner: Shingo Takagi, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
The Blacksmith applauds as justice is served! Takagi tastes the bitter whiskey, but also sweet victory. He definitely prefers the latter, but will he continue the climb to the top?
2026 New Japan Cup Second Round: Yuya Uemura VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney!
The Heat Storm vowed last round that he would light that fire in NJPW as the shining sun leading the way, and winning the Cup would solidify that. But will Yuya still have the hot hand? Or will he be shot down by 44 Caliber?
The bell rings and the fans cheer as the two circle. Drilla and Yuya tie up, are in a deadlock, but Yuya wrenches to wristlock. Drilla spins to wrench in return, only for Yuya to roll and wrench right back. Drilla rolls, breaks the grip, then wrenches to wristlock. Yuya reaches out but Drilla keeps him from ropes. Yuya rolls, wrenches, hammerlocks, headlocks, spins to hammerlock, then he snapmares Drilla down for the armlock! The fans cheer the technical display. Drilla stands but Yuya wrenches again. Drilla rolls, rolls back, handsprings, then breaks free! The fans applaud that technical display, too.
Drilla and Yuya reset, and Drilla calls for the knuckle lock. Yuya obliges and they lock up. They feel out the other knuckle lock, then go shoulder to shoulder for a Test of Strength! The fans rally as Drilla powers up and bends Yuya back! Yuya bridges to stay up, but Drilla hops on! Yuya is still up, so Drilla jumps on! Again, Yuya stays up! Drilla tries again but Yuya uses that to get up and kick free! Yuya arm-drags, Drilla headscissors, but Yuya kips free. Drilla headlocks for the takeover, and he fights off the headscissors! The fans cheer while Drilla grinds Yuya down. Yuya keeps his arms up, but Drilla squeezes tighter.
Yuya fights to his feet and pries the hold open, only for Drilla to clamp it on tighter. Yuya fires body shots, powers up and out, then arm-drags! And arm-drags! Then he dodges a lariat, to arm-drag again! The fans cheer the exchange as Yuya again has the armlock. Drilla endures the top wristlock as he moves around, but Yuya puts on the pressure. Drilla rises, Yuya wrenches, but Drilla works on the escape. Yuya grinds the arm but Drilla goes to the ropes. Red Shoes calls the break, but Yuya whips Drilla. Drilla reverses, Yuya handsprings, but Drilla RUNS him over! The fans cheer as things keep moving, and Yuya arm-drags again!
Yuya has the armlock again, and the fans rally as Drilla fights it. Yuya fights off headscissors while putting pressure on the double wristlock. They stand, Drilal lifts Yuya, and Drilla puts him in the corner. Red Shoes calls the ropebreak, Drilla backs off, only to RAM Yuya low! Drilla then whips corner to corner, but Yuya goes up and over. Drilla fakes out the arm-drag! And he KICKS Yuya in the back! The fans cheer as Yuya gets right up. The two go face to face, then forearm for forearm! Yuya fires a forearm, KNEE, and CHOP, then runs, but Drilla hurdles! Drilla drops down, but Yuya avoids the dropkick! Drilla still CHOPS Yuya!
Drilla CHOPS Yuya to the corner, CHOPS him again, and the fans rally up. Drilla whips corner to corner but Yuya reverses. Drilla goes up and out, then he DUMPS Yuya to the floor! The fans fire up as Drilla builds speed, and he WRECKS Yuya with the dropkick! Yuya hits railing then slumps down while the fans cheer. Drilla drags Yuya up, brings him around, and whips him hard into railing! The fans rally while Yuya slumps back. Drilla brings Yuya around to put in the ring, and the fans rally behind him. Drilla storms in and brings Yuya up. Yuya breaks free to CHOP! Drilla slips around, ripcords, but Yuya blocks the chop!
Yuya swings, but into a clinch! IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! A shoutout to The Rebel with that one and the fans rally up. Drilla stalks Yuya, KICKS him in the back, then brings him up. Drilla shoves Yuya into a corner, RAMS him in the back, then RAMS him again! And again! Drilla reels Yuya into a BIG back suplex! The fans cheer while Yuya writhes. Drilla looms over Yuya, and drags him into a chinlock, digging his knee into Yuya’s back. Yuya endures, fights forward, and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer as Drilla lets Yuya go. Drilla looms over Yuya again, stands him up, but Yuya ROCKS him! Yuya fires another shot, but Drilla kicks low!
Drilla scoops Yuya for a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Drilla clamps right onto an arm, traps it, and then has Yuya’s legs! MODIFIED TEXAS CLOVERHOLD! The fans rally as Yuya endures! Yuya crawls with his one arm, reaches out, and he has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Drilla lets go. Drilla drags Yuya up, SLAPS him on the back, and eggs him on! Yuya stands, and he fires a forearm! And another forearm! And another! But Drilla CHOPS him back! Yuya sputters, Drilla whips, but Yuya reverses for the FLYING ARM-DRAG! Then a DROPKICK! The fans rally up again while both men are down!
Yuya and Drilla rise up, and Drilla goes to a corner. Yuya storms up and CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Drilla shoves Yuya back, but Yuya comes back to DOUBLE CHOP, DOUBLE CHOP, and DOUBLE CHOP! Yuya whips corner to corner, runs in, and CHOPS again! The fans cheer as Yuya fires up, and he reels Drilla in for the SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Drilla stays in this but Yuya stays focused. The fans rally again as Yuya waistlocks. Yuya goes to full nelson but Drilla breaks free and arm-drags! Then he RAMS Yuya in the corner! Fireman’s carry, tuck, and RUNNING AIR RAID CRASH! Cover, TWO!
The fans cheer as Yuya survives, but Drilla shakes it off. Drilla goes to the apron while the fans rally up, and Drilla climbs the corner. Drilla aims for a MACHO ELBOW FLOP! Yuya gets the arm for the ARMBAR! Drilla clasps hands to fight it off, but Yuya shifts to ARMBAR the other arm! Drilla keeps his hands clasped, so Yuya sits up and twists for the double wristlock! The fans rally as Drilla still endures, and he kicks his way around. But Yuya rolls to throw Drilla to center! Then Yuya cording holds, but Drilla fights the suplex! JAWBREAKER! ENZIGIRI! Both men are down again and the fans rally back up!
Drilla and Yuya stir while the fans duel. Drilla headbutts the buckles a la Takagi, then runs in, but into a RANA! And then DOUBLE WRISTLOCK! The fans rally again as Drilla fights the hold! Drilla rises up, then fireman’s carries! Yuya slips free, Drilla ELBOWS him, but Yuya blocks a superkick! Yuya swings, but Drilla ducks to then fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY BOMB! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Drilla clutches the elbow and shakes out the bad arm while the fans rally. Yuya rolls over while Drilla rises up. Drilla brings Yuya up to his feet, then puts him on the top rope. Drilla CHOPS Yuya before he climbs up to join him.
The fans rally as Drilla goes to the very top, but Yuya fires body shots! Yuya then HEADBUTTS Drilla down! Yuya fires up as he rises, to CROSSBODY FLOP! Drilla avoids the High Fly Attack to then GORE! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up as Yuya survives! Drilla huffs ‘n’ puffs as he rises up again, and he brings Yuya up, only for the bad arm to hurt. Drilla puts Yuya in the drop zone and goes up top. The fans rally again for the MACHO ELBOW! Direct hit this time, and Drilla is fired up! The fans are with him as he goes back to Yuya and vows to end it. Drilla drags Yuya up, but the bad arm limits his lifting!
The fans rally as Drilla still tries, but Yuya resists. Drilla KNEES Yuya, then brings him around to Canadian Rack! But Yuya fights free! And he backslides Drilla, TWO! Drilla swings, but into the full nelson! Drilla breaks free, but Yuya GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO! ARMBAR!! The fans fire up as Drilla is caught! Yuya breaks the grip to PULL on the arm! Drilla scrambles, fights to stack Yuya, ONE as Yuya keeps the arm up! TRIANGLE HOLD! Drilla endures again, but he seems to be fading! Red Shoes checks on Drilla, and he revives to fight around again! Drilla deadlifts Yuya for the fireman’s carry!
But then Drilla pops Yuya around to a shoulder rack, Canadian Rack, and DRILLA- NO! Yuya lands out to run and SUPERMAN CLUTCH!! TWO!! Drilla survives that shoutout to Colt Cabana, and he POP-UP POWERBOMBS! The fans fire up again while both men are down! Drilla fires up, the fans rally, and Drilla drags Yuya back up! Drilla hauls Yuya up, Canadian Racks, but Yuya slips free again! Cording hold! Cording hold! But Drilla fights the suplex! Drilla HEADBUTTS, but runs into an ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Yuya pulls on the arm but Drilla clasps his hands! The fans rally as the two struggle, and Drilla stacks Yuya! TWO!
Both men stand, and Drilla BOOTS! Yuya DOUBLE CHOPS! Yuya takes another swing, but Drilla ducks to ripcord and CHOP! But Yuya roars! Drilla SUPERKICKS! Yuya PELES! Then DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Drilla slumps over but that still saves him! Yuya roars and the fans are thunderous! Yuya goes up the corner, takes aim, and HIGH FLY- DROPKICK!! The anti-air hits and the fans fire up again! Drilla snarls, builds speed, and GORES!! But Drilla isn’t done there! He hauls Yuya back up, Canadian Rack, and DRILLA KILLA!! Cover, BUT YUYA ROLLS IT BACK! YUYA WINS!!!
Winner: Yuya Uemura, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
Yuya quite truly won by the seat of his pants, snatching victory from the jaws of this War Dragon! What will it take for Drilla to have that breakthrough to the next level?
As for Yuya, he’s very tired, but he still grabs the mic while resting on the mat. The fans cheer as Yuya manages to sit up. “To be honest, I thought today would be a no-go, but this is the soul of NJPW!” The fans cheer that! Yuya says the reason he was able to win today was because the fans supported him, and that gave him the energy! Thank you very much! The fans cheer again while Yuya stands back up, if just for a moment. Yuya asks if the fans love NJPW, and the fans cheer because they do. Yuya says if you like NJPW, come watch as the Spring’s hottest star, Yuya Uemura, becomes the strongest of all time!
The fans cheer again, and Yuya says he’ll speak for everyone’s hearts! Wait, did the mic go out? Oops. Yuya makes sure the mic is on as he repeats himself that he’ll speak for everyone’s hearts, and that he’ll continue to heat up this New Japan Cup! YOSHA! The fans cheer as Yuya falls back! Yuya gets another win, but will he keep it up all the way to the finals?
My Thoughts:
A great start to the second round, but I’m a little surprised we didn’t get more than two tournament matches. Takagi VS Fale was very good, even with the usual House of Torture overbooking. Gedo helping turn things around was great, too. Then awesome main event from Yuya VS Drilla. That sudden ending was a great move, they really made it seem like Drilla was going to win. But Yuya pulling it out was great, it builds his story of becoming the “sun,” aka the face of NJPW. He’s definitely proving himself worthy of being a top star in this generation, can’t wait to see how far he goes.
My Score: 8.9/10
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TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
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