Who is really the most dangerous man in AEW?

Ricochet is done with the humiliation and “bullying” he’s endured in AEW, but will Swerve Strickland do a lot worse than that?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Will Ospreay VS Mark Davis w/ Don Callis; Ospreay wins.
• Konosuke Takeshita & Kyle Fletcher VS Brody King & Buddy Matthews; Konosuke & Kyle win.
• Toni Storm VS Queen Aminata; Toni wins.
• Ricochet VS Swerve Strickland w/ Prince Nana; Ricochet wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Backstage interview with Jay White.

Renee Paquette is with the Switchblade, and says she wants to talk the newfound alliance he seems to have with Adam Copeland. Yeah, he made it just in time for the show, luckily they’re close to the airport. But that new relationship, that’s building in real time before our very eyes. There is no real history between him and “Cope,” but there is something there for him and FTR. They haven’t always seen eye to eye, but the last time they spoke, White said that to fight the Death Riders, he’d need to rely on those he usually wouldn’t. Now he must rely on FTR and the Rated R Superstar, Adam Copeland.

Because the Death Riders, they always seem to have the numbers. Well, speaking of, the Death Riders storm up on White! White wants them all to hold on a minute, let’s get a head count. Because up behind the Death Riders is Rated FTR! White shows that it is all right on time! And the brawl is on! White has Moxley while Rated FTR brawls with the AEW World Trios Champions! These eight throw hands as they move further backstage! Moxley sends White into road cases, but White hits back! Moxley RAMS White, the rest of the fighting is closer to gorilla now, and spilling out to ringside! The fans fire up as Cash sends Pac into railing!

Cash then brings The Bastard around to send into the side of a tunnel! Part of it chips off! Pac gets up to kick back, the brawling continues, and now we’re at the ring! The fans fire up as Cope RIPS Claudio’s shirt off to fire hands! Moxley and White brawl among the fans, and Moxley DUMPS White over railing. Dax beats Yuta down, Cope DUMPS Claudio over barriers, and White fires hands on Moxley! Yuta sends Dax into steel steps, but White sends Moxley into some! White and Moxley end up in the ring, but Yuta hurries in. White catches Yuta for a BLADERUNNER! But then Moxley has White! White clinches, Pac BOOTS him!

Dax storms in, Pac SOBATS Dax, runs, but Dax avoids the dropkick! Cash joins in, SHATTER MACHINE for Pac! Claudio drags Dax out, and SWINGS him into railing! Cash BLASTS Claudio, then DIVES into an UPPERCUT! Moxley calls to his Death Riders and they all mug White! The fans boo but Moxley tells White he can go to hell, because he doesn’t stand for anything! But Cope is up! Claudio saves Moxley to take the SPEAR! Moxley stays back, the Death Riders regroup, and now they’re in retreat. ATL cheers on Cope, and Cope tells Moxley, “I don’t know if you can hear it, but these folks here are chanting one name.”

So then, Moxley, what’s your answer? You still got a set of nuts? Is he accepting the challenge for the AEW World Championship at Revolution? Moxley storms back up to ringside, but only so far as to grab a mic and say, “You deserve nothing, you get nothing, the answer is ‘no.'” The fans boo but then White shouts at Moxley! White tells Moxley he has an offer for him! White can make Moxley Breathe with the Switchblade while drowning in a pool of his own blood! Moxley & Claudio VS White & Cope, ANYTHING GOES in a Brisbane Brawl, Grand Slam: Australia!! The fans like the sound of that! Will Cope & White make things Rated R when AEW goes down under?

BREAKING NEWS for Grand Slam: Australia!

After being called out by Buddy Matthews twice, Kazuchika Okada wants to prove “I not b*tch!” The Rainmaker is giving the Aussie Juggernaut his shot at the Continental Championship, but will he deny Buddy the hometown victory? Or will Buddy be the one to make it reign?

Will Ospreay VS ??? w/ Don Callis!

While the Aerial Assassin is going to be taking on Konosuke Takeshita & Kyle Fletcher alongside Kenny Omega in Brisbane, it would seem the newest member of the Don Callis Family wants to fight him first! But just who is it? Callis makes his way out here with a mic to say, “Ladies and gentlemen, I have a very important announcement to make.” The fans chant, “F Don Callis!” but Callis says the opponent for Ospreay tonight is a man he knows very well! A man he called his brother! Ladies and gentlemen, it’s MARK DAVIS! Ospreay is completely shocked! Davis was last scene trying to knock sense into Kyle Fletcher! How did Callis get Davis on his side?

That mystery aside, the bell rings, and the fans chant “YOU SOLD OUT!” at Dunkzilla. Ospreay gets in Davis’s face, pushes him, then SLAPS him! Davis CHOPS Ospreay right back! And CHOPS him again! And again! The fans boo but Ospreay puts Davis in the corner to CHOP, CHOP, and CHOP! Ospreay whips, Davis cartwheels and scoops Ospreay to SLAM him! But Ospreay avoids the senton, then basement DROPKICKS! The fans fire up for Ospreay and he CLUBS Davis on the neck. Ospreay fires forearms, then UPPERCUTS! Ospreay whips, Davis reverses, but Ospreay KICKS in return! Ospreay then dodges a lariat, but runs into a BACKDROP!

The fans boo but Davis soaks it up. Davis runs up on Ospreay in a corner to LARIAT! Ospreay sits down, Davis runs and SLIDING FOREARMS! Ospreay clutches his jaw, Davis covers, TWO! Davis drags Ospreay up to scoop and SLAM! Davis looms over Ospreay, then drags him up. Davis wrenches and CHOPS Ospreay, then CHOPS again! Davis CHOPS Ospreay off his feet, and now SENTONS down on him! Cover, TWO! Davis brings Ospreay up to suplex high and hard! Ospreay clutches his back but Davis KICKS him! Ospreay goes to a corner, but Davis CHOPS again! Ospreay fires forearms and the fans rally up, only for Davis to CLAW Ospreay’s face!

Davis reels Ospreay in, puts him up top, and then throws sumo style palm strikes! Ospreay sputters, the fans rally, but Davis climbs up. Davis brings Ospreay to the very top, but Ospreay fires body shots! Ospreay sends Davis down, then springboards, PIP PIP CHEERIO! Direct hit and Davis bails out, but Ospreay kips up! Atlanta fires up but Callis coaches Davis while Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Ospreay aims, but Davis hurries up to HOTSHOT him first! Ospreay staggers away and Davis soaks up heat while going around the outside. Davis storms up the steel steps to get back in the ring, and he brings Ospreay up, only for Ospreay to KICK, KICK, and KICK! Ospreay whips, Davis reverses, but Ospreay wheelbarrows and steps through! Ospreay has the legs for a FIGURE FOUR! Davis endures and tries to pry the hold open, but Ospreay slaps the trapping leg back down! Davis grits his teeth but his shoulders are down for a cover! TWO, and Davis crawls backwards. Davis drags Ospreay along, and manages the ROPEBREAK!

Ospreay lets the hold go, then he grabs the legs, only for Davis to BOOT him away! Both men scramble to their feet, and Davis CHOPS Ospreay! And CHOPS him again! Ospreay blocks the next, then wrenches the arm to grab the leg! SHIN BREAKER, then a leg sweep! Ospreay steps through again, and it’s back to the FIGURE FOUR! Davis endures all over again, but he powers up to turn things over! Now Ospreay endures, and he crawls his way to the ROPEBREAK! The hold is undone, and both men slowly rise. Ospreay fires a forearm, Davis fires a CHOP, and Dynamite goes to break.

Dynamite returns as Davis soaks up heat. Davis storms up on Ospreay to CHOP! And CHOP! But Ospreay CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Davis shoves Ospreay to then CHOP LARIAT in the corner! Davis bumps Ospreay off buckles, then reels him in for a DRAGON SUPLEX! Ospreay goes flying, and then Davis adds a KNEE! Davis isn’t done with Ospreay, he pulls on the arms to then KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up as Ospreay survives, but Davis reels him in. Ospreay grabs a leg to CLUB it! Ospreay runs, but into a CHOP! Davis whips, Ospreay handsprings, and NEURALIZER KICK! The fans fire up as Davis goes down!

Davis goes out to the ramp, but Ospreay fires the fans up more! “BRUV! BRUV! BRUV!” Ospreay takes aim to PLANCHA! Down goes Davis again and Ospreay high-fives Atlanta! Ospreay storms back up on Davis, puts him in the ring, then goes up the corner. Ospreay springboards, but Davis catches him! Fireman’s carry and- NO, Ospreay slips free to SUPERKICK! Ospreay swats the lariat to HOOK KICK! Ospreay then springboards, OSCUTTER! Cover, TWO! Davis survives, and Callis was almost in the ring to stop it! The fans boo Callis, Callis tells them to shut up, but Ospreay throws the elbow pad away!

Ospreay aims, runs up, but Davis LARIATS first! Ospreay stays up, and he fires a flurry of palm strikes! But Davis LARIATS again! Ospreay stumbles, Davis hops on, SATELLITE PILEDRIVER?! Cover, TWO!!! Ospreay survives that wild attack, but Davis snarls as he goes to a corner. Davis RIPS a buckle pad away! The fans boo but Davis storms back up on Ospreay. Davis drags Ospreay up, but the ref notices the bare buckle! The ref wont’ let Davis get that one! The ref and Davis argue, Ospreay HIDDEN BLADES!! Cover, Ospreay wins!!

Winner: Will Ospreay, by pinfall

Callis wanted Dunkzilla to be his “Ospreay Killer,” but the underhanded tactic did not work out! As for Ospreay, he grabs a mic to say, “Oh, yes, bruv! Atlanta! Oh my God, it’s like a little party in here, right? And Don. Seeing as you like to crash the party and you’re a little bit of a party pooper, I’ve got a new best friend back there who I’m teaming up with in Australia Grand Slam.” The fans chant for “KENNY! KENNY!” and here he comes! Callis is already panicking! Callis finds his way out into the crowd to run away as Omega makes his way down to the ring. Omega stands with Ospreay as the fans cheer him on.

Omega says, “Now, we’ve been here a couple times now, but I don’t remember a reception quite like that. So thank you very much, Atlanta.” Omega says this was meant to be a celebration for Ospreay, but Omega must get this off his chest. Omega tells Davis that man to man, Omega has no clue what Ospreay has on him, but trust Omega. Even though it might be scary, even though it might seem hopeless, help is there, and there are people you can trust. The fans cheer that. Omega says in a little over a week, Omega makes his AEW in-ring return with Grand Slam: Australia. But listening to these voices made him get that itch so he had to come out here in person, if they don’t mind.

The fans cheer more, and now Kyle and Konosuke storm out here! Callis tells them to stand down, they still have their tag match with Brody King & Buddy Matthews. Omega tells them all that they’ve done this song ‘n’ dance already. If the Callis Family wants this right here, right now, then go ahead. Omega’s an EVP again, they’ve got nothing but time. But if not… Then Omega suggests they pack their bags, hop on a jet, train, and get ready for Brisbane, Australia! Grand Slam, Ospreay & Omega VS Fletcher & Takeshita! It has been a long time since people could really feel what Omega was feeling in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023!

And now that Omega is BACK here in 2025, all the fans will get to feel the exact same things! Next week, it won’t just be a match for fun or to prove they’re better. This is the match to prove that the future of AEW lies not with those cowering on the ramp, but those right here in this ring! The fans cheer, and Omega says it may have been almost a year, but if they know the words, say it with him. He must bid you adieu, so goodbye, MWAH! And goodnight, BANG! Pyro goes off, and even Omega is surprised! But will it be no surprise when the Best Bout Bruvs bring down Don Callis’ cronies?

The Hurt Syndicate is here!

Atlanta chants along, “We Hurt~ People!” as Montel Vontavious Porter and the NEW AEW World Tag Team Champions, Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin, make their way to the ring. MVP makes sure to say hey to Westside Gunn as he hangs out ringside. MVP then grabs a mic to say, “Ladies and gentlemen, ATLiens, and the AEW viewing audience, this is an official announcement from the Hurt Syndicate. Right now, I need everybody to stand on their feet and respect for the Standard of Excellence, Shelton Benjamin, The All Mighty, Bobby Lashley, your NEW AEW World Tag Team Champions!” The fans do stand and cheer, and MVP says that sounds good.

MVP says he’ll keep this short and sweet because they have to hop on the jet and head to New Orleans for the Super Bowl. MVP has to give props to Private Party. Two young, talented athletes with a very bright future, but they were just the wrong people in the wrong place at the wrong time. It was not their fault that they had to face the most devastating duo in ALL of pro-wrestling today! And MVP would like to put everyone else on notice: If you are an AEW athlete, if you are a champion, get ready. Because when the Hurt Syndicate chooses to come see you, they will hurt you and take your title!

But until that time, they’re open for business. And if you would like an opportunity to face them for the tag team championships, then- Wait. That music… “By order of the Bang Bang Gang… GUNNS UP!” Austin & Colten are here! But Lashley & Shelton don’t even bother looking at them, even as Austin & Colten walk down the ramp. Austin has the mic to say they mean no disrespect. But if they’re businessmen, then Austin & Colten would like to talk business. MVP says they don’t look like businessmen, and certainly aren’t dressed like it, but MVP says they’re at least conducting themselves as men, so go ahead. Step up and state your business.

Austin & Colten join the Hurt Syndicate in the ring, and Austin says before getting to the business, Gunns Up for the Atlanta Gold Members~! And to properly introduce themselves, they are The Gunns, former AEW World Tag Team Champions. They have been waiting TWO YEARS to get a rematch, and the only reason The Hurt Syndicate has those titles now is because Austin & Colten have been gone. But guess what? They’re back, baby! Colten says, “Oh, you guys hurt~ people~? Well, congrats on doing your jobs. That’s kinda what this business is about. But now it’s time for us to do our job, which is take back our tag team titles!”

MVP says he’ll tell them what. He appreciates the moxie and respects the courage. But he also respects their father, and if not for that, these two monsters would’ve already choked the Gunns out. But MVP is about business. He shakes hands with the Gunns, and says next week, for the AEW World Tag Team Championships, it’ll be the Hurt Syndicate VS the Ass Boys. The Syndicate moves on, and Austin says, “Ass Boys? Hey, Ass Boys? Y’know what? YOU GADDAMN RIGHT WE ARE! And if you’re not down with that, we got two words for ya! GUNNS UP!!” Austin & Colten no longer let words hurt them, but will a fight with Lashley & Shelton hurt well enough?

Backstage interview with Mercedes Mone.

At least, Renee is hoping to speak with The CEO. Instead, Muppet Mone pops in! “Atlanta~! Say hello to your C E O~! Renee, I have exciting news! This Saturday on Collision, Harley Cameron will be live in concert~!” Harley pops in and wow, she’ll be live in concert for a “Harley Halftime in Houston” special? Yes! What an amazing idea, Mercedes, that you totally came up with. Thanks! And y’know what? Muppet Mone isn’t such a dummy. She doesn’t get it. Of course not. But Harley says this is fantastic! They’re making up! Muppet Mone says she does want to apologize, she was so awful to Harley last week.

Um, real Mercedes Mone is walking out from her locker room. Mone asks Harley, “Are you stupid? Or are you dumb?” Renee says she’s glad to see Mone is here, she wants to talk Grand Slam and how she still doesn’t have an opponent. Harley did get her first win on TV, so maybe they can talk her trajectory. Mone says aw, Harley got her first victory, how cute. Mone remembers her first-ever win. And she also remembers the feeling of winning her first championship at the age of 23. And the feeling of winning another, and another, and then this title. And the TBS Championship is saying that Mone is the GREATEST TBS Champion ever!

And Harley? Well, she’s nothing but a loser. And losers don’t get to ride the Money Train! Mone SNATCHES Muppet Mone off Harley’s hand, to reveal a middle finger! Mone storms off, Renee hides the middle finger, but it’s a strong one. What will it take for Harley to force Mone into a Grand Slam showdown?

Backstage interview with Hangman Page.

AEW returns as Renee is now with The Cowboy, and she wants to follow up with him from last week. It seemed like Hangman was in pursuit of Swerve Strickland. Hangman says that was nothing. No, y’know what that was? That was a moment of weakness! It was a mistake! And that is all he’ll say on that, and Renee will not asking about it again, understood? Renee says okay, but then two weeks ago, Christopher Daniels came out to say that after their Texas Deathmatch, the damage was so severe that he had to retire from in-ring action. Correct her if she’s wrong, but there appeared to be regret on Hangman’s face.

Hangman simply says, “No.” Hangman says Daniels overstepped, overplayed his hand, and accepted a deathmatch with The Hangman. Hangman did what he said he would, and he hurt Daniels so badly that Daniels will never wrestle again! And Hangman does not regret- Wait, Max Caster speaks up? He wants Renee to have Hangman wrap this up. Caster’s been waiting! Caster respects Hangman, and what he did to Daniels was actually awesome, that was so brutal. Daniels had the neck brace and everything. What if Hangman did that to Anthony Bowens? Caster would do it himself, but he’s busy with his Best Wrestler Alive Open Challenge.

Hey, what if Hangman hospitalized Billy Gunn? Hangman says Caster is on to something. Hangman would love to hospitalize someone tonight. But uh, Hangman doesn’t see Bowens and he doesn’t see Billy, but… Caster’s here. Y-Yeah! Okay, thank you for your time, he’ll just be going to his car. Caster leaves, Hangman says he’ll come with. Will Platinum Max ever learn how to not stick his foot in his mouth?

Konosuke Takeshita & Kyle Fletcher VS Brody King & Buddy Matthews!

As we saw earlier tonight, The Alpha & Aussie Arrow want after Ospreay & Omega something fierce, but they’re going to wait until AEW arrives in Brisbane. As for the Hounds of Hell, they’re ready to take a bite out of any and every champion in AEW, so Konosuke’s on their list. Will Brody & Buddy build momentum going into Grand Slam: Australia? Or will the Don Callis Family be ready for the Best Bout Bruvs?

The teams sort out and Kyle starts against Buddy for a showdown of Aussies. The bell rings, Kyle and Buddy stare down and the fans fire up. Kyle and Buddy feel things out, tie up, and Buddy wrenches to a wristlock. Kyle rolls, wrenches back, and hits an ELBOW BREAKER! Kyle clamps onto the wristlock but Buddy rolls, rolls, and wrenches back. Buddy YANKS the arm, then YANKS the arm again! Kyle endures, rolls, and he wrenches in return. Kyle has the wristlock, tells the fans to shut up, but Buddy spins through and headlocks for a takeover! Buddy grinds Kyle down to a cover, ONE, and Kyle headscissors.

Buddy kips up, avoids a leg sweep, then headlocks again. Kyle powers up and out, they RAM shoulders, but Kyle hits a headlock takeover. Buddy headscissors but Kyle kips free, then Kyle ducks ‘n’ dodges. Kyle sunset flips, Buddy rolls through, and Kyle avoids the Penalty Kick! The fans cheer the standoff, and then Kyle tags Konosuke. The fans rally up as Konosuke and Buddy circle. They knuckle lock, Buddy waistlocks, but Konosuke switches. Buddy switches, they switch again and again, and Buddy powers Konosuke to ropes. Brody tags in before Konosuke bucks the O’Conner Roll, and while Konosuke stares Buddy down, Brody steps in.

The fans bark and Brody CHOPS Konosuke down! And CHOPS him down again! Brody eggs Konosuke on, so Konosuke fires haymakers! Brody CHOPS back down! Kyle storms in and CLUBS Brody, but Brody CHOPS Kyle down! Brody storms up on Konosuke but Konosuke bails out. Brody keeps on Konosuke, sending him into apron, then into railing! Buddy runs up on Kyle to SMACK him off the apron! Brody ROCKS Konosuke, Konosuke hits back! Brody CHOPS Konosuke and he stumbles. Buddy UPPERCUTS Kyle into taking a seat, Brody CHOPS Konosuke again. Brody whips Konosuke into railing, and then Brody CHOPS Kyle!

Brody CHOPS Konosuke to make him take a seat on Kyle’s lap! Buddy gets a second chair so Konosuke can sit side-by-side with Kyle, and Brody runs in! DOUBLE CROSSBODY against barriers! Atlanta fires up with The Hounds, and Kyle sputters on the floor. The fans want that “One More Time!” but Brody CHOPS Konosuke down again! The ref says to get this in the ring, but Brody puts Konosuke and Kyle together on one chair! Brody runs up, DOUBLE CROSSBODY against barriers! The fans fire up even more, but Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Brody tosses the chairs aside to then drag Konosuke up and into the ring. Brody storms in after Konosuke, but Kyle anchors his foot! The ref stops Buddy from stepping in, so Buddy tries to point this out to the ref! But Konosuke BOOTS Brody down first! Kyle soaks up heat while he flexes, and Konosuke drags Brody up. Konosuke bumps Brody off buckles, then climbs up to rain down fists! Konosuke goes to five before he BITES Brody’s forehead! The ref counts, Konosuke stops, but Brody CHOPS him! Konosuke ROCKS Brody with a forearm, then put shim in the Callis corner. Tag to Kyle, and Kyle brings Brody out, only for Brody to CHOP!

Konosuke grabs Brody, he and Kyle mug Brody, then Kyle digs his boots in. The ref reprimands, Kyle steps off at 4, then Kyle sucker punches Buddy! The ref stops Buddy, but this lets Kyle and Konosuke stomp away on Brody! Konosuke CHOKES Brody on the ropes, then steps away to tag in. But Brody fights against Konosuke and Kyle! Kyle ROCKS Brody, then he and Konosuke DOUBLE GOURD BUSTER! And then DOUBLE BASEMENT DROPKICK! Brody is down, Konosuke & Kyle soak up more heat, and Kyle even mocks the barking. Konosuke drags Brody up to hit a NECKBREAKER! Konosuke facelocks, and he grinds Brody down.

Dynamite returns to single picture, and Brody fights up, to power Konosuke back! Konosuke holds on and throws knees to back Brody down! Konosuke ROCKS Brody, runs in, but Brody ROCKS him first! And he CHOPS Kyle down! The fans fire up as Brody storms up, but Konosuke ducks the lariat! Brody reaches for Buddy but Konosuke holds on! Brody fires elbows, but Konosuke dodges to BOOT Buddy! But then Brody LARIATS Konosuke! The fans fire up, Brody snarls as he brings Konosuke back up, but Konosuke ROCKS Brody first! Brody fights the saido, but Konosuke GERMAN SUPLEXES! Brody’s right back up!?

Brody hits a ROLLING ELBOW, then he gut wrenches Konosuke! Konosuke slips free, ducks ‘n’ dodges, DOUBLE LARIATS take both men down! But then both men are back up! They roar, but then fall back down! The fans are thunderous and barking as Brody and Konosuke stir. The standing count climbs, but we get hot tags to Kyle and Buddy! Buddy LARIATS, ELBOWS, and QUICK DRAW NECKBREAKERS Kyle! Kyle still gets up, but Buddy ducks ‘n’ dodges to CALF KICK! The fans fire up as Buddy fires a strike fest on Kyle! Stomp to the foot, KNEE to the head! Kyle flops to the apron and the fans fire up for Buddy!

Buddy brings Kyle in through the ropes, but Kyle slips in to TOSS Buddy up and out! Buddy lands safe on the apron, but Kyle catches him through the ropes! Kyle brings Buddy out, but now Buddy slips in to TOSS Kyle out! Kyle staggers up, into a DROPKICK! Buddy builds speed and FLIES! Direct hit on Kyle & Konosuke! The fans are thunderous again and Buddy hurries to put Kyle in. Buddy climbs, aims, METEORA! Cover, TWO! Kyle survives but “This is Awesome!” as Buddy aims again. Buddy runs, but no curb stomp! Kyle catches Buddy for a SNAP HALF ‘N’ HALF! Buddy goes to a corner, Kyle runs in, into a V-TRIGGER from Buddy!

Buddy goes up the corner again as Kyle falls down! Konosuke runs up but Buddy BOOTS him away! But wait, OKADA is here!? The Rainmaker’s music plays, but this is him just distracting Buddy! Kyle trips Buddy, then goes up, only for Buddy to slip under! Buddy tucks Kyle in, CHEEKY NANDOS! Buddy then SHINING WIZARDS in the corner, and he calls to Brody! Buddy tags Brody, and the Hounds set up at the corners, for CERBERUS!! Konosuke hurries as Brody covers, MISSILE DROPKICK SENTON COMBO!! Konosuke saves the match while taking out both opponents! Konosuke then hurries after Buddy on the apron.

Buddy kicks, Konosuke blocks and puts that foot in the ropes. Buddy still KNEES Konosuke, but then Konosuke POWER DRIVE KNEES in return! Konosuke reels Buddy in, but Brody storms up behind him! SLEEPER! Konosuke still BOOTS Buddy, and Kyle adds a GAMANGIRI! Down goes Buddy, and Konosuke CLAWS at Brody’s eyes! Konosuke then POWER DRIVE KNEES Brody, and Kyle reels him in! DRAPING DDT!! Cover, TWO!! Kyle is furious but the ref defends his count! Kyle hurries to haul Brody up, but Brody fights the suplex! Brody suplexes, but Konosuke saves Kyle! ALPHA ELBOW!

SUPERKICK from Kyle! Then ALPHA ELBOW SUPERKICK COMBO!! They reel Brody in, DOUBLE BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, Callis Family wins!

Winners: Konosuke Takeshita & Kyle Fletcher, by pinfall

Callis is the only one happy about this, and he says, “On to Grand Slam we go!” Will we see this level of devastation happen to even Ospreay & Omega?

Samoa Joe & Hook walk the halls.

The Samoan Submission Specialist asks if the Cold-Hearted Handsome Devil is ready, and Hook says yeah. But wait, where’s “Speak ‘n’ Spell” Shibata? Hook says Shibata’s back in Japan. But what’s going on? Joe says when people wrap steel around his skull, he tends to get emotional. Hook says Joe once said himself, if you’re furious, you can’t be focused. Joe is annoyed Hook is using his own stuff against him. But they still find The Patriarchy’s locker room. Joe tells Hook he can take lead. Hook storms up and opens the door, but in their way is Nick Wayne & Kip Sabian. Joe asks them, “Where is your daddy?”

Nick says Christian isn’t here right now. Do they have a problem, though? Nah, Joe & Hook can come back when Christian’s here. Kip says yeah, jog on. But then Joe says, “Or… We can leave a message.” Joe & Hook attack Nick & Kip! Joe SMACKS Nick off the locker while Hook hammers away on Kip! Christian Cage & Shayna Wayne walk in now, see what’s going on, and turn right around! Some father he is… Joe tells them to tell “Daddy” that he says hi. Joe & Hook leave and now Christian steps into the locker room, acting as if he didn’t know what happened. Christian pushes the cameraman out of there, was the message received?

MJF is here!

The Devil went down to Georgia, looking for a soul to steal, but seems so did this scumbag. MJF has them cut his music, and he calls out “Geriatric Jeff Jarrett!” All Jeff had to do was stay out of the way of a young, fast-rising, incredibly handsome, humble star, and he just couldn’t do that, could he? No, no, no, and that is why MJF had to teach Jeff a lesson. That lesson is as follows: in AEW, the “E” stands for “Elite.” Not “elderly!” MJF laughs at his own dumb joke, and then says that now that the “carny shmuck” is out of the way, MJF is one step closer to once again obtaining his Triple B! The fans boo that.

MJF says because ain’t nobody on the level of the Devil! Wait, Caster? What’s he doing here? MJF tells Caster to scram, but Caster is pointing to who he’s running from! MJF doesn’t care, this is his time, no Caster’s. But wait! Here comes Hangman! The Cowboy storms in, Caster runs but MJF stands his ground! Hangman stares MFJ down, then pushes past him to go chase Caster through the crowd! MJF asks if this is for real right now. This is his time! But the fans like #CowboyS*it, huh? Well, before he was so rudely interrupted by a talentless, worthless hack… Ain’t nobody- The fans tell MJF to STFU!

MJF does his best to finish his catchphrase, but now DUSTIN RHODES is here! The fans fire up as The Natural heads to the ring but MJF has them cut the music. The dual ROH World Tag Team & Six Man Tag Team Champion steps into the ring, MJF tells him that he was talking, but Dustin tells MJF to shut his stupid trap! All MJF does is come out here and badmouth everybody in the back, degrade them, and even talk about people who aren’t even here anymore, like Dustin’s friend, Owen Hart. MJF scoffs and turns around, but Dustin tells him to look him in the eyes, “you SOB!” Dustin suggests MJF keep Owen’s name out of his mouth, or else Dustin kicks MJF’s teeth in!

The fans fire up, and Dustin tells MJF to stop talking about people’s wives, about people’s pasts, their issues with drugs and alcohol. Dustin is one of those! 16 years clean ‘n’ sober, after going straight to Hell, looking the Devil in his eyes, and kicking his ass! Dustin crawls out of Hell, and he knows MJF ain’t the devil. MJF has all the potential in the world, yet he chooses to go to these dark places. There is a reason Dustin is still here at 55 years old, hanging with everybody on this roster! It is because he is a survivor! Dustin IS the Last of His Kind! Because Dustin has survived everything! Whatever MJF can think of, Dustin’s been though, boy!

The fans cheer but MJF doesn’t seem to care. Dustin tells MJF that when Dustin is gone, the mold will be broken forever. Dustin IS better than you, “and your punk b*tch ass freakin’ knows it!” The fans fire up for Dustin, but MJF says okay, okay, time out. Everybody, bravo, give it up for Dustin Rhodes! MJF applauds and says that was incredible. But MJF has to say, the part where Dustin said he is better than MJF? That was interesting. MJF imagines all those years of Dustin being a worthless drug addict turned his brain into Swiss cheese to come to that realization. But allow MJF to smarten Dustin and all these people on what Dustin’s all about.

“Dustin Rhodes is the man that took 37 long, hard, arduous years of blood, sweat and tears… Just to get out from understand his daddy’s shadow.” The fans boo and MJF says that struck a nerve with “Goldy,” didn’t it? MJF has a better one. The fans chant, “Whoop His Ass!” but MJF says what’s so sad about the whole thing, is that after all that hard work and sacrifice, now Dustin lives in the shadow of his baby brother! Dustin DECKS MJF! The fans fire up as Dustin stands MJF up and they throw more hands! Security rushes in here but the fans boo! “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” Even Jerry Lynn gets out here!

Jerry tries to calm Dustin down, but Dustin breaks free to CLOBBER MJF! The fans fire up but MJF bails out the side! Dustin is fuming but MJF jukes the security! AND LOW BLOWS DUSTIN!! The fans boo as MJF stands over Dustin, a stupid grin on his face. MJF takes his leave for real this time, but now Christopher Daniels gets in his way. MJF tells Daniels not to touch him, but then realizes who he’s talking to. Hangman sure did a number on Daniels, didn’t he? MJF goes to the back, Daniels seethes, but will someone, anyone, ever humble the Wolf of Wrestling?

Mariah May is here!

The Glamour promised she’d watch as her former mentor battled her first-ever AEW opponent once again. But will Mariah like the outcome? Or will it be a repeat performance? Wait, Justin Roberts has a script to read from for Toni’s entrance? “Playing the role of The Glamour, Mariah May… Timeless Toni Storm!” Mariah has no idea what that means, but then her music plays again! And yes, much as when Mariah used to cosplay as Rockstar Toni, Toni is cosplaying as Mariah! Toni struts around, has obvious hair extensions, and perhaps does a bit more teasing with the finger and lips than Mariah does, but everyone else says that’s spot on!

Mariah is seething more and more the more Toni walks around, but will this still be a smash hit of a parody?

Toni Storm VS Queen Aminata!

The bell rings, Toni and Aminata circle, and they tie up. They’re in a deadlock, then break, and Toni tosses her hair and struts around some more. Aminata and Toni reset, tie up, and Toni headlocks. Toni hits a takeover, grinds the hold, and Mariah refuses to play along. Aminata headscissors, Toni shrugs it off, but Aminata gets the headscissors again. Toni moves around, kips free, but Aminata headlocks. Aminata grinds the hold, hits a takeover, but Toni headscissors. Aminata kips free, the two reset, and we see Serena Deeb watching backstage. Will The Professor of Pro-Wrestling think Aminata has passed the test?

Aminata waistlocks, headlocks, wrenches and then steps over to twerk attack! The fans cheer, Toni says, “How DARE you!” Toni SLAPS Aminata, kicks low, then scoops for the SPIN OUT SIDEWALK SLAM! Aminata drop toeholds Toni onto ropes! The fans rally, Aminata runs, but Toni dodges the boot! Toni runs to HIP ATTACK Aminata to the floor! The fans cheer as Toni does more mocking of Mariah before she fetches Aminata into the ring. Toni tosses her hair more, and Mariah seethes again, but Aminata DIVES onto Toni! Direct hit and Aminata mocks the Timeless closeup! The fans cheer, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Aminata realizes she has some of Toni’s hair extensions on her so she brushes those off. Aminata then fetches Toni for a headlock, and she runs her into barriers! Toni staggers away, Aminata refreshes the ring count, and Aminata storms up on Toni by commentary. Aminata SMACKS Toni off the desk, and Mariah turns away so as not to watch this. Aminata CHOPS Toni against the desk! Toni falls over dramatically, Aminata refreshes the ring count, but Toni hits back! Toni CLUBS Aminata, CLUBS her again, then CHOPS! Aminata ROCKS Toni, puts her in the ring, then scuffs her in the ropes. Aminata scuffs Toni again, but Toni fires back!

Toni runs, but Aminata LARIATS her down! Aminata soaks up cheers and jeers, then pushes Toni to a cover, TWO! Toni toughs it out but Aminata looms over her. Aminata snapmares Toni, runs, and PENALTY KICKS! Cover, TWO! Aminata grows frustrated but she sits Toni up for a chinlock. Toni endures, even as Aminata leans on her. Mariah is further annoyed as Aminata KNEES Toni in the back again and again! Aminata clamps on body scissors, and she squeezes tight. Aminata turns Toni over for a Gedo Clutch, TWO! Aminata turns Toni the other way, Gedo Clutch, TWO! Aminata shifts to have a leg hook FULL NELSON!

Toni endures, even as Aminata has knuckle locks to pull on the arms. Dynamite returns to single picture as Toni powers back to a cover, TWO! Toni ROCKS Aminata, ROCKS her again, then fires off forearms again and again! The fans fire up as Toni fires off TEN! Mariah still refuses to accept Toni’s copycat. For one, Toni is missing two very obvious elements. Toni puts Aminata up top, DOUBLE CHOPS her, then frolics around a la Mariah. Toni runs, goes up, and hits STRATUSFACTION! Then a SHOTGUN! Cover, TWO! Mariah mocks Toni being dramatic. Toni drags Aminata up, reels her in, but Aminata trips her to a jackknife bridge, TWO!

Toni CHOPS, but Aminata grins. Aminata CHOPS Toni, Toni CHOPS back! The fans rally, the CHOPS keep going, then Toni SLAPS Aminata! Aminata SLAPS Toni! Toni SLAPS again! Aminata runs up, but Toni wrenches, kicks, and whips! Aminata goes up and over, then GERMAN SUPLEXES! Toni tumbles and more hair extensions fall away! Aminata runs and the fans fire up for the BOOT WASH! Aminata again mocks the closeup, then she drags Toni in for a cover, TWO! Mariah says Toni is playing the role of Mariah, Aminata is apparently Timeless, where does it all end? Aminata drags Toni up, Alabama Lifts, but Toni turns that into a DDT!

Toni hurries to run, and she KNEES Aminata to a corner! Then Toni gives us a proper closeup, for the SWEET HIP MUSIC! Then Toni makes sure Mariah sees this as she fireman’s carries, MAYDAY DRIVER! Cover, Toni wins!

Winner: Toni Storm, by pinfall

Mariah is fuming all over again, but Toni proves that anything Mariah can do, Toni can do better. Renee joins Toni in the ring to interview her. But then Toni wants Renee to play along and call her “Mariah,” The Woman From Hell. “And I stand on the neck of every woman in this division. And there’s not a woman alive that can touch me!” Mariah has had it! Mariah storms off commentary to get in the ring! Toni offers her a chance, but then Mariah storms back out to grab her belt and leave. Will Toni get the better of Mariah when they finally have their rematch?

Dustin Rhodes speaks.

“For 37 years, people have been chipping away, trying to put me in the ground. I’m still here! Maxwell Jacob Friedman, I live for blood, sweat and tears! I am the Last of My Kind! I’m around for a reason, boy! And next Tuesday night, Austin Texas, MY backyard, this ain’t New York City, this ain’t Long Island, I’m gonna beat your ass! B*TCH!” The Natural has put MJF on notice, but will everything be bigger in Texas?

The Learning Tree is on stage.

Chris Jericho, Bryan Keith & “Big Bill” are here, and Jericho says, “Hi, guys~! And welcome to a very special, first-time-live edition of The New York Minute with me, Chris Jericho!” The fans boo but Keith shouts, “RESPECT CHRIS JERICHO!” Jericho says they are here in Georgia, the Big ALT! Um, no… Keith says it stands for, “APPRECIATE LEARNING TREE!” Jericho is pretty sure he speaks for everyone here in ALT when he says he doesn’t know how Bandido decided he’s a Wanted Man returning on Collision. No one here wants Bandido in AEW! But since he’s back, Jericho will turn this into a teachable moment.

“Bandido, apparently there’s a $100,000 on your head. But since I’m standing here with an actual Bounty Hunter, this week on Collision on Saturday-” The fans tell Jericho STFU, but he says no swearing! Jericho promises to double the bounty to $200,000 if Keith can do to Bandido what Big Bill has done to “Powerhouse” Hobbs! Bill tells Hobbs that wherever he is, Bill hopes- WAIT! Hobbs is here!! And Hobbs runs up to brawl with all of The Learning Tree! The fans fire up, but this 3v1 isn’t going Hobbs’ way! But wait! The Outrunners run out here! Turbo Floyd & Truth Magnum want payback for being cheated last Saturday!

The fans cheer as the fight is now even! Bill brawls with Hobbs, Jericho & Keith brawl with Truth & Turbo, but security hurries out here! Fan want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” Bill grabs one guard by his neck! But then he sees Hobbs doing the same with another security guard. Bill gives his guard a SKYSCRAPER CHOKE SLAM to the floor! Hobbs gives his guard a POWERHOUSE CHOKE SLAM to the floor! The fans chant “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” as both men storm into the ring! They circle, then they start throwing hands! The fans fire up, and Hobbs TACKLES Bill to the apron! But Bill drags Hobbs to the floor!

Bill CLUBS Hobbs, but Hobbs SPINEBUSTERS Bill onto the desk, and then over it! They still scrap on the floor! Atlanta fires up as Hobbs HAMMERS Bill, then stands up. Bill staggers to his feet, Hobbs fires more hands, and the cameraman is collateral! Refs rush out, Dynamite goes to break, and this has been a New York Minute! But when and where will Hobbs and Bill settle things once and for all?

Ricochet VS Swerve Strickland w/ Prince Nana!

This fight has been a long time coming, and the animosity only escalated with every week we had to wait! The One & Only is no longer pretending to be a hero, now he’s living the life of an American Psycho. But will that be enough to be the most dangerous man in AEW? Or will even Atlanta be “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!”

But Ricochet attacks from behind during Swerve’s entrance, and with a chair! The fans boo but Ricochet says this is because of them! And he SMACKS Swerve again! The ref reprimands, but there’s nothing he can really do since this isn’t a match yet! Ricochet SMACKS Swerve again! The fans rally for “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” while Ricochet stalks Swerve. Ricochet puts Swerve in the ring, stands over him, and tells him that this is Ricochet’s House now! Swerve SLAPS Ricochet! The fans fire up, the bell rings, and Ricochet comes back to JUMP KNEE! Dragon sleeper, VERTIGO!! Cover, TWO!!

Swerve survives and Ricochet is stunned! Ricochet goes back to a corner, but Swerve crawls up to him! Ricochet kicks Swerve down, then hits a BACKBREAKER! The fans boo but Ricochet stands Swerve up to ROCK him! Ricochet scoops for another BACKBREAKER, but the fans taunt him with, “You Are Bald!” Ricochet CLUBS Swerve, dragon sleepers, but Swerve slips around to put Ricochet on ropes. Ricochet fires hands, Swerve fights back, and Swerve whips. Ricochet ducks ‘n’ dodges, jumps over the dropdown, then he SHOTGUNS Swerve as Swerve tries to hurdle! Swerve tumbles out of the ring, Ricochet builds speed, and Ricochet DIVES!

Swerve is sent into barriers, but then Ricochet whips him hard into railing! Ricochet soaks up heat from the fans, then he drags Swerve up to push against barriers. Ricochet hops up onto the barriers, then brings Swerve up. The fans step back a bit, and Ricochet reels Swerve in. Swerve fights the lift, throws body shots, but Ricochet throws hands! They both throw haymakers, the ring count climbs, and Ricochet gets the edge. Ricochet goes up, but Swerve stops the rana to BARRIER BOMB!! Ricochet falls in a heap and the fans lose their minds! Nana cheers Swerve on as the true and only champion that matters!

Swerve stalks Ricochet, puts him in the ring, and Nana keeps the “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” chant going. Swerve storms up on Ricochet, bumps him off buckles, then has him under the corner. Swerve rips the crossbar’s padding away, to GUILLOTINE CATAPULT Ricochet into it! The fans fire up again while Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Swerve scowls while Ricochet sputters. Swerve stalks Ricochet around the corner, stomps him down, then fishhooks him into standing up. Swerve fireman’s carries Ricochet to then hit SNAKE EYES off the railing! Swerve then puts Ricochet against the apron to fire hands! Swerve puts some stank on it before he SLAPS Ricochet’s bald head! Swerve puts Ricochet in, stomps him again and again, then gets Atlanta really fired up. Swerve ELBOWS Ricochet down, then stalks him to a corner. Swerve climbs up to shine Ricochet’s head! Then SLAPS him again and again! The ref counts as Swerve keeps slapping!

Swerve reels Ricochet in for an Atomic BACKBREAKER! Ricochet writhes from being bent back against Swerve’s shoulder, but then Swerve drops a knee! Swerve drags Ricochet up, bumps him off buckles, then UPPERCUTS! Swerve snapmares again, then goes up to FALLING UPPERCUT! Swerve hits the Griddy as ATL cheers him on. Swerve then digs his boot into Ricochet at the ropes. The ref counts, Swerve steps off, and he looms over Ricochet again. Ricochet tries to push Swerve away but Swerve grabs an arm. Ricochet throws hands from below so Swerve KICKS him around! Swerve ROCKS Ricochet, and Dynamite returns to single picture.

Swerve throws hands on Ricochet again and again, then whips him to a corner. Swerve UPPERCUTS in the corner, snapmares him again, then goes back up. But Ricochet stands to kick the legs out! Swerve is stuck in ropes, and Ricochet hits as DRAPING CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO! Ricochet rains down fists, then growls in frustration. The fans rally but Ricochet brings Swerve up. Ricochet swings Swerve into a BACKBREAKER, then he basement DROPKICKS Swerve in the back! Ricochet keeps moving, and he FALLING AX HANDLES! Fans make up a new chant, “Who’s Bald?” “RICOCHET!”

Ricochet is annoyed, but he brings Swerve up. Ricochet ROCKS Swerve, but Swerve ROCKS him back! Swerve ROCKS Ricochet again, but Ricochet knees low, then CLUBS Swerve on the neck! Ricochet CHOPS Swerve, but Swerve eggs him on! Ricochet CHOPS again, then runs, but into an UPPERCUT! Swerve runs, but Ricochet Tiger Wall Kicks, SOBATS, and KNEES Swerve down! The fans boo but Ricochet brings Swerve in. Swerve slips free of the bomb to lift Ricochet, but Ricochet slips free of the bomb! Ricochet wrenches, tucks and lifts, then fireman’s carries! Swerve slips free to do the same, and POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!

Ricochet survives and Swerve grows frustrated. Swerve stalks Ricochet, full nelsons, but Ricochet fights it! Ricochet grabs the ref, but Swerve stops the low blow! Ricochet grabs ropes now, but Swerve YANKS him back into a GERMAN SUPLEX! Swerve then somersaults and FLATLINERS! Eddy Gordo roll, HOUSE CALL!! The fans are thunderous and Swerve says that’s not enough! Swerve goes up top, for the KILL STOMPS!! Cover, TWO?!? Ricochet survives and shocks Swerve! Swerve stalks Ricochet to the apron, the fans rally up, and Swerve fireman’s carries. Ricochet slips free to HOTSHOT Swerve, then HOTSHOT again!

Ricochet says he does what he wants! Ricochet triangle jumps, but the rana slips off target! Ricochet improvises to APRON GERMAN SUPLEX! Swerve flops down, the fans boo, but Ricochet hurries to get Swerve back in. Ricochet springboards for the 450 SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Swerve survives but Ricochet hurries right back up! Ricochet aims, and he SHOOTING STAR PRESSES Swerve’s back! Cover, TWO!! Swerve survives again and Ricochet is beside himself! Ricochet goes to a corner, but he locks ‘n’ loads! SPIRIT- HOUSE CALL!! Swerve is all fired up and so is Atlanta! Swerve goes up top, for another KILL STOMP LOW BLOW?!

The ref isn’t sure what to make of it, Ricochet simply put his hands up to guard! It still gets Swerve in a bad spot, and Ricochet grins! Ricochet reloads, SPIRIT GUN!! Cover, Ricochet wins!

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall

A lot of controversy in that finish, and Ricochet grabs the robe! Nana also has it, but Ricochet SHOVES Nana down! Ricochet wears the Mogul Embassy robe, adding insult to injury as he takes his leave. Swerve is seething, but is AEW going to be #OuttaThisWorld from now on?

My Thoughts:

A great Dynamite, but with some new head-scratcher story moves. Mark Davis being the new Don Callis Family member would’ve worked better if this was months ago. Davis has been hanging around, but we barely got any interactions of him and Kyle or Don Callis, so there were no hints at Davis wanting to turn. That doesn’t make this surprise surprising, it makes it confusing. Ospreay VS Davis was still good stuff, and we still got a good promo from Ospreay with Omega to add to the Grand Slam tag match. Speaking of, great tag match of Konosuke & Kyle VS Brody & Buddy, but very fitting that Okada would screw Buddy over now that their title match is happening. As I said for Collision, Okada VS Buddy is going to be awesome, even if Buddy still loses.

Then there’s The Gunns challenging The Hurt Syndicate for the tag titles. It’s not even so much that the Gunns don’t deserve a title match, or that they and the Hurt Syndicate won’t put on a good title match, it’s just… We literally opened tonight with Jay White, leader of the Bang Bang Gang and friend of The Gunns. Why aren’t The Gunns helping Jay White against The Death Riders? Why isn’t it 6v4, but then the trios titles become the reason the Bang Bang Gang doesn’t quite help out Rated FTR like they should? I want to be frustrated for reasons that are perfectly in story, not because the story itself is lacking.

Though to that point, the Death Riders VS AEW story really should’ve been all encompassing. It felt like it was going to be that when this all started, with how Garcia, Private Party, Dark Order, and a lot of others were standing together against The Death Riders, but then it all fell apart because we still needed things like Garcia VS Perry for the TNT title and such. White & Cope VS Moxley & Claudio in a “Brisbane Brawl” No Disqualifications match will still be great stuff, and surely that compels Moxley to face Cope 1v1. I still think we need Christian Cage to get back on this story given his Casino Gauntlet contract.

Christian Cage was hilarious tonight by totally avoiding that beating Joe & Hook gave Kip & Nick. And while Shibata is apparently in Japan, he could come back and we get a Six Man Tag against Patriarchy. Harley Cameron was also hilarious, and between the Muppet Mone and the “Harley Halftime in Houston” segment this Saturday, Mone might be angered into giving Harley the title match for Australia. Toni Storm continues to be a creative genius in her own right where she imitates Mariah for her match with Aminata. Serena Deeb watching the match is another dropped ball TK picked back up, but I guess he kinda had to since Britt Baker didn’t want a feud with Deeb. Britt is a whole different issue, we might not get a real answer on that for some time.

MJF had a good promo, but Dustin showing up was a touch of a surprise. Dustin is upset not just for Jarrett but for the disrespect showing to Owen Hart, but of course MJF gets his own shot on Dustin. MJF VS Dustin will be some good stuff, but surely Double J goes after MJF and we get that match for Revolution. This week’s New York Minute might’ve been the best because it turned into that huge brawl, with the New York Minute graphic still on it. Keith VS Bandido will be good stuff, and surely Bandido wins to set up Bandido VS Jericho for the ROH World Championship. Hobbs and Bill getting to wreck security guards as fun, and they’ll have a great grudge match, too.

Great main event from Swerve and Ricochet, with Ricochet ambushing Swerve as a good start. While Ricochet didn’t get that poison-rana to the apron, that’s just one of those moments where they go just a little too fast and it doesn’t work out. Ricochet still did good improvising with that German Suplex, and then he of course wins with “controversy.” This is certainly going to give us another match, maybe even for Revolution, and they’ll surely turn it up a notch. Honestly, an apron poison-rana is more fitting of a rematch than the first time we see this match in AEW, so this worked out for the better.

My Score: 8.8/10

WHOOP DAT  TRICK!

As it stands, Oba Femi defends the NXT Championship in a Triple Threat on Vengeance Day. But can Trick Williams prove A-Town Down Under isn’t worthy?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Stephanie Vaquer VS Jacy Jayne w/ The Fatal Influence; Vaquer wins.
• Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo w/ The D’Angelo Family VS Ridge Holland; Ridge wins.
• Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley VS Sol Ruca & ZARIA; Sol & Zaria win.
• Kelani Jordan VS Karmen Petrovic; Karmen wins, by disqualification.
• Oba Femi & Trick Williams VS A-Town Down Under; ATDU wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Stephanie Vaquer VS Jacy Jayne w/ The Fatal Influence!

La Primera had to wait a little longer, but she’ll get her title match at Vengeance Day! But will the Dark Angel be rolling into DC? Or can the Toxic Rockstar slow her down for Fallon’s sake?

The bell rings and the fans all cheer on “STEPHANIE! STEPHANIE!” Jacy is annoyed, but she and Vaquer tie up. Jacy pulls hair to bring Vaquer to a corner, but Vaquer turns things around on her! The ref counts, Vaquer lets off, and Jacy gets attitude. They tie up, Vaquer waistlocks and SLAMS Jacy down, then rolls her to a cover, TWO! Vaquer clamps on a chinlock, traps Jacy’s arm, but Jacy fights up. Jayc pulls hair, then she CLUBS Vaquer on the neck. The fans boo but Jacy bumps Vaquer off buckles. Jacy bumps Vaquer off buckles again, then stomps a mudhole in! The fans boo but Jacy digs her boot in.

The ref counts, then backs Jacy off Vaquer. Jacy runs in, but Vaquer catches her! Half nelson and a snapmare into buckles! Vaquer then DROPKICKS Jacy down! The fans fire up and Vaquer whips Jacy, but Jacy sunset flips! Vaquer stays up, scrapes her soles off Jacy’s face, then drops a leg, brother! Cover, ONE!! Jacy snarls but Vaquer bumps her off buckles. Vaquer hits all three levels, then she digs her boots in. Vaquer scrubs Jacy’s face, the fans rally, but Fallon & Jazmyn complain. The ref counts, Vaquer steps off, but Vaquer drags Jacy up. Vaquer scoops,  but Jacy slips free and throws Vaquer down by her hair!

The fans boo but Jacy KICKS and basement SUPERKICKS! Jacy says Vaquer will respect her, then runs up, but Vaquer avoids the senton! The fans cheer and Vaquer grins. Vaquer wraps Jacy up in the headscissors for the DRILLER! Vaquer gives Jacy five, then kicks her out of the ring! The fans fire up and Vaquer goes out to fetch Jacy. Vaquer HEADBUTTS Jacy, bumps her off buckles, then puts her in the ring. But then Jazmyn distracts the ref so Fallon can get in Vaquer’s face! Vaquer backs Fallon off, but Jacy lurks on the apron! PENALTY KICK! Jacy and the Influence talk trash while NXT goes picture in picture.

Fallon mocks the “STEPHANIE!” chant by clapping along, then Jacy fetches Vaquer into the ring. Jacy storms up on Vaquer, whips her corner to corner, then runs up to back body block! Jacy whips the other way, and Vaquer hits buckles hard! Jacy runs in, CANNONBALL! Cover, TWO! Jacy is frustrated, but she soaks up the heat as she stands over Vaquer. Jacy drags Vaquer up, CHOPS her, then scoops her, only for Vaquer to slip free! Vaquer fires forearms, thenw hips Jacy, only for Jacy to reverse. Vaquer ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Jacy CLOBBERS her! Jacy snarls, then she rains down fists! Jacy lets off to talk trash, then goes back to Vaquer.

Jacy sits Vaquer up to KNEE her in the back again and again! Jacy then clamps on a chinlock and grinds Vaquer down. Vaquer endures, fights up, but Jacy wrangles her into body scissors! Vaquer fights back up, pries at the hold, and NXT returns to single picture. The fans continue to rally for Stephanie, but Jacy knees her low! Jacy swings, but Vaquer blocks to CHOP! And CHOP! And then Vaquer knuckle locks, CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Vaqeur goes up, up, jumps around, but Jacy shoves her! Jacy SLAPS Vaquer, then GAMANGIRIS! Jacy goes up, but Vaquer fires body shots! Vaquer slips under, tucks Jacy in, CHEEKY NANDOS!

Vaquer then turns Jacy around, climbs up after her, and brings Jacy up for a SUPERPLEX! The fans fire up while both women writhe! Jacy crawls away, but then she and Vaquer stare down. Jacy fires a forearm, Vaquer returns fire! They go back and forth, Jacy mule kicks, and then Jacy soaks up more heat. But Vaquer JAWBREAKERS! Jacy blocks a superkick to SUPERKICK, then she shrieks! CANNONBALL only gets buckles! EAT DA FEET! Jacy falls into a corner, Vaquer hits as METEORA! Vaquer reels Jacy in for a BIG back suplex! The fans fire up as Vaquer smirks at Fallon. Vaquer brings Jacy up, tucks her in, but Jacy fights free!

Jacy swings, but into a backslide! TWO, and Jacy KNEES Vaquer down! Cover, TWO!! Vaquer survives and Jacy is shocked! The fans rally as hard as they can, but Jacy aims at Vaquer. Jacy runs up, but Vaquer ducks the lariat to wrench Jacy and DDT! Jacy staggers into a victory roll, TWO!! Jacy survives, but Vaquer drags her right up! Vaquer whips, Jacy reverses to ROCK Vaquer, then she whips, But Now Vaquer reverses, drop toeholds, and 619!! Jacy staggers around, the fans fire up, and Vaquer springboards, CROSSBODY! Cover, JAZMYN jumps in, but Vaquer dodges! Jazmyn CLOBBERS Jacy!!

Jazmyn panics, the ref reprimands, but Vaquer says hold on. Vaquer HEADBUTTS Jazmyn down! Vaquer then SUPERKICKS Jacy, reels her in, and S V B!! Cover, Vaquer wins!

Winner: Stephanie Vaquer, by pinfall

Vaquer had the ref keep this going so that she could finish it off! Will the same happen to the Toxic Cowgirl when she finally faces the music? Or will she find a way to survive La Primera?

The Meta Girls arrive.

And as they walk into the locker room, Sol Ruca & Zaria both clap for them. That was one hell of a main event last week in Atlanta. But… Lash & Jakara came up short. Again! And then Lash came up short in the Women’s Royal Rumble! Honestly, they’re not surprised. Lash is trying to figure out who the hell Zaria even is, but Sol tries to keep the peace by saying Zaria didn’t mean it that way. Zaria says no, she absolutely meant it that way. Lash didn’t eliminate anyone, and yet it’s Lash & Jakara who had the opportunity to bring the Women’s Tag Team Championships to NXT. And then they dropped the ball.

Sol tries to signal for Zaria to stop but Lash says Zaria sure has a lot to say for someone who was just sitting at home watching TV. But then Tatum Paxley, Gigi Dolin & Shotzi Blackheart step in. Tatum knows Zaria hasn’t been here very long, but it is easier said than done to defeat Bianca Belair & Naomi. Maybe for Tatum and her little friends, but not for Zaria & Sol. Gigi says at least Lash & Jakara stepped up. They’re still waiting for Zaria. Then keep on talking! Sol ushers Zaria away, and Jakara tells Gigi’s team that they can handle their beef, then Meta Girls get winners. Will Gigi & Tatum make Zaria understand what it is to be NXT? Or will NXT learn what it is to be the Agent of Change?

Backstage interview with Oba Femi.

Sarah Schreiber is with the NXT Champion, and brings up last week’s bombshell that he defend the title in a Triple Threat at Vengeance Day, against both Grayson Waller & Austin Theory of A-Town Down Under. But tonight, he faces both men in a tag team match. Oba says Ava may run things here in NXT, but what she doesn’t know is that Oba runs everything that happens in the ring. So tonight, Oba will show Waller & Theory that they don’t belong in the ring with him. Sarah adds that after last week’s powerbomb on Trick Williams, does he owe Trick by being a better partner to him tonight?

Oba doesn’t owe Trick anything. And as far as tonight, he’ll see Trick out there. The Ruler is ready to rumble, but will he and Trick hold it together? Or will they suffer from the Grayson Waller Effect?

Lexis King is in the ring.

The fans are torn seeing the NXT Heritage Cup and his trophy, and Lexis has the mic to say, “Ladies and gentlemen, and Inte-Lex-uals… Your King has been crowned the NXT Heritage Cup Champion. Y’know, I wanted to come out here, I wanted to be humble. But how can I be humble when I’m on a path to being the biggest star in the history of professional wrestling? I couldn’t do it alone, though, we’ve got a lot of legends back there. They’ve got that LFG show going. But one in particular, William Regal, he reached out to me. He tried to show me the light, he tried to show me who I truly am.

“We’ve got other names, too. Poor Ryan Leaf. Ryan Leaf, probably one of the biggest busts in the history of the NFL, came here to NXT to give me advice? It doesn’t work like that, brother, because The King doesn’t take advice. And I’ve never done well with authority. No, no, the King has always played to the beat of is own drum, The King has always played by his own rules. Because WHY WOULDN’T I? LOOK AT ME! I’ve got the looks that kill and the pedigree that will! Yeah. That’s right. What’d you people think? You thought I was just gonna transform? That I was just gonna change it up on you and become some law-abiding, submissive beta?

“No. Because The King’s blood doesn’t run with that of a normie. No, no, no. See, I was born into this business a second generation talent, the son of a psycho! But I never asked for this. No. In fact, I tried everything I could to be anything but my father. I didn’t even know him. I didn’t know who he was. But I know one thing: It’s that he was a Loose Cannon and he would do anything to win! And it’s such a shame, because he had so much potential. But he just never quite reached that potential. And yet through all that, through all the smoke and mirrors and the advice of all the legends, I found myself truly at my best when I was just that: My father’s son.

“Because that’s what I am! And you guys wanted me to change, huh? You wanted me to be something that I’m not?! Well, I didn’t, and I never will, because I’m standing here your NXT Heritage Cup Champion! Because I stay true to who I am!” Fans are torn, one person has been booing this whole time without stopping, and King says the truth is, this championship, his “Sweet Queen,” has been mistreated for far too long. And he knows he’ll offend some of the purists out there, but for his first proclamation as NXT Heritage Cup Champion, he is going to change the way that this title is defended! Gone are the days of the meaningless rounds! Gone are the days of the ill-advised cornermen.

And the egregious time limits! No no no! From this day forward, the Heritage Cup will be one fall, winner take all. Because this is my- FANDANGO!? The fans are going nuts seeing the return of the WWE’s Lord of the Dance, and King has no idea who this is! But Fandango says, “Let me reintroduce myself. Y’see, I used to get real weird here in NXT. And that music right there, it means the world to me, thank you, guys.” The fans cheer and chant, “Welcome Back! Welcome Back!” King wants things to slow down. He knows who this is now! It’s coming to him! He used to run around playing dress up with Tyler Breeze!

They were firefighters, policemen, but man, this isn’t the YMCA, this is NXT! The fans chant for Lexis to shut up, and Dango says that’s very witty for a guy whose face was spraypainted on this morning. No, it was a brush, not a sprayer… Well, call him #JDC, and he is here representing The System of TNA. And The System is always looking for a bit of gold to add to the trophy case. And well, JDC wouldn’t mind wrapping his lips around this cup and having a drink. And JDC knows that King knows that NXT and TNA now have a working relationship. What King doesn’t know is that JDC just spoke with Ava, and next week, for this Heritage Cup, it will be King VS JDC!

The fans like the sound of that! Oh, so JDC wants a sip from the cup? A taste of greatness? Well, while King appreciates what JDC is doing for TNA and The System, there’s a system over here. And as far as King knows, this is just “FAWN-DON-GO~!” So yeah, fine, they’ll have a match for this cup, and they will dance! King is ready to put the cup on the line, but will he be singing the blues as JDC dances the night away with his Sweet Queen?

The D’Angelo Family watches a clip from CW’s Wild Cards.

Tony D guest stars as the character, “Jaws,” and they loved his performance, they can’t wait to watch the whole episode. Luca says “Gammy Crusifino” is excited. Tony says Gammy loves Tony, Tony loves Gammy. Stacks says just look at Tony, The Hollywood Don! Big TV star now. Guess this is what he and Izzi were talking about weeks ago, right? Tony is taken aback but Stacks sarcastically says no, it’s fine, they could’ve done the red carpet but it wasn’t in the budget. Tony asks what’s the matter with Stacks but Stacks says he’s just bustin’ balls. Then how about Stacks busts Ridge tonight? Stacks says yeah, he’s got this.

The Family heads to gorilla, will The Underboss handle Ridge The Fridge? Or will Stacks crumble when faced with Yorkshire Grit?

Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo w/ The D’Angelo Family VS Ridge Holland!

NXT returns as Ridge makes his entrance to the ring, only for Stacks to SHOTGUN him down! The ref has the bell ring, Stacks fires off with body shots and haymakers, then whips. Ridge reverses but Stacks ELBOWS back! Stacks slips under to UPPERCUT Ridge, then he whips. Ridge reverses to clinch and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Stacks flounders, and we see Shawn Spears, Brooks Jensen & Niko Vance are enjoying this from up in the perch. Ridge hauls Stacks up to suplex, but Stacks knees free! Stacks fires body shots and haymakers, then ducks a lariat to ENZIGIRI! Ridge tumbles out, Stacks triangle jumps to DROPKICK him down!

The fans fire up as Stacks builds speed, but Ridge avoids the baseball slide to RAM Stacks into steel steps! Stacks slumps down, Ridge puts him back in the ring, and Ridge BLINDSIDE LARIATS! Ridge looms over Stacks, whips him to a corner, and Stacks hits buckles hard! Stacks falls, Ridge soaks up the heat, but Spears’ squad enjoys this more. Ridge storms up but Stacks drop toeholds him onto ropes! Ridge sputters, Stacks SUPERKICKS, and Ridge staggers! But then Ridge scowls and BOOTS in return! Ridge brings Stacks up and tells Tony to look at his guy! Ridge tells Stacks he’s nothing but a lackey!

Stacks SLAPS Ridge! And JAWBREAKERS! Stacks fires haymakers, then whips, but Ridge reverses. Stacks LARIATS Ridge down! Stacks hurries after Ridge but Ridge kicks low! Ridge puts Stack son the apron, Stacks BOOTS back, and then SLINGSHOT CODE BREAKERS! Both men are down, Tony coaches Stacks, and Stacks goes up a corner. Stacks aims to AX- NO, Ridge catches him, HEABUTTS him, and DEADBOLT SUPLEXES him! Ridge snarls, storms up, but Stacks BOOTS Ridge! Stacks goes up, but Ridge SHOVES Stacks down! Luca checks Stacks, Ridge SHOVES Luca now! Ridge storms into the ring, but Luca gets on the apron!

The ref stops Luca, Ridge hauls Stacks up, and Izzi slips into the ring?! Where’d she even come from? Ridge stares her down to stop her in her tracks! The ref tells Izzi she’s gotta leave, so Izzi does. Stacks rolls Ridge up! TWO!! Ridge escapes, Stacks dodges a lariat, but not the COMEBACKER! Ridge hauls Stacks up, reels him in, REDEEMER DDT!! Cover, Ridge wins!

Winner: Ridge Holland, by pinfall

Izzi feels awful as her help only hurts Stacks! But Tony doesn’t seem to like how she felt her help was needed. Just what is Izzi after?

Fraxiom talks in the locker room.

Nathan Frazer & Axiom are having fun, but Axiom does want Frazer to focus. Next week, TNA, it’s them against the Nemeth Brothers. Frazer knows, but then in step Briggs & Inamura. Briggs will hand it to them, they’ve been having great title matches wherever they go, from NXT to TNA and beyond. But they’re also smart. Smart enough to know that if they fought Briggs & Inamura, it’d just be a one-sided and brutal ass kicking. Case in point, OTM. Where are they? Haven’t been here since Briggs & Inamura beat their asses. You’re welcome, by the way, since you’ve been dodging Briggs & Inamura.

Axiom says they’re not dodging anyone. They literally defend the titles next week. And for men of action, Frazer’s only ever heard them talk. So while Fraxiom faces the Nemeth Brothers, maybe Briggs & Inamura should find opponents of their own. Prove they deserve a title shot, and then and only then, will they talk. Fraxiom heads out, and Briggs assures Inamura, he’s got this. Who will the Bullhead Brawler find for him and Great Rush Inamura to fight?

Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley VS Sol Ruca & ZARIA!

Well, speaking of a fight, these duos weren’t looking for one before the show started, but they ended up finding one anyway! Will the outcasts find themselves at the center of the tag title chase? Or can the Sol Surfer & Agent of Change actually look like a team?

NXT returns as Gigi & Tatum make their entrance, Shotzi by their side. The teams sort out and Tatum starts against Sol. They tie up, Sol waistlocks, but Tatum fights the slam. Tatum sits down, flips up and over Sol, then facelocks. Sol backdrops, Tatum sunset flips, but Sol rolls through and slides into a headlocks. Tatum fights up, powers out, then goes Matrix! But then Sol leaps over and the fans cheer the standoff. Sol and Tatum reset, Tatum goes for a leg but Sol facelocks again. Tatum wrenches but Sol blocks the whip. Sol lifts and spins Tatum, but Gigi tags in before the SLAM! Sol stands on Tatum to hang ten, but Gigi shoves her off.

Zaria tags in and she runs up. Gigi slips around but Zaria fights the crucifix takedown! Gigi shifts to sunset flip, but Zaria stays up! Zaria drags Gigi up with hands, but then Gigi SLAPS her! Gigi eggs Zaria on, and Zaria SLAPS Gigi down! The fans fire up and Zaria drags Gigi up to tag Sol. Zaria feeds Gigi to Sol’s lift, and Zaria goes up the corner. Sol tags Zaria back in, but Gigi RANAS Sol away! The ref says the tag didn’t count? Gigi runs to DROPKICK Sol against the ropes! Tag to Tatum, Gigi YANKS Sol back and Tatum JUMPING ELBOW DROPS! Cover, TWO! Tatum mounts Sol, then turns her over into the “Spider Insider (Inside Her?)” stretch!

The ref makes sure that’s not a choke, but Sol fights her way out to ROCK Tatum! Tatum ROCKS Sol, Sol ROCKS Tatum! Tatum staggers up, Sol runs up, but Tatum wrenches her to BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! Tag to Gigi, and Tatum BLASTS Zaria while Gigi goes up, up, and SUNSET SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Sol stays in this, Gigi sends Tatum in, but Sol goes up and over! Gigi ROUNDHOUSES Sol, grabs the legs, but Sol BOOTS Gigi away! Then Sol reaches up to RANA Gigi! Hot tag to Zaria! Zaria CLOBBERS Tatum, CLOBBERS Gigi, and then BOOTS Tatum! HEADBUTT for Gigi, then Zaria gets around Tatum to GERMAN SUPLEX!

The fans fire up with Zaria and she runs at Gigi! Zaria ducks ‘n’ dodges to SPEAR! Cover, Tatum breaks it! Sol drags Tatum to a fireman’s carry, Zaria does the same with Gigi. But Gigi & Tatum slip free to shove Zaria & Sol into each other! Then STEREO ENZIGIRI! Sol falls, Gigi & Tatum double whip Zaria. Zaria returns to LARIAT, but she only gets Gigi! Tag to Sol, Tatum LEAPS, but Saria catches her! F5 onto Gigi! Gigi sputters, Sol goes up, up, SOL SNATCHER!! Cover, Sol & Zaria win!!

Winners: Sol Ruca & Zaria, by pinfall

The waves were choppy, but Sol & Zaria rode it out and came out on top! Will they be able to do this again when facing Lash & Jakara? Or will the Bougie Bully & Miss Jackson slam on the brakes?

Bayley is headed to gorilla.

The Role Model is here in NXT, ready for tonight’s Vengeance Day Summit. But we also see Inamura talking with Myles Borne & Tavion Heights. Did Inamura just secure a team for him and Briggs to face for next week?

Backstage interview with Trick Williams.

Sarah is now with the former NXT Champion and brings up the team-up with Oba Femi against A-Town Down Under. Have Oba and Trick had a chance to talk since last week? Trick says no, he hasn’t seen Oba all day. But that’s fine, they don’t need to talk no game plans or strategy. The plan is simple: Trick shows Ava that he’s the one deserving of the match with Oba. Not Waller, not Theory. In fact, Trick is sick and tired of those two snaking their way into stuff, so tonight, Trick drops both their b*tch asses! And as for Oba, his receipt’s coming, too. Trick heads out, will he be whooping everybody tonight?

And then, on the monitor behind Sarah, the mysterious test screen with “VENGEANCE DAY” on it appears. Could whoever this is be after someone in tonight’s main event?

Bayley heads to the ring!

The fans fire up as the Role Model once again returns to NXT! Bayley high-fives fans then struts into the ring to grab a mic. But before she can say anything, Roxanne Perez makes her entrance. Roxie is feeling good since she set the record for “Ironwoman” in the Women’s Rumble, and she grabs a mic to tell Mike Rome to hold on one second. Roxie just wants to talk about her great performance on Saturday! One hour, seven minutes, and 47 seconds. That’s right! She broke the record for longest time spent in Rumble history, meaning she broke Bayley’s record! Giulia can wait because right now, this is about her and Bayley.

Bayley says back that Roxie’s going to make Giulia, but Roxie didn’t even win the match! Well, sure, but who did Roxie eliminate? Giulia! But Roxie wants to talk Bayley. Bayley came back to NXT to “mentor Roxie,” but Roxie knows Bayley’s really here just to win the NXT Women’s Championship. Bayley was tired of getting her ass kicked on SmackDown so she hopped to Raw, but it still isn’t clicking, right? So what’d she do? She came to Roxie’s brand and is trying to be the top of the BEST Women’s Division in wrestling. Roxie gets it, though. After the Rumble, Roxie feels it, too. Roxie wants more! Roxie wants ALL of the titles!

Younger Roxie dreamed of this moment, and Roxie is making it happen. 13-year-old Roxie would be freaking out sharing the ring with her Role Model. But now, Roxie realized that her heroes were just standing in her way so that she can’t surpass them. So the vision is clear now: Roxie will win back the NXT Women’s Championship, then she’ll go on to Raw to- Bayley tells Roxie to just shut up! The fans cheer, and Bayley says Roxie still doesn’t get it. Some day, Bayley sure hopes Roxie will surpass her. Bayley hopes Roxie does 10 times more than Bayley ever did! Because that is what this is all about!

Does Roxie not get that? Is Roxie so blind and entitled that she doesn’t realize that here, in this building, Bayley built her first ring with her own bare hands? The fans cheer that! Bayley points that right there, that was promo class and Dusty Rhodes taught Bayley how to hold the mic! Roxie has no respect for that. Bayley stops Roxie from talking to say she isn’t done yet. When Roxie lost the title, she lost her mind. When Bayley lost, she kept pushing forward. That is why next Monday on Raw, when she has her qualifying match, Bayley will win and go on to Elimination Chamber to then go on to WrestleMania!

Roxie rolls her eyes but the fans cheer Bayley. Bayley says Roxie is just losing herself. And in the process of her hissy fit, she might just lose her best friend, too. So when it comes to Bayley and the NXT Women’s Championship, if Bayley doesn’t win, she’ll be just fine. Will Roxie be? The fans chant “NO! NO!” But Roxie says Bayley doesn’t get it. When it comes to that title, Roxie has no friends. Roxie has no mentors, and right now in the WWE, Roxie has no equal. So uh, Bayley can talk all she wants, but at Vengeance Day, Roxie wins back that title! Then she’ll win the title on Raw, and maybe even win the title on SmackDown!

And IF Roxie decides to vacate the NXT title, then maybe Cora can finally win it. Bayley sighs, but here comes Giulia! The Beautiful Madness has waited long enough, and she has a mic as she joins Bayley and Roxie in the ring. Giulia stares Roxie down, then tells her ENOUGH! Roxie, you are nothing without a title! And Bayley, trust Giulia when she says she’ll beat you, too. At Vengeance Day, one of them will survive the Beautiful Madness. WAIT, here comes Charlotte! The Queen said she’d show up looking for “inspiration,” and she keeps her word! The 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble winner struts to the ring, and Orlando is as torn as Cleveland was about it.

The chants of “Welcome Back!” duel with “NO!” but Charlotte tells NXT that “Mama has come home! Yes, Your Queen has arrived! Y’know why? Because I am NXT homegrown! And NXT will always be my home. So wait, wait, wait, guys, do you remember the last time I won the Women’s Rumble? And I selected the NXT Women’s Champion to face at WrestleMania? And I became the TWO-TIME NXT Women’s’ Champion?” Fans do remember, but maybe they didn’t like that. Charlotte tells Roxie, 1:07:47, DAMN that is impressive. Roxie is the Ironwoman, and Charlotte is proud of her. But here’s the thing, if Roxie is champion come WrestleMania, she’ll just be runner-up again.

Charlotte tells Giulia the “champ,” the hype is real! Charlotte respects Giulia, she wants to be in the ring to shake her hand because she is the champion of the GREATEST Women’s Division int he world! But guess what? Charlotte’s better~! The fans definitely boo that. Charlotte says hold on, she’s not done. Bayley, this is a moment for everyone to join in. Giulia can just ask Bayley how when Charlotte goes for a championship, she wins it. WOO~! The Queen has made her statement, but then CORA JADE attacks! She SMACKS Bayley with the kendo stick, SMACKS Giulia with it, and then SMACKS Bayley again! And she SMACKS Giulia again!

Roxie has Cora hold on. They’re friends, right? NOPE! Cora takes a swing so Roxie goes running! Cora heard Roxie say that there aren’t friends when it comes to this title, so Cora holds up the NXT Women’s Championship to say that’s going to be hers! She SMACKS Bayley again for good measure, will this inspire Charlotte’s decision?

Ava Raine moderates a face-to-face between Ethan Page and Je’Von Evans.

The NXT General Manager, and a few security guards, stand between All Ego and Young OG as she reminds them that this is just to talk. Ethan says don’t worry, he will personally be on his best behavior. And the only reason he hasn’t cracked Je’Von in the jaw already is that Ethan made a promise to the Final Boss. Ava has Je’Von understand that last week was the second time he stormed out to the ring, fought with security and with Ethan, even though he’s not even cleared to be here. Ava is left with no choice but to suspend Je’Von. What? But Ethan is the one who started this! Ethan has “Boss” Ava hear him out. Je’Von shouldn’t be suspended, but he should be punished.

And Je’Von can be punished by being in a match… with Ethan. Je’Von says #SayLess! Ava says alright, fine. They can have the match, only if Je’Von gets medically cleared. Je’Von says bet! Ethan says he hopes it happens. Ava says they’re lucky she’s even considering this, and they should go. Security ushers Ethan out in one direction and Je’Von the other. Will the Young OG return to 100% so that he can have vengeance on Ethan?

Josh Briggs talks with Hank ‘n’ Tank.

Briggs tells them about needing a team to face next week, and Tank says Big Briggs & Big Yoshiki VS the Big Belly Boys, that’s a match. They shake hands on it, but what about the talk Inamura had with Myles & Heights? The camera follows Hank ‘n’ Tank, but then spots The D’Angelos and Izzi talking. Stacks is frustrated, but then he gets mad as Ridge steps up! Tony has everyone calm down, and Ridge tells Tony that judging by the look on The Don’s face, they both know that if Ridge gets a true 1v1, Ridge can take that North American Championship. Tony says they had that two weeks ago, but Ridge says that was a joke!

And Tony’s new little friend, Izzi, cost him that match. Tony says Izzi’s not his friend. Ridge says there are people watching Tony’s every move, and Ridge doesn’t trust any of them. Izzi says why not settle it in a Steel Cage match. Ridge likes the sound of that. Tony says fine, Steel Cage it is. But he doesn’t need his family to beat Ridge. Ridge chuckles then heads out. Why does it feel like this is a trap? And even if it’s not, will Tony make it out of that cage in one piece?

Kelani Jordan VS Karmen Petrovic w/ Ashante THEE Adonis!

The Standout has been feeling stepped over and pushed aside, and she won’t stand for it any longer! Will NXT find that no one does bad attitude like Lani? Or will the karate girl kick Kelani’s sass?

NXT returns as Karmen makes her entrance, Ashante THEE Adonis by her side. The bell rings and the two tie up. They go around, Kelani shoves Karmen away, and the fans rally up. The two tie up again, go around, and end up on ropes. The ref counts, the two break, and then go again. Kelani slips around to full nelson, then she snapmares Karmen to basement DROPKICK! Cover, ONE! Kelani headlocks, but Karmen powers up and out, only for Kelani to run her over! Karmen goes to a corner, the fans rally, and Adonis offers water. Karmen says no thanks, but Kelani says Karmen and Ashante aren’t a real couple!

Karmen rushes up, Kelani dodges, but Karmen KICKS and KICKS and KICKS! Karmen stomps away on Kelani in the corner, then lets off at 4. Karmen SWEEPS the legs, then runs to SLIDING KICK! Cover, TWO! Karmen clamps onto Kelani with a cording hold, and the fans rally as Kelani fights up. Kelani puts Karmen in the corner, then RAMS her! And RAMS her again! The ref counts, Kelani lets off, and Kelani whips corner to corner. Karmen goes up to SOBAT Kelani, then she BULLDOGS! Cover, TWO! Karmen clamps onto Kelani’s arm again, and the fans rally up. Kelani fights up, wrenches, but Karmen ducks the kick, only for the CALF KICK to hit!

The fans rally as Karmen goes to ropes. Kelani runs up, slingshot arm-drags, then she SHOTGUNS Karmen to the corner. Kelani runs in, but Karmen slips to the outside. Kelani blocks the punch to BOOT Karmen down! Karmen tumbles to the floor, Kelani takes aim, but Ashante shoves Karmen out of the way to take the PLANCHA! Kelani is upset, but then wait! Here comes Jaida Parker! Jaida says she hasn’t forgotten about Kelani, but then Kelani turns around into the DIVE from Karmen! Karmen drags Kelani up and into the ring, then storms up to TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Kelani survives, Jaida says that was close, and NXT goes to break.

NXT returns again and Karmen trades forearms with Kelani! Karmen SOBATS, whips, but Kelani LARIATS! Kelani fires a flurry on Karmen, CHOPS then whips, CARTWHEEL BACK ELBOW! Jaida is on commentary and asks what even was that. Kelani kips up, then kicks Karmen to bring her in, X-FACTOR! Cover, TWO! Karmen stays in this and Jaida is amused as Kelani fireman’s carries Karmen. Karmen slips free, shoves Kelani at a corner, but Kelani elbows Karmen away! Kelani runs up, Karmen blocks the kick, and she ducks the enzigiri! Kelani runs up, Karmen dodges, and Karmen hits forearm after forearm! DISCUS LARIAT!

The fans fire up and Karmen scowls as she brings Kelani up. Karmen KICKS and KICKS, Kelani ducks one, but the HOOK KICK hits! Karmen runs to LARIAT and cover, TWO! Kelani scrambles to the corner, Karmen runs in, but Kelani BOOTS her! Kelani goes up, but Karmen grabs her for the STRATUSPHERE! Cover, TWO! Kelani survives and Karmen grows frustrated. Ashante coaches Karmen and she reels Kelani in again. TORNADO- NO, Kelani stops the DDT to NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Kelani floats through to drag Karmen up, but Karmen rolls Kelani! TWO, and both women hurry up!

Karmen KCIKS Kelani, whips her, but Kelani reverses. Karmen goes up, Kelani stops the kick, and Kelani torture racks for the OLYMPIC SLAM! Kelani goes up to be ONE OF A KIND! But she then glares at Jaida before she hits another ONE OF A KIND! Fans want that ‘ONE MORE TIME!” but Kelani clamps on a REAR NAKED CHOKE! Karmen taps, Kelani wins!

Winner: Kelani Jordan, by submission

But she’s not done?! She clamps the REAR NAKED CHOKE on again! Jaida is laughing as Kelani makes Karmen suffer! Refs rush out here to stop Kelani, and Jaida mocks, “Aw, poor baby.” The senior referee then says they need to reverse the decision! Now KARMEN wins!!

Winner: Karmen Petrovic, by disqualification

Kelani is pissed! And she’s angry at Jaida for it! Jaida mocks Kelani more, but will Kelani prove she’s legit?

NXT Media catches up to Stephanie Vaquer.

The reporter says it was a big weekend with Vaquer’s Royal Rumble debut, and it was a big match tonight with that win over Jacy. What can we expect from her at Vengeance Day? Vaquer says she has burned through everything in her path, and rises to the top. Vaquer sees Lola Vice walk past, but neither of them says a word. Vaquer then says Fallon Henley’s title reign is going to end, because “the eyes of The Dark Angel are on the North American title. Vengeance Day, I will make history, because I’ve come to NXT to be champion. Jacy can’t help you. Jazmyn can’t help you. Fallon, I will see you… in Hell!”

Bayley barges into Ava’s office.

Ava is in the middle of talking with Fraxiom when Bayley tells “I want that b*tch in a match!” Ava asks which one. Bayley wants Cora! Okay, okay, but Bayley has her qualifier on Monday, and- Bayley says yeah, she knows. Ava can give Bayley to her tomorrow, next Tuesday, or Hell, even in the title match! Bayley just wants Cora! Okay, then next week it is. Bayley heads out, and Ava goes back to Fraxiom, only for Briggs & Inamura to both barge in. And they each want to request a tag match? Briggs says his team already agreed, but Inamura says so did his. Briggs got Hank ‘n’ Tank, Inamura got NQCC…

Fraxiom laughs, because this sounds familiar. Ava says well, as a tag team, they should really communicate with each other before talking with Ava, but this is an easy fix: Triple Threat, Briggs & Inamura VS Hank ‘n’ Tank VS NQCC. Done. Briggs & Inamura thank Ava, and Frazer says if those two wanted action, they certainly got it. Axiom agrees, and says that if Briggs & Inamura can get through both those teams, then they really do deserve a title match. Ava agrees with all of that. Will Briggs & Inamura prove they’re a true team by taking down two of the best?

Backstage interview with A-Town Down Under.

Sarah Schreiber is with Waller & Theory as they walk up to gorilla, and she says after talking with both Oba and Trick, they’re clearly pissed off. Waller says he would be, too, because ATDU is here to expose these fops! ATDU runs NXT! They’re the best tag team in the WWE! Theory says he and Waller check off all the boxes! They can’t be denied! And they’re gonna put it down #AllDay! Think of this as a preview of Vengeance Day, where Waller finally becomes NXT Champion! Theory asks Waller what he just said, and if Waller wants to be real, Theory’s gonna be champ. Waller says, “Me, you, we, there’s gonna be a new NXT Champion at Vengeance Day.”

Theory says yeah, that much is true. But the music hits, time for their match! Wait, the mysterious test screen is behind them… Will the Grayson Waller Effect be in full effect tonight? Or is that just a theory when put up against The Ruler and Tricky Two-Time-Two-Time?

Oba Femi & Trick Williams VS A-Town Down Under!

NXT returns and Trick makes his entrance first, followed by Oba’s. The chant becomes “WHOOP DAT TRICK! HOO!” The teams sort out, Oba starts against Theory, but then Trick tags in with some stank! The chant of  “WHOOP DAT TRICK! HOO!” continues while Trick and Oba argue, but then Theory attacks! Theory throws hands, bumps Trick off buckles, then RAMS into Trick again and again! Theory talks trash, whips Trick to ropes, but Trick whips Theory away to then dodge and CLOBBER him! And CLOBBER him! And DROPKICK! Trick argues with Oba again, but Oba tells Trick to stay on Theory.

Trick runs at Theory in a corner, Theory dodges! Theory slingshots in to somersault SHOTGUN! Cover, TWO! Theory drags Trick up, brings him over, tag to Waller. ATDU mugs Trick while the fans boo. Waller stalks Trick to a corner, bumps him off buckles, then CHOPS! The fans fire up hearing that one! Waller mocks Oba’s strut, ROCKS Trick, then swings, but Trick dodges to CHOP! Trick whips Waller corner to corner but Waller goes up and over. Waller ducks, hurdles, but the LEG LARIAT finds him! And another one! Trick reels Waller in for a BIG suplex! The fans fire up for “WHOOP DAT TRICK! HOO!”

Trick scoops and SLAMS Waller, then tells Oba that’s how it’s done. But then Oba tags in! Oba tells Trick this is how it’s done, but here comes Theory! Oba scoops Theory to SLAM him! But Waller is up to JAB Oba! Waller goes to scoop, but Oba’s too big and strong! As such, Oba scoops and SLAMS Waller! Oba brings Waller up, but Trick tags in. Trick scoops Waller to SLAM him, and Trick argues with Oba again. Waller RAMS Trick into Oba, then runs up again. Trick dodges to kick, then Trick whips. Waller reverses, Trick ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Oba trips Trick! Oba drags Trick out and they argue! Waller FLIES and takes them both out!

Waller and Theory stand tall, and Theory says that’s #AllDay, while NXT goes picture in picture.

Waller drags Trick up, puts him in, and KNEES Trick down. Waller drags Trick up, CLUBS him, then flexes. Waller tags Theory, Theory jump stomps Trick down, then Theory soaks up heat. Theory brings Trick up, DECKS him, then soaks up more heat. Theory drags Trick up, whips him hard into buckles, and Trick falls in a heap. Theory drags Trick to ropes to stand on him! The ref counts, Theory steps off at 4, and he then CHOKES Trick on ropes! The ref counts, Theory steps off at 4, and Theory talks smack on Trick. Waller gets a cheap shot in while the ref is busy with Oba! Theory brings Trick up but Trick fires elbows and haymakers!

Trick whips, Theory reverses, then Theory scoops Trick on the rebound for a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Theory tags Waller, Waller stomps Trick, and Waller covers, TWO! Waller rains down forearms to the back of Trick’s neck! Waller pulls Trick back with a chinlock stretch, but Trick endures while the fans rally up. Waller stomps Trick down, drags him up, and fires forearms against ropes. Theory helps mug Trick, then Theory tags in. Theory brings Trick around, but Trick fights the suplex. Trick suplexes Theory in return! NXT returns to single picture and the fans rally up with more “WHOOP DAT TRICK! HOO!”

Trick crawls, but Theory stomps him on the back! Theory drags Trick up to rain fists down into Trick’s cheek! Theory tags Waller, then Theory ROCKS Trick! Wailer JUMP KNEES, and Theory somersault BLOCKBUSTERS! Waller BLATS Oba then covers Trick, TWO! Trick survives but Waller has a cravat. The fans rally, Trick fights up, but Waller fires knee after knee! Down goes Trick and Waller covers, TWO! Waller HAMMERS Trick down, talking trash as he does! Waller then isolates an arm to drop an elbow on it! Trick kicks from below, but Waller hits a FALLING FOREARM! Cover, TWO!

Theory argues the count but Waller drags Trick up by his hair. Waller has a SLEEPER, but Trick hits a JAWBREAKER! Waller sputters, Trick wobbles, but Waller ROCKS Trick first! Trick staggers, Waller clinches to fire knees! Waller TOSSES Trick to the apron, then runs up, but Trick ROCKS Waller first! Theory BOOTS Trick in the distraction! Waller then slides out to LARIAT Trick down! The fans boo but Waller stands on the barriers. Waller BALLER ELBOW DROPS to the floor! Waller then puts Trick back in the ring, lines up his shot, and runs up to somersault into a pop-up UPPERCUT! The fans fire up as Trick takes Waller down!

The fans fire up while both men crawl, but Theory tags first! Theory drags Trick back, but Trick BOOTS him away! Hot tag to Oba! The fans fire up as Oba CLOBBERS Theory, CLBOBERS him again, then TOSSES Waller in just because! Oba runs at Theory, Theory BOOTS him, then Theory goes up. But Oba CHOPS first! Waller runs up, Oba fireman’s carries him! Oba adds Theory to the stack, DOUBLE SAMOAN DROP!! The fans are thunderous for Oba’s overwhelming strength, and he UPPERCUTS Waller in a corner! Then he UPPERCUTS Theory in the other! And repeat! And repeat! And then SHOTPUT for Theory!

Oba is all fired up, but Trick tags in! The fans actually boo because Oba was on a roll! Waller sneaks the tag, Trick LARIATS Theory out, but Waller runs up! Waller sidesteps Trick to ROLLING ELBOW! Waller taunts Oba with the barking, but then he runs into a SPIN KICK from Trick! Cover, Theory breaks it! Oba storms in, Theory dodges to LEBOW him! But Oba still pops Theory up! But Theory RANAS Oba and himself out! Trick aims at Waller, but EDDY THORPE LASHES TRICK WITH A LEATHER STRAP!! Trick staggers, into the somersault FLATLINER! Cover, ATDU wins!!

Winners: A-Town Down Under, by pinfall

The Alpha Wolf then gets in the ring, strap wrapped around his fist! He wants to fight whoever, but Oba simply stares him down. Oba doesn’t care about Eddy anymore, he leaves. So Eddy beats up on Trick! The fans boo, but Eddy says get ready to whoop this! He LASHES Trick again, and again, and again! And again, and again, and again! Refs rush the ring, but Eddy stands over Trick, strap in hand. Is the Alpha Wolf going to have his own vengeance at Vengeance Day?

Wait, speaking of, the test screen returns. And then, we get a look at four shadowy figures, before the video cuts away. Is there about to be an invasion?

My Thoughts:

A great NXT with a lot more set up for Vengeance Day, but also some great intrigue towards the new NXTNA partnership. Lexis King’s promo wasn’t bad, he just took his time getting to his point. And his point was apparently that his Face turn was an act all along, all to get the Heritage Cup. Maybe it was an act, maybe the “real” reason was that it was too hard for Lexis to do the right thing and he gave up. Either way, very intriguing that he and the Heritage Cup are being used for a crossover where Fandango returns to NXT, but of course as his TNA persona, “JDC.” That will be a very good match, but I would think Lexis wins, even if he has to blatantly cheat.

Good promo from Ethan VS Je’Von, but no Unsanctioned Match like I was hoping for. Maybe that’s too much for someone still so young like Je’Von. I would think Ethan will try to keep Je’Von from being medically cleared, only for it to fail and then Ethan has no choice but to face Je’Von. Very good “Vengeance Day Summit” for the NXT Women’s Championship story, especially the stuff from Bayley and Roxie. Charlotte showing up here was very fitting, and the same goes for Cora. Cora attacking Bayley and Giulia almost got her in the title match because Bayley brought that up herself. Maybe if Cora cheats and beats Bayley next week, we’ll end up with a Fatal 4 Way.

Very good stuff with the tag title story. For one, Fraxiom plugged their NXT Tag Team Championship match with Nic & Ryan Nemeth, that’s cool. Second, Briggs & Inamura getting themselves into a Fraxiom style situation is clever. That Triple Threat Tag is going to be great stuff, and lends itself to Briggs & Inamura coming away with the win since they can just opportunistically strike. It’s a little odd that this is how Briggs & Inamura find themselves as challengers instead of winning matches week after week, but with only the two hours and no Level Up anymore, there just wasn’t room for that and all the other stories.

Though, to that point, not sure we ever really needed the Karmen x Adonis saga. That ended up kinda secondary to this thing with Kelani, per what we saw tonight. Very good match from Kelani VS Karmen, and Jaida showing up was enough to anger Kelani. I did not think we were going to see “referee reverses the decision” as a result ever again, so very clever to revive it here. We’re getting some interesting developments in The D’Angelo Family story. Stacks being passive aggressive to Tony all because of Izzi is certainly odd. But as I’ve been sensing, Izzi has to be playing double agent somehow. She suggested the cage match, so there’s a chance she helps Ridge win, then reveals she’s been on Shawn Spears’ side all along.

Good promo to set up Sol & Zaria VS Gigi & Tatum. A little disappointing that the trio of Gigi, Tatum & Shotzi already seem on the downturn, but Sol & Zaria looked great in their win tonight. They’ll have a very good match with Lash & Jakara, I’m just not sure the endgame. I suppose it still depends on how the Women’s Tag Team Championship story with Naomi & Bianca is going to go. Vaquer VS Jacy was good, though maybe there was some kind of miscue with Jazmyn’s interference? Vaquer still looks good in her win, and she has a good promo that not only calls out Fallon, but hints at a little something with Lola. Maybe Lola will challenge Vaquer for the Women’s North American Championship on the other side of Vengeance Day.

Very good promos from Oba, Trick and A-Town Down Under before their tag match tonight. That tag match was really good, but of course Trick and Oba fell apart as a team. This gives ATDU momentum going into Vengeance Day, but mostly because they aren’t winning. Eddy going after Trick was a wild surprise, but it’s clear we’re getting a Strap Match between them now. And speculation is already abound for that new group of four. Are they underappreciated NXT superstars? Are they free agents joining NXT? A bit of both? I’m sure there will be more speculation, or even someone close to these four leaking that information, but we can only hope the faction works out and they get to do some great stuff on NXT.

My Score: 8.9/10