Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (1/31/25)
One last stop before the Royal Rumble!
One last chance for Michin!
Mia Yim has been trying and trying to win the WWE Women’s US Championship, will this finally be her night? Or will Chelsea Green find a way to survive?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Jimmy Uso VS Carmelo Hayes; Jimmy wins.
- WWE Women’s United States Championship: Chelsea Green w/ Piper Niven VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab; Mia wins, by disqualification, and Chelsea retains the title.
- 8 Man Tag: Motor City Machine Guns & Los Garza VS DIY & Pretty Deadly; MCMG & Los Garza win.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; Naomi wins.
- The Miz VS Andrade; Andrade wins.
- LA Knight & Damian Priest VS Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; Knight & Priest win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Tonight, SmackDown’s first hour is COMMERCIAL FREE!
Michael Cole & Pat McAfee are here!
Maggle welcomes out Indianapolis’s own, and the fans cheer on “MCAFEE! MCAFEE!” as he joins Cole on stage. Pat appreciates everyone here so much. Since the day he got to start his dream job of being in the WWE after playing for this city and the Indianapolis Colts, he has been pleading bring a massive event to the greatest city on planet Earth! The Royal Rumble is tomorrow, we know it’s down the road. But if you’re in from out of town, from another country, what you are going to witness from this city is nothing short of world class! They host some of the biggest events every single year!
They host national championships, they host Olympic trials, they host Final Fours, they host everything, and they’re the best to ever do it because these people are the greatest on Earth! The bars are ready, the restaurants are ready, and the roof on Lucas Oil is ready to blow off! The Royal Rumble is tomorrow night, and it is the absolute perfect thing to happen. Pat loves this place, he loves the WWE, and he is so damn thankful to this city! Let’s have a Royal Rumble weekend! Maggle hands it off to Joe Tessitore in the ring, and he says what a great start to the show.
Last week, Joe had the distinct honor to interview Cody Rhodes, only for half an hour later, Kevin Owens appeared to question Joe’s integrity, claiming he is not getting fair treatment. So Joe will give the challenge proper time to be heard. Please welcome Kevin Owens. The fans boo as the Prizefighter makes his way out, wearing a classic KO duct tape shirt, and he joins Joe in the ring. The Winged Eagle and corporate logo belts hang above the ring as Kevin steps inside, but Kevin doesn’t even look at Joe as he hears the fans either boo or chant for Cody.
Joe says it has been very difficult to look past Kevin’s recent actions. The attacks, the threats, the attempts to hurt others. But as Kevin stood over Joe and stated his argument, Joe did think of his role in how he covers that. Joe does want to give Kevin his chance to be heard. So then in Kevin’s opinion, what is being misunderstood or misrepresented? Kevin says this is Joe’s way of making amends, right? This is him making it up to Kevin? Because last week, Kevin only saw Joe caring about Cody’s feelings, being a Cody fanboy. But don’t worry, Joe’s not the only one who disrespects Kevin.
Last Monday, Seth Rollins, CM Punk and Cody Rhodes all saying they were facing this or that person at WrestleMania, glossing over the fact that KEVIN will win tomorrow night at the Royal Rumble. Joe says he won’t apologize for doing his job of talking with Cody. But her does apologize if Kevin feels he hasn’t gotten a fair opportunity, and that is what this is for. Kevin asks if Joe thinks he’s a tough guy. No, he’s a 53-year-old broadcaster. Then Kevin doesn’t accept the apology. In fact, Joe can shove it! Kevin has nothing to say to Joe, he is just here to take the Winged Eagle back.
Kevin takes the belt down off the hanger, and says he’ll take the other one tomorrow night. Kevin says he’ll see you later, but then CM PUNK shows up! The fans cheer as The Second City Saint says, “It’s Clobbering Time!” Punk then high-fives fans on his way to the ring. Punk steps in and grabs himself a mic, the fans chant his name, but Kevin is not amused. The fans lose their minds seeing this stare down, but then boo as Kevin looks to speak. “Can I help you?” Punk says no, Kevin can’t. And Punk isn’t here to help Kevin, but to apologize. Sorry for interrupting Kevin, Punk knows how that feels, and he also knows there’s no love lost for Seth Rollins.
But Punk heard his name invoked so he took it as an invitation. The second apology is that Kevin makes great points, and Punk apologizes for looking past Kevin like it’s so automatic that Cody will get past Kevin. It isn’t, so again, Punk apologizes. But just so Kevin knows, when Punk wins the Royal Rumble match, and yes when he does, and if Kevin makes it past a very angry Cody Rhodes, then hell! The main event of WrestleMania could very well be Kevin Owens as champion VS CM Punk! And just man to man, face to face, Punk is coming for that title. So congratulations, champ, but it’s not gonna last long.
Kevin says he feels very conflicted right now. On one hand, there are a lot of guys in the Rumble that he likes more than Punk. In fact, there are 29 guys he likes more than Punk. And Kevin doesn’t even know who all is in that match, but still. But then, the thought of Punk and Kevin in the main event of WrestleMania, what sounds good is the thought of Kevin beating Punk’s ass in the main event of WrestleMania. Kevin knows what main-eventing Mania means. It is a goal Punk’s had since he was a kid. That’s why last year was so heartbreaking when Punk got hurt. In fact, when Punk left 10 years ago, he probably spent time regretting never main-eventing Mania.
But Punk is back and it is right at his fingertips, isn’t it? Kevin has to say, the idea of Punk never getting to main event WrestleMania is so good to Kevin. Kevin loves the idea of Punk never realizing his dream. Kevin gets a warm, fuzzy feeling when he pictures Punk, old, broken and alone, obsessing over the fact that Kevin is a multi-time WrestleMania main eventer while Punk goes to his grave a miserable failure. The fans boo as Kevin gets in Punk’s face with that. Kevin says he hopes Punk doesn’t win the Royal Rumble. Kevin takes his leave but Punk asks where he’s going. The party’s just getting started!
Yeah, sure, Punk hasn’t main-evented WrestleMania. That’s on him for setting goals that’re that big. But Kevin has! Twice! That’s good. Kevin’s done a lot in his career, he’s tough, one of the best, one of the biggest stars backstage. But here’s something Punk also hasn’t done that someone else has, stop him if you know who it is. Punk has never lost five title matches at the Royal Rumble. Oh, that was Kevin. Here’s a big one! Punk has never lost to Logan Paul. Oof, almost too stiff to repeat. And here’s something Punk hasn’t even done, nor attempted: Punk’s never manipulated his best friend, who he’s also stabbed in the back, all to help win the world title because he wasn’t confident enough.
Win, lose, or draw, Punk does things by himself. Kevin doesn’t, he takes shortcuts. Planets have to align, but realistically, two things have to happen tomorrow night for these two to be the main event of WrestleMania. One: Punk has to throw 29 other men that Kevin likes more than him over the top rope. Two: Kevin has to survive a very pissed off Cody in a dangerous ladder match. Only one thing has to happen for Kevin to get his ass kicked by Punk and that’s step back into the ring. Yeah, Punk may never wrestle the main event of WrestleMania, but he can still kick Kevin’s ass! Just get in the ring! Don’t be scared!
The fans cheer on Punk, the mics drop, and Kevin sets down the Winged Eagle. Only to then drop off the apron and take his leave for real. Punk mockingly applauds but the fans boo. Will Punk keep up his end of the WrestleMania main event by winning the Rumble? Can Kevin conquer Cody and be THE Undisputed WWE Champion?
The Miz talks with Nick Aldis.
The Hollywood A-Lister complains that the SmackDown General Manager says make new friends, he makes friends with A-Town Down Under, but then Aldis sends them away to Raw! Aldis says that wasn’t just his decision. Miz then brings up going to Andrade, offering him the role of a lifetime to work side-by-side with Miz, and then Andrade walks away?! That guy should be begging for the spotlight of Miz’s star power. Some people just doesn’t recognize greatness when it stares them in the face. Miz could’ve taught Andrade so much. If Andrade was here right now, Miz would punch him in his face, that’d teach him!
Aldis nods, and Miz realizes Andrade’s right behind him. Miz turns around and El Idolo says that sounded like a challenge. No, no, Miz is just saying Andrade was being stubborn, he could learn some things from Miz. Oh, learn something? Then prove it! Miz and Andrade, here tonight! No, Miz doesn’t have to prove anything. His career speaks for itself. But if Andrade wants a lesson in greatness, then fine! Miz will teach Andrade any time, anywhere! Then no time like the present! Aldis says Miz VS Andrade is a done deal! Andrade says see you out there. Aldis says this will be a barn burner. But will Miz be the one getting burned?
Jimmy Uso speaks.
“Yeah! so Carmelo wants to make a name off o’ Big Jim. The veteran VS the rookie! Hey, listen, dog! I’ve been to game 7. I’ve main-evented WrestleMania. But you? You got a lot to prove tonight. Because if you miss, it’s a rebound off the glass, shake ‘n’ bake, 360, BOOYAH! Ball game.” #BigJim is ready to dunk on H1M, but will Jimmy’s defense not be as good as his offense? Also, was that Shinsuke Nakamura lurking in the background…?
Jimmy Uso VS Carmelo Hayes!
As Melo makes his entrance, he has a mic, and he says that he wasn’t gonna come out here and say anything, but if Jimmy wants to talk, then let’s talk. Jimmy’s the one talking like he’s the one, but he’s really the two. And talking about Melo missing? Melo won’t miss because he ain’t Tyrese Halliburton. The Pacers fans boo, and Tyrese is even here! Melo tells Jimmy to get his guard up, because Melo’s about to drop 50 on his head! Melo goes to the ring, but Jimmy runs up! Melo HOTSHOTS Jimmy away, then CLOBBERS him! The bell rings, Melo stomps away, but the ref counts. Melo lets off, soaks up heat, and he whips Jimmy to ropes.
Melo ELBOWS Jimmy down, talks some smack, then stalks Jimmy to a corner. Melo CHOPS Jimmy, follows him to another corner, then CHOPS again! Melo HEADBUTTS Jimmy, but Melo’s the one who feels dizzy! Wade Barrett confirms on commentary, never headbutt a Samoan! Jimmy comes back to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Jimmy then pops, locks, but Melo kicks low. Melo whips, Jimmy reverses, but Melo turns hip toss into a takedown and lateral press! TWO, Jimmy ghost pins! TWO, and Jimmy UPPERCUTS Melo down! The fans fire up and Jimmy says No YEET. Jimmy whips Melo to ropes, but Melo grabs ropes!
Jimmy runs up, he LARIATS Melo up and out! Jimmy shouts out Tyrese and builds speed, but Melo CLOBBERS him! Melo KICKS Jimmy in the side, stomps him to a corner, then mocks the “UCE! OH!” HIP ATTACK! Melo dribbles and shoots his shot. Tyrese gives a thumbs down, wasn’t good form. Melo runs back in, but Jimmy avoids the hip toss! POP-UP DDT COUNTER! Melo turns that around on Jimmy then cover, TWO! Melo drags Jimmy up, tosses him out, then talks smack again. Melo builds speed, and he FLIES! Direct hit and Melo even lands on his feet! The fans boo but Melo brings Jimmy up.
Melo puts Jimmy in, then he gets in Tyrese’s face! Will Melo is a Boston guy. But Jimmy DIVES onto Melo! Big Jim didn’t miss, and he high-fives Tyrese. The fans rally up as Jimmy puts Melo in the ring. Jimmy aims but Melo dodges the superkick! Jimmy blocks Melo’s kick, Melo blocks Jimmy’s kick, but Jimmy hits the DRAGON WHIP! The fans fire up and Jimmy shows Melo how it’s done! “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” HIP ATTACK misses as Melo moves! But then Jimmy POP-UP SAMOAN DROPS! Cover, TWO! Melo survives that slam dunk but Jimmy goes up the corner. The fans rally for Jimmy as he reaches the top.
Melo CLUBS Jimmy on the back! Melo goes up the corner, fires hands on Jimmy, then reels him back in. Melo aims for the outside!? The fans boo but Jimmy blocks Melo’s suplex! Jimmy fires body shots, and he adjusts his position. Jimmy hits a SUPER QUICK DRAW NECKBREAKER!! Both men are down while the fans rally up! Jimmy rises, aims, and mule kicks! Then he pops, locks ‘n’ UPPERCUTS! Melo rebounds, Jimmy dodges, but Jimmy jumps into the FIRST 48!! Cover, TWO!! Melo grows frustrated but the fans rally up again! Melo says this is it, and he goes to ropes, Jimmy avoids the fadeaway to SUPERKICK!
The fans fire up and Jimmy covers, TWO! Melo survives but he does clutch his jaw. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and USO SPLASH onto knees! Melo cradles, TWO! Melo runs up, KNEES Jimmy down, then goes up the corner! The fans rally for Jimmy but Melo takes aim! FLYING SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Melo’s shocked that his copycat splash didn’t finish this! Melo grits his teeth and goes back to the corner. Melo says he’ll just hit that one more time. Melo climbs, the fans rally up for Jimmy, and Jimmy GAMANGIRIS Melo! Jimmy goes up to fireman’s carry Melo, but Melo fights free! And he rolls Jimmy, with ropes!
The ref sees that, he says no way! Jimmy rolls Melo up, with tights! JIMMY WINS!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Big Jim grins as he gets the better of Melo! Melo has a lot to learn, but will no one get one over on H1M again?
Backstage interview with Chelsea Green & Piper Niven.
Byron Saxton is with the Women’s United States Champion and her “Secret Her-vice Agent.” Chelsea will defend her title against Michin one more time after she pinned Chelsea in last week’s tag team match. Is Chelsea concerned about what could happen tonight? Chelsea tells “Bryan” that last week, Mia Yim tried to destroy the face of the United States! So guess what? Tonight, Chelsea will return the favor. Then she heads straight to the Royal Rumble, wins the match, and gets herself, her Secret Her-vice, and her motorcade will parade all the way to WrestleMania, where Chelsea will again WIN!
The Hot Mess heads out, Piper by her side, but she has to stay focused on Michin. Will this be the last time the #RedWhiteandGreen has to worry about Code Blue? Or will Mia finally be the Head Baddie in Charge?
WWE Women’s United States Championship: Chelsea Green w/ Piper Niven VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab!
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and with the numbers even, we see who is really worthy of the title!
The bell rings, Mia and Chelsea tie up, and Chelsea throws Mia by her hair! Chelsea salutes, but Mia snatches her to a victory roll! TWO, and both women get up! Mia rolls Chelsea up, ONE! Chelsea bails out to hide behind Piper, and the fans are torn as Chelsea protests. Chelsea storms in, Mia grins, and the two reset. They circle, tie up, and they both pull hair! Chelsea puts Mia in the corner, the ref counts, but Chelsea SLAPS Mia! Mia is pissed and Chelsea runs away! Mia catches up to her for a GERMAN SU PLEX! And then another GERMAN SUPLEX! Chelsea elbows Mia, whips her, but Mia reverses! Chelsea bails out, but she forgets which side she’s on!
B-Fab spooks Chelsea, then Mia BOOTS her from the apron! Mia builds speed, and she DIVES! Down goes Chelsea and the fans fire up with Mia! Mia drags Chelsea up and into the ring, then covers, TWO! Chelsea stays in this but Mia stays on her with a wrench. Chelsea fights free to get away from Da Feet! Mia runs after Chelsea and RAMS her into the corner! Mia climbs up, rains down fists, and the fans count along! But Chelsea DUMPS Mia out at 5! The fans are torn, B-Fab tells Piper to stay back, and so does the ref. Chelsea goes out to SMACK Mia off the apron, then RAMS her in! And she SMACKS Mia off the apron!
Chelsea says pledge allegiance, idiots! Then she storms in for a cover, TWO! Chelsea clamps onto Mia with a chinlock but Mia endures the grind. The fans rally, Mia fights up, and Mia arm-drags free! Chelsea runs back up, and slides to BASEMENT FLATLINER! Chelsea says, “You like that?!” The fans are torn, but Chelsea motorcycle stretches and STOMPS Mia into buckles! Cover, TWO! Mia stays in this, Chelsea covers again, ONE!! Chelsea is frustrated, but she drags Mia up to facelock. Mia fights the squeeze but Chelsea thrashes her around. Mia fights up, the fans rally, and Mia fires body shots. And she blocks a suplex!
Mia suplexes Chelsea and the fans cheer! Mia and Chelsea go to corners, Chelsea runs up, but Mia BOOTS her! Mia goes up and RANAS! Chelsea tumbles, stands, blocks a kick, but not the mule kick! SOBAT! PELE! Mia runs to PENALTY KICK! Chelsea flounders to ropes but Mia says get this twerk! Mia runs in to CANNONBALL! Mia high stacks Chelsea, TWO! Mia grows frustrated but she drags Chelsea up, Chelsea rolls Mia! TWO! Chelsea goes for legs, but Mia blocks and backslides! TWO! Both women stay hooked up, and they fight up to their feet! Chelsea breaks free, wrenches Mia, turns her, but Mia jumps to body scissor roll!
Mia has the cover, TWO! Chelsea has body scissors now, GEDO CLUTCH! TWO! Mia escapes, wrenches, EAT DA FEET!! But Piper drags Chelsea to safety! The fans are torn, the ref reprimands, but B-Fab BOOTS Piper down! B-Fab puts Chelsea in for Mia but Chelsea scrambles away !Mia hurries to chase her down! Mia keeps Chelsea from getting into the crowd, but then Chelsea just goes the other way! Chelsea grabs the kendo stick and SMACKS Mia!! Chelsea disqualifies herself!!
Winner: Mia Yim, by disqualification (Chelsea retains the title)
When all else failed, Chelsea uses Champion’s Advantage to survive! And she SMACKS Mia even more! The fans fire up as Chelsea storms in after Mia, but then B-Fab gets Chelsea’s attention. Chelsea takes a swing, B-Fab gets away, and Mia gets up! Mia kicks Chelsea, takes the stick back, and she SMACKS Chelsea! And SMACKS her! And SMACKS her again! The fans cheer but Chelsea still runs away with the gold. Will Mia get one more chance because of the controversy?
Backstage interview with Bianca Belair & Naomi.
Byron is now with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, and says that chaotic conclusion to the US Championship match could very well be the same as in the Women’s Rumble. Both Bianca and Naomi are in that match, so he’s gotta ask, what happens if it comes down to just Naomi and Bianca? Bianca can’t believe everyone keeps asking them that. Bianca gets it, they are a tag team that’s going into the Royal Rumble, but they’re still going to be a team afterward, that’s all that matters. Naomi agrees, and they will support each other no matter the outcome.
Yes! Because if Bianca wins, Naomi will win! If Naomi doesn’t win, Bianca will win! It’s a win-win! Then they can point at the WrestleMania sign all excited, like this! Byron says that’s good, but we also know Liv & Raquel have their eyes on the tag titles. Bianca says they can try all they want, but Bianca & Naomi aren’t going down without a fight. Naomi says those two better be ready to Rumble. The champs head out, will Indianapolis all feel the StrongEST Glow?
Charlotte Flair speaks,
“‘Charlotte Flair, she’s selfish.’ I am. They say I’m greedy. Why wouldn’t I be? I have worked my ass off this past year to get where I am. I’ve heard the whispers, I’ve heard the stories. Guess what? They’re all true. There’s a reason why it’s lonely at the top. I don’t need to make friends. I’ve had one goal since I’ve started, and guess what? I reached that goal, I stayed on top for 10 years, and I’m not going to let this last year define me. I am fortunate, I am blessed, but I am also the history-making, groundbreaking, never scared, always prepared, self-made, always paid, THE Woman of WWE.” With a wink and a smile, The Queen is on her way back! Will her return through the Royal Rumble be just the thing to take her back to the mountaintop?
Damian Priest is here!
Indianapolis fires up seeing The Punisher make his way to the ring, truly part of the SmackDown brand after his win last week over Carmelo Hayes. Priest grabs a mic and says, “Four years ago, I started on Monday Night Raw. That’s all I’ve known since then. Back then, I cared about my name living forever. I wanted to make an impact, I wanted to be known. I went from betrayer to betrayed. I went from follower to leader. I went from a nobody to a world champion.” The fans cheer that! Priest says he isn’t going to live in the past, that was Raw. He is now here on SmackDown. He won’t try to make a name or an impact. Here, the goal is championships!
And that starts by throwing asses over the top rope in the Royal Rumble! When he does that, he secures his spot at WrestleMania! When that show goes off the air, it will be his hand raised as world champion! Wait, JACOB FATU is here?! He and Tama Tonga make their way out, fresh off of brutalizing Braun Strowman last week! They then go to the ring, but Priest does not back down. Samoan Werewolf and Good Bad Guy step into the ring, the fans lose their minds, and Tama fetches a mic for Jacob. “Yeeeeah~! Okay! I see you, wepa! I know who you are. I know what you’ve done. Hell, you accomplished a whole lot more than the rest of these suckers in the back!
“But me and you, man, we lot a way alike. See, we both got out the mud. We both got out the gutter. Hell, we both come from the streets! But the difference between me and you? I was locked down in that box! See, you can get your hair braided all you want, Priest, but don’t you ever get twisted when you come around me! Y’see, I’m off the leash now! I’m a go-getter now! I’m all gas, no brakes now! So if you thought that you was gonna come to the blue brand and make a name for yourself, HELL NAH! UH-UH! I’ma let you know exactly how it’s going down here on this island now. It’s either lay down, or we will beat your ass down!
“Cuz now, the way I see things, it’s me and Tama Tonga running SmackDown right now! Yadada mean?! FATUUU~!” The fans are fired up, but Priest just stares Fatu down. “That’s it? That’s supposed to intimidate me, huh? That’s your best shot?” Priest then calls Fatu a pendejo! Priest says Fatu should know better! In fact, they both from the streets, so why’re they even talking?! The fans like the sound of that, and then Priest SUPERKICKS Tama! Fatu looks at Tama, but then he grins! The fans fire up as the mics drop, the vests come off, and the big men circle each other. Then Jacob roars, and the hands fly!
The fans fire up but Fatu puts Priest in a corner! Only for Priest to TOSS Fatu to the corner, and then he throws more hands! But Tama is up and he’s after Priest! Priest fires back, but now it’s 2v1! The fans boo as Fatu & Tama stomp and HEADBUTT away! Tama goes out to snatch a chair! The fans boo, but here comes LA KNIGHT! The Mega Star still has a score to settle, and he slides into the ring! Tama takes aim but Knight BOOTS the chair into him! Knight then takes the chair, but Fatu PUNCHES it away! But Priest SUPERKICKS Fatu! Knight SMACKS Fatu on the back!
Knight snatches the mic now, and he says, “You said you can lay down or you can get your ass beat down. You just got a beat down, and you can get it again! You all like to use the numbers over and over on everybody . Well I’ve got numbers for ya! I’ve got two you cross-eyed halfwits later tonight against these two! The Street Kings, Damian Priest, and the man the call The Mega Star, with everybody saying L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!!” The fans like the sound of that! Will it take a Priest and a Knight to take down the Samoan Werewolf?
Legado Del Fantasma talks backstage.
Santos Escobar tells Angel y Berto to own the ring. Motor City Machine Guns walk in and Chris Sabin says he knows they don’t really like MCMG, that is no secret. But to be honest, they’re not that fond of Legado. But tonight is a big match, they need to work together. Alex Shelley says they also need to be sure Los Garza is ready to win. Elektra Lopez says never mind MCMG, just look after each other. Escobar says that they have to do what they need to do tonight. Sabin tries to work things out but Santos says no, MCMG already has their tag title opportunity tomorrow. Meanwhile, Santos has to win the Royal Rumble to get an opportunity.
Legado is familia, they are still fighting for what they deserve. They shake hands, and Angel asks if MCMG heard that. Shelley says yeah, but it doesn’t matter. They’ll have Los Garza’s back. Berto says don’t worry about them, they know how to handle their business. But if MCMG beat DIY tomorrow, then Los Garza is coming after them next. Los Garza heads out, does this bode well for the star-studded 8 Man Tag? We’ll see, because that’s NEXT!
8 Man Tag: Motor City Machine Guns & Los Garza VS DIY & Pretty Deadly!
SmackDown returns and Los Garza enter, Lopez by their side. That leaves MCMG for last, and the teams sort out. Shelley starts against Ciampa, but then Ciampa says Elton Prince should get in on this. Ciampa tags Elton, but then Berto tags in off Shelley. They circle, Berto headlocks, but Elton powers up and out. Berto goes up and over, keeps moving, ducks ‘n’ dodges to springboard and BACK ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Berto drags Elton into an armlock and chinbar. Elton fights up but Berto wrangles him. SmackDown goes picture in picture to plug Love Hurts, premiering in theaters next Friday, while Elton fights up.
Elton pulls hair and puts Berto in the corner, then LAIRATS! Tag to Kit, Elton feeds Berto to Kit’s ELBOW! Kit stomps Berto’s arm, then SmackDown returns to single picture. Now Ciampa wants in so Kit tags him. But Berto JAWBREAKERS! Ciampa ducks the roundhouse but not the ENZIGIRI! Berto rolls back to MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Berto reaches out but Shelley snipes the tag. But then Angel tags in! Only for Sabin to tag in! The teams argue, but then MCMG let Los Garza handle Ciampa first. Angel holds Ciampa up and Berto runs, LEAP FROG ATTACK! Then they whip Ciampa to MCMG for the DREAM SEQUENCE!
Gargano runs in, but MCMG kick the legs out and DOUBLE KICK! Pretty Deadly run in, but Los Garza dodge and ALLEY-OOP DROPKICK! Some tense teamwork here, but then Shelley holds the way open! Sabin y Los Garza TRIPLE DIVE! Direct hit on DIY and Pretty Deadly, and the fans fire up while SmackDown goes picture in picture for real.
MCMG put Ciampa in, he goes to a corner, but Sabin climbs up on him. Sabin rains down fists, and he goes all the way to TEN! Sabin wrenches Ciampa, whips him corner to corner, but Elton takes the bump and Ciampa BOOTS Sabin down! Ciampa drags Sabin up, TOSSES him out, then he tags Kit. Pretty Deadly mugs Sabin, Los Garza storm over, but the ref has them stand down. Gargano taunts Los Garza, but Ciampa tells Pretty Deadly to stay on Sabin. Pretty Deadly UPPERCUTS Sabin, puts him in the ring, and Elton UPPERCUTS again! Tag to Kit, the mugging continues, and Elton holds Sabin in for Kit’s UPPERCUT!
Sabin sputters, Ciampa & Gargano cheer, and Pretty Deadly digs their boots in. The ref counts, Pretty Deadly lets off, and Kit drags Sabin up to ROCK him with a right! Kit stands on Sabin, tags in Ciampa, and they stomp him. Ciampa runs side to side to KNEE Sabin! Ciampa taunts Shelley, tags in Elton, and the mugging of Sabin continues. Elton soaks up the heat, CLUBS Sabin down, then stomps him around. Elton stomps away at the ropes, the ref counts, but Kit gets a cheap shot in. Elton drags Sabin up, then short arm LARIATS him down! SmackDown returns to single picture as Elton drops a leg, brother! Cover, TWO!
Elton CLUBS Sabin again, then pushes him to the corner. Tag to Kit, but Sabin fires forearms on everyone! Pretty Deadly kick low, then double whip! Sabin ducks ‘n ‘dodges to DOUBLE LARIAT! The fans fire up while Sabin and Pretty Deadly crawl! Gargano coaches Pretty deadly, but Sabin crawls, hot tag to- Angel?! He snipes Shelley in return! But he still rallies on Kit with lariats and haymakers! Angel whips, Kit reverses, but Angel ducks ‘n’ dodges and tilt-o-whirl RANAS! Then a FLAPJACK for Elton! And OFF COME THE PANTS! The fans fire up for Angel as he runs up, but Kit puts him on the apron! Angel ENZIGIRIS back!
Angel climbs, leaps, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Kit survives but Angel tags Berto. Los Garza hoist Kit up, but Kit fights free! Kit shoves Angel into Berto, Gargano sneaks a tag! Angel TOSSES Kit, Elton CLOBBERS Angel! Shelly BUCKLE SHOTS Elton! Ciampa ripcords and DECKS Shelley! Berto FLYING CHUCKS Ciampa! Gargano SLINGSHOT SPEARS Berto! Gargano then DIVES to take out Shelley! But Angel ARIHARA MOONSAULTS Pretty Deadly!! The fans fire up as Gargano runs back into the ring, but Berto sunset flips! And then deadlifts Gargano for a SITOUT POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up, “This is Awesome!” Berto is frustrated, but he sees Sabin at the corner. Berto drags Gargano over, he wants Angel, but Sabin tags in! Angel argues with Sabin, and Berto shoves him! The fans boo, Sabin says this was him looking out for Los Garza! But then Ciampa tags in and KNEES Sabin down! Los Garza leaves and Ciampa says adios. Ciampa THROWS Sabin around, the fans boo, but Ciampa pats himself on the back. Ciampa puts Sabin in the ring, mockingly asks where his team went, then CHOPS him! Ciampa points out this is 4v1 now, and he CHOPS Sabin again! The fans boo but DIY & Pretty Deadly soak up heat.
Ciampa whips Sabin but Sabin uses that to DROPKICK Pretty Deadly down! Sabin dodges Ciampa, then kicks low to reel him in! Gargano runs up, Sabin kicks off Gargano to TORNADO DDT Ciampa! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Shelley rises! But Gargano YANKS him down! Ciampa rolls Sabin, TWO!! Ciampa is furious, but he dodges Sabin. Sabin ducks a lariat, but not the next! Ciampa says that’s a homerun! Ciampa runs in, but Sabin dodges, that BOOT hits Elton! Ciampa says how stupid! But now Kit leaves Ciampa hanging! Sabin victory rolls Ciampa! MCMG & Los Garza win!!
Winners: Motor City Machine Guns & Los Garza, by pinfall
Dysfunction caused this all to fall apart, but Gargano tells MCMG they’ll have to pull that off twice tomorrow night! It will be the Best 2 Out of 3 Falls, but who will be the best tag team in the end?
Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga roam around backstage.
Fatu is mad after Priest & Knight turned the tables, but then Tama spots belts just sitting out in the open. DIY come by to grab them, and Tama just says, “Yehyehyehyehyeh.” DIY heads out, and they ask Pretty Deadly what the hell! Kit says what happened was DIY lost! Better yet, CIAMPA lost! Gargano keeps Ciampa from tearing into Kit, and Gargano says now is not the time for that! The Royal Rumble, 2 outta 3 falls, the biggest match of their lives! Elton tells Gargano to shut up, but Gargano says if DIY loses, then Pretty Deadly can kiss their title shots goodbye. Elton says tomorrow night, DIY is on their own.
Pretty Deadly stands up for themselves as they leave DIY behind, but Ciampa says they don’t need Pretty Deadly! Pretty Deadly should be thanking them! But while the Sicilian Psycho loses his cool, will he and Johnny Wrestling lose those belts?
Pat McAfee welcomes Tyrese Halliburton to the stage.
Indianapolis cheers their Olympic gold medalist as he shakes hands with Pat and Cole. Cole asks Tyrese how excited he is to have the Royal Rumble here. Tyrese is very excited. Doesn’t Indy deserve this? The fans agree with that. Pat says tomorrow, the Pacers take on the Atlanta Hawks right here, 5 PM Eastern. How’s that game gonna go? And can they expect to see him at the Royal Rumble? Tyrese says it’ll be a great game, the Pacers are hot, and they’ll keep it rolling. They’ll just win again tomorrow so Tyrese can watch the Rumble. Pat says the Pacers aren’t just hot, they’re the best team in the NBA and getting hot at the right time! They’ll hang a banner in this building cuz of Tyrese!
Cole says Tyrese had a great time during the Royal Rumble Kickoff Show earlier today. Pat brings out the “Patastrator” to show how that Kickoff Show ended. Maggle Cole, in very tight white slacks, went crowd surfing alongside The American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes. Cole looks like a doofus, Cody is having a great time! Cody is a champion, Cole is a drunk being carried out of the bar. But just look how many people showed up three HOURS before SmackDown just to start the Royal Rumble weekend! It’s off to a great start, but will Cody still be having a great time after having it out with Kevin Owens tomorrow night?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions have had a busy week, and it’s far from over! They overcame NXT’s Meta Girls on Tuesday, but now circle back around to Judgment Day’s leading ladies from that dirty loss on Monday. Will Naomi make Liv #FeelTheGlow just 24 hours before the Rumble? Or will the Liv Morgan Revenge Tour be rolling on this Road to WrestleMania?
SmackDown returns and Liv makes her entrance, Raquel by her side. The bell rings and Liv circles with Naomi. They tie up, go around, but Naomi headlocks for the takeover. Liv headscissors but Naomi kips fere. Liv headlocks and grinds the hold, but Naomi powers up and out. Liv runs Naomi over, does her dance, then runs, only for Naomi to stay low. Naomi then hurdles over and arm-drags hard! Liv staggers up, takes a swing, but Naomi dodges to tilt-o-whirl and RANA! Liv tumbles out, Naomi eggs her on, and Liv stands up on the apron. Naomi runs up, Liv RAMS into her, then Liv whips Naomi to a corner.
Naomi goes up, catches Liv, and gives her the twerk attack! Raquel protests, Liv sputters and uses the ref’s shirt to wipe her face! but Naomi brings Liv up for an atomic drop! Liv ducks a roundhouse, and another, but then Naomi feints the third, ROUNDHOUSE after all! Liv sits right down and the fans fire up. Naomi runs and SPLIT LEG DROPS! Cover, TWO! Liv stays in this but Naomi stays on her. Naomi reels Liv in, suplexes, and she holds Liv up! The fans cheer as Naomi then SLAMS Liv down! Cover, TWO! Naomi whips, Liv reverses, but Naomi goes up, only for Raquel to be there! Liv trips Naomi and DRAPING BACKSTABBERS!
The fans boo but Liv covers, TWO! Liv is annoyed that Naomi is still in this, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Liv drags Naomi up and puts her on the ropes. Liv bends Naomi back but Naomi elbows free! Liv CLUBS Naomi on the back, then hooks her up in a body scissor int he ropes! The ref counts, Liv lets off, but Raquel gets a cheap shot in! Liv DROPKICKS Naomi in the back! Cover, TWO! Liv is frustrated again, drags her around, and then whips her to the corner hard! Naomi slumps down in the corner, Liv runs up, back body block! Liv whips again and Naomi hits buckles. Liv runs up to SHINING WIZARD! Snapmare, cover, TWO! Liv grows further frustrated but she watches Naomi go to ropes. Liv runs up, but Naoim ELBOWS her away!
Naomi ROCKS Liv, runs and gets around Liv, then waistlocks. Liv fights the hold, Naomi rolls Liv up, TWO! CODE BREAKER! Liv grins as she covers, TWO! Liv is almost amused, but she drags Naomi around into a chinlock. Naomi endures the squeeze, Bianca rallies the fans, and Naomi fights up. Naomi arm-drags free, but Liv comes back to SHOTGUN her down! Naomi goes to ropes, Liv drags her back to center, and then she high stacks, TWO! Naomi toughs it out but Liv HAMMERS away on her! Liv drags Naomi up, suplexes, and turns. That was Una Amiga, so here’s Dos Amigas! Liv hausl Naomi up for THREE AMIGAS!
Liv gives some Latina Heat, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Liv ENZIGIRIS! Cover, TWO! Naomi stays in this but Liv clamps on with a chinlock. The fans rally up, Naomi fights up, and Naomi fires body shots. Naomi ROCKS Liv, Liv ROCKS Naomi! Liv hops on for a SLEEPER, and has the body scissors on! Naomi carries Liv as a backpack, then powers up, and she turns this into a BACKPACK STUNNER! Both women are down and the fans rally up! Bianca coaches Naomi, Raquel coaches Liv, but Naomi goes to the corner. Liv runs in, Naomi goes up, but Liv stops the kick! But not the rebound ENZIGIRI!
Naomi rallies on Liv with elbows and uppercuts! Naomi slides under the lariat, mule kicks Liv, then AX KICKS her! Naomi SPANKS Liv, BUCKLE BULLDOGS her, then goes up the corner! Naomi hits a CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Liv survives but the fans rally up. Naomi brings Liv up, scoops her, but Liv slips free! Liv throws Naomi down by her hair! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Liv grins. Liv runs in at the corner, SHINING WIZARD! Liv kicks Naomi down, turns around, FLYING CODE BREAKER!! Cover, TWO!! Naomi survives and Liv is shocked! Naomi goes to ropes, but Liv runs up! Only for Naomi to BOOT her first!
Naomi TACKLES Liv, jackknife bridges, TWO! Liv scrambles up, but into a REARVIEW!! Naomi drags Liv to a drop zone, goes up the corner, but Raquel is there again! The fans boo, but Bianca YANKS Raquel down! Then Naomi SPLIT LEG- FLOP!! Liv avoids disaster, then sunset flips! TWO!! Cover from Naomi, NAOIM WINS!!
Winner: Naomi, by pinfall
Naomi snatches victory from the jaws of defeat, and she gets even with Liv! But Raquel CLOBBERS Naomi & Bianca!! The fans boo, Liv and Bianca brawl, Naomi dodges a lariat but the SOUTHPAW finds her! Raquel helps Liv with Bianca, BACKSTABBER into a BOOT! Raquel then drags Naomi next to Bianca, stacks them, and she hoists Liv up for the TEJANA SENTON!! The fans boo but Liv has an evil grin. Will she and Ricky Desperado not only win the Women’s Rumble but take those Women’s Tag Team Championships?
The Miz VS Andrade!
The Hollywood A-Lister wanted to be rid of The Wyatts, but he ended up on the same brand as them. He wanted to make an alliance with A-Town Down Under, but they get sent to Raw. He then wanted to make an alliance with El Idolo, only for Andrade to have other names in mind. Will anything go Miz’s way now that he’s here on SmackDown? Or will he just get smacked down for having a big ego?
SmackDown returns and Andrade makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. The fans rally as the two tie up, and Miz arm-drags. Miz cheers himself on like he did something impressive, but Andrade shrugs it off. Andrade and Miz go again, Andrade headlocks, but Miz pulls hair! Miz whips but Andrade runs Miz over! Things keep going, Miz hurdles but Andrade blocks a hip toss to knee low! Andrade then goes up to RANA Miz to a corner! The fans cheer because that was impressive. Miz and Andrade knuckle lock, but then Miz kicks low! Miz fires hands, then stomps Andrade in the corner.
The ref counts, Miz stops, and Miz whips corner to corner. Andrade reverses but Miz BOOTS him away! Miz goes up to FLYING RANA! Okay, that was impressive! The fans cheer, Miz builds speed, and Miz- NO, Andrade avoids the dropkick! Miz avoids the lariat, he pops Andrade up to the apron, but Andrade handstands and RANAS again! Andrade then goes up to ASAI MOONSAULT! Down goes Miz and the fans fire up again! Andrade stands tall while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Miz has Andrade down! The fans rally for Andrade as he sits up, but Miz scuffs him, then KICKS him! Andrade eggs Miz on so Miz KICKS again! Miz eggs Andrade on, then gives him more “It Kicks!” Miz winds up, but Andrade ducks the buzzsaw! Andrade CHOPS Miz and Miz gasps for air! The fans fire up and Andrade comes back. Miz swings, Andrade grabs a leg, DRAGON SCREW! Andrade keeps moving, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then FLYING FOREARMS! Both men are down, but then Andrade kips up! The fans fire up, Andrade rallies them, and Miz goes to a corner. Andrade runs corner to corner, CIEN SHADOWS!
Andrade pushes Miz to a cover, TWO! Miz stays in this, but Andrade shakes his head. Andrade drags Miz up, reels him in, and underhooks the arms. Miz fights free, ROCKS Andrade, then runs, but into a BOOT! Andrade has Miz on ropes, the fans fire up again, and Andrade CHOPS! Andrade runs, but Miz follows! Miz tilt-o-whirls and DDTS! Cover, TWO! Andrade survives but Miz snarls, and Miz slithers back to watch Andrade. Miz runs up, A-LIST LARIAT in the corner! Miz pushes Andrade down, climbs up, but Andrade trips him up! Andrade fires forearms, then he climbs up to join Miz.
Andrade brings Miz to the very top, but Miz fights with body shots! The fans rally, Miz fires more shots, but Andrade returns fire! They go to the very top, SUPER SPANISH FLY!! Cover, TWO!! Miz survives and the fans fire up again! Andrade is actually a bit amused, and the fans agree, “This is Awesome!” Andrade drags Miz to the drop zone, goes up the corner, and the fans cheer again. MOONSAULT- NO, Miz rolls inward, no double shot for Andrade! Miz runs up, blocks the boot and the elbow, but Andrade fights the full nelson! Victory roll, TWO! Miz has it, TWO!! Miz runs, boot feint and ELBOW!! Cover, Andrade wins!!
Winner: Andrade, by pinfall
That elbow from the shadows continues to be deadly, and Andrade wins big! Will this momentum help El Idolo become the 2025 Royal Rumble winner?
Santos Escobar talks with Damian Priest.
The Emperor of Lucha welcomes Priest to SmackDown, and he says SmackDown can be a very hard place to survive in. Priest already knows. Next time he’s in trouble, it wouldn’t hurt to have Legado by his side, no? Priest tells Escobar that they’re not amigos, so why’s he even talking to him right now? Wow, Dom was right about Priest. This ego of his gets in the way. Priest warns Escobar to be very careful with his next words. Escobar says okay, he’ll take it easy. But he’ll be seeing Priest around. Priest says sure. But then wait! R-Truth is here? Truth says DP’s back on Raw! Uh, no, Truth, today is Friday, this is SmackDown.
Truth says Priest has to be careful, he can’t keep climbing in and out of windows. Priest needs to pick a show, and this is Raw. Truth just talked with Adam Pearce, and he has hair now, and a British accent. Very distinct. Priest tells Truth to never change. Knight walks in now and he says with all the fireworks out there, he has to make sure Priest is ready. Priest says he’s solid. Tonight, they’ll handle business. But tomorrow is a different story. When the bell rings on the Royal Rumble match, Priest “doesn’t know” Knight. Knight appreciates Priest explaining the Royal Rumble to him. So if it comes down to it, they’ll do what they’ve gotta do.
The same for tonight, because Tama & Jacob get their heads kicked in by Priest & Knight. Yeah? YEAH! WEPA! Truth welcomes them both to Raw! YEAH! Knight wants to correct Truth, but Priest says let it go. Truth says they should be a team! Well, two out of three ain’t bad. Will Truth ever get his head right? And again, was that Nakamura lurking in the background? What is the sinister samurai up to? Or rather, who is he after?
Tiffany Stratton is backstage.
But the WWE Women’s Champion encounters Zelina Vega. La Muneca says hi, and also says that now that she’s back on SmackDown, she won’t let opportunities go to waste. And to be honest, Zelina kinda has her eyes on that title. Who knows? Maybe the beginning of this journey starts with the Royal Rumble. Tiff says good luck with that, she’ll be sitting pretty while Zelina fights for her little life against 29 other women, just for a glimpse at the Tiffy Title. Tootles. The Center of the Universe heads to gorilla, what more will she have to say about this Road to WrestleMania?
Pat & Cole are in the ring.
SmackDown returns as our unofficial hosts for tonight have the mics. Pat puts up the question: Can John Cena win his third Royal Rumble match and tie Stone Cold Steve Austin’s record? The John Cena Retirement Tour truly starts tomorrow! Cole points out the Women’s Rumble match is also tomorrow, and someone who will be watching that match is their guest tonight. Please welcome out the WWE Women’s Champion, Tiffany Stratton! The fans cheer as Stratton struts her way to the ring. Tiff joins Pat & Cole, and Cole says he’s curious to know how her life has changed since cashing in her Money in the Bank contract to become WWE Women’s Champion.
Tiff says this may be her first world title on SmackDown, but she has always been championship material. The only difference between now and a year ago, is everyone else now knows it. The fans cheer that, and Pat says it is fantastic that it is #TiffyTime. He always wanted to say that. But he does know one way her life has changed: Now that she’s champion, everyone wants what she has. Tomorrow night, 30 women enter the Royal Rumble to fight and win an opportunity to take that from Tiffany. It could be Bianca Belair, Bayley, Candice LeRae, and a lot of others Tiff pissed off on the way to the top, like Nia Jax.
Tiff says didn’t we hear her last week? It doesn’t matter who wins tomorrow! Because it is ALWAYS Tiffy Time. If Nia wants to win, that’s fine. She underestimated Tiff before, and- Wait, Candice makes her way out here! Pat did namedrop the Poison Pixie, so she has a mic to tell Tiff, “You are pathetic. You don’t even deserve to say Nia’s name after what you did. And you know what? You didn’t just betray Nia, but you betrayed me. And so, you pissed a lot of people off, including me! Because you’re jealous! You’re jealous that Nia prefers me as a tag partner over you.” Candice steps into the ring to stare Tiff down.
Candice tells Tiff to enjoy what little bit of Tiffy~ Time~ she has left. Because Candice is in the Royal Rumble, and she’ll make Tiff regret ever stabbing them in the back! Tiff is supposed to be jealous of Candice? Tiff is the champion, and all Candice ever will be is a sidekick, unlike Tiff! And Candice will never be able to even touch this title! Wait, Nia runs in from behind! But Tiff dodges in time, and Candice takes the SPLASH! Nia realizes the mistake, but then she fireman’s carries tiff! Tiff slips free, fires forearms, then runs into a POP-UP HEADBUTT! Nia runs to add a LEG DROP, brother!
Nia drags Tiff to a corner, climbs up, and grins as she hits the A-NIA-LATOR!! Nia says take that, b*tch! The Irresistible Force has made it clear, win or lose in the Royal Rumble, Tiffy is her target! Will Nia steamroll her way down the Road to WrestleMania to once again be champion?
LA Knight & Damian Priest VS Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga!
The Mega Star helped even the odds earlier tonight, and now he stands alongside The Punisher against these rogues of the Bloodline! Will Knight & Priest be conquering heroes this close to the Royal Rumble? Or will the Samoan Werewolf & Guerilla of Destiny draw first blood?
Entrances are made picture in picture, but we return to single picture before Priest finishes his. The teams sort out, but then the brawl is on! The bell rings, Priest has Tama, Knight as Fatu! Priest puts Tama in a corner but Fatu fires haymakers on Knight! Knight dodges to then fire hands in return! Priest stomps away on Tama, Tama shoves free, but Priest DECKS him! Knight LARIATS Fatu, Fatu wobbles, so Knight & Priest DOUBLE BOOT Fatu out! The fans cheer, and Priest keeps on Tama. Tama fires body shots and fast hands! Tama whips, Priest blocks, and now Priest KICKS, KICKS, and KICKS! ROLLING ELBOW!
Priest winds up and he DECKS Tama again! Priest stares Fatu down, then he hauls Tama up. Priest wrenches Tama, tags Knight, and he hands the wristlock off. Knight wrenches but Tama ROCKS Knight! Tama HEADBUTTS Knight, fires hands, then tags in Fatu. They mug Knight, the ref counts, but Fatu HEADBUTTS Knight! Fatu talks smack, reels Knight in, and Fatu scoops. Knight sips free, RAMS Fatu into a corner, then hits a JUMPING NECKBREAKER! Knight stomps away in the corner and fans cheer, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight runs corner to corner, but into a KNEE from Fatu!
Fatu suplexes Knight, but Knight lands out to NECKBREAKER again! Cover, ONE!?! Knight is a bit surprised, but he brings Fatu over to tag Priest. They mug Fatu, then Priest ROCKS Fatu again! Priest fires more shots, sits Fatu down, but then whips him corner to corner hard! Priest runs up, but Fatu dodges! Priest ELBOWS back, goes up, but Tama creeps over! That’s enough for Fatu to come back and SPLASH! And then HIP ATTACK! Priest sputters but Fatu snarls. Fatu drags Priest up, HEADBUTTS him to the corner, and he tags in Tama. Tama fires elbows, the fans rally for Priest, but Tama CLUBS Priest!
Tama runs and SLIDING LARIATS! SPLASH, cover, ONE! Tama CLUBS Priest down, then he tags Jacob. Tama stomps Priest, then Fatu clamps the claws into the shoulders! Priest endures, the fans rally, and Knight reaches out. Priest fights up, fires body shots, and he ROCKS Fatu! Fatu UPPERCUTS! Then Fatu fireman’s carries, but Priest fights free! Priest ROCKS Fatu, BELL CLAPS him, then gets space, but Fatu UPPERCUTS! Fatu runs up, Priest BOOTS him! Priest ELBOWS Tama, BOOTS Fatu again, then Priest DECKS Tama! Fatu runs up, Priest TOSSES him out, and Priest hurries to hot tag Knight!
The fans fire up as Knight fires hands on Fatu, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Fatu puts Knight in a corner, runs up, but Knight dodges the splash! Knight dodges Tama, too, then LARIATS Tama down! Kick and DDT for Fatu! Knight goes up, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” DOUBLE JUMP ELBOW DROP! Direct hit and the fans fire up again! B F- NO, Fatu powers out, but then Knight BOOTS in return! And again! But Tama trips Knight up! Fatu CLOBBERS Knight! The fans are torn while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Fatu stalks Knight, drags him up, then whips him hard into the corner! Knight falls in a heap and Fatu tags Tama. Tama drags Knight up, snap suplexes him, then stalks him to a corner. Tama then gets space to go corner to corner, basement DROPKICK! Tama taunts Priest, taunts the fans, then he DROPKICKS Priest down! The ref reprimands but Tama HEADBUTTS and CLUBS Knight down! Tama rains down fists, stands on his neck, but steps off as the ref counts. Tama tags Fatu, they drag Knight from ropes and stomp him more. Fatu drags Knight onto the ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Fatu stops at 4, but Knight fires back!
Fatu UPPERCUTS Knight! Knight ends up in the corner and Fatu CLOBBERS him! Fatu paces around, while Knight crawls. Fatu stands Knight up, scoops him, but Knight slips free to fire hands! Knight fires more shots, then he back suplexes, only for Fatu to fight free! Fatu DECKS Knight! Fatu drags Knight up, brings him around, and POSTS him! Tag to Tama and Tama CLAWS Knight’s back! Tama steps in to CLAW Knight’s back again! The ref reprimands but Tama CLUBS Knight. Tama fishhooks Knight’s face, lets off as the ref counts, then CLUBS Knight down. Tama rains down fists and forearms, then clamps on a chinlock.
Knight endures while Tama leans on the hold. Tama thrashes Knight around, but Knight fights to his feet! Knight fires body shots, fights free, then runs, but into a kitchen sink knee! Tama tags Fatu and Fatu stalks Knight again. Fatu DECKS Priest with a sucker punch! The ref stops Priest from getting in, and Fatu bumps Knight off buckles. Fatu rains down fists in a corner, then lets off to storm around. Fatu gets geeked up, “FATU~!” HIP ATTACK only gets buckles! Knight crawls, Fatu hurries after, and Fatu back suplexes! Knight lands out, and he hits a BIG back suplex on Fatu! Both men are down and the fans fire up!
Knight and Fatu both cralw, they both hot tag! Priest rallies on Tama with big hands, then he dodges Fatu! Priest LAREIATS Fatu up and out, then FLAPJACKS Tama! Tama sputters, Priest goes corner to corner, ELBOW! Priest keeps moving, LEAPING LARIAT! The fans fire up while Tama bails out, but Priest goes out the side. Priest runs in and he POUNES Tama across the announce desk! The fans fire up but here comes Fatu! Priest SUPERKICKS him, but Fatu just roars! Fatu runs up, but into a FLATLINER onto the desk! Priest then POSTS Fatu, and Fatu finally falls! Priest fetches Tama while the ring count climbs.
Priest puts Tama in the ring, knuckle locks him and goes up the ropes. The fans fire up as Priest goes Old School for the CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Priest fires up with the fans, and he powers up the arm! Tama rises, Priest winds up, but Tama ROCKS Priest first! Priest ROUNDHOUSES in return! Tama comes back, Priest dodges and kicks low! Priest reels Tama in, hoists him up, but Tama fights around! SLEEPER! Tama has the body scissors and Priest drops to his knees! The fans rally as Priest endures, and Priest fights around. Priest rises again, and he RAMS Tama into the buckles! Priest is free, but Fatu is up!
Priest DECKS Fatu, Tama rolls Priest! TWO, and Priest swings! Priest ROCKS Tama, but Tama gets in the ref’s face, Fatu HEADBUTTS Priest from behind! VENOM DDT from Tama! Cover, Knight breaks it! The fans fire up, and then Knight BOOTS Fatu down! Knight goes up, and he CROSSBODIES Fatu over barriers! “This is Awesome!” as Tama and Priest are alone in the ring. Tama talks trash, runs the ropes, and SLIDING- NO!! Priest catches Tama with one hand!! Priest drags Tama up, to go SOUTH- NO, Tama slips free, shoves Priest, but the COMEBACKER hits hard! Priest brings down the straps and the fans are thunderous!
Priest tells Tama to rise, and Tama staggers up. Choke grip, and SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Knight win!
Winners: LA Knight & Damian Priest, by pinfall
But Fatu’s up again! SUPERKICK, POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! Fatu isn’t done with Priest, he goes up, up, and BEST MOONSAULT EVER!! The Samoan Werewolf is truly inhuman, will there be no stopping him in the Royal Rumble?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown, especially as the go-home to Royal Rumble tomorrow. It was also made extra special with the commercial free first hour, and with Michael Cole & Pat McAfee hosting it like they did the Kickoff Show this afternoon. Good opening promo from Joe Tessitore with Kevin Owens, and quite the surprise for CM Punk to show up. Good promo from Punk with Kevin to tease that match-up, but I don’t know if we really get Punk VS Kevin over Punk VS Cody. And nice little moment to have Tyrese Halliburton here because he’s a fan and the WWE wants to help bridge the gap to mainstream Indianapolis.
We got good promos from Zelina with Tiffany and Tiffany with Candice and Nia. Nia beats Tiff down so that Nia has momentum going into the Rumble, and as I said in the moment, Nia surely goes after Tiffany for the title regardless of the Rumble results. Very good promo from Miz with Aldis and Andrade, and a great match from Miz VS Andrade. I kinda hoped we would’ve gotten some Wyatt stuff during or after the match, but maybe that can happen during the Rumble match. With Zelina and Andrade on the same roster might give us a reunion between them, bringing things back to their NXT days.
Good promo from Chelsea ahead of her match with Mia, but I’m surprised Chelsea got herself disqualified. I have a feeling we do get one more match of Chelsea VS Mia, No Disqualifications or a Street Fight, even though we already got something like that with their Dumpster Match months ago. The No DQ would have to be the final match between Chelsea and Mia while Chelsea’s champion. Good promo from Naomi & Bianca before Naomi’s match with Liv, and that was a pretty good match. Naomi winning only for her and Bianca to get beat down was mostly so Liv & Raquel can have momentum going into a tag title match. I’m still thinking Jade Cargill returns to reveal Naomi is whodunnit, and that costs them the tag titles.
Great promo from Jimmy leading into his match with Carmelo Hayes, which was a great match. Jimmy is finally busting out these good singles matches, and a sneaky win to humble Melo is good stuff. Nakamura lurking during that promo is intriguing, and the same goes for him lurking during Priest talking with a lot of different superstars. Escobar assuming Priest would join up with Legado was technically logical, but that’ll probably be a feud after Priest is through with Fatu & Tama. Truth being Truth, he of course has his shows backwards. Truth is now on SmackDown, he will have a great time doing the usual shenanigans with a new cast.
Priest & Knight VS Fatu & Tama was great stuff, too, especially as an “impromptu” main event. Great win for Priest & Knight, but then of course Fatu stands tall afterward. Fatu is going to have a wild first Royal Rumble match, and I’d love if Fatu gets in on the US Championship scene. Nakamura did call out everyone on the roster, so he really should be a wild card Tweener type, facing anyone and everyone on SmackDown. Nakamura VS Priest, Nakamura VS Fatu, even Nakamura VS Jimmy, those are all great matches and feuds we can get between now and WrestleMania.
And of course, some great stuff in the tag division. Good promos from Legado with MCMG, a great 8 Man Tag, but naturally, both sides fall apart. Hooray for Pretty Deadly standing up to DIY and leaving them high ‘n’ dry. DIY VS MCMG could still go either way given it is a 2 Out of 3 Falls, but with Tama eyeing the tag titles, we can hope Tonga Loa or Hikuleo show up to team with him. Guerillas of Destiny VS DIY or Guerillas of Destiny VS MCMG are both great feuds, I’d love to see them both unfold between now and WrestleMania.
My Score: 8.8/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
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The round robin’s second half begins!
A Block takes center stage to start Best of the Super Juniors’ sixth round! But who will break away and stand alone in the spotlight?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Nick Wayne & Daiki Nagai VS Taiji Ishimori & Gedo; Nick & Daiki win.
- 8 Man Tag: El Desperado, MAO, Shoma Kato & Masatora Yasuda VS YOH, Ryusuke Taguchi, Tiger Mask & Katsuya Murashima; Yoh, Taguchi, Tiger Mask & Murashima win.
- Titan & Yota Tsuji VS Robbie Eagles & Hartley Jackson; Titan & Tsuji win.
- Six Man Tag: Kevin Knight, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Toru Yano VS House of Torture; House of Torture wins, by disqualification.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Ninja Mack VS Hiromu Takahashi; Hiromu wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Kanemaru wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: KUSHIDA VS Clark Connors; Connors wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Francesco Akira VS Dragon Dia; Akira wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Master Wato VS Robbie X; Wato wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current A Block standings!
KUSHIDA: 3-2, 6 points
Dragon Dia: 3-2, 6 points
Robbie X: 3-2, 6 points
Kosei Fujita: 3-2, 6 points
Master Wato: 3-2, 6 points
Francesco Akira: 2-3, 4 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 2-3, 4 points
Clark Connors: 2-3, 4 points
Ninja Mack: 2-3, 4 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 2-3, 4 points
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Ninja Mack VS Hiromu Takahashi!
The American Ninja and the Ticking Timebomb are both in the 2-3 half of this block, so they’re both one step away from the bottom! But who will it be that breaks even at 3-3?
The bell rings, Mack offers a handshake, and the fans rally. Hiromu accepts, the fans cheer more, and the two circle. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but Mack pushes Hiromu back step by step. Hiromu digs his heels in so it is a deadlock once more. They break, the fans cheer, and Hiromu headlocks. Mack powers up and out but Hiromu runs him over! The fans cheer and things keep moving. Hiromu RANAS, but Mack handsprings and flips through! But then Hiromu snatches him into TRIANGLE D! Mack scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Hiromu lets off slowly. The two reset and Hiromu CHOPS Mack!
Hiromu whips Mack to ropes, but Mack grabs ropes to stop. Hiromu runs up, Mack dumps him out, kicks him low, and CLUBS away on Hiromu’s back. The fans fire up for “NINJA! NINJA!” Mack handsprings, NINJA- NO, Hiromu elbows Mack in the back! Hiromu hurries in and stands Mack up. Hiromu CHOPS Mack, has him in the corner, then CHOPS again! Mack CHOPS but Hiromu CHOPS, and then Hiromu whips corner to corner. Hiromu runs up, LARIATS, then snapmares to basement DROPKICK! Cover, ONE!!
Mack is tougher than that and the fans cheer. But Hiromu clamps on with a CAMEL CLUTCH! Mack endures, the fans rally, and Mack gets an arm free. Mack crawls but Hiromu pulls him back in! The fans rally harder as Mack still endures, and he gets free of the grip! ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Hiromu backs away. Mack crawls but Hiromu is right on him. Hiromu CHOPS, but Mack CHOPS back! Hiromu CHOPS back, Mack CHOPS again! Hiromu CHOPS, whips, but Mack reverses! Hiromu RANAS again, but Mack flips through again! Hiromu runs up to TRIANGLE D again!! Mack scrambles for the ROPEBREAK again!
The fans cheer and Hiromu is dead set on a technical win here. Hiromu eggs on Mack and Mack rises. Hiromu brings Mack around by his mask, but Mack fires body shots! Mack whips, Hiromu blocks, but Mack tries again. Hiromu fires forearms in return, then whips, but Mack reverses to TOSS Hiromu out! NINJA SPE- NO, Hiromu slides in and goes to the other side! But Mack just reverses course to NINJA SPECIAL!! The fans fire up as Mack once again pulls off something never before seen! Mack catches his breath and the fans cheer on “NINJA! NINJA!” Mack puts Hiromu in, Hiromu wants him to hold on, but Mack grabs the legs! BOSTON CRAB!
Hiromu scrambles as Mack holds on, ROPEBREAK! Mack lets go, but then he drags Hiromu back! Hiromu fights and THROWS Mack, but Mack cartwheels through to hold on! BOSTON CRAB! Hiromu endures again and reaches out! Hiromu powers up, crawls forward, and manages the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Mack lets go this time. Mack stalks Hiromu, waistlocks, and GERMAN- NO, Hiromu fights with elbows. Mack UPPERCUTS, ducks the superkick, then HADOUKEN! Mack runs, Hiromu ELBOWS him, but Mack follows to ELBOW! Mack runs again, but Hiromu stops the whip to SUPERKICK! Mack SUPERKICKS!
Hiromu returns but Mack SUPERKICKS! Mack fakes the run, SUPERKICKS again, then he reels Hiromu in, NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Hiromu survives. Mack drags Hiromu up in the waistlock again, and he GERMAN SUPLEXES! Mack holds on but Hiromu switches to GERMAN SUPLEX! Hiromu holds on and drags Mack up, but Mack fights the lift to slip under! Mack waistlocks and GERMAN SUPLEXES again! Hiromu switches again to again GERMAN, but Mack lands out! Mack waistlocks, NIN-GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives and the fans fire up!
A standing count starts while both men are down. The fans rally as Mack and Hiromu stir at 4 of 10. They crawl to each other at 6, and stand at 8! Mack pushes Hiromu down to CHOP, and then he goes to the corner. But Hiromu anchors Mack’s leg! Mack kicks Hiromu away, then goes up! The fans cheer, but Hiromu CLUBS Mack! Hiromu climbs, CLUBS Mack more, then lifts him into a fireman’s carry! But Mack fights to SUNSET FLIP RUNNING POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives and the fans fire up! Mack kips up, fires up, and he hurries back for the corner! The fans rally as Mack focuses, and jumps right up! NINJA BOMB into TRIANGLE D!!!
Mack is caught, he flails but can’t get anywhere! Mack TAPS, Hiromu wins!
Winner: Hiromu Takahashi, by submission (gains 2 points; Mack earns 0)
The Timebomb shows he isn’t just explosive, he can be strategic and surgical! Will this new dimension to his style help Hiromu once again be the Best of the Super Juniors? Can Mack still make it to the top even though he’s at the bottom?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru!
The Japanese Young Punk has stumbled a bit, but he is still near the front of the pack. Will the Heel Master change all that with the same old tricks up his sleeve? Or will we see even now, that The Mighty Don’t Kneel?
Fujita climbs onto the corner as part of his introduction, and Kanemaru attacks! The fans boo as he shoves Fujita to the apron. The bell rings, Kanemaru runs up but Fujita RAMS him! And GAMANGIRIS! Fujita springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans fire up and Fujita waistlocks! Fujita deadlifts and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO! The fans cheer while Kanemaru bails out. Fujita finally takes his shirt off, and he lets the ring count climb. Kanemaru sits up at 6 of 20, rises up at 10, but is still down at 15! Kanemaru rolls in at 18, but then rolls right back out. Kanemaru takes a walk around the outside and the count starts again.
Fujita slides out, but Kanemaru kicks low! Kanemaru suckered Fujita in, but Fujita still CHOPS! Fujita stalks Kanemaru, but then Kanemaru blocks a chop to SLAM the hand into the POST! Fujita clutches that hand, but Kanemaru wrenches the arm and WRINGS it into the floor! Kanemaru then hammerlocks Fujita’s bad arm for a scoop and SLAM to the floor! Kanemaru leaves Fujita behind while the ref checks him. The count starts again while Fujita clutches that arm. Fujita is still down at 10 of 20, uses the commentary desk to help stand at 14, and he hobbles in at 15! The fans cheer but Kanemaru is right back on the arm.
Kanemaru YANKS the arm again and again, then clamps on with an armlock. Kanemaru wrenches, cording holds, but Fujita scoops and SLAMS, only for Kanemaru to drag him down! The fans rally while Fujita endures the grind! Fujita fights up but Kanemaru YANKS the arm! Fujita ROCKS Kanemaru again and again! Fujita runs, but Kanemaru wrangles him right back down! Kanemaru wrenches the arm to an ELBOW BREAKER, then WRINGS the arm out again! The fans rally for Fujita but Kanemaru drops a knee on the arm! And another, and another! Kanemaru has the top wristlock but Fujita endures!
Fujita fights around, reaches out, and kicks his way to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer but Kanemaru holds on. The ref counts and Kanemaru lets go at 4. Kanemaru stomps Fujita, then stalks him to the ropes. Kanemaru brings Fujita up, but Fujita fires forearms! The fans rally but Kanemaru KICKS the bad arm! And KICKS it again! Kanemaru hammerlocks and scoops for another SLAM! The fans rally but Kanemaru covers, TWO! Fujita toughs it out and the fans applaud. Kanemaru drags Fujita up, CLUBS him on the bad shoulder, then taunts Fujita while kicking him. Fujita fires forearms, but Kanemaru CLAWS the eyes!
The ref reprimands but Kanemaru reels Fujita in. Fujita fights the suplex, Kanemaru still tries, but it is Fujita who lifts! The bad arm won’t let him follow through and Kanemaru kicks! Kanemaru whips but Fujita reverses to LEG LARIAT! Both men are down and the fans rally up! Fujita goes to a corner, Kanemaru to the other. Fujita runs up and CHOPS! Fujita whips corner to corner, runs in, but Kanemaru puts him on the apron. Fujita ROCKS Kanemaru, then springboards, but Kanemaru uses the ref as a shield! Fujita stops from dropkicking the ref, then pushes the ref aside. Kanemaru tilt-o-whirls, and DDTS!
The fans fire up while both men are down! Kanemaru crawls to a corner and watches Fujita rise. Kanemaru runs up, but Fujita drop toeholds! DEATHLOCK, and Fujita wants arms! Kanemaru crawls, reaches out, but Fujita grabs that arm! And the other! Fujita pulls Kanemaru back into the SURFBOARD! Kanemaru endures, Fujita reaches further up, NEMOS SPECIAL!! But Kanemaru bends Fujita’s fingers back to break the facelock! The ref reprimands but both men let the other go! The fans rally as Fujita rises up, and he goes back for Kanemaru to waistlock! Deadlift, but Kanemaru fights free! Kanemaru kicks, runs, but into the waistlock!
Fujita pops Kanemaru around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Kanemaru survives, Fujita roars, and the fans fire up! Fujita drags Kanemaru up and brings him around for a suplex. ABANDON- NO, Kanemaru cradles! TWO, and Kanemaru victory rolls Fujita! TWO, and Fujita HEEL KICKS Kanemaru down! The fans fire up again as Fujita brings Kanemaru up, but here comes Sanada! Cold Blooded has his guitar but the ref stops him! That lets SHO sneak in and LOW BLOW Fujita!! The fans boo, and Yujiro Takahashi even shows up! PIMP CANE ATTACK!! Down goes Fujita and now Sanada leaves the ref alone.
The fans tell the House to go home, but Kanemaru suplexes! TOUCH OUT BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, Kanemaru wins!
Winner: Yoshinobu Kanemaru, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Fujita earns 0)
Same old tricks indeed! The House of Torture helps the Heel Master steal this one away, will the deck just keep being stacked? Can Fujita rise back up and still make the finals?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: KUSHIDA VS Clark Connors!
The Time Splitter had a rough start but he’s turned it around to be one of the frontrunners in this race. Meanwhile, War Dog Racing has dropped back, but he isn’t done yet! Could Connors be the lucky dog that makes up his lost lap? Or will Kushida hit that 88 miles per hour Back to the Future?
The bell rings and the fans rally up. The two circle, feel things out, and Connors backs up to the corner. Kushida backs off, the two reset, and they circle again. They tie up, and Kushida manages to power Connors to a corner. The ref counts, Kushida lets off slowly, and then backs away. The fans cheer the sportsmanship while the two reset. They tie up again and Kushida trips Connors to have the legs! Kushida SLAPS and CLUBS Connors into giving up the arms, for the SEATED SURFBOARD! Connors endures, so Kushida stands and turns him over into the motorcycle stretch! Connors fights to the ROPEBREAK!
The fans cheer and Kushida lets go. The two reset, and then Connors KNEES low! Connors CLUBS away on Kushida, then has him on the ropes. Connors KICKS the ropes to jam Kushida up, then Connors CLAWS at the eyes! The ref reprimands, Connors stops, and Kushida writhes. Connors drags Kushida up to CHOP, then he whips. Kushida reverses, hip tosses, and handsprings to basement DROPKICK! The fans cheer, and Kushida scoops to SLAM! Connors writhes, his back still hurting from facing Hiromu. Kushida runs corner to corner, slides and trips Connors, then YANKS him into the post! Now Connors’ wild rhino will be hurting!
The ref reprimands as Kushida pulls on Connors’ legs. Kushida lets go, then stalks Connors on the outside. Kushida CLUBS Connors’ back, then brings him to a corner. Connors and Kushida tug-o-war, and Connors YANKS Kushida into the POST! Connors huffs ‘n’ puffs and drags Kushida up. Connors snap suplexes Kushida to the floor! Rather double-edged for Connors and his bad back, but he just powers through. The ring count starts, Kushida crawls away, but Connors looks under the ring. Connors brings out Wheel-san! But Connors is wary of his little friend after what happened last time. The count is 10 of 20 but Connors refreshes it.
Connors runs up on Kushida, but Kushida FLATLINERS him onto a chair! Kushida goes for Wheel-san! The fans rally as Kuhida picks it up, but both ref and Connors tell him not to do it! Connors runs away as Kushida CHUCKS Wheel-san! Then Connors comes back to JEEP FLIPPER! Kushida hits the apron and the fans fire up! Connors looks to Wheel-san and decides he can trust the tire again. Connors brings Wheel-san around and JAMS Kushida up! And then he goes wild hitting the Young Lions with Wheel-san! Connors shouts, “WHEEL-SAN!” and the fans fire up. Connors then uses a Young Lion as a brake so he can stand Wheel-san up.
Connors drags Kushida over and pushes him down onto Wheel-san for a backbreaker rack! The fans cheer but the ref reprimands, and Connors lets go of Kushida. The ring count starts and Connors drags Kushida up at 5 to put in at 6. The fans applaud while Kushida crawls. Connors storms up, CLUBS Kushida on the back, and then has him against the ropes. Connors CLUBS Kushida again, but Kushida fires body shots. Kushida KNEES low, runs, but Connors SNAP POWERSLAMS! The fans cheer while Connors has a wild look in his eyes. Connors goes to the corner, the fans bark, and Connors runs in. Kushida sunset flips the spear! TWO!!
Kushida stands, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but then Connors ducks ‘n ‘dodges! DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Kushida and Connors rise, and Kushida KICKS away on Connors’ back! Kushida whips, Connors reverses, but Kushida handsprings to BACK ELBOW! Kushida hurries back up, runs in at the corner, and he SHOTEIS! Connors sputters but Kushida puts him up top. Kushida climbs and SUPER STEINERS! But Connors sunset flips through! TWO!! Kushida escapes, hurries to get a leg, ANKLE LOCK! Connors breaks free, goes to the corner, but Kushida returns, only for Connors to BOOT him!
Connors runs, Kushida drops down, HIP TOSS into the ARMBAR! Connors clasps hands, Kushida pries the grip free, and he has the ARMBAR!! Connors flails, fights around, but Kushida reels him into a TRIANGLE HOLD! The fans fire up as Connors endures and fights around! Kushida throws elbows and Connors fades! The ref checks, and Connors gets his second wind! Kushida squeezes as tight as he can, but Connors deadlifts, only for the bad back to give up! Kushida has the ARMBAR, then the DISARMER!! Connors reaches back, ROPEBREAK with a foot! Kushida lets go in frustration while the fans cheer.
Connors sputters against the ropes but Kushida goes to the apron. Kushida climbs, leaps, and KNEES Connors’ arm! Connors hobbles, Kushida runs up, but Connors avoids the Hoverboard! Connors fires body shots, but Kushida KICKS! And KICKS! And then somersaults, into a SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!! Kushida survives and the fans fire up, but Connors puts one out! NO CHASER!! Cover, Connors wins!!
Winner: Clark Connors, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kushida earns 0)
War Dog Racing comes through in the clutch! Will Connors still manage to make A Block 100 Proof? Can Kushida still reach the finish line after taking this hit?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Francesco Akira w/ Great-O-Khan VS Dragon Dia!
The Crown of Fire isn’t feeling so hot after losing to Master Wato, but neither is the Infinite Carat Diamond after being hit with a Hoverboard. Who reignites and shines bright here in round six?
The bell rings and Akira SHOTGUNS Dia down! The fans fire up as Akira stomps a mudhole into Dia, then stands him up. Akira CHOPS, fires up, and the fans are with him! Akira whips corner to corner, runs up, but Dia BOOTS him away! Dia runs, slides, and tilt-o-whirl RANAS! Then DROPKICKS! The fans fire up, Akira bails out, and Dia PLANCHAS! Dia stomps away on Akira now and the fans cheer! Dia CLUBS Akira, but Akira ROCKS Dia! Dia CHOPS Akira, but Akira CHOPS back! Dia felt that one! Akira eggs Dia on and the CHOPS keep going! Red Shoes reprimands but the CHOPS just keep going!
Dia whips Akira at the ring, but Akira Tiger Feint Kicks in return! Akira has fans clear out and he brings Dia up. The fans rally for “A! KI-RA!” as he BOWLS Dia into chairs! STRIKE! Akira drags Dia up from the chairs, brings him back to ringside, and pushes him into the ring. Cover, but Red Shoes is not one for shenanigans. Akira is annoyed but he clamps onto Dia with a chinlock. Dia endures, even as Akira wraps his arm up and grabs the other. Akira makes Dia into a RECLINER! Dia endures and the fans rally! Akira sits up but Dia has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Akira lets off. Khan coaches Akira and he drags Dia up.
Akira eggs Dia on, and Dia chops! Akira eggs Dia on, and now Dia CHOPS! And CHOPS! Akira CHOPS back! Akira then scoops, SLAMS, and covers, TWO! Akira STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! The fans rally and Akira stays cool as Dia crawls. Akira kicks Dia, eggs him on, kicks him more, and Dia rises. Dia CHOPS, Akira fires up with that, and he tells Dia to bring it! Dia CHOPS, and CHOPS, but Akira CHOPS Dia down! The fans cheer while Akira paces. Akira stands Dia up, whips him to a corner, then runs in, only for Dia to BOOT and RANA! The fans rally while both men are down! Dia growls as he rises while Akira goes to a corner.
Dia storms up, CHOPS Akira, and CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Dia whips corner to corner, runs in, but Akira puts him on the apron. Dia trips Akira up, then slingshots for the TORNILLO SENTON! The fans rally up and Dia dials it up, but Akira ducks the 619! But Dia SOBATS, LEG SWEEPS, and STANDING MOONSAULT FLOPS as Akira moves! Akira STANDING MOONSAULT FLOPS, and then Dia LIONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up with Dia and he goes to the corner. Dia climbs and watches Akira rise. Akira ROCKS Dia first! Akira climbs up, clinches, but Dia fires shots! They fight for control, and Dia CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS!
Akira hops down, Dia BOOTS him away, then D D- NO, Akira dodges the 4D! Dia mule kicks, runs, and REPTILI- NO, Akira catches Dia! Dia fights through Speedfire to ENZI- NO, Akira ducks, runs, but into the ENZIGIRI! Akira rebounds to LARIAT! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Red Shoes checks and both men stir. Khan coaches Akira and the fans join in, “A! KI-RA!” Akira drags Dia over, facelocks, and SPEED- NO, Dia fights the spin attack by hooking a leg! Akira KNEES him low, KNEES again, but then Dia sidesteps to roll-up! TWO, and into the ghost pin! TWO, and LA MAGISTROL stuffed! TWO!!
Dia SOBATS Akira in the face! Akira sputters, Dia roars, and the fans fire up! Dia climbs the corner again, takes aim, and D D D D- SUPERKICK!! Akira stops the 4D again, and he crawls away to a corner. The fans rally again, and Akira takes aim. Akira runs corner to corner to LARIAT! Then he brings Dia around, SPEED- NO, Dia slips free, REPTILI- NO, Akira slips free, SPEEDFIRE!! Cover, TWO!! Dia survives and Akira is in disbelief! Akira falls back to the corner, the fans rally up again, and Akira runs in! NOVA- NO, Dia PELES first! And then he runs up, slips around, CRUCIFIX DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!!
Dia roars, runs, REPTILIAN, but Akira pops him off! Akira wants the Ground Tarantula! Akira drags Dia down into the twisted hold, and DIA TAPS! AKIRA WINS!!
Winner: Francesco Akira, by submission (gains 2 points; Dia earns 0)
The Infinite Carat Diamond could not withstand the pressure, and the Crown of Fire even tells Nick Wayne on English commentary to watch himself. Will Akira conquer the whole A Block for the United Empire? Can Dia still shine in the light?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Master Wato VS Robbie X!
The Way of the Grandmaster and Mr. X are both on the rise, but now they’re in each other’s way. Will Wato remind us why he was the 2023 Best of the Super Juniors? Or will there be no avoiding the X Express?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. Robbie gets the fans to bark for the War Dogs, but there are plenty of “WATO! WATO!” chants. Wato and Robbie approach, back away, then feel things out. They tie up collar ‘n’ elbow, go back and forth, then Wato puts Robbie on the ropes. Red Shoes calls the break but Robbie turns things around first. Robbie then pushes Wato and taunts him as “Master D*ckhead.” The two reset, tie up again, and they’re in a deadlock. Wato headlocks, Robbie pulls hair then powers out, but Wato RUNS him over! Robbie kips up smooth, and then CHOPS! And ROCKS, and CHOPS!
Robbie fires more forearms, then winds up, but Wato ducks the haymaker to SOBAT! Wato runs, Robbie drops down and hurdles, but Wato RANAS! Robbie flounders to a corner and the fans fire up. Wato runs in, Robbie dodges, but then Wato BOOTS Robbie! Wato BULLDOGS Robbie and the fans fire up again! Robbie checks his nose but Wato rolls him into the VENDEVAL! Robbie scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Red Shoes calls the break, Wato lets go, but then Wato stomps Robbie! Wato brings Robbie up, CHOPS him to the corner, but Robbie eggs him on. Wato CHOPS, Robbie fires a forearm, repeat! Wato CHOPS then stomps Robbie down!
Wato whips Robbie corner to corner, runs in again, but Robbie puts him on the apron. Wato blocks a shot to ROCK Robbie, then he springboards, only for Robbie to trip him up! Robbie has Wato dangling on the ropes, and he KICKS Wato to the floor! The fans rally and Robbie goes out after Wato. Robbie tells fans to clear out, and he brings Wato up. Robbie whips and BOWLS Wato into chairs! STRIKE! The fans applaud and Robbie goes to fetch Wato. Robbie drags Wato up, and he tells more fans to move! Robbie brings Wato up, Wato fights back, but Robbie still runs and whips Wato into more chairs! STRIKE!
The fans cheer, Red Shoes reprimands, but Robbie fetches Wato again. Robbie fishhooks Wato, then drags him up. The ring count starts but Robbie SMACKS Wato! Robbie refreshes the count, then he SMACKS Wato off the apron! And now he wants the fans to again clear out? Robbie uses the aisle to run and DRIVEBY DROPKICK Wato! Wato falls and the fans applaud Robbie as he stands on the apron. The ring count starts again but Robbie drags Wato up at 7 of 20. Robbie puts Wato in at 10, the fans applaud as Robbie then stalling slingshot SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Wato survives the #SilverBullet and the fans rally up again.
Robbie winds the jack in the box to flip off fans, but Wato fires body shots. Robbie grabs Wato’s arm, steps over, and he BITES the fingers! Red Shoes reprimands, Robbie stops at 4, and Wato clutches his hand. Robbie argues with Red Shoes, then he stands on Wato’s fingers! Red Shoes reprimands, but Robbie STOMPS Wato’s hands! The fans are torn but Red Shoes reprimands more. Robbie covers, TWO! Wato stays in this, but Robbie KICKS him in the back. Robbie kicks Wato around, CHOPS him again, and Wato falls! Robbie talks trash that Wato is nothing! Robbie runs, but Wato scoops and BACKBREAKERS! The fans fire up while both men are down!
Wato clutches his hand, Robbie writhes, and the fans rally up. Robbie goes to the corner, runs up, but Wato DECKS him! And ELBOWS him! Wato whips to CALF KICK! The fans cheer and Robbie bails out, so Wato builds speed! Wato FLIES, and down goes Robbie! The fans fire up and Wato roars! Wato goes back to Robbie, stands him up and puts him in the ring. Wato aims, springboards, and FLYING UPPERCUTS! Cover, TWO! The fans rally as Wato brings Robbie up and wrenches. Wato hooks Robbie up but Robbie fights Recientemente! Robbie fireman’s carry, but Wato sunset flips it, into VENDEVAL!!
Robbie endures, even as Wato thrashes around! Robbie rocks the boat, fights his way around, and he refuses to give up! ROPEBREAK!! Wato lets go while the fans applaud. Robbie clutches his arm, but Wato fires up again! The fans cheer and Wato brings Robbie around. Wato whips but Robbie blocks by grabbing ropes! Wato ROCKS Robbie, whips, but Robbie reverses to SOBAT! Wato drops back to a corner, Robbie runs in, but Wato BOOTS! Robbie turns around to LARIAT! Robbie puts Wato’s leg in the ropes to KICK it, then he SPIN KICKS Wato! Robbie snapmares and STANDING SHOOTING STARS! Cover, TWO! Wato survives and the fans fire up!
Robbie huffs ‘n’ puffs and shakes out his arms. Robbie hobbles his way over, drags Wato back up, and reels him in. Wato fights the lift, Robbie stomps him down! Robbie stomps Wato again, then drags Wato up. Wato still fights the lift, wrenches out, but Robbie dodges to handspring! But Wato catches Robbie! Robbie ELBOWS free, ROCKS Wato, but runs into a BOOT! Wato avoids the Pele, to then tilt-o-whirl and clinch, RECIENTEMENTE!! Cover, TWO!! Robbie survives and the fans fire up while both men are down! Robbie rolls away to the apron but Wato joins him. Wato drags Robbie up, but Robbie fires a forearm!
Wato fires a forearm back, but Robbie fires another! They brawl on the edge, and they are both running on fumes! The forearms keep going, the fans rally up, and Wato gets the edge! Robbie flips Wato off, but Wato KICKS him in the chest! Robbie flops into the ring, but then slingshots to APRON CUTTER!! Both men flop down, but Wato falls to the floor while Robbie rolls into the ring! The fans rally and the count starts. But then Robbie goes up, up, and ESCALARA! Down goes Wato and the fans fire up! Robbie hobbles back up, rolls into the ring, and he wants the ring count! Red Shoes starts the count while Wato writhes.
Wato is still down at 5 of 20, then at 10. Robbie wants it to go faster, but Wato stirs at 12. Wato slowly rises, but we hit 15! Wato stands at 17! Wato springs in at 19! Robbie springboards to COAST2COAST!! And then a lift for the SITOUT POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!!! Wato survives and Robbie can’t believe it! The fans fire up but Robbie drags Wato around. Wato is in the drop zone and Robbie goes up! The fans rally as Robbie vows to end this! X EXPRESS onto knees!! Wato saves himself, and he fires back up! The fans rally and Wato brings Robbie in, TSUT- NO, Robbie victory rolls, only for Wato to roll it back! TWO!!
Both men hurry back up, exhausted as they are, and Wato spins, but into Robbie’s SUPERKICK! Robbie handsprings, but into the roll-up! TWO!! Robbie is up, he ducks a roundhouse to PELE! Wato stays up, but Robbie adds his SPIN KICK!! Handspring, but Wato waistlocks! TSUTENKAKU!! Bridging cover, TWO!?!? Robbie survives and the fans are thunderous! Wato roars, he vows to end this! Wato drags Robbie up and the fans are behind him! Wrench and clinch, RECIENTEMENTE SECOND!!! Cover, WATO WINS!!
Winner: Master Wato, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Robbie earns 0)
Robbie put Wato to the test, and in the end, Wato solved for X! With Robbie and Connors both at 3-3, will the War Dogs fail to take the block?
As for Wato, he now leads the block! After he has the belt and the mic, he says, “Hold on a moment. Wato a second. Stay until the end here.” Wato wants to make sure Robbie and the fans don’t just exit. Wato thanks them for staying, and he thanks the fans for coming today. Wato says, “I’d like to make this declaration now.” Oh? “I couldn’t go back to back last year, but after one year off, I’ll win this year.” The fans applaud that! Wato says that along with the tag titles, there is one other thing he needs. The fans have an idea what that is, but Wato says, “The IWGP Junior Heavyweight title that El Desperado has. I will win this tournament and use that as my chance and come for you.”
The fans applaud Wato wanting after his old rival and teammate, and Wato says with the singles title wrapped around his waist, he will return here, sell out this place, and sell out every building on his way to the Tokyo Dome. He wants to see the best sights possible! The fans applaud, and Wato says, “It is us, the Junior Heavyweights, that will make NJPW the best it’s ever been, and I will be the man at the center.” And while it has been awhile, he will close with his signature. In English, “I will be the Grandmaster!” The fans applaud, are we about to see Wato prove he is truly the Best of the Super Juniors?
Here are the NEW A Block standings!
Master Wato: 4-2, 8 points
Robbie X: 3-3, 6 points
Francesco Akira: 3-3, 6 points
Dragon Dia: 3-3, 6 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 3-3, 6 points
Kosei Fujita: 3-3, 6 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 3-3, 6 points
Clark Connors: 3-3, 6 points
KUSHIDA: 3-3, 6 points
Ninja Mack: 2-4, 4 points
My Thoughts:
A great night for NJPW, and I am very grateful they’re downsizing round 6 so that it is only one block. Ten matches on one card was a lot to get done. Hiromu winning by submission was a bit surprising, but I appreciate it. I once said for Kazuchika Okada adding Money Clip to his moveset, that can help with career longevity. No need to do the high impact moves all the time, the holds are ironically less wear ‘n’ tear on the body. And in the end, the block is looking pretty wild. Mack is the only 2-4, Wato is 4-2, and everyone else is 3-3 so there are still a lot of possibilities for semifinalists. Great win for Wato over Robbie, and it would be something if the 2023 and 2024 BOSJ winners met to see who becomes the 2025 winner.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Joe Hendry, live in concert!
With NXT Battleground this Sunday, Joe Hendry and Trick Williams warm up for the match by flexing their musical muscles! But who will the fans love more?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- NXT North American Championship #1 Contender’s Triple Threat: Je’Von Evans VS Sean Legacy VS Ashante THEE Adonis; Legacy wins and will challenge for the title.
- Josh Briggs VS Shawn Spears w/ The Culling; Spears wins.
- OTM VS Kale Dixon & Uriah Connors w/ Andre Chase; OTM wins.
- Lola Vice VS Fallon Henley w/ Jacy Jayne; Lola wins.
- NXT Women’s North American Championship Eliminator: Kelani Jordan VS ZARIA w/ Sol Ruca; Kelani wins and will challenge Sol Ruca for the title at Battleground.
PLAY BY PLAY
Ricky Saints arrives.
The North American Champion goes right from backstage to gorilla and then on stage! The fans cheer as The Absolute goes to ringside, because he is going to join commentary for the match he had a hand in making.
NXT North American Championship #1 Contender’s Triple Threat: Je’Von Evans VS Sean Legacy VS Ashante THEE Adonis!
The Young OG respects #SuperSean, and was willing to accept the challenge from the Evolve star. However, the Pickup Artist feels NXT stars shouldn’t have to even acknowledge WWE ID, and got into it with Je’Von. Ricky wanted to see how it’d go down, Ava Raine clearly agreed, but who makes the biggest splash this close to Battleground?
Adonis takes off his coat, either chinchilla or mink if you ask Booker T, and he throws it at Je’Von! The bell rings and Adonis fires hands on Sean! The fans boo but Je’Von storms up, only for Adonis to throw hands on him! Adonis stomps away in the corner, then whips Je’Von. Je’Von reverses, Sean TOSSES Adonis out, and then he TOSSES Je’Von! Je’Von lands safe, slingshots in and springboards for a BOUNCY~ roll-up! Cover, TWO! Sean is up, he rolls Je’Von, TWO! Je’Von waistlocks, Adonis is back, but Sean BACKDROPS him away! Je’Von O’Conner Rolls Sean, TWO, and Je’Von goes up! Je’Von flies but into a backslide, ONE!
Sean headlocks, Je’Von powers out, then things speed up. Adonis is back but Je’Von SMACKS him off the apron! The fans fire up, Sean dodges and dropkicks the legs! Then he DOUBLE STOMPS! Then he DROPKICKS! Je’Von bails out, the fans fire up with “LE-GA-CY!” and he runs, only for Adonis to LARIAT! Adonis rains down fists, the fans boo but Adonis throws knees and more shots. Adonis then DECKS Je’Von off the apron! Adonis goes up, up, and SUPER TORNILLOS onto Je’Von! Adonis runs in, ducks ‘n’ dodges then tilt-o-whirls to RANA! Then he AIR DROPS! Je’Von is back, BOUNCY~ RANA! Then a DROPKICK for Sean!
The fans fire up as Je’Von builds speed, but Adonis gets in! Je’Von ROCKS Adonis, then runs and slides! Je’Von trips Adonis, goes to the apron and he BOOTS him! Sean runs up, Je’Von jumps over and comes back, to DIVE! Direct hit on Adonis and Sean and the fans are thunderous! Even Ricky’s jaw drops seeing that one! Je’Von hops onto the barrier and dances while NXT goes picture in picture.
Je’Von goes back to fetch Adonis, and he CHOPS him! Adonis goes into the ring, Je’Von goes back for Sean. Je’Von CHOPS Sean, then goes into the ring for Adonis. Adonis FLAPJACKS Je’Von onto the ropes! Je’Von sputters but Adonis rains down fists! Sean rolls in while Adonis stomps and KICKS Je’Von. Sean ROCKS and CHOPS Adonis, then CHOPS again! Adonis dodges a shot but then Sean dodges back to CHOP! Je’Von returns to fire hands on Sean! Je’Von whips, Sean reverses, then Sean runs up to CHOP! Adonis stands, he BOOTS Sean! Adonis whips corner to corner hard and Sean falls! Adonis DECKS Je’Von!
Adonis THROWS Je’Von around, then soaks up heat. Cover, TWO! Je’Von is tougher than that, but Adonis BOOTS Sean to keep him away. Adonis soaks up more heat, then he runs up on Je’Von in the corner. Adonis RAMS Je’Von, then runs corner to corner to RAM Sean! Adonis runs and RAMS Je’Von! Then he runs up, only for Sean to ELBOW him! Sean ROCKS Adonis, fires more shots, then whips. Adonis reverses, kicks, and DDTS! Adonis stands tall while NXT returns to single picture. The fans boo but Adonis brings Je’Von around. Adonis gives Je’Von a SPINEBUSTER ONTO Sean! The fans boo as Adonis double covers, TWO!
The fans rally, but Adonis tunes up the band! Adonis waits for Sean to rise, LONG KISS- NO, Sean stops the kick and Je’Von BOOTS Adonis! SUPERMAN PUNCH for Sean! Adonis ROCKS Je’Von! Sean BOOTS Adonis! Sean blocks Je’Von’s kick and SWINGS it into Adonis! Je’Von SPIN KICKS Sean out! Je’Von runs, but into Adonis’ LARIAT! But Sean springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK! All three men are down and the fans are fired up for “LEGACY! LEGACY!” Sean rises, runs up, but Je’Von TOSSES him out! Je’Von builds speed but Sean returns, SPANISH FLY!! Cover, Adonis breaks it!! The fans boo but Sean TOSSES Adonis!
Sean builds speed and FLIES! Down goes Adonis, and Sean hurries back to the apron! The fans rally behind “LEGACY! LEGACY!” as he climbs. But Je’Von springs up to get him! SUPER DUPER STEINER!! Je’Von hurries to rebound, BOUNCY~ KICK! But Adonis TOSSES Je’Von! Adonis covers Sean, JE’VON BREAKS IT!! The fans are thunderous as the Young OG saves it! “This is Awesome!” but Adonis is distraught! Adonis thinks on what to do, but then he glares at Je’Von. They stand, and they throw hands! Haymaker for haymaker, then Je’Von gets the edge! But Adonis ROCKS Je’Von! Adonis talks trash on Je’Von, but Je’Von SUPERMAN PUNCHES!
Adonis wobbles, but he slips around Je’Von, DDT! Adonis kips up, and SUPERKICKS! Cover, Sean 450 SPLASHES it apart!! The fans are thunderous again and Ricky is loving it! The fans hope these three “FIGHT FOREVER!” but this is just the opener! Sean goes to a corner, Je’Von sputters to another, and Adonis takes a third. Sean lines up a shot, but Je’Von intercepts with a CUTTER!! Adonis whips, Je’Von rebounds, BOUNCY~ GERMAN SUPLEX!! Then Je’Von PLANCHAS Sean! Je’Von hurries back up the corner, and he aims at Adonis! FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH!! Cover, SEAN BREAKS IT!!! But then ETHAN PAGE ATTACKS RICKY!!
The fans fire up as the All Ego maniac fights with the Absolute! Security rushes in, but Je’Von FLIES out onto the pile!! Adonis is up top! FROG SPLASH FLOPS as Sean moves! Torture rack and SHAMBLES!! Cover, Sean wins!!
Winner: Sean Legacy, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT North American Championship)
Ethan and Ricky don’t care about the match, they keep brawling ringside! Sean got his win, but will he get a golden opportunity?
Management watches this backstage.
Stevie Turner tells Ava Raine & Robert Stone, “This is a huge win for both Sean Legacy and Evolve.” Ava congratulates Stevie and her guy. But what Ethan and Ricky are doing, she cannot let keep happen. Please, take security and get those two out of here. Stone says they are on it! Stone & Stevie hurry away, can they stop the absolute chaos going on? Ava then turns around and says, “Speaking of congratulations…” She welcomes Jasper Troy & Tyra Mae Steele on being the first ever LFG Champions. As they talked about, these two will make their in-ring debuts over the next few weeks.
But for now, she wants them to sign their contracts. Tyra Mae hands hers over and says she is so excited! Jasper also has his, and promises to make an impact here on NXT, starting tonight. Well, alright. Will all of NXT be saying LFG when these two hit the ring?
Jordynne Grace speaks.
The Juggernaut is putting in the work at the gym as she says, “In 2024, the top three free agents were Giulia, Stephanie Vaquer, and Jordynne Grace. We all signed to NXT with one goal in mind, and that’s to be at the top of the best women’s division in professional wrestling. Now that Stephanie and I have both beaten Giulia, we’re competing for that top spot in NXT. I’ve been watching Stephanie for a long time, and our paths aren’t too far off from each other. We’re actually very, very similar. We both sacrificed everything to get to the WWE. Everybody always talks about how Stephanie has competed in Japan and Mexico. But y’know what? So have I.
“Stephanie and I both dominated our own territories. At Stand & Deliver, Stephanie got a piece of it. She escaped with the NXT Women’s Championship once, but at Battleground, there is no escape. I think I’m the best, Stephanie thinks she’s the best. And on Sunday in Tampa, we’ll find out who is right.” The Juggernaut is ready to go Beast Mode, will there be no denying her that gold?
Lola Vice talks with Stephanie Vaquer.
The Mayor of Vice City tells Stephanie that this Sunday will be a battle. Lola would put her money on Vaquer, though. Vaquer thanks her for that, and they’ll catch up after Vaquer’s interview. They fist bump and head their different directions, but then Fatal Influence walks in, sarcastically clapping. Jacy says Lola can suck up to the champ all she wants, but she still won’t get a title shot. It’ll be the Influence that takes the title off Stephanie. Lola sarcastically says, “Yeah, right. Because after last week, y’all definitely showed why they’re a threat to the champ.” Fallon says hey, she didn’t get pinned. Lola says they pretend to be a team, but they just get in each other’s way. It’s embarrassing.
Jacy says Lola can think whatever she wants. Just like how Fallon thinks she’s the leader. Well, Fallon was Women’s North American Champion. Yeah, well, then here’s a great idea! Fallon should handle Lola and prove why Lola is behind them in line. Fallon says yeah, sure. Jacy heads out, and Lola says see you out there. The Toxic Cowgirl may have just her foot in her mouth, but will she end the night with Lola’s fist in her face?
Trick Williams has the mic.
“Hey, yo, Joe Hendry! Y’know the difference between me and you? When I walk in the room, people break they necks so they can see me. You break your neck so people can see you. And I’ma call you what your momma calls you: Average Joe! Drop my music!” The beat drops and Trick starts it up! Hendry comes out lookin’ like a Teletubby with a blonde wig on! Wanna talk about Trick? Let’s talk about it! He ain’t never backin’ down to an Average Joe! Belly pokin’ out, he prolly can’t touch his toes! Keep poppin’ off, Trick bust you right in the nose! He ain’t never backin’ down to an Average Joe!
He ain’t never backin’ down to an Average Joe! Look, dawg, you’re on different levels. Trick doesn’t need believers to feel better! He moves better, his shoes better, if you knew better, you’d do better! Trick really turning up the speed, cuz he ain’t never backin’ down to an Average Joe! Hendry showing up, Trick ain’t sayin’ that. Trick will take the gold and send him back to TNA. Hendry’s got a dad bod like he drinkin’ all day. Trick will turn around, burn it down, put ya in an ash tray! Hendry’s got fans cuz he looks just like ’em! Hendry’s got style cuz he keep bitin’! Try to out diss Trick, just keep writin’! Trick hit ya quick just like lightnin’!
Average Joe, Trick’s tired o’ being humble. Should’ve never took his spot in The Rumble! Got a match with Randy Orton but ya fumbled! Trick put you on the spot, whoop ya ass like some gumbo! Trick ain’t never backin’ down to an Average Joe! Trick ain’t never backin’ down to an Average Joe! Trick ain’t never backin’ down to an Average Joe! You an Average Joe! You an Average Joe! You an Average Joe until you make that stomach go! You an Average Joe! You an Average Joe! Boy, he gonna take your gold! BEW BEW BEWWW~! Let’s talk about it.
But Hendry is backstage, having watched that. He says okay then. The gloves are off. Hendry tunes up for his concert, what will he have in retaliation?
Backstage interview with Josh Briggs.
Kelly Kincaid with the Bullhead Brawler and says they are moments away from his match, and it is the first time in some time that he’s going it alone. Briggs says yes, he wishes Inamura was still in NXT, but he is not. Briggs hopes Yoshiki is watching this right now, and hopes he knows that things aren’t as fun without him. Tonight, this one is for his friend. But the music hits as Shawn Spears makes his entrance. Will The Chair Man bring out the painful truth that Briggs can’t do anything on his own? Or will Briggs survive The Culling?
Josh Briggs VS Shawn Spears w/ The Culling!
The entrances are down picture in picture, and then the bell rings. Spears and Briggs circle, feel things out, and the two tie up. Briggs powers Spears to a corner, lets off as the ref counts, but then Spears pie faces him! The ref reprimands while Briggs seethes. Briggs runs up, Spears dodges and then CHOPS! And CHOPS! Spears climbs up and he rains down fists! Briggs shoves Spears away at 3, but Spears is right back on him for more! Briggs shoves free again, and clamps onto Spears’ neck! Briggs THROWS Spears to the corner, ELBOWS him, then fires body shots! Briggs DECKS Spears, then eggs him on.
Spears flounders around but Briggs is on him at the ropes. Briggs whips, Spears reverses, but Briggs CLUBS him down! Briggs drags Spears up, shoves and ROCKS him! Spears goes to a corner, Briggs stalks him, and Briggs reels him in. Spears wrenches out to kick low! Spears HEADBUTTS Briggs, NXT returns to single picture, and Spears CHOPS! And CHOPS! Spears whips, Briggs reverses, then runs in. Spears goes up and over, leaps, but into Briggs’ arms! Spears fires elbows, runs, then ducks ‘n’ dodges, only for Briggs to LEAPING LARIAT! The fans fire up with Briggs and he scoops, but Spears slips free.
Spears KNEES low, clinches, but Briggs is big. Spears fires knees, then clinches, but Briggs scoops and SLAMS Spears! Briggs pulls off his elbow pad and powers up! The fans fire up and Briggs runs, but Spears bails out! The fans boo but Briggs goes out after Spears. Briggs CHOPS Spears against the apron! Briggs SMACKS Spears off the apron, the fans rally, and Briggs SMACKS him off the apron again! Briggs brings Spears around, scoops, but Spears flails free! Spears POSTS Briggs, then pushes him into the ring. Spears slides in, pushes Briggs down and throws fists! Then a KNEE! Spears brings Briggs up, turns him, and hits the NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE!!
Briggs is tougher than that, but Spears stomps Briggs’ hand! Spears says this could’ve been different, and then he throws hands. Spears winds up, but Briggs blocks the superkick! B riggs snarls, and he CLOBBERS Spears! Briggs DECKS Spears, whips Spears, then scoops and SIDEWALK SLAMS to then SPLASH DOWN! The fans fire up and Briggs clamps onto Spears’ neck! CHOKE- NO, Spears arm-drags free! Spears runs in and LARIATS Briggs up and out! Briggs rises up, hurries to the apron, but Spears SUPERKICKS him back down! The fans rally as Spears goes to the apron, and he leaps, but into Briggs’ arms!
Briggs hoists Spears up, SNAKE EYES off the desk! Briggs puts Spears in the ring, but Niko Vance runs up! Briggs slips around him to RAM him into steel steps! Jensen distracts the ref and Izzi BOOTS Briggs! Spears reels Briggs into a cradle, Spears wins!!
Winner: Shawn Spears, by pinfall
The fans boo and Briggs is pissed! Briggs attacks Spears, but Jensen & Vance attack Briggs! They mug Briggs, but Spears has them sit Briggs up. But wait! Here come Hank ‘n’ Tank! The big belly bandits promised to have Briggs’ back and here we are! It is 3v3 and The Culling gets TOSSED! Tank DECKS Spears, and the fans fire up as the NXT Tag Team Champions stand with Briggs! Will The Culling learn that bullies get what’s coming to them?
Kelani Jordan prepares backstage.
The Standout spots #ZaRuca walking in, and she tells Sol that FYI, when she beats Zaria tonight, she gets her title match on Sunday, right? Sol says yes, Kelani, she remembers the deal they made. Okay, just checking. Kelani wouldn’t be surprised if Sol goes back on her word. Say what? Zaria says Sol is the most genuine person in the WWE today. Sol is never going back on her word. It’s just that Kelani won’t be going to Battleground. Zaria beat Kelani two weeks ago, and she’ll do it again tonight. Sol says, “Damn straight!” Kelani says, “See you at Battleground.” Kelani leaves and Sol says Kelani is getting annoying… But Zaria says she’s got this.
Will the Agent of Change ironically make sure the same thing happens as before? Or will Kelani earn herself a golden ticket to Tampa?
The NEW Chase U meets up backstage.
Mr. Chase is a little worried with Kale Dixon & Uriah Connors running late, but he makes sure they have the game plan memorized. Their first tag team match is up next, but will they make it out the mud?
Tatum Paxley sits alone.
Thea Hail storms in, medical eyepatch on, and she asks what the hecc! Why was Tatum blaming her for everything? Thea knows Tatum is going through some stuff, but she’ll bounce back. She always has. Tatum says Thea doesn’t understand the toll that it takes to lose everyone you’ve been close to. Uh, agree to disagree there. Because if anyone else understands what it’s like to lose friends, it is Thea. But then a HIP-NOTIC takes Thea out! Miss Parker tells Thea to worry more about herself next time. And she tells Tatum that for real, she does feel bad for her. She does…? HELL NAH! What’s wrong with you? Stupid.
Jaida leaves and Tatum feels even sadder now. Will Miss Parker kick ass and take names until she’s the one on top?
OTM VS Kale Dixon & Uriah Connors w/ Andre Chase!
NXT returns as Bronco Nima & Lucien Price make their entrance. The teams sort out and Nima starts with Uriah. They tie up, and Nima SLAMS Uriah down! Uriah stumbles away and Kale tags in. Chase coaches Kale, he and Nima tie up, but Nima THROWS Kale down, too! The fans rally for OTM and Nima tags Price. Price and Kale tie up, Kale headlocks but Price powers out and CLOBBERS Kale! Uriah tags in, Price gives him a headlock and THROW, then he SLAPS! Price runs up, Uriah dodges and Kale checks on him, but Price DOUBLE LARIATS them down! The fans fire up while Kale & Uriah fall to the floor!
Mr. Chase is very worried as Price storms out to fetch Uriah into the ring. Price then pushes Kale into the ring, and he storms up. Kale wants mercy, Price shoves him away, but Uriah DROPKICKS! Uriah rains down fists, tags Kale, and now Kale rains down fists! Kale CHOPS Price on the back! Then basement DDTS! Cover, ONE!! Price is tougher than that but Kale tags Uriah. Kale KICKS Price down, then Uriah slingshot SENTONS! Cover, ONE!! Price is much tougher than that, but Uriah CHOPS! Price just gets mad but Uriah facelocks. Price BACKDROPS Uriah away! Nima tags in and he DECKS Uriah! And ELBOWS him!
Price CLOBBERS Uriah again, then he swings on Kale! Kale dodges, and Uriah mule kicks Nima’s leg out! Uriah clinches, but Nima fights the leg sweep! Nima glares at Uriah, grabs Uriah’s arms, but the ref keeps Price from storming in. That only lets Kale slip in and SUPERKICK Nima into the RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Chase is happily surprised and Uriah says spell it out! C! Nima stops the stomps already! Nima LARIATS Uriah down! Nima drags Uriah up, tags Price, and Price RAMS Uriah into Kale! Feed to Nima, GOURD SPINEBUSTER COMBO!! Cover, OTM wins!
Winners: OTM, by pinfall
Chase is beside himself, but the thunder and the rain just stormed right through his new students. Will nothing stop Nima & Price from rising to the top of the mountain?
Myles Borne is here!
The fans cheer as No Quarter Catch Crew’s #BabyOrton, the #1 contender to THE NXT Championship, goes to the ring. And at the same time, here comes THE NXT Champion, Oba Femi! The Ruler and his next challenger are here to have one final face-to-face before facing off for that title at Battleground. Oba grabs the mic and says he sees Myles came alone today. He isn’t sure if that makes Myles stupid or brave. Perhaps both. But Oba is confident in saying that is why Myles has made it this far. Not a lot of people thought Myles would make it this far, Oba among them. But look at him now! Myles is the #1 contender to the title!
The fans cheer, and Oba continues to say that it is his understanding that this match is not just a fight for the title. This is also a fight for everybody who Myles wants to uplift and inspire. Those with limitations and struggles just like Myles. Oba finds that admirable, but also very, very misleading. “Life is cruel, Myles. Good things don’t always happen to good people, and I know deep in my heart, you are a good person. But however… This is not a Disney movie. You don’t get the happy ending. You don’t get the dream come true. You don’t get to run off into the sunset with my title! No no no no no.
“Because your dream was two weeks ago when you won the battle royal. Your dream was last week when you beat Ethan Page. But make no mistake, this Sunday, when you step into the ring with me and that bell rings, your dream will DIE! Because you will realize very quickly that you are standing in the ring with the Ruler, the destroyer, the bringer of war, and I will be merciless, relentless, and unforgiving! Because you want me to treat you like you are everybody else. You want me to treat you like you are just like them, right? So be it. Join the line, join the list of victims. Your fate will end in destruction at the hands of Oba Femi.”
The fans are torn, but Myles says that while he might be out here by himself, he is not alone. Tavion, Wren, Charlie, they’ve been helping him night and day, preparing him for this. And they’re not the only ones who have his back. Myles has an entire community! Every kid who feels different. Every parent who worries that their child isn’t going to fit in. Yeah, Oba, you’re right, this is more than just about winning the title. It is about making a statement. So go ahead, write him off as just another victim. Underestimate him. Like he said before, this won’t be the first. Doctors, nurses, they all underestimated him.
Every opponent Myles ever faced as an amateur underestimated him. Hell, he’s pretty sure some coaches at Myles’ NXT tryout underestimated him. But Myles has proved them all wrong. The fans cheer that! And at Battleground, that will be the toughest match of Myles’ career. But Myles has been surviving ever since he was born. Oba is right, this isn’t a Disney movie. But every ruler falls. Myles might be hard of hearing, but when he shocks the world at Battleground, we will all hear the 1-2-3 loud ‘n’ clear. The fans cheer, and Myles takes his leave. Will the roar of the crowd be deafening when Myles proves he was born to be a champion?
Wait, is that Jasper Troy!? He slips in from the crowd side, and he CLOBBERS Oba!! Then SCRAPBUSTER!! Myles rushes back in, Troy bails out, and that was Troy making his impact. Myles offers Oba a hand, but Oba refuses it. Oba stands on his own, but then Myles picks up the title belt. Myles looks at it, looks at Oba, and hands the belt over. Myles shows Oba respect, but will Oba still show Myles no mercy on the Battleground?
Ava Raine reprimands Ricky and Ethan.
Ava is upset that these two just can’t seem to control themselves for one night! Ricky says it is the back and forth between him and Ethan, and they need to settle it now! Ethan says fine, he’ll break Ricky’s jaw! Ava says sit down before they’re escorted out of the building! Ethan sits, and Ricky tells Ethan that if it isn’t tonight, he will destroy Ethan at some point! Ethan stands back up and asks if Ricky wants a match that much! If so, Ethan isn’t giving it to him, because he is having too much fun making Ricky’s life hell! Ricky says there it is! Ethan is too afraid to get in the ring with Ricky again!
So Ricky will cut to the chase. The title will be on the line! Those beady little eyes got so big, didn’t they? Ethan says he likes the fact that he can keep whooping Ricky and walk out with the title! Where do they sign up, Ava? Ricky knew it! Big ego, small mind! Ava shouts at them that they don’t make the matches, SHE does. But see, Sean Legacy has a claim to this title after tonight’s match. But seeing how these two have been pissing her off, she’ll make an exception. These two can have a match next Tuesday, and because AVA said so, the title IS on the line. Now get out of her face! The Absolute and All Ego are on a collision course, who will walk away with the gold?
Tony D’Angelo speaks.
The Don sits alone at the dinner table. “The worst thing about betrayal is it never comes from your enemies. It comes from your family. Stacks, you mother…” Tony calms down, and says he tried, okay? Tried to understand why Stacks did this to him, did this to Luca and Rizzo, but Tony can’t, because Tony is not a coward. Tony though the and Stacks were built the same. Tony was certain they were cut from the same cloth. They grew up as kids together, tough as nails, loyal to a fault. Or so Tony thought. Tony brought Stacks into NXT. They ran the D’Angelo Family, they rose to power, Tony as The Don and Stacks as The Underboss.
But it seems that wasn’t good enough for Stacks. Stacks wanted all the glory, to be the shot caller, for everyone to pay tribute to him. Tony gets that. But here’s the thing, Stacks. YOU don’t get it. Stacks only saw what Tony allowed him to see. Being The Don comes with a lot of pressure. You feel the full weight of the family on your shoulders. Stacks only worried about himself, that is easy, and that is why he’ll never sit in the big chair. Stacks has guts, but no brains. Stacks is hotheaded, made his bed, and at Battleground, he lays in it. On Sunday, there is no more betrayal, no more bail out. Just Tony breaking Stacks.
The Steel Cage will try to contain this one, but will not even that stop Tony from doing anything and everything he wants to his former friend?
Lola Vice VS Fallon Henley w/ Jacy Jayne!
The MMA Mamacita was just being an amiga to La Primera, but the Fatal Influence just had to open their mouths. Will Lola’s fists knock some sense into Fallon? Or will the Toxic Cowgirl wrangle Lola and establish herself in the title hunt?
NXT returns as the Fatal Influence makes their way to the ring. The bell rings and the two tie up. They go around, go along the ropes, then Lola arm-drags Fallon, but the collar ‘n’ elbow stays locked in. Fallon fights up to put Lola into the corner and RAM her again and again! The ref counts, Fallon lets go, then she ROCKS Lola! But then Lola BOOTS Fallon, wrenches and KICKS! And KICKS! Fallon blocks the kick to trip Lola, but she soaks up heat too soon, Lola trips her! Lola has the leglock but Jacy “coaches” Fallon. Jacy wants to see Fallon show us why she’s the leader of Fatal Influence. Fallon turns over and she stomps Lola!
Fallon is free, but Lola trips her u p again! Lola has a toehold but Fallon clamps on with a chinlock! Fallon shrieks as she thrashes Lola, but Lola slips out and has the arms! Fallon endures the hammerlock and chicken wing! Fallon fights around, the fans rally, and Jacy “coaches” Fallon more. Lola stays hooked on but Fallon breaks free and throat chops! The fans are torn as Fallon CLUBS Lola, drags her up, and headlocks. Lola fights around but Fallon hits a takeover. Fallon grinds the hold but Lola fights up and pries free to headlock in return. Fallon powers up and out but Lola RUNS her over! Lola shimmies and shakes, then runs, but Fallon stays low.
Fallon hurries, but Lola blocks the hip toss! Fallon blocks back, rolls, but Lola makes it an ARMBAR! Fallon rolls and rolls and has the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Lola lets go, and Jacy genuinely coaches Fallon this time. Lola storms up but Fallon kicks from below! Fallon DECKS Lola, then whips. Lola ducks ‘n’ dodges then tilt-o-whirls to RANA! The fans fire up as Lola SPIN KICKS Fallon out of the ring! The fans fire up and Lola drags Fallon up from the apron. Fallon HOTSHOTS Lola, has her in the ropes and BOOTS her down! The fans are torn again, but Fallon swings from the corner to BOOT Lola down!
The fans are torn, Fallon says they know they love her, but NXT goes to break.
NXT returns again and Fallon cravats Lola to throw KNEE after KNEE! But then Lola swings around to backslide! ONE, Lola ducks a kick to roll Fallon up, TWO! Fallon stands, but into a couple of kicks! Lola whips, KICKS, and then whips again. Fallon reverses, KNEES low, then brings Lola around to whip and ROCK with a forearm! Lola sputters against the ropes, but she shoves Fallon away. Fallon slips around, sits Lola down, then runs and SLIDING FOREARMS! Cover, TWO! Lola stays in this and Fallon grows frustrated. Lola UP KICKS, the fans rally, but Fallon mule kicks! Fallon reels Lola in but Lola cradles Fallon, but Fallon shoves free!
Fallon and Lola stand, DOUBLE LARIATS take them both down! The fans fire back up and Jacy coaches Fallon. Lola checks her teeth and the fans rally up. Lola rises, Fallon follows, and Fallon fires a forearm! Lola fires another! Fallon ROCKS Lola, but Lola ROCKS Fallon! The forearms go back and forth, then Fallon grabs Lola to ROCK, CHOP, and- NO, Lola blocks that shot to fire forearms! Then a SPIN KICK! Fallon sputters but stands into another SPIN KICK! And another SPIN KICK! Lola fires the LIGHTNING KICKS! Lola has the fans all fired up, because “I’M A LATINA~!” HIP ATTACK! Lola pushes Fallon out and AX KICKS! Cover, TWO!!
Fallon stays in this but Lola snarls. Lola stalks Fallon, Fallon ELBOWS her away, then she dodges Lola’s boot! Fallon THROWS Lola, runs up, but into a KICK! SOBAT! Lola runs, Fallon follows, and Fallon hits the YEEHAW FACEBUSTER! Fallon runs, goes up, up, and BLOCKBUSTERS! Cover, TWO! Lola stays in this and Fallon is stunned. The fans rally up as Fallon drags Lola up. Fallon whips Lola to a corner, runs up, but Lola dodges! Lola fires knees, then a FLYING ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Fallon clasps hands and Jacy gets on the apron! Jacy shouts at Lola, that’s enough of a distraction for Fallon to stack Lola! TWO!
Lola and Fallon stand, Lola BODY BLOWS! Fallon goes down, Lola glares at Jacy, and Jacy talks more trash. But Fallon waistlocks, only for Lola to switch and SHOVE Fallon into Jacy! URAKEN!! Cover, Lola wins!!
Winner: Lola Vice, by pinfall
Lola says buenas noches to the Influence, and Jacy realizes on some level, she messed that up. But she and Fallon still argue about it all the same, is this group about to fall apart without Jazmyn Nyx around?
Sit-down interview with Stephanie Vaquer.
Kelly Kincaid is with La Primera and notes that this Sunday at Battleground, Vaquer battles Grace for the NXT Women’s Championship. What has prepared Vaquer for Battleground, and being a champion in general? Vaquer says being La Primera doesn’t come without sacrifice. She had her first tryout in Chile, in 2018. She was not ready then. She used that as motivation. She went to Japan, she want to Mexico, she had owned her craft. She owned lucha libre. But along the way, she had to sleep on kitchen floors, she had to clean people’s shoes. She was hungry, cold, and she truly shed blood, sweat and tears. She doesn’t look back and think it was a sad time, but as all necessary to get here.
Kelly says since arriving, it is clear her goal has been to be the best woman in the best division in the world. Does she feel she’s accomplished that? Being in NXT has been a dream come true for Stephanie. She remembers seeing Rey Mysterio wrestle in person for the first time, and she knew that she was born to be in the WWE. With each defense, she grows more. All those late nights in Japan and the early mornings in Mexico, it was all worth it. Then to her opponent at Battleground, Jordynne Grace. What kind of challenge does she present? Vaquer’s toughest yet.
Jordynne was at the top of TNA, and now she wants to be at the top of NXT. For Vaquer to be the best luchadora, she went through Hell. She made that Hell her home. Jordynne conquered champions, but La Primera conquered continents. At Battleground, she will show Jordynne that when you get close to Hell, you will burn. The Dark Angel is ready, but will she still fall to Grace?
Dark State speaks.
Saquon Shugars says, “Hey, we popped out and put the fear of Dark State in this whole locker room, bruh. But it all started with one man. One man that walked that thin line between intensity and being all out reckless. I’m talking about somebody that crawled through hellfire, just so his brothers don’t get burnt. The leader of many! My mother, this man sure is dangerous. I’m talking about Dion Lennox.” Dion says, “Staring a lion in the face, knowing your next move is your last because he can tear you apart a thousand different ways! And I ain’t just talking physically. I’m saying mentally, too. So what do you do? Stand there like a statue, and PRAY you survive!
“That’s what it is like to go toe-to-toe, face-to-face, with Cutler James.” Cutler says, “This beast of a man sees right through you. Sees your delusions, your weaknesses, your lies. Because he is on a permanent seek ‘n’ destroy mission. Go ahead, give him your best shot. He’ll walk right through it. Put him through a wall, and he’ll get right back up even more pissed off, even more dangerous. Tell ’em, Big Os.” Osiris Griffin says, “And then there’s our wild card. Y’know, the one with the cunning smile. His story’s nothing but perseverance. When you come from nothing, you’ve got nothing to lose! Some people call him lucky, but he’s earned everything by himself.
“Now with three brothers with him, unbeatable ain’t the word. Undeniable more like it. But when he opens his mouth, the people open their ears.” Saquon Shugars says who’s next? Y’all will find out real fast that when Dark State strikes, ain’t nobody safe. These four have put everyone on notice, will it not be long before they run things around here?
NXT Women’s North American Championship Eliminator: Kelani Jordan VS ZARIA w/ Sol Ruca!
Speaking of titles and Battleground, The Standout wants to go from the first-ever to the first-ever two time champion. She lost to the Agent of Change before, will nothing change from the last time? Or will we see that no one does it like Lani?
NXT returns and Zaria makes her entrance, Sol by her side. The bell rings and the two run up. Zaria slips around and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Kelani tumbles, but Zaria is on her with another GERMAN SUPLEX! Zaria runs and RAMS Kelani into the corner again and again! The fans rally, Zaria stalks Kelani to another corner, and then Zaria TOSSES Kelani! Kelani flounders and Zaria runs up, but Kelani dodges! Zaria POSTS herself, and then she falls out of the ring! Kelani aims to slingshot, TORNILLO PLANCHA! Down goes Zaria, but Kelani gets her up to RAM her into steel steps! Kelani talks smack on Sol then puts Zaria in the ring.
Kelani goes up, leaps, and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Kelani runs up, springboards and RANAS! Kelani keeps going, SPLASH, but Zaria rolls through! Zaria pops Kelani up to the fireman’s carry, but Kelani slips around into a SLEEPER! Zaria endures and RAMS Kelani into buckles! Kelani holds on tight, but Zaria RAMS her in again! Kelani lets go, Zaria runs up, but Kelani puts her on the apron! Kelani then HOTSHOTS Zaria, goes up the corner, only for Zaria to avoid the guillotine leg drop! Kelani blocks a shot to ROCK Zaria, but then Zaria ROCKS Kelani back! Kelani BOOTS Zaria down, and she huffs ‘n’ puffs to the apron.
Kelani leaps, but Zaria stops the rana! Zaria SWINGS Kelani into barriers! The fans fire up and even Sol is impressed with that, and NXT goes to break.
NXT returns again and Zaria drags Kelani to her feet. Zaria scoops but Kelani slips free and waistlocks. O’Conner Roll, TWO! Kelani goes to the apron, Zaria runs up but Kelani RAMS her! Kelani slingshots to sunset flip, but Zaria stays up! Zaria YANKS Kelani up, but Kelani dropkicks the legs! BASEMENT DDT! Both women are down and the fans rally up. Kelani and Zaria rise, and Zaria fires a forearm! Kelani fires back! The fans duel as the forearms keep going! Sol fires forearms, Zaria ROCKS her with just one! Kelani still fires more shots, but Zaria fires back! They fire fast ‘n’ furious! Zaria shoves, runs up, but Kelani dodges!
Kelani comes back, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then she CLOBBERS Zaria! And CLOBBERS her again! Cartwheel BACK ELBOW! The fans fire up and Kelani kips up! Kelani storms up, TORNADO- NO, Zaria stops the DDT, but Kelani dodges the boot! DROPKICK! Zaria is back up, but Kelani runs in and TORNADO DDTS!! Cover, TWO!! Zaria survives and Sol is relieved, but Kelani just huffs ‘n’ puffs up to the top rope. 450- NO, Zaria avoids the splash! Kelani rolls through, comes back, but and leaps over Zaria’s spear! Sunset flip, TWO!! Kelani kicks but Zaria blocks to short arm LARIAT! Zaria drags Kelani up, reels her in, Canadian Rack!
Kelani slips free, dragon sleepers, but Zaria powers up to lift Kelani! BACKPACK CANNONBALL!! Even Sol feels the pain! The fans lose their mind from that one, and Zaria fireman’s carries. Kelani flails and slips to the apron! Zaria runs up, Kelani DUMPS her out! Zaria BOOTS Kelani! Zaria drags Kelani up, TOSSES her back in, but Kelani handsprings through! Kelani SUPERKICKS, Zaria falls, and Sol catches her! Sol checks on Zaria, but Kelani DROPKICKS Sol into Zaria! Down go the best friends, and Kelani puts Zaria in the ring! Kelani talks trash on Sol, goes back to the ring, but Sol gest on the apron!
Zaria runs up, btu Kelani dodges, the SPEAR hits Sol!! Kelani rolls Zaria up with a deep stack, AND WINS!!
Winner: Kelani Jordan, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT Women’s North American Championship)
The Standout used Zaria & Sol against each other, and now she has her match for Battleground! Will Kelani once again reign after this Sunday? Or will she just get her soul snatched?
Joe Hendry is in the ring!
The TNA World Champion finished tuning up backstage, and now he is ready for his concert. The fans wave their hands from side to side with his theme song. “Say his name and he appears, it is time for another Joe Hendry concert! Right here on NXT!” The fans cheer that! Hendry says now, he knows this isn’t the first musical performance here tonight. If we want to call Trick’s part that. But they’ll be nice, that was Trick’s first time. Though, while on that subject, let’s dedicate this first song to Hendry’s opponent at Battleground, Trick Williams! Hendry strums the guitar and begins.
Fans clap along already and Hendry sings, “Joe Hendry is in concert. And you’re gonna hear the sounds… Of ‘I Believe in Joe Hendry’ at the end of Battleground. And now, Trick was the champion of the whole of NXT. It’s a shame he couldn’t hold the title for longer than a couple of weeks. You used to work so hard, the people were with you for years. But now, Trick, you are the world champion… of producing tears.” Hendry’s obtained some footage from the good old days, of when Trick was a crappy sidekick to Carmelo Hayes! Hendry grins and we take a moment to watch said footage.
It’s Melo & Trick on Halloween Havoc! They were entering the haunted house, Melo got snatched and Trick turned around to see “Joe Hendry” instead of Dexter Lumis. Trick screamed like a child and ran away like one, too! Hendry goes back to the guitar to say, “And you said Whoop Dat Trick, Whoop Dat Trick. Everybody else said, ‘Melo’s B*tch!’ You said Whoop Dat Trick, Whoop Dat Trick. Everybody else said, ‘Melo’s B*tch!'” The fans sing along, “Whoop Dat Trick, Whoop Dat Trick. Everybody else said, ‘Melo’s B*tch!'” But wait! Here comes dat Trick! No more singing, and he says Hendry is out his mind pulling up old footage! Nobody lives in the past!
The fans taunt Trick as “MELO’S B*TCH!” Trick gets in the ring with Hendry and he says they can chant what they want, but he heard someone say “Average Joe.” The fans duel, and then Trick DECKS Hendry! The fans boo, but then Trick’s SPIN KICK knocks Hendry back down! Trick clears out the chair and the music stands, then runs up, but Hendry gives the Trick Shot a SMASH HIT!! So that’s what the spare guitar was for. And then a choke grip for the STANDING OVATION CHOKE SLAM!! Hendry grabs the mic to finish acapella: “And at the end of the day~, Joe Hendry is the champion of T N A~!”
The fans cheer as Hendry stands tall. History will be made as the TNA World Championship makes its debut on a WWE PLE, but will Hendry’s musical prophecy come true? Or will even more history be made when Trick wins that title at Battleground?
My Thoughts:
A very good NXT, especially as the go-home to Battleground, but there are certainly some interesting moves going on. NXT was playing around with the North American Championship stuff a bit. I was very certain they were advertising the men’s Triple Threat as a #1 contender’s match, but that wasn’t officially announced. However, Ava says Sean Legacy had his claim to a title shot, even with her making Ricky VS Ethan for the title next week. So it always was a #1 contender’s match? They just couldn’t say it because of this sudden decision for Ethan and Ricky? And even then, Ricky VS Ethan isn’t on Battleground, but The Culling is?
Good match from Spears VS Briggs, and of course The Culling cheats to win it. Then the beatdown brings out Hank ‘n’ Tank and that sets up the Six Man Tag I figured they’d give us. However, I don’t see that as a Battleground worthy match, unless it is also for the story moment where Briggs gives in and joins The Culling. Well, even that doesn’t feel big enough for Battleground, that should be an NXT main event at most. Ricky VS Ethan 2 on Battleground might actually get some last minute tickets or Peacock streams, so certainly a missed opportunity to me.
Good stuff with OTM and the new class of Chase U, but of course OTM was going to win. And in connection, good segment from Tatum, Thea and Jaida. I’m a little surprised Jaida turns up the attitude here, but I suppose she’s meant to be the Heel in this situation. Thea trying to reach out to Tatum is a good move, as there is that link of their teammates and friends being released over the last few months. Thea and Tatum can help each other stay afloat as a new team, let’s just hope the people making these budget decisions see their value. And very good stuff with Lola and Fatal Influence. Lola gets a strong win while Fallon and Jacy are moments away from breaking the team up.
Great promos from both Jordynne and Vaquer, and I appreciate that they were able to use footage and images from NJPW and CMLL for Vaquer when she was triple champion. I still don’t think the math changes, I’m expecting Vaquer to win, and then Vaquer and Lola can battle for the title at Worlds Collide so that everyone can see two Latinas represent on a big stage. At the same time, it would be great for Grace to win just so she won’t have lost two different title matches. Likewise, Kelani of course won against Zaria, she’s getting her title match with Sol and that will be awesome. No idea who wins but that’ll be a show stealer.
Good promo from all the members of Dark State, in that they delivered it all well. It was still a little cheesy that all four guys were putting over other members of the group. Great promo from Oba and Myles, and then quite the bold move for Jasper Troy to go right after Oba on night one. It did give Myles a great opportunity to be a very pure Face where he doesn’t even retaliate against Oba’s rejection. Oba is likely winning, and he and Jasper might immediately jump into a feud for the summer after that. Very good promo from Tony D to have one last message to Stacks, but this still feels like Luca returns and sides with Stacks so that Tony is out of The Family.
And of course, great stuff from Trick and Hendry with their musical promos. Trick of course “ruined” Hendry’s concert, but I did love how they put Hendry’s face on Lumis in that video. Hendry standing tall is surprising, through. That would indicate Trick wins the title, which would be wild. And should Trick become TNA World Champion, that feels like a move to hook NXT fans into watching TNA for at least the duration of his reign. Not sure how well that’ll work, but we’ll just have to wait and see.
My Score: 8.7/10
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