Will The King keep his Cup?

Lexis King gave in to his Loose Cannon nature, but at least he’s Heritage Cup Champion. Unless… TNA’s JDC (formerly Fandango) takes it away from him!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Bayley VS Cora Jade; Cora wins.
• Triple Threat Tag: Josh Briggs & Yoshiki Inamura VS Myles Borne & Tavion Heights VS Hank ‘n’ Tank; Briggs & Inamura win.
• NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Lexis King VS JDC; King wins and retains the title.
• Zaria w/ Sol Ruca VS Nikkita Lyons; Zaria wins.
• NXT North American Championship Steel Cage Match: Tony D’Angelo VS Ridge Holland; Tony wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Bayley VS Cora Jade!

The Role Model has been busy since the Royal Rumble but also focused. She qualified for the Women’s Elimination Chamber match in March, and she’ll be in the NXT Women’s Championship Triple Threat this Saturday. But first, she looks to settle things with the Generation of Jade, who just couldn’t help but use that kendo stick on Bayley outta nowhere. Will Cora look to ruin Bayley’s Road to WrestleMania? Or will Bayley humble her before going for gold?

Speaking of that kendo stick, Cora takes a swing the moment she’s in the ring! Bayley dodges, then she TACKLES Cora! The bell rings as Bayley rains down fists! The fans rally up as Bayley DECKS Cora, DECKS her again, and Cora bails out! The fans boo but Cora soaks it up. Bayley storms out after Cora, and fires forearms! The fans fire up as Bayley bumps Cora off barriers! Bayley CHOPS Cora, then she grabs Cora’s kendo stick. Bayley tosses that aside to put Cora in the ring. Cora scrambles away again, and the fans boo. Cora wags her finger, but Bayley goes out the side. Bayley runs in, DAREDEVIL DROPKICK!

Cora staggers, Bayley stalks her, and Bayley SMACKS Cora off the desk! Bayley puts Cora back in the ring, covers, TWO! Cora stays in this but the fans chant, “HUG ME, BAYLEY!” Bayley wrenches and snap suplexes while Giulia watches from backstage. Cover, TWO! Bayley keeps cool while the fans fire up. Cora RAMS into Bayley, RAMS her again, then she throws Bayley by her hair! The fans boo Cora but she drags Bayley back up. Cora ROCKS Bayley with a forearm, then whips and ROCKS her again! Cora whips and ROCKS Bayley again, then puts Bayley on ropes. Cora runs in but Bayley avoids the elbow!

Bayley elbows Cora down, then runs to ELBOW Cora in the back! And SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Bayley is annoyed but the fans chant “NBA ALL-STAR!” Bayley blocks a kick, KNEES Cora, then snapmares her. Bayley hooks Cora up but Cora rolls Bayley, TWO! Bayley KNEES Cora back down! Cora bails out, Bayley shoots her shot and fans say “SWISH!” Bayley DIVES and down goes Cora! The fans fire up, Bayley brings Cora up, but Cora RAMS Bayley into the apron! Cora SMACKS Bayley off the apron, puts her in, but Bayley ROCKS Cora! Bayley has Cora in the ropes, but Cora HOTSHOTS her first!

Cora fires knees on Bayley in the ropes, then bumps Bayley off buckles. The fans boo Cora, but she KNEES Bayley down! Cora mocks Bayley while NXT goes picture in picture.

Cora steps in and covers, TWO! Bayley is tougher than that but Cora stomps her down. Cora SMACKS Bayley off the mat, then stalks her to the ropes. Cora CHOKES Bayley on the ropes, then runs to ELBOW Bayley in the back! Cover, TWO! Cora stalks Bayley, stomps her more, then bumps her off buckles. Cora stomps away, digs her boot in, but stops as the ref counts 4. Cora storms back up to whip Bayley corner to corner. Bayley goes up an dover, then rolls Cora up, TWO! Cora hurries to her feet and she LARIATS Bayley down! Cora soaks up more heat, then she drags Bayley into a chinlock. Bayley endures while Cora squeezes tight.

Bayley fights up and JAWBREAKERS free! But Cora RAMS Bayley into a corner, and SHINING WIZARDS! Bayley falls, Cora stomps her, then Cora soaks up heat. Cora runs to IMPLODER DOUBLE STOMP! Cover, TWO! Bayley stays in this and Cora grows frustrated. Cora clamps on with another chinlock, but Bayley endures again. Bayley fights up, arm-drags, but Cora holds on! Cora squeezes Bayley tighter but Bayley still endures. Bayley fights up, and now she arm-drags free! NXT returns to single picture, Cora runs back in, but Bayley FLAPJACKS her off buckles! Bayley then puts Cora in the ropes for a HOTSHOT!

Cora flops down and the fans rally up. Bayley brings Cora up, counter punches, then counter punches again! Bayley fires a flurry, but Cora knees low! Cora runs, but Bayley clinches! BAYLEY2BELLY! Cover, TWO!! Cora survives, but Bayley slowly rises back up. Cora staggers up, Bayley LARIATS! And LARIATS! Bayley bumps Cora off buckles, puts her in the ropes, and she CHOPS Cora! Bayley goes up for the STOCK DROP! Shoutout to The Boss, then a SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Cora survives, Bayley runs to sunset flip, but Cora sits on it! TWO!! Cora goes up to IMPLODER DOUBLE STOMP again! Cora hauls Bayley up for a GUT WRENCH PELX! Cover, TWO!

Cora grows frustrated but the fans rally up. Cora drags Bayley up and underhooks, but Bayley wrenches free! Clinch and- NO, Cora THRWOS Bayley into buckles! SHINING- NO, Bayley gets under, fireman’s carries, and swings for the SIDEWALK SLAM! Cover, TWO! Bayley hurries to put Cora in a drop zone, and Bayley hurries to climb up! Wait, Bayley’s old music plays? Because Roxanne Perez is cosplaying Hugger Bayley! Bayley is annoyed, but she still ROCKS Cora first! Bayley hits the MACHO ELBOW to a standing Cora! Cover, TWO!! Cora survives and Hugger Roxie is high-fiving fans. Bayley goes out to CLOBBER Roxie!

The fans fire up, Cora runs out there, but Bayley ROCKS her! Roxie scurries away, Cora gets Bayley with FUTURE SHOCK to the floor!! The fans boo but Cora puts Bayley in the ring, FUTURE SHOCK again! Cover, Cora wins!

Winner: Cora Jade, by pinfall

Roxie meant to screw over Bayley, but it seems like she only now realizes what that means: Cora got a win over a WWE Women’s Grand Slam Champion! Giulia and Ava Raine seem to talk something over, and then Ava makes her way out here! The NXT General Manager congratulates Cora on the biggest win of her career thus far. But all of this is getting settled on Saturday. Because now all three of them have a chance to become the NEW NXT Women’s Champion. That’s right, the Triple Threat is now a FATAL 4 WAY! Good luck, ladies. Cora says that’s right! Roxie says yeah, good for her. Cora can tell Roxie isn’t really happy for her, but then Bayley CLOBBERS them both!

Cora tumbles out, Roxie staggers up, into a BAYLEY2BELLY!! Bayley knocks both upstarts down, but will she be able to put them in their place this Saturday? Or will everyone succumb to the Beautiful Madness?

Sol Ruca talks with Zaria backstage.

They go over their win from last week’s tag match, and Sol says it worked because they did things her way. And maybe, they can keep this going. They’ll be facing Lash & Jakara next week, so Sol was thinking, they could do a training session together at the beach. Zaria says fine, but… That’ll be done her way. Zaria then hears Nikkita Lyons laughing and muttering to herself, and asks her what’s so funny. Nikkita says these two at the beach is a joke. But just imagine Nikkita at the beach. No, they’re good. Then how about they touch grass instead of sand. One win does not make you a tag team. Also, Sol is holding Zaria back.

Zaria says no, Sol is the most athletic woman in the division, and they just won here. Which is more than Nikkita can say. Oh, okay. Then how about Zaria steps in the ring with “Big Cat Kita” and find out. Nikkita leaves, Sol asks who the hell she thinks she is. Will the Agent of Change make sure Nikkita knows what’s up?

Oba Femi is here!

The fans cheer The Ruler as he struts to the ring, NXT Championship around his waist. “The date is set. This Saturday at Vengeance Day, Oba Femi will be defending his NXT Championship against Grayson Waller & Austin Theory, in a Triple Threat match. But let’s be real, that’s a Handicap Match, because it’s going to be Oba Femi VS A-Town Down Under. Because in their minds, they’re going to gang up and get rid of The Ruler. But then what? Then after that, I’ll tell you what. Their egos will become their greatest downfall. Because don’t get it messed up, after everything’s said and done, it’s only one man for themselves when it comes to this NXT Championship.”

But wouldn’t you know? Here comes A-Town Down Under! Theory & Waller have mics, and Waller tells “Oba-rated,” it’s too late. Oba is starting to feel the pressure facing some real stars. But trying to turn them against each other? They thought so much better of Oba. Honestly, this is pathetic. Does Oba not realize that he has to face Grayson Waller? A man who has not received his flowers here in NXT. Fans boo, but Theory says listen to this! Waller’s jumped off ladders! He has hit elbows through tables! He nearly risked his career every time he’s been in the ring. And who gets all the credit? Carmelo Hayes, Tony D’Angelo, and Bron Breakker.

All three of those guys and everyone else forgets that Waller is the pillar that helped shape NXT into what it is today! The fans boo more, but Theory says with that same help, Waller helps Theory become NXT Champion. Uh… Waller says yeah, and Oba’s fighting Austin Theory! He’s wanted to be a WWE superstar his whole life, and he did it easily! In NXT, he rode shotgun with little midget Johnny Gargano. And on Saturday, Theory rides shotgun again with the NEW NXT Champion, Grayson Waller. Oba says hold on, hold on. What they’re telling him is that they’ll both become NXT Champion? Hmm…

Waller says that title means a lot of him. You know how sick he gets hearing Bron Breakker’s name, hearing Carmelo Hayes’ name, hearing Trick Williams’ name, all because they had that, when Waller gave everything to have it and he was this close!? Waller will do whatever it takes, and that includes- Theory asks includes what. Theory’s never had that title, either. He’s been US Champion- And Theory beat John Cena! We get it! Waller is so sick of hearing that story. Guess what? No one cares. Fans, and Oba, like how heated this is getting, and Waller even mocks the You Can’t See Me!

Theory says, “Lemme tell you something, Grayson. That accomplishment is a very rare accomplishment. But I get someone like you not understanding, because you’ve never had a singles title of your own anyway.” Oof…! Waller says that’s not wrong. But Waller also remembers WrestleMania 40, when he was standing on top of the ladder, holding the WWE Tag Team Championships, and Theory was on the bottom rung like a cheerleader! Theory should be saying, “Thank You, Grayson! You saved my career!” Saved?! Theory doesn’t need to be saved, he’s just getting started! And in this Triple Threat, Theory will do whatever it takes to become NXT Champion!

Oh really? Like what? Theory says we start with this big dummy, and they put him through the announce table! Waller says they can hit him with chairs! Theory says they can throw everything they can on top of Oba, and then the desk on top of that! Waller says then he and Theory can decide who the champ will be, which is A-Town Down Under! Waller knows Oba came in with a plan, but it didn’t work. But on Saturday, there is nothing and no one who will stop Waller from getting that title. Nobody. Waller turns to go, but Theory turns him back around! Theory is mad, but Waller shoves him first!

Oba likes where this is going, but then Theory shoves Waller! Theory dares Waller to swing, so Waller swings! Theory ducks, and the shot hits Oba! Waller fires off on Oba, but Theory backs him off. Now ATDU mugs Oba together! The fans boo as this might’ve been the plan all along. ATDU then hold Oba up, DOUBLE ROLLING ELBOW! Theory lifts Oba to a fireman’s carry, A-TOWN DOWN, and then Waller somersaults for the DOWN UNDER STUNNER! The fans boo but then Waller holds up the belt. Theory steps over and grabs the belt, too. It still has to come down to one winner, but will ATDU make sure it’s one of them?

Eddy Thorpe speaks.

“Trick Williams, the face of NXT. Continuously handed opportunity after opportunity. All I wanted was once chance to prove myself, and I tried to do things the right way. But time after time, I was disregarded. By Ava, by Shawn Michaels, even by the WWE Universe. So Trick, you think you’ve been screwed over? Those people chant your name while they scoff at mine. Vengeance is the only thing that I seek now. For me, for my people, I’ll leave my mark one way or another. So what do you say, Trick? At Vengeance Day, if you’re man enough to accept the challenge, I’ll finish what I started here… in a STRAP MATCH!” Will Trick take on the Alpha Wolf in his own game?

NXT hears from Je’Von Evans’ physician.

Dr. David Cohen says that after extensive examination of Je’Von’s jaw, following reconstructive surgery and weeks of recovery, the jaw is healing on schedule. However, understanding the timeline Je’Von wants to have a match this Saturday, the team has expedited the process. Dr. Cohen says that yes, he will be cleared for the match at Vengeance Day. However, Dr. Cohen did express his great concern for re-injury if Je’Von takes any severe damage to the jaw. Another fracture could sideline Je’Von for a minimum of six months, and he would be medically disqualified from ever stepping into the ring again.

As of now, it is Je’Von’s decision on what he does, but Dr. Cohen reiterates, he is still cleared to face Ethan Page.

Je’Von meets with Ava.

The Young OG hopes she saw that statement from Dr. Cohen. He gets his match with Ethan now, right? Ava wants to make sure Je’Von paid attention to what Dr. Cohen said. He risks extensive and career-ending injury! Je’Von says he ain’t about that. Ethan won’t even have a chance to touch Je’Von! Well, Ava’s still worried. Then that’s a risk Je’Von is willing to take. Then Ava has no choice. He needs to sign this contract. If he insists on competing at Vengeance Day, the WWE cannot be held liable for anything that happens. Just think about it, oaky? Je’Von says yeah, he will. Done. He signs the contract! Je’Von is ready to go all or nothing, will he get vengeance on All Ego?

Triple Threat Tag: Josh Briggs & Yoshiki Inamura VS Myles Borne & Tavion Heights VS Hank ‘n’ Tank!

In pursuing Fraxiom and the NXT Tag Team Championships, the Bullhead City Brawler and Pro-Wrestling Noah’s Great Rush ended up in a rather Fraxiom style situation. While Inamura asked No Quarter Catch Crew to a match, Briggs did the same with the Blue Collar Belly Boys. Will Briggs & Inamura be able to overcome both the NQCC and BCBB? Or will another team prove themselves worthy of the next tag team title shot?

NXT returns as the NQCC makes their entrance, complete with Charlie Dempsey & Wren Sinclair. Then, last but not least, the two men who put this fight together in Briggs & Inamura. The teams sort out, and in this form of a Triple Threat, two teams are legal. Inamura steps up to Tank Ledger, and they RAM into each other at the bell! They RAM again, Inamura fires sumo palm strikes, then he CHOPS Tank! Hank runs up, but Inamura gives him sumo palm strikes and a CHOP, too! Inamura then sees Myles coming, and he SUMO POUNCES him! Inamura fires up, he blocks Tank’s punch to CHOP!

Inamura hits the three point stance, but Tank avoids the sumo attack! Inamura hits buckles, Tank runs, and Hank tags in! Tank RAMS Inamura, Hank LARIATS and BULLDOGS! Hank whips but Heights tags in. Inamura dodges Hank, Heights LARIATS Hank! Roll into the fireman’s carry, then tag to Myles. ASSISTED GUTBUSTER, and then a DOUBLE GUT WRENCH PLEX! Cover, TWO! Hank stays in this but Myles ROCKS him! Myles UPPERCUTS Hank, then he jumps up and rains down fists! Hank pops Myles into a HOTSHOT, then tags Tank. Tank runs up to scoop Myles, but Myles slips free into a SLEEPER!

Tank backs Myles up, Inamura tags in and he CHOPS Tank! Then he JABS Myles! And repeat! Briggs tags in, he BOOTS Heights, Inamura fires off more shots! Briggs tells Inamura to keep that up, and he SPLASHES Hank! Then he SPLASHES Heights! SHOTGUN for Hank! SHOTGUN for Heights! Inamura fires off more shots, then he and Briggs whip Tank. Tank cartwheels through!? And he DOUBLE CROSSBODIES! The fans fire up with Tank, then he runs up to SPLASH Briggs! Myles tags in, Tank whips Briggs, Briggs dodges Tank but Myles dodges Briggs! Tank dodges Myles, then Tank dodges Briggs!

Myles UPPERCUTS Briggs, Tank goes up and up to FLYING CROSSBODY! Myles whips Tank, tags Heights, but Tank DUMPS Myles! Tank BOOTS Heights, tags Hank! Tank gives Hank the boost, SEATED SENTON onto Heights! The fans fire up with the “HONK! HONK!” But Briggs & Inamura drag Hank ‘n’ Tank out! They brawl, Briggs FLYING SHOULDER TACKLES Myles! Hank ‘n’ Tank coordinate, then they “HONK HONK!” Hank ‘n’ Tank BIG BELLY SANDWICH Myles on the outside! The fans fire up as Hank runs at Heights, but into an OVERHEAD SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Hank survives and the fans fire up!

Wait, we can see Fraxiom in the perch! They’re enjoying the show as Heights HAMMERS Hank. Cover, TWO! Hank stays in this, and NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and NQCC has Tank! But Tank JAWBREAKERS Myles! Tank crawls for his corner, but Heights YANKS Hank down! Tank dodges Myles, and he hot tags Inamura! Inamura rallies on Myles, then short arm LARIATS! Inamura whips Myles to a corner, then scoop shim on the rebound, SPINNIIIIIING POWERSLAM! The fans fire up and Inamura hauls Myles up. Inamura whips Myles to the corner, SPLASHES, and Briggs tags in. Inamura bumps Myles off buckles, then runs to BLAST Heights off the apron! Briggs BOOTS Hank, then he whips Inamura in to SPLASH Myles! Briggs then BOOTS Myles!

Heights is back, but he gets a SIDEWALK SLAM and SPLASH! The fans fire up for Briggs, he runs, but Hank sneaks a tag! Myles DROPKICKS Briggs, Hank runs up! Myles hits the ORTON POWERSLAM! Tag to Heights, Tank runs up, they each dodge, but then they DOUBLE CROSSBODY, and they fall on Hank! Hank catching strays! Heights covers, Inamura & Briggs break it! The fans fire up for “NXT! NXT!” Dempsey & Wren coach their guys up, and Heights fires hands with Hank. They go back and forth, the fans rally and duel, and Hank windmills away on Heights! Heights ROCKS Hank, but Hank BOOTS Heights!

Briggs tags off Heights before Heights LARIATS Hank! Briggs steps in, Heights dodges Hank and Briggs BOOTS Hank! Then he runs but now Hank dodges, Briggs BOOTS Heights! Hank BOOTS Briggs, Heights LARIATS Hank! Briggs SHOTGUNS Heights! Briggs BOOTS Hank into a corner! The fans are fired up as Briggs pumps up, choke grips Hank, and MAYHEM BOMB!! Cover, HEIGHTS & MYLES BREAK IT! They mug Briggs, Tank DIVES onto them all! The fans are thunderous, and Hank goes up?! “HONK HONK” CROSSBODY! Hank wipes out everyone, then he puts Briggs in! Wheelbarrow and BUBBA BOMB!! Cover, TWO?!?

The fans can’t believe it and neither can Hank! “This is Awesome!” as Briggs finds a way to survive. Hank goes to the apron, then he goes back up a corner. Briggs sputters, staggers, but he manages to ROCK Hank first. Briggs climbs up, he choke grips Hank, but Hank fires elbows! Hank SHOVES Briggs down, adjusts, and he LEAPS! Briggs dodges, tag to Inamura! CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL, and then Briggs BLASTS NQCC off the apron! Inamura fires himself up for the GREAT RUSH FROG SPLASH!! Cover, Briggs & Inamura win!

Winners: Josh Briggs & Yoshiki Inamura, by pinfall

A big win for the newest duo, and Nathan Frazer has a mic to say alright! That’s what he’s talking about, lads! Congrats! Axiom says yeah, Briggs is one of the most underrated guys in NXT, legitimately. And Inamura, they can see what the hype was about. But after tonight, they deserve their chance at these tag titles. They wanted it, and the problem is, they’ve got it. So see you at VENGEANCE DAY! Saturday got that much bigger, but will Fraxiom be able to #NeverSlowDown when they take on Briggs & Inamura? Or are they about to run into a couple of brick rules?

The D’Angelo Family talks backstage.

Tony D is with Stacks, Luca, Rizzo… and Izzi Dame… Luca says it’ll be another big night for The Don, and Rizzo says yeah, The Don always steps up. Stacks says he and Tony have been on different pages these days, and he wants to apologize. He’s just been stuck in his own head, thinking about how to handle things on his own, like Tony said. Tony doesn’t wanna do things without the family, but- Tony says relax, Stacks. They’re good. He meant what he said, though. It is a cage match, so he has to do this alone. But hey, Luca knows, Rizzo knows, and even Izzi knows. We’re all good. But what do they always say? FOGEDABOUTIT~!

Stacks says yeah, okay, it’ll be good. Tony heads out to prepare, but will the cage be the least of his worries when he’s stuck in there with Ridge the Fridge?

NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Lexis King VS JDC!

The Drama King claims he never really turned over that new leaf, and now he is fully embracing being his father’s son. But will that help him when he’s thrown away the Heritage Cup rules to do this first fall to a finish? Or will Johnny “Dango” Curtis take this NXT trophy with him to TNA?

The introductions are made, the cup is raised, and we see if The King succeeds doing things his way!

The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, go around, and JDC arm-drags King. King gets up in a huff, and the two reset. They feel things out, King waistlocks, and he SLAMS JDC down. King facelocks, and he rolls with JDC as JDC tries to roll free. JDC fights up, King wrenches, but JDC wrenches to WRING King! King gets up but JDC arm-drags! JDC has the cording hold, but King scrambles around. King fights up, but JDC cranks the hold. King puts JDC in a corner, the ref counts, but King fakes a punch! JDC flinches, King tosses his hair to taunt JDC, but JDC CHOPS! and CHOPS! And CHOPS again!

King goes to a corner, JDC CHOPS again! JDC whips, King reverses, but JDC goes up and sunset flips! TWO! King swings, but into a wrench and backslide, ONE! King KNEES JDC! JDC flops out of the ring, the fans boo, but King goes back to his corner. King mocks the Heritage Cup rules by “refreshing” himself, dabbing away the sweat, but JDC rolls him up! TWO! JDC LARIATS King up and out, then he PLANCHAS! Direct hit and the fans fire up! JDC touches the Cup, the fans are behind him and TNA, but NXT goes picture in picture.

JDC uses a towel to dab sweat from his brow now, then he CHOPS King! King staggers and sputters, JDC ROCKS him again. JDC puts King in the ring, but King slips out the side. JDC follows, but King RAMS him into the apron! And then he hits an APRON BACK SUPLEX! JDC hobbles and falls, but King is right on him. King puts JDC in the ring, hurries after him, and KNEES him in the side! King rains down fists, then knuckle lock covers, TWO! King holds onto the hands and he drags JDC up for a back suplex BACKBREAKER! JDC writhes, King mocks the Dango dance, then he slaps JDC around.

King pie faces JDC, JDC SLAPS King! King KNEES low, CLUBS JDC, then CHOPS! JDC goes to a corner, King brings him around and bumps him off buckles. King digs his boots in, but stops as the ref counts. King soaks up heat, but JDC CHOPS him! And CHOPS him! King ROCKS JDC, whips, then kitchen sink knees! King KICKS JDC in the back! King then runs to CROWNING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! King is still on JDC with a wristlock, then he scrapes his sole off JDC’s face. King hauls JDC up to whip him corner to corner, then he LARIATS! And CHOPS! King then scoops for a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!

JDC toughs it out, but King clamps onto him with a motorcycle stretch. JDC endures, fights up, and he turns things around, only for King to turn it back around! King CLUBS JDC, put shim in a corner, and then whips corner to corner. NXT returns to single picture as the fans still rally for JDC. King soaks up the heat, then CHOPS! King whips JDC corner to corner, but JDC ELBOWS him away! JDC goes up, but King avoids the missile dropkick! King grabs a leg, works to turn JDC, but JDC KICKS free! JDC CHOPS, and CHOPS, and whips. King reverses, then he rolls JDC into the HALF CRAB! JDC endures, crawls, reaches out, but King drags him back!

King stomps away on JDC, KICKS him, then lets go to throw a forearm down! Cover, TWO! King grows frustrated with JDC, but the fans rally up. King stands JDC up, whips him to ropes, then ROCKS him in the back! The fans boo King, but King just soaks it up. King stands JDC up again, but JDC LARIATS him down! King and JDC go to corners, then JDC runs up! UPPERCUT! JDC runs again to UPPERCUT! And UPPERCUT! RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! The fans rally up, JDC brings King around, suplex and FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! King survives and bails out to the apron! JDC builds speed to FLY! Direct hit on King!

The fans fire up as JDC gets King up and into the ring! JDC climbs a corner, and he SUPER LEG DROPS! Cover, TWO?!? King survives and the fans argue, “That Was Three!” JDC climbs again, but King hits the ropes! That trips JDC up, and King drags him along the ropes! SUPER CORONATION!! Cover, King wins!

Winner: Lexis King, by pinfall (still NXT Heritage Cup Champion)

King may have thrown out the Heritage Cup rules, but he didn’t throw away his book of dirty tricks! But a win is a win as far as he’s concerned. Will the Drama King ever be humbled?

Bayley talks with Ava backstage.

Bayley says Ava’s doing a great job. Bayley is now going to get her hands on Cora at Vengeance Day, too. But now Roxie storms in so she can complain about how her chances just went down in that match! Ava says Roxie should’ve thought about that before she went out there. Bayley says yes, she really should have. Is this all Roxie does? Just whine and complain? Roxie says regardless, she’ll become a record-breaking THREE-TIME Women’s Champion! Bayley says good luck with that. Also, she kinda likes Roxie in the Hugger gear. Best she’s looked, “you ugly little idiot.” Bayley leaves, and Cora steps in.

Cora asks Roxie what was she just saying, and Roxie says it was nothing. Just that there will be a new champion on Saturday. Yeah, Cora agrees. And it’ll be Cora. Roxie said it herself, it is finally Cora’s turn to win the NXT Women’s Championship, and Roxie gets to be right there to see it. Cora leaves, Roxie says, “Yeah right. Over my dead body.” Ava raises an eyebrow at that, but then looks away before Roxie sees. Will that be what it takes to stop The Prodigy from taking the title back? Or will NXT truly enter the Generation of Jade?

Fatal Influence walks ‘n’ talks backstage.

They know Stephanie Vaquer is good, but there’s also strength in numbers. And none of them thinks Vaquer has any friends. Well, maybe Giulia, but she’s got her hands full that night, too. Kelani Jordan walks in and she knew she’d find them here. If Fallon keeps the Women’s North American Championship past Saturday, Kelani wants next. Fallon says yeah, nice try, but she already had her rematch, remember? Well, Fallon didn’t face this Kelani? Jacy says Kelani should be more worried about Jaida Parker. And speaking of, Miss Parker steps in. And Jaida says she appreciates that, cuz that’s facts. Kelani stays thinking about Jaida 24/7.

Kelani says no, not really. Jaida says don’t lie to yourself, baby girl. Because unfortunately for Miss Thang, Jaida doesn’t have any time to be focused on her. She is focused on the Women’s North American Championship, though, so best believe Jaida has next. Ashante THEE Adonis walks in, says pause and rewind. His girl, Karmen, beat Jaida and Kelani. So the only woman deserving the shot is the “Gold Blooded Queen,” Karmen Petrovic. Kelani and Jaida both scoff at that, and Fallon says she won’t deal with this crap. They can figure that out themselves. Fatal Influence leaves, but will it even be Fallon’s gold after Vaquer’s through with her?

Zaria w/ Sol Ruca VS Nikkita Lyons!

The Agent of Change and the Sol Surfer are ready to turn the tide and ride the wave of momentum as a team, but the prideful Lyons thinks otherwise. Will Nikkita get herself going again with a win here tonight? Or will Zaria be the one teaching Lyons a lesson?

NXT returns as Zaria makes her entrance, Sol by her side. The bell rings, Zaria steps to Lyons, and Lyons fires the first forearm! Zaria comes back with a forearm, they go back and forth, faster and faster, then Zaria BOOTS and DISCUS LARIATS! And LARITS! And BOOTS! Lyons staggers, Zaria waistlocks, but Lyons fights the lift. Lyons hip checks free then GERMAN SUPLEXES Zaria! Lyons goes up, up, but Zaria stops her! Zaria CLUBS Lyons, gets under her, and Lyons holds onto ropes, but not for long! Lyons hurries to RANA free! Lyons gets up but Zaria ducks the kick! GERMAN SUPLEX! Lyons flounders and the fans fire up!

Lyons goes to ropes, Zaria goes to the other side. Both women rise up, the fans duel, and both women roar! They run up to DOUBLE LARIAT! Neither falls, so they DOUBLE LARIAT again! Lyons then dodges to THRUST KICK! Cover, TWO! Zaria survives, but Lyons clamps onto her for a CAMEL CLUTCH! Zaria endures as Lyons pulls her back! And does the splits! Sheik never did it like that…! But Zaria still fights up, carries Lyons as a backpack, and she hits a BACKPACK SENTON! The fans fire up while Zaria goes to a corner. Zaria runs up, but Lyons KNEES her down! Lyons goes up, up, and VADER BOMB FLOPS!

Zaria reloads, and she runs up, SPEAR!! Then the fireman’s carry! DELTA FORCE 5! Cover, Zaria wins!

Winner: Zaria, by pinfall

Sol celebrates alongside her teammate as she brings down the Big Cat! Will these two become even stronger as a duo until they’re the ones with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships?

Ethan Page speaks.

“I’ve been told Je’Von Evans is medically cleared for our match this Saturday at Vengeance Day. I can’t say I’m surprised. You’re pretty resilient. But you lead with your heart, and not your head. You have a long career ahead of you. Multiple championship title reigns. Potential of being the Face of NXT. Maybe even all of WWE. But you can’t help yourself, can you, Je’Von? You’re willing to risk it all just to get your hands on me. Kid, you’ve got a million dollar smile, and a ten cent brain. What’s about to happen to you is not my fault. You’ve got a giant bull’s eye on your jaw, and this time, I’m not gonna break it, Je’Von, I’m gonna shatter it.

“You thought Lowell, Mass was bad? This Saturday, it’ll be ten times worse. Je’Von, you’re looking for vengeance? After Saturday, the only thing you’ll be looking for is a new career. Because I plan to end yours.” All Ego is going All Psycho again, but will Je’Von be the hero that brings down this villain?

There’s a Roadblock up ahead!

On Tuesday, March 11th, NXT goes to The Theater in Madison Square Garden! It’ll be the last chance to change course before Stand & Deliver on WrestleMania Weekend, who will be the champions after NXT hits the Big Apple?

Trick Williams is here!

Sarah Schreiber interviews the former NXT Champion up in the perch, and says Eddy challenged him to the Strap Match. It’s his call, so what’s his response? Trick tells Eddy, if he wants the Strap Match, then he’s got it! Eddy cost Trick the NXT Championship! Eddy’s out here, running his mouth, and that’s fine. But here’s what they’ll do about it. Trick and Eddy are gonna have that Strap Match! Eddy will have to look Trick eye to eye, man to man, and then Trick will whoop dat ass. Will Trick have his vengeance on Eddy this Saturday?

RICKY STARKS IS HERE?!

“Ohh~ this feels right!” The Absolute surprises everyone by sneaking in from the back!! The former AEW star, the DEFY Wrestling Champion, is now in NXT!! The fans are going nuts, and Starks says they obviously know who he is. And if NXT is the future of pro-wrestling, then guess what? You need an absolute star of the future! And if this is the hottest brand, then you need the hottest free agent, baby. The fans cheer that! Starks says do not let the handsome face and expensive fragrance fool you, he is here to turn this place upside-down! And everybody’s been begging him the question, “When will the revolution be televised again?”

Well, he’s here, ain’t he? Starks poses, the fans cheer more, and the future is now absolute! But how quickly can Starks rise to the top here in not just NXT, but ALL of WWE?

Giulia talks with Stephanie Vaquer.

The NXT Women’s Champion wishes Vaquer good luck for Saturday, and Vaquer thanks her friend, and says good luck back. After Vaquer wins the North American title, there is only one place left to go. Giulia nods, and then Ridge walks by. He nods to the ladies, then makes his way to gorilla. Will La Primera be just as golden as The Beautiful Madness after Saturday? Will Ridge be golden after the main event tonight? We find out, after the break!

Andre Chase walks the halls.

He still seems rather disheveled, but Kale Dixon finds him again and brings it in for a handshake. How’s it going, man? Chase says he’s fine, but asks what’s going on here. Kale says this is pregame, because it is about to get lit. But wait, Chase needs to meet Uriah. Uriah Connors, meet Mr. Chase! Connors is honored to meet Mr. Chase, and says it sounds like Chase knows how to have fun. Wanna come out with them? Chase thanks them for the invite, but says he can’t, not on a school night. Wait, school? Didn’t Chase U die? Kale says don’t say that, man! Chase says Connors is right, though. Chase U is dead. Just… Old habits die hard.

Chase leaves, and both Kale & Connors feel bad now. But then Connors says they’ll see about that. Could that school spirit be revived?

NXT North American Championship Steel Cage Match: Tony D’Angelo VS Ridge Holland!

The D’Angelo Family became the new target of Yorkshire Grit, all because of the gold around The Don’s waist. And for whatever reason, Izzi Dame helped Tony retain once, only to suggest this very stipulation for the rematch! Will Tony survive the It Girl raising the stakes? Or will he be put on ice by Ridge the Fridge?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and the cage door is locked because there’s NO escape! Time to see who survives the steel to hold the gold!

The bell rings and both men run up! They both ROCK each other with forearms, then run back up to ROCK each other again! Ridge throws a haymaker, Tony fires back, and repeat! Ridge kicks Tony’s bad leg, CLUBS him on the back, then runs him at the wall, only for Tony to stop himself from hitting steel! Tony fires body shots, then he pushes Ridge at the wall, only for Ridge to stop himself. Ridge fires body shots in return, but Tony fires haymakers! Tony fires body shots, then whips, only for Ridge to reverse. Tony comes back to CLOBBER Ridge! The fans fire up and Tony brings Ridge up. Tony fires up, and he fires body shots!

The fans cheer the hockey scrum, and then Tony hits a HALF HATCH PLEX! Cover, TWO! Ridge goes to ropes but Tony storms up after him. Tony brings Ridge around, fires more body shots, but Ridge wrenches and KNEES low! The fans boo but Ridge UPPERCUTS Tony! Ridge stalks Tony but Tony fires haymakers! Tony whips, Ridge bounces off buckles, and Tony LARIATS him down! The fans cheer and Tony stands Ridge up. Ridge fights the bearhug with a THUMB to the eye! The fans boo, but Ridge KICKS Tony to ropes. Ridge runs in, but Tony TOSSES him at the steel! Ridge rises but Tony runs in, only for Ridge to dodge! Now Tony crashes into steel!

The fans boo and the ref checks Tony, but Ridge grins. Tony is okay, but stuck between ropes and steel, while NXT goes picture in picture.

Ridge drags himself up, and then he stomps away on Tony! Ridge drags Tony up, then turns him around, to UPPERCUT Tony in the back! Tony is sent into the steel, but Ridge pulls him back. Ridge UPPERCUTS Tony again, and again! Tony flops down, Ridge drags him to a cover, TWO! Tony is still in this but Ridge stays calm. Ridge stretches out his back, then drags Tony up to TOSS him into the steel! Ridge then drags Tony up to TOSS him into more steel! Tony stagger sup, but Ridge DECKS him! Ridge drops a Regal Knee, then he drags Tony up again. Ridge scoops Tony, takes aim, but Tony slips free! Tony SHOVES Ridge into steel, then rolls him up, TWO!

Tony hurries to fire hands and kicks on Ridge! Tony whips, Ridge reverses, and Ridge pops Tony up to a fireman’s carry! SNAKE EYES! Tony flops back, Ridge huffs ‘n’ puffs, and he storms back over to Tony. Ridge drags Tony up to OVERHEAD SUPLEX again! Tony flounders, Ridge paces, and then Ridge drops onto the cover. TWO, but Ridge looms over Tony. Ridge makes sure the Family is watching as he fires crossface forearms and then an ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Tony toughs it out, but Ridge clamps on a cobra clutch as NXT returns to single picture. The fans rally up for Tony, the Family coaches Tony, but Ridge ripcords and CLOBBERS Tony!

Ridge clamps back onto Tony with the cobra clutch. The fans rally again while Tony endures. Ridge thrashes Tony around, but Tony fights up to JAWBREAKER free! But Ridge returns to LARIAT Tony down! Cover, TWO! Ridge rains down fists on Tony, no room to breathe! The fans boo but Ridge paces around. Ridge goes up the corner, but the ref explains there are no escapes in this match. Tony springs up after Ridge, but Ridge SHOVES Tony down! Ridge adjusts position, takes a breath, and then DIVING HEADBUTT FLOPS! The fans fire up as Tony avoids disaster! Tony storms up on Ridge to then TOSS him into steel!

Tony TOSSES Ridge into another wall, and another wall, and then the fourth wall! Tony clinches for a BELLY2BELLY! The fans fire up, and Tony clinches again, BELLY2BELLY! Tony hauls Ridge up again, FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Ridge survives but the Family coaches Tony up again. Tony waits on Ridge as Ridge slowly gets up. Ridge stands, Tony runs up, but into a BOOT! The fans boo but Ridge scoops, NORTHERN GRIT!! Cover, TWO?!? Tony survives and Ridge can’t believe it! The fans rally for Tony more, but Ridge is right on him. Tony fires a haymaker, Ridge fires it back!

The shots go back and forth, then Ridge HEADBUTTS! Tony wobbles, Ridge winds up, but Tony almost slips through! Tony at least muffled the damage, then kicks low! Tony reels Ridge in, gets him up, BOMB INTO THE STEEL!! Ridge scrapes the steel, and then staggers up, into a SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!!! Ridge survives and Tony is shocked! Wait, Izzi is suddenly ringside again, and she brings out the crowbar! Well, no disqualifications in this kind of match, but Stacks tells Izzi to stop that! Izzi says she’s just trying to help! Stacks says yeah, good point, and he slips the crowbar in after all.

Izzi rolls her eyes at Stacks, he could’ve just let her do it. But Tony does see the bar, only for Ridge to also see it! Both men grab the crowbar, and they tug-o-war! Ridge HEADBUTTS Tony, then CROWBAR BODY SHOTS! Then Ridge CRACKS Tony in the back with the crowbar! Ridge puts the crowbar in his armband, CROWBAR LARIAT!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Tony survives and no one can believe it!! Ridge is furious, but he has the bar again! Ridge tells Tony to look to his Family and tell them he’s failed! But Tony CLAWS Ridge’s eyes!! The fans cheer as Tony gets even, CROWBAR CRACK! SPINEBUSTER!! Cover, TONY WINS!!

Winner: Tony D’Angelo, by pinfall (still NXT North American Champion)

The Family and the NXT fans all cheer that The Don just survived one hell of a fight! The cage door is opened so they can go inside to join Tony, but Ridge CLOBBERS Stacks & Luca! Then he DOUBLE LARIATS! They brawl 2v1, Stacks & Luca chase Ridge backstage! Izzi & Rizzo help Tony up, but wait! Shawn Spears and his crew have shown up! Izzi grabs the crowbar while Rizzo shuts the door! Rizzo tells Spears, Jensen & Vance to leave them alone! But then Izzi  CRACKS Tony with the crowbar!! Rizzo is shocked, but then she lets go of the door! Spears, Jensen & Vance get in, and they shut the door! Izzi hits Rizzo with the VOLLEYBALL SPIKE CHOKE SLAM!!

The Chair Man and The It Girl smile, as their plan has succeeded! Spears has his chair, but Jensen & Vance mug Tony first! The fans boo but Spears has his men stand back. Then Spears SMACKS away on Tony with the chair! Spears gives Jensen the chair to set it down, and Spears climbs up. Vance hauls Tony up to put on Spears’ shoulders! But wait, Stacks & Luca return! Only for Jensen to SMACK Stacks off the steel using the chair! Vance BLASTS Luca, too! And then Spears grins as it’s back to what he has planned. Luca shouts don’t do it, but too late! SUPER FULL METAL C4!!!! The fans boo as hard as they can, but the damage is done!

Spears and his squad stand over The Don, and their target is clear. Will they not only take the NXT North American Championship, but tear down the D’Angelo Family once and for all?

Vengeance rules the day.

But as the hype package finishes up, we get more glimpses at those mysterious four from last week. Various skull masks, but that’s all we get. Who are they? And what do they have planned for NXT?

My Thoughts:

A great, maybe even awesome NXT, especially for a go-home. Granted, a lot of expected story developments, but all done in very exciting ways. Bayley VS Cora was a very good opening match, and it was incredibly clever for Roxie to taunt Bayley with her original gimmick. I guess Roxie just thought she and Bayley would brawl to give Bayley the win by disqualification, but then Cora wins and tada, Fatal 4 Way. That part was clear when Cora threw a fit last week, and the Women’s Championship match will be even greater now. I still feel like Giulia finds a way to win, because she can pit Roxie and Cora against each other, and Bayley’s a main roster star, she doesn’t need this title.

Good promo from Fatal Influence with Kelani, Jaida and Adonis on Karmen’s behalf. Kelani VS Jaida VS Karmen will be a really good Triple Threat, but c’mon, it has to be for Vaquer’s first challenger, not Fallon’s next. I would really hope Vaquer wins on Saturday, but between Fatal Influence and perhaps even Lola Vice going after her, there is a small chance Vaquer loses. Then after a very good steel cage match, I figured we’d get the reveal of Izzi’s true allegiance. I do appreciate this was a No Escape Cage Match. Bringing in the crowbar was a good touch, and you could just feel Izzi was going to hit Tony when she hung back. We’ll definitely get Six Man Tag, Mixed Six, maybe even a Mixed 8 Person, all to lead up to Tony VS Spears for the title.

Awesome Triple Threat Tag, and of course Briggs & Inamura won. Fraxiom giving them the tag title match for Vengeance Day is a little surprising, but why not? The tag title match can be a hot opener to get the fans going, as is the NXT standard formula. Maybe Briggs & Inamura win, and maybe they give Fraxiom a rematch at Roadblock since that’s coming back again. Also c’mon, that show is gonna have to be bordering on PLE status, it’ll be in The Theater at MSG, NYC. And very good promos from Eddy and Trick to set up a Strap Match, that thing could be a show stealer for how violent it’ll get.

Je’Von of course gets “medically cleared” for Vengeance Day, but we didn’t quite get the Unsanctioned match. A “Hold Harmless” contract is good stuff, but I would think Je’Von wins out to get revenge on Ethan. Too bad they released Cedric Alexander, or else he could be part of things on Saturday, such as distracting Ethan and celebrating with Je’Von. Well, I suppose Dante Chen could take that role since he was another of Ethan’s victims. And either way, Je’Von winning against Ethan should send Je’Von towards a title match. Of course, at this point, the Heritage Cup Championship is probably the one.

Lexis VS JDC was a great match, but I’m a little disappointed they went through with making it standard rules. Maybe that’s just while Lexis reigns, and someone restores the Heritage Cup Division rules after they beat Lexis. Very good promo segment from Oba with A-Town Down Under. I liked the trash talk Theory and Waller gave each other, but I suppose it also works that they mostly held it together as a team for tonight. The Triple Threat will be the real test, and I’m pretty sure Oba still retains, using Theory and Waller against each other.

Good promo from Zaria and Sol with Lyons to set up that match, and very good match from Zaria VS Lyons. Good win for Zaria, but I’m still not sure how this story between Zaria and Sol is supposed to go. The Chase U revival story is gaining some ground now that Kale brought in his friend, Uriah Connors. I’m still confused as to why they haven’t gotten the former Chase U members going. Sadly, they released Duke Hudson, despite him being good in the ring and fairly charismatic. There’s still hope for Thea Hail and maybe even Riley Osborne, if they’d just get them going again.

And then holy crap, it is happening! Ricky Starks was let out of his AEW contract, so he’s now here in NXT! A little odd he didn’t say his name, or that commentary and WWE social media have been coy about who he is, because it’s his legal name, “Richard Starks.” But maybe they just wanted to finalize some things before they formally introduced him as Ricky Starks full stop. Honestly, Ricky could and should jump right to the top title like Ethan Page did. The North American title is preoccupied in the Tony VS Spears thing, and the Heritage Cup is not good enough for Starks. Starks VS Oba would be some great stuff, really, maybe even Stand & Deliver worthy.

My Score: 8.9/10

Rey Mysterio and Logan Paul meet again!

As if fighting for a spot in the Elimination Chamber wasn’t enough, Logan Paul screwed Rey Mysterio in last week’s tag match! Will Rey have his revenge?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Iyo Sky & Dakota Kai VS Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez; Iyo & Dakota win.
• Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier: Bayley VS Lyra Valkyria; Bayley wins and advances to Elimination Chamber.
• WWE World Tag Team Championships: The War Raiders VS The Creed Brothers w/ Ivy Nile; The War Raiders win, by disqualification, and retain the titles.
• Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier: Rey Mysterio VS Logan Paul; Logan wins and advances to Elimination Chamber.

PLAY BY PLAY

Jey Uso is here!

And as always, “Please, please, hit my music! Oh yeah, uh uh, YEET!” Nashville may be about country music, but they’re ready to rock with Jey tonight! Jey high-fives a young fan, blows a kiss to the rest, then has another young fan join in on the bounce! Jey then reaches ground level, goes to ringside to dap it up with Pat & Maggle, then he high-fives a few more fans before going to the ring. The bouncing continues, just as it has since Jey won the Men’s Royal Rumble! The fans want to keep going, so Jey says why not. The YEET continues, and Jey stands on the desk. Jey makes sure everyone’s ready, “UUUSO~!”

OH NO! Gunther trips Jey off the desk! The fans boo as Der Ring General ruins the good time, to hit Jey with a DESK BACK SUPLEX! Jey writhes and sputters, but Gunther stands him up. Jey fires haymakers! Gunther RAMS Jey into the apron, CHOPS him down, then shoves him into the ring. Gunther then waits on Jey to stand up, just to BOOT him back down! The fans boo more, but Gunther drags Jey up. Gunther RIPS the Tennessee Volunteers YEET shirt off, then CHOPS Jey again! Jey falls and clutches his stinging chest, but the fans chant, “YOU SUCK!” Gunther doesn’t care, he just GUNTHER BOMBS Jey down!

The fans boo as Gunther then gets in Jey’s face. Refs and producers rush out here to stop Gunther, but Gunther tells Jey not to choose him. Gunther backs off, but then he shoves through security to get Jey back up! GUNTHER BOMB!! The fans boo as hard as they can, but Gunther actually leaves this time. Gunther did warn Jey that life would become Hell until Jey chose anyone other than him. But wait, Jey grabs the mic! Jey sits up, and while fans chant YYEET! YEET! YEET!” and while Gunther says Jey is not worthy, Jey tells Gunther, “I shouldn’t say this. Maybe I shouldn’t say this. Me and you at WrestleMania!”

The fans fire up as the decision has been made! Gunther is furious and he storms back to the ring! Gunther slides in, but Jey fires off on him! The fans are thunderous as Gunther falls back, and Jey FLIES! Jey wipes out Gunther and security! Jey still wants after Gunther, but security keeps these men separated! Will Main Event Jey be the one to finally humble the World Heavyweight Champion?

Backstage interview with Rhea Ripley.

Cathy Kelley is with the Women’s World Champion, and she is remorseful for last week’s mistake in messing up Iyo’s match with Liv. How is she dealing with those feelings? Rhea says if Liv makes it to WrestleMania, Rhea deals with her then. But for now, we’re all waiting for “The Top Girl” to choose her WrestleMania opponent. And it feels like Charlotte is stalling, wasting our time and just trying to stay relevant. But then Damage CTRL walks over. Iyo tells Rhea that she may’ve cost her WrestleMania. But even so, she’s coming after Rhea. Rhea says she can’t wait. DMG CTRL looks to get even with Judgment Day, but will things continue to fall apart for the Genius of the Sky?

Iyo Sky & Dakota Kai VS Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez!

Another headline is that after a concussion concern, #CobraKai is back in action! Will she help Iyo with that revenge? Or will Liv & Raquel be rolling towards all their WrestleMania dreams?

Raw returns and DMG CTRL makes their entrance. The teams sort out, Iyo and Liv start and the fans are on Iyo’s side. But then Liv slips away to tag Raquel. The fans boo and Iyo calls out Liv, but Raquel steps to Iyo. Raquel pats Iyo on the head, but Iyo SLAPS her! Raquel hoists Iyo up with both hands! Raquel THROWS Iyo to a corner, runs up, but into a kick! Iyo kicks the legs out, then runs to hurdle over. Tag to Dakota, they fire off kick after kick, then they trip Raquel up! DOUBLE BASEMENT DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Dakota brings Raquel up, but Raquel shoves her to a corner. Dakota dodges then runs back in, only for Raquel to pick her up!

Dakota flying-mares free, then runs up again. Raquel THROWS Dakota away this time, then LARIATS her down! Tag to Liv and the fans boo. Liv laughs, but Dakota SCOPRION KICKS her! Liv sits down, Dakota tags Iyo, and Liv tries to retreat! Iyo drags Liv back, ducks the lariat, and fires forearms! The fans fire up and Iyo runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Liv avoids the handspring! Iyo SHOTGUNS Liv down! Raquel tags in, Liv runs up but Iyo dodges Liv. Iyo ROCKS Raquel, Liv waistlocks Iyo, but Iyo standing switches. Liv runs to ropes and Raquel BOOTS Iyo off her! The fans boo but Raquel hauls Iyo up for another two-handed THROW to the corner!

Raquel fires forearms, tags Liv, and then Liv stomps away on Iyo. The ref counts. Liv stops to tag Raquel, and Raquel stands Iyo up. Raquel fires forearms and elbows, then she tags Liv. Liv stomps Iyo more, then tells the ref to leave her alone! Tag to Raquel, Raquel sends Liv in, and Liv back body blocks! Liv sends Raquel in for a SPLASH! Scoop and SLAM, cover, TWO! Raquel throws Iyo down again, then stomps her. Raquel drags Iyo up to bump her off buckles. Raquel stomps Iyo, tags Liv, and Liv climbs. Raquel feeds Iyo to KNEES from Liv, and Liv FLYING BULLDOGS! Cover, TWO! Liv mocks the Iyo fans, then tags Raquel.

Liv stands Iyo up for Raquel to ROCK with a body shot! Raquel pie faces Iyo, Iyo hits back, but Raquel CLOBBERS her for it! Raquel scoops, but Iyo slips into a SLEEPER! The fans fire up as Raquel flails! Raquel goes to a corner, but Iyo sends her into buckles! Iyo crawls, Raquel hauls her up to back suplex! Iyo lands out, dodges Raquel, hot tag to Dakota! Dakota ROCKS Raquel, fires forearm after forearm, then UPPERCUTS! ROLLING ELBOWS! Dakota runs, and she LARIATS! Raquel stays up, Dakota kicks the legs out, then she KICKS Raquel to a corner. Dakota runs side to side to BOOT WASH! Cover, TWO!

Liv cheers and coaches Raquel. Raquel goes to the apron but Dakota puts her through ropes! JUMP STOMP! Liv runs in but Dakota TOSSES her out! The fans fire up as Dakota goes to the apron, PENALTY KCIK for Liv! Dakota runs at Raquel now, but Raquel dodges the boot! Raquel POSTS Dakota, Dakota falls back, and the fans boo while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Raquel has Dakota in a cobra clutch! Dakota fights up, but Raquel keeps her from Iyo. Dakota drops down to roll Raquel out of the ring! Raquel hurries back in, drags Dakota back by a leg, but Dakota ENZIGIRIS! The fans fire up as Dakota crawls again! Hot tags to Liv and Iyo! The fans fire up as Iyo rallies with SHOTEI after SHOTEI, then a DROPKICK! Iyo whips, Liv reveres, but Iyo DUMPS Liv to the apron! Iyo DECKS Liv, HOTSHOTS Raquel, and the fans fire up! Iyo builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit and down go Liv & Raquel! The fans fire up as Iyo puts Liv in then climbs up top!

Iyo aims, Liv stands, MISSILE DROPKICK! Liv flounders to the far corner, and Iyo kips up! The fans fire up again, and Iyo says all aboard! SHINKANSEN! Iyo pushes Liv to the cover, TWO! Liv survives that bullet train, but Iyo goes up, up, and OVER THE MOONSAULT, but she blocks Liv’s boots! Iyo drags Liv up and into underhooks! BUTTERFLY BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Liv survives again and she flounders away. Iyo is frustrated, but she runs in again, but Raquel drags Liv out of the way! Iyo hits buckles, Raquel tags in! Liv runs up to SHINING WIZARD! Feed to Raquel, and then Liv goes up! CODE BREAKER FLAPJACK COMBO! Cover, TWO!!

The fans fire up and Liv is beside herself! Liv tags back in, and Raquel hoists her up! POWERBOMB SENTON onto knees! Iyo saves herself and Raquel is furious! Iyo DUMPS Raquel out, hurries for her corner, hot tag to Dakota! “This is Awesome!” as Iyo GERMAN SUPLEXES Liv! Dakota lines up a shot, hops on, KAI-ROPRACTOR! Cover, Raquel breaks it! The fans boo but Raquel hoists Liv up again! Raquel SWINGS her into Iyo, SWINGS her into Dakota, then hoists her up again, POWERBOMB SENTON! Raquel gives Dakota the VADER- NO, Dakota avoids the elbow drop! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!! Cover, IYO BREAKS IT!!

The fans are thunderous as all four women are down! “This is Awesome!” and Liv is busted open! Dakota crawls, hot tag to Iyo! Raquel grabs Dakota, BOOTS Iyo, then reels Dakota in! POWER- RANA! Dakota sends Raquel to a corner, goes Around the World, and BOOTS Raquel down! Liv hits a CODE BREAKER! Iyo rolls Liv up! TWO!! Liv kicks low, KICKS again, then ENZIGIRIS! Liv roars, but Iyo dodges Oblivion to send her away! Iyo mule kicks, and BUZZ- NO, Liv ducks! Liv shoves Iyo, wheelbarrows, but Iyo rolls that to STOMP 182! And then BUZZSAW! Liv is down, Iyo goes up! OVER THE MOONSAULT!! DMG CTRL WINS!

Winners: Iyo Sky & Dakota Kai, by pinfall

Nashville is all fired up as Iyo & Dakota just beat the #1 contenders to the Women’s Tag Team Championships. Does that mean, should Liv & Raquel beat Bianca Belair & Naomi, they’ll owe DMG CTRL a shot?

Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier: Bayley VS Lyra Valkyria!

Liv Morgan, Alexa Bliss and Bianca Belair are already heading to Toronto, and more spots will be filled on SmackDown. This is their one chance to join in, so will it be the Role Model or the Morrigan heading north on this Road to WrestleMania?

Oh, wait, Roxanne Perez is watching ringside. The Prodigy wants to keep an eye on one of her opponents, as they both challenge Giulia for the NXT Women’s Championship this Saturday for Vengeance Day. Lyra makes her entrance, the fans “WOO! WOO!” and though she’s still WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion, she is aiming for even more. The bell rings and the two circle. The fans rally, the two tie up, and the two go around. Bayley wrenches, wristlocks, and pushes the hold, but Lyra arm-drags free. The two reset, the fans rally, and the two tie up again. Bayley again wristlocks, but Lyra spins and slips through to wrench again.

Lyra headlocks, hits the takeover, but Bayley headscissors. Lyra kips free, the two feel things out, and they knuckle lock. They go shoulder to shoulder with a Test of Strength, and Bayley bends Lyra back! Lyra bridges, Bayley trips her to cover, ONE as an arm comes up! That arm goes down, ONE as the other arm comes up. Bayley pushes that arm down, Lyra bridges and then kips up. They’re back to the Test of Strength, and Lyra wrenches to wrangle Bayley with a top wristlock. Bayley fights up, Lyra hammerlocks, but Bayley headlocks. The fans duel, Lyra power sup and out, but Bayley runs her over! Lyra avoids the cover, and the fans continue to duel.

Bayley and Lyra reset, feel things out, and then Bayley trips Lyra by a leg! Bayley has a toehold, but Lyra gets up to trip Bayley. Lyra headlocks, Bayley fights up, and Bayley powers out. Lyra goes up but Bayley sends her out! Bayley ROCKS Lyra, then brings her in through ropes. Lyra stops the hotshot to then run up, but into an ELBOW! Bayley snapmares Lyra, runs, and SLIDNING- NO, Lyra catches the elbow to a backslide! TWO, and Bayley wrangles Lyra! Bayley steps over, but Lyra FLIPS Bayley! Lyra has the wristlocks, EURO CLUTCH! TWO!! Bayley runs to DECK Lyra! The fans fire up as Bayley puts the younger star in her place.

Bayley hoists Lyra up, Lyra fights the clutch, then spins to TOSS Bayley out! Bayley stands, Lyra builds speed, and Lyra WRECKS Bayley with a dropkick! Nashville fires up with Lyra while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Bayley thrashes Lyra in a neck wrench. The fans rally as Lyra endures, and Lyra fights up. Lyra powers up to a JAWBREAKER! The fans duel more as Bayley brings Lyra around. Lyra SOBATS, KICKS, RAMS and KICKS again! Lyra then reels Bayley in for a suplex, but Bayley fights free! Lyra ENZIGIRIS first! The fans rally, Lyra pushes Bayley to a cover, TWO! Lyra brings Bayley up but Bayley fires hands. Lyra dodges a shot to KICK Bayley down! Cover, TWO! Bayley shows her toughness, but Lyra goes up. Lyra leaps, but Bayley moves, the missile dropkick turns into a back flop!

Bayley hurries to her feet, runs in at Lyra, SUNSET BUCKLE BOMB! Bayley goes up, up, and MACHO ELBOWS onto knees! Lyra hauls Bayley up to TORNADO DDT! Not the smoothest but Lyra rolls through, only for BAYLEY2BELLY! Cover, TWO! Lyra survives and both women are down! The fans rally up as they both rise, and Lyra fires a forearm! Bayley fires back, the forearms go back and forth! They’re fast and furious, then Lyra JUMP FOREARMS! Bayley ducks the enzigiri, and she KNEES Lyra down! Bayley hurries to haul Lyra back up, fireman’s carries, and swings for the SIDE SLAM! Cover, TWO!

Bayley is frustrated, but the fans rally up. Bayley brings Lyra around, but Lyra shoves her away! Lyra runs up, but Bayley puts her in ropes! HOTSHOT! Lyra flops back, Bayley goes out to fetch her. Bayley puts Lyra on the apron, drags her out, and she hits a DRAPING- NO, Lyra slips free, and spins around, TORNADO DDT! Roll through, and then FISHERMAN SUPLEX to the floor! The ring count climbs, Lyra puts Bayley in at 5 of 10! Lyra hurries to hook Bayley again, FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Float over to the cover, TWO!! Bayley survives, it’s why she’s a Grand Slam Champion. Lyra hurries to put Bayley in a drop zone, and Lyra climbs.

Bayley hits Lyra first! Lyra DECKS Bayley, and Bayley goes outside. Bayley attacks from the apron but Lyra CLUBS her! Bayley climbs up after Lyra, they brawl some more, but Bayley clinches!? Lyra fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT to stop that! Bayley is now in the ropes, GUILLOTINE CHANGE OF FORTUNES!! And then the fireman’s carry! NIGHT- NO, Bayley fights free!! BAYLEY2- WHEELBARROW! Victory roll! TWO!! Bayley escapes by nanoseconds and the fans fire up! Lyra hurries, Bayley switches and schoolgirls her into ropes! Lyra clutches her head, Bayley hauls her up, ROS- NO! Lyra trips Bayley!

Lyra hooks Bayley up, LA MAGI- NO, Bayley smothers it to a cover, BAYLEY WINS!

Winner: Bayley, by pinfall (advances to Elimination Chamber)

Bayley takes the fourth spot in the Elimination Chamber match, and could become the #1 contender to a top title! But could this result be a golden ticket in her back pocket? Bayley shows respect to Lyra, the fans cheer, will Lyra have her own WrestleMania moment soon enough?

Penta speaks.

“CERO MIEDO! Zero fear! No fear of any challenge. No fear of the unkonwn. No fear for coards taht attack you from behind! Pete Dunne, Ludwig Kaiser, I beat you in the ring both, that wasn’t enough for you.” But then don’t think he’s stopping. He will show you all what it is to be Penta, and what it is to feel vengeance! Penta is coming for you! Because he has #CEROMIEDO!

Backstage interview with Ludwig Kaiser.

Jackie Redmond says the issues between him and Penta aren’t over. We heard Penta’s side, what is Kaiser’s response? Kaiser says the WWE Universe already knows that if Kaiser sets his eyes on you, he will not stop until you’re done for good! But then in steps Pete Dunne. He wasn’t helping Kaiser. Dunne would never help Kaiser. Kaiser was just in his way. Oh, is Dunne implying Kaiser needed his help? Dunne says see what he does to Penta next week! He’ll break Penta to make him wish he’d never set foot on Raw. In that case, Penta’s all his. Okay, just stay out of his business. The Bruiserweight heads out, will the Impeccable German be satisfied with the results?

Now AJ Styles walks by, ready to compete! Will Raw once again be phenomenal?

Lyra talks with the Alpha Academy backstage.

They encourage her about that match with Bayley. But then American Made walks over with sarcastic applause. Ivy Nile says that was so, so hilarious seeing the inaugural Women’s Intercontinental Champion fall flat on her face. And now she’s being coached by clowns who’ll never be champion? Maybe it’ll be easier to take this title from Lyra than Ivy thought. Lyra says Ivy needs to stay in her lane. Lyra doesn’t step to Ivy in the gym, so Ivy should stay away from her in the ring. Easy there, birdie. This is Ivy’s time. First, the Creeds leave Nashville the NEW World Tag Team Champions. Ivy will see Lyra soon.

American Made heads out, the Academy says not to sweat them, either. But will Julius & Brutus be able to bring down Erik & Ivar? Or will the War Raiders teach them all about hardship and pain?

AJ Styles heads to the ring!

The Phenomenal One made his return in the Royal Rumble, but he’s now here in Nashville for his return to Raw! Styles grabs a mic while the fans cheer him on. Styles soaks it in, then says his heart’s about to beat out of his chest! Styles has some major deja vu right now. Four months ago, Styles came into this building with the biggest smile on his face, because this was his stomping grounds. He wanted to get his career back on track, it was gonna be awesome, and then he got injured. The fans chant “Welcome Back! Welcome Back!” Styles nods and says this was a career-ending injury he supposedly had. He thought this was all over.

But when he woke up that next morning, hobbled to the mirror, he saw he still had gas in the tank. He still had something to prove! It was hard getting back here, but anything worth doing is gonna be hard! And here he is, standing in this ring, in #Smashville, Tennessee, telling the WWE Universe that Styles is BACK! And Styles has a long to-do list. But first, he wants to remind the locker room that he is still the Phenomenal AJ STYLES! The fans like the sound of that! But then, Dominik Mysterio makes his way out here? Dirty Dom has Carlito with him, and the fans boo as hard as they can already.

Dom tells Styles, “I know it’s been a while.” Carlito tells the fans not to boo, but they don’t stop. Dom keeps going, saying it’s been a minute since Styles was on Raw, so things have changed. The fans chant for Styles, but Dom says one thing will always stay the same! The fans boo Dom and he tells them to shut up! Dom says the one thing is that Judgment Day runs Raw! The fans chant, “Dom, You Suck!” Styles grins while Dom covers his ears to block that out. Styles has everyone hold on. He knows exactly who they are, he’s got the battle scars. But yeah, Dom’s right. Things have changed. Styles doesn’t see Damian Priest with them.

Okay, he’ll ask us this. Do the fans see Rhea Ripley anywhere? Nope. What about Finn? Where is he? Is he doing something else? But yeah, things have changed. And this isn’t what Styles expected. All Styles sees is a guy in purple skinny jeans in Carlito, and then Dom, a guy no one likes. But Styles has to admit, he is inspired by Dom’s work ethic. It is hard for Styles to say, but Dom is here every night, busting his ass, Styles likes that. But just so Dom knows, Dom will always be Rey Mysterio’s punk ass kid. Dom throws hands but Styles blocks it! Styles then dodges Carlito to PELE! Dom stomps Styles!

The fans boo but Dom puts Styles on the ropes. Dom soaks up heat, dials it up, but Styles shows punch! Dom scrambles away, Carlito grabs Styles, and Carlito whips. Styles reverses, runs up, but Carlito puts him on the apron! Styles ROCKS Carlito! And then springboard, PHENOMENAL FOREARM! The fans fire up while Judgment Day is in retreat! Will Styles make sure everyone remembers just who he is?

Ringside interview with Seth Rollins.

Jackie Redmond introduces The Visionary to be on the perch near the back of the arena, and the fans sing his song! Jackie thanks Rollins for taking this time, and brings up the Elimination Chamber filling up. It is looking stacked: John Cena; CM Punk; Drew McIntyre; and then either Rey Mysterio or Logan Paul. But more importantly, Rollins has his opportunity to qualify when he faces Finn Balor. Rollins looks good, but how does he feel? Rollins says he has to be honest, he feels GREAT! We are live in Nashville! And it is time for Monday Night Rollins! He feels good because the path to WrestleMania is getting clearer and clearer by the second.

Earlier tonight, Jey Uso decided he’ll take on Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship! That means all eyes are on Cody Rhodes, all eyes are on THE WWE Championship, all eyes are on the Elimination Chamber, and the man who will win it. Here’s a hint: He’s a Visionary; he’s a Revolutionary; he is SETH! FREAKIN! ROLLINS! HAHAHAHA! But wait, Finn Balor appears! The fans boo, but Finn says Rollins is right. All eyes are on Rollins. But the only thing people are seeing is the downfall of Seth Rollins! We saw the cracks. We saw him lose to Punk for the Netflix debut. We all saw Rollins lose his mind at the Royal Rumble.

But luckily for Finn, the only thing in his way between Elimination Chamber and the world title… is a man that’s falling apart. Rollins takes off his sunglasses and stares Finn down. Finn really believes that? Finn thinks Rollins is in his way, huh? They go back a long way, they’ve done this dance, from WrestleMania to SummerSlam and anywhere else. And everyone knows that when these two get in that ring, they know how it goes. But Rollins has unfinished business with Punk. There are some loose ends with Cody Rhodes, for that matter. So as Rollins sees it, it is Finn who is in Rollins’ way. And mate, after next week, Finn won’t be standing at all.

The Visionary and the Prince are both smiles, but could these be poker faces this close to the big showdown? Who will continue on their Road to WrestleMania with a ticket to Toronto?

Adam Pearce talks with AJ Styles.

Pearce says Styles should walk before he can run, he just came back. But Styles says Pearce doesn’t get it. Styles doesn’t want this, he needs this. Is that so? Then how about next week? That’s perfect. Then next week, AJ Styles VS Dirty Dom! They shake hands on that, and then Bron Breakker steps in. The Intercontinental Champion stares Styles down, and Bron says he’ll see Styles around. Will Styles put Dom in his place before going after much more badass competition?

WWE World Tag Team Championships: The War Raiders VS The Creed Brothers w/ Ivy Nile!

Erik & Ivar are ready to show how all their setbacks, their injuries, their pain, and the uncertainty has only forged them into true war machines! Will nothing stop the raid? Or can Julius & Brutus find a way to make these titles American Made?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who’s ready for war!

The teams sort out, Erik and Brutus start, and they tie up. Brutus waistlocks to SLAM Erik, then he laughs as he pushes Erik around. Erik CLOBBERS Brutus! Erik puts Brutus in a corner, tags Ivar, and Ivar fires elbows! The fans cheer, the ref counts, but Ivar stops at 4. The fans cheer as Ivar then brings Brutus out, but Brutus throat chops him! Tag to Julius, the Creeds mug Ivar in the corner, but the ref counts. Julius tags Brutus back in, Brutus RAMS into Ivar, then Julius runs to forearm SMASH! Brutus CLUBS Ivar down, tags Julius, and Julius slingshots to STOMP Ivar! Ivar gets up to SMACK Julius!

Ivar shoves Julius, dodges him, and Julius tumbles out! Tag to Erik and Erik wrenches Julius to clinch and EXPLODER! Erik then ROCKS Julius, HEADBUTTS him, and deadlift GERMAN SUPLEXES! Ivy is worried but Brutus runs in. Erik dodges Brutus to URENAGE! Tag to Ivar, then tag back to Erik. Ivar scoops Julius to SLAM him, then Erik says up! He scoops Ivar to SLAM him onto Julius! The fans fire up as Ivar has Brutus on the outside, SPLASH against the apron LED! But Julius rolls Erik up! TWO! Erik hits Ace Ten Mao! And then a SITOUT POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Julius survives but War Raiders are in control as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and the Creeds have control, but Erik fights out of their corner. But Julius keeps Erik from his corner with a ROLLING SPINEBUSTER! Tag to Brutus and the Creeds POST Erik! Erik slumps to the apron, Julius takes a cheap shot on Ivar, then Brutus fireman’s carries. Julius adds a JUMP KNEE before the WIDOWMAKER! Cover, TWO! Brutus clamps a headlock onto Erik but the fans rally up. Erik fights up, Brutus shifts to a top wristlock, then he puts Erik in the corner. Brutus HAMMERS away on Erik, then he tags Julius. The Creeds stomp away on Erik, but the ref counts. The fans boo, the Creeds stop, but Julius tags Brutus back in.

The fans rally as Julius drags Erik up. Snap suplex! Brutus then becomes a weapon for the GUT WRENCH SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Ivy says stay on ’em, and Brutus clamps onto Erik with an armlock. Erik fights up, Brutus grinds the arm, but the fans rally more. Erik powers up, reaches out, but Brutus keeps him from Ivar! Erik fires a haymaker on Brutus! Brutus still holds on, so Erik fires more shots! Brutus whips Erik away, Erik goes up and over, Brutus runs into Julius! Hot tag to Ivar! BACKDROP on Brutus! Then a scoop and SIDEWALK SLAM, before a SPLASH! The fans fire up with Ivar, and he runs at Brutus, but Brutus dodges!

Brutus comes back, but Ivar hits the SEATED SENTON! Julius runs in, Ivar cartwheels and WHEEL KICKS! Ivar then hits a BRONCO BUSTER on Brutus! TIGER DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Brutus survives, but Julius runs up. Ivar knees low, then Erik KNEES him out! Ivar hauls Brutus up, feeds him to Erik, Erik pops Brutus up, THOR’S HAMMER! Cover, TWO! Ivy is relieved but Erik seethes. Tag to Ivar, and he brings Brutus up. But Julius YANKS Erik down! Brutus his an ANGLE SLAM!! Cover, TWO!! Ivar survives but Brutus tags Julius. Ivar fires haymakers on them both! Ivar runs, handsprings, and DOUBLE BACK ELBOWS!

The fans fire up and Ivar fires up with them! Ivar climbs the corner, but Ivy gets on the apron! The fans boo, but Julius springs right up! Tag to Brutus! SUPERPLEX for the Power! Brutus MOONSAULTS for the Glory! Cover, ERIK BREAKS IT! The fans fire up as all four men are down! Erik drags Ivar to their corner, but Julius runs up. Erik DUMPS Julius out, then tags in. “This is Awesome!” as Erik fires off on Brutus! Brutus fires back, he and Erik trade shots! Erik fires up, and he ROCKS Brutus! Brutus BODY SHOTS Erik! Brutus laughs, but Erik ROCKS him again! Brutus falls, Ivar tags, and then pop up tot he waistlock!

Ivar runs, goes up, but Julius CLOBBERS Ivar with a title belt! The ref sees that, that’s a disqualification!

Winners: The War Raiders, by disqualification (still WWE World Tag Team Champions)

Erik DECKS Julius for that cheap shot, but then Brutus BELT SHOTS Erik! There are two belts, after all! But the Creeds don’t win those belts now! Will Chad Gable be upset about that? Or will he at least like how his boys manhandled the War Raiders?

Judgment Day regroups.

Carlito’s face hurts, Liv’s everything hurts, and Finn walks in. Finn says he’s glad Liv is okay and all, but maybe next time, listen to Finn. Dom says who cares about DMG CTRL. Liv’s already in Elimination Chamber, Raquel will qualify next week, and there’s the guaranteed tag title match. Things will turn around. Finn says that sounds like a lot of excuses coming from the guy who Styles made look like a fool. Uh, maybe Finn’s the fool for not helping. But Dom will handle Styles next week. Good. Dom started this, he can end this. Finn will stay out of it. Fine! But maybe they should consider adding a new member. They’re shorthanded without JD now.

Finn says he wonders why that is. Liv says they already went over that, that wasn’t Dom’s fault. But the idea of adding new members isn’t- NO! Finn says no new members! He’ll fix things around here. He’ll beat Seth Rollins, he’ll win the Elimination Chamber, and he’ll go on to WrestleMania to win the WWE Championship. Finn heads out, but is he trying to convince the group or himself?

DMG CTRL is on their way out.

They feel good about their win tonight, but then Rhea Ripley is there. Rhea tells Iyo that she doesn’t owe Iyo anything. So Iyo isn’t getting a match because Rhea thinks she has to. This is because Rhea wants to. So she talked with Pearce, and in three weeks’ time, on the Raw after Elimination Chamber, it’ll be Rhea VS Iyo for the Women’s World Championship! Iyo nods, and she says she can’t wait. See you then. Mami heads out, but will she be ready for the Evil Genius?

CM Punk is here!

Nashville fires up because “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME~!” The Best in the World is headed for Toronto and the Elimination Chamber, but what will he have to say here tonight? We find out, after the break.

Raw returns, the fans chant for “C M PUNK!” and he has a mic in his hand. “Is it great to be alive on a Monday night in Nashville, Tennessee or what?” Punk knows it is obvious post-Royal-Rumble that we are on the Road to WrestleMania. Now, if you asked him a couple weeks ago, he’d have all the confidence in the world that he was gonna win the Royal Rumble. In fact, he did that. Sometimes, he talks too much. He didn’t win the Rumble. He’s disappointed in himself, but y’know what? He’s not mad at Jey Uso. “YEET!” Punk likes watching his peers accomplish their goals. And his goal is still there.

We saw Jey declare he is going after Gunther and the World Heavyweight Championship. So Cody is probably at home. Punk hopes he remembers Punk saying he won’t stab Cody in the back, he’ll just stab him in the front. Now he has to. Punk already qualified for the Elimination Chamber. Two people have qualified for this match. Now surely people are thinking, “Punker, there are three people in it so far.” Well one man didn’t qualify. One man just decided to tell the world that hey, he’s in the match. Punk hears the boos and says yeah, they’re probably upset by that. And maybe part of Punk was, too. That’s past-tense because it no longer upsets him.

“John Cena is a legend, John Cena deserves to call his shot. The bad news for John Cena is, I busted my ass to qualify for the Elimination Chamber. So at some point in there, you’re gonna see me. And you’re not just gonna see me like you saw me in the Rumble, no. I’m gonna beat the living crap outta you, and I’m gonna beat you, and I’m going to WrestleMania. And I’m going to cash in the only way I know how, and Cody, I’m coming for you.” The other man to qualify for the Chamber is “that piece of garbage, Drew McIntyre, who’s no longer on Raw, because boy, he ran in the other direction tot he other show because I beat him in Hell in a Cell!

“What do you think I’m gonna do to you in Elimination Chamber, Drew!?” The fans fire up for that. Punk doesn’t like doing namedrops, this guy doesn’t even deserve Punk saying his name, but Seth Rollins… Rollins is taking on Finn Balor next week. Either of those guys, former world champions, they could qualify. But at the end of the day, it will be Punk’s hand raised! Punk will win the Chamber! Doesn’t matter who else is in it, five other men are going down. Punk has never been more confident in his entire life! Punk points to the sign and says to look at it. Ladies and gentlemen of Nashville, those watching at home, WrestleMania 41 belongs to one man! Three syllables: C M PUNK!

But then Logan Paul has to come out here… The fans boo but the Maverick soaks it all up. Punk didn’t even realize this was his song. Logan joins Punk in the ring, mic in hand, fans booing again, and Logan says he sees why they call him “Punk.” Logan could come up with a lot of other names, but he can’t say them on TV. But what Logan can’t understand is this. This right here! The fans boo Logan but cheer Punk? Why? Punk is talking to Kevin Owens like it’s an insult. “I never lost to Logan Paul.” Cut to the Rumble, and Logan is tossing Punk out head over heels. That was the greatest 15 minutes of fame in Punk’s career.

Logan had Punk’s number at the Rumble, and he’ll have it in the Elimination Chamber. Fortunately for Punk, it is time for Rey Mysterio’s 15 minutes of fame when he loses to Logan Paul. Punk says the way they’re booing, you’d think this was Dom again. Punk says congrats, Logan, you threw Punk out of the Rumble. Punk would’ve mentioned Logan’s name earlier, but Punk honestly forgot he was having this match. Yeah, so Logan got him at the Rumble. But don’t worry about Punk, because tonight, the number Logan pulled is 619. Logan should worry about the living legend. And if he gets past Rey, then Punk will see him in Toronto, and Punk will put Logan to sleep.

The fans cheer that! Before Logan can think of a comeback, here comes Rey! Will the King of Lucha make sure things don’t get ImPAULsive?

Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier: Rey Mysterio VS Logan Paul!

Raw returns and the bell rings. Logan and Rey circle as the fans rally up. They step up, Logan shoves Rey, but Rey SLAPS Logan! The fans fire up as Rey stomps away in the corner! The ref counts, Logan bails out, and Logan protests! The fans still cheer Rey, Logan storms to the apron, but Rey snatches his headband! Logan tells the ref to control this guy! The ref has Rey hold on, but Rey runs up! Logan RAMS Rey, but Rey avoids the Buckshot! Rey waistlocks, Logan trips him, and then Logan runs side to side. Rey stays low, but Logan somersaults into Rey! Rey runs, he goes low, but then Logan stops him!

Rey wrenches Logan’s arm to a wristlock, but Logan powers up to whip. Logan hurdles, hurdles, but Rey stomps the monkey flip down! Logan backs off to a corner, Rey storms up, but Logan kicks low. Logan puts Rey in the corner, but Rey dodges to hit back! The fans cheer “Logan Sucks!” as Rey whips. Logan reverses, Rey goes up and over, but Logan scoops for a tilt-o-whirl GUTBUSTER! The fans boo but Logan mockingly asks, “Who sucks?” Logan stomps Rey, whips him to a corner, then he runs up to fire body shots! The ref counts, Logan stops to taunt Rey, and then Logan drags Rey up. Logan fires more body shots!

The ref counts, Logan backs off, but then he whips Rey to knee him low! Logan holds onto a wristlock, soaks up more heat, then he whips Rey again for another knee! Logan taunts Rey while the fans boo. Logan knees Rey log, scoops him, and POWERSLAMS! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Rey but Logan watches Rey crawl. Logan clamps onto an arm, fires knees into Rey’s side, then he spells out “L P.” Logan winds up, and he JABS! Rey staggers, Logan JABS him again! And again! And again! Rey falls, Logan stands over him while soaking up more heat. Logan stands Rey up again, winds up, but Rey ROCKS him first!

The fans fire up as Rey fires shots in return! Rey runs, but Logan scoops again! Rey makes it a CROSSBODY! Both men are down, and they crawl to ropes. Both men stand, Logan runs up, but Rey DUMPS him out! Rey then aims and TORNILLO PLANCHAS! Down goes Logan and the fans fire up! Rey shakes out the cobwebs and the fans cheer more. Rey puts Logan in, bumps him off buckles, then ROCKS him with a right. Rey climbs, the fans fire up, and Rey ROCKS Logan with another shot! Logan body shots in return! Logan climbs up after Rey, clinches him, then scoops him! MOONSAULT POWERSLAM! Both men are down and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again, and Logan slaps Rey around. Logan soaks up heat, then whips Rey to a corner hard! Rey bounces back, Logan waistlocks to SLAM him down! Logan grinds Rey with a rear bearhug, but the fans rally up again. Rey endures, fights to his feet, and he fires elbows! The fans fire up as Rey stomps Logan’s foot! Rey runs, but Logan kitchen sink knees him! Logan SLIDES Rey out, but Rey pops right up to his feet? Logan is confused, Rey eggs him on! Logan storms out and the brawl is on! Rey fires hands, then whips Logan into barriers! Rey runs up, wheelbarrows, but Logan SMACKS him off the top!

Rey sputters, Logan refreshes the ring count, then he brings Rey up. Logan puts Rey in, taunts “old man” Rey, “You one tough sonova b*tch.” Logan pulls steel steps apart, then he drags Rey over! Rey grabs ropes while Logan wheelbarrows him! Logan CLUBS Rey again and again, but Rey turns this into a victory roll! Logan is sent into the steel steps! The fans fire up as Logan suffers at the hands of his own plan! Rey goes into the ring, he builds speed, and Rey SLIDING SPLASHES! Direct hit and the fans fire up again! Rey brings Logan up, puts him in the ring, and then hurries to a corner.

The fans rally as Rey climbs, and Rey SEATED SENTONS! Then Rey runs to SEATED SENTON again! Logan sputters, but Rey LIONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Logan survives and Rey grows frustrated. Rey stalks Logan to a corner, and Rey fires forearms! Rey whips, Logan reverses, but then Rey ELBOWS back! Rey runs up, tilt-o-whirl RANA! Logan ends up in a corner, the fans cheer Rey on, and Rey brings Logan to his feet. Rey climbs up to rain down fists! The fans count along, and Rey gets nine, only for Logan to ROCK him first! Logan fireman’s carries, ROLLING SENTONS, and then he LIONSAULTS! Cover, TWO!

Rey survives and Logan is stunned! Logan and Rey rise, the fans rally up, and Logan drags Rey up. Logan whips, Rey tilt-o-whirls, and he DDTS! Cover, TWO! Rey grows frustrated, the fans cheer him on, and he dropkicks Logan onto ropes! Rey dials it up, but Logan BOOTS Rey first! The fans boo but Logan doesn’t even register it. Logan wipes his bloody nose and tells the “old man” to get up! Logan climbs up the corner but Rey slips free already! Rey CLUBS Logan, gets under him, and Rey manages a POWERBOMB on Logan! Cover, TWO!! Logan is still in this, but Rey dropkicks Logan onto ropes again! Rey runs to 619!!

The fans fire up as Rey hurries up the corner, and he FROG SPLASHES onto knees! Logan winds up, TITANIUM RIGHT! And then BACK SUPLEX DDT!?! Cover, Logan wins!

Winner: Logan Paul, by pinfall (advances to Elimination Chamber)

Logan just #PAULverized Rey Mysterio! The Maverick says he can’t be this good and stay humble. But will he be the one winning Elimination Chamber? Or- OH NO, NEW DAY ATTACKS REY!! The fans boo as Kofi & Woods mug an already beat-up Rey Mysterio, and Raw has to cut away!?

My Thoughts:

A great Raw, but this was the first time their 2.5 hour runtime has been a real problem. And not only that, but I think this has to be Netflix saying they have to keep it to that, or else we wouldn’t have cut away from New Day’s attack just now. And that’s not even mentioning how there was a New Day promo cut during an ad break, and how the USA is one of the “select markets” that doesn’t get to see it. Now obviously, the New Day’s feud with Rey and the LWO isn’t over, I’m just not sure how it’s supposed to end. Rey VS Logan was a very good match, a little janky to start, but given Logan eliminated Punk, Logan getting in on Elimination Chamber was of course the plan.

Punk had a very good promo calling out everybody else in the Chamber match, and I feel like that match is going to come down to him and Cena as old rivals both fighting for that big WrestleMania moment with Cody. Both stories will be great, so I can see either guy winning the Chamber. And given that, Jey VS Gunther was of course the path. The moment Jey got on the desk, I knew Gunther would attack. Good stuff there, with how Jey is choosing Gunther because how Gunther is trying to bully him and Jey isn’t backing down. I would think Pearce is going to use his authority to make sure Gunther and Jey don’t just brawl week after week since we’ve still got 68 days before WrestleMania.

Good promo from Penta to call out Dunne and Kaiser, and good promo from Dunne and Kaiser to set up Dunne VS Penta round 2. That’ll be a great match, but I feel like Kaiser will definitely go after Penta when it’s over. I was hoping there would be a Chad Gable lucha dark arts quest vignette, but I don’t even see anything on WWE’s social media. We need three of those to reflect the three acts of a play. We’ll get the introduction to who Dominik referred Gable to, then Gable being pushed to his limits in the training, and act three is Gable triumphantly mastering the “dark arts” and feeling he’s ready to face Penta. They could probably even pace it out so Gable VS Penta happens for either WrestleMania or the go-home to Mania.

Very good promo from Rhea to basically call out Charlotte. With the men’s top titles on a set path, it fits that they’ll keep us guessing a little longer with the women’s titles. And just as I predicted, Rhea is giving Iyo a title match to “make up” for Iyo not making Elimination Chamber. It’ll tease a change in plans, but I would think Rhea wins and retains one way or another. Iyo & Dakota VS Liv & Raquel was really good, and that was a great win for DMG CTRL. They really could give us Iyo & Dakota VS Liv & Raquel for the women’s tag titles when they spring the whodunnit reveal on us during Liv & Raquel VS Naomi & Bianca.

Bayley VS Lyra was awesome stuff, and with Lyra being Intercontinental Champion, it makes sense Bayley goes to Elimination Chamber. Lyra will have her feud with Ivy now, and that’ll be some good stuff. Creed Brothers VS War Raiders for the tag titles didn’t have a lot of hype making the match and therefore not really going into it tonight. It also lagged a little in the middle, but it was still a really good match. The Creeds do themselves a favor in terms of Heel Heat by throwing the match and beating the Raiders down. Surely, we’ll get a rematch from them at some point, and it’ll be much better.

Judgment Day had great stuff, even with Liv & Raquel losing. Great return promo from Styles, even with Dom interrupting, and I almost thought we could’ve gotten Dom VS Styles tonight. But no, that would’ve pushed things past 2.5 hours and Netflix can’t have that. Styles VS Dom next week will be fun, and Styles having that stare down with Bron was good stuff. That match is obviously going to be in the works, and it will be some really good stuff. The group promo where Finn is so against new members in the Judgment Day could be a fun new chapter in this faction’s story. On some level, it draws parallels to Bullet Club, and how Finn was “kicked out” by those new members. Actually, that’s a bit more literal, as I believe it was the Young Bucks and a double superkick…

Finn and Rollins had a good promo, and their match is going to be awesome, especially with it being for the final spot in the Chamber. Priest VS Braun VS Jacob Fatu determines the fifth spot, and while Finn and Priest still running into each other would be something, this has to be Rollins winning so he can interact with Punk and McIntyre again. And Finn losing will just add more fuel to the fire within Judgment Day to decide whether or not they still need Finn to win. Honestly, a more proper Judgment Day: Civil War could be something worthy of WrestleMania, where the new member(s) ironically join Finn against Dom, Carlito, Liv & Raquel.

My Score: 8.7/10