Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (4/4/25)
CM Punk is home!
We’re two weeks away from WrestleMania!
And for the second SmackDown in a row, CM Punk, Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins will be under one roof! But will we learn more on Paul Heyman’s favor to Chicago’s own?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Rey Fenix VS Nathan Frazer; Fenix wins.
- LA Knight VS Tama Tonga w/ Solo Sikoa; Knight wins.
- WWE Tag Team Championship #1 Contenders Match: #DIY VS Motor City Machine Guns; MCMG wins and will challenge The Street Profits for the titles.
- Naomi VS B-Fab; Naomi wins.
- WWE United States Championship #1 Contender’s Last Man Standing Match: Jacob Fatu VS Braun Strowman; Fatu wins and will challenge LA Knight for the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
CM Punk is here!
Chicago was already fired up, and now they erupt as they sing along with Cult of Personality! Punk walks out on stage, smiles as he takes in this homecoming scene, and even goes over to stage left to high-five fans. Punk goes all the way to stage right, then kneels down. He checks, and “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME~!” Punk revels in the introduction, and in the reception from the fans, before he goes to ringside. Punk makes sure to high-five and fist-bump fans over there, and he even stands on the barriers for everyone to see! Punk then hops down to step up into the ring. The fans continue to chant for Punk as he stands on top of the corner.
Punk feels good as he steps into the ring and grabs a mic. The chanting continues, and he says, “I don’t know where to begin. They told me that the best television audiences were overseas. But I knew we were coming to Chicago!” Punk borrows a camera so he can look at hard cam side and show that this is 360 degrees of fans! Punk says he understands why camerawork is so tricky, and he hands the camera back. But see, this is why Chicago doesn’t listen to outside voices. Little known fact: Punk’s not supposed to be here. The fans boo but Punk says stop if you heard this one before.
Punk was born at Silver Cross Hospital with the cord around his neck. He came out blue, they had to bring him back to life, so he’s not supposed to be here! And every time he comes out on TV, no matter where it is across the world, Netflix streaming or USA Network, it doesn’t matter. Punk’s goal is to make new fans every single time. But tonight, ladies and gentlemen, all of TV land, please forgive Punk as he takes this time not to make new fans, but to thank 16 THOUSAND of Punk’s hometown friends ‘n’ family! The fans cheer that! “When they tell you you’re not supposed to be here, you say, ‘Well who’s gonna make me leave?'”
That is what Punk has done every single time he’s laced his boots up. Hell, every time he goes to the grocery store and they tell him he’s not supposed to be here, he buys his groceries, he pays the man, and then he leaves. Nothing has changed! And he isn’t sure if anyone knows this, but Punk’s in the main event of WrestleMania. The fans cheer that! “You Deserve It! You Deserve It!” Punk says he’s got goosebumps, though perhaps also copying The Rock on that. Punk says he deserved it? Ladies and gentlemen, Punk earned it! He started in the backyards of Chicago, they said “You’re not supposed to be here!”
He trained in the Steel Domain, and they said, “You’re not supposed to be here!” He signed a contract here, they said, “You’re not supposed to be here!” He paraded out like Al Capone right on John Cena’s gangster car, and they said, “That’s as good as it gets, kid. You’re not supposed to be here!” To Punk, that is when the hard work began. He appreciates all the fans congratulating him, even just at the airport as he came home. They congratulated him, but he wants us to know that NOW the hard work begins! Punk is a product of Chicago, he has to thank each and every single one of them, but he of course has to thank his beautiful wife, April, first.
The fans cheer for AJ Lee, and Punk says she’ll be mad at him for that. But here’s someone who won’t be mad: Larry! The fans cheer for Punk’s dog, and Punk says there are too many people to thank for getting him right where he needs to be. But he figured coming out here on TV and thanking everyone here is a good start. He wouldn’t be who he is without Chicago, he wouldn’t be where he is without Chicago. From the bottom of his heart, Punk thanks you all! And now, the hard work begins! Because he has a date at WrestleMania, and he promises us, that he will whip Seth Rollins’ ass! he will put a beating on The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns! And it’s at the MAIN EVENT of WrestleMania!
The fans are thunderous, but “Ladies and gentlemen…!” Paul Heyman gives his introduction and Punk smirks as Heyman says he just go tin, so he apologizes for being late. No disrespect to The Second City. And he absolutely means no offense to his best friend in the world, The Second City Saint, the Best in the World, C M PUNK! Heyman asks if he may enter the ring, and Punk says he was gonna thank him so go ahead. Heyman steps in, the fans chant for “E C DUB! E C DUB!” Punk says you can’t escape it. Heyman smiles, and he thanks them for that. But tonight, ask not what Chicago can do for The Wise Man. Ask what The Wise Man can do for Chicago.
But first he can do, he wants to tell The Voice of the Voiceless that dammit, he belongs here! Punk belongs in this ring! In Chicago! And by gawd, he belongs in the main event of WrestleMania! The fans cheer that! Heyman says the last time they were standing here in this ring, Heyman came up to Punk because of how Solo and Tama and Jacob were breathing down his neck, and he asked Punk, “Please, take me with you.” Next week, Madison Square Garden, Solo’s Bloodline put Heyman through a table and on the shelf for the longest he’s ever been out, not including when he was fire. Don’t laugh at that, that’s not funny.
Heyman says Punk had his Hell in a Cell with Drew McIntyre. Punk won but the beating was so severe that he was contemplating never coming back. But then Heyman pleaded with Punk, it was 4v5 at WarGames, and there’s no other way out. Heyman asked Punk to do him the favor of helping out, and Punk said, “Yes, I’ll do it for you.” Punk saved the match, and The Bloodline, so he deserves all the credit in the world. For that, Heyman thanks Punk, and if Punk will indulge him, Heyman has another favor to ask. Oh? Another favor? Well, guess Punk’s stockpiling favors. What can he do for Heyman?
Heyman please asks Punk to tell him the favor he owes. Roman’s gonna be here any minute now, and he’s pissed off as is, and you don’t know how Roman gets when he’s mad. You ever heard of Sika? Does Punk know what happens when Samoans get angry? Punk asks if Heyman just said Roman isn’t here. Y-Yet! He’s not here yet! It’s training camp for WrestleMania, so- Punk says that’s what Roman should be doing. And as much as the favor is none of Roman’s business, it will affect him. So Punk would like to tell Roman to his face when he also tells Heyman. So let Punk and all his friends here know when “Big Chief” decides to show up.
Punk leaves and Heyman is again stressed out. What will happen between Tribal Chief, Wise Man and Second City Saint on the Road to WrestleMania?
Rey Fenix VS Nathan Frazer!
The King Firebird has landed in WWE, ready to make his debut right here in the Windy City. But similarly, one half of the NXT Tag Team Champions is here for his SmackDown debut. Will Frazer look to ruin Fenix’s fun? Or will WWE be ready to #ANIMO?
The bell rings and the two tie up. The fans rally as Frazer headlocks. Frazer wrenches, hits an ELBOW BREAKER, but Fenix body shots and goes to ropes. Fenix uses the ropes to flip and wrench back. Frazer rolls, handsprings, wrenches and WRINGS Fenix, but Fenix UP KICKS! Both men kip up, but Fenix shows superkick! Frazer scrambles away and the fans fire up! Fenix and Frazer reset, tie up, and Frazer headlocks. Fenix powers up and out, Frazer goes up and over to handspring! Things speed up, Frazer redirects and redirects, then ducks ‘n’ dodges to kick low! Frazer whips, but Fenix goes Spider-Man!
Fenix comes back to HEEL KICK! Roll up, TWO, and Frazer rolls, only for Fenix to cradle! TWO, and Fenix RANAS! Cover, TWO! Frazer escapes, but Fenix kicks him down! The fans fire up and Fenix CHOPS Fenix in the corner! Fenix whips, Frazer goes up, but Fenix catches him. Frazer RANAS Fenix out, builds speed, and DIVES! Not the cleanest hit but Frazer still puts Fenix in the ring. Fenix hurries to BOOT Frazer back out! Fenix goes up, up, and TORNILLO! Down goes Frazer and Chicago is all fired up while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Fenix fires up as he stands back up. Fenix drags Frazer up, CHOPS him against the apron, then pushes him into the ring. Fenix clamps onto Frazer, throws down some elbows, then goes for the double wristlock. Frazer endures, so Fenix HEADBUTTS him in the ribs! Fenix pulls on the arm, drags Frazer into a ghost pin, TWO! Fenix CHOPS, then he reels Frazer in. Frazer fights so Fenix wrenches and fireman’s carries. But Frazer fights that and hits a REVERSE DDT! RUNNING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO! Fenix survives and Frazer is stunned. Fenix bails out, Frazer hurries after him and throws hands.
Frazer SMACKS Fenix off the desk, then CHOPS! Fenix CHOPS in return! Frazer sputters, Fenix puts him in the ring, but Frazer DROPKICKS right back! Frazer drags Fenix up, snapmares him, and KNEES him in the back! Frazer KNEES Fenix again, then runs to NECK SNAPPER! Cover, TWO! Fenix stays in this but Frazer stays focused. Frazer drags Fenix into a chinlock, but Fenix endures. Fenix fights up, fires body shots, but Frazer RAMS him into the corner! Frazer RAMS in again and again as SmackDown returns to single picture. Frazer puts Fenix up top, ROCKS him, then climbs up. But Fenix CHOPS in return!
Fenix SHOVES Frazer down, the fans rally up, and Fenix stands up, only for Frazer to spring up after him! Fenix SHOVES Frazer again, Frazer backflips through! Frazer is back again, SUPER DUPER PLEX, roll through and ANARCHY! Cover, TWO!! Fenix survives and Frazer is beside himself! The fans rally for Fenix while Frazer drags him into the drop zone. Frazer goes up, up, and PHOENIX- NO, Fenix dodges! Fenix somersaults, but Frazer kicks low! And KNEES him down! Frazer hurries to get Fenix back up, suplexes, but Fenix slips free. Fenix shoves Frazer and DROPKICKS him! Frazer sputters, Fenix goes up!
Fenix shouts, “Goodbye, Amigo!” then he tightrope walks, PENALTY KICK! Fenix isn’t done there, he fireman’s carries and then tucks Frazer. Knee and BLACK FIRE DRIVER!! Cover, TWO?!?! Fenix is shocked but Chicago is thunderous! Frazer goes to ropes, “This is Awesome!” as he kicks at Fenix. Fenix grabs the legs, YANKS Frazer up, but Frazer PELES! The fans fire up and rally again while both men flounder. Fenix kips up and SUPERKICKS Frazer Then he runs at the corner, JUMPING SOBAT! Fenix puts Frazer up top, CHOPS him, then tucks him in! MEXICAN MUSCLE BUSTER!! Cover, Fenix wins!
Winner: Rey Fenix, by pinfall
Chicago is giving a standing ovation as this double debut did not disappoint! Byron Saxton joins Fenix in the ring for an interview. Byron knows Fenix’s emotions must be all over the place, but how does it feel to finally debut in the WWE? Fenix takes a breath, and says, “Gracias, Chicago! I have a lot of history in Chicago, and with all of you. Tonight, it’s not the debut of Rey Fenix. Tonight is so much more. Tonight, I reborn as Rey Fenix! I am reborn with love, I am reborn with passion, and with ANIMO! I waited my whole life to say this: I AM W W E!! ANIMO~!” Fenix is all fired up, and he gives a deep bow to the fans. Will he soon blaze a trail to the top of the WWE?
Legado Del Fantasma is watching backstage.
Santos Escobar says now that was an impressive win. See, that is the kind of performance he expects from Los Garza. Do they understand? Humberto asks if Escobar is serious. Look at Fenix. He’s a flying lizard! A flash in the pan. Los Garza, on the other hand. Not to mention Legado as a whole! Berto is better than Fenix! Is that so? Then where has this fire been? Escobar likes it! But if Berto means it, he has to show it. Escobar will talk to Nick Aldis to make Rey Fenix VS Berto official. Escobar heads out, did Fenix light a fire in everyone else here on SmackDown?
Drew McIntyre speaks.
Sporting an eyepatch, the Scottish Terminator says, “It wasn’t enough that I gave you everything you have. Every big moment at my expense. Every girl you talked to at the bar, bragging you were champion, that was my title. All the money you made, you profited off of me being screwed. Then you realized, without me in your world, even fighting for the title, no one really cares about Damian Priest unless you’re feasting off of my scraps. So you took away both my world title opportunities at WrestleMania when my back was turned. All I asked for was for you to verbally explain to me how I’m wrong, poke a hole in my logic, maybe face me like a man.
“But no. You did what you always do: You hid in the shadows, like a vulture. After I beat Randy Orton right in that ring, I was heading out with my buddies, you attacked me, put me through a windshield. I can live with my back hurting, but a shard of glass went in my eye and I might never be the same. I need a miracle. I need to pray. And everybody knows when Drew McIntyre prays, bad things happen.” The Scottish Terminator is putting Priest on notice, but will having only one eye make him even more blind to the truth?
Backstage interview with Braun Strowman.
Byron Saxton is with the Monster of All Monsters, and says we have seen it for months now. Jacob Fatu has been a massive thrown in Braun’s side. Braun says that is a massive understatement. Braun is done with Jacob sticking his nose in his business. Tonight, Braun shows Jacob why Braun is The Monster when he buzzsaws through Jacob in this match. Then Braun goes to WrestleMania, and he takes the US Championship to complete the grand slam. But Solo Sikoa walks over, laughing at the idea. Last Man Standing? Braun, you are finished! No matter what you say, he still has to go out there and face the Samoan Werewolf!
Braun snarls but LA Knight steps in. Knight tells Braun to not waste his energy on the pumpkin headed bum and his bacon lips flapping. What Solo should do is get his boys in order, and Braun needs to keep his eyes on the prize. Solo says Knight has a lot of balls for coming up and talking to him like that. Knight says no lies told, his are gargantuan! But don’t worry about that. Tama Tonga says “YEHYEHYEHYEH YEAH!” Knight should be worried about Tama tonight. Knight says yes, he’s worried a little bit. If he wants to make noise, go ahead, because he’s gonna make a lot of noise in the ring. Yehyehyeh kehkehkeh checheche as Knight’s stomping Tama’s ass out!
Knight heads to gorilla as he says time to get a ref out here so Knight can remind everyone whose game it is, with everybody saying “L! A! KNIGHT!” The music hits, Knight goes right to the ring, but will the kavorka see him through against the Good Bad Guy?
LA Knight VS Tama Tonga w/ Solo Sikoa!
SmackDown returns as Tama makes his entrance, Solo by his side. The bell rings, Knight and Tama circle while the fans rally up. Solo distracts Knight and Tama runs up, only for Knight to block the cheap shot! Knight fires haymakers,’ YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight kicks and whips, then he ELBOWS Tama down! Knight brings Tama up but Tama DROPKICKS! Tamam runs, Knight BOOTS him, then brings him around for a suplex! Knight tells Solo to watch himself, then he stands Tama up. Tama YANKS Knight into buckles! Tama fires hands, then UPPERCUTS Knight! Tama HEADBUTTS, then clamps on for a BIG back suplex!
Knight flounders, Tama pushes him to a cover, TWO! Tama runs, but Knight BOOTS him down! The fans rally as Knight stalks Tama to the corner. Knight stands Tama up to bump him off buckles. Then he bumps him off buckles in another corner! And in another corner! Knight stomps a mudhole in, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight stops as the ref counts 4, and he runs corner to corner for a KNEE! “YEAH!” The fans fire up while Tama flops out, but Knight WRECKS him with a dropkick! Solo and Knight stare down, but Knight stays focused on Tama. Knight dribbles Tama off the desk, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!”
Knight then winds up to SMACK Tama off the desk one more time! Knight puts Tama in, Solo lurks, but Knight still RAMS into Tama! Solo gets on the apron, the ref has him back off, and Tama BLASTS Knight! Knight hits the desk, fans boo while Solo mocks him, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns as Knight endures a chinlock. The fans rally, Knight fights up and fires body shots. Knight ROCKS Tama again and again, but Tama hits back. Knight headlocks, Tama powers up and out, but Knight runs him over! Things speed up, Knight sunset flips, TWO! Tama runs up to LARIAT Knight down! The fans boo but Solo soaks up that heat. Tama gator rolls Knight to then suplex high and hard! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Tama stays focused. Tama rains down fists, then he paces around. Solo tells Tama to keep on Knight and Tama rains down more fists. Tama then goes up a corner, smiles, and mocks the “L! A! KNIGHT!”
Tama leaps, but Knight avoids the macho elbow! The fans fire up while Tama goes to a corner. Knight runs up, but Tama BOOTS him! Tama runs up, but Knight ROCKS him! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight JABS, JABS, JABS, then winds up to LARIAT! And LARIAT again! Knight whips Tama to the corner, then hits a JUMP NECKBREAKER! Tama staggers into the scoop and POWERSLAM! Knight stares Solo down, then paces around. Time to spell it out: L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH! ELBOW DROP! Knight fires up and Chicago is with him! Knight waits on Tama to rise up, and then Knight catches Tama for the cravat! Tama powers out!
Knight grabs ropes, ELBOWS Tama, but Solo takes a swing! Knight ducks to DECK Solo, but Tama rolls Knight up! TWO!! Knight gets free and spins Tama, B F T!! Cover, Knight wins!
Winner: LA Knight, by pinfall
Solo storms in but Knight gets away! Solo is fuming, Tama is sputtering, but will this be the end of Knight VS the rogues? Or can Jacob Fatu tear down #OneBigSOB and become #1 contender?
Paul Heyman waits in the parking lot.
Byron walks over and asks, “If you don’t mind,” to which Heyman says, “Yes, I do mind.” Heyman is waiting on Roman Reigns and now Byron has to bother him? Byron asks if Heyman got any hints as to the favor. No, and Heyman isn’t sure why. No matter what, the… Heyman stops, and wonders why he has to tell this to Byron. Heyman has the cameraman focus on just Heyman. “Ladies and gentlemen, I am saying this for the record. CM Punk, I’m on record saying this, okay? No matter what the favor is, my answer is yes! Okay?! That’s it! That’s it! So now you can just tell me, and get me outta this jam!”
Wait! The car pulls up as Heyman says whatever Punk wants, that answer is yes! Heyman is elated that The Tribal Chief has arrived, but NOPE! It’s Seth Rollins! The Visionary laughs as he sees Heyman in dismay. Cheer up! Not happy to see Rollins? Oh, right, you were expecting the other Shield guy. Rollins takes off his sunglasses and says Heyman looks awful. We’ve seen Heyman in a bad way before, but this might be the worst yet. He looks like he had a horrible week. Rollins, on the other hand, has actually had a great week. He got away from the CM Punk main event celebration, gained some perspective, and formulate a plan.
And Rollins was just thinking… This favor thing? Heyman really dug himself into a hole, huh? But it kinda affects Rollins, too. So when Roman does get here, let Rollins know, because Rollins wants to be present to hear what the favor is, too. Wipe those tears away, it’ll be alright. Rollins heads out, can things only get worse for The Wise Man?
Charlotte Flair is here!
Chicago is a bit torn on The Queen strutting her way out to the ring, ready to confront Tiffany Stratton face-to-face. What will she have to say to the WWE Women’s Champion? We find out, after the break.
SmackDown returns, and now Wade Barrett is in the ring, mic in hand. But without need for introductions, Tiffany Stratton makes her entrance. And it seems like she chose a very similar outfit to what Charlotte chose tonight… Charlotte is not amused, but Wade says due to the heated nature of recent interactions, he was volunteered to moderate this face-to-face. He gives the introductions for champion Tiffany and her WrestleMania opponent, the 2025 Women’s Rumble winner, Charlotte. The fans boo and “WOO~” and Charlotte hopes Tiff hears that, because that is power! Tiff says, “What time is it?” “TIFFY TIME!”
Charlotte says how cute. Wade says he would like to start with Charlotte. Give us more depth as to why Charlotte chose Tiff as your WrestleMania 41 opponent. And does she still feel, after recent events, that Tiff was the wise choice? Charlotte says Tiff was begging, Charlotte is the gift that keeps giving. Tiff wanted a moment, Charlotte hadn’t done charity work lately. And every week, the desperation leaks through! So yes, Charlotte made the right choice. Because Charlotte wanted to show the “smartest” wrestling fans here in Chicago that there is NO comparison! Tiff asks if Charlotte is done. Did she get the “WOO” in?
Tiff wants Charlotte to understand that her biggest opponent has never been in this ring. Charlotte’s biggest opponent has been the fans. And no matter how hard Charlotte tries, how long she’s out for, that is a battle that she’ll never win. And Charlotte loves to put on the facade that nothing gets to her, that she’s above everything, but then she’s crying on some talk show? Which one is it, Charlotte? And the saddest part of this is, no matter how many titles Charlotte wins, and she could break all the records, but when it’s all said and done, Charlotte will always be second to her dad, Ric. And at WrestleMania, Charlotte comes second to Tiffany Stratton.
The fans chant for “Tiffy Time! Tiffy Time!” and Tiff says that is power. Charlotte wants Chicago to hold on. They and Tiff are just regurgitating the things her previous opponents have said. Chicago, Tiff, and everyone around the world, if Charlotte has to… The fans are still thunderous with “TIFFY TIME! TIFFY TIME!” so Charlotte just smirks. Charlotte says it doesn’t matter if Tiff wins 100 times… Oh, well, the fans are booing so loud. What would Chicago like her to say? This is really cool! The thing is, Tiff could win again and again. But fine, Tiff can have the last word.
Tiff asks Charlotte what Charlotte was doing at 25 years old. She was trying to be a volleyball player, drinking in daddy’s basement. What is Tiff doing now at 25 years old? Walking in as WWE Women’s Champion! Chicago cheers that! Charlotte says this is just another match? Seems like Tiff’s gotten to her. And Charlotte’s WrestleMania record may be 4-3, and the Queen inside this ring, but outside, Charlotte ain’t the Queen of SH*T! Charlotte mockingly asks she can’t hear Tiff cuz she’s so squeaky. Tiff says for 16 more days, Charlotte can say she’s WWE’s least favorite nepo-baby! Congrats! No, she’s the Nepo QUEEN! Number one nepo-baby!
Tiff says when she beats Charlotte at Mania, when it’s all said and done, Charlotte will be just like she is outside this ring: ALONE. What’s that record? 0-3? Tiff gives a “WOO~” and a mic drop, then leaves. Charlotte tries to snap back with, “Is that why Ludwig Kaiser is in my DMs?” Tiff ignores that cheap attempt while holding up the belt. Will nothing Charlotte says or does be enough to end Tiffy Time?
Nick Aldis speaks.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to make a major announcement. In conjunction with Raw General Manager, Adam Pearce, next week here on SmackDown, we will present a Women’s Tag Team Gauntlet Match featuring teams from both Raw and SmackDown. The winners will face Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez for the Women’s Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania.” A golden opportunity awaits, who runs the gauntlet and wins their golden tickets to Las Vegas?
The Street Profits are here!
Chicago cheers as Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins walk in through the smoke, gold in hand as they prepare to watch this next match in person. DIY and Motor City Machine Guns look to settle their grudge while also going for gold, who will meet The Profits for WrestleMania?
WWE Tag Team Championship #1 Contenders Match: #DIY VS Motor City Machine Guns!
SmackDown returns as the introductions are given. The teams sort out and Chris Sabin starts against Johnny Gargano. They circle, tie up, and Sabin wrenches to wristlock. Gargano spins, wrenches, and wristlocks in return, but then Sabin rolls, wrenches, and spins to then slip through. Sabin spins Gargano, steps over, then arm-drags! The fans cheer as Sabin arm-drags again! Gargano tags out to Tommaso Ciampa, but Sabin arm-drags him, too! The fans cheer, Ciampa fights up, but Alex Shelley tags in. Sabin facelocks Ciampa, Shelley goes up, and Shelley AX HANDLES! MCMG double whip Ciampa to DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE!
Gargano runs in, but into double mule kicks! MCMG has DIY in opposite corners and whip them in. DIY reverse but MCMG dosido, but DIY dodges! MCMG dodges, and they stereo LARIAT in the corners! The fans fire up while DIY flounders. Shelley has Ciampa in a corner, climbs up, and he rains down fists! The fans count along, but Gargano runs up from the apron! Shelley AX HANDLES Gargano down, then runs up to LARIAT Ciampa up and out! The fans rally, Shelley builds speed, but he has to slide out as Ciampa runs away! Shelley pursues, Ciampa slips in and tags Gargano! Shelley dodges Ciampa, but not Gargano’s SLINGSHOT SPEAR!
Gargano grins and blows out the finger guns, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Gargano stomps Shelley into the corner, backs off as the ref counts, but that lets Ciampa CHOKE Shelley behind the ref’s back! Gargano comes back to tag Ciampa in, and Ciampa ELBOWS Shelley. Gargano runs to KNEE Shelley down, then Ciampa runs in and KNEES Shelley through the ropes! DIY soaks up the heat, Ciampa even talks trash on The Profits, then he brings Shelley around. Ciampa tags Gargano back in, they mug Shelley, and Gargano soaks up heat. Gargano stays between Shelley and Sabin, but Shelley CHOPS! And CHOPS! But Gargano ROCKS him in return! Gargano snapmares Shelley down, basement DROPKICKS, then covers, ONE!!
Gargano is annoyed, but he mocks Sabin with the MCMG hand pointing, and a “SUCK IT!” The ref keeps Sabin back, but that lets Gargano put Shelley in the corner. DIY mugs Shelley, but they get away with it before the ref sees. Gargano tags Ciampa, and Ciampa stomps Shelley around. Ciampa CHOKES Shelley on the ropes, then stops at the ref’s count. Gargano BOOTS Shelley down! Ciampa SLAMS Shelley’s arm down on the mat, then tags Gargano. DIY split the wishbone! Shelley writhes and crawls to the ropes, but Gargano drags him up to DECK him! Gargano sucker punches Sabin, then soaks up heat.
Gargano runs in at Shelley to LARIAT, then he snapmares Shelley down. Gargano goes up, AX- NO, Shelley body shots in return! Ciampa tags in, runs Sabin off, but Shelley gets him for a NECKBREAKER! SmackDown returns to single picture as Gargano grabs Shelley’s legs! Shelley BOOTS Gargano away, hot tag to Sabin! The fans fire up as Sabin climbs, and he CROSSBODIES DIY down! Sabin fires haymakers on Gargano, then Ciampa, and repeat! Sabin fires kicks, then he runs, and he breaks through the double clothesline with a JUMP KNEE! Sabin kicks Ciampa, reels him in, and kicks off Gargano to TORNADO DDT Ciampa!
The fans fire up and Shelley holds the way open! Sabin builds speed to DIVE! Down go DIY and the fans fire up! Sabin puts Ciampa back in, then he tags Shelley. MCMG brings Ciampa up but Ciampa fires haymakers and CHOPS! Ciampa runs, but into a JUMP KNEE! ENZIGIRI! KNEE! LEG SWEEP! DOUBLE SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Ciampa survives that strike fest but Shelley brings Ciampa up. Shelley tags Sabin, Sabin climbs, but Ciampa pulls Shelley’s hair! The ref reprimands, but Gargano trips Sabin up! Ciampa TOSSES Shelley out, then notices the buckle pad fell! Ciampa takes that pad, the ref stops him from using it as a weapon!
Ciampa says fine, and he brings Sabin up to go for the corner! Sabin stops the buckle bump to kick Ciampa! Sabin runs, rolls Ciampa up, TWO!! Ciampa escapes and PSYCHO KNEES! Then he reels Sabin in, PROJECT CIAMPA!! Cover, TWO!! Sabin survives and Ciampa is furious! Tag to Gargano, Ciampa underhooks Sabin, SUPERKICK FAIRYTALE! Cover, Shelley breaks it! The fans fire up but Ciampa kicks Shelley! Ciampa TOSSES Shelley, then hurries to tag back in. DIY has Sabin down as they go to corners! MEET IN THE- NO, Sabin dodges! DIY stops short of colliding, and Sabin waistlocks Ciampa.
Ciampa switches with Sabin but Sabin BOOTS Gargano away. Sabin then switches with Ciampa to shove ihm into Gargano! Shlley is back, atomic drop! Dropkick to the legs! Chancery and basement dropkick! Dream Sequence complete! Shelley hurries up, Sabin turns Ciampa, but Gargano SHOVES Shelley off the corner! Sabin BLASTS Gagano, Ciampa rolls Sabin up, feet on the ropes! The ref sees that and stops the count! The fans fire up while Ciampa is furious! Ciampa runs in, but Sabin sends him into the bare buckle! Roll up, MCMG WINS!
Winners: Motor City Machine Guns, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contenders to the WWE Tag Team Championships)
Ciampa’s attempts at cheating just cost him and Gargano! MCMG let the Profits know this match is coming, but Dawkins & Ford say go ahead and bring it. Will Sabin & Shelley quickly become TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions? Or will nothing stop The Profits now that they’re up?
The Miz talks with Carmelo Hayes.
The Hollywood A-Lister tells H1M that they need to be ready for an opportunity when it presents itself. Unlike these two. Miz points over to Pretty Deadly! Miz says Elton Prince & Kit Wilson, in their home country, had a title shot and lost! Pretty Deadly? More like Pretty Useless. Melo says, “Imagine getting an opportunity, finally, and fumbling at the one yard line.” Are they a team or just the Chicago Bears? Either way, they’re both jokes. Oh, they’re jokes, huh? Well here’s a joke: The Marine 3. Quick, tag Elton in. Kit “tags” Elton and Elton says, “The Marine 4!” Tag back to Kit, “The Marine 5!” Miz says at least they were made! How’s that musical coming?
Funny Miz should mention that. They just got finished writing this song, and Miz would love it. It is about a character who hasn’t been awesome for at least ten years, if ever. What was it called again? “I was The Miz.” Miz reminds them he is a NINE-TIME tag team champion. How many have they had? Wow, nine times? How many partners did that take? Miz has had so many partners, and now he’s with this younger, hotter model. Miz is like the Leonardo DiCaprio of tag team wrestling. Which leaves them standing here wondering why Melo is so happy to be relegated to The Miz. Kit doesn’t think they’re even a real team.
Miz says this is Melo Don’t Miz! And Pretty Deadly couldn’t beat them on their worst day! Because they are Melo Don’t Miz, and they are AAAAWES-HIM! Melo says they’re working on the catchphrase. But will Melo & Miz prove they’re more than just a struggling sequel? Or will Pretty Deadly light it up like Broadway?
Naomi VS B-Fab!
The Glow’s bright light was hiding the dark shadows, but now we are seeing that dark side loud and clear. Naomi put everyone on notice, but will B-Fab heed that warning? Or will she just be fab in the Windy City?
SmackDown returns and Naomi makes her entrance, only for JADE CARGILL to attack! Jade gets the jump on Naomi now, and she rains down fists on the ramp! Security rushes out here, but Jade fires shots on them now! Jade is a storm of fury but Naomi gets away from her to go to the ring. Jade gets loose, Naomi taunts her, but the bell rings! B-Fab throws Naomi down! Jade smiles, letting B-Fab LARIAT and LARIAT and whip! B-Fab runs in, blocks a shot and she fires forearms! B-Fab bumps Naomi off buckles, then whips her corner to corner. LEG LARIAT! B-Fab whips side to side then BOOTS Naomi down! Cover, TWO!
Naomi survives but B-Fab snarls. B-Fab rains down fists and takes out all her own anger! Naomi gets loose, but B-Fab runs up. B-Fab ROCKS Naomi, ROCKS her again, then SLAPS her! B-Fab clinches, and URENAGES! Cover, TWO! Naomi survives again and B-Fab is furious. The fans rally while Naomi crawls to a corner. B-Fab runs up, but Naomi ducks the leg lariat! Naomi CLUBS B-Fab, has that leg stuck int he ropes, and Naomi fires off shots! Naomi has B-Fab in the Tree of Woe, then STOMPS her into buckles! B-Fab flops down, Naomi drags her up, and RIPCORD CODE BREAKER!! Cover, Naomi wins!
Winner: Naomi, by pinfall
Naomi is seething, and now she grabs a mic. “Where you at, Jade?! I’m still standing!” The fans fire up as Jade runs back in! BOOT! Jade drags Naomi up, chicken wings her, but security rushes in! Jade again beats all of them up, SUPERKICKS and HAYMAKERS left and right! Jade clears the ring, and Nick Aldis hurries out here. he says he has had just about enough. He can see that there is only one solution: Naomi VS Jade at WRESTLEMANIA! Jade is all fired up, and Naomi has a sinister smile. They both want to put an end to this, but who will be left laying in Las Vegas?
Damian Priest speaks.
“Drew McIntyre: the victim. No holes in your logic, right? WrestleMania 40, you had your moment. But your weird obsession took you to CM Punk, and he ended up clowning your ass. I did my job as Senor Money in the Bank: I cashed in and became world champion at WrestleMania. You screwed yourself, but I’m the villain, right? Clash at the Castle should’ve been about us, but this weird obsession you couldn’t let go of, it followed you. I did my job and remained World Heavyweight Champion. You screwed yourself, but I’m the villain, right? Money in the Bank, you should’ve been focused on the moment. You tried to cash in, but your baggage once again followed you.
“I did my job and remained champion. You screwed yourself, but I’m the villain, right? Rumble, Chamber, I eliminated you from both, plain and simple. Then you attack me like a coward, and you cost me my shot at main eventing WrestleMania. You know what you are, Drew? You’re a hypocrite. You make excuses, you bitch and complain, and you point your finger at everybody but yourself. I know what you are, Drew. You’re a junky. You get off on this high from telling stupid ass jokes every week for a cheap ass pop, and you play the victim every, damn, week. You don’t have to paint me as the villain of your story anymore, I am your villain!
“The time to pray IS now, Drew! No looking for me in the shadows. Look for me in the middle of the ring next week, face to face, eye to eye. Because I want you to stop playing the victim and become my victim at WrestleMania!” Priest has issued his challenge, what will McIntyre say to it?
Nick Aldis is in the ring.
SmackDown returns and Aldis says this is a part of his job that frankly, is not very fun. In this industry, there is a fine line between coming back like it’s all fine, and then finding out that you may never set foot in this ring again. It is a cliche, but there is a reason we say, “Don’t try this at home.” Aldis doesn’t want to say much more as he’d rather we hear it from the man himself. Please welcome out Kevin Owens. The Prizefighter makes his entrance to a mixed reaction, but still rather positive.
Kevin steps into the ring with Aldis, grabs himself a mic, and then says, “I’ve been doing this for 25 years, and uh… I think I can say confidently that for those 25 years, I really gave everything I had every time I stepped foot in this ring. And in those 25 years, because of this industry, I’ve gotten to live incredible things, and experienced things I’ll never forget.” Kevin says he’s been able to care for his family in a way he could’ve only dreamed of. But… There is a price to pay for that amazing opportunity. And that is the toll it takes on their bodies. Every single guy and girl back there has paid that price at different times. Now, it is Kevin’s turn.
The fans don’t like where this is going, but Kevin says that the reality is, for the last four months, he has been dealing with a very serious neck injury. No one really knew what it was or how serious it was. Thankfully, this week, they figured out what it was, and now Kevin must go get neck surgery. That is what Kevin will do, and the timing couldn’t be worse. Kevin will tell us, not getting to be in the ring with Randy at WrestleMania really sucks. Kevin is really thankful for the WWE allowing him to come out here and tell us all this, because the truth is, he doesn’t know when he’ll have the privilege to be in front of us again.
What Kevin does know is… The last few years, he has learned not to take anything for granted. He will never take this for granted. The fans applaud, and Kevin continues by saying that for now, he wants to say thank you, and he is sorry. The fans applaud again while Kevin and Aldis shake hands. Kevin takes his leave, fans chant “Thank You, Kevin!” but wait! Randy Orton is here! The vans cheer as The Viper makes his way out here, and he seems a bit emotional himself. Orton goes to the ring, walks up the steps, and he looks Kevin in the eyes. Kevin nods and hops down from the apron to go up the ramp. Is this the last we’ll see of Kevin on WWE TV?
The fans rally up for Randy, and Aldis says he hates to be the one to tell him this, but unfortunately, this means Orton no longer has a WrestleMania match. The fans don’t like that, and Orton doesn’t seem to, either. RKO FOR ALDIS!! Orton is upset, but perhaps that wasn’t the best response…?
WWE United States Championship #1 Contender’s Last Man Standing Match: Jacob Fatu VS Braun Strowman!
The Samoan Werewolf and the Monster of All Monsters have gone back and forth in brutal battle after brutal battle, but this is where it all comes to a head! LA Knight has the United States Championship, so which of these behemoths will completely demolish the other to go for the gold?
Fatu rushes Braun at the ramp and the fans fire up! The bell rings and Braun HEADBUTTS Fatu! Braun whips Fatu into steel steps, Fatu tumbles, and the count begins already. Fatu sits up at 3 of 10, then drags himself up at 5, but Braun is there to CHOP him! Jacob hobbles, Braun follows, and Braun puts him in the ring. Braun storms in but Fatu KICKS him! And SUPERKICKS him! And runs to LARIAT! Braun is down, Fatu rises, and then Fatu goes up the corner! But Braun is up to YANK Fatu down! Braun scoops Fatu, but Fatu slips free to RAM Braun into buckles! SUPERKICK! Braun stays up, but Fatu runs to BODY CHECK!
Braun is down, the count starts, but Fatu hits the BEST MOONSAULT EVER! Direct hit, but Fatu isn’t satisfied! BEST MOONSAULT EVER! Braun is still down, fans want that “ONE MORE TIME! ONE MORE TIME!” Braun sputters at 4 of 10, pushes up off the mat at 6, but then flops back over. Braun rolls out to stand at 8! Fatu goes outside, storms in around the way, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Fatu ROCKS Braun with a haymaker! Braun staggers, Fatu HEADBUTTS, but Braun UPPERCUTS! Braun SHOVES Fatu into the steel steps again! Fatu tumbles, but Braun pulls the steps apart! Fatu stands, Braun RAMS him down! The fans fire up with Braun, and Braun RAMS Fatu down again! Braun rips off his shirt and throws it to the fans! Fatu flounders, the count is 7, but Fatu drags himself up at 9! Braun CLUBS Fatu on the back! Braun brings Fatu around to THROW into the Hydration Station! Braun flips Fatu off while the count starts again. Fatu stirs, Braun watches closely, and the count is 6! Fatu stands at 7, so Braun takes the desk hood and SMACKS him with it!
Braun looms near while Fatu is down. Fatu rises at 4, so Braun SMACKS him back down with the hood! Fatu writhes but he sits back up at 5. Fatu stands at 7, but Braun is on him with an UPPERCUT! Fatu staggers around, Braun brings him over to whip, but Fatu reverses! Now Braun runs into steel steps! Braun falls in a heap and the count is on. Fatu goes looking for things while Braun rises at 6. Braun stands at 8, but Fatu SUPERKICKS him! Fatu puts Braun in the ring, then storms in for HEADBUTTS! Braun wobbles, SmackDown returns to single picture, but HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT forces Braun to kneel.
The fans rally up, Fatu runs, but Braun gets under him to SPINEBUSTER! Both men fall over so the count is on both of them! Braun and Fatu both rise at 4, Braun rolls out so he’s on his feet again. Fatu is still down at 6, but Braun gets an idea. The fans cheer as Braun brings out a TABLE! Fatu stands at 9, but Braun slides the table into the ring. Braun storms in and UPPERCUTS Fatu back down! Braun props the table up in a corner, the fans cheer, but Fatu SUPERKICKS again! Braun wobbles, Fatu runs up, but into a BOOT! Fatu is down but rolling, and he makes it to the ropes at 5. Braun runs up but Fatu DUMPS him ojtu!
Fatu builds speed and he DIVES! Braun is sent over the desk! Both big men are down on the outside and the fans fire up! The count rises, Fatu stands at 4, but Braun flounders at 6. Braun drags himself up at 7, and he officially stands at 8. Fatu is right on Braun to POST him! Braun falls in a heap but hurries to get moving. Fatu gets space, and he runs in at Braun, but Braun CLOBBERS him with a chair!! Fatu goes right down and the fans are fired up! Fatu sputters but Braun is on the tracks! STROWMAN EXPRESS through the barriers!! The fans are thunderous as #OneBigSOB just took out the other!
The count is climbing, and we’re at 7 already! Both men flounder up at 8, then stand at 9! The fans fire up as this continues, but SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and these behemoths are now brawling in front of the bleachers. Fatu rises at 7 of 10, but Braun is on him! Braun UPPERCUTS Fatu, then drags him on top of a road case! This is near the technical area, and while the ref says don’t do it, the fans say definitely do it! Braun suplexes Fatu up, and they crash down through tables!! Chicago loses its mind all over again while the count begins again! We pass 5, then 7! Braun and Fatu only now stir, and we’re 8! 9! Both men stand at 9.9!! Both men stagger around, Braun has a bloody cut on his shoulder, and “This is Awesome!” Braun has somehow made it to ringside, but so has Fatu.
Braun hobbles around, drops to his knees, but he uses the steps to keep going. Braun flounders against the apron, the count is going, and Braun slips into the ring. Fatu is up at 9 again, and he runs up! BODY CHECK through the corner table!! The fans lose their minds again, and the count is back! Both behemoths are down in the wreckage at 5, and then 6! 7! 8! Fatu springs to life at 9! He stands, Braun doesn’t, Fatu wins!!
Winner: Jacob Fatu (NEW #1 Contender to the WWE United States Championship)
The Samoan Werewolf is not only victorious, he is the first man to best Braun in a Last Man Standing match! Will Knight not survive fighting Fatu in Las Vegas?
Backstage interview with Paul Heyman, again.
Byron walks over to The Wise Man, who is still waiting. When exactly is Roman Reigns going to arrive? Heyman mocks Byron’s question, then says it’ll be any minute now. Byron thanks Heyman for that, but will Roman even bother to show? We’ll have to wait and, after the break.
SmackDown returns and…
Finally, another car pulls into the building. And out steps The Tribal Chief! But he blows right past Heyman to head for gorilla. The music hits, the fans fire up even more, and Roman makes his entrance. He doesn’t even take time to raise the one and cue the pyro, because he wants to get right to the business of this favor. Roman goes to the ring, Heyman doing his best to keep up, and Heyman quickly fetches mics for the two of them. The fans chant “O T C! O T C!” Roman paces, then tells Chicago, “ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” The fans cheer and raise their ones to the sky. Roman asks The Wise Man, “Is he here?” Heyman says, “Yes, My Tribal Chief.”
The fans cheer for CM Punk and Roman says yes, that’s who he is talking about. “Wise Man!” “Yes, My Tribal Chief!” “Is he still talking about this favor?” “Y-Yes, My Tribal Chief…” Roman says he doesn’t know how Chicago deals with this guy. “Wise Man.” “Yes, My Tribal Chief?” “Should I share a secret with Chicago?” “Yes, My Tribal Chief!” Roman says CM Punk wouldn’t be back here if not for Roman! The fans boo that, but Roman paces. Roman says CM Punk wouldn’t be in the main event of WrestleMania if not for Roman! And he gets it, Chicago is good people. “He’s from the same city as me, I have to like him! Yay~!”
Roman says Chicago means well but they’re not that smart. CM Punk has been around for forever, wrestled everyone under the sun! Hall of famers, legends, champions, but he’s never been in the main event of WrestleMania. No, he hasn’t. Not until he was introduced to the Tribal Chief! The fans duel between “O T C!” and “C M PUNK!” Roman says that’s right. You hear them chanting for The Tribal Chief in your city. Roman’s in the ring, so bring Punk out here so we can quit wasting our time! Roman wants Punk to come on out so we can hear about this favor! Punk needs to come out here and indulge the Tribal Chief!
The fans chant harder, but “BURN IT DOWN!” plays instead! The fans sing along now with “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” as Rollins struts his way to the ring. Rollins steps in and struts around Roman and Heyman to get himself a mic. Rollins revels in the singing, then tells Chicago, “I am a Visionary, I am a Revolutionary, I am… SETH! FREAKIN’! ROLLINS! And I wouldn’t have missed this one for the world, HAHAHAHAAA~!” Rollins doesn’t know what the favor is, but the reality, he feels it’ll knock Roman’s sock off. The thing about reality and Roman is that they don’t seem to jive very well, because unlike all of us, Roman doesn’t like to live in the real world.
But every time Roman steps outside of his little universe, reality bites him in the ass! Rollins won’t do a history lesson, but Example A: The Heist of The Century! Example B: The main event of WrestleMania 40! Fans chant, “What’s The Favor?” Rollins says he’s wondering the same thing, Chicago. But the reality is, Roman underestimated CM Punk. Roman thinks he’s above CM Punk, Roman thinks he doesn’t have to worry about CM Punk. Roman thinks that he can ignore Punk and he’ll go away. Rollins tried that, it doesn’t work, and now Punk is in the main event of WrestleMania, and that is a reality Rollins has to deal with.
Roman could’ve stopped this at WarGames, he didn’t. He could’ve let Rollins stop this at Madison Square Garden, he didn’t. And now, here we are, waiting on the favor. The fans chant for Punk, and Rollins says he’s in a lot better place than he was last week “celebrating” that news of Punk in the main event. Rollins realized that the reality gives him two options: Either you suffer and get left behind, or you adapt and you control reality. Roman isn’t sure what Rollins is getting at. But he tells Rollins the reality here is, Rollins is untrustworthy. Roman could bring up loyalty, but he feels Rollins has no clue what that word means.
CM Punk is here because Roman made a promise to The Wise Man. And Roman keeps his word. The reality is, Roman didn’t call Rollins out here, Roman called Punk out here! The fans sing, “Roman! Roman Reigns~!” Rollins takes off the sunglasses to be serious. Roman called Punk out here, Rollins is here to hear from Punk. So there’s only one thing missing, and that’s CM Punk. The fans chant for Punk, and Rollins steps back as he says time mot hear what the favor is. Punk makes his entrance again and the fans cheer! Punk steps into the ring, wary of Rollins. Rollins keeps his distance, and now Punk smirks at Roman.
The fans cheer on Punk as he has a mic to say, “The favor. What’s the favor? This is about friendship. This is about legacy. This is about promises made and promises kept. This is about… loyalty. Paul, this goes back to 4400 Shepherdsville Road in Louisville, Kentucky, when on day one, I showed up and they told you that I don’t belong, and they told you to fire me, and you said no. And hell, your Wise Man is just that: he is wise beyond his years. Paul, you prophesized this on national television on Monday Night Raw. And if everybody else has forgotten about it, that certainly doesn’t mean I have.”
The fans cheer, and Punk says even before that. Let’s throw it back to the day Heyman left this company on Big Show’s bus. Punk, Heyman, Show, RVD, standing there and talking amongst themselves. And Punk mistakenly made it about himself. Punk told Paul, “They’re gonna fire me! Without you, I’m nothing! Paul, don’t leave!” Paul said no, Punk will be fine. Punk said he is sorry about making it about him, and asked Paul what he could do for him. In that moment, Paul Heyman told CM Punk, “When you main event WrestleMania, force them to deal with us.” Well “they” aren’t here anymore, so Punk will force Roman Reigns, “My Tribal Chief,” out of his comfort zone!
Punk will force Roman to deal with “us.” Heyman is realizing what Punk is getting at. And Punk says in the main event of WrestleMania, in Punk’s corner, it will be Roman’s Wise Man, Punk’s best friend, PAUL HEYMAN! The fans cheer and Rollins says he told Roman this was coming. Heyman remembers back to Raw a decade ago, and Roman is beside himself! Roman says, “That’s the favor?” Roman now laughs! Roman says, “You understand he loves me, right? He needs me! I saved him! Even if I let him, he wouldn’t!” Roman laughs some more and says, “Wise Man.” Heyman responds, “Yes, My Tribal Chief.”
Roman says, “Let this desperate fool down easy, will ya?” The fans duel, but the CM Punk chants return. Punk smiles as Heyman hesitates. Roman is confused and upset, and Heyman is on the brink of tears! Roman asks if Heyman is crying. Heyman better wipe his eyes and tell Punk, “No.” But Heyman tries to explain this out. Roman says he took Heyman, he made Heyman relevant, so tell Punk, “No!” Heyman wipes his eyes, takes a breath, and Roman says he has one more opportunity. “Tell him, ‘no.'” Heyman raises the mic, looks between Roman and Punk, and says, “No, My Tribal Chief, I can’t do that.”
The fans fire up and Rollins is loving this! Heyman says Roman means a lot to him, but so does Punk! Roman backs Heyman into a corner, but Punk goes after Roman! The fans fire up, and Punk fireman’s carries! Heyman is so conflicted, but Punk hits a G T S!! Punk and Rollins stare down while Chicago is thunderous! Heyman is devastated, and Rollins just leaves it at this. The fans boo, but will the Triple Threat main event at WrestleMania be more than enough for Rollins to burn it down?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown with some great build, and some sadder news. Kevin Owens’ neck injury and following surgery are all legit, so the highly anticipated grudge match between him and Randy Orton is legitimately canceled. Orton giving Aldis an RKO is certainly one way for Orton to respond. I’m not sure how, but they might improvise some kind of consolation story so Orton can still be part of Mania. Meanwhile, it is great that we’re adding Naomi VS Jade to WrestleMania for their grudge match. Good stuff from them as Jade attacks, Naomi still finds a way to beat B-Fab, and then they brawl again. I almost feel like their match should have a special stipulation given the heat behind it.
Very good promos from Drew McIntyre and Damian Priest to also direct us towards their grudge match. I almost feel like those two need a stipulation, too. I know NXT and Halloween Havoc is where “Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal” has been featured, but this is Las Vegas. Why not spin the wheel to up the ante? Well, that aside, both McIntyre VS Priest and Naomi VS Jade feel very up in the air, either side could win and come away strong enough to go for a title. Speaking of titles, I guess the theme for Charlotte VS Tiffany really is “Anything you can do, I can do better.” And that was perhaps the sloppiest worked-shoot I’ve seen in a long time. Oddly, I think the last one also involved Charlotte…
Fenix VS Frazer was an awesome match, practically PPV level, but naturally Fenix won. Good promo from him after, and good promo from Legado to help set up Fenix’s next match. Fenix VS Berto will be great stuff, and maybe Andrade joins in the story as he’s been trying to convince Berto and even Angel that Santos isn’t really the leader they deserve. We definitely need to see Fenix VS Santos and maybe even Fenix VS Andrade as this story gets going. Also, I like them making a tag team gauntlet for the Women’s Tag titles. The six teams between both Raw and SmackDown (because that’s all there really are right now) all have a pretty good chance, can’t wait to see who wins.
Great tag team match from DIY VS MCMG, and it works that MCMG won. They finally settle things with DIY from when DIY turned Heel, and now MCMG will have a proper tag match against The Profits. Very good promo from Braun and Knight with Solo and Tama, and then a very good match from LA Knight VS Tama Tonga. Solo of course did his best to interfere, and of course Knight wins out. Braun VS Jacob was an awesome main event match, and they made good use of the Last Man Standing stipulation. It was clear Jacob would win given how he cost Braun last week and has basically had Braun’s number since the beginning of this feud. The question now will be, does Solo cost Jacob the title at Mania? And how?
And of course, the big attraction for being in Chicago is everything CM Punk. Great opening promo from him, as well as with Heyman. Heyman waiting for Roman to get Rollins first was a good promo, too. And while a lot of fans were expecting something big for “the favor,” I do give WWE credit for using this as a way to call back to over 10 years (maybe closer to 12?) when Heyman was Punk’s Advocate and did make that promise to Punk that they’d be together for Punk’s WrestleMania main event. This is about as close to a #FinishTheStory moment for Punk as I think we’ll get, but it’s pretty good for all of us longtime fans who were even watching way back when. Punk standing tall tonight is good stuff, too, since it’s Chicago, but it’s still too early to call the match.
My Score: 8.8/10
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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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