There’s a Collision on TBS!

The AEW Women’s World Champion, Timeless Toni Storm, is a fighting champion! And she is giving Lady Frost a golden opportunity in an Eliminator match!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• AEW Women’s World Championship Eliminator: Toni Storm w/ Luther VS Lady Frost; Toni wins and denies Frost a title opportunity.
• $100,000 Fatal 4 Way: Rush VS Sammy Guevara w/ Dustin Rhodes VS AR Fox VS Kevin Knight; Sammy wins the big cash prize.
• Megan Bayne w/ Penelope Ford VS Harley Cameron; Megan wins.
• Josh Alexander VS Brody King; Time Limit Draw.
• Best Wrestler Alive Five Minute Open Challenge: Max Caster VS Daniel Garcia; Garcia wins.
• The Gates of Agony VS Ray Chas & Goldie; The Gates win.
• Best 2 Out of 3 Falls: FTR VS Roderick Strong & Kyle O’Reilly; FTR wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Adam Cole is here!

Atlantic City fires up for the Panama City Playboy as he brings the AEW TNT Championship with him to ringside. As such, the fans of course join in with the “BOOM!” and “ADAM COLE, BAYBAY!” But he isn’t here to talk, he’s here to watch this opening match!

AEW Women’s World Championship Eliminator: Toni Storm w/ Luther VS Lady Frost!

Timeless Toni continues her search for her next “costar,” and she’s crossing paths with the Coldest Wrestler You Know! But will Frost go from ice to gold? Or will she be crossed off the list during this “audition?”

The bell rings, the two shake hands, and the fans applaud. Toni and Frost circle, tie up, and Toni wrenches to wristlock. Frost grabs the ropes to flip through, and she wrenches back. Toni reaches back to headlock but Frost powers up and out. Toni runs Frost over, the fans cheer, but then Frost kips up! Things speed up. Frost handsprings but Toni sidesteps. Frost roll sunder a lariat to roll back and SWINGING headscissor! Toni tumbles out and the fans are torn, but Frost watches Toni go around the way. Frost goes to the apron, avoids the leg sweep, then CANNONBALLS to the floor!

The fans fire up and Frost goes up the barriers. Frost handsprings to MOONSAULT onto Toni! The fans fire up more and Frost puts Toni back in. Frost storms up on Toni to cover, TWO! Toni stays in this but Frost stays cool. Frost whips Toni but Toni hits a THESZ PRESS! Toni rains down fast hands, then fires up! The fans are with her and Toni stands Frost up. Toni scoops for a BACKBREAKER! Frost writhes but Toni brings her back up. Toni hits a FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect, but Toni doesn’t let that bother her. The fans rally as Toni brings Frost up to her feet.

Toni grabs Frost with both hands, but Frost turns that into a wheelbarrow! Victory roll, TWO! Things speed up, Frost ducks ‘n’ dodges and LARIATS! The fans fire up as Toni goes to a corner, Frost runs in, SNOWBALL! The fans fire up more and Frost pushes Toni. Frost goes out, BOOTS Toni, then steps in to slips around, and she ROCKS Toni! Frost climbs, aims, and TORNILLO CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Toni stays in this and the fans rally up again. Frost rises, goes back to the corner, and she climbs back up. But Toni grabs Frost first! Frost breaks free, Toni ROCKS her, and then hits a SKY HIGH! Cover, TWO!!

Frost survives but Toni just moves on to her closeup! The fans rally as Toni runs corner to corner, SWEET HIP- NO, Frost KICKS first! Cartwheel and Alabama Lift, CHILLER DRILLER!! Cover, TWO!! Toni survives and the fans fire up! The fans rally as Frost aims, but Toni ducks the buzzsaw! GERMAN SUPLEX! Frost flounders away, Toni runs up, UPPERCUT! Toni waits on Frost, then gives a very dramatic look. SWEET HIP MUSIC! Then a CHICKEN WING CROSSFACE!! Toni brings Frost down, Frost TAPS, Toni wins!

Winner: Toni Storm, by submission (denies Frost a title match)

The #TCM, Toni’s Classic Move, wins it for her, and Luther hands her a mic. Toni rests on the mat while she says, “This Whore You All Adore… This Slut You Can’t Rebut… This tramp is still THE CHAMP! And my gawd, what a frosty little slop tart. Now I know there’s a fresh batch of tarts back there, wanting to take a shot at this wide load that holds the gold. Yes, that’s right. Everyone’s coming for Toni Storm. But you got it all wrong, darling! Toni Storm comes for everybody! So if you’re tits can take the hits, then I’m not a hard woman to find. I could be right here.” Then she goes outside and says she could be here, or here next to this man.

Or here, down the ramp. Here with this gentlemen, by the stage, or on this bloody boardwalk! Toni goes outside of the arena and says she will be ready, sweaty, here, queer, and TIMELESS~! Toni revels in the brisk evening air of the Atlantic City beach, but who will look to ruin all the fun?

Jon Moxley speaks.

The Maniac AEW World Champion says, “When Katsuyori Shibata woke up on Wednesday morning, his fate was already sealed. He may as well have already been in the hospital. There’s nothing you can do about it, Joe, so I don’t want you to feel bad that all of the people closest to you are dropping like flies. And I struggle to find reasons to dislike Samoa Joe, I really do. The guy defined professional wrestling for a whole generation of us guys. He deserves the respect he commands. Samoa Joe is beyond reproach. But so was Bryan Danielson. Something to think about.

“Steel Cage for the world championship in Chicago. There’s this notion, this idea, that I should be scared to step into a steel cage with Samoa Joe. When you’re the world champion, every opponent is dangerous, every match is hard, every day is hard. I’m gonna do what I always do: my job. And I am exceptional at my job. You wanna lock me inside a steel cage? Lock it. Lock the door, man. This is always how this was gonna end. My affairs are in order. But if you subscribe to this notion that I should be scared, well then you haven’t been paying attention, Joe. You better make sure you thought things through.”

The Maniac has issued a warning, but will Joe even acknowledge it? Or will Joe make Moxley realize what fear really is?

$100,000 High Speed Fatal 4 Way: Rush VS Sammy Guevara w/ Dustin Rhodes VS AR Fox VS Kevin Knight!

Tony Khan’s dishing out more money, and each man has a 25% chance of bringing that jackpot home! Will El Toro Blanco, the Spanish God, the Whole Fox’n Show or The Jet be rolling in dough just in time for Mother’s Day?

The bell rings and the fans rally up for pretty much everyone in this match. All four men watch each other, then approach. Knight CLOBBERS Fox and Rush CLOBBERS Sammy! Rush and Knight then step up to each other. Knight fire a forearm but Rush eggs Knight on! The forearms go back and forth, then Rush CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” and Knight CHOPS! Rush CHOPS, and Rush wants Knight to man up! Knight CHOPS, Rush HEADBUTTS! Rush stomps away on Knight, stomps away, then “takes” Knight’s head to “punt” it into the crowd. Rush has the fans behind him right now as he and Knight speed up.

Knight drops down, then hurdles over, but Rush leaps! They keep moving, Knight scoops and SLAMS! Then UFO- NO, Rush moves! Rush arm-drags Knight, Knight arm-drags Rush, and then dropkicks cancel out! Both men kip up and the fans fire up! Cole is still on commentary, he likes this one, too. But then Fox and Sammy DROPKICK Rush and Knight out of the ring! The fans fire up for Fox and Sammy, Fox BOOST the lariat away to then tilt-o-whirl and waistlock. Sammy switches, Fox switches, and Fox shoves Sammy. Fox then blows past Sammy, but Sammy hurdles, backflips, and DROPKICKS! The fans fire up so Sammy takes a bow.

Sammy runs corner to corner at Fox and he RAMS Fox in the corner! Sammy goes out, slingshots in, but Fox slingshots out! Sammy crash lands and Fox slingshots back in, SENTON! The fans fire up again, and Fox catches Sammy’s punch! Fox also hooks a leg, ties those up, and hits a modified FISHERMAN BUSTER! Rush is back to SUPERMAN FOREARM! Sammy JUMP KNEES Rush! Knight springboards to FLYING LARIAT Sammy! The fans fire up again, and Knight runs up on Rush, only for Rush to OVERHEAD SUPLEX him into buckles! Knight crashes down, the fans rally up, and Collision goes picture in picture!

Dustin checks on Sammy and he’s alright. Knight drags himself up with the ropes but Rush runs up to BODY BLOW! Rush whips corner to corner, CHOPS, then sits Knight down. Rush runs corner to corner, runs back in, but feints Knight out to BOOT him! Rush soaks up cheers and jeers before he rolls back and tranquilo! Sammy sends Fox into barriers, Rush feeds off more energy, then Rush goes out to SMACK Fox down! Rush HEADBUTTS Sammy, then SMACKS Sammy off a chair! Dustin coaches Sammy but Rush stares Dustin down. The Natural tells Toro Blanco that there’s no problemo here.

Knight storms up on Rush, but Rush SMACKS Knight down! The fans applaud while Knight slumps against railing. Rush talks some trash, then he smothers Knight! The fans get a bit closer to the action like that, but then Fox runs up on Rush. Rush ROCKS Fox first, SMACKS him off railing, then goes back to Knight. Rush SMACKS Knight, brings him around, and pushes him along the barriers. Rush CHOPS Knight, but Knight CHOPS Rush! Rush CHOPS Knight! Knight staggers away while Rush revels in the cheers. Rush has Atlantic City all cheering him on, and he goes after Knight to KICK his leg! Knight hobbles, but Rush fires body shots!

Rush keeps after Knight, CHOKES him on the railing, and the ref reprimands. Rush doesn’t have to stop, but he does as Collision returns to single picture. Rush whips Knight, Knight reverses, and Rush hits steel steps! The fans fire up while Rush writhes. Knight and Fox are in the ring, and Fox BOOTS first! The fans rally for Fox now, but Knight puts him on the apron. Fox ROCKS Rush, jumps up, but Knight DROPKICKS him down! We can see in the rafters, glowing with blue light, that’s Hologram! The futuristic luchador is very invested as Knight builds speed to DIVE into a DDT from Fox! The fans fire up more as Fox now takes aim.

Fox springboards and IMPLODER 450 SPLASHES onto Knight! The fans fire up while both men go down! Fox brings Knight up but Knight fights the lift. Fox CLUBS Knight, but Sammy is up top! Sammy SUPER SHOOTING STARS! Down go Fox and Knight and the fans fire up with Sammy! But Rush DECKS Sammy! Rush whips Fox hard into railing! Rush then whips Fox to the other side, into more railing! Rush sends Sammy into steel steps! Rush has Knight, and he sends Knight into railing! Rush snarls, brings Knight around, and then suplexes! Knight fights free, gets around the steps, and he leaps off those steps to DROPKICK Rush!

The fans fire up with Knight, and he runs at Rush, only for Rush to THROW him at the ramp!! The fans fire up as Rush storms back up on Knight. They brawl up the ramp and to the stage! Then they go off into some shadowy corner! “This is Awesome!” as Sammy and Fox are now left in the ring. Hologram approves as Sammy torture racks. GO TO- NO, Fox dodges the knee, then goes Matrix to dodge the lariat! PELE! Sammy BOOTS back! Sammy goes up a corner, but Fox is after him, LO MEIN PAIN! And then a 450 SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Sammy survives and the fans rally up! Fox puts Sammy in the center of the ring, but then goes to the corner?

Fox climbs, aims, SWANTON BOMB onto knees!! Sammy saves himself, torture racks, but Fox fights free! Roll up, TWO! Sammy is up, Fox goes Matrix again, but the JUMP KNEE finds him! Fox sputters, Sammy reels him in, GO TO HOSPITAL!! Cover, SAMMY WINS!

Winner: Sammy Guevara, by pinfall (wins the $100K prize)

Adam Cole applauds, and certainly Sammy’s family is happy he has this money. But Sammy points to Cole, then to the All In sign. Will this Son of Texas get to go All In for the TNT Championship? Will Hologram look to add himself to the mix before too long?

PROGRAMMING NOTE for next week’s Collision!

First: It’ll be live at 8 PM Eastern, just like tonight. Second: It’ll be on TBS, just like tonight. Third: It will be on THURSDAY NIGHT instead of Saturday! Make sure to adjust your DVR accordingly so you don’t miss a moment of the action!

Samoa Joe speaks.

“Hello, Jon. I hope you’ll forgive me, I’m not there at Collision this week, but it’s only because I’m paying you respect by being here in my gym, preparing for what I’ll do to you in a few short weeks. What that is, Jon, is helping you understand. I’m gonna help you understand what happens when you call a man like me out. And you’re going to understand that what you have done to Hook and Shibata is going to be visited upon your man, Claudio, next week. And that all starts with me understanding a little bit about you, Jon. See, I understand that you have the ruthless streak that is required to take on someone like me.

“I understand that you have the ability and the will to come after someone like me. But you see, Jon, I had to put this match in a cage. Cuz there’s something else that I understand about you. The Jon Moxley I look at today doesn’t have the heart to stand in front of me. The Jon Moxley I see today doesn’t have the balls to get into a ring and get into an actual firefight with a man like me. And Jon, come Chicago, at Beach Break, I will break you. And when you turn around to run, with nowhere to go, I am Samoa Joe. I will be the next AEW World Champion. And Jon Moxley, I will make you understand.”

Megan Bayne w/ Penelope Ford VS Harley Cameron!

The Megasus keeps crushing opponent after opponent, and the Superbad Girl is there to help pick up the scraps. Will their path of destruction continue tonight? Or will this wild Aussie have quite the underdog victory here in Atlantic City?

The bell rings and Harley SPLASHES int he corner! Harley stomps away, lets off, and then runs up to RAM Megan! The fans fire up, the ref counts, but Megan shoves Harley away. harley returns again but is put ont he apron. Harley ROUNDHOUSES, ROUNDHOUSES again, then RAMS into Megan! Harley has Megan in the ropes and she HAMMERS away! The fans fire up as Harley shouts, “FEEL THE WRATH!” Harley goes up, in, runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and ENZIGIRIS! Megan stays up so Harley runs agian, but Megan stops the COde Breaker! OVERHEAD SUPLEX! The fans are torn while Harley writhes.

Megan storms over to Harley, stalks her to the ropes, then drags her up to RAM her into the corner again and again! Megan CHOPS Harley, then stalks her to a corner. Megan KNEES Harley again and again and again! The ref reprimands, Megan steps back, but that lets Ford CHOKE Harley! The fans boo but Ford gets away with it. Megan snapmares Harley, then KNEES her in the back! Cocky cover, ONE! Megan drags Harley up to suplex her high and hard! Megan stalks Harley to the corner again, whips her corner to corner, then runs up for a SPLASH! MEgan then underhooks and hits a BUTTERFLY SUPLEX!

Megan storms up on Harley, but Harley JAWBREAKERS back! Harley wrenches and serves up SOLE FOOD! Megan staggers, runs back in, and LEAPING LARIAT! The fans are torn but Megan stands over Harley as Collision goes picture in picture.

Megan takes her time fixing her hair and her gear, but Harley goes out to the apron. Megan runs up and BOOTS Harley down! The ref and Megan argue, and Ford gets another cheap shot in! The fans boo but the ref misses it like he did before. Megan waits on Harley as Harley hobbles back into the ring. Megan then storms up on Harley to put her in a corner. Harley fires forearms but Megan is more amused than anything. Harley ROCKS Megan, but Megan BOOTS her! Megan RAMS Harley into the corner again and again! Then she GERMAN SUPLEXES Harley away! Harley sputters but Megan is right back on her.

Megan drags Harley up, brings her around, and short arm LARIATS! Megan drags Harley back up, short arm LARIATS again, then stands Harley back up. Harley dodges the lariat this time, but then a LARIAT finds her on return! Cover, TWO! Megan sighs, drags Harley up, and SLAMS her back down! Megan drags Harley up, scoops again, and SLAMS her back down! Harley sputters but Megan brings her up again. Another scoop and another SLAM! Megan soaks up cheers and jeers while Collision returns to single picture. Megan grabs at Harley but Harley KICKS her! And KICKS! And KICKS again!

Megan grabs Harley by her hair and drags her to a corner! Megan CHOPS and CHOPS and runs back in, but into an ELBOW! And another ELBOW! Harley climbs, Megan runs up and Megan ROCKS Harley! Megan climbs, but Harley fires body shots! The fans rally, Harley fires hands, and then she BITES Megan’s ear! The fans fire up as Megan falls back! Ford gets up but Harley DECKS her! Megan runs in, but Harley dodges! Megan hits buckles, Harley ducks ‘n’ dodges to then tilt-o-whirl DDT! The fans fire up and Harley covers, TWO! Megan survives but Harley fires up. The fans rally and Harley brings Megan in for a facelock.

But Megan suplexes first! Harley fights that, but Megan tries again! FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!! Harley survives and Megan is seething! Megan drags Harley up, fireman’s carry, but Harley fires elbows! Harley then fires forearms, and she dodges a haymaker! Harley fires a flurry, then runs to LARIAT! Harley is the one who falls over! Megan drags Harley right into a POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO?!? Harley survives but Megan is furious! Fireman’s carry, but Harley sunset flips! TWO!! Megan is up, Harley Oklahoma Rolls her, TWO!! Megan escapes again, but Harley hits a SHINING WIZARD! Then Harley aims from a corner!

Megan rises, Harley goes up, and Harley leaps! But Megan catches her, pops her up, FATE’S DESCENT!! Cover, Megan wins!

Winner: Megan Bayne, by pinfall

Megan did not #FeelTheWrath, but she did make Harley #BowDown! But they’re not done, as Ford stands Harley back up! Megan fireman’s carries for another FATE’S DESCENT!! The fans boo but Megan wants another! Wait, Anna Jay is here, with a two-by-four! And she SMACKS Megan with it!! But Megan doesn’t budge!? Anna doesn’t care, she swings again! Megan blocks that, takes it from Anna, then throws it aside! Megan runs up, but Anna DUMPS Megan out! Ford has Megan stand down, even though Anna wants her to fight! Will the Queenslayer help Harley get even with Megasus and minion?

AEW returns and…

Wait, Moxley & Marina are here in person! They beat up a security guard, DUMP him to ringside, and then dare the other guards to try something. Marina gives one guy the briefcase, just to then BOOT him down! Marina storms into the ring and intimidates Arkady Aura to give the mic over. Arkady does as told and then gets out of the ring. Marina hands the mic to Moxley and Moxley snarls while the fans boo. Moxley paces, and he tells Samoa Joe, “I heard what you said. Lemme ask you a question. What exactly is it I don’t understand? Just what the hell is it, Joe, that I don’t understand?”

The fans chant for Joe, and sing, “Joe is gonna kill~ you!” Moxley asks how Joe is gonna explain something to him inside a steel cage. What? Is Joe gonna kick his ass? The fans chant “YES!” So Joe is gonna beat Moxley up? “YES!” Oh, is that what they think? “YES!” Right… Moxley has faced all the supposed baddest men in the business, all shaped and sizes, all organizations and in all countries. Just name one. They all said the same thing as you’re saying, Joe! They were thinking the same things Joe is thinking, until they weren’t! Moxley knows the moment it happens, he can feel it when it happens! Every time!

He feels it every time when they realize they don’t wanna be here anymore. When they stop trying to win and they start trying to survive, and then realize they aren’t in a chess match, but they are in a war! The only difference this time, Joe, on May 14th, it will be both. Joe wants to target his people? Moxley expected nothing less. You think Moxley doesn’t wanna get into a real firefight? Newsflash, brother: Just look at your brothers; it’s been a firefight this whole time. Moxley then drops the mic and storms out the way he came in. Will Moxley step into Chicago and step out of Chicago still the AEW World Champion?

Backstage interview with The Outrunners.

Lexy Nair is with Turbo Floyd & Truth Magnum with their 1980s standard definition, and brings up how Roppongi Vice got in their faces and then beat them up. She understands they have a response to that. Truth says yeah, he’s got something to say! Trent, Rocky, Truth gets you’re upset! He gets you feel disrespected. But maybe the Outrunners get a little loud sometimes. So what? Maybe they flex a little too much. So what? Maybe they spin a little too fast. So what?! Turbo says if Rocky & Trent wanna get physical, let’s get physical! They’ll settle this where it counts! When you’re face to face with The Outrunners, some are scared to death! But some are scared to live!

Truth & Turbo shake it out, will the Youngest Men Alive show Azucar & #JustTrent what respect is really about?

Josh Alexander VS Brody King!

The Walking Weapon and the newest member of the Don Callis Family scored big alongside Konosuke Takeshita a couple weeks ago, and they beat down The King of Death to do it. But with The Alpha in Japan for Wrestling Dontaku, will the “Canadian Assassin” be able to win all alone? Or will this Hound of Hell take a nice big bite out of Alexander?

The bell rings and the fans bark for Brody. Brody and Alexander stare down, circle, and then tie up. They’re in a deadlock, Brody puts Alexander on the ropes, but lets off. Alexander goes for a leg but Brody THROWS him away! The fans duel as the two circle again. They tie up, Alexander headlocks, but Brody powers up. Alexander wrenches, hammerlocks, but Brody ELBOWS free! Alexander avoids a second shot and the two reset. They feel things out, then Alexander drop steps to have the waistlock. Brody takes another swing, but into a clinch! Brody facelocks, but Alexander wrenches out to wristlock. Brody breaks free and CHOPS!

The fans fire up while Alexander goes to a corner. Brody runs up but Alexander kicks low! Alexander fires forearms and UPPERCUTS, then CHOPS! Alexander whips but Brody blocks! Brody whips Alexander to a corner, then runs in and SPLASHES! Brody ROCKS Alexander, CHOPS again, and repeat! The fans rally as Brody rains down shots. Alexander sits down, Brody lets off, then he stands Alexander up. Brody puts Alexander on the top rope, winds up, and CHOPS! Alexander slumps down to the apron and the fans fire up! Brody goes out after Alexander, fireman’s carries, but Alexander fights with elbows!

Alexander slips inside, HOTSHOTS Brody and kicks the legs out! Alexander builds speed as the fans rally up, and Alexander CROSSBODIES into a fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER to the floor! The fans fire up and bark with Brody. Brody stalks Alexander, drags him up, and CHOPS him again! Alexander staggers away but Brody CLUBS him against the railing. And CHOPS him! Alexander sputters and falls back while the fans fire up. Brody whips Alexander hard into railing, and Alexander falls into the front row! The fans fire up and Brody smiles. Brody storms up on Alexander, drags him up, and suplexes him to the floor!

The fans fire up for Brody while he refreshes the ring count. Brody stands Alexander up, brings him around, and ROCKS Alexander again. Brody grabs a chair from the timekeeper’s area, and he CHOPS Alexander into taking a seat. Brody barks and gets space. Brody runs back in, but Alexander slumps down. The fans boo as Brody is denied his splash. But Alexander grabs a leg and BOOTS it against the steel steps! Alexander refreshes the ring count now, and he leaps, into a HAYMAKER! Brody uses antiair on Alexander, then he puts Alexander back in the ring. Brody storms up, but Alexander slides out!

Alexander wraps Brody’s leg up in the ropes, CLAWS at Brody’s face, and he hits a DRAPING NECKBRAEKER on the apron! A wicked combination as Alexander says the bigger they are, the harder they fall. The ref checks Brody while he is down on the ground, and Collision goes picture in picture.

Brody clutches his leg, but Alexander grabs said leg. Alexander SLAMS the leg off the floor, then stalks Brody as he crawls into the ring. Alexander grabs the bad leg to SLAM it against the apron! Brody crawls to a corner, Alexander steps in, and Alexander stomps away on Brody! Alexander stomps chest, stomps leg, then stomps a mudhole! The ref counts and Alexander stops at 4. Brody sputters while Alexander soaks up heat. Alexander stands Brody up to CLUB him on the neck. Brody CHOPS Alexander, hobbles then CHOPS again! Alexander puts Brody in a corner, wraps the bad leg around ropes, and pulls!

The ref counts, Alexander stops at 4, then ROCKS Brody! Alexander runs side to side and he BOOTS the bad leg! Brody falls over and Alexander soaks up more heat. Alexander goes back to Brody, but Brody kicks at him from below. Alexander eggs Brody on, kicks the bad leg more, then fires forearms. Brody ROCKS Alexander in return! The forearms go back and forth, but then Alexander knees low! Alexander runs, but into a scoop, SLAM, and SENTON! Brody clutches his bad leg, that string of moves taking a lot of out it. Both men slowly rise, and Brody hobbles over to Alexander. Alexander grabs the leg, but Brody CLUBS him down!

Collision returns to single picture as Brody CHOPS again! Brody puts Alexander on the top rope, CHOPS him again, then climbs. Brody brings Alexander to the very top, but Alexander kicks at the bad leg! Alexander then slips under, CLUBS Brody on the back, and he manages to torture rack! But Brody slips free! And CHOPS! The fans fire up as Brody huffs ‘n’ puffs. Alexander CHOPS, but Brody CHOPS again! The CHOPS keep going back and forth, and Brody’s CHOPS hit harder! Alexander is wincing now, and Brody CHOPS him again, again, and again! Brody puts some stank on the CHOP and Alexander falls to his knees!

Brody barks, the fans are with him, and Alexander stands up! The straps come down and Alexander pie faces Brody! And then SLAPS him! Brody DOUBLE CHOPS Alexander right down! Brody waits on Alexander, but Alexander kicks the legs out! Then he BOOTS Brody! And BOOTS him again! Torture rack, TOWER HACKER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Brody survives and Alexander is beside himself! Alexander hammers the mat, drags Brody back up, and the fans rally up. Alexander tucks the arms, but Brody BACKDROPS free! The fans fire up and Brody runs in at the corner! Alexander BOOTS first, then dodges a lariat!

Alexander comes back, but into a BIG BOSS MAN SLAM! Cover, TWO! Alexander survives and Brody clutches the bad leg. Brody drags Alexander up, reels him in, but Alexander slips free of the Canadian Rack! Brody ELBOWS Alexander, runs up, but Alexander dodges! SNAP GERMAN! But Brody rises?! Alexander dodges the lariat, but not the SOUTHPAW!! The fans are all fired up while both men are down! A standing count starts, Alexander goes to a corner, “This is Awesome!” as Brody rises. Brody runs corner to corner, CANNONBALL! Cover, TWO! Alexander is still in this but he does go to the bottom rope.

Brody snarls and storms over to Alexander. Brody drags Alexander up, brings him back to the corner, and brings him back up to the very top! But Alexander fights with body shots! Brody fires body shots, and hits the SUPER DUPER PLEX!! Both men are down and Atlantic City is loving this! Another standing count starts, both men rise at 5 of 10, and Alexander fires a flurry of forearms! Brody ROCKS Alexander, and we hit the one minute warning! Brody runs up, Alexander dodges, and Alexander ROCKS Brody! Alexander runs back up, but blocks a boot! KNEE DROP on the bad knee!! And then an ANKLE LOCK!!

Brody endures as Alexander hits the GRAPEVINE!!! Brody fights up, stands and CHOPS Alexander on the back! Then GERMAN SUPLEX! But Alexander rises?! Only for Brody to LARIAT!! Brody hurries to reel Alexander up, GONZO BOMB!! The countdown begins, but Brody can’t make the cover!! TIME’S UP!

Time Limit Draw

Atlantic City is disappointed, and Lance Archer is here to help his Callis Family brother up. Brody wants to keep going, the fans want to keep going, but can Alexander even keep going? Brody powers through the pain to DIVE onto Archer & Alexander! The fans fire up and bark as Brody rises again. Brody wants more, and he fights through security to fight with Archer! Archer takes a seat, Brody puts the guards on top of him! Brody runs to TRIPLE CROSSBODY!! The Murderhawk Monster sputters, refs hurry out here to tell Brody to stop, but Alexander CHOP BLOCKS Brody! Archer KICKS Brody down!

The fans boo as now the Callis Family mug Brody! Archer CHOKES Brody, shouts at the refs, but then helps Alexander up and out of here. Will Don Callis have to pay some fines for his family?

CRU speaks.

Lio Rush says, “It was inevitable that the story ended with the way that it did.” Action Andretti adds, “With Top Flight landing flat on their faces.” They’re not in AEW to waste time. And any more time spent on Darius & Dante is a waste of time. They tried to walk away, drift off into the sunset, but “you two children couldn’t handle being without us.” Top Flight couldn’t stand being in the rearview mirror. CRU hopes Top Flight will learn a lesson. And that lesson is you should #FearCRU. Either you’re CRU, or you’re enemy.

Best Wrestler Alive Open Challenge: Max Caster VS ???

Platinum Max is in the ring again, and he tells Atlantic City, “You are lookin’ live at the Best Wrestler Alive!” The fans boo that clearly false statement, but Caster says, “You people just witnessed a 15 minute time limit draw. And that got me thinking. No one in AEW could survive FIVE minutes in the ring with Platinum Max!” The fans boo but Caster says let’s put five minutes on the clock! The tech guys oblige, and Caster says before his next “victim” comes out here, he wants the people here in AC to prove that they’re not just a bunch of drunk, degenerate tourists! He wants them to do the chant correctly!

“Let’s Go, Max! You’re The Best Wrestler Alive! Let’s Go, Max! You’re The Best Wrestler Alive!” Caster is already laughing at how “bad” the fans are doing. That was not full participation, please do better. But let’s get to business! Who can survive FIVE with the Best Wrestler Alive? It’s DANIEL GARCIA! Caster is furious, but will Platinum Max be lucky to survive Red Death?

The bell rings, the time limit starts, and Garcia gets around Caster to fire off haymakers! Garcia stomps away on Caster in the corner, the fans fire up, but the ref counts. Garcia steps off, then stalks Caster along the ropes. Caster throat chops! The fans boo, Caster whips, but Garcia reverses. Garcia dodges Caster to reel him in, TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Caster flounders away and Garcia snarls. Garcia puts up his dukes, does his dance, then SHOTGUNS Caster down! Garcia reels Caster in, PILEDRIVER!! Cover, Garcia wins!

Winner: Daniel Garcia, by pinfall

Literally one minute passed, and Garcia won! Garcia grabs the mic to then call out FTR! “I agree. I just handled my business. You guys handle yours tonight, and I’ma talk to you after.” Garcia has put Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler on notice, what will these three talk about later tonight?

Backstage interview with with Anthony Bowens & Billy Gunn.

Lexy is with the Pride of Professional Wrestling & Daddy Ass, and Bowens wants her to remember he is also the 5 Tool Player, the perfect combination of power, athleticism, intelligence, “The Look” and “The It Factor.” Bowens is here in his home state of New Jersey to tell us all that he intends to use all five tools to climb to a championship opportunity. Doesn’t that sound great? But then in steps Blake Christian & Lee Johnson. Vanilla Babyface tells Bowens all he is hearing right now is blah blah blah. Let’s be real: Bowens may have won against Blake three weeks ago, but those people weren’t talking about Bowens beating Blake.

The talk was about Bowens being outshined by Blake! Big Shotty says Bowens needs to listen because he means this with all the disrespect in the world. Johnson believes he is 150% better! After watching Blake soften Bowens up, Johnson knows how to put Bowens down. Bowens says wow, outshined him? That’s not possible. And 150% better? Well, then step up to the plate and get MOLLY WHOPPED by the 5 Tool Player! Any time, anywhere. Blake & Lee leave, when and where will Big Shotty take his shot?

The Gates of Agony VS Ray Chas & Goldie!

The Hurt Syndicate claimed we’d see Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona way down the line after they lost in the AEW World Tag Team Championship match. But the Cameroonian Prince says there are things much worse than death. They took a bite of the baddest apple on the tree, and the Samoan Lion says it made them SICK! Compared to that, only agony awaits! This is a message sent to Big Bill & Bryan Keith, will it be received loud and clear?

The teams sort out, Kaun starts against Ray, and the two step up. Kaun then BOOTS Ray, GERMAN SUPLEXES him, then reels him in. RUNNING SUPLEX! Kaun mockingly applauds, then he puts Ray in the corner to CHOP! Tag to Liona, and Kaun bumps Ray off buckles for Liona to then BACK ELBOW! Goldie SLAPS Kaun, but Kaun grins. Kaun TOSSES Goldie in, Liona runs up and POUNCES him out of the ring! The fans fire up and Liona tags Kaun. Then the Gates run up, HIP ATTACK followed by a METEORA! Then they CLOSE THE GATES on Ray!! Cover, Gates win!

Winners: The Gates of Agony, by pinfall

The CRU is watching ringside, acting unimpressed. But will Kaun & Liona make sure Lio & Action are next after Bill & Keith? But speaking of, Bill calls them out from the tron! Last week, Bill & Keith called them out. They’re in the parking lot. They don’t come to you, you come to them! Kaun & Liona say bet! The Gates leave the ring, go to the back, and find their way to the parking lot! Will we get quite the battle of titans in Atlantic City?

AEW returns and…

The Gates have found the Redwood & Bad Apple! The brawl is on right in front of the Mack trucks! Bill SMACKS Liona off one, but Kaun THROWS Keith into fencing! Bill BOOTS Kaun, kicks more fencing out of the way, then he picks up a swivel chair! Bill SLAMS the chair, but Kaun avoids disaster! Liona SMACKS Bill with a trash can lid! Bill grabs some poor passerby by the face, and THROWS him at Liona! Liona catches the guy, throws him aside, and then he stares Bill down. Only for Keith to jump on Liona with a SLEEPER! Kaun is up and he ROCKS Bill! Liona spins around to swing Keith off him and into a truck!

Bill and Kaun brawl, Liona runs up, but Keith avoids the trash can attack! This brawl is gonna keep going, but the show must go on, too! Will security be able to stop this carnage before it goes too far?

Best 2 Out of 3 Falls: FTR VS Roderick Strong & Kyle O’Reilly!

Dax & Cash have gone back and forth with Roddy & Kyle for months now, and this match is about finally settling the score. Who wins when it takes more than just the first lucky opportunity?

The teams sort out and Kyle starts with Cash. The first fall begins, the two circle, and the fans rally up. The two rush in, Cash rolls Kyle up, TWO and Kyle has an omoplata! Cash rolls free, shakes out the bad arm, and Dax checks him. Cash’s arm is fine, and the two reset. Chas and Kyle tie up, Cash headlocks, but Kyle endures the grind. The fans rally as Kyle powers up and out, but Cash runs him over! Things keep moving, Cash sunset flips, but Kyle stays up to then drop down into an ARMBAR! Cash rolls Kyle, TWO! Cash narrowly avoids a roundhouse, then he scrambles away. The fans rally behind Kyle, but Cash and Kyle tag to Dax and Roddy.

The fans rally as Roddy and Dax circle. They tie up, Dax puts Roddy in the corner, and the ref counts. Dax lets off to CHOP, but Roddy CHOPS back! Dax falls and scrambles away! Cash protests, the ref has Roddy stay back, and Stokely coaches Dax up. Dax and Roddy tie up, go to a corner, and the ref counts. Dax gets a cheap shot in, then CHOPS! And CHOPS! Roddy CHOPS, CHOPS, and ROCKS Dax! Roddy fires off, but Dax CHOPS again! Roddy ROCKS Dax, fires more shots, then whips. Roddy then DROPKICKS Dax down! The fans fire up but Stoke coaches Dax. Roddy stands Dax up, wrenches, then tags Kyle.

Kyle KICKS, Roddy CHOPS, repeat! Kyle wrenches but Dax knees low! The ref says that was a little too low, but Dax tags Cash. Dax feeds Kyle to Cash’s knees, then Cash UPPERCUTS! Cash CHOPS Kyle, UPPERCUTS, and then tags Dax back in. FTR double whips Kyle to a corner, but Kyle goes up and to the side! Kyle dodges Dax to then kitchen sink knee! And kitchen sink knee for Cash! Kyle KICKS Dax, KICKS Cash, repeat! The fans fire up as the KICKS keep going! FTR is down, Cash bails out, and Kyle wrenches Cash. Dax ROCKS Kyle, Kyle wrenches again, repeat! Kyle WRINGS Dax, Cash and Roddy get into it on the outside! Kyle covers Dax, TWO!

Cash creeps to the apron but Kyle chases him off. Dax ROCKS Kyle with a sucker punch! Cash slips in, FTR whips, but Roddy CLOBBERS Cash! Kyle KNEES Dax, Roddy JUMP KNEES! Then URENAGE BACKBREAKER and PENALTY KICK! Cash is back, but Roddy KNEES him! Kyle suplexes, CHOP and BRAINBUSTER! Cash bails out but Roddy WRECKS him with a dropkick! The fans fire up, Kyle spins Dax, but Dax blocks a kick! Kyle rolls to have the ANKLE LOCK! Cash grabs Dax’s hands to drag him forward, but Roddy STOMPS Cash’s hands! Dax is caught, Stoke coaches Dax to tap, so Dax taps! Paragon has the first fall!

FTR: 0; Paragon: 1

Big Stoke says that’s the smart move, because there’s still two falls to win anyway. Stoke has FTR regroup, but can the Top Guys pull off the comeback? Collision goes picture in picture.

Stokely argues with fans, and then Dax grabs a chair! Dax throws the chair into the ring, the ref catches it and puts it aside, and he tells them to get in here, the second fall has already begun. The ref starts a ring count but Stokely has FTR settle down first. Dax takes his time before stepping inside. Stokely & FTR huddle up to talk strategy, and Dax starts with Kyle. They tie up, go around, and Dax wrenches Kyle to a wristlock. Kyle breaks free to ROCK Dax, then ROCK Cash! Collision returns to single picture as Kyle keeps fighting off FTR! Dax powers Kyle back, Cash sneaks the tag, and Kyle jumps the dropdown, only for Cash to grab Dax’s hand! DOUBLE LARIAT from the ropes!

Stoke applauds, the fans are torn, but Cash then slingshots to ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Cash stomps away on Kyle, Stoke talks trash, and the ref counts. Cash stops with the stomps and Stokely grins. Kyle sputters but Cash brings him up. Cash clamps on the chinlock and grinds Kyle down. Kyle endures and the fans rally up. Kyle stands, fires body shots, then he runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Cash RAMS him low! Kyle sputters, Roddy coaches Kyle, but Cash sucker punches Roddy! Cash whips Kyle hard into the FTR corner, then he snapmares for another chinlock. The fans again rally as Kyle endures.

Cash grinds Kyle down, Dax sneaks some leverage by sticking his feet in for Cash to push off of. The fans rally, Kyle fights up, and Kyle snapmares free! But Cash picks Kyle up, puts him in a corner, and runs up, only for Kyle to dodge! Cash’s bronco almost gets busted, hot tags to Dax and Roddy! Roddy DROPKCISK Dax, LARIATS Cash, and then HALF NELSON BACKBREAKERS Dax! JUMP KNEE for Cash! Roddy fireman’s carries Dax to then SLAM him onto Cash! The fans fire up and Roddy ROCKS Dax! Roddy runs side to side for ELBOW after ELBOW! And then an ATOMIC FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!

Dax stays in this for FTR but Cole says that’s fine, Roddy & Kyle are in control. Kyle tags in and DUMPS Dax out. Roddy keeps after Dax, Kyle is after Cash, but Cash turns things around. Roddy CHOPS away on Dax, BOOTS Cash, then he brings Cash around to have him take a seat. The chair broke but Roddy just CHOPS Cash again and again. Kyle runs from the apron to MISSILE DROPKICK FTR into the barriers! The fans fire up as Roddy helps Kyle stand. Paragon stands FTR up to keep after them. Roddy throws Dax into the crowd! Roddy goes out to CHOP away on Dax! Cash FLAPJACKS Kyle off barriers!

The fans fire up as Roddy and Dax fight up into the crowd! CHOP after CHOP and Roddy keeps Dax staggering! Then Roddy just fires haymakers! The fans are loving this but the ref wants someone to get int he ring! Dax returns to ringside but Roddy CLUBS him! Meanwhile, Cash suplexes Kyle! Kyle fights that off to suplex back, but Cash RAMS Kyle into barriers! Roddy has Dax, but Cash tags in before the BACKBREAKER! Roddy ELBOWS Cash, goes back for Dax, and he whips, only for Dax to reverse! Roddy LARIATS Dax, but Cash CHOP BLOCKS a leg! Roddy writhes but Stoke coaches FTR up. Cash keeps after Roddy while Collision goes back to picture in picture.

Cash puts Roddy’s foot on the ropes and HIP DROPS it! The ref reprimands but Cash paces around Roddy. Stoke tells Cash to keep on it, and Cash drops an elbow on the bad leg! Cash soaks up heat, tags in Dax, and FTR drags Roddy over to the corner. Dax SLAMS Roddy’s leg into the post! Roddy writhes, Stokely taunts him, and Dax SLAMS the leg again! Roddy clutches the leg while Dax stays between him and Kyle. Dax goes back to Roddy, stands him up, but Roddy reels him into a cradle! TWO, and Dax trips Roddy to step through, FIGURE FOUR! Roddy writhes and flails but he still endures!

Dax puts as much pressure as he can on the hold, but Roddy reaches out for Kyle. Kyle reaches out in return but they’re still so far apart! Roddy turns things over so now Dax is in pain! Dax crawls to the ROPEBREAK! The leglock is undone, and Dax drags Roddy to the ropes. Dax HIP DROPS the bad leg! The ref reprimands but Dax taunts Kyle. Stokely likes how this is going now, and Dax drags Roddy around by the bad leg. Dax stomps the leg, Collision returns to single picture, and Dax steps over, only for Roddy to BOOT him away! Dax hits POST! Cash hurries to tag in, and he hurries to stay between Kyle and Roddy!

Roddy dodges Cash, hot tag to Kyle! Kyle DUMPS Cash out, ROCKS Dax, then runs to FLYING KNEE Cash down! The fans fire up but Dax rushes out there! Kyle fires off a strike fest on Dax, then LEG SWEEPS! Kyle pushes Cash into the ring, runs up in the corner, and forearm SMASHES! Then a wrench and ELBOW BREAKER! Kyle KICKS, KNEES, and suplexes, ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Cash flails, but Kyle shifts to the leg! ANKLE LOCK!! But Dax has a SLEEPER on Kyle! Kyle slips down, UP KICKS, and then he sends Cash into Dax! O’Conner Roll, TWO and Kyle ROCKS Dax! Cash rolls Kyle up, with tights! TWO!!

Kyle KNEES Cash, then AX & SMASH!! Cover, TWO!! Cash survives and Kyle is a bit frustrated, but Kyle goes back for a leg. ANKLE LOCK!! Cash hobbles up, hot tag to Dax! But Kyle BACKDROPS Dax! Roddy coordinates, they FOREARM ENZIGIRI COMBO! Roddy tags in, hobbles around, and manages to run, but Cash CLOBBERS Kyle! Roddy runs into a SHATTER MACHINE!! Cover, FTR scores the second fall!!

FTR: 1; Paragon: 1

And now it all comes down to the third and final fall! The fans boo and Cole is frustrated but Stokely fist-bumps FTR. The teams reset, fans hope they “FIGHT FOREVER!” but it has to end somehow! Cash goes up, Dax reels Roddy in, but Kyle SHOVES Cash off the corner! Roddy fights the lift to then give Kyle a target, FLYING KNEE! Jackknife bridge, TWO!! FTR survives, but Dax gets a KICK! KNEE! AX and DOUBLE SMASH!! Roddy hobbles to the cover while Kyle PLANCHAS Cash! TWO!! Dax survives, Cole is concerned, but Stoke coaches his guys. Roddy tags Kyle and the fans rally up even more.

Roddy & Kyle stand Dax up, Roddy runs, but Cash again CLOBBERS Kyle! But Roddy fights off Shatter Machine this time! And Kyle’s back to CLOBBER Cash! Roddy JUMP KNEES Dax, then he and Dax give him TOTAL ANNIHILATION!! Kyle covers, Cash gives Dax the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts three, but then he sees the foot!! The fans and Paragon think they’ve won, but no, this is a mockery of this feud’s ignition point! The match is going to keep going, and Cash CHOP BLOCKS Roddy in the confusion! Kyle grabs Cash’s leg to ANKLE LOCK!! But Cash isn’t legal! Cash turns over, CLAWS Kyle’s eyes, feed to Dax’s roll-up, with tights! TWO!!!

Kyle is up, but into a SHATTER MACHINE!!!! Cover, FTR WINS!!

Winners: FTR, by pinfall, 2-1 score

Stokely cheers as he makes all the difference! Will the Top Guys continue to win by any means necessary until they’re back on top of AEW? WAIT! Daniel Garcia storms his way out here! He has a mic and a crowbar, but which one is he gonna use?! Stoke has Garcia hold on, the ref tells Garcia to stand down, but Garcia says what he really wanted to do is come down and beat all three of them over the head with the crowbar. “But I can’t. Because I have too much love for the both of you. And I thought you two had a lot of love for me, too. Because any time that one of my so-called mentors left me high and dry, left me stranded, you guys were there to pick up the pieces and put me back on my feet.”

The fans rally for Garcia, and Garcia says after what FTR did to Adam Copeland and 2Point0, and then after they tried to break Garcia’s neck, Garcia was left looking for answers. But Garcia realized that he won’t get those answers just standing around having a therapy session with them. The fans say use the crowbar then! Garcia says he has an idea. Next week, it doesn’t matter if it is Dax, Cash, Stokely, all of them, fifteen of them, a hundred of them, FTR, CPR, the ER, it doesn’t matter! Just meet him in the ring so he can beat the answers out of them!! The fans fire up for that! Who will accept this challenge from an enraged Red Death?

My Thoughts:

A very good Collision, but wow, six years and they haven’t learned how to not be redundant. While Moxley and Samoa Joe had good promos, Moxley having two promos is stupid. Skip the video one Moxley did backstage and just give us Moxley responding in anger to what Joe had to say. Same effect, but much more efficient. To be fair, I feel like a good number of this night was thrown together last minute. Because hey look, another match with “prize money” on the line when we know that’s kayfabe. It was still an awesome match from all four guys, with Hologram watching a la Sting and Darby, but what’s the point of a fake money prize? Sammy calls out Adam Cole here, why not make it some kind of TNT Championship #1 contender’s match?

Very good match from Storm VS Frost and a very good promo from Storm, and while we know Mercedes Mone VS Jamie Hayter is set, this feels like someone is going to challenge Storm for Double or Nothing in an attempt to change the All In: Texas plans. The wildest thing they could do is make it Athena as her way of getting to the All In card. They could even make it title for title because it’s Double or Nothing, and the winner brings both those titles to facing Mercedes Mone, and they have ALL the titles on the line because it’s All In! But because it’s that wild, they won’t do it. And to be fair, they really shouldn’t because then who would ever get a belt off the “Ultima Dragon” they create?

Megan of course beats Harley, but I appreciate that it led to Anna Jay making the save. Anna and Harley can certainly make a great team to battle Megan & Ford, but I feel like Megan & Ford win mostly because of Megan. Awesome match from Alexander VS Brody, and I really like that on the same day Konosuke and El Phantasmo have a 15 minute time limit draw in NJPW, Alexander and Brody have one here in AEW. Archer getting involved was also good stuff, but there’s no word on when Buddy Matthews is getting back so I’m not sure the chances of Hounds of Hell VS Don Callis Family.

But after that good promo from the Outrunners, I bet we get them and Brody working together as rather strange bedfellows. Very good stuff with Gates of Agony. They of course squashed their opponents tonight, but I like that we got a brawl of them and the former Learning Tree. Though, the brawl could’ve been a bit better, but I understand how no one wanted to fall on that hard concrete of the parking lot. I’m pretty sure we’ll get a tag match now, helping reestablish both teams in the tag division. But while CRU had a good promo to say they’re done with Top Flight, they’re like chihuahuas barking a big game thinking they can go against Kaun & Liona in a fair fight.

Caster adding a time limit to his Open Challenge was hilarious, since it added to how humiliating it was for Caster to lose fast. And Garcia answering the challenge also helped tie into tonight’s main event with FTR. Which also seemed rather out of nowhere, but it did make sense in story for FTR to go 2 outta 3 with Kyle & Roddy. Great main event with that, and I actually like Stokely’s strategy of forgoing the first fall to avoid any further damage. As such, FTR of course pulled off the comeback to win out, allowing Garcia to confront them. Thankfully, Garcia didn’t side with FTR, I had feared they’d do a lame bit of logic leaping. Garcia against either Dax or Cash will be a great singles match, and I feel like Cope will make some sort of heroic return so Garcia can have a tag partner to face FTR at Double or Nothing. Then Garcia turns.

My Score: 8.7/10

Will SmackDown #FadeToBlack?

The Dark Father, Aleister Black, has returned to WWE, and The Miz is NOT happy about it! Miz refuses to give up the spotlight, but will have no choice?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• LA Knight VS Damian Priest; Priest wins, by disqualification.
• Pretty Deadly VS Fraxiom; Fraxiom wins.
• Aleister Black VS The Miz w/ Carmelo Hayes; Aleister wins.
• WWE Women’s United States Championship Eliminator: Zelina Vega VS Piper Niven w/ The Green Administration; Zelina wins and denies Piper a title opportunity.
• Rey Fenix VS Santos Escobar; Fenix wins.
• Nia Jax & Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton & Jade Cargill; Tiffany & Jade win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Damian Priest arrives backstage.

The Archer of Infamy says hey to referees and producers, only to spot Jacob Fatu & Solo Sikoa! Priest goes after them both, and now refs and producers rush in and stop this! Priest warns Fatu & Solo that they stuck their noses into his business, so now he is coming for them and the US Championship! But speaking of all that, LA Knight walks past them and says these bunch of dummies are just waiting to hate. Time to talk about it out there! YEAH! Des Moines fires up as The Mega Star makes his way out to the ring! Knight gets a mic and says, “LEMME TALK TO YA! One week ago, I stepped right in this ring, YEAH.” “YEAH!”

And Knight said he wanted a rematch for the US Championship. “YAEH!” But what’d he get? He was told he’d have a #1 contender’s match for it instead. “YEAH!” Knight says if nothing else, he deserves his rematch, but that’s okay. He came in, had his match with McIntyre, and let’s be honest, it didn’t go his way. Why is that? Let’s do the math. Right out here, Solo Sikoa decided to bring his pumpkin headed ass out here. Solo gives Knight a spike, feeds him to Priest, but then a little later, Fatu jumps in and acts like this is his personal jungle gym. Fatu is dropping moonsaults on everybody, but why was that even able to happen?

It’s because of a man Knight has a match with tonight, Damian Priest! Priest, Knight has no beef with you, but he knows what Priest was doing, and it had nothing to do with Knight. But at the same time, man, you gotta pick your spots. Well speaking of, Priest makes his way out here now! The fans cheer as the Boricua Badass joins Knight in the ring. Priest grabs a mic, and he tells Knight that Knight is right. They don’t have a problem. Last week was all about McIntyre. WrestleMania happened, no excuses, Priest was good with moving on. But McIntyre couldn’t keep Priest’s name out of his mouth, and talked bad on Priest’s family. Priest just wanted to shut Drew up.

Knight says yeah, he gets that. He has chased dudes down, beaten them down. Priest just wanted to knock his name out of Drew’s mouth, Knight gets that. But he picked the wrong time. He picked Knight’s time, and that cost Knight the #1 contendership. To be honest, the bell rings because of Priest. Priest says he disagrees. Solo Sikoa spiked Knight. All Priest did was save Knight from eating a Claymore. Knight says he doesn’t wanna dig too deep here, but maybe Priest is in the past. Just because Priest ate a Claymore, then got pinned by Drew, don’t put that on Knight. The fans are a bit torn but Knight says maybe he would’ve caught Drew with a BFT. Don’t let your failures be his.

Priest says the way he sees it, this whole situation is because Knight lost the title. Knight says he doesn’t need a reminder. He did lose the title, he gets that. But guess what? As soon as he lost it, he said he would come back, fight for it the very next week, and then he’s not out here right now wrestling for said championship because of Priest! Knight can’t say it any clearer! Priest says this is the deal: All of Knight’s frustrations are Knight’s faults. Maybe if Knight’s head wasn’t up his own ass, he’d still be champion. The fans are torn while Knight tries to stay calm. Knight says they don’t have a problem, right?

But keep talking like that, and Priest won’t worry where Knight’s head is, he’ll worry about Knight putting his foot up Priest’s ass. Priest says okay, they can do this back and forth. They have a match set for tonight, so why wait? Why should the fans have to wait? Knight asks what Priest is saying, and Priest is saying they get a ref out here, and the match happens right now! The fans love that idea! Priest asks, “Yeah?” Knight says, “YEAH!” And here comes a ref! Priest and Knight are ready to pop off, but who will be taking the blame for this loss? We will see, after the break!

LA Knight VS Damian Priest!

SmackDown returns and the match is underway! Priest ROCKS Knight in a corner, but Knight comes back to wrench and YANK the arm again and again! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight then wrenches again, but Priest breaks free to ROCK Knight! The fans are torn as Priest shakes out the arm. Priest storms up on Knight, but Knight kicks low! Knight fires haymakers, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Priest reverses, and then Priest BACK ELBOWS! The fans fire up and Priest FLAPJACKS Knight! Knight goes to a corner, Priest runs in for another BACK ELBOW! Priest keeps moving, but Knight dodges him to kick low!

B F- NO, Priest stops that, shoves and SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO! Knight survives but Priest drags Knight to the corner. Priest knuckle locks, climbs up, but Knight stops him from going Old School! BIG back suplex! The fans fire up as Knight goes to ropes. Priest rises, Knight storms over to JAB! JAB! JAB! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight then ROLLING HAYMAKERS! Knight whips, Priest reverses again, but Knight LEAPING LARIATS! And then RUSSIAN LEG SWEEPS! Priest staggers up, Knight SHOVES him into buckles, then hits the JUMP NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Priest is tougher than that but Knight keeps his cool.

Knight drags Priest back up, but Priest ROCKS Knight! Knight still scoops to POWERSLAM Priest down! Knight runs, JUMP- NO, Priest catches Knight! Priest stands to send Knight SOUTH- NO, Knight slips free and shoves Priest, but the LARIAT finds him! Cover, TWO! Knight is tougher than that and Priest seethes. Priest looms over Knight while the fans rally up. Priest drags Knight to his feet, reels him in, and lifts for the Canadian Rack! But Knight slips free! Kick and DDT! Knight huffs ‘n’ puffs and goes up a corner! Spell it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” BOX JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!!

The fans fire up as Priest stays in this! Knight is beside himself, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Knight thinks on what more he has to do while he and Priest slowly sit up. Priest goes to the apron but Knight pursues. Knight has Priest to CLUB him! And CLUB! Knight bumps Priest off buckles, Priest goes to the floor, and Knight pursues again. Knight brings Priest around but Priest blocks the desk bump! Priest body blows Knight, then whips him hard into barriers! Knight flounders and grits his teeth, but Priest stands him up to ROCK him! Knight goes back into the ring, Priest pursues him now, but Knight slides back outside! Knight trips Priest, drags him out, and SMACKS him off the desk!

Knight puts Priest back in the ring, has him on the apron, and says “YEAH!” before he CLUBS Priest in the chest! Knight climbs up, and now Knight shouts out the Deadman with the APRON LEG DROP! Priest sputters away but Knight storms in. Cover, TWO! Priest still stays in this but Knight stays on him with a KNEE to the back! Knight drags Priest up, but Priest ROCKS Knight! Knight ROCKS Priest! Priest ROCKS Knight, Knight ROCKS Priest, repeat! The shots keep going, then Priest HEADBUTTS! Both men wobble, but Priest whips Knight. Knight ducks ‘n’ dodges, and DOUBLE LARIATS take them both down!

Priest and Knight both sputter and crawl while SmackDown returns to single picture. Des Moines says “This is Awesome!” as Knight bumps Priest off buckles. Knight puts Priest up top, then climbs up to join him. Knight brings Priest up, but Priest fires body shots! Knight throws hands, but so does Priest! They brawl up top, the fans rally, and Priest ROCKS Knight! Priest then hops down to ROUNDHOUSE! Knight staggers back but Priest puts him up top so he can Canadian Rack! RAZOR’S EDGE!! Cover, TWO!?!? Knight survives and no one can believe it! The fans rally as hard as they can, and Priest brings down the straps!

Priest winds up, choke grips, and takes Knight SOUTH OF- NO, Knight slips free, kicks and clinches, but Priest fights that! BROKEN ARROW! Priest hurries to get Knight to a drop zone?! Priest goes up a corner, a rare tactic for him, but Knight SPRINGS up after him! The fans fire up for the SUPER DUPER PLEX!! Cover, TWO!!! Priest survives and now Knight is besides himself! “This is Awesome!” while both men slowly rise again. Priest goes to ropes, Knight is on the other end, but Knight runs up! Knight LARIATS Priest up and out! Knight builds speed to then- NO, Priest dodges Knight’s dropkick! Priest reels Knight in, APRON FLATLINER!!

Priest drags Knight up from the floor, but SOLO ATTACKS!

Winner: Damian Priest, by disqualification

The fans boo as Solo ruins this true banger, and he THROWS Priest into barriers! Solo storms into the ring, throws hands down on Knight, then looks to his thumb. Solo takes aim, but Priest rises up! Priest grabs that hand, and he ROCKS Solo! Knight hits Solo with a B F T!! Priest and Knight see each other, but then they remember they have a common enemy. The fans fire up as Priest goes out to clear off the desk! Knight drags Solo and Priest clamps on! Only for Fatu to blow past Night and DIVE onto Priest! But then Knight WRECKS Fatu with a dropkick! Knight runs up, but Fatu SAMOAN DROPS Knight on the desk!

The fans are torn, but Fatu fires up to run in and HIP ATTACK on Priest, against the barrier! The Samoan Werewolf, America’s Most Wanted, the WWE US Champion, just tore apart two of his contenders! Will none of them be the one with how much damage Fatu dishes out?

Backstage interview with Fraxiom.

Byron Saxton is with Nathan Frazer & Axiom, congratulating them on their victorious debut. Tonight, they have another chance to show up and show out, this time against Pretty Deadly. Frazer says they are both so excited. In NXT, they flipped the tag division upside-down. They plan doing the same thing here on SmackDown! Axiom agrees, and after seeing last week’s insane TLC match, that is why they are here on SmackDown! This is the best tag division on the entire planet! But then #YesBoy, here come Kit Wilson & Elton Prince. They tell Byron to go ahead and leave. And yes, it is mostly because of that purple suit he’s wearing.

They then tell Fraxiom that it is good to see them again. And yes, it is good they want to be here on SmackDown, because SmackDown is home to the best, hungriest tag division. Speaking of hungry, what a tasty debut! But don’t forget that Pretty Deadly is still the two tastiest snacks around. But admittedly, it is nice to finally have some more European blood around here. It must be nice for Fraxiom to be somewhere new and exciting, where everyone loves you, that’s great for them. But maybe, maybe knock it down 20% and remember that opportunities here are earned, not given.

Pretty Deadly knows how good Fraxiom is, but they also know how good Pretty Deadly is. And wait, is Fraxiom that good? It has been a minute since they’ve faced each other. That’s why Pretty Deadly went to “Uncle Nick” and asked for this match. Axiom says they’re looking forward to it, but Frazer says be careful what you wish for. Oh, wow~! Same to you. Pretty Deadly exit with the Scott Hall fingers, but will they be able to keep up with a team that never slows down?

Pretty Deadly VS Fraxiom!

SmackDown returns as Frazer & Axiom make their entrance. The teams sort out and Axiom starts against Kit. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but then Kit cobra clutches to ripcord and wrench Axiom. Axiom fights up, rolls, bridges back, and then breaks free to DROPKICK! The fans are torn but Axiom tags Frazer. Axiom whips but Kit reverses, only for Axiom to reverse back. Axiom has the IRON OCTOPUS, and Frazer builds up speed to DROPKICK Kit down! Axiom BLASTS Elton, Frazer arm-drags Kit, and the fans cheer! Kit fights up but Frazer whips him to a corner. Elton takes the bump for Kit, and Kit BOOTS Frazer down!

Kit hits those Scott Hall fingers again, then he wrenches Frazer to whip. BIG hip toss, then a cover, TWO! Frazer is tougher than that, but Kit KICKS him in the back. Kit bumps Frazer off buckles, tags Elton, and Elton brings Frazer up to stomp away. Elton rains down fists, then lets off as the ref counts. Elton mockingly says, “Be careful, he says! Be careful~!” But Frazer BOOTS Elton! Elton storms back up, grabs a leg and YANKS Frazer up, but Frazer lands on his feet to PELE! Hot tag to Axiom and the speed blitz begins! Forearm after forearm, then a DDT! Kit runs up but he gets a kick, KICK, and ASSISTED DROPKICK!

The fans fire up as Axiom DIVES onto Elton! Frazer DIVES onto Kit! They go again, another DIVE on Elton! Another DIVE on Kit! The fans fire up more and Fraxiom puts Elton back in. Axiom covers, TWO! Axiom clamps onto Elton with a motorcycle stretch! Elton endures, fights up, and the fans rally. Elton arm-drags Axiom, Axiom goes to a corner, and Axiom ELBOWS Elton away. Axiom goes up, up and CROSSBODIES, but Elton catches him! Kit tags in, LAWN DART BOOTS, then a COMEBACKER LARIAT! Pretty Deadly stands up and Des Moines cheers for them, but SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and the fans rally as Axiom fights up in the chinlock. Axiom reaches out for Frazer, Kit keeps him back, so Axiom ROCKS Kit with a right hand! Kit holds on, Axiom CHOPS, but Kit whips him away! Axiom ROCKS Elton, dodges Kit, hot tags to Frazer and Elton! Frazer springboards to DOUBLE MISSILE DROPKICK! Then he CHOPS and whips Elton! Elton reverses, Frazer ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Elton! The fans fire up as Frazer keeps moving, and he dodges to QUEBRADA! Frazer has Elton, he kicks Kit, and then DOUBLE DDTS! Frazer hurries to STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO?!?

Elton barely gets that arm up and even the fans are confused. Elton has some blood in his mouth, but he’s showing some true grit. Frazer ROCKS Elton, puts him up top, then climbs up to join him. Elton fires body shots, shoves him away, and Kit sneaks a tag! Frazer returns, Axiom runs up, but Kit HOTSHOTS Axiom! Kit then stops Frazer by bringing him off the corner! SIT-OUT POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO?!? Frazer also narrowly escapes! Kit drags Frazer up, ROCKS him, but Frazer hits back! They go back and forth, Frazer ENZIGIRIS! Kit goes to a corner, Frazer puts him up top, and Axiom tags in. GAMANGIRI!

Axiom goes up, Frazer tags back in, and then SUPER SPANISH FLY!! Frazer is up top, PHOENIX SPLASH!! Cover, FRAXIOM WINS!!

Winners: Fraxiom, by pinfall

Two wins in two weeks, the former NXT Tag Team Champions are making quite the case for those WWE Tag Team Championships! Will they reach the top sooner rather than later?

B-Fab & Michin talk with Nnick Aldis.

Fab & The Head Baddie were inspired by The Street Profits in that TLC match. They’d love it if they were also included in a tag title match. Liv Morgan did get some time off to go film her little movie, but when she comes back, maybe Mia & B-Fab can be next? But then in step The Secret Her-vice, and they make sure the room is secure. Alba Fyre frisks Aldis and Piper Niven reports there are only “paper tigers” in the room. So it is safe for former Women’s US Champion, Chelsea Green, to step in. Mia & Fab mockingly pout and say it’s so sad she lost the title. But hey, she looks good in all black and L’s.

Fab & Mia leave, and Chelsea claims last week was RIGGED by the deep state of jealous women in this division. Aldis says the numbers don’t like, the ref counted three. That’s collusion! This is the US Championship! Aldis isn’t even from here! Well, neither are Chelsea, Alba or Piper. Hey! That doesn’t mean Chelsea isn’t an American hero. Chelsea could take Aldis to the Supreme Court. Good luck with that. Wait, wait! What if Chelsea says she won’t do that, and she gets the “recount” she deserves. She means rematch? They can talk about it, just not tonight. Because tonight, Zelina Vega will face Piper Niven. Since when? Since now!

And if Piper wins, well, then Piper is first in line for a title shot. Then maybe Chelsea will be Piper’s Secret Her-vice. Chelsea almost faints! Piper & Alba help Chelsea sit down, but could this be the chance for the Scottish Viper to finally strike gold?

Nia Jax is here!

Des Moines is not happy with the Irresistible Force after her return last week, in which she A-Nia-Lated Tiffany Stratton while Tiff was busy with Jade Cargill. Nia has the mic and “thanks” the fans for the boos. But she really is happy to be back. While she was gone, and “your champion” Tiff was running around like a Barbie doll with her head cut off, Nia was home getting refocused so she could come back here and take what is hers, THE WWE Women’s Championship! But wait! Tiffy makes her way out here! And Tiff already knows what Nia wants to say: She’s gonna A-Nia-Late Tiff again, and take the title.

Newsflash: Tiff isn’t the same girl that Nia used to bully around. Cashing in on Nia was the greatest thing she did for her career, and she’d do it again! Then she went toe-to-toe with one of the greats in Charlotte Flair. Then she beat her! And if Tiff ever locks up with Nia again, she’d beat Nia, too. The fans chant for “Tiffy Time!” Nia asks if that’s an offer for a rematch. Tiff says no, it’s not. And Nia has been around here long enough to know that Tiff isn’t the one who makes the matches. But Tiff also isn’t shying away from this fight. Tiff would defend against Nia any time, any where! Wait, here comes Naomi!

The fans also boo but Naomi says, “Well lookie lookie! It’s funny to see the two of you fighting. Because I remember for months, when I was trying to get the WWE Women’s Championship from Nia, Tiffy… You always found a way to make sure you helped her out. You two made my life HELL! And you say that you’ve changed? Nah, Tiffy. I’ve changed! I’m a new Naomi now. No longer the sweet Naomi, the good girl who stood behind Bianca and let Jade walk all over her! I took matters into my own hands! I took out Jade, and I took my championship. Jade may have ruined everything that i have worked for, but I am not done.” The fans chant but Naomi tells them to shut up!

Naomi is not done going for gold. Not only will she push them onto cars, she’d push them under one! But wait, here comes Jade! Naomi is scared now as Jade storms her way up! These two brawl, then so do Nia and Tiff! The fan fire up as Jade whisp Naomi, but Naomi grabs ropes! Jade LARIATS Naomi up and out! Tiff DROPKICKS Nia out! Tiff and Jade stare down, the fans rally, and Aldis comes out here to ask they all settle down. If the four of them are so eager for this fight, then let’s give Des Moines a tag match, player! That’s right, Nia & Naomi VS Tiffy & Jade, and that’s tonight! The fans cheer, but which side will hold together better?

#MeloDon’tMiz talks backstage.

Carmelo Hayes says he is sick of people playing with The Miz’s name. How is Aleister gonna make a moment off a moment maker? Tonight, they’ll both show Aleister! Miz, Melo, and “Dre.” Dre? Yeah, Andre. Ohh, nice. But yes, Miz and “Dre” are pillars in the WWE! Last week was about respect! Two DECADES, Miz has built the WWE up with his hard work and spotlight stealing performances! Miz has outlasted countess “next big things,” flavors of the months and so-called legends! And Aleister wanted a second chance, he chose Miz because he’d get the headlines. But here’s the thing, Aleister didn’t knock Miz out, he woke Miz up!

Miz has been fighting for his spotlight, so now he reminds everyone who he is! There’s a reason Miz has lasted this long in a company while Aleister only lasted five. Aleister Black wants to make a statement, but now he’ll be a part of Miz’s! HIT HIS MUSIC! Miz & Melo head to the ring, will this be Miz’s moment? Or will he just #FadeToBlack again? We find out, after the break.

Aleister Black VS The Miz w/ Carmelo Hayes!

SmackDown returns and Aleister makes his entrance. The bell rings, Miz runs up, but he narrowly puts on the brakes in time to avoid the Black Mass! That would have bene a sudden end to this match and Miz scrambles away to a corner. Black storms up but the ref has him stay back. Miz then runs up, wrenches an arm, but Black rolls, snapmares, and then trips Miz again. Miz BOOTS Black away, but Black blocks a kick! Miz puts up his guard, then apologizes. Black slowly lets Miz’s foot go, but then Miz sucker punches him! Miz fires off, the fans boo, but Miz whips. Black blocks the lariat to fire Muay Thai KNEES!

Black trips Miz, Miz flounders out of the ring, but Black builds speed! Only to springboard and flip back! Black sits cross-legged, but then Miz runs up! Black ducks the boot, kips up, and he fires strikes! Miz RAMS Black into a corner, runs up, but blocks a boot! The KNEE hits! but then Miz avoids the leg sweep! Black still ELBOWS Miz down, covers, TWO! The fans rally and Black snarls. Black stalks Miz to the ropes, stands him up, but Miz ELBOWS him! Black BOOTS Miz out of the ring! Black drags Miz up, but Melo distracts him! Miz drags Black out to SLAM him on the apron! Black falls to the floor and Miz seethes while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Black sputters and coughs while Melo cheers Miz on. Miz drags Black up to whip him hard into a corner! Black falls, Miz storms over, and Melo nods as Miz puts Black back in the ring. Miz lines up a shot and basement BOOTS Black down! Miz stalks Black to ropes, CHOKES him and CLAWS at his face, but stops as the ref counts 4! Miz then STRADDLE ATTACKS! Black falls back then scrambles away while Miz seethes some more. Miz stalks Black, kicks him and taunts him, then KNEES him in the back! Miz clamps on, traps an arm, and he throws down elbows! Black endures, even as Miz pulls on the chinbar.

The fans rally and Black fights up. Black fires a knee, then forearms and body shots! Black whips corner to corner, runs in, but Miz puts him on the apron! Miz then slide sunder, TRIPS Black, and Black hits off apron on the way down! Melo & Miz high-five and soak up the heat. Miz drags Black up and RAMS him into the apron! Miz grinds his forearm into Black’s face, then puts him in the ring. Miz storms back into the ring, climbs up a corner, and aims. Black stands into the AX HANDLE! SmackDown returns to single picture as Miz soaks up the heat. Miz then runs corner to corner, A-LIST LARIAT!

Miz pushes Black out, then springboards in, but Black dodges! Miz hobbles, catches Black, but Black switches! Miz runs to the ropes and HOTSHOTS Black! Then Miz TOSSES Black to the floor! Miz goes out the side, runs up, and uses the steps to leap, into a KNEE! The fans fire up as Miz sputters and slumps against the barriers! The ring count starts, Black drags Miz up and into the ring, then he hurries after Miz. Miz takes a swing, but Black fires counter strikes and an elbow! Aleister fires KICK after KICK, then SWEEPS the legs! SLIDING KNEE! Black handsprings up and the fans fire up! QUEBRADA! Cover, TWO!

Miz stays in this but the fans rally for Black. Black aims from a corner, runs up, but Miz blocks and dragon sleepers! Black fights free, but Miz pulls hair! Miz kicks a leg out, then BASEMENT DDTS! Cover, TWO! Miz grows frustrated but the fans rally back up! Melo coaches Miz and Miz looms over Black. Miz KICKS! Black is not amused. Miz KICKS again, and again! The “It Kicks” just make Black laugh! Black catches one, then BACK ELBOWS Miz! Miz sits down, Black PENALTY KICKS him! That actually might be something more vicious but it scores all the same! Black stalks Miz to the apron, drags him up, but Miz RAMS into Black!

Miz HOTSHOTS Black, hurries back in, full nelson and FIN- NO, Black handsprings through!! The fans are going nuts and Miz is in disbelief! Then JUMP KNEE and Miz falls flat back! Black isn’t done with Miz, and he lifts Miz up with his foot. The fans fire up for this classic set up, but Melo gets on the apron! Black stares him down, but Miz rolls Black! TWO!! BLACK MASS!! Cover, Black wins!

Winner: Aleister Black, by pinfall

Melo is frustrated on Miz’s behalf, but then Black anticipates Melo sliding into the ring! Aleister and Melo stare down, will The Dark Father make even H1M #FadeToBlack?

Santos Escobar finds Rey Fenix backstage.

The Emperor of Lucha wants to talk with the Firebird. Santos watched that match at WrestleMania, and what he saw was the true embodiment of… disappointment. Not only did Fenix lose the biggest match of his life, which he should be embarrassed about, but he embarrassed the entire tradition of Lucha Libre by losing to the clown that is El Grande Americano! Rey Mysterio himself picked Fenix to take his place at WrestleMania, and Fenix BLEW IT! Santos laughs as he says now, the self-appointed “greatest luchador of all time” is out of the picture, and maybe forever. Someone will have to take Mysterio’s place.

And that person, brother, has always been Santos. So if Fenix knows what is best for him, he’ll listen to Santos. Fenix tells Santos callete, aka shut up! And stay out of Fenix’s business, okay? Whoa, hey! No, there is only one luchador in the world Fenix trusts, and it sure isn’t Santos, brother. And if Santos has a problem with that, then Fenix will see him in the ring tonight! Fenix storms off, will he humble Santos real quick?

WWE Women’s United States Championship Eliminator: Zelina Vega VS Piper Niven w/ The Green Administration!

Speaking of humbling, La Muneca may not have humbled the Hot Mess with last week’s win, but Zelina is herself humbled, honored and grateful to have this title. Will Zelina make sure there is no “second term” for the Green Regime? Or will Piper completely flip the polls and make this her time to shine?

SmackDown returns and The Green Administration makes their entrance. The bell rings and the two approach. Zelina slips around to KICK Piper’s leg! Then she dodges again to KICK again! And then another dodge to headlock, but Piper powers out. Zelina slips through the lariat to have the FLYING OCTOPUS HOLD! Piper stays up so Zelina sunset flips, but then Zelina avoids the hip drop! Piper sits up, but Zelina KICKS! KICKS! And KICKS, KICKS, KICKS! Zelina runs to KNEE Piper down! Cover, TWO! Zelina hurries to stay on Piper with a facelock, but Piper powers out! Piper runs up, but Zelina goes up and over1

The fans fire up as Zelina runs, but Piper CLOBBERS her! Piper soaks up the heat, then salutes Chelsea, and then stomps Zelina! Zelina tumbles out of the ring, Piper paces, and the ring count climbs. Zelina crawls into the ring, but Piper CLUBS her down! Piper scoops Zelina, but Zelina slips free! Zelina shoves Piper to the corner, then runs up, but Piper blocks the whip! Piper reverses, but Zelina goes up, up, only for Piper to catch her! FACEBUSTER! Piper says that one was for Chelsea! Piper then pulls on Zelina’s arms and STOMPS her into buckles! The fans chant, “Piper Sucks!” as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns as Piper grinds Zelina down with a cobra clutch. The fans rally as Zelina endures, but Piper SWINGS Zelina! Chelsea loves it, but then Zelina fires body shots! Zelina wrenches free, ROCKS Piper, but Piper throat chops! Piper scoops, but Zelina slips free to CODE BREAKER! And KNEE! The fans fire up and Zelina fires off on Piper! Zelina runs, but into an URENAGE! Piper snarls, runs up, and SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Zelina survives and the fans fire up! Chelsea throws a fit and yells at commentary, but Piper puts Zelina in a corner. Piper runs up, Zelina dodges and GAMANGIRIS!

Zelina goes up while Piper staggers, but then Piper SLAPS Zelina! Piper climbs up, salutes, and then brings Zelina up. But Zelina fires body shots! Piper staggers back, Zelina adjusts, and then FLYING METEORA! Cover, TWO! Piper is still in this and Zelina is starting to despair. Zelina waits on Piper, then hops on, but Piper pops free of Code Red! Zelina comes back, but into the BLACK HOLE! Cover, TWO!! Zelina survives and Piper is shocked! Piper has Zelina back in a corner, runs corner to corner, and CANNONBALLS into only buckles! Zelina runs, METEORA! And then Zelina waits on Piper to stand. Zelina whips, but Piper blocks!

Piper scoops Zelina, but Zelina flails! SWINGING DDT!! Zelina hurries to put Piper in the drop zone, and she hurries to go up! The fans fire up as Zelina calls her shot, MOONSAULT!! Cover, TWO!! Piper survives and Chelsea is relieved. The fans rally for Zelina and she thinks on what to do. Zelina hops back on, but Piper swings Zelina around! HEADBUTT! Piper reels Zelina in, salutes, and then lifts, but Zelina fights the bomb! RANA and Piper ends up on the ropes! Zelina dials it up, but Chelsea is in her way! The fans boo, but Zelina senses Piper coming! Piper BLASTS Chelsea instead!! Roll up into a JACKKNIFE! ZELINA WINS!!

Winner: Zelina Vega, by pinfall (denies Piper Niven a title match)

Chelsea is furious, but she’s half the reason her side lost! Will our underdog Women’s US Champion continue to shock Chelsea and the Green Administration?

Aldis talks with Solo & Fatu.

The GM is not happy that two weeks in a row, Solo has blown up matches. By the way, champ, you’re not exactly innocent. Solo says don’t pin this on him. That was Priest last week. And Fatu is just telling everyone to stay out of his way. Well, then, warning received. Which is why at Backlash, he defends the US Championship against Damian Priest and LA Knight in a Triple Threat. How does that sound? Solo says wait, wait, hold on. How’d we get to that? Because technically, Drew McIntyre won the #1 contender’s match, it should be him. Aldis sees Solo’s right. So forget the Triple Threat. It’s now a FATAL 4 WAY, with Drew added to the mix.

Solo is upset, but Fatu says keep it 100. No matter who is put in front of him, line ’em all up at Backlash! At the end of the day, he will dog walk they ass! He’s all gas, no brakes with it! YADADADA mean?! Fatu heads out, Solo tells Aldis is trying to screw Fatu over! Aldis says no, he’s pretty sure Solo is doing that. But will it matter when the Samoan Werewolf feasts on a Knight, a Priest and a Scottish Warrior?

Randy Orton is here!

Des Moines fires up for The Viper as he heads to the ring. Orton high-fives fans along the ramp and in the front row, then even gives one young fan a hug. The fans sing along with Voices, and Orton goes to the corner for his signature pose. Then the fans chant for “RANDY! RANDY!” as he grabs the mic. Orton says, “I know we’re two hours in, Des Moines, but welcome to Friday Night SmackDown!” The fans cheer, and even chant for “R K O! R K O!” Orton takes a moment before he continues, “John Cena…” The fans boo that name, but Orton says, “While the world couldn’t see him, I could. It took about 20 years for all of you to realize what kind of man he is, but I knew from day one.

The fans chant “CENA SUCKS! CENA SUCKS!” Orton adds, “He’s arrogant, selfish, he’s an entitled brat that gets whatever he wants. John Cena is the ultimate shiny new toy to be played with by the ultimate puppet master. John, I gotta hand it to you, man, you’re smart. You took advantage of the PG Era. Oh boy, did you ever take advantage of the PG Era. You were quite willing, and quite frankly eager, to be a real-life, walking, talking, cartoon character, while I on the other hand did everything that I could to be true to who I am.” The fans cheer that. Orton says Cena didn’t care about the boys in the back, or any of the fans.

All Cena cared about and still cares about is his bottom line. That brought him fame, fortune, and into the mainstream. It has enabled Cena to make sure that every single month, he has a brand new colored shirt to be on sale at the merch stands, along with headbands, hats, neck bands, arm bands, wristbands, waist bands, jorts, maybe sneakers, a dog tag, and a towel that said, “Never Give Up.” Any thing you could squeeze his name on to, he’d put out on sale so all the kids can go buy it up. Cena wanted to make sure the fans loved him more than they already did. The fans boo, but Orton says speaking of the kids…

Last week, Cena said the reason he’s never had kids, the reason he’s never wanted kids, is because he was too busy raising everyone else’s! The fans boo that, but Orton says the only thing Cena raised is the price of his merchandise, who the actual parents have to work a double shift just to afford! The fans cheer that! Orton continues by saying selling your soul isn’t exactly a new concept around here, is it? Cena’s been doing that for 20 years. Cena’s Hustle, Loyalty, Respect, right? We’ll give him the hustle all day, but the loyalty…? The respect? What happened to those? Orton will be clear why he is asking Cena about those specifically.

Because last week, Cena looked Orton dead in the eye and said he would ERASE the Orton name from the history books! Cena looked Orton square in the eyes and said he’d erase everything Orton’s family has ever done in this business! Orton will tell Cena right now, Cena is not and will not, over Orton’s dead freakin’ BODY… Cena says he’s the Last Real Champion? no no no! He is the latest legend that Orton will have to put down. The fans cheer that! Orton vows to do that a week from tomorrow, May 10th, Orton’s hometown, in front of his wife, family, friends and the future of the Orton legacy…!

Orton will punt kick Cena so hard in that Lego shaped head of his, that it’ll fly right off Cena’s shoulders and through the Gateway Arch! But not before Orton drops Cena’s ass with the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment: R K O! The Legend Killer, the Apex Predator, has told Cena he is now just the biggest prey he’s ever hunted! Will Cena’s retirement tour end before the year is even half over?

Naomi and Nia Jax talk.

Nia wants them on the same page. She will forget what Naomi said to her out there tonight, because her eyes are set on gold and “Two-Faced Tiffy.” So as long as Naomi focuses on Jade and stays out of Nia’s way, they’ll be good. Naomi tells Nia, “Sure.” Naomi heads out, but will everyone, even Nia, have to #ProceedWithCaution in tonight’s main event?

Randy returns backstage.

R-Truth walks over and they say hey. Truth says Orton has no chance at Backlash, because Truth’s childhood hero, John Cena, is going to beat him! Orton asks why Truth would say that. Because it’s the truth! He said what he said. Jimmy Uso hurries over and apologizes for Truth, we all know how Truth is. Orton understands and leaves, Truth says he still meant what he said. Jimmy tells Truth to stop! Truth keeps talking like this, Orton is gonna punt Truth’s head off his shoulders. Truth says he isn’t playing around. Cena told Truth himself. And y’know what else he said? What’d Cena say? That he’s the Last Real Champion!

Truth leaves, Jimmy tells him he has to stop. But with as devoted as Truth is to his childhood hero, will he be the only one devastated when Cena loses? Or will he be the only one cheering when Cena finds a way to win?

Rey Fenix VS Santos Escobar!

The Immortal Firebird was given his WrestleMania debut out of nowhere when Rey Mysterio went down with injury. And he did lose to El Grande Americano, but only because of that metal plate hidden inside El Grande’s mask. Will Fenix fire back up and show Santos what #ANIMO is all about? Or will the Emperor of Lucha look to establish himself as the heir to the lucha throne?

SmackDown returns as Santos makes his entrance, sans Los Garza. The bell rings and the fans rally for Fenix. Fenix and Santos circle, but then Santos wants Fenix to hold on. Does Fenix really wanna do this? Fenix nods, so the two circle again. The fans boo Santos and cheer Fenix, then the two tie up. They’re in a deadlock, but Santos waistlocks. Fenix reaches back to headlock but Santos use a rear bearhug. They go around, Santos SLAMS Fenix, then he holds on. Fenix fights up, wrenches out to hammerlock, then he arm- NO, Santos stops the arm-drag. Santos stands Fenix on and tells him to hear him out.

Santos is the boss, Fenix can follow him. Isn’t that good enough? Fenix CHOPS so that’s a no! The fans “WOO~” but Santos just shrugs that off. Santos CHOPS in return, so Fenix CHOPS again! The fans fire up, Santos says okay, and the CHOPS continue! Santos points to Heaven then CHOPS Fenix off his feet! Santos tells Fenix, “Listen to me, kid. I should be the boss, and we can take over this place!” Santos then CHOPS, but Fenix CHOPS back! Fenix eggs Santos on, so Santos steps up. Santos says last chance, but Fenix SHOVES him down! The fans cheer, and Santos stands up. Santos says fine, it’s all good. Then he takes a swing!

Fenix dodges, goes Spider-Man int he ropes, but Santos avoids the heel kick! Santos wags his finger, but then Fenix kicks low! Fenix knuckle locks, CHOPS, and he goes up, up, and jumps around, but Santos stops the arm-drag with a wristlock! Santos knows that trick too well, so Fenix takes another swing! Santos ducks to waistlock but Fenix fights with elbows! Santos shoves Fenix tot he ropes then runs up, but Fenix goes Spider-Man again and lets Santos tumble to the floor! The fans fire up and Fenix takes aim. Fenix steps out to FLYING RANA! Santos tumbles and the fans fire up! Fenix says if Santos wants lucha, then ANIMO!

But Santos SHOVES Fenix into the apron! And ENZIGIRIS him into the steel steps! Santos steps into the ring, aims, and he builds speed! ARROW FROM HELL! Direct hit on Fenix and the fans fire up again! Santos stands tall and SmackDown goes picture in picture.

The ref tells Santos to get in the ring so Santos leaves Fenix behind. Santos soaks up heat while Fenix crawls back towards ringside. Santos goes out after Fenix and KICKS him! Santos brings Fenix around and CHOPS him against barriers! Fenix sputters, Santos puts him back in the ring, then he swaggers behind him. Santos stands Fenix up, puts him in the corner, and ROCKS him! The ref counts, Santos backs off, but then he headstands and SWINGING DOUBLE KNEES! Santos is toying with Fenix at this point, then he covers, TWO! Fenix is tougher than that but Santos says that’s fine. Fenix CHOPS, Santos CHOPS!

The CHOPS keep going, but then Santos KNEES Fenix in the face! Santos then chicken wings Fenix’s arm to grind him down. Santos talks trash into the camera, then he drags Fenix up. Fenix fires body shots, but Santos THROWS Fenix down by his mask! The ref reprimands but Santos talks more trash. Santos has Fenix in a corner, stomps him down, then mocks the fans cheering Fenix on. Santos stands Fenix up, whips him corner to corner, then he runs up to GAMANGIRI! Fenix sputters again while Santos grins and soaks up more heat. Santos throws hands, then he CHOKES Fenix with a unique headscissor stretch.

The ref counts, Santos steps off, and Fenix CHOPS! Santos KICKS Fenix while SmackDown returns to single picture, and Fenix fires a shot. Santos KNEES Fenix down in return! Santos tells Fenix to understand that if you’re not with him, you’re against him! The fans rally for Fenix as Santos whips him corner to corner. Fenix hits buckles, Santos runs in and RAMS him! Santos then goes to the apron and GAMANGIRIS Fenix down! The fans boo but santos slingshot SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Santos throws down hands, then he grinds Fenix down with an armlock. The fans rally, Fenix kicks from below, then he stands up.

Santos ROCKS Fenix, whips him corner to corner, then he runs up, but into a BOOT! Santos comes back, but Fenix dodges! Santos hits buckles then staggers away! Fenix goes to the apron, RAMS into Santos, and then RAMS Santos into buckles! Fenix goes up, up, and QUEBRADA! Cover, TWO! Santos survives but the fans fire up with Fenix! Fenix whips, Santos reverses, but Fenix rewinds to HEEL KICK! Cover, TWO!! The fans rally as Fenix rises again. Fenix shakes out the stars and goes to the ropes. Fenix runs up on Santos, but Santos ducks the lariat! Fenix kicks a lariat, kicks the legs out, but Santos avoids the buzzsaw to JUMP KNEE!

Fenix falls, but he kips back up to SUPERKICK!! The fans fire up while both men are down! Des Moines rallies, “This is Awesome!” as Fenix and Santos slowly stir. A standing count starts, both men roll to the ropes at 5, then start to stand at 7! They’re both up at 8, Fenix shouts “ANIMO!” and somersaults, but into a fireman’s carry! But Fenix flails to fight off the Phantom Driver! Fenix is on the corner, he rains down elbows, then he jumps, jumps and- JUMP KNEE from Santos again! Santos has Fenix in a corner, takes aim, and he goes corner to corner, DOUBLE KNEES! Santos then reels Fenix in, underhooks, TIGER BUSTER!! Cover, TWO!!

Fenix survives but Santos is laser focused. The fans rally as hard as they can for Fenix but Santos looms over him. Santos fireman’s carries, Fenix fights free, and Fenix shoves Santos to BLINDSIDE DROPKICK! Fenix goes to the corner, ADIOS AMIGOS KICK! Santos falls, Fenix goes up again, TOP ROPE METEORA!! Cover, Fenix wins!

Winner: Rey Fenix, by pinfall

Santos took the fight to Fenix tonight, but Fenix still had fire inside! Fenix is back on a winning track, will he soon be going for some gold?

Jade and Tiff talk backstage.

They both know the other has their beef with Naomi and Nia, but then Byron steps in for an interview. He apologizes for interrupting, but they are teaming up for the very first time, against two individuals who they have some deep rooted issues with. How are they hoping to fare? Tiff says she gets it. If she were Nia, she wouldn’t be over it either. But Nia has to realize that this title belongs around Tiffy’s pretty little shoulders. And as for Jade here, as long as she stays out of Tiff’s way, there won’t be any problems. Jade says same goes for Tiff staying out of her way. Especially when Jade is after Naomi, and how Naomi isn’t done getting these hands.

By the way, Jade already spoke to Nick Aldis. No matter what happens tonight, Jade will be facing Nia Jax next week to determine a new #1 contender to Tiffy’s title. So yeah, handle that. Tiff says that’s funny, considering she almost had Jade beat last week. But go ahead, Jade, beat up Nia Jax. And if she can’t, Tiff will just do it all over again herself. Tootles! Yeah, whatever. Will The Storm and the Wrestling Barbie be able to win together? Or are they going to leave themselves open to the Irresistible Force and dangerous Glow?

SmackDown hears from Motor City Machine Guns, DIY and The Street Profits.

After last week’s insane instant classic Triple Threat TLC match, the world was buzzing! MCMG said that match alone is what this is all about, and is why they dedicated their entire lives to this business. DIY said they knew what this match was going to be. The Profits know all three teams gave everything they had in that match. And while MCMG and DIY are great teams, but in the end, The Profits got the smoke and retained the gold. They’re at the top, and they want more. Who will be next for Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford to put to the test?

Santos Escobar shouts at Los Garza.

He is upset that when he needed them the most, neither of them were around! Do they understand?! Yes, it’s just- Andrade steps in. El Idolo tells everybody to tranquilo. What’s the problem now? Oh, the problem? Watch yourself, Andrade. Andrade tells Santos that hey, he knows Santos doesn’t really care about Los Garza. And Andrade says his real problem is with Santos. Santos is talking about legacy, respect, honor, but he barely has any of those! Angel smirks and Santos gets mad at him. Santos tells Los Garza it’s time to go, and while Angel is right with Santos, Berto is reluctant. Santos shouts at Berto to come on, so Berto leaves.

El Idolo smirks, but does he have a point? Does Santos only care about Santos? When will Los Garza learn to stand up for themselves?

Nia Jax & Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton & Jade Cargill!

Grudges and gold are a combination as old as time in pro-wrestling, as is the concept of, “Can they coexist?” There is history of betrayal and anger all over this one, but will Nia & Naomi be able to weather The Storm? Or will it still be #TiffyTime even in tag team action?

SmackDown returns as Tiff makes her entrance to join Jade in the ring. Then Nia makes her way out, followed by Naomi. Then the brawl is on! The bell rings and the fans fire up as Nia has Tiff in one corner and Jade has Naomi in another! Nia HEADBUTTS Tiff, Jade bumps Naomi off buckles, but then Tiff TOSSES Nia! Nia drags Tiff outside while Jade RAMS into Naomi again and again! Nia whips, but Tiff reverses, and Nia hits steel steps! Tiff CLUBS away on Nia, but Nia ROCKS Tiff! Jade whips Naomi to CLOBBER her! Nia THROWS Tiff into barriers! Jade paces around Naomi, stands her up, and UPPERCUTS her!

Jade whips Naomi hard into ropes, and Naomi tumbles out of the ring. Jade says that’s fine and she goes out after Naomi. Jade SMACKS Naomi off barriers, then POSTS her! Naomi staggers away, Jade pushes her into the ring, then storms in after her. Naomi kicks low, CLUBS Jade down, then brings Jade around to bump off buckles. Naomi wraps Jade’s arm around ropes, pulls on it, but stops as the ref counts. Naomi then SLAPS Jade on the back and CLAWS her! Naomi brings Jade around, snapmares, and KICKS! Jade grits her teeth in pain but Naomi talks trash. Naomi pie faces Jade, Nia soaks up the heat by flexing, but then Tiff flexes and the fans cheer.

Nia flexes, the fans boo, but Jade scoops Naomi! Naomi slips free, SLAPS Jade, then runs. Nia sneaks a tag before Jade BOOTS Naomi down! Nia CLOBBERS Jade and DRIBBLES her off the mat! Nia sucker punches Tiff for good measure, then she flexes. The fans boo but SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Nia runs up on Jade, only for Jade to dodge! Nia hits buckles, but she hurries to stomp Jade down! Then she sucker punches Tiff again! The fans boo, but Jade ROCKS Nia! Jade scoops, but then falls over under the weight! Cover, TWO! Nia is annoyed but she drags Jade over. Tag to Naomi, Naomi CLUBS and HAMMERS away on Jade, and the fans boo. Naomi stops to sit Jade up, then facelock. Naoim brings Jade over, but Jade keeps Naomi from reaching Nina! Naomi takes a swing, but into a FLATLINER! Both women are down and the fans rally up! Naomi and Jade crawl, hot tag to Nia!

Nia drags Jade from Tiff and the fans boo, but Jade BOOTS free! Hot tag to Tiffy! The fans fire up as TIff LARIATS, but Nia stays up! Tiff LARIATS again, and again, then wrenches to ROCK Nia! And KNEE! Nia goes to a corner, Tiff handsprings and BACK ELBOWS! Tiff fires up, keeps moving, but Nia fireman’s carries! But Tiff hits a CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Nia survives that sudden turnaround and Tiff thinks on what she must do. Tiff runs, TIFFY STOMPS! Nia is down, Tiff goes to the corner, but Nia rises quickly! Nia HEADBUTTS Tiff, fireman’s carries, and SAMOAN DROPS! Naomi tags in, Nia drops the leg, brother!

Nia is upset when the ref points out the tag. Naomi tells Nia to get out! Naomi drags Tiff to the corner, laughs, and she goes up, up, and SPLIT LEG MOONSAULT, but onto knees! Tiff saves herself and the fans rally up! Tiff crawls, Naomi anchors a foot, but Tiff still hot tags Jade! Jade jumps in and SUPERKICKS Naomi! And she BOOTS Nia off the apron! Jade runs up to CLOBBER Naomi again and again, then fireman’s carries! FLAPJACK! Jade kips up, the fans fire up, and Jade runs corner to corner so she can ELBOW Naomi! Jade fires up, the fans are with her, and Jade choke grips, to then get a taste! CHOKE SLAM! Cover, Nia breaks it!

The fans boo but Nia drags Naomi all the way to safety. Nia tags herself in, then she ELBOW DROPS onto Jade! Jade sputters, but Nia SENTONS! But Tiff is up top! SWANTON breaks the cover!! The fans are thunderous while Tiff hobbles up. Naomi KNEES Tiff, fires forearms, but Tiff turns things around! Tiff stomps a mudhole in, but Nia CLOBBERS both Tiff and Naomi! Nia kicks them both out of the ring, runs up on Jade, and SPLASHES in the corner! Nia puts Jade in the drop zone, climbs up the corner, and the fans boo, but Jade rises! Jade gets under Nia and brings her off the corner! POWERBOMB!! Cover, Jade & Tiffy win!!

Winners: Tiffany Stratton & Jade Cargill, by pinfall

Jade and Tiff held together as a dynamic duo, and now Jade is headed into the #1 contender’s match with all the momentum. She even snatches the title from the ref to admire it on her shoulder. The fans boo and Tiff asks for her belt. Jade says okay, but then they tug-o-war a bit. Jade smiles, but Naomi CLOBBERS Jade into Tiff! The fans boo but Naomi has Jade’s wrists for a ripcord CODE BREAKER!! Then Naomi stands tall with the title! Is Naomi going to force her way into the title scene?

My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown here, and they really stepped on the gas for the Backlash build. Great blending of moments in the opening, with Priest wanting after Fatu & Solo, then he and Knight have their promo battle before “changing the card” and having their match to open. I think commentary made note that this was going to be the main event if not for that, which I don’t know if that’s ever been said when a match is “moved up,” but it does help justify why the women’s tag match became the “new” main event instead of the countless times a main event match is made “impromptu.” Then it was just an awesome match with Priest VS Knight that was of course “ruined” by Solo Sikoa.

Great move by Aldis to give us the Fatal 4 Way that many fans and I certainly felt was coming. Doing this protects all four guys, regardless if Fatu retains or Drew wins and completes his Grand Slam. Great promo from Fraxiom with Pretty Deadly, and a great tag match from them. While Fraxiom was certainly winning no matter what, I feel like they had to change something in the finish after Elton went down with that blood in his mouth. The Standing Shooting Star can still do some damage if an elbow or knee catches the target in the wrong spot. Hopefully Elton is alright, but Fraxiom is doing great, and they can surely move right into the tag title scene.

Great promo from Randy Orton to not just call out Cena but to “expose” him for how he’s been backstage. I won’t say it adds that much, though maybe that’s because I’ve been around for the whole Cena journey and have heard the very same things Orton just threw at Cena. This promo was perhaps more for fans who are much younger and have only watched Cena from the “Super Cena” days, aka the days where the merch is just how Orton described. R-Truth confronting Orton is pretty wild. It’d be even wilder if R-Truth ends up a Heel by default just because that’s how blindly loyal Truth is to Cena…

Very good promo from Miz and Melo before Miz’s match with Aleister, and I feel like there was a hesitation near the end where Miz refrained from mentioning AEW. He wanted to run down Aleister for not lasting as long as him, but he wasn’t about to mention the competition to do it. Then a very good match from Aleister VS Miz, Miz really bringing out that grit we know he’s got, but of course Aleister won. Melo clearly wants next and that’ll be a great match, but I feel like something has to “ruin” it so neither guy comes out looking week. Though, I don’t see Aleister getting a tag partner to then take on #MeloDon’tMiz so I’m not sure how this goes…

Good promo from B-Fab & Michin to stake their claim to a title shot, and then good stuff with Chelsea Green and all these political jokes about how she lost her title. Piper being given the match with Zelina was definitely so Zelina could fight up as the underdog, but I kinda thought Alba Fyre would be in “more trouble” facing Zelina on short notice. Still a good win for Zelina, and maybe we still get Zelina VS Alba next. A shame there are a lot of releases happening in the background right now, some good names aren’t gonna get a chance to challenge for the Women’s US title past Backlash now.

Very good promo from Fenix and Santos and a very good match from Fenix VS Santos. I also appreciate Santos using the Arrow from Hell, a shoutout to how he was King Cuerno in Lucha Underground where he faced Fenix and Penta many times. Andrade confronting Santos on his treatment of Los Garza furthers the story of perhaps Berto joining Andrade. Andrade VS Santos should definitely happen at some point, and I feel like we could even get some crossover with AAA as we get closer to Worlds Collide in June. I wonder if we’ll get Faces VS Heels or WWE VS AAA tag matches, because it’d be something to see Andrade and Santos have to work together.

And naturally, we got a “Can they coexist” match tonight around the WWE Women’s Championship story. Good promo to then spark the main event tag match, and a great main event tag match with that. Jade & Tiffy winning makes sense, especially with Jade and Nia set to face off next week. But I feel like something is needed to keep Naomi from just attacking Jade during the match. Maybe a Triple Threat #1 Contender’s match? That makes it really unpredictable, and all options would be great for facing Tiffy given Tiffy has had beef with Naomi and Nia, and is now starting to have beef with Jade. Let’s just not be redundant and make a Fatal 4 for the title at Backlash.

My Score: 8.8/10