Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (5/26/25)
New Day Rocks? Or New Day Sucks?
Who will be the W, W, E, World, Tag, Team, CHAMPIONS~?!
Tonight on Raw, Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods defend the WWE World Tag Team Championships in a Triple Threat against War Raiders and Creed Brothers!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifier Triple Threat: PENTA VS Dragon Lee VS Chad Gable; Penta wins and advances to Money in the Bank.
- Rusev VS Akira Tozawa w/ Maxxine Dupri; Rusev wins.
- WWE World Tag Team Championships Triple Threat: The New Day VS The War Raiders VS The Creed Brothers; The New Day win and retain the titles.
- Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez VS Kairi Sane w/ Iyo Sky; Kairi wins.
- Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifier Triple Threat: Seth Rollins VS Sami Zayn VS Finn Balor; Rollins wins and advances to Money in the Bank.
PLAY BY PLAY
Seth Rollins is here!
The Visionary leads the way for The Wise Man, the Badass and the Colossal Aussie as they head down the runway. The fans sing along, “WHOA~ OH~ OHHH~!” as Rollins steps into the ring in his mint blue floral suit. Rollins revels in the singing a little longer, then the fans bark for Bron Breakker. Paul Heyman has a mic and he gives his introductions. “Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Paul Heyman. Let’s see who the players are without even the benefit of a scorecard. First…” The fans bark as Heyman steps to his left. “A man, an attack dog, a badass, THE badass, in a true bloodline of badasses.
“And not just a badass, but the key to the future. If Skynet sent a Terminator from the future to this plane today and you asked that Terminator, ‘Who’s gonna main event WrestleManias 45, 46, 47, 48, 49 and so on?’ That terminator would tell you the answer to that question is BRON! BREAKKER!” Fans are a little torn on that but Heyman says he’ll put his reputation on the line tonight. That’s not a prediction, that is a damn spoiler! The fans chant for “CM PUNK!” but Rollins smirks. Heyman asks Rollins if the fans realize that CM Punk is not here tonight. The fans boo, but Heyman says that is all thanks to “Big Bronson Reed!”
“WWE would never put him in the ring with top tier talent. Why? Because they were afraid of him! Not just the WWE, but the top tier talent here in the WWE! Why? Cuz he’s too reckless! Why? Cuz of the Tsunami! Why? Cuz he’s a violent man in the PG Era, and he’s gonna put everyone down in front of him! So what’d Bronson Reed do? He took the initiative! He went after THE top star in WWE! He went after the legacy player, the future of this industry! Bronson Reed targeted Seth Freakin’ Rollins. In one night, Bronson Reed put a beating on Seth Rollins worse than Roman Reigns ever put on Seth Rollins in ten years.
“In ONE night, Bronson Reed put a beating worse on Seth Rollins than CM Punk was able to do in his entire career! In ONE NIGHT, Seth Rollins fought Roman Reigns and CM Punk in essentially a handicap match at WrestleMania, and they couldn’t do the damage to him that Bronson Reed did to him in ONE NIGHT! Get down on your hands and your knees and thank the Heavens above for the altruism of this man to my right. The sacrifice that Seth Rollins is willing to make for each and every single one of you so that the trajectory of this industry going into the future is bigger than ever before.
“I give to you the most generous man I have ever met in my entire life. I give to you the epitome of the epiphany. I give to you a Visionary! I give to you an Architect! I give to you the future of this entire industry! Ladies and gentlemen… ACKNOWLEDGE Seth Freakin’ Rollins!” The fans boo and Rollins smiles, but then the fans chant “O T C! O T C!” Rollins takes a moment, listens for the fans singing his song, but also hears the fans chant, “We Want Roman!” Rollins waits for that to die down, then he says, “Make no mistake about it. Tampa, this is the vision. This is MY vision. This is the way forward! This is how we secure the future of the industry!
“We do it through total control! Through total domination! Through complete POWER!” The fans chant, “You Sold Out!” Rollins asks to who? To himself? Are they outta their minds? Rollins has not changed a beat! He told us exactly what he would do at WrestleMania, and he did it! Rollins takes a moment, but the fans cuss him out. Rollins says the fans are questioning his integrity right now. They are questioning him. Need he remind them, less than five minutes ago, everyone in this building was singing HIS song! And now, NOW, you wanna chant profanity at him? You wanna question HIS integrity?
The singing does return, and Heyman conducts it, but Rollins has everyone hold on. “You people, you morons, don’t even know right from left! You don’t know what’s good for you! But you’re telling ME that I’M the bad guy here, that I don’t deserve the power. I’m the only one who does. I’m the only person capable of leading this company into the future. I’m the only person capable of wielding that power! And that power comes through championships! And I tell you, I would be standing here before you, right now, World Heavyweight Champion, if it wasn’t for Sami Zayn… And C… M… Punk.” The fans chant for Punk again and Rollins sighs.
Rollins stands with Bronson and says, “CM Punk found out on Saturday exactly what happens when you underestimate me! Sami Zayn will figure that out tonight, because ladies and gentlemen, I have found something more powerful than championships. I have found an object that allows me to control the fates of those championships.” Rollins looks up to the Money in the Bank briefcase. Heyman smiles and Rollins says, “I’m going to qualify for Money in the Bank. I am going to win the Money in the Bank contract. And I am going to cash-in the MITB contract.
“But here’s the beauty of it: I can do it whenever I want; I can do it however I want; I can cash-in on whomever I want; and there is NOBODY who can stop me! And THAT is complete domination! THAT is total power! And THAT is why I am a Visionary! I am a Revolutionary! I am SETH! FREAKIN’ ROLLINS!” The mission statement is crystal clear, but will all of the gold soon belong to Rollins and his team?
Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifier Triple Threat: PENTA VS Dragon Lee VS Chad Gable!
Speaking of MITB, this could be one of the fastest and wildest qualifiers yet! But will a luchador win their way to LA? Or will Chad Gable give himself a very busy Saturday with both a Worlds Collide AND MITB match?
Raw returns as Gable is frustrated already seeing his Worlds Collide opponent, El Hijo del Vikingo, in the crowd to watch this. The bell rings, Gable, Penta and Lee watch each other. The fans rally, Lee and Penta realize Gable is the common denominator, so they DOUBLE SUPERKICK! They take turns stomping Gable, but then they argue over who gets to do more. They shove each other, then agree to keep on Gable together. They TOSS Gable out, Gable tumbles, and now Penta rolls Lee! TWO, and Lee says okay, if that’s how it is… Lee dodges Penta, runs up, but Penta puts Lee on the apron. Lee RAMS Penta, bumps and ROUNDHOUSES him, then RANAS!
Penta ends up in a corner, Lee runs corner to corner, JUMP KCIK! Leg sweep! COMBINACION DRAGON! But Gable is back to ROCK Lee! Gable whips, Lee reverses and Lee DROPKICKS! Lee runs to DROPKICK Penta! Lee comes back for Gable, but Gable catches him for an EXPLODER! Gable dodges Lee, Penta springboards, but Gable catches him! GERMAN SUPELX! The fans boo but Lee RAMS Gable. Lee slingshots but Gable NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Gable snarls and he drags Lee up. Gable THROWS Lee out, goes back to Penta, but Penta fires body shots. Gable CHPOS, whips, but Penta KICKS Gable!
Penta dodges Gable, mule kicks a leg, then SLING-DOGS! Lee is back but Penta pops him up in the corner, SUPERKICK to Lee! Gable runs up, into a BACKBREAKER! Penta picks Lee up into the Gory Especial, then he reels Gable in! Underhook, TIGER DRIVER GORY BOMB COMBO!!! The ref checks Gable as he flops out of the ring, but Lee also goes out, only for Penta to FLY! Direct hit and the fans fire up while Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and Gable whips Penta, but then Penta grabs ropes. Gable runs up, Penta TOSSES him, but then Lee runs up. Penta SUPERKICKS Lee, goes out, but Gable anchors his foot! Gable YANKS Penta down, then SMACKS him off the desk! Gable talks trash on Vikingo, goes back for Penta, then throws hands! Gable wants Vikingo to know what’s waiting for him on June 7th! But Lee FLIES! Gable moves, Lee lands right on Penta and they both fall off the desk!! Everyone loses their minds, even Gable! Gable sucker punches Vikingo! The fans boo and Michael Cole tells Gable to focus on the match! How dare he assault a guest?
Gable puts Penta in the ring, CHOPS him, but Penta just gets mad. The fans fire up as Penta winds up and CHOPS! Gable snarls and CHOPS! Penta CHPOS, Lee SUPERKICKS Gable! Penta SUPERKICKS Lee! Lee DRAGON TRIGGERS! And POISON-RANAS! Gable lariats, Lee slips through and lifts! LIGER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Gable survives landing on his head again, and the fans are thunderous! “This is Awesome!” and Lee rises up. Lee has Penta for a fireman’s carry, but Penta fights free with elbows! Penta spins Lee, pump handles, but Gable waistlocks! GERMAN SUPLEX PUMP HANDLE SLAM COMBO!!!
The fans are thunderous and Gable has the straps down! “A THANK YEW~!!” Gable goes up, up, and MOONSAULTS onto Penta! Cover, TWO!! Penta survives and Gable is furious! Lee runs up, but Gable THROWS him overhead! Lee hits buckles, Gable goes up, but Vikingo trips Gable! GAMANGIRI! Gable is in the Tree of Woe and Vikingo cheers on Lee! Lee climbs, aims, and WOE STOMPS Gable!! But Penta hits Lee with a DESTROYER!! Penta gives Gable the PENTA DRIVER!!! Cover, PENTA WINS!!
Winner: Penta, by pinfall (advances to Money in the Bank)
Vikingo gets even with Gable, but they’ll surely go above and beyond at Worlds Collide! As for Penta, will #CeroMiedo be the one holding the MITB contract?
Judgment Day hangs out in the clubhouse.
JD McDonagh wants to talk tag titles but Finn Balor says one thing at a time. Finn’s gonna focus on MITB first, then they get back to business. As for Carlito & Dominik, they’re too busy playing WWE 2K and the WarGames match. But Roxanne Perez is here? She has a whole platter of chicken nuggets and offers him some. And then she says his shoulders seem tense. Roxie starts massaging Dom’s arm, and then LIV MORGAN walks in! She is absolutely livid, and Dom says hey, she’s back! Roxie wants to introduce herself but Liv hushes her. What’s been going on? Well, see, the time zones and nuggets and-
Liv stops Dom there, because Raquel already filled her in. And something is about to get very interesting. Liv will address that, but not before asking Adam Pearce for an MITB qualifier. Liv tells “Sister” Raquel time to head out, and Raquel tells Dom in Espanol that he messed up. Liv & Raquel head out, Finn chuckles and Dom plays it off by saying it’s so great to have Liv back. Finn says yes it is. Carlito says stop eating Roxie’s nuggies. Is Liv feeling what it’s like to have the tables turned on her? Or will she assert her dominance soon enough?
WWE honors our armed forces on this Memorial Day.
Home of the free because of the brave. Cody Rhodes narrates by saying it is easy to speak of sacrifice and harder to live it. Some did. From Normandy to Vietnam, across the Gulf War deserts and mountains of Afghanistan. Not for praise, but for freedom, for each other, and for all of us. Today, remember the selfless who stood in harm’s way and gave their all. Because of them, we live free. Because of them, we carry on. To them, we say thank you.
Rusev VS Akira Tozawa w/ Maxxine Dupri!
The Redeemer all but demolished The Dozer, and that is why the Stamina Monster is already raging as he stands in the ring. Will Rusev continue to “fix” the Raw roster by breaking them down? Or can Tozawa stop the rampage?
The bell rings and Tozawa rips his shirt! Rusev runs up, Tozawa dodges to fire off hands! Rusev shoves Tozawa, Tozawa is back to throw more hands! Rusev shoves Tozawa to a corner, runs in, but Tozawa dodges! Tozawa runs up but Rusev puts him on the apron. Tozawa GAMANGIRIS, goes up, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK! Rusev tumbles, but he comes back to LARIAT! The fans are torn but Rusev roars and stomps around! MACHKA KICK!! Rusev roars, “RUSEV! MACHKA!!” And then the ACCOLADE!!! Tozawa TAPS, Rusev wins!
Winner: Rusev, by submission
Rusev makes Tozawa suffer, he bends Tozawa back! The fans are torn and the ref tries to pry that grip open! But wait! Here comes Sheamus! Rusev throws Tozawa aside, and Bulgarian Brute stares down The Celtic Warrior. They were once friends, but that was a long time ago. The fans rally behind Sheamus, and Rusev stands down. Does Rusev feel Sheamus does not need his “help?” Or is he not deserving?
Backstage interview with Burt Kreischer & Tom Segura.
Cathy Kelley tells Burt welcome back, and brings up Segura being a bit critical of the WWE in the past. What brings him by tonight? Segura knows he’s done stupid things in his life, saying that stuff was part of it. But Cody Rhodes was on their podcast recently, it was a great time, and a real eye-opener. Plus, Burt had such a blast at the show he attended, so Tom couldn’t turn it down. Cathy knows that’s true. They were interrupted last time, so maybe Burt can plug his stuff now? Burt says yes, his new special is called Lucky, on Netflix, watch now. Something has Bur’s attention and he excuses himself.
Cathy knows Tom has something coming up, too, and he says yes, his own special will be a wild sketch show and- Wait, Burt is calling for Tom. Tom says this happens every time… Tom heads over, and Burt’s got his shirt off as he’s excited to see the War Raiders in person! It’s like they could all be related! Ivar says time to fire up! Ivar CHOPS Burt on the chest, Burt is already red, and they chant “WAR! WAR! WAR!” The Raiders head out, Tom has Burt calm down cuz Erik & Ivar left. Burt asks how does he look. Very red. Tom suggests they check with a medic to check before he and Burt go to their seats.
Sami Zayn is backstage.
Sami says he can’t stand listening to those guys talk! Heyman, Rollins, running their mouths, Sami should’ve gone out there to interrupt. But for what? Jey Uso says it would’ve been 1v3. Gotta be smart, Uce. Gotta pick the right time. Rollins wants the power, but this is how they stop him! Sami goes out there, wins the qualifier, and snatch that briefcase. If anything gets messy out there, Jey has Sami’s back. Sami nods, and Jey has him bring it in for the secret handshake. Jey wishes Sami luck, but will the Underdog from the Underground be on top? Will the Visionary’s plan continue to succeed? Or will The Prince have his own golden ticket to LA?
WWE World Tag Team Championships Triple Threat: The New Day VS The War Raiders VS The Creed Brothers!
Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods certainly tried to use their opponents against each other in hopes of crossing one off the list, but now they’ll be facing them both! Will the New Day survive a night in Tampa? Will Erik & Ivar have redemption from WrestleMania? Or will Julius & Brutus make sure these titles are now American Made?
Raw returns as the titles are raised and Burt is seen chugging beer! Tom joins in, and then the War Raiders attack the New Day! The fans fire up, the ref reprimands, but the Raiders TOSS the Creeds! This has to come down to 1v1 but Erik & Ivar throw hands on Woods & Kofi! The Creeds return, but the Raiders stereo scoop and SLAM them! Then Erik scoops and SLAMS Woods! Ivar & Erik scoop Kofi to LAWN DART him out onto the rest! The fans fire up, the Raiders say “UP!” Erik scoops Ivar, and from the apron he THROWS Ivar onto everyone! The fans fire up, Ivar rises, and he puts Kofi in. The bell rings as Erik brings Kofi up.
Ivar climbs a corner, but Woods anchors Ivar’s leg! Kofi BOOTS Erik, Julius DROPKICKS Ivar to the floor! Woods & Brutus THROW Erik into barriers! Julius & Kofi do the same! The New Day and American Made have made an alliance, and they all RAM Erik together! They they go to the ring and stand tall together. The fans boo while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and the Raiders are back. Kofi has Erik but Erik fires body shots. Kofi KNEES low, facelocks, and he puts Erik in the ropes. Kofi KNEES away on Erik, then tags Woods. Woods goes up the corner to GUILLOTINE DOUBLE STOMP! The fans boo but Woods struts around. “NEW~ DAY~!” “SUCKS!” Woods talks trash on Erik, brings him up, but the fans rally. Erik shoves Woods and ROCKS him! Both men fall and the fans fire up! Woods sputters but Erik crawls, hot tag to Ivar! Julius runs in but Ivar BACKDROPS him! BOOT for Woods! Scoop and SIDEWALK SLAM for Brutus!
Kofi runs in, Ivar dodges then scoop shim, SIDEWALK SLAM onto Brutus! Ivar runs and he DOUBLE SPLASHES! Julius is up, the fans fire up with Ivar, and Ivar runs in, only for Julius to dodge. Julius comes back, into the SEATED SENTON! Ivar TOSSES Woods, dodges Brutus and LARIATS him up and out! Kofi runs up but Ivar TOSSES him out onto Woods & The Creeds! The fans fire up more as Ivar says “UP!” Ivar climbs the corner! But Kofi jumps up to GAMANGIRI! Ivar falls but Erik DECKS Kofi! Brutus ROCKS Erik! Brutus RAMS Erik, hoists him up, but Erik SMACKS Brutus! Brutus ROCKS Erik then climbs.
Erik DECKS Brutus, but Julius springs up! The fans fire up for the SUPER DUPER PLEX! Woods hits the LIMIT BREAKER ELBOW on Erik! But Ivar is up top! WAR BEARD SPLASH!! Cover, Kofi & The Creeds break it! The fans fire up while all six men are down! “This is Awesome!” as the teams regroup. Kofi runs up on Erik, but Erik ducks the kick! EriK DECKS Kofi! The Creeds CLOBBER Erik! Ivar breaks their line to handspring DOUBLE BACK ELBOW! And then HEEL KICK for Woods! Ivar helps Erik wake up, and he says it is time to end this! Erik feeds Woods to Ivar, but Julius tags in! Ivar DECKS Julius, Woods FACEBUSTERS Erik!
Kofi KICKS Ivar, he and Brutus TOSS Ivar out! Brutus springboards to BRUTUS BALL Erik! Kofi DIVES at Ivar, but Ivar catches him! And RAMS him into the LED apron! The fans fire up for Ivar, and he runs up, CROSSBODY against the LED board! Ivar goes up, up, but Julius JUMP KNEES him! Woods rolls Julius up with tights! NEW DAY WIN!!
Winners: The New Day, by pinfall (still WWE World Tag Team Champions)
Well, The New Day used their opponents against each other all over again and came away with the titles! Will no one ever stop Kofi & Woods as the W, W, E, World, Tag, Team, Champions~?
Liv & Raquel walk ‘n’ talk.
And then they spot something. It’s Iyo Sky & Kairi Sane! What is this? A DMG CTRL reunion? Isn’t that group as dead as Kairi’s chances of winning MITB? Iyo says keep walking. Oh, they will! Liv is gonna walk right into Adam Pearce’s office and get herself a qualifier. And when she wins the briefcase, she cashes in on Iyo. Something Kairi could never ever do! Kairi tells Liv, in Japanese, that Liv keeps on talking, talking, talking like an idiot. Kairi then dares Liv to have a match with her tonight! Liv says challenge accepted. Raquel says Kairi done messed up, but Iyo says good on the Pirate Princess. Will Kairi sink Liv’s ship before it even sets sail?
Jey Uso heads to the ring!
The fans are ready to YEET here in Tampa as the World Heavyweight Champion makes his way down to ringside. After Saturday Night’s Main Event, we know he and Cody Rhodes are preparing for a star-studded tag team match at MITB, what will Jey have to say about it? We find out, after the break.
Raw returns and Jey has the mic to say, “The World Heavyweight Champ, Main Event Jey Uso is now in your citaaay~!” The fans cheer, and Jey says it has been a busy week for the champ. “YEET!” Everybody’s after the champ! “YEET!” Logan Paul got YEET’D! Cena ’bout to get YEET’D! And at MITB, it is Jey and his dawg, Cody- WAIT! Gunther is here! Der Ring General interrupts as he goes right to the ring and grabs his own mic. The fans taunt Gunther with “You Tapped Out!” but Gunther shrugs that off. Gunther tells Jey, “Well first of all, I came out here…” The fans boo but Gunther says he wants to congratulate Jey.
“And this one comes from a very personal places. Congratulations on the 15 year jubilee of The Usos in the WWE.” The fans cheer that, and Gunther says, “Secondly, congratulations on your first successful defense against Logan Paul on Saturday. You are holding onto this title way longer than I expected.” The fans boo that but Gunther says he appreciates Jey is doing everything in his power to fulfill this position. He really wants to be the captain of Monday Night Raw. And Jey has his hands full. There’s the long term plan going around, some of Jey’s friends are in trouble, and when they need Jey, he is there, no questions asked.
“And those are great qualities for a human being. But they are terrible qualities for a great champion.” The fans boo, but Gunther says he doesn’t blame Jey. Jey doesn’t know any better. Unlike Gunther, this position as World Heavyweight Champion doesn’t come natural to Jey. Being a great champion doesn’t mean you’re there for everyone else, that you sort out all the problems. Just guess, how was Gunther able to be a champion for almost ay ear? Because the only person he cares about is HIMSELF! The fans boo, but Gunther says if he is fully honest, Jey doesn’t have the intellect to carry himself as a great champion.
And in two weeks, when they step into the ring one more time, Gunther will relieve Jey from his position. Gunther will make things right and choke Jey out! Gunther will take back HIS World Heavyweight Championship and put it back where it belongs: Around Gunther’s waist! The fans boo but Jey takes a moment. “You done? Are you done?” Jey says he’s done, He is done with everybody saying his days as champ are numbered. “YEET!” Jey is done with everybody using an excuse for this title to turn their back on the people who brought them up! Jey does have friends, he does have family. He a real one, Uce. He fights for them, they fight for him!
The fans cheer and Jey paces. Jey tells Gunther he runs his mouth on Jey’s life. Gunther wants to judge Jey? Go ahead! Jey gets worked up and says what Gunther is fighting for is less than what Jey is fighting for. Jey isn’t overlooking Gunther, he knows what Gunther is capable of. Jey knows Gunther in and out. So see you in Phoenix. But at the end of the day, at the end of the day… Jey is fighting for the fans. Because in Phoenix, Jey will make Gunther tap out, again! Four letters, one word, UH UH, YEET!! The fans fire up with Jey as he heads out. Will this be the Summer of YEET?
Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez VS Kairi Sane!
The leading lady of the Judgment Day is back from her time in Japan filming for Hollywood, but now she thinks she can just call the shots for MITB. Will Liv be rolling towards a MITB qualifier? Or will the Pirate Princess prove she’s still got it?
Raw returns as Kairi makes her entrance. The bell rings, the two circle, and they tie up. They go around, Liv puts Kairi on ropes, then they go along ropes. Kairi has Liv in the corner but she lets off as the ref counts. Kairi rushes up but Liv THROWS her down by her hair! Liv KICKS Kairi, stomps away, but the ref counts. Liv stops at 4, bumps Kairi off buckles, then throws hands! The ref counts, Liv shrieks, “OKAY!” But Kairi CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Kairi CHOPS Liv again and then fires boxing elbows! Kairi backs Liv into a corner, ROCKS her, then whips corner to corner. Kairi runs up, Liv puts her on the apron, but Kairi RAMS Liv!
Kairi goes up, up, and leaps, but Liv gets under. Kairi says kiss this! The fans fire up, Liv says okay then! Liv runs up, Kairi sidesteps and drops down, then does it again. Kairi blows past, goes up and RANAS! Liv tumbles to the ropes, the fans fire up with Kairi, and she runs in, SLIDING D! Liv sputters and Kairi goes out to the apron. Kairi brings Liv up, BACKHANDS her, then gets space. Kairi runs in, but Liv dodges! Kairi boots the post, and Liv SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMBS to the floor! Raquel cheers and the fans are torn, but Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Liv suplexes Kairi! That’s Una Amiga as Liv brings her back up, for Dos Amigas! Liv brings Kairi up again, for THREE- NO, Kairi slips free, but Liv ELBOWS her! Liv runs, Kairi dodges, and then Kairi SPEARS! The fans fire up while both women are down! Raquel panics and coaches Liv but Kairi goes to a corner. Liv runs up but Kairi DECKS her! And CLOBBERS her! And CROSSBODIES her! Kairi whips, Liv reverses, but Kairi stops herself to come back, BLOCKBUSTER! The fans fire up with Kairi again and she has Liv in the corner. Kairi marches and then runs up, SLIDING D again!
Liv flounders, Kairi climbs, and FLYING KABUKI FOREARM! Cover, TWO! Liv lives and Kairi is annoyed, but she hurries to bring Liv back up. The fans rally, Liv breaks free, but Kairi ducks the enzigiri! Kairi has the legs, and she pulls Liv into the ANCHOR HOLD! Liv endures as Kairi bridges back! The fans fire up but Liv pulls hair! The ref reprimands, but Kairi DECKS Liv! Kairi roars, runs, but Liv STOMPS her down! Liv scowls, rises up, and she climbs the corner. FLYING CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Kairi survives and Liv is livid! Liv SLAPS Kairi around, kicks her, then has her on the ropes. Liv runs up, but Kairi denies ObLIVion!
URAKEN!! Liv sputters, Kairi runs, SLIDING D the third!! Cover, TWO!! The fans rally, Kairi drags Liv up, and then she Alabama Lifts! But Liv sunset flips it! TWO, and both women hurry to their feet! Liv blocks the backhand to BACKSTABBER! Kairi flounders. Liv runs in, but Kairi pops Liv up! But Liv rolls, Kairi smothers it to a jackknife bridge, TWO! Both women grab at the other but Kairi Alabama Lifts again! ALABAMA SLAM! Kairi goes up the corner and the fans fire up! Raquel distracts the ref, ROXANNE shoves Kairi! The fans boo but then Raquel and Roxie argue! Roxie says she just helped Liv, what’s the big deal?
Liv runs at Kairi, Kairi rolls her up! KAIRI WINS!!!
Winner: Kairi Sane, by pinfall
Raquel is shocked, but Liv let herself get distracted by everything! Roxie says that wasn’t on her. Will Liv get over herself to accept the new girl on the team?
Rhea Ripley speaks.
“Mami’s always on top. It wasn’t just a saying to me, but it was a way of life. Lately, that just hasn’t been our reality, now has it? But at MITB, that all changes. For the first time in my career, I’m in a ladder match, which means no one is ready for the amount of brutality that I am going to unleash. I will do absolutely anything to climb that ladder, to retrieve the briefcase, and to once again cement myself at the top of the women’s division. So Iyo Sky, Tiffany Stratton, I advise you to hold your titles really tightly. Because absolutely no one is safe from Mami in the Bank.” The Eradicator is ready, will she be ready to call her shot after June 7th?
Judgment Day regroups.
Liv still wants to know what Roxie was doing out there. Finn defends Roxie just wanting to help. Dom knows that was the plan, right? Dom stammers, but Raquel says if Roxie hadn’t gone out there, Liv would’ve won! Liv says he can’t believe she’s saying this, but no, Raquel was the veteran out there and she should’ve known better. What? Finn grins again, is this going even better than he expected?
Lyra Valkyria is here!
The fans “WHEW~!” with the song as the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion makes her way to the ring. Lyra has the mic to say, “Well what is up, Tampa? Ugh, I wish I was out here to talk to you guys about some new competition and a new challenger for this championship. But news broke today that Becky went and did what Becky does best. She groveled and she begged and she twisted the arms of the right people in the back, and she once again talked herself into a rematch at MITB.” The fans boo, but Lyra says, “Why would I accept, right? I have nothing left to prove. I’ve beaten her twice.
“Every opponent that I have ever had, I didn’t care what they said about me or what they did to me. Once I beat them between these ropes, I was the ultimate winner. But I didn’t feel any satisfaction when I beat Becky. Because she came out here after Backlash, ego still through the roof, no embarrassment, no sense of shame, even though she’d been outwrestled and beaten. And she sat there, on that top buckle, and she talked like she won the match! She was that delusional! And then she just went on to try and steal the next opportunity from the next person. She’s like a rat with a piece of cheese, and I just couldn’t let her do it.”
The fans cheer, and Lyra says, “At Backlash, all I wanted to do was pin her shoulders to the mat for three seconds. But she came out here and she go tin my fiancé’s face, and she tried to take my eye out, and she tried to break my arm! So yeah, now it’s personal!” The fans like that! Lyra says at MITB, she is going to hurt Becky. She is going to break Becky’s ego! And if that means bashing Becky’s head in, then she’ll do it! But wait! Becky is here now! Lyra frowns as The Man makes her way out to the ring, and Becky has a mic to ask, “I made this personal? I made this personal? YOU cost ME! You cost me my opportunity!
“I was done with you! I was on the bigger and better things, because okay, okay, you won a match. You won a match, I won the night! Because I went home with my hot husband, and you went off to the hospital with your weird little fiancé!” Wow, Becky’s “hot husband?” AKA, the only talented thing about her? Becky says here it goes! Lyra makes it personal! Lyra made it personal first! She could’ve let it go, but she couldn’t. Because Lyra knows Becky is the best thing that ever happened to Lyra, or to that title! Lyra says that is not the flex Becky thinks it is! Becky acts like she just graciously stepped aside and shared the spotlight.
People are talking about Lyra because Lyra beat Becky! The fans cheer that! Okay, okay, Lyra says Becky “steals” opportunities. If Lyra is so confident, how about this? MITB, if Lyra wins again, Becky will never challenge Lyra for that title ever again. Fine! No problem for Lyra. As she sees it, she beat Becky twice, and the last time was with her eyes closed. Becky frowns, but she says Lyra did not let her finish. Because there’s something Becky keeps remembering. When Lyra took the NXT Women’s Championship from Becky, it was a quick roll-up, not really decisive. When Lyra won that match, the good person Becky was, what’d she do? Becky graciously raised Lyra’s hand.
So WHEN Becky wins at MITB, and does it fair ‘n’ square, Lyra must look her in the eyes and raise Becky’s hand! The fans are torn on that, but Lyra says she has never had an issue raising the hand of the woman better than her. It just hasn’t been Becky yet. Mic drop from The Morrigan, but will The Man make her humble? Or will Lyra close this title off to Becky for as long as it is on her shoulder?
Sami Zayn walks the halls.
And Karrion Kross says, “Well, well, WELL! Here we are again, Sami! You’re still trying to claw your way to the top when you could’ve just taken the deal, went to SmackDown, and challenged for the WWE Championship. NO, you gotta do it ‘your way.'” Sami says he has no time for the games, okay? Sami walks off but Kross says Sami knows he will never win the title, right? Sami looks back at Kross and tells him he’ll deal with this later. Sami continues on, but will he be winning his way to the top? Or just falling to the bottom?
Also, in the background, New Day is talking with Grayson Waller like they were last week. Are they still trying to convince the Aussie Icon of something?
Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifier Triple Threat: Seth Rollins VS Sami Zayn VS Finn Balor!
The Visionary wants all the power, the Underdog from the Underground wants to stop that from happening, and The Prince wants to put Judgment Day back at the top with a world title. Who gets their way in this star-studded three way in Tampa?
Raw returns and Finn makes his entrance, followed by Sami. The bell rings, Sami and Rollins fire hands, and Finn watches. Sami LARIATS Rollins up and out, but Finn attacks Sami! Finn bumps Sami off buckles, throws hands, then CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” and Finn whips. Sami ducks ‘n’ dodges then DIVES onto Rollins! The fans fire up as Rollins tumbles, and Sami is after him again! Finn hurries to join in and he CLOBBERS them both! The fans cheer, Finn brings Sami around and pushes him into the ring. Finn fires hands on Sami, CHOPS him, and Heyman scowls from ringside. Sami kicks back and puts Finn in the corner.
Sami climbs up, rains down fists, and the fans count, only for Rollins to stop Sami at 5! Rollins drags Sami down to CLOBBER him! Rollins rains down fists, huffs ‘n’ puffs as he goes to Finn, but Finn trips Rollins to DOUBLE STMOP! CHOP for Sami, CHOP for Rollins! Finn CHOPS Rollins, fires body shots, then fires haymakers! Rollins fires back, but Finn slips around to dragon sleeper! Sami runs up, Finn kicks him, DOUBLE DDT COMBO! Cover on Rollins, TWO! Cover on Sami, TWO! Finn is in control and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Finn CLUBS Sami! The fans rally, Finn throws hands, but Sami eggs him on! Finn throws more hands, then reels Sami in. The fans want tables but Sami hits a suplex on Finn! The fans rally as Sami rises, but Rollins is in! Sami counter punches Rollins and backs him down! Sami climbs to rain down fists! The fans count and Sami goes to TEN, then fires a flurry to get to TWENTY! The fans fire up, Sami runs up and BLASTS Finn off the apron! Rollins runs up, Sami TOSSES him out! The fans fire up more as Sami goes to the apron! Finn grabs a foot, Sami kicks him away, then Sami kicks Rollins!
Sami goes up, ARABIAN PRESS! Direct hit on Rollins and Finn and the fans fire up with Sami! Sami rises up, gives a shoutout to the late, great Sabu, and then hurries to put Rollins in the ring. Sami waistlocks, Rollins fights the Blue Thunder to FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Rollins is annoyed but he storms up on Sami. Rollins puts Sami in the corner, grinds his forearm into Sami’s face, then CHOPS! Rollins puts Sami up, CHOPS him again, then climbs. The fans rally, Sam fires elbows, and he knocks Rollins down! But Finn CLUBS Sami! Finn climbs up, he and Sami fight, and Sami CLUBS Finn down! Then shoves him down!
Rollins is right up top! Sami fires body shots and then he CLUBS Rollins down! Sami then adjusts, and SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMBS!! Cover, Finn breaks it! The fans fire up while all three men are down! Finn drags Sami up to TOSS him out, then goes for Rollins. Finn dragon sleepers Rollins, drags him up, but Rollins KICKS free! Rollins then kicks low, underhooks, but Sami is back !Rollins ROLLING ELBOWS Sami first! Then Rollins underhooks Sami, only for Finn to SLINGBLADE Rollins! Finn SHOTGUNS Sami into a corner! The fans fire up, Finn fumbles in the ropes a bit, but he goes up the corner!
Sami is up and he ROCKS Finn first! Sami then climbs up after Finn, goes to the very top, SUPER DUPER PLEX!! But Rollins FROG SPLASHES Sami!! Rollins bounces off that cover, all three men are down again, and “This is Awesome!” Heyman is freaking out while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns once again, and Rollins DECKS Finn! Sami sputters towards a corner, Rollins stomps him down and then stomps a mudhole in! The fans are torn but Rollins sees Finn sit up. Rollins tells Finn they can be 1v1 if they get rid of Sami first. Rollins & Finn get Sami up top, climb up after him, but Sami fights them both off! The fans rally behind Sami as he fires fast hands! Sami DECKS Rollins, DECKS Finn, and the fans fire up! Sami stands to leap, but Finn gets under. Rollins is there to catch Sami, but Sami DUMPS Rollins out! Finn runs up, but into a clinch! Only to victory roll it! TWO!! Sami escapes, Finn stands, and Finn waistlocks.
Finn dragon sleepers, EYE OF THE HURRICANE! Cover, Rollins breaks it! The fans rally, all three men slowly rise, and Rollins watches Finn. Rollins kicks Finn, underhooks, but Finn wrenches out, rolls Rollins up, but Rollins rolls through! Underhooks and PEDIGREE!! Cover, SAMI GHOST PINS ROLLINS! TWO!! Rollins escapes, kicks Sami, PEDIGREE!! Cover, TWO!??! Sami survives and the fans fire up again! Heyman is beside himself while the fans rally for Sami. Rollins gets in Sami’s face and tells him this is it! Rollins runs from the corner, but Sami avoids the stomp! BLUE THUNDER- NO, Rollins slips free to KICK the legs!
Rollins runs, but into BLUE THUNDER!! Cover, TWO!!! Rollins barely survives and no one can believe it! Where’s Finn in all this? Rollins sputters in a daze as he goes to the apron and the fans rally. Sami huffs ‘n’ puffs, looks up to the briefcase as motivation, and he throws hands on Rollins. Rollins staggers, but then he throat chops! Sami still throws hands! Rollins JABS, CHOPS, and repeat! Rollins CLAWS Sami’s eyes, puts him in a corner, and just SLAPS away! Rollins huffs ‘n’ puffs and almost foams at the mouth! Rollins runs in, btu into a clinch! CORNER EXPLODER! Sami is feeling it and the fans are with him!
Sami aims, runs at Rollins, but FINN SLINGBLADES! Then Finn SHOTGUNS Sami into Rollins! They’re both down but Sami’s in the drop zone! Finn goes up, COUP DE- NO, Sami dodge! CURB STOMP by Rollins! HELLUVA KICK by Sami!!! Cover on Rollins, BRON BREAKKER drags Sami out!! And Bronson Reed is there to rain down fists! The fans boo, because for No Disqualifications, this is still unfair! But then JEY CROSSBODIES Bronson! Jey fires fists on Bron, SUPERKICKS Bronson, then SUPERKICKS Bron! SUPERKICKS again and again, but Rollins grabs Jey! Jey UPPERCUTS Rollins! Bron SPEARS Jey!!
The fans boo, Bronson POSTS Sami, but DOM is here with a chair!! Dom slides that into the ring, halfway between Finn and Rollins. Finn grabs the chair, Rollins FULL METAL CURB STOMPS!!! Cover, ROLLINS WINS!!!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall (advances to Money in the Bank)
Dirty Dom tried to help but that backfired in a big way. But even then, Rollins had his minions help out, so it’s all fair. Bron & Bronson go after Jey & Sami, but CM PUNK is here?!? Bron & Bronson Security now move to the ramp, but Punk sneaks in from the crowd!! Fireman’s carry for Rollins, and a GO TO SLEEP!!! Rollins is down, Punk bails out, and the fans fire up! The Best in the World gets the better of The Visionary! But even so, Rollins is still going to MITB. Will the Visionary take over using that contract once again? Or will Punk make sure that never happens?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw to not just follow up Saturday Night’s Main Event but even accelerate towards Money in the Bank Saturday. Great tie-in of Worlds Collide with Vikingo being here, and that was an awesome Triple Threat from Penta, Dragon Lee and Gable. Gable VS Vikingo for Worlds Collide will be great stuff, but I think a graphic gave away that Vikingo’s match with Alberto Del Rio El Patron for the AAA Mega Championship is going to go Vikingo’s way to then escalate the Worlds Collide match. Very good promo from Rhea to hype up her part in MITB but there are still more people to add so I’m not sure Rhea wins.
Rusev VS Tozawa was really quick but I suppose it would be given Rusev is Rusev. But Sheamus confronting Rusev was great stuff, and they’re going to have a great feud. Fun promo with Burt Kreischer & Tom Segura to hype up the tag title match, and the tag title match itself was great stuff. The finishing sequence was quick and brilliant stuff, but it also makes me think we’re getting more New Day VS American Made after this. Great promo segment from Lyra and Becky to set up their rematch, but I feel like the stakes aren’t even. Becky only wants Lyra to raise her hand in victory? I feel like Becky would be pettier than that, but maybe she beats Lyra up so bad that Lyra can’t even stand.
We got great integration of other segments through the big stories. Judgment Day’s new dysfunction is all because of Finn, and he was clearly enjoying it. Liv not liking Roxie hanging around Dom is made all the sweeter because it’s what Liv was doing with Dom while Dom was with Rhea. But then in a great twist, Roxie really did try to help Liv, only for Raquel to not like it and that cost Liv. And then Liv seeing Roxie’s point later was a great detail, too. Finn is either going to break up Liv and Dom or Liv and Raquel and he doesn’t seem to mind which one it is.
Very good promo from Gunther and Jey, not that it really adds much. I was oddly expecting more Logan Paul to show up and talk trash on Jey while putting Cena over, saying stuff like how he and Cena are going to be this unstoppable dream team. Maybe Logan will do that Friday or next Monday, given next Monday is the go-home Raw. Seth Rollins & Paul Heyman had a very good promo to open the night, though they maybe let the chants for Punk and Roman go on when they didn’t need to. Jey and Sami had a good promo and that helped plug Jey helping Sami in the main event.
That main event was also an awesome match, but it works that Rollins won. The MITB contract served him well before, can’t wait to see if he wins it and tries to use it on June 9th during Gunther VS Jey. At the same time, CM Punk either gets in MITB with a qualifier, or he just shows up to make sure Rollins doesn’t win the ladder match. He might even stalk Rollins to make sure Rollins can’t cash in successfully. But such a story would get boring over time, so I would think Rollins just doesn’t win and has one last match with Punk for Saturday Night’s Main Event in Atlanta or for SummerSlam’s night two main event.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/25/25)
Round 8, all together!
The penultimate round of this round robin!
Best of the Super Juniors 32 enters round 8, and there are still a lot of moving pieces! Who will be that much closer to the finals?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Robbie Eagles; Eagles wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: KUSHIDA VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Kushida wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: YOH VS Titan; Yoh wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Dragon Dia VS Robbie X; Dia wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: MAO VS Nick Wayne; Mao wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Ninja Mack; Mack wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Taiji Ishimori VS SHO; Sho wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Francesco Akira VS Clark Connors; Connors wins, by disqualification.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: El Desperado VS Kevin Knight; Desperado wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Master Wato VS Hiromu Takahashi; Hiromu wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current A Block standings!
Master Wato: 5-2, 10 points
Clark Connors: 4-3, 8 points
Francesco Akira: 4-3, 8 points
Kosei Fujita: 4-3, 8 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 4-3, 8 points
Robbie X: 3-4, 6 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 3-4, 6 points
KUSHIDA: 3-4, 6 points
Dragon Dia: 3-4, 6 points
Ninja Mack: 2-5, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Here are the current B Block standings!
YOH: 4-3, 8 points
Nick Wayne: 4-3, 8 points
MAO: 4-3, 8 points
Taiji Ishimori: 4-3, 8 points
El Desperado: 4-3, 8 points
Ryusuke Taguchi: 3-4, 6 points
Kevin Knight: 3-4, 6 points
SHO: 3-4, 6 points
Titan: 3-4, 6 points
Robbie Eagles: 3-4, 6 points
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Robbie Eagles!
The Funky Weapon fell short in last round’s main event, but he proved he’s still got it. But can he get it going again this late into the tournament? Or does the Sniper of the Skies have the kill shot waiting?
The bell rings, Eagles runs up, wheelbarrows, victory rolls and has the legs, RON MILLER SPECIAL!! Taguchi claws at the mat, drags Eagles along, and makes it to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Eagles drags Taguchi back, but Taguchi kicks Eagles down to have OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Eagles scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi lets go, Eagles bails out, and Taguchi goes to the corner, TRIANGLE- NO, Eagles moves, Taguchi lands safe on the apron, but then the leg jams! Eagles 619s the legs out! Taguchi falls to the floor, Eagles brings him around, and he KICKS the bad leg! The fans rally, Eagles taunts Taguchi, then drags Taguchi around.
Eagles SMASHES Taguchi’s knee off the floor! The fans cheer, Eagles stands Taguchi up, and he puts him in the corner. Eagles pulls Taguchi’s legs against the crossbar! The ref reprimands and counts, Eagles lets go at 4, but he sits on Taguchi! Eagles eggs Taguchi on as he hops down, then rallies the fans. Eagles aims from the apron, springboards in, but into ANTIAIR HIP ATTACK! The fans fire up while both men are down! Taguchi clutches his leg but he rolls his way to Eagles. Taguchi has Eagles on ropes and rubs it in his face! POINT BLANK HIP again and again! Taguchi then runs, to HIP ATTACK! Eagles sputters and the fans cheer!
Taguchi calls upon the powers of Strange Style, “ORYA~!” KETSU- NO, Eagles rolls up with bridge, TWO! Taguchi rolls Eagles, TWO! OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Eagles scrambles, rolls, and KICKS Taguchi down! The fans rally while Eagles shakes out the bad leg. Eagles stands, hobbles, and he shows some cheek! HIP ATTACK! And HIP ATTACK! Taguchi sputters, Eagles fires the fans up with some swivel, but Taguchi blocks the hip attack to HEADBUTT the butt! The fans cheer and Taguchi HEADBUTTS Eagles’ stomach! The forearms fly, Taguchi gets the edge, but Eagles ROUNDHOUSES! SUPERKICKS! ENZI- NO, Taguchi ducks! OH MY GAH ANKLE!
Eagles rolls and kicks free, then catches Taguchi. Taguchi shoves free to HIP ATTACK! Eagles says I’LL BE BACK, but Taguchi catches him! OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Eagles reaches out, crawls forward, and the fans rally up! Taguchi stands Eagles up, Eagles cravats, ASAI- NO, Taguchi slips free of the DDT! Drop toehold, and OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Eagles endures, the fans fire up, but Taguchi yanks Eagles back! Chicken wings, DODON- NO, Eagles victory rolls! TWO and Taguchi has it! TWO and they roll, roll, roll, roll, roll! In the end, Taguchi has it, TWO!!! Eagles escapes but both men are dizzy! Taguchi fires up, the fans are with him, but both men fall over!
The fans rally hard, and this is just the first five minutes! Taguchi ENZIGIRIS! Eagles is against ropes, but he comes back to HYPERION!!! Cover, EAGLES WINS!!
Winner: Robbie Eagles, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Taguchi earns 0)
It was a wild shootout from the start, but it is Eagles who hits the mark! Will the Sniper still take aim at the top? Or will someone else in the block block his path?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: KUSHIDA VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru!
The Time Splitter and the Heel Master are on that bubble, one loss means the end for them! Will Kushida pick up speed and make it Back to the Future? Or does Kanemaru have one last cheap trick up his sleeve?
Kushida is on the corner for his entrance, and Kanemaru attacks! And ROCKET LAUNCHES him! The bell rings and Kanemaru whips to then DROPKICK the legs! Kanemaru steps through for a FIGURE FOUR! Kushida scrambles and rolls all the way to the ROPEBREAK! The ref reprimands, Kanemaru lets go, and Kushida scrambles away to the other side. Kanemaru drags Kushida back from ropes, holds him open, then gives a foot to the ref to split the wishbone! The fans cheer, Kanemaru turns Kushida over and SMASHES the knee! Kushida writhes more but Kanemaru is on him again, to YANK the leg!
Kanemaru taunts Kushida, mockingly asking what’s wrong. Kanemaru kicks Kushida to ropes, but Kushida CHOPS! Kanemaru kicks the leg, Kushida CHOPS, then Kushida CHOPS again! Kushida KICKS Kanemaru’s arm! The fans rally, Kushida whips, but Kanemaru reverses. Kanemaru handsprings, but Kanemaru DROPKICKS the legs! FIGURE FOUR!! The fans rally for Kushida while he endures, and he fights to push the main leg! Kanemaru powers the hold back down! Kushida endures, fights over, ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud but Kanemaru holds on until the ref reprimands. Kushida hobbles to the apron, and Kanemaru runs up.
Kushida RAMS Kanemaru, HOTSHOTS him away, then hurries up the corner. Kushida leaps but Kanemaru moves! Kushida’s leg jams, and Kanemaru trips him! Step through, but Kushida cradles, TWO!! Kanemaru escapes, Kushida waistlocks, but Kanemaru switches. Kushida slips under, FLIPS Kanemaru, and has the HOVERBOARD! Kanemaru fights up, spins through, and kicks the bad leg! Kushida PELES! Kanemaru goes to a corner, Kushida runs in, but Kanemaru BOOTS Kushida! Kanemaru runs, Kushida drops then HIP TOSSES into the ARM- NO, Kanemaru stacks Kushida, TWO! Kanemaru kicks and scoops, BRITISH-
NO, Kushida wrenches through to hop on, HOVERBOARD!! Kanemaru endures as Kushida thrashes the arm, and he grabs the ref! Kanemaru sends the ref into Kushida then ENZIGIRIS! Kushida and the ref are both down, so Kanemaru takes a swig of his whiskey! Kushida stands, but he smothers Kanemaru! Then TANAKA FASTBALL sends the mist flying! Backslide, KUSHIDA WINS!
Winner: Kushida, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kanemaru earns 0)
Another fast and furious match as this night gets going, and Kushida turns things around! Kanemaru is more than likely out of the running now, but can Kushida still make it to the finals? Or is time running out?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: YOH VS Titan!
One man is near the front but the other is near the back! Will Direct Drive kick it into gear and keep it fresh? Or will El Inmortal stay alive for a little longer?
The bell rings and the two rush in! Titan DROPKICKS Yoh and Yoh tumbles out! Titan builds speed, Yoh is back and he trips Titan! Yoh ties Titan up in the Paradise Lock! Milano Collection AT can’t believe what he’s seeing! Yoh fires the fans up, then runs to DROPKICK Titan out of Paradise! Yoh hurries to suplex, FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Titan stays in this but Yoh stays focused as the fans rally up. Titan stirs while Yoh tunes up! SUPER- NO, Titan ducks the kick, shoves, and then goes Matrix to dodge! CALF KICK! Yoh tumbles, Titan runs, but Yoh puts Titan on the apron. Titan GAMANGINRIS in return!
Titan then springboards and FLYING RANAS! Yoh tumbles out again and Titan FLIES! Down goes Yoh and the fans fire up again! The fans fire up, Titan puts Yoh in the ring, and then Titan springboards again! DIVING BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO! Yoh stays in this and the fans rally more. Titan waits on Yoh, pounds the mat, and the fans rally back up. Yoh stands, Titan throws off his elbow pads, and he FRAME- NO, Yoh BOOTS Titan first! Titan comes back but Yoh ducks a lariat to full nelson! Titan breaks free, switches, but Yoh elbows and runs! Titan follows to TORNADO DDT, and he brings Yoh up! But Yoh suplexes, FALCON GOROSHI!
The fans fire up while both men are down! Titan sputters, and Yoh roars as he rises up. The fans cheer and Yoh brings Titan around. Yoh underhooks but Titan fights it! The fans rally, Titan wrenches and tilt-o-whirls to DDT! Then he drags Yoh up to suplex, GOURD BUSTER! SUPERKICK! The fans fire up with Titan and he hurries to the corner! Titan skins the cat up top, aims and LA LANCER!! Yoh spasms, Titan covers, TWO!!! Yoh survives and the fans fire up again! Titan loosens his mask a bit, roars and the fans are with him! Titan drags Yoh up, reverse rack, but Yoh slips out of the yoyo! SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!!
Titan still lives, but Yoh roars again! Yoh drags Titan up, underhooks, DIRECT DRIVE!! Cover, YOH WINS!!
Winner: Yoh, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Titan earns 0)
It’s like everyone is going for a speed record in this round! Yoh seals the deal like Ziploc, and now leads with 10 points! Is it freshness guaranteed for the finals?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Dragon Dia VS Robbie X!
The block is sorting out with every match, but both men are on the bubble! Will the Infinite Carat Diamond be greater than X? Or will the X Express stay on track?
The bell rings and the fans rally. Robbie gets fans to bark for the War Dogs, and he ties up with Dia. Robbie puts Dia on ropes, the ref counts, and Robbie lets off, to CHOP! Robbie CLUBS Dia, stomps him down, then drags him back up. Robbie ROCKS Dia, whips, but Dia ducks ‘n’ dodges then slides to tilt-o-whirl and arm-drag! Then DROPKICK! Robbie tumbles out, Dia FLIES! Down goes Robbie and the fans fire up! Dia brings Robbie back up, puts him in the ring and covers, TWO! Robbie bails back out but Dia waits. Robbie shakes out an arm, rolls back in, but bails out again. Dia rushes after Robbie, but Robbie picks him up and POSTS him!
Dia writhes but Robbie KICKS him in the back! Robbie then stands Dia up just to DECK him! Robbie tells fans to move aside, and he grabs one of the chairs. Robbie brings that over, sits Dia down and CHOPSS! Robbie wants more chairs so he takes another one from the crowd. Robbie sets that chair up, runs up, and leaps to CANNONBALL Dia down! The fans fire up with Robbie, and he goes back to Dia. Robbie drags Dia up, puts him in the ring, then pushes to a cover, TWO! Dia stays in this and the fans applaud. Robbie stomps Dia on the back, then stands him up to whip corner to corner. Dia hits buckles hard and falls to the mat!
Robbie stands on Dia’s back, shouts for the War Dogs, and the fans cheer. Robbie sits Dia up, steps over, and he BITES Dia’s fingers! The ref reprimands and counts, Robbie stops and tells the ref to shut up. Robbie drags Dia back up, but Dia CHOPS! Robbie eggs Dia on, but Dia CHOPS again! Robbie CHOPS in return! Dia goes to a corner, Robbie runs up, but Dia BOOTS then RANAS! The fans fire up as Robbie staggers away. Dia growls and rises up. The fans rally and Dia runs in, but Robbie dodges. Dia dodges in return, then goes to the apron to trip Robbie! TORNILLO SPLASH! The fans fire up again as Robbie is on the ropes!
Dia dials it up, 619! Robbie flops back, Dia STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Robbie stays in this but Dia fires up more! The fans are with Dia and he goes to the corner. Dia climbs, watches Robbie rise, D D D- NO, Robbie stops the 4DT and suplexes! Robbie hangs Dia out to dry, then goes to the corner! GUILLOTINE DOUBLE STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Dia survives and the fans fire up again! Robbie is frustrated but he drags Dia back up. Robbie CLUBS Dia, suplexes, but Dia cradles! TWO!! Robbie escapes, hobbles away, but Dia runs up. Robbie BOOTS Dia, goes up, but Dia GAMANGIRIS! Dia goes up to get Robbie, ASTRO SCISSCORS!
Dia goes back up, D D D D T!! Cover, TWO!! Robbie survives going 4D but Dia just fires up more! Dia runs, rolls, REPTILI- NO, Robbie stops the rana! And makes it a SITOUT POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!!! Dia survives and the fans are thunderous! Robbie thinks on what he must do next, but he rises up while the fans rally again. Dia is in the corner, Robbie LARIATS! Robbie puts the leg in ropes to KICK, then he SPIN KICKS! RUNNING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO! Dia stays in this but Robbie stays on him! “You’re dead, b*tch!” Robbie handsprings, Dia dodges, DOUBLE CORK!!! Cover, TWO!?!?
Robbie survives, but Dia SOBATS! ENZIGIRIS! But Robbie PELES! And DREAMCAST KICKS! Then Robbie reels Dia in, lifts, but Dia REPTILIAN RANAS!!! Cover, DIA WINS!!
Winner: Dragon Dia, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Robbie earns 0)
Both men love to go “X-treme,” but this skater boi is the one still standing! Will the Infinite Carat Diamond continue to shine until he’s holding up the trophy?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: MAO VS Nick Wayne!
DDT Pro collides with AEW/ROH, with both men just a step behind first place! But will the Strange Love Connection throw the Prodigy off his game? Or will the Idol Warrior see he just lives in Wayne’s World?
The bell rings and the two rush in! Mao BOOTS but Nick brushes that off! Nick and Mao fire forearms, Mao gets the fans to cheer him, then he kicks low! Mao whips, Nick reverses, then hurdles, then bypasses to UPPERCUT! Nick kips up and the fans fire up. Nick then covers Mao, TWO! The fans cheer while Nick flexes. Nick drags Mao up to CHOP! Mao comes back to SMACK Nick down! And then Tsukakui! The fans cheer as Mao waits on Nick. Nick rises, Mao winds up, and Mao kicks, kicks, and KICKS! Mao whips, Nick reverses, but Mao DROPKICKS! Mao kips up, and Tsukakui! The fans rally and Mao claps along.
Mao runs to BOOT Nick against ropes, then he runs again to CANNONBALL! Cover, TWO! Nick stays in this but Mao has JUST FACELOCK! Nick endures, and the fans rally as he reaches out, fights around, then finds the ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud and Mao lets go. Mao gets a Shikaku chant going, then he brings Nick up. Mao whips, Nick grabs ropes and KICKS back! Nick kicks again but Mao blocks to step over and WHEEL KICK! Mao then reels Nick in and calls his shot, but Nick suplexes first! The fans cheer all the same while both men are down. Mao goes to ropes, Nick rises up, and the fans rally again.
Mao is in a corner, Nick runs in, and Nick UPPERCUTS! Nick snapmares then runs up, spins Mao, and ASAI DDTS! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer and Nick keeps his cool. Mao sits up and checks his head. Nick stalks Mao, waistlocks, but Mao fights the nelson! Nick still powers through to have half, but Mao REAR HEADBUTTS! Mao whips, Nick reverses, then Nick avoids the knee to SHOOTING STASR! Cover, Mao goes Matrix! GEDO CLUTCH BRIDGE! TWO, and Nick has the body scissors the JAPANESE LEG ROLL! TWO, and Mao has a waistlock! This is a DOUBLE COVER, TWO!!! Both men get up and the fans fire up!
Mao says look but Nick says shut up! Nick says look, Mao says he can shut up! Mao ROCKS Nick! Nick SUPERKICKS back! Nick goes up the corner, WAYNE’S- NO, Mao ducks the cutter, keeps moving, SPIDER-MAN into the GERMAN SUPLEX! Nick handsprings to STUNNER! Bit Mao kips up to STUNNER!! The fans are thunderous while both men are down again! Mao sits up first and the fans rally. Mao and Nick crawl to each other, go forehead to forehead, then they stand to go forearm for forearm! Mao gets the Shikaku chant going again, then he ROCKS Nick! Nick comes back to ROCK Mao!
The forearms keep going and the fans rally up. Nick fires a flurry, but Mao winds up to SMACK Nick! Mao powers up, runs, OSAKA- NO, Nick BOOTS the uppercut! Mao avoids the roundhouse! Mao SLAPS, SLAPS, but Nick CROSS COUNTERS! Nick fires up and runs, but Mao uses the ref as a shield! Then LEAP FROG into the GERMAN SUPLEX!! Bridging cover, TWO!! Mao survives the turnaround but Nick fires back up! The fans rally, Nick says “IKU ZO~!” and he hooks Mao up! But Mao fights the Prodigy Plex! Mao spins Nick around and around and around, then reels him in for a POWERBOMB! Nick stands, Mao hits a DESTROYER!
Nick ends up in a corner, Mao runs up, but into a SUPERKICK! Nick goes up to FLYING CRUCIFIX DRIVER! The fans fire up with Nick as he goes up, up, and WAYNE’S WORLD, but Mao handsprings through!? To STEAL WAYNE’S WORLD!!! Cover, TWO!??! But into the JUST FACELOCK!!! Nick scrambles, Mao rolls him away, DICK KILLER!!!! NICK TAPS, MAO WINS!!
Winner: Mao, by submission (gains 2 points; Nick earns 0)
More like the Nick Killer, but the point is, Mao overtakes The Prodigy to be right behind Yoh! But Mao still shows Nick respect with a handshake. Will these two run it back one day? Will one of them be the Best of the Super Juniors when they do?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Ninja Mack!
The Japanese Young Punk is mighty, and he is just outside the front of this block. However, the American Ninja Warrior, for all his speed and agility, has fallen completely out of the race. Will Mack manage to spoil something for Fujita? Or will even he see that The Mighty Don’t Kneel?
The bell rings and Mack offers the handshake. The fans applaud but Fujita dismisses it. Mack and Fujita circle, feel things out, then tie up. Fujita powers Mack back but Mack breaks free. They go again. fight for control, and Fujita pushes Mack to ropes. Mack powers his way back, then shoves Fujita way. The fans cheer and both men fire up as they go again. They clinch, fight for control, and Fujita puts Mack on the ropes. The ref counts the break, Fujita lets off with pats on the shoulder, but then CHOPS! Mack CHOPS, but Fujita CHOPS again! Mack CHOPS again, but so does Fujita! The fans rally as the CHOPS keep going!
Fujita CHOPS and Mack wobbles! Fujita CHPOS, CHOPS, CHPOS, then runs, but Mack UPPERCUTS! Mack runs, leaps over the dropdown, then TOSSES Fujita out! Mack builds speed, Fujita slips in, and he catches Mack in the handspring to GERMAN SUPLEX! Mack tumbles out and the fans fire up! Fujita goes up the corner and the fans rally, SUPER CANNONBALL! Down goes Mack and the fans fire up again! Fujita puts Mack in, then aims to ROUNDHOUSE! Cover, ONE!! Mack is tougher than that and the fans rally. Fujita stomps Mack, pushes him down, then yanks his leg for a HEEL HOOK!
Mack endures as Fujita grinds the hold, but Mack SLAPS and CHOPS! Fujita CRANKS the foot, but Mack scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Fujita DDTS the leg! The ref reprimands but Mack writhes. Fujita drags Mack around, and he SMASHES the knee! Mack writhes more but Fujita has him again. Fujita brings Mack around, turns him over, and has a HALF CRAB! Fujita pulls way back on that leg but Mack refuses to quit! Mack powers up, but Fujita brings him away from the ropes! Fujita has a deep angle on that leg, but Mack still makes the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Fujita lets go at 4, and the fans rally again.
Fujita stomps Mack, brings him up and CHOPS! Mack calls to his “little ninja” fans but Fujita CHOPS! Mack goes along ropes, the fans rally, but Fujita whips him corner to corner. Mack goes up and over, rolls, then comes back to UPPERCUT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Mack rises, hobbles his way over, and he brings Fujita up with a waistlock. GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, ONE, but Mack holds on! Fujita reaches for ropes, Mack GERMAN SUPLEXES again! Another bridging cover, TWO! Mack still holds on, and he GERMAN ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! The fans fire up but Fujita scrambles to the ROPEBREAK!
Mack lets go and the fans rally again. Mack brings Fujita up, bumps him off buckles, and then RAMS him in the back! And RAMS him again! Mack goes up, climbs up, and he CLUBS away on Fujita’s back. Mack drags Fujita up the corner, adjusts position, and the fans anticipate something wild already. Fujita fires body shots, he stands up, but Mack swings! Fujita ducks the punch to SUPER DUPER GERMAN!! The fans are thunderous while Mack flounders around! Fujita hurries to cover, TWO!! Mack survives but Fujita roars and the fans cheer again. Fujita brings Mack up, reels him in, and ABANDON- NO, Mack fights the suplex!
Mack wrenches through, but Fujita wrenches and drop toeholds! Fujita ties up the legs, grabs Mack’s head and has the chinlock! Mack endures, crawls, but Fujita pulls him back! Mack keeps fighting, keeps crawling, but Fujita has the arms! Mack resists against the Nemos Lock to have the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer as Fujita lets Mack go. Mack writhes but Fujita brings him up. Fujita hooks a leg, suplexes to the torture rack, but Mack fires body shots! Mack slips down, shoves Fujita, then goes Matrix to then HANDSPRING CUTTER!! Cover, TWO!! Another cover, TWO! Mack is frustrated but the fans rally back up.
Mack rises, he dares Fujita to get up, and the fans rally more. Fujita rises, but he blocks the buzzsaw! Fujita CHOPS, but Mack ducks the heel kick to leg sweep! SHURIKEN KICK!! Mack goes up, up, and NINJA BOMBS!! Cover, MACK WINS!!
Winner: Ninja Mack, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Fujita earns 0)
The underdog comes out on top as Mack still gets another win! Will Mack spoil Fujita’s chances at the finals? Or is there still hope for this Ichiban Sweet Boy?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Taiji Ishimori VS SHO!
The Bone Soldier is building momentum in the latter half of this tournament, but now he runs into the Murder Machine, who has done his best to cheat every opponent so far. Will Sho manage to stack the deck again? Or will be #ByGrace that Taiji avoids disaster?
Taiji turns the tables on Sho by attacking first! The fans fire up as Taiji runs Sho over from behind, then drags him to ringside, so he can POST him! Taiji has fans clear out, and then he BOWLS Sho into the chairs! STRIKE! Then he SMACKS Sho with a chair! Taiji CHOKES Sho with a chair, the ref reprimands, but this isn’t even a match yet! Taiji still leaves Sho behind so that he can go for the red buckle pad! The Bullet Club Special is now in play but Sho is still down. Taiji JAMS Sho up but almost knocks the ref over! Taiji CLAWS Sho’s eyes, drags him to ringside, and then puts Sho in the ring. Now the bell rings and the fans cheer Taiji on.
Taiji CHOKES Sho but Sho scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Taiji stops at 4, but then he CHOKES Sho some more! The ref counts, Taiji stops, and Sho sputters. Sho then CLAWS Taiji’s eyes! Sho bails out, Taiji pursues, and Taiji has Sho at the ramp. Sho wants to retreat into the crowd but the railing won’t give. Sho goes to the entryway, Taiji pursues, but then something goes on backstage! Sho leaves Taiji behind and acts like it is all okay. But YUJIRO TAKAHASHI is choking Taiji with the pimp cane! The fans boo as this is literally happening behind the ref’s back! Yujiro throws Taiji down and Sho laughs.
Sho stomps Taiji, drags him up, and he has fans move! Sho BOWLS Taiji into chairs, STRIKE! Sho says that’s what Taiji gets! Sho then storms up on Taiji, twists his wrist, and brings him back to ringside. They go in the ring, Sho drags Taiji up, and he whips Taiji into the bare buckles! Taiji suffers his own trickery and Sho says this isn’t on him for once. Sho digs a knee into Taiji’s back while he has the chinlock, but Taiji BITES Sho’s hand! The ref reprimands, but then Sho CLAWS Taiji’s face! The ref reprimands Sho now, and Sho stops at 4. Sho drags Taiji up, TOSSES him out, then goes out to grab a chair!
The ref stops Sho, but this lets Yujiro use the chair to JAM Taiji up! The fans boo but Tokyo Pimp gets away with another one. Sho drags Taiji up, puts him back in, then covers, TWO! Taiji stays in this but Sho drags him back up. Sho TOSSES Taiji back out, distracts the ref, but the ref won’t fall for it this time! The ref stops Yujiro, but then that lest Sho JAM Taiji up! The fans boo more as the ref can’t keep up with both guys. The ref does say Yujiro needs to go, but Sho puts Taiji in the ring. Sho kicks Taiji around but Taiji CHOPS! And CHOSP! And then he CLAWS Sho’s eyes! Taiji runs, but Yujiro is still here to trip Taiji!
The fans boo as Yujiro gets in the ring while Sho is in the ref’s face! Yujiro whips Taiji, but Taiji stops from hitting buckles! Yujiro runs in, and Taiji dodges! Yujiro hits steel, Sho whips Taiji, but Taiji handsprings to NEURALIZER KICK! The fans cheer, and Taiji grins as he brings Sho up. Taiji whips Sho into the bare buckles! Sho falls and writhes but Taiji keeps on him. Taiji wrenches and POSTS Sho! The fans cheer while Sho clutches his arm. Taiji brings Sho out, hammerlocks then scoops, but Sho slips free to bend Taiji’s fingers! Taiji CLAWS Sho’s eyes! Taiji runs, the ref is used as a shield! Sho SPEARS Taiji!
The fans boo Sho while both men are down. Sho rises up, he bends Taiji’s fingers, then wrenches to kick, KICK and SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Taiji stays in this and Sho grows frustrated. Sho aims his bow and he drags Taiji up. Sho reels Taiji in, tucks the arms, SHOCK- NO, Taiji slips free to BLOODY- NO, Sho fights free, but Taiji JUMP KNEES first! Sho drops down, Taiji aims and runs in, LA MYSTICA! BONE LOCK!! Sho endures as Taiji pulls on the hold! Sho fights around, Taiji rolls him away to then RAM into Yujiro! Down goes Tokyo Pimp, but then Sho whips Taiji into the ref! LOW BLOW!! The fans boo but Yujiro is back to stomp Taiji!
Yujiro drags Taiji up while Sho crawls to his corner. Sho grabs for his “Torture Tool!” The fans boo as Sho takes aim, but Taiji BOOTS Sho! And LOW BLOWS Yujiro! ZIGZAG for Sho!! And then BONE LOCK!! Sho endures, but where’s the ref? Gedo gets off commentary, but here comes SANADA! Gedo helps the ref, but The Cold Blooded Sanada uses the wrench to CLOBBER Taiji!! The fans boo but Sanada stands Taiji up for the DEADFALL!! Sanada leaves Taiji for Sho, the ref is up, and Gedo is stunned! Sho covers, and SHO WINS!
Winner: Sho, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Taiji earns 0)
The House of Torture pulls out all the stops, but Sho is still only 4-4. Will Sho need to cheat one more time to finish above .500? Or was spoiling things for Taiji more than enough?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Francesco Akira VS Clark Connors!
This could be a very explosive combination as The Crown of Fire and 100 Proof are both a step behind the leader. Will Akira conquer this War Dog for the United Empire? Or will War Dogs Racing still have a chance at that final lap?
Oh, what’s this? Akira waits at the ramp for Connors? A bold strategy, Cotton, let’s see if it pays off for him. Connors steps out, sees Akira, and smirks. Connors likes Akira’s guts, and after he puts his things aside, Connors runs up! The two brawl on the ramp and the fans fire up! They RAM into railing, then more railing, then more railing! The railing almost falls over! Akira POSTS Connors hard and then keeps after him around the way! Akira CHOPS Connors, CHOPS again, and then again! And again! Akira is really fired up and the fans join in. But Connors UPPERCUTS Akira, SMACKS him off the apron, but Akira hits back!
Akira CHOPS, and he wants to go bowling! But Connors reverses the whip! Akira puts on the brakes, but the JEEP FLIPPER sends him into the chairs! The fans fire up and bark with Connors while he clears out space. Connors drags Akira up, brings Akira over, and puts him in the ring. But Akira is up to PLANCHA! Down goes Connors and the fans fire up with Akira! Akira drags Connors up, puts him in the ring, and this is finally a match! Akira reels Connors in, SPEEDFIRE! Akira aims, the fans rally, NOVA FIRE- NO, Connors ducks! And SPEARS!! The fans fire up and Connors has a wild look in his eyes as he wants more.
Connors puts one out, drags Akira up, and NO CHA- NO, Akira wrenches out to ROCK Connors! Connors runs up, but into a SUPERKICK! Connors comes back, Akira dodges, THE SPEAR HITS THE REF!!! The fans go nuts but Connors isn’t all that bothered. Connors hurries to aim at Akira, runs up again, but Akira dodges the lariat to CHPO, CHOP, and CHOP! The fans fire up but Connors shoves Akira, then SNAP POWERSLAMS! Connors goes out and he finds WHEEL-SAN! The fans cheer, but wait, that’s not what he wants? Connors brings out a TABLE! Table-san is put in the ring and Connors props it up in the corner.
Connors fetches Akira but Akira fires body shots. Akira CHOPS, Connors KNEES low, and then Connors SMACKS Akira off the table! Connors lines up the shot, runs in, but Akira dodge! Connors slams on the brakes, Akira comes back, and Connors LARIATS! Connors says Akira can’t get the better of him, and now he grabs Wheel-san! The fans cheer as Connors slides Wheel-san into the ring. Gedo wants Connors to kill Akira with this one, but the fans rally up. Connors drags Akira over, but Akira blocks the hubcap bump! Connors CLAWS Akira’s eyes, and he DRIBBLES Akira off the hubcap! The fans rally, and the ref is being carried away!
Connors smirks as he now can do whatever he wants. Connors puts Wheel-san over Akira’s face, and he CURB STOMPS!! Gedo loves it, but this isn’t the end! Connors brings Akira up, grins as he SLAPS the bloody forehead! But Akira CHOKES Connors! Akira is furious as he SLAPS and fires hands! Akira trips Connors and he rains down forearms!! The fans fire up as Akira brings it back to when Empire and War Dogs feuded so violently in the past! Akira takes off his belt, and he brings it over to LASH Connors! The fans fire up while Akira LASHES Connors again! Gedo does NOT like this as Akira LASHES Connors again and again and again!
Akira TOSSES his belt aside, that’s a free souvenir now. Akira won’t stop here, though, as he goes looking under the ring. Akira brings out chairs! Akira puts those in, then drag Connors over. Red Shoes is here and he says don’t do it, Akira! Akira stops himself, letting his rage subside. Akira tries to reason with Red Shoes, Red Shoes won’t let it go, so Akira SHOVES Red Shoes down! Connors has a chair, but Akira blocks the shot! Akira JAMS Connors up! Red Shoes says no, he can still stop now! Gedo says just end the match anyway! Akira SMACKS Connors with the chair again and again!! DISQUALIFICATION!
Winner: Clark Connors, by disqualification (gains 2 points; Akira earns 0)
But Akira doesn’t care, his rage has boiled up, and he SMACKS Connors again!! He gave Connors the points he wanted, was settling the grudge worth giving up a spot in the finals? Wait, Akira isn’t done, he wedges a chair in a corner, and then drags Connors up! Red Shoes reprimands, commentary all shout for Akira to stop, but Akira puts Connors against the chair. Young Lions rush in but Akira shoves them all away! The Young Lions come back, they keep Akira from running at Connors! Akira powers up and gets free, but Connors SPEARS Akira through the table!!! Both men are down in the wreckage, is nothing settled between Empire and War Dogs?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: El Desperado VS Kevin Knight!
The Rogue Luchador said at the start of this that anyone could win at any given time, no matter who they are and where they’re from. At the same time, he vowed just the other day that he would finish this off and win the whole thing! Will the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion stop The Jet from taking off? Or will Knight win that golden ticket shortcut to the top?
The bell rings and the fans rally up. Knight and Despy circle, feel things out, and Knight waistlocks. Despy wrenches free but Knight rolls, kips up, and wrenches back to waistlock. Then Knight arm-drags for a takedown, and he drops a knee on the arm! The fans cheer, Knight wristlocks, then double wristlocks, but Despy fights up to the ROPEBREAK! Knight lets go slowly, and the fans cheer as Knight flexes. Knight teases Despy’s lack of abs, and Red Shoes checks. Despy says stop, and the two reset. They tie up, Despy trips Knight, then thigs speed up. Despy avoids the hurdle, but not the BACKDROP! Despy tumbles out and the fans rally.
Knight aims to PLANCHA, but Despy blocks his kick! Despy trips Knight up and Knight hits off the apron! Despy then goes for the leg, STRETCH MUFFLER! Red Shoes reprimands, Despy lets go, but he YANKS Knight’s leg. Knight hobbles but Despy kick shim down. Despy stalks Knight around the way, brings him up, but Knight fires body shots! Despy CHOPS back and Knight staggers away. Knight returns to CHOP, so Despy UPPERCUTS! Despy puts Knight in the ring, storms up on him, and hits a BIG back suplex! The fans cheer and Despy covers, ONE!! Knight is tougher than that but Despy taunts him.
Despy stands Knight up but Knight fires body shots. Despy kicks the leg, then grabs it, SHIN BREAKER! Knight hobbles and falls, and Despy looms over him. Despy grabs a leg but Knight kicks and kicks and kicks! Despy kicks in return, then brings Knight in, only for Knight to BACKDROP again! The fans rally as Knight rallies with LARIATS! Knight whips, Despy reverses, but Knight goes up and over! Knight comes back to LARIAT again! Knight then runs corner to corner, BIG LARIAT! Knight powers up to scoop and BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Despy stays in this, and Knight says he was that close.
Knight goes to the corner and the fans rally as he takes aim. Knight springboards but Despy DECKS him! Despy goes out to the apron and stands Knight up, but Knight fires forearms first! Despy SMACKS Knight in return! Despy underhooks, but Knight holds on for dear life! The fans rally, Knight fights free, and he SUPERKICKS Despy! Then he APRON SATE- NO, Despy just shrugs Knight off! Despy laughs as Knight falls on the floor. Despy then grabs a leg and SMASHES it on the floor! Despy YANKS the leg, then has the STRETCH MUFFLER! Red Shoes reprimands as Despy thrashes Knight’s leg! Despy stops and he leaves Knight behind.
Knight writhes and Red Shoes checks him, and somehow Knight is able to continue. The ring count starts, Knight seethes as he sits up, but we already pass 10 of 20! Knight hobbles at 14, grits his teeth, and he rolls in at 17! Despy is on him with a gut wrench! GUITARRA POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Knight survives but the STRETCH MUFFLER returns! Knight endures, reaches out, but Despy rolls him from the ropes! They go around, Despy has NUMERO DOS! Knight activates the core to sit up! Knight reels Despy into an IRON OCTOPUS! Despy sits down but Knight pulls on the arm more! The fans rally as Despy fights around, and finds the ROPEBREAK!
Knight lets go in frustration but now things are even. Knight roars and rises up to bring Despy around. Despy shoves Knight, Knight comes back, but Despy ROCKS Knight! Despy fires more shots, but Knight fires back! Knight ROCKS Despy, roars, but the bad leg won’t let him jump! Despy KICKS the legs out! Despy then storms up to whip, but Knight reverses and SKY 2 HIGH! Cover, TWO!! Despy survives and the fans cheer! Knight snarls, he pushes Despy to the drop zone, and Knight climbs the corner! Bad leg or not, Knight aims, but Despy SHORYUKENS! Despy then ROCKET LAUNCHES Knight off the top!
Knight sputters, Despy goes up, but Knight rises! UPPER ROOM!! The fans fire up as Knight manages that jump, and he goes back up top! MOTHERSHIP UFO SPLASH FLOPS as Despy dodges! SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!! Knight survives, Despy is frustrated, but the fans fire up again! Despy drags Knight up, underhooks, but Knight wrenches out! Cradle, TWO!!! Despy escapes, Knight slips around, backslide! TWO!! Despy and Knight stand, Knight SUPERKICKS! Despy LOCO ELBOWS! Despy runs, into a DROPKICK!! The fans fire up as Knight still manages that jump, too! Knight then takes aim and waits on Despy.
Despy rises, Knight somersaults, and SATELLITE DDTS!! Cover, TWO?!?! Despy survives and Knight is shocked but the fans fire up again! Knight backs away to the corner and he climbs up again. The fans fire up as Knight reaches the top, but Despy rises! Despy hits the ropes to trip Knight up! A savvy move and Despy goes after Knight. Despy brings Knight up but Knight fires body shots. Despy HEADBUTTS! And HEADBUTTS! And HEADBUTTS! Knight fires more shots, but Despy ROCKS him! Despy goes to the very top, for a SUPER DUPER PLEX!! Both men writhe and the fans are thunderous! Despy crawls and covers, TWO!!!
The fans fire up again as Knight survives! Despy roars, he drags Knight up, and he underhooks for PINCHE LOCO!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Knight survives and shocks everyone! The fans love it but Despy is frustrated with Knight. Despy drags Knight up, underhooks him again, FACEBUSTER! Roll through and PINCHE- NO, Knight fights the lift! Knight reaches out, but Despy pulls that arm back! Despy underhooks again, for PINCHE LOCO!!! Cover, DESPY WINS!
Winner: El Desperado, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Knight earns 0)
Knight gave it his all but he could not bring down the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion! The Jet is now on the outside looking in, will Desperado make it to his back-to-back BOSJ wins?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Master Wato VS Hiromu Takahashi!
The winner of BOSJ 30 now runs into the FOUR-TIME BOSJ winner, and it could all come down to this win! Will the Way of the Grandmaster continue on to the top of the block? Or will the Ticking Timebomb blow up all of Wato’s plans for the future?
The bell rings and the fans strongly rally for “HI-RO-MU!” The two circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Wato digs in and powers Hiromu to the ropes, but Hiromu turns it around. Red Shoes calls the break, Hiromu slowly lets off, and the fans applaud. But then Hiromu takes a swing! Wato dodges, headlocks, but Hiromu powers out. Wato RUNS Hiromu over, things keep moving, and Hiromu hurdles. Wato leaps over, then keeps moving to RANA Hiromu! Hiromu tumbles out, Wato builds speed, but Hiromu is back to ELBOW Wato! Hiromu whips Wato to a corner, Wato BOOTS in return and BULLDOGS!
The fans fire up with Wato and he goes back to Hiromu. Wato wrenches but Hiromu fights Recientemente. Wato KNEES low, whips, but Hiromu grabs ropes. Hiromu BOOTS Wato and then reels him in for a HANGING HEADSCISSORS! Red Shoes counts, Hiromu lets go to then whip Wato to a corner. LARIAT and snapmare, basement DROPKICK! The fans cheer, Hiromu covers, TWO! Hiromu keeps on Wato with the headscissors squeeze! The fans rally as Wato endures and moves around. Wato reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Hiromu lets go, Wato goes to the outside, but Hiromu is after him.
Hiromu CHOPS Wato, stalks Wato around the way, and they go past commentary. Hiromu stands Wato up to CHOP again! Wato flounders but Hiromu stays after him. Hiromu stands Wato up, CHOPS him again, and Wato falls back down. Hiromu brings Wato up, fakes putting him in and CHOPS! Then snap suplexes to the floor! Wato writhes, Red Shoes insists this be in the ring, then starts a count. Hiromu goes back to Wato, brings him up at 5 of 20, and puts him in at 8. The fans applaud and Hiromu covers, TWO! Wato toughs it out but Hiromu is right on him with a CAMEL CLUTCH! Hiromu sits deep on the hold already but Wato endures!
The fans rally, Wato frees an arm, and he uses that to crawl forward! Hiromu sits back down to bend Wato, but Wato still manages the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Hiromu lets go. Hiromu paces while Wato writhes, and we pass five minutes. Hiromu brings Wato back up, just to CHOP him back down! Hiromu eggs Wato on, and the fans rally again. Wato rises to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Hiromu CHOPS Wato right down! The fans rally, Hiromu drags Wato up to whip, but Wato reverses and CALF KICKS! Hiromu goes to ropes, runs up, but Wato scoops to BACKBREAKER! Hiromu tumbles out and the fans rally up again.
Wato builds speed and he FLIES! Down goes Hiromu and the fans fire up again! Wato drags Hiromu up, puts him in, and goes to the apron. Wato springboards in, FLYING UPPERCUT! The fans cheer, Wato covers, TWO! The fans rally up as Wato rises, and Wato fires himself back up. Wato wrenches and hooks Hiromu up, but Hiromu fights Recientemente! Hiromu fireman’s carries, but Wato fights free! Wato SOBATS, then wrenches again, but Hiromu fireman’s carries! Wato sunset flips, into VENDEVAL! Hiromu endures as Wato pulls on the head and neck! Hiromu rocks the boat to then head for ropes! Wato lets Hiromu go so he can body scissors and roll!
VEND- NO, Hiromu makes it a cradle, TWO! VENDAVAL!! Hiromu endures all over again and the fans rally up! Hiromu leans, but he’s fading! Red Shoes checks Hiromu, but he gets that second wind! Hiromu seesaws around, but he is still fading! A third wind helps Hiromu make it to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Wato lets go in frustration. Wato waistlocks but Hiromu fights the lift! Hiromu reaches out again, but Wato brings him away from ropes! Hiromu fires elbows to get free, but Wato swings through the lariat, CRUCIFIX DRIVER, then RECIENTEMENTE!! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives and the fans fire up!
Wato is frustrated but he just fires up more! The fans rally, Wato brings Hiromu up and chicken wings. RECIENTE- NO, Hiromu fights off The Second with an arm-drag! Wato is up but Hiromu mule kicks! Front KICKS! Hiromu SWATS the roundhouse to SUPERKICK! Hiromu runs, but Wato dodges! Wato tilt-o-whirls, schoolboys, but Hiromu rolls through to then HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER! Both men rise and the fans rally up again! Wato runs up, but Hiromu scoops to SIDEWALK SLAM! Cover, TWO! Wato is still in this and the fans still rally. Hiromu roars, the fans fire up with him, and he brings Wato into the dragon sleeper!
Wato fires knees from below, Hiromu staggers, and Wato ROUNDHOUSES! Hiromu roars, but the DREAMCAST KICK hits! Wato roars, the fans fire up, and Wato drags Hiromu up. Wato waistlocks to TSUTENKAKU!! Bridging cover, TWO!!! Hiromu survives and Wato is beside himself! The fans rally even harder as Wato rises. Wato drags Hiromu back up, chicken wings again, RECIENTE- NO, Hiromu flips through! HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER meets KOZY LARIAT!! Hiromu slumps down and Wato stands tall! The fans are thunderous and Wato roars! Wato drags Hiromu up,b ut HIromu SUPERKICKS!
Wato kicks, Hiromu ducks, and CODE BREAKAER! Then HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!! Cover, TWO!!! Wato survives and the fans are thunderous! Hiromu hauls Wato up, fireman’s carries, and the TIMEBOMB 1.5!! But Hiromu isn’t done, he dragon sleepers and TIMEBOMB 2.0!!! Cover, HIROMU WINS!!
Winner: Hiromu Takahashi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Wato earns 0)
To battle like this, these two truly are two of the Best of the Super Juniors! But in the end, four times beats one time, and Wato falls off the top spot. Will Wato still find his way into the finals?
As for Hiromu, he does offer a handshake of respect, but Wato refuses, too frustrated with himself to accept. Hiromu goes to the mic to tell Wato, “Where’s your belt? Aren’t you a tag champion? Take it easy, it’s okay. I figured I’d challenge. And as for my partner… Me and Kanemaru will challenge! I think! Understand, yesterday wasn’t really how Kanemaru felt. Me and him are challenging, so get ready!” The fans applaud, but is The Ticking Timebomb serious about the Heel Master coming around?
Moving on from that, Hiromu admits he’s really feeling that match now. Maybe Hiromu can’t go anymore. Hiromu thanks you for all your support, please chant for him. The fans do chant for “HI-RO-MU!” and he feels better. And it has been a little while since he’s done one, so maybe let’s do a little Hiromu survey! Don’t be shy, if this is your first time watching wrestling live, please raise your hand. Oh, a lot of you! And you didn’t even leave during this pointless promo! Thank you! The fans cheer and Hiromu wonders… Anyone planning on going to the finals in Ota? Yes, some, but not enough! Hey, Ota is near Nagoya, when you think about it.
In fact, nothing is “too far” within Japan! Everywhere is local in Japan! Everywhere is local in Japan! Right? The fans echo that, and Hiromu says, “Thank you for chanting that!” Hiromu says these are real fans here! The fans cheer that! Now, going through BOSJ, there is one thing Hiromu is sure of. He guarantees that BOSJ will be the best tour in ALL of NJPW! The fans cheer that! Hiromu vows that he will definitely win! IF he has your support! The fans cheer, and Hiromu says no really, he needs you! The fans chant his name again, and he powers up again. Hiromu thanks them, and promises that for the rest of BOSJ…
Hiromu will make it “Moto!” “Moto!” “Moto!” “Moto!” “MOTO!” “MOTO!” “MOTO!” “MOTO!” “MOTO!!” Fun for everyone!! The fans cheer as Hiromu sets down the mic, but will he get into the finals? Or could he still be one stumble away from missing out?
Here are the NEW A Block standings!
Hiromu Takahashi: 5-3, 10 points
Master Wato: 5-3, 10 points
Clark Connors: 5-3, 10 points
Francesco Akira: 4-4, 8 points
Kosei Fujita: 4-4, 8 points
KUSHIDA: 4-4, 8 points
Dragon Dia: 4-4, 8 points
Robbie X: 3-5, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 3-5, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Ninja Mack: 3-5, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Here are the NEW B Block standings!
YOH: 5-3, 10 points
MAO: 5-3, 10 points
El Desperado: 5-3, 10 points
Nick Wayne: 4-4, 8 points
SHO: 4-4, 8 points
Taiji Ishimori: 4-4, 8 points
Robbie Eagles: 4-4, 8 points
Kevin Knight: 3-5, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Titan: 3-5, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Ryusuke Taguchi: 3-5, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
My Thoughts:
A great round here, but thankfully the last time all 10 tournament matches are on one card. I also appreciated that so many of those matches in the first half of the card were so fast and short. And at this point in the tournament, it makes sense a good chunk of each block goes down into mathematically eliminated territory. Mack still getting a win despite that was great for him, and he might’ve been the final nail in Fujita’s own run, depending on how the ninth round goes. The blocks still parallel each other at this point, three guys at 5-3 for 10 points, and it will really come down to who loses rather than who wins.
Wato may have lost tonight, but he could beat Kanemaru and still make it in. Hiromu has Robbie X, Connors has Fujita, one of those could end up a huge upset, but so could Kanemaru cheating Wato to then add onto this idea that Hiromu will team with him even though he isn’t going to be House of Torture. On the other side, Desperado VS Eagles, Yoh VS Taiji, and Mao VS Sho, those are also intriguing match-ups. I would think Despy makes it in as both champion and last year’s tournament winner, so the other two are going to be really tricky. And if this is where Nick Wayne’s run ends with him and Titan in a somewhat do-nothing match, it’s still a great first run, and he can be home in the USA and AEW in time for Fyter Fest.
My Score: 9/10
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Tampa has become a Battleground!
Not only will NXT’s top champions defend their gold, but for the first time on a WWE PLE, the TNA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP is on the line! Will Joe Hendry #WhoopDatTrick?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- NXT Women’s North American Championship: Sol Ruca w/ ZARIA VS Kelani Jordan; Sol wins and retains the title.
- Six Man Tag: Josh Briggs, Hank ‘n’ Tank VS The Culling; Briggs, Hank ‘n’ Tank win.
- Tony D’Angelo VS Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo; Stacks wins.
- NXT Women’s Championship: Stephanie Vaquer VS Jordynne Grace; Vaquer wins and retains the title.
- NXT Championship: Oba Femi VS Myles Borne; Oba wins and retains the title.
- TNA World Heavyweight Championship: Joe Hendry VS Trick Williams; Trick wins and becomes the new TNA World Heavyweight Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
It’s the Battleground Countdown Show!
Join Megan Morant & Sam Roberts in discussing, analyzing and predicting what is about to go down in Tampa!
Backstage interview with #ZaRuca.
Kelly Kincaid sits with the Agent of Change and #ChampChamp Sol Ruca. Last year at Battleground, Sol competed for the NXT Women’s North American Championship but lost. This year, she walks in as champion, so how is she feeling? Sol says she is stoked. Not only is she walking in the NEW NXT Women’s North American Champion but also the NEW Women’s Speed Champion. This is honestly such a full circle moment. Last year, she really wanted to win, and thought it was the perfect opportunity to show the world she could bounce back from injury. But in hindsight, winning the title at the biggest show of the year, Stand & Deliver, with Zaria by her side, was even sweeter.
Speaking of Stand & Deliver, Kelly remembers that moment of both friends standing atop the ladder, staring down, knowing in that moment what has to be done. Here they sit, still best friends. How does a strong friendship like this come about? Zaria admits, it was a bumpy start. Sol says yes, but look at them now. They first met at Deadline in the Iron Survivor, trying to put each other down. Zaria thought that was the end of it, because she didn’t come to NXT to make friends. Look at her. Does she look like she “fits in?” She always had walls up. Until Sol did something no one else has, and that was standing up for Zaria. That moment brought about a mutual respect.
Sol says it didn’t end there, either. They hung out in the locker room, she saw something in Zaria she could bring out, and then begged her to hang out at the beach. Zaria was resistant, but Sol cracked through the hard shell. Then they did things Zaria’s way, the rage room and the ax throwing, and here we are. People are always trying to drive a wedge between them, but they have been through so much already, that is why they’re so strong. And back to Stand & Deliver, before the match even started, they talked it out. No matter what happened, #ZaRuca would be fine, this was just the nature of the beast. They won’t cheat to victory, they’d just have a friendly competition.
Kelly brings it back to Heatwave, Sol VS Kelani, and how things were much different then. That was also friendly competition. But that dynamic has changed since then, so how will it affect tonight’s match? Sol says that has been their one and only 1v1, one of Sol’s favorite matches. Kelani came out on top, but then lost the title in a gauntlet match at Halloween Havoc. That hit Kelani hard, and there is a void now that winning the title might not even fill. This attitude stems from that loss. Kelani is different but so is Sol. Sol still needed her knee brace, but now she’s so much confident. Plus, she has her badass best friend.
Kelani seems to think Sol needs Zaria and Zaria needs Sol, but the thing is, they want to help each other. Sol won the Speed Championship on her own, and while Kelani has been champ, she also lost the title. Kelani has never been double champ, never had a career threatening injury, and has never had a friend like Zaria supporting her. Sol wants Kelani to know that she is gonna get her soul snatched! Kelly wishes Sol luck and Sol is proud Zaria opened up. But will Sol really not need Zaria to beat Kelani? Or will the Standout become the first TWO-TIME NXT Women’s North American Champion?
The Culling meets.
The Chair Man says, “Gentlemen, our moment has arrived. Tonight, for the very first time, we team together, and how fitting. On a grand stage of a PLE. A stage that is unfamiliar to you, Niko, and a platform that is but a memory for you, Brooks, but that is all contemporary. Tonight, you can rely on my experience and wisdom to guide, but make no mistake. I will be leaning on you both, because you have rejuvenated my purpose by becoming the truest versions of yourselves. Now those three superstars, Hank, Tank and Briggs, present a formidable challenge. But we’re The Culling. And we have the ability to be victorious.”
Niko Vance says, “Battleground. The perfect description for the setting tonight. This is the biggest match of my life. And with my brothers by my side, I will leave carnage, smash through three brick walls if I have to, just to make sure our hands are raised.” Brooks Jensen says, “This is a moment of reflection for me and my journey. From where I was, wondering if I would continue to fall short. But now I realize that i was hanging with the wrong people. I’m not focused on what was, but what’s in front of me. And that is three people who have my best interests in their minds, and the epitome of what true friends are.”
Izzi Dame says, “Tonight, The Culling ascends once again, closing the doors on the past by putting down Josh Briggs, and opening the doors of the future by letting Hank ‘n’ Tank know that we’re coming for the NXT Tag Team titles. We purge the weak, slaughter the feeble, and The Culling does whatever it needs to do to win.” These four pillars of megalomania are united, but will they stand tall? Or can the Bullhead Brawler and the Big Belly Bandits bust right through them?
Sit-down interview with Myles Borne.
Vic Joseph sits with the #1 contender to THE NXT Championship, and wants to congratulate him on making his first WWE PLE singles match, and it is for the title. Take us through the last few weeks. Myles says he’ll take us back even further than that. When he first signed up with the WWE, he was going through a hard time. Honestly, he didn’t know if he was ready. But quickly, the NQCC took him in, made him family, and got him ready. All the coaches always say to be ready for every opportunity. Coming into the battle royal, he felt the most ready he’s ever been. And now that he’s going to Battleground for an NXT Championship match, that work has paid off.
Myles is hitting his stride, he is ready. Vic says he’s gotten to really know Myles these last few months, and the one thing Vic has learned about Myles, and correct him if he’s wrong… He was only given a 15% chance to live at birth. Why did he feel this was the right time to open up about his disability? Myles says it just felt right to share that with the WWE Universe. Especially after hearing them go crazy when he won the battle royal. He is hard of hearing, but he still heard them that night. Not only that, he felt them! He felt he owed it to them to open up. If they’re behind him now, then they should know the real him.
Yes, Myles is hard of hearing, he has his speech impediment, but he won’t let that define him. He will break stereotypes. But at the same time, he wants people to know he is not ashamed of any of this. It shaped him into the man he is today. He wouldn’t change a thing. And that isn’t just what he wants to carry with him, he wants to show the world that. He wants to show all the kids out there that there is nothing that can hold them back. No disability or limitation will define who you are or what you can do. That is why this title match means so much to him. Myles wants to show the world that if he can do it, so can you.
Vic says that is an amazing journey, and an amazing life story. But now let’s talk about the match, the biggest match of his career. Vic’s question to Myles is, he is facing Oba Femi, who is near-undefeated in his time in NXT. How is Myles going to topple The Ruler? How will he conquer the conqueror? How will he dethrone Oba? Why is Myles going to be the NEW NXT Champion? Myles says he has been fighting the odds since day one, since birth. He’ll be fighting against Oba mostly to survive. Oba is a monster. Let’s be honest, Oba beats Myles on size, strength, and power. But what he doesn’t have Myles beat on is heart.
Myles is ready to defy the odds again at Battleground! He is confident that he will go toe-to-toe with Oba. And behind that confidence, he gives credit to his team. Tavion Heights, Charlie Dempsey, Wren Sinclair, they have worked with him every day. He couldn’t do it if not for them, and he can’t thank them enough. But he knows he is in for a fight. But that’s what Myles loves about it. Not only is Myles standing up against Oba, Oba is up against Myles Borne. Myles isn’t alone. He is carrying an entire community who has struggled, who have disabilities, challenges, and limitations that they have overcome, and have faced adversity at every turn.
Myles is fighting for those people. That will carry Myles through to the finish. His high school wrestling coach, Dan Willis, told Myles that, “The wolf climbing the hill is always hungrier than the wolf on top.” Myles believes at the end of Battleground, he WILL be the NXT Champion. Vic knows there are many following this journey and all looking forward to his next chapter. Vic shakes Myles’ hand and wishes him luck. Will we all hear the words, “AND NEW,” at the end of tonight?
Sit-down interview with Kelani Jordan.
Blake Howard is with The Standout and says she has a big match for Battleground, but wants to rewind back to last year. Kelani made history by being the first Women’s North American Champion in the ladder match. What did that moment mean to her? Kelani says when she looks back, she remembers she felt that “fever dream” surrealness of it. But now, she realizes that being the first was a huge responsibility and a great opportunity to show just how good she is. But last year, no one believed in her. They overlooked her, underestimated her, but she believed in herself. She knew when she made history, she was going to prove those who did believe in her right, and those who didn’t were wrong.
Then fast-forward to this year. Another opportunity to make history as the first two-time Women’s North American Champion. What does that feel like? Kelani says when we look back on her reign, a lot of people said she was so rainbows and butterflies, happy and bubbly. Now her attitude has changed, she isn’t the same Kelani as last year. She realized that to make it in this business, there’s no friends. She had a target on her back, so she had to trim the fat and cut people out in order to get what she wants, and that is the title. Then going from the physical championship to the champion herself, Sol Ruca-
Kelani stops Blake there. She already knows how Sol thinks, because Kelani was champion. But he didn’t even ask about Heatwave, where Kelani beat Sol 1v1. Sol remembers it, Kelani remembers it, and surely Blake remembers it. Sol is the most athletic person in the building not named Kelani Jordan. Kelani doesn’t care if you see this as attitude or what, she sees it as her experience. Kelani knows what it is to win a title, and what it is to lose the title. So Sol will find out just what that feels like. Will no one do it like Lani? Or will she add failing to win back a title to her experiences?
We are no strangers to the fight for survival.
“We are no strangers to the need to conquer. We are no strangers to battle. Leaders from two companies, one that should have the homefield advantage, but now is just an outcast in his own kingdom. A battle of a destroyed, started by a once-loyal soldier, now threatening an empire. Some have everything to lose, but others battle with everything to gain. A battle for domination between the best in their arena. And so, let the battle begin! Welcome to Battleground!”
NXT Women’s North American Championship: Sol Ruca w/ ZARIA VS Kelani Jordan!
Things have truly come full circle as the Soul Surfer and the Standout have battled since last year’s Battleground. Las Vegas saw Kelani win the prize and write her name down in history. Heatwave saw these two battle tooth and nail 1v1, but then Halloween Havoc saw Kelani fall under the Fatal Influence. Kelani wants to be back on top, but will her bad attitude be good enough to win again? Or will she get her soul snatched in Tampa?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see whose name stays in the spotlight!
The bell rings and the fans fire up already. Sol and Kelani circle, tie up, and Sol waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX! Kelani lands out to arm-drag, then things speed up. Sol redirects, Kelani ducks a kick to roll Sol, but Sol rolls through. Kelani avoids the dropkick, Sol kips up, but Kelani ELBOWS her down! The fans cheer as things keep moving. Sol drops, hurdles, but then Kelani hurdles. Sol AERIALS over Kelani’s dropdown, but Kelani does the same to avoid a sweep! The fans fire up for this acrobatic exchange, and Sol offers a handshake. Kelani accepts, the fans cheer, but then Kelani swings! Sol slips around to lift, ATOMIC FACEBSUTER!
Sol steps on Kelani to surf! Kelani bucks free, blocks a kick, then ROCKS Sol! Kelani whips, Sol reverses, then Sol hurdles. Kelani is thrown off by Sol’s roll-back, and Sol catches Kelani into a drop toehold! STF! The fans fire up while Kelani endures! Kelani fights around, Sol cranks on the hold, and the fans rally. Kelani rolls to a cover, ONE! Sol is up, trips Kelani, then handsprings over to SUPERKICK! Sol then suplexes, holds Kelani up, and the fans cheer as Sol goes to TEN for the SLAM! Sol kips up, handsprings to HIP DROP! Cover, TWO and Kelani has the sunset flip, TWO! Sol jackknifes deep, TWO! Kelani rolls Sol, TWO!
Sol and Kelani go around, Kelani swings to have the crucifix DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Sol flounders to the corner and the fans fire up! Kelani runs up, Sol ROUNDHOUSES her, and fans rally for “NXT! NXT!” Sol jumps but Kelani BOOTS her! Kelani goes up, up, TOP ROPE GUILLOTINE LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Kelani reels Sol in but Sol fights the suplex. Sol suplexes, Kelani lands out and RAMS her into the corner! Kelani then NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Kelani is already frustrated but she drags Sol up. Sol fires body shots, the fans rally and duel, and Kelani KNEES low! Kelani whips, Sol goes up, but Kelani stays back!
Kelani hooks Sol for a modified fireman’s carry, SWINGING SLAM! High stack, TWO! Kelani has a leg, Sol fights it, but Kelani KICKS Sol in the back! Sol KICKS from below! Kelani KICKS and stomps away on Sol, to then have the HALF CRAB! The fans rally, Sol endures, and Sol crawls forward, only for Kelani to drag her back! Sol powers up to stay up, the fans rally more, but Kelani pulls on the leg! Sol uses that to roll through, but Kelani jackknife bridges, TWO! Sol hurries to a corner, Kelani runs in, but Sol slips out and Kelani hits buckles! Kelani still ROCKS Sol first, then goes up! Kelani drags Sol up by her hair, but Sol ROCKS her back!
Sol jumps up, grabs Kelani, but the two hand fight! Sol still hits a SUPER X FACTOR!! The fans are thunderous as both women are down! Kelani and Sol stir, “This is Awesome!” and Kelani goes to a corner. Sol runs in and ELBOWS Kelani, then picks her up, BACKPACK SENTON! Sol keeps moving, SHINING WIZARD! Kelani flounders to the outside and the fans rally up. Sol storms up, blocks a kick, but Kelani blocks the shoulder tackle to KNEE and BOOT Sol down! Kelani brings Sol up, Zaria coaches Sol, and Sol fights the fisherman! Sol fires forearms and ROCKS Kelani! Sol DUMPS Kelani but Kelani handsprings through!
Sol blocks a kick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Sol flops down, Kelani takes aim, and she slingshots to then ASAI MOONSAULT! Direct hit and Tampa fires up again! They cheer “NXT!” while Kelani tells Zaria to watch herself. Zaria says same back, and Kelani climbs. Sol stands, into a FLYING- NO! Sol stops Kelani’s rana, brings Kelani up, but Kelani slips free! Sol stops the wheelbarrow to hold the arms back, SURFBOARD BACKSTABBER! Kelani tumbles out, Sol builds speed, and the fans fire up for Sol’s FOSBURY FLOP!! And kip up!! The fans are thunderous again and even Zaria is fired up!
Sol drags Kelani up and into the ring. Kelani flounders, Sol springboards, DIVING BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO!! Kelani survives and fans rally up. Sol fireman’s carries, swings Kelani, but Kelani DDTS! No F5, Kelani goes up! FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Another cover, TWO! A third cover, TWO!! Kelani is furious and she goes back up the corner. Kelani aims again, but Sol is up! Sol ROCKS Kelani, climbs up after her, but Kelani fights back. The fans rally as Kelani climbs and calls her shot! SUPER POISON-RANA, but Sol lands out of it!! SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!!! Kelani survives and shocks everyone! “This is Awesome!”
Sol runs, goes up, the corner, but Kelani YANKS her down! Sol ELBOWS Kelani away, climbs up, but Kelani jumps up to KICK! Kelani goes up, they clinch and fight with body shots, but Kelani goes up to the very top! SUPER SPANISH FLY!! Cover, TWO!!! Sol survives and Kelani is beside herself! Zaria is relieved and she coaches Sol up. The fans rally as Kelani crawls after Sol. Kelani stands Sol up to BOOT! And BOOT! And BOOT again! Sol breaks free to then EDDY GORDO KICK! Kelani still ROCKS Sol! Sol ELBOWS Kelani! Kelani SLAPS! Sol SLAPS! Kelani ROCKS but Sol SUPERKICKS! Sol runs but Kelani jumps up to STOMP!
Kelani goes up, SPLIT-LEG- ZARIA PUSHES SOL TO SAFETY! The ref saw that, and he EJECTS Zaria! Zaria is frustrated, Sol is confused as to what even happened, but Kelani WRECKS Sol with a dropkick!! Kelani puts Sol in, Sol goes up, but Kelani stops the snatcher! Kelani ROCKS Sol, climbs up, and they brawl up top! Sol HEADBUTTS Kelani down, adjusts position, and SUPER SOL SNATCHER!!! Cover, SOL WINS!!
Winner: Sol Ruca, by pinfall (still NXT Women’s North American Champion)
The Agent of Change was definitely a factor in this match, but did she need to do that? Would Sol have even still been in this match to finish it off? Or is it all coulda, shoulda, woulda? And either way, what is Kelani to do now that she isn’t the two-time NXT Women’s North American Champion?
Ava Raine meets with Dalys & Chik Tormenta.
The General Manager of NXT is talking with two top luchadoras of AAA, and they shake hands. Could there be something big in the works on the way to Worlds Collide in LA?
Backstage interview with Mike Santana.
Sarah Schreiber is with “The Standard” of TNA, and he is taking in the sights of his first WWE PLE. It has taken him 16 years to walk through the doors of the WWE, so to say he is having a hell of a time is a definite understatement. He is making it clear he wants the TNA World Championship, so he’ll watch Trick Williams and Joe Hendry throw hands. Now, to the fans who may not know who he is, he is a loud and proud Boricua from the Bronx! He doesn’t mix words, and keeping it a buck has been ingrained in him since day one. So to put it plain and simple, he is here to get the winner of tonight’s match, the man who is TNA World Champion.
But then No Quarter Catch Crew walks by, and Charlie Dempsey asks, “Whoa, what’s this? Another TNA Wrestler that don’t belong. It’s bad enough that we have Joe Hendry here stealing the main event spotlight tonight. Now we have Santana here demanding things. Y’know, I’m getting real sick and tired of outsiders here.” Santana tells Charlie that he doesn’t know Santana, and now he’s here cutting into interview time, calling him an outsider. Santana knows time is money, so now there’s a problem. Tavion tells Charlie he has this. Respectfully, Tavion sees no problem. Tavion sees an opportunity.
With the way Myles is getting his, maybe if Santana doesn’t mind, Tavion wants this opportunity to check The Standard. They shake hands on it, much to Charlie’s annoyance. Santana and Tavion agree to meet on Tuesday. Santana says he respects Tavion. Not sure about his homeboy here. Santana and Tavion are ready to tie up in 48 hours, but will Tavion take his career to new heights against a veteran like Santana?
Also, in the background of all this, Fallon Henley and Jacy Jayne are arguing up a storm. Fatal Influence failed to take down Stephanie Vaquer & Jordynne Grace, are they only going to tear themselves apart?
Six Man Tag: Josh Briggs, Hank ‘n’ Tank VS The Culling!
The fallout of Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen gave way to The Chair Man influencing the latter and using him as a foundational piece in… whatever is really going on here. But will Jensen and Nick help Shawn Spears be victorious on the Battleground? Or will Briggs learn how to HONK HONK with the NXT Tag Team Champions?
The teams sort out and Briggs runs right up on The Culling! Niko stays up and throws hands with Briggs, then whips. Briggs reverses, Niko ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Briggs does the same to LARIAT! Briggs fires up, he ELBOWS Niko in the corner, then Tank tags in. Tank bumps Niko off buckles, goes side to side, and Hank tags in before Tank LARIATS! Hank LARIATS then BULLDOGS! And they set up already! Spears shouts to Niko to move, and Niko avoids the belly sandwich! The fans boo, but Jensen & Spears run up! Hank ‘n’ Tank DUMP them out, then build speed! Briggs LEAPS onto Spears while Hank ‘n’ Tank DOUBLE DIVE!
The fans are fired up as The Culling gets wiped out by all that “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Hank puts Niko back in the ring, counters a punch with a punch, then bumps Niko off buckles. Niko shoves Hank to HEADBUTT! Niko then whips Hank into the post! Hank goes flying to the floor and Izzi shouts, “How’d that feel!?” Jensen tags in, he puts Hank back in the ring, and then he rains down shots! The fans rally for “HANK! TANK!” but Jensen suplexes! Cover, TWO! Jensen drags Hank over, tags Niko, and they double whip for a scoop and LAWN DART! Hank falls back, Niko pushes him around, then stomps him down!
Niko keeps on Hank but the fans rally up. Niko stands Hank up, whips him to the ropes and scoops again, but Hank slips free to roll Niko up! TWO, and Niko CLOBBERS Hank! Tag to Spears and he stares Briggs down. The fans rally but Spears has Hank’s legs. Spears stomps Hank in the gut, then stomps him again! And again! Spears digs his boot in, then stomps Hank on the face! Spears taunts Briggs, then drags Hank up. Spears mocks the Honk Honk, but Hank DECKS Spears! The fans fire up and Spears flounders! Tag to Niko and he grabs legs. Hank kicks away and sends Niko stumbling! Jensen tags in and grab legs!
Hank BOOTS Jensen away, but Jensen knocks Briggs off the apron! Then he does the same to Tank! But Hank BACKDROPS Jensen! The fans fire up, Tank stomps the steps, and both men crawl! Hot tags to Spears and Tank! The fans fire up as Tank rallies on The Culling! Big LARIAT after big LARIAT, and then Tank dodges Jensen to BACKDROP! The fans fire up, Tank dodges Niko’s cheap shot to ROCK him! Tank goes out to CANNONBALL to the floor! The fans fire up with Tank, and he hurries back in! Tank runs up, ducks ‘n’ dodges Spears to go up, up, and FLYING TACKLE! Tank then RAMS Spears into the corner!
Tank puts Spears up, Briggs BOOTS Niko! Briggs scoops Jensen for a BACKBREAKER! Hank tags in, climbs up to join Tank, and they have Spears up. Briggs tags in before the DOUBLE SUPERPLEX! Briggs then hurries, but Niko & Jensen fly in! MACHO ELBOW from Jensen and a DIVING HEADBUTT from Niko, they take out Hank ‘n’ Tank! Briggs is up top himself now, and he BULLHEAD MOONSAULTS!! Cover, The Culling breaks it! The fans are thunderous, “This is Awesome!” as The Culling keeps on Briggs. Briggs DECKS Jensen, ELBOWS Niko, and blocks Spears’ superkick, only for Spears to SUPERKICK again!
Tank tags in but so does Jensen. They run up, Tank dodges to go up, up, but into the WHEEL KICK! Jensen wrenches and torture racks, for the X KNEE!! Niko tags in, he reels Tank in and Jensen goes up! Briggs anchors Jensen! Spears DIVES onto Briggs! Jensen goes up, DOUBLE STOMP DOMINATOR COMBO!! Cover, HANK BREAKS IT IN TIME!!! The fans boo, they at least want this to be fair! They chant, “Ref, You Suck!” as Jensen TOSSES Hank and Niko rains down fists on Tank! Niko drags Tank over, tags Jensen, but Hank drags Niko out! Tank slips free to ROCKET LAUNCH Jensen while Hank POSTS Niko!
Tank runs,. Jensen dodges, Briggs tags in! Tank LARIATS Jensen and himself out of the ring! Hank ‘n’ Tank regroup, they see Spears, and they DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Jensen comes back to ringside but Briggs is on him! Briggs shoves Jensen, scoops, and SIDEWALK SLAMS to a SPLASH! The fans fire up and Briggs throws off his elbow pad! Niko is up but Briggs is after him! Jensen distracts the ref so IZZI can BOOT Briggs!! Jensen rolls Briggs, TWO!! Briggs survives, Izzi is furious, but Jensen runs in. Briggs dodges Jensen, to LARIAT FROM HECC!! Tag to Hank, then Briggs LARIATS Niko!
Hank tags Tank, and the shirts are off! Jensen rises, HONK HONK!! BIG BELLY SANDWICH!! And then, THE GRIDIRON!! Cover, the hosses win!!
Winner: Josh Briggs, Hank ‘n’ Tank, by pinfall
The fans cheer as these mighty men of meat make it through together! The Culling fails to open that door to their future, but they’re still gonna “purge” the past! Niko drags Briggs out to THROW him into barriers! Spears & Jensen mug Hank ‘n’ Tank! The fans boo as Niko keeps after Briggs in the ring, and Izzi fetches Spears his chair! But wait! Someone snatches the chair from the other side! IT’S INAMURA!! Yoshiki didn’t go home just yet, he’s here to help his friend! Inamura JAMS Spears, SMACKS him, then repeat for Niko and Jensen! The Great Rush has turned the tide, and it is a 4v3 brawl!
The fans fire up as Jensen gets pinballed all around! Briggs tops it off with a LARIAT! The Culling is in retreat, and turns out they were wrong! Inamura and Briggs are still tomodachi (friends), will they have another chance at winning gold?
Backstage interview with Ethan Page.
Sarah is now with All Ego, and he is headed for an NXT North American Championship match on Tuesday. Can he explain- Ethan stops Sarah there, as he doesn’t really care about questions. Ethan instead speaks to Ricky Saints, saying, “Everybody here seems to believe with their heart that you are the coolest guy in NXT. Sarah, I hate to break it to you and everybody watching, but all of that is external. None of that’s real, it’s just for show. All of the confidence, the charisma, that silver tongue, the way he dresses, yeah. Because on the inside, Ricky Saints, one of the most insecure human beings I have ever met.
“I mean, how else do you explain making such poor decisions based on emotion. Why? Because he got pressed a little bit? Challenged a little bit? Put in a corner, Ricky? And now here we are on Tuesday, Ethan Page gets a shot at the North American Championship. Ricky, you have followed every single footstep I have taken for the past three months since you showed up in NXT. Well, that path you are following? It ends on Tuesday-” Ava steps in and says hello. Ethan says hello, boss. Please, have his side plates ready. Ava says well, we’ll see. What she’s here to tell him is that because this is a mess they made, Ethan and Ricky will actually kick off the show on Tuesday.
Oh, well that’s perfect! The longer this goes, the worse it gets for Ricky! Ava tells Ethan to stop talking, because she wasn’t done. She was going to add that whoever wins the North American Championship on Tuesday will then defend it on Saturday, June 7th, at Worlds Collide. Good luck. Ava leaves, Ethan sarcastically thanks Ava for that. Will All Ego bring down The Absolute? And one way or another, who is it coming for the title in Los Angeles?
Tony D’Angelo VS Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo!
The D’Angelo Family has been through so much, overcoming challenges to their power and influence, but it was only from within that they were brought down. Will the Underboss usurp Tony D as The Don of NXT? Or are there things Stacks still has to learn about being a boss?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. Stacks says this is all on Tony, but Tampa is on Tony’s side. Tony SLAPS Stacks, then TACKLES him! The fans fire up as Tony fires off hands! Tony then stands Stacks up to fire off knees! Tony whips Stacks to ropes and LARIATS him down! Stacks staggers up, but Tony LARIATS him up and out! The fans fire up more while Stacks flounders back up. Tony storms up, Stacks grabs him, but Tony stops the hotshot to HIP TOSS! Stacks flounders away but Tony is right on him! Tony YANKS Stacks back from the ropes and asks, “Where ya going?” Stacks staggers up, Tony is on him again, but Stacks mule kicks!
Stacks LARIATS from behind, then HAMMERS away on Tony! The fans boo but Stacks stands over Tony. Stacks drags Tony up, reels him in, and mocks The Don, but Tony BACKDROPS Stacks! Tony runs and SUPER DON PUNCHES! The fans fire up and Tony has Stacks on the ropes. Tony makes Stacks bite down, but the ref reprimands. Stacks powers out and UP KICKS Tony away! Stacks runs up, Tony ducks him and clinches, to OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Stacks is sent up and outta the ring! Tony goes out after him, runs up, and LARIATS Stacks down! The fans fire up more as Tony then RAMS Stacks into the apron!
The ref counts, but Tony RAMS Stacks into barriers! The ring count is 7 of 10 but Tony refreshes it. Stacks flounders up and goes to leave, but Tony drags him from the barriers to POST him! Stacks flops back down, and Tony says all Stacks ever had to do was listen to him! Tony tells Stacks he’s a stupid so and so, but then Stacks RAMS Tony into the steps! Then he SHOTGUNS Tony into the steps! The fans boo while both men are down on the outside. The ring count climbs again, passes 5 of 10, but Stacks is on Tony at 7. Stacks RAMS Tony’s ribs into the apron, then pushes Tony in at 8. Stacks storms in and KICKS away on Tony’s side!
Stacks KNEES away on Tony, the fans boo more, but Stacks snarls. Stacks stands Tony up, throws KNEES, but Tony blocks one! The fans rally but Stacks ROCKS Tony! Stacks RAMS into Tony again and again, then sits Tony down. Stacks stomps a mudhole in! The ref counts, the fans boo, and Stack goes to the far corner. Stacks runs in and CANNONBALLS! Cover, TWO! Stacks keeps on Tony with a GROUND COBRA TWIST, and then he HAMMERS away on Tony! The fans rally for Tony as he endures, but then Stacks shifts to a body scissors! Tony endures the squeeze and the fans continue to rally behind him.
Tony fights, pries at the legs, but Stacks puts on the pressure! Tony turns around but Stacks CHOPS him! And CHOPS him! Tony CHOPS in return! The fans fire up as this is a scrap on the mat! Tony HAMMERS Stacks, drags him up, and fires more forearms! Stacks shoves Tony, Tony runs, but Stacks BODY BLOWS! And then ENZIGIRIS! Not the cleanest but Stacks runs from the corner, KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO! The #CementShoes weren’t enough to end The Don, but Stacks clearly isn’t going to stop here. Stacks taunts Tony and the fans, the fans boo, and Tony gasps and sputters. Stacks brings Tony to the ropes, and he makes Tony bite down!
The fans boo, the ref counts, and Tony fights up! Tony breaks free to CHOP! Stacks ROCKS, but Tony clinches! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY into a corner! Stacks writhes, holds his foot, but the fans rally up. Tony fires hands on Stacks, then he DECKS Stacks! And DECKS him again! And then BELLY2BELLY SUPLEXES! And then BELLY2BELLY again! Tony whips Stacks to ropes, and hits a SPINEBUSTER! The fans fire up as Tony fights through the pain. Tony paces while the fans cheer him on. Tony stands Stacks up, reels him in, and he fires the hockey scrum body shots! The fans count along, and Tony gives Stacks TEN!
Tony shoves Stacks down and the fans cheer again. Tony clutches his side, he brings Stacks up, but Stacks wrenches and KICKS! ENZIGIRI! A much better hit, and Stacks runs, but Tony dodges the knee! Tony deadlifts Stacks with the waistlock! GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Stacks survives and Tony is a bit frustrated, but Tony waits for Stacks to go to a corner. Tony runs in, but Stacks jumps up! TRAINGLE HOLD, and Stacks rains down ELBOWS! Tony endures, fights up, and he deadlifts to POWERBOMB! Tony rains down more fists! The fans count, Tony stops at 9, and he seems to wonder why he’s doing this to his former friend.
The fans boo, they want Stacks to pay for his crimes! Stacks sputters and looks around in a daze. Stacks makes his way to the ropes, and Tony is trembling. The fans rally for Tony to put an end to it, but Stacks says Tony’s too weak to do it! The fans chant “HE’S A RAT!” Tony runs up, but Stacks puts him on the apron! ROLLING KICK! And then Stacks goes to the apron so he can RAM Tony into the POST! Stacks goes to the far side, says HE can finish the job. Stacks runs up, but Tony dodges! Stacks POSTS himself!! Tony puts Stacks in and RUNNING KNEES! Then FOGEDABOUTIT!! Cover, TWO!?!? Stacks survives and Tony is shocked!
The fans rally up more as Tony drags Stacks up. Tony gives Stacks a kiss goodnight, but the ribs won’t let him toss Stacks! Stacks CLOBBERS Tony into the ropes, then goes up the corner! Stacks aims for the GUILLOTINE DOUBLE STOMPS!! The fans lose their minds while Tony flops out of the ring! But then Stacks goes crawling to his corner, and he looks inside. Wait, whatever is supposed to be there isn’t there. Tony walks over and tells Stacks that he taught Stacks that crowbar trick! Tony then POSTS Stacks! Tony rushes in and LARIATS! And SPEARS!! The fans fire up, and Tony HAMMERS away on Stacks!
Tony drags Stacks up by his chain necklace! Stacks crawls away, and he apologizes? He says sorry, he made a mistake! Tony says Stacks made his bed, now to sleep in it! STOMP! And then SPINEBUSTER!! Wait! Luca Crusifino is here! He’s alive!! Tony asks where he’s been, but Luca doesn’t respond. The ref tells Luca to stay back, but Stacks LOW BLOWS Tony!! The fans boo, and Stacks hits the BLINDSIDE KNEE!! Cover, Stacks wins!!
Winner: Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo, by pinfall
The Consigliere was alive all along, and he plays a pivotal roll in Stacks’ victory! Was that meeting in the desert all a ruse for this very moment? Tony looks to Luca and asks why, but Luca wants to hug it out? Tony shoves Luca away and takes his leave. Is this a sign that Tony’s days as Don are numbered?
NXT Women’s Championship: Stephanie Vaquer VS Jordynne Grace!
La Primera has made history already by being a DUAL NXT Women’s & NXT Women’s North American Champion, by defending both titles successfully on one night, and then letting the Women’s North American Championship go willingly so the division could grow even stronger. Vaquer even won a Fatal 4 Way at Stand & Deliver, overcoming Giulia, Jaida Parker and Jordynne Grace. But now she must go 1v1 with the Juggernaut to keep making history, can she do it? Or will the Dark Angel be conquered by Grace?
The introductions are made, the title is raised, and we see who is truly the best of the best!
Watching from the front row are Dalys & Chik Tormenta, surely courtesy of Ava. The bell rings and the fans fire up already. Grace offers a handshake, Vaquer takes it, and the fans cheer the sportsmanship. The two circle, tie up, and Vaquer waistlocks. Grace wrenches free and wristlocks, but Vaquer rolls, handsprings, and wrenches to snapmare. Grace is up to RUN Vaquer over! Grace clamps onto an arm and the fans rally up more. Vaquer stands, Grace hammerlocks but Vaquer reaches back. Vaquer drops, rolls, and wrenches to knuckle lock. Vaquer lifts Grace using leg power, then jumps up, but Grace turns wheelbarrow into waistlock!
Grace SLAMS Vaquer, flips her over, but Vaquer kips up to arm-drag! Grace is back to CLOBBER Vaquer! Grace has the armlock again and the fans cheer this chess game. Vaquer rises, the fans rally, and Vaquer wrenches to then headlock. Grace powers up but Vaquer hits a takeover! Grace headscissors, Vaquer kips free, but Grace fireman’s carries! Vaquer sunset flips, ONE! Grace sits on it, ONE! Vaquer has a ghost pin, ONE! Grace has a lateral press, ONE! Vaquer turns Grace over, O’Conner Bridge, TWO! Grace ducks a kick, Vaquer ducks the backhand, and the fans cheer the standoff! Grace and Vaquer circle, and the fans cheer “NXT! NXT!”
Vaquer and Grace tie up, go around, and Grace powers Vaquer back step by step. They’re in the corner, the ref counts, and Grace slowly lets off. Vaquer avoids a chop to CHOP! Then Vaquer runs, tilt-o-whirls, rolls Grace up, TWO! Grace is up, Vaquer catches the lariat to spin Grace, and snap suplexes! Grace goes to ropes, Vaquer dials it up, but Grace ducks the 619! Vaquer drags Grace up to reel her in, BIG back suplex! Vaquer then sits Grace up, and the fans fire up. Vaquer looks to Booker T and puts on the headscissors! But Grace rolls all the way out of the ring, and has an Electric Chair! She SLAMS Vaquer onto the desk!
Vaquer almost falls on Booker, and Grace smiles. Grace stalks Vaquer through commentary to drag her up and THROW her into barriers! The fans cheer for Booker but the ring count starts. Grace puts Vaquer in the ring, covers, TWO! Vaquer stays in this, but Grace has Vaquer’s legs! Grace KICKS away on Vaquer to turn her over, BOSTON CRAB! Vaquer endures, powers up, and marches forward to the ROPEBREAK! Grace holds until the ref counts 4, then stalks Vaquer to a corner. Grace drags Vaquer up, the fans continue to rally behind “LA PRIMERA!” But Grace fireman’s carries to bump Vaquer off buckles!
Vaquer scrambles around and has the SLEEPER! Grace RAMS Vaquer into buckles, RAMS her again, then BACKPACK SENTONS! The fans rally while both women are down! Vaquer writhes, goes back to the corner, but Grace is on her. Grace stands Vaquer up to ROCK her with a forearm! Grace whips Vaquer back into the corner, then scoops for a POWERSLAM! Grace goes up, up, and VADER FLOPS as Vaquer moves! Vaquer BOOTS Grace, goes up, but Grace CHOPS back! Grace CHOPS again, then CHOPS again! But Vaquer grabs that arm for the HANGING ARMBAR!! The ref counts, Vaquer lets go, and then Vaquer springboards to CROSSBODY!
The fans fire up as Vaquer wrenches and EAT DA FEET! LARIAT in the corner and Grace sits! Vaquer scrubs Grace’s face with her boot, then Vaquer goes corner to corner, METEORA! Vaquer drags Grace out, picks her up, BIG back suplex! And now Vaquer smiles as she puts the headscissors on! Booker and Tampa all fire up! “AH! AH! AH! AH! AH! AH! AH! AH! AH! AH! YEEEEEEAH~!” Ten Devil’s Kisses and the fans all cheer! Cover, TWO!! Grace survives and Vaquer is frustrated, but she drags Grace up. Grace fights the tuck and trips Vaquer! Grace tries to turn Vaquer but Vaquer powers up to kick at Grace!
Grace staggers away, Vaquer storms up, but Grace kicks her! Grace skins the cat, SLAPS Vaquer, then slingshots, but Vaquer LARIATS! Grace just shakes that off! Vaquer runs, but Grace hits a SPINEBUSTER! Roll through, tuck, and PACKAGE POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Vaquer survives and Grace is despairing. “This is Awesome!” but Grace isn’t sure how to finish this. Grace pump handles, but Vaquer fires elbows! Grace LARIATS front and back and on repeat! Grace runs, but Vaquer blows past, slips around, and SNAP GERMANS! Grace is up but Vaquer reels her in, DDT! Cover, TWO!! Grace survives again and Vaquer scowls.
The fans rally harder as Vaquer and Grace rise up. Vaquer runs up, ROCKS Grace, but then Grace blocks the whip! Grace shoves Vaquer, Vaquer comes back, but Grace puts her on the apron. Vaquer ROCKS Grace, goes up, but Grace SHORYUKENS! Grace climbs up to get Vaquer, SLAPS her, and SLAPS again! The fans fire up as Grace SLAPS Vaquer again! Grace brings Vaquer up for a SUPERPLEX, and roll through, JACKHAMMER!! Cover, TWO!??! Vaquer survives and Grace is in disbelief! The fans fire up as Grace brings Vaquer up again. Grace reels Vaquer in, Canadian Rack, but Vaquer rolls through to roll Grace up! TWO!
Grace trips Vaquer, Vaquer fires elbows, but Grace jackknifes! TWO as Vaquer bridges, and Vaquer tucks! S V- NO, Grace slips out the back, then she catches Vaquer! BEAST- CRADLE COUNTER! TWO!! Grace escapes, Vaquer runs, and Vaquer tilt-o-whirls, but Grace has the gut wrench! Vaquer powers through! But then Grace powers through in return! Grace shifts Vaquer around, but Vaquer uses that to slip free and shove Grace to ropes! Tabletop roll up, TWO! Grace is up, Vaquer blocks, fires shots, and then SOBATS! And SUPERKICKS!
Grace tumbles to the apron and then the floor while the fans fire up! Vaquer lets the ring count start before she goes out to fetch Grace. But Grace fireman’s carries Vaquer! Grace aims, but Vaquer slips free, and Vaquer shoves Grace through barriers!! The fans are losing their minds from that impact! Vaquer drags Grace up, puts her in the ring, and brings her around to tuck the arms! S V B!!! Cover, TWO?!!? No one can believe what just happened, least of all Vaquer! Vaquer drags Grace up, underhooks again, but Grace fights with everything she has! Grace fires body shots and a CHOP! Vaquer ROCKS Grace, but Grace ROCKS Vaquer!
The fans fire up as the forearms keep going! Vaquer ROCKS Grace again, but Grace fires a flurry! URAKEN! Vaquer goes to a corner, Grace runs in, but Vaquer dodge! Vaquer comes back, blocks a boot, and DRAPING DRAGON SCREWS Grace! Vaquer goes up the corner, but Grace anchors a foot! Vaquer kicks Grace away, but Grace CLUBS Vaquer again! Grace goes up, waistlocks, and she brings Vaquer up! Vaquer fires body shots and a REAR HEADBUTT! Grace falls, Vaquer adjusts, SPINAL TAP!! Cover, VAQUER WINS!!
Winner: Stephanie Vaquer, by pinfall (still NXT Women’s Champion)
It was certainly a war between two of the best in the world today, but Vaquer proves she is still THE best! But as she stares down some of AAA’s best, are we about to see La Primera in LA for Worlds Collide? As for Grace, if she can’t get the title after this powerful of a fight, what will it take to have a title at all?
Sarah Schreiber is in the ring.
She welcomes out the NXT North American Champion, Ricky Saints! Tampa fires up for The Absolute as he makes his way out to the ring. Sarah brings up that Ethan Page believes he has Ricky right where he wants him. Ava did announce that their match kicks off NXT this Tuesday, how is Ricky feeling? Ricky says Ethan likes to think he’s this evil genius. Yes, Ethan is smart, but he’s more like the guy you always see at the party that no one knows who invited him, he’s just there. Nobody wants you here, Ethan! But Ricky seems to be the new favorite obsession for Ethan. Ricky thought Stand & Deliver would let them move on. But no, ol’ Ricky is on Ethan’s mind 24/7.
So the way Ricky sees it, he puts this title on the line, not because he was rattled, but because he knew that Ethan’s greed wouldn’t let this opportunity slip away. Point blank, Ricky is tired of Ethan! That’s it! So if he has to show up and start NXT by defending his title and whoop Ethan’s ass, then let’s dance! The fans cheer and Sarah knows Ricky is laser focused. But then, Ava did add that the champion moves on to Worlds Collide. Ricky says he is not shy. Unlike Ethan, if you want a piece of Ricky, come get it. Ricky takes the mic from Sarah to hold up his belt. This belt means he is an ambassador! That means the Revolution will ALWAYS be televised!
So at Worlds Collide, if Ricky has to do it against the best AAA has to offer, if he has to go down to Tijuana to find somebody- WAIT! Ethan slides in from the crowd! But Ricky DECKS him first! The fans fire up as Ricky and Ethan brawl, and Ricky has the edge! Ricky DECKS Ethan out of the ring, kicks him off the apron, but then eggs him on to bring it! Security stops Ethan and the fans boo, but Ricky goes up, up, and SUPER CROSSBODIES onto Ethan! The fans fire up with Ricky as he is absolutely ready! Will Ricky finally humble All Ego?
NXT Championship: Oba Femi VS Myles Borne!
The Ruler has been on his own dominant streak, from being NXT Men’s Breakout Tournament winner, to NXT North American Champion, to this moment here tonight. One on one, Triple Threats, it has not been enough to stop him. But this lifelong underdog has not let any odds, any obstacle, any disability, limitation or adversity ever stop him! Myles vows to go the distance, was he born to be a champion? Or will his Cinderella story end in tragedy?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if the conqueror can be conquered!
The bell rings and the fans rally up. Myles and Oba circle, tie up, and Oba powers Myles back to a corner. The ref counts, Oba lets off, and the two reset. Oba grins and circles with Myles again to tie up. Oba again powers Myles back, but Myles slips away this time. The fans cheer as the two go again with another collar ‘n’ elbow. Oba SHOVES Myles, Myles BOOTS the lariat, then Myles headlocks. Oba powers up and out, Myles slides under the boot and then rolls off Oba’s back! Myles facelocks but Oba THROWS him away! The fans fire up as Myles lands on his feet. The fans rally again as the two circle.
Myles and Oba tie up, Oba KNEES low, then Oba whips. Myles blocks hip toss but then Oba blocks back. Myles hits low, steps up and FLIPS over Oba, but ducks Oba’s lariat to DROPKICK! The fans fire up as Oba is stunned by that #BabyRandy dropkick! Oba runs up, RAMS Myles into a corner, and he fires hands! Oba whips corner to corner, Myles slides to a stop and comes back, but Oba CLOBBERS him! The fans fire up again and Oba storms up on Myles. Oba puts Myles in a corner, RAMS him, and RAMS again. Myles CLUBS Oba, Oba RAMS Myles, but Myles fires hands! Myles ROCKS Oba, kicks, but Oba blocks. Myles ENZIGIRIS!
The fans fire up and Myles runs, but Oba catches his crossbody! Oba RAMS Myles into the corner again! Oba puts Myles up top, but Myles fires hands! Myles BOOTS Oba, then leaps, CROSSBODY! The fans fire up and Myles hurries to facelock! But Oba suplexes to hang Myles out to dry! Myles falls, flounders, and Oba snarls. Oba stalks Myles, brings him up, and deadlifts Myles to suplex! Cover, ONE!! Myles shows that grit but Oba rains down fists! Oba huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Myles around, and he tells Myles is not going to reign so long as Oba is here. But Myles fires body shots! Oba CLUBS Myles, then pushes him to ropes.
Oba stands on Myles’ chest! The ref counts, Oba steps off at 4, and the fans duel. Myles fires body shots but Oba CLUBS Myles down! Oba drags Myles around, steps on Myles, then stalks him. Oba brings Myles around, shoves him into ropes, and ROCKS him in the back! Myles sputters, but he still kick and throws hands! Oba CLUBS Myles down and the fans duel harder! Oba drags Myles up, KNEES low again and again, then clinches for the URENAGE BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Myles survives but Oba smirks. Oba tells Myles to stay down, and he stomps Myles down. Myles goes to a corner, but Oba brings him up.
Oba suplexes, GOURD BUSTERS, and he lets Myles flounder. Oba says Myles is not ready for this moment, but Myles fires body shots! Oba KICKS Myles down, stalks him, then THROWS him down! Oba DRIBBLES Myles off the mat, then hauls him up, but Myles DROPKICKS again! The fans fire up as both men are down! Oba goes to a corner, Myles runs up, but Oba ELBOWS him down! Myles sputters, Oba looms over him, and Oba stands Myles up. Oba clinches for another URENAGE BACKBREAKER! And then he makes it a backbreaker rack! The fans rally as Myles endures being bent back against Oba’s knee!
Myles powers up, pries the grip away, and he stands up, only for Oba to LARIAT! Oba is annoyed now but the fans continue to rally. Myles sputters but Oba brings him up. Oba UPPERCUTS but Myles dodges! Myles hops on for a SLEEPER! Oba endures, RAMS Myles into a corner, but Myles hops back on! SLEEPER! Oba pries at the grip but he’s gasping for air! Oba RAMS Myles into more buckles and Myles falls! Oba goes to the apron, drags Myles up, and suplexes! But Myles fights that! Oba still tries, but Myles manages to get free, and he ORTON DROPKICKS again! The fans fire up as Myles runs, and he DIVES into a HAYMAKER!
Oba storms in, hauls Myles up, military press and GUT BUSTER DROP!! Cover, TWO!! Myles survives and the fans fire up! Oba is surprised and perhaps frustrated, but he clamps right onto Myles. Oba bends Myles back with a chinlock stretch! Myles endures and the fans rally up. Myles pries at the grip, but Oba shifts to have a full chinlock. The fans still rally as Myles fights up. Myles fires body shots but Oba CLUBS him! Oba back suplexes, but Myles lands out! Oba runs in, Myles dodges, and Oba POSTS himself! The fans fire up and Myles rises up! Oba storms back up but Myles fires hands! Myles runs, Oba pops him up, but Myles DROPKICKS again!
Oba tumbles out, Myles builds speed, and Myles FLIES! The fans fire up for #AirBorne and he puts Oba in! Myles goes up, up, and FLYING LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Oba is still in this, but Myles still keeps after him! Myles clinches, Oba BELL CLAPS, then Oba scoops. Myles slips free, shove and SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up as more of the #BabyRandy comes out! Myles brings Oba up but Oba choke grips! Myles fires forearms on Oba, knocks him down, and STANDING MOONSAULT FLOPS! Oba fireman’s carries, and he GUT- NO, Myles blocks the knee, DOUBLE STOMPS, and STANDING MOONSAULTS! But into Oba’s grip!
Oba stands to CHOKE SLAM!! Cover, TWO!?! Myles survives and Oba is shocked! The fans rally even harder as Myles rises. Oba runs up, Myles goes Matrix! Myles waistlocks but Oba fights the lift! Oba RAMS Myles into a corner! Oba arm-drags, but Myles has the arm! Ripcord and DDT!! Myles hurries up the corner, he wants to go #AirBorne again! DIVING- NO, Oba dodges, pops Myles up, but Myles RANAS through! Cover, TWO!! Oba escapes, and he ROCKS Myles! Myles goes to a corner, Oba runs up, and Oba back body- NO! Myles catches Oba, to GERMAN SUPLEX!! Myles hurries up and the fans are thunderous!
Myles climbs, leaps, FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!!! Oba survives and Myles is beside himself! The fans rally as hard as they can as Myles brings Oba up. Myles fires hands, Oba fires back, and the fans rally as the shots keep going. Oba CLUBS Myles, but Myles stands to fire a flurry! Oba ROCKS Myles, runs, but Myles LARIATS! Myles runs, Oba ROCKS him! Oba whips, Myles dodges, ORTON DROPKICK! Myles rises again and the fans fire up. Myles runs, but into a POP-UP UPPERCUT!! But Oba won’t end it there, he drags Myles up, FALL FROM GRACE!!! Cover, TWO!?!?! WHAT?!?! Oba cannot understand how Myles is doing it but the fans are loving it!
Myles crawls, Oba aims from a corner, and Oba snarls. Myles stands, Oba runs up, UPPERCUT in the corner! Oba just keeps moving, UPPERCUT again! And then UPPER- NO, Myles rolls Oba up! TWO!! Myles and Oba are running on fumes, but Oba LARIATS Myles inside-out!! Myles sputters to his feet but Oba has him again! SHOTPUT BOMB! Oba roars, and now a FALL FROM GRACE!!! But Oba won’t stop there! A THIRD FALL FROM GRACE!!! Cover, Oba wins!!
Winner: Oba Femi, by pinfall (still NXT Champion)
Myles proved he has a heart bigger than most, but it still wasn’t enough to topple the tower that is Oba Femi. Even so, Oba shows Myles respect with a nod. Will The Ruler still be The Ruler until there is no one left to conquer?
Something is going down backstage!
No, not Jacy and Fallon still arguing! It is Stephanie being confronted by the AAA luchadoras! They argue in Espanol, but it is clear Chik Tormenta y Dalys want a fight with Vaquer. Ava rushes in to stop this from getting more than verbal, but then Jacy just SLAPS Vaquer! Vaquer gets up to throw hands but security rushes in. The AAA luchadoras like that, but will Vaquer make the Toxic Rockstar an example to everyone what happens when you anger La Primera?
TNA World Heavyweight Championship: Joe Hendry VS Trick Williams!
It has been a powerful night, but now we #CrossTheLine! The Prestigious Joe Hendry has fought hard to be the top star in Total Non-Stop Action Wrestling, just as Trick Willy did to be the top star in NXT. However, where Hendry did not stop believing, Trick had a crash out, then went Hollywood! Will Trick’s downward spiral only continue should he fail tonight? Or will he rename it Trick’s New Accolade Wrestling?
The introductions are made, TNA’s top title debuts on a WWE event, and we see who truly believes!
The bell rings and the fans are thunderous already! Hendry and Trick revel in the moment as the building is shaking. The fans rally for “T N A! T N A!” as Trick and Hendry circle. They approach but Trick slips right past Hendry. Trick smirks but Hendry and Trick go again. Trick slips through again, but Hendry tells Trick to bring it. Trick gets in Hendry’s face, pie faces him, then talks trash! But Hendry CHOPS! And CHOPS! And then LARIATS Trick up and out! The fans fire up as Hendry builds speed to HIGH JUMP! Down goes Trick and the fans fire up again! Hendry brings Trick up as fans cheer, “WE BELIEVE! WE BELIEVE!”
Hendry UPPERCUTS Trick, whips, but Trick reverses to KNEE low! Trick pie faces again, then runs, but Hendry blows past to CLOBBER Trick! Trick staggers up but Hendry reels him in. Hendry suplexes, holds Trick up, and the fans fire up as Hendry SLAMS Trick down! Cover, TWO! Hendry stays cool while the fans rally up. Hendry wrenches, headlocks, and hits the takeover. Trick kicks around, endures the grind, and fights up. The fans rally, Trick fires body shots, and Trick powers out. Trick hurdles, catches Hendry’s crossbody, and then FALL AWAY SLAMS! The fans fire up and Trick kips up! Trick fires up, and he TURNS!
The fans are torn as Trick mocks Hendry. Hendry runs up, but into a BOOKEND! Cover, TWO! Hendry survives but Trick goes to the outside. Trick climbs a corner, but Hendry kips up! Hendry ROCKS Trick, goes up after him, and scoops for a SUPER FALL AWAY SLAM! Cover, TWO! Trick survives and Hendry again keeps calm. The fans rally, Hendry brings Trick up to wrench and whip. Trick reverses but Hendry sunset flips! TWO, Trick rises up, but Hendry rolls Trick again! TWO, and Hendry hits an arm-drag, lateral press, TWO! Trick BOOTS Hendry down and drops back to catch his breath. The fans rally as Trick talks trash.
Trick pie faces Hendry, then DECKS him! The fans rally with “WE BELIEVE!” and Hendry rises! Trick ROCKS Hendry, Hendry UPPERCUTS Trick, repeat! The shots go back and forth, then Hendry gets the edge! But Trick knees low! Trick runs, SCISSOR KICK! Hendry sputters, and Trick continues to shoutout Booker T! TRICKAROONI! The fans fire up, but Hendry clinches! ROCK BOTTOM!! Cover, TWO!! Trick survives but the fans all cheer for Booker! Hendry scoops, FALL- NO, Trick slips free to THROW Hendry down! LEG LARIAT! LEG LARIAT! Trick fireman’s carries to then LANDSLIDE! Cover, TWO! Hendry survives and Trick grows frustrated.
Trick goes to a corner, climbs up, and the fans rally. CROSSBODY, but Hendry rolls through! The fans fire up as Hendry lifts Trick up! Fireman’s carry, and then the WIDOWMAKER! Cover, TWO!! Trick survives but Hendry huffs ‘n’ puffs. The fans rally, Hendry storms up but Trick YANKS him out of the ring! Trick then goes out and whips Hendry hard into steel steps! Trick stomps away on Hendry, then he picks the steps up! The fans boo while Trick sets that up nearby. The ref checks Hendry as Hendry clutches an arm. Hendry says he is fine to continue, so Trick puts Hendry in the ring. Fans want tables, but Trick gets them to stomp, stomp, clap.
The fans chant “Whoop Dat Trick!” to the rhythm, and Trick ROCKS Hendry! And ROCKS him again and again, and fires off in the corner! Trick UPPERCUTS Hendry, talks more trash, then he whips Hendry. Hendry redirects, but Trick knees low! Trick runs, ROLLING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Hendry survives but Trick brings him up. Trick whips Hendry to a corner, then soaks up cheers and jeers before he CHOPS! Trick whips corner to corner again, then again, but Hendry reverses! Trick dodges Hendry in the corner, JUMP NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Trick clamps right onto Hendry with a facelock!
Hendry fights up, the fans rally, but Trick jumps on for body scissors! GUILLOTINE FACELOCK! Trick drags Hendry down to the mat but the fans chant, “WE BELIEVE! WE BELIEVE!” Hendry feeds off that energy to fight up and SUPLEX Trick away! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Hendry huffs ‘n’ puffs and rises up again. Hendry storms up on Trick, counter punches Trick again and again, then whips to LARIAT! Hendry scoops Trick for another FALL AWAY SLAM! Hendry kips up again, and… TURNS! The fans are thunderous, Hendry stomps, stomps, claps! Trick staggers up, into the choke grip! STANDING-
NO, Trick flips through! Hendry ducks the leg lariat, tries again, STANDING OVATION CHOKE SLAM!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Trick’s long legs save him and Hendry is stunned! Hendry thinks on what he has to do, and the fans rally up behind him. Hendry realizes he has something. Hendry fireman’s carries, but Trick slips free! Trick CYCLONE BOOTS Hendry! Hendry goes to the apron, Trick runs up, but Hendry DUMPS Trick! Hendry then storms up but Trick drop toeholds Hendry to steel steps! Trick has Hendry on the other steps, and he BOOKENDS Hendry down through the desk!!
The fans go nuts while Trick puts Hendry in! TRICK SHOT!!! Cover, TWO!!! Hendry survives and the fans are thunderous! Trick is furious, he lets his hair down, and he vows to end this! Trick storms around, then he goes outside to grab the belt! The fans are torn but Trick brings the belt to the ring! The ref reprimands, he and Trick tug-o-war, and Hendry rolls Trick up! TWO, and Hendry choke grips! STANDING- NO, Trick CLAWS the eyes! FLAPJACK onto the belt!!! Hendry sputters and staggers up, TRICK SHOT!!! Cover, TRICK WINS!!!!
Winner: Trick Williams, by pinfall (NEW TNA World Heavyweight Champion)
Even Trick can’t believe what just happened, but yes! He has just made history for NXT, for TNA, and perhaps for the entire world of wrestling entertainment! Trick joins a prestigious club of men who have been both NXT and TNA Champion in their careers, but will Hollywood Trick be the best of them all?
My Thoughts:
A great Battleground, even with most of the status quo being kept. As I’ve said before, keeping the status quo is perfectly fine when done right, and they pretty much did that tonight. Zaria saving Sol was a nice detail in Sol’s match with Kelani, and can definitely play into the next phase of the ZaRuca story. Featuring Ethan and Ricky here tonight to hype up their title match (and perhaps sticking it to fans for not buying enough tickets to the NXT Tampa show so now it’s back in Orlando) was fine. Good moment for Ricky to stand tall over Ethan, but I wonder if Ethan wins because of this go-home math.
At the same time, plugging a quick title match of NXT North American Champion VS yet to be named AAA star is intriguing. I just don’t understand the move of WWE taking the NXT logo off the Worlds Collide logo, but then still putting NXT matches on that show. Is this WWE continuing the subtle transition of NXT into more of a third brand? After all, they keep on changing branding, where this was “WWE Battleground” despite it being all NXT stars. We saw the same going on as AAA luchadoras were here to watch Vaquer and then confront her. Jacy is going to be the sacrificial jobber to Vaquer tuning up for whatever match we get at Worlds Collide, which I feel like Vaquer also wins.
Speaking of which, Vaquer VS Grace was an awesome match, but of course Vaquer was winning going towards Worlds Collide. Maybe Lola Vice joins in as another Latina, so that way it is a tag match of Vaquer & Vice VS Chik Tormenta & Dalys. As for Vaquer’s next title match, maybe she gives one to Lola out of respect, probably for Great American Bash in Atlanta for July. I really don’t know what Grace does next, outside of dropping down to the Women’s North American Championship. If Zaria continues to defend Sol, that means we’ll get Zaria VS Grace and that will be awesome, too.
I said on Tuesday that the Six Man Tag didn’t really look like PLE caliber on paper, and I can’t really say it was in execution either. But I appreciate this is getting the big Culling story on a big stage to at least make it seem important. And Inamura showing up as a surprise return was a good move, so it was fine it happened here. Inamura & Briggs reuniting is going to make for an interesting next phase, and maybe a Triple Threat of Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Vance & Jensen VS Briggs & Inamura is enough to say Briggs & Inamura can win without hurting Hank ‘n’ Tank, or even for The Culling to win because they use the Face teams against each other and no one is really hurt in power rankings.
Tony VS Stacks was very good, very gritty, but I feel like they could’ve just skipped to making it a Street Fight for something extra. And Luca’s involvement wasn’t quite what I expected. His showing up could’ve been a bit more dramatic, and I would’ve thought he’d do the cheat to make it clear he’s on Stacks’ side now. Luca is apparently trying to take a diplomatic approach by siding with Stacks without beating up Tony so as to convince Tony to peacefully accept there is a change in the family. Maybe Tony and Stacks have one more match where there is a stipulation, and then it is somehow Adriana Rizzo who is the deciding factor.
Great NXT Championship match with Myles having such a great showing, even though he was going to lose. This does show Myles is a big part of the future, but a big part of his story looks to be getting Charlie Dempsey’s respect as Dempsey is being more and more of a grumpy, jealous leader of NQCC. And then, the TNA World Championship main-eventing was surprising enough, but great stuff with Trick winning. The math said as much on Tuesday, but I still wasn’t sure they’d do it. Granted, it was “controversial” with the belt being part of it. I’m sure they’ll address it this Tuesday, and maybe even build upon it on Thursday with TNA Impact, this is going to be some wild times.
My Score: 9/10
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