Coverage
Mitchell’s NXT Great American Bash Results & Report! (7/12/25)
NXT in ATL!
Will The Ruler’s reign feel the Great Rush?
The summer is hot but NXT is hotter! The Great American Bash is in Hotlanta, and Oba Femi defends his NXT Championship against Yoshiki Inamura!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Jasper Troy VS Je’Von Evans; Evans wins.
- NXT Women’s North American Championship: Sol Ruca w/ Zaria VS Izzi Dame w/ Tatum Paxley; Sol wins and retains the title.
- NXT North American Championship Falls Count Anywhere Match: Ethan Page VS Ricky Saints; Ethan wins and retains the title.
- NXT Championship: Oba Femi VS Yoshiki Inamura w/ Josh Briggs; Oba wins and retains the title.
- The Fatal Influence VS Jordynne Grace & Blake Monroe; Grace & Monroe win.
PLAY BY PLAY
It’s the Great American Bash Countdown Show!
Join Megan Morant & Sam Roberts in discussing, analyzing and predicting everything that’s about to go down as NXT hits the ATL!
Let’s rewind the clock.
The very first Great American Bash was FORTY YEARS AGO, in Charlotte, North Carolina. And in 1985, a summer tradition was born. A history event by the American Dream, the patriotic celebration continued to unleash a spectacle worthy of celebrating. And tonight, in Atlanta, Georgia, the fireworks go off again. Welcome back to the midsummer classic. Welcome back to the Great American Bash!
Jasper Troy VS Je’Von Evans!
The LFG Season 1 Champion almost became NXT Champion in his first try, but he fell short against The Ruler. It seems losing doesn’t sit well with him at all, and he didn’t appreciate The Young OG trying to encourage him. Troy has made it his mission to destroy Je’Von, will he finish his mission tonight? Or will even Troy see that dat boi BOUNCY~?
The bell rings and the fans rally for the Young OG! Troy and Je’Von stare down, circle, but then Troy stands in Je’Von’s way. Troy puts Je’Von in a corner, pushes him to ropes, and CHOKES him! The ref counts, Troy lets off, and Je’Von whips. Troy blocks, and he pie faces Je’Von! The fans fire up, and Je’Von SLAPS Troy! The fans fire up, Troy pushes Je’Von to the corner, and Troy swings! Je’Von dodges to fire off haymakers! But Troy KNEES Je’Von low! The fans boo but Troy of course goes after the ribs he beat up on Tuesday. Troy TOSSES Je’Von to the apron, but Je’Von ROUNDHOUSES back! The fans fire up but Troy comes back.
Troy blocks a kick, grabs Je’Von, and THROWS him at the corner! But Je’Von goes up and over, then ROCKS Troy! Je’Von goes up, he bumps Troy off buckles, then springboards to CROSS- NO, Troy catches Je’Von! Troy pops Je’Von around, but Je’Von slips free and DROPKICKS! Troy staggers, Je’Von BOUNCY RAN- NO! Troy stops the rana! Je’Von fires hands, slips around, and has the SLEEPER! The fans fire up but Troy stays up. Troy heads for a corner but Je’Von sends him into buckles! Je’Von jumps back on for the SLEEPER! Troy goes up and out and they both fall to the floor! The fans fire up while both men rise up.
Je’Von runs in at Troy, Troy RAMS him into the apron! The ring count climbs, Troy puts Je’Von in at 5, then rolls in at 6. Je’Von KICKS Troy! Troy is just pissed! Je’Von dodges Troy, SCREW KCIKS, then runs, but Troy grabs him again! And SHOVES him up and out! The fans boo as Troy roars and Je’Von is a ragdoll! Troy goes out to clamp onto Je’Von, stand him up, and THROW him at the apron! And THROW him into railing! Troy stands on Je’Von’s bad ribs! The ref reprimands, Troy steps off, and Troy drags Je’Von up. Troy scoops Je’Von and storms up the steps! The fans boo but Troy THROWS Je’Von into the ring!
Je’Von writhes, Troy runs, and Troy SPLASHES DOWN! Troy huffs ‘n’ puffs but the fans rally for Je’Von. Troy runs again, SPLASH DOWN on Je’Von’s back! Troy clamps on with a chinlock stretch! Je’Von endures, the fans rally, but Troy lets Je’Von go to stalk him to a corner. Troy whips Je’Von corner to corner hard! Je’Von falls in a heap, Troy stalks him again, but Je’Von CHOPS! And SLAPS! The fans fire up but Troy scoops Je’Von! SLAM! Troy runs to ELBOW FLOP as Je’Von moves! The fans fire up, Je’Von bobs ‘n’ weaves to fire hands! The fans fire up, Je’Von SUPER PUNCHES! Je’Von dodges an ax handle, waistlocks, but Troy is too big!
Troy bumps Je’Von, Je’Von SUPERKICKS back! Je’Von springboards, OG- NO, Troy catches him again, and SLAMS him on the top of the corner! And he does it again! And then RIB BREAKER, into a SWINGING SLAM! The fans boo but Troy is manhandling Je’Von. The ref checks, Je’Von is able to continue, to Troy SPLASHES in the corner! Troy fires body shots, and then he THROWS Je’Von! Je’Von is a ragdoll again, but Troy steps on him! The fans boo but Troy steps off. The fans chant “Jasper Sucks! Jasper Sucks!” Troy rips at the rib tape! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Troy stops at 4.
Troy stalks Je’Von, clamps on, and has a seated abdominal stretch! Troy makes Je’Von suffer, then ELBOWS him in the ribs! Je’Von sputters, but Troy deadlifts Je’Von! Je’Von slips free and BOOTS Troy! Je’Von hurries to a corner, Troy runs up, but Je’Von dodges! Troy has Je’Von but Je’Von ELBOWS free! Je’Von SMACKS Troy, fires hands, and the fans fire up! Troy shoves Je’Von, storms up, blocks a boot but not the SUPERKICK! The fans fire up for Je’Von and he goes up, up, but the ribs hold him back! Je’Von falls, and Troy steps on him again! Troy goes up, VADER BOMB FLOPS as Je’Von moves! The fans fire up as Troy sputters!
Troy grabs Je’Von’s foot, but Je’Von kicks at him! The fans rally, Je’Von gets free, and then he kicks a leg out! Troy falls on his face! Je’Von fires haymakers on Troy, then avoids a shot to SMACK Troy! Je’Von has heavy hands and he fires off in the corner! The fans fire up but the ref counts! The ref backs Je’Von off, Je’Von SUPERKICKS Troy! And BOOTS! And then runs, but into Troy’s grip! CHOKE- NO, Je’Von slips free! Je’Von waistlocks and tries to lift! But Troy elbows him away! Troy stalks Je’Von to a corner, but Je’Von SMACKS Troy! Je’Von springboards to CROSSBODY! Down goes Troy! Cover, TWO!
Je’Von hurries to springboard, OG CUT- NO, Troy catches him! Troy shoves Je’Von, Je’Von slips under the body check! Je’Von handsprings to RED DOT KICK! Cover, TWO! Troy is still in this but so is Je’Von! Je’Von goes up, up, but Troy grabs him! SUPER CHOKE- NO, Je’Von rolls through! Troy runs up, but Je’Von ducks! Troy gets stuck on ropes, Je’Von shoves him out of the ring! Je’Von FLIES and down goes Troy! The fans fire up for “NXT! NXT!” and Je’Von returns to the ring. Troy rises before the count even begins, and he’s back in! Je’Von powers up but Troy just shakes his head! Je’Von dodges Troy, rebounds and slips around, and GERMAN SUPLEXES?!?
The fans fire up and Je’Von hurries to the corner! Je’Von FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Troy survives and Je’Von is beside himself! “This is Awesome!” as Je’Von springboards! OG- NO, Troy catches Je’Von again! CHOKE SLAM! Je’Von sputters, Troy runs up, MONSTAR TRUCK BODY CHECK! Troy ain’t done, he whips and BLACK- NO, Je’Von sunset flips and high stacks! JE’VON WINS!!!
Winner: Je’Von Evans, by pinfall
Troy is furious! But he underestimated Je’Von and that was his downfall! Will The Monstar make sure he steamrolls Je’Von from the start?
Jaida Parker speaks.
“There are some big time superstars in tomorrow night’s Evolution Battle Royal. And I’m gonna use every bit of their star power as my stepping stone to the spotlight that I want. Because baby, when it comes to making history, best believe I’ma be on point. And when that dust settles at Evolution, I’m gonna be the winner of that battle royal, go on to Clash in Paris, where everyone is going to remember one name: Jaida Parker. Clock it.”
Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo speaks.
“I’m going to put the final nail in the coffin of the D’Angelo Family this coming Tuesday. But I’ve enjoyed the ride. It’s been fun watching Tony D feel the pressure before i finish him off. But after that, it’s on to bigger and better things. I wanna make this cup THE championship in NXT. So as I was planning some strategies of destruction for Tony and Luca, it hit me. Why don’t I create a list of people I wanna embarrass enroute to becoming the top dog here? So I wrote down some people of authority, WWE Hall of Famers, fake kings, dads of famous influencers, and some guy who calls himself ‘The Situation,’ but they don’t really want one.”
The list has: “Fat Lexis King,” Santino Marella, Gregory Paul, A-Train, “Randy Orton Jr,” Koko B. Ware, Johnny Saint, and Mike The Situation. Stacks called them all, and they either said “No,” or had their phones disconnected. Except for one guy! The former champ, “Hefty” Lexis! Then that snake-bitten dummy Santino can get it. Logan may be busy, but surely his dad, Greg, is primed for an ass kicking. Then maybe some real legends, like Bird Man Koko or Johnny Saint will get one last shot at glory. And one guy, the size of a train, he’s accepted! Stacks stepped to Train in the Performance Center, and he told Train that he has the match!
Train doesn’t understand. What happened? Stacks says Train accepted the challenge online! Online? Uh, hate to break it to you, Stacks, but Train was either hacked, or that was a fake account. But keep your head on a swivel. What’s he mean by that? Wait, the Heritage Cup is missing! Stacks freaks out, is the Underboss going to learn the hard way what it means to be The Don of NXT?
Backstage interview with #ZaRuca.
Sarah Schreiber is with Sol Ruca & Zaria, and notes the amazing performance by Sol on last night’s SmackDown. And in a few moments, she defends the NXT Women’s North American Championship against The Culling’s Izzi Dame. Plus, there is the fact #ZaRuca is in the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Fatal 4 Way tomorrow night for Evolution. How are they feeling? Sol won’t lie, she’s riding high. Her SmackDown debut saw her snatch not just one but two souls. But tonight, it is tunnel vision, locked in on defending the Women’s North American Championship. Izzi is a master manipulator, and the pulse of The Culling. But she’ll get her soul snatched regardless.
Zaria starts to say her best friend, Sol, is a workhorse, but then DARK STATE takes over the broadcast! They just do that much to remind us no one is safe, and Zaria finishes saying Sol can definitely do three matches in three nights no problem. And Zaria will make sure nothing goes wrong. Especially with that little… Tatum lurking around. And after Sol retains, #ZaRuca becomes the NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. Triple Belt Sol? That’ll be sick! But time to go. Will Sol be sailing on smooth waters this weekend? Or will The Culling’s It Girl “purge” Sol from the title scene?
NXT Women’s North American Championship: Sol Ruca w/ Zaria VS Izzi Dame w/ Tatum Paxley!
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who rides a wave of momentum into Evolution!
The bell rings and then Tatum SLAPS Zaria! The fans fire up as Zaria chases Tatum! They go around the outside, the ref tries to stop them, but Izzi hits a SKY HIGH! #iDRIVE! Cover, but the ref is busy with Zaria! Tatum and Izzi shout for the ref, the ref sees the cover and finally counts, ROPEBREAK! Sol survives in part thanks to the distraction tactic Tatum put into play! Izzi is upset and she stalks Sol to the outside. Izzi puts Sol in the ring to fire off forearms in a corner! The ref counts, Izzi stops to RAM Sol, then she fireman’s carries. RUNNING FLAPJACK! Izzi kips up, the fans boo, but Tatum cheers. Izzi kicks Sol around and talks trash.
Izzi whips Sol to a corner, runs up, but Sol KNEES her away! Sol goes up, up, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Izzi flounders, Sol goes to the apron, and she PENALTY KICKS! Izzi staggers away, and Sol FLYING RANAS! The fans fire up while both women are down! Sol drags Izzi up, puts her in the ring, and gets moving to KNEE her down! Cover, TWO! Izzi survives and goes to a corner but Solo storms up on her again. Sol ROCKS Izzi, CHOPS Izzi, and repeat. Sol whips, Izzi reverses, but Sol goes up, only for Izzi to catch her! HOTSHOT! Izzi fireman’s carries, then GUT BUSTER DROPS! The fans boo while Sol sputters.
Zaria is worried but Tatum cheers Izzi on. Izzi taunts Sol, drags her up, and KNEES her low! Izzi KNEES Sol again and again, then lets her drop. The fans boo but Izzi soaks up the heat. Izzi CLUBS Sol, whips her to ropes, then kitchen sink knees! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Sol but Izzi drags her up. Izzi scoops Sol for a BACKBREAKER! Sol goes to a corner, Izzi runs in, and she SPLASHES! Izzi whips Sol to ropes, KNE- NO, Sol rolls her up! TWO! Both women stand, Izzi LARIATS Sol! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up while Izzi frowns. Izzi digs her knee into Sol’s back and bends her back with the chinlock stretch!
Sol endures, the fans rally, and Sol pries at the hold. Sol stands, she arm-drags Izzi and ELBOWS her down! Then ELBOWS her again! Sol ducks a lariat to scoop, but Izzi fights free! Izzi BOOTS Sol down! Cover, TWO! Sol survives and Izzi is beside herself! The fans rally up for Sol but Izzi stomps her around. Izzi frowns hearing the chants, pushes Sol around, and then brings her up. Sol blocks a shot to ROCK Izzi! Then she rallies with shoulder tackle after shoulder tackle! Izzi dodges to LEAPING LARIAT! The fans fire up as Izzi goes to a corner. Sol BACK BODY BLOCKS, backpacks Izzi, but Izzi shoves free!
Izzi avoids the knee, rolls Sol up, TWO! Izzi scoops, Sol slips free and SURFBOARD BACKSTABBER! Izzi flounders out of the ring, Sol goes to the apron, and Sol goes up, up, and TIGER WALL MOONSAULTS! A rough landing from that risky attack but Izzi still falls! Tatum is worried for Izzi, Zaria is worried for Sol, but Sol puts Izzi in the ring. Sol springboards, 450 LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Izzi survives but Sol puts her up top. Sol goes up, CLUBS away, but Izzi fights back! Sol goes to the very top, but Izzi SHOVES her down! And then FLYING CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Sol survives and the fans fire up!
The fans rally as Sol and Izzi rise up. Izzi drags Sol up to throw a forearm! Sol fires back! The fans cheer Sol and boo Izzi as the forearms keep going! Sol then counter punches to ROCK Izzi! Izzi ROCKS Sol! Sol kicks, CLUBS, and CHOPS Izzi! Izzi rebounds to ROCK, CHOP and KNEE in return! Izzi huffs ‘n’ puffs, but Sol EDDY GORDO KICKS! Sol runs up, Izzi BOOTS her! Izzi goes up, Sol GAMANGIRIS! Sol springboards up and out and back up, for a SUPER X-FACTOR!! Both women are down and the fans fire up! “This is Awesome!” as Izzi and Sol stir. Sol sits up first, she nods as she rises, and she brings Izzi up.
Sol fireman’s carries, but Izzi slips free to DROPKICK Sol in the back! Sol tumbles to the apron, Izzi runs up, but Sol ROUNDHOUSES! Sol goes up, but Izzi catches her to SUPER CHOKE SLAM! That was a spike from the volleyball ace, and now she hits the BACK SUPLEX CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Sol survives and Izzi is distraught! Tatum is also stressed out, but Izzi hurries to drag Sol to a drop zone. Izzi goes up, up, and leaps, but into a SUPERKICK! Sol goes up, but Izzi stops the snatching! Sol kicks Izzi away, but then Izzi CHOPS her on the back! Izzi goes up after Sol, SUPER BACK SUPLEX but Sol lands out!!
Sol wags her finger, the fans fire up, and Sol runs in! SPEAR!! She learned it from Zaria! Cover, ROPEBREAK! Did Tatum hep Izzi do that? Izzi does have long legs, but commentary confirms that was some trickery! So Zaria SPEARS Tatum!! Izzi SMACKS Sol away! Izzi runs up, Sol dodges, and she uses the ropes! SOUL SNATCHER!! Cover, Sol wins!
Winner: Sol Ruca, by pinfall (still NXT Women’s North American Champion)
Zaria tells Tatum that’s what she gets! Will Tatum learn The Culling is not the way? Can Sol & Zaria look wipe out the competition and take those WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships as their own?
Lola Vice posts on Instagram.
“Hola, it’s Lola! I just made my AAA debut, and tomorrow night, I’m gonna knock everyone out, throw them over the top rope, and dance my way to Paris when I win the Evolution Battle Royal. Tu qiuero mucho, Vice City.”
Jordynne Grace checks with Blake Monroe.
The Juggernaut spooks The Glamour a bit, but Grace asks if she’s ready. “Oh, JG, we are ready. Tonight, Fatal Influence gets a taste of the Glamour. Consider it a little appetizer before you take the NXT Women’s Championship from Jacy Jayne tomorrow.” Grace likes the sound of that. Blake knew the #MuscleMuffin would. Blake touches up Grace’s makeup, will they make this the Glamorous American Bash?
NXT North American Championship Falls Count Anywhere Match: Ethan Page VS Ricky Saints!
All Ego dared The Absolute to beat The Vanity Project to earn this shot, and guess what? He did! And in return, Saints got to dictate the terms of this rematch. Saints didn’t want to just beat Ethan, he didn’t want to just beat Ethan up, he wanted the freedom to beat Ethan up all over Atlanta if he has to! Will Saints once again be living the dream? Or will Ethan take some liberties and make Ricky regret coming back for more?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, but then Saints fires off! The fans fire up, Saints whips, but he dodges the betlt shot to SPEAR! The fans fire up but Ethan bails out! Saints pursues, BOOTS Ethan down, then drags him up to THROW him into railing! The fans fire up as Saints brings out a kendo stick! And he SMACKS Ethan! And SMACKS him again! Saints and Ethan go around the way, and Ethan DUMPS Saints over railing, and onto a trash can! The fans fire up, Ethan finally takes his jacket off, and he SMASHES the can on Saints! Ethan throws hands on Saints by the railing, and brings him up into the crowd!
The fans fire up as the action is right in front of them! Saints hits back, knocks Ethan down, then HAMMERS away on Ethan’s head! The fans fire up for Saints, he ROCKS Ethan, and they go through t he crowd to reach the other aisle. The fans fire up as Ricky knuckle locks Ethan, and goes Old School along the guardrail! Saints SMACKS Ethan, throws him around the hallway, and then they go to the back! The fans fire up as Saints stalks Ethan into the concourse, and Saints SMACKS Ethan with a trash bin! And SMACKS him with a plastic cup! But Ethan scoops Saints, and RAMS him into a pillar!
The fans boo but Ethan has the legs, BOSTON CRAB! The ref checks with Saints as he can only suffer with no ropebreaks! Ethan lets go out of frustration, kicks the trash bins around, then he drags Saints up! The fans move aside as Ethan heads for the bar! Saints slips free! And he RAMS Ethan into the pillar! Saints fires hands, Ethan wobbles, and Saints SMACKS Ethan off the bar! Saints reels Ethan in, but Ethan powers free! Ethan ROCKS Saints, then storms up, but Saints fireman’s carries! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER through the merchandise table! The fans fire up while Ethan writhes in the wreckage!
The fans cheer “NXT!” as Saints covers, TWO! Ethan survives but hard to say about what he landed on. Saints drags Ethan back to the arena, SMACKS him off a wall, and they go down the stairs to ringside. The fans cheer Saints on, he whips, but Ethan reverses! Saints hits steel steps! Ethan then flounders and looks under the ring. Ethan brings out a chair! Ethan JAMS Saints up, then throws down hands! Fans chant, “We Want Tables!” but Ethan puts the chair around Saints’ neck! Ethan RAMS Saints into the POST!! The throat is again in danger! Cover, TWO!! Saints survives and the fans are fired up! Ethan SMACKS Saints off steps!
Ethan drags Saints around the way, ROCKS him with a right, and then he brings out another chair! And another chair! Ethan puts one in the ring, takes a swing with the other, but Saints dodges! The chair smacks against railing! Ethan is disarmed, and Saints SMOKES Ethan with a fire extinguisher! Then he CLOBBERS him with it! Saints throws Ethan into more railing, and he decides to pull some apart! Saints takes that railing and SLAMS it on Ethan! Saints puts the railing in the ring, brings out another chair, and he SMACKS Ethan with it! Ethan writhes, Saints goes into the ring, and he props the railing up in a corner.
Ethan flounders against the apron, Saints pushes him down, and Saints STOMPS Ethan’s head! Ethan writhes, clutches his jaw, but Saints drags him up. Saints reels Ethan in, gut wrenches, but Ethan fights free! Ethan fireman’s carries, but Saints fights, so Ethan RAMS him into a corner! Ethan puts Saints up top and CHOPS! Ethan puts the chairs together, ROCKS Saints, then climbs up to join him, But Saints shoves Ethan away! Then FLYING BULLDOG onto the chair! Cover, TWO! Ethan survives again but Saints takes the rest of those chairs and gathers them together. And he has them back to back! Saints hauls Ethan up, but Ethan fights the lift!
Ethan BACKDROPS Saints on the chair wedge! Ethan drags Saints around, and suplexes him onto the railing! The railing bends from the impact! Ethan covers, TWO!! Saints survives again and Ethan is beside himself! The fans fire up and hope these two “Fight Forever!” Ethan puts the chairs together again, but then he SMACKS Saints on the back! Ethan has himself a chair square, then he drags Saints up. Ethan fires hands on Saints, puts him up top, throws more hands, then climbs. But Saints fights the lift! Saints fires body shots, then adjusts his position, and he BITES Ethan’s forehead! Then he slips under, POWERBOMB onto the chair square!! Saints crawls to a cover, TWO!!
The fans cannot believe it but Ethan survives! Ethan scrambles away, “This is Awesome!” as Saints pursues. The chase leads to another backstage area, and they pass by Troy who is still recovering from his loss. Saints SMACKS Ethan off the wall, but Ethan ROCKS Saints! Ethan throws Saints into a locker room, but Saints kicks back! Saints runs up, and he uses a pipe to swing and DROPKICK Ethan! They’re right next to the attire section! Saints SMACKS away on Ethan with someone’s flip-flop! Saints brings Ethan around, Ethan shoves him into Troy! Troy gets pissed, and he picks Saints up, BLACKHOLE SLAM onto a road case!
Troy then SHOVES the case and it rolls into the hall! Saints has a crash and he tumbles away. Ethan finds him and brings him back to ringside. Ethan puts Saints in the ring, has a chair, but then so does Saints! Ethan aims, but Saints dodges! Saints SMACKS in return! Saints ROCKS Ethan, Ethan falls to the ramp, and Saints pursues. But Ethan shoves Saints down, reels him in, but Saints BACKDROPS! Ethan lands on the ramp hard! Saints isn’t done, he runs up and TORNADO DDTS off the ref! Cover on the stage, TWO!! Ethan survives but Saints stalks him along the gangplank! The fans fire up as Saints brings Ethan up!
Ethan fights the lift, and he BACKDROPS Saints behind the camera crew! Ethan hauls Saints up, Canadian Rack, EGO’S EDGE off the stage and down through tables!! The fans lose their minds but Ethan covers in the wreckage, Ethan wins!!
Winner: Ethan Page, by pinfall (still NXT North American Champion)
That was an absolute demolition derby, but All Ego is the one standing tall! He grabs his belt from the ref and tells Ricky that they are DONE, NO MORE, PERIOD! If Ethan is done with Ricky, then who will be next for The Egomaniac?
Luca Crusifino speaks.
The Consigliere posted on his Twitter/X, “I’m out here clearing my head before the biggest match of my life. Tuesday night, the final battle of the D’Angelo Family, and I never thought that I would say this, but… I’m actually glad that it’s coming to an end. Because Tuesday night begins the ascent of Luca Crusifino. It is time for me to step up and not be seen as this background lawyer, but be seen as to what I came here to be seen as, as a WWE Superstar, a championship contender, a top guy. A guy who can not only carry a family, a guy that can carry this entire brand.
“And that’s not Stacks, because Stacks is so focused on his social media challenge and his little list that he’s overlooking me. And Tony D’Angelo was so blindsided and so butthurt by Stacks that he’s overlooking me. And the D’Angelo’s motto for years has been it’s all about family? No. After Tuesday night, it’s all about Luca Crusifino.” The Legal Eagle is ready to soar, will he leave The Underboss and The Don behind as he reaches new heights?
Ava Raine is in the ring.
The NXT General Manager says this weekend, the WWE continues to make history. We will of course see Evolution tomorrow, but this afternoon is no exception. On behalf of the TNA Director of Authority, Santino Marella, Ava is here to supervise the official contract signing for the TNA World Championship Triple Threat set for Slammiversary. Ladies and gentlemen, first welcome out the challengers, starting with Mike Santana! The fans cheer as the Boricuan Badass makes his way in from the crowd. Secondly, Joe Hendry! The fans sing and clap along with I Believe in Joe Hendry, and the challengers are both in the ring.
Ava says finally, the TNA World Champion, Trick Williams! The fans are a bit more torn here as #TrickNA struts his way in. Ava says she just needs the signatures to make this official. Santana says, “First and foremost, Atlanta, what’s good?” The fans cheer “TNA! TNA!” Santana says now that he got that out the way, he just has to say, he doesn’t take moments like this for granted. Being The Standard of TNA, being on a WWE PLE, this all means something to him, But what also means something to him is the TNA World Championship that Trick has taken for granted. Just another thing to boost his ego, right?
But to Santana, that represents so much more! The hustle, the grind, the dedication, and most importantly, the respect! All things Trick had once upon a time. But to keep it a buck, Santana thinks Trick’s gone soft! So next week, Slammiversary, we find out whether or not Trick Hollywood, Hollywood Trick, however it goes, is all sizzle and no steak. And as for Joe, don’t think he forgot about you. Santana respects what Joe has done, how he has repped the brand, and fans do chant, “We Believe! We Believe!” Santana says at the end of the day, he has to say this: Joe is just in the way, so they gotta throw hands.
Straight up, TNA wrestling was built off the backs of some of the very best professional wrestlers! The fans cheer that! And Santana says at Slammiversary, he WILL be the man to bring it back to the roots! Let’s get it! Santana slams his mic down, signs his name, and Joe says he respects the fact Santana wants to bring TNA back to its roots. But you know what Joe wants to do? He wants to get back to doing what he was doing, and that is taking TNA to new, unprecedented heights like only Joe Hendry can! He will not be distracted by Santana when it comes to reclaiming the title he never should’ve lost in the first place!
And as for Trick, what’s he been doing? He’s been using human shields, from High Ryze to First Class, whoever he can get to do his dirty work. But guess what? At Slammiversary, there will be no one to protect Trick! The fans cheer, and Joe says Trick is here all cozy in his house. But next week, Trick is the one caught behind enemy lines, and he will be facing a man on a mission for redemption! He will make Trick believe in Joe Hendry! Joe signs his part and the fans again chant, “WE BELIEVE! WE BELIEVE!” Trick says thanks, you all good now? They got it out their systems? For real, he wants them to enjoy the moment. He knows how big of a deal it is for them to be in NXT.
But let him help them both out with some advice. When you talk to your champion, you put some respect on the name! Not only cuz he’s him, but because they ain’t him! Trick is the one with the stroke around here! With the steak AND the sizzle! The Midas Touch! The man carrying two brands, let’s talk about it! The fans chant “Whoop Dat Trick!” Trick says this isn’t about making people believe, or making promises to your daughter. Yeah, Santana, you heard him, don’t be pointing. But this is about getting the job done. That is why Trick is the greatest TNA Champion of all time! The fans disagree by chanting for “AJ STYLES!”
Trick ignores that to say he knows Hendry is upset, and he knows Santana is upset. He got help defending his title, that’s fine. But one thing for sure and two things for certain: Trick don’t need help, and he won’t need an entourage, to whoop both they asses. It is and always will be Trick’N A! Trick signs, Ava takes the contract, and now all three men stand. Joe doesn’t let Trick leave! Joe says Trick should know that there isn’t much he and Santana agree on, but there are two things that they do: the TNA World Championship is coming home to a TNA Superstar; and Trick talks to damn much! They pinball Trick, then DOUBLE POWERBOMB Trick through the table!
The fans fire up as both Hendry and Santana stand tall! Hendry holds up the belt, but will this be what we see on Sunday, July 20th? Or will Trick use TNA against TNA to still reign? WAIT! DARK STATE IS HERE! Dion Lennox, Cutler James, Saquon Shugars & Osiris Griffin rush the ring! They brawl with Hendry & Santana 4v2! The fans boo but nothing can stop these wild dogs! Hendry is down, Santana takes the DARK STATE BOMB!! No one is safe, but can anyone survive?
Kelani Jordan speaks.
“Evolution is where the past, present and future of women’s wrestling clash, in a ring filled with 20 of the best women in the world. Former champions, hall of famers, legends, and I’ll be the Standout Superstar! It’s no secret that NXT is the underdog in the ring, but who doesn’t love an underdog story? I’ll be seeing one of those champions in Paris.” Will all of the WWE Universe see that no one does it like Lani?
Tony D’Angelo speaks.
“Ever since I stepped foot in NXT, it was all about business. Sure, did it get cruel? A little rigid? A little ruthless? Yeah. But it was business. And then it grew, and it became about family. I brought in Stacks, a kid I grew up with, a street soldier, I gave him purpose. And he became the Underboss. I brought in Rizzo, a street smart girl small in stature, but she packs a big mouth and an even bigger punch. I brought in Luca, a college educated football player with a law degree, to handle all the legalities. The D’Angelo Family became a true NXT success story.
“Fast-forward to now, and the empire I created was built on a faulty foundation of betrayal, ego, and broken trust. See, my father once told me, ‘Be careful who you call friend, because I’d rather have four quarters than 100 pennies.’ This Tuesday is gonna be the saddest day of my life. I have to destroy the family I created. Luca, Stacks, this IS the final ride of the D’Angelo Family. One last scrap. Oh, and Stacks, before I forget, I got you a little parting gift before Tuesday. And it’ll be coming in a little late.” He stole the Heritage Cup! And he TOSSES it into the river! Will Tony make sure Stacks and Luca are sleeping with the fishes after Tuesday?
Josh Briggs fires Yoshiki Inamura up.
The Bullhead Brawler tells The Great Rush, “Here we go! You’re ready! Today is the day! You go out there and become the NXT Champion by any means necessary.” Inamura says yes, he will become champion. And he’ll do it for them both. They fist bump and head out, will this be the night someone dethrones The Ruler?
NXT Championship: Oba Femi VS Yoshiki Inamura w/ Josh Briggs!
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who will bash it up!
The bell rings and the fans rally up. Inamura and Oba tie up, are in a deadlock, and then break. Oba applauds the strength, and the two tie up again. They’re in another deadlock, but Oba’s height is his leverage. Oba headlocks, Inamura powers up and out, and they RAM shoulders! Inamura falls but is right back up! Oba is a bit surprised by that, and they go again. They tie up, Inamura wrenches an arm, and he has the wristlock. Oba fights through, they double knuckle lock and go shoulder to shoulder for a Test of Strength! The fans duel, Inamura RAMS Oba, RAMS him again, but Oba RAMS him back!
Oba bends Inamura back, Inamura bridges, and then Inamura powers up! But Oba shoves him down! Inamura avoids the elbow drop, they tie up, and Oba headlocks. Inamura powers up but can’t power out as Oba holds tight! Oba has the takeover, but Inamura chinbars in return. The fans rally, Inamura moves around, and he rolls Oba to a cover, TWO! Oba grinds the headlock but the Inamura rises. The fans rally as Inamura fires body shots. Inamura RAMS Oba into a corner! Oba throws Inamura away, but Inamura comes back, only for Oba to pick him up! FALL AWAY SLAM! The fans fire up, and Inamura rises agian!
Inamura hits a sumo stance! Oba grins, and the two run up! Inamura FLAPJACKS Oba! The fans fire up, Inamura runs in again, and he SPLASHES in the corner! Inamura keeps moving, and he RUNS Oba over! Cover, ONE! Inamura ELBOW DROPS! The fans fire up with Inamura, he goes to the outside and he climbs the corner! Inamura reaches the top, but Oba bails out! Inamura hops down, and he runs up, but Oba CHOPS him down! The fans fire up and Oba stalks Inamura. Oba fireman’s carries, but Inamura fires elbows! Inamura is free and he shoves Oba back down! Oba hobbles, Inamura FLYING SHOULDER TACKLES!
The fans fire up with Inamura, including Briggs, and Inamura puts Oba in the ring. Inamura then scoops and SPNNING POWERSLAMS! Cover, TWO! Oba survives but he looks a bit dazed. Inamura huffs ‘n’ puffs, whips, but Oba reverses. Inamura goes up but gets caught! SHOULDER GUT BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Not quite a big ending, but Oba huffs and puffs and stalks Inamura to the ropes. Oba stomps away on Inamura, the ref counts, and Oba backs off. Oba steps on Inamura and flexes. The fans are torn but Oba steps off at 4. Briggs coaches Inamura but Oba drags him up. Oba clinches, KNEES low, then KNEES again!
Oba reels Inamura in, suplexes, and he hangs Inamura out to dry! Inamura flops down, Oba covers, TWO! Briggs is relieved but still a bit worried. Oba looms over Inamura, drags him up, and hits a GUT BUSTER! Inamura sputters but Oba drags him up again. Another GUT BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Inamura stays in this but Oba stays on him with a motorcycle stretch. Inamura endures, even with Oba’s knee in his back, and the fans rally up. Inamura fights up, the fans rally harder, and Inamura works to turn things around! Inamura does, but Oba spins it back! BIG BACK- CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Inamura ghost pins, TWO!!
Oba escapes in time, but Inamura runs, only to run into a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Inamura survives and Oba is beside himself! The fans fire up as both big men slowly rise. Oba has Inamura for the facelock, but Inamura fights the suplex! Oba fires a body shot! Oba tries another suplex but Inamura still fights! Inamura tries to suplex but Oba fights it! They go back and forth, and Inamura suplexes up and over! The fans fire up with Inamura again and he runs up on Oba, SUMO PALM STRIKES! Then an UPPERCUT, CHOP, and repeat! The fans fire up but the ref counts. Inamura wrenches Oba, SLAP, SLAP and CHOP!
Inamura fires boxing forearms, then the ROLLING ELBOW! Briggs and the fans are fired up as Inamura waistlocks! Deadlift GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Oba survives but the fans fire up more! “This is Awesome!” as Oba is in the drop zone and Inamura goes up! Inamura steadies himself, pumps it up, and GREAQT RUSH- NO, he has to roll through as Oba moves! Inamura comes back, Oba HURDLES him! Inamura stops from running into the ref, only for Oba to UPPERCUT him into the ref! Oba hauls Inamura up, but Briggs SMACKS Oba with the belt?!? Inamura didn’t see it, he BACKDROPS Oba away! Briggs shouts for Inamura to climb!
Inamura climbs, the fans boo, but Briggs did say by any means necessary! But wait, as Briggs cheers Inamura on, the belt is still in his hands! He is caught red handed! Inamura is upset, Briggs is sorry but it doesn’t matter if he can win! Oba hauls Inamura up! Inamura slips free, shoves him, then dodges him! RUNNING HEADBUTT!! Inamura is going to finish this his way! Inamura goes up, up, and GREAT RUSH SPLASH!!! Cover, but where’s the ref?!? Inamura would’ve won twice over by now! Briggs looks to the ref, helps him up, but he also wants to use the chains?! Inamura says stop it, Briggs! He’s doing it his way!
Briggs says look out! URENAGE!! Cover, TWO?!?! Inamura survives and even Briggs is stunned! Briggs paces and the fans again declare, “This is Awesome!” Oba and Inamura rise, and they trade forearms! Inamura huffs ‘n’ puffs and ROCKS Oba! Oba ROCKS Inamura! The fans cheer both men as the shots go back and forth! Inamura CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Oba ROCKS Inamura! Inamura rebounds to ROCK Oba! Oba ROCKS Inamura! Then POP-UP- RIDGE HAND!! Inamura reels Oba in, scoop and BOMB!! Cover, TWO?!?! Oba survives and Inamura cannot believe it! Briggs says do it! Go go go! Oba runs up, but is sent into Briggs! Roll up, TWO!!
Inamura runs, but into a FALL FROM GRACE!!! Cover, Oba wins!
Winner: Oba Femi, by pinfall (still NXT Champion)
Briggs supported Inamura, but his way of helping may have been half the problem. Oba is still undefeated in title matches, will no one ever take this throne from him?
Lash Legend speaks.
“Lash Legend, the Bougie Bully, is on Evolution. And in the City of Atlanta, which by the way, I own the keys to. With all this undeniable dominant presence, there’s no reason why I won’t throw all the other girls over the top rope and win the battle royal. In my big city, on the big show, it’s time for my big moment and be everything I know I am, which is a big star.” Will Lash’s legend become reality with Evolution?
Trick Williams talks with Ava.
She asks him what the hell was that, and he agrees! He got jumped by two guys who don’t even go here! They’re plotting against him. They know the only way to get this title back is if they work together to beat Trick. What’re we gonna do about it? Uh they aren’t doing anything, that’s not what she’s talking about. Yes, he went through the table, but then Dark State came out to go after Hendry & Santana. That’s very convenient. What’s she getting at? How many times does he have to tell her that he and Dark State have nothing to do with each other. They jumped him once, too, remember?
Well, yes, but he lived to tell the tale. And if Trick has nothing to do with Dark State, then it won’t be a problem for “y’all” to take them on in a Six Man Tag. Uh… Who is “y’all?” Trick, Hendry & Santana. Trick says aw hell nah! Trick storms out, how can he, Hendry and Santana possibly get along? But is Trick in league with Dark State? Or is that just a conspiracy theory?
Backstage interview with Oba Femi.
Sarah is with The Ruler and congratulates him on the win, but understands he has some comments on that defense. Oba says he feels very bad for Inamura, he deserves better. But despite Briggs’ involvement, the right man came out on top! Oba is still The Ruler, and he is still NXT Champion! Inamura now steps in, and he thanks Oba for the opportunity out there. Inamura is sorry about Briggs. Oba says it is alright. Inamura can get another title match soon, without Briggs- Briggs storms in! Briggs says Oba just beat a man of honor, but Oba doesn’t have honor and neither does Briggs! Oba says shut up and get out of his face.
Briggs tells Oba to shut up, they start shoving, and security hurries in! Briggs says see you on Tuesday, Oba! Will the Bullhead Brawler find a way to break through and take the title from Oba?
The Fatal Influence VS Jordynne Grace & Blake Monroe!
Just 24 hours before Jacy Jayne defends the NXT Women’s Championship against The Juggernaut at Evolution, it is a toxic tag match! Will Fallon Henley, and Jazmyn Nyx at ringside, help the Rockstar shine in the spotlight even before the big night? Or will The Glamour help her #MuscleMuffin make the Influence look like fools?
The teams sort out and Grace starts against the Toxic Cowgirl. They tie up, go around, along the ropes, and in a corner. Grace powers out but Fallon CHOPS her on the back! Fallon says yeehaw, but Grace runs up. Fallon dodges, kicks, but Grace blocks to fire fast hands! The fans fire up but the ref counts. Grace stops, and Fallon ROCKS her! Fallon goes up, reels her in, and TORNADO- NO, Grace stops the suplex to wrench and bump Fallon off buckles. Grace whips, Fallon reverse, but Grace goes up and over, then CHOPS Fallon down! The fans fire up, and Grace DOUBLE CHOPS Fallon on the back! Grace whisp, scoops, and INVERTED SLAMS Fallon!
The fans fire up and Fallon scrambles away. Jacy tags in and she runs up on Grace! Grace dodges, Jacy ducks the backhand to O’Conner Roll, TWO! Grace has it, ONE! Grace runs, sliding- NO, Jacy ghost pins! TWO, Grace has a cover, TWO! Both women stand off and Grace says it was that close. Jacy says timeout, alright?! The fans cheer for Blake, so Grace says bet. Grace tags The Glamour in and the fans fire up! Blake and Jacy circle, the fans fire up for Blake, and that just upsets The Influence. They tie up, are in a deadlock, and they go around. Jacy puts Blake on ropes, smothers her, but lets off as the ref counts.
Blake dodges the sucker punch to wrench, YANK, and YANK the arm. Blake wristlocks, Jacy rolls, handsprings, and wrenches back. Jacy YANKS the arm but the fans boo. Jacy wristlocks, Blake uses the ropes to flip through, and Blake wrenches, only for Jacy to THROW her down! Jacy SENTONS but misses! Blake SHOTGUNS Jacy to the corner! Jacy tags Fallon and Fallon runs up, body scissor takedown! Cover, TWO! Blake dodges to SHOTGUN Fallon! The fans fire up, Blake tags Grace and they snapmare Fallon. Grace scoops Blake to SLAM her onto Fallon! The fans cheer and Blake says she can do that!
Blake MONKEY FLIPS Grace onto Fallon! Cover, TWO! The fans rally, Grace bumps Fallon off buckles, and she tags Blake back in. Blake runs up, Fallon ELBOWS her and ROCKS Grace! Blake CHOPS Fallon! Blake scoops Fallon and hits the SPIN OUT SIDEWALK SLAM! Cover, TWO! Blake stares down with Jacy, and Blake fireman’s carries Fallon. Fallon slips free, waistlocks, but Blake switches. Blake O’Conner Rolls but Jacy distracts! Fallon kicks out, Blake stumbles, Jazmyn SMACKS her at the ropes! The fans boo but Fallon hits the YEEHAW FACEBUSTER! Tag to Jacy and she drags Blake up to bump her off buckles!
Jacy stomps away on Blake, shrieks at the ref that she knows the count! Jacy digs her boots in, then drags Blake to a cover, TWO! Jacy drags Blake up, bumps her off buckles, and tags Fallon. The fans chant “JACY SUCKS!” as Fallon sends her in. Blake goes up and over, then dodges Fallon, hot tag to Grace! Grace rallies on the Influence! The fans fire up as Grace then whips Jacy, but Jacy reverses to mule kick! Fallon & Jacy double whip, but Grace crisscrosses them to DOUBLE NORTHERN LIGHTS! The fans fire up again and Grace even scares Jazmyn off! Then Grace goes out to chase Fallon! Jacy is waiting and she BOOTS Grace down!
The fans boo but Jacy puts Grace in the ring. Fallon hurries to cover, TWO! The fans rally but Fallon ROCKS Grace in the corner. Tag to Jacy, the Influence DOUBLE SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Jacy ELBOWS away on Grace’s shoulder, then she clamps on a chinlock. The fans rally again as Grace endures. Grace fights up, fights around, and she JAWBREAKERS free! Grace fires forearms on Jacy and backs her down. Grace whips, Jacy reverses, and Jacy ELBOWS Grace down! Jacy rains down fists on Grace but the fans rally. Jacy sits Grace up to SUPERKICK her down! Jacy drags Grace over, tag to Fallon.
Jacy stands on Grace’s hair and pulls the arms! The ref counts, Jacy steps off at 4, but Fallon SLIDING FOREARMS! Cover, TWO! Fallon brings Grace up, bumps her off buckles, and fires forearms. Tag to Jacy, the fans rally, but Jacy stomps a mudhole. The ref counts, Fallon tags in, and she stomps a mudhole! Tag back to Jacy, she and Fallon pull Grace’s arms against the ropes! The ref counts, the Influence stops at 4, then Jacy ROCKS Grace. The fans rally for Grace but Jacy tells them all to shut up! Jacy CHOPS Grace, tags Fallon, and Fallon whips Jacy in. Grace puts Jacy on the apron, then DECKS her! Fallon runs in, Grace catches her! ROLLING DEATH VALLEY!
Both women are down and the fans fire up! Grace reaches out, hot tag to Blake! Blake runs and rallies on The Influence! SLINGBLADE after SLINGBLADE and Blake fires up! The fans are with her as she runs up on Jacy. Jacy ELBOWS Blake, goes up, but Blake gives us some STRATUSFACTION! The fans fire up as Blake goes up, up, and MISSILE DROPKICKS Jacy! Cover, TWO! Blake stays cool while Jacy goes to the apron. Blake goes after Jacy on the apron, grins as she reels Jacy in, but Jacy fights free! Jacy winds up, but Blake ROCKS Jacy first! Then Blake cartwheels, SUNSET- NO, Fallon saves Jacy!
But Grace has Fallon! Fallon fights free, but Jazmyn KICKS Blake! The ref missed that while busy with Grace! Jacy CANNONBALLS Blake! Jacy drags Blake in, tags Fallon, and the Influence whips Blake into the corner! Fallon goes up, up, and FLYING BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up but Fallon argues the count! The ref defends the count, but Fallon drags Blake up. Fallon pump handles, but Blake fights free! Fallon dodges a shot, mule kicks, then runs, but Blake avoids the scissor kick! Roll and BRIDGE, TWO! Fallon stands, Blake HEADBUTTS! Grace tags in! SPINEBUSTER on Fallon! Then a ripcord, and Blake BOOTS Fallon down!
Blake DECKS Jacy, Grace covers Fallon, TWO! Fallon survives but the fans fire up! Grace hoists Fallon up with a torture rack, but Fallon grabs ropes! Grace throws Fallon to the ramp, RAMS her, then slingshots, but into a FOREARM! Fallon storms up but into a BOOT! Grace skins the cat, but Fallon SLINGSHOT SPEARS! The fans fire up for that one while both women are down! Grace and Fallon crawl as the fans declare “This is Awesome!” Hot tags to Jacy and Blake! Blake fires forearms with Jacy back and forth! The fans cheer Blake, boo Jacy, and repeat! Jacy mule kicks, front kicks, and ENZIGIRIS!
Blake staggers, Jacy shrieks, and the fans boo. Jacy runs up, Blake dodges! Jacy gets buckles, Blake gets Jacy, GERMAN SUPLEX! Blake fires up and the fans are with her! But Fallon scurries in! The ref stops Fallon, Jazmyn sneaks up on Blake! Jazmyn SHOVES Blake down! The fans boo, but MASHA SLAMOVICH IS HERE?! Masha brawls with Jazmyn! Fallon & Jacy hit the TOXIC TANGO! Cover, GRACE BARRELS IN!! The fans fire up for “NXT! NXT!” for making this the main event! All four women go to corners, and the fans fire up as they all stand. They all run in and the brawl is on! The fans fire up, DOUBLE LARIATAS take Jacy and Blake out!
Fallon slips out of a scoop, THROWS Grace out, then swings around the corner to KICK Grace down! Blake HEADBUTTS Fallon! Jacy rolls Blake, TWO!! Blake ducks the Encore elbow! Jacy avoids the boot! Jacy SUPERKICKS Blake, O’Conner Rolls, with tights, TWO! Jacy gets an URAKEN from Grace! BUTTERFLY DDT from Blake! Cover, Glamour & Grace win!!
Winners: Jordynne Grace & Blake Monroe, by pinfall
Blake’s NXT in-ring debut, her first PLE, her first main event, and it all works out by Grace! Blake pinned the NXT Women’s Champion, will she be in line right behind Grace and Masha? Is it all falling apart for The Fatal Influence?
My Thoughts:
Truly, a great Great American Bash to start WWE’s Atlanta weekend. I had no idea this would make for the 40th anniversary of the original, so it seems a shame they didn’t do a bit more for it. I know the Centre Stage arena they went with wasn’t very big, but where were the patriotic decorations? You wouldn’t have known this was Great American Bash if not for the ropes being red, white and blue. Get some banners up, have the American flag, something to brighten the place up.
Aesthetics aside, Je’Von and Troy made for a great opener, a classic David VS Goliath battle, and how great for Je’Von to win that. Troy even has a great part to play in the North American Championship Falls Count Anywhere. I don’t think I’ve ever seen an instance of another wrestler getting involved essentially because they crossed paths with him and pissed him off. Ethan winning out was a touch surprising with how the story was going, but I think that signals Ethan VS Je’Von for the title at Heatwave, Saints VS Troy on the side.
Great Women’s North American Championship match, with Zaria and Tatum naturally being part of the action. Great win for Sol, her double reign continues, but ZaRuca isn’t winning the tag title match at Evolution given all the other dynamics on main roster. And this ZaRuca arc is going longer than I expected, so maybe we get back on a “tag team falling apart” story. Well, Tatum and Izzi probably fall apart first, but I guess we’ll see. I wonder if Izzi will now support Tatum in going after the North American title…
Very good contract signing segment for Trick, Santana and Hendry, and naturally the TNA guys put cocky Trick through that table. But I also like that Ava noticed the coincidence that might not be so coincidental. For a long time, fans have been talking, “Is there a leader to Dark State?” It would certainly be something if Trick was leading a faction, something not even Carmelo Hayes did. And while the go-home math already shows Trick retaining, Dark State being a factor would help protect Hendry and Santana. Also that Six Man Tag surely goes Dark State’s way because Trick can just ditch Hendry & Santana for Dark State to beat up.
Oba VS Inamura was awesome, but it was just as I predicted: Briggs tries to help but he costs Inamura. And Briggs doesn’t even care! He just says he and Oba have no honor and wants to fight! Chances are, Oba VS Briggs does happen, and chances are, Oba wins again. I feel like this is still leading to Briggs VS Inamura at some point but where is Brooks Jensen in all this? Anyway, great tag match main event from Fatal Influence VS Grace & Glamour, and great appearance by Masha to hype that Slammiversary match. Naturally Blake Monroe wins her first match, so this does not bode well for Grace against Jacy, which is a shame for Grace. But as I said before, maybe Masha demolishes Jacy, becomes the first-ever dual NXT & TNA Women’s Champion and has an epic match with Grace or Monroe.
My Score: 9/10
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Time to deal with some absolute egos!
Joe Hendry made it through Vengeance Day still the NXT Champion, but now he teams with Myles Borne against Ricky Saints & Ethan Page!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Jasper Troy VS Eli Knight VS Sean Legacy; Eli and Legacy win.
- Charlie Dempsey & Tavion Heights VS Lexis King & Uriah Connors w/ Birthright; Lexis & Uriah win.
- Sol Ruca VS Lainey Reid w/ The Fatal Influence; Sol wins.
- Women’s Speed Tournament Finals: Thea Hail VS Wren Sinclair; Wren wins and will challenge Fallon Henley for the title.
- Joe Hendry & Myles Borne VS Ricky Saints & Ethan Page; Ricky & Ethan win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Tatum Paxley is here!
The fans cheer the NEW NXT Women’s North American Champion as she holds up the belt and heads to the ring. Tatum puts the belt around her waist and grabs a mic to say, “I am your NEW NXT Women’s North American Champion!” The fans cheer again, and even chant, “You Deserve It!” Tatum continues by saying they don’t know how much that means to her. For the longest time, she’s felt she’s been doing this whole thing wrong. She was begging to be noticed, to be accepted, forcing friendships, all to just still feel alone. She’d play with the dolls and wonder if it was all worth it. All the self doubt, the loss, the mental battle of thinking she should be “a little less Tatum.’
But at Vengeance Day, it became very clear: Tatum didn’t win the title because of The Culling, or because someone else carried her there, or even that she got lucky. She won this title because of the fans! The fans cheer that! Every time she felt alone, every single one of the fans encouraged her to keep going. Now she wears this title around her waist, and she feels something she has been searching for her entire life, and that is the confidence that she belongs! The pain, the hurting, it was all worth it! And she’ll tell us the truth: She won the NXT Women’s Championship for The Culling; but she won the Women’s North American Championship for the fans!
Now she realized something: Tatum has never been and never will be- Interrupted by Izzi Dame… Izzi “congratulates” Tatum on beating her for the title. That must’ve been the best day of her life! But before Tatum starts acting like she knows who she is now, let’s all remind everyone who Tatum used to be. Roll tape! The fans boo as Izzi throws Tatum’s past at her. All the way from from her tryout to joining the Diamond Mine, to losing the NXT Women’s Breakout Tournament, to turning on Diamond Mine, to Level Up, to her #TuesdayAddams transformation.
The fans cheer the video genuinely, but Izzi mockingly says, “Wow! Just wow!” It is truly inspiring how Tatum finally found herself! Izzi would be touch, if it weren’t so fake! Tatum, you haven’t changed at all! You haven’t found anything! You’re just doing what you always do, and that is trying to convince everyone that she’s not just the same weirdo outcast she was when she first showed up here. The fans boo but Izzi says Tatum can stand here and hold the title, soaking in all the fake love from the fake fans, but Izzi and Tatum know what this is: Another mask! Tatum thinks beating Izzi validates her?
The fans sing the Addams Family theme song while Izzi says all Tatum’s found is she is the chameleon of NXT! How is she not tired constantly changing? It’s almost impressive! Always pretending! But sooner or later, the unlovable girl she’s hiding from will show herself again. And when she does, everyone will see what Izzi already knows: Tatum Paxley, championship or not, will forever be the girl desperately trying to fit in. Hopefully Tatum’s enjoyed the past couple of days borrowing that belt, because Izzi wants it back NOW. Tatum turns around to see Niko & Spears! Then Izzi BOOTS Tatum down!
The fans boo as Izzi POWERBOMBS Tatum down! Izzi snatches the belt off Tatum, taking being a sore loser to a new level. Will Tatum just have to beat Izzi again to finally shut her up?
Ricky Saints talks with Ethan Page backstage.
The Absolute asks All Ego just what the hecc was that on Saturday! Ethan slid the belt all the way to Hendry?! Ethan says he knows! He knew the moment it left his hand! Saints says yeah, and he saw it as it slid right by him! Now neither men have titles! They’re naked! Ethan says that visual will haunt him now. Saints says the visual they need is them both as champs! Which is what makes them so great. They don’t dwell on the past. The last two days have sucked for Saints. Oh? Well, the last two WEEKS have sucked for Ethan! Saints apologizes, and he forgives Ethan for Saturday. But guess what? Tonight, after they beat those two cornballs, it’ll look like this.
If Ethan pins Myles, then guess what? He’s back in the North American Championship scene. If Saints pins Hendry, he’ll be main-eventing Stand & Deliver! That’s a sold out crowd chanting his name, oh yes indeed! Ethan says that’s right. Every dynasty has its slump, and this is a mere blemish on their impeccable records. Saints says barely a hiccup! After tonight, they’ll be back holding hands with Miss Title Contention! Ethan sees it, Saints loves it, and now they will both be TWO-TIME champions! Say it again, TWO-TIME CHAMPIONS! But will the Absolute Egos have their way? Or will they be made to believe in Borne & Hendry?
Jasper Troy VS Eli Knight VS Sean Legacy!
The MonStar LFG Season 1 Champion is not happy he lost his Speed Championship in a Triple Threat. But since he can’t just go right after the champion, he’ll take it out on the other guy in that title match, and then Super Sean just because he’s here! Will Troy destroy two high-fliers with one match? Or will there be another win snatched away from him?
NXT returns as the Disrespectfully Athletic makes his entrance, followed by Legacy. The bell rings and Troy ROCKS Legacy! Eli jumps on Troy but Troy throws him down. Legacy jumps on but Troy RAMS him into a corner! Eli comes back, but Troy THROWS him across the way! The fans are torn but Legacy runs up. Troy scoops Legacy, fireman’s carries, but Eli jumps in! Troy catches him!? And then he shrugs Legacy off so he can gorilla press Eli! Eli wiggles free, but Troy gets him again, CHOKE SLAM onto Legacy! The fans fire up while Troy puts Legacy in a corner and fires knees! Troy then goes to Eli in the other corner and BODY BLOWS!
Troy short arm LARIATS Eli, then stalks Legacy. Troy HEADBUTTS Legacy, then steps on him in the corner! The fans rally, Troy steps off, and Troy storms up on Eli. Troy BODY BLOWS Eli again, then whips corner to corner. Troy runs up, but into a BOOT! Eli hurries to fire hands on Troy, but Troy whisp him away. Troy CLOBBERS Eli, the fans fire up, and Troy stalks Eli. Troy scoops Eli, then aims at Legacy. Eli slips free, Legacy SUPERKICSK! Eli SUPERKICKS, then they DOUBLE SUPERKICK! Troy tumbles up and out of the ring! Legacy whips Eli but Eli reverses! Eli ROCKS Legacy in a corner, then ROCKS him again!
Legacy fires shots in return, and we can see Troy drag himself up with the apron skirt. But KEANU CARVER CLOBBERS TROY! The fans are torn as the One Man Demolition Crew CHOKE SLAMS Troy through the desk! The fans go nuts, and Keanu tells Booker T this is what he meant! Keep his name out your mouths! Don’t play with Keanu! Keanu just turned this Triple Threat into a 1v1, and NXT goes to break!
NXT returns again as refs check on Troy. Legacy has Eli in a chinlock but Eli fights up. Eli arm-drags free, runs up, and he blocks a boot to CALF KICK! Then Eli goes up, up, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Legacy tumbles out, Eli goes to a corner, and Eli springboards to SUPER CROSSBODY! The fans fire up with Eli and he hurries to get Legacy in the ring. Eli goes to the corner for the TIGER WALL MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up again as Legacy survives. Eli hurries up top, and he MOONSAULTS! Legacy moves, Eli lands out, and then Eli dodges to BOOT! Eli runs up, Legacy goes up and over!
Legacy runs up, Eli dodges, but Legacy BOOTS him from the corner! Legacy QUEBRADAS into the dragon sleeper, and the SAVING GRACE! Cover, TWO! Eli survives but the fans fire up again! Troy clutches his side but he’s standing back up! “This is Awesome!” as Legacy hurries to get Eli up int the torture rack! But Eli fights free! Eli ROCKS Legacy, Legacy ROCKS Eli, and repeat! The fans rally as they go back and forth, but then Legacy gets the edge! But Eli ENZIGIRIS! Legacy UPPERCUTS! Eli falls, Legacy WRECKS Troy with a dropkick just to be sure! Legacy turns around, Eli JUMP KNEES!
Eli runs, blocks a boot, but Legacy dodges! Eli dodges back, but runs into a SPANISH FLY! The fans fire up with Legacy, but Troy is back up!? The fans are going nuts as Legacy fires hands! Troy snarls and RAMS Legacy into a corner! Then he BODIES Eli! The fans are torn, but Troy pops Legacy up, and SPINEBUSTERS him down! Then he BACKDROPS Eli onto Legacy! Troy clutches his ribs but he’s still so strong! Troy then hoists Eli up, RAMS him into Legacy at the corner, and then fireman’s carries them both!? DOUBLE SAMOAN DROP! Troy roars, rises up, and he guzels Eli! MONSTAR CHOKE SLAM! Cover, BUT LEGACY BREAKS IT!
The fans are thunderous for “NXT! NXT!” Legacy stands, but Troy runs up! Legacy ducks ‘n’ dodges, only to run into the BIG BOSS- SHOTGUN from Eli! No slam for Troy, and Legacy runs up to SLICED BREAD! Legacy hurries to a corner, he springboards to 450 SPLASH! But then Eli adds his MOONSAULT! DOUBLE COVER, AND THREE!!
Winners: Sean Legacy & Eli Knight, by pinfall
Both Eli and Sean are surprised, but them both winning is better than them both losing! They shake hands on it and celebrate together! Will this momentum send both men towards titles? As for Troy, he surely has a score to settle with Keanu now. When and where will the MonStar get his shot at the Demolition Man?
Tatum Paxley is furious!
She demands to know where that snake, Izzi, slithered off to. She asks Shiloh Hill if he saw them. He says sorry, he hasn’t seen The Culling. Tatum says she has to find Izzi before she goes. Wait, before she goes? Oh, that part he can help with. Shiloh has his tire iron, and both he and Tatum laugh maniacally as they hurry to the parking lot! Will Izzi’s car be two tired for her to get out of here?
Birthright talks backstage.
Arianna Grace says she successfully defended her TNA Knockouts World Championship last week, so now it is the boys’ turn to impress. Stacks asks Lexis King if he’s good, and Lexis says he’s just disappointed it had to come to this. Charlie Dempsey is too stubborn for his own good. Did Uriah make the call? Nope, but his dad did. And “they” are on their way. Perfect. Birthright heads out, but who could they mean by “they?”
Charlie Dempsey & Tavion Heights VS Lexis King & Uriah Connors w/ Birthright!
Despite the offer from his friends in the second-generation-superstar club, The Son of the Gentlemanly Villain is still his own man. And he chose to team with his former No Quarter Catch Crew member to make sure Birthright understands that. Will Charlie & Tavion prove they can reach new heights their way? Or will the Drama King and Chase U dropout show them it’s in their blood?
The teams sort out, Charlie starts against Uriah, and the two tie up. Uriah headlocks, Charlie slips around but Uriah wrenches and wristlocks. Uriah shifts to a full nelson but Charlie breaks that to then wrench and full nelson in return. Uriah breaks free of that, snapmares, and covers, ONE! The fans applaud as the two tie up with knuckle locks. They’re shoulder to shoulder in a Test of Strength, and Uriah bends Charlie back. Charlie fights up, but Uriah wrenches. Charlie wrenches back then whips, but Uriah leaps over the dropdown. They tie up again, and Charlie puts on the pressure. Charlie hits a straight arm suplex, then clamps onto a CATTLE MUTILATION!
Charlie moves around, then goes to a FUJIWARA, but Uriah rolls through. Charlie gets Uriah’s legs, drags him back, then tags Tavion. Charlie puts Uriah in the BOW ‘N’ ARROW, then THROWS him to Tavion for the GUT WRENCH PLEX! The fans cheer while Uriah flounders away. Tavion runs up, Uriah dodges and tags Lexis. Lexis saves Uriah from the suplex, but then Tavion snatches Lexis for a scoop SLAM! Tavion runs, Charlie tags, and Tavion rolls into jackknife, turning it into a fireman’s carry. FLAPJACK and KNEE LIFT! Charlie covers, TWO! Lexis scrambles away to the apron but Charlie grabs after him.
Lexis HOTSHOTS Charlie, then CHOPS! Lexis whips, Charlie reverses, but Uriah tags in. Lexis waistlocks, Cahrlie BOOTS Uriah away, then he drop toeholds! Tavion tries to warn Charlie but Charlie is too busy hammering Lexis! Uriah CLOBBERS Charlie! The fans boo but Uriah stomps Charlie. Uriah drags Charlie over, CHOPS him, then tags Lexis back in. Lexis snapamres Charlie to then get the leg, and he tags Uriah. Uriah slingshot SENTONS but onto knees! Charlie UP KICKS Lexis, then BACKBREAKERS Uriah! The fans rally, hot tag to Tavion! Tavion SLINGBLADES Uriah, BLASTS Lexis, and CLOBBERS Uriah!
Tavion whips Uriah to OVERHEAD BELLy2BELLY! Tavion keeps going, RUNNING BELLY2BELLY! Cover, Lexis breaks it! Charlie storms in and he TOSSES Lexis out! But Uriah BOOTS Charlie out! Tavion SPEARS Uriah out of the ring! Uriah and Tavion are down hard, but Charlie and Lexis brawl! The ref checks, Tavion gets up, and he keeps after Uriah. NQCC puts Birthright int he ring, then hug it out. The fans fire up for the boys, but wait! Is that Fit Finlay & William Regal?! And Charlie GERMAN SUPLEXES Tavion?!? The fans are going nuts, but Charlie feeds Tavion into the ring! Uriah hits Tavion with a BARE BONE KNEE STRIKE!
Tag to Lexis, and he gets Tavion up for the CORONATION!! Cover, Birthright wins!!
Winners: Lexis King & Uriah Connors, by pinfall
It seems Charlie is still his father’s son. He steps into the ring and embraces his Birthright! Will nothing stop them from taking over?
The Culling walks the halls.
Izzi feels good about how that went. Niko is sure Tatum will now spiral out of control. But then The Chair Man hears the car alarm. Someone just put their car on blocks?! And a few other cars, too… Well, as we see Shiloh Hill walking back to the door, we know who did it. But Robert Stone asks what’s going on! Shiloh says he didn’t know which car was The Culling’s, but the car alarms are too loud. Stone says get inside! They get away from the honking, and Shiloh shouts that he didn’t know which car it was. Stone is trying to figure out what and why, but Shiloh leaves the tire iron with him. The Culling complains to Stone, but will they just have to take it up with the mechanics?
Tony D’Angelo is here!
The fans cheer as the man who was once The Don goes to the ring. Tony gets a mic and says, “When I returned to NXT, I told the WWE Universe I came back for two reasons. The first mission was DarkState. Vengeance Day was the culmination of that mission. On Saturday, me and Lennox went to war.” The fans applaud that. Tony says that while he despises Dion, Dion went out on his shield. Tony left DarkState the way they left him: Beaten, empty, and searching for answers. So now, we get to reason number two as to why Tony returned. And while he was away, he considered his future. This life goes by fast but he had time to reflect.
See, Tony looked at the man in the mirror, and had to be honest with himself. There was one thing that that man could not accomplish. There was one thing that that man could not achieve. And in that moment, Tony buried that version of himself six feet under, became the man that stands before you today, the man who proved he is the toughest SOB in NXT! The fans cheer that! The second reason Tony came back… is to win the NXT Championship. The fans cheer that! Tony knows Joe Hendry is a sensation, and he has no issues. If this was a year ago, Tony would have a sit down and break bread with Hendry. But that’s not him anymore.
“Joe, if I gotta break your face, that’s what I’m gonna do. And I’d love to say this is just business, but this is personal to me. Now Joe, this is your one warning. Prepare yourself for my actions, cuz I will not be denied. Tony D’Angelo will be the next N X T Champion!” The fans like the sound of that. But with Ricky Saints also wanting his shot, will Tony have more than just the champion to deal with?
Lola Vice talks with Sol Ruca backstage.
Miami Vice says hola, and Sol says hola. Sol says congrats on the win at Vengeance Day. Lola says gracias, it felt so good knocking out Kelani Jordan. Now, how is Sol? She’s… okay. Yeah, Lola gets that there is a lot on Sol’s plate. She’s got Lainey Reid tonight, then her best friend betrayed her. But Lola knows she’s looking at the next NXT Women’s Champion. Sol says damn straight. Next week in Houston, Sol takes the title from Jacy Jayne while getting her hands on Zaria at the same time. Lola says she’ll be watching. So when Sol takes the title, know it’ll be her and Lola at Stand & Deliver. Well, a lot has to happen first.
Lola still wishes Sol luck, and Sol heads to gorilla. Will Sol make it through the Southern Bell and her toxic back-up? Or will her wave of momentum come crashing down around her?
WrenQCC talks with Myles Borne.
Kendal Grey says she and Wren Sinclair were so pumped to see Myles win the North American Championship off Ethan Page. That was amazing! Glad to see he finally had his moment. Myles thanks them, and says not to be rude, but have either of them seen his tag partner? They gotta prepare for the match tonight. Wren says she knows where they can find him! Remember that one time? Oh, yes, Kendal remembers now. Watch. Joe Hendry! “Say his name and he appears!” The fridge? Wren opens it up, but no, that’s just a cake. But then Hendry steps in and asks what they’re looking at. Hendry, why weren’t you in the fridge? Been there, done that.
Myles asks Hendry where he’s been. They gotta game plan for Ethan & Ricky! Hendry apologizes, he had some business to attend to, but he’s here now. Time to game plan! Myles wishes Wren luck for her Speed match. Wren says she’s got the need! The need for speed! Kendal, are you ready? Wait, Kendal’s stuffing her face with cake! Kendal~! What? She’s got the night off. Cheat day~! Fine, let’s just get going. Kendal says good luck, guys! So, she’s not gonna share? Will Wren become a contender in three minutes or less? Will Myles & Hendry prove they were Borne to Believe?
Sol Ruca VS Lainey Reid w/ The Fatal Influence!
NXT returns as Sol makes her entrance, joining The Fatal Influence in the ring. The bell rings and the fans rally behind Sol as she circles with Lainey. They tie up, go around the ring, and against the ropes. Sol powers up but Lainey slips around to a waistlock. Sol switches, but Lainey switches back. Lainey pries the hold open to a wrench and wristlock. Sol cartwheels, then slips under to BACKDROP Lainey! Sol has the armlock, Lainey fights up, but Sol wrenches to wristlock. Sol wrangles Lainey but Lainey endures. The fans rally as Lainey headscissors, and she holds on tight as Sol tries to kip free. Sol moves around, and headstands to then pop free!
Sol drops on Lainey for a headlock, but Lainey fights up to her feet. Lainey powers up but can’t power out as Sol holds on tight. Lainey powers up again, pries the hold open, and she turns things around to headlock Sol. Lainey snapmares but Sol cartwheels through! The fans cheer while Lainey frowns. Lainey runs up, Sol trips her up, and Sol steps on Lainey to use her as a surfboard! Then Sol STOMPS Lainey’s leg! Lainey scrambles away while the fans cheer. Jacy & Fallon fan Lainey off, then Lainey runs up to kick Sol! Lainey kicks again but Sol blocks! Lainey hops around, rolls, and trips Sol in one go!
Lainey headlocks but Sol powers up and out. Lainey RUNS Sol over, then hits a headlock and takeover! Sol rolls to a cover, ONE! Lainey holds on but Sol headscissors. Sol squeezes tight but Lainey still kips free, then DROPKICKS! Sol goes to a corner, Lainey runs up, but Sol catches her! Sol spins with Lainey for the FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Lainey scrambles to a corner, Sol runs up, and Sol MONKEY FLIPS Lainey away! Lainey ends up in the far corner, and Sol runs up again. Lainey puts Sol up top, but Sol BOOTS her! Lainey SHOVES Sol, but Sol body scissors Lainey to throw her out of the ring! The fans cheer as Sol gets back up.
Sol runs to use the corner for the MOONSAULT! Down goes Lainey and Jacy is upset, but Sol just brings Lainey up and into the ring. Sol senses Jacy creep up and she stares the champ down. But then Fallon distracts the ref! This lets Jacy anchor Sol in the ropes! Sol kicks free, only for Lainey to DOUBLE STOMP! Lainey and Fatal Influence soak up the heat while NXT goes picture in picture.
Lainey storms up to stomp Sol, then HAMMERS away! Lainey stops just to JUMP LEG DROP! Then she brings Sol up to bump her off buckles. Lainey runs corner to corner and UPPERCUTS! Then she SHINING WIZARDS! Sol flounders along the ropes but Lainey keeps on her. Lainey CHOKES Sol, stops as the ref counts, then pushes her down. The ref reprimands but Lainey steps on Sol, and DOUBLE STOMPS again! Cover, TWO! Lainey argues the count but the count was fair. Lainey reels Sol in but Sol cradle counters, TWO! Both women stand, and Sol ROCKS Lainey first! Then mule kicks! Then SMACKS Lainey again!
Sol whips, but Lainey turns backdrop into NECKBREAKER! Lainey then clamps on with a chinlock and grinds Sol down. Sol endures, fights to her feet, then JAWBREAKERS free! Sol goes to a corner, Lainey runs in, but Sol ROCKS her! And susnet flips! TWO, and Lainey grabs ropes for good measure. Both women stand, Sol blocks a superkick, but not the second SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Jacy is frustrated that Sol survives, but Lainey CLUBS Sol down. Lainey turns Sol for a Gory Especial! Sol endures as Lainey bends her back! The ref checks on Sol but she just powers up! Lainey hits a GORY BOMB! Cover, TWO!
Lainey is frustrated as Sol survives, and she stands Sol up as NXT returns to single picture. Lainey whips Sol to a corner, runs up, but Sol goes up and over. Sol then SHOTGUNS Lainey down! Sol fires forearms on Lainey, has the arms, and kicks the legs out so she can SURFBOARD STOMP Lainey into buckles! Sol runs up, but Lainey dodges! Lainey runs up, but Sol puts her on the apron! Lainey bumps Sol off buckles, KICKS low, then buckle bumps for another KICK! Lainey then steps in, FLYING STUNNER! High stack, TWO! The fans rally as Sol survives. Lainey taunts the fans before she stands over Sol.
Lainey DOUBLE- NO, Sol Electric Chair Lifts Lainey right up! And then SLAMS her down! Both women are down and the fans fire up again! Zaria is seen watching this backstage, probably hoping Sol loses. Sol and Lainey rise up, and Lainey SMACKS Sol first! But Sol SMACKS Lainey back! Lainey ROLLING ELBOWS Sol, but Sol rebounds to ROCK Lainey! Then mule kick! CLUB! Bob ‘n’ weave, UPPERCUT! Sol whips and ELBOWS Lainey down! And LARIAT! Sol whips Lainey to the corner, then SNAP GERMANS! Lainey flounders, Sol goes up, and Sol MISSILE DROPKICKS! The fans fire up as Sol kips up!
Sol aims again, runs back up, KNEE STRIKE! High stack, TWO! Lainey flounders but Sol goes to the apron. Sol springboards, but has to roll through as Lainey moves! Sol goes back, but into the BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO! Sol survives, the fans fire up, but Fatal Influence is frustrated. Lainey drags Sol up, Gory Especials, but Sol sunset flips it! TWO, and Sol hits the X-FACTOR! Lainey flounders, Sol gets her up, fireman’s carry for the swing and AIR RAID CRASH! Cover, TWO!! Lainey survives and the fans can’t believe it! Fatal Influence is relieved, but Sol whips Lainey to the corner. Lainey holds ropes to stop the German Suplex!
Lainey ELBOWS Sol, then slips around, reverse victory roll, TWO! Lainey rebounds but into the EDDY GORDO KICK! Lainey wobbles, Sol runs, but Lainey scoops! Sol slips free and TOSSES Lainey out! Lainey ROCKS Sol from the apron, then steps in, but Sol SUPERKICKS! The fans cheer “Women’s Wrestling!” as Sol goes up, up, but Lainey YANKS her down! And then the ROLLING CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Lainey takes down her kneepads, for some SOUTHERN HOSPITAL- NO, Sol dodges, then SOUL SNATCHER!! Cover, Sol wins!
Winner: Sol Ruca, by pinfall
Fatal Influence is beside themselves! Lainey gave Sol a run for her money, but it was still Sol on top! The wave of momentum is growing, will it completely wipe out Jacy and Zaria? Or will Sol be denied both revenge and reign?
Robert Stone meets with Sean Legacy, Eli Knight, and Elio LeFleur.
The (Interim) NXT GM is still getting his hearing back, but the Sky Slicer says he’d love to defend his Speed Championship against both Legacy and Eli if he could. Stone says it has already been a long night, and he also enjoyed the double pin. And yes, while it’d be great for Legacy or Knight to challenge Elio, the rules state there has to be a Speed Tournament. Elio says that takes so long, which is kinda the opposite of what the Speed Division is about. Eli says yeah, him beating Troy should mean something. Legacy says they beat Troy. Stone admits, that is true. They can get the tournament going, but we’ll have to see how it goes.
And then Vanity Project walks in. Jackson Drake says enough of the Speed title. Jumping through hoops just to get a chance? What a pain in the ass! Brad Baylor wants to talk NXT Tag Team Championships. They’re already thinking Stand & Deliver, the biggest spotlight for Stone’s brightest new stars! Ricky Smokes says, “Y’know, guys who can actually go more than three minutes.” They already cleared out the division, but surely Stone can get creative. Drake says don’t even worry about it. Their guy, Stone, will cook up something great. Laters. Vanity Project leaves, and Legacy says let’s put a pin on the Speed title for a second, because he has an idea.
Stone will consider what Elio said about the Speed Division, but yes, he likes where Legacy is going. He thinks he has an idea. Will Legacy & Knight soon swipe right on a match with the tag team champions?
Backstage interview with Blake Monroe.
Blake Howard brings up The Glamour beating Jaida Parker in the Street Fight, a huge victory. What’s next for her? Blake says Jaida brought out a godawful side of her, and learned that when you mess with the Woman From Hell, you get burned. So as for what’s next, the biggest show of the year is coming up. This will be Monroe’s first Stand & Deliver, and she’ll make it all about her in St. Louie. Howard corrects her that it’s St. Louis. Monroe says she is the conversation, she is the controversy, so what will she do? Well- Tatum turns the corner and calls to Blake. They both respond and Tatum says right, both Blake.
But then, have either Blake or Blake seen The Culling? No, and no. Okay, bye. Tatum calls out to Izzi that she’s looking for her, and Monroe says Howard needs to do something about his name. Because that, like many other things, belongs to her. Blake Monroe leaves Blake Howard speechless, but did Tatum just make herself a target?
Women’s Speed Tournament Finals: Thea Hail VS Wren Sinclair w/ Kendal Grey!
The Grown-Ass Woman stole the spotlight from Blake Monroe while the Captain of WrenQCC managed to slay Nikkita Lyons. Now both of these young and hungry superstars is looking to go right at the Toxic Cowgirl, but that means getting through each other! Who makes themselves #1 contender in three minutes or less?
NXT returns as Thea makes her entrance. The bell rings, and Thea DROPKICKS Wren down! The fans rally and duel but Thea KICKS and STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, ONE, but Thea dodges a lariat to jump on the arm! KIMURA, but Wren powers out! Wren CHOPS Thea, fireman’s carries, and ROLLING SENTONS! Wren keeps moving, and she RUNS Thea over, then BULLDOGS! Cover, TWO! The fans rally as Wren goes for arms, but Thea fights around! Thea fights up, jumps and wheelbarrows, then arm-drags! Then mule kicks! Thea runs, and ROLLING NECKBREAKERS! Cover, ONE and Wren bails out!
We hit the two minute warning orange phase, and Thea builds speed! DIVE and down goes Wren! Thea shakes out her arm, then gets Wren int he ring. The fans rally up again as Thea climbs. Thea aims and CROSSBODY FLOPS as Wren moves! Wren hurries to then roll Thea up, TWO!! Thea escapes, and has the KIMURA!! Wren flails, reaches out, and rolls through! Wren gets the FINAL WRENCH!! Thea flails, fights, but she QUITS!! WREN WINS!
Winner: Wren Sinclair, by submission (NEW #1 Contender to the WWE Women’s Speed Championship)
With 62 seconds to spare, Wren seals the deal! The Texas girl gets to do it up big in Houston, but will she dethrone the Toxic Cowgirl? Or will even the Speed Division be stuck under the Influence?
Robert Stone meets with the NXT Tag Division.
Suit Man Stone thanks everyone for being here, and he knows that we are officially in Stand & Deliver Season. After talking with Vanity Project earlier, it got him thinking. This division is deep, this division is hungry, so Stone is going to put together a tag team tournament! The winners get their shot at Vanity Project at Stand & Deliver! Everyone except Swipe Right likes that! What do they look like to him? Oh, so they don’t want to be at Stand & Deliver? That’s not what they’re saying! Yeah, that’s what Stone thought. So now, to the teams in the tournament: the new team of Legacy & Knight; The Culling; Birthright; Hank ‘n’ Tank; OTM; DarkState.
Shugars says no, DarkState ain’t doing no tournament! They want their rematch and they want it now! But then OTM storms up on DarkState, and they start throwing hands! The other teams get in there to break this up, but clearly it’s about to pop off! Who survives the tournament to then have their shot in St. Louis?
Backstage interview with Fatal Influence.
Blake Howard is now with Jacy, Fallon, and Lainey, and brings up the title defenses next week in Houston. How are they handling these targets on their back this close to Stand & Deliver? Jacy says wow, she never thought she’d miss Sarah Schreiber, but here we are. And she doesn’t need Blake Howard reminding her that she has to deal with both Sol and Zaria next week. If she wants to walk into Stand & Deliver as champion, then she has to make the impossible happen. And he watches the product, right? Then he should know that this is perhaps the most unpredictable WrestleMania season ever!
How many new champions have been crowned lately? Penta, Cody Rhodes, Lash & Nia, AJ Lee! The odds are stacked against Jacy. Howard brings up Tatum beating Izzi, and Jacy can’t even. Fallon, you talk to him. Fallon is pretty sure he’ll bring up Wren Sinclair now, right? Everyone’s favorite little underdog, a leader of two people. Big deal. All Fallon has to do is win within five minutes. Oh, look, here they are! Wren steps in and says considering she beat Lyons and Thea in under three, she’ll have no problem beating Fallon in five. Kendal is also confident in that. And if we’re talking numbers, Fatal Influence is definitely losing one of their titles next week.
Oh, and Jacy, if you get past Sol and Zaria to make it to Stand & Deliver as she so desperately wants, just know Kendal will be the one she defends that title against. Lainey says enough. They don’t have time for this. Time to go. Fatal Influence leaves, WrenQCC is ready to bring the fight to them, but who will get to Stand & Deliver?
The Culling heads out.
Niko & Spears are ready to go for those tag titles, but then Tatum CLOBBERS Izzi! They start brawling, Izzi RAMS Tatum into the garage door, but The Culling and security separate these two! Stone sees this and shouts that this is enough! If they wanna get their hands on each other, fine! The rematch for the Women’s North American Championship is gonna happen in Houston! And in a STEEL CAGE!! Tatum loves that idea! Will she get to rip into Izzi without anyone getting in her way?
Backstage interview with Robert Stone.
Blake Howard catches up with Stone and says this is a huge night for NXT in Houston now. Stone says he’s even got stars from Raw & SmackDown texting him about it. Remember that this is Stone’s first road show for NXT, and he wants to make it special. Well, adding Tatum VS Izzi in a Steel Cage is huge, and Stone says yes, it has to end somehow with these two. Plus, the other two title matches, the NXT Women’s Championship Triple Threat, and the Women’s Speed Championship. Then there’s the tag tournament, and we’re starting in Houston! Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Birthright. The tournament culminates on March 31st as NXT returns to NYC, winners going on to Stand & Deliver.
And also, and he hasn’t said anything yet, but… OTM AND DarkState are now OUT of the tournament. Between Vengeance and what happened just now in his office, it cannot keep happening. Vanity Project walks back in and Brad appreciates having all this time off. Smokes says he’s even gotten some invites to parties in Houston, so- Stone says don’t party too hard. W-Why? Because in Houston, they will be in Six Man Tag action against LOS AMERICANOS! What?! Yeah, sorry, gotta go. Man, Stone used to be cool! Stone promises that the Houston fans are gonna love this, but he’ll let Vic Joseph break this next bit of news!
Vic Joseph indeed takes up the mic to say this is big. Next week, NXT is live in Houston, the hometown of Booker T. And Vic doesn’t wanna let the cat out of the bag, but this duo was only meant to be a duo for three months. A lot of people didn’t know that, and this is three YEARS! So it is Vic’s honor to say that next Tuesday, it will be BOOKER T APPRECIATION NIGHT! All hail King Bookah~! The fans cheer that! Booker asks, why did they wait to say this? But between celebrating Booker T’s career both in the ring and at the desk and all those title matches, will NXT in Houston be the biggest episode ever?
Joe Hendry & Myles Borne VS Ricky Saints & Ethan Page!
Even after their big victories the last couple of weeks, The NXT Champion and the North American Champion are teaming up against their common enemies! Will Hendry & Borne prove they aren’t champions out of dumb luck? Or will these Absolute Egos earn themselves golden tickets to championship rematches?
NXT returns as Myles makes his entrance, followed by Joe Hendry. The teams sort out and Hendry starts against Saints. They tie up, Saints headlocks for the takeover, but Hendry headscissors. Saints kips free, but turns around into a tie up, and then Hendry headlocks for the takeover. Saints headscissors, Hendry kips free, and TURNS! The fans cheer, but Saints hits low! Saints ROCKS and whips, but Hendry reverses, blows past, and CLOBBERS Saints! The fans cheer, but Ethan runs up! Hendry HIP TOSSES Ethan, then he HIP TOSSES Saints! Hendry drags Saints up, tags Myles in, and they coordinate, for the DROPKICK SUPLEX COMBO!
The fans cheer as Myles waits on Saints, then scoops, for the FALL AWY SIDE EFFECT! Cover, TWO! Saints survives Myles pulling out a new move, but Myles fireman’s carries. Saints fights free, waistlocks, but Myles switches. Saints RAMS Myles into a corner, then runs up, but into a BOOT! Myles ducks Ethan’s cheap shot, DECKS him for it, but Saints ROCKS Myles! Saints hits a BIG back suplex, then he tags Ethan. They stomp Myles, then Ethan rains down fists. Ethan drags Myles up to suplex, but Myles fights it! Myles fires body shots, then ANARCHY SUPLEXES! Cover, TWO! Myles keeps on Ethan, but Ethan RAMS him into the corner!
Ethan RAMS Myles again and again, then stops as the ref counts 4. Ethan drags Myles up, but Myles fires body shots! And he ELBOWS Saints! Myles ROCKS Ethan, ROCKS Saints, repeat! The fans fire up as Myles UPPERCUTS then runs, but into a BOOT! The fans boo Ethan but he tells Saints to go get the belts! Saints grabs a belt, slides it in, but way out of the ring! Ethan is incredulous, and Saints says he is so, so sorry. Ethan says this wasn’t that hard, he’s right here! Saints apologizes, and NXT goes picture in picture.
Saints tries to explain himself to commentary, but Myles snatches Ethan into a cradle! TWO, and Ethan drags Myles from Hendry! ELBOW DROP! Ethan tags Saints, they stomp Myles down at the ropes, but step off as the ref counts. Saints drags Myles up to put through the ropes, and then CHOKE! The ref counts, Saints stops at 4, then taunts Hendry. Saints UPPERCUTS Myles down, then brings him back up. Saints tags Ethan back in, they mug Myles, and Ethan stays between Myles and Hendry. Ethan brings Myles around to suplex, but Myles slips free to roll Ethan up! TWO, and Ethan anchors Myles’ leg!
Ethan drags Myles back, tags Saints in, and Saints ELBOW DROPS Myles on the back of his head! Cover, TWO! Saints drags Myles up to wrench, then he goes up the corner. Saints tightrope walks, and he gives Myles the Old School AX HANDLE! Myles sputters, Ethan smiles, and Saints strikes his pose. Saints storms up on Myles but Myles fires body shots. Myles whips, Saints reverses, and Saints SPINEBUSTERS! Then he gator rolls Myles to tag in Ethan. Ethan steps in and ELBOW DROPS on Myles’ chest! Ethan scoop SLAMS Myles, tags Saints, and Saints goes up the ropes to SPLASH! Cover, TWO!
Myles survives, but Saints keeps Myles down with a chinlock. Myles endures, fights up, and NXT returns to single picture. Myles fires body shots but Saints KNEES low. Saints puts Myles in the corner, CHOPS, then tags Ethan. Ethan kicks Myles down, then he and Saints double whip. Myles reverses to send Saints & Ethan into each other! Myles DECKS Saints, but Ethan whips Myles to the corner. Ethan runs up, but Myles dodges the splash! Myles crawls, reaches out, but Saints YANKS Hendry down! The fans boo but Saints THROWS Hendry into barriers! Ethan SPLASHES Myles in the corner!
The fans are riled up as Ethan whips Myles corner to corner and SPLASHES again! Tag to Saints, then Ethan puts Myles up top. Saints joins in, and they DOUBLE ICONOCLASM! Then they YANK Myles up, ASSISTED TORNADO DDT! Cover, Hendry CLOBBERS Ethan onto it! The fans fire up, but Ethan TOSSES Hendry! Hendry lands safe on the apron, ROCKS Ethan, then steps in, only for Ethan to give him a CONFIDENCE BREAKER! Saints then SHOTGUNS Hendry down! The fans boo but Absolute Egos are on the same page now. Saints puts Myles up top, but Myles fires hands! Myles and Saints trade shots, then Myles ROCKS Saints!
Ethan runs up, Myles ROCKS him! Saints SMACKS Myles! Saints then runs side to side, tags Ethan, and he goes right up to get Myles! SUPER DUPER PLEX for the Power! Ethan adds a DIVING BODY PRESS for the Glory! Cover, TWO!! Myles survives and shocks Ethan! Ethan stomps Myles but the fans rally, “WE BELIEVE!” Ethan RIPCORDS Myles up, but Myles fights the slam to a REVERSE DDT! Myles crawls, reaches out, and this time, hot tags to Hendry and Saints! The fans fire up as Hendry rallies on Ethan & Saints! Then he kicks Ethan, spins him, and NECKBREAKER! Then he scoops Saints for the FALL AWAY SLAM!
Hendry kips up, and he dodges Ethan to scoop him! Pop up to the fireman’s carry, and the ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT! Saints runs up, Hendry dodges, ANGLE SLAM! Hendry busts out all the hits! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Hendry as hard as they can, and he starts up the stomp stomp clap! But Ethan anchors Hendry! Hendry kicks free, he dodges Saints, but DOUBLE LARIATS take both men down! The fans rally up again, and now Saints wants Ethan to get a belt! Not this again! Ethan slides the belt to Saints properly this time, but the ref spots that! Saints swings, but the ref stops him! The fans fire up as Hendry then rolls Saints up, TWO!!
Saints runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and Ethan tags in before the SPEAR!! Saints hoists Hendry up, Ethan steps in, and only now does Saints realize Ethan tagged in! The fans rally as Myles is back! DROPKICK on Saints! Ethan just goes for Hendry, TWISTED GRIN on the gold!! Cover, ETHAN & SAINTS WIN!!
Winners: Ricky Saints & Ethan Page, by pinfall
Myles is furious, but Ethan rubs it in with his cocky grin. Saints says Ethan’s a genius! But using Saints’ logic earlier, if Ethan pinned THE NXT Champion, who’s really becoming the TWO-TIME NXT Champion?
My Thoughts:
A great NXT that basically acted as a go-home to the BIG Houston episode next week. Very good promo from Tatum given her title win, but naturally even she was annoyed with Izzi coming back for another match. Shiloh Hill doing more car shenanigans was great, and adding Tatum VS Izzi to next week is great stuff. I’m not usually one for Steel Cage matches, because you can just feel The Culling interfering on Izzi’s behalf and Shiloh countering. I would hope Tatum keeps the title, it’d be disappointing for her reign to only be 10 days. Very good promo from Blake Monroe with Blake Howard, clever way of pointing out the same names. And yeah, I would think Monroe wants that North American title back and will challenge Tatum at Stand & Deliver.
Great match from Sol VS Lainey, and I’m pleased Zaria let it play out. Great win for Sol, but still unclear if the Triple Threat will help Jacy win or give her a protected loss. Great Speed match from Wren VS Thea, and great win for Wren. I feel bad for Thea, especially since she is dealing with awful “fans” being, well, just awful to her on social media. Thea has been doing great work since day one, she deserves something good, and maybe she’ll finally reach the top of NXT after Stand & Deliver. As for Wren, great promo from her and Kendal with Myles and Hendry, and then a really good promo with Fatal Influence. And yeah, if any title changes, it might be Wren taking the Speed title from Fallon.
Awesome Triple Threat from Troy, Legacy, and Eli, even with Keanu Carver getting involved. Troy definitely looks like a monster coming back from that table spot and almost winning the match. Eli and Legacy both winning that match was really clever stuff, and a great excuse to make them a team for this “impromptu” tag tournament. Although, it just makes me wonder where the Dusty Cup went… And I like that we got six teams announced at first, only for OTM and DarkState to take themselves out because of their behavior. OTM VS DarkState can still happen as a grudge match, and the four teams will all have great matches on the road to what was going to be Roadblock.
Great development with Birthright. Fit Finlay & William Regal showing up and signaling Charlie Dempsey’s turn was a nice surprise. Now Birthright has the right number of people for a “golden prophecy.” Lexis King could make himself the top title guy, Stacks as the midcard guy, and then Charlie & Uriah as the tag team. Very good promo from Tony D, but duh, he was going to call his shot at the NXT Championship. Very good promo from Ethan & Ricky, especially with Ricky pointing out the usual rule of “pin a champ, get a title match.” Great tag team main event, especially with the blatantly bad pass from Ricky to Ethan. Ethan winning on Hendry was not only a surprise, but it was a great way to show Ethan wants THE title back.
My Score: 8.9/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Who the War Dragons survive round two?
The New Japan Cup is gaining speed, but only the best will gain any ground! Tonight is Shingo Takagi VS Don Fale, Yuya Uemura VS Drilla Moloney, whose time has come?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Aaron Wolf & Masatora Yasuda VS OSKAR & Yuto-Ice; Oskar & Yuto win.
- 10 Man Tag: Bishamon, Boltin Oleg, Toru Yano & Tatsuya Matsumoto VS The United Empire; The Empire wins.
- Hartley Jackson & Kosei Fujita VS Callum Newman & Zane Jay; Hartley & Fujita win.
- Six Man Tag: Hontai VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
- Yota Tsuji & Daiki Nagai VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa; ZSJ & Oiwa win.
- 2026 New Japan Cup Second Round: Shingo Takagi VS Don Fale; Takagi wins and advances.
- 2026 New Japan Cup Second Round: Yuya Uemura VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney; Yuya wins and advances.
PLAY BY PLAY
2026 New Japan Cup Second Round: Shingo Takagi VS Don Fale w/ Dick Togo!
The Rampaging Dragon is no stranger to the House of Torture, from feuding with them in Los Ingobernables de Japon and now the Unbound Company. And now, he faces the Rogue General who indeed had the House backing him just last round. Will Fale have another stacked deck here tonight? Or will it not matter when Takagi’s time has come?
No attack during the entrance or introductions, so there’s that. The bell rings and the fans rally up for “TA-KA-GI! TA-KA-GI!” Fale and Takagi step up, stare down, and Takagi shoves Fale. Fale shoves back, so Takagi fires forearms, and a CHOP! Fale DECKS Takagi! Takagi gets up and RAMS Fale! Fale stays put so Takagi runs and RAMS him again! And again! Takagi fires up, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and he RAMS Fale! Fale stumbles into the ref, then out of the ring! The fans cheer, but Yoshinobu Kanemaru rushes in! Takagi dodges the bottle shot, then blocks the next! Takagi kick slow, takes the whiskey, and takes a swig! But Fale BODY BLOWS the whiskey out of him!
The fans boo but Fale CLUBS Takagi down! Fale then drags Takagi up, just to TOSS him out! Fale distracts the ref so that Kanemaru can whip Takagi into railing! Takagi writhes and the fans boo, but Kanemaru gets away with that. Takagi staggers away into the crowd, and Fale wants the ring count. The count begins, but Takagi walks back to ringside at 8, rolling in at 9 of 20. But Fale CLUBS him down, then stands on Takagi! The ref counts, Fale steps off at 4, then he stalks Takagi. Takagi headbutts the buckles to fire up, then he ROCKS and KNEES and HEADBUTTS! The fans fire up as Takagi calls his shot!
Takagi goes to scoop, he gets Fale up, but falls under Fale’s weight! Fale covers, TWO! The fans rally for Takagi while he sputters. Fale stalks Takagi to the ropes, stomps him, then stands on him again! The ref counts again, so Fale steps off at 4. Fale argues with the ref, then drags Takagi up. Fale BODY BLOWS, and BODY BLOWS again! Takagi falls over, but Fale turns him over. Fale stands on Takagi’s back, using him as a surfboard! Then Fale covers, TWO! The fans rally behind Takagi has Takagi toughs it out. Fale brings Takagi up again, but Takagi KNEES low! And KNEES again! And again! Takagi goes for the scoop but Fale CLUBS him!
Fale scoops, but Takagi fights free! Takagi runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then RAMS Fale! Fale rebounds but into a kick! Takagi reels Fale in, but Fale BACKDROPS free! Takagi sunset flips, but Fale stays up! Fale HIP DROPS but flops as Takagi dodges! SLIDING PUMPING BOMBER! Both men are down but the fans fire up! Takagi rises up, and the fans join in with the “OI! OI! OI!” Takagi runs in and LARIATS Fale at the corner! The fans cheer and Takagi JABS, JABS, JABS! Takagi winds up to ROCK Fale! The fans cheer again, and Takagi goes up to ELEVATED DDT! Cover, TWO! Fale survives but the fans still rally for Takagi.
Takagi gets the fans fired up, then he looks to the cameras. “TOKI GA KITA!” The fans cheer and Takagi vows to lift Fale! Takagi reels Fale in, but Fale fights with body shots! Fale whips Takagi to a corner, runs up, and SPLASHES! Then he snapmares Takagi for the SPLASH DOWN! Cover, TWO! Takagi survives and the fans cheer! Fale frowns but he calls his own shot. Fale waits on Takagi to stand up, and he guzels! Then the GRE- NO! Takagi breaks free, ducks the hand, to JAB! HEADBUTT! And then facelock! Fale is still really big, but TAKAGI SUPLEXES HIM! The fans are thunderous as Takagi manages the impossible!
Takagi then runs, PUMPING BOMBER!! Cover, KANEMARU YANKS THE REF OUT! The fans boo but now Dick Togo slithers into the ring! Takagi shouts at Kanemaru, but turns around into the POCKET SAND! The fans boo again but Dick & Kanemaru mug Takagi! They choke him in the corner, then they set him up for Fale to SPLASH! Takagi falls, but Fale & Kanemaru set him up! DICK CHOP! The fans boo while Takagi writhes, but Dick puts the ref back in the ring. Fale runs to ELBOW DROP! But Gedo gets off commentary to argue with the ref! Fale’s cover goes uncounted! The fans cheer Gedo, but Fale storms over!
Gedo hides behind the ref while Kanemaru takes a swig. Dick stands Takagi up, but Takagi ducks the WHISKEY MIST! Kanemaru sprays Dick instead! JAB! YUKON LARIAT! Down goes Kanemaru, but now Takagi takes a swig! The fans cheer as Takagi gives Fale a DRAGON WHISKEY MIST! Takagi then BLINDSIDE PUMPING, and runs to PUMPING BOMBER TAKEDOWN!! Cover, TAKAGI WINS!
Winner: Shingo Takagi, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
The Blacksmith applauds as justice is served! Takagi tastes the bitter whiskey, but also sweet victory. He definitely prefers the latter, but will he continue the climb to the top?
2026 New Japan Cup Second Round: Yuya Uemura VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney!
The Heat Storm vowed last round that he would light that fire in NJPW as the shining sun leading the way, and winning the Cup would solidify that. But will Yuya still have the hot hand? Or will he be shot down by 44 Caliber?
The bell rings and the fans cheer as the two circle. Drilla and Yuya tie up, are in a deadlock, but Yuya wrenches to wristlock. Drilla spins to wrench in return, only for Yuya to roll and wrench right back. Drilla rolls, breaks the grip, then wrenches to wristlock. Yuya reaches out but Drilla keeps him from ropes. Yuya rolls, wrenches, hammerlocks, headlocks, spins to hammerlock, then he snapmares Drilla down for the armlock! The fans cheer the technical display. Drilla stands but Yuya wrenches again. Drilla rolls, rolls back, handsprings, then breaks free! The fans applaud that technical display, too.
Drilla and Yuya reset, and Drilla calls for the knuckle lock. Yuya obliges and they lock up. They feel out the other knuckle lock, then go shoulder to shoulder for a Test of Strength! The fans rally as Drilla powers up and bends Yuya back! Yuya bridges to stay up, but Drilla hops on! Yuya is still up, so Drilla jumps on! Again, Yuya stays up! Drilla tries again but Yuya uses that to get up and kick free! Yuya arm-drags, Drilla headscissors, but Yuya kips free. Drilla headlocks for the takeover, and he fights off the headscissors! The fans cheer while Drilla grinds Yuya down. Yuya keeps his arms up, but Drilla squeezes tighter.
Yuya fights to his feet and pries the hold open, only for Drilla to clamp it on tighter. Yuya fires body shots, powers up and out, then arm-drags! And arm-drags! Then he dodges a lariat, to arm-drag again! The fans cheer the exchange as Yuya again has the armlock. Drilla endures the top wristlock as he moves around, but Yuya puts on the pressure. Drilla rises, Yuya wrenches, but Drilla works on the escape. Yuya grinds the arm but Drilla goes to the ropes. Red Shoes calls the break, but Yuya whips Drilla. Drilla reverses, Yuya handsprings, but Drilla RUNS him over! The fans cheer as things keep moving, and Yuya arm-drags again!
Yuya has the armlock again, and the fans rally as Drilla fights it. Yuya fights off headscissors while putting pressure on the double wristlock. They stand, Drilal lifts Yuya, and Drilla puts him in the corner. Red Shoes calls the ropebreak, Drilla backs off, only to RAM Yuya low! Drilla then whips corner to corner, but Yuya goes up and over. Drilla fakes out the arm-drag! And he KICKS Yuya in the back! The fans cheer as Yuya gets right up. The two go face to face, then forearm for forearm! Yuya fires a forearm, KNEE, and CHOP, then runs, but Drilla hurdles! Drilla drops down, but Yuya avoids the dropkick! Drilla still CHOPS Yuya!
Drilla CHOPS Yuya to the corner, CHOPS him again, and the fans rally up. Drilla whips corner to corner but Yuya reverses. Drilla goes up and out, then he DUMPS Yuya to the floor! The fans fire up as Drilla builds speed, and he WRECKS Yuya with the dropkick! Yuya hits railing then slumps down while the fans cheer. Drilla drags Yuya up, brings him around, and whips him hard into railing! The fans rally while Yuya slumps back. Drilla brings Yuya around to put in the ring, and the fans rally behind him. Drilla storms in and brings Yuya up. Yuya breaks free to CHOP! Drilla slips around, ripcords, but Yuya blocks the chop!
Yuya swings, but into a clinch! IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! A shoutout to The Rebel with that one and the fans rally up. Drilla stalks Yuya, KICKS him in the back, then brings him up. Drilla shoves Yuya into a corner, RAMS him in the back, then RAMS him again! And again! Drilla reels Yuya into a BIG back suplex! The fans cheer while Yuya writhes. Drilla looms over Yuya, and drags him into a chinlock, digging his knee into Yuya’s back. Yuya endures, fights forward, and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer as Drilla lets Yuya go. Drilla looms over Yuya again, stands him up, but Yuya ROCKS him! Yuya fires another shot, but Drilla kicks low!
Drilla scoops Yuya for a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Drilla clamps right onto an arm, traps it, and then has Yuya’s legs! MODIFIED TEXAS CLOVERHOLD! The fans rally as Yuya endures! Yuya crawls with his one arm, reaches out, and he has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Drilla lets go. Drilla drags Yuya up, SLAPS him on the back, and eggs him on! Yuya stands, and he fires a forearm! And another forearm! And another! But Drilla CHOPS him back! Yuya sputters, Drilla whips, but Yuya reverses for the FLYING ARM-DRAG! Then a DROPKICK! The fans rally up again while both men are down!
Yuya and Drilla rise up, and Drilla goes to a corner. Yuya storms up and CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Drilla shoves Yuya back, but Yuya comes back to DOUBLE CHOP, DOUBLE CHOP, and DOUBLE CHOP! Yuya whips corner to corner, runs in, and CHOPS again! The fans cheer as Yuya fires up, and he reels Drilla in for the SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Drilla stays in this but Yuya stays focused. The fans rally again as Yuya waistlocks. Yuya goes to full nelson but Drilla breaks free and arm-drags! Then he RAMS Yuya in the corner! Fireman’s carry, tuck, and RUNNING AIR RAID CRASH! Cover, TWO!
The fans cheer as Yuya survives, but Drilla shakes it off. Drilla goes to the apron while the fans rally up, and Drilla climbs the corner. Drilla aims for a MACHO ELBOW FLOP! Yuya gets the arm for the ARMBAR! Drilla clasps hands to fight it off, but Yuya shifts to ARMBAR the other arm! Drilla keeps his hands clasped, so Yuya sits up and twists for the double wristlock! The fans rally as Drilla still endures, and he kicks his way around. But Yuya rolls to throw Drilla to center! Then Yuya cording holds, but Drilla fights the suplex! JAWBREAKER! ENZIGIRI! Both men are down again and the fans rally back up!
Drilla and Yuya stir while the fans duel. Drilla headbutts the buckles a la Takagi, then runs in, but into a RANA! And then DOUBLE WRISTLOCK! The fans rally again as Drilla fights the hold! Drilla rises up, then fireman’s carries! Yuya slips free, Drilla ELBOWS him, but Yuya blocks a superkick! Yuya swings, but Drilla ducks to then fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY BOMB! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Drilla clutches the elbow and shakes out the bad arm while the fans rally. Yuya rolls over while Drilla rises up. Drilla brings Yuya up to his feet, then puts him on the top rope. Drilla CHOPS Yuya before he climbs up to join him.
The fans rally as Drilla goes to the very top, but Yuya fires body shots! Yuya then HEADBUTTS Drilla down! Yuya fires up as he rises, to CROSSBODY FLOP! Drilla avoids the High Fly Attack to then GORE! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up as Yuya survives! Drilla huffs ‘n’ puffs as he rises up again, and he brings Yuya up, only for the bad arm to hurt. Drilla puts Yuya in the drop zone and goes up top. The fans rally again for the MACHO ELBOW! Direct hit this time, and Drilla is fired up! The fans are with him as he goes back to Yuya and vows to end it. Drilla drags Yuya up, but the bad arm limits his lifting!
The fans rally as Drilla still tries, but Yuya resists. Drilla KNEES Yuya, then brings him around to Canadian Rack! But Yuya fights free! And he backslides Drilla, TWO! Drilla swings, but into the full nelson! Drilla breaks free, but Yuya GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO! ARMBAR!! The fans fire up as Drilla is caught! Yuya breaks the grip to PULL on the arm! Drilla scrambles, fights to stack Yuya, ONE as Yuya keeps the arm up! TRIANGLE HOLD! Drilla endures again, but he seems to be fading! Red Shoes checks on Drilla, and he revives to fight around again! Drilla deadlifts Yuya for the fireman’s carry!
But then Drilla pops Yuya around to a shoulder rack, Canadian Rack, and DRILLA- NO! Yuya lands out to run and SUPERMAN CLUTCH!! TWO!! Drilla survives that shoutout to Colt Cabana, and he POP-UP POWERBOMBS! The fans fire up again while both men are down! Drilla fires up, the fans rally, and Drilla drags Yuya back up! Drilla hauls Yuya up, Canadian Racks, but Yuya slips free again! Cording hold! Cording hold! But Drilla fights the suplex! Drilla HEADBUTTS, but runs into an ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Yuya pulls on the arm but Drilla clasps his hands! The fans rally as the two struggle, and Drilla stacks Yuya! TWO!
Both men stand, and Drilla BOOTS! Yuya DOUBLE CHOPS! Yuya takes another swing, but Drilla ducks to ripcord and CHOP! But Yuya roars! Drilla SUPERKICKS! Yuya PELES! Then DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Drilla slumps over but that still saves him! Yuya roars and the fans are thunderous! Yuya goes up the corner, takes aim, and HIGH FLY- DROPKICK!! The anti-air hits and the fans fire up again! Drilla snarls, builds speed, and GORES!! But Drilla isn’t done there! He hauls Yuya back up, Canadian Rack, and DRILLA KILLA!! Cover, BUT YUYA ROLLS IT BACK! YUYA WINS!!!
Winner: Yuya Uemura, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
Yuya quite truly won by the seat of his pants, snatching victory from the jaws of this War Dragon! What will it take for Drilla to have that breakthrough to the next level?
As for Yuya, he’s very tired, but he still grabs the mic while resting on the mat. The fans cheer as Yuya manages to sit up. “To be honest, I thought today would be a no-go, but this is the soul of NJPW!” The fans cheer that! Yuya says the reason he was able to win today was because the fans supported him, and that gave him the energy! Thank you very much! The fans cheer again while Yuya stands back up, if just for a moment. Yuya asks if the fans love NJPW, and the fans cheer because they do. Yuya says if you like NJPW, come watch as the Spring’s hottest star, Yuya Uemura, becomes the strongest of all time!
The fans cheer again, and Yuya says he’ll speak for everyone’s hearts! Wait, did the mic go out? Oops. Yuya makes sure the mic is on as he repeats himself that he’ll speak for everyone’s hearts, and that he’ll continue to heat up this New Japan Cup! YOSHA! The fans cheer as Yuya falls back! Yuya gets another win, but will he keep it up all the way to the finals?
My Thoughts:
A great start to the second round, but I’m a little surprised we didn’t get more than two tournament matches. Takagi VS Fale was very good, even with the usual House of Torture overbooking. Gedo helping turn things around was great, too. Then awesome main event from Yuya VS Drilla. That sudden ending was a great move, they really made it seem like Drilla was going to win. But Yuya pulling it out was great, it builds his story of becoming the “sun,” aka the face of NJPW. He’s definitely proving himself worthy of being a top star in this generation, can’t wait to see how far he goes.
My Score: 8.9/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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Bandwagon Nerds #329: BWN is WAR
Bandwagon Nerds is WAR!
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (3/10/26)
Do you believe?
Mitchell’s NJPW New Japan Cup Results & Report! (3/10/26)
The second round begins!
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (3/9/26)
Run the gauntlet!
Mitchell’s NJPW New Japan Cup Results & Report! (3/8/26)
Will the Cup get high?
30 Mindless Minutes: UFOs and UAPs with Dave
Take your mind off things, for 30 minutes.
Mitchell’s AEW Collision Results & Report! (3/7/26)
A hot Collision in Arizona!
Mitchell’s WWE Vengeance Day Results & Report! (3/7/26)
Vengeance and violence!
Mindless Wrestling Podcast: Elimination Chamber Was VERY Evil!
Join DJ, Rob and Jason every week as they give their "Mindless" takes on Pro Wrestling and much, much more!
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (3/6/26)
Cody VS Drew, One More Time!
Mitchell’s NJPW Anniversary Show Results & Report! (3/6/26)
NJPW turns 54!
