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