Who will head for Evolution?

WWE Evolution returns this Sunday, and a battle royal waits! Who will General Manager Ava announce as NXT’s participants?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Vanity Gauntlet Match: Ricky Saints VS The Vanity Project; Saints wins and will challenge for the NXT North American Championship at the Great American Bash.
• No Quarter Catch Crew Stakes: Charlie Dempsey VS Tavion Heights; Dempsey wins and keeps Tavion in the NQCC.
• Joe Hendry & Mike Santana VS Tyriek Igwe & Tyson Dupont w/ Wes Lee; Hendry & Santana win.
• Lainey Reid VS Kelani Jordan; Kelani wins.
• NXT Tag Team Championships: Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Shawn Spears & Niko Vance; Hank ‘n’ Tank win and retain the titles.

PLAY BY PLAY

Vanity Gauntlet Match: Ricky Starks VS The Vanity Project!

The Absolute wants one more shot at All Ego for the North American Championship, but he’s willing to earn it. However, he’ll have to evolve before our eyes by getting through Brad Baylor, Ricky Smokes & the WWE Evolve Champion, Jackson Drake! Can he do it? Or will Ethan Page’s new pals help him cross off his most hated rival?

The fans rally behind Saints while Ethan joins commentary to watch this. Brad starts for Vanity Project, and he waistlocks. Brad CLUBS Saints, fires forearm sand UPPERCUTS, but Saints turns things around to COHP! Brad turns things around, but Saints turns it back around for a CHOP! Brad goes to another corner, Saints bumps him off buckles! Saints UPPERCUTS Brad, ROCKS him, but Brad hits back! Brad whips, Saints reverse, but Brad turns that back around to send Saints to a corner! Brad shouts, “Swipe Right!” but he runs into a BOOT! Saints goes up and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Then a scoop and BACKBREAKER!

The fans fire up with Saints and he stalks Brad to ropes. Brad wants help but this isn’t a tag match! Saints drags Brad back but Brad kicks him away. Saints comes back, Brad wrenches and throat chops! Brad reels Saints in for a suplex and GHOST BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Saints survives but Brad is right on him! Brad CLUBS Saints again and again, then shouts, “Swipe Right!” Brad stalks Saints, has him in a corner, and Brad stomps a mudhole in. Brad ROCKS Saints, CLUBS him, but Saints ROCKS Brad! And ROCKS him again! Brad blocks a kick to kick and BUTTERFLY ANARCHY! Cover, TWO!

The fans chant “Swipe Left! Swipe Left!” Brad snarls, drags Saints up, and snapmares to run and KNEE DROP, but he misses as Saints moves! Saints CHOPS Brad, ROCKS him, then fires more hands. Saints whips, LARIATS Brad, then LARIATS again! Saints waits for Brad to get up so he can BACKDROP! The fans fire up and Saints runs in for an ELBOW! Saints says, “This is MY house!” The fans cheer, Saints dodges Brad to hit a TORNADO DDT! High stack, Saints ELIMINATES Brad! Jackson asks Ethan who goes next, and Ethan sends Smokes! The fans rally for Saints but Smokes fires forearms! Smokes GAMANGIRIS Saints, then fireman’s carries!

Saints fires elbows to slip free! Smokes feints a chop to reel Saints in, snap suplex! The fans chant “Let’s Go, Ricky!” “Ricky Sucks!” Smokes covers, TWO! The fans boo Smokes while NXT goes picture in picture.

Smokes huffs ‘n’ puffs, then he sits Saints up to KNEE him in the back! Smokes pushes Saints down for a KNEE DROP! Smokes pushes Saints down to a cover, ONE! Smokes clamps onto Saints with a chinlock and grinds him down. Saints endures, fights up, and he JAWBREAKERS! Then snap suplexes! Cover, TWO! Smokes stays in this but Saints stays on him. But Smokes fires body shots! Smokes ROCKS Saints, whips him to ropes, but Saints reverses. Smokes reveres back, but Saints BOOTS him! Saints storms up, but Smokes DUMPS him to the apron! Saints ROCKS Smokes, reels him in, and SUPLEXES HIM TO THE FLOOR!

Vanity Project freaks out while Saints puts Smokes back in the ring. But Smokes distracts the ref so that Drake can RAM Saints into barriers! Drake gets away with it, and Saints drags himself into the ring. Smokes stomps away on Saints, puts him in a corner, and stomps him more. The ref backs Smokes off, but Smokes stands Saints up. Saints fires hands, backs Smokes down, but Smokes fires a body shot! Smokes stomps Saints again, then whips corner to corner hard! Saints falls back, but Smokes covers, TWO! Smokes is annoyed but he drags Saints up to fireman’s carry. The fans rally as NXT returns to single picture.

Smokes hits USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO! Saints is still in this and the fans rally up. Smokes drags Saints up, CLUBS away on Saints’ neck, but the fans still chant “Swipe Left!” Smokes traps Saints’ arm, winds up, but Saints ducks the lariat! Saints shoves Smokes, scoops and URENAGES! The fans fire up as Saints LARIATS, whips, then OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY SUPLEXES! The fans fire up as Smokes staggers, into a REVERSE DDT! Cover, TWO! Smokes survives but Ethan seethes. Ethan tells Saints to keep his eyes off him and on his opponent. Smokes runs up, Saints puts Smokes in the ropes! Saints then has Smokes dangling off the ropes!

Smokes slips free, rolls Saints up, TWO! Smokes swings, misses, but dodges Saints, only to run into an atomic drop and deep jackknife! SAINTS ELIMINATES SMOKES! Fans cheer the superior Ricky, and now it’s all down to The Carolina Reaper. Drake slides into the ring, talks a lot of trash, but Saints resets with him. They fire forearms, Saints ROCKS Drake, Drake shots body shots, but Saints ROCKS him again! Drake kicks Saints, pushes him into the corner, and stomps a mudhole! The fans rally for Saints and he CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Drake SOBATS, snapmares, then he KICKS Saints in the back! Cover, TWO!

Saints toughs it out but Drake keeps on him with an ANKLE LOCK! Then Drake ties the legs up, stomps Saints again and again, and Ethan loves it as Drake pulls Saints into the BOW ‘N’ ARROW! Saints pries at the grip and pops free of the hold! Drake CLUBS Saints, whips, but Saints reverses. Drake dropkicks the legs out! Drake kips up and BUZZSAWS! Drake then fireman’s carries for a GUT BUSTER DROP!! Cover, TWO!! Saints survives and the fans fire up again! Drake aims from a corner, runs up, but Saints stops the superkick! Saints spins Drake, fireman’s carries, and hits a FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!!

The fans fire up as Drake survives, and Saints hauls Drake up to hit a back suplex! Drake lands out and ENZIGIRIS! Drake aims from a corner, runs in, UNALIV- NO, Saints dodges! Drake hobbles up, Saints runs in, but Drake goes up and over! Drake then SUPERKICKS Saints down! Drake goes out, goes up, and he springboards to SWANTON BOMB but onto Saints’ knees! LARIAT!! Saints reels Drake in, Canadian Rack, ROSHAMBEAUX!! Cover, Saints wins!

Winner: Ricky Saints, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT North American Championship)

It was a hard fought gauntlet, but that was an Absolute victory! Saints grabs a mic to tell Ethan, “The ball’s in my court! This Saturday, Great American Bash, for the North American Championship, I’m gonna dog walk your ass all over Atlanta!” The fans like the sound of that! Saints says the best match he knows how, it will be FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE! Ethan is furious but the match is made! Will either man make it back to Orlando after tearing it down in Atlanta?

#ZaRuca, Lola Vice & Kelani Jordan talk backstage.

They’re all excited by the news of Sol Ruca & Zaria going to Evolution to be part of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Fatal 4 Way. Sol says she will handle Izzi Dame on Saturday to retain her NXT Women’s North American Championship, and then ZaRuca will get that tag gold! Lainey Reid walks in and asks if Sol will even have anything left for Sunday. If not for her friend, Zaria, Sol might not even have lost to Izzi. Sol keeps Zaria back, but Lainey says this is what happens when you mess with Tatum Paxley and her business. Kelani Jordan says Lainey is the last one to talk about getting into someone else’s business. And really, she’s been doing that a lot lately.

Lola says Lainey just got here, she’s overstepping. Kelani says yeah, Lainey should worry more about Thea Hail. Oh, please! Thea’s no big deal. Sol says she and Zaria are just going to go, they have to worry about their matches this weekend. Good luck to any and all who are in the Evolution Battle Royal. Lainey says yes, she should be in that match, because she is the future of this division. Kelani asks what she has even done. Lainey says she has no problem showing her. Then do it! Lainey says fine, and heads out. But will the Southern Belle get her bell rung when she takes on the Standout?

Jordynne Grace works out in the gym.

And while she’s watching her phone count down for her planking, Blake Monroe calls! Grace sits up to answer, and she asks where Blake even is, they’re supposed to be training. Blake says oh, she’ll take a guess and say Grace is in the gym, in a black sports bra, black leggings, and even trainers. Uh, yeah… But wait, where is Blake then? She sent her driver, and it is time for a Glamour Workout. Um, Grace can’t lift an SUV. No, no, the driver is there to pick Grace up. They’ll do nails, hair, maybe even a massage! Grace will learn what she has been missing! And Atlanta won’t know what hit them when The Glamournauts-

Grace stops Blake there. She’ll come if she stops saying what she’s saying. Blake says JG is so funny. See you soon~! The phone call ends, Grace hops in the SUV, and it takes her to a boutique! Grace already doesn’t like the look of it, but will this “workout” work out for them?

No Quarter Catch Crew Stakes: Charlie Dempsey VS Tavion Heights!

Myles Borne beat the team captain and got his “graduation” from the NQCC, and finally Dempsey gives that same deal to Tavion. But will Dempsey really keep Tavion down? Or is this just the beginning of Tavion reaching new heights in NXT?

The bell rings, the two circle, and they tie up. Dempsey hits the headlock takeover, Tavion powers out, then he hits a throw of his own! The two reset, tie up, and Dempsey arm-drags! Tavion is up, he arm-drags in return, and he runs up on Dempsey. They tie up, Dempsey UPPERCUTS Tavion out of the ring, then goes out after him. Dempsey UPPERCUTS while Wren Sinclair does her best to coach both sides. Dempsey stands Tavion up and puts him in the ring. Tavion DROPKICKS Dempsey outta the ring! Tavion goes out after Dempsey, CLUBS him, then throws him into the ring. Tavion brings Dempsey up but Dempsey shoves him away.

The two go again, Dempsey cravats for the neck wrench, but the fans rally as Tavion endures. Dempsey rolls with Tavion, rolls again, and then CRAVAT PLEXES! Cover, ONE, but Dempsey keeps the hold on tight. Tavion scoops Dempsey to SLAM him! Dempsey tumbles away, comes back, but Tavion arm-drags! Tavion has the armlock and grinds Dempsey down! Dempsey fights up, the fans rally, and Dempsey UPPERCUTS! Dempsey SNATCHES the face brace! Tavion asks what the heck, but Dempsey SLAPS him! Tavion is furious and he TACKLEDS Dempsey! The fans fire up as Tavion rains down fists!

Tavion hauls Dempsey up, whips him and LARIATS! The fans fire up and Tavion goes out after Dempsey. Both men run up, both men DECK the other! The NQCC is down and NXT goes to break!

NXT returns, Dempsey KNEES Tavion low then chicken wings! Tavion fights off the crossface portion, then scoops Dempsey and SLINGSHOT GUT WRENCH SLAMS him! The fans fire up for Tavion and he rises up! Tavion hits a HIP LOCK THROW, then another! Then and OVERHEAD SUPLEX! The fans fire up and Tavion waits on Dempsey. Dempsey kicks but Tavion blocks! Tavion clinches but Dempsey fights, they tumble out to the floor again! The fans fire up and Wren is worried, but both men stand. Tavion blocks a slap to SLAP Dempsey! Dempsey tumbles, Tavion drags Dempsey up the steps, but Dempsey trips Tavion!

Tavion gets his leg stuck between steps and post and Dempsey hurries back up! Dempsey STOMPS away on Tavion’s leg! The fans boo, the ref counts, and Wren freaks out, but Dempsey stops so he can refresh the ring count. Dempsey goes out to drag Tavion up and into the ring. Dempsey grabs the bad leg and turns Tavion for a HALF CRAB! Dempsey pulls that leg back! Tavion endures, reaches out, and he claws his way forward! But Dempsey drags him back! Dempsey STOMPS the bad leg! Then he steps over, HEEL HOOK! Tavion endures, reaches out, and he fights his way forward again! Dempsey drags him back again!

Dempsey KNEES Tavion int he back, then has a modified STF! Tavion endures, but he shakes his head. Wren has a towel, and she throws it in?!? Dempsey wins!

Winner: Charlie Dempsey, by submission (Tavion stays in NQCC)

Tavion didn’t give up, but Wren couldn’t stand to watch him suffer. Tavion is stuck under Dempsey’s thumb, how much worse can it get?

Hank ‘n’ Tank talk backstage.

Walker & Ledger are fired up for this title match tonight! They’re gonna be like Joey Chestnut going after a plate of glizzies! Tonight, they send The Culling back to the boiler room they crawled out of, because there won’t be any sneak attacks, no chair shots, no- LEXIS KING, stop it!! The Drama King keeps tugging at the garage door chain, but Tank says there will only be a head-on collision waiting for Spears & Vance! Je’Von Evans walks over and is fired up for the blue collar belly bandits! The Culling tried to put them out, just like Jasper Troy did to him, but guess what? Je’Von got his lick back! So tonight, Hank ‘n’ Tank get theirs!

Je’Von says he needs to see that, uh, RAH RAH RAH! They all swivel hips, but TROY CLOBBERS JE’VON! And right into the garage door! Did Lexis set this up for Troy!? Hank ‘n’ Tank try to get Troy off of Je’Von but Troy just RAMS the Young OG again! Will Troy make sure Je’Von never bounces again?

Joe Hendry & Mike Santana VS Tyriek Igwe & Tyson Dupont w/ Wes Lee!

It’s not just TNA VS NXT here, it is two men who want to clear out the pawns protecting Trick Williams. Will the Prestigious One and the Proud Boricuan make us all believers just 12 days from Slammiversary? Or will they fail to get over the High Ryze?

The teams sort out and Hendry starts against Igwe. They circle, tie up, and Igwe wrenches to wristlock. Igwe RAMS shoulders, but Hendry rolls, kips up, and wrenches back. Hendry hits a headlock takeover but Igwe headscissors. Hendry kips free and the fans continue to sing the song. Hendry and Igwe back off and tag in Santana and Dupont. They circle, Santana rolls but Dupont stays clear. They tie up, Dupont RAMS Santana into the corner! Dupont RAMS Santana again and again, tags Igwe, then sends Igwe in. Santana BOOTS Igwe, goes up and over Dupont, then SHOTGUNS Igwe! Santana kips up and the fans fire up!

Dupont runs up, Santana dodges, and Hendry scoops! Hendry shows off that strength as he FALL AWAY SLAMS Dupont! Hendry kips up, the fans fire up, and Hendry TURNS! Santana points to Hendry and nods while NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Dupont runs up on Hendry, only for Hendry to roll him up! ONE, but Hendry wrangles Dupont to another cover, TWO! Dupont UPPERCUTS Hendry down! Cover, TWO! Hendry stays in this but Dupont stays on him. Dupont drags Hendry over, tags Igwe, and Igwe runs to SOMERSAULT SENTON! Then Dupont adds a SPLASH DOWN! Igwe sets up while Dupont BLASTS Santana! STANDING MOONSAULT from Igwe! Cover, TWO! Hendry toughs it out but Igwe clamps on with a facelock. Igwe grinds Hendry, Hendry fights up, and Hendry powers up, only for Igwe to add body scissors!

Igwe grinds Hendry down to the mat, the fans rally up, and Hendry powers his way back to his feet! Hendry suplexes high and hard! Both men are down and the fans rally up! Hot tags to Dupont and Santana! Santana rallies on Dupont & Igwe, then fires a flurry of haymakers on Dupont! Santana whips, Dupont reverses, but Santana blocks Igwe’s boot! Igwe BOOTS Santana away after all, but Santana uses that to roll and STUNNER for Dupont! Igwe runs up, Santana fireman’s carries for the FACEBUSTER! The fans fire up and Santana FLIES out onto Dupont! Not the cleanest but it was enough! The fans fire up more as Santana puts Dupont in. Cover, Igwe breaks it!

Hendry storms in and throws hands with Igwe! Igwe ROCKS Hendry, runs up, but Hendry DUMPS him out! Hendry then builds speed and HIGH JUMPS! Down goes Igwe! Santana has Dupont, but Dupont ducks the lariat to full nelson and- ARM-DRAG! Santana sends Dupont away, then dodges a lariat to hit the SIDE EFFECT! The fans fire up and Santana goes up! But Wes distracts from the apron! Trick Williams RAMS Hendry into the steel steps! The fans boo, Santana still leaps, but he goes over Dupont so he can somersault and SHORYUKEN Wes! The fans fire up, and then Santana dodges Dupont to SPIN THE BLOCK!! Cover, Santana & Hendry win!

Winners: Joe Hendry & Mike Santana, by pinfall

Santana scores, but then a TRICK KICK hits! Trick talks trash, but Hendry is back up! Hendry fires haymakers on Trick! But Wes SUPERKICKS Trick down! Igwe & Dupont get up, now all of High Ryze mugs the TNA wrestlers! The fans boo but Dupont & Igwe set Hendry up for the TRICK SHOT! Will Hendry and Santana even make it to Saturday and the contract signing for this world championship Triple Threat?

Dark State speaks.

Dion Lennox says, “Ey, y’all thought ‘Ain’t nobody safe’ was just a catchphrase? Man, hell naw! That’s what we live by! Any place, any time, and that includes TNA! Matt Cardona found out real quick what happens when them lights go out!” Saquon Shugar says, “Yeah, we scheming on TNA, but that ain’t the only thing we be scheming on. We got our hands in erry cookie jar. So TNA, we gonna see y’all real soon. But don’t think it’s sweet over here on this side either.” Cutler James says, “We should take a real close look at that tag title match tonight. Yeah, I just don’t hope Hank ‘n’ Tank are feeling a little better after that ‘mysterious attack’ the other week.”

Osiris Griffin says, “Man, these people think they know everything, don’t they, huh, Cutty? I mean, they say the eyes don’t lie, right? I mean, that may be so. But don’t think for a second they can’t be lied to. Seeing is believing, but the truth? Well, that’s just an illusion.” Dion says everybody better keep their head on a swivel! No one knows when, where, or how Dark State is gonna strike. But what everyone does know is that when Dark State strikes, ain’t nobody safe. Then just who will end up their next victims?

Yoshiki Inamura & Josh Briggs are here!

The NEW #1 Contender to the NXT Championship and his best pal are here, both excited for what’s coming this Saturday at Great American Bash. Even Inamura’s peers over at Pro-Wrestling NOAH are excited, having put their support behind him. Inamura grabs a mic, and here comes Oba Femi! The Ruler is ready to have a final face-to-face with Inamura before their match. Inamura starts by saying Oba wanted to see if Inamura was worthy, if he had grit. Inamura beat Jasper Troy just like he beat Trick Williams. Oba will be Inamura’s greatest challenge! But Inamura is ready! The fans applaud that!

Inamura says the people support him, Briggs supports him, his friends and family in Japan support him. And now, Inamura must make them all proud! The fans cheer, and Inamura says at the Great American Bash, he will fight with honor. And Inamura will become the NEW NXT Champion! The fans cheer that, too! Oba grins and says, “Oh no, oh no…! At least you have the support of the fans and your family and your friends, like Josh. So maybe they will be the ones to pick up the pieces when I beat you. Because you talk about honor, fighting for honor. Well, this Saturday, why don’t you ask yourself, can you lose with honor?

“Because when it is all said and done, my friend, the truth will prevail: You are not worthy of taking this title from me.” The fans cheer, but now Briggs speaks up? “Inamura is being polite, but brother, did you see what he did to Jasper Troy last week? C’mon! Let’s be real here! He beat him easier than Oba did! He’s gonna do the same exact thing that he did to Jasper to The Ruler~!” The fans boo, but Briggs says what Inamura is too honorable to say is… At The Great American Bash, Inamura’s gonna beat Oba’s ass! Look, look, Inamura is a man of honor, but brother, Briggs is not. He is not done talking, either!

Briggs is not a man of honor but of mayhem, and he promises to do everything in his power to make sure his friend leaves as NXT Champion, because this is their only chance! Oba tells Briggs this is not his fight. Yoshiki should tell his friend to get out of Oba’s face before he breaks Briggs’. Inamura does talk Briggs down, but then Briggs pushes past to throw hands with Oba! The fans fire up, Oba ROCKS Briggs, ROCKS Inamura, but Briggs jumps back in! The hands keep going, and then Oba LARIATS Briggs up and out! Inamura ROCKS Oba! And scoops him for a SLAM! The refs rush out here but Inamura stands down.

The fans want to “Let Them Fight! Let Them Fight!” but Inamura gives way to his honorable nature. Inamura is willing to wait for Saturday, but will he be the one to dethrone The Ruler?

The “Glamour Workout” continues.

Grace is not feeling this spa-boutique stuff, so she’s gonna just Uber back to the Performance Center. No, no, hold on, “Muscle Muffin.” Blake knows Grace trains her body all the time. It is time to treat her! And in a way, this is training: recovery, self-care, and glamour. Just please try. Grace gives in, and montage time! Blake says time for ropes and slippers, Grace says no, but she again gives in. Well, she does make one adjustment: she RIPS the sleeves away! Way to make it your own! Hopefully that doesn’t cost extra… They get manicures, massages, but the masseuse isn’t even strong enough for Grace to feel it through all those muscles.

Blake says Grace is like a stray dog in a Dior store. Grace has to understand muscles and “me time” can coexist. Now, face back in the hole. They also get make-up down, and that much Grace enjoys. They also soak their feet. Grace says she still doesn’t feel this is her vibe. Blake says it is! Grace has to see that her self-esteem is something she can lift. And she has to lift it up high to be a champion. They’ve gotta get that title off Jacy Jayne one way or another. Grace sighs, and admits she’s been chasing the title for awhile. And she admits, she likes the pampering. See? One day with The Glamour, and Grace looks more like a champ!

Grace says Blake isn’t so bad herself. But isn’t this kinda what she always looks like? Sure, but she’s also having fun. Okay, okay, first: They beat Fatal Influence at Great American Bash. Second: Grace beats Jacy at Evolution. And… thanks for this. Grace relaxes and Blake is happy to have helped. Will this spa day be just the thing to energize the Juggernaut into steamrolling the Toxic Rockstar?

Lainey Reid VS Kelani Jordan!

The Southern Sensation may be the new girl, but her attitude has already skyrocketed up the ranks past The Standout’s new edge. Will Lainey just keep on adding to her ego with another win? Or will she learn that no one does it like Lani?

NXT returns and Lainey makes her entrance. The bell rings and Reid takes a swing! Lani dodges, then trips Reid up to cover, ONE! Reid handsprings over and takes a curtsey. But Lani arm-drags her down! Reid headscissors, Lani kips free, but Reid trips her up! Cover, ONE as Lani goes Matrix! Lani wags her finger, does a curtsey, but Reid runs up! Lani dodges, drops down with the splits, then MONKEY FLIPS! Reid flounders, Lani DROPKICKS her and Reid tumbles out of the ring! Lani aims, PLANCHA, but Reid moves! Lani lands safe on the apron, avoids a leg sweep, then kicks, but Reid blocks to DRAGON SCREW!

Reid SLAMS Lani’s leg on the apron, SLAMS it again, then pushes it against the ropes! The ref reprimands, Reid storms in and drops a KNEE on Lani! Reid traps Lani’s leg in the ropes, YANKS the arms, and Lani writhes. The fans duel while Reid steps over. Lani kicks and kicks, but Reid spins through. Lani counters with a cradle, TWO! Both women stand, and Lani BODY SHOTS! And BODY SHOTS! Then she ROCKS Reid with a forearm! Reid dodges the next shot to SPINEBUSTER! High stack, TWO! HALF CRAB! The fans rally as Reid pulls on the leg and Lani endures! Lani reaches out but Reid drags her back!

Lani SCORPION KICKS from below! Reid stays up, Lani kicks more, but Reid blocks to have the FULL BOSTON CRAB! Lani endures, reaches out, claws at the mat, and she powers up to FLING Reid into a corner! Reid slumps down while Lani shakes her leg. Reid storms up but into more body shots! Lani blocks a lariat to ROCK Reid, ROCK her again, and again! Lani whips, LARIATS, and then LARIATS again! Lani DROPKICKS, rolls back, and runs up to handspring and BACK ELBOW! Then she kips up! The fans fire up as Lani fights through the pain! Lani fireman’s carries Reid, but Reid fights free!

Lani powers up to fireman’s carry Reid again! WASTELAND SLAM, then SPLIT-LEG- NO, Reid catches Lani’s leg! Lani KICKS free, adjusts, but Reid GAMANGIRIS! Reid goes up, goes to the very top, but Lani fights with body shots! The fans rally as the two fight for control! Reid rains down elbows, but Lani fires them in return! Lani DECKS Reid, adjusts, and JUMPS into the SPLIT-LEG MOONSAULT! Cover, Lani wins!

Winner: Kelani Jordan, by pinfall

Now that was one of a kind! But will this help the inaugural NXT Women’s North American Champion have a spot in the Evolution Battle Royal? WHOA, Thea Hail goes right after Reid! The fans fire up as Thea and Reid brawl their way up the ram! HEADBUTT from Thea! Thea keeps after Reid and Kelani says she told Reid to watch out. Will Thea make sure Reid learns a lesson or two for the summer?

Je’Von is in the medical center.

The trainer checks the Young OG out, and he’s very sore from what Troy did to him. But then Troy LEAPS onto Je’Von again! There is no mercy from the big man, and it takes half a dozen security guards to drag him away! Will nothing short of breaking Je’Von in half satisfy Troy’s anger?

The former D’Angelo Family meets backstage.

Tony D arrives first, followed by Luca Crusifino. Channing Lorenzo walks in, Heritage Cup in hand, but before anything pops off, Adriana Rizzo appears! And she tells everyone to sit down. They do as told, and Luca asks Rizzo what this is about. Rizzo says, “What? Did you think I was gonna stay in hiding forever? Tucked away, watching while Rome burns?” Stacks says it was definitely burning with how Tony was leading. Rizzo says she called this “final sit down.” And she knew if she told any of them what it was about, none of them would show up. Tony says that’s not wrong.

Rizzo says while she was in the safehouse, she watched all three of them lose focus on what this family has accomplished here in NXT. Tony, Stacks, you two created a legacy. You brought in Rizzo and Luca. They had so many great memories in the restaurant, as well as taking people to “the bridge,” “the woodshop,” but also winning championships, and being a family. And they destroyed it all! Tony says Rizzo should take it easy. But Rizzo brings up how she and Tony talked in Vegas, about sitting down with everyone to resolve this. But Tony didn’t wanna do that. Now look at everything!

Luca asks Rizzo if she thinks talking will really bring this family back together. She did. But there’s no saving this, is there? So there is one last piece of family business. And what’s that? Before she gets into it, she has to say this: Stacks, you were Underboss for a long time, and feel you deserve better; Luca, every time you signed a document as Consigliere, you wondered if Tony had everyone’s best interests at heart; and even if there was a point to saving all this, The Don will always wonder if someone is gonna stab him in the back. “Once trust is broken, doubt creeps in, and it just doesn’t work.”

If Rizzo left these three to it, it’d never end. So she did what she had to do, and she talked to Ava. They now have a Triple Threat next week. This is the WWE, so she can’t guarantee if their paths will ever cross again. But as far as family business goes, this is the final battle. Stacks says they’re just setting him up! Tony laughs and Stacks asks why. Because it is hilarious! The rat thinks he’s getting set up for a trap. Typical rat behavior. Luca admits, he agrees with Tony on that: this all started cuz Stacks turned first. But then Tony hits Luca with, “Look who’s talking!” Mr. I Wanna Do My Own Thing! As far as Tony’s concerned, they’re the same.

Stacks says he grew bigger than the family, and the others couldn’t handle it. Especially Tony! He is Heritage Cup Champion now, he’s bigger than all of them! And he’ll prove it next week. Tony says he hates Stacks, Stacks says he hates Tony. Tony says Stacks & Luca should split the Cup. And he doesn’t give it even a week before Stacks loses it again. Luca says he needs to get away from Stacks and out of Tony’s shadow. Tony says yeah, okay, both of them are happy where they are now. Good talk, Rizz, but it’s over. Que sara sara. The Don is done. All three men stand up, but Stacks promises, Tony better not let Stacks catch him all alone.

Luca says the one time he tries to do things… Tensions are high, but it is going to explode next week. Who will be left standing after it all goes down?

Jasper Troy is in the ring!

The LFG Season 1 Champion has a mic to shout, “I’m done with Je’Von Evans! You hear me? I’m DONE with Je’Von! Ava, you know what to do! Make the match at the Great American Bash a Triple Threat for the NXT title!” The fans are torn on that, but then Je’Von rushes out here! He slides into the ring and throws hands on Troy! The fans fire up but Troy KNEES Je’Von low! Je’Von sputters, security focuses on Troy, and Je’Von SUPERKICKS Troy! Troy tumbles out of the ring, Je’Von builds speed, and he FLIES! Down goes Troy and the security guards! The fans fire up for the Young OG, is he about to bounce back and tear Troy down?

The Culling meets backstage.

Izzi Dame smiles as Tatum Paxley takes her seat in the circle, and both Shawn Spears & Niko Vance welcome her. Tatum says this place is incredible! She feels right at home here. Izzi says their home is now Tatum’s home, and Tatum says they’re the best. Izzi says they’re all equal, Tatum. But thanks to Tatum, the boys have their chance at the NXT Tag Team Championships. Niko says damn right. And it’ll happen. He has put Hank ‘n’ Tank down once, and he plans to do it again. Spears smiles and nods as Niko says Hank ‘n’ Tank will regret accusing them of that attack. If it was The Culling, you’d know it was them, because they’d stop at nothing to make Hank ‘n’ Tank feel pain!

Spears says easy, Niko, easy. The truth will come to light in time. But for now, they can reap the benefits of the assumption. For now, stay levelheaded, with eyes on the goal. Izzi says Spears is right. Tonight, Niko & Spears win the tag titles, then on Saturday, Izzi wins the Women’s North American Championship. Tatum says that is right! Then all her new best friends will have gold belts to go with their gold hearts! Izzi says that’s because The Culling always prevails. Will that painful truth be proven right? Or will a bit of HONK HONK break right through the delusion?

NXT Tag Team Championships: Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Shawn Spears & Niko Vance!

NXT returns as the blue collar belly bandits make their entrance. And they don’t care about formalities, they attack The Culling! The fans fire up as the brawl is on! Tank TACKLES Niko, Hank ROCKS Spears, and the bell rings to get this on record! Hank storms up on Spears in the corner but Spears kicks low! Spears puts Hank in the corner to ROCK then whip, but Hank reverses to run up and SPLASH! Hank then short arm LARIATS Spears and the fans fire up! Niko and Tank continue to brawl on the outside, and Tank RAMS Niko into the apron. Niko rains down elbows in return, but Hank runs to BODY CHECK Niko off the apron!

The fans fire up with Hank ‘n’ Tank, they go back to the ring, but Spears dropkicks Hank’s legs out! Spears throws hands, then snapmares and stomps! Spears tags Niko, the Culling mugs Hank, and then Niko bumps Hank off buckles. Niko bumps Hank off more buckles, then UPPERCUTS him! Hank ELBOWS Niko, but Niko tries another buckle bump. Hank blocks that, ELBOWS Niko, then he bumps Niko off buckles! The fans rally as Hank pushes Niko to ropes, tags Tank, and then whips Niko for the misdirect! Tank CLOBBERS Niko! The champs rev it up and the fans fire up! Tank runs then hops onto Hank, DOUBLE SPLASH DOWN! Cover, TWO!

Tank clamps onto Niko with a chinlock and the fans rally behind the champs. Niko fights up, powers Tank to ropes and powers out, only for Tank to wrench. Niko HEADBUTTS Tank down! Tag to Spears, turns Tank, NECKBREAKER! Then a leg drop! Cover, ONE! Spears is annoyed but he stays between Hank ‘n’ Tank. Spears stands Tank up but Tank fires hands! Tank whips, Spears reverses and KNEES low! Spears tags Niko, they mug Tank, then Niko ROCKS Tank with a haymaker! Tank goes to a corner, Niko RAMS into him, but Tank ELBOWS in return! Tank ROCKS Niko, but Niko BODY SHOTS!

Niko whips, Tank grabs ropes, and he BOOTS in return! Hank tags in, Tank bumps Niko off buckles. Hank runs up to LARIAT and BULLDOG! Tank runs to SPLASH Spears off the corner! Tank SENTONS Niko, Hank goes up! Niko avoids the flying lariat! Hank tumbles out, but Izzi & Tatum stand in his way! The fans boo, Hank keeps his distance as he walks around the ladies, but Niko POUNCES Hank over the desk! Booker T gets wiped out in the process! The fans go nuts and NXT goes to break!

NXT returns again and Niko has Hank up top. They brawl, and Hank DECKS Niko! Hank rises, Niko stands, and Hank FLYING LARIATS! The fans fire up and rally as both men crawl. Hank and Niko crawl, hot tags to Spears and Tank! Tank rallies on Spears with LARIAT and UPPERCUT and BIG atomic drop! Spears staggers around, Tank goes up and up to FLYING SHOULDER TACKLE! Tank keeps moving and he DIVES! Down goes Niko and the fans fire up! Tank hurries back, he blocks a kick then cartwheels, but Spears SUPERKICKS after all! Tank stays up, Spears SUPERKICKS again! Niko tags in and he DIVING HEADBUTTS! Cover, HANK BREAKS IT!

The fans fire up and Niko is furious! Niko drags Hank up, “This is Awesome!” as Niko TOSSES Hank out! Izzi & Tatum are there to laugh at Hank, and Niko tags Spears. Spears brings Tank up, but Tank fireman’s carries! Spears shouts for Tatum and Tatum distracts from the apron! Spears slips free and he THROWS Tank tot he ropes! Izzi BOOTS! Spears hits the IMPALER! Cover, TWO!! Tank survives and the entire Culling is shocked! The fans rally for “NXT! NXT!” ZaRuca attacks Izzi & Tatum! Well, Sol brawls with Izzi, and Zaria carries Tatum away like she did before! Spears & Niko freak out, but they don’t see Hank ‘n’ Tank rise up!

Hank ‘n’ Tank throw off the shirts! They and The Culling then throw hands! Niko RAMS Hank into a corner but Tank DECKS Spears! Niko whips, Hank reverses, and Tank LEAPING LARIATS! The fans are thunderous as the champs go to the corners. HONK HONK! Spears shoves Niko to take the BELLY SANDWICH! Hank LARIATS Niko, scoops Spears, and they hit the GRIDIRON! Tank covers, Hank ‘n’ Tank win!

Winner: Hank ‘n’ Tank, by pinfall (still NXT Tag Team Champions)

The Culling does not prevail, step on of their golden agenda has fallen apart! But will Izzi make up for that by taking the Women’s North American Championship from Sol? Or will she just get her soul snatched?

BREAKING NEWS for The Great American Bash!

With the multiple attacks just this evening, Jasper Troy will have to give Je’Von Evans a fair fight! They will now go 1v1 in Atlanta, will Troy not leave even a piece of Je’Von left?

Andre Chase finds Kale Dixon backstage.

Mr. Chase is fired up for his freshman to have his match, but then what’s he doing in the medical room? Kale says he can’t. His blood pressure is through the roof! He’s not mentally prepared for this! His arm is numb! Chase says c’mon, they were preparing for this all week! Kale apologizes, he can’t go out there, he can’t feel his arm! That’s because Uriah hasn’t stopped pumping the cuff! Uriah stops, the air is let out, and Kale feels much better. But still, Kale can’t go out there right now, he is freaking out! Chase looks Kale in the eyes, and says okay, it’s fine. They’ll reschedule and figure this out.

Kale thanks Mr. Chase, but Mr. Chase is seeing the uphill battle ahead of them both. Can Chase find a way to reach these kids?

Ava Raine is in the ring.

The NXT General Manager stands at the podium, and she says, “October 28th, 2018: the first women’s Evolution.” The fans cheer that. Ava was in high school at the time, and watching that event, she thought how amazing it would be to be part of something so monumental. Iyo Sky was in the finals of the Mae Young Classic, and she is now Women’s World Champion. Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch put on an undeniable Last Woman Standing match. And a history-maker in her own right, Nikki Bella was in the main event. All of those women continue to push women’s wrestling forward in everything that they do.

And now, as the first female GM in NXT history, she is so proud that NXT is going to be all over Evolution. #ZaRuca have the opportunity to become THE WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. Jordynne Grace takes on Jacy Jayne for the NXT Women’s Championship. And six women from NXT will represent this brand in the battle royal! The fans cheer as Ava says they have a chance to move on to the Clash in Paris for a main roster women’s title opportunity. And those six women are: Jaida Parker; Lola Vice; Kelani Jordan; Lash Legend; Izzi Dame; and Tatum Paxley! Those women will show everyone that not only does NXT always show up, they always show out!

The fans cheer, and Ava says this is the most stacked Women’s Division in the world! NXT is the land of opportunity and- Fatal Influence interrupts. Ava sighs and smirks as Fallon Henley, Jazmyn Nyx & Jacy Jayne walk out here. Jacy already has a mic to say, “Um, I’m sorry. Ava, hi, remember me? Your NXT Women’s Champion?” Yes, Ava just mentioned you. Well, right, then to be honest, Jacy feels it is weird that Ava talks about everyone else when Jacy’s match and her title are gonna be the highlight. In fact, Ava doesn’t even need to talk about that battle royal, and when she talks about the Women’s Division, she’s really just talking about Jacy Jayne.

NOT the sentimental favorites, the TNA “tourists,” and certainly not that flash in the pan- WAIT, Grace interrupts! And she says, “Jacy Jayne, running her mouth again. But let’s all act surprised. Evolution is a groundbreaking event, but you don’t make it special. It’s about the women who paved the way for us. And when I take that NXT Women’s title from you, I’m gonna be the one steering this division into the future.” WAIT, Lash Legend is here! And she opens with “SKRRRRRR~! Oh, see, I love this. I love this! Y’all two can go ahead, keep it going, keep it going, because this must be a gift for me. Y’all two can keep on fighting over that NXT Women’s Championship.

“But as for me, Lash Legend, the Bougie Bully? You best believe I’m gonna be the talk of Evolution when I go on and win the Women’s Battle Royal in my hometown, Hotlanta, and theeen go on to Clash in Paris and finally win a women’s championship.” But wait! Stephanie Vaquer is back! The fans fire up as La Primera has the mic, and she says, “It’s amazing to be back. Jacy, Jacy, Jacy. You are the NXT Women’s Champion now, I respect that. You beat me. But on Sunday, Jordynne is getting the victory. Just like I will in the battle royal to become a new champion.” But wait! Natalya is here, accompanied by Maxxine Dupri!

And Maxxine has the mic to have everyone hold on. She knows all these girlies are discussing Women’s Wrestling history without mentioning The BOAT, the lowkey legend, Natalya! The fans cheer, and Maxxine says Paris might be the fashion capital of the world, but it is also where one of them will become the NEW WWE Women’s Champion! Natty says that is so sweet of Maxxine to say. But the Dungeon Dolls didn’t come here to play, they’re here to win! And at Evolution, they will be the last two women in that battle royal, locked in, until the very end. Wait, wait, more women sneak in from the outside!

Zelina Vega, Ivy Nile, Lola Vice, Giulia, Candice LeRae, and Jaida Parker are here! And Miss Parker has the mic to tell everyone else to hold on, cuz they’re not the only ones who want opportunities. Just look around! The entire women’s division is stacked! But go ahead, keep that same energy. Cuz Jaida Parker is going to step into the battleground that is Evolution and be on point. The fans applaud as the walls start closing in on Fatal Influence, but then Jaida says she’ll also throw all y’all little asses over the top rope while she’s at it! Then she makes her way to Paris, get herself a title, bring it back to NXT or even stay on Raw & SmackDown.

Either way, in Atlanta, best believe it is Jaida’s time! And now a brawl pops off! The fans fire up for this preview of the battle royal! Ava stands aside as the fans cheer for “NXT! NXT!” Izzi & Tatum also watch from a distance, enjoying every bit of this. Refs rush out here but fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” The fighting does indeed continue, but not for lack of trying from the refs! Who proves themselves worthy of glory and gold when WWE reaches Evolution?

My Thoughts:

A great NXT as the go-home to the big ATL weekend, but with some seemingly last minute additions to the American Bash. Ricky Saints making it through the Vanity Project was a given, but Falls Count Anywhere was not what I expected. Either way, Ethan VS Ricky will be great stuff, really elevate the show overall, and could easily have Ricky be the new champion despite the go-home math here. Dempsey VS Tavion was a great match, but I figured Dempsey would win. The faction isn’t going to last if another member leaves, but maybe they should think about reloading with some Evolve/LFG talent.

Very good promo from the D’Angelo Family to set up a Triple Threat as the blowoff. Hard to call it, but I feel like Stacks wins as he’s the Heritage Cup Champion. Very fun promo from Chase U with Kale being too nervous for his first singles match in NXT, but it doesn’t really work when he used to job in singles matches before this story. Great tag match of Hendry & Santana VS High Ryze, and both parts of the finish were expected. Hendry & Santana win cuz Santana alone has proven he’s a top level tag guy in his career while Ty & Ty are just starting. And also, Trick joins in on the beatdown, but that’s because the contract signing on Saturday is the true go-home, and we’ll just see who stands tall then.

Another very good promo from Dark State, but Dion and Saquon continue to be the stronger half. I feel like their “invasion” of TNA will result in a big match for Slammiversary, not an NXT program. Great promo segment from Inamura, Briggs and Oba, and it really feels like Briggs is gonna cost Inamura when he tries to help. I also liked the videos they got from the stars of NOAH, and the match of Oba VS Inamura is also a sign that NOAH is working much closer with WWE than before. It might be in part why I haven’t seen as much NJPW-NOAH crossover lately, either. If NOAH is on WWE’s team, NJPW can’t really work with them while also working with AEW.

Very good promo from Hank ‘n’ Tank with Lexis King being strange in the background, but I really think that Lexis was in on setting Je’Von up for that attack against the garage door. The medical room one was definitely all Troy, though. Troy VS Je’Von will be a great addition to Great American Bash, too, but it also feels like WWE is only bolstering that show up to compete against AEW All In. Good promo from The Culling, but great main event for the tag titles. Great move with ZaRuca going after Izzi & Tatum to take away The Culling’s advantage, and then great win for Hank ‘n’ Tank to retain.

And great stuff all over the Women’s Division. Good promo from ZaRuca with Kelani, Lola and Reid to hype up ZaRuca getting in the Women’s Tag title match. The vignettes from Grace and Monroe were fun, though maybe like if you turned up the contrast on the ZaRuca friendship building promos. But then we got a great “Evolution Summit,” with many, many stars of the division showing up. Classic move having a big brawl send us off before a battle royal scenario, as just about anyone can win. But in the end, I don’t think the NXT women are winning it. Stephanie Vaquer is a top choice as she’s on Raw and has no title yet, but Nikki Bella is in the match so maybe she gets one more title match.

As for Grace’s situation, she and Monroe certainly win so Monroe gets her first WWE PLE win, but Jacy has the Fatal Influence to help her cheat as she always does. Monroe could counter them and help Grace win, but then TNA has declared Masha Slammovich is gonna go title VS title, Winner Takes All with the NXT Women’s Champion at Slammiversary. A rematch of Masha and Grace would be great, while Masha would definitely beat Jacy. If Trick is to make it through Slammiversary as TNA World Champion, it’d be fitting if a TNA talent became the new NXT Women’s Champion.

My Score: 8.8/10

One last stop before the big Atlanta weekend!

Before Saturday Night’s Main Event and Evolution on Sunday, this massive Monday Night Raw sees Sami VS Bron and Jey VS Bronson! Will Rhode Island end up YEET Island tonight?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Roxanne Perez w/ Raquel Rodriguez VS Kairi Sane; Kairi wins.
• Sami Zayn VS Bron Breakker w/ Paul Heyman; Bron wins.
• Jey Uso VS Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman; Jey wins, by disqualification.
• El Grande Americano VS Dragon Lee; El Grande wins.
• PENTA VS Seth Rollins w/ Paul Heyman; Rollins wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Seth Rollins is here!

Providence, Rhode Island fires up as the Visionary leads the way for Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed. They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~! BURN IT DOWN~!” and Mr. Money in the Bank smiles as they reach ringside. The four step into the ring, fans bark it up for Bron, then the singing continues, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Rollins takes a bow as the song wraps, and the barking returns for a moment before Providence sings on their own, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Heyman brings a mic to Rollins, but Bron snatches it? The fans bark but Rollins and Heyman are rather surprised by this move.

Bron says, “I am standing here in this ring because Seth Rollins and the Wise Man, Paul Heyman, have a vision for this business that has me as the face of the WWE for the next two decades.” Rollins and Heyman talk in the background, neither of them knew Bron would make this move. Bron continues by saying, “I also have a vision of my own for a WWE, and that is a WWE without Sami Zayn.” The fans boo but Bron says he does not like Sami, he doesn’t like Sami’s face or his stupid beard, or his crappy music! He doesn’t like the fans sing along when Sami makes his entrance! The fans chant for Sami and Bron gets frustrated.

Rollins and Heyman let Bron continue as he says, “For the life of me, I will never understand why you guys cheer for someone that has the athletic ability of a dead fish! Someone that’s never played sports! Someone that doesn’t go to the gym! Someone that’s hanging on to anything for dear life to get five more years, so he can squeeze the last little bit of water outta the rag.” Heyman facepalms here but Bron says Sami has an expiration date, and he puts a stamp on it tonight. Bron promises Sami that if Sami comes walking down this ramp, Bron will maul Sami’s head off, and Sami will be looking up at the lights by the end of it.

Heyman politely asks for the mic back, Bron hands it over, but the fans cheer on Sami. Heyman hands the mic to Rollins, and Rollins asks if Bron is good. Bron nods and Rollins laughs. Rollins then looks to Bronson, and decides to give him a moment with the mic. The fans sing but Bronson says simmer down. “Bron is a tough act to follow, but so am I. I am the man that hit Seth with six Tsunamis. Hurting him so badly that it built a respect between you and I. So much so that Seth brought me into this group, brought me into his vision. And with that vision, I will get the respect that I deserve!” The fans boo that.

Bronson warns Jey Uso, “Yeet Man, you do not respect me.” The fans “YEET!” but Bronson says tonight, Bronson will Tsunami the respect into Jey! Just like he did Seth Freakin’ Rollins! The fans boo again, but Bronson hands the mic back to Rollins. The fans rally for CM Punk and Jey Uso. Rollins decides Heyman can speak, so the mic is handed to the Wise Man. Heyman says, “Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Paul Heyman. Tonight, the empire strikes back! Y’know what? Scratch that, hold that up on YouTube later, that’s a blooper. Tonight, the empire strikes first! First on our list, Sami Zayn! And I’m not gonna try and follow that promo.

“If Sami hasn’t hightailed it back to Montreal by now, Sami, it’s your ass, not mine. Tonight, Bronson Reed VS Jey Uso. I have love for my former Bloodline member, Jey Uso. But let’s be honest here, Roman Reigns doesn’t have the balls to come back and step up against us!” The fans chant for “O T C! O T C!” Heyman says the OTC is MIA, and after tonight, Jey Uso will be MIA all thanks to the master of the Tsunami, Bronson Reed! “And now here’s the big news, in case you haven’t heard.

Tonight, Seth Freakin’ Rollins, the biggest box office attraction in this entire industry, the man who pinned Roman Reigns in the main event of WrestleMania, and it’s not the first time he’s done that, either… Tonight, Seth Rollins will don the tights against Penta! Hey, mi bueno migo.” Heyman tells Penta in Espanol that he’s got nothing! Now, Heyman is neither young enough nor hip enough nor bad enough nor bougie enough to understand all the stupid hand signs Penta does. But by the time Penta gets stomped into the mat tonight, Penta will be in no shape to do his hand signs ever again. The fans boo that, but Heyman says, “And that’s not a prediction… That’s a spoiler!”

Rollins is once again handed the mic, the fans chant for CM Punk even louder than before, but Rollins says, “Well, boys, you covered everything. So I guess there’s only one thing left to say: Providence, welcome to Monday Night Rollins!” Mic drop from The Visionary, but will he and his behemoths dominate the card? Or can Sami, Jey & Penta survive what’s coming?

Judgment Day is in the clubhouse.

Finn Balor shines up all five championship belts, from the WWE World Tag Team Championships to the Women’s Tag Team Championships, to even Dominik’s Intercontinental Championship. JD is winning darts, Dom says it’s tied at best, but Raquel Rodriguez walks in and asks everyone, “What the hell is that?” We look over and see a shrine to Liv Morgan? Roxie says she did it for Dom. Uh, she’s alive, though! She’s just rehabbing, she’ll be back real soon. Finn isn’t so sure. He hurt his shoulder and it took eight months! And he’s tough! At least it’s a nice picture. Yeah, well, it’ll be a better picture if Raquel & Roxie retain the titles at Evolution.

And maybe, if some chiquita does what she promised in beating Kairi Sane. Roxie says she’s got it, partner! Too soon… Raquel still blows a kiss and gives a salute to Liv’s pic before heading out with Roxie. JD asks Finn what’s down the line for them, but Finn hasn’t heard anything from Adam Pearce. Well, the office is down the hall, they should go knock on the door and see what’s rattlin’ around in that bald head. Finn likes JD being proactive. They’ll go handle business. They fist bump Dom, and Dom says thanks for the nice Get Well Soon cake. JD and Finn ask the other, “Was that you?” Nope. So then who did buy the cake?

Wait, it says, “Get Well Soon, Dom! From AJ!” Styles got this cake for Dom!? When was he in here?! HE’S STILL HERE! Styles peeks out from behind the road case and says he’s watching Dom! Dom reminds Styles of the doctor’s note, but then Styles is gone! The Phenomenal One shows off some phenomenal ninja skills, will he pounce the moment Dom is cleared?

Roxanne Perez w/ Raquel Rodriguez VS Kairi Sane!

Well, just as the Prodigy promised, she looks to pay the Pirate Princess back for taking down Liv Morgan. Will Roxie & Raquel be rolling into Atlanta? Or will Kairi sink their ship and hunt down their gold?

Raw returns after Roxie & Raquel make their entrance. The bell rings, Kairi and Roxie circle, then tie up. Roxie fires furious forearms and CLUBS away on Kairi! Roxie throws Kairi down, rains down more fists, then drags Kairi up. Roxie bumps Kairi off buckles, Raquel says this is what Kairi gets! Roxie SCRAPES Kairi’s face off ropes, bumps her off buckles, then brings her around. Kairi blocks the buckle bump to give a buckle bump! Roxie ducks the uraken and headlocks. Kairi fires body shots, powers up and out, but Roxie THROWS Kairi down by her hair! Roxie kicks dirt, then runs, but Kairi drops down and sunset flips! Roxie sits on it, TWO!

Roxie headlocks again, Kairi powers up and fires body shots. The fans rally, Kairi powers out, but Roxie avoids the uraken again! Roxie goes to the apron, but Kairi is on her! Roxie HOTSHOTS Kairi and Kairi goes to a corner. Roxie runs up, but Kairi slips outside! Then she slides under, sunset flips, TWO! Roxie has the cover, TWO! Kairi trips Roxie, jackknife bridges, TWO! Roxie has an arm, steps through, LA MAGISTROL, then BRIDGE! TWO!! Kairi escapes, she has Roxie in a short arm scissor! ROPEBREAK! Kairi lets go, but Roxie SLAPS her! The fans are torn as Roxie talks trash. She has Kairi on ropes, whips her, but Kairi ducks ‘n’ dodges!

Kairi rolls over the dropdown, then bypasses to run and go up, RANA! Roxie tumbles, Kairi URAKENS! The Cutlass cuts Roxie down and she goes to ropes. Kairi runs, SLIDING D! The fans fire up as Kairi goes to the apron, FLYING KABUKI ELBOW! Down goes Roxie again and the fans fire up! Kairi drags Roxie up, puts Roxie in, then climbs the corner! Raquel distracts, Roxie THROWS Kairi down! The fans boo but Roxie drags Kairi around. Roxie drags Kairi through the corner, and she STOMPS the arm! The fans boo and Kairi scrambles away while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and the fans rally up while both women are down. Roxie rises, runs up, but Kairi dodges to AX HANDLE! AX HANDLE! Kairi blocks a kick to spin Roxie and ROCK her! Then BLOCKBUSTER! The fans fire up with Kairi while Roxie goes to a corner. Kairi stomps along, goes to the corner, and she runs in, SLIDING D! The fans fire up again while Roxie flounders away. Kairi climbs up again, Roxie stands, but Roxie avoids another elbow! Roxie runs up, rolls up, holds tights, TWO! Kairi is free but Roxie SUPERKICKS her! Roxie runs and UPPERCUTS Kairi on the ropes! Roxie drags Kairi to the drop zone, to LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO!!

Roxie drags Kairi and drops ELBOWS on the arm again and again! Then she steps over, and she YANKS on Kairi’s arm! Kairi clutches the elbow, goes to the corner, but Roxie runs in, only for Kairi to dodge! AX KICK! Kairi then Alabama Lifts Roxie up, only for Roxie to grab the ropes! The ref counts, Kairi pulls Roxie free, but Roxie uses that to get the ARMBAR DDT! Roxie then runs to HANDSPRING KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up and Roxie is furious! Roxie argues with the ref, then drags Kairi up. Roxie hoists Kairi up top, climbs the corner, and the fans rally as Roxie ROCKS Kairi. Roxie goes to the top rope but Kairi fires body shots!

Kairi HEADBUTTS Roxie down, adjusts position, and FLYING KABUKI ELBOW! Another direct hit! Roxie tumbles, the fans fire up, and Kairi hurries to her feet. Kairi runs up, Roxie dodges, and Roxie runs back in, but into the Alabama Lift! ALABAMA SLAM! Kairi fires up and the fans are with her! Kairi climbs, but Raquel drags Roxie out of the ring! The fans boo, but Kairi says bet! SUPER CROSSBODY onto Raquel! The fans fire up, but Roxie CLOBBERS Kairi! Roxie puts Kairi in the ring, SOBAT and then hop on, POP- NO, Kairi pops free! Backslide, KAIRI WINS!!

Winner: Kairi Sane, by pinfall

A win on Liv, a win on Raquel, a win on Roxie, the Pirate Princess just can’t lose when it comes to facing tag champions! But then Raquel CLOBBERS Kairi! The fans boo as Roxie & Raquel mug Kairi! Then feed to a BOOT! But wait! ASUKA is here! The Empress of Tomorrow dodges Raquel, CLOBBERS Roxie, then URAKENS Raquel, SOBATS, and ROCKS her! BUZZSAW! Roxie is up but she gets an URAKEN! Raquel CLOBBERS Asuka! The fans boo, but Raquel hauls Asuka up for a TEXANA- NO, Kairi DROPKICKS Raquel! Asuka gets a HANGING ARMBAR! Kairi DUMPS Raquel up and out! Asuka runs and HIP ATTACKS Raquel down!

The fans fire up but Roxie TOSSES Kairi! Asuka wrenches Roxie, dragon sleeper, and she tells Kairi to go up! Kairi goes up, and we get the IN-SANE ELBOW DDT!! The former Kabuki Warriors stand tall over Roxie & Raquel! Could they be the ones representing Raw in the Evolution Tag Team Fatal 4 Way?

Backstage interview with Sami Zayn.

Jackie Redmond is with the taped up Underdog from the Underground, and she isn’t sure where to begin. She tried to interview Sami last week, only for Sami to be attacked by Karrion Kross. Sami clearly ends up with a rib injury, then he has Bron Breakker taking these verbal jabs at him. How is Sami managing all of this? Sami says he isn’t, really. He has a lot on his plate. He’d love to think more about his ribs, but he can’t. He’d love to pay attention to Kross, who is surely lurking. And he’d love to pay attention to the revenge he’ll get on Kross, but it won’t be tonight, so Sami can’t think about it. Sami has to focus on Bron Breakker.

Sami doesn’t care what Bron has to say about him, his beard, his music, or how much more Bron can bench than Sami. None of that matters. But Sami has to care about Bron because Bron is one of the most dangerous people in that ring. So that is all he can think about right now. Sami says Kross will be dealt with later. Sami heads out, but then in steps Scarlett. Jackie asks if there is something she was hoping to say. Scarlett smiles and says, “No.” Then is her presence alone a sign that Mr. Doomsday is in the house?

Adam Pearce talks with Team American Made.

He says Chad Gable had his surgery, El Grande Americano is here, what’s the problem? The problem is that El Grande Americano is here tonight. Yes… El Grande Americano requested this match personally. What’s the confusion? But Brutus says it is impossible, cuz Chad is hurt! Julius smacks Brutus on the head and Pearce smirks. Pearce asks how Gable’s injury could possibly affect El Grande Americano. Well, because… Ivy says she’s talked with Chad, he is not going to be happy about this. Well, Gable has Pearce’s number, he can take it up with him. But that’s clearly not the only reason they’re here, so what do they want from him?

Ivy says she wants a spot in the Evolution Battle Royal. Oh, well, she could’ve just led with that. Because she’s in. Happy? Yes. Good. Good! Then enjoy your night. American Made heads out, but Asuka helps Kairi in. And they want to get in on Evolution! Pearce was just thinking the same. Asuka & Kairi say they wanna take down Judgment Day! Pearce says good! They can represent Raw in the Women’s Tag Team Championship Fatal 4 Way! The return of the Kabuki Warriors! YES! They’re for that! Pearce grooves with Kairi & Asuka, will The Princess & The Empress once again be champions?

Nikki Bella speaks.

“So it’s been a few weeks since I’ve been back, and oh how things change. I came back to talk about something very important to me: Evolution. But what I didn’t expect was to get into an altercation with Liv Morgan. I came to pay my respects to the women of today. But instead, Liv wants to question my womanhood? My legacy? And then she attacked me! Now, you know, I didn’t realize it at the time, but that lit a fire inside me. So while I’ve had some time to think, more than ever do I wanna make a return to that ring. I want one more moment to prove myself. I want one more moment to prove to the fans, to my Bella Army, of what I can do.

“I want one more moment to show my son what the WWE Universe has seen. And what better way to do that than to enter the battle royal in Atlanta for Evolution? Now, look, I know it won’t be easy. I will be facing some of the best women in all of the WWE. But you all know me. You know I’ll do whatever it takes to win. And I want to have that match at Clash in Parise. I want that title opportunity. And I wanna prove that you don’t fear the challenges that get put in front of you. You don’t run from your past. You face it, you learn from it, and you build a future that no one can take from you.

“The first Evolution was a history making event. So why can’t I make history now? This Sunday night, not only will I make history again, I will prove to everyone why Nikki Bella is fearless.” Then will nothing stop Nikki from grabbing her golden ticket to Parise?

Sami Zayn VS Bron Breakker w/ Paul Heyman!

We heard from both men about this rematch, but then KROSS ATTACKS SAMI! Kross doesn’t even let Sami make it to ringside before beating him down! The fans are torn but Scarlett is here to give Kross a steel pipe! Kross winds up, here’s the pitch! HOMERUN to the bad ribs!! The fans are torn again but Kross says he warned Sami to say it or else! Refs, producers, and Pearce rush in! They take the pipe from Kross, usher him and Scarlett out of the arena, but fans chant “We Want Kross!” Will Sami be able to compete after what Kross just did to him? We’ll see, after the break.

Raw returns, medics talk with Sami, and Sami insists he can go. Pearce isn’t so sure but Sami says he isn’t backing down. The medics say Sami is cleared as tolerated, so Pearce doesn’t really have a choice. Pearce lets this match continue, and here comes Bron! The bell rings and the fans bark as Bron and Sami circle. Bron grins, says, “Look at him! Look at him!” The fans rally, Sami tests the water with jabs, but Bron stays clear. Bron chuckles as he and Sami continue to circle. Bron then runs up and RAMS Sami into the corner! Bron RAMS Sami again and again and again! The fans either bark or boo as Bron looms over Sami.

Bron says he still doesn’t get why fans like Sami! “Look at him! He’s pathetic!” Bron says Sami is a bum! Bron stomps Sami, paces, then grabs an arm. Sami grabs the ropes, so Bron rips the rib tape away! Bron fireman’s carries for a GUT BUSTER DROP! Sami sputters and writhes, fans bark and boo, but Bron mockingly asks if Sami’s hurting. Bron says Sami can’t think he can beat Bron in this shape. Bron stalks Sami, brings him up, then OVERHEAD SUPLEXES! Sami flounders, fans boo and bark, but Bron aims from the corner. Sami slowly rises, turns around, and Bron runs up, but into a LARIAT! The fans fire up as Sami huffs ‘n’ puffs!

Sami goes to the corner, he clutches his side, but Bron runs in! Sami ELBOWS Bron away, goes up the corner, and Sami leaps to AX HANDLE! Sami hobbles, the fans rally, and Sami goes up again! Bron rises into a AX- SPEAR!! Bron takes Sami outta the sky! Sami tumbles out of the ring, commentary thinks the ref should just call it off, but Bron has a sinister smile before he scowls again. The fans either boo or chant, “One More Time!” Bron goes outside, builds speed, and he SPEARS Sami again!! Michael Cole & Corey Graves both want the ref and Adam Pearce to just call this off, but Providence wants more!

Bron drags Sami up, puts him in the ring, and he brings down the straps! The fans boo and bark, Bron builds speed, and Sami rises into a SPEAR!! Cover, Bron wins!

Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall

Another night, another devastating defeat, all because Sami is pushing his body after it’s been broken. Has Sami reached his “expiration date” like Bron said? Will Bron break more and more superstars?

Adam Pearce talks with the War Raiders.

Pearce appreciates Erik & Ivar coming to him, but he has to consider all the teams of Raw for a World Tag Team Championship opportunity. They also appreciate that, they just hope they’re at the top of the list. Pearce says absolutely, he’ll keep them in the loop. Pearce then senses someone behind him, and he turns around to see The New Day. They’re dressed all in black, holding black roses, and even wearing sunglasses and veils… He asks what he’s looking at. Xavier Woods says they’re in mourning. Um, it’s evening. No, mourning! Grieving!! Oh, well, what’re they grieving? Kofi Kingston says Pearce should know, he is an accomplice!

Pearce helped The Judgment Day kill the entire tag team division when he gave them that tag title shot last week! The least Pearce can do is tell them when they have their rematch. The War Raiders chuckle. What’d these dummies say when the War Raiders wanted their rematch? Something about opportunities going to new challengers. So no matter how stupid Woods & Kofi dress, they’re not getting automatic rematches for it. Pearce says they have a point. Becky Lynch walks in and gives her condolences to The New Day. They thank The Man, and say Pearce is full of horrible ideas. Becky agrees, Pearce is full of it.

And y’know what wasn’t a horrible idea? Getting rid of Big E. Becky never liked him, kind of a scumbag. That’s why she’s The Man! Becky heads out, but what will she have to say about her Women’s Intercontinental Championship Triple Threat? We find out, after the break.

Raw returns and…

Becky is in the ring, belt on shoulder and mic in hand while the fans boo. “Can someone please explain to me how two losers, two people who just lost last week to each other, have a title match against me in a Triple Threat at Evolution, where statistically, I am at a disadvantage? Can somebody please explain how that works? Look, look, look, look, look, I get it. I get that from Pearce’s perspective, I’m the greatest female wrestler to ever live. And it’s not just me saying that. Other people say that. Sports Illustrated is saying that.

“Multiple-time women’s champion, main evented WrestleMania, New York Times best-selling author, I’m in all these shows and movies right now, I’m hot, I get it. I get it from his perspective, you need me on Evolution. But I beat Bayley, I beat Lyra, neither of them deserve an opportunity. I deserve to pick my own opponent. Iyo got to pick her own opponent, Tiffany got to pick her own opponent, I pick this woman right here! And I’d beat ya in a second!” The fans boo, but Becky says she thinks that what is happening here is it is all a show, a ruse! Bayley and Lyra are in cahoots, working together, cuz they know that’s the only way they can get the title off Becky!

Last week, they both pinned each other. You know how statistically rare that is? But wait, here comes Bayley! The fans cheer as The Role Model has a mic in hand as she storms to the ring, but then Lyra Valkyria makes her entrance before Bayley can even speak! Lyra has her own mic, pushes past Bayley, and she gets in Becky’s face. “What are you talking about? What are you actually saying? Congratulations, Becky, you’ve completed your transformation into a total raving lunatic. Oh my gosh. My title is wrapped around the waist of a bucket full o’ crazy, and I think it’s time I took it back.” The fans cheer that!

Bayley steps into the ring, and she says, “Are you kidding me? The way I see it, is that I should be standing here as the Intercontinental Champion, if it wasn’t for you (Lyra) two weeks ago.” Lyra says oh, wow, she’s speaking to Lyra! Lucky her! What a treat! Sorry, Lyra is just having a bit of trouble keeping up. Bayley says yeah, okay, we get it. Sorry, get over it. Bayley didn’t get back to Lyra after WrestleMania. Let it go. If that time taught Bayley anything, she doesn’t need partners and she doesn’t need friends. What she needs is that title right there. Becky says, “Oh, Bayley~! Listen to you! After 13 years of failed friendships and grimy hugs, another one bites the dust, huh?”

But good to see Bayley isn’t trying so hard anymore. Cuz yea, Lyra dropped Bayley like a hot potato. Lyra says no, time to set the record straight. Lyra never told Bayley but everyone thinks Lyra brought Becky back. No, Becky attacked Bayley and then Becky called Lyra. Becky says there wasn’t much hesitation, though. But she remembers one thing Lyra did say: Bayley is everything Becky is pretending to be, and that Bayley would never betray Lyra. How’s that working out? Doesn’t seem Bayley’s pretending anymore. Lyra tells Becky to shut up, she can’t get in Lyra’s head anymore. But Becky was right about one thing…

How nice Bayley is finally admitting that she doesn’t care about friendships when it comes to gold. Y’know what that makes Bayley? It makes her just like Becky! Becky smirks but Lyra says she knows what she must do: She must rescue that title from two massive disappointments! Bayley says y’know what? She was front row when Lyra became the first-ever Women’s Intercontinental Champion. When Lyra won that title, Bayley was right there. And when they had the tag tournament to get to Mania, Bayley was on the apron, watching Lyra put in the work. Bayley saw Lyra rise to the top and become a double champion.

And then Bayley watched Lyra lose the Intercontinental Championship, and she raised Becky’s hand like a “little b*tch.” The fans fire up, Lyra winds up, but Bayley dodges, so Lyra DECKS Becky! Not who she meant to hit but she ain’t mad about it! Bayley comes back to fire hands with Lyra! The fans fire up and Lyra TOSSES Bayley out! Lyra runs to WRECK Bayley with a dropkick! But Becky is up to clinch! Lyra slips free, fireman’s carries, and NIGHTWING DRIVER! Becky writhes, Lyra tells her that’s what she gets! Bayley gets in, Lyra fireman’s carries Bayley! NIGHTWING DRIVER!

Lyra sits Becky up, tells her that this is the last time Becky’s hand is raised for this title. Lyra holds up Becky’s hand, shoves her down, then drops the belt on her. The Morrigan is ready for war, but will she be the one winning the gold? Or is it too soon to make this her Evolution?

Rollins and team regroup backstage.

Rollins says Bron taking down Sami was picture perfect, it could not have gone any better. He is so proud! Bron, what’s wrong? Bron says yeah, but what about Kross? What about Kross? Well, Kross ran out there, beat up Sami, and so people will think Bron didn’t win that on his own. Rollins says no, no, don’t worry about that. No one likes Kross. Sami was the target, and Bron got him! Not with one spear, but three spears! Heyman then steps in, and now he seems out of sorts. Rollins asks Heyman what’s wrong, and Heyman asks them if they’ve heard the news. No, what’s going on? Heyman says… Sami Zayn… is out of action indefinitely!

The group all smiles and laughs. Bron mockingly sings for Sami, and then Rollins asks Bronson why he’s laughing. It just occurred to Rollins that Jey Uso is in perfectly fine condition. Bronson says, “He won’t be after I’m done with him.” Rollins smiles and nods. Bronson heads out, will there be no more YEET for the WWE Universe?

Jey Uso is in the concourse!

The fans are going wild as Jey makes his way through. He asks them to please, PLEASE, hit his music! Four letters, one word, uh uh… YEET! The music plays, the fans fire up even more, and Jey makes his way down to ringside. Providence is bouncing along with Jey, but will there be an endless wave of Tsunamis headed for the ring? Or can one Uso Splash turn the tides?

Jey Uso VS Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman!

Raw returns as The Colossal Aussie makes his entrance, Wise Man- Er, “Oracle,” accompanying him. The bell rings and Bronson runs up! Jey dodges, fires haymakers, and the fans “YEET! YEET !YEET!” Reed ROCKS Jey, whips him to a corner, but Jey dodges the corner splash! Jey back body blocks, PELES, then brings Reed around to whip. Reed blocks, whips Jey away to a corner, then CLOBBERS him! The fans boo but Reed soaks it up. Reed rips Jey’s shirt away, CLUBS him down, then stomps him. And drops an ELBOW! Reed fire sup, the fans boo, and they rally for Jey. Reed runs but Jey avoids the senton!

The fans fire up as Jey fires haymakers on Reed! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Jey pops, locks, puts some stank on it and even throws the shirt away, UPPERCUT! Mule kick! UPPERCUT again! Reed blocks the next kick but Jey DRAGON WHIPS! Reed tumbles out, Jey builds speed, “YEET!” and DIVE! Direct hit and Reed hits the desk! The fans fire up while both men are down, but Jey rises up. Jey clears off the desk and the fans fire up more! Jey refreshes the ring count, fetches Reed and brings him over, but Reed HEADBUTTS! Reed fireman’s carries Jey, but Jey slips free! Jey SUPERKICKS Reed and Reed sits in the armchair!

Jey aims, “YEET!” SUPERKICK! Reed and chair fall over in a heap! Jey leaves Reed behind for the ring count to climb, but then he builds speed again! Jey DIVES, but Reed CHUCKS the chair!!

Winner: Jey Uso, by disqualification

The fans boo as Reed ruins the match right as it was getting good! But Reed says he’s not done! Reed climbs up, TSUNAMI! Reed is going for his true goal and that is to crush Jey! Reed goes back up, TSUNAMI!! The fans boo, Reed beats his chest, but refs, producers, and Pearce rush out here! They won’t let Reed hit more than that! Reed chuckles, leaves the ring, but is that enough damage to keep Jey down? Or will Jey rise again to get revenge?

LA Knight speaks.

“Lemme talk to ya! My man, Seth Rollins, I am talking to you. The Visionary, Mr. Money in the Bank. You hold the case, you hold the power. But I’ll tell you what, man. One guy that you really kinda chapped just a little bit is this guy. You gotta whole lot of paying to do, cuz you’re in a whole lotta debt, my man. You have something that really shouldn’t belong to you. You are Mr. MITB, you hold the case, it’s yours to carry the burden. But here’s the thing, that burden’s gonna get real heavy and I’ll tell you why. You try and send your boys down there to do the damage, let’s think about it. One Tsunami, two Tsunami, three Tsunami, but I was back in one week!

“And here’s how it goes down, my man. The days are counting down, slowly but surely. I can’t take that case off of ya, but that’s okay. I’m not gonna try to. What I’m gonna do is I’m gonna make that case a permanent part of ya! Whether I stick it up your keister or I attach it to your damn head, you can bet that after Saturday Night’s Main Event, you can be the one to hold the case, but you will know exactly whose game this is, when even you’ll be saying L A Knight, YEAH.” The Mega Star has made his argument, but will he back up all those words with a B F T on Mr. MITB?

Raw reviews: Rhea Ripley has never beaten Iyo Sky.

Mae Young Classic, 2018: Iyo Sky wins. NXT 2020 for the NXT Women’s Championship: Iyo Sky wins. Raw just back in March of 2025, for the Women’s World Championship: Iyo Sky wins. And then WrestleMania 41, Las Vegas, Women’s World Championship Triple Threat: Iyo Sky wins. Rhea herself admits, Iyo has had her number ever since the beginning. That will always be on her mind. But she is someone who puts doubt in the fire to set herself alight. Rhea won at Night of Champions, and Iyo chose Rhea as her challenger just to prove Mami is NOT on top. Iyo says no one here in the WWE can stop her, this is HER era now.

Stardom, Mae Young Classic, NXT, SmackDown and Raw, Iyo has always found her way to the top. She wants to defend against the best, but no one will ever take this world title from her. There is nothing but respect here, but Rhea told Iyo that no matter what happens, Iyo asked for this. Will Iyo continue to have Rhea’s number? Or will this finally be when Rhea overcomes her greatest rival?

El Grande Americano VS Dragon Lee!

Well, as Brutus Creed almost let slip, there is definitely something fishy about how the man from the Gulf of America is even here. And even if it isn’t Chad Gable, this El Grande is still much taller than the first El Grande! Will the LWO’s Boy Wonder get to the bottom of this mystery? Or will we all be saying AH DANE SHCÖN instead of gracias?

Raw returns as Dragon Lee has made his entrance. The bell rings, and the fans rally up. Lee and Grande circle, tie up, and Grande headlocks. Lee powers up and out, Grande RUNS him over, and puts up the double peace. Things speed up, Grande rolls over the dropdown, then bypasses Lee. Lee wheelbarrow s to victory roll, ONE! Grande jumps to RANA Lee! The fans fire up, Lee ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! Grande runs up, Lee trips Grande to cover, ONE! Grande trips Lee and covers, ONE! Both men kip up and the fans fire up! Lee and Grande go again, Lee kicks and whips, but Grande goes up and over. Grande rolls, “Ah gracias!”

Lee runs up, Grande puts him on the apron, but Lee bumps Grande off buckles! Lee goes up, up, and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Lee blocks a kick, spins Kais- er, Grande to a waistlock. Grande wrenches free to wristlock, but Lee cartwheels and wrenches. Grande rolls, spins and arm-drags! Lee goes to a corner, Grande stands and puts up the double peace. The fans cheer, but Lee drop toeholds Grande into buckles! Grande staggers, Lee runs up, MONKEY FLIP! But Grande lands on his feet! The fans cheer, but then Lee DROPKICKS Grande! And LARIATS Grande up and out! Lee WRECKS Grande with a dorpkick!

Grande ends up on the desk that is still cleared off from before. Lee builds speed as the fans fire up, and Lee DIVES into a GAMANGIRI! Grande dumps Lee out, RAMS him into the steel steps, and then he CHOKES Lee! Kaiser rains down fists, talks trash in German, then THROWS Lee over the barriers! Grande says in rather clunky Espanol that he is the best luchador in the world, but Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Kaiser- Er, Grande has Lee up top on the corner. Grande pulls at the mask! The ref reprimands and the fans boo, but Lee throws elbows! Lee fights Grande off, rolls back to waistlock, but Grande grabs ropes! Grande ELBOWS Lee, goes up and up, but Lee CLUBS Grande! Lee gets under Grande to bring him from the corner! RUNNING POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Grande survives and the fans fire up! Both men rise up and the fans fire up. Lee vows to unmask this fraud! Lee grabs at the mask, Grande fights free, then Grande runs up. Lee dodges the lariat to SUPERKICK! And SUPERKICK! And V-TRIGGER!

Grande flounders to the corner, Lee runs in, JUMP KICK! LEG SWEEP! COMBINACION DRAGON FIRE! Lee then builds speed to HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Lee waistlocks, Grande fights, and he ripcords to CHOP! Grande knuckle locks, goes up, and up, then FLYING BLOCKBUSTERS! Cover, TWO! Lee survives and Grande cannot believe it! Lee goes to the corner, Grande bumps him off buckles, then Grande climbs. Grande kicks at lee, Lee trips him up! Grande stays up, Lee CHOPS him into the Tree of Woe! The fans fire up as Lee climbs! WOE STOMPS!! Cover, TWO!! Grande survives and the fans fire up!

Lee builds speed and he FLIES! Down goes Grande! Lee puts Grande back in, but wait! Did Grande just slip in that metal plate? Lee leaps, Grande dodges, and they run up, LOADED HEADBUTT!! Cover, Grande wins!

Winner: El Grande Americano, by pinfall

Different man but same tricks! The win-loss record of El Grande Americano continues to be marred in controversy, but will Chad Gable have something to say about this?

Penta prepares backstage.

But then Heyman walks over and sets the MITB briefcase down. Heyman says hello, and that as Rollins’ personal Oracle, Heyman wants Penta to know that tonight is going to be the worst night of Penta’s life. Penta snaps back, “Esta noche?!” No, this will be his night! Bron steps in, and he says he has no idea what either of them just said. But he warns Penta to watch his tone. Penta tells Born to listen: CERO! MIEDO! Penta leaves, Bron and Heyman hate the stupid hand thing. But will Penta make them even more upset when he takes down Mr. Money in the Bank in tonight’s main event?

Gunther is here!

Providence is torn as Der Ring General makes his way to the ring. The fans do chant, “GOLD~BERG! GOLD~BERG!” but Gunther has a mic to say, “You’re right, this Saturday, Saturday Night’s Main Event, I will defend my World Heavyweight Championship against none other than Bill Goldberg.” The fans cheer, but Gunther says, “For the last two weeks, I’ve been verbally abusing Bill Goldberg in the middle of this ring. And so far, he’s done nothing about it. So I can only assume that Bill Goldberg is afraid! He’s afraid of me, he’s afraid of the pressure, he-” Wait, what’s that motor revving? GOLDBERG pulls up in a Barracuda!

Goldberg storms his way into the building, the fans chant for him more, and he goes right to gorilla! The music plays, Goldberg goes right out on stage, and the pyro fires off as he goes right down the ramp. The fans chant for “GOLD~BERG! GOLD~BERG!” as he goes up the steps and into the ring. Goldberg gets in Gunther’s face, the fans cheer more, and Goldberg says they’re gonna do this now! Gunther wrote the check, time for his ass to cash it! The fans are losing their minds seeing the stare down, but Gunther grins. Gunther raises the mic, but Goldberg slaps it out of his hand! Goldberg dares Gunther to take a shot!

Gunther winds up, but Goldberg blocks! Goldberg DECKS Gunther, then aims from a corner! Gunther stands, but he scrambles away! No iconic Goldberg spear tonight, but Goldberg reminds Gunther that there’re only FIVE DAYS left! Will Goldberg’s final match also be one last championship victory? Will Der Ring General put Goldberg out of his misery? And what of Rollins and his MITB briefcase?

PENTA VS Seth Rollins w/ Paul Heyman!

The unofficial best-of-3 series has been 1-1, only because Bronson Reed prioritized doing damage to Jey rather than pinning him. But will the man with no fear avenge both Sami and Jey by taking down the kingpin of Monday Night Raw? Or will the Visionary #BurnItDown on his way to Saturday Night’s Main Event?

Rollins takes his time with his very fluffy black fur jacket and handing it over to Heyman. The bell rings and Rollins turns around into a SUPERKICK! Rollins falls out of the ring, Penta hurries after, and the fans fire up as Penta SMACKS Rollins off the desk! And then into the Hydration Station! Penta KICKS Rollins in the leg! Rollins hobbles, Heyman gets away, but Rollins turns things around on Penta. Penta blocks the barrier bump to SMACK Rollins off them instead! The fans fire up with Penta and he stalks Rollins. Penta has Rollins against the post and CHOPS! Rollins is stinging already and he hurries into the ring!

The fans fire up fire up with Penta again, but Rollins bails out the side. Penta pursues and CLUBS Rollins! And SMACKS him off the desk again! Penta fires up, the fans are with him, and Penta has Rollins up against another post. Penta winds up, but Rollins ducks! Penta CHOPS post! Penta clutches his fingers, but Rollins TOSSES him over the barriers! The ring count is 7 of 10, Rollins refreshes the count, but Penta is back with a FLYING RANA! The fans fire up again and Penta hurries after Rollins. Penta pushes Rollins into the ring, Providence is all fired up, but then Rollins CLOBBERS Penta at the ropes!

Rollins stomps away, kicks Penta to a corner, then throws hands! Rollins CHOPS and Penta falls! Rollins digs his knees in, the ref counts, but Rollins CHOKES Penta while talking trash! Rollins stops as the ref counts 4, and then Rollins runs, only for Penta to BOOT him! Penta then GAMANGIRIS, sits Rollins down, and he headstands , only for Rollins to bail out. The fans boo but Penta drags Rollins up by his hair! Rollins HOTSHOTS Penta away, then runs in for a kick! Rollins tucks the arms, Penta wrenches out! Rollins blocks the kick, but Penta dodges the lariat! Penta LARIATS Rollins up and outta the ring!

The fans fire up and Penta builds speed, to FLY! Down goes Rollins and the fans fire up again! Both Penta and Rollins are down while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns once again, and Rollins RAMS Penta in the corner. Rollins snapmares Penta, runs, and KICKS Penta in the back! The fans are torn as Rollins pretends he just kicked the field goal. Penta sits up, Rollins uses the tail on Penta’s mask to wipe the blood from his eyebrow. Rollins wraps on a rear bearhug and squeezes tight! The fans rally, Penta reaches back for a headlock, but Rollins puts on more pressure. The fans rally up more and Penta stands. Penta fires body shots, then haymakers! Penta CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Rollins CHOPS back! Rollins whips, Penta grabs ropes and BOOTS in return! Penta runs, mule kicks the leg, then SLING-DOGS!

The fans fire up as Penta runs in at the corner! GAMANGIRI for Rollins and he sits down! Headstand DROPKICK! Rollins flounders and the fans fire up with Penta again! Penta brings Rollins up, he pump handles, but Rollins fires elbows! Rollins reels Penta in, lifts him up, but Penta slips free! Penta kicks, whips, but Rollins reverses. Penta goes up and over to BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Rollins stays in this, to Heyman’s relief, and “This is Awesome!” Rollins and Penta slowly rise, and Penta goes to a corner. Penta runs up, but Rollins fireman’s carries! Penta fights free, kicks low, and fires up again!

Penta runs, but Rollins has him at the ropes! Fireman’s carry, and then a GUT BUSTER! Rollins hurries up a corner! Rollins mocks the Cero Miedo before the FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Penta survives and the fans fire up again! The fans taunt Rollins with a chant for CM Punk, but Rollins aims, runs up, but Penta avoids the stomp! Rollins is annoyed and he runs up on Penta again, but Penta puts him up top! GAMANGIRI! Rollins wobbles up top, Penta climbs, and the two fire shots. Penta goes to the apron, CHOPS, then he gets space. Penta runs to leap and FLYING RANA! Rollins tumbles, Penta pump handles, PENTA DRIVER!! Cover, TWO?!?!

Rollins survives and no one can believe it! Both men are down but stirring, and Heyman is stressing out. Penta loosens the chin strap and the fans rally behind him. Penta grabs one arm, wraps it up in a hammerlock, and he grabs the other arm! The fans fire up, but Rollins kicks free! Rollins pops Penta up, runs and BUCKLE BOMBS! Penta rebounds?! DESTROYER!! Both men are down again but Penta crawls to the cover, ROPEBREAK!!! Rollins survives by fingertips and Penta is stunned! The fans are thunderous as both men rise! “This is Awesome!” as Penta says, “CERO! MIEDO!” But Rollins stands up and LOW BLOWS!?

The ref asks what happened there, but Rollins gets away with one as his “back drop” works out. Then CURB STOMP!! Cover, Rollins wins!

Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall

The official score will be 2-1, but this might as well have been a 3-0 sweep by Rollins and his henchmen! Rollins has Heyman get on his phone, and Heyman tells them to get out here NOW! Bron & Bronson return, salivating for more destruction, but L A KNIGHT is here! B F T for Rollins!! YEAH!! Knight runs out of the ring before Bron & Bronson even get close! The Mega Star gets the last laugh here tonight, with all of Providence saying, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!!” But will LA win big with another BFT in the ATL? Or can The Architect come up with a plan in just five days’ time?

My Thoughts:

A great Raw to act as the go-home to the huge Atlanta weekend. Great promo segment the still unnamed Rollins faction, Bron really surprising and maybe even scaring Heyman there, like Bron was going to step up and challenge Rollins for the top spot in the group or something. Very good response promo from Sami, but of course Kross attacked again. Sami toughing it out is made even greater for that attack, but naturally Bron won. Good group promo backstage to let us know Sami is going to be out for however long, but also to set up Bronson getting himself disqualified against Jey. Penta VS Rollins was great stuff, with a cleverly sneaky way for Rollins to cheat and win.

And while Knight had a good promo, him showing up to get the drop on Rollins was a much more effective move. Maybe Rollins gets payback on SmackDown, but maybe this is it and this indicates Rollins winning at Saturday Night’s Main Event. I still think Rollins should cash-in then, going after Gunther and Goldberg after there’s a winner. Gunther had a good start to a promo, and of course Goldberg showed up to get one on him. And even if Rollins doesn’t cash-in, I feel like we should get something Rollins VS Gunther related for SummerSlam.

Great stuff with this El Grande Americano 2 situation. Brutus all but said that Gable has been Grande all along, but Julius & Ivy kept him from saying the exact words. Great match from Dragon Lee VS Kaiser as Grande, Kaiser managed to do the ranas fairly smoothly. I almost thought American Made was going to confront Kaiser Grande right after that match, but maybe they’ll do that next week to build towards SummerSlam. I don’t know how long Chad Gable is out of action, but hopefully they keep El Grande VS El Grande in mind for when Chad is back. There can only be one, and I would think Chad beats Kaiser so that it is Chad Grande that faces Penta to finally unmask him.

Very good promo from Judgment Day, and a hilarious part from AJ Styles this week. Good promo from War Raiders and New Day with Pearce to perhaps set up a tag contenders match with them again. Good segue into Becky’s promo with Bayley and Lyra to hype up their Triple Threat. Lyra standing tall here might indicate she takes the pin for someone, and I’m leaning towards Becky retaining. It would be great if Bayley won, though, so that she and Becky could go 1v1 for SummerSlam. Good promo from Nikki Bella to announce her entering the battle royal. That’s a good pivot from what was clearly supposed to be Nikki VS Liv 1v1 or something like that.

Very good video promo of Rhea and Iyo to look back on their rivalry and to hype up their match. But given how Rhea’s never beat Iyo, I feel like this is supposed to be the one time she finally does win. Great match from Roxie VS Kairi, great win for Kairi, and Asuka making the save is a great move. Kabuki Warriors are back, and I feel like they could win the titles to add to the rivalry with Judgment Day. But at the same time, with Liv out for months, I could see Roxie winning Raquel over so that Roxie will have stolen title, boyfriend and best friend from Liv, same as Liv did to Rhea before her.

My Score: 8.9/10